Take a Step Towards a Cleaner, Fresher Face

Cleaning my makeup brushes is one of those pesky chores that I know I really should get around to, but I always turn a blind eye to it. Much like that pile of laundry in the corner. But the truth is, makeup brushes need to be cleaned just as often as your laundry. They are a repository for makeup residue, dirt, and natural body oils, making them the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

I never even think twice before applying my blush or eye shadow about the possible germs and bacteria that are teeming on the tip of my brush, but it is something we should all be more careful of. After all, our faces are our first impressions and who doesn’t want to put their freshest, cleanest face forward?son

I tested out two new products that will help keep your brushes clean and lasting longer.

Parian Spirit is a professional makeup cleaning solution that works two ways: to clean and disinfect brush bristles and to restore brushes to their natural shape and shine. The formula, made of citrus spirits and food grade solvents, is environmentally friendly and gives off a fresh, citrus scent.

To use, just pour enough solvent into the Parian Spirit canister to cover the brush’s bristles and swirl the brush for approximately one minute or until you see the makeup residue wash out. Once you remove the brush from the container, use a paper towel to blot excess water and let stand to dry completely. Although it is a fast-drying formula, be sure to give yourself plenty of drying time before using the brushes again. For a list of retailers, visit http://www.parianspirit.com/, and keep in mind that prices will vary from one distributor to the next.

If you are concerned about your brushes losing their shape, I’ve also discovered that Brush Guards are the perfect way to protect and maintain makeup brushes. The plastic, flexible sheath slides over the handles of the brush and covers the bristles, serving as a barrier from dirt and dust and also helping to maintain its shape. I actually put the guards over my brushes as soon as I cleaned them so they could dry properly without losing their shape.

The Brush Guards come in four sizes, ranging from extra-small to large, and are available in assorted or same-size packets of six for just $5.50. However make sure to check the handle on your brush; my largest brush has a really large handle and the Brush Guard didn’t fit.

It is about time to check the cleanliness of your brushes and improve your makeup routine! Because as they say, cleanliness is next to…loveliness!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Erin Simpson

Cool out by the poolside with Poolside!

Summertime is quickly approaching. Warm weather, hot sun, and sitting by the poolside. China Glaze has put together a complete set of all the colors you'll need for the warm weather. The Poolside collection is packed with hot neon, bright, in-your-face colors that will make you want to throw on your bathing suit with the first brush stroke.


When you think of boys, you think of blue. When you think of hot towel boys, what other color should you think of but " Towel Boy Toy." This an amazing neon blue polish that is glazed (no pun intended) with a hint of sparkle. The first coat will go on thin but will quickly remind you of perfect, crisp Florida waters. It wasn't until the bold second coat that I realized this color had a dry matte finish, but had a hint of sparkle. You won't see that through the bottle, but it is definitely there. I typically like for my colors to have a shine when it dries (even though I always apply a top clear coat), but this blue is so bright, the matte look complimented it really well.



I'm not sure if anyone makes cold kiwi flavored drinks but after applying "Kiwi Cool" I sure wish I had one! This color is like no other green I have seen before. It is not for the faint at heart. So when you try this color make sure you have attitude and a confident strut. The color applies the same way this color will make you feel...bold. The first coat glided on and left no open streaks. This is a serious green that lives up to how it looks in the bottle and means business. Business by the poolside of course.




Have you heard about the woman who wore an itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini? Well, did you check out her nails? She was wearing "Yellow Polka Dot Bikini" nail polish! Who knew they made such a color. Now that China Glaze has made it I am satisfied. Yellow is a fun, energetic nail color. Many might steer away from trying such a polish, but don't be. It's the essential summer nail color, and every girl should try it at least once. The first and surprisingly the second coat went on thin and was quite see through. I needed to apply three coats to get full and solid coverage. Nonetheless, the end result was satisfying and had me ready to take a dip in the pool!



What would the summer be without the sun? Everyday we want the sun to shine brighter than yesterday. The sun will be sure to shine bright this summer because it has met it's match with "Sun Worshiper". "Sun Worshiper" is a tangy orange color that was so much fun to wear. I couldn't go anywhere without people wanting to take a peek at my nails. Orange has always been my favorite color, even as a child, but I was unsure of how it would look on my nails. Now that I have tried it, I will be wearing this color again, and again. The first coat went on thick and didn't even need a second coat. Once the polish dried, it was matte, so a shiny top coat will be needed. This polish, along with the other colors, is full of nail hardeners. So while you make a bold statement with your nails, you're providing love and strength to them at the same time.



