Birchbox -

Tag Results

The Quintessential Spring Fashion and Beauty Look

Spring and summer are my happiest times of year because I can wear my favorite clothes. (Note: I am an u-g-l-y cold weather dresser—I spend the entirety of the winter bundled in a rather unflattering Patagonia puffer.) With warm days just around the corner—fingers crossed—I am ready to shed my un-chic layers and embrace my most beloved trend of the season: chambray.

I’ve spent a lot of time in the Madewell store recently (everyone on Birchbox’s mailing list got a $25 off $75+ and I took full advantage) and as a result, I’m really inspired to layer denim on denim—on denim! If you and I happen to have my same taste, then you’re in luck: I’ve shopped out my fave Madewell look from head to toe.

Clothing:

Jean Vest: There’s something really badass about a shrunken denim vest. It adds edge to even the girliest of outfits and is just as great over long sleeves as it is over tank tops.
Perfect Chambray Ex-boyfriend Shirt: The loose fit and light wash make this a versatile essential.
Skinny Skinny Ankle Jean in Black Frost Wash: If you don’t have a great pair of slim-fit black denim in your closet, run (don’t walk) and pick up a pair stat. These go with everything.

Beauty:

Marcelle BB Cream: This all-in-one multitasker masks imperfections, hydrates, controls shine, and delivers anti-aging benefits. It’s literally perfect for achieving that laidback Madewell look.
Oribe Apres Beach and Wave Spray: Getting that tousled just-out-of-bed look is a breeze with this divine-smelling spray.
Deborah Lippmann Amazing Grace: This it the “it” polish color this season. Trust me.
C.O. Bigelow Lemon Lip Cream: The minimalist look doesn’t mean skipping out on moisture. Keep lips hydrated with this yummy balm.
Benefit Benetint: There is no easier way to fake a natural flush than with this lip and cheek stain.
Eyeko Curvy Brush Mascara: Give lashes serious oomph using this volumizing wand and formula.

—Meredith

Want more tips on how to look like a Madewell girl? Watch our video!

Diagonal French Tips: 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.

Unless you’re heading to prom or a wedding, French tips in the classic pink and white color scheme can feel a little dated. Luckily for us, there’s a new way to wear the time-tested favorite this spring. French manicures with a pop of bright, unexpected color were all over the Spring 2013 Fashion Week runways, and it’s such a simple look to recreate at home. I love this orange and nude diagonal design from the Lauren Moffatt show. Here’s how to get the look.

‹ ›

The 3 Coolest New Nail Trends from Fashion Week

Over the last few fashion weeks, nails have become just as important as the hair and makeup. This past season was no exception and we were delighted by all the bold colors and creative designs that we spied. After taking it all in, we’ve narrowed down all the incredible looks to our top three favorites. Will you be trying any of these trends?

1) Studs: Deborah Lippmann for Kate Spade NY

The bright pink talons at Kate Spade NY perfectly matched the Pop Art-and NYC-inspired fall collection. We’re definitely picking up some metallic pyramids to affix to our nails ASAP. Plus, we can almost guarantee we’ll be seeing more almond-shaped nails on celebrities and trendsetters this fall. In fact, Deborah Lippmann called it the “nail shape of the season.”

2) Oil Slick Motif: Essie for Rebecca Minkoff

These multi-tonal oil slick nails were not only pretty—according to the lead manicurist Michelle Saunders they were so easy to do that one of the models did her own nails. Click through to see how to get the look yourself.

3) Picture Framing: Color Club for Charlotte Ronson

The nails at Charlotte Ronson’s show are always inspiring. Remember last season’s wave nails? This season, nail artist Simcha Whitehill (aka Miss Pop) created picture frame nails that really stood out. Whitehill gave us the deets on creating the look ourselves and having tried it with some success, we feel confident that with a little practice, this style isn’t too hard to do.

—Lorelei

Want to get inspired for spring nail looks? Take a look at our 10 favorite designs from the spring 2013 shows.

‹ ›

Retro Updos and Hues Reimagined at Badgley Mischka

We’ve come to expect serious glamour from the duo that dresses A-listers like Halle Berry, Angelina Jolie, and Eva Longoria. And Badgley Mischka’s Fall 2013 collection didn’t disappoint. For their latest catwalk triumph, the designers drew inspiration from Alfred Hitchock’s femme fatales (think Grace Kelly and Tippi Hedren).

Playing on the collection’s cinéphile theme, Moroccanoil’s lead hair stylist Peter Gray created a retro-inspired updo with a modern twist, while nail guru Deborah Lippman debuted a classic red polish from her upcoming Holiday 2013 collection.

To construct the ‘do, Gray started by weaving a classic-school girl braid from the nape of the neck to the top of the crown and fastening the braid with an ecstatic. Next, he fashioned the un-braided fringe into pin curls, pinned down and reinforced with a one-inch barrel curling iron. Finally, he gently racked a wide paddle brush through the wavy rolls on the top of the head to create an undone French brioche shape.

While we watched him work his magic backstage, Gray gave us some practical tips for pulling off the look: never braid clean hair and spritz hair spray onto yours palms for better grip. Gray explained that the finished product complemented the collection’s “long silhouettes and elongates the neck fantastically.”

We also got a chance to catch up with nail guru Deborah Lippmann. Her unreleased Red Silk Boxers polish added instant pizzazz to the models’ nails. And while the 1950s-inspired hue is classic, it dries to a trendy matte finish. Lippmann predicted that matte and textured polishes would be a huge fall trend: “Finish is huge for Fall—it’s definitely no longer about a pretty sheer pink.”

We expect we’ll be seeing these two looks a lot more come September.

-Ally

Missed the first couple days of #nyfw? Don’t worry. You can catch up by checking out all our backstage coverage.

‹ ›

Big Apple Beauty at Kate Spade NY: Bardot Waves, Winged Liner, and Pop Art

At Kate Spade NY yesterday, classic New York—think 1970s Studio 54 and Andy Warhol—ruled. Lead artist Neil Scibelli for Jouer Cosmetics kept the makeup dramatic but clean, with an ultra-black cat eye and red statement lip. Scibelli also used Jouer’s Matte Moisture Tint to give model’s skin a soft, velvety finish. He said he wanted to give the models the “chic confidence of the New York girls of Kate Spade.”

Deborah Lippmann gave the models almond-shaped nails and either two coats of Fade to Black or a pink combination of Amazing Grace, Between the Sheets, and I Kissed a Girl with a gold gem near the cuticle. Lippmann said she was declaring almond the nail shape of the season.

The hair, by Tommy Buckett for Garnier, was mainly about big, bouncy waves achieved with pin curls—“Ask your mom if she still has her curlers from the 70s.” Buckett said that this is definitely “not a beach wave, this is full-on hair.” Ten girls also had sleek, center-parted low chignons, since Buckett said the show was also about celebrating individuality.

—Lorelei

Find more exclusive backstage pics on the Birchbox NYFW site.

Birchbox January 2013 Sneak Peek!

We can hardly believe it’s 2013 already! A new year wouldn’t be quite as fun without a new January Birchbox. This month, we’re getting you ready for your best year yet with a selection of samples that are helping us keep our New Year’s Resolutions. Watch the video to find out some of the items you can expect to see in your boxes. Don’t forget, we’re keeping many more a secret until they arrive in your homes!

—Lorelei

Interested in being the first to catch these Sneak Peeks and more Birchbox videos every month? Subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Macaron-Inspired Nail Polish, Romeo Beckham Models, and More

The geniuses at Estée Lauder have created a macaron-inspired collection of nail lacquers for spring. [SheFinds]

One of the Beckhams’ sons, Romeo, has landed his very first modeling gig as the spunky young star of a Burberry ad campaign. [Huffington Post]

These marker-like beauty products are purse-friendly and spill-free, which makes them perfect for quick touch ups. [Glo]

Buckingham Palace will stage its first fashion show featuring royal couture styles from the Tudor and Stuart eras. [Telegraph]

Everyone and their mother seems to be hosting an ugly sweater party these days! Take a look at how the trend began. [NYTimes]

It was bound to happen eventually—Deborah Lippmann is launching a Girls-themed nail polish set. Yes. [Beauty High]

Leave winter behind by recreating the breezy beach waves of Victoria’s Secret models. [Glamour]

—Hallie

Take a break from your holiday shopping woes and indulge in this short film about love in New York City from Shoptiques!

Miss Ladyfinger Shares Her Holiday Gift Guide

Ah, the holidays—the greatest gift-giving time of the year. We know how tough it can be to come up with the perfect present for every friend, acquaintance, co-worker, and loved one in your life, which is why we’ve turned to our favorite tastemakers to tell us what they’ve got their eye on this season. Today we’re spotlighting nail art genius Taryn Multack of Miss Ladyfinger.

1. While I love to stock up on cold weather accessories, I hate covering up the nail art that I’ve just spent so much time on. For me, hand-warmers are the answer. The added touch of embellishment on this pair from Topshop is very Gossip Girl.

2. Speaking of manis, I have at least 50 different glitter polishes in my collection, and Deborah Lippmann’s sparklers stand out the most. This Let’s Go Crazy shade is one of my favorites. It has dimension and it’s the perfect holiday hue.

3. How sweet are these little star studs? A great go-to gift for a best friend or a sister.

4. While sipping drinks bundled up in a cozy sweater, I’ll definitely be dreaming of a warm weather vacation. These Jonathan Adler coasters transport you somewhere far off (even if just temporarily) and they make the perfect hostess gift.

5. No one wants chapped lips, especially when there’s mistletoe around. I love hydrating balms that tingle like this one from Coola, which is made with organic ingredients and tastes yummy. Did I mention that it has SPF?

6. As a New York City dweller, I love to peep other people’s iPhone cases on the subway. I saw this one once and fell in love. After hunting it down, it turned out that it’s by Free People and they have a great assortment of eye-catching cases.

7. This Corkcicle is one of Oprah’s favorite things, and now it’s one of mine. It chills your white wine while corking it to keep it fresh. Not to mention that it comes in a variety of colors. Genius!

8. There’s nothing quite like coming home to a delicious-smelling apartment during the holidays. This statement candle from Illume comes in two woodsy scents, Woodfire and Balsam and Cedar, and it’s very stylish. Anyone would love to receive this.

9. My brother will definitely be getting one of these bill holders for the holidays. He’ll appreciate the humor, not to mention that I’m replacing his wallet for the umpteenth time.

10. My favorite part of the holidays is bundling up, which is why I love this lace-print sweatshirt. The short sleeves make it a great transition piece for spring too.

For more chic tastemaker picks, click here.

Pantone’s 10 Trendiest Colors for Fall: Mani Monday

Do the changing seasons have you stumped? If you’re not sure what color to choose for your nails right now, you’re not alone. Lucky for us, Pantone’s Fall 2012 Color Report is here to help. These 10 shades will be showing up all season in clothes, makeup and of course, polish.

3 Simple Tips For Dark Polish: Mani Monday

With fall in full swing and Halloween just a couple days away, there’s no better time for dark, vampy nails. When I first started playing around with polish, I steered clear of darks for fear of looking too harsh, especially since my skin is so fair. But as long as you keep a few things in mind, there’s no reason to banish these shades from your nail polish repertoire. Whether you’re eyeing a deep burgundy or cutting to the chase with black, follow these tips to keep your mani stylish—never severe.