Artist Summit Miami

PhotobucketHow could I continue and introduce brands and events, if I didn’t at least share what my new camera captured in Florida?

While smaller than the NY Makeup Show in size for commerce, the lessons and seminars were of the most value. As I continue with new knowledge and inspiration, I hope you enjoy the images of the brands that both break through into the market to continued jaw dropping reactions, as well as the brands who never fail to amaze year in and year out, from quality to customer service.

The best part of these shows for me? Realizing that this is much more than just makeup. The search for the perfect product to accentuate and work well with every person’s beauty is evident from the product selection, to the dedication from even the creators (who are almost always present at each show!).

I’ll be doing some in depth reviews and intros to some brands, while others, the pictures will be worth plenty words.

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Inglot Cosmetics – watch out for my review

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Crown Brush – the best quality for the cheapest price

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owner of Pencil Me In Cosmetics showing that her pencils aren’t just great for shadowing and lining the eyes – but making fancy hairstyles too!

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Danessa Myricks showcasing her brand (I Make You Beautiful) of dvd’s & makeup. And her fab hair y’all!

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My girl Britt from ClumpsofMascara showcasing Naked Cosmetics!

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OCC (Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics)

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Ruby Room aromas & sprays. Stay tuned for an intro and review.

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Always a fave, Korres

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A new fave, Yaby Cosmetics

p.s. this is a new & very loved camera for me – What y’all think about it? Snazzy photos?


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NOTD mashup

My Own Judge Nail ChallengeAs you read this, I will be attempting to be a snazzy paintball shooter. I have never tried, but I envision myself to go in and knock everyone out like a sniper. I might just come back sad and bruised, but as I continue my Nail-a-Day challenge, and try to catch up with the days I owe ya, I’ll keep the digits soft, unscathed, and unbruised.

Want to take part of this challenge? Everyone is welcome – even if you extend your -a-day part with a week or a-every other day! 🙂

Send me your mani pics, and I’ll feature them as part of the challenge. I’m sure by end of each month, I can scrounge up some fancy polishes as a reward for the most original submission(s)! 🙂

Read on to see all the colors that I sported, and let me know which is your fave. For reference, whenever there are two pictures, the one on the left is without flash, and the one on the right is with.

Beauty Rush Velvetini Beauty Rush Velvetini
Victoria’s Secret, Beauty Rush in Velvetini
This one is a bit difficult to apply, but I will do a separate review of this line a bit later. The color is very pretty in the bottle and with flash, but extremely hard to capture with either regular camera, or with the naked eye after more than one coat (which is necessary).

Barielle Shades Grape Escape Barielle Shades Grape Escape
Shades by Barielle, in Grape Escape
This one was totally stolen from my fellow Bloggin’ Beaut, Britt from ClumpsofMascara. I knew that this bad boy had to travel to the Big Apple ever since she posted about it, but now I’m not sure if I’ll send it back to the orange state. (Okay I will, relax!). The color is an amazing vibrant purple and is not like any other I have seen.

Barielle Shades Sweet Addiction Barielle Shades Sweet Addiction
Shades by Barielle, in Sweet Addiction
Such a pleasant green, that I’m ssssweetly addicted. :)~ Yet another win win from Shades by Barielle. I’m not sure what had my nail lumpy in the picture without flash, but it seemed to have gone away with flash. The green though? Super minty and melon-y. Just enough bright to be reminiscent of warmer weather, but appropriate still to be fashionably forward in the office.

And now this… is just a tease of polishes to come. My other Bloggin’ compadre, over from VampyVarnish posted about these polishes not found in the US, and I was so enamored that I scampered over to eBay to get them right away. I used my Ebates account when doing so, so I already got money back for my purchase, but the polishes are reward enough themselves!

MyOwnJudge Guppy Polishes

Which one is your favorite? Any requests?


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Use it or Lose it!

Photobucket I don’t often share such intimate details of my life, but now is the best time. For the past couple of weeks, I have been complaining of pains normally unfamiliar to a gal as young as I. I have been having some heart pains and my knees have expressed stress and pain as well. The vanity factor was gone. It was time to head back to the gym to reclaim my health.

So here’s my confession: Within the past two and a half years I have gained 45 pounds. This is not cute y’all for many reasons.

  1. I am no longer the size I am comfortable at.
  2. The weight is an unnatural extra burden on my heart and knees.
  3. I stopped working out = out of shape!

Therefore, I’m doing it y’all! I’m joining the 50 Million Pound Challenge! I am hopping onto the bandwagon and joining the Mascara Mamas team headed by my gal Britt from Clumps of Mascara.

