Beauty

BEAUTY News: Sam Fine Launches Debut Makeup Collection with Fashion Fair

February 7, 2013

Beauty buffs have been anticipating the arrival of Sam Fine’s collaboration with Fashion Fair for a while, and now the wait is finally over!

The two beauty poewrhouses have joined forces to create a luxe line of cosmetics created with us BGs in mind. What could be better: a premier celebrity makeup artist partnering with the pioneer in makeup for women of color? Well, last week I had the pleasure of attending a press event showcasing the Sam Fine for Fashion Fair collection and I’m telling you that it doesn’t get any better than this.

Recently appointed Fashion Fair’s Creative Director of Makeup, Fine brings his innovative, creative and contemporary flair to the historical brand.

Sam Fine “working his magic”on a model.

Although this is Fine’s debut makeup line, his knowledge and years of experience working with cosmetics shows. Inspired by his international travels, the incredibly rich, pigmented collection is beyond striking. I was impressed, but not surprised by the quality of the products, which include: Eight Supreme Lip Color Shades ($22; 8 shades), Two Supreme Eye Color Quads ($38) and Supreme Shine Lip Gloss ($20; one shade). For over a decade, Fine has painted some of the most famous faces in entertainment, while Fashion Fair has mastered the cosmetics business for half a century—that’s bound to be a recipe for success!

The entire collection can be purchased here; $272. Products are sold separately at Macy’s, Dillards and Lord & Taylor.

Although I experimented with various lipstick shades from the line, African Violet is my absolute favorite. The semi-matte deep plum/burgundy shade goes on effortlessly and feels weightless. It provides just a bit of shine to create a vampy look without looking greasy.

Me wearing the ‘African Violet’ lip color.

A few of my other faves (from top): Dynasty Red, Pink Parfait and Moroccan Spice

I haven’t tried the quad shadows yet, but the colors are just as vibrant as the lipsticks. If you’re on the hunt for a collection that complements women of color, these products are must-haves!

For Sam’s lip tips, check out the video below:

Are you excited about this collection? Are you a fan of Sam Fine’s work?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Featured, Features | 1 Comment

GIVEAWAY: Halle Berry’s ‘Closer’ & Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

February 5, 2013

It’s hard to believe that in just over a week, our Instagram and Facebook feeds will be filled with candy hearts, red roses and other lovey-dovey sentiments all in the name of Valentine’s Day.

Whether you’re single, married or somewhere in-between, the often referred to “Hallmark” holiday is the perfect excuse to treat yourself or receive a few goodies. From a fresh fragrance to decadent cupcakes, let my following wish list serve as a bit of Valentine’s Day gift-giving (and getting) inspiration!

Closer by Halle Berry available at drugstores nationwide; $35

Hanky Panky: Long Stem Lovin’ Original Thong Bouquet (Half-Dozen) available here; $130

‘Kissy Face’ Cosmetic Bag by Felix Rey available here; $95

I Love Lavanila Vanilla Grapefruit Gift Set available here; $49.50

Marc by Marc Jacobs Marci Pave Watch available here; $275

Perfect gift for couples!! “The You & Me Book: A Love Journal” by Rachel Kempster & Meg Leder available here; $11

Crumbs Dozen Roses Classic Collection available here; $42

**Will you be celebrating Valentine’s Day this year? One lucky reader will win a bottle of Halle Berry’s Closer fragrance. Simply tell me how you plan to celebrate the holiday or your most memorable Valentine’s Day. The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Friday!

Category: Beauty, Gifts, Giveaway, Giveaways, Gumbo Mix | 6 Comments

Vanessa Williams Expands ‘ReVitalistic’ Skincare Line

January 25, 2013

Is there anything that Vanessa Williams can’t do?

The stunning multi-talented entertainer, author and mother of four, now has her own anti-aging skincare line. Launched last year, ReVitalistic Skincare, is Williams’ latest endeavor in the cosmetics world. The former Miss America, 49, who has always been vocal about her personal struggle with skin problems, previously worked with Proactive (the popular acne-fighting formula), but is now stepping out on her own.

Designed and developed by Williams, the expanding ginger-scented collection includes premium creams, serums and moisturizers. Her latest release, Three-Piece Anti-Aging System ($68), includes the top-selling Re-Start Skin Serum, along with two new products: Re-Focus Firming Eye Serum and Re-Quench Anti-Age Defense Intensive Moisture Treatment. While there are so many celebrity skincare products on the market, Williams is confident that she has the right stuff.

“With my ReVitalistic Skincare Anti-Aging System, you are able to maintain an effortless and efficient three-step anti-aging regimen at an incredible price,” Williams says in a release. “Once you try my most basic regimen, which is effective and easy to use, you will notice how much better your skin will look and feel.”

Available at www.QVC.com

Although I haven’t tried any of her products, I’m looking forward to catching Williams on QVC tonight to learn more! Be sure to tune in to QVC’s “Friday Night Beauty” tonight 11pm (EST) if you want to buy or learn more about ReVitalistic Skincare products.

Would you check out her products?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News | 2 Comments

Get the Look: Beyoncé’s Makeup at the 2013 Presidential Inauguration

January 22, 2013

Beyoncé always looks stunning, but the R&B and pop superstar amped up her natural beauty for her performance of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” for the 2013 Inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Dressed in a gorgeous Emilio Pucci gown and emerald Lorraine Schwartz earrings, celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal complemented Beyoncé’s eye-catching ensemble with natural-looking makeup for the historic day.

