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Armour Lip Gloss

Tell me when you have a single day of not needing a lip gloss. No go ahead, tell me… I’ll wait. If there are in fact days that I can’t make it for long without my lip gloss, ipod, or cell phone – I feel naked without these! How sad!

If my bag doesn’t have lip products, my money inevitably gets spent on something new. Most of the time it’s on a cheap filler product and other times on a great newbie. The case with this Armour Beauty lipgloss was neither. I was at The Makeup Show (and going to the show, you can surely expect to spend money before you leave) and met the folks behind the company. They had a quaint setup for the product, and the packaging is pretty smooth too. I invested in a single gloss and promised to do a thorough review.

The first major win for me was the packaging. I love a good packaged product y’all. If you’re a regular reader on MOJ, you will know this to be a fact. Great packaging is the way into my wallet and heart!

Want to know more about the brand? Check out the info from their ‘About’ page:

p.s. I’m still figuring out the coding for this darn setup, so instead of having a ‘continue reading’ link, please click on the post title to read the rest! If you know the answer to my dilemma, I’d love to hear it!

The color of choice? Dreaming. I always try to get a shimmery gold tone gloss when I try out lip products. Why? Well, the color is generally a pleasing color to look at on everyone. No matter the skin tone, outfit, makeup, etc. The other reason, equally important, is that this shade is the favorite for Mama Yaya. She is the sole benefactor of the goodies that run through my credit card statements, so I try to purchase the ones she won’t roll her eyes at (unless they’re neons and purples – that’s all for me).

The ingredient list

Though the packaging was snazzy looking, the solid glass (or really tough plastic?) made it seem like I’d be losing out on a lot of quality gloss when it came down to the last ounces. I’d have to find out if it’s microwavable, because then we’d be talking. Another downer? The sponge tip applicator. Brushes and plastic wedge tips work best for not sucking up your product, as well as keeping it minimal on the bacteria end.

Left image is without gloss and right is with. The left came out a bit blurry, but I didn’t pick up on it until the gloss was on and ready for a close up.

Despite all the cons of the gloss, it is very effective. Being that I bought a shimmer gloss (check out the shimmer and opaque varieties here), I can’t talk much about the color – this baby is clear. The shimmer packs a punch though! It does not, and I mean not budge. Unlike other glosses, this one does not leave you with a glitter mustache. All the goods stay right on the kisser!

The consistency is a bit stickier than I expected, but it’s not a nuisance. The best part of it all was how long the gloss lasted past my drinking iced tea straight from the bottle, munching on snacks, talking, etc. I’d say it stayed on for over three hours, and started to fade after that, though the shimmer stayed for a good five to six.

The glosses retail for $19 so it’s not necessarily perfect for an impulse, ‘forgot my regular gloss’ purchase. You know, unless you got it like that. If you’re looking for a ‘by my side forevermore’ gloss though, I’d suggest you take the gamble.

What gloss is rocking your socks?

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Jimmy Choo’s Uggs

Would the correct term be Jimmy Choos‘ Uggs or Jimmy Choo‘s Uggs?

The buzzed about and long awaited collaboration is available to ship straight to your house should you have a rent payment or two you could pony up. Though not a fan of Uggs myself, I have to say, these designs aren’t too bad. I especially got cozy with the idea of the studded (and most expensive) pair and the camel colored pair with star studs. The price though? It was almost like my invite to window shop was revoked. That’s how serious it is.

Are you tempted or just admiring from afar?

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Beyonce Temptu(rary) Tats

After her bombshell photo shoot for Dereon, Beyoncemania had a rebirth similar to the renaissance. Gone was the Single Ladies two step and everybody wanted some (don’t lie – you wanted them too!).

My best friend (in my head) rocked a blonde bouffant hairstyle with bodysuits and heels. She straddled motorcycles and bared skin. And it was that quickly that Chanel temporary tattoos were forgotten.

