Makeovers that don't go as expected or quite frankly, "Why do some Makeup Artists fail?"

Okay so this snafu of sorts totally happened the other day and I eliminated it from my event coverage because, well, it clearly deserved it's own post. 

And to be fair, I fearlessly sat for a makeover at the hands of the same makeup artist (of a renown brand that I don't dare mention) and you know what? My look was equally disastrous!

I'm not talking Sales Associate or Beauty Advisor here, this is a traveling, card-carrying M.A.K.E.U.P. - A.R.T.I.S.T. whose time you BOOK in advance and/or compensate. The appointment setter's exact words to me were, "I'm putting you with the best!"

RECOMMENDED: Laila Ali LADR5603 Salon Ionic Dryer, Purple and Black

Just a quick review here!

After spending a few months looking for a new hooded hairdryer to compliment my FHI Heat handheld (going on 4+ years now of great working condition) I settled on Laila Ali's version, which is distributed by Helen of Troy and I'm more than pleased with it. I had a Gold n Hot prior to this purchase and it died while not in-use. I never liked it anyway so it did us both a favor!

Purchase Price: I paid about $50 bucks + tax @ Walmart for this Ionic Dryer which actually wasn't the cheapest option available. Amazon also carries this product and the price fluctuates daily, getting down to about $43 bucks + Free S/H in some cases. I opted to pay a few extra dollars for it at Walmart in case I wasn't happy with it. So basically preferring the local drive to return the product if necessary as opposed to having the deal with the return shipping cost at Amazon.

Positives: Little to no assembly required, easy to adjust height/multiple levels to choose from, built in tab for chair support, three heat options + ionic button. Simple to put away. Dries hair pretty quickly and doesn't cause frizz.
Negatives: Very loud. No way to sugarcoat that one! Also not as great as it claims about drying hair near the nape of the neck or back of the head in general. I'd say it's no better or worse in that sense as compared to most hooded dryers.

Overall I do like this product and would recommend it to others!

SUBSCRIPTION BOX REVIEW: BarkBox - a monthly box of dog goodies

March's Bark Box

I took advantage of a twitter offer to get my Chihuahua his first BarkBox (March)! The deal was $10 off a new sub, so I ended up paying $19 for our 1st Box. This ends up being about the same I would pay for my own beauty subscription boxes (Allure's Sample Society), but in this case I think my pooch got a better deal!

HAIRCARE REVIEW: CURLS PROFESSIONAL STYLING PRODUCTS

I've been using the CURLS product line for several years to maintain my natural 4A/B hair (plus my extensions) and it's been a fantastic journey. I transition from straight styles to curly locks on a whim and can easily say this product line is positioned in my top 3 Natural Haircare products (Aveda and Moroccan Oil are the other loves) of all time. So I felt the need to share the Amazing, Disappointing and downright confusing details of my experience for any newbies out here.

For starters, I discovered this product line at Target. And it looked and continues to appear to be (packaged) like this:

Bloomingdales "Makeup Date" was all that and a overflowing bag of freebies!

Rising at 6:45am to arrive at an 8am event is no small feat for me, but in the name of beauty, I did it!!
Much to my surprise tons of other ladies had also done the same and the Bloomie's event was super packed! I immediately wished I had arrived sooner and snagged better seats.

Breakfast was provided and included lots of healthy options. +1

We kicked things off with a light Zumba Workout. What a treat!! Guess whose gonna be signing up for classes soon? Yours truly!

Pics + video of the demonstrations, fun, freebies and more!!

THE MAKEUP DATE: ATLANTA BLOOMINGDALE'S EDITION

SIGNS OF SPRING ARE ALL AROUND US!!

I'm currently looking forward to attending THE MAKEUP DATE @ our Atlanta Bloomingdale's this coming Saturday, March 15th.

This will be my first time attending a beauty event at Bloomingdales, as usually it's my local Sephora that has all the festivities & surprises. 

