Friday Favorites: Hey Honey!

Hey, Honey!
Well, now aren’t you the sweetest?

Hey Honey…you sweet talker, you.

Hey Honey…you sweet talker, you.

I thought you were just a sweet-talker, but then I tried you, over Memorial Day weekend, and my-oh-my!

Your honey exfoliating mask applied super easily and gently exfoliated my skin in minutes flat. Although, I must admit…I was inclined to keep you on a few minutes longer, what with my book and vino right there at my left hand.

All I know is I’m plumb smitten with ya, honey, because you left me with smooth, clear, glowing younger looking skin, and as buzzed off you as I was off of my Cabernet.

Buzzed, but not just from the wine! That Hey Honey mask has got me feelin' goooood...

Buzzed, but not just from the wine! That Hey Honey mask has got me feelin’ goooood…

xoxo,
Dawn

Featured as one of Friday’s Favorites: Hey Honey Exfoliating Honey Peel Off Mask ($29)

McCoy’s MeCations: The Orlando Hotel & West 3rd Street in Los Angeles

It was time. Time for what? A MeCation, naturally. My spring has been the busiest yet, and I was in need of a little R&R.

My week is usually filled to the brim with activities and events, all in the name of work. But this McCoy’s MeCation with The Orlando Hotel on West 3rd Street in Los Angeles, was a little different. This was the FIRST time that a number of my girlfriends actually wrote me to say they were jealous. While I don’t like anyone feeling jealous of anything I’m doing, in this case, I could certainly understand. I felt utterly treated and pampered to the best of what LA has to offer, and all right down the street from me, on my favorite street!

We started out by checking into our rooms at The Orlando Hotel on West 3rd Street.

Welcome to The Orlando!

Welcome to The Orlando!

When I found out I would be staying in their Entertainers Suite – complete with an extra room for entertaining, and a large balcony, overlooking West 3rd Street, I knew I had found my home for the next two days.

 

The balcony of The Entertainer suite at The Orlando

The balcony of The Entertainer suite at The Orlando

I was in heaven.

Heaven, overlooking West 3rd Street

Heaven, overlooking West 3rd Street. (Editor’s note: While this looks relaxing, every single girl on that balcony was SO nervous I would fall)

But, as gorgeous as the room was, I couldn’t rest on my laurels, or on the luxurious linens, in this case.

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No, we had a jam-packed agenda ahead of us, and we had places to go and people to see!

Bloggers on the loose!

Bloggers on the loose!

First up on our day of pampering?

Bedhead Pajamas, where they had champ and super comfy pjs, waiting for us.

Always the hostess with the mostest…yep, even when it's not my party. It's what I do.

Always the hostess with the mostest…yep, even when it’s not my party. It’s what I do.

We all loved the pajama party-meets-British-boho bedroom vibe of the store, so of course, we snapped a pic or two.

On the bed at, um, Bedhead

No, we don’t normally snuggle on the bed at events. On the bed at, um, Bedhead.

We shared one more toast outside in the beautiful Bedhead courtyard, but there was no time to waste.

photo copy 6

Next, we were off to Murad to have relaxing hand massages, and face mapping to tell us how our skin was looking!

Relaxxxxxed at Murad

I was thrilled that my skin only read a low “13” on the damage scale, so with proper skincare, my skin is aging right on time.

Fear not. It's just my face being mapped for sun damage, and (gasp!), signs of aging. Not too shabby.

Fear not. It’s just my face being mapped for sun damage, and (gasp!), signs of aging. Not too shabby.

We then headed right next door to get gorgeous blowouts at one of my favorite salons, Spoke And Weal.

Hair done? Check.

Hair done? Check.

Then, we headed back to The Orlando for dinner at The Churchill.

The food and handcrafted cocktails were delicious! And we actually got to taste EVERYTHING on this menu, as it was served family style.

Delicious possibilities at The Churchill

Delicious possibilities at The Churchill

 

But, my favorite part  was when I asked everyone to go around the table, and say what they admire about each of our dinner dates. I love doing this with my girlfriends – new and old – as everyone leaves the table, feeling uplifted. I wish all women would do this!

