NEW PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT : RIMMEL LONDON LASTING FINISH BREATHABLE CONCEALER

Have you had a chance to check these new Rimmell London concealers out ? So far I like the consistency, but I do wish there was more shade range. Check out my most recent Instagram post and let me know !

GRADIENT of SHADES 🖤 No one brand is perfect , and it's virtually impossible to create a shade for everyone on this planet. What a brand CAN do is at LEAST provide some sort of range that makes us ALL feel included ! ❤️ I'm so happy I'm going to be trying out and exploring new concealers (from various brands) to use on jobs ( and myself ) because I want to support brands that honor that. First up is @rimmellondonus . Could these come in more Darker shades ? Absolutely! Am I happy that it does have 3 deeper tones as well as 3 light tones ? Absolutely ! It shows they are being FAIR and considerate of everyone. Lastly , this is a drugstore brand - and I'm all about pinching a penny ! . . . . #thisisnotanad #loveallthingsbeauty #productknowledge #sharingiscaring #mykit #motd #rimmellondon #concealer #skinisin #makeupbag #bloggersoc #mua #jenlaprincesse

A post shared by J E A N N I E 🦄💋 (JEH-nee) (@jenlaprincesse) on Jan 30, 2018 at 10:05am PST

The Five Shades of Lipstick EVERY Darkskin Woman Should be Wearing This Summer

The temperatures are finally rising and Summer is quickly approaching.  There are five key shades that Women of Color  ( primarily my Dark Skin Honeys) need to have in their makeup collections.  I chose to address Darker tones , because a lot of the time some of us tend to think "oh I'm too dark to wear that" .  No my love,  you're not.  I'm not mentioning anything new , but just 5 shades you should have and if these were all you collected your collection would be complete

** DISCLAIMER : I did not list "Nudes" because I think having a Nude lipstick should be a given, so "Nudes" did not make the cut. **

RED

Wet n Wild Fergie Collection - Saraghina | Lancome L'Absolu Rouge -  160 Rouge Grande Amour | NARS Velvet Matte Pencil- Cruella | Mally Beauty Evercolor Satin Lipstick -  Warm Red | LORAC Breakthrough Performance Lipstick - Leading Lady | Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick x Donald Robertson -  BING | MAC Retro Matte Lipstick -  Ruby Woo 

Red -  a very controversial color to wear.  Some "beauty publications" have made charts on the "proper shade of red for your skintone" - and Blue Based Vivid Reds are NEVER recommended for "US" . For someone with less knowledge / experience with Makeup - they would just follow said chart and never experiment.  Truth is ,  Dark women CAN wear bright Reds !  We do not have to be confined to Dark Reds with a Brown tint ( only if you choose to be of course) .  Mally Beauty Warm Red is a lovely Satin Finish ,  NARS Velvet Matte Pencil in Cruella is a amazing Matte Red , MAC Ruby Woo is a Cult Favorite blue based Red that is popular amongst many .  There is a confidence that a Red lip gives that is inexplicable , but if you do not own a vivid Red Lipstick , now is the time! 

ORANGE

MAKE UP FOREVER Rouge Artist Intense -  #40 | Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss - 10 | Kat Von D  Studded Kiss Lipstick -  A go go | MAC Matte Lipstick Limited Edition - Dangerous ( will be re-releasing soon) | Tarte Cosmetics Aquallilies for Tarte glamazon pure performance 12-hour Lipstick - Timeless (limited edition /discontinued) | Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by  Kate Moss - 110 | NARS AUDACIOUS Lipstick -  Lana |

Orange ( and some shades of Coral were thrown in ) is a color many women think they can not pull off.  Another Beauty Myth BUSTED!  Oranges are very pretty on US !  Again ,  some colors may require a lip liner - sometimes a red makes a nice contrast.  I love to pair  MAC Dangerous with a Red Lip Liner , as well as NARS Audacious Lana .  Shades like Kat Von D - A go go , I love to wear on its own - and its a Neon Orange !  It sounds risky , but the payoff is so worth it.  The best way to explain a Orange lip is - you don't want to be as "serious" or "directly sexy" with a Red , you want to be fun be just as direct and bold just not the same way with a Red .  Then opting for Orange is perfect -  like while on Holiday , a fun night out ,  daytime , etc....  ( Reds are appropriate those times too -  no rules !! ) .  

