LIPS THAT LAST!
One of Allure Magazine's favorite beauty buys of the year: Revlon's Just Bitten Lipstain and Balm in one. Just Bitten comes in several different shades, and shouldn't wear off or rub off on the eggnog. Unlike other lipstains, Allure loved Just Bitten because of the 2-in-1 lip balm attached, that keeps lips moist throughout the day and night.
Where we found Revlon's Just Bitten locally:
Just Bitten costs about $9, and can be purchased at most drug stores.
NICK-FREE, CHIP-FREE NAILS FOR WEEKS?
One of the biggest breakthroughs in nails that everyone is talking about: Semi-permanent nail polish. The two major brands you'll find in a few local salons (a lot of places still aren't offering these semi-permanent systems yet) are Shellac and OPI's Axxium. Both must be applied and removed by a professional (takes about an hour total for the service), will cost you between $45 and $75 (depending on the salon, and usually the price includes the manicure), and the best part----your polish shouldn't chip, lose its shine, or wear off for 2 to 4 weeks! The lighter the nail polish, the longer you can usually get away with having to get a new coat (because the new nail growth won't be as obvious) and both systems come in a number of different shades.
Where we found Shellac locally:
Spa Atlantis
740 Gravier Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 566-8088
www.SpaAtlantis.net
Where we found OPI's Axxium locally:
Body Bistro
8708 Oak Street
New Orleans, LA
(504) 864-2997
www.BodyBistroNola.com
GET THAT CELEBRITY HOLIDAY LUCIOUS LASH LOOK!
Another celebrity holiday favorite: Eyelash extensions! The single hair mink lash extensions (don't worry, no minks were harmed during the process ... the coats are brushed, and the individual hairs are collected and sterilized) have become popular among celebs like Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce. Each mink hair is individually bonded to the person's eyelash, and takes about 2-3 hours for both eyes. Eyelash expert Natashia Paul, owner of Wink Eyelash Bar and Makeup Studio, says the single lash extensions are safe, as long as a professional applies them, and you take care of them (no pulling or picking at your new lashes!) The single hair extensions can last 30-60 days, the life cycle of your own lashes.
A less expensive semi-permanent alternative: Flare lashes you can buy at the drugstore for a few bucks. They can be applied with a regular daily adhesive glue, or for more staying power, a semi-permanent adhesive can be used (recommended you get a professional to do this), which means the flares can last from a week to 10 days.
A professional application of the flares usually cost between $30-$50, and takes about 20 minutes.
Where we found lash extension services:
Wink Eyelash Bar & Makeup Studio
517 Metaire Rd. Suite 200
Metairie, LA
(504) 459-WINK (9465)
www.facebook.com/winkeyelashbar
