March Favourites

I decided to share a few of my favourite products that I have been using in the month of March, these are products that I find myself reaching for the most...

1. Mint & Neon Polishes

I am obsessed with nail polishes and I find myself racking up quiet a collection.   However, these two polishes are my March favourites. The mint green is prefect for this spring and I love my neon pink polish, its so bright and vibrant, plus I get tons of compliments when I wear it ;).

2. NIVEA Visage Extra gentle Eye Make-Up Remover

Best eye make-up remover I've used to date. It simply gets the job done! It's super gentle on my eyes and the best part is that its oil free ( I HATE oil based make-up removers).

3.  The Body Shop - Blue Corn 3-in-1 Deep Cleansing Mask

I use this twice per week when I want to give my skin a deep clean. It cleanses, exfoliates and purifies. I also love it because it mattifies my face. I have slightly oily skin, so that's a plus.

4. MAC Constructivist Paint Pot

This is my go-to product whenever I want a neutral eye look. Whenever I am in the mood to wear make-up to class this is what I reach for.

5. Estee Lauder Double Wear Mascara

I love the formula for this mascara, and it makes my lashes so much longer. I love it so much that I had to go back and get another one!

6. Inter Sense Auto Lipliner Pencil

These liners are really pigmented, and they glide on your lips so smoothly. Also, with a lip balm base these can be worn on their own. I picked up three colours, but I am definitely going back for some other colours.

Those are my March favourites, please share yours?

Have a great day

Shannon

Leopard Wine OOTD

Hey guys just a quick OOTD post for ya!!

                    

If you're a little unsure about wearing this season's super bright coloured pants, opt for a darker colour like I did. I paired these wine coloured denim pants with this tie front leopard print top and a comfy pair of flat sandals.  Fashion is what you make it, so have fun with it!!

p.s sorry for the unhappy face, I was a little under the weather.

Hope you like

Debbie

PSA: Beautiful Earth Natural Hair Haven

Hello Ladies!!

What will you be doing this weekend? Well I have a suggestion for you. I was doing some browsing over the internet and I happened to come across a really cool event that will be taking place this Saturday, March 31, 2012 and it's called The Beautiful Earth Natural Hair Haven Fashion & Mingle. Take a look at the event details below...

Beautiful Hair Haven, is actually a salon that specializes in natural hair care and styling, so whether you have locks, a TWA (Teeny Weenie Afro),  or you just need a fly hair-do check 'em out!! They also manufacture their own line of natural hair care and skincare products so no harsh chemicals, dyes, parabens and all those other things that may not be good for you are included in their products. Take a look at their website here for more info.

So even if you don't have natural hair, there will be jewelry, head pieces, and of course natural Beautiful Hair Haven skin and hair care products for you to indulge in.

Unfortunately I won't be going, but if any of you do end up going please let us know how it went!!

Until my next post friends
Debbie

Red Hot Part Deux

As a follow up to Shannon's Red Hot post, I wanted to show you guys a couple of options if you're on the hunt for that perfect red lipstick...I ran through my makeup collection and I've found a couple shades of red to show you guys. Red lipsticks can either be blue based (they make your teeth look whiter) or yellow/orange based (the lipstick has a 'orangey' or brown undertone); they recommend that yellow/orange based reds are more flattering on darker complexioned women and blue based reds are suitable for fairer skin tones; but I say screw the rules wear what you like!!! I would suggest that you should try on the red lip when you have on a full face of make-up; trust me, it's a lot less shocking then. My favourite of the bunch is actually MAC's Russian Red (a blue based red).

When wearing a red lipstick, I recommend that you use a red lip pencil so that the colour stays vibrant and doesn't bleed outside of the lips, you can even wear the lip pencil on its own, just make sure you moisturize your lips prior to applying it. NXY cosmetics makes different shades of red lip pencils that you can choose from.

If you're not a fan of lipsticks you can always opt for a red lip gloss instead. Here's a few in various shades and opacity. The first set are from sheer to medium opacity and the second set are much more full, opaque coverage.

And for the piece de resistance... the red lipsticks. There are tons of reds to choose from so you can either sport a bold glossy red or a deeper almost burgundy lip.

Whatever shade you choose, just make sure it doesn't get on your teeth... that's a big NO NO!! so check your teeth before you step out the house ok ladies ;)  TIP: Stick your finger between the centre of your lips and gently pull it out this will take off the excess lipstick that might get on your teeth.

