N&J Spring Beauty: Which Anti-Frizz Products REALLY work!

Spring is here, and so is the humidity! No matter what your hair type; curly, straight, fine, thick, sleek or wavy – our common bond remains our fear of frizz. Humidity (the main cause of hair frizz) brings a higher water content to the air, which in turn causes that gorgeous smooth blowout to return to its original state. You may also notice some fly-aways and general unruley behavior, which can put a damper on your perfect hairstyle.
Anti-frizz products are abundant on the shelves and claiming to tame your hair once and for all. They promise to smooth hair, calm fly-aways, control curls – all while keeping hair soft and manageable. Which ones can live up to those promises? I tested the most popular brands and these are my top picks:

Rain or shine, this industry favorite protects against frizz and leaves hair fly-away free. Hair doesn't ever feel heavy or greasy. I am never without it, and they also make a travel size perfect for getaways! (Bumble and bumble Defrizz, $26, www.bumbleandbumble.com)

Considering all the awards and “hair scientists” behind this formula, I anticipated frizz-free greatness. Believe me, this cream was amazing from the moment it touched my hair. It seemed to melt right into the hair making it healthier where it needed. After blow-drying, my hair felt softer, healthier and completely smooth. (Living Proof No Frizz Styling Cream, $26, www.livingproof.com)

This best-selling serum has had the same formula from the beginning – which means it works! Best on dry, frizzy or chemically treated hair, a dime-size amount will fight frizz and control unruly hair. It also has a UV filter to protect from sun damage and keep color lasting longer! I find that one drop too many caused my hair to look oily. Lesson learned? Start with a little and you can always add more! (John Frieda Frizz-Ease, $10, www.johnfrieda.com)

I recently got a regretful blowout that actually broke my hair, creating fly-aways that literally stuck straight up. My test for this product was to see if those could be tamed. This serum not only smoothed and de-frizzed my hair, but also gave a silky softness that I instantly fell in love with. Arrojo makes beautiful products that do exactly what they say they’ll do. (Arrojo Defrizz Serum, $16, www.store.arrojoproduct.com)

N&J Beauty MUST-HAVE'S: The NYC Makeup Show!

Crown Syntho Deluxe Flat Bronzer Brush - STOCK UP ladies! Crown's Syntho line is the highest quality, super soft, synthetic makeup brush. Available at The Makeup Show NYC, grab a plastic bin and spoil yourself with these beauties! There are so many brushes to choose, and for me this flat bronzing brush stole the show!

Crown Syntho Jumbo Powder Brush - Another one of Crown's Syntho brushes, this jumbo powder brush is one of my favorites for a light, natural-looking application of powder.

Youngblood Cosmetics Mineral Primer - This colorless base helps enhance the performance of makeup throughout the day. The lightweight, silky formula smoothes the appearance of fine line and pores, creating an even surface for foundation. Packed with minerals and vitamins to protect your skin. **PRO TIP! Use this primer to correct eye makeup mistakes with no mess! Even black eyeliner comes off easily!

Youngblood Cosmetics Luminous Creme Blush - One of my favorites. My go-to cheekbone highlighter. The oil-free formula combines a shimmering glow with sheer, long-wearing color. Wear as a cheek color or highlighter, or layer with powder blushes for extra vibrancy. Though all are stunning, the shade 'Rose Quartz' is too good to be true.



Velour Faux Lashes - Angela & Mabel have created a line of faux lashes that are taking OVER the industry. Made from 100% mink fur ( check it out--> cruelty free!), these luxurious lashes aren't just for celebs anymore! I stocked up on styles like 'Strike a Pose' & 'You Complete Me'.

