Sephora Inside JCPenney Grand Opening Recap

Sephora hosted their grand opening inside of JCPenney at the Riverchase Galleria. There was live music, demos, and customers received a clutch bag with samples. A few of the featured beauty brands included Urban Decay, NARS Cosmetics, Beauty Blender, La Mer, GlamGlow, and Marc Jacobs.

Grand opening visitors could receive free mini makeovers; creating a Smoky Eye, Essential Eyeliner, Polished Brows, and Contouring.

I purchased Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss and Sephora Collection Mink Eyelashes for my beauty arsenal.

 

 

COVERGIRL SO LASHY! BLASTPRO MASCARA – Morning Routine

COVERGIRL has a new Lash Equality campaign.  I like this campaign because makeup has no boundaries or restrictions.  It’s simply about using a product to enhance the physical appearance.  Makeup also has internal healing properties. There are several individuals that purchase cosmetics for corrective purposes (such as skin deformities) or cancer patients that suffer from the side-effects of chemotherapy.

Due to the previous reasons, I am an advocate for wearing makeup and finding the right product.  Many people are not aware that I have eczema – inflammation of the skin.  As a child, my mother taught me proper skincare techniques and (how-to) use makeup to protect my face from environmental impurities.

My three-step morning routine is:

  1. Use a facial scrub
  2. Apply a moisturizer – a must do
  3. Beauty Blend (in a T-formation) on my face COVERGIRL Custom Blend Foundation

My last step is to complete the look with a voluminous mascara.  The COVERGIRL SO LASHY!  BLASTPRO MASCARA has a three-in-one brush; allowing beauty enthusiast to reach eyelash.  Some of the other mascara wands won’t reach every hair and can create a smudge effect.  This is not the case with SO LASHY!  BLASTPRO MASCARA!  Try it for yourself and pick-up a tube at Target.

Pro Tip: apply more than one coat for volume

Remove Dark Circles and Blemishes – Concealer

Concealer is a necessary beauty product that everyone should own in their makeup arsenal.  It refreshes the eyes while removing dark under-eye circles.

Corrective Makeup (also known as Concealer) serves an aid to give the appearance of even skin.  Have you ever noticed a blemish and needed to attend a meeting the next day?  If purchased in the right shade, this particular product will eliminate the issue.

A few additional tricks one could use with concealer application includes applying on the eyelids to eliminate shadow flacking; sponge on the bra area for décolletage definition, dab a small amount to the brow bone for highlighting the arch; and shape the lips with a small brush.

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Dermablend Quick-Fix Concealer
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Anastasia Beverly Hills Pro Pencil
RIMMEL LONDON Match Perfection Skin Tone Adapting Concealer
RIMMEL LONDON Match Perfection Skin Tone Adapting Concealer

One of the most important tips when purchasing a new concealer is selecting the correct shade. It’s a tedious task and if you’re not a makeup enthusiast, please visit the local counter for assistance. Additional suggestions include –

  1. Use a shade that’s lighter than your natural skin complexion. This is very important when eliminating blemishes or dark spots.
  2. For brown girls, purchase a concealer in the shade of your undertone (either yellow or orange.)  For example, I have red undertones and wear an orange concealer underneath my eyes.
  3. BUT – for dark circles, go one shade darker than your normal concealer color.
  4. ALWAYS apply moisturizer, foundation, and then concealer!  Do not skip this step because your face could potentially break out or look chalky.
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Photo from Anastasia Beverly Hills Blog

In my opinion, I encourage makeup enthusiasts to use a brush or beauty blender sponge for concealer application.  The brush will maneuver inside of the eye crease and Beauty Blender gives a flawless look.  Also, let me know (here) what are your favorite concealer brands!

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Celebrity Make-Up Artist April M. Chaney – Natural Beauty Master Class

Alabama native and celebrity make-up artist, April M. Chaney, returns home to Birmingham for A Natural Beauty Master Class on Sunday, November 27 at Birmingham Virtual Suites at 2160 Highland Ave. The exclusive evening will offer Hollywood insider beauty tips and techniques to that will inspire looks to Be Yourself, Show Yourself, Love Yourself and Test Your Natural Beauty.

