UNISEXXXY: BEM the BOOM
For centuries, music reigns among the most stimulating artistic expressions. Regardless of genre, some tune is sure to stir the soul and captivate the body. Music powers us through the day, and into the night. Music also brings a sense of belonging and comfort. And...
DIVA DISH: Travel Accessories for the Chic Jet-Setter
Whether it's a weekend in the Hamptons or a week in the south of France, there's no way to travel but in style. I'm always on the hunt for ways to pack wisely and efficiently but still fabulously. Which is why I was pleasantly surprised (read: OMG ecstatic!)to...
Mani Monday: Chicks
This Mani Monday we're celebrating chicks, man. Making Joel McHale proud. Below, my selected Manis by Mei for the week. The moto pinup. Love a badass beauty! The dollface. Rosy-cheeked russian nesting dolls. The dream girl. Inspired by the...
DUDES DISH: Shred in Style
That rising thermometer means just one thing: beach season is here. While we all long for the metabolism of a 16 year old, it may take some extra work to fit into those board shorts this summer. Time to swap out your morning bagel for a pressed juice and happy hour...
DIVA DOES… Redefining HerSELF
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with...
DIVA DOES… The Basic Face
When I do makeup for others, I assess their skin type and condition, its tone and undertone, their face shape and bone structure, their haircolor and style, their eye color/size/shape, their age, their personal style, their wardrobe, the occasion and probably a...
Mani Monday: Cards, Op Art, Makeup
Better late than never. It's #MANIMONDAY time with my favorite nails of the week by Miss Mei Kawajiri... On Deck: Love this tribute to playing cards. Not Just Black & White. This graphic look showcases op art by Bridget Riley. Mirror Mirror: The only...
DIVA DOES… Drugstore Diva
Last week, I gave a LATINA magazine contest winner a CoverGirl makeover with a beauty budget of only $100. The look (of my choice) would be accompanied by an application lesson. So I passed by Duane Reade on Broadway and Houston on my way home from...
DUDES DISH: Cool Rider
Epic does not even begin to describe my Saturday last week. Driving a Lamborghini, traversing a six-story ropes course, and attending a Far East themed costume party. Sounds more like a bucket list than a single day. But I am an adrenalin junkie. Which...
DIVA DOES… SELF Healthy Beauty
As a beauty/style consultant to SELF magazine, I see up close and personal how the words healthy and beauty are now more than ever inseparable. There is nothing more beautiful than being healthy... and strong... and fit... and glowing. So while we all live for...
THE DISH WITH DDR: Top 5 Bridal Beauty Must-Haves
Are those wedding bells I hear? Tis the season to tie the knot! Get beautified and stay gorge all throughout your wedding day (and night!) with my bridal beauty tips... #1 - Get Primed: Primer is key. Make sure before applying a stitch of makeup, skin is...
DIVA DOES… Sneek-E
Confession: Being a beauty girl doesn't always mean being perfectly primped. Truth be told, with my schedule, I'm often air-drying versus being blown out (thank god for serums)... my bathroom is where I get a good number of my spa treatments (I'm pretty phenom...
Girls’ Spa Night with Rodan + Fields
LDiva and I recently spent a few days down in Boca to chill and did a girls' spa night at home. With a fresh-made martini (for me) and cocktail (for her). We know how to party. We tested samples of the Rodan + Fields Enhancements Micro-Dermabrasion Paste,...
Runway Recap: 3 Fall Beauty Trends You Can Try Now
If you're anything like me, trying new trends before they even become trends is part of your beauty regimen. While spring beauty annually consists of eye-popping colors, bright lips and golden skin, sometimes a more subdued approach is just what you need for a...
Mani Monday: Weekend Roundup
On this Mani Monday, my top nail looks from Miss Mei Kawajiri are all weekend inspired. Biting the bullet. At the insistence of my mother, I finally got myself a NutriBullet... for health and nutrition purposes. Instead this Cinco de Mayo, it was used for...
