Saturday, August 14, 2010

And this is how you do it....


In case you were wondering how to wear a chambray shirt let me help you.This is how you do it. And you can tell by the look on her face she knows she is serving it in that shirt. Yes ma'am you are. All she needs is a pair of vintage Leathers Ray Bans and it would be all over.

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Lashes, Lashes Everywhere!



How to Wear False Lashes-

I have been rocking false lashes for over 15 years. I tried them once and it was love at first blink. They just provide instant glamor and sexy. Now you do you have to find the right pair for the look you want and get the right size for your eye. If they are too long trim them.

You can choose from a variety of lengths, fullness and band or individual lashes. I like medium length, fuller band lashes. But its up to you. Once you find the right lash then you have to work on applying them cleanly. These may take you a couple times but here are some steps to help you along the way.

1.Squeeze eyelash glue onto the back of your hand and run the eyelash along it. Blow softly from edge to edge to make the glue a little less runny to apply your lashes. Try not to pick up to much glue.

2.Pick the lashes up with tweezers and bring it as close to your natural lash line as possible. Place it right in front of the lash line on the lashes.

3.Press from end to end using the point of an angled makeup brush. Hold until the glue dries (30 seconds to a minute, or sometimes less depending upon the adhesive). This allows the glue to set.

4. Wipe a mascara wand on towel and then apply some more mascara with the false lash on (previously you applied mascara to your natural lashes). This helps to blend the lashes with your natural ones.

5. Make sure to bring your glue if you ever end up with a runaway lash. :)

Monday, July 5, 2010

Star Style- Lauryn Hill








There are very few celebrities that I really admire their style. Even fewer that I would go as far to say that their style has influenced mine. Lauryn Hill is one of those few. When she was hot during my college years her mix of vintage and current trends was a breath of fresh air like her music. She had a way of mixing jean jackets, head wraps, military shirts, scarf shirts and trendy tops together. Even to this day I look back and enjoy her style. So much in fact my fashion inspiration for 2010 is 1999 Lauryn Hill.

Even though some people are dissing the way she is representing now I still enjoy the out of the lines coloring she does with fashion, hair and makeup. I wish she would put out some music to shake the industry up but she still has a fan in me no matter what she is up to. Miss you girl.


Sunday, June 20, 2010

Truth or Dare



I have a close friend who has never backed down from a dare. She might not go all the way but if you dare her she will give it her best shot. I don’t know what it is but its something about the head on challenge of an out right dare that speaks to her. As if the personal challenge will revel something great about her character. Or maybe I am going to deep and she just enjoys doing crazy stuff no one else will do. I just hope no one ever dares her to rob a bank.

I am not half as brave/crazy as my friend and I have happily refused countless dares throughout my life. Jumping off the 4th floor balcony into the pool? No thanks. Drinking an entire bottle of Pepto Bismol? No way. But I am not a total party pooper and have stepped up to fun dares. Calling the boy I really like and hanging up? Guilty as charged. More recently I have found an even better dare to step up too. Baby Phat’s Dare Me Eau de Toilette Perfume Spray ($28.00, walgreens.com and select stores nationwide) This is a Dare we can all take on without fear. This wonderful spray dares you to be seductive. It is a clean and citrus scent by Kimora Lee Simmons that channels every woman’s inner desires.

Dare Me is an intoxicating mix of magnolia, green almond macaroon, neroli, coconut milk, honeysuckle, nectar, honey breche, white milkwood, musk, tonka bean and sandalwood. The dreamy mix of global notes work to captivate your senses and give you confidence. The fragrance Dares you to be confident, sexy and empowered. All this comes in a sexy bold pink bottle.

So if you’re up to it takes this Dare. At least you know with this dare you won’t end up in the hospital with a sprained ankle like my friend.

How to Survive Common Summer Beauty Problems-




It’s not even officially summer yet and I the temperature has already crawled into the mid 90’s. And if you’re like me and live somewhere that is really humid then mid 90’s feels like 120. So I have no doubt in my mind I am headed toward a long hot sticky summer. And normally that would mean a summer full of frizzy hair, melted makeup and oily skin. Not this summer though. I have decided to stock up on the latest and greatest in beauty to outsmart summers common beauty pitfalls. I have found the best in makeup; skincare and hair for the summer to make sure no matter what the temperature climbs to I never have to sweat it.

