IMAN Cosmetics Celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month

IMAN Cosmetics will be donating $1 from every purchase of Sheer Bronzing Powder in their best-selling shade, Afterglow, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Proceeds will be going to The Intercultural Cancer Council (ICC) which promotes policies, programs, and research to eliminate the unequal burden of all cancers, including breast cancer, among racial and ethnic minorities and medically underserved populations in the United States.  

IMAN Cosmetics chose ICC as their mission is “Speaking with One Voice” which embodies the power of uniting a diverse and representative membership to raise issues, propose solutions and most importantly to affect change that benefits all regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or geography.  The ICC organization aligns perfectly with IMAN Cosmetics’ commitment to multicultural women and diversity.

Chosen as the featured “pink product,” Sheer Bronzing Powder in Afterglow is universally flattering to all skin tones and can be used year round as a blush or bronzer to give women a sheer wash of color and a healthy glow.

Participating retailers include Target, Drustore.com, Sears, Wal-Mart and Ulta stores.

Retail Price: $16.00 USD

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C.O. Bigelow | Mentha Lip Tint in "Plum Mint" & Violet Mint" | Review + Photos

C.O. Bigelow promises the perfect pout with their new Mentha Lip Tint, available in Ginger Mint, Violet Mint, Plum Mint, Pink Mint, Magenta Mint, and Bare Mint. The mint-infused lip balm imparts a sheer hint of warm color and glossy high shine with a refreshing, cooling sensation. Lips stay moist and protected. The glosses not only provide a hint of color but also long-lasting freshness to breath with 100% natural mint flavor. 

Swatches

[L-R: Violet Mint & Plum Mint]

Glow: OK so being a girl who's all about her good old faithful carmex I've gotta say that I was pleasantly surprised at the way these Mentha Lip Tint's felt on my lips! If I had to sum them up in one word, they feel & taste exactly like "spearmint" which I love! Call me weird but I love that cooling tingly feeling. I also love that they moisturized my lips really well throughout the day.

Glare: Well what disappointed me the most about these Lip Tints is that there's no real color payoff. They went on my lips practically clear. Although they come in a variety of colors, they go on sheer. I also noticed that when squeezing the product out the tube it's like the clear spearmint stuff comes out first and not much of the color. However I do think these tints would be great paired with one of your fave lipsticks or glosses because they are super glossy and have a lot of shine.

Would I Recommend It? Only if you're really into natural products and that tingly mentha feel. It's a great moisturizer but if you're looking for a gloss with a considerable amount of pigment then these aren't for you.

Where To Buy: The Mentha Lip Tints currently retail for $7.50 each. To purchase or to learn more please visit www.bigelowchemists.com

Product(s) in this post were provided for post consideration. Read our disclosure policy here. 

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Get Ready To Doll Up Your Lashes with Lancome's Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara

Happy Monday! Who loves mascara? I know I certainly do, in fact I hardly ever leave home without it. I'm pretty excited about Lancome's new Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara. I mean what girl doesn't like to doll up her beautiful eyes :o) Check out my Doll Lash Look video and photos below!

The 1st Doll Lash Look by Lancome: a volumized, full lash fringe for a wide-eye look. Lancome's most flirtatious mascara lifts, thickens and precisely defines even hard-to-reach corners and lower lashes beautifully.

Visit 

http://www.facebook.com/lancome?sk=app_109522049148774 

to create your own Doll avatar. 

Check out my cool Doll avatar I created below! 

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Lancome via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Lancome.  

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The Soap & Paper Factory | Solid Perfume "Jasmine" Review

Alright, so one little random fact about me is that I've never been a big fragrance or perfume wearer. In fact I still have a pretty decent collection of various scents sitting on my dresser that were given to me as gifts. I learned this a while ago but one thing that many people don't realize about finding the perfect perfume is that its all about body chemistry. 

Everyone's chemistry is different which means every scent will reflect differently per individual. With that said, I've discovered that rich scents don't work well with me and I'm more into softer fragrances. I was first introduced to the phenomenon that is solid perfumes a couple of years ago when I worked for Coach. And let me tell you something, from the moment I put it on I was sold!

