On My Doorstep: A Beauty Bash Bundle From Nordstrom

A carefully curated surprise from Nordstrom, celebrating this Friday's Nordstrom Beauty Bash!

A carefully curated surprise from Nordstrom, celebrating this Friday’s Nordstrom Beauty Bash!

Oh, how I love surprises! And, carefully curated surprises? Well, they really float my boat. Consider my boat floated with this delivery from Nordstrom today, in celebration of their upcoming #BeautyBash this Friday, October 9th from 8-10 am.

The first 1000 customers will receive this oh-so-cute tote bag.  And, might I suggest a visit to the new Nordstrom Del Amo location in Torrance? It is GORGEOUS!! Visit Nordstrom.com/DelAmo for more details.

I’m loving that the Nordstrom Del Amo Beauty & Fragrance Director, Loredana Grama, personally selected these goodies for me – all of which are right up my alley – from Philosophy, Chantecaille, The Drybar, Laura Mercier, Supergoop, Glam Glow, Clarisonic, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Estee Lauder, Molton Brown, BKR & more.

You can get some of your very own VIP service by heading to Nordstrom and chatting with their Beauty Concierge or your very own Beauty Stylist. Now, it looks I have some playing to do…

xoxo,
Dawn

Treat ’em: Treating Drybar To Donuts For No Reason At All

Treat 'em: Treating the Drybar on West Third to Saturday morning goodies

Treat ’em: Treating the Drybar on West Third to Saturday morning goodies

Random acts of kindness are seriously my jam. They just make people happier and can improve someone’s day (or life) just like that (snapping 👌).

On Saturday, Miss Ellie and I left the house for our Drybar appointment and – miracle of all miracles in LA – found ourselves with 13 minutes to spare.

So, we headed on over to the donut shop, picked up these beauties and decided to start the day of the Drybar stylists and staff off right with one of my #DailyDelights.

Their bellies feel good and my heart feels even better. Perfect start to a sweet, sweet Saturday. 🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩

xoxo,
Dawn

Primping with…Molly Sims: Going Big with The Everyday Supermodel

Years ago, I met a mother when I worked at Woo Skincare & Cosmetics in Nashville. This woman was gorgeous and funny and looked a little familiar to me and just raved about her daughter. That mother’s daughter? The everyday supermodel herself, Molly Sims.

The beautiful Molly Sims whose tips in her new book, The Everyday Supermodel, are as golden as her locks *Photo by Jeff Vespa/Contour by Getty Images

So when I had the chance to chat with Molly (now a mom herself) at the launch of her new book The Everyday Supermodel — I had to share this story. The very things I saw in Molly’s mom that cemented that memory in my mind are the same things that make Molly the beautiful (inside and out), fun, smart, hilarious, and generous woman that she is today. While I had the chance, I got Molly to spill her favorite spots, products, advice, tips from her book, and the food she won’t touch with a 10-foot pole.

With the unsinkable Molly Sims

Since we just chatted about your mama, let’s start with this. What is the best advice she ever gave you?
Dare to be different. Don’t be afraid of change and mix things [up] and always try different things.

As a native southern girl who now calls Los Angeles home, what are some of your favorite spots in LA right now?
I love Sweet Lady Jane because I love my cake, I love those brownies, and I love their salted chocolate chip cookies. I love Gjelina in Venice. It’s great! And I’m dying to try Connie and Ted’s and Maude and The Nice Guy. I’m taking a bunch of girls to The Nice Guy tomorrow. And I love Drybar! I wish I could have invented it. You feel better about yourself after spending $40. And I love their Triple Sec dry shampoo because it’s more than a dry shampoo.

Speaking of beauty products, what are Molly’s makeup musts?
Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge cream blush in Pale Pink and Milk Chocolate — don’t ask me why, but it works. Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer, the new white one, mixed with a little Wonder Glow from Charlotte Tilbury.

