New York Fashion Week Must Haves

Katie McBroom / / No Comments

landscape_nrm_1424477608-463903370_10

If you follow me on social, you might have seen a thing or two about New York Fashion Week recently. It’s winding down now, but I’ve been having a blast for the past week attending all the best shows and learning some amazing behind-the-scenes secrets from some of the most talented artists in the beauty biz. (More on that later!)

In the meantime, I wanted to share some of my absolute must-have products for surviving fashion week. As die-hard fashionistas know, NYFW is just the beginning of this season’s fashion extravaganza. So, if you’re jetting off to the next runway in London, take a peek at my must haves list below! Couldn’t have survived NYFW without these…

External Phone Charger

Seriously, if you do not yet have one of these, get one now. I got mine on Amazon for like $20 and it has been an absolute life saver in terms of keeping my necessary electronics juiced up when I need them the most. Snapchat sucks a lot of battery power, you guys.

Listerine Strips

These are my lifeline for making sure my breath is fresh at all times. They’re also great for a quick way to perk yourself up if you’re nodding off from exhaustion. #truth

Urban Decay Makeup Setting Spray

Sometimes there is just no time for touch-ups and your look has to last all day. I’m obsessed with the Urban Decay setting sprays – especially the All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray. Legit lasts for 16 hours so your makeup will last from early morning call time to late night show to the after party.

Bandaids

You’ve heard that you need a sturdy heel or a flat. You’ve shopped and shopped. You’re convinced that you found the perfect pair. You think your shoe selection is fine, but you’re wrong. Even the chunkiest heels can create mean blisters if you’re darting from show to show for a week straight (especially if they’re new and not properly broken in). Do your footsies a favor and keep some Bandaids in your bag.

Ardell “Babies” False Lashes

The absolute easiest way to instantly up your glam is to add a pair of falsies to any look. You could be free of any other speck of makeup and the Ardell Babies lashes will legit up your makeup game with little effort. They look natural thanks to the awesome flexible band. They’re definitely on my fav lashes list!

Cottonelle® Flushable Cleansing Cloths with CleanRipple® Texture

Even the chicest shows (I’m looking at you, Jeremy Scott) sometimes require port-a-potty situations due to the massive amount of attendees. So, take it from me and do not get caught off guard in a situation where you’re out of toilet paper! Luckily, I had some Cottonelle® Flushable Cleansing Cloths with CleanRipple® Texture to keep me clean and fresh in all the sketchy restroom situations I encountered this week. Cottonelle® with CleanRipple® Texture keeps you clean so you can feel confident enough to strut your stuff, whether down the runway, the red carpet or the city streets. It’s designed to clean better, so you’re clean and confident enough to go commando. Just keepin’ it real, folks.

[I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.]

You may also enjoy:

The Perfect Zinfandel for Labor Day Festivities

Katie McBroom / / No Comments

Wine

Happy Labor Day weekend, everyone!

Honestly, is there anything better than a cold, crisp glass of Zinfandel on a summer day?

Spoiler alert: This post is a wine infused skincare line and not actual wine. 😉

I’ve reviewed Vine Vera in the past and have been a longtime fan of their innovative methods of incorporating wine related ingredients like Resveratrol into their products. Seriously.

(Now before I go on and gush about how much I love them, I do want to preface that these are luxury products. They have similar price tags to other major players in the luxury skincare market, so if you’re an Olay girl, this may not be for you. If you’re into investing in your face, read on.)

As summer fades into fall, our skincare needs transition as well. Due to sun exposure and the overall effect of aging, your skin loses its uniformity and can look uneven and dull. Vine Vera’s Zinfandel Collection is the perfect set to whip your skin tone back into shape after a season of sunshine and skin abuse.

Read on for deets on a few of my favs from the collection:

Vine-Vera-Zinfandel-Collection

Resveratrol Zinfandel Illuminating Pre-Mask

The Zinfandel Illuminating Pre-Mask is the ideal way to prepare your skin for the Zinfandel Illuminating Petal-Peel System. This creamy Pre-Mask is infused with Ostrea Shell extract and gently exfoliates your skin to help reduce appearance of discoloration and sun damage.

Resveratrol Zinfandel Radiance Cream

This unique formula will help even skin tone while reducing the appearance of aging. Due to sun exposure and the overall effect of aging, your skin loses its uniformity, resulting in an uneven, imbalanced look.Resveratrol Radiance Cream will help reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone with derivatives of vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate), vitamin E (Tocopherol), Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract) and Resveratrol.

Resveratrol Zinfandel Skin Tone Correcting Serum

This silky formula is designed to reduce the appearance of age spots, sun damage and uneven skin tone. Formulated with derivatives of vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate), Orange Peel Extract (Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract) and Resveratrol to give your skin a radiant, youthful look. It is wonderful and does what it says it will.

