Category Archives: Beauty

50 Shades of Red … Volume V.

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Dolls, did you think I forgot? I didn’t! Business and personal travel has left little time for blogging; but never fear, I remain committed to 50 Shades of Red.

Volume IV. found me in Sephora with a tube of Gloss Mirior ~ Extreme by Sephora in Femme Fatale in hand. Simply put, J’adore! On a scale of 1 to 5, I give this 5 red lips! red lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in white

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As I shared, I’m not a gloss girl, but I love everything about Gloss Mirior ~ Extreme by Sephora in Femme Fatale. It’s super moist, without being sticky. I didn’t have to reapply very often, and the gold flecks are to die for – just the right amount to be appropriate for the office, while able to take you into an evening soiree. This little number is a top contender for my fav red lipstick.

What’s next? ZuZu Luxe Vino de Amor Lipstick. I love that name, don’t you?! Anywho, on a recent trip to Whole Foods Market I made my way to the makeup and skin care section for some playtime. I couldn’t resist leaving without a new tube of red lipstick and selected Vino de Amor. They had me at the name.

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ZuZu Luxe is part of Gabriel Cosmetics, Inc., and is Gluten-Free and Vegan  – pretty with purpose. I love it. I’ll let you know in the next edition of 50 Shades of Red how this rates.

Until Then,

L.

Red Lipstick Chick

The Must-Haves: The “eyePad!”

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must-have \ˈməst-ˌhav\ –n

1. an essential possession: the SEPHORA+PANTONE UNIVERSE The Eye: Radiant Femme Artistry Set is the must-have for every Pretty Domestic Doll

–adj

2. essential: a must-have for your makeup kit

Ok Dolls, a little something about me. I’m always in search of a product, some type of makeup, and/or fragrance. Not necessarily what’s on trend, but what I like. Last month I decided that I needed a new eye shadow palette. I searched online and ventured to my normal beauty haunts, but to no avail. I gravitate to neutrals, but wanted to try something a little different. However, I’m “une femme d’un certain age,” and can’t walk around looking like The Joker.

Some free time on Thursday evening led me into Sephora and as soon as I entered, “ta-da,” my new eye shadow palette – +PANTONE UNIVERSE The Eye: Radiant Femme Artistry Set!

As you know, Radiant Orchid is the Pantone Color of the Year 2014, and is simply one word, pretty.

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In addition to Radiant Orchid being centered prominently on the palette, there are 24 other beautifully rich colors that will match your mood or #ootd you are rocking.

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But, the genius of this set, the case! It’s slim and light and resembles the iPad Air. Of course the case color is Radiant Orchid. I’ve coined it, “The eyePad!” You can easily slide the case in your tote without adding bulk, and voila, have makeup will travel.

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I am on travel next week for business and pleasure, and so look forward to having all my eye shadows with me in one stylish case.

Sephora and Pantone created sevaral other items in the SEPHORA+PANTONE UNIVERSE Collection – SEPHORA+PANTONE UNIVERSE The Face: Radiant Femme Artistry Set, SEPHORA+PANTONE UNIVERSE Gaze Brush Set, SEPHORA+PANTONE UNIVERSE Nail Ambrosia Trio, and SEPHORA+PANTONE UNIVERSE Radiant Rush Matte Lipstick.

Described as “petal soft or vividly intense, this limited edition collection provides a modern feminine jolt for eyes, lips, cheeks and nails.” You need this in your life for your radiantly beautiful self this spring.

Until Then,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

Image via Swept Crazy

The set

50 Shades of Red … Vol. 4

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I know Dolls, I know. I’m four days late; but trust me, as promised, I’ve transitioned to a new shade of red for Vol. 4 of 50 Shades of Red.

To recap, last month I went for a “dark days of winter” look by rocking MAC DIVA, with its complimentary Currant Lip Pencil.

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I tried to like it, I really did; but it was very severe. In the tube, it was a beautifully rich, deep burgundy, but it played really harsh on me; needed frequent reapplication, and the liner was a bit too dark. It could also be that I changed by hair style at the beginning of the year. It’s my feeling that this shade should be reserved for a sleek more polished look. I’ve been wearing natural curls. On the other hand, my husband loved it. Hmmm … Anywho, moving on.

It’s a new month and a new red. I’m not a gloss girl, but until March 17th I’ll be sporting Gloss Mirior ~ Extreme by Sephora in Femme Fatale. I picked up this little number one day for $7.00 as I was passing through. It’s super glossy, with a subtle hint of gold sparkle. We’ll see what the next month brings.

