Cheap Makeup for New Year’s Eve from e.l.f.

The makeup your wear on New Year’s Eve is just as important as your outfit.  As always, I’m a big advocate of looking glam for less.  So e.l.f. Cosmetics (Eyes, Lips, Face) is a great option for any budget fashionista. 

e.l.f. cosmetics advertisement

Most of the cheap makeup brand’s items range from  $1- $10, and all of e.l.f.’s mineral makeup is completely free of chemical dyes, preservatives, and parabens (preservatives that have been linked to breast cancer).  

Even Oprah has crowned the thrifty beauty finds as one of her favorite things; O Magazine featured e.l.f.’s limited edition Studio Endless Eyes Pro Eyeshadow Palette ($10) in its December issue. With 100 fun shades, a mirror, and two double-sided eyeshadow applicators, this kit gives you endless options. It's too bad the kit is currently out of stock, but it should be back soon.

Another great tool to kick your festive makeup up a notch is e.l.f.’s  Shimmer Eyeliner Pencil ($1).  The metallic pencil was featured in People Style Watch and comes in a variety of pretty colors like Iconic Ivory, Precious Pink, Boldly Bronzed, and Black Bandit. For only $1 each, you’ll be tempted to get all nine shades.

e.l.f. Eyelash Curler, $1

Recently I interviewed a makeup artist for her holiday makeup tips, and she recommended using an eyelash curler to create a dramatic look.  E.l.f. makes a Mechanical Eyelash Curler ($1) I found at my favorite 99 cents superstore, so I couldn’t resist.  I’ll try it out before I hit the town (or my sofa to watch the ball drop) and let you know how it works.

While I’ve given you a few tips on how to get dolled up for New Year’s Eve, e.l.f. has a complete look already mapped out on its website.  You can purchase the entire look, which includes 2 in 1 Conditioning Gloss ($3), Shimmering Facial Whip ($1), and the 27 Piece Mini Makeup Collection ($27).

*Although this was a sponsored post, all opinions and thoughts are 100% my own.

5 Weekend Getaway and Stranded Airport Bag Essentials

The Northeast has come to a snowy halt.  An arduous trek to the post office was futile; so much for the motto neither wind, nor rain, nor sleet, nor snow.  So what's a cabin feverish girl to do?  Shop...online of course.

The inclement weather  has me dreaming of a winter getaway, but many folks are still stranded at the airport or train station. To make your travels easier, here are five items every girl should pack in her overnight bag:

A model wearing "Cinders" Sweetslips, $15.

Sweet Slips ($15): These foldable ballet flats by Cinder Trout are a treat for your tired feet.  But they're nearly sold out, so don't miss your chance to get a pair.





SPairz ($10): Even if you aren't planning a tropical getaway, these panties come in handy in case you're stranded at the airport or anytime you need to make a quick change.

Slip N' Toss ($3.99): Carry a pair of these biodegradable emergency sandals when you go for a pedicure or stash a pair in your gym bag.

Peacekeeper Fairness Gloss ($10): Did you know that women on average earn 33% less than men with the same level of education in the same job?  Well, buying a tube of this shimmery light gold gloss helps support the Paycheck Fairness Act and organizations dedicated to equal wage advocacy.

The Original Instant Button ($13-$15): Most of us overindulged this holiday season.  The egg nog got me too!  But instead of buying a new pair of jeans, simply adjust your buttons. Instant buttons come in copper, silver, and rhinestone sets of two.

Merry Christmas from Everything She Wants

Many thanks to everyone who read my blog this year and helped it grow.  I look forward to entertaining (hopefully) and informing you more in 2011.  Until then, I hope you get everything you want for Christmas!

Last Minute Gifts from Daffy's!

It's cold and the New York City sidewalks are jammed with clueless tourists and crazed shoppers.  But if you still haven't finished your Christmas shopping, there's one store that makes it worth braving the crowds. Daffy's!