 Nonetheless, I'm glad the Bloomingdale's has decided to follow suit with an event of their own and seemingly in the same thread as the Neiman Marcus event I attended recently. They too incorporated a fashion show with their emerging beauty finds.

I sat a bit with Tom Ford while at Neiman Marcus to experience their eyeshadow quads and this go round, I've signed up with Bloomingdale's to have a makeover with a 

NARS EXPERT Makeup Artist.

I'm very excited about this event and hoping that it will lead to a new look for Spring. Will definitely post pics when I'm all done up and include all runway highlights & treats!!

The Makeup Date

March 15, 2014, 8:30 am - 9:30 am

Join us for THE MAKEUP DATE. Just for our favorite customers, we?re setting aside a morning for an exclusive runway show featuring the latest beauty trends, hosted by Jennifer Duvall, freelance makeup artist and founder of beauty blog JennySueMakeup. Enjoy one-on-ones with expert makeup artists and take home our limited-edition travel bag with some of our favorite samples.* Breakfast bites will be served before the show. Your $25 reservation fee will be credited towards the beauty purchase of your choice, #Lenox, Doors open 7:30 AM. Fashion Show 8:30 AM. Cosmetics on 2. Please respond to 404-495-2872.

Will you plan to attend or have you ever been to a Bloomingdales Beauty event in the past? 

Please share any feedback from your experiences, as I would love to hear it!

Neiman Marcus Project Beauty Event - Atlanta

I recently had the pleasure of attending a project beauty event put on by Neiman Marcus (sponsored by Mastercard) and it was a blast!! The event ticket price of $25 reserved your seat and gave you a $25 NM Gift Card. BONUS: if you paid by Mastercard then you got an additional $25 Gift Card! So ultimately I was shopping with $50 bucks!!

*Talk about an unbeatable promotion*

Check out event pics below.

Holy Grain Foundation "s" - Yes there can be more than ONE!

I've come a long way from Drugstore foundations and I have no intention of going back!
( I kid, I kid)

Not because of quality but because I can't try before I buy and I've wasted a lot of time and money going down that road. That frustration led me to a healthy relationship with Sephora and most department store makeup counters. Not only can I test things out and take home samples, but also most of these places have a satisfaction guarantee -at least here in the USA (apparently in Europe this is unheard of).

My foundation exploration has led me to amassing an pile of things that don't work for my combination skin and those that do. For today, let's focus on the positive today, shall we?

1. Kat Von D - Lock-it 

Pros: Highest Coverage I've ever achieved in a foundation. Option of having a Matte or Dewy Finish. Photographs Beautifully. Relatively Inexpensive @ $34.

2. Lancome - Teint Idole Ultra 24H

 

Pros:  Best Medium Coverage for everyday use. Option of having a Matte or Dewy Finish. All Day wear-time. Purchase usually qualifies for a Lancome Gift which goes on year round (Macys, Nordies, Bloomingdales, Dillards, Belks, ect.) and this gives you more bang for your buck!

3. Giorgio Armani - Luminous Silk

Pros: Best Color Match I've ever achieved in a medium coverage foundation. Offers the most natural finish. All Day wear-time for sure!

 Honorable Mention: Hourglass - Immaculate

Pros: Wears like liquid IRON and has the best oil control in a medium coverage foundation.

So here I've focused on what makes these foundations GREAT and why they've landed in my Top 3. Later I'll discuss what they're lacking and the reason I use these foundations interchangeably. 

Thanks for reading!

NEW FAVORITE DESIGNER: BYRON LARS

If your still inching closer to high fashion (like me) then you've probably started noticing dresses by Byron Lars way before recognizing his name. Several visits to Anthropologie actually served as my introduction to the designer and I've been smitten ever since!!

Not surprisingly his amazing designs have already been worn by the incredulous Angela Bassett and First Lady Michelle Obama:

 

Needless to say, he's the BEST of THEE BEST and I can't wait to get more of his designs in my closet!