N&J Summer Beauty: Top 5 Moisturizers for Summer Skin

 

Remember the Wicked Witch of the West? “I’m melting, I’m meelllting.” Well it was summertime, and she was referring to her face! What happened? She was using the wrong moisturizer, and see how things ended up for her! Of all our daily skincare routines, moisturizing is one of the most important. But moisturizing your face during the summer just doesn’t seem to make sense – especially if you have oily or combination skin. With all that heat & humidity comes more natural oil production – and the last thing you want is to add to an already shiny face! Believe it or not it’s still just as important to keep your skin hydrated during warmer months.
The trick to finding the perfect heat-friendly moisturizer is to look for products that are “oil-free” or “mattifying.” Your skin will stay hydrated and nourished without making skin feel greasy or slick. The best part? These face lotions can do double-duty by also helping with acne, anti-aging, and SPF sun protection. I braved the heat to try them all, and these are my top 5 champions!

 

Clean & Clear Dual Action Moisturizer, Oil-Free: Have no fear of breakouts with this oil-free, blemish fighting moisturizer that is perfect for summer! One of the best formulas for oily/acne prone skin!

DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew: Light and dewy is exactly right! This oil-free facial moisturizer is infused with pure aloe vera, anti-aging antioxidants, and soaks immediately into skin leaving a healthy glow!

Caudalie Pulpe Vitaminee: When anti-aging and weightless moisture come in one bottle, you fall in love! This light, matte formula smells of the French grapes it's made from and moisturizes without ever feeling heavy or oily. It's also loaded with vitamins and antioxidants to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and repair environmental damage.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture with Sunscreen SPF 15: This sheer moisturizer combines its non-greasy formula with SPF 15 sun protection. It's oil free and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores or cause breakouts. An award winning must-have!

Peter Thomas Roth Max Daily Defense Moisture Cream SPF 30:Always a skincare authority, PTR has created the perfect antioxidant sunblock and moisturizer in one never-greasy formula. I love the high SPF protection and the way this moisturizer feels on your skin. Added bonus: It's full of age-defying antioxidants.

 

N&J's S-U-P-E-R-B-O-W-L XLVII! (And BEYONCE!) : Makeup For Each Coast

 

Oh Superbowl Sunday. This is going to be one hell of a game. First, THERE'S BEYONCE. BEYONCE is performing. Then add in some good old East coast vs. West coast football shit talk and we've got ourselves a game! Now me, I'm mostly interested in the food. O.k. I'll be honest - that's all I'm interested in. Wings? Yes. Cheese on everything? All day. Liquor before beer? Let's add wine too. Girls who eat, that's hot in iteself. Throw on a little lip gloss, some nail polish for team spirit - even better! Some girls go all brolic on us and in that case, this blog isn't for you. Pounds, though! But if you super like makeup, you're super into these teams, or super into Superbowl or super like saying the word super - these are my beauty picks for this Sunday! TEAM RAVENS: Deborah Lippmann Nail Color in 'Private Dancer', NARS Andy Warhol Larger Than Life Lip Gloss in 'Penny Arcade',  Urban Decay Eyeshadow in 'Roach'!  TEAM 49ers: Deborah Lippmann Nail Color in 'Ruby Red Slippers', NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in 'Shanghai Express', Urban Decay Eyeshadow in 'Chase'!



N&J Celebrity Beauty Breakdown: Rihanna's Rolling Stone Cover

 

 

The must-have beauty products you'll need to replicate Rihanna's oh-so-naturally-glam cover: Velour Lashes in "Strike A Pose" (cruelty-free mink lashes, to be exact) Bumble and Bumble "Shine On (And On)" Finishing Spray (hair shining bright like a diamond, obv),  MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in "Honeylove" (a universally perfect nude), Too Faced Brow Envy Kit, (two words: femme fatale), Youngblood Cosmetics Luminous Creme Blush in "Plum Satin" (radiant, cream blush. oil free & vibrant), Xo   

N&J Beauty: Everyday Easy Cream Eyeshadow!

