Alexander Wang Pre Fall 2020 Collection and Beauty Trends

June 7, 2019

Last week I was invited by Jin Soon to go backstage at the Alexander Wang Pre Fall 2020 Collection Runway Show to see what the beauty artists were up to when it came to hair, makeup and nails. As an ode to the pioneers of American sportswear, Alexander Wang took inspiration from iconic designers such as Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren for his 2020 Collection 1 runway show. With the collection broken down into four parts, the last part being Wang's future vision of American design, he also wanted four variated hairstyles to go with the looks. And that’s just hair. Continue reading to see full visual story of the behind the scenes in beauty along with some of my favorite looks from the show.

HAIRSTYLES

The first hairstyle was a very structured '70s silhouette, with two different types of braids. Some of the models had braids (which took up to six hours to create) with a center part. The hair was then saturated with handfuls of L'Oreal mousse to ease the pressure of the braids on the scalp, lock in style, and tame any fly-aways and baby hairs. "Alex wanted a very clean and graphic silhouette," says lead hair stylist Duffy backstage. "There's a Jet cover from 1973 with a [model with a] center part. When you look through documented trends in hair, some of the braid work was so intricate and well-executed. I wanted to celebrate that moment that was forgotten." For the second type of braid, the hair was extended into ponytails and then wrapped with leather to resemble a bull whip. My favorite hairstyle from the show. After waist-length extensions were added, models were given one, two, or three ponytails that were pulled tightly and held in place with Elnett Extra Strong Hold Hairspray. They were then wrapped and braided with leather all the way down — a project that took as many as five stylists on a single model. The level of focus from the stylists were intense. Major dedication to this look.

The second group of models had their hair separated into three sections, straightened, and then finished off with loads of L'Oreal setting lotion. The aesthetic was, "graphic, hard, and shiny," according to Duffy, but Wang didn't want the hair to look too wet or plastic-y either. The third look was inspired by sumo wrestler hair. L'Oreal Extra Hold Gel was applied to the strands in order to achieve an iridescent, reflective sheen and the hair was then fanned out into ponytails. See in image above to the right.

The fourth look matched with the other three looks but consisted of more individuality. Wang “gang” girls, Kendall Jenner, Kaia Gerber, Lexi Boling, Selena Forrest, and Binx Walton, all wore white for the show. To go with this look, they wanted sexy and minimalistic, as if the models just stepped out of water. This is definitely a look I go for during the summer time.

MAKEUP

Lead by makeup artist Diane Kendal, the models were given a subdued look of luminous, glowing skin with a bit of cheek contouring using Nars' Endless Orgasm Palette and Orgasm Liquid Highlighter. Brows were filled in with a "boy-ish" charm to them and the Nars' Orgasm Oil-Infused Lip Tint (insane packaging) was applied to both lips and the tops of the cheekbones for a 90s-inspired, dewy glow. That gloss/glass effect on the cheekbones and eyelids is definitely going to be making a comeback in the next few seasons. I have yet to try any of these products (too crazy to attempt to amidst the chaos backstage) but do use their Orgasm blush every day and it’s my go-to-product for fresh, subtle blushed cheeks. This look is perfect with slicked-back wet polished hair - I think because of the intricacy behind the hair along with the strong statement from Wang’s collection definitely were influenced by the minimal no-makeup-makeup look and it truly works because the makeup doesn’t need to distract from the clothes.

NAILS

The nails were also minimalist, with Jin Soon Choi using four nude shades from her eponymous polish line: Dulcet, Demure, Nostalgia and Muse. "We tried to match a JINsoon nude shade to each model to complement their skin tone" explained Choi. Then, because the designer "wanted a cool, more modernized spin" to the neutral nails, she topped the polish with Jin Soon Matte Maker Topcoat, noting that, unlike many other matte-finish polish formulas, hers is "very satin-finished, not dry. This gives more of a cool, sportswear look," said Choi, “while celebrating each model's individuality without overpowering any of the looks they are sporting.” If I’m wearing a nude polish on my nails, it’s Nostalgia, but I’m dying to trying Dulcet for the fall!

