Recently I attended the launch of Make Up For Ever’s new lipstick line, Rouge Artist Natural.

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural lipsticks

A few years ago, they brought out Rouge Artist Intense, a 50+ collection of amazing, heavily pigmented lipsticks.  This time around, for Spring 2012, they are releasing another 50 lipsticks, which are supposed to provide a softer effect on the lips.   These lipsticks are more moisturizing, and have a glossy sheen to them, as if they were mixed with a little lip gloss.

So I decided to pick up one colour for starters, N28.

N28, magenta coloured, MUFE Rouge Artist Natural

N28, MUFE Rouge Artist Natural

N28, MUFE Rouge Artist Natural

This is a beautiful magenta colour that reminds me of M.A.C.’s Rebel lipstick or NYX lip gloss in African Queen (without the duochrome shimmer).

Lipstick, N28, Rouge Artist Natural

Swatch, N28 MUFE Rouge Artist Natural, glossy finish

It is a little more blue based than red based, which makes it more cool toned, but it will look great on all skin tones, particularly light and darker ones.  I was instantly drawn to this colour, bypassing even reds!! It applies very smoothly, the texture is very creamy, and does not have any shimmer.  Great pigmentation, but it is not as heavily pigmented as the Rouge Artist Intense so it gives a less dramatic effect.  I think these lipsticks would be great paired with more dramatic eyes and definitely suitable to wear to work everyday. I bet that these would look amazing in photographs or on video.   I really liked this lipstick, as it provided a pop of colour without looking overdone.  I got about 6 hours of wear before I had to reapply and my lips felt moisturized.  I would still apply lip balm before, but it was not drying on my lips.

I cannot wait to pick up more of these lipsticks and I might actually be able to find a great nude for darker skin!!

Some other swatches. Look at that nude!!

As far as I know, these lipsticks are available exclusively at the Make Up For Ever boutiques until March were they would be available at Sephora.  They cost US $19.

Overall Grade: A

Great formula and a wide variety of colours.  So far, I can’t complain about anything.

Laters!

FTC Disclosure:  The product mentioned was bought by me, Noire Tropical Beauty.  I have not been compensated for this review and these are my honest opinions.  For more information, please see my Disclosure Page.

So I tried this quick updo after I took down my 2-strand twists.

Updo from 2 strand twist out

Simple.  Took  a couple of minutes.  This could easily stay in for a few days, and it’s a good style because my ends are still protected.  To keep it moisturized, I spritzed it with some Oyin Frank Juice and applied some coconut oil.

Back

What are some of your twistout styles?

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So the Daphne Guinness collection from M.A.C. came out right after Christmas and there was only one item that I wanted from this limited edition collection –  the Vintage Grape Blush Ombre.  The Blush Ombres were first introduced about 2 years ago with the Spring Colour Forcast collection.  I missed out on this and all everyone spoke about were these blush ombres; how versatile, how amazing, how cute etc.   These things sold like hot bread and I showed up after de bakery closed!

So I promised myself to pick up Vintage Grape if it was ever repromoted.  And here it is!

M.A.C. Vintage Grape Blush Ombre

I selected this colour because I don’t have anything like this in my collection.  M.A.C describes this as a mid-tone violet pink and it goes from medium cool pink to a darkened red-violet.  You also get a midtone raspberry colour when you swirl all the colours together.  This makes it a versatile product, you are getting 3 blushes in one!  The blush ombre is also pearlized that it contains a very fine shimmer that does not appear glitterly at all.  Instead it gives a very subtle glow to the skin.  The texture is very finely milled and on my dark skin does not appear chalky or chunky at all.  Very smooth and easy to apply.  It also has very good pigmentation so that I would recommend using a light hand or a stippling (duo fibre) brush to apply it lightly to the skin and it could be easily built up for more intensity.  The dark portion of the blush reminds me of M.A.C. Dirty Plum, which is a PRO product, except that it is not matte and lighter in colour.  The lighter side reminds me of NARS Desire or Angelika.  It think this will work well on all skintones from light to dark as the various colours can be mixed to create a colour that is not too warm or cool, too dark or too light.  It can also be applied heavier to those with deeper skintones.