Eyeshadow does not get easier than this. Truth: my goal every morning is to hit snooze as many times as I can get away with and still pull off such perfection in 5 minutes of makeup that everyone thinks I'm a brilliantly artistic morning person. Fooled all of you! I put these on with my finger. Rub it in, smooth out the edges. (after my Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer or Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation & of course my cherished blush - favorites are Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier & MAC). I get carried away and want to tell you guys everything in every article.. BACK TO EYESHADOW, REBECCA! My Favorite every day cream shadow colors are: MAC Paint Pot in Painterly (insane gorgeous with a jet black liquid liner), Bobbi Brown Cream Eyeshadow in Antique Gold (light, hint of shimmer & smoke, so pretty), MAC Paint Pot in Groundwork (a glam brown for definition and nude lip days) , Bobbi Brown Cream Eyeshadow in Beach Bronze (golden delicious). Grab a girlfriend, head to Bloomingldales and try these beauties on! Who doesn't love gorgeous eye makeup & an extra 15 of beauty Zzzz's?

N&J Beauty Must!: Lotion Lab Moroccan Argain Oil Wipes

WIPE AWAY DRYNESS! (Yes, I came up with that myself and I'm proud of it!) These lotion wipes have the magic of argan oil moisture - the same skin perfecting oils we love from Josie Maran's face/hair serums & Moroccanoil's Lumious Hairspray- that hydrate the entire body with a non-greasy formula. One wipe is all you need - use them right after a shower or keep them in your bag for traveling or to moisturize hands on the spot! Also perfect for makeup removal & cleaning makeup brushes! Click here for soft, dewy skin, $5.99 

N&J Beauty Must!: Korres Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial



This overnight facial-in-a-jar is a breakthrough in beauty sleep. It works while you sleep to retexturize, giving you petal-soft skin by morning. Did I mention the wild rose scent that is so delicious and addictive? It also tackles visible signs of premature aging (dark spots, bye bye) caused by sun and environmental exposure while providing antioxidant benefits. Use it nightly for 14 days, you'll see skin that's brighter, more even-toned, and exceptionally radiant.

N&J's Holiday Beauty: Bold Red Lips & Sparkling Gold Eyeshadow

Holiday glamour in a few simple steps!

N&J + Beauty High: Check Out My Most Recent Blogs Here!

Which Mascaras Really Work?

Which hair de-frizzing products work the best?

The Best Facial Primers

N&J Beauty For a Cause: Youngblood Cosmetics & Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation Fight Breast Cancer

I can't explain how serious my crush is on Youngblood Cosmetics. 

I'll try. 

My love affair started when I watched a demonstration at The Makeup Show NYC. Every step, every product added more youth and glow and gorgeousness to the model - it was like nothing I'd ever seen before. Since that day I have been their #1 fan (Yep, I am!) - and they know it! So they send me samples to try and they're free and I'm not paid, but I would pay double for these blushes. AND their cream blushes but that's a whole different blog.

Sales of these three shades: Dusty Pink, Sherbet & Tulip will help the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation continue it's important mission of finding an end to breast cancer. I've already known 3 women in my life affected by breast cancer, it's something I am willing to put all my support into. And as someone who loves makeup (especially blushes which bring life & natural beauty to all faces), this is a no brainer. Absolutely. Yes. YES. These blushes are a must for every makeup bag.

{ Youngblood Cosmetics Crushed Mineral Blush: Dusty Pink, Sherbet, & Tulip, $22.00. Give cheeks, temples, eyes or even lips a healthy, natural glow! Highly pigmented minerals provide buildable coverage for a natural-looking flush. The specially designed sifter makes dispensing easy and precise. }

{ Kim Kardashian shows off this glowing trend with perfectly flushed, luminous cheekbones }

{ 1. Tulip: A light dusting of this shade adds a subtle glow, without adding much color. I love using it in combination with/ over my other favorite blush brands!  2. Sherbet: An absolutely natural pink flush with the perfect amount of luminescence 3. Dusty Pink: A spicey, glowing cinnamon color that goes perfectly with a nude or wine lipstick for Fall }

N&J Beauty: MAJOR Hair Volume!

