Beauty By LeRenda

My 1st NYFW Experience Part 2

Beauty Blender, Celebrity Makeup Artist, Ernest Alexander, Event Coverage, Evolution Man, Glam Squad, Lip conditioner, Models, Moisturizer, Monae Everett, NYC, NYFW, Series No Responses »

Mar 082014

The 2nd Show I worked on was for designer Ernest Alexander. He’s based in NYC and proudly manufactures 100% of his line in the USA, with most pieces being made in the Garment District. When I walked into the studio, he was actually one of the 1st people I met as I walked in the room. That was awesome! He’s so nice and appreciative of all of the people who worked with him on his show.

How cool is this car with the designer’s name on it? :-) Check out all of the snow that was shoved to the side. *whew* I love how they went all out with the fashion. Even with the cars. I’m guessing Cadillac was one of the sponsors for the show.

I was blessed to have the opportunity to assist Key Makeup Artist Monae Everett. This was another Men’s Wear Fashion Show. Here she is in action. Monae was showing us the look for the show. Beauty Blender reps came by to supply us with tools to use on the models. You’ll notice she’s using a Beauty Blender in the picture. Evolution Man was a sponsor for the makeup team. Here are the products we used backstage on the models.

Here’s my very condensed makeup station

These guys were a lot of fun to work with and had great personalities. I even met one model who moved from Houston not too long ago. Here are two of the models I worked with below. Here’s more behind the scenes action. 2014-02-05 16.55.51 Below is an #Usie with two of my fellow glam squad members Shrini, and Danielle. Check out the model behind us doing a photobomb. LOL!

Stay tuned for more of my experiences during NYFW 2014. Also if you missed the 1st part click here.

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask Review

facial mask, masks, samples, skin care, skin prep, Tata Harper, Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask 2 Responses »

Mar 042014

I’ve been going through my stash of products and I found this sample. I’ve actually never heard of Tata Harper so I didn’t know what to expect.I’m not even sure where I got this sample from ( I know that’s so bad). It seems to have some pretty good ingredients though. I noticed Aloe, Witch Hazel, Pomegranate, and clinical grade essential oil blends. There’s also a note stating some of the ingredients came from organic farming.

Here it is on my face

I like that it doesn’t leave any thick colored residue like a lot of masks do.

Here’s my face after I rinsed it off.

I can’t tell a major difference in the appearance, however I can definitely feel that my skin is more smooth. The one thing that stood out as far as appearance was that my nose was a bit red. Not irritated, but red. I also like that my face feels good. Sometimes, masks can leave your face feeling tight and uncomfortable to where you have to immediately put on moisturizer. This one doesn’t do that.

I’m guessing if I was to use this mask over time, I could really notice a difference in how my face looks. The package states that your skin is supposed to glow afterwards. I can’t really say that happened.

Have you ever heard of Tata Harper? Have you used any of these products?

Feb 282014

WOW! Would be the short and sweet version of my 1st New York Fashion Week experience, however, I’m sure you’d prefer actual details of my trip. LOL!

I had to take selfies with the snow in the background because before this trip, I’d never been in real snow. By the way, I’m wearing MAC Lipstick in Sin. It’s a Pro color. It lasted all day! Like, for real. I took it off before I went to sleep that night. I tried it on at the MAC Pro Soho store and kept it on.

MAC Pro Selfie

I almost got it, but it’s so close to Diva. I really couldn’t justify buying it. Here are swatches below. The Beauty Blogger in me couldn’t resist doing a product review while I was in NYC. LOL!

Me in front of the MAC Pro Sign I was on my way to work on a photoshoot with UK Designer Blessed Zion. This explains why I’m at the store with my Zuca and my bag. You know, just in case you were wondering. Ha ha ha!

Now back to talking about New York Fashion Week. I was blessed to be able to work on 4 fashion shows while in NYC. I almost did 5, but due to the snow on Sunday, the promoter felt it would be best to cancel it. So we did a photoshoot instead.

