Los Angeles

If you’re browsing Mother’s Day gift articles this week, you’re probably seeing a lot of gift baskets, flower-shaped garden tools and cooking supplies. Cute and useful, but not particularly glamorous right? At times like these, I look to jewelry designers Ariel Gordon and Maya Brenner, the go-to gals for basic, stylish and very wearable pieces … like alphabet necklaces!

Oh wait, Mom has plenty of jewelry? She doesn’t need more? I beg to differ. Sometimes, even the pickiest moms appreciate a piece of well-crafted jewelry — especially if it’s something she can wear every day and layer with her existing collection. Plus, every time she looks in the mirror or receives a compliment, she’ll think of you! (more…)

Photo by John Shearer/Invision for Kiehl’s/AP Images

Kiehl’s kicked off Earth Day weekend this week by celebrating its Limited Edition Ultra Facial Cream — one of my favorite Kiehl’s products — to benefit Recycle Across America. Which celebrities partnered for the cause? Alanis Morissette and Zachary Quinto, who designed cool limited-edition labels for the product. (Fans, shop the collection while you can!) One-hundred percent of the collection’s proceeds will go toward Recycle Across America, and $50,000 will be used to create 65,000 recycling labels for select K-12 schools nationwide.

The benefit was held in Santa Monica, Calif., and as usual, a crop of stars came out to support the cause — including the lovely Anthony Mackie (The Hurt Locker), Amy Smart and The Misshapes. (Speaking of which, I am LOVING Leigh Lezark’s short, blond hair.)

What’s a great way to test waterproof makeup? Jump in a pool, of course! That’s exactly what the Aqualillies, the country’s leading water ballet troupe, did at the Annenberg Beach House in Santa Monica, Calif., yesterday — each wearing a full face of new Aqualillies for Tarte makeup.

By the end of their 15-20 minute performance, they looked just as great as they did when they made their entrance.

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What do you think when you hear the term “sexy hair”? Soft, beachy waves à la Victoria’s Secret Swim Catalog? Yeah, me too. But how does that explain gals like Charlize Theron, Anne Hathaway and Miley Cyrus? IMHO, they look just as sexy now — perhaps even sexier — than they did with long, flowing (and dare I say … generic?) locks.

For those of you who agree, consider checking out what Sexy Hair has to offer come June. The Chatsworth, Calif.-based line — perhaps best known for Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play, the hairspray in the big red can — is releasing a new product line dedicated to helping edgy hairstyles hold up. (more…)

From Academy Award winner Jennifer Lawrence to Vanity Fair Oscar Party show stopper Selena Gomez, smoky eye makeup was all over the red carpet last night. (Love!)

Now, how do we get these sultry looks at home? Well, step one is to invest in a good, creamy long-wear liner. My favorite as of late is Tarte Skinny SmolderEYES Amazonion Clay Waterproof Liner. Celebrity makeup artist Jenn Streicher used it in Moonstone Brown on Gomez (above left), while celebrity makeup artist Kayleen McAdams used Onyx yesterday on Channing Tatum’s wife, Jenna Dewan-Tatum (aka the luckiest girl alive). (more…)

I trust only a handful of people with my hair. Marco Pelusi, colorist extraordinaire and owner of Marco Pelusi Hair Studio in West Hollywood, Calif., is one of them. His growing roster of celebrity clients (Stacy Keibler, Sophie Winkleman, Carol Alt) have the most amazing color; his salon is so relaxing and down-to-earth; and I’m a die-hard fan of his products.

So, with “holiday hair season” upon us, I thought, who better to ask about getting great hair color? Here are his candid answers to my questions, including how to maintain red hair color and how to avoid disappointment at the salon:

TDO: Marco, the hair color you do always looks amazing. What’s your secret?

MP: Thank you! Years of practice. If you want to get good at something, do it over and over and over again, so you have years of experience to draw upon.

Also, listening is perhaps the most vital component to my job. I must have adequate time for a color consultation; to consider the client’s skin tone, what’s most flattering for her, and her wants and needs. While I’m listening, I’m already formulating the proper color, and then I’m ready to go into my ‘laboratory’ and mix! Also, as I’m mixing, I always keep in mind my personal mantra: to maintain the quality and integrity of the hair while coloring.

TDO: What is the most important or best thing you think a woman should keep in mind about hair color? (more…)

Pop! goes NARS with the opening of its second flagship boutique — and first West Coast store — in Los Angeles this weekend!

I stopped by Saturday to meet Francois Nars himself, who was in the store’s VIP section signing autographs on limited edition NARS x Andy Warhol collection eyeshadow palettes (insert giddy schoolgirl squeal here). NARS International Makeup Artist Lena Koro sat by his side while CEO Louis Desazars kindly greeted guests. Later that evening, stars including Mandy Moore, Alessandra Ambrosio and Rachel Zoe were on hand for the store’s glam opening celebration. (more…)

I’ve been obsessed with accessories this month, and this is the perfect excuse to get some great pieces at affordable prices. (I’m still so fond of my first CC SKYE Vintage Showstopper Ring, I wear it all the time.) If you have time and are in L.A., head to the CC SKYE sample sale today to get in touch with your inner Malibu Barbie rockstar. See you there!

Ah, cleanses. It’s been over a year since I did my last cleanse — mainly because, well, I’m not a huge fan of cleanses. But leading up to my latest vacation, I decided to do a short one to prepare myself for the days of decadence ahead (and yes, lose a quick few pounds). That and I was curious about Kaeng Raeng, an affordable vegan and gluten-free detox cleanse developed by entrepreneur, writer, certified personal trainer and animal rights activist Lindsay Reinsmith.

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