{ TIGI Bed Head 'Superstar Thermal Blow-dry Lotion for Thick Massive Hair' & 'SUPERSTAR Queen For a Day Thickening Spray' - Trust me. Amazingness. The lotion is lightweight, almost watery. Apply it to wet hair from roots to ends, blowdry. The Thickening spray is also used on wet hair, spray all over and then blowdry - upside down for best results!}

N&J + Beauty High "How-To" Video Series: Fall's Wine Stained Lipstick Look

{ beautiful & easy wine stained lips!}

N&J + Beauty High: Check Out My Most Recent Blogs Here!

{ Top 5 Wine Colored Lipsticks }

{ Top 5 Kits For Perfect Eyebrows }

{ Top 5 Cream Blushes For Any Skin Tone }

N&J Fall Favorites: Sephora by OPI Nail Polish in 'Meet For Drinks'

Sephora by OPI Nail Polish, 'Meet For Drinks': $9.50

N&J Fall Favorites: Korres Lip Butter in 'Wild Rose'

Korres Lip Butter, 'Wild Rose': $12.00

N&J ProblemSolvers: Shine Control!

Looking for an all day oil-controlling, matte foundation? NEW by Kat Von D, this high-pigment foundation has full coverage with a long-lasting, beautiful finish. No shine all day!

N&J + Beauty High: Check Out My Most Recent Blogs Here!

My Top 5 Cream Eyeshadows That Won't Budge

My Top 5 Red Lipsticks For Any Skin Tone

My Top 5 Facial Moisturizers For Summer Skin

N&J's 'Beauty Budget': 4 Sephora Brand Products You'll Love!

When I'm shopping for new makeup, I've usually done my research and have a few of the best products in mind. This was the case yesterday at Sephora - I had a goal: pick up a new bronzer, blush, lipstick and eyebrow pencil that I LOVE. It's not that I didn't have my usual favorites at home already, but sometimes a girl wants a change! First, I wanted an everyday lipstick color that would moisturize and create fullness - pucker those lips! I'll normally go straight to NARS, prepared to spend $24 on some of the best colors in the biz. This time, I stopped first to look at the selection of Sephora brand lipstick. This is where the magic started. 'Mmmm' was the second color I tried, and I needed to look no further.  It was the perfect natural lip color with a hint of pink and feels great on. So, "Why stop at lipstick?" I continued on to the Sephora blush & bronzer. Knowing I was originally planning on a Bobbi Brown bender (her blushes and bronzer are full of pigment and gorgeous on the skin), I knew what colors I was kiiind-of looking for. Here's what I discovered: Sephora has a bronzer called 'Aruba'....Bobbi Brown has a bronzer called 'Aruba'...hmmm. I tried Sephora's and I loved it! Natural looking color with just a hint of shimmer, completely buildable and didn't look "dirty" on your face like others can. The best part is it was $15 vs. $36. Coming home with me! Next, blush. I was eying up Bobbi's blush in 'Pale Pink',  but I was noticing a trend here. There it was, Sephora's Colorful Blush in 'Icy Fuchsia', looking EXACTLY the same. So I tested it, Bobbi's on one cheek and Sephora's on the other. Zero difference. Except in price, $25 vs. $12! Sephora wins again. Now finally, on to the eyebrow pencils (which are so important for filling in your eyebrows which shape your face and instantly make you look younger). I found Sephora's 4 Waterproof Retractable Pencils and took my matching shade over to a mirror to try.  Perfect! So now I'm feeling pretty proud of myself. It's not that I'll stop buying from my favorite brands (which include Bobbi Brown & NARS), but I'd just found 4 products that were exactly what I was looking for and had saved myself $62.00 by keeping an open mind! Sephora, I am seriously impressed!

Sephora 'Aruba' Bronzer $15, Sephora Colorful Blush in 'Icy Fuchsia' $12, Sephora Rouge Cream Lipstick in 'Mmmmm' $12,  Sephora Retractable Brow Pencil - Waterproof in 'Midnight Brown' $12