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

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.

 Above photo taken with flash & in LED lights.

 Above photo taken with no flash & in LED lights. 

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.

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

 

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-

Anastasia Beverly Hills Black Cherry Lip Gloss – Swatches, Photos, Video & Review

Anastasia Beverly Hills Black Cherry Lip Gloss is a creamy deep plum gloss that is designed to give your lips an intense pout. For $16, you get 4.5 grams of product which is almost 16oz. It's a very creamy formula that doesn't apply tacky or sticky but still leaves your lips with a super shine - a glass like finish. ou can wear it alone or pair it with a lipstick for an extra pop.

Here is a live look at me applying it.

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Cupid's bow highlight - OPV Highlighter in Glam-O-Rous $27.00

Versace Eros Pour Femme, Verssace Pour Homme & Michael Kors Glam Jasmine Fragrance Prize Pack (Twitter) Giveaway

Surprise! I told my twitter fam yesterday so they were already prepared for this! I have one full set fragrance set for one of you! The set includes:

Versace Eros Pour Femme

Versace Pour Homme

Michael Kors Glam Jasmine 

To enter, all you need to do is follow me on Twitter, RT my pinned tweet and you’re entered to win! Make sure you tag your friends so they can enter too. 18+ or older to participate. Open internationally.

See you there and remember – we have tons of giveaways across all of the social media platforms so check around!

Paco Rabanne Olympea and Invictus Fragrance Review & Twitter Giveaway

In light of the upcoming holidays, it might be time to help you start shopping around for gifts! So let's start with this giveaway for Paco Rabanne Olympea and Invictus Fragrance Review Twitter Giveaway.

Paco Rabanne Olympea is an eau de parfum that is based on the idea of a modern Greek goddess that evokes strength, dynamism and conquests. The bottle is shaped like a laurel crown and adorned with a jeweled cap. It is the female counterpart to the masculine Paco Rabanne Eau de Toilette Invictus, which was inspired by the athletic spirit, competition and victory.

To enter, all you need to do is follow me on Twitter, RT my pinned tweet and you’re entered to win! Make sure you tag a friend so they can enter too (I do have 2 sets and all). 18+ or older to participate. This is only open to U.S. residents (sorry babes).

See you there and remember – we have tons of giveaways across all of the social media platforms so check around!

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MAC Cosmetics is Releasing New Strobe Powders in Iridescent Highlighting Shades

Update 10.13.16 @ 2:22PM EST: We finally have swatches on a woman of color. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BLgyMY8D97f/[/embed]

Just when you thought you had enough highlighters...MAC Cosmetics goes ahead and releases a new set of iridescent strobe powders! Just look at these swatches that we've rounded up for you.

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[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BE8I6gTN94L/[/embed]

Had enough? No? Oh, okay.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BKlrwbhj39k/[/embed]

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BKwes28g0EW/[/embed]

Shades from left to right: Soft Frost, Beaming Blush, Double Gleam, and Show Gold.

These are scheduled to launch in November as part of their upcoming "In The Spotlight" Collection. It is being reported that there are 6 new strobe skin finishes being released that will all be permanent.

Stay tuned...we will keep you updated once we have the official press release and samples.

Colourpop Fall Edit 2016 Liquid Lipsticks Review, Swatches & Photos – Times Square, Viper, Love Bug, Wolfie

First, I'm shooting all of these photos (and possible video if I upload with the new camera so let me know what you guys think). When Colourpop Cosmetics launched their Fall Edit 1 collection, they included a promo to receive 4 free shade if you ordered over a certain amount: Times Square, Viper, Love Bug and Notion (swatched in this previous post). Of course, I received them all (yes, I shop too much) so here's a look at Times Square, Viper, Love Bug and Wolfie that I received in my last order.

• Times Square ($6) – Ultra Matte Lip
• Viper ($6) – Ultra Matte Lip
• Love Bug ($6) – Everyday is Valentine's Day when you wear this rich Terracota in an ultra matte Lip
• Wolfie ($6) – Leave ‘em howling in this rich rosy pink ultra glossy lip with a flash of gold on top in a Metallic finish

Here is a lip swatch of Viper for you. Let me know what other colors you guys want to see swatched on the lips. 

Viper topped with Wolfie

Here is a lip swatch of Love Bug. While it is a beautiful color, please remember that this is an Ultra Matte liquid lip and it is very drying! 

Also, check out my Instagram for quick video tutorials on how I created the look with Love Bug!

Bite Beauty The Perfect Bite Set - Holiday Lipstick Gift Set

Bite Beauty released The Perfect Bite Set - a holiday lipstick gift set that contains: 4 mini Amuse Bouche lipsticks each containing 0.05 oz/ 1.47 mL. I had the opportunity to play with these at the Sephora holiday preview last weekend.

