Perfect foundation? There's an app for that. When I heard about L'Oreal Paris MatchMaker by True Match, I was almost instantly obsessed with the concept of finding your correct shade using a free iPhone/iPad app. I've included a few screenshots below.
Wanna try it? L'Oreal will send the first 5 readers to comment a full-size sample of True Match foundation. Just use the app & comment below with your shade!
And now, for some musical inspiration...
You know the song "Thin Line Between Love and Hate"? What about the Martin Lawrence movie with the same title? Well, the point of it all is the hot-like-fire passion you have for something can go terribly, terribly wrong...and quickly. Kinda' like liquid liners.
Since I have yet to find a kohl pencil that gives me my deepest, darkest lines, I typically stick to my liquid ones. I was just rockin' with a cheapo liq-liner that stayed on forever BUT either because of my "trembly" morning hands or its applicator, coated my lashes.
Enter Hourglass Script Precision Liquid Liner ($32). You guys, I bought this one and haven't looked back. Its super-fine tip allows the thinnest, close-to-lashes coverage ever and you can easily manipulate it into a thicker mod-ish situation. So yeah, I'm loving it; oy let's hope it stays that way.
Here's a scene from the film featuring one of my favorite Hollywood beauties, Lynn Whitfield. Yep, that's a knife. Intense.
I am a girl of many, many crushes. If you know me even a little, you know that all too well. You've heard me go on about Kanye and Usher ad infinitum. And then there's Pharrell. When I saw the YouTube video of him acting a fool ("C'mon baby, let's eat, let's eat, let's eat") in a fast food restaurant in France, I was further smitten. So when I was invited to attend the Ultimate Girls' Night out event sponsored by Qream by Pharrell, um...yeah.
The night started as any good event should, with a scrumptious drink. I had Qream Peach on the rocks. OMG seriously, it was so out-of-this-world tasty. I heard the other girls raving about the Chocolate Dipped Strawberries with Qream Strawberry and Godiva Chocolate Vodka, but I'm a loyalist; I didn't stray from my peach. Ya hear that, Pharrell? I'm a keeper.
Post manicure and pedicure, I mozied over to the Stella & Dot station. I fell in love with a couple of pieces including the light-as-a-feather bronze bib necklace. And not for nothing, this silver and black chain went perfectly with my outfit. But I was a good girl; I didn't dash out the door with it. See, Pharrell? Another excellent trait for a mate: I'm not a thief.
Check out more pics from the event!
...And you know I had to share Pharrell's YouTube video. His interpretive dance is phenom.
QREAM WITH A QTM is a one-of-a-kind cream liqueur. It was created by an inspired alliance between Diageo and Grammy Award-winning musician, cultural ambassador and style visionary, Pharrell Williams. Williams was instrumental in the development of the liqueur’s creation – from taste and bottle design to marketing and advertising. Available in the U.S. in two flavors – Strawberry Crème and Peach Crème – Qream is 99% lactose free at 12.5% ABV. Please drink responsibly. Oh, and check out Qream on Facebook!
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Qream via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Qream.
Image courtesy of Amazon.com
Yo Diary,
Mama recently experienced a chemical treatment of the relaxer persuasion.
I won't go into the details, but I will tell you the result: strands...and...strands...and strands...of hair in my hands. And on the floor. Trauma.
Considering I've had a relaxer since the the heyday of PCJ, this certainly isn't the first time my strands have been damaged. But my goodness, it's not fun to be here again. So yeah, I've come to the final stage of mane mourning: acceptance. The obvious solution would be to cut it, but gah, I always do that.
Before I resort to the "take-off-as-much-as-you-need-to-I-don't-care" chop, I'll give Redken Extreme Strength Builder Plus (~$20) a go. Since you are all-knowing, hair diary, I won't tell you that protein is super important for distressed hair--like ahem, over-processed relaxed hair; it strengthens weak manes and has restorative powers.
Oh yes, I just said "powers". Anything that can possibly stop the kind of shedding my joint is doing, is in fact, magical. Say a prayer for me, hair diary. Me thinks, I'll need it.
I totally remember watching this PCJ commercial. You?
xx Shaunequa
Someone recently asked me how I choose the products and events I review. I frankly replied, "I write about stuff that appeal to me and my friends." Considering the "birds of a feather" adage, I realize that I should branch out a tad to make sure I feature other things, too. So I took a look at http://hairstyles.ghdhair.com for some hair tips & flicks.
Since most of the hair styles and products I talk about relate to either relaxed or short hair (what?!), if you have long locks, this one's for you.
