WINTER 2015
BLUSH M A G A Z I N E
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Brittany Burgos EDITOR IN CHIEF
Jordyn Ferriss CREATIVE DIRECTOR Senior Editors: Rebecca Aschen, Avanti Dalal Photography Director: Collins Nai Beauty Director: Cassandra Shaffer Fashion Director: Caroline Johnson, Kimberly Larco Web Director: Mikayla Madigan Art Director: Joyce Xu Fashion Writer: Erik DeFruscio Beauty Writer: Melinda Batista Health Writer: Kathryn Farrell Senior Photo Editor: Daniel Marcella Senior Designer: Brittany Barbarite Advertising Sales: Fadwa Hussari, Natalie Zisa Web Editors: Taylor Bushey, Michaela Del Viscovo Social Media Directors: Aphrodite Takos, Aaron Valentic Social Media Editors: Kristine Chao, Alexandra Coulum, Kayla Green, Esther Kaplan, Audra Koch, Saoirse O’Connor, Nicolette Leslie, Angelina Rokakis Contributing Men’s Editor: Steven Rodriguez Contributors: Madelyn Adams, Jamie Auld, Samantha Ayala, Tiffany Balz, Elizabeth Breuer, Christina Buscarino, Juliane De Giovine, Gina Gargiulo, Ruthie Hanan, Elizabeth Heartly, Lauren Keane, Bria Lloyd, Madeline Maciagiewicz, Shavonne Marshall-Wells, Sarah Michelson, Alexandra Mokris, Jeff Sutera, Kyle Ursin, Eric Vosburg Laura Hatmaker ADVISOR
T G T N B I
Winter 2015
OPULENCE
THIS HAU TE HO L IDAYS CO VER S HO O T IS F IL L E D WITH G L AM O U R AN D A HIN T O F THE 60S . VO L U M IN O U S S K IR TS F RO M K EVIN JO HN N A N D F IERC E PO S ES F RO M RU THIE HAN AN ARE ENO U G H TO M AK E YO U S WO O N .
Eyes to Envy G REEN IS THE EYES HADO W COLOR OF THE M O M EN T, AN D THERE ARE S O M AN Y DIF F EREN T WAYS TO WEAR IT— G O O N , TAK E A L O O K .
Microbeads Exposé E F F O RT LE S S LY E C O -F R IE N D LY
T H ESE LITT LE PLASTIC SPHERES MAY BE G O OD FOR Y O U R COMPLEXION, BUT T H EY’R E R UIN ING THE ENVIRONMEN T. WEAR AN EN VIRO N M EN TALY C O N S C I O U S N EXT TIM E Y O U BUY A FACE WASH, O U TF IT, F RO M YO U R L IPS TIC K TO YO U R C L U T C H ; B E S UR E T O T R IPLE-CHECK THE EC O -F RIEN DLY FAS HIO N IS EAS IER T H A N E V E R . I N G R E D IE NT S LIS T.
Letter from the editor T
his time of year is a whirlwind: holidays, finals, gift-buying, family bonding, finals (that one deserves repeating). The cherry on top is Manhattan’s brutal winter of frosty streets, snow piles on sidewalks, and hazy gray mornings. It can become overwhelming, but there is also a lot to look forward to. This is the season to cozy up next to your fireplace, drink hot cocoa, and play in the snow until you can’t feel your face. No wonder there are so many songs about this time of year, there are few things better than enjoying warm drinks and getting together with the people you love most. It is also the season to reflect on the past year. Nostalgia is unavoidable, and sois a bit of melancholy—whether it’s because it’s freezing outside or because you grew up too damn fast. Maybe that’s why we write New Year’s resolutions, to force ourselves to look into the future during a time when dwelling on the past is inevitable. Whatever the reason, I’m a firm believer in setting resolutions throughout the year, ones that are effective immediately. Waiting until the new year seems like procrastination, why not do what you want today as soon as humanly possible? If you do set resolutions, be sure to make them realistic. Too many people make their goals out-of-this-world, which is probably why most of them don’t get accomplished. While you’re figuring out what your objectives should be this year, pick up this issue and get some inspiration from our beautiful cover shoot, or from the articles our amazing writers have contributed. This issue’s beauty shoot shows green shadows on different skin tones and eye shapes, so you can take your pick for that holiday party you’ve been looking forward to all year—and don’t forget to take a peek at the beauty news page and learn about the different things going on in the beauty world this winter. In the spirit of being thankful and giving back, I also want to say a huge thank you to my team, without you Blush would not be the fabulous and successful magazine that it is. Jordyn Ferriss, our ambitious Creative Director, is always going above and beyond to ensure a perfect issue. Our Photography Director, Collins Nai, makes our ideas come to life in the sophisticated and gorgeous photos that adorn our pages. Thank you to anyone who has contributed to this issue, or any before this. I am so proud of what we have achieved together. If you haven’t contributed, I simply hope you enjoy this issue as much as I do. Brittany Burgos, Editor-In-Chief
CONTRIBUTORS K I M B E R LY L A R C O MAJOR Advertising & Marketing Communications HOMETOWN Franklin Square, New York FAVORITE BOOK I cherish “Just Kids” by Patti Smith for the serendipitous adventures that Patti and Robert embark on in the beloved streets of NYC, as the struggling artists rose to fame with only a couple of nickels to their name. FAVORITE WINTER BEAUTY TREND Natural makeup with a bold red lip. CAREER ASPIRATIONS Whether I pursue editorial or branding, I want to never “work” a day in my life.
BRIA LLOYD MAJOR Advertising & Marketing Communications HOMETOWN Middleburg, Virginia FAVORITE BOOK “Girlboss” by Sophia Amoruso. It was an inspiring read about working your way up in the fashion industry. FAVORITE WINTER BEAUTY TREND Dark lips. LISTENING TO J Cole and The Weeknd. CAREER ASPIRATIONS Magazine editor or public relations.
