Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Infrared Matte and Jam On It – Swatches, Review and Photos On A Woman of Color

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img_5478-ccc Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick is a range of cream lipsticks with a blend of intense pigments and luxurious emollients that saturate the lips with brilliant color that looks amazing and feels feather-light. It's been so long since I've actually purchased a regular lipstick (a non-liquid lipstick) that it honestly felt weird shopping around for these when looking for something else to review from Smashbox.

When researching the formula, I was intrigued by this line because of its formulation. It has a moisturizing satin-smooth formula that is designed to soften and protect your lips with shea butter and vitamins C and and it is formulated without parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, phthalates, silicone & talc. They cost for $21.00 for 0.10 oz. of product and are available in two finishes - Satin and Matte. Here are two mattes to take a look at - Infrared Matte and Jam On It.

img_5479-ccc img_5480-named Above photo taken with flash & in LED lights.

img_5484-named Above photo taken with no flash & in LED lights.  img_5513-copyy

So even though these are from the matte line, it didn't dry down to a complete matte. They definitely hold true to the moisturizing and creamy light weight feel on the lips. As comfortable as they are, they don't fully set so the color does wipe off and you're going to have to reapply throughout the day. As for the pigmentation, I did have to build these up on my lips to get a full color payoff. I don't mind so much but since these do wipe off easily (when eating or drinking), keep that in mind if you decide to purchase. I recommend pairing them with a lipliner to make them stick a bit more.

xoxo1

OPV Lashes Liquid Lipsticks in Shine, Sun Burst, Rum Shake and F.A.M.E – Swatches, Review, & Photos

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OPV Lashes Liquid Lipsticks ($9.87 US)

Shine Sun Burst Rum Shake F.A.M.E 

I applied these with one to two coats to build the color for the photos. I definitely recommend exfoliating your lips before wearing these - especially if you're wearing it for an extended period of time.

-PR Sample-

xoxo1

Michael Kors Collection Spring 2017 Ready-to-Wear Collection Re-See Recap

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Only Michael Kors could make me want to go home, walk to my closet, grab everything in it and immediately start packing it away to start fresh. Even as I'm typing this, I'm side eyeing my closet and fighting the urge clear it out to make room for nautical and floral explosion that is the Michael Kors Collection Spring 2017 Ready-to-Wear Collection. I attended the Re-See event on Wednesday at his studios on 42nd street to get a closer look at the collection.

You can see all the looks from their NYFW runway show here. And in keeping with our follow-me-to-fashion-week, I decided to dip into the fragrance collection to showcase (and giveaway) Glam Jasmine - an eau de parfum that focuses on a bouquet explosion of its namesake flower; Egyptian jasmine, jasmine sambac and jasmine petals. It's a warm and sexy fragrance with sparkling citrus notes and woody cedar mixed with black currant, jasmine, sandalwood,white flowers and cassis.

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Blog giveaway (One winner) To enter this giveaway, simply follow/subscribe to this blog and leave a comment on this post telling me which piece from this collection is your favorite. Scroll down to find my subscription box or look to the to right of your screen to follow/subscribe. *Please note – Don’t worry if you don’t see your comment right away. I have to approve most of them :-)*

Contest ends Wednesday, September 21st, 2016 at 11:59pm EST. I will choose one subscriber at random from those who commented on this post within 48 hours of the contest end date.

No giveaway/spam accounts. Open internationally; 18+ to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Good luck to all!

Here's To a Happy New Year - 2015!

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Normally, I try to avoid doing this when a new year rolls around but I figured this year would be the one and only exception.

For the past few years, I've been going through this transition with myself physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially (have I used every -ly word that I can to describe this change?). What I'm trying to say is that it took me a long time to find myself and basically what really made me happy as a person. Just me. Not anybody else. Not my boyfriend, not my parents, not my family, not my friends, not my boss. Just me.

While I'm sure I haven't fully figured that out 100% yet and I'm still trying to find a balance for myself in the real world, I am excited about the progress that I've made so far and everything that I have planned for myself, my career and for you all!

So with that said, here's looking at 2015!

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xoxo1

Complete The Look! Splurge vs Save!

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Happy Monday Loves!

As I spend time winding down and preparing for the end of 2014, I can't help but think about some of the things that I want to leave in 2014 and all of the joy that I want to bring with me into the New Year.

For one, I know I'm going to start economizing my wardrobe. Now hear me out. All too often we, yes, we fashionistas, get too caught up in name brands and labels that we end up breaking our budget on clothes, makeup and accessories. Don't get me wrong, I am a sucker for all things Christian Louboutin and every once in a while a girl has got to spoil herself but where do we learn to draw the line.

