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.

M·A·C, Naturally

Hey, Nature Girl! For a look that is simple, sensuous and understatedly sexy, here are nothing-to-hide hues that make you look fresh, relaxed, gloriously “undone.” Brilliantly sheer, high-mineral Skinfinish make your look fresh-as-the-sun radiant. Lipsticks and Lipglasses lushly tinted to reflect the wholesome. Eye Pencils with a touch of jojoba, mango and meadowfoam seed oils. M·A·C, Naturally is just what you need to do your own thing and keep your look, dreamily, down to earth…

-- M·A·C press release

L-R: mineralized skinfinish in "redhead"; mineralize blush in "fresh honey"; mineralize eye shadow in "twilight falls"; mineralized skinfinish in "blonde"; mineralize eye shadow in "cloudy afternoon"

over the years, I've come to love M·A·C's mineralized products. not only do I love them, I look forward to every release. the mineralized products - albeit skinfinishes, eye shadows or blushes - give a light yet buildable coverage. it's easy to apply and can pack a punch if you'd like (I'm currently using msf skinfinish in Blonde as blush and it gives a great sheen!). when M·A·C, Naturally (available now) landed on my desk, I let out ohh's and ahh's because the products were just what the doctor ordered for dreary winter makeup. Sheer but long lasting. M·A·C isn't lying when they say this collection is understatedly sexy, since it doesn't take much to give you a glow. full product lineup below!

Mineralize Skinfinish ($28.00 U.S. / $33.50 CDN)

• Redhead: Gold to salmon pink degrade
• Blonde: Soft pink to rose degrade

Mineralize Blush ($22.00 U.S. / $26.50 CDN)

• Subtle Breeze: Blue-pink
• Fresh Honey: Warm apricot
• Early Morning: Peachy pink

Mineralize Eyeshadow ($20.00 U.S. / $24.00 CDN)

• Daylight: Peach with dirty blue lavender veining
• In the Sun: Gold with violet veining
• Summer: Haze Palest gold with deeper gold veining
• Cloudy Afternoon: Cream with gold, grey, and pink veining
• Twilight Falls: Cool brown with bronze veining

Eye Pencil ($14.00 U.S. / $17.00 CDN)

• Ebony: Soft black
• Coffee: Muted brow

Zoom Fast Black Lash ($15.00/ $18.00 CDN)

• Zoom Fast Black Lash: carbon black mascara

Lipstick ($14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN)

• A Perfect Day: Light neutral pink
• Beach Sand: Light tan
• Sweet Sunrise: Light neutral peach-pink
• Pillow Talk: Neutral pink

Lipglass ($14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN)

• The Wee Coquette: Naked neutral pink
• Fresh Air: Light pink
• Naked Space: Creamy mid-tone nude peach
• Hot Spell: Bronze with multi-colored pearl

Brushes

• 187 Duo-fibre stippling brush ($42.00 U.S. / $50.50 CDN)
• 286 Duo-fibre tapered brush ($30.00 U.S. / $36.50 CDN)

The M·A·C, Naturally collection is available on counters/ stores and online 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.

Don't Miss Out: Iris Apfel for M·A·C

A colour collection inspired by a rare bird who has always been ahead of her time, Mrs. Iris Apfel. Subject of her own exhibit at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and larger-than-life star, Apfel boldly mixed flea market finds with haute couture decades before doing it was considered de rigueur. M·A·C presents Lipsticks, Beauty Powder and Eye Shadows with as much fabulous flair and joie de vivre as the woman who helped create it.

At 90 years old Iris Apfel is doing it big! She's got a jewelry collection, had a Met museum exhibition dedicated to her and now she's collaborated with M·A·C Cosmetics. I want whatever she's having ;) The collection boasts bright colors - mainly oranges and pinks - that anyone of any age can wear.

Nail Lacquer ($15.00 U.S./$18.00.00 CDN)
Oriele: Orange Bright orange coral
Toco: Toucan Bright blue fuchsia
Sandpiper: Creamy pale stone beige

Eye Shadow ($15.00 U.S./$18.00 CDN)
Silver Gull: Blue grey with sparkle
Robin’s Egg: Mid-tone teal
Diamond Dove: Deep grey brown
Early Bird: Bright coral
Howzat Deep: grey with silver sparkle

Lip Pencil ($14.00 U.S./$16.50 CDN)
Entertain Me: Clearly orange
Embrace Me: Vivid pinkish fuchsia
Redd: Clearly red
Opulash Mascara ($15.00 U.S./$18.00 CDN)
Bad, Bad, Black: Black
Eye Pencil ($14.00 U.S./$17.00 CDN)
Ebony: Soft black
Impeccable Brow Pencil (15.00 U.S./$18.00 CDN)
Taupe: Mid-tone dirty taupe

Lipstick ($14.50 U.S./$17.50 CDN)
Pink Pigeon: Bright cleanest pink
Scarlet Ibis: Bright orange-red
Party Parrot: Bright red-pink
Flamingo: Light milky bright coral
Morange: Loudmouth orange

Beauty Powder ($23.00 U.S./$27.50 CDN)
Too Chic Soft peachy cream with fine shimmer

Iris Apfel for M·A·C is available on counters, in stores and online 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.