Check out my list and have a beautiful summer.

1. Problem- Melting Foundation- No one wants to look like a melting ice cream cake.

Solution- HD Invisible Cover Foundation ($46, sephora.com) This oil-free medium-to-full-coverage liquid foundation covers skin imperfections flawlessly while remaining invisible no matter the season. Created to give a soft-focus effect for those in the spotlight it works the same magic for those in the sunlight. I love the fact it gives me the coverage I need without looking or feeling heavy. It feels weightless on your skin and provides a flawless finish. I may not be on TV this summer but I will be some harsh light. I am confident that HD Invisible Cover will keep you looking my best all summer long. . Comes in 25 shades to suit all skin tones.

2. Problem-Frizzy Hair- We have all had horrible summer hair day. A super humid day that causes super frizzy hair.

Solution- Monoï Nourishing Hair Mask ($22, us.fruits-passion.com) is the perfect way to heal and protect dry, damaged, color-treated, or processed hair. Thanks to its high percentage of Monoi de Tahiti, this mask is an intense nourishing treatment that works deep to leave hair less frizzy more manageable. It rejuvenates, fortifies and nourishes after only one use. Your left with shiny hydrated hair. During the summer you can apply to your hair before swimming or before sun exposure to prevent dryness and fading.

3. Problem-Sun Damage-A summer of long days and longer nights can cause premature aging.

Solution- To combat any damage you may do to your skin this summer use the Brazilian Peel by Advance Home Actives ($78, sephora.com) the first ever professional strength self-neutralizing at-home glycolic peel. Brazilian Peel is 5x stronger than other retail products and clinically proven to visibly brighten, smooth, firm and tone skin for a more youthful appearance. All the benefits of a professional peel in the comfort of your own house.

4. Problem- Legs that aren’t smooth- Summer is the season that you show your legs off. With cute sun dresses and short shorts all around its important to have clean smooth legs..

Solution-Aubrey Organics Crème de la Shave pampers and protects for a luxurious, ultra-smooth shave and silky soft legs ($5.49, Aubrey-organics.com) This moisturizing shave cream comes in three luscious natural scents that condition and protect skin with emollients and fruit extracts. They are super affordable so grab one for your house, the gym and your vacation rental.

5. Problem- Mascara melts in the summer – Whether your running errands on a hot day or jumping in a pool you want your mascara to stay put not all over your face.

Solution- Wet n’ Wild Megaplump Waterproof Mascara ($3.99, Mass market retail stores) provides instant volume that thickens lashes for a dramatic lash look. After only one application you are left with lashes that are up to 3x the volume of your natural lash. Megaplump instantly plumps for maximizing effect and noticeable volume. Knowing that once I put this mascara on its not going anywhere helps me to enjoy those wild summer parties a little more.

6.Problem- Summer skin that looks less then radiant- Sometimes summer skin can look less then radiant.

Solution- Too Faced Aqua Bunny Bronzer ($28, toofaced.com) will bring a little sizzle to dull summer skin. It’s a longwearing, buildable, cream-to-powder water resistant bronzer that is perfect for the summer season. It withstands heat, humidity and life's climate challenges to keep skin looking radiant no matter what. It has a unique cruelty-free fan brush swirls on this oh-so-wearable shade evenly for the smoothest application possible. I will be wearing this bronzer all the way into winter.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

My Vintage Ray Ban Obsession

I am completely obsessed with vintage Ray Ban Aviators. Not the Wayfarers. Not new any of the new models. But vintage Ray Ban Aviators. Mediums will do but prefer large. Who says size doesn't matter. :)

I have found some pairs online that I feel are my glassmates (your soulmate in sunglass form.) My dream pair I have yet to find. I would love to find a pair of B&L Ray Ban Brown Tone CHANGEABLES/SELF DARKENING LENS 62mm for an affordable price. If you know of a pair hit me up.

Here are some of my recent favorites. Warning you might become obsessed too.




