NEW! MASCARA! CLUMP CRUSHER!PS. Happy New Year's Eve!

Photo Credit: nikkistyle™

Beauty Notes! Me? An "Unofficial" CG Brand Ambassador? That just might be the case, as I am always blogging and tweeting about my CoverGirl makeup. 

via Music City Beauty

Anyways, last weekend I started using CoverGirl's latest and greatest (mascara) product, Clump Crusher, and like any new product, I am still getting use to it, specifically the wand. Let me explain: I have been using another CoverGirl mascara (LashBlast Volume Blasting Mascara) in which the brush is a bit more...over-sized. LashBlast [Volume Blasting] will certainly volumize and thicken the eyelashes; however, Clump Crusher will do just that-crush clumps. No seriously, the curvaceous clump crushing wand will comb through each and every lash for a defined finish. 

So, Beauties, have YOU used this mascara? What do you think? Tell me on Twitter. 

Dove VisibleCare™ Renewing CRÈME Body Wash: Trial But No Error

Photo Credit: savingaddiction.com

Beauty Notes | My skin is sensitive. I mean super sensitive.

My dermatologist recommended eons ago that I use Dove and/or Cetaphil skincare products -- and to stay away from brands that contain a heavy fragrance. Boring, right?

Anyways, despite the 2011 advertising controversy, I've been using Dove's: VisibleCare™ Renewing CRÈME Body Wash. The product is lightly scented and literally locks in moisture instantly. Furthermore, the body wash assures, "softer, smoother skin in one week." I can attest to the fact that yes -- in addition to the romantic scent and lock-in moisturizer -- after just one week [my] skin felt as smooth as butter, as well as noticeably more appealing (meaning no redness, dry patches, or flakes!)

Photo Credit: Huffington Post

Grab your pink shower puff and lather up! Shop 

Final Thoughts: By the way, personally, I thought the ad was perhaps a little culturally insensitive but definitely  harmless -- and unintentional.



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"Go On Green" by OPI

Exhibit A: After three coats of polish.

Beauty Notes! I took a short break from my signature Sally Hansen nail colors and polished up with (a different brand) "Go on Green" by OPI. At the store, the color looked really cool in the bottle, so I bought it. Then I put the pedal-to-the-medal and raced home to try out my new color. The Verdict: Not exactly thrilled by the process.

After applying the 1st coat I loathed the color, it looked way too dingy. However, I refused to quit and was determined to make good on my buy, so I applied a 2nd coat in hopes that the color would look better. Still no luck. I didn't like it. So I applied a 3rd coat and finally, Walla! But it took a gazillion years to dry. I wasn't particularly thrilled about that. I don't have the patience to apply three coats of the same nail polish color...then a clear coat...and then have to wait until forever for my nails to dry. What is that? [Exhibit A.]

Spoiled? Perhaps. I've been using Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri™ consistently for months, and I must say that the brand sure does live up to the expectation of Fast Dry Nail Color. And one coat will usually suffice. I guess I'm just a Sally Girl.

XoXo :) nikki

Photo Credit: nikkistyle.net   

Episode 2: Project Runway Season 10

Beatrice (middle)

Recap + Commentary | Beatrice Guapo was eliminated on July 19. Lantie was “stunned” to be in the bottom two with Beatrice, while the other designers made comments that Beatrice shouldn't have been the first to go home. (lies.com)

This week, Tim Gunn took the remaining designers to Dylan’s Candy Bar and presented the next challenge—the “unconventional materials” challenge, where the designers will create a wearable look using candy, and have a budget of $250 (actually $500 with 50% off) to shop for an assortment of colorful treats.

Christopher was last week’s challenge winner; he cannot be eliminated due to his immunity.

The designers were BIG KIDS in a candy store looking for all sorts of sweets in efforts to develop a look that evokes (what I call my 3 Cs) color, concept, and creativity. 

Nina Garcia’s Favorite Candy Is... 

Highlights, According To Nikki…. 