Beauty Quickie: The Seaweed Bath Co.’s Wildly Natural Seaweed™ Body Cream

Always in the market for products that relieve dry skin, I recently welcomed The Seaweed Bath Co.’s Wildly Natural Seaweed™ Body Cream into my beauty arsenal. The Seaweed Bath Co. is a line of products that focus on one ingredient - the seaweed (or specifically the bladderwrack seaweed). Every product from the brand contains seaweed, which has the active ingredient Fucoidan, which is said to have amazing health benefits.

The only time I've ever gotten down with the (sea)weed is in my sushi. While I can't speak to the health properties, let's discuss how this bad boy handles ashiness okay? The Seaweed Bath Co.’s Wildly Natural Seaweed™ Body Cream ($12.89) combines the beneficial properties of seaweed extract with kukui and argan oils, shea butter, and aloe vera to leave skin smooth. My biggest gripe with this product is that it's hella watery. I mainly keep it on my desk since I'm always washing my hands and need something soothing and non-greasy (can you imagine greasy fingers on a keyboard -- gross).

In all my (young) years of beauty I've seen and heard so many claims I've begun to think I'm immune to them. That doesn't mean I'll stop trying them, though. From the apple to pomegranate to caviar and now the seaweed -- just about everything on this planet is said to have a beauty benefit. I say bring it on.

Available at select Whole Foods stores and online at www.SeaweedBathCo.com.

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.

Maybelline Limited Edition 2012 Calendar

The Limited Edition Maybelline New York Calendar is a dynamic and fashion-forward extension of our brand. It showcases our beautiful, unique spokesmodels against the backdrop of our hometown New York City — all in vivid color, as only our dream team can do it!

so what if we're well into 2012 -- have you seen Maybelline's limited edition calendar for the new year? The looks are ahh-maze and packed with color. Not something one would think to come from a drugstore beauty brand. Although its SUPER limited edition (as in not sold in stores), be on the lookout on the brand's Twitter channel for giveaways. In the meantime, here are a few of my favorites.

This year’s Limited Edition Calendar features the following Maybelline New York spokesmodels:
• Erin Wasson
• Emily DiDonato
• Kemp Muhl
• Julia Stegner
• Jessica White
• Lisalla Montenegro
• Shu-Pei Qin

Additional credits:
• Makeup: Charlotte Willer
• Photographer: Kenneth Willardt
• Wardrobe / Styling: Patricia Field
• Hair: Serge Normant & Stéphane Lancien
• Shoot Location: Pier 59 Studios NYC

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

good things come in small packages...

Slap on the word "mini" to a beauty product and I'm guaranteed to love it. I love the potability of said mini product (especially now that I've started working out, I want items that won't take up too much space in my bag). Not to mention minis are cute.

Lavanila - the purveyor of healthy and organic beauty products - has introduced a new travel sized version of their best-selling Healthy Deodorant (currently available in Vanilla Lavender).

The Lavanila Healthy Deodorant is a natural deodorant that is said to deliver odor protection and vitamin-rich nourishment without the use of commonly feared harsh chemicals. Freshly scented with Lavanila’s signature essential oil blends, the Healthy Deodorant uses a breakthrough, clinical strength formula that’s as safe as it is effective. I've always wanted to try Lavanila's Healthy Deodorant but $18 seemed to be a bit too steep (even for me!), but at $10 the mini is right up my alley. It comes in the brand's signature scents, and are of course made with 100% natural and organic ingredients.

The travel size ($10) is available now Lavanila.com and Sephora.


WIN IT! From now until Tuesday 1/24 TWO lucky winners will have the chance to win one FULL SIZED version of Lavanila's Healthy Deodorant (pictured above). Simply leave a comment below or shoot me an email to [email protected]. The contest ends at Tuesday 1/24. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. readers only.

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

{high shine + a giveaway}

This year I, like most red-blooded Americans, resolved to go to the gym (though for me it was more of a fitness thing than losing weight). I feel like the process of getting ready for this newfound love of fitness was WAY better than the actual gym experience. I have no problem shopping for workout gear (heyyy Lululemon and Lady Foot Locker!) but the actual work out process doesn't jive well. One Tuesday evening Zumba class later, my hair went from fabulously straight to uber 'fro and massive curl. Not the look I was going for in the new year. It was something out of a horror show as I mercilessly tried to tame my hair in the women's locker room.

