Meet Ellie

Oh, great, now I have a new obsession...Ellie. Have you met her yet? Ellie is a new fitness line that is going to give Lululemon a run for their money.

I'm not one to spend a lot of money on workout clothes. We only sweat in them, right? But sometimes, when you know you look good, you feel good, and that can make for a better workout. Probably the same reason I put on lipgloss to go to the gym (#truth). Ellie takes fashion and fitness and feeling good all into consideration when they design their lines. Most of the pieces on the site (mostly the tops) are very unique, which I love. They are nothing like what you will find in popular workout gear lines..  All pieces are mix and match which is convenient for gym clothes. I have a hard enough time piecing together outfits for work, let alone the gym!

You can shop on Ellie.com just as you would any other site, or, you can sign up for a monthly subscription, aka the Fit Fashionista Club. It's $49.95 a month and you get two new pieces each month, your choice. Also included in a membership is free shipping, priority access to the new lines, flash sales and other exclusive events.You'll take a style quiz as soon as you sign up to choose your style preferences and size. From there, they will tailor your shopping experience to the looks they think you'll love.

I received 'My New Obsession Leggings' and 'Peek-a-Boo tank,' both pictured below. They arrived in a super bright pink bubbled envelope, wrapped in tissue. Like I mentioned earlier, the top is super unique which is why I chose it. It looks like a regular tank from the front, but has a mesh, open back. It fits loosely around the hips and kept me cool during my yoga workout. I will also wear this to circuit training, cycling and kettlebell classes.

The pants are super comfortable too. They were a little long on me so I cuffed them at the bottom and they still looked cute. I wore them for yoga but they are also perfect for an early AM run and/or a cycling class.

DDP Yoga poses (warrior and superstar) and our new 'yoga room' aka living room.

Check out Ellie's new line for March, the Little Black Collection, here. Ellie and I are also offering 20% off of your first order...click the banner to the right to redeem! I will definitely be ordering more from Ellie. I could get use to looking fashionable while at the gym!

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog reviews the entire skincare line from SeabuckWonders.

Mama Fashionista: It's the purchase she's been planning for since the beginning of the series! Find out what Quinn picked for her February MAC Matters purchase!

emily hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist d: Fall Bridal Portraits. A Stylized Shoot and Building Professional Makeup Artist Porfolio

D.G.S.Beauty: Need a new eyeliner in your life? Check Marbella's 24 Eyeliner that will leave you wanting one for your collection.

Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Jesse's Girl Pure Pigment Eye Dust in Sunset Blvd is one of Destany's go-to eye shadows!

In Her Makeup Bag: How "naked" do you like your makeup to feel? Stephanie tries out Revlon's new Nearly Naked powder to see if it delivers on its claims.

TheFabZilla: Eyelashes don't lie. Will the search for holy grail mascara stop for TheFabZilla? Check out her review on tarte gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara & multiplEYE Lash Primer

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Lola's Secret Beauty Blog thinks that B. Kamins has hit a home run with their Nia-Stem Eye Cream Kx because it solves a multitude of problems with ease!

Painted Ladies: Make Up For Ever’s Technicolor Palette Makes Brights Fun and Wearable!

Pammy Blogs Beauty: Have you seen Make Up For Ever's new Pro Finish Powder foundation? Pammy Blogs Beauty loves it!

The Advice Sisters Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle: Budget too tight to take a trip to Europe this year? Let NYX Cosmetics transport you with a large, colorful collection of cosmetics to Florence, Rio or Paris

BeautyTidbits: Win it! Beyonce Midnight Heat Fragrance Giveaway.

Beauty Professor: Always one to experiment with foundations, The Beauty Professor shares her latest concoction featuring By Terry and Kevyn Aucoin!

Glamorous Mama: Janelle from Glamorous Mama shows off the new Urban Decay Naked SKin BB

Endless Summer: Elena loves her new holo glitter top coat from El Corazon

The Lacquered Lady: Ready for some holo?! Here's the gorgeous Color Club Miss Bliss swatched by The Lacquered Lady.

Scottish Beauty Blog: Sarah from Scottish Beauty Blog gives her verdict on the new luxury Guerlain Spa - the only one in the UK.

Blushing Noir: Everything is in technicolor with this new palette from Make Up For Ever!