SAMANTHA AYALA
MAJOR Fashion Business Management HOMETOWN Walden, New York FAVORITE BOOK “Night” by Elie Wiesel. Any book that can make me feel, imagine, and understand every word the author writes has caught my full attention. LISTENING TO “Sorry” by Justin Bieber. He’s been killing it with his music lately! CAREER ASPIRATIONS : I’ve always wanted to be involved in the bridal industry. I love the concept of a “happily ever after” and wanting to make that one day special while looking your best. If I can incorporate that and fashion in any way, I’ll be living the dream.
BEAUTY NEWS
By Melinda Batista
N A R S X S T E V E N K L E I N H O L I D AY C O L L A B
It’s no surprise that NARS, the cult-favorite cosmetics brand, has yet again collaborated with another iconic fashion photographer: Steven Klein. The New York–based lensman is renowned for his dark, often seductive or dangerousfeeling editorials for Vogue, i-D ,and W, and popularly known for his work with Madonna. Like with previous Andy Warhol, Phillip Lim and Christopher Kane collections, it’s safe to expect the limited-edition, 23-piece holiday collection to represent Klein’s unique and sometimes controversial approach to beauty. NARS and Klein also collaborated with Fabien Baron of Baron & Baron to make sure the packaging is both spontaneous and captivating. The brand’s founder, Francois Nars, stated “Beauty is such an abstract thing. Steven and I are both drawn to interesting beauty; it’s not too obvious, too sweet or sugary. It’s unexpected, different and strange.” NARS consistently comes up with edgy personalities to partner with for unique and truly collectible products.
WINTER FLAIR FOR HAIR: AUBURN
With a season full of sweet lattes, layered fashion and a welldeserved break in our shaving routine, there’s a new trend that will make us wish the colder season lasted all year: auburn hair. Bolder, richer colored hues are popular choices for the winter months. Auburn hair has more copper undertones whereas similar colors like gingersnap tend to fall under the category of brunette with red undertones. The latest holiday craze is a deep orange streaked with hues of caramel. It’s a color that has a lot of dimension with multiple tones that encompass the spice aesthetic. In fact, it’s actually quite wearable when the caramel and copper tones prevail over saturated orange, giving the hair a more natural, rustic look. Auburn hair is giving redheads and carrot tops the chance to lead a movement and to prove that blondes aren’t the only ones who have fun.
T H E U LT I M AT E C H R I S T M A S G I F T: U R B A N D E C AY N A K E D V A U LT V O L U M E I I Last year, Urban Decay launched the Naked Vault, a chic gift set packed with the best offerings from its line of Naked products. This Holiday season, the popular cosmetics brand will be launching an all-new treasure chest of goodies: the Naked Vault Volume II. This year’s Vault is only stuffed with the brand’s eye shadow palettes — Naked, Naked 2, Naked 3, Naked Smoky, and the two matte Naked Basics compacts. While Urban Decay junkies may pass on this collector’s item, as we may have already purchased the products separately, makeup newbies and hoarders will declare this a must have. The set rings in at $165, and is a true bargain as buying all of these products separately would cost an additional $109. The last time around, the Vault was priced at $280 and included lip glosses and eyeliners— which, for the most part, weren’t exactly cult favorites. The second Vault, on the other hand, includes all 6 palettes and has “treat yo’self” written all over it for this holiday season.
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Warm Up Your Beauty Routine By Cassandra Shaffer
The weather is getting colder and colder, but your makeup can still be burning up. The winter weather doesn’t have to leave you looking drab, because these skincare and makeup tips will make you look healthy and radiant, like you just got back from a tropical vacation.
▶TIP #1: EXFOLIATE, MOISTURIZE, AND REPEAT!
The first step to any makeup look is the right skincare underneath. Exfoliating will get rid of pesky dry patches, and moisturizing will help ensure that skin will look plump and naturally glowy. Find an exfoliator with natural exfoliants and a moisturizer that contains SPF (yes, sun protection year round is a must). By following these two steps, your skin will look brighter and healthier, guaranteed! Frank Body Creamy Face Scrub, $19.95, us.frankbody.com
▶TIP #2: FIND THE RIGHT BASE
Now that our summer glow has faded, we’ve got to fake it. Darken up your base by picking a liquid foundation that is slightly darker than your skin tone (no more than two shades, we want to look sun kissed, not orange). For added moisture, add one part moisturizer to two parts foundation to infuse that glow back to your skin. Maybelline Fit Me Shine-Free Foundation, $8.99, maybelline.com
▶TIP #3: ALL ABOUT THAT BLUSH
The perfect shade of blush not only warms up your complexion, but it also defines the cheek-bones, and makes you look healthier. For fair skin tones, pick a peachy shade that mimics your natural flush. For medium tones, select a mauve shade for added richness. Darker complexions can best pull of a deep terracotta or bright red blush. Tarte Cosmetics Airblush Maracuja Blush, $26, tartecosmetics.com
▶TIP #4: WARM UP YOUR LIPS
The finishing touch to any look is the lips. Stay away from cool tones and instead choose a gloss, lipstick, or stain in a warm peach, amber, coral or orange shade. Lips chapped or cracked? Before bed, generously apply a lip balm that contains no artificial fragrances or colors (these actually cause your lips to dry out!). When you apply your makeup in the a.m., your lips will be prepped and smooth. Rosebud Perfume Co. Rosebud Salve, $6, sephora.com
BEAUTY