This hands-on course is ideal for aspiring make-up artists and those interested in learning how to transform their face naturally, and flawlessly, with Hollywood-centric techniques and skills. The in-depth analysis of achieving a perfectly natural make-up face will include up-close-and-personal demonstrations and applications with Chaney, and some of her favorite products.  Limited attendance is open to the public and is available on a first come, first serve basis by visiting www.eventbrite.com

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About Celebrity Make-Up, Artist April M. Chaney:

A licensed esthetician, Chaney is a southern belle with a passion for glamour and has been creating beautiful faces with timeless and classic looks for nearly two decades.  With experience working on hit shows such as Dancing With The Stars, The Real, Project Runway, America’s Next Top Model, The Doctors, Any Given Wednesday, Dr. Phil, and The Real Housewives of Orange County, Chaney is a frequent collaborator with cosmetic giant L’Oreal at major Hollywood industry events including the Academy Awards, Primetime Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards.  With humble beginnings behind a make-up counter in Alabama, Chaney’s work has been featured internationally in television, film and the fashion runway. In addition to working with major magazines such as PeopleUs WeeklyO The Oprah Magazine, her make-up skills have appeared in national editorial campaigns for retailers including Kohls, GAP, Nordstrom and Sears. Chaney is licensed Esthetician in the state of California & a proud member of the Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild, IATSE Local 706.

Find Chaney on Twitter and Instagram (@LirpaMakeup) where she frequently shares make-up tips and tricks, plus more information and portfolio work at www.aprilchaney.com

 

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Celeb MUA Latisha Nicole – Tips for Jordin Sparks Beauty Look

Latisha Nicole Rankin is the extraordinary artist behind many of singer and actress Jordin Sparks’ beautiful beauty looks. Below, Latisha Nicole shares her five steps and expert tips on how all women can achieve Sparks’ everyday glam.

Jordin Sparks

“Working with clients like Jordin Sparks keeps me continuously inspired. Jordin truly understands the essence of beauty in the most sophisticated way. Beauty is an enhancement to what we naturally have; it’s like wearing a piece of jewelry to compliment your outfit.Trust is very important. Jordin has to trust and believe that I cannot only make her look beautiful, but feel beautiful too. Feeling beautiful will radiate past the makeup and translate as pure confidence. When Jordin and I discuss looks for the day, we collectively create something that we hope in turn inspires other women everywhere.”
~ LATISHA NICOLE

Jordan Sparks' Beauty in 5 Steps

1. PREP
I always prepare Jordin’s skin with Murad Oil Control Mattifier moisturizer, Dior Airflash CC Primer and Urban Decay Setting Spray. I begin by applying the moisturizer first, followed by the primer, which I apply using a Beauty Blender that is damp with Urban Decay Setting Spray. Jordin does not like make up to be applied onto her face with hands, so I only use brush applicators and place the product on a makeup dish or mixer.

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2. EYES
After her skin is prepped, I “base” or prime her eyes. I use Bobbi Brown Longwear Shadow in Smokey Topaz or Mac Cosmetics Paint Pots. Next, I focus on her eyebrows. I love using Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Brown brow shadow to lightly fill in any holes and to also define the shape of her brows. For eye shadow, I use the Keyvn Aucoin “The Essential Eye Shadow” palette #3. With an eye shadow blending brush, I gently apply into the crease of her eye. Using a black, thin liquid liner, she covers her waterline. Lastly, she pops on her favorite false lashes, the Ardrell 113’s and, voila, her eyes are complete.

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3. FOUNDATION
After finishing the eye make up, I clean up any excess shadow that may have fallen onto the under eye area and prepare to apply foundation. When it comes to foundation, Jordin and I are both OBSESSED with the Nars Radiant Sheer Glow! Jordin’s color match for this foundation is Syracuse, but if she has a little more color than usual, I like to use the Cadiz hue to warm her skin tone. I apply her foundation using the same Beauty Blender used for her skin preparation in step 1.

