'The Beauty Girl' Nicole Pearl's Top 15 Fall Must Haves for Your Beauty Bag
The Beauty Girl Nicole Pearl
Labor Day is only a few weeks away, and in Chicago, we know that means fall will be here in a split second. What's the one thing that always cheers you up, ladies? Fall Trends! And I have just the ones to lift your fallen spirits and refresh your beauty bin in time for the new season.
The Beauty Girl Nicole Pearl shares her top 15 picks for Chicago beauties (and don't miss her comments in the captions below the images).
Chicago native Nicole spent the last ten years as a New Yorker. She worked her way through the ranks of the publishing industry, eventually earning the title of a full-fledged beauty expert, editor and freelance writer for national magazines and websites, including US Weekly, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Health, Self, Shape, In Style and Seventeen to name a few.
I caught up with Nicole to see what products are her current faves and discuss her Chicago Beauty Parties.
In this gallery
"After a summer full of happy hours, I rely on these puppies to bring the sparkle back to my teeth in three days."
"When my naturally curly hair is dying of thirst, I rely on this conditioning treatment to give my locks some TLC. The love doesn’t stop there. During October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month, proceeds from sales of this limited-edition pink bottle will go to Christina Applegate’s Right Action for Women foundation."
"The liner easily glides along lids and is essential for creating the geometric eye 'looks' seen on fall runways." 
"If you’ve been in my bathroom within the past five-plus years, you have seen this zit-zapper in my medicine cabinet. It clears up blemishes overnight!" 
"I’m majorly crushing on this gorgeous palette featuring one of fall’s hottest hues – denim blue."
"My hair is up more than it’s down, and this tool lets me wrap it into a pretty bun in seconds." 
"I wear moisturizer with SPF come rain or shine, and this one gets kudos for its derm-approved formula and affordability." 
"Even if there’s no time, I sneak in 30 seconds to curl my lashes. This trick instantly opens up the eyes."
"When I’m tired, the last thing I feel like doing is dealing with my contacts. Now, I toss out these babies before bed and pop in a fresh pair when I wake." 
"Great for travel - just shake the powder into wet hands, and it transforms into a liquid face wash. Presto change!" 
"This is my go-to for amazing fashion and beauty finds. The beauty department has top brands such as Boots No7 and Pixi, and the limited-edition designer collections practically make up my entire wardrobe."
"The fragrance launched in September 2009 and is already my signature scent. My husband says it reminds him of St. Barth’s. I ogle over its mix of sweet, clean and herbal aromas."
"I apply whatever drugstore mascara I have in my drawer and then top with this one. Its nub applicator really lengthens and separates lashes."
"A bold lip never goes out of style, and this season, Nars is introducing an irresistible deep burgundy."
"The grey/beige hybrid has a chameleon-like effect so it blends in with whatever I’m wearing. I love how Essie’s new fall shade Merino Cool takes this trend for a spin by adding a hint of lavender."
Crest 3D Pro Effects Whitestrips
"After a summer full of happy hours, I rely on these puppies to bring the sparkle back to my teeth in three days."
The idea for The Beauty Girl and Beauty Girl Parties came from moving to Chicago, where Nicole saw less people (than in New York) with true beauty editorial experience but, nonetheless, the same amount of women wanting to discuss the secrets and tips of the trade. "I'd be walking down the street, talking with my friends and people would ask me what I do...ten minutes later, I'd be stuck in a conversation with people wanting to know about my tips or products."
She saw a niche for alternative girly get-togethers, whether it's for a bachelorette party, bridal shower, sweet 16, birthday party, etc. "Girls have so much fun talking beauty," she says. "They're curious and they want an unbiased perspective."
Nicole puts a unique spin on a party by bringing her huge selection of top products (which is always revolving), as well as cult favorites and products used by makeup artists backstage at fashion shows. She discusses the products and gives great insider tips that she's learned in the industry. "My training was from all the celebrity makeup artists, all the really successful dermatologists, all the really big hairstylists," she says. "
Mally Roncal, who has her own makeup line now, was Beyonce's makeup artist. She's the one who taught me how to do my smokey eye." Nicole's open to questions on products, top trends and even her own
The-Devil-Wears-Prada-ish story as a young girl working in the magazine industry.
Nicole wants to give women the chance to pick an editor's seasoned mind. "You can have access to a makeup artist or a person at a beauty counter, but that's based on one brand. I'm not at all selling, just totally giving my honest feedback after testing a million, gazillion products." She also partners with a few local spas and salons to offer services, depending on each client's party plans. Like she says, "Beauty shouldn't be a bitch," but should be approachable, fun and not so fussy.
Top it off with swag bags full of freebies, and it's like inviting a new best friend to the next girls' night out...she just happens to have the hook up!
Catch Nicole at Michelle Rahn Bridal Salon on August 18th, 6pm - 8pm and discuss all the hottest trends in bridal beauty. RSVP required: michelle@michellerahn.com.
2 Comments
Caroline said:
This is really great! Makes me look forward to the fall a bit more. I know I have seen some of these products at places such as Walgreens but where can I find others like the eyeliner, drying potion and powder exfoliant. It would be great if they are available somewhere "down the street."
Driven Diva said:
You can pick up Shiseido products at Sephora, one of my favorite stores.
I see the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion on the CVS website: http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/user/home/home.jsp. Just type the name into the search box.
And it looks like the Fix Wish Wash Exfoliant Powder Cleanser is on LuckyScent.com: http://www.luckyscent.com/shop/detail.asp?itemid=51301&utm_source=google base&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=google-base.
Happy shopping! I need to pick up the Essie nail polish and L'Oreal mascara myself. :)
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