BEAUTY ON-THE-GO: Best Beauty Apps By Gina Gargiulo Considering that we do everything on our phones these days–why not add beauty to the mix? Thanks to this era of iPhones and Androids, we can now get the inside scoop on major cosmetic secrets right on our devices. You’ve truly been missing out if you haven’t downloaded these beauty apps yet –take notes beauty fanatics. Forget going to a store to see which color products match you the best or physically testing which makeup look is best for an occasion, these apps give you access to virtual makeup testers that allow you to “try on” any beauty product or find any shade. L’Oreal Paris Makeup Genius is the newest app that is a complete game-changer for anyone who wants to avoid a mess and save time. By just using your finger, you can create your own looks or try ready-to-wear looks instantly. The app uses your camera as a mirror, allowing you to test different beauty looks as you move. See yourself made up in just a click of a button! Do you consider yourself a procrastinator? If you do, these apps would be perfect for you. Introducing Beautified, a last-minute way to find and book beauty services – just from your fingertips. This app enables you to browse hand-picked spas, salons, and studios when you’re in need of a quick beauty fix. Whether it’s a haircut, massage, manicure, pedicure, blowout, facial, wax, or makeup application – Beautified has a spot available for you up to 48 hours in advance. Similarly, GlamSquad offers hairstyling and makeup services – except they come to you! This app can take appointments in as little as an hour, without the hassle of a salon. You don’t even have to worry about having cash on you, because your credit card can be charged automatically (including tips!). Getting ready just got a whole lot less stressful. Finding the perfect shade also just got a whole lot less complicated with ShadeScout. This app enables you to spot a color in any photo and find makeup products in the exact shade family. An unlimited number of products are searched from more than 40 major cosmetics brands and will pull up cosmetics in a ton of categories, including lipstick, lip gloss, eyeshadow, bronzer, blush, and foundation. Once the right shade and product is matched, you can use the tryon feature to see how it would look. Just use your front-facing camera to try the color. Your findings and picture can then be posted on various social media sites to share with others. Join the experience of having your virtual makeup come to life! Besides playing around with makeup, there are apps that allow you to virtually access your favorite store. For loyal Sephora members, there’s an app called Sephora To Go. This app allows you to browse and shop for makeup, skin care, fragrances, and beauty products much faster and easier. You can reorder your past purchases, see what products are in stock in a store near you, as well as add items to your “Beauty Bag” or “Loves List.” The store app also allows you to find the best beauty products by exploring Today’s Obsession, What’s New, and Hot Now, to get inspired with ideas for new looks. Makeup tips and tutorial videos are available on Sephora TV, photos on The Beauty Board, and articles on The Sephora Glossy page. Enter your Beauty Insider card to instantly receive perks, points, awards, free samples, and alerts for special offers, exclusive products, promotions, and more. Online shopping has never been easier! Whether it’s seeing how cosmetics actually look on you, shopping for desired products, or making appointments, these free beauty apps will become your beautiful new addiction. Happy downloading!
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The Guide to Giving: Value Sets By Bria Lloyd The season that’s filled with cheer is finally here. Now is the time to start thinking about what to give to the people we love. Ulta provides a wide range of gift sets that are perfect for the holidays. You can find great deals both in-store and online, and they truly have something for everyone to help them feel primped and pampered. A nice perk of gift sets is that they can help save money—they can be broken up and given to more than one person or they can provide a variety of things to try for one person. Spread the love this holiday season by giving away some of these awesome value sets. FOR THE MAKEUP LOVER▶ To o F a c e d L e G r a n d C h a t e a u , $ 4 9 It contains three individual palettes with 18 shadows, two blushes, one bronzer, and a deluxe size of the bestselling Better Than Sex mascara. It is the perfect gift to give to a shadow obsessed girl or it could be split up and given to three different eyeshadow-lovers in your life.
◀ FOR
THE BODY CARE LOVER The Body Shop Body Butter Collection, $30 This is the perfect gift for your skin-care-obsessed-friend. It comes with six sweet scented, creamy butters that will keep your skin hydrated for up to 24 hours. People love to treat their skin to these luxurious butters rather than their typical standard lotion, especially in these frosty winter months. FOR THE NAIL LOVER▶ Essie Ravishing Red Festive Mini Set, $13 After having Essie Weingarten herself speak here at FIT, we know these products wouldn’t leave anyone disappointed. This set includes four elegant shades in the award-winning Essie formula. Toggle to the Top, Double Breasted Jacket, Beyond Cozy, and Blanc will steal your heart this season.
◀ FOR
THE GUYS Ralph Lauren World of Polo Mini Coffret, $57 This is a must-have for the special guy in your life. It comes with four different Polo colognes and will leave your boy smelling dreamier than ever before.
Eyes to
Envy
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF SUTERA MAKEUP JORDYN FERRISS M A N I C U R E K AT I E FA R R E L L
JAMIE AULD WEARING:
K AT V O N D B E A U T Y “ M I V I D A L O C A ” PA L E T T E
SUNGLASSES FENDI Crystal Tip Cat Eye
T I F FA N Y B A L Z W E A R I N G :
M A K E U P F O R E V E R F L A S H PA L E T T E
SUNGLASSES DIOR Reflected
ALEX MOKRIS WEARING:
MAKE UP FOR EVER ARTIST LINER I-32 IRIDESCENT POP GREEN
SUNGLASSES Thrifted
S H AV O N N E M A R S H A L L - W E L L S W E A R I N G :
M A K E U P F O R E V E R F L A S H PA L E T T E
SUNGLASSES DIOR Technologic
MADELINE MACIAGIEWICZ WEARING: U R B A N D E C AY “ D A M A G E D ” S H A D O W
BEAUTY
Eyes to Envy, Your Way By Jordyn Ferriss
If you’re feeling some serious makeup envy after flipping through our “Eyes to Envy” beauty spread, don’t fret. Incorporating Blush’s “it” color of the holiday season into your beauty routine is easier than you think. And while green brows or blown-out smoky eyes may not be your forte, adding a few small touches of green can easily spice up any beauty look without over-doing it. Below are four products to add to your holiday makeup routine, assuring you’ll be the one to be envious of at all of your winter soirees.
