To be honest, before this M·A·C collection I wasn't a big Beth Ditto fan. Not that I disliked her, but she simply wasn't on my radar. I've known a song or two but dismissed them as not my steeze. Clearly, I've been missing out. I've been jamming to Move in the Right Direction for weeks now! After researching her a bit, it's no wonder M·A·C collaborated with Ditto. Now onto the collection...
Featuring Zoom Lash Mascara in 3 colours plus Zoom Fast Black Lash, Pro Longwear Lipcremes and Nail Lacquers. Premiering in this collection is Shade & Smoke Shadow/Liner, a dual-ended pairing of Eye Shadow and Greasepaint Liner for achieving a perfect smoky eye. And of course, there’s Liquidlast Liner and our 7 Lash for extra drama. With polished punk sensibility and shades ranging from tender to tart, this collection of unadulterated Beth Ditto aims the spotlight on you.
Powder to the People ($38.00)
Beautiful in the pan, it's so hard to think that this is actually an eye palette. I KNOW RIGHT! I was tempted to grab a fluffy brush and start swirling on my cheeks. A lightweight pressed powder with a
velvet-smooth finish, this is great to throw in your bag when you want to create an eye look without worrying of carrying individual shades.
Nail Lacquer ($16.00)
Left to Right: Vagabondage (cream) a lavendar, Life and Beth (cream) a milky peach, and Near Beth Experience (cream), a light yellow. These guys are sheer. Like really sheer. It took three coats for me to actually acheive the color you see in the bottle. Other than that, I like the formula and the fact that it lasted me a week without chipping.
Zoom Lash Mascara ($15.00)
According to MAC, this delivers major drama and lasts all day. I haven't used it yet so I can't comment on how this lasts compared to what I've used in the past. And, yes, they're colored.
Pro Longwear Lipcreme($17.00)
The prolongwear lipsticks are a few of my favorites because they deliver intensse color and lasts unbelievably long. There are five total in the Beth Ditto collection (the two not shown above are Love Long Distance and Heart Hungover). They have a lightweight texture and creamy finish so there's no need for a lipgloss to layer over. From left to right above: Dear Diary, a bright neon pink that looks FRICKIN AWESOME ON! Booyah!!! is a bright orange that reminds me of Morange but is creamier and less shocking. You’re Perfectly Already is a neutral pale pink that works better on lighter skin.
The M·A·C Beth Ditto collection is available now. Disclosure: samples provided for editorial consideration. Pplease don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.
Summer is in full swing and that means I have to start thinking about what my face is gonna look like this season. NOTHING is worse than your face sliding off when you're out with friends, maxin' and relaxin'. As I fully intend on going out on dates this season and I need makeup that'll keep up. The muffin shop is OPEN ladies and I don't want anything - especially my makeup - ruining things.
That's my long-winded way of getting into the makeup that's going to do the work for me. Peep game...
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30/PA+++ ($42): infused with naturally derived ingredients NARS' Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++ (dare you to say that 5x fast) has an oil-free formula that hides what you want it to without suffocating your skin like a foundation. Every time I wear it (my shade is Polynesia) I get compliments on my "flawless" complexion and "even skin tone". Internally, I laugh but I've been spreading the gospel of NARS since I received this sample. It provides more coverage than your average tinted moisturizer, protects skin with broad spectrum SPF all while keeping your skin breathable. My face it semi-matte all day. I've been alternating between this and Maybelline's BB cream but prefer this since it does give me the coverage I want.
Smashbox Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadow ($19): this is a product that wowed me the first time I used it. When they say transfer and sweat resistant, they mean it! I wore it for a full day (nine hours for me) and this did not crease, cake or flake. Bonus: it's enriched with Vitamins A and E so it glides on smoothly and evenly with your finger. It's available in 12 different colors but I love Stone, a deep olive grey.