So far I have added the Beguile by Byron Lars Carissima Sheath to my collection with plans to also include the Beguile by Byron Lars Lace Study Dress.

carissima sheath byron lars

carissima sheath byron lars

lace study dress by byron lars

I'm also in-search of his more vintage pieces that I've missed from the Beguile Collection.

Please let me know if your also enjoying this a-m-a-z-i-n-g designer and if you have any of his lovelies hanging in your closet!

Stumbling Across Greatness...a Super Foundation Tool!

This is a great tool for those of us who wear foundation. It tells what shade you should choose across various brands thus making your purchases easier.

In the left hand column is your MAC number and that’s used as a standard from which to compare all other brands since everyone should know their MAC number.

If you don’t know your MAC number then darling this sheet just isn’t for you ;)

http://www.editgrid.com/user/apbunz/mega_foundation_chart

Also you can add to the fun via Temptalia's Foundation Matrix & Comparisions:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Ao6y1ARypAgbdDFtMDFVZlZEcnd0T0d5bTQwMmhzVVE&hl=en

It will allow you to add in color choices and brands to the chart thus creating an even bigger and more informative Matrix.

The High End of the Low End....Maybelline's Dream Liquid™ Mousse

I'm a HE kinda girl when it comes to buying foundation given that only the mid to high-end cosmetic lines even bother to offer a decent array of shades and color choices to Women of Color. And even on that level, the selection can still be suprisingly dismal (cough:Chanel:cough) so this is why I'm a fanatic of Bobbi Brown! She does it the best with her yellow based foundations and it makes me feel like she really cares about us (awww). So it's nothing for me to fork over $45 bucks a pop to have my genie in a bottle.

So anyhow while Bobbi Brown was busy discontinuing my HG foundation last month (see my last post), I planned to head out to the drugstore to find a backup formula for the few weeks in between her new foundation launch. It's been years since I even considered buying a DS foundation so I first armed myself with a product recommendation from MUA. The majority (which we call the Oracle) suggested I try a foundation called "Maybelline's Dream Liquid™ Mousse" and with that I ran out on a mission. The first 2 stores I visited, Wal-mart & Ulta, were out of the one shade that was made for the millions of people in my color spectrum. I must say that saved me lots of time in trying to make a decision (insert sarcasm)! I then made the following assumption "wow, this must be good stuff" since it wasn't available and I headed to my next destination with even more determination. I arrived next at Target and bought the last bottle of "caramel"...I swear it was a moment right out of the Rice Krispy Treat Commercial.

So here I am with the review for Maybelline's Dream Liquid™ Mousse in CARAMEL:

Color: About 2 shades off from of my natual skin tone but will do in a bind. Also can't tell if this has cool, neutral or warm undertones but whatever it is...I'm the opposite lol.

Coverage: almost a medium coverage which is suprising for a Mousse. I would expect more as you will definitely need a coverstick on hand if you have an blemishes to hide.

Application: a very smooth and silky application that glides on the skin. It dries quickly and evenly. I didn't notice any spotty areas.

Packaging: The pump is amazing and usually one squirt is enough for the entire face. This is the area in which they have most brands beat! Even the high-end brands don't usually offer the pump. It's so much more hygenic and make foundation easier to apply.

Price: around $7 - 8 bucks. Nothing to argue with there since this should last the average person about 3 months.

Durability & Finish: This product lasts pretty much all day with only a slight need for touch up after 6 hours. I have very Oily skin so that was a suprising little tidbit for me. It also indeed gave me the airbrushed look they claimed it would. I've never had that before and it was very exciting to me. +1 for truth in advertising.

Overall: I give this product 3.5 stars (out of 5) but with the right color selection and coverage, I could see myself switching to this brand in a heartbeat~

So Bobbi Brown discontinued OIL-FREE EVEN FINISH FOUNDATION SPF 15 and no one told ME!

So I'm telling you ;)

This has been my favorite foundation of all time *somebody cue Kayne West* OFF ALL TIME! The one that allowed me to quit searching for the perfect color, the one the garners the most compliments "you look flawless girl" and the one that doesn't break me out like a teenage girl.

