2019 Grammys

Music. It’s helped me get through many times-happy, sad, joy, pain. It also helps me to push through things and get tasks done. It also helps me think and has helped me verbalize what I want to say. To say music is a lifeline is a major understatement.

So, needless to say, I was watching the Grammys this year. I like to see what the celebrities have in store for us. In saying that, this post is strictly about the fashion and the makeup. I’m highlighting a few of my favorites here.

My top 3 red carpet looks (in no particular order) were Jennifer Lopez, Chaka Khan and Lady Gaga. What I liked about all 3 of these looks were that they really represented each artist well and really fit the personality that comes to mind when I think of all 3 of them. The hair and makeup for each look fit very well.

The host, Alicia Keys, had some nice looks as well. She stayed with a minimal makeup look that still goes along with her ‘no-makeup’ look theme that she was really into a few years back. I personally like the idea of minimal makeup when hosting an event like The Grammys. She had several outfit changes and not a lot of time.

Overall, there were several beautiful gowns, outfits, jewelry and makeup. For an event like this, it’s so wonderful to see stars who are really comfortable in their own self-expression.

L'oreal and Balmain

Collaborations are always exciting. They tend to bring out unique, often once-in-a-lifetime products that later become collector's items. 

I am excited to say that I been able to try the new collection that is coming out from L'oreal and Fashion powerhouse Balmain.  It only seems fitting that two French powerhouses would come together in this way.

I was able to test out three lip colors and it's hard to say which one is my favorite. The packaging in this collection really has a sophisticated, elegant, retro feel. That alone made me want to learn more about this collection. Each color tube has several colors, so this collection seems pretty much endless. There's a color for everyone! I chose a color from each tube collection. There are 12 colors right now. 

It is important to note that the red color (in the black tube) is called Domination. Of the three in the photo here, it has the strongest payoff. Next to that is the green is named Balmain Instinct. The blue-tubed lipstick, appropriately named Freedom,  is a bold purple color. For some reason, purple is one of my favorite lipcolors. While I like the color, I do find that I need to spend a little more time making sure this color is bold enough for my liking. A light hand with the purple can cause it to fade. It's still a great color and for the price point, it definitely works. 

Overall, I would suggest that you check these out if you are lipstick lover. The collection is well put together and provides a great amount of color options for nude lips and bold colors for a more daring lip.

The price point at Ulta is about $14 per tube. The collection will first debut at online at www.ulta.com on Saturday, November 11, 2017 and then in stores on Saturday, January 27, 2018. 

Beyonce's Pregnant!

This is probably by far one of the most viewed images of the day. It's no surprise now (unless you've been sleeping under a rock) that Beyonce and Jay-Z are expecting twins! 

In typical Beyonce fashion, we get surprised! I ain't mad one bit. What wonderful news! 

This photo is so Beyonce. She believes in being fly at all times! Just sayin.' She has given us a red lip here with soft, understated makeup elsewhere giving a great balance to the photo. What a way to announce a pregnancy! As the saying goes, "a picture is worth a thousand words."

Congrats to The Carter family! 

RIP Mary Tyler Moore

Iconic. Legend. Beauty. Game changer. 

These are just a few of the words that have been used to describe the talented and fun-loving artist known as Mary Tyler Moore. Today when I heard of her passing, it was a bit unexpected and sad. I wasn't ready for this. 

There are a lot of reasons I love Mary Tyler Moore. One reason is her style and her ability to be graceful. Her style of dress, especially in The Mary Tyler Moore Show gives me so much life and inspiration. It's iconic and never goes out of style. Her makeup in the show is the same way for me. What always captured me with her makeup was smokey, sultry eye. It always spoke volumes for me in terms of her beauty. 

It's so important to have makeup express your own personal beauty. No one can be a better you, than you. That's one important thing I'll always remember about Mary Tyler Moore.

Thank you for sharing your talents and gifts with the world. 

2017 Golden Globes In Review

Award season is back for 2017.

This time of year is pretty awesome for the fans of Hollywood fashion, hair and makeup. The Golden Globes were last night. We got a taste of what the season would be bringing us and it was pretty. 

I'm going to briefly touch on a few highlights.

