DIY Candy Corn Nails

Who doesn't LOVE Candy Corn?!

After checking out Marie Claire's new website, I noticed an interesting link under the Beauty section. The link, Simple Halloween DIY Nail Art Designs, brought me to a slideshow with step-by-step instructions of how to create three simple Halloween nail designs, including blood splattered, spider web, and candy corn designs.

While I was quickly obsessed with the grotesque blood splattered and intricate spider web designs, my favorite by far is the candy corn design. It should be noted that candy corn is the best non-chocolate candy in the world -- and that's not just my opinion. It's a fact.

Below are five steps (and a few pictures!) to help you recreate the design, all courtesy of Marie Claire!

And, if  you enjoy this tutorial, check out my other nail how-to: Jil Sander Inspired Nails.


Step One: Apply a base coat and two very thin layers of white nail polish. You want the white polish to be completely opaque. Try A-ha Moment! from Sephora by OPI ($9.50)

Step Two: When the white nail polish is completely dry, apply two coats of a bright orange shade to the top 2/3 of each nail. For best results, apply thick enough to assure that the shade is totally opaque. Wait approximately five minutes for the polish to be completely dry. I suggest using Hi Def from Sephora by OPI ($9.50).

Step Three: Wait five minutes for the orange polish to dry. Then, paint the top 1/3 of each nail with a layer of yellow polish. The shade you choose should be a bright, opaque color, like Cab Fare from Sephora by OPI ($9.50).

Step Four: This step is totally optional. If you'd like to add more shine to the bold design -- or conceal any errors! -- try adding a coat of glitter. I suggest Don't be Eggnogious (copper sparkle) or Spark-tacular! (rainbow glitter, which also acts as a topcoat), both by Sephora by OPI.

Step Five: Don't forget to add a topcoat after your design is complete -- you want to protect it as much as possible. If your glitter polish acts as a topcoat, this step can be omitted. If not, try out Topcoat from Sephora by OPI.

Chanel Holiday 2011 Collection: Les Scintillances de Chanel

Chanel's Holiday 2011 Collection, Les Scintillances de Chanel, focus in on the four iconic colors of the Chanel brand: Gold, red, beige, and black. The collection is filled with golden, shimmering highlights and festive shades for the eyes and lips. Les Scantillances de Chanel will be available later this month.

The Lumiere Sculptee de Chanel Highlighting Powder retails for $72.00.The powder not only brings natural coverage, but it is filled with gold shimmers to highlight the skin perfectly for the holiday season. The palette also includes hints of pink, ivory, and pearlescence.

The Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour retails for $32.00. It is available in two shades: Enivree, a shimmering pink, and Famous, a shimmering red.

Le Vernis Nail Colour retails for $25.00. It is available in Chanel's brightest iconic hue: Rouge Carat, a luminous red.

Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder retails for $52.00. t is available in Feerie Soft, a shimmering pink.

Les Tissages de Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect retails for $45.00. It is available in Brun Rose, French for 'brown rose.'

Ligne Extreme Liquid Eye Liner retails for $32.00. it is available in Or, which is French for 'gold.'

Ombre Essentielle Soft Touch Eyeshadow retails for $28.50. It is available in Blazing Gold, a shimmering gold, and Beige Lame, a  bright shimmering beige.

Ombres Contraste Duo Eyeshadow Duo retails for $42.00. it is available in Noire-Ivoire, an black with hints of ivory.

Rouge Allure Laque Luminous Satin Lip Colour retails for $32.00. It is available Empire, a pink rose.

Levres Scintillantes Glossimer retails for $28.50. It is available in Sparkle d’Or, a gold shimmer, and Sweet Beige, a beige shimmer.

Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss Pure Shine Intense Colour Long Wear Lip Gloss retails for $32.00. It is available in Discretion, a luminous beige, and Triomphal, a shimmering red.

Laura Mercier Holiday 2011 Collection

Laura Mercier has recently released her Holiday 2011 collection. Rather than focusing on individual products, the collection instead includes six gift sets.

The Baked Eye Color Palette (above) retails for $48.00. It includes five shades: Sienna, a rich chocolate brown; Terracotta, a warm bronze; Ballet Pink, a soft peachy pink; Pink Petal, a pale baby pink; and Lilac, a smoky lavender violet.

The Eye Portfolio (below) retails for $98.00. It includes12 eye colors (Rich Sienna, Morning Dew, Black Coffee, Pink Crystal, Sable, Royal Gold, African Violet, Mica, Golden Cream, Fig, and Sparkling Night) and three travel brushes (Ponytail, Crease, and Smudge).

