June 2012
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In Defense of Freckles, Spots, Moles and Beauty...
These bare-faced beauties embrace their specks. Gorgeous. (Photo: nytimes.com)
For any spotted beauties out there who have hidden their freckles, spots or unusually-shaped beauty marks, here’s a reason to embrace every last dot. Los Angeles photographer Reto Caduff has devoted an entire limited-edition book, Freckles, to black and white portraits honoring these pretty spots—and every one...
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Bridesmaid Beauty Bootcamp
This weekend, my best friend from college is getting married in Charlottesville, VA. Since the weather is going to be a steamy 100 degrees (yes, you read that right), I am taking my makeup seriously. After all, I don’t want to look like a melted bridesmaid in all the photos! I called on my friend Stefanie Syat, founder of PreDame parties and genius makeup artist, for a crash course in...
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Reading List: Fragrance Campaign Overload, Mama...
We’ve made it through another week and it’s officially, finally July—starting tomorrow. Here’s to summer! It’s going to be an extra-balmy 90 degrees in New York this weekend, and we have a feeling it’s going to be a hot where you are, too. Our advice: Get thee to a beach!
Blake Lively (and her reflection) looking pensive and every bit the Hollywood starlet in the new campaign...
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The Easiest DIY Ever: Birchbox Man Drawers
We recently shared a tutorial on how to create a makeup organizer out of women’s Birchboxes, which really tests your arts-and-crafts skills with its nearly nine-step process. If you want a cute organizer, but aren’t quite as handy, we suggest you try the Birchbox Man version. We first spied this delightful idea as pin on Pinterest, and we were so inspired, we decided to recreate the...
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Whoa, Watermelon!: Mood Board
Our creative team is pretty, well, creative and they come across beautiful imagery all the time. Why not share the inspiration? Keep an eye out each Friday for their Mood Board, a collection of images they’re loving.
1. sketch42blog.com 2. imgfave.com 3. pinterest.com/lillypollar 4. f***yeahmoleskines.tumblr.com 5. lateafternoonblog.com
Who doesn’t love watermelon in the summer?...
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Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise Are Divorcing
Holmes and Cruise at their last public appearance together: the Vanity Fair Oscar Afterparty. Photo: Zimbio
Five short years after getting married at a breathtaking (and massively publicized) ceremony in an Italian castle, former Dawson’s Creek star Katie Holmes and Hollywood mogul/punching bag Tom Cruise are getting divorced.
When Martin, our typically-unconcerned-with-celebrity-news BB...
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Spa-Worthy Bath Products from Italy: Today's...
When I think “luxury at home,” the one thing that comes immediately to mind is a long soak in the tub. Like Birchbox’s DIY face mask expert, I have certain demands for my self-administered spa treatments. A quality bath has to be piping hot, smell good, soothe my achy muscles, and if it’s really worth its salt, leave me feeling relaxed after I step out and dry off.
Ok,...
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Team Intros: Meet Martin!
It’s hard to know where to begin when introducing men’s editor Martin—mainly because we should have introduced you to him ages ago. Since coming on board in March, Martin has ramped up Birchbox Man’s editorial from zero to 60, and continues to churn out incredibly thoughtful, brilliant copy with only one staffer handy—himself. The ladies of team content appreciate him because he...
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Margot Tenenbaum, My Movie Character Beauty...
We’re big fans of this week’s guest blogger, Natalie Higdon. Not only is she a Tennessee resident and a connoisseur of all things Memphis; she’s also a contributor to the Birchbox magazine! (Don’t miss her stellar article on 5 Surprising Facts About SPF). This week, she interviews a hot new singer, reveals her favorite two-in-one products, and schools us on how to trim our...
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4 Reasons Why I Love Rollerball Scents
I have to admit that before I started working at Birchbox, I wasn’t all that into fragrance. While I’m still no aficionado, I have developed a real affinity for scents since taking this job, and I now spritz something at least once a day. I actually keep a whole host of options near me on my desk—but I’ve never considering taking a scent with me in my purse until I...