GLITTER
Adding a touch of glitter can elevate any beauty look. While a glittercovered lid may be a bit much for dinner at Grandma’s, adding a light touch in the middle of the lid is sure to do the trick. We recommend Make Up For Ever Glitter, as it is safe for use on the face and on the body. Be careful when buying cosmetic glitters—not all are eye safe and can cause major irritation. Make Up For Ever Glitter “N6 Green”, $15, available at makeupforever.com
EYELINER
Our liner look from the “Eyes to Envy” spread is beautifully bold, but if you’re looking to try green liner on a more “wearable” level, we’ve got you covered. Benefit Cosmetics recently launched their easy-to-use They’re Real Liner in 4 different colors, one of them being a deep green color—perfect! A simple green wing paired with a fresh face and a nude gloss is the perfect look for the holidays, festive yet classic, just like your favorite Christmas song. They’re Real Liner in “Beyond Green”, $24, available at sephora.com
NAIL POLISH
If eye makeup isn’t your thing, adding green to your holiday get-up is still possible. A bright green manicure is an easy way to incorporate the it-color of the season into your beauty routine. Since it’s the holidays, we say go for the sparkliest polish in your collection. If you don’t have a dazzling green polish, we recommend F.U.N Lacquer’s “Green Foliage”. This deep green holographic color is a great addition to any holiday outfit. F.U.N Lacquer “Green Foliage”, $16, available at LiveLovePolish.com.
LIPSTICK
Green lips—sounds scary right? Wearing unconventional colors on your pout has become one of the biggest beauty trends of the year. Beauty lovers have graduated from the “greige” (grey-beige) trend to move on to more daring color combos. Jeffree Star Cosmetics has a lineup of Velour Liquid Lipsticks full of unconventional colors, including two greens; Dirty Money and Mistletoe. Dirty Money, a grey-toned green, is the most unique of the two, while Mistletoe is more classic, true green. If bold lips are something you’ve been meaning to try, why not start with one of these two options? We dare you. Dirty Money and Mistletoe, $18, available at jeffreestarcosmetics.com.
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TREND ALERT:
Beauty Bloggers Create and Collaborate By Sarah Michelson
How much do you trust your favorite beauty gurus’ opinions? We watch their videos, read their blog posts, and like their Instagram posts regularly because we respect their opinions. We trust them enough to spend our cash on the products they recommend and love. The most popular vloggers are now creating their own cosmetics; either partnering with established brands or invest-ing their money into new brands of their own creation. Life as a blogger or vlogger is a financially successful one for many. These self-made internet celebrities have amassed huge followings that lend themselves to opportunities. Recently there has been debate about companies sponsoring bloggers’ posts and how that might influence opinions. YouTube and Instagram now make popular users tag sponsored posts as ads, but that is strictly for when bloggers are under contract to promote other people’s products. When beauty gurus create their own products there are no such rules, and social media is all about self-promotion. Marlena Stell, a beauty vlogger under the channel name of Makeup Geek is arguably the most successful of the vloggers turned product developers. Makeup Geek Cosmetics is a high-quality, low-priced line of cosmetics. The brand Stell has created rakes in over one million dollars a month and has captured the attention of makeup lovers everywhere; she has even made it on the Forbes 500 list. Stell has said that people no longer want to buy from brands, “they want to buy from personalities.” That’s exactly why she is so successful; she uses her YouTube channel to demo and sell her products while still maintaining her honest opinions about other brands. Jaclyn Hill, a vlogger known for her fun personality and catch phrases has recently partnered with Becca cosmetics to create a highlighter called Champagne Pop. The product has created a cult following and hundreds of glowing reviews on Sephora. com. Champagne Pop was so successful that the Becca and Jaclyn Hill collaboration has extended to a highlighting palette called Champagne Glow that is on its way to selling out on Sephora’s website before the holiday season even arrives. Tati Westbrook, a vlogger known for her professional makeup artist background has partnered with Birchbox, a beauty subscription service, to create the brand’s first color cosmetics range. The line is called LOC, short for Love Of Color, and includes cream eyeshadow pencils and matte lipsticks. Each individual product is under $10, though the products do come in more expensive value sets on the Birchbox website. Kathleen Fuentes, known for her “every girl” attitude as Kathleenlights on YouTube, has created two major collaborations; a set of 4 eyeshadows with affordable brand ColourPop and a bright orange liquid lipstick with brand Ofra cosmetics. Each has been a best-seller for its brand and gained notoriety for its vlogger-creator. All of these entrepreneurial women have managed to carve out a niche for themselves in an industry of sameness with their varying personalities, budgets, and skill levels. As viewers and women, it is important to help other women achieve their well deserved success—if we happen to pick up a few tricks and tips along the way, that’s even better.
HEALTH NEWS By Liz Breuer
THE NEXT NEW SUPER FOOD: MACA ROOT
Admit it, we’ve all been guilty of liking one too many posts of our favorite bloggers’ green, matcha-infused lattés. Matcha powder was the super food of 2015 as it is packed with antioxidants, boosts your metabolism and even slows the growth of cancer cells. So what food is predicted to transform all of us into health nuts in 2016? Maca Root is a part of the radish family and is known for its ability to improve general health, balance mood and increase energy. The “food of the gods,” as the Incas used to call it, is rich in vitamin B, C and E and provides plenty of calcium, zinc and iron, which helps transport oxygen throughout the body. It also balances your hormones and increases fertility. Oh and ladies? Maca is supposed to relieve menstrual issues as it alleviates cramps, anxiety and mood swings. As the colder months loom, incorporating Maca will also help skin withstand extreme temperatures. Start off 2016 energized and happy and include Maca powder in your favorite smoothie, energy bar or oatmeal recipes.