The diva has now partnered with airbrush co Temptu for temporary tattoos to be available to the masses. You can sign up for the wait list to get them as soon as they come out (go ahead, I won’t judge).

Check out the rest of the details about the deal on WWD. Keep reading to see some more images from the inspirational photo shoot and a screen shot of Dereon‘s lookbook. It scrolls horizontally and the clothes are too cute as well.

I love it much too much!

The styles on the far right and left are my favorite. Check out the lookbook and pick your fave!

Are you into the temporary?

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Pinstripe Writers Foundation

After receiving a last minute invite to a launch for the Pinstripe Writers Foundation Charity, I figured I need to be a good Samaritan and spread the word about the organization. No matter how hard times are for someone, it is way more difficult for others, and though we’re not comparing or trying to make Even Steven of the world, we do need to give back and participate within our communities and support the youth.

The foundation’s mission statement “is to award one Latino Jersey City student who has demonstrated academic achievement and a strong journalistic craft with a one full four-year foundation scholarship to a journalism school either in NY or NJ.”

Check them out here and help out however you can.

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Does your polish have the Perfect Formula?

I’ve said it plenty of times before and I’ll say it again – the best part about writing about products and reviewing them is finding new ones. Sure, if you window shop and surf the net you’ll find a gem or two, but when you come in contact with multiple brands and immerse yourself into the world, it becomes a bit of a treasure hunt. Even during the instances where I don’t find the product fits me, there is usually a method or science to it that becomes my “learn something new for the day.”

Enter Perfect Formulas nail polish. As you may now, I’m a sucker for packaging (and purple) so seeing these babies land on my doorstep was the highlight of the day. Check out what they’ve got to say about themselves:

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The angular shapes of the bottles and the vintage feel of the logo rocks my socks.

The brush seems to be of good quality. Not too thin and not too thick, this is the perfect shape to apply a quick mani on your own or to bring to the salon (but keep your eye on it – they may just grow legs and walk away!). Stay tuned for when I show off my perfect 🙂 NOTD!
Have you tried Perfect Formulas before? Are you interested?

Disclaimer: This product was sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on MOJ remain unbiased and unpaid. For more info, feel free to contact the author.

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AMEXNYFW SS11: Adrienne Vittadini

The downturn to my fashion week was noticeably starting when I repeatedly inquired for information about hair and makeup prep for the Adrienne Vittadini show. It’s only mannequins, I was told (probably about three times) before my caffeine high and sleep low subsided for me to understand. Oh! It was only mannequins. Duh!

Smart move for a designer to use such tactics during a presentation. You save money on models, hair, makeup, and nails, while still preserving the look of your clothing. Plus – during a presentation, model handlers end up toting water with straws and hard candy so that they don’t get restless (or maybe I wasn’t meant to see that?).

The spring and summer collection from Vittadini followed the same aesthetic of the brand from the previous collections. Very strong lines and feminine draping. The spring collection seems to be concentrated more on casual chic, as it contains more daytime looks in comparison to the fall and winter collection, which boasted a bit more nighttime ensembles.

Spring comes through in this collection with vibrant colors, tribal prints, and shorter hemlines. The cardigan and tank sets seem a perfect transition from the hot days to the introduction of chill, as well as a day to night couple.

The handbags were all made of what looked like buttery soft broken in leather with small (but interesting) metal embellishments.

My standout pieces were the accessories and the bottoms. The accessories were varied in between matte and glossy large link chains to wooden, tribal pieces. As I exclaimed on Twitter, the matte pieces were my favorite, but I was equally impressed with the wooden dog tags. I felt like it was such an interesting take on the piece.

The bottoms became my favorite once I saw the balloon detailing. I love me some balloon pants. Fitted at the waist, and loose around the hip, these were constructed much better than I can describe, and were perfectly styled with looser knits.

Have any favorites?

