Favorite Summer Lipstick: Dolce&Gabbana Classic Cream Lipstick

Ever since I've tried Dolce&Gabbana Classic Cream Lipsticks this summer, I've been hooked on the soft, creamy and velvety coverage. The luxurious formulation provides bold color, gliding along the lips with a moisturizing, color-consistent application. The concentration of the pigments are enriched by the classic shades with colors that rich, even and long-lasting.

Dolce&Gabbanna launched 20 new Classic Cream Lipstick ($33) colors for Spring 2014, for a total of 42 shades in the palette. The lipstick colors are divided into six categories  - reds, oranges, purples, corals, pinks, and nudes, to help you choose your perfect shade. Each Classic Cream Lipstick is inspired by different roses, from classic colors and everyday nudes, to ultra-modern shades and striking hues. The delicate Mandorla is inspired by the Alchemist Rose, the bold Star by the Black Rose, and the dazzling Sublime by the Calizia Rose. Eleven of the new colors is sold exclusively at the Dolce&Gabbana Make Up counters at the brands flagship stores. 

Classic Cream Lipstick Shades:

Amethyst

Ballerina (NEW)*

Bellissima (NEW)*

Black Magic (NEW)

Bonbon (NEW)

Cashmere

Chic (NEW)

Coral

Cosmopolitan

Dahlia

Daring (NEW)

Delicious

Delight (NEW)*

Devil

Dreamy (NEW)*

Fire

Glam

Goddess

Gorgeous (NEW)

Guilty (NEW)*

Honey (NEW)

Iconic

Immaculate (NEW)*

Luscious (NEW)

Mandorla

Nude

Petal

Plum Sapphire

Princess (NEW)

Purple Pearl

Red

Ruby (NEW)*

Sassy (NEW)

Scarlett

Seduction

Shocking

Star (NEW)*

Tease (NEW)

Tender (NEW)*

Traviata (NEW)*

Ultra

Venere

*Exclusive to Saks Fifth Avenue and saksfifthavenue.com

- Kim Weling

Studded Boots from Harley-Davidson Footwear

One of the newest styles from Harley-Davidson Footwear is the Kellyn Performance Boot. I love studded details, especially on boots, so this particular pair immediately caught my eye when I previewed the new spring/summer collection. It's the type of boot that can be paired with anything, from a dress or skirt to leggings or jeans. These full grain leather boots are built for riding, and with a 2" heel and full length cushion shock lining, they are also comfortable for trekking around the city. 

Harley-Davidson's performance boots have been infusing more hardware such as metal studs, and buckle accents for an edgy look. Some other new performance styles include the Chryse and Ashana boots. I've just gotten a glimpse at some of the new Harley-Davidson performance and lifestyle boots for fall and I can't wait! More hardware and weathered leathers to look forward to!

Tunic: Helmut Lang

Dress: David Lerner

Earrings/Necklace: Rebecca Minkoff

Sunglasses: Daisy Fuentes for Kohl's

Shoes: Harley-Davidson Footwear

Photos by Bri Weling

- Kim Weling

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Spring Collection

A few weeks ago, Birchbloggers attended an exclusive Birchbox event to preview the Cynthia Rowley Beauty Spring Collection. The new collection consists of Eyeshadow Palette - No. 2 ($24), Eyeliners ($16) in Sky Blue, Black, Violet, Charcoal and Silver, Creamy Lip Stains ($20) in Sugar, Tulip and Valentine and a Confetti Neoprene Bag ($20).

During the event, Birchbloggers enjoyed makeup touchups, Prosecco and candy, and chatted with Birchbox co-founder Hayley Barna. Each Birchblogger received a Cynthia Rowley Beauty Collection to review on their blog. 

Cynthia Rowley Beauty's Eyeshadow Palette - No. 2 consists of five candy-inspired shades - Cotton Candy, Licorice, Confetti, Cloud and Marshmallow, inspired by the makeup looks from Cynthia Rowley's Spring 2014 collection. The mix of pastel pinks, purples and neutrals is great for a daytime look, or creating a smoky eye for the evening with the Licorice shade. 

My favorite product from the Cynthia Rowley Beauty Spring Collection is the eyeliner! The creamy liners just go on velvety-smooth, don't smudge and stays on all day. Usually I stick with a classic black eyeliner but I love the boldness of Sky Blue, as it really makes my eyes pop, especially if I apply a thicker line. It's also easy to create a smoky eye when you smudge your lash line. 

Usually I stay away from lip stains because they tend to dry out my lips, but I absolutely love Cynthia Rowley Beauty's lip stains because they provide the moisture and shine of a gloss, yet stay on like a stain. I like to reapply for a more pigmented lip.