Beauty Blogazon Round Up

• My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog reviews the entire skincare line from SeabuckWonders.
• Mama Fashionista: Check out NCLA's "Life's A Beach!" Collection (and Quinn's first attempt at swatching)!
• Emily hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist: Stylized Fall Bridal Portrait Shoot and Building your Pro Makeup Artist Portfolio.
• Makeup Demon: Battle between two mousse foundations - Maybelline vs Bourjois!
• Chickettes.com: Get in the mood for spring with the new Gelish "Love in Bloom" collection!
• Cosmetics Aficionado: Acne causing you stress or are you stressed by acne? Perhaps Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Power-Cream Wash is for you.
• Beauty Apocalypse: Beauty Apocalypse has a professional colorist to tell you when to DIY and when to seek professional help.
• TheFabZilla: What's in your everyday makeup bag? Sneak inside TheFabZilla's.
• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Jesse's Girl Pure Pigment Eye Dust in Sunset Blvd is one of Destany's go-to eye shadows!
• The Convenient Beauty: Tom Ford Love Lust isn't just another peachy blush. It's the peachy blush.
• Lipgloss Break: Enter to win Fergie's new fragrance, Viva by Fergie!
• Beauty by Miss L: On 24th February was Estonian 95th Independence Day and Miss L did a patriotic manicure inspired by Estonian flag.
• Lacquer Buzz: What can you do with a fan brush? Awesome nail art!
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: If you love the idea of a pretty pink lip gloss with lots of anti-aging ingredients- then Lola's Secret Beauty Blog would like to gleefully introduce you to vbeauté Lip Spread!
• Rachel's Makeup and Skincare: Rachel found a new finishing powder that she thinks can compete with Guerlain's Meteorites. Can you guess what it is?
• Beauty Professor: The Beauty Professor shares swatches of her favorite pink blushes!
• Lisa's Nail Obsession: Alessandro International's Cashmere Touch is subtle yet elegant. A classy touch to any wardrobe.
• Midnight Manicures: Check out Jeanie's Milani COLORstatment Pinks & Corals Lipsticks and Lip Liners Review. Another win for Milani Cosmetics!

Best Eyeshadow Primers

In my opinion, eyeshadow primer is a must when applying makeup. I can't get through a day of work, even in an air conditioned office, without my eyeshadow creasing. Here are my favorite primers that save me from the dreaded crease....

I'm totally obsessed with Lime Crime's Eyeshadow Helper. If you work all day or night, or you're going out for a night out, you're going to want to ensure your makeup stays put, including your eyeshadow. I hate when it creases up! Lime Crime's Eyeshadow Helper works insanely well. I purchased this last summer while in NYC and my eyeshadow didn't move in 100 degree NYC subway heat!

I've had this for about 6 months so far and I still have over half of the product left. A little goes a long way. I only use a small amount on each eyelid, all the way up to my brow bone. Once applied, it dries very quickly in a neutral matte color. I would wear this even when I'm not planning on adding eyeshadow, to give me a more awake look. When I purchased this back in August, the packaging was a little Tiffany blue dome (pictured above). Since then, they changed their packaging into a squeeze tube (left). Although I haven't tried the new packaging, Lime Crime claims it's the same formula and you get 40% more. It retails at $16.99 and it's worth every cent. LimeCrimeMakeup.com

Votre Vu Lingerie Pour Les Yeux is another favorite of mine. I don't use this as a primer if I'm applying shadow, only as a shadow replacement. I use this more for when I'm running out the door somewhere, without time to put on makeup, and I sweep it over my eyes to make me look more awake. It visibly helps minimize lines too (not permanently, just while it's on). I also like using it under my eyes to help conceal my dark circles. I usually use this when I roll out of bed for an early AM workout. It comes in two different shades, light and medium. You can purchase this on VotreVu.com. It retails at $29.


Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion was the first ever primer I tried (thanks for recommending Justine!). It works well as a primer and by itself. Urban Decay has seen such success with this product that they created several other shades, some that even have a pop of color and can be worn alone. The only downside is the packaging. It's hard to tell how much you have left. It would be a crisis to be at the end of the tube and not have primer in the AM (half joking). It retails at $20.

 

What's your favorite eyeshadow primer? I'm always open to trying new ones!

 Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

Maybelline NY Nail Polish Goes Electric

Maybelline New York Color Show Nail Polish goes electric! These limited edition colors will definitely stand out on your finger nails and toes. They are only available for the month of March so make sure you grab the ones you want while they are available. I have my eye on Orange Extreme for spring!

