A Sitdown with Natalie Coughlin, Lifestyle Expert & Olympic Athlete

Not too long ago, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the beautiful, Natalie Coughlin, most commonly known, Olympic Swimmer. What you may not know is that Natalie is also a Lifestyle Expert!  She’s had a recent collaboration with LensCrafters, and provided me with some really amazing tips about how to live a healthy lifestyle, a few of her favorite frames from LensCrafters’ Spring/Summer 2013 eyewear collections, and of course, a few of her personal beauty tips.  There’s nothing like a young lady, juggling it all, but still balancing life in style.  

What do you love so much about LensCrafters? I think it’s great that they have so many companies that they represent, and you get a lot of variety while you’re in the store.  Also, you’re able to try on different pairs with a virtual mirror.  Like now, if I’m trying on other glasses, and I look at myself in the mirror, I can’t see how I look because I need prescriptions.  The virtual mirror allows you to take a picture, and try on several different styles. It then gives a forward picture comparison of what you look like in different styles.  So, that’s a really nice way to shop.  You can also get your prescription done in less than an hour.  It’s just really convenient.

Out of some of the newer LensCrafters frames that have come out this season, what are some of your faves? Miu Miu has really funky sunglasses for Spring.  They are hexagon shaped, and suede material.  Those are super fun!  Rayban has a fantastic pair that is retro, but I have a big face.  So, a lot of those frames are a little too small for my face.  I like bigger frames, since I have a wider shaped face.

You have on nice glasses tonight! Do you always wear glasses? Or, is it more of a fashion accessory for you? Not always.  I need a prescription.  I wear contacts when I compete, but I love accessorizing with glasses.  These are my big black frames, but I also have great teal and red ones.  It changes up your look quite a bit.  It’s just, yet another, accessory.  It’s just fun!  I love playing dress up.

When it comes to beauty and athletes keeping up on their look,  what advice would you give? I’m in the water, and I don’t worry about makeup when I’m swimming or competing.  Often times, when we are at the Olympics, we have to meet with the media right afterwards.  So, for me, it’s really important to have a well-groomed brow.  I’m obsessed with having a well-groomed brow, especially since I have big bushy ones.  That’s really important.  I like to take really good care of my lashes as well.  I use something similar to Latisse, which makes them stronger without mascara on.  And then, just having good skin!  Making sure that I stay on a routine.  I use my Clarisonic Brush so I don’t have any blemishes.  That seems to help quite a bit.  When you’re not wearing makeup, you have to take really good care of what you have.

Is there any advice you would give to anyone trying to follow in your footsteps? With the recent partnership, I know that you’re juggling so many things.  It’s just managing your time, and I think it’s really important to be present in the moment.  Right now, I’m here with LensCrafters, and I’m fully focused on that.  Tomorrow, if I’m training in the pool,  I will try to think of just what I’m doing in the pool.  It’s not that I’m not worried about what’s ahead, but I think so many times when you’re  busy in so many fields, it gets overwhelming.  Then you don’t focus on what you are doing in that moment.  So, I think that’s really important. Pay attention to what you’re doing, and try to compartmentalize your thoughts when you can.

2 Splashes, and a Sexy Dive for Natalie Coughlin! Motivation.

photo credit: Getty Images

TSA Approved: Beauty Bag Cheat Sheet!

 Summer is officially here, and vacation plans are on the horizon.  With the 4th of July coming up about this time next week, many of you will be traveling, and may be wondering what beauty products you can snag along in your carry-on.  According to tsa.gov, the 3-1-1 rule for carry-ons  equals 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; and 1 bag per passenger placed in a screening bin.  This can get a little confusing and discouraging, as we all know, beauty products aren’t always 3.4 ounces or less. 

No worries! Here are 3 things you can do to beat the system, and keep your beauty bag in order.

1. Fragrances are usually the hardest to bring along, because the glass textures are fragile, and some don’t come in travel sizes.  An easy thing to do is visit your local Sephora or nearest beauty counters, and ask for samples of your favorites.  May sound a little cheesy, but trust me, you’ll be happy with the hearty mix of scents you can now take with you.

2. If you don’t feel like running out and getting any additional products, try bottling up your must- haves.  This is really good for body lotions, liquid soaps, serums,  hair styling products, etc.  Mini Kittour.com has an amazing Jet Setter Deluxe Travel Train Case that pretty much has everything you need. The bottles are reusable, so once you purchase, you should be set for vacays to come after.  Travel size bottles can also be found at select drugstores near the cosmetic aisle.

3. Do your research!  Many brands have upgraded to include lines of travel friendly products.  Cetaphil, Miss Jessie’s, Dr. Bronner’s Majic Soaps, and host of other companies have catered to the needs of traveling consumers.

photo credit (top image): http://www.the-escape-artiste.com

Safe Travels People! 🙂

 

L!fe Happens with Tarte Cosmetics!

Amy Nadine and Krysten Ritter

This week Tarte Cosmetics teamed up with the upcoming film, L!fe Happens, for a private advanced screening.  It’s a very cute comedy that you and your girlfriends should definitely go see.  Without spoiling it, I will say that overall the movie seemed to have an underlying theme reminding us that we sometimes need to only worry about the things that matter most to us.  Being who you are is truly the best person you can be!

