Not Your Grandmother's Pastels!

Essie (clockwise): Pop Art Pink, Lilacism, Neo Whimsical,

 Van D'go, Tart Deco, Red Nouveau

Essie’s The Art of Spring Collection is a pretty-in-pastel six shade launch. They’re a nice bunch of colors that give you some color on your nails without being too bold, so they may work nicely for those who need to have more office-appropriate nails.

Essie (left to right): Pop Art Pink, Lilacism, Neo Whimsical, Van D’go, Tart Deco, Red Nouveau


Pop Art Pink is a milky, jelly baby pink. This shade is exceptional because you can layer it with three coats for a near opaque finish! One coat will get you that softly pink-tinted look that’s cute and feminine without being bold.

Lilacism is a cool-toned lilac cream with blue undertones. This gave fairly opaque color with two coats.

Neo Whimsical is a light lavender cream with a pink tint. Three coats are needed to get an opaque look.

Van D’go is a lightened, milky pink with a peach cream finish. Two coats to get an opaque look.

Tart Deco is a peached coral cream. Two coats for an opaque finish with NO streaks.

Red Nouveau is a brightened red cream. (similar to ones we've seen before) It applies beautifully - very smooth, even, and nearly opaque in just one coat.

Enjoy!

Smooches & Art of Spring Quick Claps

I like my money right where I can see it... hanging in my closet. -Carrie Bradshaw

Sue Devitt Microquatic Hydrating Marine Minerals Collection

Blue Waters

Silky. Moisturizing. Beautiful. What more can a girl ask for in her eyeshadow?!? I am absolutely smitten with the Sue Devitt Microquatic Hydrating Marine Minerals Destination Eye Palette, I simply can not get enough of them! The eyeshadows in each palette all work together so you can create beautiful smokey eyes in tones of purple (Kilimanjaro), blue (Blue Waters), green (Green Isles), copper (Serengeti), and coral (Solomon Islands).  

This Spring/Summer makeup trend is all about a splash of color which many women fear will be "too much". Have no fear, these palettes offer that with shades that are universally flattering, blendable, crease-resistant, and long-lasting (last all day WITHOUT a primer)! The richness of the colors makes my eyes pop and one can never go wrong with a hint of shimmer...especially during the summer months up against bronzed skin - HAUTE.

I currently own 3 out of the 5 palettes and in the lead is Blue Waters! My favorite way to wear this palette is with the lightest color highlighting my brow, the middle color applied wet on my lower lid for an added POP of color, and a mix of the darker two shades either in my crease or smudged along my lashline with black liner for a sexy smoky eye. I encourage you to get excited and follow my lead Divas!!

Smooches & Microquatic Quick Claps

I like my money right where I can see it... hanging in my closet. -Carrie Bradshaw

TREND ALERT: Orange-Red Lipstick

Makeup Forever Lipstick Orange Red (205), $19; Makeup Forever Glossy Couleur Tangerine (2), $ 19

Trying to break out of the "red-lip box"? I hope so because nothing is hotter right now than a splash of orange lipstick on your puckers! Any shade of orange is haute: tangerine, orange sherbet, red-orange, gold-orange, coral, peach, pastel, mango, or cinnamon orange. To compliment your lips make sure skin is bronzed and warm with neutral eyes and LOTS of mascara - get excited Divas!

Orange-red lips popped on the runway during New York Fashion Week on models of all ethnicities. Question yourself no further; this trend is for you, you, and you! If you are blonde I would opt for the orange tangerine, brunette go for the orange sherbet, dark skin and dark hair aim for the red-orange. The key to making this work is to find the correct shade and coverage that you are comfortable with; sheer and sporty (lip gloss), opaque and polished (crème lipstick), or severe and edgier (matte lipstick). However you choose to rock this juicy trend, it must be worn with confidence! 

 

Image courtesy of Getty Images

 

 The best way to test drive a new lip color is to start with either a gloss or a swipe of lipstick applied to the center of the lip and blended outward with a finger. This type of application creates a healthy and real look, your own lips just a bit more vibrant; I would suggest topping with a tangerine gloss.

