Prada Candy Kiss - A New Fragrance by Prada

-Press Release-

It truly is the season of love and now is the perfect time to announce the new Prada Candy Kiss fragrance!

Scheduled to launch by the end of this month (February 2016), Prada Candy Kiss is a flanker to the earlier Prada Candy collection. Just an FYI - in the fragrance community, we normally refer to a newly created fragrance that shares similar attributes of an already existing fragrance as a flanker. These similar attributes may include the bottle design, the packaging, the name or even similar notes that were taken from the pre-existing fragrance.

So Prada Candy Kiss is a flanker to the playful gourmand collection from it's earlier years: the original Prada Candy from 2011, Prada Candy L'Eau from 2013 and Prada Candy Florale from 2014. Last year, you may remember the adorable Candy Kiss mini collection that was launched (mini bottles of the three original fragrances in 20ml).

Now the new flanker, Prada Candy Kiss which was developed by Daniela Andrier, channels the addictive nature of the Candy composition and enhances its characteristic scent of musk. It's described to have been designed to re-activate emotions and impressions. Largely, this idea has evolved from the sensual veil of musk evoked in delicate white cotton all in a sensual cloud. There are also notes of vanilla and orange blossom which will enrich and brighten the fragrance as it opens. It will be available as an Eau de Parfum in 30, 50 and 80 ml.

I will keep you updated on my social pages as to the launch day and of course I'll be reviewing it for you!

Do you think you'll be adding the new Prada Candy Kiss to your collection?

Artist Couture Broadway Diamond Glow Powder Highlighter Review and Swatches On A Woman of Color

"I know when that highlight bling, that can only mean one thing. Yeah, I know when that highlight bling, that can only mean one thing." Ah, Drake really hit this one on the head when he made this song and no, I didn't make a mistake by singing when that highlight bling! Only my true highlighter girls will understand this one. ;-) Last week, I was shopping on RickysNYC.com and I was trying to figure out what I wanted to use my $100 gift certificate on (remember the one that we ordered from Gilt - it was $60 for a $100 gift card). Of course, I picked out a few new items for my hair and a few new setting powders but the major purpose for my order was to get the new Artist Couture Broadway Diamond Glow Powder Highlighter. I saw the light pink iridescence glow in full force at a press event but for those of you who aren't able to visit a Ricky's to swatch it in person anytime soon, I wanted you guys to be able to at least see quality swatches of it on a woman of color. Click play...

[embed]https://youtu.be/pIBAiLgWCpA[/embed]

Introducing Poison Girl - The New Fragrance By Dior

It's time to introduce a new fragrance into your collection - Poison Girl by Christian Dior.

Developed by Francois Demachy, Dior’s Poison Girl is a new addition for women to the fragrance house and its Poison collection. It comes in a light pink bottle in the traditional shape of the Poison packaging and was specifically designed to introduce the brand to a younger audience.

It's notes are described as a bitter sweet floral with sicilian orange accents, the heart of roses (May rose from Grasse and Damascus rose, warm vanilla and almond, Venezuelan tonka bean, and sandalwood from Sri Lanka. It will be available in 30, 50 and 100 ml as  an Eau de Parfum.

*photo from a google.com image search*

So what do you think fragrance lovers, will you be checking out the new Dior Poison Girl?

Shoedazzle Lulah Dupe - Introducing The New Evi Pump From Madison

It's Monday morning so I need to give you guys a dose of the "Monday Blues" but I promise you that you will love this! For years, I've been working with Shoedazzle and during that time, I don't think there has been a pair of shoes that have really connected to the fans as much as Lulah has.

   I was lucky enough to snag a pair in my size very early on in my career with them. The thing that you have to keep in mind with Shoedazzle is that because it is a boutique styled website, once a style is sold out, it most likely is never coming back in stock. As you can imagine, the Lulah's flew off of the shelves and left many shoe lover's broken-hearted. I kid you not - I can't believe the amount of offers I've had from people trying to purchase mines.

So last week, I received the Shoedazzle February press preview and lo and behold, there is a new style that is VERY similar to Lulah! Let me introduce you to Evi by Madison...

