Event Coverage -

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

New Ioma Counter

Beauty Blogger, Event Coverage, Face, facial cleanser, HoustonFashionBloggers, Ioma, Saks, skin care No Responses »

Mar 112013

I had the opportunity to visit the brand new Ioma counter inside Saks in the Houston Galleria Mall a few days ago. I’d never heard of the brand, however they’re really big overseas. The company started in 2000 and was soley geared towards dermatology. In 2009, they branched out into cosmetics. This counter is actually the 4th to open in the U.S. Ioma is exclusive to Saks.

The name Ioma is A moi backwards or if you looked at it through a mirror which means it’s mine. We should be able to look at our reflection in the mirror and feel proud to say that’s my beautiful skin.

When I got to the counter, I was expecting a rep to show me a couple of products and maybe a quick demo, give me some general info about the company, and that was all. Boy was I wrong. I received a thorough skin assessment, background information on the company, and a wonderful facial! Ioma is unlike any other cosmetic company I know.

Above is the Ioma Beauty Diag machine

I had the chance to meet with Ioma’s global trainer manager, Audrey, who came from Paris to train the staff here in Saks at the Galleria. She gave me historical info on the brand and explained to me how Ioma identifies 7 different skin concerns that have products assigned to address them.

Dry Skin
Fine Lines
Wrinkles and Lack of Firmness
Diffuse Redness
Bacterial Infections
Oily Skin
Dark Spots

According to Iomaparisusa.com, there are 8748 possible combinations that can be made to the specific skin concerns of their clients. Wow!!!

Kathy, the regional coordinator, described Ioma as “High Technology meets dermatology and cosmetics”. I would absolutely agree with this description.

For my demo, we began with a summary of the company. Then she used the Beauty Diag to accurately determine my skin type. She also asked me about my skin and the concerns I have. Now, if you know me or have followed my blog for a length of time, you already know that my major concern is oiliness. We went through the assessment anyway.

Here is Jessica, Saks Ioma worker, using the Beauty Diag for my “before” assessment.

2013-03-07 17.44.37

Very surprisingly, it turns out that my skin is dehydrated and actually a lot more dry than oily. Under the oily section, the Beauty Diag showed my skin to be normal. Who Knew???

After finding out my skin concerns, I received a list of recommended products to address those concerns. Instead of the workers just giving me the list and sending me home, I got to go to the very posh spa area of Saks and received a facial with Ioma products to help my problem areas.

While Audrey performed my facial, the ladies working at the counter sat in to observe. Afterwards, we all returned to the counter to see the progress.

Here we are together. The fact that I’m standing tall and proud without any makeup in the Galleria says a lot!! There was definitely an immediate change in my skin. As a result of the facial, my skin was smoother and a bit brighter due to getting rid of the excess dead skin cells. For the record, I wear makeup everyday and I especially try to look nice when I’m in the Galleria because you never know who you might run into. I was very comfortable in my skin ( I know that’s such a cliche’ but it was true).

Since Audrey and Jessica used the Beauty Diag to assess my skin, I didn’t experience the Iomasphere. It’s really not necessary to do both. The Beauty Diag provides a microscopic view of your skin and is more detailed. The Iomasphere provides a macroscopic view by using a camera. I was still curious how it worked, so the trainer and Jessica showed me how it’s used.

This is the scanner that is connected to both machines. It prints out your results as well as product recommendations. You can also pick up a product and scan it to find out what it’s used for. Pretty cool. Ioma uses cloud technology to store the database for clients’ info. This is nice because if I go to New York and can’t remember what products were recommended to me, they will have all of my info.

Okay, so if you read this entire post, you should have gathered by now that I’m very impressed with this company and I’d definitely recommend it. I love the fact that you have so many options to address multiple needs of your skin. Prices range from $60-200 which is very reasonable considering the advanced technology used to individualize your skin concerns to the products.

Macy’s Black History Month Gordon Parks Event

Black History Month, Event Coverage, Macy's, photographers No Responses »

Feb 222013

Macy’s has really done well with recognizing cultural events. This is second year in a row that I’ve attended their Black History Month event. Last year they focused on Romare Bearden. This year they focused on Gordon Parks.

This event was held at the Macy’s Galleria on Hidalgo. There was a nice set up displaying Gordon Parks’s pictures as well as a live musician.

I missed the beginning of the event because I was booked to do makeup for an event at Qwashae Boutique. I got to Macy’s towards the end of the panel discussion.

Each member gave info about Gordon Parks and how he made an impact on their lives. In this picture Rebecca Briscoe is speaking on how inspirational he was to have been so successful despite the racial tension that existed during his era.

To the left of her is Ray Carrington, he spoke very highly of Gordon Parks and emphasized how his early mistakes led to him learning lessons that allowed him opportunities to leave a huge legacy. He discussed how important it was for Gordon Parks to get to know people before taking pictures. Then there’s Joy Sewing. Unfortunately, I missed her speak, but I’m sure she gave a lot of good insight. She’s very intellectual and full of knowledge. I look forward to seeing her at events. On the end is David Parks.