Prior to viewing the movie,  there was a brief beauty chit chat with Celebrity Makeup Artist, Amy Nadine and Actress, Krysten Ritter.  Some of the makeup used throughout the film happened to be from Tarte.  One of the star products included in the film is the LipSurgence Lip Tint (a personal fave!).    It’s hard enough finding an all natural lip tint with a big color payoff.  Tarte’s LipSurgence Lip Tints give your lips a powerfully pigmented flush that lasts for hours.  The tints also nourish your lips with a moisturizing mix of vitamins C & E, peppermint, and jojoba oils.  AHHH-MAZZEE-INGGG!

GIVEAWAY TIME: Juiced to try out Tarte’s LipSurgence Lip Tints?!  I’ll give you a break!  Subscribe to 2 Snaps & a Twist, and you have entered for a chance to win 2 lip tints, ANDDD Tarte’s Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara ($67 value)!!!

photo credit: courtesy of Tarte Cosmetics

Out & About: Brooklyn Brunch Series

This past Sunday, some of NYC’s flyest young professionals gathered for Daisy Lewellyn’s third installment of her Brooklyn Brunch Series at Beso Restaurant.  Upon arrival, guests enjoyed delicious Latin cuisine and mouth-watering Sangria’s and Margarita’s.  Hola, mamacita!  The selected venue was cute, cozy, and just right for the occasion. 

The topic for discussion at this Sunday’s brunch was focused around relationships, and some of the Dos & Don’ts for Men and Women.  It was interesting to hear all the different mixed opinions and viewpoints.  I think it’s safe to say men and women share a lot of the same ideas when it comes to relationships, but some of the priorities….hmmm we beg to differ!

Overall, the atmosphere was casual and chill.  There was great fashion, divas and divos, fun conversations, bursts of laughter, and most importantly…new connections were made.  It’s always nice to meet new people.

Me and Daisy Lewellyn

2 Snaps and a stylish twist for Daisy Lewellyn; The Queen of Effortless Chic!  You can’t knock a woman who exudes all types of fancy-ness! 

Spread Love, It’s the Brooklyn Way.~ Biggie Smalls

GINGER + LIZ New Winter Collection: #BloggersWeLove

Good Afternoon! I hope you had an amazing weekend, and you’re preparing for Turkey Day this Thursday! Yummy.  Anyways, I wanted mention a bit about how my weekend kicked off last Friday at the Bloggers We Love Bash at the “oh so glam” Lali Lali Salon Gallery in Soho. For a fun evening of  pampering and networking, this was truly the perfect atmosphere. 

In conjunction with Chic Busy Mom, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Seasoned Vegan, and a few others, Ginger + Liz  were able to showcase their newest winter swatches (LOVE!). Complimentary manicures, blow-outs, and massages were offered through out the night which made the event even more worth your while.  During my mani, I had the chance to try  “Swagger,”  {$12, gingerandliz.com}.  Swagger  is a shimmer metallic with a rose gold undertone, and it’s one of those colors that you can rock during any season. Not to mention, these polishes are vegan friendly/toxin free…..and THEY ACTUALLY LAST. (I’m not just saying that!)

Hence the name of the event, “Bloggers We Love,” there was plenty of opportunity to catch up and meet other bloggers, editors, publicists, and the like.  It’s always nice to meet new people, and stay in the loop! Why not?

 

 

 

2 SNAPS & A TWIST FOR #Bloggerswelove…SNAP! SNAP!

Say Yes to a Breast!

Early this morning, thousands gathered for Newark’s Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Military Park in Newark, NJ.

Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, supporters were given the opportunity to donate money to save lives by helping people get well, stay well, find a cure, and fight back.   Mayor Cory Booker led the pack, and charged walkers to celebrate the fight against Breast Cancer.  Together Newark has successfully raised about $152,000, and the number will continue to grow. 

“Create more pink with your green. That’s more research, more services, and more survivors because of your generosity.”~American Cancer Society 

Find out how you can say yes to a breast today by visiting http://makingstrides.acsevents.org/

Special shout outs to #teamsayyestoabreast  @Jihana, @Keshia, @Shanieah, @Aaliyah, @Krista, @Vicmarie, @Jennifer, @Alexis, and our special Team Captain @Eleise.

2 Snaps & A Twist for everyone who helped create another birthday.

So MAJOR: Rachel Zoe’s New Exude Lipstick

(photo credit: luckymag.com)

Known to wear a perfectly popped red lip, Rachel Zoe, has teamed up with Exude Lipstick to change the game in how today’s women wear lipstick.  Mentioned in last night’s episode of the Rachel Zoe Project, Rachel expressed in a promotional video they were shooting, “If you ask Roger (her husband) about the first time we met, he would definitely say to you, she was wearing a tight black dress, big blonde hair, and really big, perfectly red lips.”

