As a visionary in the luxury “designer” jewelry market John Hardy’s collections reflect the direct synergies of today’s hottest trends and artisan craftsmanship. What makes this line of jewelry even more special is how John Hardy promotes a heavy focus towards “going green” by implementing energy-efficient programs to lower their impact on the global environment.

Gloss and Glam absolutely loves John Hardy; their designs and the values they evoke. This holiday season, why not give the gift of beauty and promote a better earth for us all by shopping this fashion forward, glamorous and sophisticated collection!

Gloss and Glam has handpicked our favorite pieces from the John Hardy Women’s Holiday Gift Guide, just for you!

Our Top John Hardy Holiday Gifts for Women are filled with statement and timeless pieces we know will definitely be a topic of conversation at any holiday soirée you attend. These Sterling Silver and 18 karat gold baubles are adorned with only the best in precious stones such as rubies, amethysts and sapphires; adding a subtle pop of color to your look that will brighten up your holiday. Let’s take a look shall we?

John Hardy has segmented looks into categories making it easier for you to shop. We have chosen our favorite looks based on these great categories.There were so many great options to choose from, it was very difficult to pick!

1) From the DOT COLLECTION, this Two Fingered Ring with Amethyst and Swiss Blue Topaz ($1,995) is a major cocktail ring, perfect for the fashion forward “it girl” in your life! The heavy saturation of color that glows from within this ring can mesmerize any onlooker. Just know, by wearing this ring any women will stand out from the crowd, anywhere they go!

2) From the CLASSIC CHAIN COLLECTION this Small Braided Bracelet with Black Sapphire ($795) is stunning and is great for everyday wear to that special evening out with your loved ones. The heavy braiding with the sapphire pendant is sophisticated, luxurious, and timeless – a perfect Holiday gift.

3) From the NAGA COLLECTION, the Kick Cuff with Ruby Accents in Sterling Silver & 18K Gold ($4,750) is a power bangle! Feel the energy of the dragon fill your body when showing it off, paired with your favorite items from your closet. Just don’t be surprised when the bangle is getting all the attention!

4) From the DOT COLLECTION, these Round Stud Earrings all in Sterling Silver & 18K Gold ($495) are a beautiful gift for a more simple character. They stand out on their own but are a great everyday earring to show off how fashionable you really are! These earrings make a perfect gift for the girl or woman who has it all but wants something extraordinary and special.

5) From the PALU COLLECTION, this Medium Drop Pendant Necklace on a Sterling Silver Chain ($595)is timeless and perfect for every woman. Simple, Elegant, and effortless is what comes to mind when viewing this great piece of jewelry. The pendant will make a great gift, matching anything she decides to wear it with, all day and every day.

There is something for everyone in the John Hardy collection no matter your budget may be. Any and all of these extraordinary pieces of jewelry are great gifting options for that special woman in your life. We really love how versatile John Hardy’s designs are and how easy they make it to transition from day to evening. Something women are always looking for in great accessories.

P.S: Just in case you ladies are interested in shopping John Hardy for the special man in your life! We also Love these Bronze Square Cufflinks in Sterling Silver & Bronze ($295)! They are sure to add subtle pizazz to a man’s wardrobe. But the best part is, they will automatically think of you when wearing them!

Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays.

http://www.johnhardy.com

To get Kate Moss’s Red Carpet signature smoky eye look, follow these simple steps:

1) Primer – First prime the eye with any eye primer to ensure that shadow will last longer

2) Tinted Moisturizer – Apply a tinted moisturizer; tinted moisturizer gives you sheer coverage. You don’t want a heavy foundation to take away from the eyes.

3) Blush – Use a blush that will blend easily into skin. Don’t use a color that is too dramatic.

4) Cream Shadow – Apply a black cream shadow to the eye-lid; try using a crease brush to blend the color in.

5) Eye Liner – Line the top lash line with black liquid eye-liner, this will give the eyes a richer look. Line the bottom lash line with black pencil liner.

6) Mascara – Apply multiple coats of black mascara to give the effect of false lashes.

7) Lipstick – Use a shade that enhances your natural lip color. Since the eyes are the main feature, keep lips a neutral color.

