Aaliyah and MAC

The official word is out: MAC is releasing the Aaliyah collection next summer! I, for one, am looking forward to seeing what they create. I'm wondering why it took this long, but hey, it's coming next summer and that's all that matters. 

Aaliyah was such a creative genius and as my sister said, "she was before her time." I think her last project was the best one and there was so much more to come from her. With each project (whether it was music or acting), she became better and better. How is that possible?

It was a sad day when she passed away. She was someone with so much beauty, promise and  was very well accomplished. She was just getting started, really.  I'll stop here because the memories are still very much alive. She is still with us in heart and video and song, so if you don't know much about her, check her out on youtube. Watch some of her music videos and see the genius that is Aaliyah. 

Being that MAC annouced this so early, it my thought that they definitely anticipate this being BIG and selling out quickly.  

Thank you MAC for keeping this amazing person alive in our hearts and minds!

IT Cosmetics Now At Sephora!

It Cosmetics continues to make its rounds in the makeup world. It's a pretty amazing that it is now made its way into Sephora. 

Sephora is a store that is picky about what it carries. So, in other words, basic makeup doesn't make it in here! Your brand has to be special. It has to have something unique about it. 

It's a good move for the It brand to be here along with the ranks of other high-enders. 

The blush pictured here is nice and the brush is too. It's great to know that I have another place to shop this brand. 

UD Smoky Palette Set To Discontinue

Urban Decay is set to discountinue its very popular Smoky palette. This is happening NOW! 

I am unsure of why this is happening but it's happening. So, if you really like this palette,  you will want to go out and get it now before it sells out. 

The palettes are currently $27 (which is 50% off) and they are found quite a few places right now. So, you can hit up Ulta, Macy's and Urban Decay's website to get your fix before these sell out. They're 50% off, so you can beat it. 

Fenty Beauty

This week, Rihanna made an annoucement that her makeup line is launching in about 30 days from now. 

The announcment has been a long time coming and has a lot of people excited, I'm sure. I remember when the annoucement was made that her line was looking for artists to join the team. It was about a year and a half ago. Soon, Fenty is going to be available at a Sephora or Harvey Nichols near you. This is to be noted because based on these stores, this brand is high-end. We don't expect anything less from Rihanna. She is an amazing fashion and makeup icon, not afraid to try something new or different. She lives for it! 

So, September 8, we will be doing 1 of 2 things. . .going to the brick and mortar stores or going online to purchase. 

Ulta & MAC!

A marriage made in makeup heaven has finally been announced. MAC and Ulta have joined forces! I heard that this was going to happen and now it's here.

Basically, this is BIG news! Why? Because MAC has moved into another arena and I believe the payoff will be big for both companies. 

MAC is known strictly as a department store brand. Up until now-today that is, the brand was only sold department stores, in stand alone MAC stores or online. With that being said, it's going to be a big shift for many to be able to have the option of heading to Ulta to purchase. 

The important thing to note is that MAC is only available online at Ulta.com for now. I'm hoping that the brand will be available in the brick and mortar stores soon. 

The whole move is really a sign of the times. It's pretty interesting and exciting to see this brand become more easily accessible. It also speaks volumes to the shift that has happened in our economy and the change coming to the shopping experience-mainly retail. 

Take advantage of this option if you can. If anything, it's at least available online now at Ulta. I'm expecting this to be a positive move for both brands. 

Glitter and Metallics

As stated in the previous post, metallic is a big thing right now and is definitely anticipated for the summer-where it will really be seen. I wanted to also touch on another area where the a "pop" will be take place with glitter: the eyes. 

I have been a long-time believer in metallics and glitter on the eyes-trend or no trend. :) This trend so reminds me of the 70s. Pair that with some lip gloss and a maxi dress and you'd look like you straight stepped out of 1970s Vogue. I really like this trend, can you tell?

It would be unfair for me to tell you about this and not give you places or brands to shop so you can try this for yourself. 

For your eyes, check out Stila. They have some AMAZING beauties that are sure to put a smile on your face. They are gorge. They are called Magnificent Metals Glitter and Glow Liquid Eye Shadows. These are actually glitters that were designed to use on the eyes. They come in a range that is sure to please. The glitters range from subtle golds to  purple and black. 

As with all metals and glitters, you have to find your comfortable place. Whatever level you are comfortable with will determine what color you choose and how you apply. For softer color, a placement of color right on the lash line will work. If you are feeling like a more bolder approach is to take the color up just below your brow bone. Either way, it's an easy way to incorporate a trend that is sure to be a winner for the Spring and Summer. 

