Freelance Kit Haul #1 & 2

Morning my loves,

Here is part 1 & 2 of a five part haul that I have which is surrounded around my freelance kit. These are a few palettes and items that I needed to really get back into my kit in order for me to start booking events and gigs in January.

PART I

First thing that I got this week was my new updated business cards that I ordered from VistaPrint.

Pretty excited about them as I love the design of the cards. I have them matte like I had before, but I think the next go round I'm going to do glossy cards. I think glossy cards look much more professional -- in my opinion.

Next, I got my three items in from Amazon last week. I only purchased three items because everything else was easy for me to purchase.

I included my business cards in this shot because they were delivered the same day. The three items I got are the following:

• Color Wheel
• Cinema Secrets Small Stainless Steel Palette
• Luscious Lashes Full False Eyelashes - 70 pack (7 styles of lashes, 10 each)

The Color Wheel was needed for me to do more with looks and pair shades and tones together for looks on models, brides and so forth. The Cinema Secrets Palette was purchased so that I could stop using the back of my hand to mix things -- it's more sanitary to use a stainless steel palette to do all mixing of products. Lastly, the lashes I got from Bundle Monster (seller name) and it's a 70 pack. Inside the box are 7 styles of lashes ranging from dramatic to natural and 10 pairs of each style which means these will last me a while!

PART II

Tutorial | Smoke In The Clouds

Afternoon my lovelies!

I've done it -- yet another tutorial for you all to enjoy. Today is like my only day off, besides Christmas, since I worked Monday-Thursday and work tomorrow...I figured on my days off I could bust out three-four videos and a few posts for you all to enjoy.

This tutorial is called Smoke in the Clouds primarily because the lavender eyeshadow is called In The Clouds and I created a smoky eye look -- corny isn't it lol.

Any who, the tutorial is below for you all to enjoy:

Another Nicki Minaj Lipstick ...

Hello my loves,

I just found out something quite interesting and I thought it would be nice to share it with you all. As majority of you should know, Mac has teamed up with Nicki Minaj, female rapper, to create two pink lipsticks. The first lipstick was Pink Friday back in 2010...

Pink Friday is a a creamy, medium pink with a noticeable blue undertone. It is pretty opaque on lips, and it almost has a chalky look, because it’s paler than it looks (Dupe: Wet n Wild Mega Last Lip Color in Dollhouse Pink).

Viva Glam Nicki came out earlier this year...

On Mac's website it's described as a yellow pink. It's a vibrant medium pink with subtle yellow undertones that give it a kiss of coral. It has a satin finish, which means it has a semi-matte finish; there’s a natural sheen but nothing glossy or shimmery. The color coverage is opaque, and it applies evenly (Dupe: Wet n Wild Mega Last Lip Color in Pinkerbell).

NOW, if that wasn't enough for her she has a lavender lipstick coming out. Here's the ad campaign for it:

As with the other two lipsticks, there is a lipglass to match it. This lipstick is going to be called Lavender Is The New Pink.

Now, keep in mind -- I'm somewhat a fan of music, but a major fan of her artistic/ creative skills. I've smelled her perfume and it smells "like" Viva La Juicy to me -- personally I don't like the fragrance at all cause it's just too childish for me...

Just saying...I'm not sure what day or month they will be releasing her new lipstick, but I'm sure it's going to be in 2013 (duh!!) LOL.

What are your thoughts on this new lipstick? What are your thoughts on her perfume?

Review | Lancome Visionnaire

Do you need something that will correct your unevenness? Fix your large pores? Diminish those wrinkles? If so, than today's review is specifically for you. I will be reviewing another essential item that I use in my skin care regimen...check out my previous review on the Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Serum.

Lancome Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector.

What is Visionnaire?

According to Lancome, the Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector is an anti aging skin treatment and is proven to be more resilient. It is specifically designed to propel inside the skin’s layers and prepares the skin for the repairing process. The product claims to remove every sign of wrinkles and reduce all the redness and puffiness from the eye within four weeks of use. The Lancome Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector is formulated with LR2412, a unique molecule that has been researched for twelve years. It suits any skin type and is non comedogenic and non acnegenic.

