A Makeup Compact Fit for the Red Carpet
Feb 23, 2012
With the Oscars approaching, thought this was the perfect time to introduce this limited-edition beauty find. Stila partnered with E! and created this "Live from the Red Carpet" smart compact that will keep you shimmery but shine free for hours just like the stars. My favorite feature is that it's solar powered so you can check yourself in the mirror no matter how dark the room. It comes with a translucent powder so you'll never look oily and a bronzer to give skin a bit of a glisten. The price is steep at $50 but the trays are refillable so you can swap out this makeup for your other Stila favorites.
Perfect Shade For Just-Bitten Lips
Feb 21, 2012
Beauty writers, including myself, are guilty of over-using certain phrases when talking about products. Imagine how many pinky-red lipsticks are described as giving a "just-bitten lip look."
However, there's one that really, truly creates a gorgeous flush on lips. It's Clinique lipstick in Black Honey. This isn't a new color. It's actually been a best seller for years. I'd go so far as to say it's a "cult classic" (yes, that's another over-used beauty term). What is new is that Black Honey now comes in a dual-ended stick -- one side is a sheer lipstick and the other is a gloss. You may be questioning my judgement from looking at the above photo here. The color does look black. But, swipe it on like I did for this picture, and you'll see how the hue transforms into this juicy, translucent deep cherry. 
Stylish Winter Boots
Feb 20, 2012Compared to the booger-freezing weather we're used to, this winter has been a joke. With March approaching, the finish line is near! Until then, boots remain king. Here are 3 styles that get me through all of my activities.
(from left to right)
Restoration Hardware Luxe Faux Fur Booties. When I'm at home, I live in these. They are as cozy and toasty as they look. Plus, they're on sale for only $12 (normally $39)!
Bootie Pies are the answer for every woman who wants to get a pedicure in the winter. They turn into open-toed boots just by pushing down a flap. No more wearing flip flops home or being stuck at the nail salon until your polish dries.
Aquatalia boots. Boot shopping can be tricky because I have narrow calves and find myself swimming in most styles. These offer a snug fit, are extremely comfortable, and are weatherproof, which makes them a cute and practical buy.
To Botox or Not To Botox...
Feb 17, 2012That is the question. And I get asked it a lot. There's no right answer except what's best for you. If you're going to get it, here's my one piece of advice: go to a dermatologist known for giving natural-looking results. The goal isn't to make you look 10 years younger. It's to make you look instantly refreshed in a way that your anti-aging moisturizer can't. You should still look your age, and you should still be able to move your eyebrows. The below "before" and "after" are untouched photos taken of my friend (she's letting me use these images of her sans makeup, so I promised I wouldn't say her name), a thirty-something who got Botox for her first time to minimize the appearance of her crows feet (crinkles around the eyes). Can you see the difference? Would you try Botox?
Get Adele's Louboutin Grammy Mani
Feb 15, 2012
We expected Adele to be this year's Grammy darling, but who knew her nails would be the topic that blew up on twitter. The singer surprised us sporting dagger-shaped nails inspired by Louboutins. Here's how to do it yourself, courtesy of Nailtini.
1. Trying to paint the underside of your natural nail might be difficult and too messy to work with, even for skilled professionals. Use artificial nails or tips instead. Trim or file your natural nail down so it can’t be seen over the tip of your finger. Size artificial nails to all 10 fingers and set aside.
2. Paint the underside of each nail/tip with two coats of a classic red lacquer and allow the polish to dry completely. Apply 1-2 drops of nail glue to artificial nail and press onto nail bed holding in place until it sets. Repeat for all nails. Quick tip: Be careful not to use too much – you don’t want it seeping out the sides.
3. Paint tops of nails with your choice color, and then embellish with rhinestones or a glitter topcoat like Nailtini Sparkler. 
Smart Beauty Apps
Feb 14, 2012Thank goodness for brainy science peeps who can use their techie prowess to create awesome innovations for the beauty industry. While we fiddle with our iPhones we can try on hundreds of nail polish colors and get personal hair consultations. Cosmetic companies have released some amazing beauty apps. Click through the gallery to see a few we’re having fun with right now:
Top 5 Bath & Body Picks
Feb 10, 2012
I mentioned previously that I'll be at Bath & Body Works this Saturday at Oakbrook Center for the big party celebrating their Pink Chiffon fragrance launch. You're invited, and I hope to see you at the store. It'll be worth it for anyone who wears pink (score free product!), is one of the first 50 peeps to say I sent you (score another free product!) and who enters the raffle (you may win a trip to Hawaii or a bedroom makeover!).