Sometimes I wonder why we get so caught up in labels? Is it the luxury of the item? Does spending $2,000 on a clutch really make an outfit look better than it does with a $40 clutch?

So because of this I'm coming to you guys and I want to know how would you complete this look. Would you splurge or would you save?

(Splurge) On the right side we have a pair of Jimmy Choo Anouk Leather Pumps, a Jimmy Choo Ava Leather and Snakeskin clutch and Jimmy Choo bangels. In order to complete this classic pencil skirt look with these 3 accessories, you would have to spend up to $2,000.

vs.

(Save) On the left we have a pair of Steven by Steve Madden Newbee Purple Pumps, a Steve Madden Zaharra Clutch and a Steve Madden two tone bangle set. In order to complete this classic pencil skirt look with these 3 accessories, you would have to spend up to $200.

The same outfit. Two different price points. How would you complete the look?

Let me know below!

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xoxo1

Obsessed: From Heels To Flats!

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It's back to the Monday morning grind! I can't believe how quickly these weekends are flying by.

If you're lucky enough to have time off and you're finishing up some holiday shopping, here is some inspiration for you to style your next "going-to-do-errands" look. It's fashionable and functional (and look ma', no heels)! :-)

Details are listed below!

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Outfit Details

Sweater: Vila Simple Knitted Cardigan Top: American Vintage Basic Tank Top Pants: Hudson Muse Grey Turn-Up Skinny Jeans Necklace: JustFab Shine Line Boots: JustFab Fuzzy Sunglasses: Victoria Beckham Earrings: Tiny Bow Studs Belt: Berge Crystal Belt

xoxo1

*Post contains affiliate links*

Shoedazzle + Barbie Giveaway Winner(s)

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Congratulations to the grand prize winner of the Shoedazzle + Barbie giveaway - Instagram follower @Smizod! You have just won a $50 Forever21 giftcard, a $39.95 credit to Shoedazzle.com and a MAC Cosmetics Pleasurebomb lipstick. It's the perfect prize pack to style yourself as the Barbie girl!

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I also decided to give away two $5 Amazon.com giftcards to followers Roxanne Oudie and Melissa Shoelover just for participating so congratulations as well ladies!

Don't forget to stay tuned to my social platforms for more updates!

xoxo1

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Shoedazzle + Barbie Giveaway Ends Tonight!

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Tonight's the night! Don't forget to enter my giveaway for your chance to win a $50 giftcard to Forever21, a $39.95 credit to Shoedazzle and one Riri Hearts MAC Pleasurebomb lipstick!

These prizes were specifically chosen so you can style yourself to be a Barbie girl! So here’s how this giveaway will work…

Rules: 1. Follow me on Instagram @Candycoatedclosets [Mandatory] 2. Repost the above giveaway picture and use the hashtag #SDSocialiteCCCNYFW – [Mandatory] One entry 3. Create an outfit – [Optional] One entry – You can use Polyvore or whatever other program you like. Make sure you use the hashtag #SDSocialiteCCCNYFW so that I can see it. Of course, I’d love to see an outfit with any Shoedazzle shoes! 4. You can earn two entries once a day until the close of the contest. Meaning you can enter everyday – once by reposting the giveaway photo and again by posting your styled outfit. Again, use #SDSocialiteCCCNYFW so that I can see your entries. 5. Your profile must be set to public. I can’t stress this enough. If your profile is set to private, then I can’t see your entries and well you can’t win! 6. Open to the United States and Internationally. 7. Participants must be 18 or older. 8. If you’re entering you must have an account at Shoedazzle so that I can order your credit. If you don’t, then you can choose one item for $39.95 and I will have it shipped to you. 9. Contest ends Monday, September 15th at 7:00pm EST. At that time I will verify entries and a winner will be chosen randomly. 10. Have fun, stay stylish and remember to dream big!

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xoxo1

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Lost Your Inspiration?

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Lately, I've been feeling a bit torn on which direction I should take when it comes to my career in publishing and media. Should I focus more on the writing and editing aspect of the industry or should I channel my efforts into the creative side of styling and photography?

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"Life's full of tough choices, ain't it?" - Yes, I mock myself in Disney character voices!

Anyway, until I figure my next move out, I'm doing what any working, fashion conscious, soon-to-be 28 year old would do....spend money! :-) At least this time it's money that is being well spent on research.

xoxo1

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Red, White, & Chic - Fashion & Style

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Now that I'm winding down from the weekend, I seriously think every holiday should fall on a Friday! It was so nice not having to worry about going to work the next day. I was also able to take advantage of some of these holiday sales and you know that made this weekend so much better!

Since I've been trying to sort through my closet and add new pieces to pull my outfits together, I put together a few looks inspired by the holiday!