The Soap & Paper Factory has a line of solid perfumes each enriched with beeswax and pure jojoba oil. They have a variety of scents including "Jasmine" which is the fragrance that I tried. Jasmine is an intoxicating and seductive natural floral scent made with Jasmine oil.

Glow: I love the pretty floral packaging and I also like that it's compact in size which makes it easy for travel. The solid perfume is about .5 ounces and it's smooth to the touch. The scent is abundant yet subtle, it's almost kinda therapeutic to me. A bonus that I found is that it actually moisturizes the skin as well.

Glare: There's really nothing that I don't like about it. It's small enough to throw in your purse and it's designed securely enough to not make a mess. It's so moisturizing that I'm almost wondering whether or not I can use it on my lips, I probably won't try that though lol.

Would I Recommend It? Yes!! I think it's the perfect scented accessory for someone who may not be into heavy fragrances.

Where To Buy: The Soap & Paper Factory solid perfumes currently retail for $18 each. To purchase or to learn more please visit www.soapandpaperfactory.com

Product(s) in this post were provided for post consideration. Read our disclosure policy here. 

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CND Nails | Brings The Trendiest Manicures Straight From The Spring 2012 Catwalk!

CND wraps up fashion week with the latest manicure trends straight from the Spring 2012 catwalk!

9.15.11

At Naeem Khan, Wanda Ruiz crafted "Hematite Nails" for manicures and pedicures using saturated concrete gray CND Colour in Asphalt finished with Super Shiney Top Coat for a lustrous look. This sophisticated almond shape accentuated elaborately twisted buns and gorgeous red carpet-ready gowns on the runway. To get this look at home, try the brand new CND Shellac in Asphalt, which guarantees mirror shine for two whole weeks!

9.14.11

At The Blonds, Kristina Estabrooks created"Glitz & Glam" manicures for a collection inspired by 60's Playboy glamour infused with razzle dazzle spectacle we all know and love. The 20 sets of nail tips took over 100 hours of manual labor to hand detail, and included a "Stockings Series" of manicures portraying fishnets, lacy tights and sexy seams. Vintage cosmic-shaped glass was imported from Germany to shape diamond-decadent nails that shined out loud in the spotlight.

For Milly, Candice Manacchio fashioned neon bright nails using a blend of CND Colours in Brillant White, Bicycle Yellow, and Electric Orange, to accessorize fuchsia pink lips and vibrant shades of vermillion, tangerine and jade in the collection.

9.13.11

CND pioneered nails as accessories on the runway, and for Diego Binetti, nails are a true statement piece. So ladies and gents, please grab your disguises - we're on our way to a masquerade ball! For Diego Binetti, Candice Manacchio delivered drama for digits, crafting "Harlequin Hardware" manicures stained in CND Colour in Raspberry Parfait and Frosting Cream, capped in gold and silver metal for an artisanal finish. Toes were polished in Raspberry Parfait. Makeup embraced "mask as part of the model," and hair was crimped and elaborately wrapped for a nighttime beauty look to remember.

9.12.11

For Norman Ambrose, Candice Manacchio fashioned six different manicure looks to go with high glam 1960's pieces straight out of vintage Vogue - for the sexy, exotic woman who swims in her diamonds. Here are the recipes to re-create each of these long, oval shaped nail styles at home:

1) CND Colour in Flashpoint iced with Sheer 24K Sparkle Effect for a funky French tip
2) Flashpoint topped with CND Colour in Poppyfield, acid washed with a sweep of acetone for texture
3) CND Colour in Gold Chrome topped with CND Colour in Copper Chrome, finished with acetone wash 4) Gold Chrome edged with CND Colour in Blackjack and gold leafing
5) CND Colour in Desert Suede topped with Ice Blue Shimmer Effect, edged with CND Colour in Silver Chrome
6) CND Colour in Putty topped with CND Colour in Creamy Cameo and Ice Blue Shimmer, and edged with CND Colour in Silver Chrome

9.11.11 

Pretty Poison Manicures at Jen Kao were dangerously beautiful, 70's chic, and Brigitte Bardot-inspired: Look, but don't touch! For Jen Kao, Wanda Ruiz created "Lethal Love" diffused, gradation manicures that attract the eye with bold shades, but like a poisonous frog, have dangerous undertones. These four uniquely artful manicures were shaded using an airbrush tool, but can be re-created at home using CND Colours in Midnight Sapphire, Anchor Blue, Rouge Red, and Green Scene each combined with Inkwell and topped with Air Dry Top Coat while wet for an ombre finish.