I love Charlotte Tilbury!
I love her! I love her Magic Cream. Also, NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Santa Monica Blvd (a white eyeliner for the inner rim), Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Raven — the best stay-on lipcolor ever, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette — the highlighter is amazing. Almond Oil, I live by! I love Laura Mercier pressed translucent powder, Jouer Cosmetics Crème Eyeshadow in Cashmere on the eye and I love doing lipsticks on the eyes to make it dewy. Love the Crystal pink really light shimmer powder from MAC that you can only dab a little bit on and I love the Tom Ford Eye Quad in Golden Mink.

Catching up with Molly at Drybar with Georgetown Cupcakes

What are a few of your favorite tips from your new book?
1. You will drink more water if you use a straw.
2. Pack your necklaces safely for travel by looping the necklaces through a straw to prevent tangling.
3. Layer clothing and jewelry.
4. Invest in core wardrobe pieces.
5. One day a week, eat plant-based.
6. Get dressed up even if you have nowhere to go. Look good to feel good.
7. Be the best you you can be. Challenge yourself. Respect yourself. Go big or go home!

Tell us your theme song. Don’t be shy.
(singing) R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

What do you want your kids to be when they’re grown up?
I want my kids to be empathetic. It can be innate, but I want my children to be empathetic. I know it sounds weird, but I want my kids to have compassion and empathy and know how lucky they are.

What’s a food that you absolutely can’t live without?
Biscuits! Chicken and dumplins’. I’m very southern – I’ve never met a bread basket I didn’t like, but I mean, I can’t.

What’s the food you won’t touch?
Lamb.

And your cocktail of choice?
Margarita.

I hear you. You’ve gotta try Mi Cocina in Dallas. Best margaritas on this here planet. What do you look like on a mundane Monday with no events to attend?
Hair pulled back in a ballerina bun with a boyfriend jacket, a tank, a pair of jeans, and flats.

What would you like your kids to say about you when they grow up?
That I was a great mom and that they love me. And they still call me!

If you could go back in time and give advice to 13-year-old you, what would you tell her?
Go big or go home.

Sounds like Molly’s mantra if you ask me. And one that’s served her pretty darned well. Kids, take note.

P.S. My favorite takeaway from meeting Molly? She was mindful enough to blow on the Sharpie marker message of every single autograph she did, making sure it was dry and it didn’t smudge. You can’t teach that kind of thoughtfulness, folks.

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: Which of Molly’s tips will you be trying?

What We Wore: The 39th Annual Gracie Awards

On my way to The Gracie Awards, feeling verrrrry old school Hollywood glamour

What We Wore


Gown: Betsey Johnson Long Dotted Ruched Party Dress in Black

Shoes: Guess

Rings: Liv Haley

Bracelets: A.V. Max Accessories

Necklace & Earrings: Kate Spade

Hair: DryBar

Makeup: Daniel McFadden at Jonathan & George

Waiting for the car to pick me up - and feeling a bit like Cinderella *Photo by Siku Thompson

 

Sheer bliss. Bracelets by A.V. Max Accessories and rings by Liv Haley *Photo by Siku Thompson

 

Happy. Rings by Liv Haley. *Photo by Siku Thompson

Grateful, grateful, grateful. Liv Haley rings and A.V. Max Accessories bracelets. *Photo by Siku Thompson

I felt like Cinderella as I came home from attending The 39th Annual Gracie Awards last week. I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling in my Betsey Johnson gown, A.V. Max Accessories bracelets, Liv Haley rings and Kate Spade earrings and necklace for 45 minutes, thinking about how cool 13-year-old Dawn would think this evening was. I hope that wonder always stays with me – just as much as it has now – as more exciting things come my way.  And I pray that I always have those bouncing butterflies in my belly. I am so thankful to be surrounded by – and inspired by – people who make that happen.

****

Last Tuesday, I was surrounded by a room of utterly inspiring women at The 39th Annual Gracie Awards, hosted by the Alliance For Women in Media, at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. I was there because Moll Anderson – my friend, mentor and host of the weekly radio show for which I’m a correspondent, The Moll Anderson Show – was being honored with her 2nd Gracie Award for Outstanding Host – Lifestyle/Health program.

The guest of honor! I loved celebrating my friend and mentor, Moll Anderson.