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OCC Lip Tars

After our quick introduction at my first Makeup Show, Obessive Compulsive Cosmetics hit the ranks of favorite products faster than any other brand ever has. The main reason for this is their innovative and extensive color selection in their lip tar and loose pigments for eyes. But many brands have large color selection for eyes, lips? Not so much.

As previously mentioned, the lip tars are not necessarily a gloss, nor a stain, their a happy mixture in between. They come in small packaging but half a squeeze lasts forever. When I wore this color to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, it lasted through far more shows than I expect and granted me a compliment from a makeup artist (when I actually thought I ate the color away!).

My two new colors (and appropriately my two new favorites, although – Anime will forever remain #1) are Uber, and Katricia.

On the left this is the true to life color when swatched. This was taken in direct sunlight. On the right, the photo was in the shade, but is also how the photo would take with no flash without bright lighting.

Are you obsessed?

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AMEXNYFW SS11: Chrishabana

When I went over my schedule of shows to attend during fashion week, I happened upon the Chrishabana presentation. Racking my brain for all previous shows and presentations, I was wondering what it would be like. Would there be models? Will they sit still for hours? Will there be photographs? The longer I thought about it, the more ludicrous my ideas became.

Until I walked into the room. Under glass, there were designs laid out on lace. In between twigs and surgical gloves, this tactile presentation was meant to pique one’s interest in various ways.

After oohing and ahhing over partnerships with various metals and designs (roses, crosses, and thorns), shooting the designer some questions was inevitable. What was the inspiration behind this collection? Designer, Chris Habana’s answer?

Being single. Chris said that by the conclusion of creating this collection, it was dedicated to three individuals. When asked if it was the loves or losses, he said both.

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Revlon’s Starry Galaxies

Just because it’s fashion week, doesn’t mean we forget about beauty and all the things that remain on the pages of MOJ. Though my nails have been admittedly bare and short throughout the shows (I had to chop all my nails off to prevent ‘bored biting’), I have been scouring drugstores for polishes that will grace my digits as soon as the nails grow back out.

I found some Revlon polish sure to make the heart beat faster. Look at all these glitters!! The best of all is definitely the tie in out of this world name for each color.

Have you tried these yet

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AMEXNYFW SS11: Lorick

During fashion week, the schedules become so hectic for shows going on inside the tents and off site (outside Lincoln Center), that almost everything and everyone is late – to everything. This makes life all the harder when you are trying to stick to a rigorous schedule (and forget about eating).

This and many other reasons are exactly why I love to have presentations thrown into the mix. Presentations go for anywhere from a half hour to two hours, and the models are either presenting a show over intervals of time, or they are standing around, posing to your every whim.

When the invitation for the Lorick presentation landed in my life, I was overjoyed that it was a presentation. I soon found out that it was held at Tela Design Studio by Philip Pelusi (and after a bit of research found out about Tela skin and haircare products – but more on that and the other beauty details from the show later). The backstage hair and makeup prep was almost as interesting as going to a show.

The designs featured pastels appropriate for the showing season (Spring Summer 2011), with plenty pantyhose and sheer fabrics. As you will see if you keep scrolling, pantyhose was used in a most interesting way to edit the way footwear appeared to the onlooker. The designer is usually creating garments reminiscent of Gossip Girl, but this time, the collection just screamed Grey Gardens to me. What do you think?

I wasn’t a fan of the headwear – a lot of it seemed to dull out the designs and the models a bit.

This model was my favorite – she had the best poses and pouts!

The entrance to the Tela studio had a breeze going through the presentation like a tardy guest, offering just enough air to let the garments flow!

I was totally digging this styling of the shoes at the show. Sure, pantyhose over footwear may not seem practical for the everyday, but it sure is something different and interesting to look at. It may even save your sole from a bit of damage while walking through streets, as well as offer a new shade and shape to your footwear. Care to try it?

I was a little disappointed with this model – she was as conservative and prim as her outfit, but I really wanted her to break out her smiling with the eyes! 🙂