The Color Portfolio (below) retails for $98.00. It Includes six eye colors (Primrose, African Violet, Merlot, Truffle, Topaz, and Stellar), three Tightline Cake Eye Liners (Ground Espresso, Black Ebony, and Burgundy Wine), two Second Skin Cheek Colors (Rose Petal and City Pink), and three travel brushes (Ponytail, Crease, and Flat Eyeliner)

The Travel Brush Set (below) retails for $85.00. It includes five brushes : Double-Ended Secret Camouflage Powder Brush, Double-Ended Allover Eye Color Ponytail Brush, Double-Ended Flat Eyeliner/Smudge Brush, Double-Ended Brow Definer/Brow Grooming Brush, and Finishing Brush.

The Mini Kohl Eye Pencil Set retails for $32.00, and it is available exclusively at Sephora. It includes five mini eye pencils: Kohl Eye Pencil in Brown Copper, a coppery brown; Antique Jade, a metallic deep green; Black Turquoise, a black with turquoise pearl; Black Violet, a black purple charcoal; and Purple Sapphire, a bright eggplant.

The Nudes Mini Lip Glace Set retails for $38.00, and it is available exclusively at Sephora. It includes four Lip Glacés: Bare Blush, a deep champagne taupe; Bare Naked, a beige champagne; Bare Pink, a light pink; and Bare Beige, a light neutral brown.

MAC Giftable for Holiday 2011

I probably shouldn't be blogging about this, but I couldn't help it! There's a whole slew of information on MAC's Holiday 2011 Collections online all of a sudden, but unfortunately, there's not much of it. The positive side? I have the photographs!

The first MAC Holiday Collection I will be blogging about is the Giftable Collection. Its not necessarily a cosmetics-centric collection, but it is a MAC product. And -- that simple fact makes it undeniably awesome.

So, what exactly is in the MAC Giftable Collection? Well, its two silver bags in different sizes. Yes, that's all. And no, I'm not kidding.

Take a look at the bags. They're constructed with silver foil, with a white spiral design throughout. And, there is a large decorative, semi-functional ribbon on each, which is adorned with festive silver sparkles.

The bags are perfect for wrapping a gift in, obviously. But, if done correctly, they can also be made into semi-permanent clutches! I'm picturing an amazing DIY project:

1. Trace the shapes of the four sides and bottom onto a thin piece of cardboard.
2. Carefully cut out the five pieces of cardboard.
2. Secure the pieces in place inside the bag with a gluestick.

And voila! Now you've got an adorable new clutch to bring to any holiday parties this season! And the best part? No one else will have it, because its a Mallory in New York exclusive. ;)

Color Club Backstage Pass collection for Holiday 2011

During my morning coffee [Starbucks Caramel Mocha], I was browsing through Temptalia. Amid the newly listed cosmetic launches for the Holiday 2011 season, I spotted a nail polish line that I couldn't go another moment without blogging.

The line, called Backstage Pass, is the newest collection from Color Club, a brand that we all know and love. The small-but-sweet collection includes six sparkly colors with musically themed names, listed below. The sparkles are much larger than you'd find in the average glitter nail polish, and far richer in color as well!

As much as I love the awesome shades and the rockstar/VIP theme, the chemical makeup of the polish itself is definitely something that drew me to the line. As a proud vegetarian, I naturally admire any product that does not include any animal byproducts [even if I do not plan to eat it]. Backstage Pass is 100% vegan, which is sure to attract environmentally-friendly beauty addicts and PETA supporters alike. And, as we all know, many brands [ahem, OPI] include harsh chemicals that can lead to breast cancer and other diseases, Backstage Pass is completely free of Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP and paraben.

The shades and descriptions are listed below:

1. Take the Stage Gold - glitter with silver flakes
2. Wish Upon a Rock-Star - Multi-colored glitter with purple
3. Backstage Pass -Silver and purple hex glitter
4. Platinum Record - Silver glitter
5. It’s a Hit - Purple big glitter
6. Fame & Fortune - Red base with silver flakes

Illamasqua Freak Eau de Parfum

British brand Illamasqua, commonly noted for imaginative themes and eccentric colour palettes, is launching its first ever perfume! The scent, very fittingly name "Freak", has hints of Black Davana, Opium Flower, Belladonna, Poison Hemlock, Datura, and Queen of the Night blossom. The base scent contains intense aromas of Frankincense, Oud, and Myrrh.

