Want to get “bikini ready” by this weekend so you can srut your stuff confidently on the beach with all eyes peering your way? (Which, FYI, every magazine and blog – except The Beauty Bean, of course – seems to think is all anyone thinks about between January 1st and, uh, Labor Day (damn those [...]
Dr. Murad’s #1 tip for happiness – and it’s easy, affordable and will make you more beautiful too! On Tuesday, I spent the day with Dr. Howard Murad (yes, the celebrity dermatologist behind Murad skincare). Sure, I learned more about his fabulous skincare line, the science behind aging and have since started taking a ZILLION [...]
Kryolan Professional Makeup Relaunches With You In Mind Want makeup like a movie star? (Like, really, the makeup movie stars use to shine on the silver screen?) Well, then you want Kryolan. Not a makeup line you’ve heard of? Prior to traveling with the brand to London recently to learn more about what has proven to be [...]
Is there anything better than leaving a hair salon with perfectly blown out hair that looks like you just walked off the set of a Vidal Sassoon commercial? No. No there is not. Heck, it’s why an entire business of blow out only salons have popped up in the last few years: because women want [...]
When you look in the mirror and criticize your large forehead, protruding chin and round face are you seeing yourself the way others see you? With only 4% of women describing themselves as beautiful, there must be a disconnect. Right?! Well, leave it to Dove to (yet again) shine a light on our perseptions of [...]
Win Pantene Products With Your Hair Flip! When it comes to your hair’s sex appeal, nothing says flirty fringe more than a good #HairFlipOff! AM I RIGHT? As we gear up for the MTV Movie Awards this weekend, (where I’ll be live tweeting the best celebrity hair @AlexisWolfer!) I’m getting my flip on – and [...]
Tomorrow – yup, I know, short notice! – join me online for a live video chat all about HAIR! I’ll be on Glamour Magazine’s Google+ Hangout with Tamu McPherson of All-ThePrettyBirds.com, Jeannine Morris of BeautySweetSpot.com and Pantene Stylist, Bridget Brager tomorrow (April 11th) at 1pm EST/10am PST. Details below! Hope to see you there!! xx, [...]
If you’re anything like me, you have your go-to hair styles and you rarely deviate from the norm. For me, it’s either down or in a big ballerina bun. Or at least it used to be. Recently, I was extraordinarily fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Michael Forrey, Creative Director at Sassoon Salon [...]
The Iconic Doll Joins Makeup Free Mondays A photo posted to Imgur and attributed to artist Eddi Aguirre shows Barbie without makeup, a few freckles, a pimple and under-eye circles, making her, well, I’m not sure… Sure, she looks less attractive. (Or is this just because an overly sexualized and made-up Barbie has become the ingrained [...]
By Alexis Wolfer As most of you know, I used to have an eating disorder – or maybe I still do… I struggle as to whether eating disorders are, like alcoholism, something you perhaps always have (I say have, not “are,” because I do not define myself by it) or something you truly can recover [...]
How A Beauty Queen Faux-Glows By Alexis Wolfer If anyone knows the key to rocking a killing fake tan, it’s a beauty pageant queen. (Am I right?!) So, when given the chance to chat with Miss. America 2013 Mallory Hagan, well, all I really wanted to know was how she keeps her self tanner streak-less [...]
Are you on the quest to find the perfect shade for your puckers? You’re in luck! I worked with Burt’s Bees and celebrity make-up artist, Katey Denno, to find the best combination of Burt’s Bees 100% natural lip color for any look! Watch these 2 videos and get ready to pucker up. I did! [...]
Yeah, you’re gonna wanna watch this one ;) And not just because you can see me cracking up – but because this really is one of the best, most yummilicious (yes, a made up word), DIY lip scrubs for super soft lips. Seriously, with a bit of this homemade lip scrub you can say ‘bye-bye’ [...]
I fell in love with Gloria Steinem (again) this weekend. No, I’m not about to go on what some of you may call a “feminist rant” – I’ll save that for another time. Rather, I want to express my gratitude to a woman who has made it possible not only for me to run my [...]