To get Bella Swan’s natural and simple look, you only need a few products.

1) First, use a liquid foundation: Use a foundation that is one shade lighter than your skin tone. Make sure to use either a sheer foundation or tinted moisturizer. Try Nars, Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer $42.

2) Apply loose powder: Use a loose powder that has a hint of iridescent and contour the face to lightly highlight features. Don’t use blush or bronzer; you want your skin tone to be evened. Try Make Up For Ever, Compact Shine On $30.

3) Add a touch of blush: Preferably cream blush, so it looks more natural. Choose a color that will blend easily with your skin tone. Try Stila, Convertible Cover $25, this blush comes in 7 shades.

4) Mascara: Apply a light coat of mascara to eyes; you don’t want it to look too heavy. Try Dior, Dior Show Mascara $25.

5) Lips: Use a color that matches to your lips. Try Nars, Lipstick $24. This lipstick comes 36 shades.

The 2012 American Music Awards wasn’t just about music. The red carpet was bursting with stunning celebrities and their high fashion looks. Here are some of the hottest looks seen on the red carpet up close.

1) Taylor Swift – Taylor Swift dazzled in her golden Zuhair Murad gown. Her makeup was flawless as usually. To get Taylor’s soft complexion use Cover Girl TruBlend Minerals Blush ($16) and sweep across cheekbones. Taylor’s hair was pulled back into an elegant up-do.

2) Gwen Stefani – Gwen flaunted her rocker image in an ornate blazer, an exposed bra top by Balmain, black leather leggings and D’Orsay black heels. Her hair was natural looking and her red lip was stunning.

3) Nicki Minaj – Nicki stunned the crowd in her neon yellow gown by Monique Lhuillier. Her platinum hair and signature pink lip completed the look.

4) Carrie Underwood – Carrie looked gorgeous in a purple embellished Abed Mahfouz gown and heels by Giueppe Zanotti. Her hair was down and tucked behind her ears. Her accessories were a Jill Milan clutch and dazzling Jacob and Co chandelier earrings. Carrie’s makeup was a traditional smoky eye and a neutral lip.

5) Stacy Keibler – Stacy Keibler was a showstopper on the red carpet. Her beaded Collette Dinnigan mini-dress showed off her long legs and her nude pumps made them look even longer. Stacy’s hair and makeup also took on the natural look.

Its that time of the year again, holiday shopping, and Gloss and Glam is here to make your next trip to the stores a lot easier with 12 of the best gift sets to give someone. All of these items can be found online or in stores at Sephora.

1) Sephora by O.P.I Tinsel Town Collector’s Set ($49.50) This set features 16 amazing mini nail colors and a full size jewel topcoat. The colors are a mixture of Sephora’s best sellers, trend shades and basics. This gift is perfect for the holiday season.

2) Urban Decay Ocho Loco 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil Set ($59) This set comes with eight full sized 24/7 eye pencils, including four new shades exclusively sold in this set. It’s also waterproof so you won’t need to reapply.

3) NARS Kiss Mini Larger Than Life Lip Gloss Coffret ($55) This set includes 5 gorgeous shades of lip gloss that are perfect for the holidays or anytime during the year.

4) Stila Best of Kitten Set ($50) This set includes 5 products in Stila’s best selling shade, Kitten. You can create numerous looks from this gift set and it even comes with its own holiday themed cosmetic pouch.

5) Tarte Carried Away Collectors set. ($54) This set is a perfect holiday gift; it includes some of Tarte’s best selling products for eyes, cheeks, and lips and comes with a beautiful cosmetic bag.

6) Fresh Sugar Addiction Mini Lip Collection ($48) This set includes 6 of the best selling lip nourishment’s that Fresh offers. These lip nourishment’s have anti aging vitamins and hydrating oils to keep your lips soft for the holidays or anytime throughout the year.

7) Justin Bieber Girlfriend Gift Set ($55) This fragrance set is perfect for young daughters, grand daughters or nieces. Justin Bieber’s fragrance set comes with a 1.7-ounce perfume spray, body lotion and body wash.

8) Two Faced Sweet Indulgence Palette ($52) This set by two faced comes with some if its best selling and new-must have eye shadows within a cute tin. The set also includes 3 how-to cards for day, classic and fashion looks.

