Spanx Spring/Summer 2010

If you love wearing SPANX tights, you'll love these new SPANX products for spring/summer:

Skinny Britches - These ultra-light, sheer mesh hipsters ($32) and shorts ($42) firms tummy and hips and come in Black and Nude, along with an assortment of fun colors such as Hot Pink, Teal Gauze, Gloss, Grape, and Spanx Red. You can layer different colors together and choose your level of compression - wear one to slim, two to shape and three to transform. The laser-cut leeg and edges eliminate pinching, binding and bulging. This is my new favorite Spanx product - they are thin and comfortable!

Skinny Britches Hipster (left) and Short (right)

Simplicity - there are several products in the Simplicity collection, including the lingerie strap-slip ($72), high waisted shaper ($68), v-neck ($46), open-bust ($44) and lingerie strap camisole ($46), scoop neck cami ($44) and shaper ($52), half slip ($52) and girl short ($46).

I've tried the scoop neck cami ($44), which is definitely easier to put on if you step into it rather than putting it on over your head. Single-layer compression firms the tummy and love handles and the neck features darts that release compression and flatter bustline. The back has full coverage for additional support. The cami has an inside print (mine has a camouflage print, but also comes in zebra, stripe and mosaic prints). Cool and breathable, you can definitely feel this cami sucking it all in!

Simplicity Scoop Neck Cami

Higher Power Brief - This all-cotton panty ($36) slims the waist and flattens tummy, while allowing you to wear shorter hemlines without worrying about shapewear peeking out. The full coverage panty provides maximum comfort and breathability. The soft waistband sits just under the bra line for a comfortable, secure fit.

- Kim Weling

Higher Power Brief

Yana Handbags Fall/Holiday 2010 Collection

This month I attended the Fall/Holiday preview of Yana Handbags, who have partnered with Office Tramp Jewelry to create environmentally friendly handbags called The Muse Collection.

These luxe waist bags and clutches are accessorized with fringes, chains and vintage inspired roses that can be detached and worn as brooches, bracelets or necklaces. Each bag features luxurious details such as 18k gold plated hardware, Yana's signature doorknocker and hand-sewn jewelry embellishments by Office Tramp Jewelry.

All handbags are made with re-purposed leather and vegetable dyed skins. The Muse Collection epitomizes opulence through its bold style. These bags are perfect for a night out, especially with the versatility of wearing the straps as a layered necklace.

My favorite pieces in the collection are the black/gold and galactic blue metallic quilted lambskin bags, as well as the soft pale pink snakeskin bag.

You can shop Yana handbags at yanahandbags.com and at select retailer/boutique locations listed on their website.

- Kim Weling

Sprayology - Homeopathic and Vitamin Oral Sprays

Are you not fond of taking vitamins or pills? You may instead want to opt for Sprayology - herb, vitamin, and mineral based oral sprays. I first learned of Sprayology at a Spa Week kickoff event at The Westin Hotel in April. I tried the C + Z vitamin oral spray/dietary supplement right then and there and wanted to try these sprays out long term.

The sweet C + Z spray enhances your immune system and tastes even better and than those chewable vitamin C tablets. But like vitamins, in order for it to be effective you must spray as scheduled. For this particular spray you must spray it a total of 10 times per day under your tongue (while holding it for 20 seconds before swallowing) - 5 sprays in the morning and 5 sprays in the evening. I've been taking this spray for a little over a month now and I must admit I did get lazy with spraying it for a few days and what happens? I get sick! So now I am making sure I am back to consistently using the spray. I really think it has helped my immune system and have noticed a difference when I started spraying it and when I momentarily stopped.

The C + Z spray ingredients include Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate and Ascorbic Acid), 60 mg, Sodium (Sodium Ascorbate), 6mg and Zinc (Zinc Gluconate), 15mg, as well as purified water, fructose, glycerin, citric acid, apricot flavor and potassium sorbate.