Vintage Grape Blush Ombre, to show pearlized pigments

Swatches (l to r): Darker section, combined, lighter section

Vintage Grape Blush Ombre costs US$26 and you get 9 grams of product which is actually pretty good considering you are getting multiple colours.  It appears to be sold out at stores and counters in the my area in the US, but it is still available online from M.A.C.

Overall Grade: A

Really nice product!

FTC Disclosure:  The product in this post was purchased by me, Noire Tropical Beauty. These are my honest opinions.  For more information, please see my Disclosure Page.

It has gotten really cold and windy here in the Big Apple and my usually dry skin, is super tight and there is some flakiness.  Truth be told, I don’t have a complete, regular skincare regime.  I cleanse and exfoliate but with respect to moisturizers, I kinda just try whatever moves me, or use coconut oil or nothing at all.  Crazy, right?

So, one day I took part in a Twitter chat hosted by one of my favourite bloggers and fellow Trini, Afrobella and Kiehl’s and they were answering questions on one of Kiehl’s newer products, the Midnight Recovery Concentrate (MRC).  Now, before I launch into the virtues of this product, here’s a little information about Kiehl’s.  This is a real, old school apothecary located in the East Village in NYC.  Apothecaries have been around for centuries and are the precursors to the modern-day pharmacy.  The medical professionals created medicinal concoctions and dispensed medical advice.  I am in love with Kiehl’s original location!  The wood  lab-like benches, apothecary jars and beakers, the porcelain mortar and pestles.  It reminds me of my early days in Chemistry lab!

But, I digress…

Anyway, the chat included a giveaway and I won one the MRC sets!!! I was super excited! I had been investigating these products for a few weeks and it was a great way to dip my toe in.

The Midnight Recovery Concentrate comes in a prussian blue glass bottle with a glass dropper.

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Kiehl's, bottle

Dropper, Kiehl's

According to Kiehl’s, MRC is a 99.8% blend of essential oils, which includes a few key ingredients:

• Squalene –  a naturally occuring, organic lipid (fat) which acts to restore moisture to the skin and acts as an antioxidant.
• Evening Primrose Oil – naturally occuring oil that contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that repairs and restores the skin and provides a radiance.
• Lavender oil – naturally occuring oil that soothes the skin.

It is also water free, and therefore the product is not being diluted and you minimize the introduction of bacteria and maximize the benefits of the ingredients.  MRC is supposed to restore the moisture and sebum balance to the skin so that it would plump the skin and help minimize the appearance of fine lines and flakiness due to dry skin.  In turn, this will make the skin look fresher and more radiant.

The oil is colourless, thin and has a prominent lavender smell.  The scent dissipates a few minutes after applying to the face.  The oil is thin enough where it can be used by those with oily skin and they don’t have to worry about it making their skin even more slick and as a matter of fact it will balance the moisture level.  I really liked the texture of it.  I also really like the dropper as it made dispensing very easy.  After cleansing my face, I let my skin dry for a few minutes and then I applied 3-5 drops of oil in my palms, rub them together and gently press the oil into my skin.  The scent of lavender made it feel like a mini facial, very relaxing!  The product felt amazing on my skin!  It is absorbed quickly, and did not make my skin look oily.  Best of all, my skin felt super duper soft and smooth.   Like newborn smooth!  Kiehl’s designed this product to be used at nighttime.  Why?  Because our beauty sleep is actually a very active period.  Our body, including our skin, takes this time to repair itself from the damage done by oxidants in pollution and other irritants.  This is one of the reasons why sleep is essential.  So by using this product at night during sleep, we help maximize the healing process.  After my 8 hours, my skin felt soft, hydrated and there was no tightness across my cheeks.  MRC, yuh win!

I also received the Midnight Recovery Eye (MREye), which is the corresponding eye treatment.

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye

It contains the same ingredients as the MRC but it also contains Butcher’s Broom, which is a natural botanical which helps relieve puffiness.  MREye comes in a tube with a needle-nose tip and it is a white cream.  Again, there is a prominent smell of lavender and the texture is smooth, not too thick nor oily.  I applied this with with ring fingers all over the lower eye lid and the sides of my eye as well.  In the morning, I did not have any excessive puffiness or under eye circles and again my skin felt super smooth.  I really needed a eye cream for night and this one works very well.

The MRC comes in 2 sizes, 1.0 fl. oz and 1.7 fl. oz and sells for US$43 -$68 while the eye treatment comes in one size, (0.5 oz) for US$36.