- Kim Weling

Food Fete Health & Wellness Roundup - Spring 2014

Here are highlights from last month's Food Fete Health & Wellness event, with some new food favorites to lookout for at the grocery store. At the top of my list are Mamma Chia vitality beverages and Chia Squeeze snacks. In fact, I can't stop by Whole Foods without picking up a few bottles of the vitality beverages. They are available in nine varieties - Blackberry Hibiscus, Cherry Lime, Coconut Mango, Cranberry Lemonade, Grapefruit Ginger, Guava Mamma, Kiwi Lime, Pomegranate Mint and Raspberry Passion, with 2,500 mg of Omega-3, 6g of fiber, 4g complete protein and lightly sweetened with only 120 calories per bottle. The Chia Squeeze snacks are available in Blackberry Bliss, Mango Coconut, Wild Raspberry, Green Magic, Strawberry Banana and Apple Cinnamon with 1,200 mg of Omega-3, 4g of fiber, 2g complete protein in a 70-80 calorie pouch. 

Another favorite of mine is Dr. Praeger's Asian Veggie Burgers. I haven't actually picked these up yet but they were tasty when I sampled them! These would also taste great minced and mixed in a stir fry, crumbled and tossed with sesame noodles, chopped and added to tofu, or sliced and placed on a bed of vegetables.  

I also can't wait for Starbucks Customizable Iced Coffee beverages to launch! The Starbucks Customizable Lightly Sweetened, Unsweetened and Caramel Iced Coffee beverages will be located in the chilled section at major grocery stores nationwide by August 2014 (suggested retail: $4.99). It is made from 100 percent arabica coffee beans and ranges from 10 to 60 calories per fl. oz. serving. These beverages are perfect for tailoring to your own tastes and preferences at home. 

Mamma Chia vitality beverages

Mamma Chia - Chia Squeeze

Barbara's organic cereals

Enjoy Life Foods

Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods - Black Bean Burgers and Kale and Asian Veggie Burgers

Krusteaz

Arnold, Brownberry and Oroweat Premium Breads

think Thin

Step One Foods

BelGioioso Fresh Mozzarella Snacking Cheese

Stonyfield Organic 

So Delicious Dairy Free - love it all! From Cococcino and Coco Whip to Pumpkin Spice and Nog Coconut Milk

Starbucks Customizable Iced Coffee 

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods

- Kim Weling

Glitterrings Spring 2014

Glitterrings is all about numerology, layering and stacking this spring! The Numbers Collection Numerology Necklace ($28) features a personal number derived from the day of the month you were born, giving insight into your individual character and personality. The number's unique characteristic is inscribed on the back of each number pendant. I'm an 8, with a "Strong" characteristic, so I'm authoritative, conservative, strong willed, builder and have executive ability. These necklaces can be layered by factoring in your other numerology numbers or wearing your lucky number. 

The Double the Love - Gold Necklace Bracelet Combo ($25) and Hope & Hope - Set of 2 Necklaces ($25) in script with Austrian crystals make a great gift sets and are easy to layer with. 

On The Edge Earrings ($28) is perfect for a rocker chic look, and includes a set of six stud earrings featuring a crystal cross, crystal lightening bolt and a crystal studded skull. 

Glitterrings carries an assortment of adjustable rings such as an infinity, snake or birdie ring at just $8 each individually or 5 for $25. There's also a Set of 5 Stackable Rings that includes 4 adjustable rings and 1 regular fashion ring. 

- Kim Weling

Illamasqua Spring 2014 Glamore Collection

One of my favorite collections to launch this spring is Illamasqua's Glamore Collection! Last month I stopped over at Bloomingdale's 59th Street and met with Illamasqua's International Trainer Artist Ross Andrewartha to preview the new Satin Finish Glamore Lipstick ($26) and Shattered Star Nails ($17). 

I'm ecstatic over these new lipsticks in vibrant shades of Soaked (vibrant orange), Glissade (bold pink) and Luster (candy pink). These colour intense lipsticks have a long lasting satin finish formula, keeping your lips hydrated and moisturized. Glissade is my go-to shade this season and it stays on all day long!

Shattered Star Nails features three shattered shades of Trilliant (champagne), Marquise (orange) and Fire Rose (pink) in a multi-dimensional glitter finish.

Ross also introduced me to the Eye Brow Cake and Angled Brush for sharpening brows and framing the face. This can be applied dry for soft definition or mixed with water for a sharp shape.

Illamasqua's must-have products for a flawless base include Hydra Veil ($48) to prime, Skin Base Lift ($24) for lifting and illuminating and Skin Base Foundation ($42) for perfecting. Hydra Veil has a rehydrating gel formula for a long-lasting, radiant finish. Skin Base Lift brightening concealer is available in 6 shades, infused with warm peach tones to flatter every skin tone. It blends easily, corrects uneven pigmentation and lifts the eye area. For an added brightening effect, custom mix your shade with Skin base Lift in White Light. Skin Base Foundation smoothes and softens and is easily blendable.

