New Feature: You Be the Judge!

I have been a little bit under the weather the last few days so I have been staying away from the computer and closer to the Ginger Ale and open windows. It’s not that cool that I feel so odd on the best weather weekend so far, but I have managed to salvage the joy by thinking of a new blog feature for MOJ (I also went bowling on Friday!).

This new feature comes via inspiration from Karen, founder and author of the Makeup and Beauty Blog. Her ‘which one was the best hairdo’ poll is the reason why this one is coming up (click here for an example). To keep up with the theme of the site (see it yet?) You be the Judge will be a variety of photos of a celeb, letting you judge which lipcolor/haircolor/makeup style suits them best.

The inaugural celeb? Hayden Panettiere!



Fess up ladies and gents! You be the Judge, which lipcolor suits the cheerleader best?

tweetmeme_url = ''; http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.jsSharehttp://static.ak.fbcdn.net/connect.php/js/FB.Share

Ombre – Condemed or Still Cool?

MOJ - ADAM Spring 08 RTWSeveral seasons ago, ombre took over the trends. Sure, it was nowhere near the first time anyone heard of it, nor worn it, but practically all brands were on the ombre band wagon. It gave the customer a creative and versatile look, and not too many color patterns work that way in solid format. Ombre is above and beyond a solid color, and holds more weight than tye dye. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like it’s more serious.

I feel like I look stinkin’ fabulous in ombre garments and look forward to spring to break them out. During the fall, I have a beloved ombre leather jacket that blends from a khaki color to a smooth brown as if someone was melting caramel and milk chocolate together. Unless you have a crazy color combination, a light to dark fade will never go out of style in my book.

Which is why it was so disappointing for me to read an article in a magazine (lord if I could remember which one it was!) discussing the exit of ombre for Spring 2010. I vowed to be less fashionable, but rock the darn ombre. Trends are not laws and therefore serve only as suggestions. Am I right?!

MOJ - Calvin Klein Fall 09So spill it. Is ombre rocking your socks? Do you condemn ombre, or is it still cool in your books? What trend has “gone out of fashion” that you refuse to let go (for now, or forever)? We don’t judge at MOJ!

Image credits: Top Style.com Bottom Flypaper (Bluefly Blog)

tweetmeme_url = ''; http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.jsSharehttp://static.ak.fbcdn.net/connect.php/js/FB.Share

Liberty of London takes over US

Liberty of London seems to have taken over the US (and other countries of course…) in one swift move. We have their MAC collection (I’m obsessed with the limited edition designs on the white packaging!), and their Target collection. Cute tops and rain boots to accompany cute packaging and great makeup? I’m all over it! (My favorite purchase from the bunch is the Birds & Berries eyeshadow)

All these partnerships on their behalf opened my eyes up to the brand and now I’m avoiding the pain of my bank account and browsing their selection on Neiman Marcus and more. Do you like any of their new collections?

Do you have a favorite designer partnership?

tweetmeme_url = ''; http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.jsSharehttp://static.ak.fbcdn.net/connect.php/js/FB.Share

Sephora Magnetic Brushes

MOJ - Sephora Magnetic BrushesA while back (and I do mean a while) I mentioned wanting to purchase magnetic brushes. The point is to have the same bottom to the brushes and have the tops interchangeable, and attach to the foundation with a magnet. When I saw a demonstration of these kits, I was hating the fact that it was only for the industry and I was required to buy it for wholesale. I have big dreams and plans, but the wallet is not as accommodating at the moment. I made a last ditch effort and asked the factory’s salesperson (I was at a trade show at the time of said discovery) if there were any retailers that were already on the magnetic wagon. She said yes, but that the retailer only sold a set with three (the other ones had like 12 brushes in the set!). Which retailer? Surprise surprise, she said Sephora!

When I got them in the mail, I felt like a caveman who just discovered fire. (cue the Geico caveman getting upset) The brushes are incredibly soft and the metal brush packaging made me alright with the $38 price for the set. If you think about it, it’s roughly $13 per brush, which is around the same, if not cheaper, than a lot of other company’s makeup brushes on sale.

The shiny croc-like case is super duper cute, and looks sturdy if you’re a klutz with your makeup like I am.