9) Yves saint Laurent holiday set ($65) This set comes with YSL’s iconic shades allowing you to create thier signature flawless look for this holiday season. This set also comes with a cosmetic bag.

10) Laura Mercier Glamour Wardrobe Dual Decker ($98) This palette is hand picked by Laura Mercier herself, and consists of gorgeous shades for eyes, lips and cheeks.

11) Lorac Eye Candy Full Face Collection ($59) This gift set has six exclusive holiday eye candy colors for eyes, lips and cheeks and it comes wrapped like a box of chocolates. 

 12) NARS Walk on The Wild Side ($39) This limited edition gift comes with a silver illuminator, an ultra violet polish and a Larger Than Life Orgasm lip gloss.

Everyone wants to look and feel their best for a big event. If you’ve ever wished you were in better shape before a special occasion you understand how daunting a task this can seem, especially so close to an upcoming event or special occasion. You should always plan ahead so you are not stuck in this situation, because a healthy diet and lifestyle is the best way to attain and maintain a healthy and fit body. However if you are in a time crunch these are some helpful tips that will help get you looking your best fast before a big event.

1. Drink Lots of Water

Our bodies are made up of 75% percent water. Drinking sufficient water helps your body operate efficiently, digest food properly, spread nutrients throughout your body and eliminate waste. Drinking water also increases our metabolic rate. This increase in metabolism happens especially when you drink ice cold water because our bodies have to work extra hard to raise the temperature to match our body temperature. Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat. It can also help lower your calorie intake because drinking lots of water as well as foods high in water makes you feel fuller. The best way to overcome the problem of water retention is to give your body what it needs, which is plenty of water. Only then will stored water be released. If you need taste, incorporate slices of fruit, such as lemons, oranges or limes and mint leaves. Drinking more water may also discourage you from guzzling soda and other calorie-laden beverages, which brings us to my next tip…

2. Cut out Soda and Sugary Drinks

If you want to lose weight, giving up your soda consumption is probably one of the best beginning moves. Within weeks you will see a difference. These beverages have also been linked to depleting the body of vitamin A, calcium and magnesium, which are all nutrients needed for healthy weight loss. Some research suggests that soda, even diet soda, can actually make you feel hungrier given the artificial sweeteners that signal the brain to crave extra food. This can make losing weight a lot more difficult. When you ingest a carbonated drink you are essentially ingesting air. It may taste tingly, but by ingesting air you bloat the gastrointestinal tract. This causes a slow down of digestion, which is another important factor in weight loss. Just making that one simple diet change -removing chemically created soda and other sugar-sweetened drinks such as sports drinks and juice drinks, could enable you to shed the pounds and the bloat!

3. Drink Green Tea

Studies show you can burn 35-to-43% more fat during the day when you drink 3-to-5 cups of green tea. Researchers say the results indicate that substances found in green tea known as catechins may trigger weight loss by stimulating the body to burn calories and decreasing body fat. In addition, using green tea before exercising actually increases the amount of fat burned by as much as 17%. Polyphenols found in the green tea not only burn calories, they also directly burn fat. When we eat a meal and there is more calories in that meal than the body can use right then, the excess calories are turned into a type of fat called triglycerides. Amazingly, the chemical activity of these polyphenols actually dissolve a percentage of these triglycerides in the blood, therefore reducing the amount fat that can make it onto the body!

4. Reduce Your Intake of Carbohydrates

Certain carbohydrates are preferable to others. Choose complex carbohydrates found in fruits and vegetables, over simple carbohydrates, which are found in foods such as bread, cereal and pasta. When you do eat these foods always choose the whole grain variety. Fruits and veggies are full of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and fiber. Fiber will help keep you full between meal times and will help you feel fuller from a smaller amount of food. Simple, easily digested carbohydrates, on the other hand, interfere with weight loss attempts and promote weight gain. Even a modest reduction in consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods can promote substantial.

