Sunday, August 30, 2009

Loreal Voluminous Eyeliner.



Have you noticed the increasing number of makeup products that seem to be based on the concept of sharpie markers?
I've always found them intriguing, after all, I pretty much mastered the art of using markers back in preschool, It would stand to reason that I would be a makeup dynamo if I could use them on my face.
So for the last few days I've been testing out my latest "marker makeup" Voluminous Traceur Yeux by Loreal Paris.
The flow of the liner is very nice. Avy and I were discussing pen eyeliners recently, and her concern was that the liner dries up and it makes your line all spotty and wack. No issue with that here.
My only concern so far, is that it's difficult to get that winged effect at the outer corners of your eyes with this product. I've ended up using it the way I would use a pencil eyeliner, when I expected to be using it to create the shape I would with a liquid eyeliner.
I still feel I may be able to get the knack of this in time, and even if I can't, its still excellent for its staying power.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Cargo Reverse Lip Liner



I don't wear lip liner because I dislike when the lipstick/gloss wears away and you're left with ring around the mouth. But liner can lend itself very nicely to accentuating the shape of your lips and keeping your lip color in order. This is a nice idea, but I would imagine that you could achieve something similar with a concealer. In fact this product can also be used around your eye, so it probably is just a concealer in pencil form.

I'M BACCCKKK :)

Hey Guys,

I'm home. I missed you all. My trip to Cancun was amazing. The food was scrumptious, the drinks were delightful, the party life was fair, and the ocean was as blue as can be. Needless to say that with all of these elements combined my vacation was Grand.

I stayed at Riu Caribe which is an all inclusive hotel and it was a pleasant stay. The staff was always accommodating and the location was close in proximity to the night life, restaurants, and shopping area. The sun, was no joke. I applied lots of sunscreen lotion and I still got burned. I am coping with my burns as we speak.

Here is a pic of how I looked when I got off of the plane:

Now, here is a pic of how I looked when I was boarding to come back home:

Click on all the pics for full effect.
Since we are always doing "Style Files" on people that are in the public eye, I have decided to do a "Panache Profile" on myself. It is going to be focused on easy pieces that can be worn while on vacation.

So I usually pack a boat load of clothing when I go away because I hate to not have options. This time I traveled with one small suitcase and a small duffel carry on. My boyfriend was stunned when he realized that that was all I was carrying:) We spent 5 days in total and I took about 10 outfits. I racked up on shorts,I also took about 3 dresses along with a few T-shirts. I brought two pairs of heels and about 5 pairs of flats and 1 pair of water shoes. I find that when going away your accessories should really be your statement piece. You can jazz up any outfit with an accessory. Also, I have a thing for cover ups and hats. That's pretty much what I wore. You should figure out the part of your body that you love the most and feel is the most sexy then buy things that will flaunt it. I personally love my legs, so I flaunted them.
Here are a few pics of my outfits:


Here are a few of the bathing suit choices that I picked. When selecting bathing suits, I personally go for colors that go well with my skin tone. I also look for a snug fit and for materials that are clingy and won't sag when you hit the water. Saggy bottoms are definitely not a good look.




All of my clothing pieces were relatively inexpensive and affordable. My best accessory besides my sombrero was My Snookums. When in doubt bring a handsome one along, he will surely complete your outfit:)

If you have any questions, let me know. Smooches.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Remede Double Oxygenating Booster


Everyone listen up! I am about to put you on to one of the few products that I consider truly remarkable, and I have found nothing that comes even close to replicating its benefits.
This will kill a zit. I'm talking massacre! It especially works well as a spot treatment on the major "under the skin" ones. For some reason I haven't seen it do much for me as part of an all over skin treatment, but if you feel one of those bad suckers coming on, this will kick its ass!
One of the best things about it, is that it doesn't dry out and chap your skin the way other acne products do. It actually feels very moisturizing. At $98.00 for less than 2 ounces it is not cheap, but it will do the job and sometimes that's worth it.
If you're unsure go get a sample from Sephora. If they tell you they don't have samples, tell them to make you one. They can do that, they're just frickin lazy sometimes.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Philosophy Purity


A few weeks back Avyanka posted something that made me question the way I care for my skin. She said that it is important to completely remove all makeup and dirt from the skin prior to using any facial scrubs, otherwise you will only be grinding the makeup/dirt further into your skin. I, like many others made the mistake of assuming that a scrub is as a good as a soap, and would do the same job.
I've never had any major skin problems, but that doesn't mean that improvement is impossible. So I have been considering an overhaul of my skincare regimen, and purchasing this is first on my list.
Check out the product breakdown:

purity made simple
one-step facial cleanser
purity made simple is a liquid crystal cleansing emulsion that removes makeup, dirt, oil and debris in one step. purity made simple was created because it was our feeling that most cleansers were not getting the skin clean enough. furthermore, we do not believe you need a makeup remover and a toner to complete the cleansing process. purity made simple was formulated to emulsify and dissolve dirt, embedded debris, and makeup rather than creating a lot of foam without a lot of clean.


you need this product if...

you've tried a lot of cleansers but never found one you loved
you crave deeply cleansed skin
you want a cleanser that will multi-task for you
you wear a lot of makeup
your skin is congested

Concealer Combos



Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit



Laura Mercier Undercover Pot

I'm really feeling these makeup trios/combos lately. I totally appreciate the extra beauty boost that makeup gives, but I am by no means an expert. So anything that is already put together for me and comes with a game plan attached sounds great, especcially when they come in one cute and easy package. The two above have garnered great reviews, and on my next trip to Sephora I will be purchasing whichever one has the better color match for my complexion.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Blo And Go.