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Deborah Lippman Releases Her Very First Lip Color
Deborah Lippmann creates a TrueBlood collection. (Photo: instyle.com)
Deborah Lippmann launches her very first lipstick—and it’s TrueBlood-themed: “This lipstick beckons a Vampire’s bite.” [InStyle]
Gucci to introduce a line of biodegradable flats. No, we’re not kidding. [She Finds]
Our figure skating idol, Kristi Yamaguchi, launches a fitness apparel line....
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How to Trim Your Own Bangs: Guest Blogger
We’re big fans of this week’s guest blogger, Natalie Higdon. Not only is she a Tennessee resident and a connoisseur of all things Memphis; she’s also a contributor to the Birchbox magazine! (Don’t miss her stellar article on 5 Surprising Facts About SPF). This week, she interviews a hot new singer, reveals her favorite two-in-one products, and schools us on how to trim our...
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Baggu's Emily Sugihara is Inspiringly...
When you think successful female CEO in New York City, a minimal beauty routine isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But there’s nothing typical about Emily Sugihara, founder of chic reusable bag company, Baggu. The eco-entrepreneur is way more into surfing and rock climbing than makeup but she is really serious about her sunblock—a girl after our own hearts! Earlier this month,...
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5 Cupcake Do's And Don'ts For Amateur Bakers
Associate Editor Candice showing off our hard work. The only thing left to do was eat!
I’ve always been a bit of a spaz in the kitchen but I really love baked goods—a true conundrum. When the opportunity to sign up for a cupcake class through Classtivity popped up a few weeks ago, I jumped at the chance to improve my skills. The course, Cupcakes Unlimited, was taught at The Institute of...
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2 Totally Perfect, Punchy Lipstick Colors To Pick...
You’ve probably heard by now that we’re teaming up with Glamour for our July Birchbox. To help celebrate this awesome partnership, the gracious Girls in the Beauty Department will be sharing their beauty expertise with us for an entire month. Lucky us!
If, like me, you love (slash obsess over) the bright and pretty lipstick colors that the J.Crew catalog models wear, today is your lucky day....
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Dessert at Breakfast May Help You Lose Weight
Great success! Dessert for breakfast is actually kind of good for you. (Photo: time.com)
Stop everything: Did you have a high protein, good-for-you breakfast today? If you’re trying to lose weight, you could be doing yourself a favor by reaching for a donut after your daily dose of eggs and O.J. Results from a recent study by Tel Aviv University have shown that participants who ate...
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The Fall 2012 Beauty Look to Try Now, Courtesy of...
All American 1930’s glamour—with sweet upswept hair—was in vogue at Michael Kors fall 2012 runway show. (Photo: wwd.com)
Perfect for a summer night out: MK’s outdoorsy flushed cheeks and sporty red lip. [Allure]
The Spice Girls reunite for—drum roll, please—their upcoming MUSICAL! [Stylelite]
A decade of womanly advice from The Atlantic, distilled into an infographic [Slate]
...
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How To Throw The Perfect Baby Shower
Our VP of PR and Partnerships, Claire, recently threw what can only be described as the-most-perfect-baby-shower-ever for a close friend. But the Upper East Side-dwelling media maven didn’t do it alone—she called on her go-to event designer, Carlo Geraci. Part chef, part makeup artist, part flower-arranging genius and tabletop expert, there’s really nothing Geraci can’t do....
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A Skin-Perfecting SPF Moisturizer: Today's...
A few weeks ago, I flew to Austin, Texas to visit my parents. Over the course of my three-day trip, I was so busy hunting down food trucks, browsing vintage store racks, hiking, and swimming that I neglected to follow my number one beauty rule: always wear sunscreen. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but my punishment awaited me back home in Brooklyn when I found a scattering of...
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My Favorite 2-in-1 Beauty Products: Guest Blogger
We’re big fans of this week’s guest blogger, Natalie Higdon. Not only is she a Tennessee resident and a connoisseur of all things Memphis; she’s also a contributor to the Birchbox magazine! (Don’t miss her stellar article on 5 Surprising Facts About SPF). This week, she interviews a hot new singer, reveals her favorite two-in-one products, and schools us on how to trim our...