Limited Edition shades include:
 - Alluring rose
 - Blast of blue
 - Coral glow
 - Flash of purple
 - Intense teal
 - Lustrous lime
 - Mesmerizing magenta
 - Orange extreme
 - Passionate plum
 - Shock wave

Hairstyles on the Oscar's Red Carpet

Lots of old Hollywood glamour tonight! Adele was styled by Michael Ashton created a voluminous half-up do that complemented her class black Jenny Packham gown.

In order to recreate this look, follow these steps from Michael using products from John Frieda. 

1. Towel dry wet hair, removing excess moisture before working through the NEW Luxurious Volume Fine to Full Blow-Out Spray ($9.99 at drugstores) on mid-lengths and ends. 

2. Flip hair over with your head between your knees, blasting hot air down the hair shaft for instant lift at the roots and thickness through the rest of the hair. 

3. When hair is about 80% dry, flip your hair back over and take large sections, smoothing them with a medium sized round brush. Pay particular attention to the ends to ensure they are bouncy and luscious. 

4. Flip hair over with your head between your knees, blasting hot air down the hair shaft for instant lift at the roots and thickness through the rest of the hair. 

5. When hair is about 80% dry, flip your hair back over and take large sections, smoothing them with a medium sized round brush. Pay particular attention to the ends to ensure they are bouncy and luscious. 

6. Section the hair into quarters and apply a medium-large curling iron to each section to achieve a contemporary and feminine texture. Next set in hot rollers. Once cool, carefully brush through hair with a natural bristle brush. 

7. Continue for the remaining three sections, ensuring that as you have finished curling each section you pin it in a barrel curl using a sectioning clip while it cools and sets. 

8. After 5-10 minutes, remove the sectioning clips, gently tousle hair. Pull half of the hair back and tease at the crown, securing pieces together in the back of the head. Leave down two small sections of hair to frame the face. Mist Luxurious Volume All-Day Hold Hairspray ($5.99 at drugstores) for a long-lasting finish.

 

Stacey Keibler's old Hollywood glamour look was styled by Robert Vetica, using Carol's Daughter products. He used the Monoi & Macadamia collections to create her loo

To get the look:
1 - Robert started out with wet hair, adding a few drops of the Carol’s Daughter Monoi Oil Sacred Strengthening Serum ($30) to give Stacy’s hair the strength and flexibility it needed for the initial blowdry.
2 - After blowdrying, Robert applied the Carol’s Daughter Macadamia Heat Protection Serum ($18) before curling her hair into loose waves and setting it with the Carol’s Daughter Macadamia Heat Styling Hair Spray ($17).
3 - Following, Robert brushed out Stacy’s curls and swept hair into a loose faux bob, finishing off the look with the Carol’s Daughter Finishing Shine Mist ($18) to give her hair a lasting, red-carpet shine.

Renee Zellweger was sytled by Robert Vetica using Wella Professionals

Hair Look:
The chignon is very classic, sophisticated chic, and red carpet elegant.

Step-By-Step Styling:
1.      First, wet hair was prepped with small amount of Wella Professionals Velvet Amplifier ($16) Style Primer
2.      Then, section by section blow dry with a large round bristle brush and back comb each section lightly.
3.      Once the hair is completely dry, split into two pieces and tuck into a low chignon securing with bobby pins.
4.      Spray the pinned hair lightly with Wella Professionals Shimmer Delight ($13) to create shine.
5.      Finally, set the look with Wella Professionals Stay Firm Finishing Spray ($15).

Va-va-voom Isla Fisher! She was styled by Marcus Francis using Wella Professionals too!

Inspiration:
Marcus explained “I wanted Isla's personality to really show by keeping her hair sleek and down, it made the look feel young, sexy, and fun, just like her. Having a no part half-up, half-down would help to modernize the hairstyle.”  A strapless dress doesn't always mean the hair must be worn up. In this case Isla showed off her red, shiny locks which really popped against her blue dress by wearing it down.

Step-By-Step Styling:
1.      From wet hair, apply Wella Professional Flowing Form Smoothing Balm ($14) section by section and blow dry with a medium size round brush.
2.      Create your part for the section you're pulling back by starting at the arch of each eyebrow, and continue back to the crown.
3.      Spray Wella Professionals Thermal Image Heat Protection Spray ($14) before you flat iron each section from roots to ends.
4.      Secure the section pulled back by using a bobby pin on each side at the crown. Slide the pin underneath the top layer of the hair to anchor without slipping.
5.      Use a quarter size amount of Wella Professionals Mirror Polish Shine Serum ($16) and take through with your fingers to seal the ends and adding shine.
6.      Finally use Wella Professionals Stay Essential Finishing Spray ($15) with focus at the front and section pulled back for added hold.