Saturday, June 5, 2010

I am not a Cowgirl but....



I am not big on Westeren wear and haven't worn anything that a cowgirl would wear since an ugly cowboy hat phase back in the late 90's. And believe me when I say it was ugly. So I was pretty surprised when I fell hard for denim shirts. I want to find the perfect denim shirt to be the center of my summer/fall wardrobe. I could wear it in the summer at night with denim cutoffs and heels, wear it over summer tanks, with a dressy skirt. In the fall I can wear it with dressy slacks, denim jeans and longer skirts. I have seen several that I like but this one from J.Crew I love. To bad my size is sold out. :(

Saturday, May 29, 2010

What's Up for Fall Makeup



Wearing Fall’s Orange Color Palette: Q & A with Makeup Artist Marissa Nemes

With naturally undone looks and an orange color palette ruling the 2010 runways, we’re seeing a departure from the red lips and smoky eye looks of past seasons. We asked Marissa Nemes, a Miami-based makeup artist, who’s worked on films, television and editorial, to give us the lowdown on the Fall 2010 face:

What are key makeup looks for Fall 2010?
The Fall 2010 makeup look is inspired by many different women morphed into one; Romantic meets Glamorous meets Edgy. It’s a clean, confident look using vibrant orange hues, created by balancing a fierce warm color with a softer cool tone on a nude and undone natural face.

Oranges, rusts and peaches were prevalent on runways from the Fall 2010 shows. Will we see a lot more of these colors, and how are they wearable for the average woman?
Yes, we will be seeing pops of bold oranges, soft rusts and healthy peaches continue to grow in our everyday makeup wardrobes. These shades give off a beautiful warm glow which our skin craves. It is wearable for the average women. To pull it off, leave everything clean and focus on a certain area of your face. If the focus is the eyes, here’s how to work the look: rust colored, romantic eyes, matte skin, peachy pink on the cheeks, and a sheer nude lip.

Are finishes and looks leaning towards matte instead of shiny? Why? Any special techniques or considerations when applying a matte look?
A matte glow is what I am leaning towards for fall. No one wants to look shiny. This undone look shows off the skin’s natural glow and looks modern and clean. You can create the effect by blending in a translucent powder all over, and topping it with a tiny bit of illuminator above the cheekbones and at the bridge of your nose. If you prefer more coverage, a sheer veil of a powder foundation will do the trick.

It’s easy to think that natural, no-fuss makeup is effortless, when really it’s not as easy to pull off as it looks. What are some tricks and tips you should consider for a naturally-undone looking face?
A healthy diet, sleep and a good night time moisturizer is key to the beginning of a naturally-undone looking face. Once you’ve mastered brighter skin from your lifestyle choices (or not), here are some tips for creating an effortless look with makeup. First, apply a tinted moisturizer with SPF. Once that settles in, apply and blend in your concealer under the eyes and in any areas which need attention. Secondly, sweep over a velvety powder foundation with SPF, topped with a little bronzer where the sun hits your face. Next, blend a creamy, flesh-toned blush on the apples of your cheeks. Since cream eyeshadows are my favorite for this look, apply one in a healthy color such as sheer pink or peach, blending it all the way from your lash line to your brow bone. Then curl your lashes and apply your mascara. To finish off this look, dab on NARS Cosmetics new Pure Sheer SPF lip treatment on your lips. Two sprays of La Mer’s “The Mist” on your face, and you’re officially naturally undone.

It seems that if you want to achieve a very natural look, you should use mineral makeup. It’s rare these days to find a cosmetic line that doesn’t have one or many mineral-based products. How do these formulas differ from others and what should you consider when choosing mineral makeup?
When I was introduced to mineral makeup a few years ago, I knew it had great potential. The industry pleasantly surprised me and I am thrilled to see the tremendous growth of organic cosmetics! Mineral makeup is made with organic and all natural ingredients, versus traditional makeup which is made with conventional ingredients. Mineral makeup is talc-free, oil-free and chemical-free and excellent for normal to oily prone skin. As individuals transition into a healthier lifestyle change, they may want to consider changing up their makeup as well and “going green” with products. While considering mineral makeup, look for powders with SPF and know that mineral makeup is easy to blend and build with a powder brush. At times, mineral makeup may appear darker in the case. Before you purchase it, try the product on your hand or on the inside of your arm to make sure the color blends well into your skin. It is not only good for your skin but also good for the environment!

