M·A·C Hey Sailor

When M·A·C's Hey Sailor collection landed on my desk, I did nothing short of squeal and Instagram the crap out of it. Here's a fun tidbit about me: I love anything nautical. New England, lighthouses, boats, Breton stripes, sailors -- you name it and I'd probably obsess over it. I blame it on my private school upbringing and days of getting lost in books that talked about escapes ad voyages. Although my wardrobe is anything but prep (one day!), I can't help but obsess. The fact that this came to me right when Fleet Week commenced in the city ---> DESTINY!

Decked out in sailor-striped packaging, M·A·C went IN on this collection (even using the word "flotilla," which means ship, in their press materials). Peep this, the full collection consists of over 30 (!!) items from eye shadows to nail polishes to makeup bags and backpacks. When M·A·C wants a theme, they GIVE you a theme.

This collection is so large, I'll have to break it down into several posts in order to give you the run down on each product I was either given or bought. In the meantime, I've listed all of the products available in the collection as well as a few swatches (pardon me but y'all know I'm not a swatcher).

Lipstick ($15.50) 

• Salute! Neutral peach (amplified)
• To Catch a Sailor Highly frosted tan (Frost) 
• Red Racer Bright yellow red (Satin) 
• Sail La Vie Bright mid-tone orange (Satin)

Lipglass ($15.50)

• Cut Loose White gold with pearl 
• Orange Tempera Pale peach (Repromote) 
• Blessedly Rich pale coral 
• Riviera Life Bright tangerine  
• Send Me Sailing Bright yellow red 

Pro Longwear Lip Pencil ($19.00) 

• Saunter Pale nude beige 
• Throw Me a Line! Bright true red
• Shore Leave Light vibrant coral 

Eyeshadow ($16.00) 

• Crystal Avalanche White with reflects (Veluxe Pearl)
• Barefoot Tarnished gold (Veluxe Pearl) 
• Jaunty Light yellow beige (Frost) 
• Feeling Fresh Bright green (Frost) 
• Nautical Navy blue (Satin) 

Bronzing Powder ($24.00) 

• Soft Sand Golden bronze with fine gold pearl 
• Refined Golden Finely spun golden with soft pearl finish 

Pro Longwear Bronzing Powder ($28.00) 

• Nude on Board Bronzy, yellow tone 
• Sun Dipped Dirty red tone 

Top: Send Me Sailing Lipglass, Orange Tempera Lipglass
Left to Right: Sail La Vie, Red Racer, Salute! lipstick; Handforged and Blue Stripe power point eye pencils
Bottom: Throw Me a Line! lip pencil

High-Light Powder ($28.00) 

• Crew Soft peachy cream with fine shimmer 

Powder Blush ($21.00) 

• Launch Away! True peach (Satin) 
• Fleet Fast Pinky, golden coral (Satin) 

Nail Lacquer ($16.00) 

• Vestral White Cream white (Cream)
• Touch of Red Bright yellow red (Cream) 
• Gold Knot Brass gold (Frost) 

MAC To the Beach Body Oil ($22.50) 

• Seaside Dirty blush pink with multidimensional sparkle 
• Man Rays Glowing tan with multidimensional golden shimmer 

Suntints SPF 20 ($16.00) 

• Sea Mist Peachy nude with multidimensional pearl 
• Abalone See through hot pink with no pearl 
• Au Rose Poppy coral pink with gold pearl 

Powerpoint Eye Pencil ($16.00) 

• Handforged Metallic yellow gold 
• Emerald Sea Kelly green 
• Blue Stripe Dark navy 

Pigment ($21.00) 

• Old Gold High frosted tarnished gold (Frost) (Permanent) 
• Naval Blue Deep smoky blue (Frost) (Permanent at PRO) 

Brush ($34.00) 

• 167SH Face Blender 

Gone Sailing Makeup Bag Set ($35.00): navy-and-white striped canvas, replete with bright red patent edges and golden roped hardware closures
Gone Sailing Tote ($45.00): bucket-style canvas cinch tote

Currently available at M·A·C locations and www.maccosmetics.com

 Pin It Disclosure: some 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.

getting away from it all...

y'all, I've been tired as all hell. The last couple of weeks have been taxing- emotionally, physically and mentally. There's a lot going on and all I want to do is escape. Go away. Vacation. What's worse is this year, I won't be going to Haiti to see my family (wahh!), so I'm just stuck. This is when I seek refuge in the spas and salons sprinkled throughout the city.

Enter Oasis Day Spa.