W H O : “ M E AT C A U S E S C A N C E R . ’’ N O W W H AT ? One of the most controversial and most discussed health issues of 2015 was the study that the World Health Organization (WHO) released this October. The WHO identified processed meat (bacon, hot dogs, sausage etc.) as a “known human carcinogen’’ and stated that each 50-gram portion of processed meat eaten daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 18%. The most frightening part of it all was that the WHO classified processed meats as a Group 1 carcinogen to humans, in the same group as smoking tobacco. Red meat was classified as “probably carcinogenic,” meaning that it is likely to cause cancer. By making small changes, like switching out your beef-burger with a veggie option, you’ll not only decrease the risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases, but you’ll also do something good for the environment and the animals. At the end of the day, isn’t longevity, health and happiness what we’re all striving for?
#1 FITNESS TREND OF 2016
Each year, the American College of Sports Medicine comes out with a fitness trend forecast and the winning exercise trend for 2016 was wearable technology. Over the past few years, small technological gadgets that we use to track our fitness journey have gained popularity. That’s why wearable technology is supposed to be more successful than high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or body-weight training. Tech devices, like the Apple Watch or the Fitbit Charge, have changed the way we plan and manage our workouts as they provide immediate feedback, which can make the wearer more motivated to achieve fitness goals. The Garmin Vivofit Fitness Band is supposed to be the best fitness band out there. After you set your goals, it will automatically show you how much you should exercise and how many steps you should take throughout the day. The design itself is pretty simplistic and sleek, so you could get away with not only wearing it to the gym, but also to school or to work. So instead of giving your beloved couch potato a boring old watch for Christmas, surprise them with this fitness band – they might even turn into bona fide fitness enthusiasts.
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H E A LT H
Washing Your Face Is Killing the Environment:
The Microbead Epidemic es, you did read that correctly, as of right now hundreds of everyday products, Y from whitening toothpastes to department store face scrubs, are polluting the world’s water supply in frightening real-time numbers. But why exactly is your morning
By Juliane De Giovine
routine causing so much environmental strife? The reason is because of microbeads, which StoryofStuff.org, an organization that creates informative PSA-style cartoons on global issues, defines as “tiny plastic particles usually smaller than two millimeters.”
Microbeads, also known as microplastics, are so miniscule that the world’s filtration systems cannot sift them out, causing sea life to absorb these toxic particle—meaning that microbeads ultimately end up being ingested in alarmingly increasing rates by humans. Even if you don’t have a taste for sushi, your body still comes into contact with more than its fair share of microbreads—especially if you’re a skincare and beauty junkie. And when just one microbead can be up to one million times more toxic than the water it inhabits, these figures don’t quite make that newly-purchased revitalizing scrub seem like such a bright idea. So how do you know if your glowy-skin regimen exposes our oceans (and ocean-dwelling wildlife) to microbeads? Look for words like polyethylene, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate, polymethlyl methacrylate or nylon on those ingredients listings. Basically anything resembling these words is a big no-no. Thankfully though, approximately thirty-five countries are starting to make waves in this globally-polluting problem. Major product manufacturers like Unilever and Procter and Gamble have vowed to ban the usage of microbeads in their formulas in the coming years. Maine, Illinois, New Jersey, Colorado, Indiana and Maryland have already put bills into effect to phase out all microbead-containing products by 2019, according to beatthemicrobead.org. California, the latest state to follow suit, has aimed for a ban on the microbead beginning January 1, 2020, as reported by The Huffington Post. Personally, I think that the accumulating number of states acclimating the change in microbead policy is a great catalyst for change in our world. Likewise, this emphasis on environmental issues in US politics is refreshing and optimistic for the future of global health. The more informed the public is on the dangers of microplastics, what they do, and where they are found, the more likely it is that more states and whole countries will follow through with effective bans on the bead worldwide. So the next time you make a lunchbreak run to Duane Reade, or find yourself perusing the skincare section at Sephora for your latest beauty fix, do yourself a favor and read before you buy. Remember, you don’t need beads to look beautiful, but you do need water to survive.
BERRY TOPPED MINI CHEESECAKE
Perfect Pears
By Collins Nai Photography by Daniel Marcella
MINI CHEESECAKE CUPS 2 (8 oz.) cream cheese 2 eggs beaten 1 tsp. vanilla 3/4 c. sugar 1 tbsp. lemon juice 12 graham crackers Fruit topping of your choice
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat cream cheese, eggs, vanilla, sugar, and lemon juice. Place a crushed graham cracker in the bottom of each muffin tin wrapper. Pour batter into tins and bake 15-20 minutes. Let cool, and then refrigerate for a couple of hours. Garnish with your desired fruit topping.
C H O C O L AT E D I P P E D P E A R S 6 red Bartlett pears, medium size 8 oz. dark chocolate, melted 4-5 oz. mixed nuts, chopped & crushed peppermint
Place melted chocolate in one bowl and the chopped nuts and peppermint in a second bowl. Dip room temperature pears in chocolate then in almonds. Place dipped pears on a cooling rack to set.
C H O C O L AT E D I P P E D P E A R S
H E A LT H
Healthy Eating Hotspots By Kathryn Farrell
Who said going out to eat can’t be healthy and delicious? It’s the holiday season and there is a large selection of delicious sweets and treats to be had, so while we can certainly indulge, it’s best to make healthy eating choices the majority of the time. So let’s ditch all the frosting, butter, and cream that makes our favorite dishes so delicious and choose the vegan option…you’ll be surprised by how tasty vegan food can be! Here are four of the best vegan restaurants in NYC! BLOSSOM RESTAURANT CHELSEA —187 9TH AVE This is the perfect date spot in the heart of Chelsea; if you’re looking for an elegant and intimate dining experience, Blossom Restaurant is perfect for you. With their own take on vegan lasagna and tofu dishes, you will quickly forget you’re eating all vegan. The prices are on the more expensive side, so dinner at Blossom Restaurant is a tasty treat! (PS: They have brunch and gluten free options!)