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Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic ~ #redlipstickchick

 

50 Shades of Red … Vol. 3

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Ah yes, another month has passed. 60 days of wearing nothing but red lipstick. A Doll will not be deterred. Another page turns tomorrows, and with it a new shade of red. But quickly, a recap from the last month.

If you remember, I wore L’Oreal Infallible Le Rouge Lipstick in “Target Red” ~ Tar-gee, in my world ~ with a MAC Lip Pencil in Brick. Simply put, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

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“Target Red” is the perfect shade of red, and lasts “foreva.” It has somewhat of a matte finish, which I love, but my lips still retained their moisture. This duo will definitely stay in rotation. But keeping my commitment, it’s time to move on.

In my mind, January and February are the dark days of winter. Little sun, dreary weather, just blah. I too am going dark, and will be rocking MAC DIVA, with its complimentary Currant Lip Pencil. These goodies have been sitting unused in my makeup case for a minute.

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I purchased this on a whim one day when I saw it on a Doll in the mall. She was a make-up artist, so her face was beat. I mean fab. I couldn’t resist the urge to purchase. Anyway, I’m in. Let’s go!

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

Oh Brow!

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As much as I love beauty products, I also love indulging in beauty maintenance rituals ~ mani, pedis, facials, massages and body scrubs. However, I am very particular about who performs my services. I can’t just settle for any “’round the way” stylist, aesthetician, nail technician, etc.

One thing that I am super picky about is who maintains my eyebrows. For years I was never fully satisfied with my brow service. As luck would have it, walking through Nordstrom’s earlier this year I happened upon Anastasia’s Brow Bar. I’d heard of Anastasia as the brow guru to the Big O ~ one Oprah Winfrey ~ but had no idea that I could experience Anastasia on the East Coast. I immediately made an appointment and one wax in, I was committed! The shape was perfect, and I looked as if I had a mini~lunch time “procedure.” (instant facelift, if you’re in to that type of thing.) Even better, I had six months for Anastasia to get my brows in shape just in time for my August wedding! Lacy Dodge, who performed my service, became MY Anastasia guru and my friend.

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I’ve been going around prophesying about Lacy and Anastasia for months, and then it dawned on me that I needed to share the knowledge, so I asked Lacy to serve as a Pretty Domestic guest blogger, and give us the “deets” about eyebrow maintenance and the “Anastasia Way.”

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Lacy and Tiresha of Anastasia’s Brow Bar, Nordstrom, Towson, MD
Q1. How did you arrive at Anastasia’s?

I was working at another salon and I was always referring people to Anastasia Beverly Hills products for their eyebrows over any other brand.  I did some research and found out that they had brow studios in Nordstrom, and from then on it was my mission to become a brow artist with Anastasia. It was pure luck that the position opened up right around the time that I found out about it!

Q2. You are preaching to the choir with me, but what would you tell Pretty Domestic about what makes the Anastasia method so proven and popular?

The Anastasia method is unlike any other brow waxing service.  You will not find a service like ours anywhere else.  The brow waxing service includes eyebrow measuring, waxing, tweezing, and trimming. We also diagnose any problem areas, develop a plan to improve those areas, and send you home with the proper products to fill yours brows in perfectly until the areas are perfected.

Q3. What is your number one tip for growing in perfectly shaped eyebrows?

HANDS OFF!  The best thing to do is leave your eyebrows alone.  A new shape or a fuller brow cannot be achieved unless there is hair growth to work with.  We also have an amazing brow enhancing serum to encourage more hair growth in the brow.

Q4. What products would you recommend for maintaining perfectly groomed brows?

I highly recommend a good brow brush such as the Anastasia Mini Duo Brush which has an Angled Brow Powder Applicator on one side, and a Grooming Spooley used to brush your brows on the other. Also, I would recommend a Clear or Tinted Brow Gel to keep hairs in place throughout the day.  A Clear or Tinted Brow Gel will also set your brow look so that it stays put all day.

Q5. Finally, how often do you recommend having ones eyebrows done?

Anastasia Beverly Hills recommends that a client should have their brows done every 3 weeks to maintain a perfect shape.

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More about Anastasia’s:

“Anastasia Soare is highly regarded as Hollywood’s go-to expert on balance, proportion and natural beauty through her use of innovative ingredients and techniques. Professional makeup artists, beauty editors and the biggest beauty bloggers look to the Anastasia Beverly Hills brand as the authority on brow and eye beauty.”

