Pylone’s line of grooming products, which includes a tweezer and nail file set, both have a suction cup to adhere to your bathroom mirror, not only has made me more organized but are also so cute!  The suction cup allows you to hang the product either upright or vertical (see picture) for your convenience and really brightens up my bathroom.  The Tweezers ($12) come in 7 different lady choices, the nail file ($15) in 8, all in various ethnicities, costumes and hair colors.  Both measure roughly 1” in base, 4” in height.  They are also incredibly purse-friendly should you be so charmed by these ladies you should want to put them in your makeup case.  However, if you have my affinities for losing things, I would say proceed with caution.

They are positively great! And make for such a fun and affordable gift.  I can’t think of a single girl in my life that wouldn’t love a set.

For more information visit pylons-usa.com

Affiliation: This product was given to Pretty Connected by a company representative.  Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.

I saw on Facebook they are running a free shipping promo. ‘Use DVFSHIPFREE for free ground shipping on any order with an item under $100’.  Is it me or is that awkwardly worded?  The iPone cover is $20, which is under $100 so I think that means I’m getting free shipping?  And on that note, ONLY $20!!!! I’m so impressed (and surprised) they didn’t price it higher.

I need it and am ordering it now! Or at least trying to, the website seems to be having a meltdown at the moment when it comes to ordering them.  Maybe they weren’t expecting the entire female population to be ordering it all at once.

It also fits iPod Touches, for more information visit dvf.com

HAIR: Lead Hair Stylist Laurent Philippon for Bumble and Bumble

Inspired by Steven Meisel’s photography in the ‘90s, Laurent Philippon created simple straight lines for the hairstyle to balance the vibrant mix of colors and textures coming from Som’s collection, and the bold purple lip from MAC. Using all Bumble and Bumble products, Laurent saturated locks in ‘Prep’ prior to straightening, then flat ironed in sections, misting in ‘Does It All Styling Spray’ to create a bone straight look with a sleek middle part.

MAKEUP: Lead Makeup Artist, Tom Pecheux for M.A.C

“The look was uptown girl, meets Woodstock, a shimmery golden eye to contradict the deep, dark, purple lip.”  -Tom Pecheux

EYES:

• Studio Sculpt Concealer – applied over the eyelid
• Set Powder in Invisible – powdered over the eye area to set concealer
• Pigment in with Legal – swept over the concealed eyelid from lash to brow and in the inner eye corner
• Iridescent Powder in Silver Dusk – lightly appliet to the inner eye corner and under the brow Bone
• Studio Fix Lash – applied to top and bottom lash

FACE:

• Studio Sculpt SPF Foundation – applied all over the face
• Set Powder in Invisible – brushed over the skin to set the foundation for a matte finish
• Iridescent powder in Silver Dusk – lightly Brushed on cheekbones.

LIP:

• Lip Pencil in Currant – lined around the natural shape of the mouth, for the perfect lip definition
• Lipstick in Kittenish – applied all over lip with a M.A.C 242 Brush
• Mineralized Eye Shadow Duo in My Dark Magic – lightly applied over lipstick with fingertip

NAILS: Zoya Nail Polish in Charity

Face and hair oils have really made their way into the spotlight over the past few years and where many we’re once apprehensive to apply it to the face and scalp, it’s now readily accepted with proven benefits.  We started with Olive Oil, then Coconut Oil, then the last years major buzz word, the beloved argen seed oil, and now our attention is going to the macadamia nut oil.

Why Macadamia Nut Oil?

Macadamia nut oil works on all hair types to promote a healthy scalp and hair growth.  This lightweight, non-greasy oil absorbs quickly and effortlessly into the hair shaft and skin.  Rich in antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids, including palmitoeic acid (an Omega-7 fatty acid), that is abundant in our body at birth but lose as we age.  When you think about the way your hair ‘used to be’, it’s the palmitoeic acid that you are missing; it also helps prevent wrinkles and dryness.

Macadamia Natural Oil’s line blends all the amazing properties of Macadamia Nut Oil and mixes it with Argen Seed Oil (aka ‘liquid gold’) to make it one of the most restorative hair products I have ever tried.  In the two months that I’ve used the line, my hair is noticeably healthier, softer, shinier, and longer.  The perks of having these two amazing ingredients combined is they improve hair strength, and revive hair that’s been damaged from heat, and over-processing, helps repair follicles, improves elasticity and increase nourishment, extends the life of color treated hair and provides a UV protection against the sun.

Although recommended for all hair types, I would especially recommend it for color-treated, damaged, dry, and frizzy hair.  The amount it cuts down the puff even after the first application is incredible.  It also plays very well with other, I’ve mixed the line with various styling products and it’s only enhanced their application.  This is especially true for sprays and creams I’ve used prior to straightening my hair.

