From the Runways to the Streets

I know I maybe early on this one (not in the fashion world..but in real life), but I had a photo shoot in NY on Sunday for a magazine submission for the Big September fall issue (late I know). The looks were all inspired by German Expressionism painters, like Munch, Schiele, and Dix. I decided to go with a completely black, glossy lip (done with black eyeliner and clear gloss). Now you maybe wondering, who on earth would wear black lipstick (I've seen it done....don't act like you didn't wear black lipliner in the 90s)?? Well fortunately for you, Giorgio Armani has made it easy with his new Caffe Collection. The collection consist of 5 luxuriously, rich, and creamy lipsticks. Shade 62 is a great wearable interpretation of the black lip trend. Be sure to pair it with the accompanying liner to get a perfectly defined lip that is necessary when wearing such rich shades. It is a beautiful, rich brown that just screams fall and winter. The packaging is extremely chic and sophisticated. I am definitely gifting this to myself!!! I can't wait!!! Fall is among us!!


photo courtesy of www.style.com

To Powder or Not to Powder??

I only powder my face once a day. That's it!! After I apply my concealer, I apply powder on top to set it. That's it!! I don't apply it all over my face nor do I apply it on my nose. I don't like the matte look. Semi-matte. Sometimes. Matte....Never. When will women realize that matte skin does not look healthy nor does it look real.

I think many women hate having oily skin, so they powder themselves constantly throughout the day. They don't realize that powder DOES NOT control oil. I repeat..POWDER DOES NOT CONTROL OIL PRODUCTION!! There is no product out on the market that truly prevents sebum production. Now, there are products that TEMPORARILY do so like oil-control lotions, but it is TEMPORARY...like 2 hours temporary. Please ladies, let go of the constant reapplication of blot powder, loose powder, and studio fix and invest in oil absorbing sheets. please.....

Most celebrities that we see on TV and in magazines have been retouched and are being maintained by their makeup artist. Oil production is a natural function of your skin.

One more thing....if you have skin that isn't flawless (who does...but you know what I mean), don't look for a powder to do the job. That's like asking someone who is a size 12 to fit into a 2. It ain't gonna happen. There are claims of products giving full coverage, but do you really want full coverage from a powder?? Really?? Just imagine what that would look like....

I don't even like to use powder highlighters, unless it is just 200 degrees outside and the person's skin is like an oil slick.

This isn't to give powder a bad rep, but to those who really just sit and apply it all over ....stop it!!

To powder or not to powder....? NOT!!!

Weekend at the Beach

I just got back from a wedding this weekend at Virginia Beach. It was a lovely event. Is it me or do people not dress up for weddings anymore? They used to be such glamorous event, even for those in attendance. The wedding day is not only for the bride. It's a day that you can look your best too!! I just wanted to let you gals know what I wore ( I got sooo many compliments on my look):


Hair:

Side- parted chignon (photo courtesy of www.nexxus.com)
FYI: I have natural hair so to help with the frizzy edges, I apply Aveda Humectant, and tied hair up for about 10mins in satin scarf to smooth.


Make up:

Concealer only!! Too hot for alot of foundation

Queen collection Mineral Bronzer (review on that later this week)

Bobbi Brown Pink Raspberry Blush (from palette)

MAC Tinted Lipbalm spf 15 in Fuschia Fix

Dior Show Mascara

Chocolate Shimmer Eye Shadow (Bobbi Brown)

Espresso Gel Liner (Bobbi Brown)



Clothing:

Kelly Green Shift Dress(Banana Republic)
BCBG Girls Platform Slingbacks (sorry couldn't find a pic).



I got up and went to the beach this morning. Now, I am already a chocolatey girl, but I laid out in the sun(i even got a tan....I look so Chic and Coco Chanel...lol), made sandcastles, and played in the water with my younger cousins. It was such a nice get away!! I haven't been to the beach in years....was great to be a kid again!!

Keeping Cool and Pretty in 100 degree weather

As we know, HEAT + HUMIDITY = MELTING FACE

But to stay cool during these unbearably hot times, I decided to pick up some items from Douglas yesterday while out on a mini shopping trip. Here are my recommendations for keeping cool, but cute during such humid times,


1.Instead of trying to rock a face that you have taken 30 minutes to beat on the floor (for it to only melt onto the floor once you step outside), try playing up your nails. I love Essie Neon Collection. 4 mini cute neon nail colors (magenta, lemon yellow, orange, and hot pink). These can hold up under all kinds of conditions, including sweaty feet. Got these yesterday, and I am rocking Short Shorts(the bright pink) with matching lips.




2.Evian Facial Spray Traveling Companions. I picked these little cuties up yesterday to cool me down. You get 3-1.70z (about 50ml) bottles. They fit perfectly in the purse or the makeup bag. Nice to cool you down without ruining your makeup. This will give you a fresh-faced look, while improving your skin's hydration level. Even the BF loves these. We were spraying each other for the remainder of the day. Keep them in the fridge to get a cool burst of h20.

3.Burt's Bees Deep Cleansing Cream. I love this stuff. This is perfect for the oily gal and the gal with dry skin. really!! It contains chamomile, which helps to soothe the skin. Not to mention that it contains menthol, which gives a nice cooling sensation. I like to cleanse my face with this following my workout. Oh yea, did I mention that this product is 97.00% natural??

Bobbi News

For all of you Bobbi Brown lovers located here in DC, you will now have another place to purchase her products: Blue Mercury of Georgetown.

Starting in August, The whole Bobbi Brown line will be available there!!! YAY!!! I love Blue Mercury!! This store houses my favorite brands, and now they are just really out doing themselves...can't wait!!