MATERIAL: Fabric. Imported. COLOR: Blue Multi FEELS LIKE:4.5" OUTSIDE HEEL HEIGHT:6.5" PLATFORM HEIGHT:2" FIT:True to size INSIDE HEEL HEIGHT:5"

So far, that's all the information that I have on Evi. A pair is on the way to me as we speak so I'll have a completed review up for you soon but I didn't want you to miss out on the chance to order these now while they are still in stock. Click here to see if your size is still available.

Post contains referring links.

Essence January Beauty Box Review: Soulful. Colorful. Beautiful.

So it's a brand New Year which means we all have these fabulous resolutions that we need to try to stick to. I don't know about you, but every year I try to tell myself to relax, and just continue doing what I'm doing - working as hard as I can everyday. Realistically, it's just another day that ends with a new number right? Since I'm always working, I hardly have time to go out and pamper myself, so I was excited to hear that the January Essence Beauty Box was a Pamper Party Box.

If you guys remember from my other posts, the Essence Beauty Box is a beauty subscription box that was designed for women of color by the experts from Essence magazine. Each box will contain 5 deluxe samples and you can sign up for $15 a month, however, they have been running sales for $10 a month.

As for the January box, it contains 5 deluxe samples that was curated together to create the ultimate pamper party box. First, there is a deluxe sample of SheaTerra Organics Rose Hips Black Soap Facial Wash. This is designed to gently exfoliate your skin and remove dead layers without any harsh ingredients - which is great if you have sensitive skin.

Next, there is a fat lip pencil by Laqa & Co. There are three different shades that are floating around online that people have received in their box and I received this orange shade that has subtle hints of red in it. It's a cute color and I love the thickness of the pencil itself, however, I did not like this shade for my skin tone. Personally, I do not favor lipsticks that have an orange shade or undertone to it. I mostly go for lipsticks with more of a blue based undertone just because I find that it suits my complexion better. I would love to be able to include these personal preferences to the subscription box.

The next sample is from tgin - Thank God It's Natural Green Tea super moist leave in conditioner. Now this is my favorite product in this month's box because I love trying new leave in conditioners to moisturize my curls and this is one of the quickest and most affordable ways that I've been able to test out new products that may or may not work for my hair.

A pamper party box wouldn't be complete without a nail polish for a manicure. This box included the Julep Jess nail polish. It's kind of like a brown color with hints of red in it. I've tried a lot of the Julep nail polishes before so I know that they have a great formula, however, I wasn't a big fan of this color. Lately, I've been more into the bright and holographic colors so I'm not going to get much use out of this product in the box. It is a great color though if you're looking for something a bit more subtle.

Lastly, the box included a Baby Soft Foot Mask by Leaders Insolution. This is a rejuvenating foot mask that has aloe vera extract and bees wax in it and I'll be honest, in the winter time, I tend to neglect my feet -  I know I'm not the only one! This is going to rejuvenate the skin and leave your feet feeling as smooth as butter!

Did you guys get the January box? What did you think about it? Don't forget that if you sign up, please use my referral code 992-4D8B-00F2.

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Nuit Blanche - A New Black Opium Fragrance

So you guys remember a few months ago when I introduced you to the new Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium fragrance? It literally took over my Instagram timeline and I feel responsible for getting a lot of you hooked on the coffee and vanilla scent (blame me, I can take it)!

Well, prepare yourselves...YSL is launching a new fragrance for women, Black Opium Nuit Blanche.

Nuit Blanche is a yearly arts all-night cultural/arts festival in Paris and Black Opium Nuit Blanche is inspired by the night life of the city that never sleeps. The fragrance promises to capture the mysterious and unpredictable experience of an electric night in which everything is possible. Between tension and sensuality, audacity and femininity, the notes feature vanilla, black opium coffee accord, sandalwood, peony, white musk, orange blossom, rice vapor, pepper.

Now, the bottle design is very similar to the original Black Opium, however, the difference is in the details. The color of the cap is now rose gold and there are noticeable white sequins and glitter on the body of the bottle.

It will be available in an Eau De Parfum in 3 sizes - 30, 50 and 90 ml. I will let you know details on pricing and availability as soon as I can. 

Sooo...how many of you are asking for this for Valentine's Day? Are you ready to get hooked onto a new fragrance?

MAC Cosmetics Viva Glam Ariana Grande Lipstick Comparison Video Review

Hi lovebugs!