FAVORITE LOOKS/TRENDS

Taking place at Rockefeller Center the show was the first ever held at the venue, and sectioned off to specific clientele along with a quite vulnerable position for public viewing (hey, he’s done it before). In homage to the Holy Trinity from the 90s - Donna Karan, Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, Wang feature 4 different looks including his own future take on American sportswear. I loved the bold shouldered blazers inspired from Karan’s collections along with the crazy cool denim, a personal favorite and one that will be sold out in a heartbeat are those thigh-high slit denim skirts. (That' 90s light blue wash is MINE) Definite Klein vibes along with logo tees and even underwear as outerwear. Ralph Lauren-isms like flannel plaid, mile-long suede fringe, and wide-wale corduroy were also spotted on the runway. How good are those corduroy blazers though?! Another detail I spotted were neck ties being used as an accessory on a handbag. Not your typical piece, but I will definitely be re-interpreting this.

LOVE & XX’S,

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May Beauty Favorites

June 4, 2019

When summer hits my makeup definitely becomes more minimal than any other season throughout the year. I usually only wear lipstick and mascara with a tinted moisturizer or BB cream. Just enough coverage, but still light enough for my skin to breathe. In today’s post, I’m sharing my monthly beauty favorites for the month of May, which include my in-between skincare regimens for the summer which does include some K-Beauty as well as other classic brands. I also have a favorite new prebiotic mask that’s great for anyone that’s a city dweller. And it’s fun because it changes color after applying. Continue reading to see more of my latest faves, such as a red orange lipstick and texture hair spray for beachy waves.

CLINIQUE FRESH PRESSED CLINICAL DAILY BOOSTERS

Turn your moisturizer into a de-aging powerhouse. Clinique 's breakthrough day and night Boosters with Pure Vitamins C 10% and A(Retinol) are freshly activated to deliver prescription-level results against visible wrinkles. Simply mix a few pumps with your favorite Clinique moisturizer—Vitamin C in the morning, and Vitamin A at night. Enjoy a potent de-aging boost without changing the moisturizer you love. Everyday, Vitamin C 10% works on skin's surface to instantly brighten. See remarkably even-toned and retexturized skin with continued use. Everynight, Vitamin A (Retinol) penetrates deeply into skin's surface. Overtime, skin appears revitalized, lines and wrinkles 're-filled,' youthful tone recaptured.

GIVENCHY LE ROUGE LIPSTICK COUTURE EDITION IN NO. 304 MANDARINE BOLERO

Le Rouge defines lips with its intense, pigment-rich color. Its feather-light, non-sticky, velvety texture glides across the lips to deliver a semi-matte finish and long-lasting wear. The case features the “scribble tiger” pattern straight out of Clare Waight Keller’s first Givenchy runway show. Use this limited-edition case on all your Givenchy Le Rouge lipsticks. The shade is a muted red orange, the perfect vibrant bold lip for summer.

GIVENCHY PRISME LIBRE COUTURE EDITION

Unify, set, and perfect with Givenchy’s Prisme Libre. Upon application, imperfections appear diminished, skin looks more even, and makeup is set with a lasting, radiant, matte finish. The cap features the “scribble tiger” pattern straight out of Clare Waight Keller’s first Givenchy runway show. Use this limited-edition cap on all your Givenchy Prisme Libre loose powders.

LUNE + ASTER REALGLOW SKIN TINT IN MEDIUM BEIGE

This light-diffusing Skin Tint covers and perfects with ultra-lightweight, customizable sheer to medium coverage for a naturally radiant look. Your skin, only better! After trying this product, I have given up on foundation as well as BB & CC creams. A tiny bit covers those imperfections and smooths my skin tone without looking like a heavy makeup! You can dab on extra to cover specific spots and it does not look cakey like other tinted moisturizers that I've tried before. It’s the perfect formula for flawless skin, while the ingredients help repair while you wear it:

Hyaluronic acid helps to plump and replenish the skin’s moisture level.

Vegan collagen helps to improve hydration and smooth the skin.
Vitamin E helps to hydrate, repair and protect.
Licorice extract helps to support skin's elasticity, fight inflammation, soothe irritation and reduce redness. Consistent use over time has been known to fade dark spots.
Apple seed extract helps to hydrate, repair and protect skin.

COSRX FIRST CLEANSING MILK GEL

COSRX's Low pH First Cleansing Milk Gel gently removes makeup, dirt and excess oil, without leaving behind a greasy residue. Olive oil and witch hazel are added to this silky formula to alleviate visible pores, oiliness and redness. Maintains skin's pH level, tightens pores, and refreshes skin without stripping the skin. I’ve been using it every other day when I do not do a double-cleanse and it’s a great balancer in between.

