Re-post: Product Review: Illamasqua's Body Electrics Collection

Are you in search of this summer’s must-haves beauty products, keep reading because I’ve found the perfect items for you:

We’re all notorious for spending countless of dollars on what’s supposed to be the "it" lip gloss only to walk away with dried lips and a wash of color ... lasting no more than a few minutes. We know what we want; however, some products just don’t deliver (other than false promises). And what is it that we want exactly – “sheer" but still pigmented lip gloss for the summer!


Take a look at Illamasqua’s sheer lip gloss – this is the gloss for summer. I own enough lip glosses to start a beauty boutique and this sheer gloss is up there in the ranks. Although it is defined as sheer, don’t be fooled: this sheer gloss has enough pigment to leave a noticeable color on your lips – not to mention that it does a great job of making your lipstick pop. Another plus is that a little application seems to go a long way. Two coats will do the trick. The initial coat itself seems to outlast other glosses by far, so there’s no need to constantly reapply a new coat – which is a major money saver. It leaves a fine gloss finish without it being too sticky or appearing tacky. With this gloss, the days of looking like you kissed a jar of Vaseline are officially over.


If you’re in need of some color on your lips and not just a shiny gloss that disappears –Illamasqua’s sheer gloss will do the trick!


The gleam cream is lightweight cream that lifts and highlights wherever it's applied and is suitable for face and body. It is suggested that you use this highlighter alone or mix with foundation for an immediate skin brightening effect that will illuminate the night. Even without the help of foundation or other creams for that matter, the Gleam Cream far exceeded my expectations. When I first opened the product and noticed that it was an oyster color, I figured that it would do nothing for my brown skin – but I was wrong. The cream’s effect was noticeable on my skin. It is welcoming to know that this cream is very lightweight – which is important for summer usage. When applied, it goes on smooth and projects a sheer radiance on the skin – all without leaving behind a greasy and messy look. They call it a highlighter but it works like a bronzer. Three small drops are all you need to cover your arms and two fingers are all you need to apply it. In fact, even on dry skin it leaves behind a fresh appearance. You can use this cream to highlight your cheeks, upper chest, forehead, etc to convey a soft, luminous skin.

The Sheer lip gloss retails for $19 and the Gleam Cream at $36 at Sephora - a great investment if you ask me!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"
Suzanna

15% off - Makeup Madness

Listen up ladies, Sephora is giving all Beauty Insiders the chance to save 15% off their entire purchase (both online and in store) from April 12th –19th! And the best part is that there's no minimum purchase requirement; so if you want to purchase something for $1, this coupon code will discount your order to take an additional 15% off $1.


As stated in a previous post, now is the perfect time to clean out your makeup boxes of old and expired cosmetics and replace them with this season's goodies. All you have to do is visit sephora.com and sign up to become a Beauty Insider. If you're already a Beauty Insider, simply use code MADNESS at checkout. Who knew looking beautiful could be such an easy process?!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Suzanna

Stuff Her Holiday Stocking with Makeup

Sephora Beauty Team expert, Julie Tang shows you some hot new makeup trends you can't afford to pass up.

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Julie

Fekkai Classic to Change Retail Address in 2010

Starting next year famed Hollywood Hair extraodinare Frederic Fekkai will be selling his products at Walgreens and Target. Although this strikes as a great idea to conservative consumers, Sephora isn't too keen on the idea. In response to Fekkai's decision, the specialty retail store announced that it will be dropping the line. What's my response to this: its Sephora's loss and our gain!

The classic items that we're all too familiar with - Glossing, Full Volume, and Technician Color lines will be sold at Walgreens and Target. However, the recently launched Fekkai Advanced will continue to be sold at high-end retailers - Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. Even though the lines are changing addresses, the prices will remain high-end, with products set to run between $20 and $30, just as they did at Sephora.