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This is the homepage of the 50 Million Pound Challenge and Dr. Ian Smith’s intro video. I found it funny that they digitally put his hand on the Join Now button just slightly wrong. 🙂

I’ll be posting tips for losing weight and improving health habits and updating y’all with my extra pounds, so if you don’t want to hear about it… too bad! 🙂


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Week of Nights Out

This week is a surefire week to get your pockets thinning. As Halloween threatens it’s sugary tricks and treats with the October dates ticking away, companies are putting together various events as the last hurrah before shoppers begin to hibernate and order online through the chilly weather.

I’ll be at most of these events, and I’m sharing witcha, because it’d be great to see you too!

All of you non-NY bunnies, don’t you fear! The first two events are available in various cities across the US, so just click on the image to see which is closest to you, and when!

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Style Fixx Girl’s Night Out

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Shecky’s Girl’s Night Out

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Nails Night Out NYC

Where will you be on the Nights Out??


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Floridian Adventures

PhotobucketRemember when I was traveling south to the state of Florida? Well I got some travel photos for ya!

I always love staying with locals when traveling, because I feel like there is no book or guide that will show you the city like a local can. I try to make that a fact when people visit NY, and my girl Brit from ClumpsofMascara did not disappoint either! She had the double duty of showing me Miami and Orlando, and between the Artist Summit and my freak catch of a cold, she had her job cut out for her.

Being a city gal, I’m not used to certain things. City gal might have been an understatement – being a NY gal, I’m not used to quiet streets, having to drive to stores, and worst of all not having things open until all hours of the night. (Yes my city has spoiled me – suck it up!). I’m sure all my comments might have gotten on B’s Southern nerves… but I wasn’t kicked out of a car or a house the whole time, so it was a success!

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view from the car – plenty of fancy vehicles on the road


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fancy colors and brands at the Artist Summit in Miami (more details to come)

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Britt and her cuzzo getting the start treatment from Koren (Enkore Makeup) & Naked Cosmetics

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Visiting Dash in Miami (of course I had to take a tourist pic lol)

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the sisters are all nailed on the wall (no pun intended hehe)

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Miss Bryana & Yana(me) by the beach (that might not be how you spell her name, but it will be for today)

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We’re so snazzy, we stayed in this hotel… (psych!)

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kinda feelin’ myself at the beach…

I got more pictures and more coverage, but you gotta wait! 🙂


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Talk It Out Tuesday! War Paint?


Tuesday is upon us yet again, and I have plenty to pick your brain about!

Today’s question is about make up practices in another’s eyes. This is the men vs. women debate.

Last weekend, I was preparing to go out for dinner and a movie with my someone special, and I was trying to pull all the stops. Now let’s clarify: I am not a makeup everyday kind of girl. The daily product addiction you can convict me of would be gloss and perfume.

There are plenty days when I wake up and realize the bags under my eyes are threatening (usually this is just in my head b/c no one else seems to get the hysteria) to overpower the ginormous bags on my shoulders. Those days, I extend into concealer on my eyelids and under my eyes. If I have pimples, the last thing I do is conceal them (as I have found that to be the number one agitator for it, personally).

When I have to do face pictures, or meet with companies, I dig a little deeper into my bag containing the kitchen sink & use some mascara and light bronzer, and maybe some eyeshadow. This is all usually done on the subway, en route to said locations/meetings. The only times that I stay home and apply makeup is for when there is an abundance of time (rare) or when there is an event.

The last prep reasoning is a recent phenomenon. I used to use the same products for getting ready as I mentioned (mascara & light bronzer) for nights out as well. Then I started reading blogs. Then I started one of my own. Then I discovered YouTube tutorials. It’s been slightly downhill since then. All my new knowledge of shading, and contouring just has to be put into action now. That’s what I said when I was asked why my beauty regimen nearly doubled in practice. And then I heard this: Have you ever gotten a male’s opinion about makeup?

Now this was a question that should’ve been put into a script probably. I could just hear the background harp & the light go on above my head. Have I? The men in my family didn’t care much for it, the dates I’ve went on didn’t either. Overall, my face seemed to get the best reviews when bare.

I try not to justify my outfits or makeup for someone else. That’s a dangerous practice, as you’re always going to run into a comparison, and eventually you’ll always find something else to change. So I try to do it all for me. Do I get caught up in the hype? Plenty of times. But I do try.

So now I’m seeking the male opinion. What have y’all heard from the other sex Ladies & Gents? What’s the verdict on the war paint?