Images and press releases provided by Tractenberg & Co. & Devries Global

Giveaway Break - Viva by Fergie fragrance

Fergie has a lot of exciting stuff going on right now, both professionally and personally.  She's launching a new fragrance called Viva by Fergie with Avon, and she's pregnant! Being pregnant definitely tops the cake, but I bet her new fragrance is pretty special too! I'm really excited to try this fragrance because I really liked her first partnership with Avon, Outspoken.

Viva by Fergie is a 'sexy contradiction of captivating cool herbs spiked with fierce lavender and intriguing vetiver.' Her inspiration: empowering the fearless women within.

The notes include...
Captivating Cool Herbs - luscious greens and captivating herbs creating a cool effect that invigorates and refreshes the senses.

Fierce Lavender - Fresh with floral, minty and spicy undertones, fierce lavender deliver a modern contrast between masculine and feminine notes

Intriguing Vetiver - One of the most beautiful woody notes, intriguing vetiver is wrapped in sweet leathery undertones adding depth and sensuality to the fragrance.

***Giveaway***

Enter to win Fergie's new Avon fragrance, Viva by Fergie! 

Fill out the form below to win! There are also several different ways you can get extra entries: sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me & retweet on Twitter , follow me on Pinterest, follow me on Instagram or become a fan on Facebook; just make sure to list the number of extra entries in the form below. Enter up to once a day!

This giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only. The contest will end on Saturday, March 23rd. I will randomly select one winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!

Katie Holmes for Bobbi Brown

This was announced awhile ago, but finally we're seeing Katie Holmes' ads for Bobbi Brown. Katie, wearing the new Long-Wear Even Finish Compact Foundation in Natural, represents Bobbi's philosophy of effortless natural beauty. Long-Wear Even Finish Compact Foundation is available in 20 shades for $46 at all Bobbi Brown Counters and on www.bobbibrown.com.

“I never want to look like I am wearing too much makeup, so this foundation evens out my skin, leaving it flawless and natural.” ~Katie Holmes

CND Shellac Layering Gotcha & Romantique

This past weekend I joined my husband on a work trip to Orlando. The last thing I want to worry about on a relaxing vacation is chipping nail polish, so of course, Wednesday night before my trip I had to get Shellac.

I wanted a light pink that would go with most outfits I brought, but wanted to try something new with the colors I have, so opted for layering. Pictured is one coat of Gotcha, and two coats of Romantique (with the normal base and top coat). I love the way it turned out. It's a creamy light pink, and looks great with a tan (I used a Dr. Gross Alpha Beta Glow self tanning towel before I left).  Going on day #7 and still no chips!

Check out my other CND Shellac swatches!

Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Roundup

Blushing Noir: The Guerlain Spring 2013 Coup de Foudre Ecrin 4 Couleurs might just be more wearable than you think!

Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Check out an orange gloss and a lip pencil Destany got from Sephora!

Money Making Makeup Artist: Tips on ways to cut costs when stocking your kit as a makeup artist.

BeautyTidbits: BECCA's new Ultimate Colour Glosses are just the thing to add a subtle pop of color to your lips with a high glossy shine!

Peppermint Lips Beauty Blog: Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids Lipsticks Review and Swatches!

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Prestige Cosmetics has the perfect pink makeup to grace your lips, cheeks and eyes this Valentine's Day, but Lola's Secret Beauty Blog thinks that it should be worn far more frequently!

TheFabZilla: Yet another Target sighting! TheFabZilla reviews Pacifica Natural Minerals Eye Shadows Palette. See if it's something that will interest you.

The Advice Sisters Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle Website: For something really dramatic that you can DIY, try a "Fauxhawk" straight from the Fashion Week Runways for Fall 2103, Backstage report from the Advice Sisters

Pammy Blogs Beauty: Pammy puts Le Metier de Beaute's Ultra Hydration Eye Masks to the ultimate test as she tries them while in the midst of a bad cold. If these amazing eye masks can soothe Pammy's eyes in this condition, imagine what they could do for you!

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog reviews Anastasia Beverly Hills Bold and Beautiful Kit!

Mama Fashionista: Stay Glossy With Rimmel London!

The Lacquered Lady: The Lacquered Lady swatches the gorgeous Color Club Eternal Beauty from the Halo Hues collection.

Beauty Professor: While at the Neiman Marcus BH Trend Event last week, The Beauty Professor swatched all four shades of the latest Le Metier de Beaute lip gloss shades for Spring 2013!