Vanity

The hubby and I took a quick road trip to Atlantic City this past weekend for a friends birthday party/masquerade ball at the Revel.  I had a little bit of a tough time finding a dress that I was comfortable with wearing as I have gained a little bit of weight lately.  But I found this super cute black lace and cream dress in the juniors section in Macys.  I was a little self conscious as the dress was a body con dress...but I put on my spanks and paired it with some plain mary jane type patent leather pumps and thought I looked pretty hot for my date night!  

Because we checked into the hotel a little early and had some time to relax I was able to take a little more time with my makeup.  I went back and forth in my mind as to what look I wanted...black smoky eye...or a nice neutral eye.  So I mixed the two and I love how this neutral yet smoky look turned out.  I used my Wet N' Wild vanity palette for this look and paired it with a nude lip.  I was kind of feeling myself a bit this night lol.  Below is a list of everything I used.  

On the eyes:

NYX brow pencil in dark brown

Kevyn Aucoin sensual skin enhancer to clean up brow area and to conceal under eyes

Wet n' Wild Vanity 6 shadow eyeshadow palette

ELF 6 pan palette (the black in the smoky palette to deepen the outer-v)

Wet n' Wild gel liner in black

Rimmel London day to night mascara

Red Cherry Lashes #43

On the face:

MAC studio fix powder foundation NC43

Ruby Kisses mineral powder in Cognac to contour

Milani blush in Mai-Tai

ELF Healthy glow bronzing powder in Warm Tan

On the lips:

Wet n' Wild lipstick in Bare it All (#902C)

NYX Lipliner in Natural

NK Lipshine gloss in Taupe

Petal Pusher

I've been challenged to make use of some of the palettes in my stash that rarely get used.  So, today I decided to break out my Wet N' Wild Petal Pusher 8 pan palette.  I will do one more look this week using this same palette.  Probably a nice purple smoky eye...ya'll know I love a good smoky eye :) Below is a list of all the products I used to achieve this look.  Do you have any palettes in your stash that hardly get used?  If so, then join me in this challenge.  Dust them off and create some looks.  

On the eyes:

NYX brow pencil in dark brown

Kevyn Aucoin sensual skin enhancer to clean up brow area and to conceal under eyes

Wet n' Wild Petal Pusher 8 pan eyeshadow palette

Wet n' Wild gel liner in black

Rimmel London day to night mascara

Red Cherry Lashes #415

On the face:

MAC studio fix powder foundation NC43

Ruby Kisses mineral powder in Cognac to contour

Milani blush in Mai-Tai

On the lips:

Wet n' Wild lipstick in Just Peachy (#903C)

ELF lip liner in Bitter

Wet n' Wild clear gloss

INDULGE: EYE & CHEEK

With the change of seasons quickly approaching, it's no surprise that MAC Cosmetics has two new fall collections to INDULGE in.  This post is all about the INDULGE: Eye & Cheek collection...and this is how MAC describes it:

Fall Colour is a surreal feast for the senses, where no taste is too extravagant and no behaviour beyond limits. On the menu: Cremeblend Blush flushes skin with buildable glow as Eye Shadow defines eyes for the ultimate in temptation, intensified by Fluidline. Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash darkens and lengthens lashes. 

Here's a look at the items in this collection:

8 highly-pigmented shadows ($15 each)

Guilty Morsel

Sex & The Oyster

Three Ring Yellow

Divine Decadence

Beluga

Eat...Love

Deep Cravings

Palace Pedigreed

3 ultra smooth fluidline liners:

Guilt Gourmet

Deliciously Rich

Blacktrack

Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash Mascara ($21).  A two-in-one mascara which allows you to customize your style...naturally defined or powerfully dramatic.

2 cremeblend blushes ($21 each)

Tease Your Tastes

Glamour Feast

2 Makeup Brushes

266 Small Angle Brush $20   

213 Fluff Brush $24

Lovely Lilac

At the advice of my mentor, I have decided to branch out and try some new makeup products. (Review on them later.) I tried out the Revlon Colorstay foundation in Golden Caramel, LA Girls pro concealer in Medium Beige, and MACs invisible setting powder. I also picked up a lilac lipgloss at the beauty supply store and thought I might as well do a lilac look. So here it is.  Below is a list of all the products I used to achieve this look. Enjoy!