This will be a great way for Fekkai to introduce his line of products to consumers who normally wouldn't frequent Sephora or Neiman Marcus. Most of the time it is usually the store, and not price, that turns the consumer off from buying (or even inquiring about) the product. With the new year comes change and this is definitely a change that we all can agree with!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Suzanna

Street Walking: Lauren Luke's Pre-Launch Party

Thursday night the Fashionwithfifi team celebrated with Lauren Luke at her pre-launch party inside the new 42nd St. & Broadway Sephora (before anyone else could see the store). Lauren was a sweetheart – socializing with everyone. When asked what makes her makeup palette different from her competitors she responded “My makeup is for the everyday woman, not super models… I went into this with something very specific in mind - a great product that works, at an affordable price that will help you embrace color and experiment more. “
Professional makeup artists were on hand giving makeovers using Lauren Luke’s five makeup kits which included three eye shadows, primer, two lipsticks, blush, and deep black eyeliner.
There was a drawing that awarded two women $500 shopping sprees each to Sephora plus another drawing that chose the 14 contestants that will participate in today’s Lauren Luke Challenge (in Times Square) for a chance to win a full set of Lauren Luke’s kits, a new Sony VAIO lap top and dinner with Lauren and her team members!

“Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration”
Suzanna

Illamasqua To Be Released In The US

Drum roll please! As some of you may already know, Illamasqua is coming to the US. We got hold of the press release, released last night and decided to share some interesting parts with you.

“Since its launch in the UK last November, Illamasqua has caught fire with beauty aficionados thanks to its unique night-time make-up concept and extraordinary color range – and has now become the hottest, most buzzed-about brand in the industry. Thousands of professional make-up artists, club kids, beauty junkies, industry insiders and even cutting-edge celebrities like Sienna Miller, Lily Allen, Adele, Beth Ditto and Karen O. are clamoring for the newest, best and latest colors and textures from Illamasqua.

In fact, it’s this global demand for Illamasqua that prompted the brand to finally bring its top 200, best-selling products to the United States through Sephora, the ultimate beauty authority. Its much-anticipated debut will be at Sephora’s newest location, 5 Times Square, on July 31st, as well as on Sephora.com. 26 additional Sephora stores throughout the country will carry Illamasqua in October of this year.

(…)

Created with the eye of world renowned make-up artist Alex Box, and developed by a team of leading chemists and manufacturers of stage and screen make-up, Illamasqua offers everyone – from London club kids, visionary make-up artists and global fashion icons, to the passionate everyday beauty consumer – the tools to create the most striking, expressive looks possible.

A huge range of Illamasqua’s best-selling colors will be available in the U.S., including 40 different eye shadow shades, 22 high-performance nail varnishes, color-intense lipsticks, lipglosses, lashes and much more, creating a kaleidoscopic, pigment rich palette sure to seduce with its heady mix of color, creativity and limitless imagination.”

In fact, Sephora.com already has the line for sale, so click here to go see it. Personally, I’m extremely excited about this company. Most people rave about them and they usually get the higher scores in reviews all over.

Are you counting the days until next Friday, like me? If so, what are you more excited about? Please let us know.

Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration
Micky

Summer Makeup Tips

We want you to look your very best this summer. Adi Lando, a Sephora Pro Beauty Team Expert is here to share his makeup advice for the summer. In this video, you will learn about makeup brushes and makeup routine that only takes 5 minutes. Here's a quick list of the hottest items beauty addicts all over the world are shopping for right now.

Glam on!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

- Suzanna

What Is AFashion Faux Pas?

Remember how it used to be such a fashion no-no to wear pantyhose with open toe shoes? What about those football player like shoulder pads? But guess what? They were seen in fashion weeks all over the world this past year. What about smokey eyes and red lips? Remember how we fled the bright colored makeup started using beige lipstick (no, not nude, "beige"). Now smoky or smouldering eyes paired with bright lips are coming back full force. So I guess it begs the question are there any real fashion faux pas? (Penelope Cruz's Dress aside)

Let me tell you a true story.