I am also currently taking the Brain Power homeopathic spray, which is supposed to help relieve the symptoms of an unfocused or tired mind, including short-term memory lapses, confused thinking, difficulty in making decisions and lack of concentration. I definitely don't get enough sleep so this is definitely a good spray for me to use.

There are so many other sprays Sprayology offers that can just about tailor to anyone's needs - B-12 + Folic Acid (which I definitely want to try next since I am low on B-12), AllergEase (have a friend that is taking this and says it absolutely works for her), City Life Detoxer, SleepEase, Stress Relief, TravelEase (to help relieve jet lag) and many more. There are a total of about 20 different sprays. The sprays retail at either $20 or $24.

These sprays make excellent gift ideas and stocking stuffers for the holidays, so I've already put this on my gifting list. I actually bought the C + Z spray for my mom for Mother's Day and she absolutely loved it! You can purchase Sprayology at sprayology.com.

- Kim Weling

The Makeup Show NYC 5-Year Anniversary

The 5th Annual Makeup Show took place on May 16th and 17th at the Metropolitan Pavillion in NYC. This trade-only event was open to anyone involved in the makeup industry, including makeup artists, retail artists, aestheticians, hairstylists, fashion stylists, agents and bookers and makeup, hair or aesthetics students.

This was the first time I've been to The Makeup Show. I was excited, yet completely overwhelmed with makeup everywhere, from familiar brands to ones that I wasn't aware of or never tried before.

First, I stopped over at Smashbox. Lori Taylor, pro artistry relations manager, talked about beauty tips and must-have Smashbox products.


I spoke to Geri Giangnorio of Geri G.® Cosmetics about how her Mixer Kit works. I can't wait to try it!



Body painting at MAC Pro




It was a zoo over by Make Up For Ever! It was too crowded to look around but I did make my way over to see the body painting being done.




I'm a big fan of Jane Iredale and was excited to find out that I am one of the first to try the new Beyond Matte HD Matifying Powders! It's not available yet but Jane Iredale hopes to release it soon so stay tuned! There are four shades in this palette shown here - Translucent (use on any skin), Lilac (use to brighten sallow tones), Peach (use to warm up pale skin) and Dark (use on ethnic skins or as a bronzer). Beyond Matte eliminates shine for hours, absorbs oil, lessens transference, makes skin look smoother, refines pores and increases the water resistency of their minerals. What an improvement when I used it! It does wonders in taking away shine, especially in this hot weather! I am definitely going to make sure I use this after applying foundation!


Here's a look at Jane Iredale's Artists' Eyes (right) and Artists' Eyes II matte eyeshadow palette (left).


I took a quick peek over at Stila, another one of my favorite makeup brands!




L'Oreal Paris was giving away a bag of goodies including the 24-Hour Lash Boosting Power System, Voluminous Original mascara, Studio Secrets™ Professional Magic Perfecting Base, HiP High Intensity Pigments Metallic Shadow Duos and HiP High Intensity Pigments Color Presso. I love using the HiP High Intensity Creamy Eyeshadows. I have to find that turquoise color that I spotted (seen in the center of the picture below)! I wish it was available for purchase at the show!

I've been a long time fan of Mario Badescu products. Going back to 11 years ago, I used to regularly go to their spa for my facials when I worked for Bloomingdale's, which is close to their spa. Their Drying Lotion is still one of my favorite products.


Makeup artist Marc Harvey was busy talking to attendees and airbrushing for Luminess Air. I would have loved it if he could do my makeup but it was too long of a wait!


I passed by Dinair to see some airbrushing being done, along with stencil art being applied to the face. One of the makeup artists shown below has stenciled baby leopard spots along the side of her face.


My last stop was at Temptu Pro, where they did some airbrushing on me for a natural look using their silicone-based foundation.