So much to my surprise, as I attempted to replenish my stock yesterday I found that it had been narrowed down to only (2) options to choose from...neither of which being my preferred shade. After a quick Live Chat session (those artists are really great by the way) I learned that it had been discontinued to make way for a new and improved formula which will be available at some point in the near future. Time and Date...unexact but it's said to be within a month and I'm on pins and needles. I like new and improved but in a world filled with constant email BLASTS and promotions couldn't someone have hit the sent button on that little tidbit of information? DUDE! The anouncement that Clinque's Prescriptives brand was to be no longer went out seasons ago and yet they are still hanging out at the mall everytime I go. Haven't seen a sale on that either by the way... not that I'm looking lol.

So anyhow here I am in between foundations and feeling helpless. Im trying to hold out for the new stuff and thus decided to work with an imposter DS brand to tide me over (guess i should add that this Maybelline Liquid Dream Mousse isn't half bad). I'm a foundation snob for the record.

A couple of sites that I searched (NM & Macys) did have a bit more shades to choose from so be quick on right clicks and don't get caught bare faced like I did. In the meantime, I am actually excited about the new formula and will review as soon as it gets in. It's supposed to have incorporated new technology that will allow the formula to actually absorb the oil that plagues us. Sounds like a tall order but we shall see...

Sephora bids adieu to CARGO....everything 50% Off

I can't say that I'm a big fan of CARGO Cosmetics but they have the creamiest looking Quads of Lipgloss that I've ever seen. I love the product names too! You can't go wrong with names like "South Beach" and "Argentina." So if you've ever been on the fence about trying out this product line now's the time to get it before it's all gone. See your local Sephora for more details.

Products for Natural Hair...Only the BEST of the BEST please!

I've been natural since 2004 (meaning my hair is free of any chemical relaxers or color) and it's been quite a journey that was mostly unintentional although largely worthwhile and beneficial! I was wearing extensions quite a lot which eliminated the need for me to relax my hair and what I discovered was that during the absence of the chemicals, my hair grew like a weed! One day I met a woman with an amazing head of long/straight hair who informed me that her hair was all natural. I was a non-believer at first (I'm stubborn) because her hair was straighter than most ladies with relaxers. But my hair was becoming too thick for me to continue on with my extensions so I decided to visit the salon that was performing these miraculous changes to her hair, before succumbing to the creamy crack once more. That salon was called "Too Groovy" and I was instantly hooked! Aside from having the best salon & spa service in Atlanta, the results were unbelievable! So I frequented the salon regularly for 2 years before I learned to create the same magic at home. I also had to work up the nerve, my hair was fabulous when I left the salon and I just couln't imagine creating the same results at home.

It's been a year since I've been maintaining my own hair and I can finally claim success! So as a result, I would like to do a 3-part series on natural hair based on my own experience, in hopes that it may help others. I'm not a hair stylist in the least but being able to make my own hair beautiful feels great and has saved me a lot of $$.

First I'd like to start off discussing the best products that you can use for your hair. I know that's important to everyone and something I always want to know from others. Personally, I've been through an expensive trial and error session and it's only today that I finally feel like I have the best product line-up offered for curly locks. The right product combination and usage really makes a huge difference in your results at home and you can go from healthy hair to haggard hair in just 2 sittings.

In my next post, I would like to detail the best way to achieve a blow out/physical change. I do a weekly blow out because my scalp is oily (plus I work out) so I need to wash my hair very often. What used to take 3 hours is now down to 2....and the results are better and healthier. It's important not to over-straighten your hair because your curls will start to diminsh. It's called "thermal re-conditioning"...but more on that later.

Lastly I would like to discuss good vitamins & daily supplements that you can take to encourage hair growth. Plus tidbits on how nutrient deficiencies and other variables can contribute to hair loss.

Now without futher adeiu.....

