The Makeup Show NYC 2022

Nick Lujan, Director of Artistry and Education at Kevyn Aucoin Beauty

 One of my favorite shows I look forward to each year is The Makeup Show NYC! This year it took place May 1-2 at the Metropolitan Pavilion. It is the perfect place to check out the demos for some inspiration, attend artistry classes and pickup some tips and techniques, and walk the show floor to see new product launches, see your favorite brands and explore new ones,  and pickup must-have beauty items you may need for your kit or just for your own personal use! 

The best part of buying product at The Makeup Show are the discounts, gifts with purchase and show exclusives! My advice, know in advance who the exhibitors are and have a checklist of who you want to visit and what products/shades you need. Even though I always have a list, there's always more there that catches my eye! Every year at the show I learn new things and meet new people, but it's also a reunion and great to see familiar faces! Here's a look at this year's show highlights!

Kevin James Bennett, Educator & Industry Expert

Model, Danessa Myricks Stage

Ada Lip Beauty with lipsticks pigmented from vegetables such as beets, radishes and chili peppers

SUVA Beauty intensely pigmented UV Primaries Hydra FX Palette

TZOL'SKIN Lluvia 72 Hr. Moisturizer

Love the entire line, including the Youth Igniter Eye Gel!

B3 Balm

MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Undetectable Longwear Foundation 

MAKE UP FOR EVER has been my go-to for foundation for years!

CōTZ Face Prime & Protect mineral sunscreen with SPF 40

Jones Road Beauty What The Foundation Tinted Moisturizer Balm

Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner, Tropical Lemon Scent

Rebels & Outlaws Sacred Ceremony candles with different fragrances, herbs and crystals

Baseblue Cosmetics - Framed art that doubles as a palette 

Beautélanin Skincare Golden Honey Micellar Cleansing Oil

Narené Beauty Magnificent Matte Lipstick

Beauty Creations x Luis Torres Beauty Palette

NUDESTIX Tinted Cover Skin Tint Foundation

- Kim Weling

Recap: Design on a Dime NYC 2022

Jordan Hilton Interiors

So exciting to See Design on a Dime benefit back for its 17th year, April 20-23, 2022! Last year there was a limited amount of vignettes spread out across the Housing Works store locations in NYC but this year it was back at the Metropolitan Pavilion. It's always inspiring to see what the designers come up and then be able to shop their vignettes during the event! Proceeds from Design on a Dime fund Housing Works' groundbreaking programs and lifesaving services for New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS including housing, healthcare, and a supportive community.

Here's are some highlights of my favorite designer vignettes.

Check out the reel here

Elissa Grayer Interior Design

Anjali Pollack Design

Get Decorated

The Rath Project

Peter Sandel Design

Young Huh Interior Design

Brittany Marom Interior Design

KD Reid

Josh Minter Design

Katie Lydon Interiors

- Kim Weling

IV Vitamin Therapy Session at Drip Medi Spa

Are you familiar with IV vitamin therapy? I'm here to break it down for you! I recently booked an IV vitamin therapy session at Drip Medi Spa (2011 Lemoine Avenue, #201), Fort Lee, NJ and couldn't wait to share my experience, as I know several people who were considering trying this out. 

For my visit, I made my way to the Drip Lounge, where you can choose your spot for the next 45-6o minutes. As I got comfortable, Sarah, Lead Nurse Injector & Manager, created a special 'IV Cocktail' with really high doses of Vitamin C and Zinc to ramp up your immune system, B Vitamins - B12, B-Complex, B5, B6 for lots of energy, Magnesium for your muscles and Tri-amino acids for brain function and stimulation. This mix of vitamins was just what I needed!

Before injecting my 'IV Cocktail' into my IV bag to start my drip, Sarah painlessly hooked me up to the IV with just a little needle prick. I can tell you right now I cringe at the sight of needles, and always look away whether it's a shot of getting my blood drawn. I was pleasantly surprised at what an easy experience this was. Sarah had also previously worked in an ER which explains how she did this so effortlessly and immediately put me at ease.