Maybelline Volum' Express Mega Plush Mascara ($7): my love of Maybelline's mascara range is no secret. I've waxed poetic before. I get it -- I'm a fan girl. But for real, their new Volum' Express Mega Plush Mascara is PMA (pretty much amazing). It's the brand's first gel-mousse mascara and has 40% less hard waxes. This basically means that the formula is softer and lashes are more supple. I notice, when applying, that it doesn't get super hard when dry. My lashes are soft, separated and still look fab (no flaking!).
Thakoon for NARS nail polish in Koliary ($18): inspired by the designer’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection, NARS seriously has a winner with the five (six if you go NARS and not Sephora) piece collection. All of the colors are perfect for the season but the one that got me was Koliary, a cyan blue. It's a vibrant blue that makes getting a manicure with any other color slightly depressing. If you're familiar with NARS' polish line, you'll know that is applies smoothly and without any hitches (two coats and you're good). With UV protection, this prevents polish discoloration. Get 'em while you can!
These are going to be my go to products for the summer. Will they change? Perhaps. I'm a polygamist when it comes to beauty.
Disclosure: samples were 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.
STILETTOS, OFF! HAIR, DOWN!
Enjoy this collection of our idea of weekend chic, which includes all-in-one NEW Lip and Cheek Colour Pots, Nail Lacquer, Prep + Prime Highlighter, Studio Fix Mascara, Mineralize Skinfinish and the 187 Brush. Effortless and easy, these lightweight, barely-there formulas feel like you’re wearing nothing at all. In shades including: Weekend Getaway, Lazy Sunday, Out for Fun. Relax, it’s M·A·C - but don’t slack, this collection is only available for a limited time.
M·A·C Casual Colour is for those seeking a no fuss summer makeup routine. The Lip and Cheek Colours ($20) are lightweight all-in-one pots for cheeks and lips. Super creamy and blendable, these are easy to pop in your bag along with tinted moisturizer and head out. Touch ups are quick and easy. None of the colors are out of this world or outrageously loud, so you don't have to worry about precision and ensuring lips are perfect.
M·A·C Casual Colour Lip and Cheek Colour in Have a Lovely Day!
Have a Lovely Day is a neutral nude that can be a bit harsh for women with deep skin, simply because it can seem like your lips are ashy.
M·A·C Casual Colour Lip and Cheek Colour in Keep It Loose!
Keep It Loose is described as a warm peach but is more of a light pink on me.
M·A·C Casual Colour Lip and Cheek Colour in Weekend Getaway!
Weekend Getaway! is my favorite because, of course, it's pink. Described as a cool rose, it's the perfect pink for both cheeks and lips.
Also in the Casual Colour collection Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium, a soft creamy beige; Prep + Prime Highlighter Pen in Light Boost and Bright Forecast; Nail Lacquer in Delicate, Please Me, Style Tip, and Fiestaware; Studio Lash mascara and 187 Duo Fibre brush.
The Casual Colour collection is out now.
Disclosure: 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.
Kiehl’s Since 1851, skincare brand and purveyor of many of my must have beauty and skincare items, showed their true colors Thursday evening when they kicked off Pride weekend with THE Cyndi Lauper.
Cyndi Lauper and Chris Salgardo
Chris Salgardo, president of Kiehl’s Since 1851, presented Lauper with a $5,000 donation to her True Colors Fund, which helps raise awareness to homelessness of the LGBT youth.
While I've always known the brand to support environmental causes, I had no idea that they were 100% behind the LGBT community. As an official sponsor NYC Pride, they have a rich history of support dating back to 1996 when Kiehl’s made HIV/AIDS a key philanthropy for the brand, partnering with Magic Johnson to raise funds and awareness for the Magic Johnson AIDS Foundation. Since 2001, Kiehl’s has raised over $2,000,000 for HIV/AIDS organizations and continues to do so.
I got to speak to Salgardo on why this is important and how he's prepping as Grand Marshall of the parade (HUGE honor!)