PINK

Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick - Electric Pink | NARS AUDACIOUS Lipstick - Claudia | LORAC Alter Ego Lipstick - Showgirl | Tarte Cosmetics Glamazon Pure Performance 12-Hour Lipstick - Whimsy | MAC Matte Lipstick - Candy Yum Yum  | NARS Lipstick - Schiap 

Pink is my favorite color so of course I would list that you need a shade of Pink.  Whether it be a Cool Pink like NARS Audacious Claudia or a bright bold like NARS Schiap or its budget friendly counterpart MAC Candy Yum-Yum , a Pink is necessary.  As long as paired with the appropriate liner ( when necessary )  ,  these colors do not disappoint.  

FUCHSIA

NYX Cosmetics Matte Lipstick - Shocking Pink | Sephora Collection Rouge Cream Lipstick - R11 Love Test | Sleek MakeUP  True Colour Lipstick - Mystic | Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick - Fuchsia Flash Matte | MAC Retro Matte Lipstick  Flat out Fabulous

Some would say ,  "but isn't this like wearing a Pink?" - and the answer is No.  Shades of Fuchsia wear darker than a bright pink - although some colors above do look pink and are even named pink these colors are not true pinks.  Yes they are bright , but have plum /fuchsia undertones.  Fuchsia is perfect for when you want a bold bright lip  ( like Lupita at Cannes) , but you don't want to do Pink. Shades like MAC's Flat out Fabulous , and Sleek MakeUP's Mystic are MUSTS haves. 

DEEP 

Sephora Collection Rouge Cream Lipstick -  R24  (Discontinued) | MAC Matte Lipstick - Diva | Wet n Wild Mega Last Lips Color  - Cherry Bomb 918D  | MAC Cosmetics Limited Edition Lorde Lipstick - Pure Heroine (Discontinued) | NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil - Train Bleu 

Deep shades whether it be shades of wines, purples, cranberries - tones that wear very dark but are not quite a full on black lip.  Most would say this is a Winter/Fall appropriate color but its quite sexy to spice things up in the summer with a dark Vampy lip. NARS'  Train Bleu is an amazing color if you have to choose one, and if you are on a budget Wet n Wild in Cherry Bomb is a great choice.  I don't like to follow "rules" anyway ! 

If this post can convince just 1 woman to take a chance and play with color and have fun , I know I've done my job !  You don't need these much lipsticks as I have pictured, but if you have at least 1 from each color category you will be set for having the "basics" !  

Happy Thursday !  

Coral Confidential : The Best Coral Shades for Dark Skin at EVERY PRICE!!!! Stock up for Spring!

From Left : BH Cosmetics "Coral Escape", Sephora Collection "1st Night 13", Rimmel London "#110", Tarte Cosmetics "Timeless" 

Wow .. It's 2015 !  First and foremost Happy New Year !!! It's only January but its never too early to get ready for Spring / Resort Season . I recently purchased BH Cosmetics Creme Luxe Lipstick in "Coral Escape" and it dawned on me that I have a fond love of Coral Shades of lipstick.  So I went into my "stash" and I found three similar shades that all are fabulous shades of coral that would look amazing on Dark Skin.
Here is a swatch of the colors :

1. Sephora Collection Rouge Cream Lipstick in "1st Night 13" (Mid Priced at $12.50) - The only shade in my group of "corals" that is a bit more on the pink/rosey side. There is something about this color.  I purchased this late Summer ( August) , and it looked AMAZING on my tanned Dark Skin that was paired with a Highlighter ( Becca Cosmetics Topaz)  it really is a pretty shade .  
2. BH Cosmetics Creme Luxe Lipstick in "Coral Escape" (Steal! at $3.95) - This is a true shade of Coral and is very pigmented + moisturizing.  It appears to be the brightest shade in the group.  Usually lower priced items fail on some aspects, but this lipstick delivers on texture, pigment and packaging - I can't really complain when this was under 5 bucks.  If you're in a financial bind but you want to look F L A W L E S S ,  get this shade !!  
3. Aqualillies for Tarte Limited Edition Glamazon Pure Performance 12-Hour Lipstick in Timeless ( Splurge at $16 / but it's actually a Steal because this is the sale price) - This lipstick goes on smooth like a cream but it stays put like a lip stain with a almost Matte finish , but its moisturizing so your lips will not dry out.  I love this bright shade of Coral  , and being that it is Limited Edition and on Sale I suggest snagging them up before they're gone forever.  
4. Rimmel London Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick by Kate Moss #110 (Bargain at $5.59) - I have a special love for the Rimmel London Kate Moss lippys.  They really exceed the expectations of "drugstore" products.  #110 is a vibrant shade or Coral, it has a very Matte finish so it is very important that your lips are exfoliated and moisturized prior to wearing it.  I've also found that the Rimmel shades ( the Mattes) can be a bit drying so I suggest exfoliating prior and the night after wearing it slather on some lip balm before bed and you should be fine.  