Happy & hungry girls.

Happy & hungry girls.

 

After dinner, we headed upstairs and changed into our Bedhead pjs, where Rachael and I were so excited about my bathtub, that we hopped right in! You know. Totally normal.

Can't have a proper me cation without bathtime!

And then, inspired by our pretty pjs, we opted for a pillow fight photo session.

Pillow fight!

Pillow fight!

As a bedtime treat, the sweet folks at Sweet E’s had left us some sweet nothings on our bedside tables. Sweet dreams, indeed.

Look at the custom BeautyFrosting cupcake and Orlando cookie! Swoon.

Look at the custom BeautyFrosting cupcake and Orlando cookie! Swoon.

Next? SLEEP. Contrary to what I’ve always thought, pampering can be exhausting.

The next morning, I kicked off the day with a little me-time meditation on my balcony.

Head in the clouds, heart in the right place

Head in the clouds, heart in the right place

Then, it was Clover Juice morning happy hour with my fellow editors and bloggers.

These robes were just as comfy as they look.

These robes were just as comfy as they look.

Followed by pool time, naturally.

Sunday Funday

Sunday Funday: Sun bathing at its best in the middle of the city

It was one of my all-time favorite weekends. But it’s not just for me! If you’re feeling a little rundown – or just in need of a break – head to West 3rd Street, and stay at The Orlando for your own little mecation. All of this pampering is merely steps away. And trust me, you’ll be glad you did.

 

xoxo,
Dawn

Editor’s Note: As per all my McCoy’s MeCations, this post was sponsored by the participating host hotel – in this case, The Orlando Hotel (8384 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles CA 90048). All accommodations, services, fare and beverages were provided by the host hotel, and their associates.

I’M LOVING…Neutrogena® Naturals Purifying Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

Can I make a confession?

I haven’t washed my face for 7 days. Seriously.

Confession time: I haven't washed my face for 7 days.

No, I haven’t lost my mind – or, my sense of hygiene, thank you very much – I just chose to take the Neutrogena #WipeForWater pledge.

I took the Neutrogena #WipeForWater pledge.

 

What is the Neutrogena #WipeForWater pledge?

Well, in honor of Earth month, Neutrogena is partnering with The Nature Conservancy to help conserve water, Earth’s most precious and limited resource. To help, NEUTROGENA® Naturals is challenging U.S. consumers to clean their face without using water for up to one week and instead use the NEUTROGENA® Naturals Purifying Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes. For every pledge made on WipeForWater.com, during the month of April, NEUTROGENA® Naturals will contribute $1 to The Nature Conservancy to support water conservation, up to $50,000.

I took the pledge and have gone 7 days without using water in my cleansing routine.
I know what you’re thinking: “Ummm, Dawn, I’m totally on board, but how do you keep your skin clean?”

Well, I wondered the same thing, and Neutrogena has the answer: NEUTROGENA® Naturals Purifying Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes, available at Walmart stores.

The answer is clear: Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Makeup Remover Cleansing Towlettes

These 97% naturally-derived towlettes are free from harsh chemicals, parabens, and all that stuff we don’t want, and are chockfull of skin-saving ingredients that clean, freshen and purify the skin. But they don’t stop there. They are also safe for the most sensitive skin (hello, MINE!!) and easily remove even the most stubborn of waterproof eye makeup. YES, REALLY.

For 7 days, I have used these wipes to take off on-camera makeup (which means A LOT), and to cleanse my skin before bed every night. My results? My skin felt super clean, never suffered any breakouts, and felt hydrated (not stripped like many cleansers make it feel). But my FAVORITE part? These delicious little towlettes smell clean and light, like fresh green apples!!

Not only can you conserve water with these guys, but they also help us follow one of my skincare-saving laws. As many of you know, I find that nighttime skincare sometimes gets forgotten at the end of a busy day. You forget to take off your makeup and climb into bed, without washing your face, to which I say, “Shame, shame!” But, I have a solution for that: NEUTROGENA® Naturals Purifying Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes!