MissWYA: Can you tell me a little bit about on how Kiehl's got involved in the Pride parade?Salgardo: Kiehl’s, as a company that's been around for 161 years, we've been supporting different charitable causes probably for the past 36 years. And also in our mission statement, we believe that we should be giving back to the community in which we operate. So for us, especially with Pride, the gay community has always been so open and so incredibly supportive of us for so many years and because we're a company that really believes in diversity and inclusion we felt that it was really important that we go back and support whatever initiatives that we could.
I'm really proud to say that for the past 10 years we've been marching in gay Pride. We've actually been a sponsor of gay pride for the past four [sic] years. This marks our 10th year anniversary and I'm actually Grand Marshall.
MissWYA: What's it like to be Grand Marshall? Are you excited? Salgardo: I'm so excited because for me, individually, it's been a real time for reflection as a gay man, and what that means in this country and to have incredibly supportive family, friends, network and to work for a company that believes, again, in diversity and inclusion because I couldn't work anywhere that didn't have those important values. Kiehl's has been about that forever. You see it in our staff, you see it in the people who work in our office. It's always a very international flair and I love all of these different people coming together to make things better.
MissWYA: How are you prepping for Grand Marshall? Sounds like a lot of fun!? Salgardo: Okay so I have an appointment at the Kiehl's spa tomorrow [Saturday 6/23] for my facial and massage and beard trim - the whole nine yards. We have the spa on 64th and Lexington [in New York City] -- first one in the world. So I'll be doing that.
I also had the chance to quickly chat with Cyndi Lauper(I know, dying!) on how she started the fund and why this celebration with Kiehl's means so much to her. Lauper: They [Kiehls Since 1851] have always been so supportive of the LGBT community . We're trying to launch a 40 to None campaign which will focus on helping the homeless LGBT youth - gay transgendered kids - that have been either thrown out of their home simply because they are gay or runaway out of fear of rejection or whatever. I think it's important to us in the fund to be outspoken about this, especially this weekend. Kiehl's has been generous enough to support us and they're a wonderful company. They've been around for over 100 years, so it's nice to have that kind of real Americana company supporting civil rights and helping kids who are on the streets simply because they're gay or transgendered.
On the homelessness, Lauper says some kids are as young as 12 years old, "We gotta step up. We gotta step up, we're grown ups and kids are our future." You can learn more about her True Colors Fund here.
Watch as Salgardo presents the $5,000 donation to Cyndi Lauper:
sorry it's a little shakey! the room was packed!!!
Determined to take over the world (as if they haven't already), M·A·C Cosmetics has introduced their first permanent Nail Lacquer collection, containing 31 colours and 3 finishes.
While the brand has always has always released nail polishes, this collection goes above and beyond, adding in a few of our favorite shades (hello Girl About Town) as well as the trendier shades (dark, poppy-inspired, glittery, and neutral). With this collection, there's a shade for every mood.
What if you'd like to kick it up a notch? Try using M·A·C's infamous pigements and glitters that not only work well for eyes, but can be mixed with gel to create wicked color combinations. To get a few tips on how to best handle the loose pigments, I've reached out to M·A·C Senior Artist, Keri Blair, to give us the scoop!
MisWYA: Pigments can be a bit messy -- what would be your number one tip for those who are new to using it and may be scared of spilling it all over the place?
Keri: At a first glance pigments can be a bit daunting, but the payoff is more than worth the few extra steps. Here are some to help keep those loose bits in order.
Don’t throw out the little plastic insert. The plastic lid keeps the pigments from leaking out around the edges of the cap, making it easier to transport, especially if you are a girl on the go like me.
Pour out a small amount using a metal spatula or the back of a brush onto a small palette, dish or tissue. (A little goes a long way)
If you are using it on the eyes, prep the eyes with MAC Cosmetics Eye Kohl or Paint Pot so the pigments have something to stick to. Use a flat brush and run the bristles through your finger tips before loading the brush with pigment. The oils from your fingers will help hold the pigment on the brush.
If you are using it for nail art, use a small piece of foil (3x3 square) as your palette, and use a tooth pick or spatula to pour out a small amount before mixing with clear polish or gel.
