Runway To Walkway: Recreating Beauty Trends from NYFW

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So I really, genuinely grew to love this look at Ruffian's Fall 2013 show. I did not get to go backstage at this show since I just could bring myself to get out of bed fast enough after my jet lag. Instead, I grabbed a coffee, newspaper and a cab. I was off to the show at least. It did not disappoint. The clothes were amazing, the make up had a lot going on and at first, it was just the lip that called to me. It was all too monochromatic. I even sent out this tweet:

Then, the more the show went on and the more I saw, it actually grew on me and I walked out wondering how I can soften the look and recreate it off the runway. So today, I grabbed my Soft Peach blush from Artistry Beauty and created a softer Spring version of this look.

This baked blush is part of Artistry Beauty's Spring Collection that will be released soon but you can shop their other collections now.

I applied the blush on my lids from lash line to crease and blended the crease with my ring finger. Then I put the blush on my lips with my ring finger and added clear gloss and finished the look by applying the blush on my cheeks. Simple really. I didn't bother putting the blush under the eye as they did at Ruffian because I get really dark circles and did not apply concealer so I skipped it.

It is not quite the red they used at Ruffian and so it is softer and more wearable for day to day. Are there any runway looks you would like to recreate?



A special shout out and thank you to Artistry Beauty who covered my hotel, flight and travel accommodations for my trip to NYC. I also received pieces from the Spring 2013 to use during my stay. All opinions, words are my own. They do not reflect nor are paid for by Artistry Beauty. I received no further compensation for this post or any in association. Thoughts and opinions written here do not reflect any of my brand sponsorships nor do they reflect upon those who I write for on a freelance basis.

At Home Treatment Peel

So lucky me, right before I left for NYC, I received this awesome box from Artistry Beauty. In it was this product. I usually love at home treatments but I was a bit nervous at first. 

Now, instantly the words intensive and peel being in the same sentence made me nervous but in order to give you and honest review, I had to bite the bullet and give it a shot. So here is the background on my skin. Before I had my daughter, my skin was more even, HARDLY did I  ever see a breakout and it was almost flawless. My skin, now, is sensitive, uneven and I suffer from really bad hormonal break outs, mostly under the surface but if it does surface, it is not a pretty site. Due to this, I tend to pick. Yes, I know. I yell at my clients all the time when they do and I won't even use the whole "but I'm a professional" deal.  Not to mention, I'm aging y'all! But here are my results in scary horrific, first thing in the morning sans make up pictures. Be warned.

 BEFORE: Scarring from (gulp) picking. Hormonal breakouts and under the surface clogged pores. Laugh lines visible without even smiling.

RIGHT AFTER TREATMENT: Skin looks red and irritated. Under the surface acne purged but skin is smoother.

5 HOURS AFTER TREATMENT: Smaller breakouts appear healed. Skin is smoother, scarring is lightened and redness reduced. Laugh line is diminished.


Now the secret to this product is the mushroom enzyme that naturally resurfaces your skin. While it is professional grade, people with sensitive skin (myself included) can in fact use this with little to no irritation. The irritation I experienced was slight and only around my actual break outs. This product is not meant as an acne treatment. It resurfaces skin, tightens pores, reduces the appearance of fine lines and smooths the skin. I saw the effects around my laugh lines as well and it took the photos to make me notice since I was focusing on the scarring mainly. I always find a con to a product, ALWAYS. The con here is that I cannot find one. Even the $101.50 price tag didn't scare me considering the price of treatments at the salon or med spas that I have seen at even $600 for 1 treatment! I'll pass on that and order this one here. I cannot wait to try it again in a few days and see my skin then.






Disclaimer: I do not work, sell or receive commission off of Artistry Beauty. I did receive this product for review. You will find real results in all of my reviews (good Gawd, I showed you my face!) and honest and open opinions. Opinion being the key word there as I am not a dermatologist nor did I consult one. Just a real woman, with real skin care issues just like everyone else...that and I've worked in this industry for 10 years.