In addition to the otherworldly theme and photography, the perfume bottle is also of note. The bottle [pictured below] is a square-shaped glass. A drastic change from conventional perfume bottles, Freak is missing a corner, so it stands at a sharp ankle, perfectly balanced. The bottle is of dark purple colour, with black swirls throughout. There is also a silver snail crawling up the upward most side of the bottle. According to the press release, the design symbolizes "an addictive passionate path of desire that is both distinctive and unusually provocative."

In addition to Freak, Illamasqua is also launching three limited addition products: Nail Varnish in Hemlock (pale opal green iridescent), Pure Pigment in Queen of the Night (blackened plum), and a Sheer Lipgloss in Datura (neutral mauve). Each build on the similar theme of an alternate reality.

The collection is now available to pre-order on Illamasqua.com. Freak will officially launch on October 20th, 2011, and will be priced at $59 for a 75 ml bottle. It will become available at Sephora and Space NK in November 2011.

Jil Sander Inspired Nails

In a photoshoot for his cover story in the January issue of L'Uomo Vogue, Usher donned a now-famous Jil Sander sweater. The sweater, which originally retailed for $695, was chosen for its bright rainbow stripes, which popped against an equally bright red backdrop.

Six months later, the sweater was once again glorified by Virginia and Donne Geer, two sisters from Long Beach, California. A professional manicurist and graphic designer, they run the popular Tumblr, Hey, Nice Nails!

"I tried to break up the pattern on the garment into five different areas and represent that portion on a nail," Virginia has said of the design. She originally created the look with a tiny paintbrush, prepping her nails with Seche Vita and then continuing the design with ten bright nail colors, including CND Bicycle Yellow, Models Own Coral Reef, Essie Turquoise & Caicos, Essie Absolutely Shore, Essie Lollipop, American Apparel African Violet, Sinful Colors 24/7, OPI Black Onyx, China Glaze First Mate, and OPI A Grape Fit. Upon complettion, she used Orly Bonder Top Coat.

Although gorgeous, the design took over two hours to complete. Add in years of professional experience, and these Jil Sander nails aren't exactly an ideal everyday look. Here are a few simple tips to recreated the design at home.

1. Rather than using ten colors, stick to about five. It will still be just as striking, but not nearly as time consuming.

2. Instead of using nail polish, opt for a nail pen. The brush will be much thinner, making the lines bolder easier to control. The Nail Design Pen ($10) from Sephora by OPI is our top pick.

3. Wait at least ten minutes before applying a top coat. With all these colors, the nails will take longer to dry, and there's a much higher chance they'll smudge or blend together if top coat is applied before they are completely dry.

Inglot's Groundbreaking 'Freedom System'

Long ago are the days when we would leave the makeup counter, unsatisfied after once again being unable to find the perfect palette- one with the right shades to match and highlight our own unique skin tone! Well, those days are now nothing but a distant memory, as most major brands have expanded to include a wider selection of makeup palettes. One brand, however, creates the perfect solution.

After launching 25 years ago, Inglot became known for producing the best, most high quality products at very reasonable prices. The brand quickly became a favorite of both makeup artists and beauty addicts alike. Inglot recently launched the world's first Breathable Nail Enamel, but perhaps the company's biggest contribution is their groundbreaking 'Freedom System'.

The Freedom System allows customers to create their own custom palette by giving them a choice of which colors to include in the empty palette. The empty palette comes in a few sizes, varying by the amount of colors they include and by the products it holds.

Currently, there are palettes available for powder, concealer, lipstick, and eyeshadow. There are 20 shades of powder, 19 shades of concealer, 158 shades of eyeshadow, and 90 shades of lipstick available.

Beauty Looks from Christian Dior Fall 2011 Couture

While we thought the actual fashion on the runway of Christian Dior's Fall 2011 show was extreme, it was nothing compared to the makeup! Although the beauty looks may have been a little extreme, the heavy use of opaque shades were undoubtedly striking. Here are a few tips to create a more wearable version of the colorblock-style eyes:

1. Begin with a medium teal, similar to Inglot's 504. Apply the shade under the browbone and on the upper lid.

2. With a medium rose shade, like Inglot's 495, apply the shadow on the full lid. Apply two coats to assure an opaque look.