When it comes to looking younger, the key is in distracting suitors with extraordinarily large diamonds, right? Well, sorta…. Sure, it would be nice (albeit extraordinarily expensive) to blind friends with head to toe Harry Winston jewels in an attempt to look younger, but assuming that’s out of your budget, have I found the next [...]
Whether you’re trying to grow in over-plucked eyebrows or just can’t squeeze an appointment with your favorite brow gal and your brow shape is out of control, brow guru Kelley Baker knows how to fix it – and no, she doesn’t suggest you DIY it. (Put down the tweezers. Do. Not. DIY. It!) Sure, first on [...]
By Alexis Wolfer When it comes to perfume, I may not have the nose of a fine wine connoisseur or the olfactory expertise of an expert perfumer, but I surly know what I like (or, more often, don’t like). And I’m picky. That’s not to say, though, that I have a signature scent – or [...]
Backstage at Rebecca Minkoff, Michelle Saunders created atmospheric nail art to go along with Rebecca Minkoff’s aviation themed collection. To DIY Rebecca Minkoff’s almost tie-dyed nail art, you need Essie polishes in Aruba Blue, Go Overboard, Penny Talk, Blue Rhapsody and As Gold As It Gets. Then watch this video to see how to DIY [...]
Can a haircut be feminist? And, by that note, can some haircuts be whatever the opposite of feminist is (sexist, perhaps)? Mika Fowler thinks so and, well, she just may be on to something. I recently made my way to Gavert Atelier Salon in Beverly Hills where Vidal Sasson trained Mika Fowler is not only [...]
When it comes to BB creams I: A) know what a BB cream is. B) think everyone should have a BB cream in her makeup bag. C) know that while BB creams are a one-stop-shop in skincare, we shouldn’t all be stopping at the same shop! D) am loving Dr. Jart+ BB creams. E) All [...]
Want to hang out? Yeah, me too! This Saturday Keiko Lynn and I will be at Sephora in Times Square from 12-6pm where we’ll be co-hosting an event with Dr.Jart+! And, well, your attendance is just what the doctor ordered! On hand will be 2 makeup artists showing all of us how to best incorporate both the Dr.Jart+ [...]
Here’s a new way to think about a night in with a bottle of wine! Instead of pouring yourself glass (although feel free to do that too!), mix up this DIY anti-aging wine facial mask. I use the facial mask whenever my skin feels dull, drab and in need of an antioxidant boost! Enjoy :) [...]
I don’t usually watch weight-loss TV segments or support diet books of any kind (hell, if there were 1 diet book that worked for everyone there would be 1 best-selling diet book and we’d all be healthy, fit, glowing and – dare I say it – thin.). But, the other day I was watching the [...]
Hello Beautiful Ladies, Welcome to The Beauty Bean 2.0! All of us here at The Beauty Bean have been working our butts off (unfortunately, not exactly at the gym) to give The Beauty Bean a much-needed makeover. Three years ago I launched The Beauty Bean having never run my own website before. Sure, I had [...]
When it comes to Japanese nail art, no one does it better than, well, the Japanese. (Duh.) So, when I heard that Mars the Salon (the famous Tokyo nail art salon) had a West Hollywood outpost, I pretty much beelined it there the moment I landed at LAX. In a private room equipped with a flat [...]
If you woke up with under-eye puffiness or dark circles this morning, you’re not alone! You don’t, though, have to carry those eye bags around all day (heck, if you’re anything like me you already carry enough sh*t around, and that’s not even counting your emotional baggage). Instead, try this homemade DIY beauty recipe to [...]
I love Coco Chanel as much as the next fashion-obsessed girl, but when she said that before you leave the house you should take one thing off, well, she was just wrong. For me (when it comes to jewelry, anyway), more is more. Pile it on. Layer it up. Get lost in the tangles of [...]
Young Hollywood Cares. So Do We. Shoes ground us, literally, and carry us towards our dreams. With Brooklyn Decker and Stuart Weitzman, though, your shoes can do more than just keep you standing. Rather, you can help propel Dr. Marsha A. Moses’ pioneering research in ovarian cancer as well – in style. Working with Stuart Weitzman, [...]
