On top of trends like a nerd to comic books, the beauty industry quickly followed suit. Many companies, like, Stila, construct their eyeshadows, lip balms and foundations in recycled or reusable paper packaging. Other large name beauty tycoons, such as Origins, create their creams and lotions out of natural ingredients that are both effective and earth-friendly.

So this year Essie has launched a new line of neon shades no one will be able to forget. Punchy Pink, Flirty Fuchsia, Funky Limelight and Perky Purple are the four hot shades in this collection and each will add the perfect pop to any summer outfit. We’ve teamed up with Essie to offer two lucky readers a set with all four colors! Simply send an email to contact@beautynewsnyc.com with “Neon” in the subject line by Monday June 6th. Be sure to include your name, telephone number and email.

Fashion houses like Miu Miu and Chloe framed the arms with sleeveless frocks and one shoulder silky sun dresses. And, fashionable starlets like Jessica Biel and Kirsten Dunst are showing off their guns in arm-emphasizing eveningwear. From sleeveless dresses to tanks to vests, get ready to flex.

From the moment I set foot at Pier 66′s Frying Pan I was in love. The absolutely perfect water venue, it’s always my first suggestion when meeting up with friends. The bar is situated on an actual boat that was built in 1929 and is said to have been sitting at the bottom of the Chesapeake Bay before it was restored to its current glory. Favorite of a young and trendy crowd, the Frying Pan often hosts live DJs and has an observation plank that offers up the most breathtaking views of the NYC skyline.

Which is why, amid the night’s liberation celebration, you must make your way to the West Village’s idyllic Carmine Street, which houses a spot all too apropos for such a gathering: Sweet Revenge.

After participating in a walking tour of the Annex (which includes a mind-blowing 15 minute video on the key players of rock and roll through history) you reach the Lennon exhibit, John Lennon: The New York City Years. Located in a huge, all-white room with projector screens hanging from the walls and Lennon memorabilia as far as the eye can see, the exhibit includes iconic photos, articles of clothing, instruments, lyrics, notes and set lists, and even some of Lennon’s own photo collages. Four films covering Lennon’s life and activities in NYC are on display including his anti-war protests and live performances, not to mention interviews and artwork from Yoko herself. The last stop of the exhibit is a memorial of Lennon’s death and allows visitors to sign a petition to support stricter gun laws in the United States that, at the closing of the exhibit, will be sent to President Obama. This is a must-see for anyone who is a fan of John Lennon or simply of NYC.

From braided styles to chignon’s one of my favorite looks so far has been the loose, low bun created by Pasquale Ferrante of ION Studios at the AKRIS Fall show. Despite the fact that Pasquale created this look for Fall, I’d have to say that this is the perfect summer do. It’s office friendly, will keep you cool in the scorching NYC heat and can transition perfectly from day to night.

Here at BN we want you to change your look for summer and cool down with this casual chic updo. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Pasquale for step-by-step instructions on creating the look at home and we’re also giving away the Davines products used to achieve the look (Texturizer and Invisible Hair Spray) to 2 lucky readers.

One lucky reader will win a chic red cosmetics case filled with 13 (yes 13!) of Rimmel’s summer beauty must-haves. So even though the weather may have us feeling a little less than sunny, you’ll look like a ray of sunshine with your bronzed cheeks, bright pink nails and red lips.