My final verdict? I really love these products.  They are mostly natural, paraben free, silicone free, kept my skin very soft and hydrated for hours, my puffy eyes diminished, and I have not experienced any adverse skin reactions.  Those with oily or acne-prone skin would benefit greatly from this and it helps balance and calm the skin.  The only drawback is that it is not drug store cheap, but at 3-5 drops per night this will easily last at least 6 months, so it is absolutely worth it.  I love the radiance it imparts.  I fully recommend this.  Now I just have to find an antioxidant/anti-aging serum to layer under the MRC for the ultimate nighttime treatment.

For more information, visit Kiehl’s.

Overall Grade: A

FTC Disclosure: The products mentioned were sent to me by the company.  I have not been compensated for this review.  These are  my honest opinions.  For more information, please see my Disclosure Page.

Just before jetting off for the Christmas holidays, I attended the holiday meetup/conversation/get-together hosted by Tribe Called Curl and Karen’s Body Beautiful.  Tribe Called Curl is an up-and-coming online community dedicated to natural hair.  Imani (the founder) and Karen (from KBB) started the discussion, provided advice and shared experiences on living with natural hair.  There was lots of information, camaraderie and bonding with other naturals!  Of course the product junkie in me had to do a little holiday shopping and picked up some Sweet Ambrosia!! Have you guys tried this?? I had a wonderful time at the event and even had dinner at a really good Egyptian restaurant, Black Iris.

Shout out to Dasheeda!!

So here are a few pics!  Did anyone attend??

Karen (right)

Imani (olive dress), Dasheeda (right) from Tribe Called Curl

Imani (centre)

Karen from KBB (left), me, Imani from Tribe Called Curl (right)

Laters!

I love when companies start bringing out their spring collections, it’s sort of like a rebirth for me! Colours start getting brighter, clothing becomes more lightweight and soon enough I’ll be living in shorts and slippers!

So NARS is bringing out their Spring 2012 Colour Collection, which will be available from January 15 at narscosmetics.com.

From NARS:

The Spring 2012 Collection is a study in contrasts: Bold color underscored by
sophisticated shimmer. Eyes glisten in muted tones of lavender and pink, or
shimmer in bronze shades accented with rich navy. Cheeks are flushed with
candy pink. Lips gleam in topaz or pop with berry. Metallic violet nails add the
finishing touch to a collection that’s bright, strong and iconic.

SPRING 2012 COLOUR COLLECTION

Douce France Trio Eyeshadow (Limited Edition) $45

Named for the 1942 song by French singer-songwriter Charles Trenet. The Trio
Eyeshadow features three gorgeous pink shades—shimmery icy pink, shimmery
rose-petal pink and matte deep rose—that can be mixed to create a range of
looks, from delicate and innocent to bold and sophisticated. Wear each alone or
use one as a base, another to highlight and the third as a liner or contour.

Lhasa Single Eyeshadow $24

One of the highest cities in the world, Lhasa is the home to many significant
Tibetan Buddhist palaces. This shimmery lavender-gray Single Eyeshadow
lends lids a luminous look worthy of its spiritual namesake.

Paramaribo Duo Eyeshadow (Limited Edition) $34

The capital and largest city of Surinam, a tropical state in South America, was
the inspiration for this Duo Eyeshadow, with its metallic shades of brass and
bronze. Wear each solo, or use one as a base and the other as an accent or
highlight for a richly burnished effect.

Gaiety Blush $28

A bright candy-pink Blush that’s as cheerful as the state of joyful exuberance for
which it’s named.

Mexican Rose Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil $24

Just like its namesake flower, known for its long-lasting pink blooms, this hot-pink
Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil leaves lips soft and gorgeously glossy thanks to moisture-rich
hyaluronic spheres, which make pouts appear plumper.

Valparaíso Pure Matte Lipstick $25

The Chilean city is becoming increasingly known as the country’s cultural capital.
The rich raspberry Pure Matte Lipstick delivers long-wearing color with a
comfortable finish.

Bilbao Lipstick $24

A smooth and super-conditioning Lipstick in a shimmering topaz named for the
Basque region of Spain, which has been revitalized by the Frank Gehry–designed
Guggenheim Museum.