Pricing and Size?

Even though this product is amazing, I am not too fond of the pricing for it. I have two bottles of the 1.7 fl oz of Visionnaire. The pricing is as follows:

• 0.67 fl oz - $67
• 1 fl oz - $87
• 1.7 fl oz - $105
• 3.4 fl oz - $150

Can you say expensive as hell -- pricing doesn't match with the size, but besides the name the product itself is AMAZING!

How to use it?

Merry Christmas

Just wanted to come on here and say a few things to you all.

First off,

I truly hope you are all enjoying your Christmas and got everything your heart desired. I know I did!

Other things I wanted to mention include the following:

• Freelance kit haul (3 hauls and picture heavy)
• Freelance update
• BzzAgent unboxing & initial review
• Influenster unboxing & initial review
• New Years Eve makeup tutorial looks (hoping to create 4-5 looks)
• New Years Ever fashion ideas (2-3 looks)

and other things I can't remember at the moment.

But any who -- 

Enjoy your Christmas my loves!

Review | Lancome Génifique

Today's review is on a product that I've been loving for about two months now -- Lancome Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate Serum -- one of the best skincare serums I've ever come across! I have gotten the chance to use it both day and night and really see it work on me and see a difference.

I have a 1.7 fl oz bottle which is simply magnificent!

Now let's get into some basics before I share my thoughts on it...

What Lancome says:

Lancôme introduces Génifique - our serum that intensely hydrates and promotes skin's natural exfoliation, a characteristic of young skin. Result: Visibly younger skin in just 7 days. Skin looks as if lit from within – breathtaking radiant. Its youthful quality returns: cushiony soft and velvety to the touch. Drop by drop, skin is vibrant with youth, its tone becomes astonishingly even, its texture dramatically refined.

What is it? What does it do?

Lancome Génifique Youth Activating Serum is supposed to boost the activity of your genes so that the skin looks and feels younger. The 2 biotech active ingredients are Bio Lysat (stimulates gene's expression of the identified youth protein) and Phytosphingosine (re-establishes protein synthesis and promotes the development of higher quality and more beautiful skin). The main objective is to activate the youth genes in your skin and help it to work more like it use to at cell turn-over and making collagen. 

In short: it helps to illuminate your skin from the inside-out and makes your face feel smoother and look younger.

How to use it?

Do your morning and night time regimen as usual. Cleanse, exfoliate, mask and tone. Prior to moisturizing your skin, apply a pump full into your hands and massage it into your skin -- avoid the eye area. After massaging it in, pat around your face to ensure that it can truly do what it says. Afterwards, apply your eye cream and moisturizer as usual.

Price and sizing?

Beauty Blogazons | Weekly Round Up - 12/21

• Pinked Polish: Holographic Snowflakes on my nails? Why yes :) Stay festive without having to wear red and green. :)
• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Twilight Venom? Destany at Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom tries out this themed lip stain.
• TheFabZilla: TheFabZilla demonstrates how to get those perfect winged (cat) eyes using black eyeliner.
• Amber Did It!: You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch, but you look so cute on Amber's nails.
• Liesl Loves Pretty Things: Liesl loves lippies! Here she plays around with a couple festive Butter London Lippy shades.
• Never Gonna Give You Up: Kara's nails are inspired by a holiday movie.
• datyorkLOVES: datyorkLOVES Weekly filled with nail art, current events, challenges and more!
• Makeup Demon: Black eyes makeup - makeup idea for a party or as fashion makeup.
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: If you love a vampy lip, but prefer a more sheer version- then check out the Burberry Lip Mist in Blueberry- it's a favorite at Lola's Secret Beauty Blog!
• Just Skin, Bones, and Nails: Check out these awesome quirky and rustic Christmas nail designs.
• Love At First Site!: Vichy Dermablend Foundation. A review.
• Très Beau Glamour: Winter's near and it's time to really think about what's important and needed. Nay shares her favorite fashion winter essentials.
• Lacquer Buzz: This week's Monday Blues is festive! Check out these beautiful snowflakes!
• Beauty Professor: The Beauty Professor is always pressed for time...watch her "five minute face" video tutorial for a full face in a flash!
• SoFlaJo: In Remembrance - Nails for Newton.
• Lisa's Nail Obsession: Check out these layered dot flowers in pink and white.
• MakeUpMom123: Custom Candles for a Life Boost!
• Mama Fashionista: It's not too late to scoop up some of these awesome bath and body gifts (if you're willing to brave the last minute crowd)!
• Beauty by Miss L: Check out Miss L´s Christmas manicure.
• The Convenient Beauty: Cheating high cheekbones with Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Intensity 2.
• Emily Hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist: Quick and Easy DIY Styling Tips for Flawless Holiday Hair.
• Beyond Beauty Lounge: Easy Nail Art with Striping Tape .
• Rachel's Makeup and Skincare: Rachel shares the goodies she received in her December Glossybox and Winter USA Luxebox.