You can find Illamasqua at illamasqua.com, bloomingdales.com and sephora.com.

- Kim Weling

Spring 2014 Favorites From Jennifer Lopez Collection at Kohl's

Get ready to take on spring/summer with the Jennifer Lopez Collection at Kohl's. This season, mint green continues to be a favorite, on-trend color of mine along with snakeskin prints and sequin shorts. The Chiffon Drop-Tail Hem Top - Petite (on sale for $17.60), Snakeskin Contrast Infinity Scarf in Blue (on sale for $21.00) and Sequin Shorts (on sale for $24.00) create a youthful and fun, glamorous look for an evening out, especially when paired with Embellished High Heels (on sale for $49.99) with metallic and rhinestone accents, JLove by Jennifer Lopez 10K Gold 1/7-ct. T.W. Diamond Wings Necklace (on sale for $337.50) and Falsetto Rhinestone Aviator Sunglasses (on sale for $22.99).

- Kim Weling

LC Lauren Conrad and Rock & Republic Spring 2014 Favorites at Kohl's

LC Lauren Conrad Spring 2014 at Kohl's features pleating, 3/4-length sleeves, peplum hems, polka dots, and bow accents and prints. Key pieces from LC Lauren Conrad include the Bow Pintuck Top (on sale for $32.99), Polka-Dot Chiffon Blouse (on sale for $32.99), Bow Pleated Shorts (on sale for $36.99) and these Ankle Booties (on sale for $31.99).

For LC Lauren Conrad jewelry, you'll find adjustable bracelets fit for layering, like the Elephant Woven Bracelet (on sale for $7.70), Teardrop Slipknot Bracelet (on sale for $5.60) and Bar Woven Bracelet (on sale for $7.70). These pieces are all under $10, including the Heart & Skull Stud Earring Set (on sale for $9.10) and the Arrow Ring (on sale for $7.80).

Rock & Republic Spring 2014 at Kohl's features edgy tops with studded details, nailhead accents, leopard prints and roll-tab sleeves. Favorites include the Embellished Bib Shirt (on sale for $26.40), Studded Tee, (on sale for $26.40), Roll-Tab Twill Shirt (on sale for $28.80) and Leopard Chiffon Shirt ($24.00) and French Terry Sweatshirt (on sale for $30.00). My Rock & Republic shoe picks this season include the Chop-Out High Heel Ankle Booties (on sale for $35.99) and Cutout High Heel Ankle Booties (on sale for $43.97). I'm all metal accents, zippers, buckles and lace-ups on booties!

- Kim Weling

IT Cosmetics Spring 2014 Preview and Beauty Must-Haves

I recently enjoyed brunch with fellow beauty editors at Serafina, as we learned about the newest, innovative beauty products from IT Cosmetics Spring 2014. This is the first time I'm really trying several different IT Cosmetics products, and I'm just in awe at how unique their products really are. 

Here's a round-up of new IT Cosmetics beauty products I previewed during the brunch:

Feel The Moment™ Anti-Aging Ultra Hydrating Sensory Awakening Primer Serum ($38): Another amazing product that can be used before or after a moisturizer and before applying makeup, for perfectly poreless, ultra-hydrated, airbrushed skin. This primer serum can also be worn over your daily moisturizer or after applying a night cream for maximum results.  With essential oils, it really does feel like a soothing spa experience in a bottle. Caviar Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides and Silk all work to nourish, hydrate, prep and prime the skin, whule Vitamins A, C & E, Deep Ocean Water, Argan, Jojoba and Avocado Oil infusions leave the skin soft and younger looking.

Your Skin, But Better™ CC+ Cream + Anti-Aging Hydrating Serum + SPF 50+ UVA/UVB Physical Only Sunscreen ($38): I use this CC+ Full Coverage Cream in place of foundation, and love that it increases hydration in my skin, has a SPF 50+ non-chemical sunscreen and anti-aging Peptides, Niacin, Algae, Vitamins A, C, B, E, Hyaluronic Acid and Hydrolyzed Collagen as well as antioxidants and natural botanicals. The CC+ Full Coverage Cream is available in five shades - Fair, Light, Medium, Tan and Rich. The Medium blends in perfectly for me!

Eyelift in a Tube™ Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer / Hello Light™ Liquid Brightener ($29): The IT Cosmetics product I've been most familiar with is the Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer so I was super excited to see this combined a luminizer. I definitely need 8 hours of sleep in a tube, since I actually usually get half that amount and concealing dark circles and tired eyes are main concerns of mine. Eyelift In A Tube is formulated with Hydrolyzed Collagen, Peptides, Niacin, Antioxidants and Drops of Light Technology™ for a flawless radiant complexion. This is one product I can't live without. Bye Bye Under Eye is available in 4 Shades - Light, Neutral Medium, Tan and Rich while Hello Light™ Liquid Brightener comes in 2 shades - Medium and Deep. The Neutral Medium/Medium combo is perfect for me. 