Fan Favorite Leaderboard: Sonjia Wiliams is this week’s fan favorite, as she racked up  21% (or 4329) of the votes. Melissa Fleis catches up to Sonjia at 21% (or 4299) - the two are neck-and-neck! Last week’s fan fave, Christopher Palu, dropped to the number three spot at 13%. Voting percentages are as of July 27, 2012 at 8:04 P.M., and subject to change.

The catfight continues, but it wasn't as dramatic as last week. Christopher supposedly caught Gunnar rolling his eyes at him; meanwhile Gunnar thinks Christopher is just “threatened by him.” DIVAs please – just have a physical altercation already.

On The Runway. Who Made THE CUT? 

• Judges: Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, Nina Garcia 
• Guest Judge: Dylan Lauren 
• Mentor: Tim Gunn 

The following designers were called forward, as having the highest, and the lowest scores: 

Buffi, Elena, Gunnar, Lantie, Sonjia, and Ven.

Buffi in the Workroom

Heidi said that Buffi over-accessorized the outfit; Nina added that the styling was atrocious. Michael didn’t hold back and said that the look was “Toddlers and Tiaras Gone Bizerk,” and that Buffi gave us a “sugar overdose.” 

Good news! Heidi liked the shape of Sonjia's design. “I think it’s really pretty," she said. Dylan liked every angle of the dress. According to Michael, the dress was “really well done.” Nina thought the dress was "perfectly made," and “adorable." 

The judges were not enthused by Lantie’s design. “It seems like you’re a decorator,” said Michael. Ha! Lantie should have focused on buying candy for her design instead of eating it from the basket. Unbelievable.                          

Moving along. Heidi was impressed with Ven’s dress; she called it stunning, and claimed that she would love to wear it. Nina thought it was “refreshing” and “beautiful.” Both Michael and Dylan were excited about the look as well. 

Elena was not winning, at all. “Looks like a dress with noodles on it,” said Heidi. “No spirit,” says Nina. And, between Michael’s feedback on the show—and real-time tweets—he blurted out so many negative (but hilarious!) comments; I couldn't keep up.

Here’s a tweet that sums up his thoughts about Elena’s design:

Elena in the Workroom

Lastly...

Gunnar made a dress that Dylan would display in the window at Dylan’s Candy Bar, which is major. Heidi told Gunnar, “I like what you’ve done.” Michael agreed saying, "well done."

Moment of Truth? 

• Winner of Episode 2: Ven 
• Bottom Two: Lantie and Buffi. Lantie was eliminated.

Do you think the right designer went home? Tell me on Twitter: @nikkistyle

Photo Credit: Lifetime

Premiere: Project Runway Season 10

Re-Cap & Commentary | Project Runway aired the first episode of its 10th season yesterday–and I believe the majority of viewers were absolutely thrilled to welcome back Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, and Tim Gunn, as we missed the fabulous four during Project Runway All Stars. Like I said before, how could ‘they' have done an All Stars show and not include the stars? (ex. Heidi, Michael, Nina, and Tim)  

Season 10 Designers REVEALED

Photo Credit: Source

Tim Gunn introduces himself to the 16 designers, and welcomes them to Parsons. Gunn told the designers that the first challenge is to make an outfit that describes their "design esthetic.” Cool. Yet that’s not it–Gunn threw a curveball at the bright-eyed rookie designers and told them that they will present their work to a huge audience in Times Square, New York City.

Seriously. I would've pissed my pants. Times Square? Huge crowd? Judgmental people from all over the world? Yikes!

Next, the designers head to Mood to purchase fabric in efforts to make something that would not only compliment their design esthetic, but to also 'wow' the judges. And in terms of accessorizing (the outfits), Gunn encourages the designers to incorporate pieces from the Lord & Taylor accessory wall. Um, what happened to Piperlime?

Highlights, According to Nikki...

The Fan Faves.Christopher Palu ended the night as "Fan Favorite" at 29% followed by Ven Budhu at 14%. Sonjia Williams came in third place with 9% of the votes.