"Flip Flop Fantasy" can be worn on more than just your toes. It is a great color for nails that says it's summer time and I'm ready. At first I was unsure of this color. Mainly because I wasn't sure what basic color it went with. This color is perfect from those who are unlike anyone else. This color fits into no one category. It's a little bit of orange and pink mixed together with a hint of coral. This is a color you will not find any where else. It is that much of an individual...like yourself! This color is so unique, it's true color doesn't even show through in a picture. In person this color is neon and bright. Two coats is needed to get full coverage. Once you're done, you will be happy you gave this color a try.



I am such a girlie girl! When I opened "Pool Party," I squealed like I was splashed with pool water . I loved the electric neon hot pink that was packed in this bottle. I knew I would be pleased with this color and once applied, it lived up to its potential. Though this color looks hot pink, it dries as a pink/peach color. The final application of this color was thick and amazing. "Pool Party" makes a statement to your femininity and to the summer time.



China Glaze colors are known for being long lasting and this collections lives up that. The colors are bold and will have you ready for any summer event you have coming your way!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"
SheSingsLovely

True Elegance with Deborah Lippmann's nail polish

I've always been the kind of girl who loves for my nails to look elegant. Nails of Elegance can be worn for any occasion (work or play). Deborah Lippmann prides herself on carrying a nail polish line that that is based on being just that with a trendy twist.



"Waking Up In Vegas" is a beautiful sophisticated color. It would be fair to describe the color as gray with a hint of cocoa. This is perfect nail color that shows people you mean business, but have style and class at the same time. You can wear "Waking Up in Vegas" to work, then drive off to the City of Lights all with the comfort of knowing your nails fit both occasions. This polish is thin, yet the first coat gave solid coverage. The end result was matte and beautiful, but if you want some shine be sure to add a clear top coat. With this color you must work quickly because it dries quite fast!








For all of you ladies who like to appear innocent but may have another side of you, you will love "I'm Not Innocent". This is a very natural color with a hint of powder pink. The first coat is thin and translucent. The second coats give you a solid pink/peach flesh tone color. "I'm Not Innocent" can be worn with any outfit because the color is so neutral. Unlike the the previous color, this polish dried at a regular rate, so you'll have to wait a few minutes before you show the world just how innocent you are (or aren't).




These polishes are full of Biotin, which is known to provide healthy, strong, and growing nails. Also, you animal lovers can put your mind at ease, because their polishes aren't tested on animals. Deborah Lippmann's line has an array of colors from neutral to bold, so be sure to check out her other colors at http://deborahlippmann.com.



"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"
SheSingsLovely

Smell Sweet & Sexy with Orange Sapphire!

Bath and Body Works has become the staple store every woman shops at to get great scents, lotions, and other products for a great price. A new signature collection has been introduced and I think I'm in love! Orange Sapphire is an exotic yet sweet scent. Not all products can achieve such a smell. The frangrance is very fresh and clean. At the same time it is exotic and playful. You can quickly smell a citrus scent with a background of other goodies, that you may not be able to pin point. Mixing honey, white jasmine, blood orange, mandarin, and sangria - this scent has covered all the bases. It provides you with the sweet and sexy smell, so it's up to you to decide which role you want to play!

The shower gel was smooth and the lather was luxurious. Its consistency is thick and smooth. It has been my experience that the scent from a shower gel does not last long; however, this was not the case with Orange Sapphire. I could smell this all day long. It felt great putting this on because not only did it smell great, but it felt wonderful. It left my skin feeling silky smooth once it was rinsed off. This is a sign of an ideal shower gel, because not only is it providing a great long lasting fragrance, but it is also moisturizing. Orange Sapphire shower gel is full of Aloe Vera and Vitamin E - which are known for their moisturizing benefits.

The body spray is also long lasting. We've all experienced spraying on a lovely scent only to have it disappear after a few hours. You don't have to worry with this scent because it lasts all day long. When I came home I still smelled the exotic mix of citrus. Also, I've always liked the way Bath and Body Works' body spray dispensed through the nozzle. It provides a good strong spray that expands: covering more than just one small area.


I think this is a great fragrance to add to your collection. Every scent has it's own personality (sweet, sexy, innocent, energetic, etc). Orange Sapphire fits them all!

Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration
SheSingsLovely

Polish Your Holiday Wardrobe With These Holiday Lacquers

One of my favorite things about the holidays (besides gift giving of course) is all the celebrating! And every celebration demands the perfect holiday look—right down to our nail polish. China Glaze professional nail lacquers come in many festive colors and I soon realized that holiday nails can go beyond the traditional poinsettia red color. I got to test out a few and fell in love with this season’s options. Now let me spread some holiday cheer as I give you the low down on China Glaze’s seasonal lacquers.

“Drastic” is the perfect holiday red that will complement any party outfit. Two coats gave me a deep red that is dark enough without losing its cheery brightness. Applying this polish was so surprisingly easy and it went on more evenly than most Essie polishes I have tried. The formula is also packed with hardeners so you don’t have to worry about your nails becoming brittle.

