The World's Most Expensive Beauty Products

These six beauty products are super costly. But do their ingredients validate these price tags? FINE Magazine has the inside scope.

Orogold 24K Nano Night Recovery - $3,000

What makes this wrinkle minimizer so pricey? The process of developing this exceptional nighttime cream, as well as the rare ingredients found within it, give rationale for this products price tag. With a high amount of gold, specifically nano gold – which is said to absorb more efficiently into the skin due to its smaller size – this weekly-use wrinkle minimizer claims to “make skin look younger and tighter.” Targeted towards women with deep wrinkles and poor elasticity, this serum is perfect for those who feel their skin-care routine isn’t effective enough (if they have the budget for it).

Theodent 300 Toothpaste - $100

What makes this toothpaste so pricey is the unique key ingredients held inside. Filled with a blend of minerals and the brands proprietary ingredient Rennou –  which occurs naturally in coco beans and works as an efficient alternative to fluoride – the company claims that this toothpaste is able to strengthen enamel and make teeth healthier.

Natura Bissé Diamond Life Infusion - $590

Taking over three years to create in the lab, this serum breaks ground as a new skin-care group that has been given the name “skin age biomarker cosmetics.” While the technology and 16 state-of-the-art ingredients raise the price, so does the newly discovered magnetic active, which the company claims performs similarly to a retinoid – prolonging the life of ones skin cells and slowing the aging of skin – minus the effects that come along with it like sensitivity, dryness and redness.

Valmont Time Master Intensive Program - $1,400

This 28-day age-reversing system uses high concentrations of the top ingredients (which justify its large price tag). Taking inspiration from Swiss watchmakers and collaborating with legendary Franck Muller, the brand guarantees to energize, firm and hydrate skin that has lost its radiance. Moreover, its anti-aging actives like hyaluronic acid, DNA and RNA liposomes and pesticides in a nanotechnology emulsion, work to offer optimal penetration.

3Lap Super Cream - $875

This anti-aging cream, loaded with powerful antioxidants and pesticides, works as a skin booster, improving skin tone and texture. These ingredients, coupled with the industry debut of the unique X50 delivery system, a system that enables medications to target diseased cells, are what give this cream its high price.

Dr. Sebagh Platinum Gold Elixir - $690

This face firmer – which is the newest release form anti-aging expert Jean-Louis Sebagh – was inspired by the Egyptian gold thread lift technique, or the Nefertiti Lift, in which pieces of pure gold thread are placed and secured under the skin to tighten the neck and jaw line. The 13 ingredient elixir, including 24-karat gold and platinum nanoparticles, work together and claim to lift and firm one’s skin. Thanks to these real gold flecks, the four-week system leaves the skin with a luminescent glow and a more youthful look.

-Nicole Lawrence

Pacific Beach Restaurant Walk

Pacific Beach is more than just a college bar scene or a place where beach bums like to hang out. It is also packed with great restaurants, and the Pacific Beach Restaurant Walk is the perfect way to experience and get familiarized with a number of them. Scheduled for May 21^st, twenty-nine different restaurants will be participating, including:

Bar West, Bareback Grill, Big Kahuna’s, Bub’s Dive Bar, Cabo Cantina, California Kebab, Cass St. Bar and Grill, Morays, Chupa Cabras Taqueria, Ciro’s Pizzeria and Beerhouse, Duck Dive, Fat Sals, Filippis Pizza Grotto, Firehouse American Eatery and Lounge, Gelato Bus Stop, Liberty Pizza, Miller’s Field, Nick’s at the beach, Ocean’s Pizzeria, PB Alehouse, Ra-ka-de-ka, Rubio’s, Shore Club, Sinbad’s Café, Pacific Beach Tuesday Farmer’s Market, Table 926, The Baked Bear, The Wood, and Tony Roma’s.

So break out your walking shoes and get ready to try yummy samples offered up from this assortment of restaurants! Perhaps you will find your new go-to restaurant that you never even knew about!

Tickets are $20 ($25 day of price). Proceeds go to help keep the city clean.

When: May 21, 2013

Time: 4pm-9pm
Where: Participating restaurants in Pacific Beach (located on Grant Ave between Crystal Pier and Dawes Street)

-Nicole Lawrence

2013 Summer Swimwear For Your Figure Type

By and large this season, it appears that designers are keeping the ‘real girl’ in mind, offering designs that are both functional and wearable. When choosing a swimsuit, you should pick one that is not only on-trend this year, but also one that highlights your curves right, and expresses you.

Discover your shape’s best buys with these flattery tips from FINE Magazine.