Check out these ladies! Amazing posts and awesome blogs.

Nay's Winter Essentials (Beauty)

Hello my loves!

Only two more days before the official first day of winter and I'm pretty excited -- I'm not sure why though! A few days ago I shared my fashion winter essentials, so it's only right to do my beauty winter essentials. Don't you think?

Beauty winter essentials are as following:

• EOS Lip Balms - best moisturizing lips balms I've ever had! More so fond of Sweet Mint because it gives me that minty tingling feeling.
• Pink Lipstick - Can never go wrong with a nice pink lipstick. Can be bold, muted, light -- however I'm feeling it always adds a bit of a girly chic look to my appearance. My favorites happen to be Milani in Rose Hip and Wet n Wild Mega Last Lip Color in Don't Blink Pink, Pinkerbell & Dollhouse Pink.
• Red Lipstick - Perfect for those nights out and the holidays. Loving Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Red Velvet and Wet n Wild Mega Last Lip Color in 910D & 911D.
• Deep Conditioner - To keep moisture in my hair as I transition I need to have Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioner on hand. It gives me moisture, shine and the protection I need from those cold days and nights. A leave-in conditioner is also a must.
• Moisturizer - A great moisturizer that won't dry my face out is a need for me. Currently obsessing over Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream Moisturizer for my skin. Makes my skin feel completely amazing.
• Eye Cream - An eye cream is a major must! Since the eyes are sensitive and they tend to get a little dryer on me I need an eye cream that can truly moisturize and firm the eye area.
• Plum/Purple Blush - Love purple and plum blushes. They really work well with my skin tone. Currently in love with Milani Baked Blush in Fantastico Mauve and Lancome Blush Subtil in Shimmer Violet Sunrise.

I personally love these all for winter as they all cater to my needs. Absolutely like my HG (holy grail) products for winter at least.

What are your beauty essentials for the winter?

Très Beau Glamour First Giveaway Winner Is.....

Hello my loves!

Today is the day that I finally tell you all who the giveaway winner is. After a long couple weeks of going through entries and taking those that were disqualified out I have picked a winner...*hammer time*

I am very thankful for this person doing what I asked and not cheating to win a prize. I'm not going to babble on about it any longer.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Diana please check your email and respond with 48 hours or I will have to pick another winner.

You're prize package will include the following:

• Lancome Visionnaire samples (4)
• Lancome Genifique 7 day sampler
• Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover (1.7fl oz)
• Lancome Cils Booster XL Mascara  Base (full size)
• Lancome La Base Pro samples (2)
• Lancome La Vie Est Belle Perfume sample
• Carmex Healing Cream (.75oz)
• Montagne Jeunesse Fruit Smoothie Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
• Sally Hansen Floral Toe Spacers
• Bath & Body Works Coconut Mango Body Lotion (2fl oz)
• China Glaze Nail Strengthener and Growth Formula
• Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro Nail Polish in Hot Cocoa
• Sinful Colors Nail Polish in Daddy's Girl
• Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Temptation
• L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Sea Fleur
• Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in Candy Pink
• Artistry Light Up Lipgloss in Passion
• Mark Juice Jems Squeeze on Lipgloss in Candy Cane

Thank you all for entering and new giveaway coming soon in Jan or Feb.

