Fall into a new Beauty Routine ! My favorite products for Fall Featuring Ms.Rosh Posh , MakeupD0LL and BeautybyJJ.

Fall is officially here!  What better way to step into the new season than to add some new goodies into your Beauty Stash.  From Vibrant lip colors to Natural Brows,  below you will find my "Hot List" for Fall. I also thought it would be fun to include some still shots from three of my favorite YouTube stars -  MsRoshPosh ,  BeautyByJJ , and MakeupD0LL -  they are great references for women of color.

Fall  Bold Brows 

I am ALL about Brows,  some days I spend most of my mornings and evenings before a outing perfecting my brows.  I love that now we have all of the steps ( liner / pomade / powder / brow gel) all in one product with the new Tarte  Colored Clay Tinted Brow Gel ($21) .

Image : Youtube /MsRoshPosh

Here the fabulous Ms. Rosh Posh is applying the Colored Clay Tinted Brow Gel in Medium Brown. I would suggest  Rich Brown for darker skin tones.  For example, for myself Rich Brown would be a perfect match.

Depending on your natural brow shape you may want to still use a liner as a outline on the bottom -  Top Liner Options -  priced from Luxe to Bargain .  

1. Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof  Eyebrow Pencil ($20)  - This pencil is great for applying fine strokes of color to achieve the most natural brow.  
2. Maybelline Eye Studio Master Drama Cream Pencil Eyeliner in Bold Brown ($6.23) -  I LOVE this pencil ,its the same difference as using one of the higher end gel / pomades for the brows.  A little goes a LONG way, You draw one fine line below the brows, and you use a brush to blend the color into your brows.  The end results is FLAWLESS .  
3. Wet n Wild Color Icon Liner Brow & Eye Pencil ($.99 -  Drugstores / Target) -  Not only is this pencil a bargain ,but the colors "Dark Brown" as well as "Mink Brown" are just amazing brow options.  You will achieve the same result as you would get from higher priced items.  

Luxe Lashes 

I am a total Lash Girl !  The longer and wispier the lashes - the better , and I am a proud advocate for wearing falsies. I love to have great long  lashes even on days when I have a pretty bare face with no makeup it really accentuates the eyes.

 I really am in love with  Ardell Demi Wispies BLACK that I recently picked up at a Rickys NYC shopping extravaganza I treated myself to a few days ago.

For the days there is not enough time , or you just feel like getting the same look / effect with minimal work. There's always a lash extending mascara.  My all time favorites are :

Isn't she just cute? Image : Youtube.com/MakeupD0ll

1. Tarte Lights,  Camera , Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara ($20) - Above,  the ultra glam MakeupD0ll is using 'Lights Camera Lashes'  paired with false lashes and an amazing winged liner .  I've been a fan of this mascara for years and I love to use it alone , but it goes great with false lashes or used with another Mascara.  
2. Mally Beauty Ginormus Mascara ($20) -  LOVE ! LOVE! LOVE!  Alone or paired with Lights Camera Lashes for a really WOW effect.  I love this mascara , it delivers sexy long lashes every time.  For Fall  tons of mascara and a bold deep vibrant lip will be my go-to look!  

Bold Vibrant Lips 

I usually don't follow color rules according to season when it comes to makeup , but for some reason all I want to wear is deep shades of reds. berrys, purples  and pinks.  Anything that makes you think about Fall / Winter and cold weather.  The darker the better, the bolder the better , and most importantly the more vibrant the better. 

Smashbox has come out with two new amazing products just in time for the new season , the Always Sharp Lip Liner ($20)  and  Be Legendary Long-Wear Lip Lacquer ($24) . My top picks for creating the best Autumn Lip are: "Beet It" , "After Dark" , "Currant" "Bordeaux" and "Legendary"  in the Long Wear Lip Lacquers , and  " Figgy", "Violet" , "Crimson" and "Fuchsia" in the Always Sharp Lip Liners.  

These two can be used alone or paired together for bold vibrant Fall Lips.  BeautyByJJ  created two beautiful looks -  one deep look featuring "Bordeaux" and an Ombre Look featuring a variety of liners and lacquers.  See the video  here : 

Bordeaux is an amazing color for Dark Skin!  Image: Youtube.com/Beautybyjj

Violet is an amazing color. It can totally be used alone ( matte lip )  as well as a base as BeautybyJJ is doing for her Ombre lip.  Image:Youtube.com/BeautybyJJ

FLAWLESS Contour and Blush

I recently invested in Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit ($40) , and it is beyond AMAZING. With the new colors added to the selection and the option to customize your palette yourself it really is like the Makeup Lovers Dream. 