Whether opaque and polished or sever and edgy, one item can not be skipped - lip liner! I know ladies, we have become so anti-lip liner over the past few years but at least a nude colored liner will prevent the dreaded "bleeding lipstick". *ewwww* Remember the order of proper application for all red-based lipsticks: foundation, dust with powder, lip liner, lipstick, blot, and reapply second layer of lipstick. This ensures seamless application and that your color lasts past your morning coffee. 

Smooches & Perfectly Painted Pout Quick Claps

I like my money right where I can see it... hanging in my closet. -Carrie Bradshaw

Don't Leave Home Without It

OHH EMM GEE, I am in love!!! I totally LOVE the Tide To Go Pen and am over the moon that they have come out with the "Mini". (the regular one is too long to fit in my makeup bag)

Ladies, this is a MUST HAVE at all times....no need to ask for club soda when you can instantly remove stains - talk about instant satisfaction! I have removed everything from red wine to lip gloss with my Tide Pen along with BBQ sauce of the shirts of little ones at a summer cookout.

Need I say more?!? *blink*

Smooches & Tide To Go Mini Quick Claps

I like my money right where I can see it... hanging in my closet. -Carrie Bradshaw

Primer Potion

Have you Divas discovered the benefits of eye primer? Anyone? Feel free to speak up......

Eye primer provides smoother, longer-lasting, and absolutely crease-proof eyeshadow - period. It creates the BEST canvas to create a flawless eye!

Eyeshadow Primer Potions from Urban Decay fulfills three wishes listed above like magic! Apply Primer Potion to lids before shadow application and it dries down almost instantly, creating smooth lids that are super-powered eyeshadow magnets.

Available at Sephora, check http://www.sephora.com/help/stores/index.jhtml for store locations.

Smooches & Primer Quick Claps

I like my money right where I can see it... hanging in my closet. -Carrie Bradshaw

Like Butter Baby

Hydrating your lips doesn't get more luxurious than this!

This lip balm is loaded with vitamins, botanicals, and marine extracts. It's feel like butter...just what your lips are asking for in this cold weather.

Indulge!

LaMer, The Lip Balm, .32 oz, $45

Smooches & Like Butter Quick Claps

I like my money right where I can see it... hanging in my closet. -Carrie Bradshaw

OPI Fail

Have any of you heard of this product, the OPI Axxium Gel?!? OPIs hottest and most popular nail colors in a long-lasting, UV-cured, soak-off gel formula polish.

I heard about it a little over a year ago online but it wasn't offered in my nail salon until just a few months ago. My technician was SUPER excited to tell me about it knowing that I am a beauty blogger. *and YES, she has taken a few shots of my freshly painted nails for me* I digress...so I immediately gave it as try, totally sold on the non-chip aspect because I hate nothing more than the dreaded chipped mani!!!! *ewwww, so 1983*

It honestly was the BEST manicure that I have received, it truly was chip resistant and maintained a shine for the full 2-3 weeks between appointments! All was girly and FAB until I started to notice how easily my nails were chipping....and then how thin my nails were after soaking off the gel. *ugghhh*

I feel taken advantage of, that whole "keeping nails strong as they grow out" was a TOTAL lie! *OPI owes me about $120 PLUS compensation for having to endure weak nails once again*

Has anyone tried Minx Nails?

Smooches & Healthy Nail Quick Claps

I like my money right where I can see it... hanging in my closet. -Carrie Bradshaw

Colgate....WISP Me Away!

This is TOO cute! A single-use mini toothbrush that freshens breath without needing water to active nor rinse afterwards.

These are the perfect size to fit in any clutch or even in your pocket.....hell, between your titties in your bra if needed - no more excuses for foul breath! lol

Smooches & Wisp Quick Claps

Hollywood Glamour Anyone?

Estee Lauder Michael Kors Very Hollywood Color Collection

The Michael Kors runway show has always been one of our favorites for beauty because the makeup is always pretty--and something we'd actually wear. So I was psyched to find out that the designer has teamed up with Estée Lauder for its spring makeup line.

The Estée Lauder Michael Kors Very Hollywood Color Collection features two looks based on the same philosophy Kors has for his runway beauty: classic with pops of color.