Enjoy your week.

International Xmas Beauty Blogger Swap Haul!

Hello my loves!

Today I want to share with you all some products that I got from the International Christmas Beauty Blogger Swap that I did. The swap was between beauty bloggers from the US, UK and Aussie (Australia). It was hosted by beauty blogger Jasmine of Sweetaholic Beauty.

My swap buddy was a really nice girl from Aussie named Claire from Sailor Klerr -- before I go any further I want to say that this was my first beauty swap and first international swap. I thought it would be expensive to send products overseas, but surprisingly it wasn't!

Claire and I had a ball with getting products for one another. We emailed each other back and forth about what we both want to try and colors we like and we made sure to stay in contact with one another. It takes 7-10 to receive a package from Aussie which seemed like a short time to me, but either way it was worth the wait....

On to the haul ....

First off she put everything in a cute little grayish-silver makeup pouch -- you can never have too many of those. I also got a cute blue Christmas card as well.

 When I opened the makeup pouch this is what I saw:

 A bunch of makeup and a letter from her -- so sweet of her to do!

 First couple things in the bag where items I can intake -- lol -- such as candy, tea and yeast extract. She did add in two regular mentos, but I ate that at work on Thursday cause I was hungry. The tea is by Adore Tea out in Australia and it's Christmas Tea; it's a blend of Ceylon tea with cinnamon cloves, almond and a hint of fruit -- sounds yummy! The Kraft Vegemite is definitely something new to me, but she sent me two small ones -- I will try it out.

Beauty Blogazons | Weekly Round Up - 12/14

• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Can a lip gloss curb your appetite? Destany tests Joey NY lipFIT to find out!
• Pinked Polish: Check out My new favorite Holo polish, Chirality The Symbiote!!!!
• Adore A Polish: Time to have a look at Kristina's nail care essentials.
• Makeup Demon: Going to the Disco party or photoshoot - here is the idea of disco makeup!
• Stephanie Louise- All Things Beautiful: Maitri Garden Handcrafted Jewelry Review +INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY!
• TheFabZilla: It's a cheeky situation! TheFabZilla reviews BECCA Beach Tint Duo (Lip & Cheek). See if it's worth the hype.
• The Beauty Think Tank: It's Run a Mile with Lindsay Day 2012! Will you participate!?!
• Beauty by Miss L: Miss L reviewed Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Your Eyes/Enhanced Starter Set.
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Curious about Lola's Secret Beauty Blog's Top Pick Holiday Skincare, Body Care & Haircare Products? Drumroll, Please...
• Mama Fashionista: In this Gift Guide, Melvita and Jurlique go head to head in a war of the roses (who will come out on top?).
• Beauty and Fashion Tech: Darling Girl Cosmetics Review and Video.
• Girl Gloss: Make Up For Ever HD Foundation Review.
• Polarbelle: Polarbelle finds true gold in hair care with the ghd Pink Cherry Blossom 1" Flat Iron. This puppy can do anything!!!
• Lisa's Nail Obsession: Santa is comin' to town...are you ready?
• Beauty Professor: The Beauty Professor swatches all shades of the latest LMdB Kaleidoscope, Bauhaus!
• Betzy's Makeup: Check it out for some great holiday recipes featuring Torani Flavors.
• Lipgloss Break: Enter to win a Clos du Bois Pixi Cosmetic Bag. There are 5 up for grabs!
• Vicerimus: Yulia of Vicerimus gets inspired by Spring 2013 fashion trends and incorporates them into her nail routine.
• Rachel's Makeup and Skincare: Rachel from Rachel's Makeup and Skincare swatches the many items from the Lorac Eye Candy Full Face Collection.
• Très Beau Glamour: Looking for a nice Holiday makeup look to create? Check out Nay Denise's Silver Sparks tutorial using Lancome beauty products.
• The Beauty Delicacy: Day 1 silver + gold holiday nail art challenge.
• The Passenger Element: Revlon lip product haul - swatches.
• Amber Did It!: Oh Christmas Tree, a festive tape mani Christmas tree.

