32nd Annual Southern Women’s Show Recap – Girls Day Out

Attending the 32nd Annual Southern Women’s Show is a local tradition in the Birmingham metro area. Participants have the opportunity to view exhibits and purchase a variety of products from aromatherapy to fashion accessories, and home decor.

It’s considered to be the official Girls’ Day Out with live entertainment and delicious treats.  This was my first year taking part in the event and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit.

Vendors at The Southern Women’s Show were pleasant and very knowledgeable in terms of selling their products. For example, I received a presentation from the doTerra Representative describing the use of essential oils.  doTerra’s different from most essential oil companies because they provide the highest quality oils. Yes, I am a lover of fashion but also an advocate of health and wellness. doTerra’s wellness presentation (essential oils 101) was a treat!

In addition, the exhibit provided cooking demonstrations from Alabama Gulf Seafood and ProFashion offered professional hair styling tips.  Belk encouraged participants to stop by their booth for a makeover with the use of cosmetics from Bobbi Brown and Clinique.  I had a really good time testing the new fragrance gift sets.

The Spotlight Stage (on Thursday) included Step by Step Painting Old Furniture, Beige and Black with LANCOME, and the Unclaimed Baggage Experience.  In my opinion, I give The Southern Women’s Show a thumbs up and encourage anyone in the area to purchase a ticket next year.  You might see me there!

Exhibitor List:

Bohemian Bliss

Gigi Cupcakes

Scentsy Wickless Candles

Wacoal

Michael’s Steaks and Seafood and much more…

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Macy’s – Power of Pink During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This October, Macy’s is once again inviting customers to “think pink” and show their support in the fight against breast cancer through an inspirational and fashionable campaign that heightens awareness and turns the fundraising focus on a disease that affects not only women, but those who love them. Throughout the month of October, the power of pink will prevail with exclusive merchandise, including fashion, cosmetics and items for the home, in addition to Ralph Lauren Pink Pony apparel. And, for the first time, those united in the fight will be able to show their support through a new, limited edition Pink Pony Bracelet that benefits the Pink Pony Fund of The Ralph Lauren Foundation (available in store only from Sept. 28 to Oct. 10). With a plentitude of pink, Macy’s celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month with style and strength.

“Macy’s long-standing commitment to the breast cancer awareness movement is incredibly inspiring” states Holly Thomas, Macy’s group vice president of cause marketing. “Our ongoing dedication to charitable causes makes an even greater impact with the support of our employees and our terrific partners, such as Ralph Lauren, who join forces toward a common goal. And, of course, we are so grateful to our customers who continue to show their generosity by shopping at our stores and in our dedicated online “Pink Shop” in a quest to raise awareness and champion the fight against breast cancer.”

Pink Pony

For the fourth consecutive year, Macy’s has joined forces with the Pink Pony Fund, Ralph Lauren Corporation’s worldwide initiative in the fight against cancer. This year, the Pink Pony Campaign is launching for the first time, a limited-edition Pink Pony Bracelet which will be exclusively sold at most Macy’s full-line stores across the country. The bracelet is made of pink adjustable cord, decorated with a pink enameled iconic polo player charm and engraved with Ralph Lauren script on the back. The bracelet will be available in-store for $5 ($4 of which benefits the Pink Pony Fund of The Ralph Lauren Foundation) from September 28 through October 10 and customers who purchase it will also receive a special discount up to 25 percent on a wide assortment of merchandise at most full-line Macy’s stores nationwide (with applied exclusions). Also new to the campaign this year is the Pink Pony Limited Edition fragrance “Ralph Lauren Tender Romance” of which 15% of the purchase price* will be donated to the Pink Pony Fund of The Ralph Lauren Foundation. And finally, a special collection of t-shirts and active wear will transform Polo Ralph Lauren shops into Pink Pony destinations in 16 Macy’s locations across the country and online at macys.com/ralphlauren. Twenty-five percent of the purchase price of all other Pink Pony products sold in the United States will benefit the Pink Pony Fund of The Ralph Lauren Foundation for causes devoted to cancer awareness, education and research. Since its launch in 2013, this exclusive partnership has raised more than $5.5 million for the cause.

Pink Shop at macys.com

Macy’s online Pink Shop at macys.com/pink will also offer a specially curated collection of incredible fashion and home brands including Coach, Carolee, Charter Club, Guess, Ideology, KitchenAid, Material Girl Active, Movado, Sunglass Hut, Thalia Sodi and Under Armour with each donating a portion of the sale of special pink merchandise to various organizations such as the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). And this year, Macy’s Ideology brand is pleased to have made a $100,000 donation to BCRF and to have created a special collection of active wear that promotes Breast Cancer Awareness. From hoodies and tank tops, to graphic-t’s, sweatshirts and leggings, these special items spark inspiration to “Fight Like a Girl” and look good while doing it. To learn more visit macys.com/ideology.

Shoppers will even have the opportunity to freshen up their fall beauty routines with finds from the industry’s most sought after cosmetic and fragrance brands such as Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Conair, Estee Lauder and Origins. The complete assortment of passionately pink items that support the cause will be available online at macys.com/pink beginning September 26.

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BCRF Beauty Box

Because big things really do come in small packages, Macy’s is proud to join The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) Campaign to support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) through the sale of the BCRF Beauty Sampler, available in select Macy’s locations. Macy’s will donate 20% to BCRF from now until Dec. 31, 2016 for each sampler box purchased for $20. Each BCRF Beauty Sampler contains eight travel-size samples from The Estée Lauder Companies’ favorite beauty brands.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 200,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer (Stages I-IV) are diagnosed among women in the United States in a year, resulting in approximately 40,000 deaths. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. Through various partnerships and joint efforts, Macy’s maintains a steadfast dedication to finding a cure. This year’s program is targeted to reaching customers in every aspect of their lives.

 

*Ralph Lauren Fragrances will donate to the Pink Pony Fund of The Ralph Lauren Foundation 100% of the profits equal to approximately 15% of the purchase price for each “Ralph Lauren Tender Romance” Pink Pony Limited Edition fragrance purchased in the 50 United States, Puerto Rico or DC through authorized distributors from October 1, 2016, to October 31, 2016, with a minimum guaranteed donation of $100,000 from the sale of these products. No portion of the purchase price is tax-deductible.

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About Macy’s

Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M), delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at 734 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores — including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, and Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California — are known internationally and are leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers and employees, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $69 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.

 

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.

Nordstrom Fall Beauty Trend Week – The Mall in Columbia

Nordstrom Fall Beauty Trend Week started on Sunday, October 18, 2015 at The Mall in Columbia.  I attended the event because I love beauty products and wanted to learn more about the cosmetics brands featured.

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The event (taking place now) specializes in providing promotions such as Oxygen Facials, Hand & Arm Massages, and tips for achieving the perfect Blow Out.  To conclude the week, Nordstrom will present a live interactive morning talk show with a special guest panel!

Visit the online site to register for the Nordstrom Fall Beauty Trend Week near your location.

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