Beauty Unbiased

You only get one chance for a first impression. The first time I saw a Stephanie Johnson cosmetic bag, it was in a photograph used in a blogger's post about travel beauty products. Despite the fact that the bag was not even the main focus of the post, I couldn't get past the gorgeous print and perfect proportions of the bag. After this introduction, Stephanie Johnson bags suddenly seemed to pop up on websites and blogs. It was a sign. I couldn't escape my desire to have my very own Stephanie Johnson cosmetics bag. I resolved that a Stephanie Johnson bag would be on my holiday wish list and I would, no debate allowed, have my very own bag. As luck would have it, I was able to be part of a preview for the fall and holiday Stephanie Johnson line. I was also able to meet the actual Stephanie Johnson, who founded the cosmetic bag line over 13 years ago. A central theme to the fall/holiday collection is versatility. A sparkly makeup bag can easily be taken for a n

Inaugural Polska Cosmetics Conference In what could have easily been the best episode of The Amazing Race ever, if it was, you know, actually an episode of the show, I recently spent a little over 48 hours in Warsaw, Poland, all in the name of beauty. I was invited alongside a fantastic group of beauty writers, bloggers and social media experts to take part in the inaugural Polska Cosmetics conference and Beauty Forum Expo. The Challenge? Learn as much about the Polish cosmetics industry as possible, explore historic Warsaw, and try not to drink too much vodka. As a lucky middle seat occupant on the red eye flight, sleep was sparse. I had plenty of time to ruminate over the big question running through my mind- why is Poland's cosmetic industry worth paying attention to? I knew why I was excited to make the trip. A third generation descendant of Polish immigrants, all I've really inhereted is a hard to pronounce last name as assimiliation was the name of the game in the

Maybe it's because he was a boxer prior to deciding his true passion was styling hair, but Patrick Melville, celebrity hairstylist and owner of Patrick Melville Salon  was unusually calm and pleasant despite the mounting chaos at the Rolando Santana Spring 2013 New York Fashion Week show. Backstage beauty seemed to be a less formidable opponent than he has faced in the ring as he comfortably instructed the hair dressers and worked on models while chatting with members of the press. Melville even took the time to share the details of his hair inspiration for the Rolando Santana Spring 2013 show and spilled some celebrity hair secrets with me. "I was inspired by the aquatic nature of the clothing. The clothing always guides the hair." His beach texture hair added a 1970's straighter and sleeker twist to popular beach waves, adding volume and texture with Aveeno Dry Shampoo . Patrick also shared that he would be doing Catherine Zeta Jones hair for the Michael Kors

For those who have never experienced the now four year long tradition of Fashion's Night Out in New York City, a little history lesson is helpful. Created in 2008 to encourage shoppers back into stores with the flacid economy, the night has morphed into a way for the average person (aka anyone not in the fashion or beauty industry) to take part in events that in my opinion makes them feel a part of the industry exclusive New York Fashion Week. For the reason of people’s desire to connect with the fashion industry, FNO will always hold a special place in my heart. Many have felt overwhelmed by the turnout. The chaos. The crowds. The fighting over complimentary items that seem to disappear. And I can empathize with those folks also, which is one reason why I stuck to one location, Henri Bendel, and researched which activities there would best hold my interest. Naturally, the beauty department was calling, namely the Jouer Cosmetics team at Henri Bendel, who offered mini makeove

What happens when over 32 beauty editors from as many top national magazines spend their day behind a Saks makeup counter? No, this was not a dream I've had (though it does sound like some sort of beauty blogger fantasy), but the Look Good, Feel Better (LGFB) first annual Beauty Editor's Day in the US. LGFB provides complimentary beauty services to cancer survivors and hosted the Beauty Editor's Day as a fundraiser for the amazing organization. For a $30 donation, I was told I'd get 20 minutes for a consult and makeup application, all proceeds going to LGFB. What I ended up getting was the full on glamour treatment at Dolce & Gabbana as I chatted for way over 20 minutes with the Elle Beauty and Fitness Director Emily Dougherty and Assistant Beauty and Fitness Editor Julie Schott. I was majorly impressed with the kindness of the beauty editors, who were up for chatting about whatever topic came up, despite the fact that I was the last appointment of what had al