Lately I’ve been traveling – loads! From Florida (visiting my parents), to LA, to London with Kryolan to NY for a a couple of days taping TV segments, back to LA and – finally – as of 7am this morning, back home in NYC (for a short time anyway). Needless to say, it feels like [...]
Alexis interviews designer Rebecca Minkoff about her 2013 look for Spring at New York Fashion Week – and shows you how to wear printed pants!
I’m was in Florida visiting my parents for the week, working remotely and, well, was really excited when I heard Demi Lovato would be on Katie Couric‘s new show – not only because I don’t usually have the opportunity to watch daytime television and had yet to see Katie, but also because I appreciated the [...]
When it comes to hair, curls are king (err, queen) in my book. At least for now, anyway! Maybe it’s a result of too many days spent trying to take my locks from slightly wavy to stick straight. Or perhaps it’s just that my impatience with blow drying, flat ironing, and more to get there [...]
I want to preface the post by clarifying a few things. Firstly, I have nothing but the utmost respect for religious freedoms, so long as they don’t cause harm on others. Second, I deeply recognize the lengthy and profound history of religious fasting. Lastly, I grew up celebrating many Jewish holidays. All that being said, [...]
This post is short and sweet. A love letter, if you will, for my beloved COR Soap. Now, I know what you’re thinking… soap, really, how good could it really be?! Well, let me tell you: f’ing amazing. Brialliant, in fact. See, I’ve been a fan of bar facial cleansers for quite some time (Arcona [...]
Because strong brows are in for fall (as if I didn’t already – er, always – have Brooke Shields brow envy), long lashes are never not in, and, well, because for better or worse I was not blessed (or cursed) with lots of body hair, I practically jump for joy when a new product launches [...]
After numerous emails asking me what products I use, I figured a monthly (although don’t hold me to that!) round up of goodies I’m currently using and loving was in order. And, well, since I share these must-haves with my BFFs regularly (although I NEVER use “BFF” in the real world), I figured I should share [...]
I want(ed) a volleyball ass. The other day I walked into the gym and declared to my trainer that I want a volleyball ass. Not just any ass: Kerri Walsh‘s (now Kerri Walsh Jenning’s) ass in all its un-airbrushed glory. I know better than to look at images of models in magazines, on billboards, even [...]
With summer in full swing, my go-to summer hairstyles were starting to feel a bit like the heavy, humid air: stale. Whether long and wavy, loosely braided or knotted in a bun, the hairstyles I rely upon to take me from Memorial Day to Labor Day, in style, seemed to have run their course, and [...]
I’m pretty much a chapstick, lip balm, Aquaphor whore. Spill out any of my (many) handbags or empty any of my (also, many) jackets and you’re sure to find no fewer than 3 lip-hydrating products in the depths of each. Empty my desk drawer and, well, you could pretty much call me a hoarder. But [...]
This morning I had the pleasure of appearing on Great Day St. Louis. Not only was I pumped to be there because I went to college under the same gorgeous St. Louis Arch (okay, not literally “under it,” but you know what I mean), but also because I was able to share with all the [...]
Maintaining The Simple Life: How To Stay Organized All Year Long – Diary #4 Aligning my life with my Miss. Simplicity personality has been invigorating and inspiring. I am more productive at my clean and chic desk and more cool, calm and collected in my clutter-free bathroom. I am saving time and ensuring my sanity. [...]
Unlike most beauty hoarders (yes, I’m embracing the fact that I’m a beauty hoarder here!), I really do like to keep it simple. With a preference for modern minimalism juxtaposed with a fondness for having every lip-gloss every created at my fingertips, staying organized is a challenge – to say the least. Last week, though, [...]
Being Miss. Simplicity may mean I like to keep things simple, but I don’t always succeed – or even know where to begin! When I first started working with the Schick® Intuition® brand and Organizational Expert Jill Pollack on easy ways to keep things simple, I was struggling to reconcile my Miss. Simplicity quiz results [...]
The thought of jumping into a freezing cold shower makes me, well, not want to shower. I love the feeling of hot water running down my back, loosening my muscles and blanketing me with warmth. A hot shower literally warms me both physically and mentally. Sure, I know it can dry out my skin – [...]