Marissa Nemes: Makeup Artist

Marissa Nemes' love of beauty began when she was a young girl. Her chic grandmother Zelda, a fashion designer from Poland, played a memorable role in Marissa's early childhood. Zelda's motto "if you look good you'll feel good" has stayed with Marissa since day one. Always thinking of Zelda's fashion forward beauty and style, Marissa vividly remembers her grandmother's palette of colorful eyeshadows, lipsticks and baby blonde hair.

Marissa knew she was destined to be an artist at a very early age when color naturally motivated her on a daily basis. Marissa started to paint abstract canvasses, snap photos from around the world and suggest colors and makeup techniques to her mother, sisters and clients. While Marissa's impressive background includes both photography and fashion degrees, she felt most fulfilled as a makeup artist.

Best known for her iconic, clean and classic style, Marissa has had involvement in aesthetic styling for feature films such as The Mummy III and The Aviator, branching out to TV shows such as MTV's "My Super Sweet 16." Marissa has built an outstanding reputation through word of mouth for her excellent work ethic and editorial coverage in publications such as French Vogue, Cosmopolitan and Seventeen Magazine.

Marissa is consistently inspired by vintage glamour, nature's beauty as well as man's brilliant architecture that is evident in major cities throughout the world. Marissa's travels through Europe, Africa, The Middle East and North America, connected her global aesthetic with the ability to appreciate beauty and diverse cultures in all its forms. Having the necessary skills which the industry requires, Marissa's glowing personality and intense passion for makeup give her the perfect balance to always challenge herself and create timeless pieces of work. She continues to follow her heart and work internationally as a makeup artist.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Chris Benz- Wool Crepe Pant



I love these. No I am in love with these. Like full on madly in love with these pants. I love how much they mix 70's funk with modern day tailoring. I love the pockets. I love the rich Midnight Navy color. Is it legal to marry a pair of pants?

CHRIS BENZ Wool Crepe Pant in Midnight Navy ($798, forwardforward.com)

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Beauty News- Target Expands Offerings With More African American Salon Products



Beauty News- Target Expands Offerings With More African America Salon Products

Target recently announced that it has expanded its hair care assortment to include popular African American salon products never before offered at mass.

Products available at select Target stores and Target.com will include favorites Miss Jessie’s, CURLS, The Jane Carter Solution, and the Target exclusive SheaMoisture.

“By offering an accessible assortment of salon-quality brands and everyday essentials, Target is the destination for guests’ beauty needs,” said Keri Jones, SVP merchandising, Target. “With the introduction of Miss Jessie’s and other new launches, our guests will now find more of the products they want, need and trust.”

I was extremely happy to hear this news. Not only is Target providing African American women more shopping options but also they choose really amazing lines to include in their expansion. Here is a little bit more about each of the collections that are part of the expansion-

*Miss Jessie’s is at the heart of the hair care passion at Target and is a hair care industry and celebrity favorite. If you have curls or waves and haven’t tried Miss Jessie’s then you need to rush to your nearest Target. Miss Jessie’s line helps to manage and enhance curly styles with products like Quick Curl, Rapid Recovery, Curly Buttercreme and the award winning Curly Pudding. Miss Jessie’s is the gold standard in curly hair care. Prices range from $14-$58.

*CURLS is the first line of premium, ethnic hair care products created specifically for multiracial women with naturally curly hair. The products were created with this curly hair type in mind and the line includes Lavish Curls Moisturizer, Goddess Curl Gel and Cream Brule. Prices range from $7.99-$10.99

*SheaMoisture is an exclusive at Target with over 14 natural an organic personal care solutions, SheaMoisture shampoos, conditioners and hair treatments will be oared, all priced at $9.99. The line includes Coconut Hibiscus Curl & Syye Mil, Raw Shea Restorative Shampoo an Africa Black Balancing Conditioner.