"Bel Air Beige" is warm, with shimmery peaches for cheeks and lips, beige and chocolate for the eyes, and an opaque beige nail polish. "Rodeo Pink" (shown above) focuses on that color, at least for lips, cheeks, and nails; the black-and-white shadow duo works for sultry smoky eyes. There's also a loose shimmer powder in pearly pink for the signature Kors glow.

The products are on counters in January 2010, so look for them then!

Smooches & Quick Claps

Not one drop of my self-respect is dependent on your acceptance of me. - Quincy Jones

Sweet Time of the Year

Essie Nail Polish

It's the sweetest time of the year, a time of over indulgence and insatiable appetites! Thank heavens that Essie had whipped up something to satisfy our sweet tooth. (get excited)

In this limited edition collection, we have a mixture of three juicy hues of red (Lollipop), pink (Rock Candy) and a luscious creme de menthe dessert (Mint Candy Apple) you don't want to pass up.

Smooches & Sugary Sweet Quick Claps

Not one drop of my self-respect is dependent on your acceptance of me. - Quincy Jones

PERFECT Gift for the Gals

Sometimes you just can't find the perfect gift for a Diva or even for Secret Santa gift! I mean.....what girl wouldn't love a set of mini glosses? (no one that I know of)

Five perfectly portable Lip Glaces. Each gloss os infused with Laura Mecier's Lip Complex to help keep lips shiny and healthy with anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and plumping ingredients that boost the performance of Lip Glace.

Laura Mercier Mini Glace Set, $48

Smooches & Lip Glace Quick Claps

Pink Pearly Glow

I remember being a young girl, secretly playing in my Mother's makeup kit and coming across her Gurelain Terracotta Bronzer, mesmerized by the multitude of colors in one compact! (that probably was the moment I became a product junkie and my desire to become a Makeup Artist was born!)

Since my 20's I have always used Gurelain's bronzer....and am UBER excited about the Limited-Edition meteorites Powder for the Face! (only available online at Sephora) The Meteorites are mauve, white, pink, and gold pearls used to brighten and even skintone. Simply run a large powder brush over the pearls and lightly dust over your face.

Not only is the product amazing but so is the packaging; I love, LOVE, LOVE the chic black case embossed with rhinestones!

Smooches & Illuminating Quick Claps

PS - you were right Mom, I use to play in your makeup while you were at work.....SORRY! *muah*

Not one drop of my self-respect is dependent on your acceptance of me. - Quincy Jones

Fall Makeup Under $15

With every season change comes an opportunity to not only update your wardrobe but to also spice up your makeup kit! Here is my 1st recession friendly recommendation for all you Recessionistas: Avon True Color Eyeshadow Quad in Textured Teal, $8

Add dimension to your eyes with a shimmery, smoky shadow. this quad is ideal for blending together and layering to create Fall's PERFECT smoky eye!

Smooches & Textured Teal Quick Claps

Not one drop of my self-respect is dependent on your acceptance of me. - Quincy Jones

Glow For It

Hey Divas!

While doing my usual "beauty blog/site daily round-up", I came across this awesom article on how to achieve glwing skin for the fall and winter months.

You can thank me later!

http://www.elle.com/Beauty/Makeup-Skin-Care/Glow-for-It-How-to-Maintain-a-Clear-Complexion-for-Fall

Not one drop of my self-respect is dependent on your acceptance of me. - Quincy Jones

Nutri-Serums with Pearls

Luxurious. Softening. Silky.

As you all know.....I am addicted to body washes!!!! So of course I couldn't wait to try the NEW Softsoap Nutri-Serum with Pearl Technology. (doesn't it just sound decadent?!?)

Infused with Softening Serum Pearls and Vitamin E - a known antioxidant. The freshly scented formula deeply penetrates the skin, delivering a concentrated dose of hydrators--rinsing off clean for exceptionally soft and healthy looking skin.

Did I mention that it's PERFECT for the Recessionista?!? Ummmm, can you say UNDER $4?!? (GET EXCITED)

Smooches & Pearl Technology Quick Claps

Not one drop of my self-respect is dependent on your acceptance of me. - Quincy Jones

MUST Have Manicure for the Fall

Ohhhhh! Ahhhhh! This is my FAVORITE look for fall - a mixed metal manicure!