So here's some of my favorites: 

justfab independence day 1

 I absolutely love this look for a fun date night on the town. It's sexy but simple enough so that you can still feel comfortable if it's a hot day out.

Look Details: Shoes: JustFab Paean Bag: JustFab Walk The Line Dress: JustFab Samantha Ruffle Dress Lipstick: Rihanna MAC Viva Glam `

justfab red white and chic day 2

This look would be great for a fun movie night! Crop tops, high heels and a color block bag is definitely going to make you stand out!

Look Details: Shoes: JustFab Mondrian Bag: JustFab Skyla Top: Torn by Ronny Kobo Off The Shoulder Crop Top Pants: Animal Jacquard Jeans by Poem

justfab red white and chic independence day 3

Now this look is everything to me! I love how dainty everything looks when it's pulled together with the right accessories. It's perfect for a weekend full of fun! Look Details: Shoes: JustFab Ryssa Shorts: Forever New Eva belted short Top: Crossback Top Lipstick: Yves Saint Laurent Watch: Michael Kors Dylan Watch Earrings: 925 Rose Gold Perfume: Marc Jacobs Daisy

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Email me if you need any help looking for the perfect look!

xoxo1

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Let the posts resume!

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-Door knocking- Oh hello opportunity! It’s nice to meet you.

Ok I know that was kind of cheesy but that one line pretty much explains the reason for my absence. I told you all that I had to take a little break from my writing duties, reviews and posting pictures because I had to adjust to a few new things happening in my life.

Of course one can never fully adjust and I’m realizing there just isn’t enough time in the day to do everything that I need to do along with the things that I want to do (and sleep right?) but I’m figuring it all out day by day.

With all of that said, I’m slowly getting back into the swing of things, so it’s time to catch you all up on the pretty little things happening in Candy Coated Closets! Yes, my shoe pictures may have dwindled but that didn’t mean I would stop shopping! I mean, honestly!

Make sure you’re following me on Instagram @Candycoatedclosets Since I’m on the go so much now, I’ll be able to engage and interact with a lot more of you on there!

xoxo1

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House Party - Keurig Rivo

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Last month, I became a member of House Party. House Party is a company that partners up with your favorite household brands to offer its members and their friends exclusive access to products. How it works is a member applies to host any house party that you would like - food, entertainment, household products, games and more - and if you are selected, House Party and the brand will send you a party pack that contains various items in order to help you host a fun party to share those products with your friends and family.

For my first party, I was one of 1,000 applicants selected to test out the new Keurig Rivo machine. Two weeks after the selection, I received a shipment from Keurig containing two brand new Rivo machines and a shipment from House Party with cups, napkins, coupons, cookies, recipes and instructions on how to host a fabulous party.

Once I received everything, I sent out invitations to my Cafe Party and immediately began posting pictures of the products on my social media platforms in order to generate some excitement...and what better way is there to do that except for a giveaway? That's right, like I mentioned earlier, Keurig sent all of their party hosts two Rivo machines - one for the host to keep and the other to be given away as a gift.

Saturday, April 26th - The day of the party arrived and much like every other host around the world, I was busy setting up my home with the products and fun games that I created in order to celebrate. Once all of my guests arrived, I made each of them my signature Candy Coated Closets Cappuccino which consisted of a Classico Lavazza Espresso brew with vanilla syrup topped with whip cream, a cinnamon stick and cinnamon dashed on the top. I am an amateur barista but it was a breeze to make this drink with the Rivo machine. Honestly, by the end of the night, I couldn't believe how much I have been missing out on by not having my own Keurig machine in my home.

Overall, my guests and I had so much fun playing games and mixing drinks for one another that I couldn't stop laughing. House Party and Keurig really hit it out of the park with this collaboration. Check out my product photos below and if you want a 40% off code to order your very own Rivo machine, contact me!

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xoxo1

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Ladies' Home Journal Folds It's Pages

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Yesterday, Ladies' Home Journal announced that it would be folding up it's monthly service magazine and converting LHJ into a quarterly, newsstand-only publication. Its owner, the Meredith Corporation, announced that the July 2014 issue will be the last published issue to be sent out to subscribers.

The news comes shockingly to subscribers as it has been published as a monthly for over 130 years. However, Ad Age does report that the website will continue to publish.

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How do you feel about this? Does it make that much of a difference given the fact that much of the world has already moved into the digital era?

xoxo1

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The photo above is not my own. It was found during a google search for Ladies' Home Journal.

Nature's Beauty

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Women of the world, please remember to take a moment to enjoy the little moments in life. The moments that you don't need a full face of make-up or a couture outfit in order to feel like a queen.IMG_20140425_084902Happy Friday loves!

xoxo1

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