UNISEXXXY: Sunday SpaDay
Life is a hustle. And life in New York City is a constant grind. But wherever you live, if you want to be unisexxxy, you better find an hour a week to devote to yourself. How? Turn Sunday into SpaDay!Here are my Top 6 At-Home Products and Treatments for both boys and...
DUDES DISH: Getting Grilled
True story, I’m a California boy at heart. And there are many days where I would gladly trade surfing the subway for a morning surf session at Trestles followed by some homemade guac with chips and grilled carne asada. La Dolce Vita. Well it may be across the...
DIVA DOES… City Boy
I first met Gabriel Almodovar while working as Creative Content Director on a (now award-winning!!) multi-platform project with Latina magazine and P&G Beauty (Covergirl, Olay, Herbal Essences, Pantene, Venus, Satin Care, and Secret). When serving in this type of...
Daily Divas: Makeup in a Post-Dating World
Photo: Aisha Singleton Becky's makeup: Denise Del Russo Jess' makeup: Lauren Cosenza Last week, I introduced you to relationship experts Jessica Massa and Rebecca Wiegand, who penned the book The Gaggle and run the...
DUDES DISH: Pick Pocket
You’re at yet another business event and what do you see? A room full of black, gray and navy suits and their color-corresponding ties. Tough to stand out in a sea of suiting. Or is it? I’m not suggesting you go in attire that’s inappropriate or unprofessional....
Mani Monday: Emoji
My MANI MONDAY pick: The emoji manicure by Mei Kawajiri !! OMG. Tooooo cute!! As someone who speaks fluent emoji, thinking I HAVE TO HAVE my own with these on my right hand... and these on my left! What would your emoji mani say? For your own Mani...
DUDES DISH: Razor Sharp
Hold on. Fresh razors sent to my door for $1 a month?!?! Not only am I spared the trip to the local super market, but five fresh, sharp razors are shipped to me for not $20 not $10 but $1 a month. [Note: shipping is a ridiculously low $2 for the basic offering...
Up Your Batting Average: Loreal Shocking Extensions Mascara
When I was a little girl and my grandfather explained that I would soon be spending most of my days away from him in a building with other children and a teacher, I was skeptical. We had a good thing going, Grandpa and me, and I wasn't sure I was keen to spend my...
Daily Diva: Retro Glam on Carly C
Every time I see Carly Cardellino -- the online beauty & fashion editor of Cosmopolitan and of course, DIVAlicious member!-- I get in a serious abs session. We laugh so hard my core aches the next morning. So when I offered to do a new look on...
Diva Dish: Temperatures Rising
On May 23rd, MAC is releasing a limited edition collection called Temperatures Rising. And while I'm normally a color girl, the lipsticks and eyeshadows just aren't calling to me. Quite possibly because the new Strobe Liquid Lotion has FULLY captured my attention. A...
DIVA DOES… The Gaggle
Meet The Gaggle authors Becky and Jess. I did makeup for them a while back for their book launch, which started with an actual funeral for traditional "dating." Kind of necessary as lord knows it's been pretty dead for a while now. Photos by Diane...
Diva Dish: Sex & The City COOKIES
Ummmm seriously, who doesn't need to snack on some Sex and The City?? These cookies from Eleni's are AMAZING. What a phenom gift and if you've ever had Eleni's cookies (I've had one too many in my day) that are not only adorable but also quite tasty!! Perfect for...
Daily Diva: The Mint Edition
I'm a big fan of LORAC cosmetics (Multiplex 3D Lashes and TANtalizer Bronzer, helloooo) so I was pretty excited when they shipped over samples of their Spring 2013 lineup. Before I even get started on shades and finishes, can we discuss product packaging??...
GIVEAWAY! Dream Angels
Are you unapologetically flirtatious and passionate, with men lining up to take you out? Or are you a sweet and demure romantic who won't settle for anything less than being swept off your feet by The One? Either way, Victoria's Secret has got you covered with...