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The SPF Gender Gap Widens
Based in Washington D.C., Ayren Jackson-Cannady is so savvy that we wished she lived closer to NYC so that we could swap products with her. This beauty writer knows what’s up (she’s written for Fitness, Glamour, and Gloss Daily) and we’re excited to have her sharing her know-how and multi-culti beauty expertise as a contributing editor.
Last week, The Skin Cancer Foundation and Banana Boat...
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Test-Driving the Ultra-Decadent Eve Lom Facial
We fell hard for Natalie Alcala last fall, when the LA-based writer and blogger spent a week guest blogging for us. In fact, we loved her posts so much that we asked her to be a contributing editor. In addition to blogging for us once a week, she’ll also be writing for the Birchbox Magazine and keeping us up to speed on all things fashion, beauty, and fun.
Photo: Ciel Spa
For my latest...
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In Loving Memory of Nora Ephron
Writer, filmmaker, and all-around amazing lady, Nora Ephron. Photo: indiewire.com
Last night, writer and filmmaker Nora Ephron passed away in New York City at the age of 71. Ephron was famous for some of the most memorable romantic comedies of our era, including Sleepless in Seattle, When Harry Met Sally, You’ve Got Mail, and most recently, Julie and Julia. Her presence will be sorely...
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All-Natural Product Guru Tata Harper Shares Her...
Natural beauty: Harper in her element. (Photo: elementsofstyleblog.com)
Founder and CEO of the namesake skincare line, Tata Harper, shares her cosmetic secrets and best buys. [WSJ]
Amazon.com’s best-selling makeup products aren’t what you’d expect. [Racked]
Song and dance and so much fun: Kate Hudson and Sarah Jessica Parker to appear on Glee. [Huffington Post]
...
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Where to Stay in Paris For Haute Couture Fashion...
The dreamy view from Mandarin Oriental, Paris’ rooftop terrace. Photo: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Paris.
If you’re lucky enough to be heading to Paris this weekend for the Haute Couture shows (running July 1-5), the place to stay is the Mandarin Oriental, Paris. The very chic and very Parisian hotel is located neatly on rue Saint-Honoré between Jardin des Tuileries and Place...
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The Best DIY Beauty on Pinterest: Guest Blogger
We’re big fans of this week’s guest blogger, Natalie Higdon. Not only is she a Tennessee resident and a connoisseur of all things Memphis; she’s also a contributor to the Birchbox magazine! (Don’t miss her stellar article on 5 Surprising Facts About SPF). This week, she interviews a hot new singer, reveals her favorite two-in-one products, and schools us on how to trim our...
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Get Primped For a Night Out at Gotham Beauty...
Last week, I had the chance to stop by the new Gotham Beauty Lounge across from Bryant park in New York City. The cozy, brightly lit salon is a lovely spot to grab an afternoon express mani ($25), get made up for a night out ($100), or beautify skin with a specialized peel ($120).[[MORE]]
Since I was headed to drinks with my girlfriends, I was lucky enough try out a nighttime beauty look...
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Can Women Have It All?
Since last Thursday, the hottest topic in the Birchbox offices hasn’t been glitter, nail art, or anything beauty-related: it’s about whether or not women can have it all. Anne-Marie Slaughter, the first female director of policy planning at the State Department and a Princeton professor, triggered the debate with her story, Why Women Still Can’t Have It All, in the July/August issue...
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Facebook's Board Gets Its First Female Director
Trailblazer Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s COO. (Photo: forbes.com)
Finally! Powerhouse Sheryl Sandberg becomes first woman, and the eighth person, on Facebook’s board of directors. [WSJ]
In beauty news, Betty Boop frontlines new Lancome mascara campaign [Fashion Etc.]
What secret miracle ingredient do you have stashed in your kitchen? Click through to find out! [BellaSugar]
...
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What's On the Birchbox Staffers' Desk: Business...
We’ve introduced you to Business Development guru Nidhi before, and you’ve also seen her fashion-forward taste in footwear. But there’s so much more to know! Now that she’s settled here at the office, we decided to sneak a peek at her desk and find out her workday (and beauty) must-haves.
1. Vitamins and Eboost: I am a self-professed health nut. I always have vitamins...
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Let’s Talk Beauty with Marina And The Diamonds:...