By my bedside? Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Makeup Remover Cleansing Towlettes

Keep these on your bedside table for fatigue-filled nights, when you need to quickly take off makeup before your head hits the pillow, leaving clean skin is but a dream.

They really, really work. And simply by trying them this month, you can make one BIG difference for our world! Be sure to email me, or comment on social media, and let me know if you love them as much as I do!

(But I know you will.)

xoxo,
Dawn

 *This is a sponsored post by Neutrogena. While products or compensation were provided, the words and opinions are all my own. I never post about something I don’t believe in 100%. That’s just not who I am.

 

 

 

 

Celeb Beauty Collection Curator Corner: Classic BeautyFrosting Faves Sure To Make Any Woman Feel More Feminine

Look what I've got in store for you! My Classic Product Picks at Beauty Collection this month!

Beauty Collection asked me to pick my favorites as their first Celebrity Beauty Curator. But how did I decide?

Pick my beauty FAVORITES, Beauty Collection? How's a girl to decide?

It was no easy feat. After all, I have a slew of favorite beauty products I’ve accrued over the years, as a former makeup artist, celeb shopper, entertainer and beauty junkie. I decided to choose my crop of “Classic Favorites” by narrowing the scope down to the shades that correspond to my BeautyFrosting signature colors: candy pink and mint green.

Classic Faves. Pink and green. Feminine and Serene

These products are among my faves already for the sheer product quality and efficacy, but add in the beautiful packaging, and they’ve earned a lifelong favorite status in my heart, on my face…and on my vanity.

1) Darphin 8-Flower Nectar Elixir ($150): No time for a facial? Keep this guy around. I know, I know. It’s not cheap. But an oil this luxurious just can’t be cheap! From one of my favorite French beauty companies – Darphin – who never does me wrong, this oil is worth every cent. A rich elixir that revitalizes dull skin, while smoothing, firming and renewing it – it does it all while imparting a deep natural glow.  For my dry skin, I like to put a few drops on every night, prior to applying my eye cream and a rich night cream.

2) Fusion Beauty – Lip Fusion Infatuation – La Lip Jolie ($29): My favorite lipgloss of all time. Yes, seriously. This gloss plumps, fattens and moisturizes lips, all while leaving you with a sexy, supple, Victoria’s Secret model-like, baby pink-meets-nude pout. As for that dreadful tingle that most plumping glosses torture us with? Not this pretty thing. All you’re left with is a mild pepperminty tingle, that goes right along with the peppermint taste. Don’t wanna get kissed? Don’t wear this gloss, then. I’m afraid that your guy will want to kiss you, guaranteed. This is the only gloss you ever need. Oh, you might want other ones, but this one? You need.

3) Creed – Spring Flower ($175-$290):  Romance in a bottle. Rumor has it, that this fragrance was created for the enchanting Audrey Hepburn. So, it’s no surprise I love it! I have a pink-on-pink, Warhol-style painting of her hanging on my foyer wall at home. But let’s talk about that scent. This little lady is unapologetically feminine. Celebrating all that is fun about being a girl, the prominent notes of peach, melon, apple and jasmine, let you leave the house feeling like a strong and beautiful woman, as you prepare to take on the world. On the days I spray it on my pulse points, I always hear Peggy Lee’s “I’m A Woman” play in my head as I walk down the street. Coincidence? I think not.

4) Philosophy Pink Frosted Animal Cracker 3-in-1 Bath Gel ($18): Remember those pink-frosted animal cookies from your preschool years? I sure do. They had a spicy molasses shortbread with sweet, candied frosting on top. As much as I love them – and the nostalgia they elicit – alas, my 37-year-old figure doesn’t love them, quite as much. So thank goodness for Philosophy for bringing my taboo treats to tubtime! This 3-in-1 product gives you shampoo, body wash and bubble bath, all in one. So why not splurge a little? A “Dawn Do?” This makes an EXCELLENT choice for wedding or baby shower favors, without breaking the bank.