Dean Quinn's 70's-inspired collection of tangerine crush and mild mint pieces were accessorized with "Sunday at Studio 54" manicures designed by Wanda Ruiz using CND Copper Shimmer Effect on the whole nail topped with one coat of CND Colour in Putty and iced along the cuticle in CND Colour in Desert Suede. Nails complemented peachy bronze makeup and intricately woven basket hair buns.

9.10.11

For Monique Lhuillier, Wanda Ruiz designed "Soy Milk" manicures on active, oval shaped nails using semi-sheer CND Colour in Cream Washed topped with CND Super Shiney Top Coat for a glossy finish. Pedicures were reminiscent of a cloudy night sky using custom blended blue (which can be duped at home using limited edition CND Violet Shimmer Effect layered on top of CND Colour in Midnight Sapphire). Sporty eveningwear pieces (ie: Anna Kournikova from gym to gala) in pops of cobalt, black and yellow were complemented by slicked back ponytails, and matching dreamy blue eyeliner and toes.

9.9.11

CND pioneered nails as runway accessories 30 seasons ago and were FIRST to collaborate with designers behind the scenes! These manicures were lace-inspired, had rockstar edge, and glowed from within: At Joy Cioci, Candice Manacchio designed "Lucite Lace" manicures using clear tips with hand-detailed lattice work. These see-through nails provided energy and attitude when paired with a fiery orange lip and frantic, whimsical curls.

9.8.11

At Wes Gordon, Kristina Estabrooks crafted soft almond, nearly neon, coral "Power Nails" with two coats of CND Colour in Poppyfield to complement wispy teased ponytails and fresh faces to embody the height of '60s SoHo sophistication. Toes were clean and neutral with CND Colour in Desert Suede. The namesake designer loved the edgy length of the nails and remarked that his vision's muse was "sleek and civilized, but she might scratch your eyes out."

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The Soap & Paper Factory | All Natural + Shea Butter "Verbena" Hand Cream Review

My favorite season is finally almost among us :o) That's right, Fall ! One thing about cooler weather is that my skin has the tendency to get dry, especially my hands. The Soap & Paper Factory has a line of hand creams that promote smooth and moisturized skin, and also soothes and protects.

The great part is that the hand creams are all natural, vegan friendly and loaded with some of the finest oils found in nature. The creams come in a range of scents from Verbena (woody & citrus scent), Lavender, Jasmine, Green Tea, Gardenia and Geranium. It's ingredients include Purified Water, Aloe, Coconut Oil and a natural blend of fragrances.

Glow: Well for starters I really love the packaging. All of The Soap & Paper Factory's products come in beautiful floral printed designs. The hand cream is really rich so it only takes just a drop to cover both of your hands. It's creamy and thick and also moisturizes extremely well without feeling or looking greasy. It absorbs into my skin pretty fast and effortlessly. This particular hand cream is in "Verbena", it has like a lemony and citrus scent. I wasn't too sure about the smell at first but it turns out to be softer than I expected, it also subtly sticks with you throughout the day.

Glare: The only thing that instantly turned me off is the type of tube the actual cream is in. It's in a paint style tube and from my experience products that are packaged like this make it difficult to squeeze out once it starts dwindling down.Of course I don't have that issue to worry about yet because it's still full of product, I just wish it came in a softer style tube. The tube just starts to look ugly when you have to mash and squeeze it out lol, that's just a personal pet peeve of mine.