When you’re burned out and at wick’s end – candle style, of course (we mean, if you’ve been reading The Beauty Bean with any sense of regularity – which you should, obviously! – you most definitely won’t be burned out or at wit’s end in your life… just sayin’)… But we digress. Back to candles… [...]
You asked… I answered. And likely definitely embarrassed my self in the process. Anyway, here’s my first attempt at getting down and dirty (LITERALLY!) and making some videos for you all (please be kind!). With yogurt, oatmeal and honey, I show you exactly how I make my favorite DIY homemade facial recipe – in my tiny [...]
Diary #1: Schick® Intuition® Simplicity Project, Diary of a Beauty Blogger I am a wanna be minimalist. I say “wanna be” because, well, when you have no fewer than 12 bottles of nail polish on your desk at any given time it’s tough to actually be a minimalist. (What can I say, it’s part of my job as [...]
Feel free to call this a rant. I call it an inspired response. :) I hope you enjoy it. At the very least, I hope it makes you think. Love, Alexis — I always find it amazing how quickly women rally when their bodies – or the bodies of other women – are at stake. We [...]
The running of the brides can be dangerous. Estrogen-fueled, sleep-deprived women storming the doors of Filene’s Basement is like The Hunger Games of wedding dress shopping. Or worse. (At least in The Hunger Games you have a 1 in 26 chance of winning. The odds at Filene’s are more definitely not in your favor!) Nevertheless, [...]
Ever wonder what that swipe of lipstick really says about you? I had breakfast this morning with MeInMyPlace‘s Michael Edwards – at the ever-charming Locanda Verde in Tribeca. While lots of things came out of this conversation, some of which will hopefully lead to the most feministy-take on soft-porn (maybe) that one could imagine (if you [...]
Avocado & Oat Facial Mask Recipe Have an over-ripe avocado laying around? Make a homemade facial mask with it! This avocado-based homemade facial mask recipe will hydrate and calm dry or sensitive skin, while gently exfoliating too. Blend 1 ripe avocado with 2-tablespoons of raw, organic honey and ¼-cup uncooked oatmeal flakes. Apply a medium [...]
I love a good motivational message almost as much as I love a new piece of jewelry. And if you know anything about my usually monochromatic (aka black and denim) wardrobe, you know that I LOVE jewelry. Throw in a philanthropic spin and, well, I’m smitten. Thanks to a tweet I saw last night by my [...]
If you either A) hate your job, B) have no idea what you want to be when you grow up or C) just need a little kick in the business butt, sometimes all you need is the right guidance. Sure, a killer business coach would help, but when your budget doesn’t afford you the opportunity [...]
It’s come to my attention that the vast majority of problems could be solved if we followed some fundamental rules. Nope, college courses are not necessary. Rather, all we need is a trip down memory lane… 11 Life Lessons I Learned In Kindergarten… 1. Share. It’s true: sharing is caring. Whether you’re a pro in [...]
Let me start by saying that I love coconut water. A) Because it tastes uber-yummskies (I’m well aware I made up this word, but for some reason Microsoft Word is going with it, sans squiggly red lines, which makes me feel like a bonafide genius… maybe a career with Merriam Webster is in my future, but [...]
Since I’ve started coloring my hair red, it pretty much looks like I murdered someone in the bath tub every time I let shampoo hit my overly-processed locks. And while I LOVE my colorist (Michael Angelo at Wonderland Beauty Parlor), I’d rather not pay a visit to the salon every week in order to maintain [...]
So, after years – and I mean YEARS – I have finally figured out how to wear grey tights. Serioulsy, I’ve literally packed (and unpacked) these damn Falke grey tights (that weren’t cheap, mind you!) about 4 times (yes, I’ve moved that many times just in the last 6 years). With their price tag still [...]
So, I’m up at 3am… prepping for an early TV segment, getting dressed and following all my “how-to-fake-looking-like-I-slept-8-hours-and-didn’t-stay-out-late-to-go-to- a-movie-premier” tips (it was for IMAX’s To The Artctic 3D – which is incredible, by the way! Highly recommend, and thank you to IMAX for having me!)… and, well, the irony of my alarm waking me up (randomly) [...]
