Talk It Out Global

I have spent the last couple of days in different environments. I will let you guys in on the photographical journey I embarked a bit later on in the post countdown, but I can discuss things now.

Being from NY, I am much more used to climate changes, higher humidity, and generally “whatever goes.” Our weather switches with seasons and then within switches as well. Sometimes it won’t make sense why it’s snowing in April or hot in December, but you roll with the punches and make it work a la Tim Gunn with whatever your closet holds at the time.

The same applies to your makeup and skincare stash. My NY self arrived in Florida to the definition of southern hospitality from the ClumpsofMascara fam. But I also arrived overpacked. There was much less humidity and wind factor, so my hair behaved a bit more than usual (and I wasn’t expecting it to be so hot in the fall because I am a New Yorker, but that’s besides the point!), and my skin didn’t need as much support with the various options I usually have (moisturizer, SPF, etc.).

Which got me thinking about how much my global positioning has to do with what my makeup and skincare stash holds.

Does your geographic location have any impact on what products you need or use? Talk it out!


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Sephora Makeup Brushes

PhotobucketI recently posted about makeup brushes, and how to find good ones. To recap, check out the post here! That post was a long time coming thanks to my neverending search, but it was also because I needed an intro to my current Sephora obsession.

Over a week ago, I went to the HBA Global Expo in New York. Admittedly, being that the show is for product development, there was only so much a blogger can find out. What I did find was a plethora of innovation, and my favorite was my last stop.

A lot of the companies at the Expo were manufacturers and co-packers. What does that mean to the average consumer? These are the companies that make someone’s ideas come to fruition. If you want to sell cosmetics and need someone to make the cases, packaging, etc. these are the people you call.

The whole show was full of products that I can’t wait to see companies pick up. The benefits of going to an Expo like this is too have the aha! moment when you see a product on a shelf that you knew was coming.
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Enough of the chit chat though, which one was my fave? Magnetic brushes. These are brushes that have one base and interchangeable brush heads. There were sets from a couple to plenty. I begged one woman to sell me a sample set but she wouldn’t budge. 🙂 Hey… I tried! She did give me some scoop though. She showed me that Sephora jumped on the bandwagon and I could get it from them.

The set includes three face brushes that has a metal look to it. I’m not sure what the casing is made of, but I’ll let y’all know soon (as I have already ordered mine – don’t judge!). The brushes are super soft and are interchangeable into the main case with magnets. It comes with a case and is size friendly & saves space, being that it is halves of brushes.

Non HBA related, are other brushes that Sephora came out with. These are the double ended makeup brushes that are for face and eyes (or whatever else use you can find for it). Disclaimer: I am not a big fan of always defining a brush by a title. I feel that a lot of brushes can serve multiple or different purposes than the original intention, and don’t like to pigeon hole them with a title. Again – this is because I am My Own Judge & I strongly urge you to be your own as well! 🙂 They kind of remind me of seesaws, with a big brush and a flip to a small brush.

The brushes come in some fab bright colors and given that they are basically two for one are not overpriced for a Sephora brush. That hopefully explains that this does not mean that they are cheap, but expected. Just like you wouldn’t expect a Prada bag to magically cost $20.

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This is a picture of the brushes on display at the store. The names and prices are exactly as they are in store. Thankfully this pic came out quite clear!

These brushes are very cute and I adore the bright colors. The fact that they are double ended serves as a blessing and as a curse in my eyes. It’s nice that they are double the duty for the money and the space, but unless storage is horizontal, I imagine ruining the shape of the brush at one point in time. Also – at first try, these brushes were too brittle for me. I’m not much of a one time judge though, so I visited these brushes over a period of time and came to a conclusion that though they are not the softest, the feel is actually not so bad. My verdict for these is that if you had the extra funds, they’d be a great addition b/c the colors have plenty attitude. But if you need a good super soft brush that you can tote anywhere, I wouldn’t recommend these.

http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=myowju-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B002EHCZ00 http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=myowju-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B002EHF0PW http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=myowju-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B002EHH59G http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=myowju-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B002EH9EIQ http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=myowju-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B002EHCYVU

Have you tried them? What do you think?


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MOJ at the Artist Summit in MIA!

I’m in Florida!!

Anyone been listening to LMFAO? They sing about being in Miami, and that’s definitely what is running through my head all day. I’m hanging out with my girl Brittany from Clumps of Mascara and would love to meet fellow readers and bloggers in the Miami and/or Orlando area.

Hit up the twitter or the e-mail to let me know if you have places for me to go or would like to meet up. Also – anyone want to go to the summit conmigo? Let me know too! I have just enough passes for a couple of folks to come and hobnob!
Check out the event details here. If you can’t make it this week, next week they are heading over to Chicago.
Read on to hear the song I keep hearing internally.

October is the month of Pink!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, in case y’all haven’t realized just yet. This is a subject very close to my heart. While I was in high school, a friend started a school group that raised funds and awareness for cancer, and when I took over as president, for other causes as well.