Once my drip started, I was all set with water and and a large TV screen to watch Netflix (in which I finally started watching Love is Blind - highly recommend)! I did get a fruity pebbles taste in my mouth from the drip (perfectly normal) and I just continued to take sips of water during my session. My drip session was about 50-55 minutes long, and it was very relaxing, just as if I was watching TV at home. Towards the last 10 minutes of my drip I started to feel like I really needed to use the bathroom, and I ran to there as soon as my session was done. A few tips: wear a short sleeve or sleeveless top, or long sleeves that you can easily roll up and use the bathroom before your session starts because you will definitely need to use it after. Also, make sure you are close to a bathroom for the rest of the afternoon, as I was peeing every 15-30 minutes. 

How did the IV vitamin therapy make me feel? So this was my second session I've ever experienced, with my first experience at a fashion week lounge two years ago. That first time I tried it, I felt energized right away. This time I felt vitalized gradually within the next few hours. I really found this session to be effective for me because I am always dehydrated and immediately felt rehydrated after my session. I also do not get a lot of sleep (usually 4-5 hours per night) which combined with stress takes a toll on my immune system. I had very low level energy before my session and afterwards I felt like I had gotten all the rest and vitamins I needed to tackle the rest of the week, and the travel show I had attended that afternoon. This revitalized and energized feeling lasts about 7-10 days, and really kept me focused on staying hydrated as I wanted to keep the momentum going as long as possible. 

Drip Medi Spa also has various 'IV Cocktails' on their drip vitamin therapy menu, including Elevate, Fuel, Beauty and Reset. There may be many reasons why you would seek out IV vitamin therapy - maybe you are like me where you don't get enough sleep or drink enough water, or you may not regularly take vitamins, or you feel like your getting sick and just need that extra immunity boost. 

I want to thank Nena Kallopoulos, Owner and Lead Medical Provider, and the entire Drip Medi Spa staff for having me and making my IV vitamin therapy session a great and relaxing experience. I felt very welcomed, and appreciated all the care throughout my session. The team also kept checking on me to see if I needed anything and to make sure I was feeling okay. I would love to go back to Drip Medi Spa for a future session and IV vitamin therapy is definitely something I would recommend trying. I hadn't thought about it at the time but if this is something that is covered through FSA or HSA benefits that would be great news!

Drip Medi Spa also has cosmetic, facial and beauty treatments available. You can learn more about them at dripmedispa.com. Checkout my iv vitamin therapy session reel here. 

- Kim Weling

5 Ways to Change Your Life Around

How many of you are stuck in the grind? The constant to-do list and the never-ending circle of waking up early, going to work, coming home to make dinner, and then doing it all over again? Are the weekends too short and do you feel like you can never catch up on stress and sleep? I know how you feel. If you feel like this, it’s time to change up your life and intentionally make it better! Here are 5 ways to change your life around for the better:

Put an emphasis on your wellness

Life doesn’t slow down for us and unfortunately, we are not getting any younger. While this is not a bad thing, it also means that how we treat our body throughout the years, is going to directly translate into how we feel now and in the future, as well. When you were younger, you probably did not care much about your health and wellness at all. That’s okay and pretty normal for the average person. The good news? You have the ability to change it - to change how you take care of your body now, so that you can start feeling better and continue feeling great for years to come. When it comes to health and wellness, I truly believe that preventative care is more affordable, better for you, and it keeps you feeling as great as you possibly can for years to come.

If you want to change your life around, start with your wellness. There are so many things that you can do to improve your health and wellness - and a lot of things are free! Drink more water, start walking around the block or in a park, meet up with friends and talk, garden, add more vegetables into your diet, switch to higher quality protein, and more. These are just a few ideas - you figure out what you can do individually to put an emphasis on your health and wellness.

Choose to see the good

You have a choice every single day - to focus on the good, or to focus on the negatives in your life. While focusing on the negatives might be easier, what does it really do, other than make you feel down? Does it benefit you at all, to focus on the negative? No, I don’t think so. You have to try to focus on the good - even in the worst of situations. It’s called the glass half full perspective and it makes a huge difference in your mood, your overall happiness and life, and in the people around you, as well.

Take a risk

One of the best ways to change your life around? Take a risk - even a big one. Sometimes, changing your life around means getting out of your comfort zone, which can be tough, but also so good for you. And keep in mind: you don’t have to do it alone. Have friends and family members there to support you, or if you need extra help, hire it out. For example, if your “risk” is moving to new city, like moving from NJ to NY, hire help. Trust me - you’ll be glad you did not tackle it alone. There are plenty of great moving companies out there that can take the stress off your plate. Bluebell Relocation Services is one that focuses on NJ to NY moving, but they also do so much more like packing services, moving within each city, commercial moving, fragile item moving, and more.

