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MAC Ruby Woo vs MAC RiRi Woo

May 232013

If you’ve been paying attention to the makeup world, you already know about the release of MAC RiRi Woo Lipstick. There was an extreme amount of anticipation for this limited edition which was designed by Pop Superstar Rihanna. I have to admit that I got caught up in the hype as well. It was only available online 5/2/13.

It took me about an hour but I was finally able to place two separate orders to get my two tubes of lipstick. (MAC only allowed you to order one at a time .) I ordered two for two reasons. #1 If I really liked it, I wanted a backup. #2 I’m almost out of Ruby Woo (staple in my makeup bag) and needed a replacement.

Below is my comparison of the two gorgeous red lipsticks

You’ll notice that there’s a very subtle difference between them. Riri Woo is a tad bit darker. If you’re anything like me, the fact that they’re so close doesn’t really matter because I LOVE red lipstick. However, if you’re not that big on red lips, you’ll probably be okay not getting it when it’s relaunched next month.

Revlon Photoready BB Cream Review for Darker Skin

BB Cream, Klout, klout perk, product review, Revlon 1 Response »

May 012013

I received this Revlon Photoready BB Cream for free as a Klout Perk. I was very excited about it because I’ve begun to fall in love with BB creams. So far I’ve tried Garnier, Bobbi Brown, and Maybelline. I was eager to see how this Revlon version would compare. Revlon Photoready BB Cream Collage

I wasn’t expecting too much because of the very limited range of colors. I was only able to choose from Light, Light/Medium, or Medium. Really Revlon? Ya’ll are just going to totally disregard women of color huh? SMH! I got to the point of being upset because in 2013, there’s NO excuse for a major cosmetic company to just not have a wide range of colors available for it’s fan base. It was really confusing to me because it’s not like Revlon doesn’t normally have products for people with darker skin. For example, Revlon Colorstay liquid foundation is very popular (I wear Carmel and I love it) and has a great range of colors to choose from. I would have only imagined their BB Cream would be the same.

Here’s what it looks like on me.

So you know I was concerned after swatching this on my hand. Of course I know that my hands are darker than my face, but still. I was very worried this Medium color was going to be way to light for my skin.

Above is my before pic. I’m wearing absolutely no makeup. Yep, I’m pretty brave. LOL! ;-p

In this picture, I’ve started to rub in the Medium BB Cream.

This is the finished look.

So what are my thoughts?

I’ve worn it for about a week. I really really like the way it feels on my skin and how it makes my face feel soft. I also like that a litte goes a long way. It’s very long lasting and I’ve noticed my makeup goes on more smoothly when I wear it. I don’t wear it alone because I need more coverage. As you can see in the above pics, my blemishes still show, which is fine. I wear BB Creams to combine skin care products, not to replace my makeup.

It seems as though Revlon was trying to play the “Brown Paper Bag Test”, and I barely made the cut. :-( Strangely enough, it does blend well into my skin, even though the color range is extremely limited. I can’t explain how it somehow still works for me even though it looks too light at first. I think I just made the cut. So if you are any darker than me, it’ll be a risk buying this BB Cream. I’d recommend Maybelline instead. I just finished my tube and I truly like it. Maybelline has a good variety of colors, however, I will say I like the Revlon BB Cream better because it’s more light weight and I feel it blends better. It’s not really matte, but it’s not as creamy as the Maybelline BB Cream. So far, I like Bobbi Brown’s BB Cream the best. On the downside, this is another company that didn’t make a wide range of colors. I just made the cut for the darkest color as well. The Bobbi Brown BB Cream gave a little more coverage, which meant I didn’t have to apply as much makeup afterwards.

I truly hope Revlon will extend the color range of this product.

