Blast Calories and Enliven Your Dance Moves with “LaBlast”

“LaBlast” is a recent fitness video series created by Louis Van Amstel, an award-winning choreographer and TV personality. Each DVD uses different dance styles to provide with you an intense, fun, and effective workout. Louis designed the DVDs to progress in levels. In Level One, you learn basic moves from Cha Cha, Salsa, and Jive before graduating to Level Two, where the energy and intensity are turned up and more advanced moves are incorporated. Level Three completes your new repertoire of dance moves by adding in the sensational dances from Brazil and Spain, the Samba and Paso Doble, to blast you with an advanced workout. The dancing is a disguise for your workout; Louis’ infectious enthusiasm makes you completely unaware of the intense aerobic workout you just experienced until afterwards.

“Blast a Move,” another DVD that’s a part of the “LaBlast” series, takes a slightly different route. This time, Louis uses hand-weights to target muscles for strengthening and toning. This DVD promises to be “more intense, faster, and require more muscle endurance to help you build stamina and strength.” However, Louis’ trademark dancing is still present, with Meringue, twisting, and Jive mixed in with the weights for a full-body workout that can be completed in as little as 15 minutes.

If you’ve ever wanted to try a dance fitness class but have been deterred by shyness, crowds, or just the sheer expense of an in-person class, then purchasing a LaBlast DVD may be the best option for you to take. DVDs cost $14.99 each or the whole 5 DVD set can be purchased for $49.99. For more information, visit lablastfitness.com.

By Kylie Jenkins for Clarissa International Media

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Pucker Up! Lip Trends for Summer 2014

When it comes to lip color this summer season, neutral and fruity shades are hot. With these sizzling summer lip color tints, simple colors are making a bold statement. Learn to speak this seasons lip lingo of nudes, neutrals, and golden tones.


Here are the top colors for summer 2014.

Coral

Light Pink

Nudes or Neutrals

Peach

PLUMP it up

Try these Runway approved products to achieve a fuller lip look. If you’re not a fan of the original tingling lip plumper, don’t worry, we’ve found a few you can’t resist. For a more permanent solution to fuller lips, we searched for the best products and here are the ones we found most irresistible.

Too Faced Lip Injection Extréme

This advanced serum is proven to increase lip fullness permanently with continued use over time. Advanced plumping ingredients and technology make this product easy to use everyday and over time it guarantees it will make a big difference.

Urban Decay Big Fatty Lip Plumper –

This smooth and sheer gloss contains jasmine, hyacinth, and chili extract, which increases blood flow and circulation to the lips. For 20 % fuller, pinker pouts, give this gloss a try.

If you’re looking into an option a bit more dramatic and noticeable, there are always cosmetic injections and fillers. If you are not too eager to hop in the doc’s chair anytime soon, consider the “Lip Plumper Vacuum”. This product will give you luscious, full, celebrity looking lips at home in seconds. Avoid painful procedures like lip fillers, augmentations, or perma-lip cosmetic surgeries with this at-home plumping device.

Take care of your pretty new pout by adding a moisturizing lip balm, lip stain, lip pencil and of course, the lip-gloss. Here are the ones we liked best.

NARS velvet matte lip pencil – we love it because color glides on easy, won’t feather, and stays put.

Hydra Smooth Lip Colour from Benefit – we love it because this ultra hydrating lipstick contains ultimate moisture with shea, mango butter, and vitamin E. This luscious lipstick balm hydrates better than any other!

Rouge Pur Couture from Yves Saint-Laurent – This ones a winner because this amazing 3 in 1 glossy lip stain won’t dry out your lips like a typical stain. It’s everything you need with the shine of a lip-gloss, the color of a lipstick, but the long lasting effects of a lip stain.

Putting A Spin on Simplistic Summer Dresses





Gathered:

A top pick for our list of summer dress trends is the gathered dress. Most popularly seen on tshirt dresses and kersey knits, this look adds character and dimension to a simple style. Prints and patterns liven up this look too, and its a perfect look for the beach. You can also create this look yourself by knotting a long tshirt dress at the bottom left or right hemline.


O’Neill Desert Tee Dress, $42



Zara Printed Gather Dress, $49.90


Off-The-Shoulder:

This look is sexy without being too overtly risque. If you have shoulders to show off this season, rock this look with a simple necklace and a pair of wedges or thongs. Opt for a fun floral or tribal print to mix it up and add personality.


Free People Off The Shoulder Dress, $168

The Slip-Dress:

In a slinkier, sexier version of the traditional spaghetti strapped summer dress, the slip-dress is a good go-to for summer travel. Easy and light weight to pack, the slip-dress is compact and perfect for any occasion to dress up or down. Accessorization options are endless. Opt for a bold solid to be able to mix and match easily.

