Help Solve this Easter Mystery!

Since Emma and Sam were babies, we’ve been celebrating the Easter Bunny. On the Saturday before Easter, we have great fun dyeing our eggs. Then, when the kids are sleeping the “Easter Bunny” sneaks in and hides them in the backyard. When we wake up in the morning (super early I might add!) we all go outside to hunt for the eggs before the kids find their Easter baskets.

Normally this goes off without a hitch. This year was a little different, though. Everything was going according to plan, but when we went outside to gather the eggs they were all gone! Not one out of a dozen could be found! The kids looked and looked and when they couldn’t find any, my husband and I got in on the action. We knew where they should be. The crook of the birch tree, under the grill, in the ivy by the fence, behind the hydrangea bush, etc., etc., etc. Not one was where it was supposed to be! The kids looked bewildered and upset, tears sprang to their eyes, we were confused and numb. WTF!!!

My husband thinks animals got them (but how could they get all twelve eggs and not leave any bright, broken shells behind) …I think someone is playing a mean-spirited joke (but again, how could they find a dozen eggs in the dark without missing one)…A neighbor’s early April Fool’s Day trick? Maybe…but, who?

Sleuths out there…what do you think happened?

 

The Best Body Scrub!

My best body scrub experience ever was at Grand Lido Sans Souci Hotel in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. I was led down a winding, flower-filled path to a private cabana on the cliffs where an expert therapist was waiting. It was sense overload in the best way possible. I could hear the sound of the ocean below, smell the tropical blooms and feel the gentle breeze on my skin…all while being massaged and scrubbed from head to toe. Perfection!

Since a flight to Jamaica isn’t on my schedule anytime soon, it looks like I’ll have to do the dirty work myself. After being covered up for most of fall and winter I have extra dry elbows, knees, heels and even my shins look like they could use a good scrubbing. Obviously, I haven’t been exfoliating as religiously as I should be (2-3 times per week is recommended) and I’ve paid the price. But, softer, more radiant skin is just a scrub away. Here, some of my favorite picks:

  1. My absolute favorite is Lamas Botanicals Pumpkin Spice Polish, $17.99. I discovered it over 10 years ago and never plan on switching. I keep it in the shower and use it on my face but it’s great on the body, too.There’s just something so special about the delicious scent and the texture of the grainy buffing beads.
  2. Origins Incredible Spreadable Smoothing Ginger Body Scrub, $28, has an irresistible ginger fragrance that lingers.
  3. Bliss Lemon+Sage Body Scrub, $36, is a spa-strength scrub that smoothes even the roughest elbows and knees.

*Always follow with a rich body cream.

How to Get Perfect Brows: Q&A with Ramy Gafni

The perfect brow is possible when you have brow guru, Ramy Gafni, in your corner. Since we can’t all get to Ramy, I thought I’d bring Ramy to you.

What are the beauty benefits of having the right eyebrow shape? The right brow shape is like makeup that you don’t wash off. It can lift your eyes, make you look younger or more sophisticated. It’s the easiest way to improve your appearance dramatically without plastic surgery.
Right now, what’s trending in brows? I’m happy to report that for the past several years we’ve seen the trend toward fuller, bolder eyebrows. I’ve always advocated what I call the “fully actualized eyebrow” which is a well groomed brow that’s as full as possible, not too short, not too far apart, with an arch that follows one’s bone structure.
How can a woman find the right brow shape for her face shape? It’s ideal to have your brows shaped at least once by a well recommended expert because its difficult to be objective with your own face. If you don’t have the opportunity to see an expert, look at famous actresses that you might resemble to see what your brows should look like.
If someone has over-plucked or sparse brows, can she fake a fuller brow and still have it look natural?
Yes! You can fake it til you make it! Fill in a sparse or thin brow with a wax based pen, pencil or pomade. Choose a shade that’s two shades lighter than your hair color. If in doubt, choose a universally flattering taupe. Fill the entire brow, not just the sparse area. The brow should look uniform. Apply product directly on the brow hairs, not above or below the brows. After applying, it’s very important to brush through the product. This removes the excess product and blends what’s left behind so you end up with great looking eyebrows, not made up looking brows.
What products are necessary to get and maintain a good brow? good tweezers, safety scissors, a small brush, brow filler if necessary. From RAMY Cosmetics, I use the Ramy Tweezers by Tweezerman ($25), the Ramy Scissor by Tweezerman ($18), the Perfect Brow Wand ($28), Miracle Brow ($28), the Browtility Brush ($21), all available at www.Ramy.com.
*Ramy’s long list of celebrity clients includes Michelle Williams and Taylor Swift.

 

Something to Hide…

I need to give a shout-out to my favorite beauty product of all time! Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage can’t be beat–it completely covers dark circles, blemishes, neutralizes redness and lasts all day. Two shades per compact lets you customize your color for a perfect match every time.