COSRX CENTELLA CLEANSING POWDER

Mildly acidic cleansing powder is infused with enzymes to gently exfoliate, and centella extract to soothe sensitive skin. Promotes a healthy-looking complexion with youthful radiance. I use it as an exfoliator once or twice a week, especially if I have had several shoots and am using more makeup than usual. They’re also a great travel companion due to its size.

URBAN DECAY PERVERSION MASCARA

So intense you might need a safe word, Perversion glides on and gets you sexy in one stroke. (Yet it won't quit until you say when.)Like a second skin, Urban Decay's ultra-creamy, lengthening, volumizing mascara coats each lash with triple-black pigments and a deeply nourishing ingredient blend - for bigger, blacker, badder lashes. It's sick how black it is...the purest, deepest, most intense black color imaginable. Perversion has a creamy, full-bodied texture that's not too dry, not too wet. This allows just the right amount of ""pull"" so it glides through lashes. The result: Incredible control for insane lashes. Go ahead and pile on coat after coat. Want to apply more before you go out at night? No problem. Even if it's been all day since you applied, more Perversion always means more beautiful lashes. It NEVER gets brittle or clumpy.

URBAN DECAY PERVERSION WATERPROOF FINE-POINT EYE PEN

If you want to nail an eyeliner look that's perfectly exact, you'll enjoy total control with Urban Decay's Perversion Waterproof Fine-Point Eye Pen, a super-smooth, free-flowing pen that draws crazy-precise, waterproof blacker-than-black lines that last all day.The pen's unique cartridge system allows for a constant flow of ink. Plus, its ultra fine tip glides on smooth without skipping or pulling, providing a smooth, controlled application. Easily create everything from fine lines to bold, thick lines. The waterproof formula lays down long-lasting black lines with ink that dries quickly and won't smudge, run or feather.

PEACE OUT DARK SPOT BRIGHTENING DOTS

Using microneedling technology, these revolutionary treatment dots create micro-channels within the skin that help deliver results in half the time of most treatments. Niacinamide, licorice extract, and tranexamic acid work together to visibly lighten and brighten without causing irritation. All dark spots are different—this product best treats dark spots from post-acne inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Now that I’m older it takes longer for an acne spot to clear up, and these brightening dots are doing the magic trick!

PEACE OUT ACNE HEALING DOTS

Zap that zit! These patent-pending acne-healing dots are the only acne treatment to combine absorbent hydrocolloid technology with active blemish-fighting ingredients. Infused with salicylic acid to kick acne-causing bacteria to the curb, they also contain vitamin A to help support natural skin turnover and aloe vera to soothe redness. Hydrocolloid technology extracts impurities while creating a protective barrier that guards against external irritants. By protecting your blemishes from bacteria, inflammation, and picking, these dots also reduce the potential for acne scarring. Whether you're struggling with hormonal acne, whiteheads, or inflamed pimples, your blemish is less red, less painful, and significantly less irritating in as little as six hours.

SGX NYC ‘THE DO-IT-ALL’ 3-IN-1 DRY TEXTURE SPRAY

Tired hair? Revive flat, 5pm hair with this multi-talented dry texture spray. Designed with dry shampoo to instantly add texture by refreshing and volumizing while hairspray provides brushable hold for that that perfectly undone tousled style. I love to use this dry texture spray all by itself on towel-dried/damp hair. During the summer, I’m not as into styling my hair with a blowdryer, curling iron, straightener, etc; that all do so much damage in the long run. So for those all-naturalé days, it’s my go to for wavy, beachy hair.

ALGENIST ALIVE PREBIOTIC BALANCING MASK

Algenist ALIVE Prebiotic Balancing Mask is a transformative mask that re-balances, detoxifies and leaves skin feeling alive and hydrated while enhancing clarity for an even, radiant look. Formulated with a probiotic, and prebiotic from algae, paired with our patented Alguronic Acid, to target concerns that may result from unbalanced surface skin bacteria. Probiotics and prebiotics are good for you ingredients that help balance skin's natural surface ecosystem. Skin is more resistant to pollution and the appearance of lifestyle aging. I use it every 2-3 days and it’s so fantastic! I love how it changes color, as if its really getting down to business and cleaning my face, ha ha!