5) Voluspa – Maison Blanc 2 wick Candle in Pink Citron ($16): I love this candle because it smells like my favorite brunch cocktail – the pamplemosa. What’s a “pamplemosa?” Well, it’s my recipe for equal parts fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and champagne. And it’s exactly the scent you get here, housed in this beautiful tin. Another “Dawn Do?” I love gifting this oh-so-chic, pink and gold-packaged candle to my friends, as housewarming and birthday gifts. It’s a sweet steal at only $16 as it has a burn time of over 50 hours! It’s the ultimate luxe gift for less.

6. Caudalie Beauty Elixir ($18-$49): This has long been a celebrity makeup artist favorite! I’m not a big fan of toners, but I love using this in lieu of a toner. It wakes up the skin, while tightening pores and giving a spritz of radiance and glow to the complexion. With its star ingredients of rosemary & peppermint, I love using it when I’m not quite awake in the morning, or after I’ve been writing all day and need to pep up for a busy social night ahead of hosting or entertaining. A “Dawn Do?” Apply it after applying makeup to set makeup, keep skin perfectly dewy, stay fresh and keep you revitalized!

Hope y’all have a great week! And I’ll be back next week with my trendy product picks!

What-oh-what will my favorite trending Beauty Collection products be next week?

 

Xoxo,
Dawn

BF Asks: What are your top 5 all-time classic beauty favorites?

Meet Beauty Collection’s Inaugural Celebrity Beauty Curator…ME!

As we kick off a new month today with March, I kick off a new – and very exciting – chapter in my life. I am proud to announce that I have been asked to be Beauty Collection’s first-ever Celebrity Beauty Curator.

 

At the #CelebBeautyCurator Launch Party at Beauty Collection WeHo on February 18th

Yippee!!

Jumping for joy! So thankful for the opportunity to be Beauty Collection's Inaugural Celebrity Beauty Curator this month!

For the entire month of March, you’ll see my face in the window display of their West Hollywood store on Santa Monica Boulevard, along with my Classic and Trending product picks for the month.

Picking my favorite Beauty Collection product picks was no easy feat!

And, all month long, I’ll be Beauty Collection’s guest blogger each week, detailing my product picks, and giving y’all a little bit more intel on me and how I got to this place I’m in and the world of BeautyFrosting I’ve created.

So happy to live in the world that BeautyFrosting has created for me

I’m so thankful that scores of friends in the entertainment, beauty and blogger world came out to help me celebrate the launch at Beauty Collection WeHo, on Wednesday, February 18th.

With Shawn - who is the CEO of Beauty Collection - and so much fun!

With the girls of Gorgeous Cosmetics

Friends galore: Lindsey Vaerst, Leslie Durso, Lynn Chen, Dana Wald, Amy Davidson, Yvette Masterson, Chrissy Kling and Ashley Jones

With Kristen Conahan and Stacie Standifer

With Jenn Chan & Dana Wald

And we toasted with cupcakes and cocktails, naturally.

Cupcakes, of course, of course!

A good cocktail is just what a girl needs after a long, busy day!

Thanks to everyone who came out to toast the launch! And thank you, Beauty Collection, for choosing me to kick off this exciting series! Stay tuned as I share my story, product picks (& tips & suggestions) and more!

xoxo,

Dawn

BF Asks: What are some of your favorite classic beauty products?

BeautyFrosting Beauty Rituals: The Vanity Of It All

Where you'll find me - at some point - every day. Sitting at my antique white vanity, drying my hair, putting on mascara or lipstick, or trying out a new beauty product for consideration for segments and blog posts.

My beauty regimen was born at the tender age of 4 – as the ultimate girly girl – when I was gifted a vanity for Christmas, by Santa.

Is there any wonder I'm who I am today? Here I am, at age 4, being gifted with a box of….vanity!

Me. 4 years old. Sitting at my first vanity. It would not be my last. p.s. Love my mom's reflection in the mirror! I still keep a picture of her on my vanity!

Anywhere I’ve ever lived, I’ve had a dressing table: in my childhood bedroom (a cherry wood vanity), at camp, my high school bedroom (a white wicker vanity), in my college dorm rooms (I would turn boring sinks into elaborate contact-paper-covered dressing tables with my mom’s help), at the Kappa Kappa Gamma house at the University of Texas (where I made my tiny blue and gold bedside table my vanity in a tiny room I shared with 2 other girls – PRIORITIES!) and every home I’ve ever lived in. Some of my favorite memories with friends have taken place sitting at my various vanities.

