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Archive | October, 2009

Fragrance: Victoria’s Secret Velvet

By on October 30, 2009 in Archive

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On the “>Total Beauty tour in September, one of our stops was Victoria’s Secret’s headquarters. They introduced us to the Holiday lineup, which in my opinion, is fabulous. While fragrance is something I am slightly gaga about, the scents were captivating. Velvet is a newbie that is meant to smell luxurious, sexy, and divine. That’s just what it does.

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This could be TMI, but I’m a complete lingerie fanatic. With that being said,Victoria’s Secret was my first credit card from a retail store. This fragrance is everything that Victoria’s Secret is all about, sensuality. Velvet is the fragrance that you wear to reel in the kill! It’s so sexy and simply delish. I wouldn’t wear this to work or on a casual day. To me, this is the scent you wear on the 3rd date, the one that keeps the man intrigued, and wanting more! For a better idea before you smell it, think amber, blackberry and Turkish rose!

Check out Victoria’s Secret Velvet at Victoriassecret.com!

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MAC Pro Bridal Class with Romero Jennings

By on October 29, 2009 in Archive

I’ve been using MAC since I was 15 years old. Yep, I’ve been in the game for nine years. That’s absolutely insane. Within that nine years, I’ve probably attended 6 or 7 classes and presentations from Senior Artist Romero Jennings. I’ve taken most of the classes because he was teaching them. Romero’s a phenomenal teacher, he speaks clearly, explains everything, and works at a pace that everyone can follow! Just a few weeks ago, Azia of Faces of Azia, Patrice of Afrobella and I cornered him at The Artist Summit. He was not only a wealth of knowledge, but he was SO freakin’ cool. He’s the kind of guy you want to sit down with a glass of wine or a latte and talk beauty. He’s a classic. If you ever find out he’s teaching a class somewhere, GO!


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I’ll be doing an extensive review on the class and some of MAC Pro’s exclusive products. Until then, here are a few tips that I got while taking the class.

-Use the 219 brush (the bulleted pencil brush) to perfect the lips
-He love to create a nude lip and place a bright color over it for an awesome effect
-He suggests using a shimmery base (like a fluidline) and then uses a matte shadow on top! On the model he used Frostlight Fluidline (this is discontinued, try Bare Study Paint Pot instead) with Yogurt on top. He told us that he used Brassy Fluidline (also discontinued, try Rubenesque or Indianwood Paint Pot) with Saddle on top for singer Estelle.
I can’t wait to try this! (You all know that I only use matte bases, so this is new for me!)
-Applies Prep ‘N Prime Lash, then the mascara of your choice, then coats it in waterproof mascara so the lashes remain perfect through tears and sweat!

Stay tuned for the extensive play by play of the class and product highlights from MAC Pro!

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Cover Girl Queen Collection Natural Hue Minerals Bronzer

By on October 26, 2009 in Archive

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While reading over some notes from a Sam Fine interviewthat I did a few years back, I thought about the importance of bronzer. He always stresses the use of bronzer! Last night, I tried it again over Iman foundation. I still don’t have any raves about the Iman foundation, it’s just average to me. The bronzer, however, is a different story. The shade du jour is Cover Girl Queen Collection Natural Hue Minerals Bronzer in Ebony Bronze.

When I bought this about 6 months ago, I didn’t give it a fair shot. I may have been a little heavy handed. Looking back on it, I thought the color was a bit too dark, too muddy for my liking. I felt like it made me look dirty. Yesterday though, with Sam Fine on the brain, I tried a different technique. I used a much lighter hand, and applied the bronzer in very light, soft circular motions. The result, a sculpted face with bronzer! It warmed the look of my skin without making me look over done! Perfect! In the picture, the effect is subtle, but I loved it! In the seminar after the interview, Sam used my favorite blush (Nars Taj Mahal, duh!) to highlight the cheekbone right above the bronzer. Can’t wait to try that!

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The Death and Rebirth of the Urbanista Glossy

By on October 21, 2009 in Archive, Lifestyle

As a teenager and into my early twenties, reading magazines served as a blueprint for me. It helped me decide the clothes I wanted to wear, the new music I should listen to, and the relationship drama that I never wanted to get into. Now, months shy of my 25th birthday, the state of the glossies has changed. I remember purchasing the issue of Honey Mag with D’Angelo on the cover and thinking how unique and grungy it look. Years later, I purchased the August 2003 issue with Nia Long on the cover and noted in my planner to check out MAC Ruby Woo lipstick, the color Nia wore on the cover. I was beyond elated when I was offered a position to blog for them in 2007!

Speaking of 2007, while trying to beat the morning transportation rush at my Columbia University subway stop, I purchased one of many copies of Vibe Vixen (the Summer Beauty issue, right up my alley!). It was the first time that I ever saw lace nail art. Definitely can’t leave out the issue with Janet in a fitted black and white polka dot dress, makeup nude and flawless. Suede, oh Suede. Editorial heaven. I have clippings of inspirational style on my wall to this day. They were so unique. Last night, I stayed up for an hour reading the March 2005 as if it were hot off the press. June Ambrose’s posh NYC pad and the the 40 hottest names in fashion were just too good to turn from.

