By Candice Chan, Birchbox
You may have noticed this before, but we're Hunger Games obsessed here in the Birchbox office and we've been sitting on pins and needles waiting for the movie's release on March 23rd. (Lest you doubt our commitment, we've already bought our boatload of tickets for a team viewing on premiere night!)
In the meantime, we're satisfying our Hunger Games addiction with the new Capitol Colors collection from China Glaze. We snagged a few of the shades from the line that's set to debut this month, and we cannot speak highly enough (or obsessively enough) about these lacquers. I'm personally in love with Riveting, a micro-glitter orange that's given my nails a fiery glow.
While it looks extra-bright in the bottle, on my fingers the shade was subtly iridescent and had the perfect amount of pop. Even the darker shades, including the deep brown Mahogany Magic and the pearlescent green Agro, which appear intimidating in the bottle, look gorgeous on my hands. (All 12
Blog Posts by Birchbox
Hunger Games Polishes: Today's Obsession
By Birchbox | Beauty on Shine – Wed, Mar 7, 2012 11:12 AM EST5 Craziest Manicures Ever at Thierry Mugler
By Birchbox | Beauty on Shine – Mon, Mar 5, 2012 10:33 PM ESTBy Meredith Stebbins, Birchbox
Read More »from 5 Craziest Manicures Ever at Thierry MuglerManicures at Thierry Mugler
All Photos: zimbio.com
We thought that the nails at New York Fashion Week were cool but Paris always takes things to the next level, and manicures are no exception. At the Thierry Mugler show last week, models sported some of the most insane nail art we've ever seen. This season's inspiration came from the brand's 1990s "Insect" collection, which explains why these talons look so bug-y.
What do you think of these outrageous manis?Manicures at Thierry Mugler
Manicures at Thierry Mugler
Manicures at Thierry Mugler
Not as experimental with your polish? Never fear, here are some safer choices.
See more from Birchbox:
Pick The Right Shadow For Your Eye Color
Emu Oil: Cate Blanchett's Favorite Skin Remedy
Dollars & Sense: Why You Need This Stretch Mark Cream Instead of a BikiniBy Meredith Stebbins, Birchbox
Read More »from Choosing the Right Red Hair ColorChoosing the Right Red
These days, redheads are having all the fun. Just look to Hollywood and its slew of newly crimson bombshells. There's Michelle Williams, Drew Barrymore, Emma Stone, and the list goes on. This surge in popularity amongst starlets (not to mention the crew of longtime copper stunners like Julianne Moore and Christina Hendricks) has meant that stylists are getting more requests than ever for this glam shade. But can everyone pull it off? We talked to stylist Jeff Chastain about going red and how to pick the right hue for you.
SAY NO TO MONOCHROME
The single biggest mistake that women make when dyeing their hair red is going too monochromatic. "Hair shouldn't ever be one single color," says Chastain. "A natural color will have depth with highlights and dimension, even if it's subtle."
COLOR SCHEMING
Chastain says that everyone can go red; it's just about finding the right hue. His best tip? Look to your eye color. If you have blue eyes, choose a cool-tonedBy Candice Chan, Birchbox
Read More »from 30 Days to Clearer Skin30 Days Away!
Blemishes feel like a mean curse even on our best days, but persistent breakouts are even more stressful when you have a special event a few weeks away. We asked dermatologist Dr. Amy Wechsler to give us quick fixes to save our skin in just one month.
4 WEEKS
This the best time to schedule an in-office treatment like an acne chemical peel or Isolaz, which combines a mini-vacuum and broadband light therapy to calm skin and remove impurities. Can't make an office visit? Focus on finding the best skincare regimen for you, which should ideally include cleansing, toning and moisturizing. Natural ingredients can be the most gentle and effective, so stick with a cleanser like Clark's Botanicals Skin Clearing Face and Body Wash and follow-up with a toner like Pangea Organics Toner for Oily to Blemish-prone skin. For spot treatments, dry out blemishes with an over-the-counter product containing salicylic acid, like Juice Beauty's Blemish Be Gone. Finally, pick aMAC to Launch a Marilyn Monroe Makeup Collection
By Birchbox | Beauty on Shine – Thu, Feb 23, 2012 3:22 PM ESTBy Candice Chan, Birchbox
Read More »from MAC to Launch a Marilyn Monroe Makeup CollectionMarilyn Monroe
Photo: Fanpop.com
Stop everything. Blockbuster color-company MAC cosmetics has just announced that it will be releasing a limited edition Marilyn Monroe collection. We've seen the blonde bombshell popping up at the top of everyone's list these days, from Michelle William's film My Week With Marilyn to the sassy Norma Jean-inspired musical in NBC's new show Smash. Will 2012 be the year of Marilyn?