A smattering of gold and silver over gunmetal is equal parts grit and glamour. And getting the look is much easier than you think—trust us!


Need to have this look? Follow these simple instructions:



STEP 1 Lacquer nails with two coats of gunmetal (CND Enamel in Hyde in the Dark). Allow at least five minutes for the polish to dry.



STEP 2 Sweep nail adhesive(Kami Nail Foil adhesive)over the polish. It will change from white to clear matte when dry.



STEP 3 Place a strip of gold foil—shiny side facing down(Kami Metallic gold and silver foil) over your nail, tap three to four times with your fingertip to deposit the pigment, then peel off. Repeat with the silver foil.

Smooches & Manicure Quick Claps

Not one drop of my self-respect is dependent on your acceptance of me. - Quincy Jones

Botanical Lipstick

What it is:
A sheer, creamy lipstick formulated with natural and organic ingredients.

What it does:
CARGO PlantLove™ Lipstick provides sheer color that is completely natural and contains a high-organic content. The innovative formula is infused with rich added-care ingredients and is housed in eco-certified packaging. Smooth and silky, it conditions and colors your pout to pucker perfection.

This product is formulated WITHOUT:- Parabens- Synthetic Fragrance- Synthetic Dye- Petro-Chemicals- Phthalates

What else you need to know:
CARGO is donating two dollars from the sale of every shade to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. (yaaaayyy)

Smooches & Botanical Quick Claps

Not one drop of my self-respect is dependent on your acceptance of me. - Quincy Jones

MUST Have Manicure for the Fall

Not only do I LOVE this manicure but I love, love, LOVE this photo.....the yellow clutch makes this mod inspired manicure POP with delight!!

RE-introducing the Moon Manicure. The original "moon manicure" first showed up on screen stars back in the '20s. In graphic black-and-white, the two-tone paint job is bolder than ever!

Is this a look that you MUST have, try:

STEP 1 Apply one coat of opaque white (Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail color in Whirlwind White) over the entire nail and wait for the polish to dry completely.

STEP 2 Using a semicircular French-manicure stencil sticker (Orly French Manicure Tip Guides), block off the bottom third of your nail.

STEP 3 Paint two coats of black (Essie nail polish in Licorice) from the stencil to the tip of the nail. Once it dries, peel off the sticker and finish with a shine-enhancing top coat over the entire nail.





Smooches & Manicure Quick Claps

Not one drop of my self-respect is dependent on your acceptance of me. - Quincy Jones

Let Him Cum on Your Face....Just Close Your Eyes!

This bit of information should have men around the world dancing in the streets.....spermine, an organic compound found in human sperm, is said to visibly reduce wrinkles and to soften skin. *blink* *blink* (I couldn't make this up if I wanted to! lol)

A Norwegian company, Bioforskning (the name is KILLING me! LOL), has come out with a synthesized a version of the spunk – derived from the tail of the little swimmers – which is now making the rounds as an expensive facial. I am not doubting that benefits of funky spunk but who in the world would PAY for something that most women can get at home for free?!?! (right?)

I wonder if that's why so many gay men have flawless skin???

I digress, my suggestion is to make his dreams come true while you reap the benefits of maintaining youthful skin!

Take on for the team tonight with a smile.

Smooches & Cum Shot Quick Claps

Not one drop of my self-respect is dependent on your acceptance of me. - Quincy Jones

Givenchy Phenomen's Eyes Effet Extension

This is the most interesting mascara concept I have seen yet.....this even tops the vibrating wand!!!!

I am all for new beauty products and techniques but I am not sold on this "spherical brush".

Here's the info:


What it is?
A mascara with a spherical brush and a new-generation formula that coats each lash and dries quickly for an immediate lengthening effect.

What it does.
The secret of this mascara's high-definition lengthening power lies in its extending and fixing: It strikes the perfect balance between the formula's elasticity and drying time. The result is bat-worthy lashes with a panoramic effect.


Has anyone tried this? I need feedback.....leaves comments please, they excite me!

Smooches & Spherical Brush Quick Claps

Not one drop of my self-respect is dependent on your acceptance of me. - Quincy Jones