MissWYA: Do you have a favorite pigment color or (cool combo for nail designs)?
Keri: Hands down my favorite pigment is M·A·C Cosmetics Frozen White. I use it every day to highlight the inner corners of my eyes. I also adore pink pearl! For nails, I am obsessed with a mixture of M·A·C Pro Deep Purple and M·A·C Cosmetics Frozen White or M·A·C Pro Deep Blue Green. Most of all I just love the unique and customized colors you can create utilizing this flexible medium!
Follow Keri on Twitter for beauty tips, tricks, and nail art, @MAC_Keri_B!
M·A·C Nail Lacquer collection will be available in North America July 5, 2012 at Nordstorm and M·A·C stores and August 2, 2012 at all M·A·C locations. Internationally, the collection launches in September 2012 at all M·A·C locations.
Disclosure: 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.
For the first time in two years, I'm not going away with my family to go back home to Haiti. This is probably the saddest news in the world. Although I complain in the beginning, there's nothing like two blissful weeks of no internet access, hot weather, and family all around.
That said, I do have an entire summer to plan mini getaways with my friends, lounge about doing nothing (weekends only since I DO have a full time job), and maybe (perhaps) go to the beach. I love the beach, I do. I just hate the ones in NYC. Ew. Granted, I haven't been in several years but, whatever.
If I were to venture out into the land of tiny bikinis and sand castles, I already have an idea of what I would pack/wear. So let the mental preparations begin:
Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Sunscreen for Body SPF 50 ($23.00): beach or no beach, protection from the sun is a must. This lightweight moisturizer is ideal for summer since it's non-greasy and doesn't leave a grayish tint on dark skin.
Graceann Sunglasses by Kate Spade ($128.00): my love of oversized frames knows no bounds. These are absolutely adorable and give me a slightly retro feel. Or Jackie O. Something is being given and I like it.
Mossimo® Womens Mix & Match 2-Piece Swimsuit (from Target): nothing says Americana like a good ole' red, white and blue bikini.
Bobbi Brown Beach Fragrance ($67.50): apparently this is Bobbi Brown's best-selling fragrance but I just discovered it a little under two weeks ago. A lightly intoxicating blend of sand jasmine (what?), sea spray, and mandarin, Beach is the ultimate summer fragrance.
Revlon Just Bitten Kissable™ Balm Stain in Lovesick ($8.00): is it a lipstick? lip balm? stain? It's a stain but hydrates like a balm and provides coverage like a lipstick. Boom. I fun chubby crayon, it comes in 12 shades (Lovesick is a pretty pink) that lasts hours. HOURS.
Zara Shopper Basket ($80.00): I have this in brown but this cream color is calling my name. It's perfect for spring and summer (just try not to get it dirty!!) and can carry beach towels,snacks, flip flops, water -- YOU NAME IT BUD.
What are you up to this summer?
Disclosure: some items received for editorial consideration. Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.
Once upon a time, back in 2009, M·A·C released a limited edition lipstick by name of Ruffian Red. The lip color was used on models during the Fall/Winter 2009 Ruffian NY collection and had many swooning backstage (myself included). Now we get to relive the moment as M·A·C just released their latest collection, a collaboration of lips and nail products with the men of behind Ruffian.
Available exclusively online at maccosmetics.com, the M·A·C Ruffian collection consists of three Ruffian Manicures (press on nails) and lipsticks (Ruffian Red makes its debit!).
Ruffian Manicure ($25.00)
Demilune: matte black with chrome gold half moon (matte)
Demoiselle: ruffian red with white half moon and black french tip (creme)
Spectator: cream with black half moon, black french tip and black ruffian ensignia (creme)
Ruffian Lipsticks ($14.50)
Ruffian Gold: gold glitter metallic (frost)
Ruffian Naked: pale peachy nude (matte)
Ruffian Red: classic rich blue red (matte)
Go inside Brian and Claude’s (the duo behind the brand) studio and see the inspiration behind the Ruffian Manicure:
The collection is available now online at maccosmetics.com.