Would I Recommend It? I would! I'm not raving over this particular scent but they have 5 more scents to choose from.

Where To Buy: The Soap & Paper Factory hand creams currently retail for $18 each. To purchase or to learn more please visit www.soapandpaperfactory.com

Product(s) in this post were provided for post consideration. Read our disclosure policy here. 

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Sean Combs Launches EMPRESS fragrance at Macy's with singer Kelly Rowland

Sean “Diddy” Combs celebrated the launch of his new power scent for women at Macy’s Lakewood in CA. Combs introduced singer Kelly Rowland as the female Ambassador of Empress, presenting her with the gift of a diamond necklace from Jacob & Co.

Empress is the female counterpart to Combs’ best selling men’s fragrance, I Am King. The second women’s fragrance in his highly successful fragrance collection, Empress celebrates the power of beauty. With notes of Key Lime Pie, Imperial French Berry and warm caramel and vanilla, the scent is designed to inspire the Empress in every woman.

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Iman Cosmetics | Celebrates Beauty and Fashion Diversity at Fashion & Art Gallery

This past Sunday, September 11th, Fashion & Art Gallery highlighted emerging talents; Project Runway Season 5 Runner-Up Korto Momolu and Twin Somali Designers, Mataano in their Spring / Summer 2012 designer showcase, held at the Samsung Experience Theater in Columbus Circle.

As the leader in the cosmetics arena for women with skin of color, IMAN Cosmetics was the perfect partner for Fashion & Art Gallery’s designer showcase, together celebrating diversity in the beauty and fashion industry. IMAN Cosmetics was the exclusive makeup sponsor for the event and leading the team of IMAN experts is Emmy Award-Winning Valente Frazier who is considered one of the industry’s most talented and sought after celebrity makeup artists. An accomplished artist in his own right, Valente has worked with A-list clientele including Iman, Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks and Ciara. Valente’s work has appeared on the pages of Italian Vogue, Elle, Bazaar, O, and Essence, and he has worked on The View, America’s Next Top Model, as the National Makeup Artist and Trainer for IMAN Cosmetics.

 Creating two distinct looks for each of the designers, Valente brings his vision to life pulling from Spring 2012 trends, which he notes are transcending from exclusively fall / winter or spring / summer. Valente noted that many of the trends are a merging of seasons – a synergistic collision of season’s staples. Limiting bright red lips for Fall or smoky eye only for Winter is a thing of the past. “Bold lips are big right not and I am seeing a lot of tangerines, pinks, corals and purples, all of it! Women aren’t afraid to wear color anymore on the lips, especially during the Spring and Summer, when everything is in bloom,” says Valente.

For the Mataano show Valente used vibrant, bold colors to reflect the collection which features statement patterns, lots of bright reds, oranges, corals and crèmes. He left the skin translucent and the eyes sheer, with the focus on the mouth. Using the Iman Eye-Con Kit, Valente’s team was able to experiment with the range of colors and mix the perfect match with its four shadow trios.

 Lips: Luxury Moisturizing Lipstick in Iman Red and Paprika 

Soft Brows: Perfect Eyebrow Pencil in Black and Brown (Clear Gel Finish) 

Pencil: Perfect Eye Pencil in Ebony 

Eyes: Eye Con Kit (Golden Romance Trio ) and Eye Defining Powders Black Magic, Vixen, Wicked, Bewitched 

Foundation/Skin Tones: Cream-to-Powder Foundation 

Cheeks: Sheer Finish Bronzing Powder in Afterglow 

Korto Momolu’s look was a strong, smoky eye and a dusty rose-pink lip. IMAN’s Au Natural Lipstick helped create this soft, feminine look, while the cream-to-powder foundation left skin with a flawless and natural appearance.

Eyes: Eye Con Kit  

Lips: Luxury Moisturizing Lipstick in Au Natural and Luxury Lip Shimmer in Crystal 

Foundation/Skin Tones: Cream-to-Powder Foundation 

IMAN Cosmetics products can be found at select Sears, Target, Duane Reade and drugstore.com
– Price range: $8-$17 USD.

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