Even when I’m having a “makeup-free” day, I use this to even out my skin-tone–a little under the eyes (always layered on top of eye cream) and around the nose area (where I’m prone to a bit of redness) and I can face the day. When wearing foundation, apply the concealer afterwards to see where you really need it. A little goes a long way and one compact will last you a very long time. Mine lasts 6 – 9 months and I wear it every day!

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, $30 at www.lauramericer.com.

A Clean Sweep!

I’m too tired tonightI’m just not in the mood.

I’m talking makeup and the excuses women give on why they don’t always remove it before bedtime. If clogged pores, blackheads and pimples aren’t on your beauty must-have list, I highly recommend you cleanse nightly…and, when you’re too exhausted to bother with the whole nine yards, a facial cleansing cloth is good in a pinch.

My favorite? Mustela Facial Cleansing Cloths, $8.00 at sephora.com. I’ve been known to use them before bed but I really love them post-workout. They’re formulated for newborns and babies’ delicate skin so they never irritate my sensitive complexion and I love, love, love the fresh, light scent!

Never Have Another Bad Hair Day!

Thanks to the ease and beauty of a top-knot I’ll never have another bad hair day! I usually like it a little messy and low-key, but it can also be styled to perfection–it all depends on the look you’re going for.

You’ll need: a ponytail holder, 3-4 bobby pins, styling cream. Try: PhyoSpecific Moisturizing Styling Cream, $26 or MoroccanOil Hydrating Styling Cream, $27.

To do:

  1. Start by putting your hair into a high ponytail, but don’t pull the hair all the way through the elastic band. You’ll end up with a small loop on top and the ends sticking out. 
  2. Take the hair that’s sticking out on the bottom and gently twist in one direction. Then, loosely wrap it around the base of the small loop and pin into place with your bobby pins.
  3. To finish, apply a bit of styling cream to tame fly-aways. *If desired, pull out a few strands and tuck behind your ears for a more casual vibe.

Jewelry Obsession: Lulu Frost

Recently dining with a friend, I spotted a fabulous bangle on her wrist–it was Lulu Frost. As soon as I got home I checked out lulufrost.com and have been coveting her pieces ever since!

Designer Lisa Salzer blends antique, vintage and modern elements to craft timeless classics. Some of her jewelry might look familiar–she also designs for J.Crew–but it’s her one-of-a-kind, opulent creations that have me panting!

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Win It! Mally Beauty Modern Matte Shadows Giveaway

This is your chance to win gorgeous makeup from best in the biz, Mally Roncal!

Choose Mally Beauty Evercolor Modern Matte Eyeshadow Duo in Sage (green shades), Earth (brown and blue) or Sunset (lavender and peachy-pink) to experience matte shadows at their best. They’re pigment-rich and the color stays put. Apply a little or a lot to lids or use it as liner. Two winners will be randomly chosen on Sunday evening.

Enter now! Here’s how:

  1. Subscribe to my blog, thebeautywall.com.
  2. Write a comment for this or any of my previous blog posts. Be sure to include your e-mail or other contact information so I can send you your prize if you win. Also, specify which color duo you’d prefer (Sage, Earth or Sunset).
  3. Share this contest on facebook, pinterest, twitter or forward it to a friend.

Giveaway will run through Sunday, 3/24/13. Good luck and thanks for participating!

xoxoNancy

 

 

 

 

Hair Tie Upgrade

I love these hair ties! They come in so many fun styles–glitter, camouflage, zigzag, brights, embellished with sparkly beads or rivets, animal prints, even mustaches–and are perfect for my tween-age daughter.

She likes the cool designs and the fact that they double as bracelets, I like that they don’t pull, tangle or crease her hair. And though I’m always found with a basic black ponytail holder on my wrist…I just might have to “borrow” from her for a change!

Available online at www.maddyloo.com, prices start at $1.

 

Green Believer!

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St. Patty’s Day might have come and gone…but that doesn’t mean it’s the end of seeing lots and lots of green. Pantone’s Color of Year is EMERALD which means we will be seeing an abundance of it throughout the year. Look for it in makeup, fashion and home decor.

 

 

 

 

Here, a few reasons I love green!

1) It’s the color of veggies…and I do love my salads! My favorite salad recipe? Greens with Goat Cheese, Walnuts and Dried Cranberries.

2) I see the world through green eyes. They started out hazel…I swear I willed them to turn green! If your eyes are similar to mine (green or hazel) opt for eyeliners or shadows in shades of apricot or purple to make them pop. Metallic hues like gold, copper or bronze will also complement your eyes. To try: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick in Violet Plum, $28 or Estee Lauder Pure Color EyeShadow in Sizzling Copper, $21.

3) This year, green is hot and the picks are plentiful! Check out Drop Necklace Set available on Etsy, only $12.40 and Diane von Furstenberg ‘Leanna’ Silk Shirtdress, $375.

4) Who couldn’t use more $green? To save, invest, donate or spend.

5) Living “green” doesn’t have to be all or nothing. The little things you do can add up to big changes for you and the environment. Here, 10 Tips for Living a Green Life.

photography courtesy of J.Crew