3. Dip a Q-tip in makeup remover and rub on skin to better define the outlines of each color.

4. With black liquid eyeliner, like Sephora's Aqua Liner, draw a thick a thick line above lashes. Once the desire thickness is acheived, extend the line into an exaggerated cat eye, about a half inch past the outer crease of the lids.

5. Coat eyelashes in a true black mascara, like Buxom Buxom's Amplified Mascara, to create a dramatic look.

LUSH Dirty Launches

The new LUSH Dirty Collection is described as a ‘no-nonsense’ scent with subtle hints of spearmint, thyme, tarragon, and the ocean. The entire collection embraces the layering technique, and when applied correctly, it will represent the key scent of the Dirty collection.

The collection consists of shower gel, shaving cream, hair gel, and all-inclusive body spray. It is now available at LUSH stores nationwide.

1. Dirty Spring Wash Shower Gel ($9.95 for 3.3 oz., $17.95 for 8.4 oz., $26.95 for 16.9 oz.)

2. Dirty Shaving Cream ($12.95)

3. Dirty Hair Gel ($12.95)

4. Dirty Body Spray ($19.95)

Top 5 Long Lasting Lipsticks

As much as we love a sheer, high shine gloss, nothing can beat the undeniable intensity created by a rich, opaque lip color! It may be summer, but that doesn't mean we have to resort to a minimalistic beauty routine. Instead, why not modify our favorite looks? Rather than opting for a dark, dramatic lip color, try out a lighter shade of the same color family.

As we've found in the past, keeping the rich intensity of opaque lip colors throughout the day can be tricky. There's nothing worse than applying a gorgeous, but undeniably over-priced, lip color only to have to reapply it an hour later when the color fades. Now, add in meals, coffee breaks, and summer heat, and your once-full tube is near empty!

Here's our list of the absolute best lipstick, guaranteed to get you through the day and any color compromising issues you may face, without fading!

1. Chanel Rouge Coco Shine was first introduced in April. It should come as no surprise that being affiliated with the great Coco Chanel, Rouge Coco Shine is one of the highest quality makeup lines on the market. Each shade is made with a hydrating formula to keep lips looking full and healthy throughout the day. Although it looks thck and lustrous, each of the eighteen French-inspred shades of Rouge Coco Shine have a water-light texture and go on smooth. Chanel Rouge Coco Shine is available online for $32.

2. Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Sheer Candy was only introduced a month ago, but its already become a staple in our makeup bags. Volupte Sheer Candy represents the true Yves Saint Laurent woman according to YSL makeup artist Llloyd Simmonds. Each of the six shades are made with a moisturizing, rich formula, which allows lips to hold onto the color throughout the day. An added bonus: Each shade smells like mago! Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Sheer Candy is available online for $30.

3. Clinique Chubby Sticks became an instant hit when they were released earlier this year. They've been featured in Seventeen, on the Today Show, and in countless beauty blogs. The Chubby Sticks are available in eight bright shades, and are loaded with shea butter to keep lips moisturized. Also, at half the price of other major brands, Chubby Sticks have become irresistable! Clinique Chubby Sticks are available online for $15.

4. MAC Surf Baby lipstick is without a doubt our favorite summer-y product! As soon as it was announced, we couldn't help but wonder why MAC had gone so far overboard when designing their summer line. Everything was undoubtedly beach-inspired, although it was far more 'beach bum' than 'beach glam.' Now, after trying out each of the four limited edition shades, we know we'll be sad to see it go come fall! The shades are extremely rich, unique shades that won't be seen anywhere else. And, if you do happen to find a similar shade, we can guarantee it won't have MAC's famous top-quality. MAC Surf baby Lipstick is available online for $15.50.

5. Clé de Peau Beauté La Beauté Metalique Extra Rich Lipstick is definitely our splurge-worthy pick. The oh-so-French brand had us at first sight. Just one look at the swatches, and we knew we had to have it! Each of the four colors go on thick and rich, without being overly waxy. Instead, with the help of Vitamin A, the color and texture remains opaque and smooth throughout the day, even after three meals, a coffee break, and countless sips of Vitamin Water. Clé de Peau Beauté La Beauté Metalique Extra Rich Lipstick is available online for $60.

Kenzo L’eau Par Kenzo Wild for Summer 2011

Japanese perfume brand Kenzo has just released its summer fragrances! Although a bit late to the party - it's mid-June! - the perfumes are sure to be a hit nonetheless. After all, how cute is the floral, aqua themed promo ad?!