Here is my beloved kit

 I chose the following colors -  ( Top from left : Banana , Mellow Yellow, 10k / Bottom from Left: Earth, Cinnamon, Carob ) . I will enjoy using this palette to warm up my face during the Fall / Winter when the temperatures drop and my skin gets a bit lighter.  Carob is amazing for Darker skin tones , we usually have problems with most Contour Kits where the colors are not always universal . Anastasia went over and beyond with this.  Theres actually more colors I want to get since these palettes are interchangeable.  After seeing MakeupD0LL use "Espresso" in a video , it has been added back to my list.   Espresso really gives her a natural , flawless contour and it makes it more realistic to use along the bridge of the nose versus using Carob.  

MakeupD0LL using "Espresso" / Image : Yotube.com/MakepD0LL

Im a bit of a self-proclaimed "Blush Addict" and I love adding a pop of flirty color to a contoured cheek.  Tarte Colored Clay Bronzer Blush in "Pink Bronze"($30)  is divine on Dark skin tones.  It compliments ABH Contour powder in "Carob" extremely well.  

Pink Bronze Blush  + Carob Contour  / Image: Youtube.com/MakeupD0LL 

 Check out Pink Bronze  + Carob on MakeupD0LL  ( Above) ,  She is such a great reference for us darker skin toned girls when it comes to products. 

Another gem I most recently discovered ( this past friday to be exact)  and I am so in love is SheaMoisture Mineral Blush in "Annecy Maroon"($5.99). 

SheaMoisture Mineral Blush in Annecy Maroon

This little blush packs on so much color and it adds a radiance to my overall look. I have not put it down since.  This blush wears just as well as my NARS blushes and just as pigmented , so I am so impressed that for $5.99 I get an amazing product.  Below is a photo of me wearing Carob by Anastasia Beverly Hills for my Contour,  Annecy Maroon as my Blush and this will be a combo that will be making many appearances this season.  

**Bonus**  LORAC Cosmetics AlterEGO lipstick in "Dominatrix"  ($16) is PERFECTTTTTTT for the season.  I have been getting TONS of compliments on it as well.  Check out these products on me in the photo ( its a cellphone picture so bare with me, but I think it captured my makeup pretty well in the natural sunlight) : 

Isnt this  Contour + Blush+ Lipstick Amazing ??  

This is my first item from the SheaMoisture Cosmetics Collection but if this is any indication on what the rest of the line will give. I'm here for it ALL !!! Also, you can customize your colors into a palette as they are just sold in individual pans , but I chose for this blush to buy the compact.  Its so small and cute you can totally toss it into your handbag to keep with you all day and small enough to fit in a clutch for night. Exclusively sold at Target Stores and Target.com , LADIES check it out !!!   

There you have it, some of my Fall Beauty Favorites.  The list does not end here as I love makeup and there is always room for something new .  I hope you enjoy this list as much as I enjoyed putting it together and I hope you check them out!  Enjoy!!! 

xxx

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Steven Khan for Smashbox Speaks at Nordstrom Roosevelt Field Beauty Trend Show

Steven Khan , Celebrity photographer for Smashbox Cosmetics will be the guest speaker at Nordstrom Beauty Trend Show, tomorrow Saturday, May 3rd at Nordstrom Roosevelt Field from 8am - 7pm   (Tickets are $20). Here, you’ll watch top industry insiders reveal spring’s best beauty trends during a high-energy runway show. Then get complimentary makeup, skincare and fragrance consultations full of DIY tips and tricks. Plus, score an exclusive (and free!) Nordstrom tote bag – just for attending!  If you're in town make sure you stop by the Beauty Trend Show.

Transition your makeup from Glowing Golden Summer Goddess to Sultry Fall Femme Fetale