Let's not get nasty about the name of the product, ok? I can hear you giggling.
Really this looks like it could have potential. Sometimes you need to get the heat right up on your scalp, and the angles might be kind of difficult to master, but other than that it could be a huge help. It's pretty cheap too.
BLO HERE

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Take It Back To JHS!


St. Ives Apricot Scrub is still an old favorite of mine. I like the version with salicylic acid to clear blemishes.
I don't ordinarily like salicylic acid for skin issues. I feel it doesn't work well, or at least not quickly enough. I wouldn't use this for getting rid of a zit, its more of a prevention tool. The best thing about it in my opinion is not only is it a good product, but it's so cheap and accessible. You can find it at any drugstore, and if you buy it in the jar, you get enough so that you can use it as a body scrub! It's probably around $5.00, that's maybe a quarter of the price I would pay for a body scrub somewhere like Sephora. It's a definite bathroom necessity.

Rimmel Light Beam.


A few days ago I was introduced to a young lady, and it took about 5 minutes for her to open her cosmetics bag, and introduce me to her lip gloss. I don't even remember her name (sorry, I'm bad with that stuff.) but I remember that gloss!

It was one of those new light up tube with built in mirror situations. I'd read about them for the last year or so, but I must admit seeing it in person was cooler than expected. But let's be real, who am I, f@cking inspector gadget? This is so unnecessary, but I'm a jerk so I must have one!
The one she was using was Light Beam by Rimmel. But please take note of the top picture, don't they all really look like they'll go on clear? I hate that about lip glosses!

Finally! A mini Vacation :)

Hello my dear friends,

Sorry you haven't heard much from me lately, but I've been gearing up for my upcoming trip. This time tomorrow I will be basking in the sun on the white sandy beaches of Mexico and getting some well deserved R&R while watching the beautiful sunsets. A vacation well overdue if I may say so myself.


Stay tuned for an update on how my week went and a review of the hotel along with the festivities that I will surely part take in. As always Avyanka and Kamilah will be sure to keep you entertained and in the know.

Talk to you soon.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Thumbs Down!

We're about 3 weeks into this blog, and I've just realized that we haven't done a single negative post!
I guess this is kind of good...I mean, who would want to read lists of things they shouldn't buy? But on the other hand, some warning is nice when you're considering spending your hard earned money on a product that may be complete crap.
So, here are a couple products I've bought recently that I would never recommend to a friend.

Redken All Soft

Not soft AT ALL. Like the kind of dry and tangled that even your fave conditioner can't smooth. I had heard good things about the scent too...Puh-leaze, smells like a whole lot of nothing.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Hairspray

Sticky, crunchy, everything you don't want your hairspray to be. Do not buy.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

You Tryin' To Get Your Phone Bill Paid Or What?


I'm Joking! Don't be mad at me. If you're looking for an interesting way to lose pounds, or tone up, consider Sheila Kelley's infamous S Factor classes. To be blunt, the S Factor is based on stripping techniques. It takes strength and balance to hold yourself up on that pole! lol!


The classes range from basics moves and dance routines, to pole work, and even lap dance techniques! Get fit and get sexy! Bring a friend, but try not to giggle to much, I know my friends and I can be immature enough to potentially get kicked out of the class within 20 minutes, but I'm sure you're better than that.


Sfactor.com has all the necessary info to find the class location nearest you. An intro class is $40.00, or you can sign up for a series of 8 classes for $ 480.00. Or you could just buy the DVD for $35.00 and take your chances at home.


I'll say this about exercise though, you NEED cardio to lose weight. If that is your goal, this class or one like it will not help you to achieve weight loss by itself. Hop on an elliptical for at least 30 minutes 3 times a week, eat less food, AND take a fun class like this to help tone and sculpt your physique.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Have Hotel, Will Travel.


I've never used Priceline to make any travel arrangements, but I have heard of friends getting great deals by using them, and their bidding process is intriguing. Who wouldn't want to name their own price?
So, for those of you who do use Priceline, or may want to try it out for the first time, I came across this bidding strategy which may help you get the lowest possible price. Good Luck.
How To Game Priceline For Cheap Hotels

I Love Dr. Bronners!

I just read Alicia's Top Notch Cleansing Post and I had to co-sign.
I've got some Dr. Bronners sitting in my bathroom right now. There is nothing better to shower with on a hot summer day! The mintiness is so cooling and refreshing. As a matter of fact, I recently showered with some Dr. Bronners and then moisturized with the Bliss Minty Moisture Milk, that I had posted about a while ago. I just figured they would go together nicely as an all mint combo. I was FREEZING for like 30 minutes! There were minty icicles in my soul!
2 good products, please be careful using them in conjunction. LOL!

Top Notch Cleansing


Like Kamilah, I am also a lover of natural products. Dial soap is among my favorites for hand washing. I have yet to try it as a body wash, however, after the review given by Kamiah it is currently on my “to do” list; right along with Avy’s Ultimate Vibrator suggestion:)

My favorite product for washing and sanitizing my body is “Dr. Bronners Pure Castle Peppermint Soap.” This liquid soap packs more uses per ounce than anything else out there. You literally only need a few drops to lather up and handle your business. It is simply exquisite; it’s made with organic oils, and all-natural ingredients. Whenever I use this product I feel instantly cleansed. It leaves me dirt free, and spotless. My skin feels clean, sparkling and fresh. Some of the other scents offered are lavender, eucalyptus, and almond. I usually purchase this soap from my neighborhood/local organic store, but it has come to my attention that Target has added it to its array of cleansing products.

If my testimonial doesn’t move you to try this product, you should also know that this soap can be used for shaving, as a shampoo, and dental mouthwash. How many soap’s do you know of that are able to provide all of the above? Yeah, that’s what I thought. NONE! If perhaps you do know of one… please enlighten me.

Let me know what you think.