Don't be afraid to take the leap and try out a bright red lip, you never know it might be a hit!!!

Hope this helps
See ya later
Debbie

Red Hot

One of the hottest make-up trends now is the sexy red lip. This is tricky to wear, and a lot of people tend to stay away from this look, myself included because it was a struggle for me to find the perfect red lipstick. However, once I found the shade of red that's right for me, I fell in love with the look. There is something that's just so classy and elegant about the look, especially when your hair is pulled back.

Lipstick - local HK brand (Borise)

I now believe that there is a perfect red lipstick out there for everyone! So go out, don't be afraid to try on different shades until you've found the one that's perfect for you. You can start off by trying cheaper drugstore ones, like I did, to figure out which shade of red suits you. Another tip is to keep your eye make-up and the rest of your face super simple, because remember, your lips are already making a loud statement. Good luck!

Eyeshadow - MAC Paint Pot (constructivist)

Enjoy!
Shannon

Indian Expo

Last Sunday I trekked on over to the Indian Expo after seeing an ad for the event on TV and in the newspaper. I was excited to attend the show since I was looking forward to purchasing some authentic Indian jewelry and beauty products.

Gleaner Ad Clip

The expo took place at the Girl Guide's Association, which is right next door to Devon House, it was free admission and there was ample parking, but the best thing about it was that the venue wasn't extremely packed, so you had room to move around and easily view what was on display. Here's a few pictures of the venue.

Venue Poster

Venue Entrance

On sale there was a variety of items from authentic Indian Sarees, gorgeous beaded tops, menswear, shoes, jewelry, home decor items, and furniture.

Now I was a bit disappointed because I was looking forward to seeing more hair care products such as Amla Oil and Indigo, but they did have small packets of Henna there, but I passed on it. The beaded tops would have worked great as a beach cover up, but they didn't have my size :( I however, took advantage of the sale on some bright beaded necklaces and bracelets which were 1 for JMD$400 and 3 for JMD$1000, keychains for JMD $100, incense, etc. In all I spent JMD $2000 at the event , take a look at what I purchased.

Intricate Cocktail Ring ($500)

Incense ($150 each) and Keychains ($100 each)

Beaded Necklaces (3 for $1000)

The expo will be heading to Mobay from March 30 - April 8, so if you're on that side of  the island, pass by and take a look.

Until next time friends
Debbie

Young Hollywood

Have you ever opened a magazine and saw these young post Disney Hollywood starlets, and said to yourself,  'damn, they make sloppy look hot!' Well I have, and I just love how their outfits always look so comfortable, casual, and easy; as if no effort at all was put into their outfit.

Because I love the look so much I decided to rock something similar today. There are some essential tips to achieving this look from head to toe:

1. Make sure your hair style is super casual and easy. I did a semi-messy bun for my look.
2. Minimal make-up; and of course, no celebrity look is complete without shades!
3. Your top should be really loose, comfortable or even over-sized if you wish.
4. Accessorize!!! this is one time where it is completely ok to layer on ALL your boho inspired pieces
5. Short shorts; preferable cut-offs, which are an island girl's must-have
6. Pair the look with sandals which can be found in any island girl's closet. But don't forget to make sure that your feet and toes are well pedicured; because cute sandals and messed up looking feet 'jus nuh mek it'.

Top: GAP ( which I stylized further, with my scissors :D )

Sunglasses: Ray Ban | Sandals: F21

Bag: Hong Kong Ladies' Market |  Shorts: Hollister

Bracelets: H&M, Bershka | Rings: Primark, Cotton-On | Belt: Bershka | Chain: Cotton-On

Take a look at the vid of the outfit

 

Have a great day

Shannon

10 Makeup Tips & Tricks

• Before sharpening your lip pencils or eyeliners pop them in the fridge for about 5 minutes, that way they'll harden up a bit and this will prevent the tip from breaking while sharpening.

• Store liquid foundations in the fridge, that way they'll last a little longer . I got this tip from someone on Youtube and I've been storing all my liquid foundations in the fridge ever since.

• Use a primer. They help to keep your face from looking like a greasy Dominoes pizza, and your eyeshadows from creasing. For a good face primer, I recommend Avon Magix Face Perfector or L'oreal Magic Perfecting Base; for an eye primer I recommend Urban Decay's Primer Potion.

