Maybelline New York Super Stay 14HR Lipstick

I am a lipstick girl through thick and thin. This wasn't always the case, however, as in my youth (as if I'm so old now), I use to only sport gloss. Oh to be young and naive! Now I hoard stockpile purchase lipstick like it's going out of style. With lipstick often comes bleeding, feathering, and reapplying every five minutes but those were minor details -- things I can get over. While it's not ideal, I've gotten used to having to constantly reapply my look.

Now I have to do that much less courtesy of Maybelline -- my drugstore go to.

Maybelline's new SuperStay 14HR Lipstick promises 14 hours of staying power while remaining lightweight and pigmented. Call me crazy but 14 hours is a bit ambitious!

Maybelline's patented Color Keep technology uses flexible resins to envelop rich pigments in a unique longwear film. This allows the color to meld with lips for Super-Staying power. The lipstick (available in 20 shades) is weightless in application and doesn't dry down matte or skip/ drag along the lips when applying. It's a smooth application from start to finish. I haven't had any experience with it feathering or flaking off (something I abhor in lipsticks -- so gross!). Plus they smell a bit like candy which never hurts ;)

Final verdict: 14 hours was a bit ambitious as it only lasted about eight or nine hours. That said, it's still pretty amazing since I applied at 8am and had to reapply at 5pm as I was finishing up work (well, as my mind started to wander). The colors are amazing and I've found love in Eternal Rose, a gorgeous bright pink pictured here, and Ceaseless Caramel, a muted brown that makes a great neutral.

Samples provided for editorial consideration. Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

motions "naturally you" collection

Thursday afternoon I found myself in a room full of beautiful brown beauties with lush curls -- and lots of champagne :) -- for the launch of Motions' new hair care line, Naturally You! The line was created for women of color who embrace their natural hair texture (though it is not limited to natural girls as us relaxed folks can join the party). Motions has been a part of my styling routine for Lord knows how long. I trust them with my hair since the products aren't heavy, greasy or harmful so it's good to see them paying attention to the needs of women and creating something specifically for the kinky/ curly/coiled set.

How does Naturally You! differ from what is currently available in the brand's repertoire? Well, all of the products, from the shampoo to the moisturizing masks, contain more conditioning properties that women with textured hair often need but miss out on. Naturally You! is specially formulated with ingredients to moisturize each strand for a smooth finish (hello shea butter, avocado and coconut oil!), while leaving out all of the stripping ingredients (calling you out sulfates).

If you're like me and have a relaxer you can use this too! I'm looking at a good inch or two of new growth and am contemplating going fully natural, however, I was able to use the full line without any issues. The products are super lightweight and don't leave my thin strands feeling weighed down.The difference is noticeable almost immediately when using because my hair just felt clean in the shower while rinsing. There wasn't any buildup or residue post wash and while styling my hair (I twisted my hair) I noticed that the "Hydrate My Curls Pudding" was super light (seriously a little goes a long way).

At the luncheon, I had the chance to speak to mega celebrity stylist Ursula Stephen (the genius behind Rihanna's mane) who gave me a few tips on managing relaxed and transitioning hair:
1. Conditioner is your best friend: Relaxed hair is often left dry which can lead to breakage. To counter this it's important that women of all hair textures deep condition their hair at least once a week.
2. When in doubt, rod set: for women who are transitioning and do not want to go the route of the Big Chop, rod set your hair after washing. This is less harsh on the hair than blow drying and the curls from the rods mimic the curl pattern of your new growth so it's not as noticeable.
3. Did I mention you have to deep condition?
4. Do you!: don't pay attention to what other women are doing with their hair and don't try to mimic their style. Yes, you can learn a few tips and tricks from bloggers and vloggers. Yes, everyone wants Tracee Ellis Ross hair but the reality is not everyone has that natural texture. Learn YOUR texture and adjust accordingly.

Whether you’re wearing your natural hair in tightly-coiled curls, loose ringlets, flowing waves or super straight, new Motions Naturally You products are specially-formulated to moisturize your hair with essential natural oils. Embrace the incredible beauty of your natural hair with Motions Naturally You. For more information visit us at http://bit.ly/zxbd4g.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Motions via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Motions. Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

golden state

sweater: zara; leather shorts: topshop; tights: drugstore bought; booties: Kardashian Kollection (c/o Sears Style); bracelet: gift from a friend; watch: betsey johnson; pink bangle: charm and chain

some things are meant to be purchased. at least that's what I told myself when I found this sweater on sale at zara right before the holiday madness. perfectly oversized, great gold detailing and just enough spunk to spice up an outfit. I know I will be living in this little guy, especially since I've made a promise to not shop for the next -wait for it- two months. self imposed bans are never fun and it's going to take the grace of god himself to get me through. get ready to see my outfits remixed :)

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Gearing up for NYFW

It's certainly no secret that I *love* fashion week (#NYFW). The clothing, backstage hair and makeup, runway shows, it's an AMAZING time to see the newest trends while doing some sick street style spotting. Editors, models, and bloggers are running wild across the city and I can't wait to capture it all :)

One thing to look forward to are all of the launches, specifically Rock & Republic for Kohl's. For a brief moment in my life, I was obsessed (!) with Rock & Republic and now the line is going to be launching only at Kohl's. I can't wait to see how the line has evolved. To kick it off, Kohl's and Rock & Republic are giving you the chance to attend fashion week. To celebrate the launch, they'll be hosting a fashion show (I'll be there!) and are giving you (yes, YOU!) the chance to be there within the throngs of the fashion set. Not only will they fly you to NYC, but you'll get some spending money, clothing and get to attend the show. Sounds like a good time to me. Enter here.

Good luck! If you win, don't forget the little people ;)

Disclosure: Kohl's provided compensation to me as an incentive to blog about the Rock & Republic launch event.  The opinions expressed herein are those of this author, and they have not been reviewed or approved by Kohl's in advance.


Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Take It Off with NARS Makeup Removing Water

When it comes to makeup removers, I'm a dedicated lover of this guy. But seeing as it's only eye makeup remover, I've been known to douse my cotton ball and rub it across my face (#dontjudge).

Now I don't have to. NARS allows me to take it all off (cue Ke$ha) with their new Makeup Removing Water ($28). Where some makeup removers leave my skin feeling greasey, this one is effective in removing makeup without leaving any residue.

The great news is that it's soap-free, oil-free, and alcohol-free and removes makeup without excessive rubbing. Hoorah! If you wear a LOT of makeup, you may go through several cotton pads at which point you're best washing it off instead. Infused with cucumber, chamomile, and hyaluronic acid I find it a pretty great way to lazily take everything off at night.

The NARS Makeup Removing Water is available online now.

Disclosure: sample provided for editorial consideration. Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.