Green is the next obvious choice for this holiday season and I am so excited to see this color on nails. “Outta Bounds” is great color to add a unique, personal twist to any look. But let the nail polish be the boldest holiday color or else you might look more like an ornament than a trendy partygoer. I’m also a big fan of China Glaze’s brushes. They are loaded with substantial bristles that provide great coverage and allow the nail polish to go on smoothly without any bubbles or blemishes.

Warm chocolate brown is anything but boring. “IX” is a rich, dark brown that is a softer alternative to black but still keeps the overall look edgy and on-trend. It’s an unexpected color that reminds me of hot chocolate…and chocolate chip cookies….maybe even wood for the fire! After one coat, I was amazed at the opaque coverage and two coats yielded perfection. Dark colors are sometimes hard to apply without smudging into cuticles, but China Glaze’s formula isn’t runny but is thick enough to give you more control as you apply.

“White Out” looks just like the bottle of correction fluid that its name implies. One coat left my nails still sheer, but two coats gave me an opaque, snow-white color. Perfect for capturing the essence of a first snow fall but cut nails on the shorter side to keep this look more subtle than sloppy.

If you want to let your outfit do all the talking this year, then China Glaze has your nails covered with “Inner Beauty,” a light pink that makes me think of The Nutcracker’s graceful ballerinas. The sheer formula allows you to vary the intensity of the color. One coat gives barely-there coverage while two will give a pretty pink that won’t distract from any show-stopping outfits.

They retail at $5.99. You can find more nail polishes from China Glaze at Sally Beauty.

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Erin Simpson

product reviews

Zippers: Functional and Fashionable

Seven years ago, when Kate Cusack noticed a long zipper holding the edges of an old slip cover together, she instantly became inspired by the multi-functional piece of material.

“I thought of it not as a zipper but as a faceted piece of metal,” she says.

After experimenting with the malleable material, Cusack delved into the realm of jewelry design, creating what she calls “wearable art.” Her first collection in 2002 was a line of zipper pins. Cusack hand sews the zippers into large, brightly colored flowers, available with both gold and silver hardware.

The visually intriguing pieces are a refreshingly unique interpretation of a material we all use on a daily basis. “I like to find typical materials that I can use in unusual ways,” she says.

Cusack first started giving her pins away as gifts and then, in 2003, she began selling them after teaming up with Marissa Alperin, an old high school friend who owns a studio in Brooklyn Heights. Alperin, also a jewelry designer, features delicate precious and semi-precious earrings, necklaces and rings. Cusack brought her chunky, eclectic zipper jewelry to be showcased alongside Alperin’s. From there, Cusack says the popularity of her designs was “very organic.”

When Alperin’s shop was featured in New York Magazine’s, Cusack’s jewelry also received a spotlight in their “Best Bets” column. With this exposure, Cusack then moved her wares to the Fellisimo Design House, located at 10 West 56^th St., where they were featured in an exhibit entitled “Made in Brooklyn.”

The success of her pin collection soon led Cusack to start creating new designs. She has now expanded her collection to include necklaces and bracelets, with her retail prices reflecting the complexity of each design. Zipper pins retail for $85, bracelets retail from $120 to $300, and necklaces retail from $300 to $1,200.

The intricate designs are both eye-catching and beautiful. “I like the contrast between the soft material and the hard material,” she says. Cusack plays with shapes and loves the “aha” moment when customers realize they are made of zippers.

Customers can find Cusack’s pins and select bracelets in her online shop, while her necklaces are sold in galleries such as Julie: Artisans’ Gallery in NYC and the Snyderman-Works Gallery in Philadelphia. To see Cusack’s whole zipper collection, check out her website.

With zippers being such a huge trend in the fashion industry right now, Cusack says she likes to think she started the whole craze. Each of her designs is original and Cusack says it can be very tricky when a lot of other designs from mainstream companies and designers start to look similar to hers.

“Even though the zipper trend is out there, I think it brings a lot more attention to me.” And that attention is growing to global proportions with Fergie being spotted in Melbourne just recently wearing one of Cusack’s necklaces.

Her work has been featured in a number of magazines, including Cosmopolitan, InStyle, and WWD. Italian Vogue also borrowed some of her zipper pieces for a photo shoot.

But jewelry is not Cusack’s only design success. After receiving her MFA from the Yale school of Drama in 2006, she worked extensively with theater design, creating costumes for a number of plays and projects. She was also commissioned by Tiffany & Company’s 5^th Avenue flagship store to create five elaborate “Marie-Antoinette style” wigs for the 2002 Mother’s Day window display. The stunning headdresses were all made out of household plastic wrap, keeping true to Cusack’s design aesthetic.