The line consists of two fragrances: L’Eau Par Kenzo Wild Pour Femme and L’Eau Par Kenzo Wild Pour Homme, simply stated 'The Water of Wild Kenzo for Women' and '.... For Men.'

L’Eau Par Kenzo Wild Pour Femme is described as an 'energetic, sparkling, fresh fragrance.' It features hints of tangerine, white peach, and jasmine. Overall, there's a very light, airy feel to it, making the fragrance perfect for [the rest of] summer!

L’Eau Par Kenzo Wild Pour Homme is described as a 'fresh fragrance with spicy woody notes', regarding its faint [but stil there] hints of coriander, mint, and cedar. Overall, its far more bold than the accompanying scent for women, and can even be worn into fall!

Both fragrances are now available online at Kenzo for $55.

Shu Uemura Ethnocolor Scope Tokyo Lash Bar for 2011

In1968, Shu Uemura introduced the concept “mode make-up”, creating a make-up collection of unique designs, colors, and silhouettes which aided in transforming make-up into the art form they are today. In other words, he’s the Betsey Johnson and Doe Deere of eye lashes!

In 2004, the first tokyo lash bar opened to great media attention and industry recognition. It began the tradition of Shu Uemura’s annual false eyelash collections.

Tokyo lash Bar’s 2011 collection is called EthnocolorScope. Focusing on the beauty of intricate design, EthnocolorScope holds true to the signature fusion of fashion trends, art, and innovations.

The collection is now available at shuuemura-usa.comshuuemura-usa.com.

Ethnic Charm ($65.00)  

Lively and charming eyelashes trimmed with yellow, green and orange beads. The vivid décor on the tips of these lashes gives a fun, youthful look.

Tribal Patch ($28.00)

Wear these cheeky lashes to accent a casual look. Inspired by patchwork designs, they dazzle with striking colors, adding a rich graphic accent to your eyes.

Green Folklore ($65.00)

Intricately layered eyelashes with an accent of luscious feathers. This extraordinarily elaborate design creates a refreshing verdant gaze. The green-feather mini eyelashes.

Oriental Arch ($28.00)

The elegance of Asia inspires eyelashes with a rare splendor. A silky woven thread forms a unique arch shape to accentuate your oriental beauty.

Mini Fancy Bonbon ($22.00)

The delightful bonbons on natural brown lashes add a festive and candy-sweet flavor to your gaze.

Mini Violet ($22.00)

Purple cotton threads and a delicate flower motif enhance an adorably girly look.

MAC Semi-Precious Collection for Summer 2011

Inspired by the glitz and glamour of a 30-carat diamond comes MAC’s newest collection! The Semi-Precious Collection for Summer 2011 includes extracts of finely milled bronzite, black tourmaline, gold pyriate, and lilac lepidolite, as well as inspirations from other gorgeous stones.

The major highlights of the collection are the eyeshadows, skinfinish, and blush. However, Semi-precious doesn’t end there! The collection also includes lipstick, lip glass, lashes, foundation,  and a brush collection.

The collection is available July 7^th, 2011.

Lipstick ($14.50 U.S.)

• Gem of Roses
• Lush Amber
• Musky Amethyst
• One of a Kind

Cremesheen Glass ($18.50 U.S.)

• Geo Pink
• Looks Like Sin
• Natural Flare
• Pure Magnificence
• Richly Revered

Mineralize Blush ($23.00 U.S.)

• Feeling Flush
• Pressed Amber
• Warmth of Coral

Mineralize Skinfinish ($28.00 U.S.)

• Semi-Precious Crystal Pink
• Semi-Precious Goldstone
• Semi-Precious Pearl
• Semi-Precious Rose Quartz

Mineralize Eyeshadow ($19.50 U.S.)

• Blue Sheen
• Clarity
• Dark Indulgence
• Faux Gold
• Golden Glaze
• Hint of Sapphire
• Jade’s Fortunate
• Mineral Mode
• Quartz Fusion
• Rare Find
• Smoky Ruby
• Unsurpassable

Zoom Fast Black Lash ($14.00 U.S.)

• Deepest Black

Brushes

• 234 Split Fibre Eye Blending Brush ($22.50 U.S.)
• 235 Split Fibre All Over Eye Brush ($30.00 U.S. )
• 128 Split Fibre Cheek Brush ($32.00 U.S. )
• 179 Angled Split Fibre Buffer Brush ($47.00 U.S. )

Mineralize Charged Water ($22.00 U.S.)

Mineralize Face & Body Lotion ($29.50 U.S. )