Zinfandel Illuminating Petal-Peel System

Roses and resveratrol are known for their beauty enhancing benefits and antioxidant properties. This one of a kind set is designed to reveal a more radiant and even skin tone. Formulated with ingredients such as Diatomite, collagen and rose bud powder, the Resveratrol Illuminating Petal-Peel System is the ideal solution for discoloration and dull skin. I’m so obsessed!

[This post was sponsored by Vine Vera, but all opinions are my own.]

You may also enjoy:

Delicious (& Derm Approved) Infused Water Recipes

Katie McBroom / / No Comments

1202005

While we all know there are major benefits to drinking more water, water can be boring and make other beverages seem more tempting. As a lover of mixology, I’m always looking for a way to spice up my drinks – alcoholic or not!

I have a few go-to fav recipes (cucumber + lavender = happiness) and also got the scoop from leading NYC dermatologists who gave me some additional awesome ideas for infused water recipes that’ll pack a punch of flavor and add health and beauty benefits to your H2O! (Btw, if you’re new to infused water, it’s easy. Not only can you purchase an infuser bottle, you can also just chop up the ingredients and let them sit over night in a pitcher of water.)

Read on for some of my fav flavored water combos and get ready to sip your way to healthy hydration inside and out!

Mango Ginger

This combo might seem weird, but adding the health benefits of ginger and the antioxidant power of mangoes is a surprisingly tasty mix! “Mangoes contain so many vitamins that help boost your immune system. It has antioxidants that maintain youthful glowing skin and aid in the production of blood cells,” says Dr. Christopher Calapai, an anti-aging expert and long-time health advisor to the New York Rangers hockey team. “Ginger is also helpful in fighting infection, has been linked to lower cholesterol levels, may reduce muscle aches, and helps digestion,” added Dr. Calapai.

Grapefruit Rosemary

Recently rosemary was found to be the main ingredient eaten by residents of an Italian village with one of the highest populations of people who live past 100! “Rosemary improves circulation and sends more blood to the brain which is linked to greater concentration and potentially reduces risk of Alzheimer’s,” said Dr. Calapai. Grapefruit is not only delicious but it’s a natural fat burner, boosts metabolism and cleanses your liver.

Melon Mix

Cut up watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe chunks and throw into your water over night. “This melon variety tastes great and is amazing for your skin,” said Dr. Kally Papantoniou, board certified dermatologist and clinical instructor at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York. “Melons are immensely hydrating, meaning more hydration per cup of water. They are also chock-full of antioxidants that keep skin clear plus they contain vitamins that promote collagen production which helps skin cell turnover.”

Citrus Mint

Pick your favorite citrus fruits, cut up into slices and add some crushed mint.  “Adding mint to your water is not only extra refreshing but also improves digestive health and can speed up your metabolism,” said Dr. Calapai. “Mint actually contains salicylic acid, a potent acne fighter,” said Dr. Papantoniou. “It’s also well known for it’s anti-inflammatory properties which work to calm irritation both on your skin or internally,” she added.

Cucumber Lavender

This is one of my absolute favorites! I add cucumber and lavender to just about anything. And luckily, this combo is really good for you, too! “The reason so many spas use cucumber based treatments is because it contains many skin friendly minerals like magnesium, potassium and silicon,” says Dr. Papantoniou. “This mix is especially healthy,” says Dr. Calapai “Cucumbers are powerful detoxifiers, flushing out any waste in your system. Adding crushed lavender to the mix not only adds a beautiful aroma but can also help digestion as lavender contains polyphenols that reduce bad bacteria in your gut, making your system run smoother,” he explained.

Pineapple Coconut Water

This one is almost cheating… almost. Get your favorite store bought raw coconut water and refrigerate over night with large chunks of pineapple. The coconut-pineapple flavor combo is delicious and reminiscent of a piña colada without all the sugar and calories. Although this is not pure H2O, coconut water contains electrolytes which plain water does not, which rehydrates you in record time. “Pineapple is yet another fruit that aids in collagen production,” says Papantoniou “This is not just great for beautiful skin, collagen also has a major role in bone health and tissue repair.”

Anyone else thirsty now? Cheers!