Marc by Marc Jacobs - Hayley
Geometric-Stripe Two-Piece

If you have athletic thighs

Accentuate your waistline and toned torso. A midrise waistline directs the focus on one’s waist rather than their thighs. Plus, you can move around in bottoms like these!

OYE Swimwear - Ela Lace-Print High-
Waist Bikini Swimsuit, Black/White

If you’ve got a booty

If your bigger on the bottom two-piece bathing suits assure a good fit. Try wearing high-waisted bottoms, as they conceal a bigger but and hide love handles. Also, go more bare on top; one’s cleavage draws eyes up. Another good way to highlight attention away from your booty is by mixing and matching your bikini top and bottom. You can try wearing something more neutral on the bottom, and a metallic or floral on the top!

L Space - Sahara's Dream Audrey Fringe
Bikini Top & Estella Bottom

Pear Shape / Small Bust

Flat chested? Choose tops that add more volume, such as ones with bows, ruffles or fringe. You can also use vintage cupped styles with padding to create curves.

Juicy Couture - Boudoir Striped
Skirted Bikini

Top Heavy / Busty

For busty women its all about the right straps and support. Underwire halters do this the best. You can also wear a teeny bottom to show off your legs, or use ruffles/bows to your advantage by conversely adding them to the bottom to balance your hips with your bust.

Norma Kamali - Striped
Halter Maillot Swimsuit

If you’re plus-size

Look for bathing suits with structure where you need it most, such as one that give some tummy control. Also, embrace the stripe trend this season by wearing slimming horizontal stripes.

Kenneth Cole - Penthouse
Sheer-Panel One-Piece

Curvy / Fuller Figure

If you have an hourglass body then show off your awesome curves! Embrace the vintage trend, using it to accentuate rather than try and hide your curves. Or, wear a one-pieced crochet suit. It’s sexy but covers what you need it to.

-Nicole Lawrence

Things You Should Totally Borrow From Your Guys Closet

Guys closets can be a fun place to discover unique pieces to mix up your fashion. Not only do they have the perk of smelling like your guy, but menswear also includes pieces and details that are not always found in woman’s styles. Accordingly, FINE Magazine is here to create a guide with some suggestions of pieces you can consider copping!

Work Shirts –

An over-sized guys button-down can be styled numerous ways and is super on-trend with menswe feminine and petite, giving you that “I’m so teeny that any clothes I get just fall off of me” vibe. Try pairing one of these work shirt's with a belt that clinches around your wais, heels, and girly accessories.

ar and over-sized clothing. No matter what size you are, if you wear it correctly, it has the potential to make you look super

His Worn-In Flannel –

Short sleeve or long sleeve, it doesn’t matter! Snatch his flannel and a create cute boho look by leaving it unbuttoned and pairing it with a simple dress and tights, or with a tank and light wash jeans.

Outerwear –

Once again, you can create that petite-size look by wearing a men’s coat (such as a leather or jean jacket, or a blazer), while also being fabulously practical by staying warm. Pair your guy’s jacket/blazer over a frilly dress with heals for an edgy night-out look, or toughen up one of your flirty floral sundresses for the day.

Accessories –

No matter if it is a watch, sunglasses, belt, tie, or some other male accessory, don’t put anything off limits.

WATCH: Even though it might be slightly big for you, your guys watch can bring a chunky, masculine flair to even the most feminine look. If you want to sweeten up this look a little, try layering your wrist with other bracelets and cuffs as well.

SHADES: His aviators or raybans will look just as fab on you as they do on him, and will give you a more cool and relaxed look than some woman’s sunglasses offer.

BELTS: Wearing a guys belt is a fun opportunity to get innovative with the extra slack at the end. You can knot it, wear it casually tossed over your hips, or fashion a little bow by looping the slack twice and securing it with the buckle.

TIES: Accessorizing your look with one of your man’s awesome tie’s can add style, as well as give off a sexy schoolgirl vibe while still having taste. You can also try wearing it unconventionally in your hair as a headband instead of around your neck.

-Nicole Lawrence

Wake Up Your Makeup!

Three makeup looks to try now from FINE Magazine, as well as some helpful Dos and Donts!

Retro Liner:

Think sixties with a punky eighties twist. Not only is this look glamorous, but it is super modern and perfect for the evening. To create this look, use either a liquid or gel liner to draw a thick line along your upper lids, staying as close to your lashes as you can. At the end, flick the line to create a wing that ends out towards your temple. Afterwards, perfect the shape/erase mistakes with a q-tip and make up remover. Major mascara and red lipstick are a chic way to complete this look.