On the eyes:

Kevyn Aucoin brow pencil in Brunette

Revlon Lilac Shimmer eyeshadow on the lid 

MAC Mystery on the outer corner

Rimmel London day to night mascara

Wet n' Wild gel liner in black

On the face:

LA Girl pro concealer in Medium Beige

Revlon colorstay foundation in Golden Caramel 

MAC invisible setting powder

Milani blush in Sweet Rose

Ruby Kisses mineral powder in Cognac for the contour

On the lips:

LA Colors lipstick in Frosted Lilac

IrisColors lipgloss in Lilac

Sunrise Remix Makeup Look

Ok...so I totally forgot to post how I got this look. Please forgive me lol. Just a little background on how/why I chose this look. While hanging out with one of my partners in crime we were sipping on some Tequila Sunrise. I thought the color combination was perfect for a makeup look...but I wanted to mix it up a little bit. I got home and attempted to make a Tequila Sunrise for the hubby but realized that we only had a darker orange colored juice to add to it. Perfect! I'll do a sunset (or as I call it...Sunrise Remix) look! So I searched for a sunset look to inspire me and I stumbled upon a beautiful orange and pink smoky eye (see @c_flower's look here) and I decided to recreate it. And this is what I came up with. Also, check out my girl @itsjustmenai Tokyo Tea inspired eyeshadow look here. I hope you enjoy! 

On the eyes:

Kevyn Aucoin brow pencil in Brunette

Kevyn Aucoin sensual skin enhancer for the brow highlight

Wet N Wild Spoiled Brat trio for the pink and Flora trio for the orange

NYX single shadow in Kiss in Casablanca on the lower lash line

LA Girl eyeliner in Aqua in the waterline

Wet N Wild gel liner in black

Rimmel London day to night mascara (lengthening side)

Almay 1-coat dial up mascara

On the face:

Kevyn Aucoin sensual skin enhancer for concealer

MAC Studio Fix powder foundation in NC43

Wet N Wild blush in Berry Shimmer

Ruby Kisses mineral powder in Cognac for the contour

On the lips:

NYX lip liner in Currant
Revlon lipstick in Pink Pout

MAC All About Orange Collection

Orange you glad MAC has come out with yet another collection? Lol 

Images via MAC Cosmetics

Orange has quickly become one of my favorite colors for the spring and summer. I love how the color pops when I have a nice golden tan. In an outfit or on the lips and nails are my favorite places to wear the color...but I'm learning to love it on my face too. 

Here is what MAC has to say about its newest collection:

"Orange. Its vibrant energy and modern edge ignites fashion and beauty big time in Korea, the rest of Asia and the world. It's one of the new global super shades that pops with sizzle and cool sophistication. M∙A∙C translates the trend with international impact into a colour collection for face, lips and nails."

Here is a look at the products available with this collection:

Rainy Season Eye Shadow Quad $40

An Eye Shadow Quad in four shades: Arctic Grey, Courtly Grey, Typographic and Rainy Season. The highly pigmented powder formula applies evenly, blends and builds beautifully.

7 Lipsticks $15

Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made M·A·C famous. (Shades: Sweet & Sour, Flamingo, Razzledazzler, Tangerine Dream, Sushi Kiss, Tart & Trendy, and Neon Orange)

3 Cremesheen Glasses $20

A lip finish that fuses the creamy, sheen-filled nature of Cremesheen Lipstick with the shine of M∙A∙C Lipglass. Soft, comfortable, non-sticky. Applies with a doe-foot applicator. Use as a top layer to its namesake Lipstick or on its own. (Shades: Double Happiness, Imperial Light, and Rising Sun)

3 Powder Blushes $21

Colour for the cheeks and face. Various formulas. Different looks. (Shades: Immortal Flower, Royal Sunset, and Honey Jasmine)

4 Nail Lacquers $16

Revolutionary new high gloss formula. Three long-wearing finishes - Cream, Sheer, and Frosted. Visibly different. Provides no-streak/no-chip finish. Contains conditioners and UV protection. Go hi-lacquer! (Shades: Sweet Pop, Ke Ai, Fiestaware, and Morange)

The All About Orange collection available now online, and will be in stores beginning June 6th. Although I love my bright oranges (I'm really eyeing that Morange nail lacquer and the Neon Orange lipstick) some of the lighter orange shades are catching my eye as well. What will you pick up from this collection?