Tracey Ellis-Ross, Kerry Washington and Sofia Vergara gave us beautiful peek-a-boo sophistication with their choice of gown. Each look was tastefully done. The hair and a makeup complemented well. 

Viola Davis looked radiant in her yellow. It really popped with her skin tone. She does not disappoint with her makeup, hair and gown choices. The yellow particularly stood out because it was bright yet not overly done. It was 'eye-catching'.

Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon looked great in  yellow. Ms. Washington let the makeup do the talking with her bold bordeaux lip while Ms. Witherspoon took a softer approach with her makeup. Both were great choices for the actresses. 

Powder blue was also stunning. Jessica Chastian looked stunning in her gown. It was prefect with her red hair. Black and black and white are always classic. These colors were seen quite a bit along with softer colors palettes including silvers, grays and golds. Goldie Hawn was a beauty in all black. Sequins and sparkly dresses made a strong appearance.  

Wine and deep colored lips were in full swing. There were several red lips too and they were gorgeous. Those colors went well with the gown choices. There were some smoky eyes too but lips really took over this season. It's nice to see this shift in makeup on the red carpet. 

Let's also talk about how great the men looked too! Very dapper. We often focus on the gowns but the men are looking great too.  Let's talk about how GOOD Brad Pitt was looking last night, shall we?? 

Congrats to Meryl Streep for winning the lifetime award. She is absolutely one of my favorites for so many reasons. There were some great wins-including La La Land making history with 7 wins-more than any other film ever. 

Congrats to all winners of the evening!

MAC Announces Caitlin Jenner Collection

MAC just keeps coming with new collection after new collection after new collection. 

Well, there's another one out now with Caitlin Jenner. The collaboration was recently announced and is actually on MAC's website now. There are multiple lipsticks for sale. Some of these colors are available online only.  The collection is full of beautiful eye shadows, lipsticks and liners among other things. Shopping for beautiful makeup is easy with this new collection. 

Cyber Monday

Hopefully everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. I enjoyed spending time with family and eating the good food. 

There is now another feast that we can partake of and it's these AWESOME Cyber Monday deals! I have seem some good ones out there in the world of makeup. It boils down to one thing: ALL retailers want you to SHOP! One of the better ones I've seen is Stila offering up to 85% off. 

If you are unable to purchase from all of your favorite beauty brands, there are no worries. This is only the beginning! I expect to see more sales especially as we get closer to the week before Christmas.  Don't count out brick and mortar deals either. Ulta has been really stepping up its game over this past year offering Black Friday types of deals well before the season started. So, check them out too for some of the products that you may not get to this Cyber Monday. I'm pretty sure they are going to be offering some wonderful deals. 

Happy Shopping! 

How to Rock Blue

Blue. Indigo. Teal.  Any way you look at it, blue is in and shows no signs of slowing down for the Fall '16 season. 

There are many ways to rock the popular hue. In the photo above, I was able to go to Sephora and test a blue shade. Indigo is typically a deeper blue that flatters many skin tones. It's a great alternative to black. A more poppin' blue is great as a liner. 

A simple way to rock the trend without changing up your daily routine too much is to wear a liner (like the one pictured above or like one that Bobbi Brown cosmetics is currently carrying in its Sunset Pink Collection). The cost of the long-wear gel eyeliner in Sapphire Shimmer Ink runs you $26. If you are looking for a new liner, this will be one to try to the upcoming season. It can be found at www.bobbibrown.com. Nordstrom also carries this famous brand. Sephora typically carries Bobbi Brown Cosmetics staples, so this particular shade isn't carried by Sephora because it's part of a special, limited-time collection. 

If you are looking for a change for a little less dollar-wise, check out Sephora's waterproof eyeliner liner. The color seen in this photo is 04-Teal. The color is nice and gives the option of blue for a lot less. The pencil runs $12. This is a great option for someone wanting to venture out without spending more than $12. 

Happy Shopping!

New Lancome Collection Coming August, 2016!

There's some new makeup coming on the scene and I am here for it! Thanks to snapchat, I found out that Lancome has something up its sleeve. It's always nice to see different parts of the arts world collaborate and bring something unique to the table. Here, Lancome is going to be pairing up with fashion designer Sonia Rykiel. Scheduled date of arrival is some time in August, 2016. Keep your eyes and ears open!