Anastasia’s methods are available to you within your local Nordstrom store at the Anastasia Brow Studio.  Each Brow Studio expert is trained to the highest Anastasia standards of brow excellence and is eager to create the perfect brow arch using the Anastasia method. In the studio you may enjoy perfect brow arching, brow reshaping and sculpting, and facial waxing.

–www.nordstrom.com

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Images: Instagram ~ @anastasiabeverlyhills

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

50 Shades of Red … Vol. 2

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So here we are, and as promised for the last 30 days I donned Rouge Coco Shine “Dialogue,” with Framboise Precision Lip Definer, and Levres Scintillantes Glossimer 04, all compliments of Chanel. Yep, I never deviated!

Now, for the review. On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d give this trio a 6. Why, you ask? Let me start with the positive, my lips stayed completely moist, which is extremely important given the cold weather.

However, it didn’t seem too last long. Most days I filled in my entire lip with the Framboise Precision Lip Definer, using it as a base and then applied the Rouge Coco Shine “Dialogue” directly over the lip definer. Not so bad, but even with all of that coverage, I found myself reapplying both several times daily.

One day, hoping to glam it up, I followed the same routine, but added the Levres Scintillantes Glossimer 04.  Surprisngly, I really liked the look ~ I’m generally not a gloss girl ~ and kept it for the remainder of the 30 days.

Then why the somewhat average score of a 6? I think the real issue is that I could never fully commit to the color ~  just too much pink/magenta undertone. Would I purchase Chanel again? Mais Oui! One can never fully turn one’s back on Madame Chanel; but, would be much more discriminating with my color choice.

So here we are 50 Shades of Red … Vol. 2. This month I going “low.” Over the next 30 days I’ll be rocking L’Oreal Infallible Le Rouge Lipstick in “Target” Red ~ ironically a quick purchase from said Target ~ with a MAC Lip Pencil in Brick.

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I think that I am going to like this duo! We’ll see. I’ll be back on January 17th with the “deets.”

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

Straight HAUTE!

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It’s the holidays, and if you know like I, it’s hard to get an appointment with your stylist; unless you have a “standing.” What’s a Doll to do when the invitations to holiday soirees are coming fast and furious, and the need to look fabulous is at a 10? Heck, I have four between now and Sunday! The answer, Haute Blow Dry Bar!

Haute Blow Dry Bar is the beauty brainchild of owner, Abi Frederick, and is exactly what it says, a blow dry bar.

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Haute opened in my neighborhood mid July. I drove by many times, and was intrigued by the name and the clean, minimalist aesthetic I observed through the window. Chairs at the “bar” were full, and Dolls were leaving, “bouncin’ and behavin.” Well, last week I could no longer resist.

I booked the appointment on my iPad, selecting from a drop down menu of services. Within minutes a confirmation email arrived in my inbox. Love it!

I arrived last Saturday at 9:00 a.m. The greeting from “bar” manager, Mimi, was uber friendly and my stylist was ready. Side bar: Mimi is an absolute ringer for the strikingly beautiful Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Almost eerily so. Moment of silence, she was one of my style icons.

Anyhoo, I digress. There was no wait time. They offered a Mimosa, consulted with me on how I want my hair styled, and 45 minutes later it was perfectly smooth, with just the right amount of curl. No pulling from the dryer and not too much heat from the flat iron.  I knew I’d be back.

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As I settled my bill, Mimi invited me back on Tuesday for an event they were hosting with Chanel and Lancôme. I made another appointment for three days later. This would be my test … Would I still love HBDB? Would I be as pleased the second time around?

Again, a warm greeting from Mimi, straight back to the shampoo bowl, “Would you like a glass of champagne, red or white wine, how about a slice of pizza?” Another consult, side or middle part … loose curls? The Chanel and Lancôme artists were giving makeup tips, a little Beyoncé in the background and 45 minutes later, again, I was completely satisfied.

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Following my blow dry and flat iron, Patrice from Chanel gave me a fab sultry holiday smokey eye and prior to leaving I was gifted with a little bag of treats from Chanel and Lancôme.

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As you can see Dolls, I am sold, but must manage your expectations so that I won’t nasty grams from you. Haute Blow Dry Bar is just that, a blow dry bar. You are not going there for treatments, trims and color. But, you will be perfectly coiffed and “out the door” in no time! It’s definitely my new “go-to” for a “HAUTE,” smooth and sleek or flirty and easy-breezy style.  BTW, the “bar” has purse hooks. No need to worry about where to put you tote! I love a purse hook!

For Dolls without a Haute Blow Dry Bar in your city, try Dry Bar, with locations in Arizona, California, D.C., Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and Texas.