Illuminated Skin:

Even if you are not genetically blessed with flawless skin you can still pull off a light-from-within glow with the right products. Create glow by mixing a small amount of light-infused primer into your foundation or tinted moisturizer. After, apply it with a moist sponge for a dewy finish.

Another easy way to create luminosity is with a cheek stain. Just smile and apply the color onto the apples of your cheeks, and then blend it thoroughly with your fingers.

Bright Lipstick: 

A bold pink lip looks fresh paired with glowing skin and black mascara. To pull off a precise application, start by outlining the border of your lip with a pencil in the hue closet to your natural lip color. Then add the pink shade on top using a lip brush. For the most modern look, skip gloss. Final step: balance the look by shading in your brows with a pencil that is one shade darker than your natural color.

Don’t be predictable!

Change up your makeup! Its fun to be one person in the morning, and then someone else in the afternoon. Use makeup to match your mood!

Do wear blush up high on the apples of your cheeks, as it gives the appearance of youth. The higher the blush, the younger you look. Also, try using a cream blush, using your fingertips to blend. It looks more natural than powder.

Don’t put foundation on your cheeks. Most people don’t really get wrinkles or pimples there, and when you wear it all over your face you end up with that terrible line on your jaw. Only wear foundation where you actually need it.

Do groom your brows. A good grooming device is hairspray misted onto a toothbrush. It’s not sticky, it gives a pretty shine, and its easy to comb through.

Don’t think you have to break the bank to look fab. 

-Nicole Lawrence

Playing with Scarves: FINE Magazines Top 5 Ways To Tie A Scarf

Seen on runways such as Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, and Louis Vuitton, light and wispy spring scarves are perfect for this time of year, with its crisp mornings and chill evenings, and are great for brightening up any lackluster ensemble into a fashion star.

Nevertheless, despite being one of the easiest pieces to put on, if you are still wearing your scarf merely hung around your neck, then you are missing a lot of its potential. This versatile accessory is able to be shaped and molded in an assortment of different ways that can make an old scarf feel new again, or take a boring one and make it feel special. As such, FINE Magazine is here to provide you with its Top 5 Ways To Tie A Scarf!

1. The Half-Bow Scarf

To create the half-bow scarf, begin by looping the scarf around your neck and then tying it one time (like the first step of tying your shoelaces). Next, take one side of your scarf and make a loop (as if you were only tying one side of the bow on your shoelaces). Then, take the longer half of your scarf and wrap it in the front and then behind the entire scarf, next to your neck. After, fluff the bow to your personal liking.

2. The Braided Scarf

This intricate looking scarf is actually quite simple. Merely double up the scarf and wrap it around your neck. After, take one end and thread it through the loop, twist scarf to create a second loop, and then thread the scarf ends through the other end of this second loop.

 

3. The Layered Knot Scarf

To fashion this look begin by placing the scarf around your neck so that the ends hang in down your back. Then wrap the ends around to the front and loosen the sections of the scarf around your neck. Tie the hanging ends together and then pull the look around your neck in front of the knot.

4. The Double Looped Scarf

To create this knot begin with the middle of your scarf on the back of your neck. Loop the ends of the scarf around and back to the front. Tie the two ends together with a simple tie to make the second layer.

5. The Slip Knotted Scarf

In creating the slip knotted scarf, begin by doubling your scarf and wrapping it around the back of your neck. Then, slip both ends of the scarf into the loop. Next, take one end of the scarf and tuck it around and back into the loop.

For further inspiration here are some of my favorite spring scarves:

Louis Vuitton Leo Tropiques Square

Alexander McQueen Marshmellow/Ice-Pink Skull Pashmina

Jimmy Choo Serville

-Nicole Lawrence

Spring & Summer 2013 Swimwear Trends

Summer season is quickly approaching, and that means it’s time to prepare for swimsuit season! For some, that means hitting the gym or dieting, but another key step is to pick out a new bathing suit. No matter if your wanting to make a flashy statement, or purely take your style credentials to the waterside, an update to your swimwear collection will make the warm weekends all the more fun and exciting.

Here are the top trends from FINE Magazine -

Stripes

Whether you’re into one-piece’s or two-piece’s, stripe prints are hot this season. When wearing this sleek trend, go for vertical stripes to give you a more slimming appearance. On the other hand, if you want to look bigger (especially on top), opt for wider, horizontal stripes.

Bows, Ruffles & Fringe

You can’t ever go wrong with an ultra-girly swimsuit that flaunts bows, ruffles or fringe. Embrace this waterside look (preferably in girlish pastel colors) to look cute and sexy all at once.