Meow, Meow, Meow.Is there a catfight brewing between Gunnar (who made a comeback from getting cut last season) and fan fave Christopher? Perhaps. Those two didn’t waste any time tearing at each other’s throats … and about nonsense, as per usual.

My goodness. The both of them are so extra … I love it though! Hello? Drama. Ratings. 

Quote.“Everyone should love everyone,” says Sonjia Williams as she cuts away in the workroom. (pause) Aw that's so cute. But sorry honey this is reality TV ... "love" will get your a*s sent home–alone–that means no Fashion Week, and a lack of followers.

Seriously though, Williams is adorable! I can’t wait to see her shake things up a bit. 

Words by Tim Gunn that you don't want coming out of his mouth while in the workroom: “I’m not understanding.” “I don’t get it.” Translation: Get your act together sweetheart, or else you don’t stand a chance; so make it work damn-it.

On The Runway. Who made THE CUT? 

• Judges: Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, Nina Garcia
• Guest Judges: Lauren Graham, Patricia Field
• Mentor: Tim Gunn

Heidi expresses that she was impressed with all the garments that came down the runway. The following designers were called forward, as having the highest and lowest scores:

Beatrice, Christopher, Koonan, Lantie, Melissa, and Ven.

In a nutshell, Heidi was not attracted to Beatrice’s designs and said they “looked too sad.” Michael Kors didn’t fancy Christopher’s overall styling, but Heidi did love the gown Chris made and called it Red-Carpet-Ready (which was a force, in my opinion). Patricia Field believed Koonan’s designs had a "strong point of view," and Heidi chimed in saying that “it’s odd, it’s strange, but intriguing at the same time."

The judges pretty much had nothing nice to say about Lantie’s designs. Words like “sad” and “horrifying” were used to describe Lantie’s looks–and Patricia called her talent “one step below design.” OUCH! Melissa’s designs "looked current," said Heidi. Lauren added that the presentation told a story of coolness. Nina thought Ven’s designs were “technically very good,” and Heidi commented that both designs worked with each other.

Moment Of Truth...

• Winner of Episode. 1: Christopher (how ironic … being Fan Favorite and all) 
• Bottom Two: Beatrice and Lantie. Beatrice was sent packing, thank you Jesus. 

Be sure to follow me as I tweet the show LIVE each and every Thursday. And stalk my Tumblr page for photos of your favorite Project Runway designers! -ns

Photo Credit - Tim Gunn Photo: Source

Clear Mascara for Brow Grooming?

Photo Credit: maybelline.com

Beauty Notes | Lucky published a blog today: Five Steps Toward the Best Brows Ever — and Step 4 of 5 consists of using Clear Mascara by Maybelline. 

Back in Jan ('10) I wrote a blog about this product. And, over the last several months, I've been using the gel formula in the tube for slicking down (i.e. "setting") my brows for a fab finish, and it works! But honestly I never told anyone because I thought it was a little weird ... using clear mascara for brows and all. Anyways. I was ecstatic to find out that I'm not the only one using the product in [this] manner, as a Lucky blogger is doing it, too! Besides, now the mascara is being advertised as "America's Favorite Mascara for Lash and Brow" via Maybelline. Shut. The. Front. Door. I could have sworn that wasn't the tag line when I originally bought the mascara (but I could be wrong ... whatevs).

Photo Credit: maybelline.com

In terms of using Clear Mascara for what it was actually intended for—which is eyelashes—I just don't. Truthfully, applying the clear mascara gel to my lashes does not do a whole lot of "super shiny" finishing, as Makeup Artist Carmindy suggested (to Glamour) a while ago. Carmindy also commented that the product is like "hair gel for lashes." I say it's simply hair gel for brows!

In any event, the Lucky blog reminded me to touch base and share my opinion of the product since I never did give an update. 

Have any of YOU used this product? What do you think? YAY or NO WAY?  