Taking a risk - no matter what it is - has the potential to be life changing, in a GREAT way! Get out of your comfort zone and push yourself to do great things, that will make you happier.

Evaluate how you are spending your time

This is a big one - evaluate how you are spending your time. In the scheme of things, our lives go by in a blink of an eye. Do you want to spend hours each day in a daze, scrolling through your Instagram, or would you prefer to spend it with your friends and family, doing the things you love? I don’t know about you, but I want to make the most out of each day. If you feel the same way, consider evaluating your time. A good starting place is your phone: there is a way to see exactly how many minutes or hours you are on it each day, and it even breaks it down into what apps you are using. You could also keep a running list of how your day and time is spent. Do this for a week or two and then go over it and see what you can do to use your time more wisely + improve your happiness. Every person will be different and maybe TV time is one of your biggest priorities. If so, make sure you are getting that in! But, if you are someone who values more connection with family and friends, or outdoor time, evaluate your time and then see how you can add even more of that connection in.

Love the people you are around

This is another big one: love the people you are around hard. So many people have to learn this the hard way, but if you haven’t learned this lesson in life yet, hear me out. There is no guarantee of tomorrow. I know that we are all so busy and life gets the best of us sometimes, but your people (and yourself) should come above everything else. Live life with no regrets and love your people hard. 

iPhone Case Holiday Gift Guide 2021

With the recent launch of the iPhone 13 series and many people upgrading their phones, now is the perfect time to gift a new iPhone case, or start the new year off with a new case for yourself. Here are a few of my favorite fashionable and functional cases. 

The Pretty Connected Belle Pearl Chain + iPhone Case is the perfect gift for the fashionista. This clear case is paired with a pearl chain (the pearl chain can also be purchased on its own), and can also be swapped out worn with other Pretty Connected silver, mermaid or gold chain straps, including the KESHA x PC Yin Yang Braided Multi-Use Necklace to Mask Chain. This case is perfect to carry or wear on your wrist when you don't have a purse or pockets to store your phone. It's not only an accessory for your phone, but for your entire outfit!

Who needs a wallet when you have the Mujjo Full Leather Wallet Case! This phone case and wallet in one is made with high-quality full-grain vegetable tanned leather and a luxurious Japanese microfiber lining. The leather pocket on the back is designed to hold 2-3 cards, just enough for everything you need on the go:  license, bank or credit card and a metro card. The back pocket is beautifully stitched, and the buttons are full covered in leather. I can't wait to see how this cases ages, as the leather will develop a unique patina and transition from tan to a deep, dark amber. Since I have the iPhone 12 Pro, this case is also available in Black, Slate Green and Monaco blue. For the iPhone 13 series, it is available in Black and Monaco Blue. 

The Purity "Chlorite Ring" iPhone Case, named after the mineral, is a for the fashionista that loves both color and marble for this unique design, with the ring attached. They make a variety of stylish cases that caught my eye but this one is my favorite.

- Kim Weling

Accessories Council Holiday Gift Picks 2021

With the holidays in full swing, these are my top Accessories Council gift picks this season, for you or your loved ones, with jewelry picks under $100. All these gifts are available online to help you avoid the crowds and save time having to shop in-store.

Ashley Wahler The Gold Collection Golden Girls, $42 (on sale for $33.60)

The Gold Collection by Ashley Wahler has all the right accessories to get you glam this holiday season, including the Golden Girls accessory, which is perfect for dressing up your ponytail.

Akola Jasmine Heart Charm Bracelet, $98

Akola jewelry is handcrafted in Uganda, creating jobs and transforming the lives of families and communities. Their jewelry ranges from stretch, unlock-it, cuff and bangle bracelets to earrings and necklaces. One of my favorite pieces is the Jasmine Heart Charm Bracelet, made with a hand-carved, heart-shaped horn charm and recycled glass beads from Ghana.

