And now, the final installment of MAC lipstick finishes!  These are some of my favorite lipsticks.  Each of these categories include colors that are packed with color, with I love.  I’ve included some lipsticks that you can buy at your local counter, some that are limited edition, and some that have discontinued for over 5 years.  The point isn’t to sell you anything (which it never is), but to further explain.

Frost

O (left), New York Apple (right)

Continue reading “Guide to MAC Lipstick Finishes: Frost, Amplified and Cremesheen” »

On March 21, 2010, my darling Warren B. and I will be hosting a meet and greet in our Nation’s Capital! If you are a makeup artist, hair stylist, nail tech, model, photographer, beauty blogger, makeup junkie, come hang out with us! Bring as many business cards as humanly possible, you never know who you’ll meet!

We’ve got some great news that we’ll announce, eventually!  We’d love to meet you and hang out for the night!

Where:  Fly Lounge, Washington DC

When: Sunday, March 21, 2010

Open Bar 8-9 pm

Drink Specials until Midnight

Please RSVP via Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=10150101010275696

Last night’s Academy Awards were a huge success in my book. Instead of my usual live tweeting during the red carpet event, I stayed with my BFF and her 3 month old daughter. We oooh’ed and ahhh’ed. Loved it! Here are my favorite head-to-toe looks from the red carpet and beyond!

My girl Sarah Jessica Parker was a stunner. The first 3 seconds of looking at her, I thought, “what?” But that’s the magic of SJP. As the fourth second approached, I thought “Oooh, I get it! Yes SJP!” Her sense of style is on a different level. Always chic, always testing the waters. The mega-bun rocked my socks. However the “I love walking down the street on windy days” look was not so hot.

Who else can’t stop talking about Zoe Saldana? She’s already hot to begin with, but the hair, makeup, dress, shoes. Wow. There are a few brief moments where I only love her dress from the belly button, up. And then I see the rest of the dress and think that it can be cool too. But the shoes. Wow. Might have to snatch those up!

Continue reading “Five Oscar Looks that Demand Applause” »

Ah, it’s that lovely time of year again. Birds chirping (almost), snow melting (thank God) and beautiful Black women are being honored for their stellar achievements. This year’s honorees for the 3rd Annual Black Women in Hollywood included Cicely Tyson (Legend Award), Gabriel Sidebe (Best Breakthrough Performance), Queen Latifah (Power Award), Zoe Saldana (Star to Watch Award) and Mary J. Blige (Songstress of the Year). I love events like this! We all remember Jada’s emotional moment last year, correct? Let those tears flow, Lena James! Essence.com is giving us exclusive access to the event, so be sure to also follow them on twitter. I’m definitely looking forward to sharing more images from the event, so stay tuned!

Also, make sure to enter to win a Swagbag courtesy of Essence and Lincoln! I surely am!

The three lipstick finishes that we’ll cover today are full of coverage. They are long lasting. They are great! Here, we’ll take a look at some of the choices.  Remember to click on the image to see it up close and personal!

Satin

Continue reading “Guide to MAC Lipsticks: Satin, Matte and Mattene” »

For years, I’ve been trying to get a concrete understanding of the differences between Glaze and Lustre lipsticks. When I go to the counter, these are typically the colors that I really love, but have to avoid.  Because they are so sheer, they don’t last  too long.  In this post, I’ll do a comparison. Click on each image to make it larger!

Glaze

Read on for swatches, descriptions, and more… Continue reading “Guide to MAC Lipstick Finishes: Lustre vs. Glaze” »

First of all, I can’t believe Zahara is even old enough to walk!  I guess when you are seeing celebrity kids every 6 months, they tend to shock you!  I had to show you that miss lady is wearing one of my favorite luxury brands, Alice + Olivia. The Bow Back Double Breasted Coat ($330) can be found here. I don’t even own a $300 coat, but when you’re parents are two of the hottest celebrities, you can have it all!