All week I've been gripping on to my sample of Diamond Luster Anti-Frizz Glisten Conditioning Gel by Smooth ‘N Shine ($2.99). After the Gym Horror of (early) 2012, this conditioning gel has been a lifesaver considering that it's not like the gels of yore. There's no crunch or flakiness and it keeps my unruly hair down without hardening. Super brushable (hoorah!), I'm able to switch up my style throughout the day easily and without fear of retaliation. Isn't that the greatest?

Enriched With-
• Anti-Frizz Polymers help to tame and smooth the surface of the hair.
• Panthenyl ethyl ether a conditioning, anti-frizz agent.
• Quartz Crystals offer heat protection, shine and dimension to dull hair.

The Diamond Luster Anti Frizz Glistening Conditioning Gel is available at Drugstore.com, Target and beauty stores nationwide.

GIVEAWAY ALERT: Three lucky winners now have the chance to win one for themselves. Simply leave a comment below or shoot me an email to [email protected]. The contest ends at Thursday, January 19th. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. readers only.

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

monday

blouse: missoni x target; pants: zara; shoes: forever 21; bag: alexander wang; bangle: oscar de la renta; scorpion bangle: bauble bar; watch: betsey johnson

not much to say except: this week will be interesting; yellow pants makes Monday a bit more tolerable; I'm obsessed with this bauble bar bracelet (haven't taken it off since I bought it!)

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

a peek at NARS Spring 2012

Spring makeup releases make me happy. Perhaps it's the bright *POPS* of color amidst the dreary wintery days but something about seeing a hot pink lipstick or purple nail lacquer really gets me going. It's provocative*, y'know. For spring 2012, NARS is releasing a nine piece collection filled with vivid hues and power packed with pigments.

The Spring 2012 Collection is a study in contrasts: Bold color underscored by sophisticated shimmer. Eyes glisten in muted tones of lavender and pink, or shimmer in bronze shades accented with rich navy. Cheeks are flushed with candy pink. Lips gleam in topaz or pop with berry. Metallic violet nails add the finishing touch to a collection that’s bright, strong and iconic.

More information to come but this looks like a keeper, ladies. The collection launches online on January 13th.

*five points for attempting Jay Z and Kanye lyrics into my everyday vernacular.

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

friction by fcuk

FRICTION - Noun - 1. The electromagnetic force between charged particles. 2. The rubbing of one body against that of another. 3. Converts kinetic energy into thermal energy/heat.

when I received a sample of fcuk's latest perfume, "friction," I didn't know what to expect. I know that the brand is about shock and sex appeal so I was anticipating something heavy, musky and sensual. What I got was a gourmand so lush I've been carrying it in my purse for the past month.

The scent opens up with lush top notes of pink honeysuckle, apple blossom and red berries than quickly transforms into a creamy coconut. In addition to coconut (a note I never really experienced before) there's vanilla absolute, which warms up the scent a bit. It's this warm and soothing heart that reels me in. It's yummy and preps you for the dry down of -- wait for it -- white vetiver, sandalwood, amber, and musk. If you know anything about me, you'll know of my love of vetiver (done right). This scent lasts all day and I love wearing it when it's cold out (I love wearing it with a turtleneck so I can nuzzle in and catch a whiff throughout the day).

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.

Oscar de la Renta x Beats by Dre

Remember that episode of Sex and the City where Carrie created a faux wedding registry all to get back her Manolos? I'm considering doing the same all for this luxe little gem (except for the fact that this is out of pure selfishness and not loss). The following is a study at GENIUS at its finest. Peep game...

courtesy photo

I mean, HELLO! If there's nothing I love more in life than a great pair of headphones, it's a great pair of headphones covered in SILVER FOX FUR and have it be created by two of the bests - Beats by Dre and Oscar de la Renta. Fellow Dominican Oscar de la Renta has partnered up with Beats for a limited edition set of high performance headphones where you can not only listen to your music but do it in style. There was a time where I had a brief love affair with a set of Beats headphones (circa 2010), so I'm well aware of the rich, quality sounds and crystal clearness that's delivered within each set.

Sure, I live and die by my current purple pair of un-Beats, but a girl has to live within her means. That is, unless, you have the $695 they're asking for this guys. And, hell, if someone wanted to throw a pair of these my way I'd have NO PROBLEM saying sayonara to my current set. My loyalty runs deep.

Get yours (or if you're like me, ogle them) over at oscardelarenta.com. You can also check out Beats' range of gear here.

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