Product #1 Organic Shampoo for the scalp (a clarifyer)

Product #2 Organic Shampoo for the hair (a moisturizing treatment)

Product #3 Organic Conditioner (to be used in combination with a 30 Minute Steam Treatment)

Product #4 Organic Thermal Heat Protection (helps to prevent blow dryer heat damage)
Product #5 Organic Silk Essentials (silkens/softens the hair almost instantly)
Product #6 Organic Aveda Brilliant Anti-humectant (keeps natural hair straight on humid days)

Product #7 Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment (to be used only every 6 - 8 weeks if you have breakage)

Product #8 Creme Hairdress *optional* (for added softness)

Styling Tool #1 Denman Brush
Styling Tool #2 FHI FHI Heat Nano Weight Pro 1900 Turbo Dryer
Styling Tool #3 FHI Heat Platform with Nano Technology
Styling Tool #4 Steam Hydration Machine

Styling Tool #5 Silk Hair Wrap/Silk Pillow Cases (used to protect hair when retiring for the night)

The Best Brands for Natural Hair:

Design Essentials

Aveda

Bumble and Bumble

Aphogee (for protein treatments only).

Additional Brands worth mentioning are Nioxin's Shampoo's/Conditioners/Thermal Heat Protectant (for thinning hair) and Paul Mitchell's Tea Tree Scalp Clarifying Shampoo for those who need something stronger.

NEW!! R Session Tools Root Control

This is one of the latest hair tools on the market that I think will soon be very popular among women with curly hair.


In fact, it's already sold out on the website and I've seen at least 3 dupes.





It seems that Root Control by R Sessions is made especially for those with tight curls especially at the roots (this is ME!) because it offers a simplified way of straightening out the roots without burning the scalp. A clever trick indeed!



I've searched high and low for reviews on this gem but have only come across a few ;(


Until I've read more reviews I am hesistant to purchase this tool myself, as the price is pretty steep! However the warranty seems to be pretty solid and that does offer some consolation. I may make this my christmas gift - to self! If it does work it will be a a tremendous help and something I will soon not be able to live without. The ease of straightening out curly roots without doing harm to the scalp is something many of us have been lemming for 4eva!



If your interested in the Root Control Tool you can purchase on amazon.com, http://www.rsessiontools.com/rootcontrol.php and at Bed, Bath and Beyond.





*Caution*
Please be aware that many of the dupes on the market right now do not offer a 100% ceramic heating barrel (like the original). Having a 100% ceramic heating barrel is very important because it's not as harsh on your hair and extends the life of the vitality of the iron. In fact, there is a version of this root control iron being sold at Target (indeed by r session tools) for a modest 49.99. However most don't realize that it's ceramic coated, hence the major discount.

More deets below

Cost $179.99


Specs:
Dual Styling / Pressing Combs
Ceramic Heating Barrel
Hi-tech Electronic Circuitry
Instant Heat Up and Recovery
Advanced LCD Digital Programming
Up to 430 degrees Fahrenheit Pro High-Heat
High Grade Ultra Smooth Ceramic Surface Reduces Chemical Build Upand is Easy to Clean
Rubberized Two Tone Housing
9ft. European Jacketed Line Cord
Heat Resistant Storage Pouch with Embroidered Logo

Ending Soon....20% OFF @ SEPHORA

Promotions ends Nov.2nd...........

Enter code: FF2009 @ Checkout

Enjoy!

PS: I'm secretly waiting for the next Bobbi Brown FF Promotion. So far I've heard rumors about a 3 shimmer brick collection being sold for $65 @ NM and Nordies in November. I'll keep you posted.