2017 Spring & Summer Beauty is here.

Blush: ItCosmetics CC + Radiance Ombre Blush in Sugar Plum, Lip color: Smashbox Be Legendary Liquid Lip in Mauve Squad (Metallic Mauve), Brush: ItCosmetics for Ulta #227

Just a quick note about my latest beauty fix: metallics and nudes. I absolutely can't get enough of this trend. 

The products that are out in regards to this trend are really pretty amazing. I wore these products together the other day and it was really beautiful. Seriously beautiful. It was a new take on being understated and nude while still garnering attention. 

While I was out, I noticed how friends would compliment my makeup. They really liked this trend and commented on how well these colors and products looked on me. When others notice, it makes me pay even more attention and made me really want to share with you. 

So, here the deal: I get how metallics can sometimes make a lady feel like they're too much. Honestly, they aren't and you will probably like them a lot more than you may realize. 

The comments were that the lip color was there but wasn't "too much." In other words, it was subtle and that is exactly what I wanted to accomplish with this look. Being that these products have pop and metallic to them, it would only be natural to think that they are flashy or bold. I'm happy to report that they are not. They do have power but they aren't overpowering. 

The lip color would like good on many skin tones. If mauve isn't what you are going for, there are other colors by Smashbox that are on-trend with the metallic-nude look. They are Brains n' Bronze (metallic bronze), Petal Metal (metallic rose gold) and of course, the one featured in the image above which is Mauve Squad (metallic mauve gold). 

Mauve Squad went well with the Sugar Plum blush. It may be a little much for some women and if so, that's OK. Skip the ombre blush and go with a more matte blush if that is your preference. Be sure to put on some mascara and you're good to go. 

These products can be found at Ulta, ulta.com, smashbox.com and itcosmetics.com. 

This Drops Tomorrow, March 1st, 2017!

Just a quick note. . .this new liquid lipstick drops tomorrow! Kat Von D has great lipstick.  

This product drops tomorrow and it's scheduled to be available for 48 hours. It's highly likely this this beauty will sell out as is to be expected with such a popular brand.  

Go to sephora.com to order. It retails for $20.00. These lipsticks are well worth it!

Please note: if you are unable to purchase in this time frame, no worries! It's scheduled to be back in Sephora for good next month. 

Happy Shopping! 

MAC & Mariah Carey Just In Time for Christmas

MAC has another collaboration coming in just in time for Christmas. It's a real beauty!

The Mariah Carey Collection is pretty genius. Mariah Carey is superstar in her own right. She, like many other beauty icons, has something that stands out about her. A signature look, if you will, and it's all about the bling. She's all about being glamorous without being too 'showy' with her makeup. She loves a nude look. One thing that I really admire about Mariah Carey is that she shows what I knew all along: nude does NOT have to be boring.  She tends to like for her hair and outfit to really be the focus while her makeup balances out the look. In regards to her makeup, the drama tends to come from the eyes because just like many icons before her, she loves her lashes! 

She also loves her nudes. Nudes really speaks to her authentic, artistic styling. There are a lot of nudes and softer tones in this collection along with her love for butterflies.  I remember purchasing her fragrance when it initially came out several years ago. I loved the purple butterfly bottle. The color purple and butterflies are 2 of my favorite things. She hasn't strayed away from her butterfly appreciation with this collection. Each lipstick has a butterfly embossed in the actual lipstick. Love that! 

The collection has a strong focus on the the lips and eyes while providing pops of colors for the cheeks as well. There is something for everyone. I particularly like how MAC has everything Mariah from the names of the products to the styling. Ms. Carey is all about that bling! And it shows in this collection. 

In true Mariah fashion, the collection offers lipstick and lipgloss. For those who like gloss (as she does), you won't be disappointed. 

For all of you Mariah fans, be sure to check this collection out. It will not disappoint. One thing MAC does well, is collab with other artists. Well done, MAC and Mariah! 

Taraji P. Henson and MAC

Taraji and MAC. What a combo! This is something that I am really waiting to try out. This collection is sure to sell out fast. One thing that I really like about MAC is how it really has a way to make collections have something for everyone. The collections are typically very flattering and can be taken from day to night with very little effort. I'm looking forward to this coming out soon. Be on the lookout for yet another great fall set from MAC. Looking forward to more from this iconic beauty powerhouse.