M·A·C Touch of Red (left) and Vestral White (right)
I can't stop thinking about M·A·C's Hey Sailor collection and so, with my weekly manicure appointent coming up (diva!), I'm thinking of getting a wee bit patriotic. I've been stuck in an orange and pink rut as of late so this is a nice bit of change.
M·A·C's polishes have been hit or miss in the past but in recent months it's been more hit meaning there aren't any streaks and it dries super quickly (holla at Seche Vite™!)
M·A·C's Hey Sailor collection is available now in stores and online.
Like a moth to a flame, I am incapable of seeing something blessed with leopard print and not buy it. Leopard print is my favorite neutral and I firmly believe in having it in multiple forms - skirts, jackets, bags, you name it. Now, I can add perfume to that lovely mix.
The folks at Flirt! have introduced Kittenesque, a rather bright fragrance ideal for warmer weather. Described as an oriental scent, the opening notes of mandarin and raspberries can easily fool you into thinking it's more of a fruity floral (hence bright). At first spritz I felt slightly annoyed since it's sweeter than I would normally opt for but it quickly transitions to a slightly warmer scent when you reach the heart of the fragrance (where the honeysuckle and jasmine lie). Soft sandalwood and vanilla takes over in the end making it less girly and froufrou. It's a cute scent to wear for summer dates. I received loads of compliments from those around, especially guys so winner! winner!
PS: flirt! created this cute video with The Glamourai (do you read her blog? love it) on “How to Get a FLIRTY Leopard Look.” It's like a crash course in leopard 101 :) Watch it here
Lately, my hair has been acting up but I seem to have found a regimen that is working. While I like to switch up my styling products here and there, the basics remain the same.
Dr. Miracle's Tingling 2 in 1 Dandruff Shampoo & Conditioner: a while ago D. Miracle's completely rebranded with new packaging and a new milder, citrusy product aroma. The 2 in 1 dandruff shampoo and conditioner is blended with Vitamins A & D, Aloe Vera and Peppermint Oil to treat and soothe the scalp as it fights dandruff.
Pantene Pro-V Relaxed & Natural Dry to Moisturized Conditioner: this conditioner is thick and moisturizes like no other. After using the conditioner, my hair detangles easily and is always left soft.
Motions Deep Conditioning Masque: I was introduced to Motions' new Naturally You! collection earlier this year and I haven't looked back. Infused with shea butter, and coconut and avocado oils, I use the deep conditioning masque immediately the conditioner (under heat) so each strand is hydrated.
Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy™ Ultra Shea Nourishing Scalp and Hair Oil: one long as hell name, yes. Clear is a brand new line focused on reinvigorating your scalp, not just the hair. Without proper scalp care, your hair is susceptible to breakage and damage and as someone facing both of those I couldn't wait to try out the line. The Ultra Shea range is made specifically for African American women with relaxed AND natural hair. It contains a blend of shea butter and natural oils, including vitamin E, sunflower, coconut, almond, soybean, argan, and palm, to soothe scalp. Super light and non-greasy, I love applying this one to two times a week for a bit of nourishment.
All of these products are available at mass drugstores near you.
Now that it's June, it can only mean one thing: summer is nigh. I can't wait. I say this every year because it's true - summer is my favorite season. Why wouldn't it be when it comes with open toe sandals, pedicures, Summer Fridays, concerts, outdoor brunches, getaways -- the list is endless. As such, I like prep accordingly with new skincare routines, lighter makeup and a new scent to go with my brand new Zara dress.
I've already found my first summer scent and it comes in the form of Suave's Everlasting Sunshine collection. Infused with passion flower and vanilla extract, it's light enough for day and can be amped up a bit for night. I typically stray away from vanilla in the summer, opting for more floral and fruity combos but this isn't heavy a vanilla made to knock you out. Au contraire my friends, it's more of a creamy vanilla that lies in the base of the fragrance. It's slightly warm and tickles your nose with delight.