I’ll still be makeup my face, but I’m going to try to keep any excuse out. If I’m wearing it, it’ll most likely (look y’all I said I try…) be because I just want to… for me.


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Only for the Fairest…

PhotobucketI’m always trying to tell you when this sale or that sale is happening, but as far as beauty is concerned, it is usually one every week, if that often. Well no more with that nonsense!

Sign up for The Fairest (click the link to let them know yaya sent ya), an all beauty all the time sale site. Think of it as the one stop destination for your wallet friendly but product junkie needs. Read more to find out about what and who is the Fairest, but click click away, as sign-up is free!

What is the Fairest?

The Fairest is an exclusive, members-only online beauty destination where beauty lovers can participate in premier-brand, private sale boutiques, each open for 24 to 48 hours. Membership is free and members can purchase today’s top beauty brands up to 75% off of retail.

Our goal is to create an elegant and educational online boutique that showcases the best of beauty at irresistible prices. Sales are accompanied by commentary from tastemakers and experts in beauty. With this approach, The Fairest goes beyond a unique online shopping experience and provides its members with a trusted insider source of industry news and “What’s Next” in Beauty.

Who is The Fairest?

The Fairest is brought to you by a group of beauty lovers who are looking to make the way you shop for beauty brands easier. The team includes experts from product development, beauty retailing and editorial.


Check out The Fairest blog as well!


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As October continues…

PhotobucketAt the last Bloggin’ Beauts meet up, Breast Cancer Awareness month came up in conversation and it was agreed that the month of October has turned into more of a marketing ploy. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate to the highest degree what many of our favorite companies are doing by partnering with research organizations and the like, but you have to be careful where you shop for the cause.

A lot of companies will divulge how much of a percentage of the proceeds from a product goes to the actual cause. It’s a bit of a shame when products that cost hundreds of dollars donate $1 or $2 to charity from each product. On the one hand, it is still a step into more research, but on the other it seems just a bit wasteful. But never fear, there are lots of companies that make products specifically that give all the proceeds from a product to research, or partner with non-profit organizations that have the best ratio of spending to research (as in salaries vs. research funds, etc.). Check out these links to see accredited and “graded” charities (not just cancer-related):

I will continue to post a group of promotional products at a time while the month is going along, because pink is a great color, and y’all should find a good cause and buy just one thing. Won’t hurt right?

PhotobucketHelp Smashbox support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This limited-edition lipstick ($22) in our best-selling babydoll pink shade is a beautiful way to give back. 40% of the proceeds benefit the Los Angeles County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, to help raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research grants, meritorious awards, and educational, scientific and community outreach programs around the world.

The silky-smooth formula with Vitamin E and Tahitian Flower delivers non-stop hydration and soft shine for gorgeous, lasting color.

Limited-edition sleeve inspired by the Fashion for the Cure® benefit, which will feature the Diane von Furstenberg Cruise/Pre-Spring Collection 2009/2010.

Photobucket E.L.F.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and in support of that e.l.f will donate 100% from the purchase of each Bubble Gum Pink Nail Polish ($1) and 50% from the purchase of each Pink Mini Makeup Collection ($15) ordered in the month of October to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®. BCRF is dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime by funding clinical and translational research worldwide.

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Three Custom Color Specialists
have a lip gloss that’s sure to show your appreciation for womankind and research alike.

This October, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are proud to introduce Be Bright Pink Lip Gloss, an exclusive shade created to support Bright Pink, a national non-profit organization that provides education and support to young women who are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer. 20% of sales generated by the purchase of Be Bright Pink Lip Gloss will be donated to support Bright Pink’s mission to help women proactively take control of their health via education, support and community development for those at risk. To learn more about this amazing charity, log on to www.bebrightpink.org.

Be Bright Pink Lip Gloss is a sheer carnation pink with a silver satin finish, designed to flatter all skin tones. As we never discontinue, we will proudly continue to donate a portion of the sales of Be Bright Pink Lip Gloss to Bright Pink for years to come.

Find out more about Susan G Komen’s Fashion for the Cure, and the Be Bright Pink organizations and campaigns in the respective links.


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Moisturize Me Softly…

PhotobucketAfter reading a past issue of Marie Claire (I’m painfully behind in my reads), I was most intrigued by the article concerning beauty practices around the world. Ning Chao wrote about her experiences throughout Japan, learning about the practices of Japanese women, and sometimes comparing it to American habits.

Ning mentioned vinegars and shrinking techniques, but what hogged my attention was the skincare regimen.