Top Beauty Trends for Fall 2013

Check out my guest post for New York Fashion Week at Artistry Beauty's Blog...

This past weekend, I braved the snow storm and headed to NYC — thanks to Artistry! — to check out what is in store for us this Fall/Winter 2013. READ THE REST HERE

Come back later on this afternoon where I bare all and show you MY skincare concerns (pics and all) and show you what I am doing to solve them.

My Fashion WEEKend Part 3

Day 3 at New York Fashion Week started off perfectly. I slept until 8 and slathered on my eye cream. At this point, my eyes need a miracle. I opened the shades, let in the light, showered, got dressed and sat in front of my computer for another hour or so drinking the same nasty hotel room coffee. We really should get a petition going for in room Starbucks. Just saying'.  I, then went for a walk to find a cozy spot for a late breakfast. I settled in a small spot for an espresso and a pastry. I went small because today was a slow day. I would for sure have time to eat.

I headed to the tents, decked out in my vintage dress and the beanie I refused to take off. I tried the dry shampoo that I was given at the Charlotte Ronson show. I'm still trying to wash that gunk out. Face was bright with my Soft Peach Baked Blush from Artistry and my poppin' new gloss. Boom. I can be vain, shameful, I know but you wouldn't be here if you didn't love it or at least find the humor in it.

  My first show was Trina Turk but my calendar was posting central time and of course, I missed it and I missed backstage. So I walked out to get lunch because I was still starved from the days before when an email came in. Time to cover the Tracy Reese show. A mix up with PR moved my seat from the 3rd row to front row seconds before the show started. I was so excited, I misspelled the designer's name in all my tweets. Hehehe, I was on cloud 9 and the show was that damn good.

Then of course, my phone buzzes me to go backstage to Custo Barcelona where I snap a few photos and on the way out talk to hairstylist Duffy who tells me how he created the hair. He was sweet, funny and just laid back. I'm sensing a pattern here with these hair and make up artists backstage. They are genuinely cool and easy to talk to. Period.

The designer is much shorter in person but so is everyone I meet. He was pretty chill also.

Hey Miss Jay! Girl is T-A-L-L! Of course when someone asked a question he directed his answers to everybody like we were there in a group just to hang out and be friends. I just duck my lips and shake my head, trying to not show my lame-ness by shouting, "oh, Miss Jay, you so cray...be my bestie!" Even though I was tempted. Oh yeah and Miss USA & Miss Teen USA. Gorgeous aren't they?

The hair for Custo that Duffy created. Now, this is not something you do in the streets, or maybe you do but it was still pretty dope. If I had the patience to do this, I probably would.

I have no words for this show. I was left speechless. After the show, I had to charge my phone or I would be lost for the rest of the day. Thank goodness I have an iPhone 5 and it charges it 15 minutes because I had to run to the Empire where my meeting had to be cut down to 20 min! Then I practically ran to 59th and Columbus to hail a cab...okay steal a cab from tourists (sorry!) to head to the Plaza. I love that place because secretly I want to be Eloise. 

I made it backstage in time for the Zac Posen show where I got to meet top models, the awesome hair genius Luisi for John Frieda and while I didn't know it then, chat about Alexander Wang's tote with a major editor. She looked familiar but I figured I saw her in the tents. Wrong. Sad to say her name is still on the tip of my tongue.

Of course, I'm all #TEAMCOCO at the show. After waiting around for 30 mins, the PR girl tells me if I stand tight, I may get to see the show. After 15 more minutes of intense heat, dehydration and starvation, my body can no longer take it. I walk out to get fresh air and hop the train back to my hotel to pick up my bags. I get a car because the door guy says it is cheaper only to find it to be the same price as a cab and the driver that much ruder! At the airport and flight is delayed two hours. I could have caught the Emerson show and I slump my way to the food court at 8 pm for my first real meal of the day, filled with shame for sitting to eat instead of cabbing it back to Lincoln Center.