Suave Everlasting Sunshine Body Wash
The body wash contains Vitamin E and leaves you feeling fresh and fragrant. Most of Suave's body washes feel kind of "slippery" and is best when used in conjunction with a washcloth or loofah. This could just be my experiences with Suave's washes but I always feel as if there's more product residue on me and I'm constantly rinsing. That said, I still use them because I end up feeling squeaky clean (and can't get enough of the scents wafting through the air during my showers). Suave compares it to Bath & Body Work's Pearberry body wash but I haven't used that before so I can't confirm.
Suave Everlasting Sunshine Body Lotion
THIS product is my favorite. I love Suave's body lotions because they truly do moisturize and hydrate without leaving a greasy feeling after application. Not to mention I don't get ashy or dry patches all day after applying. Everlasting Sunshine is no exception. After one application I couldn't stop smelling my hands (my coworkers must have thought I was psycho). It has a silky smooth feel and absorbs quickly into skin. With such a yummy scent, I can't wait to use during the thick of summer with a light perfume. I truly wish this came in body spray format.
The Everlasting Sunshine collection also comes in shampoo, conditioner and anti-perspirant/deodorant (price point starting from $1 to $6) so you can truly layer it on if you'd like. Their available now at mass retailers, select drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.
*GIVEAWAY ALERT*
Two lucky MissWYA readers will have the chance to win both products. How? Simply shoot me an email over at [email protected] (or leave a comment below!) and tell me "What's your favorite Summer memory?" Two winners will be chosen on Tuesday June 12, 2012. Open to U.S. residents only.
Giveaway is now closed! Congrats to Amy and Melissa!
Beauty fads come and go but that doesn't stop me from trying them. Not one bit. The latest "fad" to hit stateside are beauty balms or blemish balms, affectionately called "BB Creams." I've known about this miracle product for some time primarily because of my love of Asian culture - especially when it comes to Koreans and beauty - where BB Creams have been a staple for years.
Invented by German dermatologists in the '50s (some say 60s) as a soothing post-treatment cream, it BLEW up in Korea, where it became a must have for movie stars who wanted fresh, flawless complexions without looking made up. Now it's infiltrated its way to the Western world where bloggers have been buzzing nonstop. I never paid any attention primarily because most BB creams were created for fairer skin (I couldn't get upset because if you think about it, not too many sistas in Korea, y'know?). Luckily my friends (because I'm friends with everyone) at Maybelline have created their own line of BB creams and have thought about us darker gals. Hoorah!
Is it a foundation? Tinted moisturizer? Acne treatment? Depends on the brand really. Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB Cream, is described by the brand as "the 8-in-1 skin perfector" and works to blur imperfections, brightens, even skin-tone, smooth, hydrates, enhance, AND protect skin.
But does it work?
For starters it's oil free so I was intrigued as I'm looking for something for warmer weather where I want a flawless look without the heavy feel of foundation. I typically use tinted moisturizer during the summer but event then there are times they glide right off my face. What's a girl to do?! Dream Fresh has gelled-water formula (it's made of 70% water) which means this goes on smoothly without skipping and any blending issues. It's slightly sheer upon first application and when I first tested it out my immediate reaction wasn't pleasant. I freaked a bit because I have oily skin and shy away from anything remotely dewy. BUT then the product dried down and all was right with the world and my face. I fell in love. The result was smooth and even tone skin without feeling like I had makeup on.
As I'm used to setting my makeup I lightly powder my face (again I love a matte look) and call it a day. I don't have to check on my makeup because guess what? My skin looks amazing all day. The only other product to have this result in recent months would be NARS Pure Radiance Tinted Moisturizer.
I wear the Deep shade and haven't had any issues in terms of color matching (I wear MAC NW45 for reference). Though I wonder how this will work out in the middle of summer when I tend to get a bit more tan from the sun. We'll see!
Dream Fresh BB Cream ($8.99) is available at mass retailers nationwide beginning this month.
Pin ItDisclosure: sample provided for editorial consideration. lease don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.