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4. BLUSH
Unlike most celebrities, Jordin is not a big fan of adding much highlight or glow to the cheek, as she prefers a very, very natural look. I usually convince her that adding just a slight glow gives her a perfect amount of radiance for a final touch. After a little back and forth, I manage to brush it on and she, of course, loves it. I use Nars Orgasm and Bobbi Brown Brightening Blush; I slightly contour the cheek for a little definition and she automatically has a refreshed look, it adds a perfect natural glow against her natural color. The combination of the blush and glow that both of the products offer, are always captured beautifully on camera.

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5. LIPS
Last but not least, I line her lips with a Nars Velvet Lip Liner and add The LipBar Tiramisu Toffee lacquer. For her simple and chic daytime looks, I focus on glowy skin with a nice full eyebrow and nude lips. For her evening looks, I like to keep everything very neutral and clean, much like her daytime looks, but add dimension with lip color. I add depth using deep wines, reds and berry color lips. I also like to infuse pop colors such as vibrant oranges, fuchsia pinks and purples.

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Latisha Nicole’s 5 Fun Facts
about Working with Jordin Sparks

1. I work in slow steps with her because Jordin likes learning different techniques along the way to use when applying her own make up.
2. Jordins’s favorite false lashes are the Ardrell 113’s, as mentioned above, and the Ardell Wispies.
3. Jordin applies her own eyeliner, top and bottom; lashes too!
4. Jordin is not a fan of concealer, so I use Nars’ Radiant Creamy Concealer.
5. I set Jordin’s skin and make up using the Ben Nye Banana powder and spray, in addition to a final mist of Urban Decay Setting spray, before she’s out the door!

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Brooklyn-based celebrity makeup artist Latisha Nicole Rankin’s journey began when she discovered her passion for beauty after attending Christine Valmy. She quickly became an intricate part of major cosmetic companies, which allowed her to hone in and fine-tune her skills. Armed with her invaluable experience, Rankin decided to try her hand in freelancing. Today, she continues to nurture her craft and work with some of the best wardrobe stylists, hair stylist, photographers and models to date. Latisha has built an impressive celebrity client base which includes singer/actress Jordin Sparks, in addition to Extra’s Tracey Edmonds, Angela Simmons, TV personality Jamie Krell, musician Swiss Beatz and Paula Abdul to name a few.

Beauty Regimen in Winter Months – Editor Talk and Products

Yesterday was the first day of December and that means we are officially in the cold weather season.  Not only does the seasons change but our beauty regimen alters with the weather.  The reason we must change our beauty routine is because the external environment can damage our skin, hair, and nails.

Every year I look in the mirror (around the month of November) and my skin is excessively dry.  My first instinct is to panic but then I realize it’s time to visit the drugstore or cosmetics counter.  I have a few beauty products that I am actively using from foundation to nail polish remover pads.

Beauty Regimen

To begin, let’s talk about foundation.  We often forget to change our foundation because it’s our favorite shade or brand.  Here’s what I learned, foundation in the winter months should have hydrating and moisturizing functions. This helps to counter-act dryness and use a lighter press powder.  Also, if you tend to look a shade darker (or tan) in the summer months, you may consider a foundation that’s lighter.  The foundation color should match the exact shade of your face and neckline.

In terms of face lotion, it is suggested that we stay away from light-weight lotions and use a cream.  Lotions are not heavy enough to protect the skin from the dry air.  I suffer from dry skin due to eczema and prefer a cream lotion whether in the winter or summer months.

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Always opt for a deep hydrating mask to use on your hair in the winter.  The cold air can create brittleness no matter the hair type or texture.  If you can’t afford an expensive hair mask, visit your local drugstore or Pinterest.com to create a DIY hair mask at home.  Either way, your hair can not afford to be shampooed with a leave – in conditioner alone.  The result will be breakage and frizz!

An additional beauty product that I’m actively using are nail polish remover pads.  Surprisingly, my mom (the other contributor) introduced me to this product last summer.  You can purchase a box for about $2 at the drugstore and they serve two functions.  Nail polish remover pads will remove polish quickly while also conditioning the cuticle and nails.  I was relieved to discover this product and since that time disposed of liquid remover (and cotton balls.)

I’m always searching for beauty tools to make my life easier because I’m managing my brand and have mommy duties.  The ultimate makeup tool the everyone should own in their bag is a Beauty Blender.  I have to admit that I own three because they serve a different function (and if I lose one there’s always an extra.) The Beauty Blender surfaced several years ago but has recently become available to beauty enthusiasts.  This is not your normal sponge due to the shape, texture, and use of the blender.  The Beauty Blender can be used to apply foundation, bb cream, tanner, bronzer, and concealer.  It can also be used for highlighting, contouring, and strobing.

Fall 2015 Lipstick

Lastly, with so much dryness in the air and having a hectic holiday schedule, we need an at home facial in between our spa treatments.  Purchasing a Sonic Face and Body Polisher can be an investment.  I am totally in love with my system and received it as a product review.  This little hand-held machine exfoliates and softens the skin while tightening my pores.  I love makeup but I’m a huge advocate for natural, glowing skin and we must take care of it!

I hope the tips I provided will help your winter beauty routine.  Also, stay connected to the site because I will be visiting a few local wellness spas very soon!

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How-To Guide: Get Dressed in 15 Minutes or Less

We have days when time is not of the essence.  We’re in a rush to get out of the door, whether it’s for a business meeting, play date, or even a trip to the grocery store.  The truth of the matter is that leaving your home (quickly) can become a second job.  It’s the reality of getting things accomplished while appearing to look pulled together.

No one wants to be that mom or girlfriend who lives in a baseball cap and sweats! Or even worse you can’t find anything to match in your wardrobe.  Trust me, I’ve been there which is the reason for this post – How To Guide:  Get Dressed in 15 Minutes or Less.

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1.  Don’t live your life without BB Cream, Mascara, Beauty Blender, and a bold shade of Lipstick.  BB Cream is a combination between Lotion, Foundation, and SPF 15 in one small tube.  This alone makes BB Cream a perfect addition to one’s makeup bag because you’re applying one product to serve three purposes.  Use your Beauty Blender to apply quickly with a whip of mascara and that red lipstick (helps to wake up the eyes after lack of sleep.)

2.  It’s great to own fifty pairs of earrings but when you’re in rush one needs a set that coordinates with anything.  Always keep a pair of studs available in diamond, pearl, silver, or gold.  Any of the various metals can coordinate quickly with your attire and help you accessorize quickly.

3.  In my case (and everyone’s different) ladies of today’s era should own a “Quick Hair” collection.  You’re probably asking, “what does that mean?”  Quick hair is a fun nickname for various hair style options.  For example, use of hair pieces, clip – in extensions, or even a hair wig can save time.  There are moments when you’re not aware of what could happen on a daily basis; owning a quality hair piece can be an investment.

4.  Nude pumps or flats are the latest go to girl’s bestfriend; they add a touch of sophistication to any attire.  This particular shade of pumps coordinates well with your skin tone and helps to elongate the legs.  They also match everything in your closet.

5.  Two words:  Spray Lotion…I often wonder, why did it take so long to create this product!  Honestly, I really don’t know how I lived my life without spray lotion.  For use, simply spray the area that needs hydration, rub in quickly, and go!

6.  Always keep a neutral tone blazer in your closet that has been dry cleaned or ironed.  One can wear a black blazer over a t shirt, blouse, dress, trousers, or with a pair of jeans.  The options are endless but the most important aspect to remember is that this item should always be hanging in your closet (not in a bag with wrinkles.)

I hope the tips that I’ve provided will help everyone get dressed in 15 minutes or less.  If you have any questions or want to share you’re own tips, please feel free to email me at kim@stylelifefashion.com

P.S.  Don’t forget your sunglasses!