We’re big fans of this week’s guest blogger, Natalie Higdon. Not only is she a Tennessee resident and a connoisseur of all things Memphis; she’s also a contributor to the Birchbox magazine! (Don’t miss her stellar article on 5 Surprising Facts About SPF). This week, she interviews a hot new singer, reveals her favorite two-in-one products, and schools us on how to trim our...
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VIDEO: Katia's Ridiculously Easy Wavy Hair...
Birchbox Co-Founder Katia has some of the most envy-inducing, effortless beachy waves we’ve ever seen. After learning her secret, we can’t believe how easy it is to create her signature look! Watch her video tutorial above to learn how to turn your own hair into natural waves.
—Lorelei
Find all the tools to achieve Katia’s effortless waves yourself on Birchbox.com
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Join Us For a Twitter Chat With ModCloth!
Join us for a Twitter chat with ModCloth! In honor of our Jet Set-themed June Birchbox, we’re chatting with ModCloth’s creative stylist Annie Morrison about her fashion and beauty travel tips for summer. Join us on 6/26 at 4:00 pm EST/1:00pm PST on hashtag #SummerTravel to ask Annie all your questions.
We also want you to share your own travel tips and tricks! By chatting with...
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Scrapbook Scissor Nails: Mani Monday
As much as we love nail art, we’re better at admiring designs than coming up with them ourselves. That’s why we’ve enlisted Anna Norman, the smarty pants behind Glitter, She Wrote, to be a regular contributor. Every Monday, she’ll be sharing her latest lacquer inspiration—you won’t be satisfied with plain ol’ polish again.
I’ll admit that I’ve done my fair...
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Hair Primer to Make Styles Last Twice as Long
Living Proof’s new prime style extender claims it can make hair styles go the extra mile. Photo: wwd.com
We’re big fans of primer for your face—smoothing it onto skin creates an even canvas for makeup and also helps ensure your products will last several times longer than they would normally. Overall, it’s a bit of a beauty savior. Which is why we were so excited to hear that...
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MAC Is Releasing 65 New Nail Colors
Every shade from neutral to shimmering red is part of the brand’s new lineup. (Photo: nymag.com)
MAC’s latest launch: a whopping 65 nail polishes! Which color is your fave? [WWD]
Must read: The Jezebel 25, a list of kick-butt women to know. [Jezebel]
Click here for the five best long-wear, zero smudge eye-liners [Refinery29]
—Caroline
Wonder who our top 25 are? Have a look...
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My Summer Reading List: Guest Blogger
Our latest guest blogger, Ally of Allyson in Wonderland, is an oil and gas professional with a serious eye for great finds. We can’t get enough of her gorgeously crafted blog, where she shares her love for style, travel, and photography. This week she’s giving us a peek into her personal beauty treasure chest—and we’re taking notes.
Remember as a kid when you had a reading...
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Embrace the Frizz: Hairistocracy
We’re guilty of sticking with the same hair cut for years—if it’s not broke, why fix it?—but that can be a little boring. But not everyone has our issue. Paulina, one of our amazing operations associates, is always eyeing new cuts and styles. She’ll be sharing her tress inspiration and tips every other week here via her Hairistocracy column.
Photo: nymag.com
Last night I was flipping through...
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Reading List: Blake Lively's New Deal, A Model...
We’re headed off to our first Birchbox summer BBQ, and while we throw back a few cold ones and conga line around a grill (really!) here are a few tidbits of beauty news. From Blake Lively’s new Gucci deal to Keira Knightley’s new trailer in Anna Karenina, here’s everything you need to know from this week.
Director of ‘Drive’ Nicholas Winding Refin and Blake...
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Queen Bee: Mood Board
Our creative team is pretty, well, creative and they come across beautiful imagery all the time. Why not share the inspiration? Keep an eye out each Friday for their Mood Board, a collection of images they’re loving.
1. anthropologie.com 2. pinterest.com 3. pinterest.com 4. piperlime.com 5. thedieline.com
Taking cues from Mother Nature, honeycomb and bee motifs are sweet for summer. From...