The internet is abuzz about the newest editions to Vogue Italia : Vogue Black and Vogue Curvy.  I heard a bit about it on Twitter, but wasn’t sure if it was a new print issue, an ad campaign or what.  And then I find out that every Brown woman’s fairy blog mother: Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik of Afrobella has contributed!

I have nothing but good things to say about this website.  In fact, I’m elated. Beyond elated! In fact, I will probably stalk it.  It’s such a breath of fresh air for us!  The fact that Vogue has dedicated an entire site to the beauty of Black women is quite admirable.  And now, I’m hoping, praying, begging them to have some makeup articles!  It’s always interesting (to me) how the “ethnic” sections of publications deal with hair, for the most part. Whether it’s weaves, fro’s, or hair treatments, it seems to be the “Black Beauty Focus”.  Granted, I understand that hair is “our thing”, and that many of us spend more money and attention on our hair than our faces.  But still, we love makeup too!

Vogue Curvy might be (dare I say) even more genius than Vogue Black.  Woman larger than size 6 seem to be shunned in the fashion industry over the past few decades.  While there are many Black women who will find happiness reading Vogue Black, there are probably more people who relate and need to see women with shape! While I don’t necessarily fit into the “curvy” category for the new website, I’m almost taken back by the lack of plus-sized anything and everything!  I walked past Torrid and Lane Bryant in the mall one day and thought, “is this it”?  If the average size of a woman in the U.S. is a 16, where is the freakin’ variety?

I’ve bookmarked both websites into my “Daily Reads” folder.  Kudos to Vogue Italia for being leaders and creating something truly remarkable!

YSL Beauty. Luxury at its finest.The main reason that I don’t own any YSL is because of the price.  As much as I love beauty, purchasing more than 2 products will be a pretty nice ration of my paycheck.  I’m not ballin’ yet.  But, the Neiman Marcus Beauty Event takes place right now (starts in stores this Friday) and I always participate!  With any $100 beauty or fragrance purchase, you receive the “stuffed” goodie bag.  Premium beauty samples are always a plus.  But, with any YSL beauty purchase of $150 or more, you receive a YSL Goodie Bag! This set includes a gorge beauty pouch, and mini mascara, liner, lipstick and makeup remover.  Nars, Kiehl’s, Armani, and over 30 other gift with purchases are available too! Here’s my YSL wishlist!

Touche Eclat Radiant Touch ($40)-The cult favorite product used by everyone from everyday women to celebrity makeup artists.  This brightens the area that you apply it to.  If  you’ve got crazy under eye circles, or anything on the face that deserves to be brighter, then you’re sure to be a fan.

I’ve got 3 more items on my list! Continue reading “The Neiman Marcus Beauty Event featuring Yves Saint Laurent” »

MAKE UP FOR EVER, the mega brand that includes products for everyone and everything, is on HSN! They came on at 2am.  Presenting on behalf of MUFE is Kevin James Bennett, who I adore! He’s personable, funny and will sell snow to a snow man. I never, ever miss him. This blog post is a live blog of the recorded show. I grabbed the pieces that stuck out the most! There was also $1.99 shipping, although I’m not sure if they will do that again. Click the link to see videos of each product. Here we go….

HD Microperfecting Primer ($32)-Makes your foundation last longer, and your face feels smother. Works with any foundation! ($32)

HD Concealer ($28)- Super creamy, medium to full coverage. “Good night sleep in a wand” Light reflective, Skin brightening, Diffuses Wrinkles. And guess what else…it’s crease proof!!! THere’s a gel tip applicator, so you don’t have contamination.

HD Invisible Cover Foundation ($40)- Allure Best Of Winner. Doesn’t cake, doesn’t oxidize. This (and Mat Velvet+) are my favorite foundations. Ever. It covers invisibly! (I live for this foundation. I created a very thorough review and video tutorial for your viewing pleasure. )

Even more award winning products to come.  Keep reading! Continue reading “MAKE UP FOR EVER on HSN Today: Recap and Highlights” »