Tag Archives: The Beauty Wall

Giveaway: 10 Lucky Readers Will Win Asap Super B Complex!!!

Product Review: ASAP Super B Complex, $89 at SkinStore.com.

For the past few weeks I’ve been using Asap Super B Complex, a hydrating serum containing a high concentration of Niacinamide and other B Vitamins known to boost hydration, give you a more even-toned complexion, reduce redness and even strengthen your skin’s outer protective barrier. It’s great for everyone but ideal if you have dry, sensitive or rosacea prone skin like I do. I’ve been applying one pump of this silky smooth serum twice a day–in the morning on bare, cleansed skin and in the evening with my retinol product (for extra anti-aging benefits). My complexion is softer, smoother and more moisturized with a healthy and radiant glow. You’ll love it!

Get Lucky & Win it!

Asap Skin Products is giving away their Super B Complex to 10 lucky thebeautywall.com readers. Don’t miss out!

To enter:

  1. You must be a subscriber to this blog, thebeautywall.com to win. If you’re not already one, simply enter your e-mail address on the home page and click the aqua subscribe button.
  2. Leave a comment for this story with your name and e-mail address so I can contact you for details if you win. ***Earn an additional entry by forwarding this post to a friend or sharing it on your facebook wall. Let me know you’ve done that in your comment.
  3. Ten (10) winners will be randomly selected by end of day Sunday, 8/11/13 and notified via e-mail.

GOOD LUCK! xoxoNancy

 

 

The Style Cure!

Nothing motivates me more than having a deadline. For example, when Emma and Sam were at camp (they’re home again, yay!) my husband Eric and I decided to surprise them and make over their rooms. We had less than a month to pull it all together and it was no small accomplishment since we’d barely done anything to their rooms since they were little. We asked them a question or two to make sure we’d get it right. Emma’s one wish was white walls. Eric painted three walls white but what really pulled her room together was this beautiful wallpaper I found on sale at Anthropologie. Sam was less particular but he really wanted some orange in his room. I liked the idea of that (hey, I’m a Syracuse University grad) but I thought too much orange might make my high energy boy a bit too energetic. Orange chevron pillows were just the touch this room needed, though my favorite element in his room is the bright green yogibo couch where he can curl up to read or play his guitar. See photos of their rooms below.

I bring all this up because without that deadline there’s no way I would have been able to pull together both of their rooms in such a short amount of time. Which brings me to…The Apartment Therapy Style Cure! I’m using this as a guide to help re-do another room in my home. Since it starts today (August 1st) don’t delay…click here to sign up and every day for this month-long project you’ll receive an e-mail with just a small task to complete on whichever room you choose in your home. If you follow it you’re sure to have a room to show off by Labor Day. I hope you’ll do this with me… xoxoNancy

blogshot-emma'sroomblogshot-emma'sroom1blogshot-sam'sroom

Nancy Answers: Am I too old for colorful eye shadow and liner?

Dear Nancy, I love experimenting with bright eye shadow and liner but I’m on the other side of 40. Do you have any tips or tricks to help me look more age appropriate but still embrace my love of color? Sincerely, T

Dear T, If you love the way you look and your confidence cup run-eth over I say who cares! But, the fact that you’re asking the question leads me to believe you’re aware that this look isn’t exactly working for you any more. No one wants to be the girl who looks like she’s trying too hard to be young and trendy and it sounds like that’s the direction you’re headed if you don’t make some changes pronto.

You’ll quickly find out that age-appropriate doesn’t have to equal boring and you don’t need to stick to neutrals like brown, grey and black if you choose toned-down versions of the colors you already love.  If bright blue is your go-to, opt for navy or smokey blue instead. Love emerald, swipe on hunter green. A bold purple might be too bright but an eggplant or plum shade just might do the trick. Try: Tarte SmolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner in Plum, Fig, Olive, Moss or Navy, $22 at sephora.com. xoxoNancy

(photography courtesy of www.sephora.com)

 

My Favorite Scent!

I’m not a very perfume-y sort of girl. Unless it’s a very special occasion, I prefer to smell fresh and clean like I just stepped out of the shower. My favorite fragrance, Bobbi Brown’s Bath Eau de Toilette helps me do just that…even if said shower was yesterday! This light, crisp eau de toilette blends notes of water hyacinth, neroli, orange flower, white lily, sage and more, but all you’ll notice is the lovely scent that lingers. Bath by Bobbi Brown, $70 at www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com.

Another fragrance along the lines of the same philosophy is Demeter’s Pure Soap Cologne Spray, $20 at demeterfragrance.com. After its dry-down, it leaves behind a faint scent reminiscent of Ivory Soap.

Happy Camper!