The case comes with stretchy compartments to hold your brushes with a cover to keep ’em safe and a mirror.
The magnets at the bottom of each brush. They kind of make me think of tails. Like on a piglet or a bear. Just me?
The larger part of the brush that can be used for either one of them has a section to fit the brush and an opposite charged magnet.
Lifting the brushes to check their magnetic prowess. How ya feel about floating makeup brushes? 🙂
I really like these brushes. I wasn’t crazy about the price initially but when I broke it down for myself (which I usually have to do because I don’t always have the biggest makeup budget, nor do I have as many needs as I do wants…) it made a lot of sense. Also – these brushes are great for on the go. I like to use these with my MAC blender brush and the double ended brush that comes in the Tarte palette. Now you know the secret!
Check them out on the Sephora site here and let me know how you like them!
What kind of makeup brush do you have/want?

Stila doesn’t upset

MOJ Stila Eyeshadow2010 started off with a hell of a bang for many cosmetic companies. Everyone is really trying to do a major overhaul of not just their image, but their product. The consumer (you and I) is getting more and more picky as there is an abundance of choice all around us.

Stila Cosmetics can rely on my customer loyalty because I love their illustrations (okay that’s not the only great thing about them…). I also have several glosses and palettes from them and can verify that the quality is up to par with my standards for a good product. So what happens when a brand I love comes out with a new product? Sure I give them some slack, but mostly I try to approach it as a fresh start. Like I never tried the brand before. Such was the case during my last trip to Sephora. Y’all product junkies ever feel like there is a mandatory amount of visits you are obligated to make to drugstores and places makeup counters? It’s like a bit of an addiction I guess.

I was already aware of the new Jewel Eyeshadow Palette with heavy, release your inner diva glitter, as well as their Jewel Lip Glaze Trio (the consistency makes me think of MAC cremesheen gloss), and I heard the slow growl of desire for the Black Diamond Mascara, but I most definitely missed the memo on the new Eyeshadow Trios. I walked around plenty a Stila counter with a heavy heart as I saw the duo eyeshadow pans empty out with nary a refill. And then… well I could say that I felt like I saw one of those corny lights and an angellic chorus sing once I saw these, but you wouldn’t believe me (even if in my mind it is indeed exactly how it occurred). I had an empty spot in the Makeup Forever palette that I converted into a Stila palette, and I was itching for new shades.

Okay so when I said I started fresh as if I never knew this product, I kind of lied. I actually went into the testing experience expecting it to be fabulous. I wanted the color to be silky like the others from its family. I wanted a high color payoff, and I wanted ease of use. A favorite brand coming out with a new product is actually under more pressure than a new brand when it comes to pleasing Yaya!

I’d say they failed but I refuse to lie again.

The turquoise is a lovely shade that reminds me of mermaids. The black has a metallic sheen to it that makes it perfect for blending with the other two colors. The purple? Very much a duochrome-y shade similar to the polishes that came out for spring.
The sleek new packaging lets you make use of the eyeshadow trio as a ready to go shadow (with three colors… naturally). Then my heart sank again. What about the singles?! What about the palette?! Do not despair. These babies are friendly to us depotter maniacs. Just like Makeup Forever, and Milani, these shadows make the process super easy by adding a hole to the packaging so that you can just use a pin to poke the shadow into freedom. No flames or cutters (or broken shadows) necessary. (See the hole right above the label in the image?)

Proof? I used an earring to poke through the hole and wore the earrings that night. Not even a slight bend to ’em thankyouverymuch!

Finally, the last spot in my palette has been filled!

The labels are a little slimmer, and something tells me the pan is a tiny bit smaller too, but I’m definitely loving the addition to the Stila fam. They are sold for $20 each at Sephora, Stila, and any other place they sell Stila Cosmetics.

Check out all the trio shades:

Try this yet? Have a favorite in mind?

tweetmeme_url = ''; http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js Sharehttp://static.ak.fbcdn.net/connect.php/js/FB.Share

Lady Gaga & Lady B Team Up Again

MOJ Lady Gaga and BeyonceSometimes I have to take a break from blogging y’all. There are three instances for such. One is for rest. There are times when I need 16 hours of sleep to catch up with myself being me. Second? Well, I’ve already admitted being back in school – and judging by the 105 and the 91 I secured, I’d say my occasional breaks are starting to pay off. Third? Well my honey and family are at the top spots – sometimes you have to tune out everything but the people closest and nicest to ya. It keeps your head from going up into the clouds and your mind nimble. Y’all know that right?