Here I am with Rebecca after the panel discussion. I’m so proud of her success. We both grew up in the same home town of Port Arthur, Texas. Nice to see her doing well.

2013-02-21 19.01.17

This gentlemen in the above picture was the host for the Gordon Parks event.

BeautyByLeRenda David Parks speaking Above is David Parks, Gordon’s son. He shared a lot of great background information about his father, including how he and his brother approached their dad for assistance in producing the movie Superfly. He also spoke about how diversity is still an issue in the film industry. He urged film makers to work together and explained why family and the community and are keys to being successful.

BeautyByLeRenda Macys Black History Month Background There was a great turnout for this event.

I got a chance to sit down and talk with David Parks. He ‘s so personable and approachable. He was very patient and took time to talk with everyone and took pictures. He appeared to be just as happy to meet us as we were to meet him. I’m so honored to have had this opportunity.

David Parks and BeautyByLeRenda There was a reception following the panel discussion in which Macy’s provided light refreshments and drinks. BeautyByLeRenda Macys Wine list for Gordon Parks event I’m so glad that I was able to attend this wonderful event. Kudos to Macy’s once again for putting on a fantastic showcase for Black History Month.

*I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere provided me with compensation for this post about Macy’s Black History Month. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own.*

All Star Weekend 2013 Makeover Event at Houston Galleria

AJ Crimson, Beauty Suite, Celebrity, Event Coverage, Foundation, Glam Slam, Glam Squad, Houston Galleria, LeToya Luckett, Makeover, Makeup Team No Responses »

Feb 202013

This weekend I worked with the incredible celebrity make up artist AJ Crimson and his makeup team at LeToya Luckett’s Lady L Boutique in the Houston Galleria Mall. We were a part of the Glam Slam Beauty Suite event that allowed clients to get a total makeover in one location. Teams were led by celebrity Hairstylist Kiyah Wright, Celebrity Lash Guru Jamaal Buster, and Celebrity Manicurists Skyye.

2013-02-17 12.38.20 Above I’m with AJ Crimson wearing his Limited Edition Allstar Weekend Kissable Couture Lip Colors. I created a blue ombre lip. Below I’m with Platinum recording artist LeToya Luckett. 2013-02-16 00.31.44

Words can’t express how grateful I was that AJ Crimson selected me to be a part of his makeup team. This experience was spectacular! I was able to become more familiar with his Kissable Couture Lip Colors. I was introduced to his pressed powders. I also got to really work with the AJ Crimson Creme Foundations (which I reviewed a couple months ago here). We provided makeovers Fri-Sun.

2013-02-15 11.51.45 Above is a picture of my makeup station set up. Below is a picture of AJ’s makeup station set up. Ha ha! I’ve got a long way to go. ;-p

Below is Faith all ready to make up clients. 2013-02-15 11.51.53

I’m holding the brand new AJ Crimson CCC palette. It’s a convenient compact with all 8 shades of his Creme Foundation. I’d highly recommend it for makeup artist who want great foundation in a condensed form. I’d also recommend it for makeup lovers who want to have versatility with creating looks. You can do your overall skin color, highlight, contour, add cheek color, do lips, etc… So many options with this product.

2013-02-15 11.52.06 Here are the Kissable Couture Lip Colors and AJ Crimson Creme Foundations and Pressed Powders. I really, really like his lip colors. They range from sheer glosses to liquid lipsticks. They all feel very comfortable on your lips without being too sticky or tacky. My favorite is Fantasies, which I purchased 2 tubes at The Makeup Show Orlando. It’s a beautiful red…but they’re currently out of stock so we didn’t use it for the event. Here is Aj doing a lip demo

Above I’m giving one of my clients a Purple Lip Demo using AJ Crimson Kissable Couture Limited Edition Allstar Weekend Purple with the regular Kissable Couture lipgloss in Tyler applied in the middle for an extra pop.

My client posted this on her instagram.

This picture was taken from Christina Milian’s Instagram. I’m in the background working. ;-p

This is my client who was in the chair in the above picture. She posted this on her instagram. I just love seeing my clients happy with their makeovers.

This was taken from another one of my client’s instagram. I used AJ’s creme foundation #8 to create that gorgeous contoured cheek.

Below I’m using AJ Crimson Kissable Couture Limited Edition AllStar Weekend Lip colors in Blue and Purple to create Shasie’s lip. These pictures are courtesy of my fellow MUA Faith.

I created this pretty Kissable Couture Lip Combo on Hairstylist Kierra. She worked with Celebrity Hairstylist Kiyah Wright’s team.

My favorite kissable couture lip demo was on Valerie. I used 3 of the Limited Edition Allstar Weekend colors. Blue as the lip liner, Green as the main color, and light blue/teal in the middle.

I had the opportunity to use the AJ Crimson Creme Foundations and the Kissable Couture Lipgloss in Mysterious on Love and Hip Hop star Raqi.

This is a picture of me with the uber fab Celebrity Hairstylist Kiyah Wright! She works wonders with hair. Faith did her makeup and used the Limited Edition Allstar Weekend Orange lip color.