5. High intensity interval training and Full body Strength Training Workouts

Did you know that you can actually lose more weight & keep your metabolism fired up longer by doing 3 to 4 shorter 10 minute workouts instead of 1 big 30 to 40-minute cardio workout? The reason why more frequent shorter workouts are better is because you never give your fat burning metabolism a chance to slow down. Interval training is a way to get more of a workout in less time by combining short bursts of intense activity into your regular workout. High-intensity interval training can help you burn more calories in less time and your body continues to burn calories after the workout is done. Full body resistance training will also help you burn the fat because as you build muscle doing strength training your metabolic rate rises and more fat is burned at rest.

6. Avoid Salt

A diet high in salt is associated with weight gain. Low consumption of salt can result in weight loss because it causes your body to expel water. Sodium makes your body retain water. When you eat too much salt, you may see the scale go up a few pounds. Conversely, when you significantly reduce salt intake, you’ll lose a few pounds as your body expels the water it was retaining. Excess sodium in the body causes fluid retention. You can cut sodium intake by not adding salt to your cooking or to food at the table, use sauces sparingly because they are usually high in sodium, cut down on salty snacks and choose unsalted versions, and avoid processed foods and frozen meals.

7. Eat lots of Fiber Rich Foods

Eating foods rich in fiber can help you control your weight. Eating fiber prevents you from overeating because it makes you feel full. You’ll have an even greater feeling of fullness and higher energy levels throughout the day if you eat meals that are mostly made up of fiber, protein, and water. Fiber slows down the digestion of foods you eat keeping your blood sugar and energy levels in check preventing you from feeling hungry. Fiber also keeps our digestive system running smoothly. Good sources of fiber are vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, and whole grains. You should try to eat 20-35 grams of fiber each day spread out evenly in all of your meals.

8. Avoid Processed Foods and Red Meat

If your diet consists mostly of products that come in a can, jar, cardboard container, or any kind of packaging, they have likely been processed. Processed foods are void of the essential nutrients our body needs to properly metabolize calories and regulate fat storage. It is imported to make sure our diet provides us with proper nutrients and avoid dangerous chemical additives that slow weight loss. When you are getting a small percentage of nutrients or no nutrients in processed foods, the body goes into the “hunger mode” and starts to preserve calories. The net result is that the calorie-rich processed foods turn into fat and the body refuses to burn them. Red meat is a rich source of protein, vitamin B 12, and essential minerals; however, its nutritional benefits are offset by its high content of cholesterol and saturated fats. Red meat can also stay in your digestive tract for up to 72 hours. That will not help you feel light and lean in a little dress!

9. Reduce your portion size

Eating smaller portions is an easy way to eat less and lose weight, and you can do it without feeling deprived or going hungry, either. You might intend to only eat a handful of chips but if you’re eating them right out of the bag, chances are you’re going to end up eating more than you meant to. Portion your food on a plate or bowl instead of eating directly from the bag. Put the rest of the food away, and only eat the portion on your plate. Another simple way to reduce your portions is to use smaller plates. Eat dinner off a salad plate or put your food in a dessert cup instead of a cereal bowl. You’ll end up eating less food because you won’t have room for more. Plus, looking at a full plate, even if it’s a small plate, makes you feel like you’re getting a big meal.

10. Release your Stress and Get Some Sleep

Stress can make you hold on to fat especially around your waistline. This happens because the stress hormone cortisol is elevated and weight gain is the result. You need to allow your mind and body to rest daily. Taking a yoga class, reading a book, getting a massage or listening to music are all things that you can do to rejuvenate yourself on a regular basis. Aim for 30-60 minutes a day of relaxation. Start with 20 if you can’t commit to more. The weight will come off much more easily if you do this.

Our sleep cycle works in one and a half hour increments. Plan your sleep accordingly aiming to get 7 ½ – 9 hours of sleep. Set a regular time to go to bed and allow your body to recover from the stress of the day.

Incorporating some or all of these tips into your lifestyle will surely lead you closer towards your weight loss goals. If a big event is your inspiration to get the ball rolling with moving towards a healthier lifestyle then run with it! Make sure that inspiration stays with you beyond the date of the event. This is about a healthy journey that you keep building on and moving forward!