Metallic

Tanning may be outmoded, but a copper shade is always in season!

Floral

Wear this season’s floral trend, playing on a sweet and flirty look.

Animal Print

There’s away space for something wild in swimwear, and this year’s animal print swimsuit trend is about having fun in these striking colored prints.

Vintage-inspired

The glamorous vintage appeal of 1950’s pin ups – think Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield – is revitalized for this year’s retro swimsuits. These suits are playful, shapely, and sexy, infusing vintage cuts (such as low necklines, bustier tops, and high wasted bottoms) and prints (such as polka dots and contrasting stripes).

Crochet

This trend first emerged in Brazil at the Sao Paulo Fashion Week. Offered in an assortment of colors (including black and white), you can wear this trend in either an all-crochet look, or keep one item (either top or bottom) non-crochet.

One-shouldered

While one sleeve dresses have been in style for a while now in women’s clothing, this trend has now made its way into swimwear collections as well. In addition to this asymmetric look, swimwear with sleeves of other various shapes are also in fashion.

-Nicole Lawrence

Trend Alert: Tropical Prints for Spring & Summer 2013

Beaded Flat Top ($216) and Gypsy Skirt ($264)

Although Hawaiian and tropical prints are often stereotyped as looking tacky or touristy, this spring/summer season offers a more glam and modern version of island fever that has emerged within the fashion world. These easy-to-wear tropical prints couldn’t be more fab for warm spring and summer days, and have been seen walked down designer runway and red carpets in a range of vibrant colors: tangy tangerines, ocean blues, and electric pinks.

For instance, they were seen in the Spring/Summer 2013 the runway show of Mara Hoffman, who offered a somewhat literal version of the Hawaiian trend.

 

Since then, Selena Gomez was seen working this tend in a feminine, flirty way at last month’s premier of Spring Breakers in Austin. She chicly paired a Dolce & Gabbana cropped Cotton Print Top (part of a two-piece set that retails for $1045) with a high-waisted Orange Cotton Stretch Pencil Skirt ($840) from the Spring Summer 2013 collection.

For more inspiration on how to wear this trend, check out these other great tropical pieces! –

 
Equipment Leandra Tropical Print Shirt
This Hawaiian shirt is a fresh and totally stylish take on the tropical trend. I would suggest pairing it with crisp white jeans and brown wedge heels for a great complete look.

Ray-Ban Leather Trimmed Sunglasses
These fashion-forward, flamingo pink Ray-Ban’s sunglasses are the perfect finish to any tropical look, giving you an edgy, yet cute, look.

 

Twisty Parallel Universe Palm Print Skater Skirt
This fun flirty skirt in its bold print is a great piece to get you ready for the summer season. Dress it up with heals, or down with flats, but, to balance out its voluminous shape, pair it with a more fitted, tucked-in top.

Joe’s Jeans Palm Beach High Water Jeans
The colorful Palm Tree print lends these cropped skinny jeans a touch of exotic charm. Style them with a flowy blouse and wedges for a look that is perfect for any occasion.

-Nicole Lawrence

Spring/Summer Trend Report: Neon

Neon is for the bold and the daring – or for those who just want to add a little life to their closet. Seen in addition to the creamy neutrals and soft pastels of the spring and summer runways, flashy neon colors were often embraced fully from head to toe, or subtly through hints of neon. Either way, it adds a super happy punch of color to your fashion look.

Here’s how you can add some of this glow to your wardrobe:

Neon Clothing:

You can wear this look for spring and summer in a multitude of ways. Try wearing it in a color blocked dress, as a head to toe look (as seen in Simone Rocha's collection), or subtly though a dress lining or lace trim (as seen in the collection of Christian Dior).

Neon Accessories:

Whether it is a clutch, satchel, cross body, or oversized tote, consider buying a neon bag that embraces the color trend. If you want to take a more restrained approach, go for something small (such as a wristlet) or choose a bag with neon trim/details. 

You can also go for other neon accessories such as jewelry, shoes, sunglasses, or watches. These accessories work exceptionally well with neutrals. Think white, billow tops, camel-hued dresses, and black or gray suits. Or, try pairing your neon accessory with jeans and a crisp white blouse. It will look exceptionally bright and lively against this outfit, and you can further play it up with a bright pink lipstick.

-Nicole Lawrence

FINE Magazine's Top 5 Tassels & Fringe Looks

Tassel jewelry is super hot right now, but fringe detail on earrings and necklaces is also pretty in style. Even though it’s not exactly the most versatile of trends, it’s without a doubt one of the most bold, and can fashion a look that is dramatic, feminine, sexy, and even quirky.