Beyoncé and Mally Roncal

Check out Mally’s tips and tricks to recreate the look using products from her Mally Beauty makeup line:

· To first set the skin, apply my Perfect Prep Poreless Primer all over the face and my Cancellation Concealer directly underneath the eyes.

· To achieve natural-looking coverage, first, apply my Ultimate Performance Liquid Foundation. Next, add a sweep of my NEW Diamond Unpowder that will illuminate the skin followed by brushing on my Effortless Airbrush Highlighter and Blush Duo to the cheeks in order to provide a soft, radiant glow to the skin.

· To achieve a rich, smokey eye – try my Evercolor Shadow Stick in Saddle Shimmer. Apply this all over the eyelid and underneath as well. Next, select a few shades from the Mally Beauty In the Buff Palette and sweep that onto the eyelids. Finish the look by applying a small amount of my Age Rebel Shadow Stick in Chocolate Diamond on the bottom lid right under your eyelashes to open up the eye followed by using my Lightwand Eyebrightener to the inner corners to instantly brighten this area. Lastly, to achieve this bold eyeliner at-home, try using the Mally Beauty Evercolor Starlight Eyeliner in Midnight, layered with the Ultimate Performance Ink Eyeliner (which is exclusive to QVC.com).

· Complement this confident eye by pairing it with a mascara that will enhance the overall look – such as the Mally Beauty Volumizing Mascara and/or my NEW Instant Impact Mascara. To create glossy, Beyoncé worthy lips try my High Shine Lip Gloss in Mally’s Look or Mally’s Baby.

· And last but not least, before you leave the house, apply the Mally Beauty Face Defender to lock your makeup in place and Perfect Prep Hydrating Under Eye Brightener to make the eyes pop!

All of the products mentioned can be purchased at QVC.com and MallyBeauty.com!

Check out Beyonce’s performance below:

What did you think of Beyoncé’s look and performance?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Beauty, Beauty News | 5 Comments

Michelle Obama Debuts New Bangs!

January 17, 2013

First Lady Michelle Obama celebrated her 49th birthday with a bang, literally!

The always-stylish FLOTUS debuted a new look with textured blunt bangs just in time for her birthday and the inaugural festivities taking place this weekend. The fabulous fringe frames her already gorgeous face and complements the shoulder-skimming bob.

First Lady Michelle Obama

Hair expert George Gonzalez, a Chicago-based stylist who has worked for Oprah shares his tips on getting this banging look:

“Michelle Obama’s new bang is texturized which gives a softer piecey edge to the normal blunt style,” says the owner of George the Salon in Chicago. “To achieve, ask your stylist to chip in with the tips of their shears followed by using texturizing scissors to soften the initial cut to finish. Hair types that are very coarse, thick and curly will have a harder time pulling this look off unless you want to take the time to use a blow dryer and flat iron to style. Ideally, straight or slightly wavy strands that are fine to normal will work best for this new ‘Obama Bang’.”

Do you guys love this look?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Celebrity BGs | 1 Comment

Beauty NEWS: Burt’s Bees to Launch New Lip Products

January 17, 2013

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of attending an event previewing Burt’s Bees’ new lip gloss lines. The earth-friendly brand never disappoints when it comes to quality and affordability, and the two product launches live up to that standard. Just in time for spring, both the Lip Gloss and Lip Shine lines are packed with vibrant colors (combined they offer over 18 shades) that will get lips noticed. And, the fact that they’re formulated with 100% natural ingredients is definitely a perk!

If you’re a BG who likes applying gloss with a wand, then opt for the Lip Gloss line. With botanical oils as a key ingredient, these glosses moisturize lips while providing a pearlized shine.

Lip Gloss ($8.99) and Lip Shine ($6.99) will be available at www.burtsbees.com and retailers nationwide starting in March.

Since I’m more of a non-wand kind of girl, I prefer the Lip Shine products. They leave just the right amount of color and the consistency is flawless: not too sticky and not too runny. In fact, I think I may have found my new favorite lip product (in Flutter)! It’s the perfect mix of pink and plum. Plus, it smells delightful and the color is long-lasting.

I’ve been a fan of Burt’s Bees products for several years so I’m excited to see the brand expanding!

Do you prefer lip glosses with wands or without?

Category: Beauty | Leave a Comment

Make Basic Beauty Products Green With Envy!

January 9, 2013

Bye-bye tangerine dreams, hello emerald green!

By now you’ve heard that Pantone announced that the majestic shade will be all the rage this year. For us beauty buffs, that means 2013 will be all about making our basic makeup shades green with envy. Why not choose a fresh new hue for a fun alternative to boring blacks and browns? And what’s fresher than emerald green?

During the holidays, I played around with the jewel-toned shade on my eyes. I applied a L’Oreal emerald liner to my lower lids for an unexpected pop of color. While it didn’t quite give me the sultry, dark-rimmed look I’ve come to love, I will continue experimenting with the lively shade for spring.

Whether you want to try the color on your lids or nails, there are countless options to get in on the grass-is-greener trend!

Check out these finds:

Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in ‘Emerald Green’ available here; $23