I love sitting down and really taking a moment to apply my makeup. It's a little slice of luxury every day!

The antique cottage white shabby chic vanity I have now, I’ve had since buying it in Santa Monica at Sutble Tones with my mom in 2000. I replaced the red velvet chair I’d had for 15 years, with a blue velvet chair this year. Such an early (earrrrly!!) ritual I’ve carried with me.

How much of a ritual? Well, ask me to blow dry my hair standing up, and I’m useless.

This is probably the last time I applied makeup while sitting on the carpet.

To me, it’s all about that moment of sitting down, taking some time out from the busy world, looking yourself in the eye, investing some time in yourself, and pampering yourself a bit daily.

Seems like no surprise to anyone, then, that I’ve been named Beauty Collection’s first Celebrity Beauty Curator! But more on that later…

xoxo,

Dawn (BF)

BF Asks: What’s one of your most beloved beauty rituals?

The Neutrogena Oscars Party

While I love my old Oscars tradition of sitting on the couch in my favorite comfy clothes, sipping champagne, and ordering pizza, it was time to take it up a notch. I was thrilled and honored to attend the Neutrogena Oscars party at the W Hotel in Hollywood this past Sunday.

At the Neutrogena Oscars party at the W Hotel in Hollywood *Wearing Eliza J & Marcia Moran jewels

I decided to take one fabulous date…one of my best friends, Matt “Mattie” Marr.

Here we go, here we go!!

The car came to whisk us away to an afternoon spent toasting the Oscars and the new Neutrogena Hydro Boost Collection.

With my date & dear friend, Matt Marr

Everything was blue – from the blue hydrangeas to the blueberry-lime push-up cake pops!

Rhapsody in blue: the new Neutrogena Hydro Boost

We had a little red carpet fun, our fill of some delicious Bonefish Grill eats, and plenty of bubbly.

On the red carpet

And I even got to spend some time with my fellow southern host, Leeza Gibbons!

My favorite part of the evening, though? Patricia Arquette’s acceptance speech for her Best Supporting Actress win for Boyhood. I was so excited, I could barely contain myself!

Other people's big successes get me excited in a big way! I get real excited when people I love win. REAL excited. *photo by Matt Marr

I felt like Cinderella – a more boho Cinderella – with the gorgeous Marcia Moran jewels!

Bracelet, ring and earrings by one of my all-time faves, Marcia Moran

Head to toe, I felt red carpet ready, thanks to all of the amazing folks who made this beautiful day possible – most especially, Neutrogena.

*Dress by Eliza J and jewels by Marcia Moran

 

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: How did you toast the Oscars this year?

My Skincare Secrets? Why, it’s no secret at all.

My Skincare Secrets? Why, it's no secret at all.

A few nights ago, I received what – only in the crazy world of LA – is considered a great compliment.

While getting my makeup done for The Grammys festivities, I mentioned my age (37) and my makeup artist said, “I don’t mean to be rude, but have you had work done? I thought you were in your late 20s.”

Um, firstly, BLESS YOU. As for the answer?

Nope. No Botox. No filler. No peels. Nothing. Nada.

And then I proceeded to tell her that I never leave my makeup on when I go to sleep, never leave the house or go to sleep without oil or moisturizer on, and have religiously applied Crème de la Mer every night since I was 21 years old.

So, actually, while I’ve had no work “done” per se, I have put A LOT of work into my skin.

My single best skincare tip?

Keep your nighttime skincare regimen next to your bed and your daytime skincare regimen next to your toothbrush – it’s all about convenience and ease.

I also thank my mom for taking me to the Clinique counter at age 10, teaching me the importance of taking care of my skin and buying me the aforementioned La Mer every year for my birthday. So, thanks Mom!! And thanks, Evy, for making my Grammys night! I’d had a bit of a rough week and that made it end sweetly!