Hope you will try out all of these shades soon!  Happy Shopping !!!  

Fall Beauty Blueprint !

Happy first week of Fall !!!  I wanted to map out some fabulous products which are perfect for this season. 

Luminous Complexion with Flushed Cheeks 

Smashbox Cosmetics Liquid Halo HD Foundation SPF 15 

Smashbox Halo Long Wear Blush in "In Bloom" 

Now that the climate is colder its detrimental to your skin to use products that are hydrating as our skin tends to get dryer as the temperatures drop. 

Deep Berry Lips in Matte or a Gloss Stain
RiRi Loves MAC in "Talk that Talk"
Rimmel London Lasting Finish Matte by Kate Moss in "107" and "111" 
Mally Beauty Melted Lipstick Duo in "Mulberry/Pink" and "Punch/Mauve"
Its all about deeper hues on the lips , and I love the idea of still wearing a deeper pink like the shades in the Melted Lipstick Duo sets.


Neutral Eyes with Statement Winged Liner
Mally Beauty In the Buff 11 Piece Eyeshadow Palette  
Rimmel Glam'Eyes Professional Liquid Liner in "Black Glamour"
Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Gel Eyeliner in "Blackest Black"
Below is a shot of the gel liner , it goes on with precision , and it is truly the "Blackest Black" , I kept the eyelid nude and focused on liner.

Statement Fall Nails : Nudes, Browns, Wines , Violet
Nails Inc Autumn Winter 2013 Collection : "St. Martins Lane, Old Bond Street, Regent Street, Oxford Street, George Street, Kensington Place" 
I absolutely love this collection , check out "Old Bond Street" on my nails below :

We can't forget about taking care of our skin before and after our makeup application ...

I love the Burt's Bees Aloe and Witch Hazel Hand Sanitizer , I don't think I'll ever go back to the gel form anymore which I usually kept on hand near my makeup station.  I love using this spray while prepping for the day, it is refreshing and it is 100% natural.  Perfect for quick cleansing of the hands before applying makeup , contacts, etc..  Its the perfect size to just toss in your handbag.
The Biore Line is near and dear to me ,  I love these products which are cost friendly. Cleansers:
The Deep Cleansing Steam Activated Cleanser as well as the Complexion Clearing Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser are going to be on rotation. Alternating between the week between the two cleansers. The Blemish Treatment Astringent is great in the mornings and at night after cleansing your face.  It really does clear up your complexion.  Now that the fall season is here, I am incorporating this in my daily regimen again.  Once a week ( or sometimes twice - we've all been there)  ,  a mask ( or masque)  is key my suggestions  are the  Double Detox™ Amazonian clay exfoliating facial mask by Tarte Cosmetics.  My t- zone area tends to be the epicenter of blackheads unfortunately, and I refuse to walk around looking like a acne "before" picture. This brings us to my second recommendation -  Joey New York Bye Bye Blackheads.

I hope you enjoyed this beauty blueprint as much as I enjoyed putting it together.  Happy Friday!

Steal VS Splurge : The Best Lipsticks of the Summer !

Steal 

Rimmel London Lasting Finish By Kate Moss  

Don't let the budget friendly price tag ($4.99-$6.99 varies on drugstore locations)  fool you on the quality of this collection of lip colors.  This is one of the most highly pigmented formulas I own ( high end colors included!). You really are getting a high quality of color which lasts throughout the day with minimal need for reapplying.  Colors : 110 -  is a pretty coral shade I love it against my skin tone - it has been a favorite of mines for this summer. 107 - a deep purple / wine shade which is going to transition perfectly into fall looks , I love the idea of breaking seasonal rules and going dark on the lips during the summer. 04- Is my only non-Matte selection which is a classic shade of red - red is timeless.

I know this isn't the clearest picture... bare with me ! Isn't this a lovely pink ??! 

Last but not least, there is 102 - a barbie pink shade , its so pretty on - definitely a MUST for the lipstick lovers!!! I am in absolute LOVE with 102 and 110 - a must for all skin types!

Splurge 

Smashbox Cosmetics Be Legendary Lipstick 

Taken during a Sephora Haul last week Flash used in photo

I have REALLY taken a liking to Smashbox Cosmetics Be Legendary lipsticks ! Not because I have been reviewing the brand for some time now but this is QUALITY color!  This line is a Pro Favorite for a reason!  

Again.. excuse the pixels ... errrr

Electric Pink ( Pictured, above paired with NARS lip liner in "Amazon")  is a VERY vibrant Matte pink, while Infared is the quintessential red Matte shade. It is oh so sexy.  Although for some odd reason it is photographing like a red, Mandarin is a pretty orange- my other hot go-to for the summer season. Last but not least Pink Petal is my Luxe pick for a Barbie candy pink!  Priced at $20 each, these lippies are worth EVERY PENNY ! 

Whether you choose to Splurge or Steal .. you will be walking away with an AMAZING lip !!!! 

Flawless Summer Face !!

Rickys Paintbrushes in 12, 19, 35 , Mally Beauty Pro Tricks Palette , Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream .

End Product ! Isn't it lovely?
Disclaimer - Other items not pictured in group shot, but mentioned below were also used for this look. 

Complexion 

During the summer using a CC Cream has been a Godsend! With the temperature rising you want to get in and get out with your skin coverage and you dont want to feel weighed down.  My go to CC Cream of the moment - SMASHBOX CAMERA READY CC CREAM BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 30 DARK SPOT CORRECTING in "Dark" ($42). I never knew how amazing and flawless this CC Cream really was UNTIL I used the Ricky's Paintbrush in "35" Large Duo-Fibre ($14.00). A little goes a long way and this brush REALLY leaves you with an amazing full coverage. I receive so many compliments on my skin alone when I use this brush to apply makeup.  This is a superior quality brush for a economy friendly price point.  My lovely glow ( pictured) comes from the Highlighter portion of the Mally Beauty Effortless Airbrush Highlighter and Blush Duo ($45)   You can not loose!

Brows

I don't play when it comes to my brows. I am a FIRM BELIEVER in the "BOLD" Brow!  I'm always using different techniques, powder, gel, pencil, etc.. From the most cost friendly to the most luxe choices. Rimmel London Professional Eyebrow Pencil ($3.33) .  The pencil is worth more than its budget friendly price. I love the brush tip which I use to brush the color up into my sparse areas ( I draw a line at the bottom of my brows, and brush the color upwards to fill in the whole brow-  it really gives the brows a clean, natural professional look) .   Tip*** I like to clean up under my brows with eyeshadow primer from the Mally Beauty’s NEW Pro-Tricks Eye Palette ($50, www.qvc.com) - which I would also prime my whole lid with as well.  

Eyes

Sometimes when you have Bold Brows as well as a Vibrant Lip, the best thing for the eyes is to go subtle. I like to play with different shades from the Pro-Tricks Palette ( pictured, above) paired with a clean liquid liner. Rickys Paintbrush in "19" Large Fluff Eyeshadow Brush ($10)  really does a wonderful job placing the color on your lids.  I used a nude shade on the whole lid, then went in darker on the crease with a brown using the Rickys Paintbrush in "12" Blending Brush ($10) I love the Mally Beauty Ultimate Performance Ink Liner ( exclusive to QVC). Tip*** to add a little "oommfff" to the eyes I love to add a subtle highlight on the inner rims. Mally Lightwand Eye Brightener ( $25/more of a goldish hue) or Mally Mattewand Eye Brightener   ($25/ less iridescent more of a whiter hue - at least on my color) are my go-to picks.  

STEAL: you can get the same inner rim brightener effect with Rimmel London Wake Me Up Instant Radiance Shimmer Touch ($4.99) - it is a fourth of the price and adds the same amount of highlight.(( For the picture above, I used a combination of the Mattewand along with Rimmel London Wake Me Up Instant Radiance Shimmer Touch. )) The grand finale of the eyes... LASHES !! Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Mascara in Black ( $6.99) adds volume and length!  I love this formula. My lashes in the picture above are coated with this mascara.  

Lips

My last step of my face.  I usually never know what color I want my lips to be until I see my entire face.  I am a sucker for hot pinks shades , ESPECIALLY a matte.  Smashbox Cosmetics Be Legendary Lipstick in Fuchsia Flash Matte ( $20) needs no introduction.  The picture alone speaks for itself.  I've been stopped in the street constantly over this color. This rivals the cult favorites MAC "Candy Yum Yum" and NARS "Schiap" - Fuchsia Flash is my favorite ( which is moderately priced in between the rivals at $20) ! I can not get enough of this color! 