DUDES DISH: Boston Strong
The result of great tragedies is often unification. Watching the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings, I saw everyday American citizens rushing to the side of those wounded. And contrary to the terrorists’ intention of destruction, we come together and emerge...
Spray The Sunshine – A J.Lo Glow Made Easy
Growing up in California, I was always in the sunshine, even in winter. Sure, there were plenty of possibilities to toast my cheeks and highlight my locks, but being partially raised by a beloved great aunt who not only worked in beauty, but secretly shared my...
MAC Strobe Cream/Liquid
Dear LDiva, I totally fell in love with MAC Strobe Cream the other day. It left such a luminous glow on my skin and I just knew I needed to have it. Problem is, I don't exactly know how to use it. Is it an all-over moisturizer or more like a highlighter? And what is...
DIVA DISH: For The Girls
Wedding season is fast upon us, which means only one thing: Bachelorette parties! There are certain things every bride needs that may not go over well in front of her mother-in-law and great aunts. Not that I haven’t been one to “shower” a bride with something more...
DIVA DOES… NakedFace
This is me in my apartment in #nakedface. No tan, no rest, no complimentary photo angle and most importantly, not a stitch of makeup. Home is probably the only place I’m completely comfortable in it and where only family, close friends, assistants/interns and the...
DUDES DISH: Casual Friday
I know how hard it can be to keep it together on a Friday at work when the sun is shining and the weather is sweet. The hours seem to drag on without an end in sight. Really 5 o’clock cannot come soon enough. Instead of starting off the weekend with the...
Diva Dish: It’s Electric (Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil)
On the runway, Michael Kors opted not for the lashline but instead the crease to place electric blue eyeliner on models in his Spring 2013 show. It was an instant hit. But this ain't the runway. And that may not suit your look or lifestyle. You can still have fun...
GIVEAWAY: Spring Skin Swap from Mario Badescu
Membership has its privileges... and here's another! Because it's totally time for an updated and more seasonal skincare routine, a specially-selected Spring Skin Swap assortment will be shipped to the doorstep of one lucky reader! What's in it, you ask?...
Diva Dish: Pucker Up Buttercup
My latest polyvore set... besos y besitos, amores mios! MUAH. XOLC
THE DISH WITH DDR: Celeb Scents….I Actually Like ( GASP!!)
Usually when a celeb comes out with a fragrance I'm not impressed, nor do I want to wear it. It's like a reverse appeal. However, truth be told, I'm quite captivated by these... Celine Dion Sensational Eau De Toilette It's a late spring afternoon, tea date......
THE DISH WITH DDR: Artemisia Absinthium…Whaaa?!??!!
Yes, I know it's a mouthful. Hear me out. With Earth Day (April 22) around the corner, what better way to celebrate and show some love for Mother Earth than by using her healthy, pure and natural resources in a sustainable way. Like the Absinthium plant. The...
Dry Shampoo
HI!!! I'm thinking of trying a dry shampoo? Have you used any that are a must buy?Thanks for the help!XOXO~Kristina
DUDES DISH: It’s All In The Rebound
Remember the days when your parents would tell you they wished they could be kids again and all you wanted to do was grow up? I’m not saying that I want to be eleven again, with a mouth filled with metal and no idea how to speak to the opposite sex, but college...
UNISEXXXY: The Debut Post
How do you define sexy?To me, sexy is self-confidence plus self-expression.A unique style. A bold statement. A daring look.Everyone has a mind of his or her own so why not own your style?Why not redefine sexy??This post will be the first in a recurring series where I...
Trend Spotting: Blood Orange Lips for Spring!
Right now, in the world of fashion, we are in the middle of a maj graphic black and white moment, which naturally, in the world of beauty, makes for the perfect occasion to wear a feisty lip color. For this super modern look, I tried Illamasqua lip...
Joey New York Peel-Off Masque For Lines, Wrinkles And Glow
After a rough week of running around, drinking and eating lots of candy, it was no wonder my face was looking tired and breaking out a bit. I needed a quick fix to revive my skin. Perfect timing - LDiva here was sent the Joey New York Quick Results...
