a beauty loft

The New Nail Length and Shape That Anyone Can Wear

07.3.13

Despite the heartburn, headaches, leg cramps, and the accidental sneeze/pee combo, pregnancy does have some positive benefits on me physically. My hair has gotten thicker and my nails grow at a rapid rate.

I figured I’d take advantage of my longer nails and try a new shape and length. Usually they are really short and round-square shape. Practical, clean, and modern.

But I’m feeling sassy in this last trimester of pregnancy and while I’m scared of the Rihanna stilleto nail, there’s a modified more wearable version that’s been seen on the Fall 2013 runways.

Here is some my inspiration photos.

photos courtesy of: Butter London and OPI

FA1291616E2C1EFFDFE71FFF82805E89 The New Nail Length and Shape That Anyone Can Wear

I Spy a New NARS Concealer For My Dark Under Eyes

06.3.13

I’ve really fallen in love with NARS in the past year. I love the range of colors–especially for the olive, tan and darker skinned beauties. My daily makeup routine includes the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (in Annapurna). I’ve also converted one of my besties and sister to it.

So of course I had to try their new Radiant Creamy Concealer (in Custard). I’m happy to report I was not disappointed. It covers beautifully and really does illuminate the under eye area.

FA1291616E2C1EFFDFE71FFF82805E89 I Spy a New NARS Concealer For My Dark Under Eyes

Renee’s Products of the Week 2.23.13

24.2.13

Hope everyone had a great weekend! I had a super busy weekend filled with family functions—this is the start of my “busy” season! Weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, graduations, birthday parties….it won’t slow down again till about September!

Even with my crazy schedule, I still take the time to try out new products. Here are a few of my recent favorites (l to r):

Hourglass Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara: This mascara is on the pricey side ($28), but it’s worth the splurge. It does everything from volumize to lengthen in just one coat.

Eos Lip Balm: I’ve seen these out for awhile, but the egg shape was slightly intimidating. Curiosity got the best of me so I picked it up at my local Rite Aid for a couple of bucks. Love it. First I love that its all natural and 95% organic. And it’s super moisturizing.

J.R. Watkins Lemon Cream Hand Cream: My girlfriend at work had this and I found myself going into her office several times a day to steal a dab of this delicious hand cream. Incredibly moisturizing, this hand cream also smells amazing. Like lemon meringue pie. Dessert with out the calories.

FA1291616E2C1EFFDFE71FFF82805E89 Renees Products of the Week 2.23.13

New York Fashion Week- Behind the Scenes: Ralph Lauren- Hair with Guido, a Redken Creative Consultant

18.2.13

Redken Creative Consultant Guido created a classic style for the design powerhouse Ralph Lauren’s Fall 2013 NYFW Show. For the decadent display “From Russia WIth Love” full of fur and velvet, Guido created sleek (but not totally perfect!) ponytails that worked with and without the hats in the collection.

Redken Products Used:

satinwear 02 prepping blow-dry lotion

The Look:

Guido applied Redken satinwear 02 prepping blow-dry lotion to damp hair and created a smooth blow dry.
He then raked fingers through to “rough up” slightly to give the look more of an “ease” before attaching in a low ponytail and wrapping a small section of hair around the elastic.

“This style is luxurious but it has a little ease and softness to it. The ponytail is only part of the look for the models, as 90% of the girls are in hats. It’s very true the Ralph Lauren idea of a woman, the American idea of a classic beauty.”

-Guido, Redken Creative Consultant