Pixie Market Mint Slip Dress, $36

The Best Luxury Fathers Day Gifts for Dear Old Dad

We’ve compiled a list of the top ten must-have, er, ok scratch that, let’s call it the top ten most-desired items for dad to add to his collection of tie-tacks and macaroni art from days gone by.

Shorts That Work at Work

The keywords when it comes to wearing shorts to the office are: length and volume. Always remember to keep the length longer, generally hitting right above the knee ,as this length is flattering for most heights. When it comes to volume, think of the retro goucho cut as your best bet for cropped office attire. Making a big comeback this summer, the goucho style short is a modern way to ditch the long pant in the workplace and add some diversity to your wardrobe.

Some of our favorites include:

The DKNY Roxanne, $178.00
This high-waisted choice comes in an array of bold, fun color sperfect for pairing with your crisp white button down, a subtle statement necklace and a cute pair of flats.


The Rachel Comey Wayward Poplin, $380.00
This pleated-style coral goucho short is the perfect summer selection for work or the office company picnic.


Monochrome Board Short by Topshop, $72.00
If your looking for printed personality, this floral printed board short style is fun and beachy for the more casual office setting.

Fall RTW 2014 Preview: Tomboy Chic



Boxy shoulders, wide-legged trousers and pin stripe suits were commonplace on the runway during the Fall 2014 RTW collection presentations. Designer Phillip Lim opted for the wide-leg trouser with boxy, color-block tops, lending a masculine silhouette overall, while Dior kept his cuts slim and feminine, while taking inspirtation from the tuxedo in his vest and trouser pairings. Also, adding elegance and charm were the long satin gloves paired with v-cut vests.


Alexander Wang’s collection had a military-inspired, utilitarian vibe, as models donned heavy over-sized shirt dresses with leather collars that featured multiple cargo pockets. The ensembles were paired with knee-high leather rainboots and hair was cut short, and makeup neutral.


Alexis Mabille put a vintage spin on her suit collection. Though still featuring the wide-legged trousers and oversized hats, her details were soft and sophisticated. For example, the buttons that embellished the coats, or the way the white undershirts had a bias cut and ruffled accents.

Samsung Gear Fit 2 Meets All Your Fashion and Functionality Needs

Try out the heart rate sensor on your personal fitness friend, the Samsung Gear Fit. This stylish watch is sleek and fashionable. Smaller in size, it’s more discreet and you can get your run on and stay active with this personal fitness motivator.

If you’re looking to have your Facebook, Twitter, and other social media alerts on your arm, the Gear Fit 2 is for you. The Samsung Gear Fit 2 allows you to access all of your texts, emails, calls, and instant notifications all in a stylish small display. This hybrid smart watch is water resistant and has interchangeable bands to mix it up. Smart watches are making their way into the tech world, and new features and updates are always around the corner. With this new piece of technology, your summer season is charged with electricity.


Artist on the Rise: Kevin Smart

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Drummer Kevin Smart has accomplished more than most his age, having already shared the stage with some of the biggest names in music including Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande, Austin Mahone, TimeFlies Jason Derulo, and Fall Out Boy, to name a few. Most recently, Kevin got off his second national tour with Warner Bros Recording Artist, Jake Miller, and did we mention, he’s still in High School?

 

We sat down with the multitalented artist to discuss his big break, balancing work and school, and his must-have threads.

 

You have quite the impressive resume for an 18 year old. What was your first big break, and how did it come about?

 

Thank you! My first big gig was with working with Jake Miller in April of 2013. My very good friend, Scott Nebb, was and still is his tour manager. I told Scott that I would love to play drums for Jake. He suggested I put up a drum cover. I did and Jake saw it immediately and liked it. I got a text a few months later asking to go on tour with him. Pretty surprising and nerve racking since I was in the middle of my junior year. I had to think how I was going to balance school and tour. Thankfully, my high school worked with me to make it happen.

 

Who has been your favorite artist to work with? And who would you like to work with in the future?

 

So far, I have been using most of my time working with Jake Miller while still working on getting my school work completed. It is a really great experience working with Jake. He is very talented and is one of the most genuine people I have came across. I think it would be really cool to work with Justin Timberlake. I really enjoy his music and the way he presents himself.

 

When you’re not touring, you are finishing high school. Is that hard balancing the two?

 

At times, it can be difficult. Going on tour is one of the greatest experiences. You are always traveling in different places and meeting new people. I always have the temptation to go out and take it all in, in each city. Sometimes, I have to skip that little experience and stay on the bus and complete my work so I can get my work submitted on time.

 

Since this is a fashion magazine, let’s talk fashion. How would you describe your own personal style? What are some of your go-to brands?