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But now, all that we are left with are digital versions of Honey and Clutch Magazines. I feel like I almost have no where to turn to. Sure, I read Essence Magazine, and I always have. But I rarely relate. I subscribe to Bazaar and Elle, but I almost never see anyone who even looks like me (although this month, Zoe Saldana is on the cover of Elle). The moral of this post is that I am yearning, longing, craving, and praying that another glossy comes along to fill my need (our need) for something we relate to. Please note that the digital magazines do take the edge off of my necessity. The Solange Knowles feature in Honey, wow. They did us proud, huh?! I have no idea what it takes to create and keep up with a magazine, but I do know that it includes tons of hard work, and even more money. I’ll leave this post by saying that I’m so grateful to have experienced the magazines that were, and even more excited to see what the digi-glossies will present us with in the future!

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MAC Holiday: Viva Glam

By on October 19, 2009 in Archive

One of the most noteworthy causes that MAC is known for is Viva Glam. 100% of the proceeds earned by Viva Glam are given to the MAC AIDS Fund.

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The series of lipsticks and lipglosses are staple colors that work will in everyone’s makeup bag! The Viva Glam Holiday Set is sure to please you! It contains Viva Glam V and VI lipsticks, with Viva Glam V lipglass. Actually, these colors (plus Viva Glam VI lipglass) are the only ones that I have completely run out of and re-prchased! Help a great cause (and get some great lip colors) by purchasing the Viva Glam Lip Compact! Retails for $22.50 USD.

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The $39 Urban Outfitters Dress Sale

By on October 17, 2009 in Archive, Fashion, Style

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Girly girls unite! One of my favorite brands, Urban Outfitters, is having a dress sale. In any given city, you’ll see a fashionista in a day dress, cardigan and a vintage heel or tennis shoe. I’ve highlighted the dresses that are on my wishlist. You never know when you’ll want to throw on a cute dress!

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Kimchi Blue Abstract Animal Dress

Ecote Strapless Dress

Ecote Strapless Dress

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Reformed Open Back Dress

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Silence & Noise Bow Waist Dress

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5 Must Have Products from Becca Cosmetics

By on October 14, 2009 in Archive


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Becca Cosmetics is one of the most underrated beauty brands in the makeup industry. This Australian brand has more products than many other lines, and the quality is impeccable.  The focus is always beautiful, pleasant makeup. The brand is becoming more and more exclusive, only being carried at a handful of locations.  Here are the top 5 products from the brand.
21.Fudge Stick

1. Stick Foundation
If you are looking for the most natural, undetectable coverage, here’s the perfect foundation stick for you to try. One of the main reasons I fell head over heels for this company years ago was because the vast range of foundation shade options. As a Woman of Color, we often have more than one color on our faces. Becca is the first brand that offered enough shades that we may accurately do our makeup. Please note that Becca was not created by an Black woman, and includes even more shades for women who aren’t Black. The company got it right! No matter how dark or light you are, Becca has your color!

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2. Creamy Concealer
Such a genius idea. This luxe blend concealer offers options. On one side, you’ve got a super light, medium coverage formula. On the other side, there is a full coverage version to tackle more blemishes.  While using the product on a friend,  I used a round contour brush to swirl the colors around in the pot, then applied in circular motions to her problem areas.  We were left with gorgeous, glowy skin with no hint of blemishes!

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3. Cream Blush
Becca is the one stop shop for cream blush, as far as I’m concerned. The colors aren’t thick and goopy like many brands. A little goes a very long way, so build on the color instead of applying a lot at once. While wearing a dewy or satin skin look, cream blush give you the look of blushing from within. My favorite shades are Hyacinth for a springy, youthful cheek, Dahlilah for a natural tawny look, or Lotus for a deeper berry cheek.

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4. Eye Shadow
I’m in love with shadows that look and feel luxurious. Becca Cosmetics creates just that. They’ve got a selection that is not only frosty, but also with matte and satin finishes. You’re sure to find love at first finger swipe! Next on my list, Venise, pictured above. I’ve had my eye on it since last May!

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5. Makeup Palettes
Another standout item from the brand! Try five of the brands items in one convenient package. I’m dying to get the Aurora palette.  This particular palette includes a powder and creme eye shadow, eye liner, creme blush and a nude lip gloss.  How divine is that??
If these shades aren’t for you, or you’d like a sample of their top sellers, check out the Best of Becca Palette. The combination of shadows, creames and glosses is sure to keep you a Becca Fan forever!

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If you want to find your perfect foundation and powder shades, use this trusty guide. It really works! (Double click to enlarge it!) I could go on and on about the other stand out items at Becca Cosmetics, but I’ll save that for another time. If you would like to learn how to use Becca’s products, check out ZunetaBeauty on Youtube. They highlight and demo almost every product! Click here to find Becca in your area!

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