My mom and I used to go to the same hairdresser until the day they gave my lovely chocolate brown hair fluorescent red highlights without my permission. I went in there specifically wanting caramel highlights. Trust me on this one, it looks as bad as it sounds. My mom however, kept going there until yesterday. She liked them because they're one of those fancy salons with shiatsu massage and all they have the big time studio thing going on. They have a really impressive setup and the place looks great. I wish I owned a salon like that. However the girls who work there are "Artiste" (allegedly), and they go into smile and nod mode when you’re telling them what you want. My mother’s hair was so bad in fact that not only did she lept off the hairdresser's chair with her hair dripping wet for the first time in her life. It was so bad in fact that when she got home I had to cut some of her hair off to try and fix it.

Why do I even bother to tell you this story when I was talking about fashion faux pas? Because the one and only forever true fashion faux pas is settling for something you’re uncomfortable with, just because you're trying to be trendy or because you're making a statement. Be it a very strange haircut or a dress that just doesn’t fit right. Even if everybody is telling you it's hot, just say no!!! Say no to the Sales Associatesl that try push that pair of jeans you didn’t like so much and happens to be quite pricey. The most definite Fashion Do is only going for what you’re comfortable with and what you like. Get the look and fit that you want. You don't want tollok back at your pictures 10 years from now and wonder "What The Heck Was I Thinking?" Let your wardrobe be something that fits you. Don't be afraid to stand up to your Hair Dresser. Don't wear something just because everyone elese is trying that look. Resist the urge to merge and you'll avoid the dreaded fashion Faux Pas.

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Micky-

Contest Reminder

Hurry and Enter Now!

I would like to remindeveryone that the "Two Faced" contest is still going on through April 30, 2009 EST. To enter, look to the right and search "Two Faced" Contest in the Blog Archive. Tell your family, friends and girl friends to enter as well. This is a great opportunity to win some goodies for the wrong that was done to you --- don't let it pass by! It's fun, quick, and easy to enter. Hurry and enter now!



xoxo
Fifi

P.S.
Subscribe to my Fashion Circle!

Fragrance of the Month

Sugar Lychee by Fresh

If you’re a perfume manic such as myself or looking for a great Spring perfume, I’ve got the perfect something that’ll match your taste. And since I’m posting this up later in the month than I normally would, I’ll make this my pick for the month of April and May. My pick is Sugar Lychee by Fresh.

I’m obsessed with this scent! Believe it or not, I was recently introduced to this fragrance by Fresh and I’m surprised that I didn’t come across this sooner. Don’t let the name fool you: Sugar Lychee is not one of those excessively sweet fragrances composed of 60% alcohol and 40% headaches.

Sugar Lychee is soft, feminine, refreshing and sweet. It’s perfect to wear during April showers and hot muggy summer days. If you smell closely you’ll notice grape fruit, citrus, amber, and mango notes. Although it’s said that Sugar Lychee is exotic (due to the mango hints), don’t let that deter you from buying it as a quick fix for work or school. A 3.4oz bottle runs at $65.
The only down side is that it doesn’t last long, but while it’s noticeable I seriously can’t stop smelling myself. It makes me feel beautiful, happy and confidant! Try it today and add sugar Lychee to your perfume collection.

Remember: Fashion is Foremost Inspiration and Sugar Lychee will definitely inspire you this season!

Fragrancez

Opi's South Beach Collection Review:

Take a lesson from Crayola’s book and go back to the drawing board!

Anyone who knows me is familiar with my appreciation of colors. When asked what's my favorite color, my response is usually "All of them!" There are just too many to choose from and I don't want to leave out one. As a child I placed Barbie aside and collected Crayola Crayons and paint..... Sometimes mixing together the paint and nail polish. They allowed me to express my self and creativity. Now that I look back, I was a cosmetologist in training but didn't know it. As I look at this season's nail lacquer collection, I can't help but to reminisce on my childhood memories.