Maybelline Color Sensational New Vivids Lipstick in Brazen Berry

Inexpensive Products, Kroger's, Kroger's Grocery Store, Lips, lipstick, Maybeline, Maybelline, product review, Purple, Purple lips No Responses »

Apr 232013

I happened to walk down the cosmetic aisle of Kroger’s Grocery store and saw my sorority sister Melody. She told me about a new line of Maybelline lipsticks that were dupes for MAC lipsticks. She was looking to find dupes for Embrace Me and Candy Yum Yum. I was a bit hesitant because I’ve never tried Maybeline’s lip products. When it comes to drugstore lippies, I’m a huge fan of Revlon. I decided to go look anyway. While looking at the pinks, I happened to pickup a pretty purple called Brazen Berry.

It was love at first sight. Now mind you, I had no intentions of buying any lipsticks. I was only supposed to be “looking”. Needless to say I went home with Brazen Berry. Here’s my review below.

I’m in love with this lipstick. It feels really, really good on my lips.

It’s not quite as hydrating as my beloved Revlon Lip Butters, but it feels creamier than MAC Cremesheen lipsticks. The staying power is really good. I put on Brazen Berry early this morning at around 7:30 and it lasted well after lunch. I still had some color left on my lips, it just wasn’t as vibrant. That’s a shocker! I was pleasantly surprised at the great quality and value (less than $6). I’d definitely recommend these and I’ll be purchasing more colors.

The Ultimate Beauty Social African Pride Beauty Tour 2013

African Pride, Beauty Blogger, Beauty bloggers, Bloggers, Event Coverage, Hair, Haircare No Responses »

Apr 182013

I attended the African Pride Beauty Social National Tour two weeks ago. Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to stay the entire time because I had to work at the MAC counter that day, but I did at least get a few pictures and some info on how the brand has made several changes.

When I entered the area of the event, the first thing I saw was a lavish breakfast buffet!

Here’s my plate.

When I walked in, there was a welcome table with a couple of the new products. Then I was able to find a seat at one of the round tables that were set up for the invited bloggers.

Once it was time for the event to start, we were officially welcomed by one of African Pride’s reps. Next Camila Crews, the African Pride Content Specialist, educated us on the new and improved changes with the brand. One of the first things she did was ask us if we knew about the brand. Then she asked what African Pride products we were most familiar with. There was an overwhelming response of the Braid Spray and the grease. I definitely used to use both. She acknowledged that these two items were their most popular products. She also let us know that the braid spray is even good for people who have locs, or sew-ins. She then introduced us to a couple of brand new products and the redesigned packaging. Next Camila showed us how the products had been used on two different models with different hair types.

Here’s the official press release for the event:

African Pride Hair Care continued their national “Ultimate Beauty Social” Tour in Houston, Texas on Saturday, April 6th, at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. A transparent conversation on beauty over brunch was hosted by beauty bloggers Shalanda Turner (LiveLifeinStyle.com), Tamara Floyd (NaturalHairRules.com), special guest author Audrey Sivasothy (The Science of Black Hair) and African Pride’s Content Director – Camila Crews. The conversation opened the floor for discussion topics including: hair style choice in the workplace, writing your own rules when it comes to your hair, how women are no longer monolithic and how to celebrate individual beauty. The event showcased new products from the African Pride Family Brands’ Collections including Olive Miracle, Shea Butter Miracle and DreamKids. All products are affordably priced under $7.99 and sold at local beauty retailers and stores such as Sallys Beauty Supply, Family Dollar and Walmart. For more information visit www.African-Pride.com, to see the national tour schedule visit www.Facebook.com/MyAfricanPride and to join in this nationally charged viral conversation follow @MyAfricanPride #UltimateBeautySocial.

You can also view a video of the event by clicking on this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5_psPqxQUU

Fashion Week New Orleans 2013

Backstage, Behind The Scenes, Fashion Show, Fashion Week, Glam Squad, Models, New Orleans, Runway No Responses »

Apr 162013

I had the honor of working as one of the makeup artist on the Glam Squad with Key Makeup Artist Niala Howard, of Magnolia Makeup, a couple of weeks ago for Fashion Week New Orleans. The event took place at The Sugar Mill from 3/21-3/24.