Seen down the runways of designers such as Versace, St. Laurent, Kenzo, Nina Ricci, Mathew Williamson, and Sergio Rossi, their use of multi-layered chains and fringes have been dominating retail stores. With modernized metallic features, super thin strips, and vivid colors, this trend continues to be refreshed and made modern, and was even praised by Vogue UK as the trend for spring.

Adopt the trend into your own style by taking inspiration from Fine Magazine’s Top 5 catwalk looks -

1. The colored chain fringe and charms gives Versace’s necklaces a very whimsical feel.

2. St. Laurent also explored the fringe trend with his long gold and black fabric tassels. This fabric fringe creates a more relaxed look, giving a bohemian vibe to his collection.

3.. Kenzo created a stunning fringed bangle. I really like the impact the simple chains bring to this chunky cuff.

4. With its asymmetrical design and metallic sheen, Nina Ricci beautifully made this fringe gold necklace super modern. I also love the way the gold fringe looks paired with the hot pink polka dots. Paring fringe with bold colors and prints like this (in addition to spring pastels) is the perfect spring/summer look.

5. Fringe and tassel detailing on shoes and handbags are also major this season, displayed, for example, by designers like Sergio Rossi, whose fringed heels undeniably make a stunning statement!

No matter what your style is, fringe will fierce up your style -- don’t be timid about laying it up for a high drama look.

-Nicole Lawrence

The Best Spring 2013 Trends For Your Body

Whether you like your legs, abs, arms, or butt the most, FINE Magazine is bringing you the best Spring 2013 fashion styles for your body.

Spring 2013 style to try if you like your butt: floral prints

Wearing a floral print on the lower half of your body is a foolproof way to highlight your booty. But be sure to keep the rest of your outfit on the simpler side, like at Richard Chai Love, to avoid a busy look.

 

Spring 2013 style to try if you like your legs: the shorts suit

Seen all over the spring runways, a two-piece shorts suit is a youthful way to show off your sexy, trim legs. With an assortment of styles, such as Sandro’s edgy tweed suit, you will for sure find a shorts suit that fits your style.

Spring 2013 style to try if you like your abs: midriff cutouts

Pick fun dresses with midriff cutouts, which are complimented by an equally appealing design. Depending on your personality, the event, and on how much you want to expose, you can opt for a more reserved cutout dress like Cushnie et Ochs, or a more bold and sexy design such as Roberto Cavalli’s.

 

Spring 2013 style to try if you like your arms: sporty dresses

Sporty dresses are perfect for women who like their arms. Try one’s like this DKNY sportswear inspired dress.

-Nicole Lawrence

Cinco de Mayo Fashion Ideas

Who doesn’t love Cinco de Mayo; not only is it an excuse to eat Mexican food all day, but it brings out awesome fashion and edgy looks.

Get into the spirit by channeling the traditional, bright clothing found in Mexican culture. Go for shades of red, white and green (the colors of the Mexican flag) or other pretty, vibrant colors. Also, work some pieces of traditional Mexican attire into your outfit, such as Aztec-style prints, bold patterns and huaracha sandals. The only thing that will be missing is a margarita in one hand and a handful of chips and guac in the other.

Check out Fine Magazine's fav Mexican-inspired fashion -

Ruffles

Ruffles are a must for any Cinco de Mayo fiesta. Try a ruffled blouse paired with denim jeans and platforms for a casual day of drinking margaritas.

Bold Patters

Cinco de Mayo is your excuse to go a little wild with patterns and textures. Wear a printed skirt (pictured: Mara Hoffman) a simple and sandals to really get in the spirit.

Weather Appropriate

Since it’s officially May, temperatures will be rising, and a crop top is a good way to embrace the heat. Try a bright bustier from Mara Hoffman with high-waisted pants or a ruffled maxi skirt for a retro-inspired twist on the most festive wares.

Breezy Silhouettes: Maxi Dress

Throw on a maxi dress (pictured: Haute Hippie) for a comfortable, yet festive, look. 

Embroidery

Modernize the traditional embroidered peasant top by wearing one in an atypical fabric, such as a sheer embroidered crop top (pictured: Sanctuary).

Accessories

Don’t forget to complete your look with accessories! Pick and choose from chunky necklaces (pictured: Losselliani), large earrings or bangles. Also, go for a floppy hat (pictured: Kate Spade), or a sequined headband (like this one by Namrata Joshipura) and skip the sombrero.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

-Nicole Lawrence