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

50 Shades of Red

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The change in seasons from warm to cold weather, and preparations for the holidays always find me putting away my NARS Orgasm Gloss and reaching for one of a dozen shades of red lipstick I own. There’s nothing like a sleek ponytail (or bun for those that know me), a black turtleneck, a pair of Jackie O style sunglasses and the perfect red lipstick, as you venture out to face the world on a crisp winter morning.

The operative word here is “perfect.” I suppose perfect is relative to your taste, but for me the perfect shade of red can’t have too much of an orange or fuchsia undertone. I prefer a deep, what I call “true red,” with cool undertones.

I have too many tubes that I’ve worn only once or twice, but a Doll needs to commit. So over the next year, I commit to a red a month. Yes, I have that many! Each month I will select a red lipstick, gloss or stain in my stash and wear it for a month, sharing with you my likes and dislikes. Yep, I know it’s subjective, but you get the point. It is my hope that by next year this time I can finally choose a fav. If not, I will have had fun trying.

First up, and between now and December 18th, it’s me and Rouge Coco Shine “Dialogue,”  with Framboise Precision Lip Definer, and Levres Scintillantes Glossimer 04, all compliments of Chanel.

I purchased this trio at Neiman Marcus for my wedding; but because I went with a heavier eye, I opted for a nude lip.

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At first blush it has a little too much pink undertone for me, but I filled in my whole lip with the precision lip definer, before applying the Dialogue, and it doesn’t look too bad. I may add a touch of the Glossimer later, we’ll see ~ 29 days to experiment.

Although I prefer a matte look, this has a little shine, but not too much; and it definitely keeps your lips moist. So far, not too bad.

You should know that the lipsticks, glosses and stains I will be sharing will be a mixture of high and low. And yes, I know that I am only committing to 12 shades, not 50 for my more literal Dolls, but a girl has to go with what she has. That said, welcome to 50 Shades of Red!

By the way, tell me, what’s your favorite shade of red?

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

Pretty New | Mischo Beauty Luxury Nail Lacquer

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This Doll loves a new beauty product. I am sure they have support groups for people like me. “Hi, I am … and I am a self-confessed beauty product junkie.” So, imagine my delight when I was invited to the launch of a luxury nail lacquer line, Mischo Beauty!

Mischo Beauty Nail Lacquer is the beauty brainchild of Kitiya Mischo King. Ms. King is chemist turned licensed Cosmetologist, turned Manicurist, turned Esthetician, turned Makeup Artist, who successfully combined her background in science and beauty into an entrepreneurial endeavor.

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Now, if you are anything like me you have tried every polish line under the drying lamp; so what’s different about Mischo Beauty Nail Lacquer you ask? Well, it’s 5-FREE. 5-FREE means its free of the five toxins still found in most nail polish formulas ~ formaldehyde, DBP, toluene, formaldehyde resin, and camphor. Who knew nail polish could reduce the carbon footprint.

The launch was held at Toka Salon in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., and debuted the “Fashion Week” Collection of Mischo Nail Lacquer. Guests networked, noshed on Mischo inspired cupcakes from Kakewalk Cupcakes, and sipped on the cutest bottles of bubbly from Vogaltalia.

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Guests also sat for complimentary manicures, which they loved, using polishes from the new collection, aptly named The Tents, Empire State of Mind, Front Row, Invite Only, and #NYFW.

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Guests

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I have two bottles of the Fashion Week Collection on the way to my doorstep; and am beyond excited to have some new, and environmentally safe options to try just in time for the holidays. Again, any reason to try a new product!

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

26 Days & Counting …

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Ok Dolls, today’s gift suggestion is a fragrance selection ~ Bond No. 9 New York. I’ve seen the bottle, but wasn’t familiar with the scent. After viewing an Instragram post earlier this week from über beauty blogger @thisthatbeauty, I dashed out and took a spritz of several of the scents! Love it; and it is now on my wish list!

Picture Top L to R: Central Park West and Saks Fifth Avenue for Her and Him (Alas, something for the guys, too!)

Pictured Bottom L to R: Andy Warhol Montauk and Bond No. 9 Signature Perfume

The bottles are fabulously designed with New York City landmarks. You certainly won’t want to throw these beauties away, even after they are empty.

Now you know this Doll loves a little sparkle, check out the Harrods Swarovski Limited Edition ~ swoon! Santa, I promise I’ve been nice!

Finally, if you can’t decide on just one, pick up The Perfect 10!

Bond No. 9 is available online at Bond No. 9 New York or Saks Fifth Avenue.

Until tomorrow, happy shopping,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic