Pretty Bras That’ll Give Even The Most Petite-Sized Gals A Push
We all know about the plight of the buxom when it comes to finding a bra that fits correctly, but what about our smaller-chested sisters? Turns…Read More
Shop It NowShani's 10 Must-Have Beauty Products For Summer
It's no secret that winter and Chicagoans' beauty routines aren't friends. We live for summer, with its sunny days, street fairs, patios, and endless outdoor fun. But, with the change in the weather comes the need for a total overhaul of our medicine cabinets. Living in a city with actual seasons (yay, us!), means that our skin, hair, and bodies have different needs right now than they did during the frosty months.
While we swear by our beauty favorites, both old and new, today, our Chi-town editor is sharing her secrets to not just surviving the hottest summer days, but loving them, too. Click through to see her top beauty picks, then pipe in with your own recs, in our comments section. And after that, bookmark this as your new summertime beauty bible.
While we swear by our beauty favorites, both old and new, today, our Chi-town editor is sharing her secrets to not just surviving the hottest summer days, but loving them, too. Click through to see her top beauty picks, then pipe in with your own recs, in our comments section. And after that, bookmark this as your new summertime beauty bible.
Lightweight Beauty For A Sticky Chicago Summer
After a winter of arctic temps, we can't exactly complain when we start to feel the warmth. Still, the sticky-ickiness of a humid Chicago summer can be tough to handle. Case in point: that beauty routine you've perfected turns to disaster the second you leave the air conditioning.
To survive the melting season, we enlisted local expert Nicole Pearl. You know her better as The Beauty Girl, a Chicago cosmetics guru and blogger who's on a mission to make your get-gorgeous routine easy and fun (as it should be). We tapped Nicole to shine a spotlight on lightweight beauty essentials that will keep you looking flawless all season long, no matter how intense the heat and humidity may get. Don't just swap your sweaters for lighter layers—your products need a seasonal switch-up, too. So, go ahead and stash the heavy stuff under your sink. Turns out you can shed a little weight without hitting the gym.
Get Bikini-Ready With SELF Mag And This Awesome Giveaway
Swimsuit season is like, here, and we're starting to seriously rethink all those late-night indulgences. If you find yourself similarly cursed with round-the-clock carb cravings, this workout party could be your summer bod saving grace. SELF Magazine and their friends at Crunch Gym are cruising the country to bring fitness to the masses, and they're stopping in Chicago on June 2. Trainer Dolvett Quince, of Biggest Loser fame, will be on hand to play host for the event, and dole out fitness and nutrition advice. The main event, however, will be the classes provided by Crunch's master trainers — the lineup includes dance routines set to '90s pop, a yoga class, and a new-fangled pilates regimen, complete with STOMP-style drumsticks. Tix are $20 and they're only available in advance, so make you scoop them up now. The icing on the (low fat) cake is that we're hooking up one lucky reader with an exclusive fitness prize package worth over $300. Goodies include a gift card for a custom pair of Reeboks, passes to the Workout in the Park, and specially designed ear buds and water bottle. All you have to do to enter is tweet out this story, and don't forget to tag @Refinery29!
When: Saturday, June 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Butler Field at Grant Park, 350 East Monroe Street (at South Columbus Drive); no phone.
Photo: Courtesy of Skirt PR
Art + Science Salon Is Thinking Big (Hair) For Summer
Cool salons love a good lookbook, too, okay? This season, cutting-edge (sorry) salon Art + Science is feeling expansive shapes and drama. The lookbook images that await you are part of the ABSTRACT Collection, a texture-focused series of hairstyles created by the Art + Science team. The salon was kind enough to share their thoughts and photos on why this mega-volume approach to hair is a fun, fresh way to tame your modern mane, so click through, immediately. Like what you see? Book your next appointment at Art + Science, and go big.
Art + Science, 1971 North Halsted Street (at Armitage Avenue); 312-787-4247.
Art + Science, 1971 North Halsted Street (at Armitage Avenue); 312-787-4247.
The Ultimate Mother's Day Win: Spa Specials To Enjoy Together
If you still haven't narrowed down a Mother's Day present, fret not. Luckily for you, it's a (late) buyer's market, and Salon Blue has you covered. They're offering up one crazy deal in honor of your number one lady, and extending it all the way through the month. You'll be able to snag two — count 'em two — customized facials for only $150. That means you can treat Mom to a chic Mother-Daughter spa day (read: You get in on the action, too), or you can get double the brownie points and gift one to Grandma. We think your hard-working momma will be blown away by the chance to relax and take in the ultimate anti-aging treatment. Not that she needs it, but, hey, no one's going to turn down the chance to look a little more relaxed right?When: Through May 31, see website for hours.
Where: Salon Blue Lakeview, 2915 North Sheffield (between George Street and Oakdale Avenue); 773-525-2583.
Salon Blue Bucktown, 1931 West North Avenue (at North Winchester Avenue); 773-342-2583.
Photo: Courtesy of Salon Blue
16 Time-Saving Beauty Products For Busy Girls
Our busy agendas keep us from doing a lot. Laundry, calling our parents, even that cooking class we've been eyeing. But one thing your schedule should never stand in the way of is your beauty routine. Anyone with a jam-packed calendar should face it looking flawless, regardless of how much (or little) time she's freed up for getting gorgeous.
Starting now, we're taking minutes off your get-ready routine, with time-saving products that pull double-duty. These multitasking, fast-acting essentials are perfect for any busy bee trying to look amazing in a flash and then get on with her day. Stock up on busy-girl beauty (get it delivered, obviously), and be done with it. You've got things to do, right?
Starting now, we're taking minutes off your get-ready routine, with time-saving products that pull double-duty. These multitasking, fast-acting essentials are perfect for any busy bee trying to look amazing in a flash and then get on with her day. Stock up on busy-girl beauty (get it delivered, obviously), and be done with it. You've got things to do, right?
Get Fast, Fierce Beauty Treatments At This Full-Service Bar
With warm weather finally arriving, we don’t want to miss a precious second of fun in the sun. And thanks to the PUREBEAUTY bar, we won’t be wasting hours on our summer beauty upkeep! The bar, located inside of Macy’s on State Street, is a one-stop destination for all your beauty needs and specializes in high-quality, high-speed treatments, including makeup, blowouts, manicures, pedicures, and more. The salon’s partnership with renowned brow guru Christi Harris is certain to convert the unconvinced with her no-pain, all-gain approach to the perfect brow. Featuring a “See It. Learn It. Do It.” approach that teaches clients to apply salon techniques at home, Harris promises maximum beauty rewards in minimum time.
PUREBEAUTY at Macy’s, 111 North State Street (between East Randolph and East Washington Streets), First Floor; 312-781-5294.
Photo: Courtesy of Premier Salons
PUREBEAUTY at Macy’s, 111 North State Street (between East Randolph and East Washington Streets), First Floor; 312-781-5294.
Photo: Courtesy of Premier Salons
Prom Eyes 101: This Video Breaks Down A Classic Look
With the prom dress hoarding your spring shopping spotlight, you're probably not devoting much attention to your beauty plan. Don't wait until it's actually time to apply to consider how you'll do your makeup for prom. Local beauty blogger Lo Luthringhausen breaks down the classic smoky eye in her latest video tutorial, and it's a prom night classic. Take a cue from Lo and practice this technique before the big night, so you don't keep your date (or limo-full of lady friends) waiting. While we've got your attention, what's everyone wearing to prom?
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Video: Fully Loaded
Video: Fully Loaded
5 New Ways To Wear A Ponytail
You've worn a ponytail since you were a kid, and you love it. But if you've been wearing it the same way since then, it might be time to give this follicular favorite a modern makeover. On the runways this season, we spotted five fresh ways to wear this classic coiff, so you can get out of your hairstyle rut. We know these look a little intimidating, but they're easy—trust us. To prove our point, we asked Maxine Salon creative director, Amy Abramite, to lend her expertise for your next at-home styling session. Click through to check out five new ways to rock a ponytail, then read up on Amy's tips and product suggestions for pulling them off flawlessly. Back to the future, anyone?
This Jam-Packed Event Has Fitness, Food, & Fashion, In That Order
Are we the only ones that are starting to panic that summer is nearing? We're, like, nowhere near ready. No summer wardrobe, and don't even get us started on that "bikini bod" we promised ourselves we would have by now. Thankfully, it seems the mother-daughter trio behind Lincoln Park's Comfort Me Boutique has our interests in mind, and they're hosting a Sprint Into Spring event to help us out. Next Sunday, they've put together a full afternoon lineup dedicated to helping us prepare for swimsuit season. First, they're hosting a special edition of the toning and cardio-intense Barre Bee Fit class at the studio's Lincoln Park location. They'll be following up the heart-pumping hour with a presentation from the Three Plaid Farmers on their super fresh (and super healthy) CSA veggie boxes. And, to top it all off, they're bringing the best of their summer merch to the studio, so you can refresh your wardrobe—while relaxing with wine from Poison Cup, natch. Sign up here before spots fill up—we think it sounds like the perfect way to kick start our spring diet, that we swear we're going to stick to. When: Sunday, April 29, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Barre Bee Fit, 1962 North Clybourn Avenue (between North Racine and North Kenmore avenues); 773-348-2881.
Photo: Courtesy Comfort Me Boutique
This Is The Most Self-Indulgent Way To Save The Planet, Ever
We humans put Mother Earth through a lot, so this Earth Day what do you say we take some time to let her off the hook? We know what you're thinking; You care about the environment and everything, but you don't have time to, like, compost, plant trees, recycle, bike everywhere, etc.. Especially since Earth Day falls during precious weekend hours. Luckily for us (and Captain Planet!), Salon Blonde is hosting a weekend-long fundraiser where they're offering a signature blowout and a PHYTO deep conditioning treatment for only $35, along with complimentary wine tastings on Saturday and Sunday. In addition, 100% of the weekend's service proceeds will go to The Nature Conservancy and their campaign to build one billion trees by 2015. It's the perfect, globe-friendly solution—donate to a great cause, and come out looking (and feeling) fabulous.
When: Friday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Salon Blonde, 1643 North Avenue (between North Pauline Street and North Marshfield Avenue); 773-235-4085.
Photo: Courtesy Salon Blonde
Watch Chicago's Best Salons Go Head To Head On This Wild Runway
Not all hair salons are created equal, and this Sunday's Hair Wars competition is determined to weed out the best from the rest. Ten top-notch Chicagoland salons will attempt to prove their prowess in a runway show for When: Sunday, April 22, doors open at 9 p.m., runway show at 11 p.m.
Where: MID Nightclub, 306 North Halsted (at West Fulton Street); 312-265-3990.
Photo: Courtesy of Hair Wars
Tailor-Made Deals. Get Them Now!
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Keepin’ It Classy: $90 Off Lisa Curran’s Chic (Not Skimpy) Swimwear
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Effortlessly Chic And Now $60 Off: Meet The Perfect Summer Flat
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Pretty Bras That’ll Give Even The Most Petite-Sized Gals A Push
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Brighten Up Your Pad With Seriously Rad Summer-Perfect Throws
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50+ Hot Summer Nail Polishes Mother Earth Would Approve Of