So happy to have finally met Jamaal Buster, Lash Guru to the stars. He is so fabulous and his lashes will change your life.

This Jamal Buster bag is too cute! I just adore his packaging.

OMG! These lashes are amazing!! Can’t wait to try them on my clients.

I learned a new technique from Jamaal and his team this weekend. Instead of waving the lashes back and forth while you’re waiting for the glue to get tacky, just use a small hand held fan to quickly dry the glue. He’s a genius! I’ve been doing makeup for 6yrs now, this has never crossed my mind. Totally going to get a little fan for my kit now.

Yay! I met YouTube Beauty Guru Ateya. She was one of the first people I followed on YouTube years ago. She’s super sweet in person.

Be sure to watch the video above the title of this post to see footage of this phenomenal beauty event. Shout out to Charles and Brittany of Ambient Noir and Coeus Magazine for the great footage.

Houston Fashion Bloggers Holiday Party at Saks

Bloggers, Event Coverage, Houston Fashion Bloggers No Responses »

Dec 212012

The Houston Fashion Bloggers celebrated our one year anniversary with a holiday party sponsored by Saks on 12/7/12.

It was held at the very posh and chic 5115 restaurant inside of Saks Fith Avenue in the Houston Galleria Mall. This was actually my 1st time ever going there. It’s very nice. We even had a live piano player to set the mood.

Our party was RSVP only and was well attended. We ended up having to implement a waiting list because so many people wanted to come. Unfortunately we weren’t able to accommodate everyone interested because there was a limit on how many people we could invite. It’s so nice to see how far we’ve come in just one year.

We donated proceeds to the Houston Area Women’s Center. Here’s a representative talking to us about the great things the center does for local women and children who are survivors or domestic violence.

Shalanda, the founder of the Houston Fashion Bloggers spoke to everyone and thanked them for participating in our celebration.

We had a raffle to help raise money for the Houston Area Women’s Center. With cool prizes!

Here are some of the winners below

There were models there to show us what was in trend for both women and men’s fashion.

I had a fantastic time mingling with my fellow Houston Fashion Bloggers!!!

It was so nice to have local designers come out and support us. Below I’m with Carrie Ann of Carrie Ann Boutique and Nadia of Mon Venin. Excuse the blurry picture .

And of course a very special thanks to Chad who works for Saks. He’s been so great to the Houston Fashion Bloggers. He keeps us updated on all of the latest trends and events with Saks. He helped make this Holiday party a huge success!

AJ Crimson Keynote Speech & New Creme Foundation Review

AJ Crimson, AJ Crimson Creme Foundation, Celebrity Makeup Artist, Cream Foundation, Event Coverage, Foundation, Make-Up techniques, Makeup Application, The Makeup Show, The Makeup Show Orlando, Trade Shows 1 Response »

Dec 132012

Keynote Speaker AJ Crimson on stage

Celebrity Make Up Artist AJ Crimson was a keynote speaker on Day 2 of The Makeup Show Orlando. Hey gave great advice about working as a freelance makeup artist and how to really market your brand. He has an agency called Blackboard Group and talked about how he would love to see the makeup community share more and work together. AJ Crimson Keynote speech

AJ stressed the importance of MUAs taking an active role in their personal brands and when working on photoshoots. He encouraged us to stop undercutting ourselves and re-evaluate what’s working vs. what’s not. For MUAs transitioning from retail, he urged us to stop thinking about makeup like you do when working at the counter. Most products have multiple uses and it’s not always required to use so many different things to achieve a look. For example, you don’t always need a separate concealer as well as a foundation. If you use a full coverage cream foundation, it can work as a concealer. Sometimes, those extra products are just selling points. This tip is helpful when building a kit. You can save money by investing in multi-purpose products.

AJ Crimson Demo 1 AJ Crimson Demo 2 AJ also did a makeup demo to promote his brand new Creme Foundation line. He has 8 shades that were hand mixed and according to him were made with a lot of love. ;-p

DSCF6687 I got a chance to talk to AJ. He’s really passionate about makeup and having a product that’s easy to use on a diverse clientele. His creme foundations as well as his lipglosses can work on anyone. He had a booth set up in the vendors hall as well. Where he and his staff did demos and allowed us to test out his products. AJ Crimson Booth 2 AJ Crimson Booth Demo AJ Crimson Booth Demo 2 AJ Crimson Booth George applying lipgloss

I wasn’t able to get all 8, but I did get three of them: 2 which is a light shade, 4 which is a medium shade, and 8 which is a dark shade so that I can mix them to work with my clients.

AJ Crimson Creme Foundation

I used this foundation for the 1st time on my fellow Houston Fashion Blogger Shasie. I did her makeup last week for our Holiday Party. I’m totally in love this foundation. A little goes a long way. Even though it’s a cream, it’s very light weight. Shasie said it felt really good on her skin and she got lots of compliments. I’d highly recommend this makeup!! Shasie b4 and after makeover Below is a picture of the two of us at our Houston Fashion Blogger Holiday Party sponsored by Saks. 380364_432160143504520_1388214687_n

You can purchase these incredible foundations at AJCrimson.com

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