Celebration Foundation™ Illumination Full-Coverage Anti-Aging Illuminating Foundation ($35): This pressed powder is best applied with the Heavenly Luxe™ Double Airbrush Foundation Brush, sweeping skin lightly with a circular motion. My T-Zone usually gets oily as the day progresses so I like to start the day with the CC+ Coverage Cream and use this pressed powder foundation for touchups. It's formulated with high quality ingredients that leave skin fresh and hydrated and never dry or cakey. Available in Fair, Light, Medium, Tan and Rich. 

Naturally Pretty Matte Luxe Transforming Eyeshadow Palette ($42): This beautiful palette contains 14 matte eye shadows that can take you from day to night. I love how the Transforming Pearl shade turns matte shades into softly pearlized ones, by dipping your brush into a matte shade and then tapping it into the Transforming Pearl shade. This is such a versatile palette - it can be applied wet or dry, worn alone or mixed and also doubles as eye liners. These eye shadows also include anti-aging ingredients including Peptides, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Acai, Green Tea, Silk and Antioxidants. 

No-Tug™ Heavenly Luxe Dual Shadow Brush ($24): IT Cosmetics make-up brushes are just beautiful and extremely soft. This shadow, crease and smudge liner brush create an airbrushed look. The large flat side is used for applying all over shadow and lid application. To use as a "no-tug™" crease brush, just turn the large end sideways using back-and-forth windshield wiper motions. The smaller smudge brush is used for below your lash line 

Liner Love™ Waterproof Anti-Aging Crème Gel Eyeliner with No-Tug® Technology and Lash Enhancing Peptide Serum ($24): This crème gel glides on smoothly and effortlessly. It's easy to apply the gel eyeliner along the upper, lower or inner lash line, from a natural line to a smudging smokey eye, when using the Heavenly Luxe® Ten-in-One Tightliner™ Brush. 

Tightliner™ 10-in-1 Dual-Ended Brush ($24): This is by far my favorite brush, with a Tightlining End and a Bent Liner End. Makes applying eyeliner easy, with a precise, firm, even stroke. This brush duo also comes with a cheat sheet on how to create 10 looks - naturally defined, elongated eye, winged tip, wrap around smudging, cat-eye, bottom lined, inner rim wide eyed, top line definition, double-winged top & bottom and smoky eye. 

Waterproof Tightline Full Lash Line & Length Black Mascara Primer with Peptides, Collagen, Proteins, Biotin, Nettle Extract, Green Tea and Jojoba ($24): The skinny wand makes it easy to allows you to coat the root of your lashes, by holding the wand horizontally and then wiggling and sweeping to the tips, adding additional coats for a more dramatic look. To achieve more of a visible eyeliner effect, I press the wand along the root of my lashes to fill the gaps in between my lashes and move along the entire upper lash line for a Tightline eyeliner effect. This multi-tasking product provides the ultimate length, volume and definition, filling in any sparse spots. The skinny wand allows the conditioning serum to infuse a blend of lash-enhancing ingredients including Peptides, Collagen, Proteins, Biotin, Nettle Extract, Green Tea, Jojoba, Rose and Vitamins. Available in Black. 

CC+™ Liquid Lip Serum Hydrating Anti-Aging Color Correcting Crème Gloss ($24): If it's one product I make sure I am always carrying in my bag now, it's this one! I can't say I've ever owned a beauty product such as this one - a plush and super hydrating serum with radiant color (available in one shade - Love). It acts as a serum but goes on like a gloss, without being sticky, runny or cakey. I've been using this daily and the color correcting rich pigment minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and it really does add shine and keeps my lips hydrated. Ingredients include 9 essential oils and butters such as plum oil, cherry oil, shea butter, avocado oil, argan oil, and jojoba plus collagen, peptides and hyaluronic acid. 

Vitality Lip Blush™ Hydrating Gloss Stain ($24): This gloss stain glides on like a lightweight serum, similar to the CC+™ Liquid Lip Serum Hydrating Anti-Aging Color Correcting Crème Gloss, complete with anti-aging oxidants. Available in 6 shades. I love both the Naturally Flushed and Sweet Rose shades. They had just the right amount of color to my lips and perfect for day or night.

I'm really excited to add IT Cosmetics full-coverage anti-aging products to my makeup routine. It is interesting to note that many of IT Cosmetics products are developed with leading plastic surgeons, with products that are the first of its kind. IT Cosmetics is available at ITCosmetics.com, ULTA Beauty stores, ULTA.com. You can also find select products at QVC and QVC.com and The Shopping Channel & theshoppingchannel.com in Canada. 

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes at Serafina

- Kim Weling