Daffy's 34th Street store./Tracy E. Hopkins

The family-owned chain has several stores in Manhattan, one in Brooklyn, and a few in the tri-state area.  Daffy's has been in business for nearly 50 years and is the place to find high fashion at low prices. So armed with the gift card I received, I went to the Daffy's store on E. 18th Street and Fifth Avenue on a mission to find great holiday gift deals.

Here's what I found:

Larry Levine coat./Macy's.com

Cozy Coats: The zipper on my long winter coat broke and I didn't want to pay $40 to replace it.  So I was geeked when I spotted a similar black down coat by Larry Levine in the women's section for $69 (retail value $200)! After using my gift card, I only spent $20 on my stylish new coat.

Daffy's 34th Street window display./Tracy E. Hopkins

Eclectic Housewares: The store is stocked with colorful home decorations ranging from blinged-out Buddha statues and ceramic Angels ($14.99), to paisley print iron board covers ($10), and prettily-packaged hand soap and lotion gift sets ($5.99).

Handbags & Shoes Galore: If you're in the market for a new bag or pair of boots, Daffy's has a tempting selection.  I spotted a Chanel-like cross body bag ($24.99) and leather Bandolino boots (under $80).

Endless Stocking Stuffers: Socks, tights, scarves, hats, and pajamas are gifts everyone needs and loves to receive.  Daffy's has plenty of cute options for under $20.

7 Hot Holiday Makeup Looks for Women of Color

You want festive and flawless makeup for the holidays.  But women of color often have trouble finding the perfect match for our wide variety of skin tones (some shades leave us looking unnaturally gray or orange).

So I asked several pros for holiday makeup tips you can easily recreate at home:

1. Working Day and Night

Kathy Cabral, a freelance makeup artist for Youngblood, says by using your favorite brands your daytime makeup can easily transition to a glam girl look for night. 


For day, one or two coats of mascara will suffice. A neutral shade of eye shadow and a very light application of eyeliner will finish the look nicely. For light-skinned women of color, peach, taupe, and subtle shades work well for eye shadows. For medium-brown women, mauve, brown, and gray are good choices. For dark-skinned women, deeper colors like rich violet, chocolate, and navy look best. Eyeliner should be applied to the upper lids and, if desired, very lightly to the lower lids. 


For nighttime, the colors can be applied heavier and deeper. Add another coat of mascara and use an eyelash curler to make your eyes pop.

2. Beat Those Brows

To bring attention to your eyes, Cabral says it’s important to fill-in and define your brows.  She uses the Brow Artiste brow kit by Youngblood, which makes brows look natural instead of harsh or drawn in.  The method can also be used with any other dark shadow that works best with your skin tone. 

3. The Smokey Eye 2.0

The smokey eye is always in fashion. To spice up the look for the holidays, Heidi Evora-Santiago, founder of Damali NYC Professional Beauty Services, offers the following tips:

a. Start out by applying a medium color on the lid of your eye (if touching your eye with your finger the area would be the part of lid that covers the actual eyeball).

For darker skin tones try a color like Bobbi Brown Sparkle eye shadow in black or if you want something a little softer try Bobbi Brown Sparkle eye shadow in black velvet, a pretty mauve shade with a shimmer to it. 

b. Line eyes with a black kohl pencil. Use a brush to smudge the eyeliner so you don’t see a pronounced line; the liner should blend into your eye shadow color. 

c. To add shimmer to your look, apply a glitter liner like Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner in Spandex or Midnight Cowboy. 

4. Build the Right Foundation

Joy Fennell of Makeup by Joy says selecting the right foundation is the key to a flawless makeup look.  Because this can be challenging for women of color, Fennell says to ask an expert.  Visit your local department store or the M.A.C. store to get matched for a foundation.  If you’re on a budget, stick with a reliable drugstore brand like Maybelline. She recommends Maybelline’s Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Liquid Foundation. 

5. Lash Out

  

Lashes add drama to any festive look. Fennell’s picks are Mattese Elite Lashes or Ardell Accent Lashes in individual lashes or strips. For more flamboyant lashes try Red Cherry or Make Up For Ever brands. Applying lashes aren’t easy for a beginner, but Fennell says practice makes perfect. Just add a small amount of glue to the band of the lashes and apply as close to your lash line as possible. Add one to two coats of mascara and you’re ready to party.