 

Lately, I have really been on a Macy’s binge. I would describe my “style” as a preppy/rugged look. I really love my Polo shirts and Sperry’s. But I also love wearing Supras, Skinny Levis, and a hoodie. Depends on the occasion!

 

As a musician, you have to be constantly moving on stage. Does that ever dictate what you wear when performing?

 

Of course! I love to be comfortable on stage! A v-neck, jeans, and Supras are usually my go-to clothes for going on stage!

 

Summer is right around the corner. Do you have any favorite summer must-haves in your closet?

 

Definitely. Tons of tank tops, more pairs of sperry’s, and some of the new shorts from Bananna Republic!

 

 

 

Don’t forget to catch Kevin on Twitter @ PopPunkPro

Illuminate Your Skin with Le Mieux’s New Brightening Serum

The Brightening Serum formula includes eight brightening agents to reduce the effects of aging and improve the overall appearance of the skin.

“While many brightening creams and serums rely upon hydroquinone, beta arbutin, L-ascorbic acid or a single brightening ingredient, we decided to take a giant leap forward and use a more stable form of vitamin C as well as a brightening blend to address hyperpigmentation,” according to Janel Luu, CEO of Le Mieux. “We also selected alpha arbutin—a natural brightening agent—over hydroquinone. Brightening Serum renders a beautiful glow, clarifies pores and helps maintain a youthful complexion, without irritating sensitive skin.”

Regular use of the serum will help to moisturize and repair the skin, along with brightening and lessening the appearance of wrinkles.

Le Mieux uses its research on anti-aging and cell growth in the development of the products to ensure that each formula is innovative and of the highest quality. The brand avoids using parabens, sulfates or petroleum by-products in their cosmetics and does not test on animals.

To learn more about Le Mieux or the Brightening Serum, visit www.LeMieuxCosmetics.com


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Samantha Stull for Clarissa International Media Group

ZAO Cosmetics Mindful of Landfill

ZAO pressed powders, eye shadows, lipsticks and concealers are a once time buy with original packaging; after which you refill with only the replacement cosmetic itself. Simple and easy replacements then click in and out of the gorgeous, durable natural original bamboo casing.

By purchasing refill products, it cuts down the cost for customers by 30 to 45 percent, so they save money while reducing the amount of waste produced by the cosmetics they are using.

Along with saving wear and tear on the environment, ZAO cosmetics are also great for your skin. Two of the ingredients in ZAO products that work to improve skin are organic silica and micronized silver powder. The silica is meant to help the body to absorb vitamins and minerals better by providing the body’s tissues with the silica that they need to do so. When micro-particles of pure silver are used on the skin, they are antiseptic and antibacterial, which helps to protect the skin. This factor makes the products safe for even very sensitive skin.

ZAO offers a full line of cruelty-free, high-quality cosmetics and makeup brushes. Their foundations, eye shadows and lip products all come in a great range of colors to suit any skin tone. Foundations can be purchased in the form of a pressed powder, a loose powder or a liquid, while eye shadows come in pressed powder, cream and loose powder forms.

For more information on ZAO and their products visit www.zaomakeup.us

Samantha Stull for Clarissa International Media Group

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Farmhouse Fresh Anti Aging Serum

The serum, named one of the best products for skin repair by InStyle Magazine, is packed with fresh grapes from wineries in Texas and provides a plethora of vitamins and antioxidants to benefit the skin.


The cream ($55) is sold in a 1 oz. glass bottle with a box and is sold internationally online at farmhousefreshgoods.com, DermStore.com and SkinStore.com. It is also available at select luxury spas, boutiques and resorts in the U.S.

Farmhouse Fresh’s Wine Down serum is a blend of resveratrol, ECGC (epigallocatechin gallate), Cactus Extract, Organic Chamomile Flower, Organic Gotu Kola, and Bioactive Fruit and Vegetable Compounds.

Organic chamomile flower is one of the oldest remedies, according to pubmed.gov, and provides soothing and softening effects on the skin.

ECGC, most commonly found in green tea, helps to maintain cardiovascular and metabolic health, according to pubmed.gov.

In addition, the University of Maryland Medical Center wrote that organic gotu kola, an ingredient in the serum, holds chemicals called triterpenoids, which are said to strengthen skin, boost antioxidants and increase blood supply.

Resveratrol, found in the winery grapes, is said to aid the anti-aging process and has been supported in numerous experiments; however, most studies concluding this are based off test tube studies and animal research.

Resveratrol has not yet been medically confirmed to benefit humans despite numerous recent experiments, according to pubmed.gov.

Stephanie Signorelli wrote on her blog (themakeupparlour.com), that after using the Wine Down Serum she felt like her face had “gone on a mini vaca.”

For best results, the serum should be applied to the face twice daily, once in the morning and once before sleeping at night.

Taylor Seely for Clarissa International Media Group

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