You may also enjoy:

Beat the Heat with Babbleboxx

Katie McBroom / / No Comments

Babbleboxx Edit

I just love summertime don’t you?! Though like any season, summer comes with its own slew of beauty woes. Mainly, all the woes that come from beating this insane heat! I’ve been in Montauk all weekend (more on that later!) in the sun and blazing heat, so I’m glad I had my latest Babbleboxx goodies with me. My friends at Babbleboxx sent me literally everything I need to beat the heat this summer! Read on for a few of my favs.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Mineral Water Gel Moisturizer

Vichy’s ultra-light cooling water gel moisturizer combines Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water with 48-hr Dynamic Hydration to leave skin moisturized and radiating with health. It’s lightweight, oil-free makes it perfect for the summer months. It also makes it perfect for people with normal to combination skin. Apply this hydrating moisturizer morning and evening to cleansed skin by spreading a touch of gel moisturizer all over the face. Spread with outward movements from the middle of the face, without applying too much pressure. The hyaluronic acid in this power moisturizer makes it able to retain up to 1000 times its weight in water leaving the skin plumped with moisture! Also, I have the scoop on a special offer for you! You can get 20% off + free shipping by entering promotion code: BABBLE at checkout. Offer valid through 11:59pm PST, 08/15/2016. Offer cannot be combined with other discounts or gift sets.

Nad’s Exfoliating Body Wax Strips

Nad’s, the Australian-based leaders in at home hair removal, is proud to introduce the brand new Exfoliating Body Wax Strips, a unique take on the traditional at-home wax strip with an uplifting pomegranate and pink grapefruit scent. As the world’s first exfoliating waxing strip, this revolutionary product utilizes a two-step method to remove unwanted hair and minimize ingrown hairs from occurring. Harnessing Nad’s patented Xfol™ technology, these unique strips contain an exfoliator on the outside and wax on the inside to deliver the smoothest hair-free results with each use. Its coarse outer surface buffs away buildup of dead skin cells and releases trapped ingrown hair, allowing the premium wax on the inside to adhere and remove even more hair for the best possible results at home.

Butter™ London Lost In Leisure Lacquer Set

Prepare to lose yourself to white-sand beaches and fruity cocktails! butter LONDON takes you on a getaway to lush landscapes and sun-drenched vistas with our intoxicating Lost in Leisure collection. This limited edition set features high quality nail lacquers with color rich pigments that provide one stroke coverage. The polish is high shine finish with chip resistant wear and contains Hydrolyzed Silk, Horsetail Extract, Vitamins B, C, and E. And luckily, I have a promo code for you if you want to scoop up this great collection! Receive 20% off your first purchase at butterlondon.com with code: BabbleBoxx2016.

LaCroix Cúrate Melón Pomelo

I love me some LaCroix! LaCroix Cúrate Melón Pomelo is a bold combination of 2 Flavors: ripe cantaloupe, infused with pink grapefruit. A tangy duo with a touch of sweetness! The LaCroix Cúrate flavors are perfect for summer and inspired by two cultures: French & Spanish The LaCroix Cúrate family features 6 flavors, all of which come in 12oz. tall cans, and taste slightly bolder than the LaCroix you’re used to.

Tempting by Sofia Vergara

Last but not least is Sofia Vergara’s new fragrance, Tempting! The hourglass bottle is SO Sofia – very sexy while classy at the same time. The fragrance itself is an addictive and fresh floriental fruity fragrance for the temptress in every woman. Tempting by Sofia Vergara is intoxicating and seductive with an effortless femininity. Available exclusively at perfumania! I’ll be wearing it all summer.

Babbleboxx 2

[This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Single Edition Media, but all opinions are my own.]

You may also enjoy:

The Secret to Sleek, Shiny Hair for Summer

Katie McBroom / / No Comments

Conair

It’s no secret that I am always on the hunt for any beauty gadgets that will make life easier! My friends at InStyle always have the scoop on the hottest new products, so I was thrilled to team up with them and discover this new holy grail product – the Infiniti Pro by Conair Hot Paddle Brush.

This handy tool is a luxuriously smooth diamond-infused ceramic hot paddle brush with advanced ionic technology. Translation: It’s a hairbrush and straightener in one that gives a super shiny finish. I’m obsessed. It’s perfect for battling frizz in the summertime!

The advanced ionic technology includes a powerful, high-voltage ion generator that flattens and seals the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and leaving hair shiny and more manageable.

The brush itself features a winning combo of nylon, silicone, and diamond-infused ceramic bristles that gently guide the styler through hair for silky, smooth results. It has a setting for every style, which also makes it really easy to customize your look and only apply the level of heat that is needed to attain the desired end look.

For delicate, thin, easy-to-style hair – keep on the low heat (356°F) setting. Average to thick haired gals (or guys!) can style on the medium heat (375°F) setting while those with thick or wavy hair should use high heat (up to 400°F) to achieve the perfect style. I styled my freshly colored hair on the low setting and that was perfect to transform my fine, thin hair from limp and lifeless to sleek and shiny.

The Infiniti Pro by Conair Hot Paddle Brush imparts brilliant, healthy looking shine to your strands and also protects hair from heat damage. My favorite part? The time saving aspect! This seriously transforms your hair in just minutes and is as effortless as brushing your hair.

For additional info on this amazing new tool, visit Conair.com.

[This post was sponsored by Conair in collaboration with InStyle and Single Edition Media, but all opinions are my own.]

You may also enjoy: