Anyone that knows me is aware that I LOVE testing out new products, and playing with color stories and ideas. Which is why I could not say no when I learned about Birchbox. Every month it is a little treasure in the mail, I feel like it is my birthday! Each box contains 4-5 products that are customized based on a questionnaire you answer. The products are high end names you will recognize, Benefit, Oribe, Elizabeth Arden, Smashbox, SuperGoop!, Beauty Protector and many many more. There are also samples of up and coming products as well. I have tested out and fell in love with nail polishes, hair products, beauty products and when I found Supergoop! I started buying products for my whole family.
The Boxes are $10 a month and if fall in love with a product you can go to Birchbox shop and get a full size sent to you. As a member you earn points on boxes, reviews and products, which can be redeemed for products. A win-win!
Did I mention they also have a men’s subscription box, for $20 a month. Perfect for a gift!
Finding great skincare products can be perplexing and overwhelming. There are tons of brands and products addressing different concerns. A good eye cream can tackle many problems and help moisturize but, finding one is the trick.
Kiehl’s Since 1851Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado is a creamy, moisturizing eye treatment that is to provide hydration while taking in mind the sensitive area. The hydration comes from the beta carotene and shea butter along with the avocado oil that moisturizes and infuses the skin with amino acids, potassium and vitamins. The cream is a light green shade and a very thick consistency in the jar, however, once applied to the delicate under eye area it is quickly absorbed without a greasy feel. If you have dry skin under the eyes it will clear up in a matter of days. It is a luxurious product at a reasonable price.
It is easy to see why it is a customer favorite, between the effectiveness, the quality and price, it is worth testing it out for yourself. The 0.5 fl oz jar is priced at $28.50 USD and the 0.95 fl oz jar is $47 USD, the jars do last as you only need a small amount.
** I received a free product in order to review the eye treatment. My opinions expressed in this post are my own. **
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year andMAC Cosmetics has decided to celebrate the cult classic with a limited edition collection. Now you can transform yourself into one the iconic characters from an alien from Transylvania, a heroic newlywed, a sex-swapping mad scientist or even the time-warped Riff Raff. The collection will be available before Halloween so start planning now on your wild makeup side.
(Photo Credit: MAC Cosmetics)
Riff-Raff Eyeshadow Palette: $44.00 USD
Blackberry Muted burgundy-plum brown (Matte) (Permanent) Carbon Black Intense black (Matte) Crystal Violet duochrome with pearl (Frost) (Permanent) Graphic Style Deep silver (Veluxe Pearl) (Repromote) Heavy, Black and Pendulous Grayish blue with pearl (Frost) Oh, Rocky!!! Soft muted white with pearl (Frost)
Glitter: $23.00 USD
3D Black Black with silver holographic effect (Permanent) Gold Sparkling chunky gold (Permanent)
Pigment: $23.00 USD
It’s Not Easy Having a Good Time Sparkling burgundy
Chromagraphic Pencil: $17.50 USD
Basic Red Primary red (Permanent at Pro) Black Black Black (Permanent at Pro)
Greasepaint Stick: $21.00 USD
B Bright yellow blue Black Intense Black
Superslick Liquid Eye Liner: $20.00 USD
On the Hunt True Black (Permanent)
Lashes: $18.50 USD
7 Lash (Limited Edition Packaging)
Powder Blush: $24.00 USD
Crazed Imagination Muted Plum with a hint of pink pearl
Sculpt and Shape Powder: $27.50 USD
Bone Beige/Emphasize Palest cream/tan
Lipstick: $17.50 USD
Frank-N-Furter Deep Raspberry Wine (Matte) Oblivion Vivid Bluish red (Amplified) Sin Deep Dark blue red (Matte) (Permanent) Strange Journey Yellowish brick red (Matte)
Lip Pencil: $17.50 USD
Vino Intense Violet Purple (Permanent)
Nail Lacquer: $13.50 USD
Bad Fairy Red with red multi-changing pearl (Limited Edition) Formidable Teal green with pink multi-changing pearl (Permanent)
Online September 29th, in-stores October 2nd at MAC Stores Only.
Many women will agree that they were not blessed with amazing lashes. Thus begins the quest for finding a mascara that can give you the length, fullness and gorgeous lashes. There are a ton of mascara’s on the market, however, I have found that finding a great one that combines both length, fullness and does not smudge is not an easy task. My clients ask me all the time if there is an alternative to wear false eyelashes so I know I am not alone in my search.
I recently have been hearing the name Younique from many and hearing about thereMoodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes. The three step process uses the Transplanting Gel and Natural Fibers, to help create the appearance of thickness and volume to your existing lashes. I was fortunate to be given a set of the Moodstruck to test out on my lashes. The pair of wands are packaged in a gorgeous case which makes it easy to keep the two products together in your makeup bag, as one can not be used without the other. First you apply the Transplanting Gel which is dark in color and will remind you of a mascara, in texture. Apply the gel to the top of the lashes and then underneath so as to keep your lashes curled. Next apply the natural fibers to the lashes, which must be done immediately after the gel so that the fibers will stick. Once both eyes have the two steps applied to them it is time for the third and final step, which is actually going over the lashes with the Transplanting Gel. By doing the third step it will set the fibers into place and maintain the gorgeous length and volume. It may take one or two times of applying to get the technique in application down, while it is easy, it is different than using regular mascara.
So, is it worth it? YES! The difference that the 3D Fiber Lashes make to your own lashes is very easy to see, it really does everything. It will give you the look of false eyelashes without the glue and hassle. It is very noticeable without having to use a mirror to see it and if you were taking photographs, your eyes will pop. The 3D Fiber Lashes do come off with makeup remover and are in fact water resistant so you can wear them out in the humidity or cry and they will not smudge.
The set is $29 USD and will last you three months, which is about the time that you should replace mascara in your makeup bag as to keep your products clean and bacteria free. The bottles are generous in size and product so I am sure that it will last and keep giving you those amazing lashes that you have always wanted but were not born with.
* I received the Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes to test. My opinions expressed in this post are my own. *
Thanks to Small Business Trendsetters for the lovely story about me and my business! Honored to be written and shares about.
Everyone wants to look their best, every day. From special occasions to professional engagements to actors and actresses on the set, Tracie Rosales of Makeup Artistry By Tracie (www.tracierosales.com) is invested in bringing her clients’ best faces forward. Recently expanding operations from solely serving the metro DC area to including service in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Rosales is working to bring her fresh-faced, customer-driven aesthetic to a wider audience. By offering a mobile service, Rosales is able to travel to her clients, wherever they need her.
“We are totally mobile and come to the client, to make it convenient for them,” Rosales says. “If it is a photo shoot then I come before and will stay on set during for any touch-ups, modification and to help.” Rosales services help bring her clients more confidence and helps give them a sense of calm, whether it’s their wedding day or they are uncomfortable in front of a camera or appearing in public. Being behind the scenes is one part of her job that she loves most. “I get to see the bride before she walks down the aisle, the speaker before they go out on stage, the models backstage before they walk the catwalk,” Rosales says.
In addition to offering clients her skills and services, Rosales is also happy to pass along any makeup tips or tricks that can help her clients achieve professional-looking results at home. Dedicated to increasing her professional development, Rosales is considers herself a lifelong learner when it comes to her improving her skills. Boasting an impressive list of credentials and certifications, Rosales is committed to bringing her clients the most up-to-date looks, techniques, and beauty services.
Customers are appreciative of the services Makeup Artistry by Tracie provides, often offering referrals and providing customer endorsements and testimonials. Using her professional expertise, Rosales is able to be the calm, quiet voice of reason, standing behind her aesthetic choices, even when other professionals are dubious. In one instant, the fresh-faced, natural looks she created not only set the perfect tone for the bridal photo shoot she was hired for, it also brought referrals from the photographer.
“From that point on she began referring her brides and other clients to me saying that I knew what I was doing and that with the right technique you could achieve an amazing look, without being overly done, and still have beautiful pictures,” Rosales said. Landing clients from individuals to corporations – including Google – and working for magazines like Brides and Wedding of Northern Virginia and Winery Weddings, which both chose Rosales to craft their cover looks, Rosales has been named to the Top 40 Under 40: Rising Business and Community Leaders for Loudon
After weeks of planning for our #DisneySide @Home Celebration, the big day finally arrived. From the time that I was chosen, the box arrived it has been a buzz at our house. After we got the Mickey Mouse
My son ready to go to the Party! (Photo Credit: Tracie Rosales)
themed party supplies it was an easy decision to go with a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme and the Carnival part seemed perfect given that our party was for 3 year old’s. Given that there were going to be many 3 year olds with tons of energy, my husband and I made the decision to hold the party at a beautiful park in South Florida. The kids can be loud, run around, enjoy the carnival activities and make a mess without any problems.
My invitations were courtesy of HP. HP sent me several boxes of printable photo paper and with the HP Photo Creations program, it was so easy to design them, print them and mail them out. HP was so generous that I have left over photo paper and decided that as a little extra goodie, to print pictures from the party and give them to the families, so that they have pictures of their children having a blast!
So let’s start with the food! Half of the fun of any carnival is that the snacks are fun, can easily be matched up to some of the fun food you eat at Disney Parks and kids love it all! I choose to go with Corn Dogs, Popcorn from our vintage machine packaged in little fun bags, pretzels, grapes and Mickey Mouse shaped rice krispy treats (thanks to Disney for sending me the Mickey mouse cookie cutter). The main dessert was actually part of an activity station, cupcake decorating. With the help of Homekeeters, a craft website and shop, I was able to get Mickey printables and do adorable matching placecards with descriptions of the food as well as wrap all of the water bottles with Mickey Mouse labels. Presentation always takes a party set-up from good to great!
Eight 3 year old’s including the mini-host, are going to need activity stations to keep them happy and entertained. We of course had our favorite Disney tunes playing at the party the entire time. I had four activity stations set up so that the kids could pick and choose what they would like to do. Station 1: Art : Using the Cheer Boards that Disney sent us along with downloadable coloring sheets from the DisneySide Celebrations website, I had an art station with crayons and tons of Mickey stickers. Station 2: The Cupcake Decorating Station: My son and his friends love cooking and treats so it seemed like a fun idea to bake the cupcakes before the party and then they could use the icing, sprinkles and Mickey & Minnie candies to decorate their own desserts. I will say this was probably the most loved station of them all. Station 3: Bubbles and Beach Balls: What kid does not like bubbles? We set up our Bubble Machine (buy tons of big bottles) and kept it running the entire 3 hours. Beach balls just seemed like a good match to play with amongst all of the bubbles. Station 4: Playground: The bonus of having it at a park a huge slide and playground.
Art Station (Photo Credit: Tracie Rosales)Cupcake Decorating Station (Photo Credit: Tracie Rosales)Decorating in Action! (Photo Credit: Tracie Rosales)Bubble Station (Photo Credit: Tracie Rosales)Bubble Station (Photo Credit: Tracie Rosales)
The kids had a great time and so did the parents. Everyone told me to tell the #DisneySide team thank you for the great goodies. You can always gauge a successful party by the length that everyone stays and the tears when it really is time to go (late). However, I find that by giving goodie bags and prizes at the very end makes leaving not so bad. The goodie bags had the Pluto temporary tattoos, the ESPN bracelets, Ocean Spray Craisins, lollipops, the Muppets Calendars and my personal favorite the Mickey & Minnie Posters. Some great Swag on the way out!
Goodie Bag Swag (Photo Credit: Tracie Rosales)
In the end everyone, had a great time and all of the kids were worn out, which as a parent is always a bonus! A little quiet time after, to which I did get this week a few thank you’s for that too!
The sad part about this post is that our #DisneySide party is over! It was such an honor to be chosen and be a part of the group of hostesses. However, our #DisneySide will be going on all year, with a trip to Walt Disney World in 4 more days and then this Summer a Disney Planes Birthday Party for our Son! And I have been challenged to go as fancy and even bigger with that party. So we shall see what that will entail.
** I received free products in order to host my Disney Side @Home Celebration. My opinions expressed in this post are my own. **
Carolina Herrera Bridal Spring Fashion Show 2014 (Photo Credit: Brides.com)
Bridal Makeup Trends always come from a number of factors, Fashion Week, Celebrities, Red Carpet and the “it” colors. Based off of these categories there are some certain trends that you will see on the bridal magazine covers and in photos trending.
Bridal Fashion Week had three of the most notable trends.
Cat Eye: While this is not a new trend it is one that is here to stay. A vintage retro look that works with many styles of brides looks and the cat eye can be subtle or dramatic based on the preference.
Pink Lips:Carolina Herrera Bridal Show showcased the pink lip and rosy cheeks. A romantic and fresh look that are flattering, easy to wear, and reapplying is super easy when it comes to touch ups.
Luminous Skin: Diane Von Furstenburg‘s runway show had the best example of flawless luminous skin. Gorgeous skin is always on trend and it looks like perfection in photos. While everyone is not blessed with amazing skin, there are ways to achieve luminous skin using products.
Jessica Alba People Choice Awards 2014 (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
Celebrities can create a trend with just one photo. Think Jennifer Lopez and her amazing sun kissed Glow.
Jessica Alba set a trend when she walked the red carpet of the People Choice Awards this year. A silver and grey smokey eye with a pink lip.