There were so many brands there that I also visited including Dermalogica who is launching their Ultracalming line in June, Embryolisse USA, Jao Ltd, Korres, Mai Couture - I absolutely must try their 2 in 1 oil blotting/bronzing paper, Naked Cosmetics and Obssessive Compulsive Cosmetics.

- Kim Weling

The Makeup Show NYC Blogger Preview

On May 15th, I attended The Makeup Show blogger preview. During the blogger preview, makeup artist James Vincent walked us through the latest beauty must-haves. James is the Director of Artistry for The Powder Group and On Makeup Magazine and also also oversees education for The Makeup Show New York and The Makeup Show Miami. In this video, James discusses his favorites from Crown Brush.

Kevin-James Bennett, makeup artist and on-air makeup expert on HSN for Make Up For Ever spoke about Make Up For Ever's HD blush and aqua cream. In this video, he discusses the aqua cream, which is an ultra-pigmented, long-lasting waterproof eye cream.


When I sat down for the preview, I was thrilled to see a large swag bag on my seat, filled with goodies from some of The Makeup Show's participating brands. Here are the featured brands/products that I received and can't wait to try out!

• beauty for real - Miracle Mascara (Baby Got Black) and See the light! illuminating lip gloss (D Light)
• Embryolisse Laboratoires - 30ml Lait Crème Concentre
• Eve Pearl - Kisses of Pearl Lip Gloss Combo (Moonlight Kiss/Stardust)
• Geri G.® Cosmetics - Mixer Kit
• Jao Ltd - semi-resealable 10ml Jao Hand Refreshers (Sanitizer) and container of Jao Goe Oil moisturizer
• L'Oreal Paris - 24-Hour Lash Boosting Power System (comes with 2-step mascara/lash boosting primer and lash boosting serum), Voluminous Original mascara (Blackest Black), Studio Secrets™ Professional Magic Perfecting Base, 2 HiP High Intensity Pigments Metallic Shadow Duos (Platinum and Gilded) and 2 HiP High Intensity Pigments Color Presso (Chic and Spunky)
• MakeUpMania - pack of pointed swabs, sponge and mini spray container
• Mario Badescu - great travel-sized samples of Citrus Body Cleanser, Enzyme Cleansing Gel, Seaweed Cleansing Lotion, AHA & Ceramide Moisturizer and Elasto-Seamollient Hand Cream
• Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics - Loose Colour (Wasabi), Lip Tar (Grandma) and Nail Lacquer - ultra matte, ultra flat top coat (Flatline)
• Senna - Lip Pics Brites Kit (Siren, Shiver, Mimosa, Blaze, Awake)
• Smashbox - Halo Yellow Color Correcting Hydrating Powder (I think this is supposed to come with a brush but mine didn't have one)
• Stila - One Step primecolor (Rosie Posie)
• Temptu - S/B Foundation Wheel
• Three Custom Color - 5 lip color pots

After the preview I also got some samples of Dinair airbrush foundation and eye shadow and Naked Cosmetics mineral pigments.

A big surprise was when attendees received a Luminess Air airbrush makeup machine (since I already have one, I think I may have to hold a giveaway.....stay tuned!). I'm a big fan of Luminess Air ever since they airbrushed my makeup during February Fashion Week at the Haute Look Lounge.

-Kim Weling

Votre Vu Summer 2010

Looking for new skin care products for the summer? I highly recommend Votre Vu's French luxury line, which I've been using for the past two months. I was actually first introduced to Votre Vu back in October at the KMR Girl's Night Out Event at Bruno Jamois, when I instantly became hooked on their Snapdragon Beauty Beverage, which includes mango, pomegranate and acai berry juices mixed with green, white and red teas.