I wanted to stop and do this really quick video review for you guys to compare the new MAC Cosmetics Viva Glam Ariana Grande lipstick to a few other MAC lipsticks that I own - Riri Hearts MAC Talk That Talk and Instigator. Turn your volume up, press play and get the details!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu9gk8TE0Qk

MAC Cosmetics Viva Glam Ariana Grande Lipstick & Lipglass - First Review

Hi loves!

So last year, we all heard the news that MAC Cosmetics chose Ariana Grande as the new VIVA GLAM spokeperson.* The news spread like wide fire on social media - not only because of the support of the cause - but because of the trendy story behind the colors. 

MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande Lipstick ($17.00 for 0.10 oz.) is described as a "matte plum." It's a deep, dark plum with a satin finish.

MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande Lipglass ($15.00 for 0.17 fl. oz.) is described as a “shimmering pink.” It’s a sheer, pink-tinted lipgloss with gold and pink sparkles.

When I first saw the promotional pictures, it immediately reminded me of Riri Hearts MAC Talk That Talk lipstick and the Clear Water Lipgloss from the Alluring Aqua collection. So I wanted to do a few comparisons to help you...

(L) Riri Hearts MAC Talk That Talk (R) MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande Lipstick (L) MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande Lipgloss (R) MAC Alluring Aqua Clear Water Lipgloss

I'll admit that I said "Wow" when I swatched them. It's a beautiful color alone and with paired with the lipgloss. However, it is a bit patchy, so make sure that you grab a matching lipliner - try it with Vino perhaps? It will be in-stores and at-counters on January 21st, 2016.

*The VIVA GLAM Lipstick was originally created in 1994 to raise money and awareness for HIV/AIDS at a time when the pandemic was dramatically affecting fashion and beauty communities in particular as well as the wider world. What makes this so historic is that 100% of the purchase price of any VIVA GLAM product goes towards the M·A·C AIDS Fund which is committed to addressing the link between poverty and HIV/AIDS by supporting diverse organizations around the world that provide a wide range of services to people living with HIV/AIDS.

*Purchased. All opinions are my own*

Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Lipsticks Review and Swatches On A Woman of Color

Hi Loves! So I wanted to try a little something different for these swatches of the new Urban Decay Gwen Stefani lipsticks. Mind you, I will be making a switch into more videos for these reviews as soon as my glam room is done but you know what's going on. Anyway, back to the collection.

There are eight shades in this collection. Here are a few swatches on a woman of color so you can get a better idea of what they may look like on your skin tone. 

714, is a bright red mega matte lipstick. Surprise, surprise that the first one that we talk about is a mega matte :-P. This one kind of pulled orange/red on me which I don't mind but in comparison to the other reds in this collection...well let's just say I have a few other favorites. 

Ex-Girlfriend, is a sheer nude-rose with a pink shimmer. Legit, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this one. I was expecting a typical "nude" lipstick which as women of color we all know how that goes. However, this one is a brownish-pink and surprisingly, I reallllly love it! In this picture, I am wearing it with the matching UD Gwen Stefani 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil. 

Firebird, is a deep fuchsia cream lipstick but on me it pulls more of a bright magenta color. It's a great shade to wear all year round. I especially like to wear bright colors like this during the Winter because it gives me an instant pick me up. 

Phone Call, is a sheer bright coral cream lipstick (exclusive to the Urban Decay website). This is a great lipstick for the Spring and Summer, especially because it's so light weight and comfortable, I just didn't get a lot of payoff from it so I recommend using the matching lipliner before applying the lipstick.

Plaid, is a sheer deep berry lipstick (exclusive to the Urban Decay website). I like the light pop of color that it gives me - kind of similar to a gloss without the stickiness.

Rock Steady, is a deep red wine cream lipstick. This is fall packaged into a tube of lipstick. Literally, the perfect merlot shade.

Spiderweb, is a satin red cream. Can we say this is the perfect red shade for Valentine's Day ladies?

Wonderland, is a dark pink-red cream lipstick. On me, it does off a bit more rosey pink on me. 

Now that we've seen half/full face swatches (I said I was trying a different style) which one is your favorite? My top 3 in order are Ex-Girlfriend, Spiderweb, and Firebird - cue the gasps that the nude lipstick topped them all for me.