So while I’m catching up, let’s make sure everyone has caught up with Lady Gaga and Beyonce. Sure, there’s chitchat about the Fame Monster exhausting herself (which is why she needs to check out my point #1), but the video for Telephone will keep us chatting long enough for her to catch a nap. I’m loving this video for it taking a cue from the Thriller days and turning it into a short film. I’m also loving the way Gaga pokes fun at the rumors of her being a man (check out the video and let me know if you catch that itty tidbit), and while I’m not completely won over for Gaga’s outfit choices, I am loving all the versatility on Lady B. She got some black lipstick, a wonder woman outfit, and she lets an Americana Minx mani (I think…) flash after she lets out a cuss word.

Check out some stills of the video and the video itself, and let me know how ya like it!
P.s. That first image? It’s by DeviantArt artist Yamino, and if I didn’t read as much, I’d swear it was the art for the video. Great job Yamino!

tweetmeme_url = ''; http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.jsSharehttp://static.ak.fbcdn.net/connect.php/js/FB.Share

March Madness

MOJ at International Beauty ShowMarch started off with a bang for beauty lovers folks. Today I walked my footsies up and down the aisles of the International Beauty Show. Spring is in the air, and it smells a lot like lotions, polishes, lip glosses, and more!

The Beauty Show is located at the Jacob Javits Center (today, tomorrow, and Tuesday) and if you have ever been to a trade show there, you will know the area is no walking joke. I have to admit I am pretty pooped for a post and so I’m sharing some photos from the tradeshow floor. The show is only open to the trade, but I know a lot of y’all do hair, makeup, and/or nails – check it out if you can! I found some new brands (and spent an equal amount of coins) and will be reporting about it soon. I also got up close and personal with Minx and Calgel for nails. Some new nail colors from Dashing Diva, OPI, Essie, and more (can’t share all my secrets!).

A new nail polish brand? It is to me! Stay tuned for more info.
NYX galore! Lordy lordy I wanted to get one of each!
Ahh! Even more NYX!

Body “shaping” machines that looked like they were from back in the day… Verdict is still out for this baby.

Celebrity stylist Nick Arrojo styling hair on the fly.

This March also brings Shecky’s Girl’s Night Out (in two days!) and gets the ball rolling for plenty of beauty shows (some of the hair shows already passed from the sunnier states, and the Makeup Show LA already passed as well!).

Any events catch your eye?

tweetmeme_url = ''; http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.jsSharehttp://static.ak.fbcdn.net/connect.php/js/FB.Share

Review: Yes to Carrots Hair and Scalp Mask

MOJ Review - Yes to CarrotsSometimes when I lean my head back to relax and close my eyes for a bit on the subway, when I lean forward again, sometimes the metal edges of the walls of the subway car steal a hair or two. The violation of my hair follicle always makes me grasp my head, and the area that was leaning against the wall always feels a little flatter. I know that this happens from the two objects leaning against each other, and pressure, bla bla bla. All I could really hear in my head though were my mother’s warnings to take care of my hair or risk losing it all with age.

A lot of my personality is encased in my hair. Is that weird to say? Anytime someone asks me to describe myself or how I would like to be described, ‘curly’ inches it’s way into the picture – and by all means I am not one to object. So at times when I feel like I have been neglected the curls – well it kind of makes me feel sick to my stomach. Melodramatic, maybe – but absolutely true.

My mission has become to be the ultimate caretaker of my scalp and hair. As I pay closer attention to freshness and youth retention in my skin (moisturizing, SPF, and limit sun exposure), body (exercise and eating right – though I haven’t done much of either well in a while – and you didn’t hear that from me – but I did improve on regular vitamin consumption!), and most importantly my hair and scalp, I find that there are certain measures that need to be taken to continue maintenance. You know – so that if you could compare my body to a vehicle without regular checks under the hood and maintenance, it would just sputter and give up in the middle of the road. Yaya is not giving up in the middle of the road.

Before I took to the army of products itching to be deployed to battle on the shelves of drugstores, department stores, and salons, I sought to declutter my own stash. I found my pot of Yes to Carrots hair mask from the StyleFixx Girl’s Night Out goodie bag (see what was in it here) and brought it with me to the shower.