6. Get a Cheeky Glow

To get an instant glow, Evora-Santiago says to brush a powdered shimmer across your cheek bone.  For medium to dark skin tones try Bobbi Brown Pink Quartz Shimmer Brick Compact. But the celebrity makeup artist who has worked with actress Eva Longoria and singer Estelle warns not to overdo it. For example, if you’re wearing shimmer on the lips, then wear something matte on the eyes and vice versa.

7. Paint the Town…and Your Lips Red

A red lip makes a bold statement. Evora-Santiago is a fan of Nars lipsticks in black cherry red Terre de Feu for dark skin tones and the bright red Vesuvio for lighter skin tones.  Apply lipstick first and use a pencil liner afterward to sharpen and define the outline of the lip. She advises to keep lips moisturized by applying a lip balm underneath any matte lipstick.


This is an article I wrote that originally appeared on Betty Confidential.

Cheap Holiday Shopping Deals!

Check out my first televised piece -- for Brooklyn Independent Television -- on crafty, creative and cheap holiday shopping finds in Brooklyn.  Hmm, since Oprah is taking a bow, maybe there's room for me on the tele : )

Winter Skin Care Tips from Guinot Paris

Guinot, a Parisian aesthetician training institute and skin care line, has been around for 40 years.  But it's new to me.  Recently, I experienced Guinot's heavenly signature Hydradermie treatment that uses galvanic currents via what look like mini massage rollers to penetrate active skin care ingredients and nourishing gels into the skin. After the facial, my skin was baby bottom smooth and looked refreshed and more youthful. 

Guinot Paris products and spa services are offered exclusively in the finest salons and spas throughout the country. Call (800) 523-1030 or click here to find a Guinot spa near you.


I was so impressed with my treatment and the Guinot products I tested (I love the one-step cleanser made with hyaluronic acid and natural essences), I asked Elizabeth Murchison, Director of Education for Guinot in New York City, to give Everything She Wants her winter skin care tips:

What are top 5 winter skin care tips?

1. Exfoliation of the face and body are extremely important during this time of year. Dehydration due to the elements, use of hot water, and heat in the workplace or at home increase loss of moisture, which increases the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and blotchiness. For even better results, apply a mask after exfoliation to increase radiance, improve the texture of the skin, and increase moisture retention.

2. Apply a heavier protective cream to diminish wind burn and increase moisture retention.

3. Gently exfoliate the lips and eye area and afterwards immediately after a moisturizing mask to reduce moisture evaporation, flakiness, and to improve the appearance of the skin. Makeup will go on much smoother.

4. Protect the fragile skin on your neck with a nourishing, protective cream specifically made for that area. Many of us don’t realize how much our neck area is affected during this time of year (scarves, turtle necks, and cold air). Dehydration increases leading us to be more prone to wrinkles and fine lines.

5. Exfoliate and use a mask on your hands.  

What distinguishes Guinot from other skin care lines? 

Guinot incorporates science and nature to deliver treatment and homecare products that are result-oriented. Guinot has earned the ISO certification which states they comply with pharmaceutical standards during the manufacturing and production of their products. All European cosmetic companies will be required to have this by 2013, putting Guinot once again at the forefront of the skincare industry.  In addition, Guinot is not a retail line. We specialize in skin and we believe that the Guinot-trained aesthetician is the expert in analyzing and recommending treatments and homecare follow-up products.

How often should you get facials during the winter? 

Treatments should be once or twice a month depending on the skin type or skin condition of the client.

What are the benefits of microdermabrasion and the Galvanic method?

Microdermabrasion is an exfoliation performed to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and give the skin an even appearance. Galvanic (our signature Hydradermie treatment) is deep cleansing, deep hydration, and the client's skin type and/or skin condition is treated based on the selection of products chosen during the treatment.

What else should we remember to do to take care of our skin during the winter/holiday season? 