You can pick up these lipsticks ($18 USD) and the rest of the Gwen Stefani collection on UrbanDecay.com. If they are sold out, you can pick up some of the collection from Sephora.com. Let me know what you end up getting!

Britney Spears Maui fantasy Fragrance (Limited Edition)

  If you're a fan of Britney Spears (and I know that you are - remember the last time you sang "Oops, I did it again"? Exactly!) get ready because she has released a new limited edition fragrance! Here are the details...

Britney Spears Maui fantasy

The Fragrance

Infusing elements of Maui’s natural beauty with the key notes found in original fantasy BRITNEY SPEARS™ fragrance, Maui fantasy BRITNEY SPEARS™ Limited Edition conveys Maui’s allure and charm through scent. The combination of luscious, tropical fruits and flowers exudes the warmth of Maui’s climate and the spirit of Hawaiian heritage.

Top Notes

Bird of Paradise mingles with luscious Pink Grapefruit and Passion Fruit, drawing you in with their mouth-watering sensations.

Mid Notes

At the heart is an intoxicating blend of fresh beachside florals – Hibiscus Petals, Cyclamen, Orange Blossom and Hawaiian Monoi – blooming in the golden sun.

Base Notes

From the background, the warm, sensual aura of Vanilla and Coconut radiates with soft Blue Musk, White Amber and beachy Blonde Woods.

The Packaging

Embodying the essence of Hawaii, the Maui fantasy BRITNEY SPEARS™ Limited Edition bottle takes inspiration from the captivating crystal blue waters surrounding the island, with a frosted-aqua hue. The bottle features a bright pink Hibiscus flower, one of the many symbols of this tropical escape. Blending the Hawaiian symbols with the iconic shape and collar design of the classic fantasy bottle makes this new scent a fun and exotic addition to the fantasy BRITNEY SPEARS™ fragrance collection.

 

Product name	Packaging/Content	Price
Maui fantasy BRITNEY SPEARS™ Limited Edition Eau de Toilette	30 ml/1.0 fl. oz.	$31.00*

The scent will be available at Kohl’s in January.

New Years Eve Nail Tutorial Featuring Butter London Polish and Shoedazzle Pumps

Hi guys! For New Years, I wanted to create a look for my nails that was inspired by my new Raziel glitter pumps from Shoedazzle and Desire by Dolce & Gabbana - one of my favorite fragrances. Hopefully, you'll be able to find a little bit of inspiration for your next look from some of your daily style.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzFb6kaA5hw

Products Used: Butter London Union Jack Black Nail Lacquer Butter London West End Wonderland Nail Lacquer Butter London The Black Knight Nail Lacquer Raziel Pumps from Shoedazzle.com Desire by Dolce & Gabbana Fragrance

Happy New Year! Here's to 2016!

Day 1 of 365...well 366 this year because it's a leap year so you get another day to make your life exactly as you want it. If you're not happy with whatever is going on, change it. It's never too late to go after your passion.   Make your vision board, find what you want and don't ever stop fighting for you. #2016

Hello and Thank You Brand Ambassadors!

I can't believe that I'm going to get sentimental on here but I have to.   

Essence December Beauty Box Review: Soulful. Colorful. Beautiful.

If you're anything like me, then you haven't had the chance to fully enjoy the holidays until it's over. I have a very large family - no, a very large family - so we always have events to celebrate - especially at the end of the year. Normally, it isn't until December 28th or 29th that I'm really able to sit back, relax and catch up on everything that I've missed over the past month or so. So can we dive into the December Essence Beauty Box? I know you've seen other bloggers talking about the December box already and it makes me so happy that you guys are really taking to the program but you know I have to give you my thoughts...

So I'm going to start off with one of my favorite products from this months' box - the thick & full biotin & collagen conditioner by OGX Beauty.