Apart from being a female and wanting for everyone to have a chance for good health and survival, I know that the women in our lives are super duper important. John Mayer wrote a song called Daughters, where he sings about fathers and mothers being good to their daughters, because one day, they’ll be mothers too. Don’t get me wrong, I love men as well, but in an almost all female family, you start to get a little dizzy with the female power.

Please take a chance this month to speak to your doctor about check-ups and tests, or in the least do a self check on yourself. Remember to look beyond just your chest to check for abnormalities. You may think that looking for something is a bad omen because it’s as though you are inviting bad things to happen, but really, this is to better empower you to know when change happens, and to fix it quickly. Take a look at these sites for some more info: BreastCancer.org & the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. An educated woman is a healthier woman! A healthy & happy woman contributes to a happy & healthy family! Men – remember that you are not exempt from this and take care of yourself as well!

If you care to do a little helpful shopping this month though, there are various companies banding together with charities for the cause, so your money will always be well spent. Take a looksee through some of these, and let me know if you come across others that I forget to cover!

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ChinaGlaze is out with a trio of pretty pinks called Care in Colour to help support the cause. Click over to Head2Toe Beauty for yours! I have ordered a set for myself, so stay tuned for swatches as well!

PhotobucketPhilosophy has Shower (gel) For The Cure (everybody has to shower… right?) benefiting the Women’s Cancer Research Fund

shower for the cure is philosophy’s pink ribbon shower gel – a creamy all-in-one formula that can be used as a shampoo, shower gel or bubble bath. this long-time philosophy favorite contains a touch of milk proteins and fruit essences to provide a delightful experience for your senses. shower for the cure represents the spirit of every woman and 100% of philosophy’s net proceeds from the sale of shower for the cure will be donated to the Women’s Cancer Research Fund. please note that this product is non-refundable. the memorable scent and poem on the pink ribbon shower gel was inspired by the unforgettable charity event, one of hollywood’s most beloved occasions which is held every spring and is chaired by Rita Wilson and Kate Capshaw.

Photobucket Purple Lab (famously of Huge Lips, Skinny Hips) has a lip gloss that is SWAC (Sealed With A Cure).

A delicious shimmering Pale Pink with Gold Flecks! PurpleLab has partnered with The Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation to create a special lip gloss, SWAC (“Sealed With a Cure”), of which some of the proceeds will go to the charity. The gloss has been designed to boost “beauty, health, and confidence” while raising money for breast cancer research.

The gloss is: haraben-free, has health boosting and immune system enhancing ingredients including Mangosteens Echinacea, scented with uplifting Vanilla, has real gold flecks, and enriched with anti-aging peptides!

Keep checking back here for more details on the best ways to support causes & your beauty counter as well! 🙂 But if y’all know something I don’t? You know what to do!

Choosing a Makeup Brush (or two…)

Photobucket Sometimes it takes forever to find the perfect brush. Aside from finding one that offers accurate application and long time for usage and safe keeping, sometimes we want to indulge in the materialistic and just have our brushes look cute. Who hasn’t looked at a bright color (if that’s your thing) on a brush and thought “ooohh I think I need that” or come up to your favorite makeup counter and saw that they added brushes to their line?

Now I don’t know if y’all ever heard about that scraggly word assume yet or not. I heard it first in elementary school from a teacher (yup – classy) & was informed that when you assume, you make the first three letters of the fourth and the last two. Get it? Well, sometimes it’s easy to assume. It’s easy to get caught up in the branding of a product and assume that if the product is great, the rest of the brand will follow. The same with assuming of economics; if something is cheap, it’ll treat you right, or it will just have to do, being that the budget is apparent and not budge(t)-ing.

Now here’s the thing y’all. You can get away with doing plenty with nary a single brush. So really, the necessity is to get a good brush. And until then, there are plenty a cheap alternative to keep you pretty.

First – your fingers. Most everyone is blessed with plenty a digit to use as makeup applicators. These will never be too big for your face as they are yours, and they will be much better at carrying product b/c you can easily feel how much is picked up. The negative? Oils on your fingertips may not always aid in the longest lasting look.

Second – Q-Tips. Now these bad boys come plenty in a pack and can be used for makeup removal, touch up, application, testing, and oh yes – ear cleaning! They are sized appropriately Photobucketenough to fit in your pocket, in your wallet, cosmetics bag, anywhere! I also don’t think there are many a negative about q-tips available. The only one for me is using it with glossy or creamy products, because the cotton gets fussy & attaches itself to parts of my face that I’d rather it didn’t.

Third – don’t look at me like I’m crazy, buttesters! Plenty a store gives out testers & many will attest to the fact that I get plenty a tester to carry with me in my bag for last minute application & fixes. I especially love the mascara testers to use in lash separation post mascara application on the go, and for brown brushing if the winds get rough.

Last but not least – there are lots of “good enough” and mini brushes that come with the products you already buy. Beyond the “gift with purchase,” many companies are adding efficiency to their products by supplying you with a “one stop shop,” so that you can have a mirror and applicator in one product.