Below are behind the scenes pictures. As a disclaimer, I didn’t bring my camera with me to work so I had to use my phone to capture all of my pics for this post.

Above are the runway looks for the designers on Day 2 of Fashion Week New Orleans. One of my favorite looks on this day was the Purple Smokey Eye and neutral lip. Here’s one of the models I created this look on below.

This was the Glam Squad Room Makeup Artist Room.

So yeah, my makeup station began very nice and neat, but by the end of each day it would look more like the picture below.

Sorry for the blurry picture.

Above is the list for the Designers and Models. This line up was very helpful in knowing what order to makeup the models. Many of them walked for multiple designers so we had to make sure we did the right look at the right time.

Here’s a picture of me with one of my fellow Glam Squad Makeup Artists Phoenix.

One of my favorite looks from Day 3 was a Strong Brow with natural glowing skin. See below the look I created on one of my models.

One of the designers requested a natural look with bronzed glowing skin. Here I am with one of the models I created the look on below.

Another look I really enjoyed creating was the classic red lip with winged liner

My fellow makeup artist, Phoenix captured a pic of me working on the model above.

Here’s another one of my models I created a red lip with winged liner on. She posted this cute pic of us on Instagram.

One of the ladies working with Fashion Week New Orleans wanted her makeup done as well. She requested a bold lip and soft eye. This is the look I gave her.

Here are a couple of pictures of Phoenix and Britni creating Geisha looks.

Day 4 was the Bridal Show. This young lady was my 1st model of the day.

This is model Chanda below. I did a neutral eye and soft lip for her Bridal Look.

After the show on Day 3 of Fashion Week New Orleans, I got a chance to take a picture on the Red Carpet. So glad I walked out the front instead of the back. I totally missed the red carpet the day before. Had no idea it was there. LOL! I worked all day and went home.

Above is a picture of me with my fellow makeup artist Britni on Day 4.

I’m so grateful that Niala chose me to be a part of her Glam Squad for Fashion Week New Orleans. It was an incredible experience. I’ve worked with Fashion Shows before and had a wide range of encounters, but I have to say that Niala’s leadership allowed all of us on her team to learn, grow, be creative, and enjoy working together. Each morning, I was excited to wake up and get to work. I’m looking forward to working with her next year.

New Le Labo Counter In Saks Houston Galleria

Demo, expensive products, Fragrances, Houston Galleria, Le Labo, product review, Saks No Responses »

Apr 022013

Oh how I love being a Beauty Blogger!!!

I went to Saks in the Houston Galleria Mall to attend a Beauty event for Ioma Cosmetics but ended up learning about a new fragrance counter named Le Labo.

Le Labo has previously been very exclusive. Saks in the Houston Galleria Mall has the only counter in Texas. They are based on custom made fragrances and is the only counter in Saks with absolutely no boxes of perfume on the shelves. All fragrances are handmade at the counter and freshly made for customers. They also make body moisturizers and candles

They don’t spend a lot of money on advertising. Most of Le Labo’s business is due to repeat customers & word of mouth. They don’t use fancy packaging because the focus is on customized fragrance and their customers having a great experience. They even have a recycling program. If you bring back your container, you get 20% off for recycling. That’s pretty cool!

I was extremely impressed with the way the trainer, Benoit, and the workers took time to educate me on the fragrances, chemistry, ingredients, notes, and a bit of chemistry. Benoit explained how so many of us associate fragrances with memories. This makes an impression & influenced what we tend to like/dislike.
–example: you may hate amber b/c the smell reminds you of a perfume your mean teacher used to wear.

They believe every fragrance has a “recipe”. The workers use a scale to measure the correct amount of ingredients. I was able to have the full experience of the process of making a custom fragrance.

Everything is individualized for customers, even the packaging. They make the labels at the counter for each bottle. This makes the products work great as gifts!