Plus, we can get our hair braided together (for free, of course) at the cool braid station. Choose a ribbon scented with your favorite Fine Fragrance Mist and it will be weaved into the braid. In addition to the fun, I do have a serious job to do -- share my top product picks and beauty tips with you.
Here's a sneak peek of my top 5 BBW products...
Slatkin & Co. Flower Shop Candle: Smells like a garden -- soft, floral and powdery.
Caribbean Escape Anti-Bacterial Gentle Foaming Hand Soap: Now that I'm a mom I feel like I'm scrubbing in every time I wash my hands, which is a lot. I like the fresh, fruity scent and that the formula doesn't dry out my hands.
Moonlight Path Shimmer Mist: This is the perfect body shimmer to spritz on legs and arms for Valentine's Day. It gives skin a light sheen and sparkle. It'd also be pretty to wear with a swimsuit during a beach vacay.
Pink Chiffon Fine Fragrance Mist: Brand spanking new, the delicious Pink Chiffon scent is as sweet and sugary as it is frothy and light.
Warm Vanilla Sugar Intense Moisture Body Butter: I love a thick butter to keep my legs from getting scaly in the winter, and this one is even better with a hint of vanilla.
Best Beauty Buys for Moms event Highlights, Photos & Giveaway!
Feb 9, 2012
$300+ gift bags, manis and brow waxes, raffles prizes galore, delicous food, a stocked bar and a crowd of happy mamas and moms-to-be all made our sold-out event a huge success. Enjoy this video montage highlighting the night's festivities and the recap of my presentation. Plus, enter for your chance to win the coveted gift bag.
My top 10 beauty picks and tricks for busy moms
1. Meaningful Beauty Skincare. Yes, beautiful mom Cindy Crawford partnered with the esteemed Dr. Sebagh, but what I appreciate even more is how streamlined and affordable this skincare line is.
2. Phyto haircare. Sure, our hair is shinier and thicker during pregnancy. But our dreamy hair days are numbered. Phyto's new Phytokeratine line has shampoo, conditiioning treatment and serum created specifically for fragile, weak hair and damaged ends.
click to see the rest of my tips and to enter the giveaway...
Win the most adorable baby outfit!
Feb 7, 2012
This photo isn't just an excuse to show off my big man (Rex is 5 months old!). It also serves a more practical purpose, which is to introduce you to one of my favorite baby brands PaigeLauren (paigelaurenbaby.com).
Rex is very happy "modeling" this classic hoodie jacket and sweatpants for many reasons. First off, he's very particular like his father and appreciates attention to detail. From the cute polka-dot pockets to the cozy fabric, which is seriously as soft as his blankie, this has become one of our favorite outfits.
What's also exciting is that one lucky reader has the chance to win a PaigeLauren baby design! We're giving away this newborn sac in emerald. 
To enter this giveaway, "like" thebeautygirl.com on facebook or "follow" me on twitter (twitter.com/NPTheBeautyGirl) and RT this message. Good Luck!
P.S. PaigeLauren baby ruby and quartz pieces are on sale through the end of February (30% off) for Valentine's Day.
You're Invited! Meet me, win a trip to Hawaii & more Feb. 11 at Bath & Body Works in Oakbrook Mall
Feb 6, 2012Bath & Body Works is throwing the mother of all events, and it's not just because I'm a part of it.
Come to Oakbrook Mall Feb. 11th for the store's Valentine's Day party and you could win a trip for 2 to Hawaii or a bedroom makeover!
I'll be sharing my beauty secrets from 12-2, and the first 50 peeps who arrive and mention me, The Beauty Girl, will score an awesome product.
The event, which goes from 10-4, will have lots of other fun stuff like a braid boutique where stylists will do your hair for FREE.
P.S. Wear pink! Bath & Body Works is gifting anyone who shows up in pink their new Pink Chiffon fragrance.
Hope to see you there!
Nicole Pearl, The Beauty Girl, has written for national publications including Allure, Cosmo, Marie Claire, Self, In Style, Seventeen, and more. She's covered NYC and LA Fashion Weeks, has appeared on TV as a top beauty and style expert and has been a guest speaker for corporations. The Beauty Girl blog is Nicole's exclusive insider notebook, sharing her V.I.P. access to the latest in beauty. Welcome! Still curious about Nicole? Click here. To book this beauty expert for parties, events, TV segments, media tours, personal consultations and appearances, email info@thebeautygirl.com