LOVE & XX’S,

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Blue Floral Halter Summer Maxi Dress

June 3, 2019

WEARING: BLUE FLORAL MAXI DRESS | STRAW POM CLUTCH | WHITE MULES | WOVEN EARRINGS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY WHO WHAT WEAR AND STYLEWE BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

I love to wear blue all-year round, even during the summer. I think the color evokes many different emotions, but there might be certain occasions one would not feel so comfortable wearing a certain shade of blue. Take for instance: somewhere in the tropics. Not the first go-to color, right? But if for example I were to be at a very tropical destination wedding, this is the kind of look I would completely go for. Flirty and effortlessly, it is a dream dress for summer. Even if not attending a wedding, this blue floral maxi dress is perfect for this time of year. Continue reading to see full visual story.

The Tiered Halter Maxi Dress from Who What Wear™ is a floaty printed chiffon with ruffled edging, with a shoulder-baring neckline and dramatic A-line skirt that hits at the ankle. Wear it with a pair of flats for a modern boho look, or pair it with a heeled sandal for an elegant summer wedding statement. I went with a pair of Cult Gaia dupes, these white genuine leather hollow out pointed toe slippers are my new favorite shoes for summer. The heel detail is quite stunning and even though these pair are on sale for only $72 here, they look like they’re worth much more. Are you a fan of duping and if so, what’s your favorite way to do this?

To tie together the rest of this summery feminine look I accessorized with a straw clutch with black pom pom, wooden bangles and earrings with a similar woven straw-like material. I think these materials work well with the mules as well as with the dress. It’s a look I could wear any day, to a wedding, or on vacation at an island resort. Any piece or accessory that can be worn many times in multiple ways is a bonus in my book. Thanks as always for stopping by! Wishing you a great day and even more wonderful week.

LOVE & XX’S,

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Posh Safari Chic | Date Night

May 23, 2019

WEARING: KHAKI GREEN DOUBLE-BREASTED JACKET | LIGHT BEIGE PAPER-BAG SHORTS | BLACK POINTED PEEP-TOE MULES | IVORY CROC-EFFECT LEATHER BAG | TORTOISE RESIN HAIR CLIP

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY H&M AND LOVELESS PARIS BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

I don’t know know about you but it’s been one heck of a week for me! Who else is ready for Friday? I’m never one to count the days to the weekend, but sometimes we all can use a breather. In which case, my husband and I always make an effort to go out to dinner. At least once or twice a month, we like to try something new and maintain something old, as in tradition, we always have dates at the place where we first met and also had our wedding party. It was previously a French brasserie (coincidence the hubby is Parisian, I think not (!), that or the universe has a funny sense of humor at times) but it’s now a simple Irish pub, where the food is just as good and filled with many happy memories. Even MaQ joins us out on the terrace for brunch on the weekends, when the weather permits it. Now that summer is creeping in, I was inspired to do a color-schemed safari palette into a date night look! Continue reading to see what I chose and where to directly shop.

When I think of what colors to include in a safari chic-like palette, they are khaki green, beige, ivory, tan, black and others. The first piece to catch my eye that inspired this look was the khaki green double-breasted jacket. I went one size up since I love the look of an oversized jacket and/or blazer. Initially I was going to style it with a great pair of jeans, which I could always do for everyday business casual, but I wanted to elevate the look into something a tad more. That’s when I came across these particular pair of shorts I knew how I wanted to style everything together.

I LOVE these light beige paper-bag shorts. These shorts come in thick cotton jersey. They are high waist, with a paper-bag waistband, pleats in the front, and zip fly with concealed hook-and-eye fastener. There is a removable tie belt as well and I cannot stress how comfy these shorts are! So perfect for summer and I think they also tie really well with the khaki green jacket. I went with some black to bring it all together without having the outfit look too bland for date night. So these sexy black pointed peep-toe mules are such a hit for the occasion. They’re also not a nightmare to walk in, which is a MUST for me.

Hair accessories are a major hot trend for spring and summer this season with hair clips being all the rage. Pearls, resin, metallics, you name it. I discovered a French hair brand that you can get personalized pieces from, that will polish up any look with its chicness. I had one made in the name of my brand, MaQ + Suz, and I absolutely adore it. I styled it in a half-up hairstyle on Instagram here but I think this clip looks great from day to night. Go to www.lovelessparis.com to customize your barrette! You can create from 3 to 8 characters, and it’s so easy!