Pura Vida "The Jetsetter Pack" by The Blonde Abroad, $45

Pura Vida, founded in Costa Rica, makes handmade accessories and helps provide full-time jobs for artisans worldwide. One of my favorites from Pure Vida is "The Jetsetter Pack" designed exclusively by travel blogger @theblondeabroad. The pack features a stack of five bracelets in grey, blush and rose gold, including travel-inspired charms. 

Adina's Jewels Baby Figaro Necklace, $50

Adina's Jewels include trendy pieces such as charm and chain necklaces, pendants, chokers and more, all great for layering together. Two of my top picks for layering is the Baby Figaro Necklace, in gold plated sterling silver, and the Double Sided Herringbone Necklace.

Big Lovie Dream collection blanket, $129

Big Lovie's products are created with inspiring messages that encourage, appreciate and celebrate. The Dream collection blanket is soft and cozy in charcoal gray and black, with the name BIG LOViE on the edge of the blanket, with an imprinted label that says "big HEARTED, FUN LOVING, SOULFUL & KIND."

- Kim Weling

Celebrating our Anniversary at The Beer Spa

For our second anniversary, Dan and I celebrated at The Beer Spa in Denver, and I couldn't think of a more relaxing and unique experience. 

To celebrate our anniversary, we went with the Date Night Package ($219), which included 90-minute access to our Beer Therapy Room, complete with a beer bath, infrared sauna and rain shower. I purposely didn't look at the setup of the room on social media as I really wanted to be surprised and absolutely loved how they decorated the room. It was such a romantic setup with the "Happy Anniversary" banner, candles, rose petals, gourmet chocolates from Temper Denver and a charcuterie box. Also included was a $30 shared beverage credit for the both of us. 

When we checked in for our appt, we actually started with a craft beer tasting in the taproom. There were some interesting, locally brewed beers, with my favorites being Cucumber Lemon for a spa vibe and Gingerbread Dunkle, but ultimately we were hooked on the Stem Cider Off-Dry Apple Cider. After we poured the cider into our tumblers, we were ready for a tour of our Beer Therapy Room. 

We spent 20 minutes in the infrared sauna, and to my amazement, our ciders stayed cold in our tumblers. I was also surprised to learn that just one 30-minute infrared sauna session can burn up to 600 calories, which is equivalent to running 2-3 miles! After our sauna session we each had a quick cold shower, and then enjoyed our therapeutic herbal bath, packed with vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants. There were even designated cubes on the wall to keep our tumblers safe and reachable. 

Our beer bath blend included Cascade Hops and Two Row Malt from Great Divide's American Lager plus aromatic allspice, which soothes sore muscles and increases blood circulation. We also threw in the CBD bath bomb by Color Up, for an extra relaxing experience. The mini beauty bar was a nice touch! Similar to a hotel mini bar, there are beauty items that are for purchase once opened. The other beauty bar items included a beer hair mask, hop beard oil and beer body lotion by The Beer Spa, and a CBD Face Mask by Color Up. 

Our beer bath started to automatically drain after 70 minutes, which left us with 20 minutes left to quickly shower and leave the room with all our stuff. You will absolutely love The Beer Spa's beer shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. They are all amazing products with unique scents, which they just changed up for the fall/winter season.

We lounged for a few minutes in our robes with our tumblers in a quiet spot, and then we got dressed and headed into the space-themed Relaxation Lounge for our zero gravity massages. Out of all the massage chairs I have ever tried out, these are by far the best ones! It really made me wish I had one of these at home. The chair customizes your massage by scanning your shape, size and acupressure points, and then tilts you back into a zero gravity position. This chair applies just the right pressure for a full-body deep tissue massage. It was so easy to relax, I couldn't believe how quickly 30 minutes went by! 

After our massages, we went back to the taproom to lounge for a bit and finish our cider. Before leaving, I also checked additional products from The Beer Spa including their signature candle infused with cedarwood, chestnut and vanilla notes and their bourbon barrel-Aged Stout body soap, with a blend of dark stout, bourbon, cocoa, and oak (smells amazing!).  

The Beer Spa just opened in February of this year, so it is less than a year old. We definitely can't wait to come back for a date night in the taproom followed by massages. Thank you to Jessica and Damien for having us, and thank you Rhiannon walking us through everything! You can learn all about The Beer Spa at www.thebeerspa.com. Along with images from The Beer Spa, I included an Instagram reel of my experience.

- Kim Weling