Looking for a great holiday read...check these posts out!

"Building" My Wardrobe

Lately, I've been feeling like I need to really rebuild my wardrobe and I've been finding it a bit hard to do so. I have comprised so many list of basic and key pieces that I need in my wardrobe, that I've decided to share a few of them with you all in case any of you want to rebuild your wardrobe as well.

Now keep in mind, these are my opinions on what key pieces should be in your wardrobe when rebuilding it because they go with just about anything and can be dressed up or down...

numero uno - Light Blazer
Structured linens and cotton blends in anything from brights to stripes. I'm looking for colors like pink, white, mint, blue and stripped detailing to give my basic looks some life.

numero dos - Knee-Length Skirt
Pencil shapes or bouncy a-lines with not too short hems. These are perfect for work, nights out and those who attend church, like myself. They can be solid colors or printed.

numero tres - Crisp Shirt

6 Universally Flattering Pieces

Morning my loves!

Here to do another "Universally Flattering Pieces" fashion post for you all. Before I did five universally flattering pieces, but this time I decided to do six. These are staples that every female should have in her closet -- now I'm not saying it's a must, but overtime you will acquire these pieces in your wardrobe at least once or twice.

Without further babbling -- here are the six universally flattering pieces...

#1 - Leather Cross-Body
This medium size bag works with you, whether you're petite, like myself, or tall. You can get it in a basic color such as black, white, gray or brown. You can even be outstanding with a neon, floral or printed cross-body. The straps aren't overbearing because they are thin. Perfect piece to own and I'm currently working on owning one myself.

#2 - Classic Peacoat

NOTW | Rain On My Parade

Today I'm sharing with you all my NOTW. I decided to try out two of the new polishes I bought. Love the colors and thought it would great on my nails!

For each hand I did a nice basic cross in a nice soft blue color to go with the grey polish. It definitely compliments the color and makes my nails and hands look fantastic. For my pedicure I did a nice basic violet-magenta polish that would bring life to my toes.

The colors I used are as follows:

• Lancome Nail Vernis in 407N - Gris Angora
• Kiss Nail Art in Soft Blue
• Lancome Nail Vernis in 419B - Violette Coquette

Love how it was simple and basic, but still fun and bought life to my toes and hands.

What do you think?

Beauty Blogazons | Weekly Round Up - 12/7

• Pinked Polish: Check out the Newest Indie Maker Too Cute-icle:) Swatches and Review.
• TheFabZilla: TheFabZilla shares how to keep lashes curled all day.Problem solved.
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Want to see what's inside Lola's Secret Travel Makeup Case? Take a peek into the mind of a crazed traveling beauty blogger!
• Chickettes.com: Swatches of the Gelish Holiday Collection are now available. Get festive with these gorgeous, sparking gel polishes!
• Très Beau Glamour: Looking for the perfect body scrub? What about something that smells like ice cream and leaves you moisturized? Nay Denise shares her holy grail body scrubs with you all.
• Sincerely Stephanie: Get in the Holiday spirit with some wrapping paper nails!
• Amber Did It!: Amber shares a few China Glaze Cirque Du Soleil polishes and nail art.
• Adore A Polish: Check out Adore A Polish's non-makeup beauty essentials.
• Crows' Feet, Cupcakes, and Cellulite: Do you know your skin's perfect pH balance? Hint: Sebamed does! Sasha has the pH-perfecting scoop.
• The Fabulous Mind of a Wacky Mama Bear: Ever wish your beauty subscription box gave full sizes? Then check out Starlooks, this is what I thought of my November 2012 Starbox.
• Polarbelle: Polarbelle gets Holiday Happy with the Sation nail polish collection Happy Holiday Go Lightly. Come see some swatches!
• Beauty by Miss L: Check out how Models Own nail polish in Indian Ocean works for glitter sandwich.
• Makeup Demon: A few A-list makeup ideas for holiday season straight from the red carpet.
• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Want to win NOYA lip balms? Check out Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom for your chance!

Tutorial | Silver Sparks

Hey loves!