I felt disgustedly awesome after though. Thank you to Famiglia for the freebie pizza. They felt bad because I was so hungry, I was on the edge of tears! I ate every last bite. This has been an exhausting trip but equally rewarding. I know, I have so much more to share and so much that I learned from this experience but alas that will have to wait. I have been writing, typing tweeting and instagraming like crazy for almost a week straight. I'm a working mom but right now, I need to work on just being mom so here is what you should expect next week on....BEAUTY WEEK, all brought you by Artistry Beauty! All beauty, all week starting Tuesday. See you soon!

A special shout out and thank you to Artistry Beauty who covered my hotel, flight and travel accommodations. I also received pieces from the Spring 2013 to use during my stay. All opinions, words are my own. They do not reflect nor are paid for by Artistry Beauty. I received no further compensation for this post or any in association. Thoughts and opinions written here do not reflect any of my brand sponsorships nor do they reflect upon those who I write for on a freelance basis.

My Fashion WEEKend Part 1

As snowmageddon was about to hit the East coast, I caught the last flight out. I was NYC bound.  Unfortunately, this mom was dealing with slight heartbreak as my little one was getting over a 24 hour bug but daddy day care was open for business and I was off. Check out a few images from my Instagram and trusty iPhone during the busiest 3 days ever!

 I tried fitting so much into a carry on, I'm surprised they didn't make me check it in, which wouldn't have mattered. They now charge $50 for a carry on! Seriously?

 Picked up this awesome skirt last minute and of course never wore it.

 I was afraid I wouldn't get in on time but I made it to the Noon By Noor Show and lucky me, I had a seat. Back row of course, but who's complaining.

 I had to check my make up because of course, it was done in a cab on the way to the tents. This felt tip liquid eyeliner from Artistry Beauty is all I was raving about to ANYONE who would listen. DONE.IN.CAB.

I check my instagram feed and what do I see? I'm on Latina's instagram. From now until Thursday if you put your look up on instagram with the hashtag #LatinaFW you could win some awesome prizes.

 The show was getting to be to much so before I ruined them, I ran to H&M on 59th and Columbus and grabbed the pair I would end up wearing almost all weekend.

 I was lucky enough to sit in on a chat with legendary designer, Carmen Marc Valvo who just showed his new collection that includes shoes! Oh and wait for it...lingerie is next! Thank you Style Coalition for inviting Latina.

 After a late lunch at 4 and my first meal of the day, I ran back to the tents to catch the Nicole Miller show. The snow was coming down hard but I'm from Chicago, it was child's play.

 By the time the Charlotte Ronson presentation started, it legit was snowing in the tents as I struggled to keep my eyes open.

But I had a friend from Chicago in town, so I thickened my liner back at my hotel and threw on some gloss from Artistry Beauty and headed out for some sushi. You can ask my husband, the only way to get me away from the pjs and out the door, is the promise of sushi.

Bag by Gia Luxe Chicago.

This was just the first day and you wouldn't have guess it to be the easiest. I made it in bed by midnight EST but my body hit that bed like a pile of rocks! Come back tomorrow for a recap of Day 2 and a recreation of one of the hottest runway looks!

A special shout out and thank you to Artistry Beauty who covered my hotel, flight and travel accommodations. I also received pieces from the Spring 2013 to use during my stay. All opinions, words are my own. They do not reflect nor are paid for by Artistry Beauty. I received no further compensation for this post or any in association.

Follow me to Fashion Week

So if you follow me on Twitter then you know I'm heading out to New York Fashion Week. I'll be heading for just 3 days and 2 nights though, motherly guilt doesn't let me travel longer than that sans my little one. What I didn't mention is how awesome it is going to be check out beauty trends and report back to you all on behalf of Artistry Beauty.  So if you aren't following on Twitter or on Instagram yet, I'd strongly suggest you get on that or you'll miss out on so much starting this Friday. While you are at in...hit up Facebook, just in case.