3 Shades of NUDE by Rimmel London . Fabulous on a Budget !

The tale of three nudes - Gloss, Satin and Matte Finish .. 

Color Swatches of the three shades - excuse my liquid eyeliner handwriting.. 

Finding the "perfect nude" that is suitable for dark skin is a struggle ...  To my surprise .. Rimmel London has not one but THREE nudes that work well with me  ( BEST PART - they're all under $6 !!!) , and they will work well with you too as all of these colors are universally forgiving. I honestly NEVER considered using cosmetic brands within this price point, as I feel they don't cater to women of color ( horrible past experiences), but it is a NEW DAY !!  A Matte , a Satin and last but not least a Gloss that all pass my "nude test". When you are in the darker skin range, you have to be careful when trying out nudes/pinks that they go well with your tone or else you will just look like extremely awkward ( ie. as if you've been eating powdered donuts.) .  You really get quality with budget friendly lipcolors, I am excited to try more shades in the Rimmel London line.  

• Matte - Lasting Finish Matte by Kate Moss in #113 ($5.49)  This was my ABSOLUTE favorite of the three! It gives you the retro mod feeling with its pale matte texture, and although its a Matte, it is not drying at all.  It gives the same color/ effect of other nude lipsticks three times its price.  It is a universal  matte nude ( which is RARE) as I am dark and it compliments my tone very well without giving that "powdered donut" feeling I mentioned earlier.  This lipstick would be darling with a smokey eye -  not the typical "black" - perhaps a smokey wine/ burgundy or even purple eye. 
• Satin - Lasting Finish in Crush ($5.20)  Although Crush photographed to look almost identical to #113. It is very different ,  first it gives a satin finish with a nice peachy / pink color.  So this nude leads near the pink / peachy spectrum of nudes.  Its very flirty, and looked amazing on Katy Perry at the Grammys   , and I think it does not look too bad on myself either! Perfect peachy shade for Spring! 
• Gloss - Stay Glossy in Unlimited Gold ($4.99) A girl has got to have her gloss!  The pictures speak for itself ,  it gives a good amount of shine without being too heavy on the lips, and the gloss lasts for up to 6 hours.  I am the type to start a evening out with one lip and end it with another, and this is the perfect nude gloss to have on hand to do that ! * This gloss would work well paired with either one of the lipsticks above - either as a top coat on your lips , or perhaps just in the middle of your lower lip for a ombre - nude effect. *

Five lucky readers will win the Nude of their choice. 

RULES 

1. Comment under this post - Which Nude is your fave and would you want to try ( Make your comment as cheeky as possible.  Email me as well along with your details. 
2. Share this post - via Twitter , Google +. etc.. 
3. Follow Me and Rimmel London on Twitter , Like Them on Facebook,  Follow Them on Instagram 
4. Tweet Me and Rimmel London " I've just entered the 3 Shades of NUDE by Rimmel London Contest" - The more tweets you tweet the more chances you have of winning. 
5. My favorite comments / Tweets / Emails will win , and will have a choice of the three lovely shades. 
6. Deadline for entries in March 31st, 2013 at 11:59 PM EST.
7. Winners will be contacted via email April 3, 2013. 

GOOD LUCK !!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Get like Katy ... With famous UK Brands Rimmel London and Mama Mio

Katy Perry's gorgeous Gucci dress was not the only object of our affection at this years Grammy Awards..  For starters,  known for pushing the envelope with hair color, nail designs and costumes, this time around Katy chose a more natural sophisticated approach for her look that night.  Her makeup , was clean , natural and glowing ..  All the items used were by Rimmel London  -  BB Cream (in Light) + Foundation (in Nude) for a nice base, a light dusting of blush on the cheeks (in Pink Rose) ,  Neutral colored Eyeshadow Trio     (in Orion)  on the eyes with a touch of pencil eyeshadow (Bullet Proof Beige) on the browbone  with Bold Black Eyeliner ( not pictured, in Black) Blacker than Black Mascara ( not pictured, in Black) and last but not least a nude lip which was achieved with a lip liner (in Natural) + nude lipstick (in Crush) . The focal point of that sexy Gucci dress displayed a perfect cleavage that was the topic of everyone's discussion - sheer perfection. An added bonus is that Katy's Décolletage is 100% NATURAL  - so if your own is not as firm and supple .. Mama Mio Boob Tube is the product to use. This lovely formula tightens and firms the breast so when you do decide to have the "girls" on display you will feel confident in the skin you're in.  

For more info on these products check out Rimmel London  and Mama Mio .