BLOSSOM DU JOUR —VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN MANHATTAN Blossom Restaurant’s counterpart is Blossom Du Jour–a quick grab and go “fast food” spot with multiple locations throughout the city. Pick up a cold pressed juice and a salad to-go or try their famous “blossom bowls,” which you create from a selection of delicious ingredients. Blossom Du Jour also has wraps, sandwiches, and even some baked goods from their Blossom Bakery down in Chelsea!
BYCHLOE —185 BLEECKER STREET If you have been on Instagram in the past few months, then odds are you have definitely seen some of the mouthwatering dishes from ByCHLOE. From black bean burgers and sweet potato fries to big salads and mac and cheese, ByCHLOE has something for everyone! Don’t miss out on the huge selection of baked goods they offer as well.
BEYOND SUSHI — VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN MANHATTAN Today there seems to be vegan alternatives to all different cuisines, including sushi! At Beyond Sushi they have monthly specials and a permanent selection of sushi rolls, salads, wraps, and soups. Their mission is to provide sustainable, health conscious, and locally sourced food. Plus, everything on the menu can be made gluten free.
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FASHION NEWS By Samantha Ayala
B U R B E R R Y ’ S “ B I L LY E L L I O T ” I N S P I R E D C A M P A I G N Burberry has always been able to get our attention during the holidays, but their 2015 “Billy Elliot” inspired campaign is truly an eye catcher. This campaign celebrates not just the holidays, but also the 15th anniversary of the musical and film Billy Elliot which tells the story of an 11 year old boy from Northern Europe who takes weekly boxing class, but then stumbles across a ballet class that forever changes him. The story contains so much joy and energy, making it the perfect subject for Burberry to interpret for their festive campaign. What makes the campaign more exciting is the well-known British cast that helped the campaign come to life. The cast varies from individuals who have influenced us in fashion, film, and music. Some of the cast members include Elton John (who wrote the music for the Billy Elliot musical), Julie Walters (played Mrs. Wilkinson in the film version), Naomi Campbell, James Bay, and Romeo Beckham. Burberry has gone even further and donated almost $800,000 total to Place2Be and County Durham Community Foundation. Both charities pay attention to reducing barriers to education, training, and employment and are located where Billy Elliot took place. Burberry has really done something great with this whimsical campaign from its gorgeous looks to its meaningful gift. It’s an accurate representation of what the holidays are all about.
T I F FA N Y & C O . R E A L R E L AT I O N S H I P S H O L I D AY C A M PA I G N Tiffany & Co. will be featuring real relationships in their holiday campaign this year. Star models, such as Brad Kroenig and Anja Rubik, pose alongside with their families and loved ones. Caroline Naggiar, Tiffany’s chief marketing officer, spoke of the campaign’s mission of, “Believing the authenticity -- capturing meaningful emotions and real relationships -- will increasingly resonate with our broad international audience.” The tagline for this year’s campaign is “Joy comes out of the blue,” which reminds everyone of the signature “Tiffany Blue” box that we’ll never forget. Naggiar simply wants to appreciate and absorb the heritage that is involved in life’s most meaningful moments. They want to share in the deep feelings and warmth people have for one another. To be able to make a connection and develop a “real relationship” with the audience makes Tiffany & Co.’s campaign one everyone will want to be a part of this holiday season.
G A L E R I E S L A F AY E T T E S TA R W A R S S H O W
What’s the best way to unveil a cosmic Christmas window display? By having a “Star Wars” themed outdoor show of course! Galeries Lafayette had a parade of Jedi, Stormtroopers, and robots on the streets behind the Paris Opera. In the spirit of the “Star Wars” themed show, the French department store broadcasted the trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which hits theaters December 18th. Not only did the show unveil Galeries Lafayette’s Christmas display, but it also unveiled their partnership with Walt Disney Co. and the 4,000 square foot Disney Store shop-in-shop located on the fourth floor of Galeries Lafayette. This Disney Store carries “Star Wars” merchandise and a capsule collection of clothing designed by Institut Français de la Mode fashion school. Going along with the cosmic “Star Wars” theme, Galeries Lafayette will also feature an exhibition of customized Stormtrooper helmets from French artists, an intergalactic universe around a robot named Léon, and a huge gold and silver meteorite-like Christmas tree.
FA S H I O N
Get the Look: Effortlessly Eco-Friendly By Lauren Keane How can we be fashionably smart this holiday season? Simple! By making fashion choices that are good for people, the planet, and your wallet. This winter, try giving a gift to the holidays, and wear eco-friendly outfits. Many companies have been focusing on more sustainable ways to produce and provide their products to customers. Here are some eco-friendly looks for the holidays that will help us create a more sustainable fashion future: GIRLS’ NIGHT
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◀H&M Conscious
EccoBella Collection Flower Color Lipstick, Shade: Almond, $19.95; made out of a simple healthy formula of vegetable waxes, oils, and mineral pigments. Gluten, FD&C dye, petroleum, and fragrance-free.
Crinkled Blouse, $34.99; 100% Recycled Polyester
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▼Neuaura Shoes Nira Tan Heels, $110.00, Eco-Conscious and Animal-Free.
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H&M Conscious Flared Pants, $29.99; Recycled Polyester.
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Faire Collection Dual Tassel Necklace, $28.80; handcrafted and hand-dyed in Ecuador.