ISSE, ISSE, Baby: My ISSE 2015 Barbie Experience

This past weekend, I felt like Barbie when I had the opportunity to serve on the blogger panel at the Blogger Cafe at ISSE. Makeup and skincare and hair extensions, oh my.

Let’s start with the hair. I left with gorgeous hair extensions from Hair Art, Hair Couture and Halo Couture, and cannot tell you how much fun that was!

Clockwise L to R: Hair Art bangs, Hair Art bangs & H3000 Heat Brush Pro, Halo Couture 20-inch extensions, and Hair Couture 20-inch extensions

And then there were the products!! For all of you product junkies out there, this was Product. Junkie. HEAVEN!!

Not only did I get walked around the floor and get to see thousands of products, but I also held one-on-one meetings, where I got to learn, encourage, advise and inspire. I was so happy to meet all of these brilliant and forward-thinking brands, and now I can’t wait to share my faves with you! And the best part? I got to VOTE for my favorite products of the show!

**Note: To get a pic of all of these fab products, I needed to break it into two pics, and naturally, I did so, based on color of the packaging. Ha!

The Pastel Pretties

The Pastel Pretties: Clockwise from L to R: Halo Couture The Layered Halo 20-inch extensions ($580), Crown Beauty Pink Travel Brush Set ($19.95), Rock Your Hair Spray It Hard ($22), Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo ($21), Smooth 24/7 Premium Skin & Foot Therapy Balm ($17) and MoYou Kitty Set ($39.99)

1)  Halo Couture The Layered Halo 20-inch extensions ($580) – Heaven. Just heaven in a hair fall. 20-inches of virgin hair, that’s as shiny and strong as you could dream of. Totally made me feel like a Barbie.

2) Crown Beauty Pink Travel Brush Set ($19.95)

3) Rock Your Hair Spray It Hard ($22)

4) Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo ($21)

5) Smooth 24/7 Premium Skin & Foot Therapy Balm ($17)

6) MoYou Kitty Nail Stamping Set ($39.99) – I can’t help but wanna have a slumber party with this fun – and super easy – mani stamping kit!

7) Glycelene Rejuvenation Creme (pictured below)

Pastel Pretty - with Glycelene

 

The Black & Bronze Besties

The Black & Bronze Beauties (Clockwise L to R): H3000 Heat Brush Pro ($130), Ergo Ionic Polishing Paddle Brush ( $38.95), Eye Majic Swipe On Eyeshadow ($5), Norvell Dancing With Stars Endurance Color Boosting Skin Perfector, Föu Water, Brazilian Blowout Volume Shampoo ($34), KollagenX 24K Gold Collagen Mask ($140 for 4 masks), Gloss by KollagenX ($45) and Go2Brush ($28)

1) H3000 Heat Brush Pro by Ron King ($130): it’s what gave me that Jaclyn Smith/Charlie’s Angels hair up there!

2) Ergo Ionic Polishing Paddle Brush ( $38.95)

3) Eye Majic Swipe On Eyeshadow ($5) – swipe-on, brushless eyeshadow in one simple step? Say no more.

4) Norvell Dancing With Stars Endurance Color Boosting Skin Perfector

5) Föu Watergreat, healthy, beneficial alternative to toner (which we all know I am not the biggest fan of!)

6) Brazilian Blowout Volume Shampoo ($34)

7) KollagenX 24K Gold Collagen Mask ($140 for 4 masks) – you love to wear 24k gold, why shouldn’t your skin get the 24k treatment? 

8) Gloss by KollagenX  ($45)

9) Go2Brush ($28) – your new best friend! A homegrown small biz, dual-ended plastic “brush” that’s more like a tool; perfect for tight lining the waterline and applying lip color seamlessly, without the hassle and clean-up of brushes.
xoxo,
BF

 

BF Asks: Which products would have made your “Best Of ISSE” List? 

Travel Essentials: LAX to DFW

What are my in-flight travel essentials?
Well, they change from flight to flight, depending on what my destination is.
Here’s what my tray table looked like yesterday on Virgin America en route to Dallas from Los Angeles.

My LAX-DFW Virgin America tray table

xoxo,

BF

BF Asks: What are your in-flight essentials? 


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