Whether in a white t-shirt and jeans for a weekend of errands or a dress for a night out on the town, a statement necklace can take any outfit to the next level. From bibs and chains to neon and crystal, here are 3 statement necklaces we’re not only loving right now, but think you [...]
Ashley Judd Talks Real Beauty, Feminism, Plastic Surgery & Aging – And Kicks Butt Doing It! After brutal speculation over her ‘puffy’ face that had numerous “news outlets” weighing in (pun intended) on potential weight gain, plastic surgery and more, Ashley Judd has spoken out, turning the finger that is so often pointed at women [...]
Are You Playing Small? The vast majority of women I know are attracted to men who are taller than they are – and I’m no exception. And while I’ve never thought of it as anything more than an evolutionary adaptation whereby women want their offspring to be as big and strong as possible, when brute [...]
I have nipple curtains! AKA industry speak (and by that I mean “Socialyte‘s Rebecca Santiago speak”) for hair that FINALLY (after numeous skipped hair cuts, much to Mr. Michael Angelo‘s dismay) covers my nipples! It’s an accomplishment. Never grown out your hair to nipple-grazing lengths? Well, trust me when I say it’s award worthy when [...]
My insider secrets to looking awake on (very) little sleep. Alrighty… so, last Wednesday (I know, this is late, I’m still getting used to this blogging thing) was one of those days… For me, “one of those days” means when I have to wake up at 3am in order to adequately caffeinate prior to being [...]
Hi Beauty Beaners – Welcome to my new blog here on The Beauty Bean! Here I’ll be able to answer your Ask Alexis questions (click here to ask me anything… well, almost anything!); tell you about all my favorite beauty picks, fashion finds and healthy living tips; and give you insider access to the beauty [...]
By Alexis Wolfer This year, we resolved to be “yes” people. We wanted to let our guards down and jump on board more often. We wanted to try new things, meet new people and take risks (in the non-life-threatening kind of way). In January (when resolutions are often made, and usually quickly forgotten), we vowed [...]
By Alexis Wolfer Okay, let me back track… last Monday I was invited to SLT, a new fitness class (to New York anyway) that originated in LA and is slowly making its way across the country. It’s based on the principals of Pilates (which, if I do say so myself, I’ve become quite adept at [...]
By Elizabeth Monson What image pops into your head when you hear the words “ideal woman”? Is it someone with an ideal body like Brigitte Bardot or Megan Fox? Is it someone who taught you your ideals like your mom or grandmother? We’re guessing it isn’t yourself…just yet that is. Artist Allie Pohl is working [...]
This week we’re sharing something new and exciting with you – an EXCLUSIVE sale hosted by The Beauty Bean’s Alexis Wolfer featuring her favorite foldable flats, for just $35! Plus, they’re Blake Lively‘s favorite too – making them a must-have in our books (heck, if we can’t have her hair, we may as well have her shoes, right?)! Just click [...]
By Jessie Leventhal Jeans, jeans, jeans. To put it simply, we love them – always have, always will. But sometimes we want to mix it up and take our jeans to a whole new level. Rather than going out and buying a new style, though, we have the tips you need to spice up traditional [...]
By Jessie Leventhal Summertime has finally settled in and the thought of having to squeeze into a pair of jeans might not be on the top of your to do list right now. So, why not just adapt with Mother Nature and style your jeans to suit the rising temps? Floral accessories we love! The [...]
While New York Auto-Week tends not to hold the same clout as Fashion Week does (well, among this crowd anyway), it’s no coincidence that Mercedes-Benz is the common thread among them. They both reveal the latest trends, hottest styles and set the bar for the most covetable goods for the year ahead. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Force [...]
By Alexis Wolfer For many of us, our parents generously invested in (in case it’s not obvious) extremely expensive orthodontia to straighten our teeth, align our bites and perfect our smiles. Two years of metal-mouth later and their investment seemed like money well spent (and those raw gums well worth it). With retainers in tow [...]
