CLARINS

GLAM DAMN IT Sam Nieves and Sharon Lavi
Nieves Lavi Debuts Resort 2013
We're in the midst of winter's coldest month and there's no better time than now to take a well-deserved vacation or at the very least think "tropical." Joonbug recently had the opportunity to chat with Sharon Lavi, one of the designers/founders of the trendy Nieves Lavi brand. Celeb fashion fans include Kourtney Kardashian, Kelly Ripa, Jessica Alba, Eva Mendes, Katharine McPhee and more. Nieves Lavi is making its return back to Resort with their 2013 collection, marking the brand’s exciting return to the colorful season. Inspired by the sundrenched beaches of Saint Barthélemy, the dresses and tunics evoke the sensual, relaxed aesthetic of a lush paradise that’s Parisian chic meets casual Caribbean. Designed in New York’s fashion district by Sam Nieves and Sharon Lavi, this duo understands what flatters a woman's shape and curves in an effortless way. What inspired you to create the popular Nieves Lavi line? We wanted the freedom to express our own distinct vision. We wanted to create an attainable designer line. Tell me about your background in the fashion industry. I've spent seven years in design, textile Design, and Marketing and Accessory Design . Before I founded Nieves Lavi, I was a Senior Designer for Harve Benard and a designer for Ralph Lauren and Vera Wang, where I also worked on accessories. I started my career in fashion at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. What are some of the seasonal "must-haves" from the collection? Describe the resort/spring 2013 look. The Resort collection is geared towards a chic and effortless vacation--it features simple yet sophisticated styles that can fit any fashionista. Key pieces include easy fitting tunics and short or long drawstring caftans that flatter everyone. What is the one piece that you would suggest for a vacation get-away? The must-have piece in my opinion is the CDC China silk caftan in one of our prints. I love the Aqua color snake print worn from the beach to a restaurant with only a change of a bag -- pair it with a straw clutch and gold wedge sandals and you' re good for sunset drinks in St Barts or any place else! What's your advice to someone looking to get into the fashion industry? Dress appropriately for the interview, always show up on time, be pleasant and happy to help. These are the qualities everyone appreciates and seeks out. What do you pack in your own beach bag? Nieves Lavi cover up, lip gloss, sunglasses, Clarins 20SPF, an interesting book or a magazine, and a bottle of water -- I keep it simple.
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Clean + Serene: SPF Products for Acne-Prone Skin

Sunscreen is a must to block the harmful UV rays that we'll all face this summer. However, more often than not, we find that while the thick, white moisturizers protect our skin from sun damage, they can also wreak havoc on our pores. Sometimes they even increase the amount of oils on our faces leaving us with a heavy, greasy feeling! For those of us that already have oily/acne prone skin, this combination can be a disaster. Thanks to a few fantastic beauty brands we at Glam Damn It have found the solution! Below are some of our favorite top-rated sunscreens suitable for oily/acne prone skin and can even help to reduce the excess oils! Keep your skin clean and serene this summer.

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Manly Essentials: 4 Skincare Products Every Guy Should Own

If you equate the term "beauty product" with a basic bar of soap, you’re in desperate need of our help. Most men don’t care enough to put together a daily beauty regimen, but those who do tend to not only have the smoothest skin but also the smoothest game. Nothing’s sexier than a well-groomed dude with his beauty act together. To use a rather cliched but completely applicable expression, your face is your moneymaker and you have to take care of it if you expect to receive any dividends. Keeping that in mind, there are a few basic products every guy should be using on an almost daily basis to enhance his natural allure. Whether you’re a total beauty novice or weekly exfoliator check out our beauty products guide for four items you need in your life.

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No Sun, No Problem: 5 Sunless Tanning Products You'll Love

We all want that sun-kissed, “just got back from the beach” tan, however, we don’t want the harmful effects that can come with the sun’s damaging UV rays. That’s why the invention of sunless tanning lotion has become a huge craze. It’s a brilliant way of getting a tropical glow, but not so brilliant when it leaves you streaky and orange! Some products are definitely better than others and the worst way to find this out is through trial and error. That’s why we have already done the hard work for you! Here are our top 5 self-tanning products to help you get the golden look quickly and safely!

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Close Shave with Clarins

So I starting shaving every two days instead of my normal 3 or 4 and noticed something this morning. Every hair on my face seemed to hurt. It was a recipe for ingrown hairs. Having done some research on a men's skincare line by Clarins. I felt in this emergency I'd give their product Skin Difference a try. Skin Difference is their answer to ingrown facial hair and daily shaving. The product comes in pump form and is a two part solution. One part moisturizer and the other part helps hair at its root, making each shave more tolerable and further from the last. In my case however my face was in literal aggrivation when I applied ClarinsMen Skin Difference. Two pumps, a rubbing of the product between the hands (as directed) and I then commenced to giving myself a deep tissue facial massage. Almost immediately I could feel the problem's dissipation. It was as if my face was thanking me. As I murmured a silent "you're welcome", I got over my writer's block and began my day.