◀MadeFAIR
Women’s Water Color Wallet “My A La Mode”, $45.95, handcrafted and hand painted organically by designer.
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◀Green Room by ASOS
Reclaimed Vintage T-Shirt Dress with Sequin & Tassel Front, $68.08, sporting 100% Pure Cotton.
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◀Green Room ASOS
Dr. Paw Paw Original Balm, $53.75; made from a variety of natural ingredients like olive and aloe vera oil.
MadeFAIR▼ Women’s Leopard Print Wallet “My A La Mode”, $45.95, handcrafted and hand painted organically by designer.
MadeFAIR▲ Sliced Leather Cuff, $32.99, handcrafted from genuine cow leather and adorned with brass, copper, and silver.
The Root Collective▲ Anna in Tan Diamond, $35.00; hand-woven cotton fabric by Mayan women in rural Guatemala, handmade shoe construction, genuine leather lining.
FIT STREET Style
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Blush hit 27th Street to search for ways FIT students are keeping warm as the cold winter weather approaches.
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NAME Emily Cappon
NAME Hanna Pavlova
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NAME Joel Fuller
NAME Shannen Lindsey
PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLLINS NAI M AKEUP E R I C V O S B U R G W I TH A BTP ST Y LI NG CH R I S T I N A B U S C A RI NO M ODEL R U T H I E H A N A N W I TH MA RI LYN
DRESS The Deep End Club SHOES Zara BAG Vintage RING Brooklyn Heavy Metal
COAT Kurt Lyle TOP & SKIRT Kevin Johnn BAG Owen
BLAZER Kevin Johnn
COAT Saunder DRESS Kevin Johnn SHOES Calvin Klein SOCKS Topshop
DRESS Kevin Johnn RINGS Brooklyn Heavy Metal BAG Owen
CAPE Dennis Basso DRESS Family Affairs by Nina Egli SHOES Chinese Laundry BANGLES Brooklyn Heavy Metal
COAT H Fredriksson
COAT Closed PANTS Closed SHOES Topshop RINGS Brooklyn Heavy Metal
TOP & SKIRT Kevin Johnn
FA S H I O N
News Years Look: One Jumpsuit, Three Ways
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By Madelyn Adams
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The holiday season is the most exciting time of year: the delicious cookies, the crazy parties, and yes, the festive fashion! Every New Years, girls across the world scramble for the perfect look to ring in the new year. It has to be stylish, comfortable, and it has to shine bright. If you are still searching for the perfect New Years getup, look no further: H&M is selling the perfect jumpsuit for the occasion. It’s black, sparkly, and so much cooler than the average dress. In this jumpsuit, you’ll make a statement while dancing the night away. H&M Sequined Jumpsuit, $59.99, hm.com
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Now that you found the perfect jumpsuit, you may be wondering how you should accessorize. I understand how stressful it can be to put together the perfect New Years outfit, so I styled the jumpsuit in three completely different ways to suit your personal style. You’re welcome! L O O K O N E : If your style is fun and flirty, pairing the sparkly jumpsuit with eye-catching accessories is the way to go. Rock the look by wearing the jumpsuit with a pop-art inspired clutch, a bold bib necklace, a statement belt, and a stack of colorful, mismatched bangles. Finally, you can never go wrong with a pair of flirty heeled sandals, lifting the look to a whole new level.
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Kate Spade Hot to Trot Idiom Bangle, $32, bloomingdales.com Halcyon Days Agama Bangle - Orange Gold, $190, us.amara.com Pleats Please by Issey Miyake Lips Print Clutch, $436.69, farfetch.com Raven Statement Necklace, $198, stelladot.com Steve Madden Sandalia Sandal, $129.95, shop.nordstrom.com
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L O O K T W O : If you prefer an Old Hollywood look, opt for classic counterparts to complement the jumpsuit. A long pearl necklace, a confident red clutch, strappy heels, and a mix of pearl and diamond bracelets will give the jumpsuit a Chanel-Meets-Audrey Hepburn vibe. Want to make the look even more glamorous? Add a fur stole, if you’re feeling brave. Pearl and Bead Stretch Bracelets, $29; us.accessorize.com Yves Salomon Fur Stole, £152.37; farfetch.com Charlotte Olympia Rat Zodiac Pandora Clutch, $1,195; charlotteolympia.com Nine West Rustic Strappy Sandals, $109; ninewest.com L O O K T H R E E : If you want something sort of rock-and roll, wear the jumpsuit with suede ankle booties, a fringe clutch, a dainty gold necklace, and a variety of gold midi rings. A leather jacket in an unexpected color finishes off the look in a unique yet effortlessly cool manner. Asymmetric Zip Blue Motorcycle Jacket, $70; amazon.com Vince Erving Black Suede Boots, $395; couture.zappos.com DVF Agent Riley Fringe Clutch, $198; dvf.com Alexis Bittar Encrusted Chevron Necklace, $155; revolveclothing.com
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FA S H I O N
What to Watch This Winter: Five Fashion Documentaries By Erik Defruscio Iris (2014) – This documentary offers a look into the world of Iris Apfel, an 1 elderly woman with an iconic collection, an overwhelming fashion sense, and a brilliant brand—herself. Apfel is said to have one of the largest costume
jewelry collections in the world, and while she might be seen wearing quite a few pieces at once, she creates an effortlessly fashionable look every time. She has gone from designing and decorating The White House’s interior to having her jewelry collection shown at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her life, her style, and her family all show how interesting fashion can be.
Bill Cunningham (2010) – The famous New York photographer Bill 2 Cunningham is finally captured doing what he does best – photographing street fashion. Cunningham has been working for the New York Times for
over thirty years and his work is shown in the Sunday issue of the newspaper. Cunningham, his bicycle, and his camera travel through the streets of New York City to find the latest fashion trends, before anyone actually knows they’re trendy. The movie portrays the friendly, creative, and elusive man who refuses to eat or drink while at events in fear of missing something.