The 1st show I worked on was on 2/4/14. I assisted Celeb Makeup Artist AJ Crimson who was the Key for the Michael Bastian Show. It was a Mens Wear show and I had a great time. Above is a picture of the AJ Crimson Glam Squad for the Michael Bastian Show. Here are a few behind the scenes shots I took. 2014-02-04 13.02.52 The hair and makeup team getting prepared for the models to come in.
2014-02-04 13.00.31 Above is my makeup station set up. Below is a picture of the models, and designer team getting the guys ready for the runway

Muji was one of the sponsors for the makeup team. They provided these amazing masks for skin prep. I forgot to take a picture of them, but they’re really small; like the size of a nickle. Once you wet them, they expand and you just peel it a part and place it on the face for a few minutes. It provides instant hydration to the skin and makes it smooth and ready for makeup. Below is a picture of AJ showing us how to use the Muji Masks. 2014-02-04 13.14.46 After the time is up for the mask, he sprayed Caudalie Beauty Elixir (also one of the sponsors for the Makeup Team). Then he perfected the skin with his AJ Crimson Creme Foundation
Here are a couple of the looks from the show below.

Behind the scenes at the Michael Bastian NYFW 2014 show

Michael Bastian NYFW Behind the Scenes

I have so much to share with you all. It’s hard for me to know when to stop so that I don’t overload you in one post. I’m still trying to decide just how many parts I’m going to break up this series into. In the meantime, I’ll stop here for the 1st part. Make sure to stay tuned to find out more about my 1st experience working at NYFW!!!

Eco Tools Wisp & Flared Lashes Review

Drugstore Makeup, Eco Tools, Eyes, False Lashes, free, Klout, klout perk, Lashes No Responses »

Jan 262014

I received these lashes as a Klout Perk a few months ago with this Eco Tools Kit. I like the fact that it gives you directions.The packaging is so cute. I love that these lashes look like they’re on a mannequin.

This set comes with “tools” to make it easier to apply your false lashes. There’s a container of lash glue as well as a spoolie/lash tool. The glue isn’t a squeeze tube. It actually has a plastic applicator

It doesn’t show up at first, but for some reason this glues seems to turn an iridescent blue color when applied to the lash strip. It’s both cool and strange. Ha ha! These lashes are very natural. On the package it states they’re great for everyday wear.
One of the downsides of the lashes was that with a flash, they appear very shiny, almost like plastic. Another downside is that the strip is kind of stiff so it makes it harder to bend to fit the lashes on your eye. Last thing I don’t like is the design. I get that they want the lashes to wisp at the outer ends, but I don’t like how the lashes are lighter and thinner on the inner corner. When you put them on, it appears that you only have on half a strip.

Overall, they’re okay. Not dramatic enough for me but they’re better than not doing anything. I’m guessing these lashes will stand out a lot more with mascara on top. I didn’t apply any because I wanted to give a true review. I may reapply them for another look.

Jan 262014

The newest installment of MAC Viva Glam lipstick and lipglass was released this week. The newest Viva Glam Spokesperson is Rihanna.

I purchased the lipstick and I love it. It’s a different red than the other MAC lipsticks. It’s a pretty red frost. Here it is below.The box has Rihanna’s autograph

I Love this red packaging! The texture of the case feels really smooth. Here’s what it looks like on my lips

Yep, I’m very happy with this lipstick! Rihanna and her team did a great job picking this color. I know a lot of people dislike frost textured products, but this one is really pretty and isn’t overly shimmery. Somehow it has just the right amount of sheen. I worked at the counter today and sold quite a few of these Rihanna Lipsticks and Lipglasses. I can honestly say I haven’t seen it look bad on anyone. It’s a very wearable red. It also has great staying power. There’s not an official guaranteed time frame as far as how many hours it will last, but this is my 3rd day wearing it and I don’t have to touch up throughout the day until I eat. Even when I drink water, the color stays true.

I’ll be buying more of these before they’re gone. As a heads up it’s only available for a year. Also keep in mind all proceeds of MAC Viva Glam lipsticks and lipglasses go to the MAC AIDS fund. You’re doing a good deed by purchasing these products so go get you some.

Klout Perks! Eco Tools Brush Review

brush sets, brushes, Drugstore Makeup, Eco Tools, Eyes, Inexpensive Products, Klout, klout perk, make-up brushes No Responses »

Jan 232014

I received this Eco Tools set from Klout as a Klout Perk a few months ago.I’ve never used any Eco Tools products so I was eager to receive this. It includes two pairs of false lashes and two brushes. This is the Lash and Brow Duo Brush. It’s pretty big!I compared it with another lash and brow brush I own. Can’t remember where I got it from though, maybe Clinique?Above is the Full Eye Shadow BrushThe bristles are nice and soft. It’s pretty dense which means, it should pick up product well. When I initially saw the brush, I figured it was similar to some other brushes that I have, but it’s actually different. See below It turns out that it’s only really close to one of my Mondo brushes that I got from Nigel’s. I’m looking forward to using these brushes. I’ll review the lashes in a separate post.