Snapdragon Beauty Beverage, 2-pack, $26 or 4-pack, $42

Votre Vu makes cleansers and moisturizers for a variety of skin types - sensitive, normal to dry, troubled or mature. I've been using the Normal to Dry skin set, which includes Best Regards Lait Pour Le Visage (Anti-Aging Milk Cleanser, $29), Fleur Blanc Tonic (White Flower Toner, $25), Best Regards Crème de Jour (Day Crème, $39) and Best Regards Sérum Hydratant Pour Le Visage (Hydrating Anti-Aging Sérum, $59).


Best Regards Base Face Regimen Set, $137

The creamy milk cleanser contains sunflower seed oil as a base, blended with jojoba oil, natural essential oils and wheat ceramides. This formula regenerates, firms and moisturizes.

Another one of my favorites is the White Flower Toner. It's formulated with essential water, with a White Lily scent that I absolutely love. It supports better cell exchange by strengthening and fortifying the skin. I must admit, I usually don't use a toner as part of my skin care regimen, but it feels really refreshing.

The crème is super soft, containing active hydro-regulating, nourishing and restorative plant extracts and shea butter, along with essential oils that comfort and protect skin.

I apply 3-4 drops of the serum at night, which contains natural lactic, amino and hyaluronic acids. I just love how all of these products work together to leave my skin feeling clean, revitalized and super soft, with natural and anti-aging ingredients.

À VOTRE SANTÉ Elixir Essentiel, $29, also tops my favorite list as a must-have summer product. I keep this half-toner, half-sérum mist refrigerated, applying on the face as a cooling spritzer. I love the scent of essential fruit oils and organic peppermint. It's a refreshing booster that you can use to set your makeup or use on-the-go after hitting the gym or relaxing in the sun all day.

AMOUR D'ORE Les Vitamines Pour Vous (GOLDEN LOVE Multi-Vitamin Oil for Face, Body and Hair, $52) is ideal for use after showering or laying out in the sun. The precious oils leave skin feeling soft and smooth as it protects with Vitamin E. You can spray it on your face, arms, legs and the top of your feet. This is also a great spray for the hair for extra shine.

I am enjoying using all my Votre Vu products. I love all the anti-aging ingredients, natural oils and the fact that it doesn't dry out my skin but instead revitalizes it.

Learn more about Votre Vu products at votrevu.com.

- Kim Weling

Lipsy London U.S. Launch - Summer 2010

Bow Skirt Bustier Dress(left)
Strapless Sweetheart Dress (right)




Tiger Sequin Jersey Dress


Beaded Empire Line Maxi Dress

This heart clutch is the perfect accessory for a night out!

Sequin Cross Over Bust Dress

Jewel Waist Grecian Dress

Beaded Pocket Bustier Dress

This month I attended a tea party and preview to celebrate the Summer 2010 launch of British fashion label 'Lipsy' in the U.S. this month. Lipsy is already a favorite with U.S. celebrities and fashionistas, and is now available in select Bloomingdale's stores and online at lipsy.co.uk.

Lipsy is a young British fashion brand founded in the heart of London. Lipsy's core customer is ages 16-30, yet is definitealy appealing beyond age 30. The fitted, sexy, glamorous bandeau, strapless, chiffon and drape front dresses are just what I'm looking for in a party dress.

Lipsy Summer 2010 is all about tropical colors and prints. The tiger sequin jersey dress is a really standout piece. I am all about the fit and accentuating the waist, draping and embellishments so this collection definitely suits me. I think there is a style or print that appeals to everyone in this collection. I heard accessories will also soon be available at Bloomingdale's, including purses and shoes. I can't wait! Now since I'm a size 0 and the smallest size carried is a U.S. size 2, I'll have to see how small the fit is to see if I can wear a size 2 or not. It may require a little taking in and hemming but it would be worth it to wear a piece from this collection! If you are familiar with Lipsy, definitely let me know what you think!

- Kim Weling

Learn about Lipsy London's launch in the U.S. as we discuss sizing, price points and where it's available.

Grecian Cross over Dress

Pixie embellished Bandeau Frill Dress

One Shoulder Ruffle Dress