From left to right: Pepper, Fig, Honeycomb & Nori This is a great gift set if you wanted to try out Bite's lipsticks without having to commit to a full sized tube and it will also make a good stocking stuffer or holiday grab bag gift.

Available: Online and in-store at Sephora.com. $25 ($59 value). This is limited edition.

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Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum Fragrance Review and Giveaway

Have you ever really listened to someone as they raved about their signature scent? I couldn't quite understand the enamor with finding one scent that truly captured everything about myself; one fragrance that captured that personality, my love, my bubbliness or my passion in a bottle? There was absolutely no way. But then, Yves Saint Laurent launched Black Opium and well...I found my holy grail fragrance.I was first introduced to this fragrance in October 2015 and it has taken over my life since then - seriously, I think I gave everyone this fragrance for the holidays and I probably will again this year with the re-release of it as Black Opium Wild (the same fragrance in a limited edition wild leopard print bottle).The NotesTop: Pink Pepper and Orange Blossom Heart: Pear, Jasmine and Rich Coffee Base: Sensual Vanilla, Patchouli, Cedar, Musk and Sandalwood

The Packaging Black Opium is packaged in a textured glass bottle and covered in glitter that sparkles when the light catches it. In the middle, sits a glass opening with the YSL logo and Black Opium signature. It was designed as a rock'n'roll interpretation (and flanker) to the classic 2010 Opium which is much more spicier.The Bottom Line This is a fragrance that is meant for floral and coffee lovers. Personally, I don't like to drink coffee but I love the aroma of it. Whenever I smell someone brewing it - especially the french vanilla flavored beans - I am in heaven and that's what Black Opium is to me.

Because of the mix of Vanilla, Patchouli, Cedar and Musk, it makes it a heavier fragrance which is perfect to take you through the Fall and Winter. Availability Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum is available in 1.0 oz, 1.6 oz and 3 oz bottles at Sephora, Ulta, Saks and Nordstrom from $68 - $115. But by now you guys should know that my favorites become your favorites. I'm going to be hooking 2 of you up with your own bottle of Black Orchid with a giveaway!

Blog giveaway (Two winners) To enter this giveaway, simply follow/subscribe to this blog and leave a comment on this post telling me why you need this fragrance in your collection (hey you can even tell me your favorite coffee flavor - I'm looking for new ones to smell :). 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 Monday, September 12^th, 2016 at 11:59pm EST. I will choose two subscribers at random from those who commented on this post within 48 hours of the contest end date. The Instagram winners will be chosen separately.

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

Instagram entry (Two winners) To enter this giveaway on Instagram, please head to over to this photo and follow the rules listed to enter.

Good luck everyone!

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The Anastasia Beverly Hills Master Palette by Mario Is Coming In October 2016

It's official. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Master palette by celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic is coming in October 2016. It is a limited edition eyeshadow palette that looks to be more neutral and cool-toned.

During his official announcement of the palette, Mario instagrammed his excitement and stated that “all of the shades are named after the most influential women and places in my life. These women and places have all been very significant in my life and career.” 

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ6TrNigpx7/?taken-by=makeupbymario[/embed]

The palette includes 12 shades and an eyeshadow brush. The shades are (finishes to be announced):

• Hollywood
• NYC
• Kim
• Muse
• Marina
• Claudia
• Lula
• Isabel
• Violeta
• 5th Ave
• Bronx
• Paris

It will retail for $45 (no pro discount available) and will be available online at Anastasia Beverly Hills on September 29th, October 4th online at Sephora, Ulta and Macy's and in-stores on October 15th. Again, it is limited edition. Here are additional swatches taken from Norvina's Instagram page.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ62pQ5DDQL/[/embed]

 Now that we're finally seeing the palette up close, are you interested in it?

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The New Tarteist Pro Custom Magnetic Palette - Limited Edition Wild Animal Print

Finally, Tarte Cosmetics has released their new Tarteist Pro Custom Magnetic Palette ($17). It's an empty, refillable magnetic palette that you can use to customize your makeup wardrobe (basically a Z-Palette customized with Tarte's style in a limited edition Wild Animal Print).

Here are a few photos of the inside so you can see the huge mirror. I also depoted 2 of the new metallic eyeshadows from Tarte. 

And here is a shot of Tarte filling the palette with their blushes, eyeshadows and kiss creams.

Would it be crazy of me to purchase a second one? What do you think of this customizable palette?

It is available now at tarte.com ($17).

Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish - Take Me to Thread Swatch and Wear Test

It's been a while since I did a #ManiMonday blog post and it was largely due to the fact that I haven't tried a new color or formula for my nails that I really wanted to share until now. A few weeks ago, I stopped by Walgreens to check in on the new arrivals for Fall and I stumbled upon Take Me to Thread from the Essie Gel Couture line.The Gel Couture line of nail polish is a fairly new two-step formula that promises to give you up to 14 days of luxurious wear - while maintaining the color and shine with an instant gel-like manicure that does not require a UV lamp. Naturally, I scoffed at that. I never get more than 2-3 days of non-chipped polish on my natural nails but then again I haven't used gel polish because I didn't want to use a UV lamp and weaken my natural nails or expose my skin to that type of light source directly.

Needless to say I was intrigued to test out Essie's new line and the colors looked beautiful in the store so why not?

First, you want to start off with a fresh set of nails. Remove any residue of previous nail polish or base - you do not need to use a base coat with this line. Next, you can apply the gel couture color that you like - however, before I apply anything to my nails, I make sure to moisturize my hands, nails and cuticles with Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream.This cream is instrumental to keeping my hands and nails healthy and strong (yes, before you ask, I am working on filming a guide on how to grow natural and healthy nails lol).

Next, I applied two coats of Take Me to Thread and allowed each coat to dry for about 3 minutes before applying another one. The final step - step 2 - is to seal in the color with the gel couture top coat for flawless gel-like shine.The brush is a bit wider and more tapered than the normal Essie polishes which allows for more coverage and an easier application. Now on to the point of this review; to see if the polish really stands up to its promise of a 14-day wear. So far, I've had this on for 3.5 days. I have done everything normal in my routine: thoroughly washed my hair, washed dishes, showered, cleaned, applied many many products to my natural hair, fussed around at work, styled some photoshoots - everything that I would normally do and nothing has chipped away.With Day 3, you can start to see some of the scratches starting to form from just the daily wear and tear but I am beyond impressed with the coverage from this two step system. I will come back and update you everyday up until day 14 so you can see the results but so far - it is a must have!

Overall: Don't the photos speak for themselves? There are 42 colors available and each gel couture polish and the top coat retails for $11.50. You can pick it up at Ricky's NYC, Ulta Beauty, Walgreens, CVS, Duane Reade or Essie.com. It might look a bit pricey at first, but think about the amount of wear you will get out of one manicure. #WorthIt

Urban Decay Announces the Release of An All-New Naked Palette and It's All Matte!

Once again, Urban Decay has the beauty community going crazy. This time it's over the news of their new Naked Ultimate Basics Matte Eyeshadow Palette.According to Urban Decay co-founder Wende Zomnir, this latest collection was prompted by popular demand - meaning the social media mavens have gotten their way!

This is the going to be the seventh palette in the Naked collection, but the first one to offer an all-matte series of shades. It will include 12 all-new matte-tastic shades, including one demi-matte shade that some can use for highlighting.

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The palette will be available on September 18th (ekk, my birthday!) so we have a little bit of time to save up for it.

What do you guys think? It's this a new must have for you? Let me know in the comments!

Tom Ford Black Orchid Fragrance Review + Surprise Giveaway

It's the scent that started it all. Tom Ford's Black Orchid debuted in 2006, making it the first fragrance from the designer.

It is a statement fragrance that is described as an oriental chypre - a rich and spicy woody fragrance. It has top notes of French jasmine, black truffle, black currant, ylang-ylang and effervescent citrus. The heart notes hold the spicy floral punch of Tom Ford's black orchid which lead to the woody base noes of dark chocolate, amber, vetiver, vanilla, balsam, patchouli and sandalwood.

As opposed to the brighter and more feminine Velvet Orchid, Black Orchid is a classically dark fragrance that basks itself in luxury. Honestly, it took me a long time to come around to Black Orchid because of its smoldering spicy notes. I tend to favor more fruity and floral notes - more on the sweeter side - and Black Orchid definitely took me on a new adventure with its earthy dry down so for me, this is more of my fall/winter scent because it is so deep.

As usual, the packaging is amazing and I hate that I can never do it justice in the photos. The fragrance is packaged in a fluted black glass bottle with a gold engraved metal plate and gold ribbon around the neck. And here's a fun fact for you - one of the colognes that Michael Jackson was known to love is our very own Black Orchid by Tom Ford.

It is available here in 1.0oz, 1.7oz and 3.4oz but just like with Velvet Orchid, I want to help one of you start (or finish) your Orchid collection with a giveaway!

Blog giveaway (Two winners) To enter this giveaway, simply follow/subscribe to this blog and leave a comment on this post telling me why you need this fragrance in your collection. 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 Monday, August 22^nd, 2016 at 11:59pm EST. I will choose two subscribers at random from those who commented on this post within 48 hours of the contest end date. The Instagram winner will be chosen separately.

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

Instagram entry (One winner) To enter this giveaway on Instagram, please head to over to this photo and follow the rules listed to enter.

Good luck everyone!

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