Hosted by Aisha Tyler,  the night was full of highlights I will always treasure are Angie Harmon accepting the “Caring is Sexy” award, the beyond-inspiring acceptance letter by creative superwoman Shonda Rimes and Moll’s acceptance speech, which was my absolute favorite.

I love this quote that someone else said. I only wish I could remember who!

“People that live in difficult circumstances need to know that happy endings are possible.”

It is the charge of public personalities and entertainers to do just that.

When accepting her award, Moll said:

“My life changed again. It can happen many times if you’re open.” It’s never too late to be who you’re meant to be.” 

Amen.

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: When was the last time you felt those “bouncing butterflies in your belly”? 

Tress Tuesday: Honey, I’m Home – Welcome DryBar on West 3rd Street!

In December, Drybar moved near my ‘hood on West 3rd Street – which is basically like that guy you’ve always had a crush on moving right down the street from you and making your dreams come true…all while giving you a beautiful blowout and serving you mimosas.

Drybar in my hood? Honey, I'm home!!

 

Yep, I’ve had my share of other blowouts in the area over the years but none really compare to the original Drybar. They’re consistent, they’re stylish, they’re friendly, they’re effective and I always leave all relaxed, coiffed and comely in less than an hour for only $40.

Lovin' my Drybar hair…and my margarita at the airport… (my Mai Tai 'do styled by Jud Ashouri at Drybar on West 3rd Street in Los Angeles)

Another bonus? They don’t charge extra for hot tool use (curling irons, rollers, flatirons, etc.) so you don’t feel like you’re getting overcharged.

Plus, how can you not feel heavenly and happy with all that cheerful yellow? Add in the fact that the new location is next to both a Benefit boutique and Magnolia Bakery and you can color me one happy girl.

All that yellow AND Magnolia Bakery and Benefit Cosmetics as neighbors? Color me one happy girl!

Of course, I’ve already been to this location quite a few times and found my favorite stylist…Jud Ashouri.

With my Jud at the new Drybar on West 3rd Street

Jud not only gives a great blowout and style but she’s cool, stylish, honest, witty, and wise way beyond her years. Like I want to be friends with her because I feel like I could learn a lot from this girl. And the scalp massage I got from Jud? Killer. Like dreamy.

My faaaaaaaaaaaaaavorite part - the $10 scalp massage...

And her blowouts? They last me around 3 days so I feel like I’m getting more bang for my beauty buck.

My fave ‘do that we do is the Mai Tai – messy beach hair – which is perfect when I have an event, party or show to attend. The waves last and make me feel darned downright sexy. Something I can never accomplish at home when it comes to my coif.

And right now, they’re extending a verrrry special “Friends with Benefits” deal to my BeautyFrosting readers and social media followers! Now, get your heads out of the gutter, it’s not that kind of “friends with benefits.” After all, we all know that nevvvvver works. Nope, when you call to make your appointment, just mention the code #FWBDawn to receive $5 off your blowout all day Monday-Thursday. To make an appointment, just visit www.TheDrybar.com or call (310) 442-6084.

A special for BeautyFrosting readers - Mention that you're a BF reader or Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Pinterest follower and get $5 off your blowout at this location all day Monday-Thursday.

 

It’s the one Friends with Benefits relationship that actually works because at the very least, you’ll get a beautiful blowout and at the best, you’ll be inundated with compliments and stares from strangers. I do believe that my crush has evolved into a full-on monogamous relationship.

 

xoxo,

BF
BF Asks: What’s your favorite style at the Drybar?

New Years Eve Makeup: When in Vegas, you gotta SHINE!!

Hi beauties!

I spent New Years Eve in Vegas with good friends, amazing music, fabulous food and oodles of cocktails.

A lot of you guys saw the pics on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook and wanted to know what products made me glow.

Glowing on New Years Eve in Vegas - HoneyPunch dress ℅ M. Caroline Boutique & hair by Drybar on West 3rd St in LA

So I just wanted to share the highlights of my makeup look from New Years Eve with you, today.

In my glowing beauty treasure chest for New Years Eve? MAC, Hourglass, Antonym, Too Faced, Josie Maran, Jouer, Vani-T & more! *Necklace by Forever 21 (yes, seriously!!!)

 

Some of the shimmering highlights?

Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil ($46)

Antonym Cosmetics Organic Duo Eye Shadow in Café au Lait ($24)

MAC Shadows in Tempting & Woodwinked ($15)

Josie Maran Argan Illuminizer ($28)

Hourglass Cosmetics Femme Nude Lip Stylo ($30)

Jouer Age-Repairing Brightener ($32)

& more…

I felt so glam walking around in my Honey Punch rose gold sequined dress (℅ M. Caroline Boutique), Charles David gold high heels, The Artisan Group rose gold heart earrings and my smoky eyes, glowing skin and nude lips. I wanted to embody New Years Eve and I think I did just that.
After all, when else do you get to wear a short, gold-sequined dress than in Vegas?!?!

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What were you donning as the clock struck midnight? 

xoxo,

BF

 

Blown Away by Blow Angels

Oh Blow Angels! You had me at $29 blowout.

Blow Angels - I designate thee, The Primping Palace

Blow Angels - I designate thee, The Primping Palace

And then you add parking in the back, mint-infused spa water, talented stylists and superb customer service?
Oh no. Now I’m really in love.

You see, I love to love. I really do. But when it comes to primping salons, I have been broken-hearted a few times.

Not this time, Romeo. This time, Cupid’s arrow has made a match.

I have found the ultimate primping palace that won’t pummel your pocketbook.

And I’m reallllly excited about it? Seeeee!

BF Really Excited!

BF Really Excited! I mean, this was my hair 4 hours after my visit!

And not one of my friends knows about this beauty mecca so I feel like I’m Oprah debuting one of my favorite things to the world. Or at least, in this case, to my friends and readers.

YOU get a blowout! YOU get lashes! YOU get makeup!

And all for under $30 each!
Now, that’s just something I can feel good about. Right?

Here’s the scoop:

From the ladylike, Tiffany-robin’s egg-blue and white theme to the master stylists who do truly exceptional work, I am seriously blown away by Blow Angels.

The thrones at The Primping Palace that is Blow Angels

The thrones at The Primping Palace that is Blow Angels

I decided to get the works for my Hotel Cafe show on a Saturday night. My family was in town and I was going to be onstage and visiting with tons of people so I really needed to look my best!

I told the Angels this. I felt a little bit like Charlie from Charlie’s Angels to be honest.

“Angels, I have an assignment for you. I need glamorous hair, makeup and lashes that will last as long as I do this evening.”
The Blow Angels, Libni and Ziggy accepted their challenge.

In a little under an hour and a half, I was walking out with gorgeous, Jaclyn Smith/Farrah Fawcett winged hair, Victoria’s Secret Angel-worthy runway makeup and faux lashes that didn’t look false at all – just lush, lush, lush.

BF's Angels: Libni and Ziggy
 BF’s Angels: Libni (hair) and Ziggy (makeup)

And all for UNDER $100!!! No, you’re not imagining things. The styled, voluminous blowout was $29, the makeup $30 and the lashes $15. Wowsers.

FYI, I got the Angels Blow – seen here:

Blow Angels - Angels Blow

Blow Angels - Angels Blow

As I was leaving, I told them (yes, really), that I felt like I needed to get in my car and sing that famous ditty from West Side Story, “I Feel Pretty”. Um, I think I may have lost them there.

But you know what isn’t lost on me? Talented stylists who love what they do and make me love the way I look..if only for a night!

At dinner – 4 hours later –

Flaunthing my angel's wings with my friend, Jenn

Flaunthing my angel's wings with my friend, Jenn

And, guess what, 8 hours later, I still felt like singing the “pretty” song.

My angelic 'do - 7 hours later

My angelic 'do - 7 hours later

Thank you, Blow Angels!!

I’ll see you soon with another “Angels assignment”.

xoxo,
BF

p.s. It was also an added bonus when I said “Gosh, I’m nervous! I could really use a glass of wine.” And the angels heard me and brought me a glass of chocolate-infused red wine. Is that you, God? It’s me, deliriously delighted Dawn.

*
BF Asks: Have you ever tried Blow Angels? Or how ’bout just “winged” angel hair? Dying to hear your answers, angels!