I viewed Opi’s highly anticipated 2009 South Beach collection and have to say that I am very disappointed. This collection lacked bright hues gloss. Even the “Brightest of Bright” is outwardly dull. These shades are said to “Capture the color, the fashion, and the trend-setting excitement from the world’s most stylish celeb playground” but it does not. I don’t get the South Beach impression when I look at these colors. When I think of South Beach the colors that I envision are Sunset Orange, Laser Lemon, Salmon, Inch Worm, Caribbean Green, Pacific Blue, Pink Flamingo, Scarlet, and Radical Red (to name a few). It disappoints me when companies spend more money on marketing and advertising than the actual quality of the product.

Opi should take a lesson from Crayola’s book and go back to the drawing board.

Would I recommend buying from this collection: No, instead opt for Sephora by Opi. Same name, older colors and better varieties, but it’ll have to do for now ... here are 3 of my go for it! picks

I'm Wired Charge It! (24k gold)

Arm Candy

Out with the old and in with the new!

Remembering the 3 R’s: Reduce, Refuse to use, so Recycle it! Here at FashionwithFifi, I've made a recycling bin designated specifically for cosmetics that I think should be recycled. The first recycled cosmetic belongs to none other than Victoria's Secret Dream Angels Heavenly eau de parfum. At first I was in awe with Heavenly (8 years ago) but now this white, peony, vanilla musk is burning my nose another nostril. I become nauseous every time I get a whiff of this stench. I’ve smelled better body mists by Victoria’s Secret that are now discontinued; such as Crimson Kiss (which was the best garden product ever made). No matter how many times Victoria Secret tries to repackage and market this as a new and improved item – it’s still the same stinking thing! This eau de passé parfum’s time has come and gone. This musk is definitely annoying me and therefore should be retired but since Victoria’s Secret refuses to do so, we’ll do it for them by putting it into good use – just not by us. Any suggestion for its new use because I’m all out of them?

Fragrance of the Month: May

Yep ladies, it's that time of the month again -- no, not the one that comes along with cramping and bloating -- the one where I announce the essential scent that's necessary for this month. And it's definately my personal favorite: Gucci Envy Me.

Envy me is said to be created for the woman who demands attention --- and attention this will definately get you! This dazzling blend of sensual peony, jasmine, and pink pepper is melded with notes of sweet litchi and effervescent pomegranate and pineapple, and smoothed with soothing musk, white tea, and warm woods, is guaranteed to make her the object of desire.

This perfume should be called delicious instead of envy me because it'll leave you feeling yummy all over: and this is my testimony! This scent will leave your man spell bound and your friends envious. It's sweet but light and the same time. It's not a scent that'll leave you with a massive head ache after 30 minutes. This perfume is perfect to wear for the month of May. I wouldn't recommend giving this as a mother's day gift because you may end up using it more than mom. I do highly recommend that you get this for yourself. Get this if you don't want to smell like the next woman. I have yet to wear this perfume and meet someone in the same place with it on. You could wear this for any occasion --- even a romantic night home with your honey bun :)

A 1oz spray runs about $42 ............... Not so sure: try it before you buy it

Come on Ladies - it's *****Gucci*****

Fragrancez

ATTENTION: Free on-line Make Overs for everyone!!!!

Ever wonder how'd you look with honey blond curly hair or monster green eye shadows? Or better yet, which lip loss would pop for you? Have you ever wonder how much of a difference would fake eye lashes make on your appearance without having to go through trial and error? Well Ladies look no further............ I've found the perfect place for you and it's all F.R.E.E. and P.R.I.V.A.T.E. at TAAZ

All you have to do is upload a picture of yourself - sort of like a mug shot and voila --- MAGIC!!! It's simple to use, creative, informative, and fun. They even list the products so that you choose in the process for reference just incase you want to buy it from a department store. Plus you can save and print your pics, choose to make them public or private so that other people can view and rate it and you can view the pictures of other women. Try it ladies, and share your pics with us. I guarantee that you'll definately get a laugh out of this!


Here are my before and after pics (feel free to leave a comment)

BEFORE

AFTER

P.S.