  

• Has your cream eyeliner gotten a little bit dried out? Well revitalize it with a drop or two of baby oil... that definately does the trick for my L'oreal HIP and Maybelline Studio cream eyeliners.

• Always carry a packet of blot papers with you in your purse, I use the Sephora brand, but Clean and Clear makes really good ones. By removing excess oil from your face your makeup should look fresh. Just remember to press the blot paper unto your skin, do not rub your face with it.

• Sanitize your makeup by wiping off the surface of your lipsticks and powder products such as eyeshadows, blushes,etc with a facial tissue and sharpen your lip/eye pencils; then spritz them with 70% or higher isopropyl alcohol; that should take care of any nasty germs that might be lurking in your makeup.

  

• Never sleep in your makeup!! Before you dive into bed after a long  day or night of partying, use a baby wipe to remove your makeup; they're thick and cheaper than conventional makeup remover wipes and they'll leave your skin feeling super clean.

• Exfoliate dry cracked lips before applying your lipstick by doing one of the following: mix a little bit of brown sugar with some honey and olive oil and use that as your lip exfoliant or while brushing your teeth, use your toothbrush to exfoliate your lips.

• To make your eyebrows POP, fill them in with your eyebrow pencil then use a liquid or cream concealer to outline them and sharpen the edges that way they'll loo as though you just got them done. I like to use my NXY Concealer in a Jar and my Wet 'n' Wild eyebrow pencil.

• Wash your brushes!! If you don't have a lot of brushes, try spot cleaning them after every use by using some brush cleanser and rubbing them clean with a cloth or paper towel, but you should deep clean them at least once a week. I deep clean my brushes with antibacterial dishwashing liquid and then I follow up with conditioner just to keep my brushes soft.

Have a great day guys!!
Debbie

Avon Haul

Hey friends! well today I'm going to show you guys a couple of cosmetics that I ordered from my Avon lady here in JA. Now, being the makeup junkie that I am, I'm automatically attracted to all things makeup; now Avon is not a popular brand, but I figured I would give it a try just to test them out, so take a look at the pic to see what I got.

From left to right

Skin So Soft Facial Hair Removal Cream .... yea you read correctly ;)
True Color Eyeshadow Quad in Caribbean Sunset
Skin So Soft Shave Gel
Avon Magix Face Perfector
Ergonomic tweezers
Foot Works Pedi Peel Pads
Foot Works Paraffin Treatment Foot Mask
Brow Gel
Super Shock Liquid Lip Shine in Lilac Attack...very pretty colour
Perfect Eyebrow Pencil in dark brown
Glimmersticks Diamonds Eyeliner in Flashy Copper
Gel shoe cushions 2 pairs (not pictured)

Now everything came up to a whopping JMD$8500, I could slap myself for spending that much but as you know in JA everything costs 120% more than what it would in the States, but what can you do right? looking good is expensive in JA, but I know shipping, customs fees and the Avon Rep.'s markup contributed to the high cost; next time I'll wait until I travel.

If you guys need me to do an in depth review on anything or if you've already tried any other Avon products let us know!!

Until my next post.... see ya soon
Debbie

Maintaining Straight Styles

These are the two methods that I use to maintain my straight styles

Have a great day

Shannon

NYX Cosmetics: Lipsticks

This is another instalment of my NYX Cosmetics series, and as you can see from the title, I'm gonna show you guys all my NYX lipsticks. I have a couple from their Lip Smacking Fun Colors Line and only two from their Black Label lipsticks.

For me the lipsticks are a hit or miss, some are great and really pigmented and others highlight the ceases and crevices in your lips - not a good look; but they have a plethora of shades for you to choose from (you can check out the full range here), and most importantly they are pretty affordable. Now on to the swatches!!!


Black Label Lipsticks

Lip Smacking Fun Colors

I have several favourites, Blush and Thalia are a great wearable everyday nude/neutral pink shades; but if you're in the market for that 'Nicki Minaj' type pink lip Narcissus, Pink Lyric and Hot Pink are gorgeous pink shades that will look gorgeous on a variety of skintones. Electra and Haute Melon are great bright colours for the season.
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You can pick these lipsticks up at our local NYX Cosmetics distributor Significant Details located in the Pulse Shopping complex.

Hope you like the post and the lipsticks too!!
Take Care Everyone
Debbie