Written By: Jackie Schwartz, Holistic Health Coach and Personal Trainer

Are you tired of constantly reapplying lipstick? If so, then long wear lipsticks are calling your name.  Here are some great long-wear lipsticks:

1) Tarte Glamazon Pure Performance 12-hour lipstick ($26). This lipstick is made from Amazonian clay, so it keeps your lips naturally hydrated and holds color. Clinical results showed up to 12 hours of perfect wear.

2) Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color ($24). Bobbi Brown is known for her best selling long-wear line, so it’s no surprise this lipstick is a fan-favorite. This lipstick is made with Shea butter to keep your lips soft, and it wears all day.

3) Lancome Rouge In Love Lipcolor ($25). This lipstick gives you the feel of gloss and the soothing effect of balm. This product also lasts up to 6 hours.

4) Bite Beauty Luminous Crème Lipstick ($24). This lipstick comes in 22 beautiful shades. The lipstick is formulated with super antioxidants resveratrol, which fights free radicals and promotes long-term anti-aging benefits.

Whether you’re out partying the night away, exercising to stay healthy or just doing daily errands on a hot day, you want makeup that will keep up with you. Makeup companies are catching on to the idea that people just don’t have the time to apply makeup more than once a day. Consumers want products that are life-proof.  Here are few face/eye products that will last all day:

1) Foundation – Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Wear Hour Foundation ($42). This foundation is medium to full coverage and the formula is sweat-proof, transfer-proof and humidity resistant.

2) Setting Powder – Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder ($36). This pressed powder is 100% oil free and has vitamin E.

3) Blush – Lorac PRO Powder Cheek Stain ($20). This blush keeps your skin hydrated and flawless looking, not to mention, it lasts for 12 hours.

4) Eyeshadow – Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow ($24). This cream shadow goes on smooth and doesn’t crease or smear throughout the day. It’s water-resistant and safe for contacts.

5) Eyeliner – NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner ($23). This eyeliner is designed with a retractable applicator and a built in sharpener. It goes on smooth and lasts up to 12 hours without smudging.

6) Mascara – Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils ($30). This mascara will give you the false lash look and will last up to 24 hours.

With so many lipstain products out right now, finding the right one can become intimidating. If this is the case, here is a breakdown of 5 popular lipstains:

1) Benefit Cosmetics Benetint ($29). This product has been around for a while now and is a best seller. Benetint gives your lips a rose tint, a great balance of sexy and innocent.

2) Stila Lip and Cheek Stain ($24). This lipstain is unique; the stain reacts to pH levels that create a personalized color. This stain is also formulated with antioxidants, and vitamin A, C and E to hydrate lips.

3) Laura Mercier Lip Stain ($20). This lip stain gives you the best of both worlds; it gives you a sheen finish like gloss and a balmy satin finish.

4) Urban Decay Lip Envy  ($17). This lip stain is gel based and dries to a semi- matte finish. The stain is formulated with green tea, chamomile, ginkgo biloba extracts and vitamin E.

5) Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain ($32). This lipstain gives you the shine of gloss and the long-wear of stain. It comes in 20 shades but is only available online at sephora.com.

1) Don’t double dip – Products in jars or pots that require you to dip into them are more likely to be contaminated. If you’re sick use a q-tip to scoop product out. Also, avoid licking your lips before applying lip-gloss to decrease chances of transferring bacteria.

2) Wash your brushes – Most women don’t wash their makeup brushes because their under the impression it doesn’t need to be. Truth is, your brushes need to be washed at least once a week to avoid harboring bacteria. To clean brushes, use baby shampoo and warm water.

3) Learn the signs of makeup contamination – If your skin becomes red after applying the makeup it maybe a sign that the makeup is contaminated. Also, be aware of other signs such as itchiness, inflammation or change in skin.

4) Never wash or add water to your mascara – Running your mascara wand under water won’t make it cleaner. It actually breaks down preservatives and makes it easier for bacteria to grow. Quick tip, throw out mascara after three months of being opened, used or not.

5) Throw out old makeup bags – Discard makeup bags after six months of being used or if anything spills in it. Remember, bacteria love moist and warm areas to live in.

6) Wash your hands – This is the most important way to keep yourself safe from harmful diseases. Wash your hands with soap for 15 seconds before and after applying makeup.