Dont I resemble Free (formerly of 106 & Park) ?!!?! ..............Lol J/k

Face is First

As I previously stated - your face is your passport - it gets you where you're going and as shallow as this may sound ... it's the 1st impression that people have of you, so treat it as you would your life investment. Sad to say is that I've notice a lot of beautiful women who allow their faces to breakout or mistreat it. Why wear a designer dress that's flawless but allow your facial flaws to be seen or allow for blackheads and pimples to take over? As you would invest in giving your car quarterly maintenance, do the same for your face: infact entire body.... atleast 2x a year. One in the winter and another in the summer, because the severe change in weather can impose extensive damage to your face. It doesn't have to be expensive believe me... I, too, am on a tight budget and if I can you it so can you. Usually when I refer a product, chances are - i've already tried it and it definately worked for me, so there it is.

With that said, let's get started! The basics:
1. When washing your face don't use bar soap - it's intended for the body, not the face. The chemicals in it usually dries out your face and causes breakouts. I.E. Notice how whenever you change bar soap brands you get a pimple. Use only facial cleansers that are intended for the face ONLY!!! and if necessary, consult with a dermatologist before choosing any OTC or prescribed facial cleansers for those with extra sensitive skin.

2. Limit the amount of times you wash your face. Don't overdue it because what you'll be doing is drying out your face and ridding it of the natural oils that your face produces. For those with oily skin, I know that this may seem as the best method, but usually when you don't see results after a week - that means that it's not working so STOP! As before, an oily skin can be cause due to the change in weather, daily diet, ect so consult your Dermatologist. After washing your face, softly pat it when drying. Do not scrub it dry or wipe it dry.

When choosing a cleanser: READ THE INFO PROVIDED ON THE BACK. Just because it worked for me, your co-worker and your best friend, doesn't mean that it'll work for you!!! Everyone skin type is different. Do this: stand in front of the mirror under a high definition light (bright light - not dull) and examin your face. Look for blackheads, dark spots, breakouts, uneven tones, over exposed pores - which is what I'll refer to as crater face, ect. Write this all down and take it to your local beauty store or dermatologist. They will help you find the product that's right for you.

3. Protect your face. It's always exposed to the sun and must be protected at all time by using a Matte containing SPF (sun screen). Don't believe the hype people: sun screen is not just for Latina and caucasians to use. Too much exposure from the sun can cause you to age faster; causing wrinkles and damage to the skin. It's important to take good care of your skin now than to start when you're in your late 30's wondering where you're going to find money for a routine botox visit. Also,
whenever possible DRINK WATER AND SMILE. Drink water because it's healthy and helps bring out your natural glow and smile because it brings out your beauty. When you frown and make funny facial features - you're just adding potential wrinkles to your face, plus it's not attractive at all.


...........WITH THAT SAID.....................
The facial product that I use and IS CURRENTLY USING (this tells you that it's definately worth it) is Cosmedicine's Basic Skin Regimen. My friend bought it for me and I've been addicted ever since. Here's the story: One day I noticed that I had several pimples that grew out of nowhere. I paniced and rushed to the local drug store to purchase an OTC cleanser that would instantly work (without reading the product)and while I was asleep I kept scratching my face because it was irritating me and when I woke up the next morning, I had a rash that was out of this world. I called up my friend and she came through with the game plan. After a week of using the regimen the rash cleared up, and so did my face (and I didn't use it twice a day as recommended). Not only did it correct the rash, but it also evened out my tone. I am glad that this product lives up to it's name and officially hooked!!! Ladies you've gotta try this


This product definately works for me!


After using this product, you'll not only notice the change but you'll feel like a new woman. I would even recommend this for men. If you don't believe me or want to take my word for it, go to sephora and ask for a sample of the regimen and use it on a small area of your face. If it works - buy it immediatey and if it doesn't - well atleast you tried without spending a dime.

Here's a pic of me after a week of using the product eau de natural.