Tucked away on Park Avenue, Oasis Day Spa is a little gem in this big bad city. The staff is quick yet efficient with everything from checking in to pre-service relaxation. After checking in and locking away your personal items, you walk into the relaxation room - a dimly lit, tranquil space that allows you to wind down before (and after) your service. For my first ever Swedish massage (!!!), I was a tad bit nervous (do I get fully nekkid? Is this the one with the hot stones?) but my masseuse (heyyy, Leslie!) was kind and walked me through the entire process of what to expect and encouraged me to let her know what my limits were. Before I knew it, I was like butter as she gently applied light to medium pressure and made me forget the stresses of the world (if only for a moment). 60 minutes later I woke up, slightly embarrassed for falling asleep, but completely tension free.
I definitely recommend going if you're looking for a quick way to forget all of your troubles (and not deal with TSA!)

Oasis Day Spa's flagship is located at 1 Park Ave (between 32 & 33 Streets), New York, NY 10016 and offers everything from massages to facials to mani/pedi's all at an affordable rate.

 Pin It Disclosure: I received a comp service. Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

motivation: stay fierce!

pow!

How do you stay fun, fly, fabulous and fierce? I know it gets hard but it's all in your mind. Screw the negativity and silence the naysayers. Here's a little hump day motivation to keep your mojo on the go go (cheesey!):

• Smile: it's amazing how this simple trick can alter our mood (thus how we act)
• Do something selfish: we're always thinking about others so put yourself first for once
• Maintain: keep your hair looking great, get a manicure, remember to blot. Not saying to be high maintenance but when you look good, you feel good. Also...
• Exercise: when you feel good, you look good. It works both ways friends
• Laugh: don't be so serious! I personally stick to this site to keep me rolling
• Surround yourself with amazing people!!!!!

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. Beautiful hair deserves to be shared. Stay fabulous with us on Facebook and Twitter.

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.

updated skincare regimen: AMBI to the rescue

Over the past couple of week, my skin has not been behaving. I've been switching cleansers so often only because I've been desperate to find something that would aid in the random breakouts that's been popping up lately. Not that I haven't provoked my skin.

Hint: I have. Sleeping with makeup (I KNOW!), using harsh soaps, eating super gross foods. I've been bad and I know it.

When I received the AMBI® Skincare Regimen (includes: Even & Clear Foaming Cleanser, Even & Clear Daily Moisturizer, and Fade Cream) to test I couldn't have been more giddy. I'm always down to try new things and having seen the commercials for AMBI® I couldn't wait (primarily because Tika Sumpter stars in said commercials but that's neither here nor there).

Spoiler alert: I love the line.My favorite product of the trio would definitely have to be the Even and Clear Foaming Cleanser as I feel it's truly helped give me my best skin. Lightweight and non-drying, I noticed immediate results when it came to clearing out my pimples and calming down Mount Vesuvius on my forehead. I've also noticed my a bit more even skin tone. I've been able to step outside of my house without makeup for the past two weeks and not feel awkward or embarrassed. More people have been complimenting me on my skin and I can't tell you how that makes me feel. The one caveat: it doesn't remove waterproof makeup on the first try. Next I used the Even & Clear Daily Moisturizer. It took a while to get used to as it feels a bit greasy and thick at first but once you massage i in, the product soaked in my skin. While it's slightly thicker than I'm used to, I like the fact that it has SPF 30 (plus vitamins C and E) meaning, I can apply daily without worrying about adding another layer of product for protection. The cleanser and moisturizer is the one-two punch I needed in my regimen and I'm beyond glad I got to try them out. 

The Fade Cream promises to diminish dark spots and discoloration. As I don't suffer from this problem I haven't really had much experience with the product to see if it lives up to it's claim.

Have you tried out AMBI® before? What are your thoughts?

  

The experts in skin of color, brings you a skin care regimen to help you achieve flawless skin. Use AMBI®’s Even and Clear Foaming Cleanser to help clear breakouts and reduce dark marks. Follow with Even & Clear Daily Moisturizer, so skin will look even and smooth. And AMBI®’s #1 rated Fade Cream, diminishes dark spots and discoloration, for a beautiful and natural skin tone.

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

{weekend wear}

blouse: H&M; jeans: Hudson Jeans; shoes: Shoe Dazzle; bag: Rebecca Minkoff; watch: Anthropologie; bangle: Kate Spade; rings: Kate Spade and Giles and Brother

Yesterday's outfit was just a casual one since my day consisted of brunch and a quick preview The Makeup Show in NYC. The Makeup Show consists of two full days of the newest beauty products, seminars, forums and hands-on workshops all for makeup industry pros. Makeup artists and students come to learn about the newest lines and product launches as well as hear from a few of the biggest names (Johnny Lavoy, Ricky Wilson, and Crystal Wright to name a few) on how to grow themselves as an artist and business.

This is also the first year where a Career Fair is being introduced (only 400 attendees allowed!) Also, launching at this event is a limited edition brush line. The full set of 13 - created by makeup artists James Vincent, Jon Hennessey, Orlando Santiago, and Danessa Myricks - each personalized with each individual The Makeup Show Artist’s signature to mark their essential tools, technique and style.