Dark Rite Soft Touch Shadow Pencil $24

The navy blue Soft Touch Shadow Pencil complements any warm-weather look.
Use the creamy, long-wearing formula alone, as a base for layering with powder
shadow, or to line and sculpt the eye.

Diamond Life Nail Polish (Limited Edition) $18

Sade’s 1984 debut album inspired this metallic violet Nail Polish. “Smooth
Operator” indeed.

Source: PR

Hey!

Image courtesy of SheaMoisture

Just a quick note:  This weekend is the last chance to visit the SheaMoisture booth in Bryant Park at 42nd Street.  They have their entire line of products including their men’s grooming and baby line (and some items that I have not seen consistently in stores).  I have been hauling and I will be back for some more goodies.  As I have mentioned before, I really like this natural line and they are good for naturals, non-naturals and those transitioning.  I also have picked up some of their body care items that I am liking so far.  I think that they may still have the 3 for $20 offer, which is a steal of a deal!!!

So head on the Bryant Park and check it out.  Last day is Sunday January 8th.

Let me know what you guys haul!!!

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Hey guys!

This collection is debuting in North American stores and counters on January 5th and internationally in February 2012.  It’s a collaboration between the style icon Iris Apfel and M.A.C. I am somehow loving this promo!  The inspiration is exotic and rare birds.

Here are the details…

Image courtesy of M.A.C.

All info courtesy of Specktra.net

Lipstick

• Pink Pigeon
• Scarlet Ibis
• Party Parrot
• Flamingo
• Morange

Lip Pencil

• Entertain Me
• Embrace Me
• Redd

Eye Shadow

• Silver Gull
• Robins Egg
• Diamond Dove
• Early Bird
• Howzat

Brow

• Ebony
• Taupe

Mascara

• Opulash

Beauty P0wder

• Too Chic

Nail Polish

• Oriele Orange
• Toco Toucan
• Sandpiper

Image courtesy of The Daily Mail

Just wanted to wish you guys a wonderful and prosperous 2012!!! I hope that we all have the courage and determination to make things happen this year, to make dreams a reality!

I typically don’t make New Year’s Resolutions, but I definitely want success this year, for myself and my loved ones.  So universe, I’m putting it out there!!!

Look out for more beauty, and bigger and better things on the blog!

Laters!

The countdown to 2012 has begun!!!

I enjoyed digging into beauty this year.  I loved that we embraced colour, texture, prints or anything bold.  It was ok to colour block or to dress with some opulence.  I love that these trends will continue into 2012.  I’m over all-neutral looks.

So here’s what I loved in 2011 (in no particular order):

1) Becca Beach Tints

I love this product! I have it in Peach and it is probably the easiest blush to apply.  Super smooth texture and it just melts into the skin making to colour look like it came from within.  Works on all skin types.  A must have in all seasons!

2) Red lips!

Red lips!

Well this really is not a product per se, but I officially became addicted to red lipstick this year.  I went from having zero to too many.   It did not matter what brand I chose.  From Make Up For Ever, to NARS to Stila to NYX, I was all over them!  My all-time favourite is M.A.C. Ruby Woo, which every single woman should get!!! Red lips are classic but bold and traffic-stopping at the same time.  I wrote a post earlier with some swatches.

3) SheaMoisture products

Image courtesy of Target

I fell in love with this brand!!! This all natural, cruelty-free brand offers both hair and skincare.  I declared their Raw Shea and Argan Moisture Retention Shampoo as one of the best ever, there are other products that work amazingly as well!! From their body oils, Curl Enhancing Smoothie and body butters, there is a scent and a product line for everyone.  Just head over to your local Target, Walgreens or Duane Reade and pick up a few of their items.  Btw, for my people in the Big Apple, SheaMoisture has a pop-up shop in Bryant Park until January 8th, 2012, where they are carrying their entire product line.  Run, don’t walk!!  SheaMoisture sits right up there with Oyin Handmade and Qhemet Biologics.

4) Inglot Matte Gel Liner in #77 (jet black)

Inglot Matte Gel liner in # 77

The best gel liner ever! Have not even looked at my M.A.C. or  Bobbi Brown gel liners ever since.  The blackest black liner ever, waterproof and smooth texture.

What were your favourites??

Happy New Year everyone!!!

Laters!