By Elena Scuro If you haven’t already invested in a pair (or two!) of leg warmers, there’s no better time than the present! This leg-loving accessory isn’t just for dance class. Here are 5 ways to wear leg warmers: Going out to a party or need some extra warmth for work? Wear black leg warmers [...]
By Alexis Wolfer Whether you’re bed-bound with a winter cold or just trying to healthfully beat the winter chill, soup is always the way to go. Canned varieties, though, are often loaded with unnecessary sodium, sugars and fats and, well, homemade versions seem like nothing short of a full time job. This one-pot recipe, however, [...]
1. Ideal Woman Audrey Hepburn Lucite Necklace, $78 Honor your loved ones (and their bodies) with this necklace inspired by Barbie’s infamous curves. Poking fun at unrealistic beauty ideals while spreading love (and fashion) will make anyone’s Valentine’s Day brighter. 2. Halleh Heart Bracelet, $530 Beautiful on women and girls of any age, this hand-shaped 18-karat gold [...]
By Alexis Wolfer 1. Thursday Friday Together Bag in Red, $35 at thufri.com A Birkin may be out of budget, but a canvas-printed one? Well, that’s a different story. Thanks to Thursday Friday, you can get the look of Hermes’ iconic handbag without either the hefty price tag or the OCD tendencies that often accompany [...]
By Alexis Wolfer Purple is the color of the season (and royalty!). So, whether you’re looking to compile your holiday wish list or merely in need of a pick-me-up present, look no further than this regal hue! Here, our top 7 purple picks: Monica Vinader Nugget Earrings, $480 at net-a-porter.com These classically chic 18-karat gold-vermeil [...]
100 bloggers unite against cancer– and Alexis of The Beauty Bean is one of them. Joining Ralph Lauren and Polo Ralph Lauren, who have been dedicated to the fight against breast cancer for over 20 years, Alexis and 99 other online content providers are banning together to do their part to address the needs of [...]
By Alexis Wolfer It seems as if celebrities always take a perfect picture. Whether on the red carpet, in editorial spreads or even in paparazzi-like shots, it seems as if the famous women of Hollywood rarely take a bad picture (well, when actually posing anyway and not caught off guard at Duane Reade). Yet, somehow, [...]
If you could have a celebrity stylist pick out your wardrobe, wouldn’t you? And if we told you that the celebrity stylist was the one and only Lori Goldstein (whose client lists reads like a list of Hollywood’s best dressed – and includes fashion icon Madonna), would you not start saving up now for what [...]
By Alexis Wolfer If you’re anything like us at The Beauty Bean, you know when you like (or don’t like) a glass a wine, but when it’s time to head to the wine shop to stock up for a dinner party you’re as lost as your brother in the “feminine hygiene” department. (Well, maybe not [...]
By Alexis Wolfer If you’ve spent summers on the Cape, on Nantucket or at any sleep-away camp (even if it was years ago), you’re likely familiar with the rope bracelets that once marked our summers (as well our wrists). And while we traditionally cut off our bracelets come fall, (only to remain marked with the [...]
Whether your feet need a rest from your usual high heels (but traditional flip-flops aren’t quite office-appropriate) or you’re in need of a casual-chic alternative to your well-worn wedges, we’ve found the perfect solution: Olguitas. Inspired by the fashion-forward streets of Buenos Aires, the birth-place of designer Luciana Valente, Olguitas are a versatile take on [...]
By Alexis Wolfer Heading to the beach is one thing. Looking stylish in the process, quite another. Just lugging our beach bag ocean-side is a not-so-glamorous endeavor in itself – we’re breaking a sweat just thinking about it! Looking good when we get there, though, is something we’ve got covered. Sure, it includes ensuring you [...]
By Alexis Wolfer We all love bangles. Whether you wear one, or stack them elbow high, they are statement making, fun and flirty. They give a boho-chic twist to our work-wear and add class to our most casual outfits. What we don’t like, however, is how they clank on our keyboards while at work and [...]
By Alexis Wolfer His prints are as iconic as they come – and while many have tried to replicate the colorful, geometric designs, there is something about an Emilio Pucci print that just can’t be imitated. Few of us, however can afford the designer’s creations – just a bikini (of minimal fabric) is pricey, and [...]