The Makeup Show NYC 2012 is a pro-only event happening May 13th and 14th.

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

{this weekend} things to do and see in nyc

Today was a whirlwind but all I have on my mind are the plethora of events and, more importantly, sample sales that are happening next week and beyond in New York City (sorry out of town readers!). Below are a few three things I'm looking forward to starting this weekend:

This summer, Bar III is going on a style tour from coast to coast. They're visiting some of the country's most exciting flea markets with Song of Style blogger Aimee Song and winner of the Refinery 29 Next Big Style Blogger Contest, Danielle Bernstein from We Wore What. First stop? Hester Street Fair on Saturday and Greenflea on Sunday in NYC.

Botkier sample sale ends on Sunday and rumour has it there's been additional markdowns!

Lastly, Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale! No need to intro this but y'all know I love me some Minkoff. While it starts next Wednesday I had to talk about it now. Her sample sales are super popular and definitely draws a crowd. Get there in the beginning for the popular items that sell out fast but at the end for major discounts.

Have a great weekend!

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

sweet escape -- haven spa pediterranean

my favorite local NYC spa, Haven Spa, have added a new pedicure service for the warmer weather, sweetly called The Pediterranean. Inspired by the summertime in Sicily, this seasonal treatment kicks off with a scented foot bath infused with orange, lemon and tomato notes that's then polished and buffed with a salt scrub and nourishing oil blend. To complete the experience, a luxurious shea and cocoa body butter infused with the delicate scents of Neroli, Bergamot, and Citrus is applied. While receiving the Pediterranean, you get to select from six colors from Dolce & Gabbana's spring/summer 2012 nail polish collection as that, too, was inspired by southern Italy and the passion of the Mediterranean.

All of this is done, mind you, while you sip on a complimentary cup of iced grapefruit soda that contains a hint of Solerno Blood Orange Liquor. Yum!

Haven Spa is located at 150 Mercer St. between Houston and Prince in NYC.

 Pin It  Disclosure: I received this service gratis. Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

M·A·C Fashion Sets

above: lipsticks, lipglass and nail polishes in Myth, Girl About Town, Russian Red and Snob.

Rebel in New York, Saint Germain in Seoul, Morange in Paris, Russian Red in Dubai - the must-have lip shades that M·A·C fans around the world reach for, and fall in love with, over and over again. Colours so globally gorgeous we worked them into 3-piece collections of go- everywhere lipstick, lipglass and nail lacquer trios in 7 classic palettes that are perfectly coordinated and regionally inspired. Wherever you are, tip and lip the scale in your fashion favour.

When you hear that your favorite lipsticks are being turned into lipglosses and nail polishes, there is only one acceptable response: HELL YES! Girl About Town and Russian red are bees-knees and I'm glad to have them for my tips (and gloss form because sometimes a girl doesn't want to deal with precise lipstick retouches).

One of the biggest trends to come out of the recent shows was matching nails to your lip color and M·A·C's Fashion Sets collection makes it one easy process. There are seven colors total available in lipstick, lipglass and nail polish forms. Below are the colors available in the North America collection.

Myth: Light neutral nude
Snob: Light neutral pink
Spice: Mid-tone neutral nude
Girl About Town: Bright blue fuchsia
Russian Red: Mid-tone neutral red
Rebel: Mid-tone cream plum
Chestnut: Rich chocolate brown

The collections are being released in store regionally SO if for Asia Pacific that's Impassioned, Saint Germain, Peachstock, Razzledazzler, Angel, Morange, and Ravishing. Europe and Africa is Morange, Spice, Myth, Rebel, Impassioned, Russian Red, and Saint Germain. Latin America and the Middle East, you get Please Me, Girl About Town, Pink Nouveau, Russian Red, Snob, Impassioned, and Morange. BUT if you're like me and want a Morange and Saint Germain lipgloss/nail lacquer, you can head online to purchase. God bless the internetz.

Available for a limited time from May 3, 2012 through June 28, 2012.

Pin It Disclosure: samples given 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 In Extra Dimension

Introducing a NEW liquid-powder hybrid formula with prismatic reflections that instantly sculpts, highlights and models the face to the desired effect - In Extra Dimension. Two formulas to try: the three shades of Extra Dimension Skinfinish and the ten shimmering tints of Extra Dimension Eye Shadow. This cool, creamy, silky, near-fluid formula creates a luminous, visually arresting, well-defined finish. -- M·A·C Cosmetics

M·A·C's In Extra Dimension collection (available in stores now) is quite beautiful. In fact, it's so beautiful, I've been too afraid to use the products (LOL!). From swatching a few, I love the creamy and soft consistency.

For now, let's stare at the beauty of the products, okay?

Pin It Disclosure: samples were provided. Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.