From the site:
“C is for Hair Care – Hair and Scalp Moisturizing Mud Mask 250ml – 8.45 fl.oz


Experience gorgeous hair like never before with C is for Hair Care.
Moisturizing, softening, detangling, shining, volumizing… need we go on??


C is for Hair Care contains extracts of organic carrot, organic pumpkin & organic orange, rich with Beta-Carotene, Alpha-Carotene, Vitamin E and other enzymes that keep your locks in tip-top condition.


Key Ingredients: Extracts of organic carrot, pumpkin, orange & honey contain Beta-Carotene and Vitamin E to keep your hair moisturized and full of shine.


Instructions: Apply to towel-dried hair and massage thoroughly. Leave on for 12-15 minutes (no cheating!) and rinse with lukewarm water. Use 1-2 times per week.


Tips: For maximum nourishment use twice a week, concentrating on roots and scalp.

First may I point out to the court (that’s you!) that I love things that include carrots and all sorts of other natural ingredients. I like stuff that I have heard was good for you since I was able to understand. I remember when my grandma used to lovingly force-feed me (I was a stubborn child) baby carrots and slices of apples. She would say this one is for mommy, etc. Then she would tell me there were a thousand vitamins in the fruits. Yep. Grandma Yaya made a good sell.


Let me also bring attention to the fact that after I shower I don’t like to walk around with a mask full of product only to go back in to wash it out. So I cheat just a bit. I wash my hair with shampoo and conditioner, brush it out, rinse, and then turn off the shower. Then I put on the Yes to Carrots mask in my hair, cover my hair with a shower cap (it’s more for making sure that my hair won’t sneak into my eyes or stick to my back like a wet sock) and continue with other duties like scrubbing my legs, shaving, doing a facial scrub, sometimes even dancing (but careful – the floor is wet). Then I turn the shower back on, wash away my face scrub, soap up, and once all that is done, I remove the shower cap and wash away the mask.

This might have affected my results with the product, but I can tell ya it still does a good job. I don’t know if I would call it a mask, because it feels like a short spout of deep conditioning. The mask smells awfully good (I wouldn’t mind a lotion with that smell) and is creamy – so don’t expect it to come out in glops or to dry up your head like dried mud. It definitely makes my hair feel softer and my scalp more moisturized after use, but to be perfectly honest, I also don’t see it making any miracles happen. 


Something else to consider? After several uses of the mask (twice a week as prescribed – I follow directions sometimes!) and using my Hydroveil scalp oil before I leave, my scalp may not be in need of a miracle. For everyone who has hair that requires higher than average maintenance like mine, it is understood that you don’t leave your hair to fend for itself. You tend to it on a regular basis or pay the consequences.


I really like this hair treatment and recommend it for people who would like to continue to maintain conditioning their hair with a treatment once or twice a week. Have a super dry scalp and super dry hair? You might need to invest in a scalp oil for every day application at first, but this would be a great buy too. I guess for cases that require more attention and more of a miracle, this would be step two as opposed to step one. Make no doubt about it though – this baby is no slouch.


The Yes to Carrots line of products is sold in drugstores and online for $12.99 (for a full list of locations, click here).

Have you ever tried a hair mask?

tweetmeme_url = ''; http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.jsSharehttp://static.ak.fbcdn.net/connect.php/js/FB.Share

Drugstore PSA

MOJ Drugstore ManiaI would be a terrible friend if I didn’t disclose what I found to be a fact yesterday. I was drugstore perusing and found that Rite Aid lost their mind (in the best way possible). I previously mentioned on Twitter that they had a special on mascaras, but this time around? This week all nail polishes and artificial nails are BuyOneGetOne half off. Yes. ALL. This is great for all those polish companies that never have stinkin’ sales unless they are being discontinued are on sale!

But it doesn’t end there! Check out the rest of the beauty and skin care sales they got pumpin’:

Revlon: BOGO Free
Almay: BOGO 50% off (also offering $5.00 single check rebate on any two Almay products)
Prestige: (in store brand) BOGO 50% off
CoverGirl: BOGO 50% off
Neutrogena: BOGO 50% off(including the wave)
Physician’s Formula: BOGO 50% off
L’Oreal: BOGO 50% off
Aveeno: BOGO 50% off body, face, bath products
Scunci: BOGO 50% off hair accessories

They also have a BOGO free/50% off nearly all their store brand items.