Oh, Mario!
I have been testing Mario Badescu products for a couple of months now and I must say the benefits that these products claim to have are verrry accurate. Usually I find product claims tend to fall short. Not these! Here are my Top 3 FAVE MB Products to...
Daily Diva: Sculpting Shayn
Not long ago, on our way home from a night out in NYC, my boyfriend and I found a wallet in the backseat of a cab. Nearly 10 years ago, I lost my own wallet in the back of a cab (at the end of a very fun night that turned not-so-fun with the realization that my...
Daily Diva: Power Pink
No one does pink like Victoria's Secret. And when I first saw the new Spring 2013 limited edition lipstick shades, it was love at first sight. These are not your typical soft, petal pinks. Far from it. They are supercharged and saturated statement lips. And...
Mani Monday: NYC Edition
This week's addition to the Manis by Mei gallery all pay homage to NYC. Check out this mani-master's new work HERE!
Daily Diva: Easter Blue
Went down to DC to visit my college bestie, Emmylicious. Fortunately and unfortunately, we had our boyfriends with us. Fortunately, because we had a blast at the spy museum and playing skee ball and shuffleboard... and getting tapas and sushi and brunch and many many...
Lipstick Review: Maybelline Brazen Berry Color Sensational Vivids
When I opened the tube, Maybelline's Brazen Berry seemed like a euphemism. This was a stark purple! My beauty motto has always been keep it matte, keep it down low. The most adventurous I've gotten was blue eyeliner for five minutes for a night out in the...
DUDES DISH: Spring Fling
Spring is in the air, and as temperatures rise it’s high time you assemble your spring “go-bag.” These are the essentials you will need on any spur of the moment trip… “Go-bag” requirement: Duality. It must be as sleek and stylish as it is unafraid of a little wear...
Nailed It: Sally Hansen “Salon Effects” Nail Polish Strips
So I'm one of those girls who absolute cannot STAND to have her nails unpainted. I basically feel naked without polish. However, painting my own can be tedious and stressful, since it can get messy and I can never get the polish to dry as perfectly as it would at the...
GIVEAWAY! Springtime Essentials
Membership has its privileges... And here's the first! It's a Springtime Essentials mixed beauty bag that will be shipped to your doorstep to try and review... Springtime Essentials included are: Deborah Lippman Steppin' Out Nourishing Foot Cream, retail value...
Daily Diva: Jackie Gomez Face The Beauty 2013
Jackie Gomez is a top tier makeup artist, the Brand Ambassador for St. Tropez Tan and one of Beyonce's core glam squad members. She is also one of the nicest people in the business. In early February, Jackie hosted a party called Face The Beauty 2013 where...
Leftover Foundation
Dear LDiva,I never tan, I always burn - but despite this, my skin tone still changes with the seasons. This is really frustrating; I never get the glow, but still need to develop a new beauty routine! :(I mean, BB creams are okay because they adjust to the skin tone...
Diva Dish: Besties in Business – Gwyneth Paltrow & Tracy Anderson
BREAKING NEWS: What do these two have in common besides fabulous figures?? Click HERE for the LATEST from my girl Carly at Cosmo!
MANI Monday: Fashion Tips
Fashion tips. Not the kind that advise wearing a fitted blazer that comes in at the waist to create an hourglass silhouette. The kind that cost less than a hundred bucks and infuse your look with some serious high-fashion. Luxe-for-less never looked so good. This...
Will Lash Extensions Make Your Lashes Fall Out?
LDiva, It's the weekend before the big trip (thanks SO much for the extensive in-flight tip sheet, I have it all ready, even the Sephora samples). I wanted to get extensions on my lashes this weekend but my gf says her lashes fell out and so did her friend's...
DUDES DISH: It’s All In The Details
Weekly column #2! This time I've decided to tackle "overlooked details"... One of my closest friends from way back was recently told in an interview that the first thing his prospective employer looks at when he is interviewing a candidate is his...