Get Glam Beach Waves:
Step 1 Divide your hair into two sections.
Step 2 Take your lower section and split that in two. Position the ghd IV styler horizontally, beginning at the root. Rotate it up 180° and gently pull through hair.
Step 3 Rotate the styler in the opposite direction and pull down again, duplicating a rocking movement.
Step 4 Follow the steps above for the top section of hair.
Step 5 Finally, run your fingers through hair to complete the look.
I'd never even heard of the Brooklyn Bodega Hip Hop Festival until last week, but luckily I did and attended with two of my road dogs.
By the time Q-Tip performed "Electric Relaxation" and Bonita Applebaum", we were jumping up with drinks in hand, and perhaps landing (very hard) on folk's flip-flopped feet. I was joyfully sweating, singing, and cool-girl head nodding. For the record, the "cool girl" thing vanished as soon as a very-very-surprise guest hit the stage (and I just about hit the floor). Wait till I tell you who it was...you're going to die.
Despite all of the jumping around, the Tocca SPF 30 Sunscreen Towelette ($28 for 8) I gave my friend stayed in tact leaving her skin silky, sun protected, and scented in the blood orange Stella fragrance. Not that I noticed (or cared) how my friend smelled; I was preoccupied with the thought of not being trampled by the crowd when I passed out in shock. Shock? Yes, read on.
When Q-Tip and Monie Love performed "Buddy" and Busta Rhymes hopped out for "Scenario", I was floored. Then Q-Tip asked the crowd twice, "Can we get much higher?". I was paralyzed with anticipation...disbelief...some other word that evokes intense emotion. Kanye West appeared on stage out of nowhere.
Remember what I said would happen if I was in the same area as him? Well, at least I wasn't carried away. And that's all I can say without damaging my street cred.
Before I even knew who Makeda was, I knew the necklace. And since spending quite a bit of bonding time with the glamazon, the knotted pearl necklace has been her accoutrement of choice time after time: brunch, dinner, countless fashion events, and aptartment fetes. In fact, the only time the pearls didn't make an appearance was when we went running along the Chelsea Piers. Knowing her though, she probably wore them under her T-shirt.
Last week, some of my fave beauty & fashion bloggers assembled at Alma G salon for the Glamazon Summer Social. Makeda presented us with her most beloved summer products and introduced us to the super-charismatic owner of the salon, Alma. Alma gave us her handcrafted, essential-oil-based, hair boosting serum, Almatized ($50).
Behold, the truck-load of other treats to make your summer a "glamazonous" one:
I've been wearing these Lucky Brand sunnies ever since I walked away from the social. And the Knockarounds ($14) with moonshine lenses are on my list for this weekend. They're both lightweight, stylish and inexpensive. Three of my favorite adjectives.
Wellies. Jellies. Stilettos? Typically, one wouldn't consider going out in a torrential downpour in high heels...unless they're eco-friendly and waterproof, Jean Paul Gaultier-Melissa Sandals ($143).
A part of me truly wants to reveal the location of a nail spot that offers $20 mani-pedis, but I just can't. I gotta' keep something to myself. I will, however, share with you the gorgeous Texas collection by OPI ($8.50) and the Braziliant collection by Essie ($8 each).
Makeda and Felicia raved about the anti-aging & brightening Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Facial Peel ($28 for 10 packets). It's the only facial peel on the market that contains five Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids, Retinol, Ubiquinone, Resveratrol, antioxidants, vitamins, and botanicals.
I haven't tried either the Redken Extreme Strength Builder Plus Fortifying Mask or the Extreme CAT Protein Mist, but I'm definitely excited to add some much-needed protein to my relaxed hair. You probably know that relaxed hair loses quite a bit of protein post repeated treatments.
And last, but certainly not least (literally and figuratively):
This Freshwater Pearl Necklace ($298, but appraises for $1000) features pink-to-peach pearls, is knotted in silk, and has a solid 14 karat gold clasp.
OMGGGGG remember the Phyto Universe post I wrote? Well, even if you don't, the Phyto Friends & Family Sale is happening now.
Get all of the products you've ever wanted! Think I'm kidding? *Ahem* the PhytoSpecific Relaxer (normally $60) is now $48. Now imagine the discount you'd get on the other products.
That is, of course, until the sale ends on Wednesday, 6/29! Shop the sale now...thank me later.
Judging from your emails and notes, you guys really liked my spring top picks. So I figured, "hell, let's do it again for summer"!