Have I sold you yet?  Here’s an introduction to the MACADAMIA NATURAL OIL™ line:

Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment – My must have out of the entire line.  For an oil, it is incredibly lightweight and non-greasy.  Works great on towel-dried hair to cut down on frizz and protect follicles from the hair dryer. It can also be applied to dry hair to add a nice sheen to make hair look healthy and shiny (but not greasy), as well as offer UV protection.  I used it every day when I was in Hawaii and it protected my hair exquisitely against the sun, making my locks never look dry, while leaving my color intact. It can also be mixed with hair dye to offer a move vivid and longer lasting application.

Price: $6/0.35 oz, $36/1.5 oz

Macadamia Oil Infused Comb – This unique comb is infused with the Macadamia Healing Treated Oil.  It’s amazing! It looks like a regular comb but distributes a light amount of the oil evenly throughout your hair.  I love using this comb while straightening my hair to add some health and shine.

Price: $12

Macadamia Rejuvenating Shampoo – I really like to work this moisturizing shampoo into my scalp and hair to take advantage of all the rich elements the ingredients have to offer.  It leaves my hair silky, frizz-free, and noticeably healthier.

Price: $18/10 oz

Macadamia Nourishing Leave-In Cream – It takes some getting used to, to drop your rinse out conditioner and turn to a leave-in, but my hair got used to it rather quickly.  Apply the leave-in cream to damp hair, and style as usual.  Healthy, moisturized hair awaits you.

Price: $26/10 oz

Macadamia Deep Repair Masque – Honestly, my hair’s been so healthy that I haven’t really needed this product.  At first I used it regularly on my tips and every two weeks for an extra boost, and it worked great to make my hair super soft.   However, the line has done such a great job of restoring my hair that as the months have gone by I haven’t really needed it.  If you’re hair is severely damaged or dry, this is the masque for you.

Price: $28/8.5 oz, $46/16.9 oz

For more information visit www.macadamiahair.com

Affiliation: This product was given to me by a company representative.  I was under no obligation to write this review.

If you’re looking for a gift for a makeup maven, or are one yourself, don’t miss out on these two limited edition palettes. From beginners to pros, if you’ve ever asked yourself, ‘I wonder if I can pull off wearing…,’ here’s your chance to find out. These two sets can be mixed and matched to create endless looks. So much fun! Lets face it, not every color is going to look great on you, but that’s half the battle when experimenting to find your perfect look. Once you’ve figured out your best looks, you can go back for the full size versions feeling more confident.

Sephora Brand’s Ultimate Blockbuster

Set Includes:

• How-to Guide
• 3 qty Blushes
• 60 qty lip glosses
• 2 qty Lip liners
• 3 qty Eyeliners
• 6 qty Cream Eyeliners
• 84 qty Eyeshadows
• 6 qty Matte Eyeshadows
• 6 qty Sparkling Eyeshadows
• Double-ended eyeshadow applicator/ eyeliner brush
• Double-ended sponge-tipped applicator
• Lip brush
• Powder brush

Price: $48 ($400 value)

Tarte Treasure Chest

Set Includes:

• 16 qty Full-Sized Shimmering  Eyeshadows
• 16 qty Full-Sized Matte Eyeshadows
• 16 qty Lipglosses
• Mineral Powder Bronzer In Park Ave Princess
• Pink Luminizer
• 4 qty Powder Blushes

Price: $52 ($686 value)

A combination of all new colors and best sellers, these products have all been dermatologist tested and does not containparabens, petro-chemicals, phthalates, sulfates, GMOs, Triclosans, preservatives, gluten, talc, glycols, MEA/DEA/TEA, and formaldehyde donors.

Compact and beautifully packaged, this bejeweled kit, which includes a mirror that folds to be amazingly compact.  I’m slightly enamored.

For More information on both sets visit Sephora.com

• You’re out on the town and you’ve broken a nail.  No nail file? Use either a brick off a building to file or even better a matchbook! This should help tie you over until you’re home and can properly file.
• On a trip and you break out? Try eye drops on your blemish to diminish redness.   Also, toothpaste can be used to spot treat and help dry out that pimple so that it’s cleared up by morning.
• A little nippy out? Turn your high beams off with Bandaid ActivFlex! They hide amazingly well under clothes.  I find this one hilarious!

*My flash decided to censor my stuffed bra. Top by Nicole Romano, Blue Jean Denim Leggings by Mark. (worked great for stuffing my behind!), Shoes by Jeffrey Campbell

Oh Kim, why did we think Karaoke as a good idea?

Look at those eyes! Ignore my hair (I was rained on)

Halloween is a fun time of year when you can really go outside your comfort zone and play dress up without any concern about looking too ridiculous or over-dressed.  This year, I decided to be Kim Kardashian.  It was very entertaining creating this costume considering it was my first ‘stuff my bra/butt experience.’  It also gave me an opportunity to test a lot of products.