Selecting the Best Steam Hydration Machine for your Hair

Brand/Model: ProSalon
Sold by: Evasalons.com
Cost: $139.88

Pros:

Provides medium and high heat

Steady flow of steam

Cons:

Can get overly hot

Not easy to move between locations; must disassemble

Brand/Model: Pro1037A
Sold By: SalonsRus.com
Cost: $139.99

Pros:

Provides medium heat

Intermittent flow of steam

Cons:
Accumulates buildup quickly

Needs to be cleaned more frequently

Not easy to move between locations; needs to be disassembled

Brand/Model: Hair Steamer, Countertop & Portable

Sold by: hairgift.com

Cost: $139.95

Pros:

Easy to move around

Lightweight

Cons:
Steam likely doesn't reach hair in the back

Steam force isn't very strong

Easy to break/not very durable

Doesn't hold a lot of water

**After trying out all (3) of these machines, I decided to go with Prosalon Brand by Eva. In my opinion, this model provided the best level of hydration for the money and is built to last. I don't need portability, since I don't travel for more than a few days out of the week, and I also saw the best results with my hair when using this model.

Q: What is the Best Hydrating Conditioner for your Hair? A: The Steamer

Hair Steamer Benefits:
1. Adds Immediate Moisture to the Hair.
This is especially beneficial if your taking out braids or if you have been using heavy or drying products on your hair.
2. Helps to Block Out Humidity by Filling your Follicles with Moisture.
This helps to extend your blowout and keep your hair from frizzing in inclement weather.
3. Adds Strength to the Hair Strands.
Dry Hair = Brittle Hair. By pumping your hair follicles with moisture you are protecting your hair from unnecessary breakage
4. Silkens the Hair
The added moisture leaves your hair soft and shiny and makes the blow dry process both faster and easier.

**I have been natural for 5 years now and I have found this hydrating process to be the biggest contributor to my hair growth and health. I literally have no qualms about cutting my hair these days because the growth has been more than enough for me to handle. My hair is shiny and I suspect many people think it's fake lol. But instead of rambling on and on...I'll just post some pics and let you see for yourself. Oh and please don't ask for before pics *hides.* I haven't been snapping too many pics in 2009 so I apologize for the dates on these. I'll use newer photos in future posts.

Pic 1: 2007

Pic 2: 2008

Pic 3: Soft and Shiny Reference Pic (2008)

**edited to add most recent pic.

Aug 09

Next UP: The Best Steamers on the Market and How Much it Will Cost You.

Hair and Makeup...bonded at the hip?

It can be argued that Hair and Makeup go hand in hand right?





I mean, I know plenty of cosmetologists who also double as makeup artists at fashion shows.


It's like a 2 for 1 special...a necessary combination in fact because time is so limited.


The reason I bring this up is because I have been on a makeup hiatus for a while now. In fact, it's pretty embarassing and I can barely call myself a blogger.


But while I still LOVE cosmetics and haven't been completely out of the loop (Sephora F&F sale 20% NOW!) something else has grabbed my attention and held onto it for the past year or so. And that little sparkle in my eye has been HAIR CARE!
Ohh wee, my mama knows I could fund a semester of college with what I've spent on hair supplies and products in the past year. I could've aced the LSAT with the time I've spent reading, watching tutorials and doing product research. But I am better for it all the same...or at least my hair is *smirk*


And so today I want to introduce to you the one key thing that I have come across that has changed the game! We all need this in our lives.

Ladies, if you don't know, let me introduce you to the The Conditioning Hydration Treatment aka The Hair Steamer.

Stay tuned.....a synopsis on this gem, where you can find it and pics coming soon!

Holy Phenomenal Pressed Powder...Batman!

The Luxe Gap between HighEnd pressed powders & their Drugstore counterparts has just gotten a lot smaller!

Recently Maybelline introduced a new pressed powder called Dream Matte and so far it appears to rival that of Estee Lauder's Aeromatte in both quality & performance.

Both products boast and deliver on these same features:

• Jet-milled into ultra-fine particles for an air-soft, ultra-silky texture

• Revolutionary liquid binder ingredients provide cushiony, smooth application

• Formula ensures superior blendability for even application every time

And conversely both fail to deliver on a great selection of shades...with Estee Lauder having 3 less to choose from than Maybelline's line; thus totally alienating their skin of color clientele EEK!

Both are also difficult to track down in stores but when you do, your looking to pay about $6 bucks for Maybelline and $26 for EL. The choice is yours but both products are indeed the best, top quality pressed powders on the market today.