The Japanese approach to skincare is the opposite of American antiaging, where we try to peel our way back to the past. “We think our skin is very delicate,” says MC’s Moriyama. Here, stripping toner is replaced with a “softener.” “Removing too much of the top layer of the skin gets rid of all its protective-barrier functions, including the inhibition of water loss,” explains Dr. Chita Katagiri, a research scientist for Shiseido. The Japanese beauty giant’s latest skincare line, Future Solution LX, has an Extra Rich Cleansing Foam, Concentrated Balancing Softener, and Total Regenerating Cream, all designed to keep the skin’s surface in peak condition. According to Katagiri, a healthy outer layer prevents problems like dryness, environmental damage, inflammation, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. To maintain perfection, Japanese women religiously wear sunscreen and foundation every day. Smudge-, sweat-, and humidity-proof, the formulas here are heavy duty, but the payoff is flawlessness.

It made me beckon back a month or so to when I started my regimen on kindness to my face. It involved more natural products, and a much more disciplined night and morning routine.I received this product at the NYC Bloggin’ Beauts event, and after learning more about the brand and product with the rest of the Bloggin’ Beauts, I felt braver about trying it out.

Korres Wild Rose 24-hour Moisturizer

http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&nou=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=myowju-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B000IMPD3O• Wild Rose oil, a potent, natural source of vitamin C, significantly diminishes fine lines, hyper- pigmentation and resurfaces skin, revealing a soft and radiant complexion
• Imperata cylindrica a desert plant extract, ensures 24-hour long-lasting hydration by continually regulating the cellular water equilibrium
• Pure vitamin C inhibits free radical damage and brightens the skin
• Phytic Acid, a natural skin lightener, helps illuminating sun damage and acne scarring
• Grape seed extract, rich in Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, helps promote a healthy and youthful complexion
• Olive oil, almost identical in chemical structure to our skin lipids, provides ideal hydration, while allowing the skin to breathe

Within days of using this cream morning and night, my skin was practically praising the Athenian concoction. First of all, it smells great. There are so many creams and gels out there that promise to do many things. While some succeed, and equally as many fail, there are few and far in between that smell good.

One of the reasons that I started to shy away from a disciplined nighttime routine is because I wanted my face to be kissable after it. I didn’t want the medicinal smell and turn into some ice queen. I’d take some wrinkles for more kisses with my honey y’all. My old creams would have to be applied not so liberally and with plenty of time to dry before bedtime.

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You would understand then, why I call the Korres Wild Rose Moisturizer a godsend, as it:
dries in under a minute.

  • smells amazing.
  • leaves skin soft & not sticky.
  • doesn’t make anyone who comes in contact with you recoil from the taste (plenty people kiss cheeks goodnight, right?!).
  • moisturizes skin until morning
  • and though it contains a small amount of SPF.

That last bullet point is for the ladies who sometimes forget or skip the step in the morning (guilty), this is a small layer to protect your skin as compared to leaving it bare against the elements.

Apart from smelling great, this product really delivers. It goes on nonsticky and dries quick, but it doesn’t just evaporate into thin air, leaving you wondering about whatever happened to your night cream. When you wake up (especially from a short slumber that is more appropriately Photobucketcalled a nap), your face is always looking refreshed. This is the magic formula for me. I can sleep for two hours, and Korres will make you think it was 18. Hours later, as my yawns give me away, my skin sits back with my sleepless secret at hand.

Currently, the KorresUSA website is sold out of the Moisturizer (but has plenty other goodies), but I have posted up the link for Amazon (they both sell it for $32.50), and you can take advantage of their trio of skincare products ($49) as well.

Do you use moisturizer? How has it worked out for you?


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Nail Challenge – Continued

PhotobucketLast time I posted a new mani, I was shouting all loud and such about my nail challenge. How I wanted to utilize my extensive collection and somehow make my money well spent after all these years and unnecessary purchases. And then it got really quiet. Well I wasn’t slacking my dear readers. I was merely collecting them because I had a fear that y’all would cuss me out real tender for posting a NOTD every day in addition to regular posts.

I took to a lot of new purchases to showcase this week. My nails have also started revolting, so you will notice that the sizing is a bit different in some. This is either because the hands posing are different sides, or that I lost the war of the growing fingernail at the moment.

A post will be coming up soon about nail care and how to extend the life and length of such, but until then, enjoy the colors!

MAC Dry Martini
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flash on left, no flash on right

Sally Hansen Brisk Blue
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Shades by Barielle Nailtini
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and right as the weekend started to beckon, the nails began to revolt:

LA Girls unnamed mint green and bright as lights orange
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excuse the blurry thumb, I don’t know how that happened, lol


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