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Make Dark Circles Disappear with a Deep Brown...
Deepica before (left) and after (right) applying deep brown corrector.
On days when I’m makeup-free, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked if I pulled an all-nighter because of the dark circles I have under my eyes. It’s a tough beauty wrap I was born with, and I know several Indian women, like myself, who have the same dilemma.
I use to think the only way to cover...
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Crayola Is Releasing Nail Polish: Totally Awesome
Is it the nostalgic packaging? Bright colors? There’s something about this set we can’t resist. (Photo: chipchick.com)
Crayola announces a nail polish collection! [Fashion Etc.]
Dolce & Gabbana’s newest line influenced by RTW lace patterns [She Finds]
15 must-try sexy summer hairstyles: arrive at any event perfectly coiffed [InStyle]
—Caroline
Use these great tips to...
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Gross! 1 in 5 Makeup Counter Products Has...
We’re arming ourselves with endless alcohol wipes the next time we hit up a makeup counter. Photo: makeherup.com
Public Service Announcement: Stay away from makeup counter products! Or, at the very least, don’t put anything near your lips or eyes, and use lots of alcohol to disinfect everything. Recently Good Morning America performed an undercover test of makeup counter products...
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4 DIY Beauty Treatments for Foodies
We fell hard for Natalie Alcala last fall, when the LA-based writer and blogger spent a week guest blogging for us. In fact, we loved her posts so much that we asked her to be a contributing editor. In addition to blogging for us once a week, she’ll also be writing for the Birchbox Magazine and keeping us up to speed on all things fashion, beauty, and fun.
Photo: Stylo Girl
Although there are a...
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VIDEO: Daphne Groenevel Enchants In The New Dior...
As if we weren’t already dying to go on vacation (uh, hello 90 degree weather), Fashionista just alerted us to this adorable Dior Addict video starring model Daphne Groeneveld. In the clip, Groeneveld dances around St. Tropez and, of course, spritzes lots of Dior Addict perfume in the process. Does this make you want to try the fragrance or just head to paradise?
—Lorelei
If you are...
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Packing the Perfect Beach Bag: Guest Blogger
Our latest guest blogger, Ally of Allyson in Wonderland, is an oil and gas professional with a serious eye for great finds. We can’t get enough of her gorgeously crafted blog, where she shares her love for style, travel, and photography. This week she’s giving us a peek into her personal beauty treasure chest—and we’re taking notes.
As a child, I couldn’t wait to go to...
5 tags
Essie's New Flagship Nail Salon Opens in New York...
Essie’s new flagship salon on New York City’s Upper East Side. Photo: vogue.com
Nail guru Essie Weingarten, creator of beloved Essie nail polishes, is at long last opening a salon all her own in New York City. The new nail spot, located inside the Samuel Shriqui salon on East 65th Street, is a cheery, calming respite from the chaos of the Big Apple. [[MORE]]
The location has 250...
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Jennifer Lopez Is Sporting Short, Curly Hair!
Short and curly: JLo’s latest look goes against the grain of her normal long, sleek style. (Photo: usweekly.com)
We’re digging the new shoulder-length, au naturale bob that JLo is rocking. [Hollywood Life]
Cynthia Rowley has teamed up with Tweezerman! [WWD]
An ultimate guide to face masks by skin type. [Real Simple]
—Caroline
Check out Cynthia Rowley’s recent Band-Aid...
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How to Make an Organizer Out of Old Birchboxes
Here at Birchbox, we are big fans of recycling. Not only do we separate cans from bottles and paper from plastic, we also save old Birchboxes and repurpose them as drawers! Follow the step-by-step instructions below (with pictures) to create your very own organizer, great for storing jewelry, headphones, and of course, all your fave samples.
[[MORE]]
Step 1: Open a Birchbox and grab the...
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Get the Scoop Behind the FDA's New SPF Regulations
Every summer, the prospect of choosing a sunscreen inspires the same set of questions: How high should I go SPF-wise? Which ingredients are safe? What does “broad spectrum” really mean? This year, we have a little help from the experts themselves: the FDA just released a new set of SPF regulations designed to help consumers choose wisely. The agency has been monitoring sunscreen...