Here’s a quick excerpt of the my Kim Kardashian look (more detailed review to come):

HAIR:

Redken Go Clean Shampoo and Finish Up Conditioner – Love it! This is part of Redken’s men’s line but it works really well on my hair.  Great lather, my hair comes out shiny and well, clean.  But yes, you’ll smell like a dude.  When men ask me for a list of products I recommend for them, this is always on the list (unless they have color treated hair).

Ken Paves Professional Styling Iron – Part of Ken Paves’ Travel line, is this lightweight straightener, which is fast becoming my everyday straightener – it’s that good.  Originally I was apprehensive about this product since I didn’t think ‘one heat setting fits all’ is viable for flat irons; however it gets very hot (up to 410 degrees F), which is what is really necessary for my curly hair.  Warning, if you generally use your flat iron on a low heat setting, this may not be the product for you.  Unless of course the heat settings automatically adjusts based on hair need, but either way there is no dial to manually control it.  I will investigate this further and report back.

Living Proof Straight Making No Frizz Styling Treatment - a great protective cream for when you’re using a flat iron or blow-drying your hair.  Helps fight frizz and only requires a small dollop to service your entire scalp.  It’s no wonder this line has been winning so many prestigious beauty awards!

Cutler Specialist Fly-Away Control Stick - This is my go to product for fly aways. Shaped like a deodorant stick, I just roll them over problematic areas and I’m all set for the entire evening.

John Frieda Luxurious Volume All-Out Hold Hairspray – This product fell a little flat.  It has great hold, but didn’t maintain the volume I was hoping for.

LIPS:

L’Oreal Infallible Plumping Lip Gloss in Plumped Pink and Plumped Red – It tingles a bit, and I definitely felt a little plumping action taking place, but having pretty full lips already, it wasn’t anything drastic or obvious to any of my friends.

The colors are great, and I like the sponge wand as an applicator. Plumped Pink is a frosty pink (very Kardashian), however I mixed it with Plumped Red (which is very me) to give the soft red shade you see in the photos.

The gloss gave a great, smooth finish without being too heavy or sticky.  They claim it last 6 hours, which may only be realistic if you’re planning on not eating or drinking the entire time, since it does come off on contact.  For a strong payoff, I would reapply every 1-2 hours, or in my case, it was every 30 minutes.  I had no choice…I was Kim Kardashian!

EYES:

Heidi Klum for Victoria’s Secret Makeup Eye Shadow Palette in Hidden Palace –I’m obsessed with this palette!  The colors mix so well with each other — all that’s required is a great blending brush and you can instantly create a wide array of beautiful looks.  Minus the eye pencil and mascara, my entire eye look is thanks to this amazing palette. (BTW, the photo does not do them justice!).  I received compliments all night.

L’Oreal HIP Eyeliner in Black Chrome – It goes on as a pencil but looks like liquid eyeliner, which is great for people like me who do not have a steady hand.  This pencil has amazing stay on power (even against my eye-makeup remover).  Just make sure you keep it sharpened!  Due to its rich crème formula, I can only use it about twice before it dulls.

Dior Show Mascara in Black 090– This is one of the most celebrated mascaras out there and for good reason.  A favorite of mine for years, it came down to, do I get fake lashes or Dior Show?  Great thickening and lengthening power, this mascara really helped complete my look.

FACE:

Hard Candy So Baked Bronzer in Heat Wave – This product blended really well into my foundation without being cakey or appearing to sit on the surface of my makeup.  This bronzer layers well and is capable of achieving the look from sun-kissed to deep bronzed, depending on what depth of shade you’re looking. Make sure when using bronzer (this applies to all brands), you’re using a good bronzing brush and your skin is fully prepped (whether using a primer or moisturizer), otherwise you could be missing out on the product’s best potential.

OTHER:

Lavanila the Healthy Deodorant in Vanilla Grapefruit - I’ve used many natural deodorants in my lifetime, and this is by far is the best.  Mainly because the others were generally messy and did not work well.  This easy to use stick, not only absorbed quickly into my skin, but also kept me dry all night.  The only issue is, I am not fond of the grapefruit/vanilla smell, which fortunately faded shortly after application.  Next time I’m going for the Vanilla Lavender scent!

Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel – This is my staple body tanner (although it’s also safe for your face).  Shortly after my trip to the Dominican Republic, this product helped sustain my tan and give it a really rich and even bronzed tint.  The gel-like formula blends smoothly and evenly into my skin.

WHAT I’M WEARING -

Top by Nicole Romano

Blue Jean Denim Leggings by Mark. (worked great for stuffing my behind!)

Shoes by Jeffrey Campbell

Affiliation: The following beauty products were sent to me by a representative: L’Oreal, Ken Paves, Victoria’s Secret, Hard Candy, Lavanila, John Frieda.  I was under no obligation to review any of these products.