Browsing Tag

nyx cosmetics

Beauty, Makeup

#OnMyVanity: The Red Lipsticks I Love to Rock on Valentine’s Day

A post shared by Val’s Vanity (@valsvanity) on Feb 13, 2018 at 11:02am PST

I receive a slew of samples, and when I find something I like, I can’t wait to tell you all about it!

I’ll admit that since I started covering backstage beauty at New York Fashion Week, thoughts of Valentine’s Day has floated to very back of mind. I usually don’t have the time to gather gifts, let alone try to make a reservation at any restaurant in the Big Apple that day as I’m running from show to show, but I try to at least dress up my look a little more on February 14th even when I’m ready to fall over with exhaustion (concealer is a BIG help!). Regardless of your relationship status or your schedule, there’s no reason why you can’t get all dolled up for Valentine’s Day! All you really need is a swipe of a great red lipstick to channel the look of l’amour — no crazy cut creases or hearts necessary (unless you want to, of course). After playing with a slew of fabulous formulas over the years, I wanted to share a few of my favorites reds that you’ll want to stash in your bag should the need to pucker up (or add polish to your look in an instant) arise.

Scroll on to start seeing red!

February 12, 2018 by Val

Beauty, Makeup

Here’s How to Get NYX’s New Mascara — for Free!

My mom has always said, “If it’s f-r-e-e, it’s for me!” And when it comes to scoring free product samples, every beauty buff would agree. So you might want to clear out tomorrow’s morning schedule now for what NYX Professional Makeup has up its sleeve.

This Saturday, February 3rd, NYX will be giving away free (yep, free, not as a “gift with purchase”) tubes of its brand new Worth the Hype Volumizing and Lengthening mascara. All you need to bring is an old tube of mascara, regardless of the brand, from your own kit to swap for the fresh lash enhancer. The only catch is that you can’t just drop by your local Walgreens in order to get in on the free swag. You’ll have to be one of the first 100 to head over to a participating NYX store in order to snap up the full-sized sample while supplies last. (You can find out where the closest retailer is to you right here.)

But even if you don’t have a chance to score the freebie, there’s no need to lash out! According to Glamour, the stores will also offer free beauty tutorials to help your lash-building technique to celebrate the launch of the new makeup must. Plus, you can still pick the mascara for less than $10 as well as anything else from NYX you might want without much worry about breaking the bank. Sounds like a win to me!

Let me know if you manage to snatch one of up for yourselves in the comments below or tag me on Insta!

February 2, 2018 by Val

Beauty, Makeup

Waterproof Wonders: Makeup Musts for the Fourth of July and Beyond

via T:Two Photography

I’m the first to admit that I sweat at the drop of a hat, which makes commuting a much dirtier job in the summer. Aside from refreshing myself with a cleansing wipe or two as soon as I get to my destination, it’s still hard to look put together after enduring the swelter of the subway.

Some looks need more than just a little concealer and mascara though we all try to lighten the makeup load during this time of year. And sure, primers are a great option to keep your look in place, but unfortunately, not all can stand up to oilier skin types when it mixes with sweat. There have so many times where visible rivulets of sweat have carved through my contour and transformed me into a cross between a zombie and a drowned witch—and it was not Halloween. So whether you’re putting together a spectacular Fourth of July look or searching for beauty buys that won’t budge amidst the sun, surf, and sweat of the season, I’ve pulled together some of the most fabulous formulas (with a patriotic twist of course) you need to add to your cart ASAP!

July 1, 2016 by Val

Beauty, Hair, Makeup, Skin

Show Your Stash: Misti Michelle’s Makeup Musts, Muses & More

Courtesy of Misti Michelle

I know I’m not the only one curious about celebs and influencers’ favorite beauty buys as well as who and what shape their view of beauty in the biz.

It’s a bit of a coincidence that it’s National Bestfriend Day, and I happen to be featuring one of my best beauty buds—and there are many more you’ll see soon. Misti of MistiMichelle.com (formerly Entertainista.com) has always had an eye for beauty whether it was rocking wildly colored tresses in high school or becoming a licensed esthetician herself, and like most of us, she got it from her mama! She’s channeled all of her know-how, her carefully curated closet, and appetite for entertainment into a beautiful blog where she regularly shares her favorite finds and media musts. After forming a strong bond, as well as her encouraging me to start my blog, I wanted to spread the love and get her take on all things beauty, including how her aesthetic has shifted, what’s her best beauty advice, and what products make her #BeautyLust list for 2016.

Misti’s ultimate beauty look

On her approach to beauty: “My approach to beauty has changed so much over the last few years. Now that I’m in my mid-30s, my approach is less about the flashy, crazy trends and more about finding something that works for me. These days my beauty style is simple and classic. Most days it’s just a 5-product routine, as I’m just too lazy to do anything more; however, even when I go ‘all out,’ I don’t go for the crazy eyeshadows or lip colors. I tend to keep it all neutral.“

On the beauty idols she grew up with: “I didn’t really grow up with any beauty idols other than my mother; however, I do remember loving Cindy Crawford on MTV’s House of Style.”

via MTV.com

On her first beauty buy: “My mom sold Mary Kay all through my teens so I never really had to buy makeup. It wasn’t till I came to New York for the first time in 2000 that I was introduced to MAC. I couldn’t afford much but I did score Ruby Woo lipstick and I treasured it.”

On the best beauty advice she’s received: “Blend. Everyone from key MUA’s to my mom drilled blending into my head from the start. To this day, I live in fear of the dreaded foundation line.”

On her favorite tip to share: “When I was trying my hand at modeling, one of the MUA’s on set told me that if I’m ever in a bind lipstick can double as a blush and to use mascara as an eyeliner.”

Her picks for the best beauty buy of 2016 (so far): “I have to say it’s a toss-up between Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream and OUAI’s Hair Oil. Both have become staples in my daily beauty routine.”

Check out Misti’s musts below!

June 8, 2016 by Val