I'M IN LOVE WITH YOU, itty-bitty Smooth Criminal

Look at this pup! You are the one for me, of course! Look at the glove!!! *spasms*

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Current likings (randoms, people, skincare)

1.) Kate Lanphear

Elle style director: She is beautiful and her hair is awesome. !

 

2.) Manetti Roberts Acqua Distillate Alle Rose (distilled rose water):

All-over body toner, softener. Traditional, historical rose water commonly use in Europe and Asia. Just ordered a couple from Amazon. Very inexpensive for the large amount. Can't wait.

 

3.) Kiehl's 'Milk, Honey & Almond' exfoliating scrub

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For the past two or more months, I have been using the Kiehl's 'Milk, Honey and Almond' exfoliating scrub. It provides such a nice, smooth texture to my skin. I use it at least two-three times a week alongside a panthenol cleanser, which is usually sold at any face & body spa. So far, I love everything about this combination. The scrub itself consists of medium-sized grains, but it doesn't feel uncomfortable or harsh. I don't mind either way. I like that the grains are bigger because I like to think it's working better, WHICH IS NOT necessarily true or good for you, depending on your skin type.

I love how this scrub does not make my skin feel dry or stretchy after usage. It also contains mostly natural, organic ingredients (a Kiehl's specialty), including (obviously) milk, honey, and almond. All soothing, nourishing, moisturizing and cleaning ingredients.

The scent of the product is tolerable, however, once on my face and when I begin to actually work through the product, it begins to smell a bit peculiar. I have been trying to figure out what to relate the scent to, and really, the only thing I can think of is 'chicken nuggets,' WHICH is disgusting, but I could most definitely be wrong. I am no scent expert. Truly.

I would recommend using this not only on your face, but as an all over body scrub. It helps with acne, dryness and other skin problems or inconveniences. It really provides a smooth, flawless feeling. Be cautious if you have sensitive skin as the grains may cause redness (temporarily). It's one of my favorite exfoliating scrubs and I intend to use this to the very end.

 

4.) Kiehl's Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate

I have only been sampling this product for one week and so far I have found that it does smooth out the skin and deliver a very noticeable improvement in skin texture and lines, as all the ingredients are supposed to do. It feels like a primer would, however I wouldn't use this as one. I was my face, pat it dry, apply this serum and then continue with moisturizer, etc. This product, once activated from blending into the skin, becomes warm and silky. The scent is interesting...I won't even attempt to describe it.

This particular product contains 10.5% pure Vitamin C and as most know, this particular ingredient is often found in skincare and has a natural 'affinity with skin'.This product is safe to use around the eye-area and everywhere else on the face. I usually have a problem with makeup settling into my 'marionette line' but since using this (alongside Bobbi Brown's Vitamin Enriched Face Base), I have not noticed any 'settlement' or separation in makeup. From the ingredients and general idea, it seems as though this is a wonderful product to use for preventative measures. With all the environmental pollutants, bad habits, partying and careless makeup/skincare application- people are only speeding up their aging process and if you don't notice it now, you will one day...suddenly...so be smart and start beating the clock.

I plan to buy a bottle of this. It's around $56 but I am searching for some deals (eBay, Amazon, etc).

 

5.) FIX+ by MAC cosmetics

I am well-known for just randomly spraying this lovely product on people, only because I love it so much and I love refreshing my peers.

It must be the obscenely hot weather, but I am getting through this mist as though I'm actually drinking it. I mix it with my moisturizer (I am trying out a Bobbi Brown one, though I mostly use a Kiehl's Panthenol Protein cream); I mix it with my cream foundations and concealers; I immediately use it after showering and washing my face; I really simply love it. It has to be one of my favorite MAC products.

Basically, what it does, is it locks moisture into the skin. It also fends off any air pollutants by creating a barrier. You can use it before makeup application and/or after. If you use it over powder foundation/setting powder, it will moisten the surface a bit allowing makeup to set a little faster. I absolutely love it, especially in terrible, humid and sticky weather like now. The ingredients are very soothing and refreshing (mineral water, green tea, chamomile, suji and cucumber). As MAC people say, "Your skin drinks it up!"

 

6.) Hipstamatic iPhone Application

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You can download for $1.99 and it's really addicting, fun and beautiful. A little confusing to use at first but the website (http://www.hipstamaticapp.com/) does a good job explaining. Great for all us 'hipster', vintage-loving-emulating consumers.

 

7.) Nicole Richie

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She's funny, pretty and effortlessly stylish and witty. Do I want to be her friend? YES.

 

8.) Goldie Hawn in 'Overboard'

Goldie Hawn is fabulous, so talented and definitely a Hollywood gem. Her movies are enjoyable and her delivery is always seemingly genuine and spot-on. 'Overboard' is definitely one of my favorite films; it's a quintessential 'feel-good' movie. My main favorite part of the movie is the costuming. So glamorous, very 1980's resort, big-shouldered, sequined but seriously eye-catching and stunning. I'm really surprised I couldn't find more photographs online (better quality ones, at least).

9.) 'Death Becomes Her'  

Also one   of my all-time favorites; gruesomely beautiful. In love with Meryl Streep.