Here's a tutorial/ motd for the day -- finally. After several months of saying I was doing one, here it is for you all to enjoy! For this look, I centered it around a new eyeshadow I got from Lancome called "All That Glitters" which is a silver micro-glitter eyeshadow with a bit of a green tint to it. The whole look was centered around it and I love how it came out!

Above is a nice shot that shows off the glitter and blush very well on me. The tutorial can be seen here:

[ C O M I N G . S O O N ]

xBROWSx

• Rimmel London Professional Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown
• Milani Brow Fix Brow Kit in 02-Medium
• Lancome Brow Expert in Natural

xFACEx

• Lancome La Base Pro
• Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in 30-Cafe
• Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in 320
• ELF HD Powder

xCHEEKSx

Haul | Avon Naturals Body Ice Cream Scrub

Hi lovelies!

Here's a quick haul on some Avon Naturals Body Ice Cream Scrub. If you've all seen my August Avon haul and my previous Avon Naturals Body Ice Cream Scrub review then you know how much I love these things. I previously only had the Vanilla, which I did a review on already, but Avon was having a sale on them -- $2.79 each (normally $8) so I snagged another Vanilla and then the Strawberry and Chocolate as well to do reviews for you all.

I barely used my first Vanilla scrub because I really wanted to save it for special spa days, but now that I have a new one -- and two other scents why bother?! I still have half a container of the Vanilla scrub in my old one (on the right).

These are creamy exfoliators that can be used on dry or wet skin. They add moisture and leave your skin feeling smooth as a baby bottom. For $8 you get 6.7 fl oz container of product that smells so delicious.

Giveaway Winner Update

Good evening all,

So as you all now my first giveaway ended on November 30th and I must say I was happy until I was browsing through for a winner.

Apparently a few people cheated (meaning they used multiple accounts to get a chance to win) which I think is highly unfair. It will take longer to find a winner now because I have to go through each entry and there are 213 total. So far, 30 of them are fake and its pretty disappointing.

I am hoping to find a winner soon after I go through all the entries. This is very unfortunate as this is my first giveaway. A winner will prayerfully be picked and contacted prior to Christmas and the prize will be sent out prior to New Years Eve.

Sorry for the update, but I'm pretty pissed about it.

Hope you all understand and next time I do a giveaway I will be a bit more clear in entries and rules because it's unfair to those who do enter and myself.

Thank you to all those who did read carefully read the rules and abide by it. Next giveaway won't be for a while though.

Hope you are all having an awesome night nonetheless.

Five Great Beauty Tips

Here are a few tips I want to share with you all.

Many of you may have heard these tips before and some of you may not have. These are basic tips that I believe every female should know. They will help you in the long run. Majority of these I have tried and others I have not yet tried.

1. To make your brows appear fuller use an eyelash primer to thicken the individual hairs. Comb through it and then brush on your brow shadow to get a bold look. 
2. To create "perfect" waves in little to no time simply make four loose ponytails. One at the nap of the neck, two pigtails and one on the top of you head. Take a large barrel curling iron to curl each of the ponytails. After each ponytail is curled take hair down slowly and gently shake it out to get slight volume, but not too much to lose the curls.
3. To speed up a blowout, apply leave in conditioner to freshly washed hair. Pull your hair back into a ponytail or bun and let it air dry to about 70-90%. When you take the ponytail or bun out the top of your hair will already be smooth so it will not take much to run the blow dryer through your hair.
4. To keep your lips looking great, drink green tea with lemon to make them rosy and smooth. Why? The tea helps to rev up circulation and the lemon can be rubbed onto your lips for exfoliation.
5. To give your skin a glow on little to no money, grind up oatmeal to create a customized mask. Add pureed cucumbers to calm sensitive skin. Add honey to hydrate dry skin. Add lemon for a cooling sensation. Leave on for 10-15 minutes and then rinse off with warm water followed by cold water to close your pores.

These tips may seem crazy, but it's a proven fact. I personally have tried tips #1, 3 and 5. I plan to give #2 a go for work next week. I challenge you all to try out each tip and see what happens.

Comment below to let me know your thoughts.

Adapted from People Style Watch September 2012 issue.