Next

Third,

Introducing "Love Your Shade" The Social Movement For Color Variation In The Beauty Industry

I wanted to take a minute to talk about the new project that I’ve been working on with @lipstickjunkieforever. For the past few months, you guys have seen us swatch various makeup products from lipsticks, blushes, highlighters, eyeshadows etc. on different skin tones. (Her MAC Cosmetics foundation shade is NW20 and mines is NC50.) We wanted to find a space that would really bring awareness to the fact that there is a lack of variety in color cosmetics industry and work towards filling the void. I’ve remained pretty quiet over the past few weeks over the issue because of this…As a woman of color – especially as a woman of color in the industry – it’s seriously disheartening to me that this is still an issue that is seemingly being ignored and brushed under the rug. When new collections are released, essentially the only swatches that showcase the color or shade of the product are normally done on one skin tone; which is great, but I’m left wondering what the color is going to really look like on me. There have been too many times that I’ve falling in love with a lipstick only to have purchased it to find out that it’s a completely different color on me because of my skin tone and undertone. I have completely skipped by new releases of products because it was only showcased on one skin tone and not marketed with any other “color model” in mind.

I’m not saying this as a black and white thing. I’m saying this as an all beauty thing. I want to see the products showcased on all skin tones: pale, fair, medium olive, brown, dark brown, ebony, chocolate. Everyone from Asians, Hispanics, Caucasians, Native Hawaiians, African Americans, Indians, Pacific Islander, Women, Men…Everyone needs to be represented and marketed to in the industry. We all have money to spend. Give us a reason to.

Let’s continue to destroy the standards of beauty. Join the movement on @loveyourshade. #LoveYourShade [wpvideo cCwuVho2]

Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Blush Fragrance

Dear Mr. Marc Jacobs, I'm writing this open letter to you because I am really going to need you to stop creating these gorgeous fragrances that I have to add to my collection simply because of how cute the bottle is!

This is a shot of the new and rumored Daisy Dream fragrance in Blush that is supposed to launch in February.* There is also news floating around of two other new fragrances called Daisy Blush and Daisy Eau So Fresh Blush! I'll keep you updated on any new news once I receive it!

*Date subject to change.

Enchanted Polish Neptune

This year, I recently fell in love with an Independent Nail Polish brand - Enchanted Polish. You guys have seen me posting massive pictures of my manicures on Instagram so I figured it was time to start showing them off in their full glory on the blog. Last month, Enchanted Polish and iparallaxe collaborated on a beautiful new blue/green duochrome holographic nail polish. There is no easy way to describe it so check out the video:

[embed]https://youtu.be/096_gaL866c[/embed]

Look at how the it literally changes colors every time the sun hits it. I think out of all of the colors that I received this year, this one definitely tops them all.

Ricky's NYC is Now On Gilt City - Get An Insane Deal on OCC, LA Girl Cosmetics, Morphe, Coloured Raine and More!

Just when we thought the beauty deals were over Ricky's NYC decides to smack us in the face with one! Ricky's has just launched an amazing deal on Gilt City today which will give you an incredible discount that you can use in-store or online.

So basically you can choose an online OR in-store credit on Gilt City that will get you either a $50 credit for $30, or a $100 credit for $60. That means that when you go to Ricky's NYC to purchase $50 worth of products, you'll only actually be paying pay $30, or when you buy $100 worth of products, you'll only be paying $60 since you have this credit. Make sense right? The credit will expire on 3/9/16 so you have plenty of time to shop for the holidays or Valentine's Day.

Now why is this a big deal? Well Ricky's is notorious for carrying the most popular beauty brands. You can pick up some of your favorite items from Morphe, Sugarpill, Violet Voss, Coloured Raine, NYX, LA Girl Cosmetics and much more. Let me know what you get! I already checked out for the $100 one.

Jets vs Giants - Full Highlights

Jet up ✈️ - Gang Green has officially defeated Big Blue and it's about time! The Jets haven't defeated the Giants in the regular season since 1993. Go ahead. Think about what you were doing in 1993, I'll wait... I don't know about you but I was 7 years old and probably just coming home to curl up in front of the television to watch Power Rangers and obsess over the Green Ranger. Did that make you feel old? Yeah it's been that long.

Jets vs Giants - It's Game Day Baby!

  It’s the Battle for New York! Today's the day the the Jets meet the Giants at MetLife Stadium! Yes, they do meet every third game of the preseason but you'll only find them on the field together once every four years during the regular season. 

   Keep an eye out on my social channels because I'll be live tweeting, posting and selfies galore all throughout the day!