Last but not least, I went with an ivory croc-effect leather bag without any straps. I think it creates a more evening vibe that is perfect for date night. I hope you enjoyed my posh safari chic date night look! Feel free to drop me a message down in the comment section below. How would you style a safari-chic look? And for date night? Thanks for stopping by! Wishing you a great rest of the week. x

LOVE & XX’S,

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A Slice of Summer Glow with These 6 Korean Beauty Products

May 21, 2019

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY GLOW RECIPE BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

With our first official hot day here in New York City yesterday, I got inspired to write up a post on how to achieve that radiant summer glow when it comes to our skin. But sans makeup. Makeup can help achieve the ultimate sun-kissed bronzy luminosity - but for some makeup is a no-no during the warmer seasons. Especially heavier coverage such as foundation. I love to have my skin breathe during this time of year to keep it healthy and fresh, so in today’s post I’m sharing 6 amazing Korean skincare products, all from the same brand, that will definitely give you a slice of that summer glow we all want.

WATERMELON GLOW ULTRA-FINE MIST

This ultra-fine, hydrating, fog-like mist is designed for ultimate skin radiance and makeup enhancement. It’s uniquely formulated with hibiscus flower which naturally contains AHAs to smooth the look of skin, apple cider vinegar (ACV) which naturally helps balance oil production, and rice germ oil which helps protect against free radicals. I have used it before applying makeup and it’s great, but I literally spray this on my face all day long even without makeup on. It smells like watermelon, so good in fact, my husband secretly loves it too! Refreshing, travel-friendly with very cute packaging, it’s my new favorite mist spray for summertime.

BLUEBERRY BOUNCE GENTLE CLEANSER

This hydrating, bouncy cleanser delivers all the antioxidant-rich benefits of blueberries while refining pores with hyaluronic acid and AHAs. The ultra-gentle formula is packed with nourishing oils to remove makeup with minimal rubbing. Skin is clear, radiant, and glowing without feeling stripped. During the warmer months, I prefer a gentle cleanser as I don’t want to use something too harsh for my sensitive skin. This cleanser is really my jam, and I love using it while traveling too when skin can wreck havoc even during the simplest of trips.

PINEAPPLE-C BRIGHT SERUM

Brighten up with pure pineapple juice, a potent, natural source of vitamin C, AHA, and bromelain enzymes. Blended with soothing chamomile, the serum retexturizes skin and evens tone. Glass Skin is the ideal skin look inspired by K-Beauty—so smooth and reflective that it looks like glass. Or that dewy glow effect. It’s the ultimate summer brightening serum - your face will literally look like a mannequin! But in a good way, ha ha! I also love how to chamomile is a red reducer - especially when it comes to breaking out. And how adorable is that bottle?!

WATERMELON GLOW PINK JUICE MOISTURIZER

This oil-free moisturizer calms, brightens, and perfectly preps skin for makeup, while antioxidants protect against environmental stressors to ward off fine lines and dark spots. Use day and night as a moisturizer for oily/combo skin or as a serum for dry skin. Its bouncy, gel-emulsion texture feels cool on contact and absorbs instantly. Perfect for the summer heat. It works best with the pineapple serum for that ultra glowing skin. Plus, the smell is intoxicating. It’s like your face guzzled down a glass of fresh watermelon juice!

AVOCADO MELT SLEEPING MASK

Intensely moisturize, firm, and brighten overnight. Oleic acid and linoleic acid-rich avocado helps to restore moisture and collagen in the skin, while the antioxidants and antibacterial properties of manuka honey refresh stressed out skin. PHAs provide a gentle exfoliation while you sleep. This avocado sleeping mask contains Kaolin Clay: This clay pulls impurities from the skin without causing redness or irritation; and absorbs excess oils, decongests pores, and diminishes shine. Skin is extremely smooth. Would recommend using only a little bit per use - in this case, less is more.

WATERMELON GLOW SLEEPING MASK

My favorite product out of the 6: It’s the first product I ever tried by Glow Recipe and I use it all-year round. This luxuriously bouncy, breathable sleeping mask refreshingly hydrates, smooths, and perfects skin overnight with a revolutionary pillow-proof, transfer-proof formula. The oil-free, lightweight, glow-boosting hybrid is formulated with ultra-soothing watermelon extract, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and gentle AHAs that work while you sleep to tone and clarify roughened, dull complexions. AHAs smooth the surface of the skin by banishing dead, rough surface cells, clearing the path for ultra-effective, lasting hydration, while hyaluronic acid binds moisture to the skin for an incredibly nourished complexion. Skin is baby-soft and bright in the morning, effortlessly.