New Product: L'Oreal Telescopic Waterproof Precision Liquid Eyeliner

Currently Using: Pencil 

Now Using: Liquid

Beauty Notes | Apparently, I've been stuck in the dark ages, because (black) pencil eyeliner was my go-to eye enhancer, in addition to my beloved LashBlast by CoverGirl. Though, everyday I found myself highly annoyed by having to constantly reapply eyeliner. Thinking: I just knew there had to be a better way to stay lined all day long. And, I was right. Recently I decided to purchase L'Oreal Telescopic Waterproof Precision Liquid Eyeliner ... and what a great buy it was!

No Running. No Smudging. Long-Lasting — All Day Wear. 

So, did I totally give up on pencil eyeliner? No way! I use it to touch-up my lower lids. But [I did] migrate over to using liquid (i.e. new product) to line my upper lids ... and am currently in the midst of perrrfecting my liquid-lining technique in efforts to achieve the baddest cat-eye wing. To be continued...

Photo Credit: temptalia.com

NEW Spring Nail Polish Colors!

Style Notes! Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri™ Fast Dry Nail Color polishes are fab! This product is not clumpy or thick — and really does dry fast in comparison to other brands (remaining nameless) that I've purchased in the past.

Admittedly, my signature nail polish colors are usually dark, like Black Diamond-dark. However, in the spring I like to brighten things up a bit. Case in point: Last spring I was all about pastel colors, specifically Lively Lilac, I adore the soft girl-y shade. But this spring, I am turning things up a notch with extra bright colors!

Below are two polishes spiked with a playful punch that I bought this week:

#09 - Rapid Red

#440 Mint Sprint

I want to hear from you! Share your signature nail colors for spring via Twitter, or by emailing nikkistyle@nikkistyle.net; your comments may be featured!

Beauty Products I'm Loving!

Makeup Essentials

Beauty Notes! Last month I uploaded a TwitPic showing a few essential CoverGirl products that I can't live without: Pressed Powder, LashBlast Volume Blasting Mascara, and a new product that I recently tried and love, which is the Liquiline Blast Eyeliner. But @COVERGIRL responded to my tweet and said that I'm missing the newest product to hit shelves — NatureLuxe!

Guess What? I ran out and purchased NatureLuxe' Silk Foundation and Gloss Balm. And so glad I did! I never wore foundation because I could never find the right shade and texture to compliment my natural skin, so I just relied on my handy pressed powder. But that's up until a few weeks ago when I started using the Silk Foundation.

Silk Foundation (#1) is smooth as butter and does not have that heavy cake-on look or feel, and my face looks flawless when I'm done applying. Love. It. Dearly.

Buah Bye Chapped Lips ... another product (#2) that's awesome is the NatureLuxe Gloss Balm. Secret: Any product made to keep [my] lips healthy and covered with a hint of a pinkish tone — is a beauty must-have!

Smells Good- The 3rd product (which is not CoverGirl) is my latest "signature scent" by Marc Jacobs called Daisy; it smells good. Tip: Ask for the travel size when purchasing new scents. Why? Because always start small whenever trying something new — and gradually go bigger. Also, the smaller the size, the easier to travel with. 

New stuff in my makeup bag!

Shoshanna Gruss Launches Jewelry Collection Exclusively with QVC

Style Notes | Today New York designer Shoshanna Gruss launched her jewelry collection exclusively with QVC. Shoshanna’s collection is a compilation of pear-shaped, metal mixing, crystal accented and draping jewelry—all of which I consider to be bold pieces that make an ‘I have just entered the room’ statement.

Now I should tell you that I'm very particular when it comes to jewelry. Truthfully, I don’t like tons of objects clinging to, or hanging from, my body parts. So when I’m excited about a jewelry line it’s a big deal.

Why this collection you ask?

First and foremost, I am drawn to Shoshanna’s jewelry because I feel like the pieces are transitional. I am always looking for knock-out fashion items that are stylishly appropriate to wear at the office, as well as at a trendy night club. (okay yeah I admit—I love to double dip—and get my monies worth!) Speaking of money, every item in the collection looked Red Carpet high-end, yet everything is affordable; all items are under $100 bucks!