The new collection will launch this October, in collaboration with Authentic Brands Group LLC, and will include eye shadows, lipstick, nail polish, and eyeliners. According to WWD, all of the collection's 30 custom-designed units will range in price from $15 to $27.
We don't know about you, but we've already pulled copies of The Seven Year Itch and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes so that we're fully prepared.
To get the trademark Marilyn curls, we use this Sedu curling iron.
See more from Birchbox:
Our Top 5 Fashion Week Manicures
The Secret to Make Hair Grow Faster:Upside-Down French Braid Photo Tutorial
By Birchbox | Beauty on Shine – Mon, Feb 13, 2012 9:31 PM ESTBy Rachel Silver, Birchbox
Brunch Braid
A couple weeks ago, we shared an Instagram of staffer Rachel's 'Brunch Braid' (a.k.a. an upside-down French braid with a bun) and we were overwhelmed by the interest in how to create this style! Your wish is our command. Rachel re-created the look with step-by-step photos and tips so you can do it yourself.
You will need:
1 strong pony holder
1 thin pony holder
1 sock that matches your hair color
Scissors
Bobby pins
Hair spray
Hair Brush
Step 1:
As with most styles and updos, second or third day hair is best.Brunch Braid
Step 2:
Flip your head upside down and brush your hair out.Brunch Braid
Step 3:
While upside down, grab a small chunk of hair from the nape of your neck and begin to French braid.Brunch Braid
Step 4:
Continue the French braid untill you've gone two-thirds of the way up your head. Fasten the braid with a thin pony holder.Brunch Braid
Step 5:
Flip right side up and brush through the top of your hair. Take a strong pony holderRead More »from Upside-Down French Braid Photo TutorialBy Meredith Stebbins, Birchbox
Read More »from Top 5 ConcealersTop 5 Concealers
Achieve complexion perfection with these all-star cover ups
Any woman will tell you: diamonds aren't a girl's best friend -- concealer is. Whether you're battling bags, blemishes, or fine lines, the right concealer can work wonders. We've rounded up the best cover-up for every type of skin concern. Read on to find your new BFF.
Blemishes: Miracle Skin Transformer™ Treat and Conceal
When pesky zits pop up (which happens far more frequently than we'd like), hiding them is equally as important as healing them. Reach for Miracle Skin Transformer's™ Treat and Conceal, a creamy formula that blends like a dream and is packed with complexion-improving ingredients like white rose and chamomile. Plus, it's loaded with witch hazel to keep skin clear and prevent future breakouts.
Undereye Circles and Bags: Benefit Ooh La Lift
We've come to terms with the fact that we are perpetually tired, but that doesn't mean we need to look it. Benefit's brilliant Ooh La LiftBy Meredith Stebbins, Birchbox
Read More »from 5 Things that Make You Look Older5 Things That Make You Look Older
It's not just wrinkles -- find what else is piling on the years.
For a turn-back-the-clock complexion, it's not just about smoothing wrinkles. Here are the skincare issues that are adding years to your skin. We've got the deets on these premature signs of aging, and the products that will make them go buh-bye.
Dark Circles: VMV Hypoallergenics Re-Everything Eye Serum
When you're exhausted, your eyes suddenly sport matching dark circles. While concealer is a handy ally, treat the underlying problem with a brightening, firming eye serum. VMV Hypoallergenics Re-Everything Eye Serum contains a powerful vasoactive that strengthens the capillaries under the eyes to preventing dark circles from forming.
Unevenness: FIX Malibu Immaculate Complexion Advanced Antioxidant Serum
They're called age spots for a reason. Caused by sun exposure, these dark areas are an overproduction of melanin in the skin. Sunscreen will help prevent further damage -- it's never too