Taylor Swift is one gal that really does show a great face. Her typical style is a red lip, matte foundation and a lighter eye so as not to compete with that lip. A classic Hollywood glamour look that is gorgeous.
The ‘it” color of the year is chosen and for 2014 it is Radiant Orchid. The color of the year will be used in bridesmaids gowns, color and decor themes and covers of the magazines. The way you can translate it into bridal makeup is by purple hues of eye shadows. It is a great color shadow for many, which makes this years “it” color a great makeup option.
While it is all about your style and what you feel comfortable wearing. We all want gorgeous photos and you may need to wear a little more makeup than you are used to it is a balance. A great makeup artist can help you find that balance and achieve a stunning look for your big day.
“A dream world bursting with brilliant blooms of colour. A stunning bouquet of shades draw you in with hypnotic movement as magical fantasy emerges glowing with a floral essence. Rose coloured hues burst from lustrous Lipstick, while a heavenly hybrid of Mineralize Eye Shadows blossoms with natural splendour. Cheeks are kissed with graceful glow of Mineralize Blush, and vivid pops of coulour flourish as Fluidline and Nail Lacquer bring this flowery fantasia to life”. This collection will for sure make you think spring no matter what climate you are in. Bright, Bold and of course MAC quality.
Mineralize Eyeshadow (Four Shades): $21.00 USD
Golden Hours: Copper bronze, golden brown, soft golden peach, pale yellow gold (Frost)
Great Beyond: Deep blue violet, dusky plum, icy white lilac, soft mauve violet (Frost)
In the Meadow: Ice shimmering white, dirty olive green, golden mint, pale yellow (Frost)
Brides Against Breast Cancer Charity Wedding Gown Sale & Bridal Show will be in Baltimore this weekend Saturday, February 8th and Sunday, February 9th. The event will be held at The Westin Baltimore Washington Airport. If you are a bride looking for a designer gown at a discounted price this is one event that is worth checking out. There will be hundreds of gowns both new and gently worn designer and couture gowns ranging from $99 to $3,900 in sizes 4-18.Brides Against Breast Cancer contributes to programs for
(Photo Credit: Brides Against Breast Cancer)
cancer patients. Designers, manufacturers, bridal shops and individuals donate gowns to make the Nationwide Tour of gown sales possible. More than half of the gowns presented at each event are new. The proceeds from the sales and ticket sales make it possible for BABC to deliver information and services to cancer patients, caregivers, and family members, Brides Against Breast Cancer will contribute $2 million dollars to help people this year.
Another option for those that want to get involved but do not need a gown is to volunteer at the event. BABC are always looking for volunteers at each event, and you will get to help a bride find her “dream gown”. On a personal note, I have volunteered at the DC events and it was fun and was like being Randy Fenoli from Say Yes to the Dress.
When: Saturday February 8 – Sunday February 9,2014
There were so many memorable moments from the 2014 Grammy’s last night from the performances, to the winners and of course the red carpet.
(Photo Credit: Sam Fine Beauty)
Queen Latifah made a splash with the officiating of the I-Do’s of 33 lucky couples. She looked stunning and showed a dark lipstick with a gorgeous canvas of glowing skin. The Queen’s makeup artist Sam Fine picked a great look.
(Photo Credit: Jason Merritt / Getty Images)
Taylor Swift is one young lady that really does rock great beauty looks on red carpets. What I loved about her look tonight was that she went a different route than her normal gorgeous red lip. Her light pink lip is perfect so that her silver smokey eye. Also loving her hair pulled back in a chic ponytail.
(Photo Credit: Jason Merritt / Getty Images)
Whether you were a fan of the dress or not Katy Perry‘s makeup and hair looked amazing. The bubblegum pink lipstick was a great color that gave a fun statement. Perry’s hairstyle was a nod to Elizabeth Taylor. Her hair was twisted into a large bun and a shine mist was applied to get that polish.
(Photo Credit: Jason Merritt / Getty Images)
Tamar Braxton glowed on the red carpet. Her makeup was subtle and really showcased her beauty. It was a look that was perfection, from the perfectly lined eyes for a pop, fresh skin and a light pink / nude lip.
(Photo Credit; Jason Merritt / Getty Images)
Anna Kendrick’s sideswept hair was inspired by icon: Veronica Lake. It was a fabulous style to showcase her beauty and the dress. To create this look use thermal rollers and brush out. And don’t forget to add the frizz control to keep your mane looking smooth.
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