A few months ago, I had the pleasure of attending a launch event for Exude Lipstick. There were booths set up with makeup artists, and all the pretty Exude shades.  The makeup artist tried the Coral shade on me, and I must say it is a haute summer hue!  There are 9 lip cremes that come in Coral, Rosy Brown, Nude, Brown, Bronze, Plum, Red, and Pink.  Also, there are 5 glosses available in Crimson, Brown, Clear, Dusty Pink, and Scarlet Red.  Exclusively launched this past August, each shade is available for $29 at www.exudelipstick.com.  The line will officially launch this coming October.

Why splurge? Now, what I haven’t told you, is about the one of a kind crystal applicator stick.  The applicator gives you just the right amount of lipstick with one easy spin.  This means that it won’t break, dry out, melt, and you’re not wasting.  You will not have to worry about putting way too much or too little on as well.  Really? 2 Snaps!

Some added snaps: The lip cremes are packed with vitamins E & C, while the glosses have an anti-aging complex of Omega 3 & 6.  Who doesn’t want healthy, great looking lips?  Oh, and not to mention, the color palette is oh so MAJOR!

(photo credit: focusofswfltv.com) 

Brands that Give Back: Clean & Clear GirlUp

 

{photo credit: Yahoo! Finance}

What’s my Sunday motivation?  A beauty brand that is giving back!  CLEAN & CLEAR has joined forces with the United Nations Foundation’s GirlUp Campaign to help meet the needs of girls all across the globe.  GirlUp is a campaign that links girls from the United States up with girls in developing countries.  Young ladies in the US who join this beneficial campaign, have the opportunity to help the less fortunate with basic but essential needs.  You can start by just donating $5, which is known as a “High Five,” toward helping girls around the world the right to be respected, educated, healthy, and safe.

This past Friday, GirlUp hosted a rally in New York City where girls from all over had the chance to learn more about the campaign and how to get involved. There were different booths set up around The Times Center where you could learn fast facts, and participate in activities to better understand what girls in developing countries have to go through to survive.  Noted Fashion Photographer, Nigel Barker, came out to support and keep the momentum pumping.  Check out his response below on how and why you need to become involved with GirlUp!

Join the conversation about CLEAN & CLEAR GirlUp today by visiting http://www.girlup.org/

2 Snaps & A Twist for Brands that Give Back!

Beautifully Blown Away by NYC’s New Drybar

{Photo Credit: Twitter @thedrybar}

Looking for a chic new beauty shop, fabulous stylists, luxury service, anddd not to mention, affordability? Sometimes, it can be difficult to find all of these attributes  in one place.  Look no further.  NYC’s new Dry Bar has got you covered!

Upon arrival, I was instantly wow’d by the decorum of the shop.  It had a very chic, slightly eclectic, yet cozy feel to it.  I was instantly greeted, offered refreshments, and introduced to my stylist, Donna. We began with a quick consultation, and I was able to show Donna what look I was going for.  The Dry Bar has a photo book of different blow out looks (this was such a plus!!!)    Then, she began to shampoo, which was very relaxing!  Each seat has a pull out leg rest, and the sink adjusts once you lay your head back.  I almost fell asleep. Well, not really, but you get the point.

From there, Donna began to work her magic on my strands. As she worked, I was offered a magazine to look at, a cool movie was playing, and I noticed there were IPhone charging docks.  How ideal?  It took her roughly about 30-40 minutes in total for my service.  After adding a little bump to my ends with the curling iron, she turned me around toward the mirror, and all I could do was smile.  I was beautifully blown away at how amazing my new do was.  🙂

It doesn’t matter what hair length or texture you have.  The Dry Bar offers one flat fee of $40!  Opening this coming Friday, September 16th, I am recommending that you book an appointment online now!

2 Snaps and a Blown Out Twist for the Dry Bar!

 

Fashion’s Night Out Recap

[Photo Credit: Fahions1Modes]

Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of attending Vogue’s Third Annual Fashion’s Night Out in New York City.  Just in case you haven’t heard already, Fashion’s Night Out is a huge fashion extravaganza in the city when most stores throw events, complimentary services are provided, and designers come out to meet and greet.  FNO usually takes place at the peak of New York Fashion Week, and in my opinion, it’s like a huge Halloween celebration for adults to have fun and celebrate all things fashion related. 

I started my night off downtown in Soho (which was a madhouse).  I had the chance to visit the Nicole Miller store, and get lost in the madness of fans standing outside of the Kardashian’s Dash New York Store.  Later in the night, I headed eastside where things were a little calmer.  The Mulberry store had free face painting for the night, and it was like a huge party in the Henri Bendel store! 

All around the city, there were A list appearances from celebs like Nikki Minaj, Drake, Justin Beiber, Angela Simmons, and Rachel Zoe.  There were also a few stores that did it really big for the night, and attracted the masses.  Some of the biggest celebrations were at Sephora, John Frieda’s Salon, Dolce & Gabanna, Dash, Sak’s Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Chanel, and Teen Vogue’s block party featuring complimentary Essie mani’s.  There was even a Marc by Marc Jacobs Accessories truck!

If you didn’t get a chance to visit this year, make sure to make plans for next year.  Check out some of the images captured in the link posted below.  2 Snaps for Fashion’s Night Out!!!

Fashion’s Night Out Photos