From the moment I stole a spritz from my college roommate's bottle, I had a love-love relationship with CK One. Since this limited-edition scent features crisp apple and sweet crushed berry top notes and cedarwood and incense base notes, I'm all over it (well, guess it's all over me).
Avon Peep-Toe Mini Wedges, $19.99
Super light...and inexpensive. They're great for city walking: comfy enough to break into a sprint in case something goes down. And there's always a chance something will go down...don't you watch "Cops"?
Biore Makeup Removing Towelettes, $7.99
For the days when makeup is a must...and waterproof mascara is the only way to go (if you have allergies, you know what I mean), these wipes remove makeup, refresh the skin, and leave it with a light, pleasant scent.
Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipgloss in Fuchsia Therapy, $6.15
If I hear, let alone say, "pop of color" one more time, I shan't be held responsible for my actions. But hey, there really isn't a better way to describe such a glorious color, enriched with moisturizing collagen, Vitamins A, C & E, and SPF 15 gracing soup coolers everywhere.
Did you guys know that you're supposed to use your scrub BEFORE cleansing? Yup. When you use a scrub like this one, which includes ruby crystals, anti-aging/free-radical-busting red tea, and seaweed, it will lift up dead skin cells allowing your cleanser to work better. You heard it here, folks.
Hudson Hampton Short Shorts, $143
I love this fresh take on colored denim, plus, you can't have summer without shorts. Well, yeah you can, but why would hue want to? Had to do it...don't hate me.
John Freida Frizz-Ease Hair Serum, $8.99
Humidity...the end.
Hermanny by Vix Kelly One Piece, $107 + Win a FREE $100 Gift Card!
I'm a ride-or-die bikini girl. BUT I think this one piece from Amazon's new Swim Shop, is the perfect combination of color, pattern, and va-va-voominess (thanks to strategic ruching).
Enter to win a $100 Amazon Swim Shop Gift Card: Just tell me "I'm a bikini girl" or "I'm a one-piece girl" in the comment area below or Tweet me. Be sure to include your email address.The giveaway ends at midnight on Friday, June 10th.
I'm sure you remember the DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince classic, "Summertime". I recall thinking how grown up Will Smith looked with facial hair. Gotta' love it.
Style Coalition hosted The Royal Treatment, a super-fun Lierac & Phyto event for top beauty and fashion bloggers. As I walked into the impeccably decorated lounge, I noticed the scent of fresh gardenia wafting through the air. Kinda' perfect since I'd just watched "Lady Sings the Blues". And you know, Billie Holiday wore a gardenia in her hair...and...well, the scent was dope.
Plus, since it was the day of the royal wedding, the ceremony played in the background throughout the afternoon.
I enjoyed a brilliant massage, featuring the new jasmine and gardenia-infused Lierac Sensory Oil, which hydrates for 24 hours and can be used on face, body, and hair. It's a unique oil because when it's added to water, it doesn't just become a gross glob at the top of the water; it creates a milky-moisture paradise (try saying that six times).
With slicked-down bangs (this is exactly why I won't show you the pic of me) and utterly relaxed corps, I reached for my yummy jasmine-enhanced drink.
The other girls experienced the Phyto Scope (Since Phyto Scope and I were up close and way-too-personal with my scalp a week earlier, I sat that part out); they also got their "'dos, did" by hair stylist extraordinaire, Yves Durif. I walked away from Style Coalition calmer, more beauty informed, and royally treated. Take that, Kate.
This will most likely be the only politics-related intro I'll ever use, but here we go. President Obama was in New York the other day. During my commute, the train conductor casually mentioned we'd bypass the most popular stop in Harlem because of a <insert public transportation excuse here>; it was the same stop as the one for Obama's event. I smirked and continued to read New York magazine.
When suddenly, the levity increased tenfold. As a boarding policeman was confronted by frustrated-passenger questions about the transit change, he gave us an impromptu comedy act about the goings-on. I immediately envisioned his precinct as the one in "Reno 911". Does his lieutenant wear khaki daisy dukes? If so, I need that rag tag squad patrolling my neighborhood.
If you're more interested in line fighting than crime fighting (yeah, I typed it), I think you're going to looove the new Zeno Line Rewind ($39.99). I learned about it at an intimate breakfast at David Burke Townhouse hosted by Zeno and Zeno-enthusiast, Kelly Rutherford from "Gossip Girl". As I noshed on the most delicious lobster scramble, I saw how Line Rewind uses red light technology, heat, and massage to target lines and wrinkles.