Unzipped (1995) – This film portrays Isaac Mizrahi’s struggle to recover his 3 image with his Fall 1994 collection after his last collection received terrible reviews. The funny and real backstage look at this designer’s collection is like
no other. Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Kate Moss make high-profile appearances and are interviewed during the film. Mizrahi goes from stress and mayhem to color and faux-fur while showing the collection that revamped his fashion image.
Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s (2013) – The famous Manhattan 4 department store is opened up and shown from all of its aspects, including personal shoppers, the windows, and of course the fashion. Celebrities, fashion
designers, and style icons all make their comments on what Bergdorf Goodman means to them, and New York City. The palace of Manhattan is more than just a store; it’s fashion history in the making.
Mademoiselle C (2013) – The former editor-in-chief of Vogue France, 5 Carine Roitfeld, left the magazine after ten years to start her own magazine, CR Fashion Book. This film shows the struggle and creativity of Roitfeld while she is creating the inaugural issue of her magazine. She has many connections in the fashion world, but Roitfeld filled CR Fashion Book with young talent and a few famous faces. The serious fashion editor transforms into an emotional grandmother in this behind-the-scenes look at her life.
FA S H I O N
RALPH LAUREN:
BUILDING AN EMPIRE By Taylor Bushey | Illustrated by Kyle Ursin Come spring and fall, thick glossies find their way to mailboxes everywhere, and in the first few pages of brand advertisements, seeing a recognizable Ralph Lauren model is a shoo-in. Ralph Lauren has a signature style that loyal customers have loved and looked forward to for several years. Ralph Lauren, an American icon, announced that he will be stepping down from the empire that he helmed, and that Stefan Larsson, who recently worked with H&M and Old Navy, will be taking his place. Looking back, Lauren has come a long way to get to the pinnacle of the fashion industry. When he first started back in 1967, he was designing and selling men’s neckties in large department stores, including Bloomingdales. Started in 1970, Lauren created one of the more famous women’s suits, which were tailored in a classic men’s style. This suit was also known to feature one of the first polo emblems. By 1971, his success was large enough for him to open his first store in Beverly Hills and put his full line in the New York City outpost of Bloomingdales. His stores quickly spread and are now across the U.S. A few years later, Lauren got his very own taste of Hollywood glamour, when his clothes were styled in the 1974 version of the Great Gatsby. Since then, the brand continued to expand through licensing. In 1980, his first cologne, Polo by Ralph Lauren, was released. In the 1980s, Ralph Lauren launched home products such as towels, furniture, bedding, and even lighting, making it a fashion empire. Even though Lauren has stepped down as CEO, he is still involved with his namesake brand. People are questioning if Larsson will change the brand into less of a luxury store, but Lauren disagrees. According to the New York Times, Lauren said, “If there was nothing I could learn from Stefan, he would not be here.”
FA S H I O N
The Not-So-Little Winter Secret By Caroline Johnson
I have a love/hate relationship with winter fashion. On one hand, I absolutely adore the lush fabrics, jewel tones, and cozy sweaters; on the other hand, I loathe the bulkiness of most winter coats, biting cold wind, and chapped everything. While the runways during these cooler months are at their best, in reality most people are braving the unbearable cold, draped in layers of grey and black while secretly cursing off everything on their walk to school. It’s taken me a while to figure out how exactly to dress appropriately while not giving off the, “this is the worst time of the year” vibe. As with most of the fashion secrets and tricks of the trade that I employ, my mother introduced me to a winter staple that has been in my closet for years. While it may not be the chicest accessory (or even visible, for that matter), it is by far the most useful: long underwear. I know what you’re thinking, “what is she thinking?!” but trust me, this life-changing item is not just reduced to ski lodges. Wearing thin, but substantial, long underwear both on the top and bottom is undetectable underneath my trendiest of winter outfits, but makes all the difference. Let’s be honest—most fashion is not designed for actual comfort or warmth, but long underwear remedies this situation. My personal favorites are from WinterSilks, a brand that designs 100% silk “base layers” for men and woman. Their products are thin enough to go under all my clothes, but insulated enough to protect me from the nightmare that is winter in NYC. With long underwear, I can wear anything I want, from jeans to leather pants (and even the right pair of tights), and stay warm once temperatures hit below 32 degrees.
FA S H I O N
All Is Fair in Love and Wear:
Genderless Lingerie By Kimberly Larco
Multimedia artist Peregrine Honig has created what is known as “middlewear”— not to be confused with lingerie or undergarments. The name middlewear clearly defines the pieces that compose Honig’s agender apparel brand, All Is Fair In Love and Wear. The garments are designed to bridge the gender divide and ease the process of transitioning. Aside from being the youngest living artist to have her work shown at the Whitney Gallery, Honig owns a small, independent lingerie boutique in Kansas City, which will soon begin to sell the gender defying modification garments. The line of intimates will include “binders, enhancers, contour garments, beautifully designed daywear, and loungewear, that serves a transcending community.” The idea for the intimates line sprang when a friend, who was transitioning from female to male, showed her the undergarments that he was wearing. Honig was taken aback by the poor construction and overall look of the binder. She researched other garments for those in transition and found a surprising gap in the industry for comfortable and attractive pieces. With the aid of designers Laura and Mirana Treas, Honig is revolutionizing the way in which undergarments communicate our identities by creating fashionable gender-fluid basics. “People all over the world cross the gender divide, and they deserve to reframe and reform without limitation,” the brand’s website states. Donning uncomfortable undergarments, anyone is bound to have a bad day. But with the All Is Fair In Love and Wear garments, those in transition can “appear in public, as they feel in private.”
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