Disclaimer: Artistry is sponsoring this trip. This is my reaction.

First Signs of Aging: How to Fight Back

Just last week, I did a review for Colgate and found that a brighter smile makes a younger looking woman. However, when I was showing off my newly brightened smile my eyes crinkled. I didn't say creased, I said crinkled. I'm looking forward to getting older, I love my body more and I enjoy life more but aging is another story. I don't want to be 20 again but I sure wouldn't mind looking 20. I could have easily edited the image but I chose not to. Why? Well because I am a firm believer in practicing what I preach and showing you the results. Here is what I am doing and what you should be too.

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 Water: I know, you have to drink x amount a day but I can't and after a few days. I won't, I'll grab a Pepsi instead. What I can do is drink a glass first thing in the morning and one at night. It isn't 8 glasses but it's better than nothing.

 Treat: I've never been religious about putting on eye cream. In fact, when Artistry Beauty gave me Creme LuXury Eye, their most luxurious eye cream, I put it in my drawer and figured I'd use it when all my other creams finish. After just one week, my eyes looked refreshed, lifted and smoother. It is a bit of a sticker shock but after seeing the results, worth every penny. All other creams rest peacefully at the bottom of the trash.

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Sleep: I do not get enough and every day I tell my husband that I am going to bed at 10 and by 1 am, I'm fighting sleep so I can play on Pinterest. There just isn't enough hours in the day but apparently, I'm not getting any younger either. So there you go.


If nothing else, find religion and pray for a miracle. Either that or learn to embrace nature.




Disclaimer: Artistry Beauty did not pay me for this post. The eye cream was gifted, the results real and amazing. You're welcome.

My 5 Minute Makeup Routine

So I bit the bullet and did my first make up how to video. You can tell I am nervous because I do not smile. Ha...I swear I am usually smiling. Below are links to the products use and other options. Go ahead, press play!

Liquid eyeliner in black
Used: Bobbi Brown (Limited Edition) | Option: Le Metier de Beaute Precision Liquid Liner in Black 

Pencil Liner
Artisty Beauty in Lagoon

Eyeshadow:
Used: Bobbi Brown (Color Discontinued)| Option: Lorac in Deep Emerald Green

Concealer:
Bobbi Brown

Foundation:
Bobbi Brown

Blush:
Sin Cosmetics

The Preview

Get ready because The Makeup Show is coming to Chicago. While in New York, I was able to peak in and see what was in store for us. I sat through a session on the perfect smokey eye which one can never have too many techniques on how to achieve certain looks and walk through all the vendor booths. There are too many to list but I narrowed it down to some of my favorites.

 Everyone rants and raves about Tom Ford lipsticks and how great they are but before Ford there was Kevyn Aucoin. I do believe every woman should own one. May I suggest The Expert Lip Tint in Enchantaberry. It is smooth and luxurious just as a lip product should be. It amazes me that not many places carry it but thank goodness for Barney's always knowing what is best. 

So everyone in the blogosphere is aware of BirchBox but did you know they just launch a box for men? I didn't either. Now while BirchBox is a $10 subscription beauty service, the mens box is $20. The reason for the increase? Those dapper dudes get a lifestyle box. Just check out the sock by Richer Poorer which can range from $12-$20 alone. Not a bad deal, not bad at all.

I ran into the ladies from Artistry Beauty. You may recall how obsessed I was with their lipgloss not too long ago. I actually received some pretty awesome skincare as well so I thought I would peak in and see the whole line. I'll share that fun stuff in a later post because it just needs its own.

What make up artist/junkie would go to the show and NOT stop by Make Up For Ever? The big hit had to be their new Aqua Shadow. These smudge proof pencils are not yet available at Sephora so go ahead and stock up while you are there. I did.

I will be attending the show in Chicago so join me, you won't want to miss this.