In fact, when paired with the Wrinkle Reduction Serum included in the kit, women saw results in four weeks, in a clinical trial. And if that doesn't make you want to try it, just look at Kelly Rutherford. She looks the same as she did on "Melrose Place"! And btw, the pic doesn't do her skin justice; it was LUMINOUS.
I was recently asked to share my spring must-haves. So I figured, hell, I need to let the TOG peeps know what's up first!
Whether I'm brunching, lipgloss shopping, or dodging crazy NYC tourists, I will most likely be wearing this dress.
Bettye Muller Caprice Scarf Espadrilles $185
If they look like these, I'm officially ready to rock espadrilles. They're a must for spring's '70s fever. I love the deep, dark navy with a dash of orange.
Apart Style Pave Gold Stud Cuff $245
Florals are definitely a "go" this season, but make sure to toughen 'em up with a piece like this. Heck, even I'd feel like a tough chick wearing this bracelet.
Bar III Slouchy Cropped Trouser $48
These high-waist slouchy pants show off your shape without cutting off circulation. Fun fact: I think the model is Danielle's daughter from "Real Housewives of New Jersey".
MAC Cosmetics Viva Glam Gaga 2 $14.50
Yes, bright color is pretty, but the upkeep throughout the work day? No thanks. A nude lip is always a DO for spring. It wears off seamlessly and you can apply it without a mirror: win-win!
Did I ever tell you about my sleep-away camp experience--when one of my fellow campers went on a cabin-wide stabbing spree? Yeah, a little girl was teased by a countless number of kids and one day she snapped. She stole a metal spoon from the cafeteria and bent its head each day until it broke off.
That night, she stabbed some of her cabin tormentors. I simultaneously tell the story as a funny anecdote about not effing with the wrong person and as a cautionary chronicle of bullying. I also feel compelled to tell the story because I still can't believe I experienced it.
Did a ten year old really make a shank out of a spoon? Yes, though far from being a prison, an "OZ"-like incident happened at a sweet little camp in Connecticut. And let me be honest. Maybe my fascination with gritty shows like HBO's "OZ" also leads me to hold on to the prison-yard tale from my youth.
Or maybe it's because I'm going to ask you this *wink wink*: Are you in beauty prison?
Beauty prison is a place where we all at one point reside. We wear the same lip color, hairstyle, nail polish color, etc. But we don't just do it because we love it and it's "our thing". No, I'm not talking about "signature" colors or styles. I'm talking about doing certain things because you're afraid to try something new.
For instance, I love a nude lip; it's my thing. But when I found myself clinging to it, I realized I had to shake it up with my current reddish-brown shade.
So on this hump day I ask you, "Are you in beauty prison?". If so, I believe it's time for a prison break.
Raise your hand if you had the pleasure of gaining the "Freshman 15". Never the bandwagon-jumper, I gained my 15 lbs. during my senior year. Blimey, I'm a rebel! That year I went through the obligatory emotions: denial, bewilderment, and full-blown obsession about the new-found junk in my very-spacious trunk.
Ready for today's Valentine's Day gift that's appropriate for all girls--committed and single and yet somehow related to the TMI story above? I give you a set of chocolate-covered strawberries. The seemingly traditional V-Day gift isn't at all. It's a set of lip glosses *GONG*!
The Strawberry Sweet Lips Set ($12) is a trio of plump (plastic) strawberries, which hold Vitamin E-enriched lip gloss. So like, I'm imagining pulling one out in front of a Godiva store as they're hand dipping their strawberries. I'd then think, "eat your hearts out, suckers" as I called Papa John's via speed dial. It's the circle of carbs, my friends. The circle of carbs.
I was ca-rushed when I realized I couldn't attend the Sephora at Shop Bop party a couple of weeks ago. Luckily one of my favorite blogger friends, The Fab Chick, wrote all about it so I kinda felt like I was there. Kinda. It wasn't until I received a Color Play 5-in 1 Kit: Fashion Edition ($30) and played with the eye, lip, and cheek colors, that I truly understood the concept.
Shop Bop created five fashion looks (Faces of Fashion). Sephora came up with complementary palettes: Boho Bombshell, Nod to Mod, Classics Never Die, Angelic Boudoir, and Black is the New Black.
Here's Boho Bombshell (I'm living for the Tibi dress!!):
You can shop the fashion look at Shop Bop, get the beauty look at Sephora, AND enter the Faces of Fashion sweepstakes to win a $2,500 Shop Bop shopping spree and a year's worth of Sephora-brand makeup! Contest ends on February 2nd.