Marilyn Monroe Collection by MAC Cosmetics (via Macy's)

Images via InStyle.com

Marilyn Monroe is back at MAC via Macy's! This collection is available on-line now (I will update when it's available in stores).  And being as though I missed the last release of this collection, I'm somewhat excited to see what it has to offer.  Here's what MAC has to say about the collection. 

"Pure platinum Hollywood glamour. Channel the legend's luster & sex appeal in a colour collection distinctively Marilyn. It's everything you need to capture the MM look. Specially designed packaging features imagery from The Black Sitting. Limited Edition."

So, without further ado...here are a few pictures that I was able to find.

Images via InStyle.com

Lipstick
In Deeply Adored, Charmed I'm Sure, Scarlet Ibis,
Love Goddess, and Pure Zen
  

Lip Pencil
In Beet, Redd, and Cherry
 
 

 
Nail Lacuqer
In Orange Kid, Vintage Vamp, Stage Vamp,
Flaming Rose, and Rich, Rich, Rich

 

 
 
Large Eye Shadow
In How to Marry, Preferred Blonde, Showgirl, and Silver Screen

 

 

False Lashes Extreme Black Mascara, Eye Khol in Smolder and Fascinating, #35 False Lash Strips in Forever Marilyn, and Penultimate Eye Liner in Rapid Black

 

 

Penultimate Brow Marker and Brow Finisher in Clear

Powder Blush

In Legendary and The Perfect Cheek

Beauty Powder

In Forever Marilyn

 
Dazzleglass
In Phiff! and Little Rock

Fashion Fair Capsule Collections

Images via Fashion Fair Cosmetics

Happy 40th anniversary Fashion Fair Cosmetics!!! To celebrate four decades of beauty and the original Capsule Collection developed by Eunice W. Johnson, Fashion Fair has created four new collections. Each marks an era in beauty for women of color using various hues of pink (one of my favorite colors).  Click here to check out this behind the scenes video on the collections. 

The 1970’s Foxy Capsule Collection is a tribute to Eunice W. Johnson.  She launched the first prestige cosmetic line to address the beauty needs of Black women.  The Foxy Capsule Collection is a set of feminine soft pink pallets to inspire the Fox in all of us.

This collection comes with Foxy Pink Lipstick (a pearlized coral pink), Foxy Pink Lip Teaser (a sheer pastel pink), Foxy Pink Beauty Blush (a pale matte pink), and Foxy Pink Nail Lacquer (a pink with lavender undertones).

The 1980’s Fresh Capsule Collection speaks to the legacy of the Hip-Hop decade.  This was an era when women began to express themselves using fresh, beautiful, and alluring colors.  The Fresh Capsule Collection is a set of gorgeous warm pink colors to evoke a fresh beauty.

This collection comes with Fresh Pink Lipstick (a rosy creamy pink), Tickled Pink Lip Teaser (a bubblegum pink with cool undertones), Ginger Berry Beauty Blush (a berry pink with gold flux), and Fresh Pink Nail Lacquer (a frosted coral with silver shimmer).

The 1990’s Sensuous Capsule Collection reflects a new evolved era of beauty, when women embraced bolder colors.  The Sensuous Capsule Collection is a set of rich, modern, and bright pink pallets to celebrate a woman’s sensuality.

This collection comes with Sensuous Pink Lipstick (a vibrant fuchsia pink), Sensuous Pink Lip Teaser (a sheer iridescent pink), Plum Rich Beauty Blush (a deep magenta pink), and Sensuous Pink Nail Lacquer (a matte rich plum).

The 2000’s Divine Capsule Collection captures the latest and hottest trends in beauty.  A time when black women are empowered to embrace their own style and not be afraid to own the moment.  The Divine Capsule Collection is a set of glamorous, bold, and unforgettable pink shades embracing the divine power of beauty.

This collection comes with Divine Pink Lipstick (a pink with violet undertones), Divine Pink Lip Teaser (a luscious watermelon pink), Divine Pink Beauty Blush (a matte baby doll pink), and Divine Pink Nail Lacquer (a sassy neon pink).

Rainy Day Blues

April showers bring May flowers...I hope lol.  It's rainy here in the DC Area and I decided to do a Rainy Day Blue look.  I used the NYX box of eye shadows that I got from my sister for Christmas this year which had this very pretty blue (used on the lid).  Below are all the products I used to achieve this look.  Enjoy!

