Archives for May 2014

Check Out My Family Travel Tips on ESSENCE.com!

Recently, I had the opportunity to write for ESSENCE.com’s mom blog (Chic Busy Mom) to share some of my tips on family travel.

It was an honor to lend my “expertise” to such a beloved outlet such as ESSENCE. Please check my must-have travel-friendly products here!

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Give Back this Mother’s Day with St. Jude

Now that I’m a mom of two, Mother’s Day will be even more special for me this year.

Since my children are too small to purchase gifts for me without the help of my husband, I’m simply looking forward to enjoying the day doing what I love most—relaxing!

But, if they were old enough to use their allowance to buy me a bouquet of flowers or some other gift, I’d encourage them to get something that gives back.

After my life-changing visit to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital back in 2012, I’m always looking for ways to support their efforts. It currently takes $1.9 million a day to operate the Memphis, TN-based children’s hospital so that no family has to ever worry about a medical bill.

That’s why LOFT, Nine West and Kay Jewelers have partnered with St. Jude this Mother’s Day to pledge a portion of their proceeds to help raise money to continue providing the proper research and resources for these families.

Check out these deals and discounts that will not only make mom smile, but also give hope and light to families whose children need life-saving support:

LOFTLoft Cares “Feel – Good” Card is available in-store now – June 1, 2014. Ninety percent of the $25 purchase price will go to support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to find cures and save the lives of countless children around the world battling cancer and other deadly diseases. Customers can use the card through June 1 for 20 percent off every $100 purchase.

loftFor more information, click here.

Nine West – The Nine West Western Loop Scarf is available in-store and online until June 30, 2014. The scarf retails for $32, of which $10 will help fund pioneering research and treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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Nine West ‘Western Loop’ scarf available here, $32

Kay Jewelers – The Kay Jewelers Open Hearts Mother’s Day Card, available in-store at Kay Jewelers, will be sold from now until May 11, 2014 for $3. All profits, no less than $2.50 of each card, will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to help ensure that no family ever pays St. Jude for anything, so they can focus on helping their child live.

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Be sure to check out more special cards available to e-mail, print or mail hereFor more information on St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital click here

What are you giving your mother this Mother’s Day? If you’re a mom, what would be your ideal way to spend Mother’s Day this Sunday?

Get ‘Melted’ with Too Faced

Last week, I had the opportunity to check out the latest offerings from Too Faced at the Mondrian Hotel in Soho.

Being a fan of the brand for years, I expected cool packaging, quirky names and quality products—needless to say, I was not disappointed!

Although there’s notable fanfare for their bronzers and shadows, I rarely hear much buzz about their lip products—but, that’s all about to change.

Melted, their new liquified long-lasting lip color is sure to be a coveted beauty buy. The super pigmented lippie goes on with ease and precision thanks to its built-in brush like tip applicator. With just a slight squeeze the color is transferred seamlessly to lips. No need to worry about a liner or brush because the innovative design makes application effortless. While it goes on like a liquid lipstick, it sets into a rich semi-gloss akin to a stain that lasts for hours!

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Too Faced Melted Liquified Long-Wear Lipstick available at Sephora, $21

Available in six shades : Nude, Peony, Coral, Fuchsia, and Ruby.  I’m totally obsessed with the Ruby offering. It is one of the few red-based lip colors that doesn’t look clownish with my complexion. Take that Ruby Woo (MAC)! I even rocked it for my birthday dinner (more on that in a future post) and  after the meal, my lips still looked good.

If long-lasting, incredibly saturated lip colors are what you’re looking for to update your spring and summer looks, these Melted lippies are a must!

Which shade would you be inclined to try? 

Get Janelle Monae’s Red Hot Met Gala Look!

From Lupita’s violet eyeliner to Beyoncé ‘s vampy pout, some of our favorite BGs donned gorgeous beauty trends at last night’s  Met Gala in New York City. But, when it came to effortlessly timeless looks, Janelle Monae’s bold red lip was a standout.

The singer, 28,  looked stunning in her signature black & white get-up, accompanied by an intricately embroidered scarlet caplet. The eccentric CoverGirl ambassador complemented her ensemble with an  eye-catching, classic red lip.

Makeup artist Jessica Smalls shares how she created the crimson look: “I used a cherry red liner to define her lips, filled them in slightly and accentuated her cupid’s bow. CoverGirl’s richly pigmented, and Janelle’s signature, LipPerfection Lipcolor in Hot #305 was then applied with a lip brush ( for ultimate precision) and an electrifying red carpet look was born!”

Janelle Monae attends attends the “Charles James: Beyond Fashion” Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2014 in New York City. Photo By: CoverGirl/Getty

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 CoverGirl LipPerfection in Hot #305 available here, $6

Did you like Janelle’s red lip? Who rocked your favorite overall look at the Met Gala?