Many people forget to use sunscreen during the winter. But eighty percent of the sun rays reflect from the snow versus twenty percent during the summer on the sand. 

UNICEF Christmas Gifts that Give Back

Give a gift that keeps on giving from UNICEF.  In addition to the charitable children's organization's popular greeting cards (available online, at IKEA, Pier 1 Imports, Hallmark Crown stores, and by calling 1-800-553-1200), it has an eclectic collection of gifts from around the world including henna candles, hand-beaded Indian ornaments, Pashmina scarves, and baroque pearls.

The U.S. Fund for UNICEF also offers Inspired Gifts, which allows shoppers to buy lifesaving medical supplies, nutritional supplements, and educational materials for children in need.

You can support the cause even if you don't purchase a gift directly from UNICEF, which has partnered with top brands including IKEA, Gucci, and FEED Guatemala Bags.  All of the money raised from UNICEF's holiday "gifts that give back" program will help the organization reduce the number of daily, preventable deaths in children under 5 from 22,000 to zero.

FEED Guatemala Bags celebrate the country's traditional crafts and sales help UNICEF combat malnutrition.  Sold exclusively at Lord & Taylor stores in the U.S. and online, FEED will donate $3.50 to $10.50 to help support UNICEF's nutrition for children under the age of five in Guatemala.

Until Christmas Eve, for every soft toy purchased at IKEA the superstore will donate 1 euro (approx $1.39) to aid UNICEF and Save the Children's education projects globally. In seven years, the campaign has raised over $31 million to support 8 million children in 40 countries worldwide.

On Twitter, follow @UNICEFUSA and find more creative ways to give a holiday gift that will save a child's life.

Black and Gold Holiday Party Accessories You Want

Whether you're going to your office holiday shindig or sipping nog with friends, you wanna dress to impress.  And black and gold accessories are the perfect way to jazz up your party ensemble.

Here are a few festive options:

For girls like me who are missing the high-heel gene, these suede flats by B. Makowsky ($130) are the perfect accent to any holiday outfit.

Each Biacci bag is individually hand painted on soft grain cowhide leather.  These unique bags make a hip, Boho chic statement, and I love the drawstring bag ($49) from the Black Bouquet collection.  To purchase a Biacci bag (or artistic wallet), contact Sonia Kumra at sonia@biaccileather.com.

Leah & Bliss by Mona Leah and Tara Bliss is an eye-catching collection of handbags, laptop cases, makeup cases, and key ring holders ($89 and up) be-jeweled with Swarovski crystals, gemstones, and gold and silver studs.

Isabel Toledo has designed the perfect holiday pump for Payless.  The four-inch, bowed heels ($44.99) come in gold and silver.

Stocking Stuffer Holiday Gifts for Him

Although this blog is dedicated to everything stylish, thrifty, and eco-friendly women want in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, occasionally I like to share gift ideas for the men in our lives.
So, whether they're hipsters, techies, or metro let's here it for the boys...at least for one post.

Friend or Foe John Coltrane tee, $45

Friend or Foe's licensed Blue Note cover art tees are the perfect gift for the music loving man on your Christmas list.  Feed your soul with one (or several) of these ultra luxe cotton t-shirts featuring legendary jazz and blues artists John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Ray Charles, Thelonious Monk, John Lee Hooker, and Frank Sinatra.

Whether they know it or not, men need a daily skin care regimen too.  Bullocks for Men products from the exclusive Soho House's Cowshed Spa are a good place to start.  The paraben-free Pocket Cow Bullocks sampler is a smart travel set that contains 20 ml tubes of body wash, facial scrub, shaving cream, and soothing moisturizer.

Zazzle iPad cases start at $39.95.

Zazzle is a cool website where you can personalize gifts (t-shirts, mugs, greeting cards, etc.) and customize iPhone and iPad cases for only $39.95.

Powermat, $59.99

With Powermat, you can leave your pesky phone and iPod chargers at home.  The portable mat charges up to three devices at one time and comes with a universal power cube that works with hundreds of devices.