On the face:
Kevyn Aucoin brow pencil in brunette
Kevyn Aucoin sensual skin enhancer for concealer
Kiss colors liquid foundation in honey glow
MAC studio fix powder foundation in NC 43
Ben Nye powder rouge in cool pink
Ruby Kisses mineral powder in cognac as a contour

On the eyes:
NYX box of eye shadows (light and dark blue)
LA Colors smudge proof liquid eyeliner
Rimmel London day to night mascara

On the lips:
Wet n Wild megalast lipstick in Don't blink pink
Wet n Wild megaslicks lipgloss in sweet glaze

Prom look #3: Purple Smoke

So here is the last look of my prom makeup series. I decided to do a slightly bolder eye look with a glossy lip. I chose purple because I had this blackened violet pigment sample from The Body Needs and have been dying to use it. I didn't want the lip to overpower the eye so I kept it simple with my favorite lipliner (MAC Chestnut) with a peachy gloss. I hope you have enjoyed this series and let me know if you tried any of these looks for prom or any special occasion.

On the eyes:

Wet N' Wild Idol Eyes creme shadow pencil in Techno used as a base

ELF Mineral Shadow in Girly on the lid

The Body Needs pigment in Blackened Violet

Almay 1 Coat Dial-up mascara

Maybelline Big Lash Mascara

Milani liquifeye eyeliner in black

On the face:

Cover Girl True BlendFoundation in #460

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer as a concealer

MAC Studio Fix Powder in NC43 all over

Ruby Kisses mineral powder in Cognac for the contour

Ben Nye powder rouge in cool pink

ELF Healthy Glow bronzer in Sun Kissed as the highlight

On the lips:

MAC Chestnut lipliner

Victoria's Secret lipgloss in lotta colada

Partners in Pretty/Girl Talk Favorite Drug Store Products

Partners In Pretty is teaming up with Girl Talk:A Conference for Young Ladies for their health and beauty week.  You can join in on the conversation via Facebook www.facebook.com/girltalkdc and https://www.facebook.com/PartnersinPretty, Twitter #girltalk2013 and #partnersinpretty  and Instagram @PartnersInPretty. 

So in celebration of health and beauty week, I decided to share with all of you my favorite drug store beauty products.  These products are very reasonably priced and also offer good quality.  Many of these products are also known for having great dupes for some of the higher end lines.  So here are my favorite drugstore beauty products...what are some of your favorite drugstore beauty products?

Wet n' Wild MegaLast lipsticks.  This collection has a great array of colors...they're super inexpensive ($1.99 @ CVS)  And the possibilities are endless!  Take a look at how some of us rocked Stoplight Red (919D)  Click here for my previous post on these lippies.

Another one of my favorite drugstore beauty products are the Milani blushes.  My all-time favorite Milani blushe is Mai Tai. It gives my cheek just the right amount of rosey-ness (if that's a word lol) 

My next beauty products are three mascaras that I am totally in love with.  I'm all for mascaras that give the appearance of false lashes...becuase I haven't quite gotten the hang of applying lashes yet.  First is Rimmel London's Day 2 Night mascara.  The lengthening side...love it...and the volume side gives the right amount of oomph to your lashes. 

The second mascara is Maybelline's Great Lash Waterproof Mascara.  Although I use this mascara with the volumizing side of the Rimmel London one...the way this mascara separates and makes your lashes look natural is awesome!

The last mascara is one that I found at my local Dollar Tree.  (Check out your stores to see if you can get this mascara for a really reasonable price.)  Almay's 1 Coat Dial-up Mascara.  Now this is my mascara of choice when I am headed out on the town.  I love how this mascara gives you the option of a lot or a little bit of volume.  I love how the brush allows you to lengthen your lashes to almost falsie status. 

Please do not judge me for this one...and I do not recommend using them on clients...but...

Baby wipes are great for removing makeup!  And even great to use for cleaning your brushes!  I prefer Pampers Baby wipes.  They are a little thicker than some others and a little more durable.  But yes...baby wipes :)

Speaking of brushes...be sure to check sites like Coastal Scents and BH Cosmetics for their sales!

I got this brush set on sale on time from Coastal Scents for $17.50!  And they are some really nice brushes.  I was shocked when I started using them and they have yet to fail me. 

Another inexpensive company to get brushes from is ELF (Eyes Lips Face).  Their Studio Brushes are great for everyday use and you can find them in Target!

Check out my Partner in Pretty Naima's video showing you more great drug store beauty products.