——————

Who else is following the trend? CVS
CVS has BOGO 50% off all fragrances.
They also have the BOGO free sale on Revlon, and have BOGO 50% on Maybelline and Physician’s Formula.

——————

Walgreen’s is trying to be different with:
40% off Maybelline products
Pond’s: BOGO Free skin care
Olay Total Effects Skin Care/Body Wash: BOGO 50% off
Neutrogena: BOGO 50% off
Revlon: $3 off

Until Saturday, I will be checking out all the Rite Aids in the area (and knowing me, those far away as well) because their sales for the week are making me one happy gal. I was trying to curb my nail polish additions (as you can see the stash is ever growing), but I might have to make a big exception for all purchases incurred during these sales.

Plan on getting anything? Tell me what you find and what you get!


p.s. Don’t blame dear lil’ Yaya if your nearest drugstore have different sales. Consult your weekly ad to make sure they are honoring the same deals before you bring your purchase to the counter. I will not and am in no way financially stable to support everyone who will have a different drugstore sale (or else I wouldn’t be looking out for sales!).

tweetmeme_url = ''; http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.jsSharehttp://static.ak.fbcdn.net/connect.php/js/FB.Share

Tart Kisses

MOJ - Tarte Natural Lip StainsUpon my last visit to Sephora, I saw what I was looking for plenty of visits prior. The Tarte Natural Lip Stains have arrived. After I saw these babies in People Style Watch, I was so excited I could have ran up and down the street and told everyone about it a la The British are coming!

Are you guys familiar with Tarte Cosmetics? The ecofriendly cosmetics line rocks my socks with the quality of products they continue to put out. There is not a single stinkin’ season that they spare me and my wallet of any wants or needs (and there are plenty of both). Truthfully? The guys and gals behind Tarte can sell me a lemon of a car (that’d be a very poorly working car) and I’d buy it in a jiffy. The honest truth? They’d never do such a thing! They stand behind their products and I’m happy to as well.

The colors look like this:
MOJ - Tarte Natural Lip Stains


Some tech talk from the site:

What it is:

A natural lip stain that is clinically proven to increase lips’ moisture content by 6000%.

What it does:

After 10 years the wait is finally over. These much-anticipated natural lip stains are an extension to the best-selling and award-winning cheek stains. Just like the iconic cheek stains, each emotive, peppermint-infused shade smoothly glides on lips for a natural flush that will stay all day. So say goodbye to reapplying your lip color throughout the day and say hello to a gorgeous pop of color and hydration that lasts.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:

– Parabens                                       – Sulfates

– Synthetic Fragrances                     – Synthetic Dyes

– Petro-Chemicals                           – Phthalates

– GMOs                                          – Triclosan

What else you need to know:

The old meets the new with the infusion of our high-performance natural LipSurgence™ technology which is clinically proven to increase moisture content by an astonishing 6000%. This proprietary blend effectively increases skin’s water content for a ‘plumped up’ appearance leaving lips defined, smoothed, and hydrated. The result is naturally fuller, healthier lips without any irritation or stinging. Like the cheek stains, each shade of these natural lip stains will leave a natural hint of tint that will last throughout the day. These shades are great to wear alone or pair with your favorite tarte lipgloss. This product is free from gluten, animal testing, formaldehyde donors, oil, talc, MEA/ DEA/ TEA.

Sephora.com, Inc.
Now… the only problem is that I cannot find any store that is fully stocked with these babies. I swear I will be turning into a Tarte junkie, sleeping outside of a Sephora waiting for a new shipment to arrive.

From the reviews I read on the wide web, a lot of people are fond of the product (did I mention they smell great?), but take up with the title of ‘lip stain.’ After coming in contact with these, I have to say they are not strictly a lip stain. The fact that they moisturize, and by doing that, add a bit of gloss makes me want to call this a hybrid of a tinted lip balm and a stain.

My swatches come courtesy of the testers on the counters of Sephora, and I will be reporting back as soon as I have a few of these babies in my lip product family.

Anything from Tarte getting you excited?

tweetmeme_url = ''; http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.jsSharehttp://static.ak.fbcdn.net/connect.php/js/FB.Share