The official first day of fall is a few days away, and now is the time to incorporate some of those deep wines,  browns, blacks , matte shadows into our beauty kit.  Beyonce's makeup for the Mrs.Carter World Tour was the PERFECT example.
June -  ( left picture) , the makeup was dewy, waterproof of course (sweat proof) ,  smokey but with gold shimmery shadows matched with a pretty glossy pink / nude-ish lip.
September - ( right picture) ,  the Fall trends appear : the deep cranberry / wine lips,  the eyes are darker with matte smokey effect , the cheeks are contoured with a darker hued blush.  This comparison above is the perfect guideline for going dark for Fall.  ( Although I will still wear a nude, pink , and glossy lip here and there -  thats just me ) .
Smashbox Cosmetics has the perfect Fall Collection to re-create this look worn be Beyonce in Brazil .  The Fade to Black Fall 2013 Collection includes Fade To Black Photo Op Eye Shadow Palette in "Fade In" and "Fade Out" - both palettes have the perfect mix of mattes, browns, blacks and subtle hints of shimmer - but not too much.  Fade to Black Be Legendary Lipstick  in "Black Cherry" and "Cognac" .  "Black Cherry" can easily give you the lip look above. Last but not least , the collection also includes Fade to Black Waterproof Shadow Liner in "Blackest Black" and "Black Gold" .  I love the idea of using these liners alone on the lids or as a base for the shadows from the Eyeshadow palettes . "Black Gold" is similar to the golds Beyonce usually wears year round.

The change in weather also calls for the swapping out of our CC Cream that was a summer staple and opting for a full coverage alternative.  That would be the new Liquid Halo HD Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15.  This made me beyond happy since I am a FAN of the powder version - which was my go-to product during the Spring / Summer.  This foundation features a new 100% Liquid Light Technology completely evens out skin for a totally natural, luminous finish. It truly is a life changing experience.  It is sweat and humidity resistant ( something I used to struggle with rushing to the subways and then having my makeup literally melt off my face) ,  moisturizing, and also works well with all undertones.  I absolutely LOVE this foundation!

For more information on the Fade to Black Collection and other products mentioned above , check out Smashbox.com.

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! 

Smashing the Competition with Smashbox Summer Collection!

I am over the moon about the release of the Smashbox Summer 2013 Collection titled "Heat Wave" which includes an eyeshadow Palette in which the colors are highly pigmented and specially formulated to be used "Wet" or "Dry"  (I've swatched the eyeshadow palette for you to see the colors against my skin , and they work well on dark skin tones ! - see below)  and a  Lip Gloss set with includes four Hot shades

Here is a swatch of the Eyeshadow Palette

VIP Pink , Electric Orange , Fuchsia Flash, Copper Remix 

I currently have a thing for all things "Orange" : Lipsticks, Nail Polish, and now thanks to Smashbox I will be including Lip Gloss to the list. The Heat Wave Lip Gloss set includes an "Electric Orange" shade which falls under my Summer "to-do list" in regards to Orange looks. Then there is two shades of Pink: one bright "VIP Pink" and a "Fuchsia Flash" which are absolutely lovely , and to finish off the Summer spectrum a "Copper Remix".

Your look would not be complete without a perfect blank canvas to begin with, which is where the new Camera Ready CC Cream ( I would use "Dark")  followed by ( optional - CC Cream can be worn alone for light coverage)  the Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder .   This new CC Cream unlike the BB Creams ( which are amazing by the way - especially the Smashbox version) is color correcting,  it treats those unsightly dark spots by fading them over time.  The Halo Hydrating Powder -  I absolutely LOVE!!! It leave a nice Matte Finish - it is super light and it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in 10 minutes!

The cherry on the cake is the New Photo Op Eye Brightening Mascara .  This mascara features a patented Blue Prism Technology  ( a blend of micas, titanium and blue pigments that make the whites of your eyes pop!) that brightens for a wide eyed effect. Mascara is the one item even if I am going for a makeup free face - I can not leave the house without, and having a mascara that brightens my eyes, its a real treat!

So looking forward to the Summer ! 

More P!nk Beauty

BCA Blushing Pink Fusion Soft Lights & Brush Set

Smashbox Cosmetics $59 (Limited Edition)
Set includes Fusion Soft Lights in Blushing Pink and Face & Body Brush #19.
* A portion of proceeds will go to the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund, a grassroots advocacy group dedicated to finding a cure.

Shower For The Cure

Philosophy $20 (Limited Edition)

What I like about Shower For The Cure, it's a creamy all-in-one formula that can be used as a shampoo, bath, or body wash.
*The search for a cure is a cause that Philosophy holds near and dear, so Philosophy will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of Shower For the Cure are donated to the Women's Cancer Research Fund.

Touch Of Pink

Lacoste 1.6 oz Eau de Toilette Spray $52

*A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of each 1.6 oz Eau de Toilette Spray will be donated to the Young Survivors Coalition, an organization that lends help and support to young women with Breast Cancer .

All these great products can be found at Sephora Stores, and www.Sephora.com .