Shoshanna says to "Mix Your Metals!" 

During the launch Shoshanna was a strong advocate for mixing metals, such as your gold tones with your silver and gunmetal (gray). And I have to say that most of her pieces are mixable! The rich colors coupled with the jewelry construction just blends well together. I didn't hesitate once to want-to mix her silver, gold and gunmetal pieces. 

Each look is very glam-meets-elegance ... there is no other way to describe—so hurry and head on over to QVC to shop Shoshanna’s newly launched jewelry line.

Editor's Picks!

• Two-Tone Pear Drop Nested 16-1/2" Adj. Necklace
• Textured & Crystal Accent Woven Stretch Bracelet

Photo Credit: Facebook

EDITOR'S PICK! Cashia Scrunch Boot by Fergalicious

Photo Credit: Famous Footwear

Style Notes | Back in November I learned that Fergie designs footwear—and because I admire Fergie's funky sense of style I had to purchase a pair of her goodies. So I bought the Cashia Scrunch Boots.

Photo Credit: nikkistyle

I finally decided to wear them today and love how they fit! The heel itself is only 3 inches, which is a rather shorter heel than I normally would wear. However, the boot structure gives the bottom of my feet the perfect elevation and arch—allowing me to walk tall with confidence. I love 'em!

Shop the look at Famous Footwear ($69.99).

RELOADED! New York Fashion Week: Spring 2011 Ready-To-Wear

I weep when I say that New York Fashion Week ended last Thursday. Between actually being in New York City, reading up-to-the-minute Twitter and Facebook updates, and viewing LIVE feeds produced by various sources—the Fashion Week hype in the Big Apple was seriously elevated, which is quite normal for this kind of event. But at times, I couldn't keep up! Information was thrown at me in every direction possible. Can you say … information overload? 

However, now, I have a chance to kick back—relax—and browse through (with ease) every single designer piece, look by look, from the Spring 2011 RTW collections.

And pleasssse don't bark! Trust me. I know that most of you darling are already on to London Fashion Week—I’ll get there soon. Still, feel free to reflect with me on breathtaking ready-to-wear garments that NY Fashion Week recently blessed us with. 

Objective: Over the next week or so I will share my ‘Top 5' pieces from a variety of S/S 2011 collections. So check back tomorrow to see who/what's on my radar! 

Photo Credit: Unknown; Shiny Style

Nail Color of the Month: Lively Lilac

Beauty Notes! Despite today's rainy forecast, Lively Lilac is the perfect nail color for spring. Normally I would apply two coats of polish, but this particular color looked great with just one...topped with a coat of clear of course. A break from my signature dark polishes was needed. I feel renewed! 

Anyways, pastels must be a hot color trend this spring, because when I went for my morning cup of caffeine today, there were two other ladies polished with lilac-y (nail) colors. And as complete strangers to one another, we bonded over a special moment of show-and-tell; pastel nails was the theme. Very cool ;)

Tip: Try wearing a darker shade of purple with your Lively Lilac-colored nails, such as a violet cardigan. Lilac + Violet go well together. I'm actually wearing the color combo now. 

Shop Lively Lilac.

Photo Credit: ELLE UK

Added To My Shopping List!: Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara

Beauty Notes! Makeup Artist Carmindy revealed to Glamour magazine an interesting beauty trick: Apply Great Lash Clear Mascara for a super shiny finish; it’s like “hair gel for lashes,” Carmindy said.

Yeah-I've seen this product in the beauty aisle, but drove my shopping cart right past it. I never thought clear mascara would be of any good use to me, or my lashes. Honestly, when I think *GEL* I think sticky-icky. And why would I want sticky lashes?

Although, truth be told, mascara is the one single makeup product that I splurge on, because fabulous lashes rock! With that said, I’ll purchase Maybelline's clear mascara this week and share my personal thoughts in a later post. Wish me luck ;)

Photo Credit: Glamour