10.) Michelle Obama

Moms, future and/or aspiring female politicians, educators, entrepreneurs, etc.: take a look at the 'New York Fashion' Michelle Obama 'look-book': http://www.nymag.com/daily/fashion/2009/04/michelle_obama_slideshow.html

It consists of almost every outfit the First Lady has worn since inauguration 2009 (which is still one of my favorite outfits on anyone, really):

Her makeup is always appropriate and her style is approachable, but elegant. She really knows (or her stylist really knows) how to work with her figure, and she provides great help to numerous women who genuinely believe designers and retailers have 'nothing' for their tall, athletic frame. Not true, and no one can really argue that point because the First Lady herself shops at some of the retailers as us common people (Target, J Crew, Talbots, Banana Republic, etc). *sassy face*

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Beige, Taupe, Timeless Part 1

It's always so busy, and I have some entries which need to be published but I want to make sure they're perfect, if not, somewhat decent. However, as I've been researching, I have come across some really nice photo spreads which properly represent fall/winter 2010. As you'll notice, or have noticed already- designers are obsessed with the colors beige, taupe, camel and anything of the like. This gives everyone an opportunity to save money in the long haul by finding timeless pieces that are rich, warm and elegant, plus there's always the option to add vibrant colors to make it more flavorful.

Model: Constance Jablonski; Photographer: Andreas Sjodin; Stylist: Sabino Pantone

Designers included: Etro, Michael Kors, Hermes, Aurielle Bidermann, Celine, Miu Miu, and more.

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MAC Cosmetics and Wonder Woman team up (TBA)

SUPPOSEDLY...MAC Cosmetics and DC Comics are teaming up to launch a Wonder Woman limited edition line in Spring 2011. Like most limited edition lines MAC produces- this line will more than likely carry lipsticks, glosses, nail laquers, shadows, etc. Quantity-wise, I don't think the line will be as big as 'Venomous Villains' for example. Either way, if this falls through, I will be quite excited. I am quite certain a red/berry lipstick will be included and that's enough to make me convulse. Below is some Wonder Woman eye-candy...she's so beautiful:

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Francois NARS, 'Makeup Your Mind'

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What I'm looking forward to right now...and other ramblings...

I got an email confirmation this afternoon about ordering the book, Makeup Your Mind by Francois Nars, the creator of the NARS brand.

What's funny, or worrisome about this is I don't really recall ordering this book. Perhaps I just happened up on it on Amazon.com, while taking a bite off one of my many Crunch Crisp bars (which are is soooooooooooooooooooo goooooooooooooood). If you know me, then you know that while eating such deliciousness, I become susceptible to euphoria, and/or I pass out. So there in lies the answer! I ordered this seemingly awesome, raved-about NARS, makeover book while eating a huge chocolate bar! Bravo!

I previously purchased About Face by Scott Barnes, a renowned makeup artist for celebrities, most notably: Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Iman, and many many more. He seems to specialize in, or focus on how to get the best makeup results by contouring, highlighting and manipulating features as much as possible. If you watch his few YouTube tutorials, you will see more downsized, everyday, wearable looks. The book, however, displays very dramatic before/after results.

Barnes does not follow the foundation/concealer routine, or colour theory in general, like most others; he chooses two very different shades that he contours and highlights with, then blends together to form a flawless canvas. I love the book because it has some good tips, but mainly because I find his technique very intriguing. Would I personally use him as a guide? No, simply because it seems tedious trying to find a common shade between two drastically different ones (not that it's impossible- it's actually commendable) because I live in a very rushed world.

Barnes simply follows this dramatic makeup routine on his clients because they are being photographed heavily. Though not a fan of Jennifer Lopez; I do find her makeup to be gorgeous and flawless. She can carry the drama with her delicate features and she always looks amazing. 

If you want a book that is somewhat similar to Kevyn Aucoin's classic before & after makeup books- you might really enjoy About Face by Scott Barnes. Aucoin is forever classic, but pictures from Barnes' book are definitely worth checking out. Difficult, but Beautiful!!!

Posted via email from shaheera's posterous

What I'm looking forward to right now...and other ramblings...

I got an email confirmation this afternoon about ordering the book, Makeup Your Mind by Francois Nars, the creator of the NARS brand.

What's funny, or worrisome about this is I don't really recall ordering this book. Perhaps I just happened up on it on Amazon.com, while taking a bite off one of my many Crunch Crisp bars (which are is soooooooooooooooooooo goooooooooooooood). If you know me, then you know that while eating such deliciousness, I become susceptible to euphoria, and/or I pass out. So there in lies the answer! I ordered this seemingly awesome, raved-about NARS, makeover book while eating a huge chocolate bar! Bravo!

I previously purchased About Face by Scott Barnes, a renowned makeup artist for celebrities, most notably: Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Iman, and many many more. He seems to specialize in, or focus on how to get the best makeup results by contouring, highlighting and manipulating features as much as possible. If you watch his few YouTube tutorials, you will see more downsized, everyday, wearable looks. The book, however, displays very dramatic before/after results.

Barnes does not follow the foundation/concealer routine, or colour theory in general, like most others; he chooses two very different shades that he contours and highlights with, then blends together to form a flawless canvas. I love the book because it has some good tips, but mainly because I find his technique very intriguing. Would I personally use him as a guide? No, simply because it seems tedious trying to find a common shade between two drastically different ones (not that it's impossible- it's actually commendable) because I live in a very rushed world.

Barnes simply follows this dramatic makeup routine on his clients because they are being photographed heavily. Though not a fan of Jennifer Lopez; I do find her makeup to be gorgeous and flawless. She can carry the drama with her delicate features and she always looks amazing. 

If you want a book that is somewhat similar to Kevyn Aucoin's classic before & after makeup books- you might really enjoy About Face by Scott Barnes. Aucoin is forever classic, but pictures from Barnes' book are definitely worth checking out. Difficult, but Beautiful!!!

Posted via email from shaheera's posterous