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To get a good brush, I searched the net for a bunch of tips and tidbits on what would help you get a good purchase with no buyer’s remorse to follow. I found these two to be the most helpful: Makeup Tips: Brushes and Cosmetic Mall, Guide to Selection.

From what I’ve read, and mostly from what I look for on a regular basis, this is what the mental checklist ought to include:

  • Soft & comfortable feeling.
    This is something you are putting on your face.
  • Doesn’t shed when testing on your hand.
    Granted, there will always at one point or other be shedding for a brush. That admittedly, is the nature of it. It won’t last for an infinity. However, if it is already shedding on your hand, that is not a good foreshadowing for applications to come.
  • Easy to hold.
    Without touching your face (the brush needs to be washed before you let it touch your face post purchase!) try to mimic your application technique. Does this feel fine? Is the handle too big/thick/short?
  • Shape of brush.
    Just because it says eyeshadow brush doesn’t mean it will serve you well as an eyeshadow brush. Perform the same motions that you do on your face while testing on your hand (i.e. blending). Does the brush go too far? Does it not cover enough space?

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Have you found the right brush(es)? Still searching? Tips and tricks? Tell me all!


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Personal Triumphs

A lot of us know what it feels like to be special. You know, when you worked hard, or you’re just spectacularly awesome and someone notices? No need for you to put up a billboard or advertise. It gets noticed.

I’ve felt that when former VIBE editor Danyel Smith responded to my tweet and then commented to a post on my blog. And though a New Yorker, I’ve run into plenty celebrities (I’m not the stalking type – let them live!), it felt good to hear Miss Amerie tell me she liked my lipstick color last NYFW (story for another day). Point is, you try to be the best you for as much of 24 hours of everyday as possible. But it feels so much more awesome when someone calls you out on it.

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So let’s hear it for my girl Kayla whose group photo was chosen by Amber Rose as a background pic for twitter. Amber Rose is one hot mama, as is her name in the press. If my picture in my Blast from the Past getup was chosen, I’d be feeling like ice cubes (cool & floating… get it? … never mind).

So I hope Miss K (she’s the one on the end on the right y’all) feels as awesome today as she’s been forever.

Did you get your dosage of awesomery interjection? What was it?

p.s. don’t bother clicking ‘read more’ on this post – this is all she wrote.


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Printed Material

Photobucket Lunch time at work for me is usually a lot more about venturing out into the world of retail. Apparel and cosmetics find no shelter from my wandering eyes as my stomach does (or does not… we really don’t always mind) rumble along the way. This is the time when I usually slap on my headphones and explore everything. Sometimes, like an addict, I slip up and come back to work with goodies, to a side eye and a headshake from coworkers. But really, what do they know!? 🙂

My last trip to the Gap had me excited about the beginning of fall. A lot of stores jump the gun too early and start bringing fall merchandise out, as I barely wipe the sweat off my brow and pull my sunglasses off my face. It’s always hard to ignore future fantasies at full price, because even if the weather outside is hot, you don’t want to let a cute outfit slip by you. Am I the only one with the epic internal shopper’s struggle here? Don’t hide behind your computer screens!

I came across some tees from Product(RED) that I was pretty impressed with. The designs were simple and not too exaggerated, but had a great message. This is after the fact that Product(RED) is a great campaign to begin with.

Some of who what wears of Product(RED):

(RED) is a business model created to raise awareness and money for the Global Fund by teaming up with the world’s most iconic brands to produce (PRODUCT) RED branded products. A portion of profits from each (PRODUCT) RED product sold goes directly to the Global Fund to invest in African AIDS programs, with a focus on women and children.

(RED) is not a charity. It’s a business model designed to create awareness and a sustainable flow of money from the private sector into the Global Fund, to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Consumers buy (PRODUCT) RED, and at no cost to them, money is sent directly to the Global Fund.

Bono and Bobby Shriver created (RED) to engage the private sector in the fight against AIDS in Africa. Our partners include: American Express (UK only), Apple, Bugaboo, Converse, Dell, Emporio Armani, Gap, Hallmark, Starbucks, and Windows. Discussions are ongoing with other potential partners.

For its (RED) line, Gap has drawn design inspiration directly from Africa – its vibrant culture, architecture and people. So the clothes you wear can make a statement about who you are. Wear (RED) and save lives.

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The tees that I liked were both saying the following message:

What we collectively choose to buy or not to buy can change the course of this planet.”

The tees are no longer available on the Gap website, but are still on sale on the Product(RED) site here.

After tees with printed sayings burst onto the market, I grabbed up a couple obnoxious ones. Clearly, I just had to get one that said Kiss Me, I’m Jewish, and a few other silly and similar ones. Almost all of them have passed on to the Salvation Army, but graphic tees that incorporate sayings still have a get out of jail free card from me.

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I really appreciate these tees because they didn’t just rely on the message, or branding to sell themselves. There was evident graphic thought put into this, and they even added a variety of designs. The message translates into more than just buying the tee – it can allude to buying and being green as much as it does to supporting companies that in return give back to the planet and its inhabitants.

What do you think? Do you like these tees? How do you feel about clothing with sayings on them?


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