Friday, April 22, 2011

Decadent Body Treatments

As the ultimate girly-girl and lover of all things fabulous allow me to share my fave body treatments.  Busy women on the go can appreciate the pleasantry of creating spa like experiences at home. See my list of Decadent Body Treatments that revive, rejuvenate and release me from stress.
Product #1: Jergens Original Scent Dry Skin Moisture
This low maintenance drugstore lotion is super hydrating.  It works great for instant body moisture perfect for fresh out the shower application.  Jergens Original Scent has a silky texture and goes on very smooth without too much fuss with rubbing it in. Additionally, many lotions are too thick and greasy I like this one because of the water base formula.  The cherry almond scent is heavenly and gets me every time.

Product #2: Sabon Patchouli Lavender Body Scrub
Sabon NYC has a lovely product line and they really nailed it with the body scrubs.  I was introduced to this item in a gift basket from my fiancé a while back.  The scent is Patchouli Lavender and it takes me away like Calgon with every whiff.  I use it weekly to exfoliate my entire body and really enjoy it after a fresh leg shave. This fantastic scrub not provides an intense exfoliation but also leaves the skin with a radiant glow.

Product #3 Arbonne FC5 Cooling Foot Crème
My next body treatment comes from Arbonne and it’s a wonderful foot crème. As a woman who is committed to all things fabulous and uncomfortable five inch heels this is a mandatory toiletry.  The scent is a minty and very fresh.  It’s the perfect aroma therapy solution for preserving your soft feet post-pedicure.  FC5 foot crème has benefits of kiwi extract and fresh moisture complex to comfort and soothe your feet. 


Here is Arbonne Consultant ID for Sharlita High: 18436616 you will need to place your order.
Product #4: Almond Coconut Mike Crème Body Wash
Warning this next item is so yummy you will want to have desert.  It’s from Laura Mercier’s popular Eau Gourmande product line.  This luxurious body cleanser will leave your skin feeling baby soft in no time.  This item is definitely on the splurge side at 36.00 for 8oz but worth every penny.  If you fall in love with this creamy cleaner you can pair it with the hand cream to enjoy the fragrance throughout the day.

Product #5: Jo Malone French Lime Blossom Cologne
If you are looking for a new fragrance to add to your collection to capture the whimsical essence of spring check out French Lime Blossom from Jo Malone.  This cologne is so rich and romantic when I put it on my mood instantly changes to a happier state.  The main notes are sweet lime blossom, bergamont and tarragon. You literally only need a modest squirt because it’s very strong and you’re all set.  Another beauty splurge $55 for the 30ml small travel spray and $105 for the 3.4oz bottle.


This concludes my Decadent Body Treatment selections; I hope that you get a chance to enjoy them as much as I do. Remember to always take time to treat and pamper yourself. It’s essential to a healthy lifestyle and most importantly YOU DESERVE IT!
~Smooches~
Pretty In The City with Nelvy

Sunday, April 10, 2011

How to Create Alluring Smokey Eyes

Typically we can get so caught up in the everyday routine that it almost feels robotic. Wake up, get dressed for work, come home, grab dinner, unwind (book/Tivo) and sleep only to do it all over again the next day.....sound familiar? Sometimes after a hard day all you want to do is play! There's nothing like glamming it up to hit the town at night with your girlfriends. It’s simple for a Pretty In The City reader, she Slis into a flirty outfit, puts on stilettos, grabs a evening bag and jets!
But wait; don't just leave home without perfectly dusting your face.
You may be wearing the perfect outfit however, if you're wearing the
wrong makeup, the total look is incomplete. It may sound like an
exaggerationbut it isn't, flawless makeup is essential to polish the
ensemble off.
Remember, this is your night out to relax and have fun. Let your pretty
makeup reflect the high spirits you're in, why not look like a million bucks
(even if you have just 50.00 in your purse)? Here are some detailed
instructions to get you on your way:
1. Take a brow pencil and define your natural brow shape. When applying 
the color hold the pencil on an angle and just lightly fill the brow in.

Next to smooth it out brush over the brow with a grooming tool to soften
the color.
Continue this process until you have the desired natural brow shape. 
(Note: please select a brow pencil one shade lighter than your hair 
color)
My favorite is YSL: http://www.barneys.com/Eyebrow-Pencil
/00447103000184,default,pd.html

2. Next apply a concealer slightly lighter than your natural skin tone
right under the brow bone to intensify the defined brow shape, created 
in Step 1. When applying the concealer use a brush with synthetic 
fibers and sweep a thin layer from the arch to the end of the brow. 
Then in the same area using a round eye shadow bush sweep a pale cream 
colored shadow on under the brow bone. (Note: this technique will
add a tremendous highlight the eye size and shape).
I prefer to use this dual camouflage on my clients: 
http://www.lauramercier.com/store/shop/Concealers_Secret-Camouflage_prod220004
prod220004

3. Cover the rest of the eye from the lid to the last line with a flesh
toned eye shadow base. Apply the base with a creme eye color brush and 
go over it with a slightly dampened sponge to thin even out the 
application.

4. Then apply a neutral shadow on the lid with a flat shadow brush.
Pack the shadow in the brush, then lightly brush the color on the 
entire lid continue to build your shadow until the color is perfectly 
blended.
5. Take a black kohl pencil and line the top and bottom rims of the eye 
to define the lash line.

6. Next, close your eye and take the black kohl pencil and draw a thick 
heavy line across the lash line from one corner of the eye to the 
other.
Excellent cost-effective black liner: 
http://www.maybelline.com/products/12/eyes/eye-liner/define-a-line-eye-liner
/ebony-black/801?shadeId=67&view=shades&position=458liner/ebony-black/801
?shadeId=67&view=shades&position=458

7. Using a smudge brush apply a black eye shadow directly on top of the
eyeliner applied. Then blend and soften the pencil into the shadow in a 
upward sweep until the visible defined line disappears.
To add extra pizzazz to the look try this shadow (Night Clubbing by Nars)
it’s black with prominent sparkles:
http://www.narscosmetics.com/Eyeshadow-C24_makeup_1.aspx


8. (Optional) Using a wet flat eyeliner brush on a black cake or gel eye liner
place on the root of the lash line. (Note: this will the accentuate the eye
lashes)This step is a little more advanced if you would like more detailed
instructions contact me for a tutorial.

9. Apply several coats of mascara on the upper and lower lash line.
Take the time to slowly comb through the lashes with the brush on the 
mascara wand. (Note: Avoid spider lashes)
10. Make sure your foundation and powder is perfectly applied and 
blended into the skin.

11. Also, add an illuminating brightening product under the eyes before
concealer, then apply the concealer and set with a light and fine 
powder.
Best under eye concealer with excellent staying power and smooth finish:
http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/157/278/Select-Cover-Up/index.tmpl
index.tmpl

12. Lastly, to complete this look don’t forget the your nude+ glossy lips and
a soft cheek color.

If done correctly, the aforementioned steps
are guaranteed to make you a
showstopper. Practice makes perfect! I encourage you try it for yourself
and do what works. I’m simply providing guidelines to help you achieve a
fabulous look but by all means modify this as needed. But in the end, it's
up to you to make that red carpet entrance.
Have fun and remember that, “beauty is a lifestyle.”
XOXO
Nelvia Arlisa