If you have a camper in your life, you know what an important role care packages play. But…what to send when sweet treats are no longer allowed. Besides including magazines, comics and a few beauty goodies I lucked out with these really cool Pony Bracelets that do double-duty as ponytail holders and bracelets.

Clearly, Emma loves her I Love Camp ones but keep in mind they also come in really cool patterns and other sayings (see my other favorites below), great for party favors, a “little something extra” with a birthday present or a “just because” gift. PonyBracelets, $4.99 for 4.

 

 

Summer School

Unfortunately, more often than not the lessons that stick are the ones that are learned the hard way. I’ve found myself getting “color”–a sunburn or tan–even though I applied sun protection before heading out and I could never understand why. After meeting Dr. Jeannette Graf, M.D. I finally have the answer. She says “sunscreen has a cumulative effect on the skin. Over time, it accumulates giving you more than just that day’s protection.”

If you haven’t been applying sunscreen each and every day and you’re only applying it when you spend lots of time in the sun it might not be enough to protect you from those burning, damaging and aging rays. Lesson learned!

 

Flaunt your Inner Hippie!

In the sweltering month of August I always get a bit more in touch with my bohemian side. I keep it modern by mixing and matching with pieces I already own. Here, some boho-chic options to help you do the same.

Exotic jewelry makes a statement on its own. I’m crazy about The Maasai Collections Maasai Zip Cuff, $195 at shoplatitude.com and the Bluma Kiva Choker, $165 at abchome.com (photo above).

Graphic prints grab attention–a little goes a long way. Check out these gorgeous Beaded African Print Shorts at topshop.com and Aldo Taipa Platform Sandals, $55.99 at zappos.com.

A tunic works for all shapes and sizes but choose wisely so it makes you look long and lean instead of boxy. It’s extra flattering when nipped in slightly at the waist. See Joie Nira Top, $188 at www.joie.com and the Border Print Tunic, $118 at www.freepeople.com.

I love a beachy dress with gladiators or flip flops for day. Paired with ballet flats or sandals and a fitted blazer it gives off a more urban vibe. You’ll like Megan Park Silk Dress, $144 at shoplatitude.com, Quotation: Red Haute Maxi Dress, $193.60 at bloomingdales.com and BCBGMaxAzria Eva Scarf-Print Dress, $268 at bcbg.com.

 

 

(photography courtesy of abchome.com)

Eye Cream Extraordinaire

Product Review: Replere by Dr. Debbie Palmer Renew & Firm Eye Serum, $98 at www.replere.com.

The good thing about being a beauty writer is I get to test a lot of products. Unfortunately, that’s also the bad thing about being a beauty writer because when I love a product I’m not so eager to move on in my search for the next great thing. That’s what happened to me with Replere by Dr. Debbie Palmer Renew & Firm Eye Serum.

A few weeks ago Replere’s publicist asked me to give Renew & Firm a try. I’ve been using it religiously for over a month now and it totally exceeded my expectations! My dark circles have really faded and  my under eye area actually appears tighter and brighter. I’m not so quick to put on my under-eye concealer in the morning.

Dr. Debbie Palmer’s entire skincare line is antioxidant focused and free of parabens (chemical preservatives), fragrances and dyes, making it ideal for sensitive skin. Renew & Firm contains hyaluronic acid and olive oil to hydrate plus super-powerful antioxidants including vitamins A, C & E, the berry of the coffee plant, green tea, goji and acai berries and grapeseed and works best when layered under a hydrating eye cream. The $98 cost might seem high but a little goes a long way–it lasts you 3 months.

(photography courtesy of Chadwick)

Flower Girl!

A few weeks ago, my brother Stephen and his wife Laurie brought me a beautiful gardenia plant. I love everything about it from its shiny leaves to that sweet scent when in bloom. I’m still waiting for it to blossom though and hope it happens soon so I can tuck a gorgeous, white flower behind my ear or pin it in my hair for a laid-back, carefree summer look.

If it doesn’t happen soon I do have a backup plan. I can always head to my favortie trim store, Tinsel Trading at 1 West 37th Street, NYC for a huge selection of vintage, reproduction or contemporary flowers. If you live too far away or are more of an online shopper check out www.tinseltrading.com. You won’t be disappointed!

 

(photo courtesy of bohomarketblog.com)

Get Stacked!

The trend of layering multiple bracelets isn’t going anywhere soon and the best part about it is you don’t have to start from scratch. Look through your jewelry box…chances are you’ve already got a lot to work with. Mix it up with different widths, textures, colors and styles.

  • Three to four pieces will give you the look, but feel free to add much, much more!
  • Add a bit of an edge with something spiky or leather.
  • Pile on those delicate, thin bracelets–they’re so much more interesting when they’re layered.
  • Try something sparkly to go the glam route.
  • For a polished look only combine one or two colors.
  • Got a watch? Add it into the mix.

 

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