Although Cusack continues exploring all areas of artistic design and creativity, she devotes most of her focus to her zipper collection, saying that she enjoys this endeavor the most.

In addition to remaining creative and happy while creating new and interesting designs, Cusack says she would also love have Lady Gaga wear one of pieces. “That would make a big splash!”

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Erin Simpson

Hair Solutions: Hair Rules

A. Dickey gives us a lesson on catering to your hair's unique style. He talks about Hair Rules, a line of products that covers various hair types, and tells us a little about revitalizing damaged locks.

By dividing textured hair into three distinct types - curly, wavy and kinky - Hair Rules products can work with the natural properties of spirals to nourish, de-frizz and define them without chemically altering hair or weighing it down. This take-along introductory kit is specially designed to work with kinky hair, which is defined as curls that are tightly coiled in a zig-zag pattern, to help it stay pliable, soft, moisturized and frizz-free. Includes Daily Cleansing Cream (a special no-suds shampoo that removes impurities without harsh detergents), Aloe Grapefruit Shampoo (as a once a month alternative to get rid of daily product buildup), Quench Ultra Rich Conditioner (an intensely moisturizing conditioner to protect against breakage and add shine) and two bottles of Kinky Curling Cream (a revolutionary gel-cream that transforms spongy curls into beautifully bouncy ones). 2 fl. oz. each.

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Beauty Solutions Willie D

Product Review: Hair Rules' Kinky Hair Kit

The most important rule with natural hair is to avoid the dreaded Lauryl Sulfate, because one of the biggest problems we face as naturals is dry hair. I am on a quest to find hair products that will help with those problem areas. For the past few weeks I have sampled Hair Rules' Kinky Hair Kit; specifically the Daily Cleansing Cream moisture-rich no sud shampoo, Aloe Grapefruit Clarifying Shampoo, and Kinky Curling Cream.

At $45, the Kinky Hair Kit includes 2oz versions of daily cleansing cream moisturizing no suds shampoo and aloe grapefruit clarifying shampoo (as a twice-monthly alternative), quench ultra rich conditioner and two kinky curling cream to deliver ultimate hydration, conditioning and softening to the truest classifications of kinky hair. This kit is designed to stretch and define tresses, eliminate shrinkage and banish frizz.


A major attraction to Hair Rules is that practically anyone can use their products. They also use natural ingredients and not Sulfates or Parabens. I sampled the Aloe Grapefruit Clarifying Shampoo first by wetting my hair then massaging it into my scalp - working my way through from roots to end. It cleansed my hair and scalp of buildup without stripping my scalp of natural oils and leaving it dry; which was a great benefit. It's recommended uses are:

Wavy Hair - everyday
Curly Hair - 1 to 3 times a month
Kinky Hair - once a month

Next, I tried the Daily Cleansing Cream, which performed exceptionally well on my hair. It worked like a conditioner would when cowashing the hair; meaning it cleansed the scalp without the lathering effect. The Cleansing Cream is best described as a moisturizer, conditioner and shampoo mix, that will make your hair extremely soft and bouncy. I'm really fond of this product!

Finally, I tried the Kinky Curling Cream to define my curls. This ultra-moisturizing curling cream is used to transform afros and kinks into beautiful, bouncy spiral curls. I didn't like the fact that the product had little slip to it. It was hard to shingle through my hair and didn't add much shine once dried. This minor issue can easily be fixed with a little hair gloss. The product was not sticky at all, and dried pretty fast. Just like Hair Rules advertised; the way your hair appears when wet is exactly how it'll appear dry, was true. The shrinkage was minimal.


Overall, I really like Hair Rules' Kinky Hair Kit and will continue to explore more of their products. You can find more products from Hair Rules at www.softsurroundings.com. To see how my hair looked after using these products refer to the video below. Hope this helps and stay natural!

Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration,
-BlackOnyx77

Product Review: Illamasqua Lips

I promised to continue my review on Illamasqua's cosmetics so here I am once again; this time their lip products. I sampled two lipsticks (in Sonnet and Scandal) and a Sheer lip gloss in Enchant.

Let's begin with Sonnet; a peachy beige color - exactly what people refer to as a nude. Ideal to wear with dramatic eye makeup, an awesome black or gunmetal smoky eye look. The finished result is between matte and satin. I’m guessing that Illamasqua wanted to make a matte lipstick; however, since matte lipsticks are so dry on your lips they decided to add more moisturizing ingredients. That, of course, results in a “hybrid” finish, not that its really noticeable once applied. This particular formula glides well over the lips and works nicely with lipgloss. Its not drying and bears a good staying power. Many of you may be asking how comparable is it to MAC and if you’re speaking quality; I’d say that they are pretty much close, except Illamasqua’s lipsticks don’t have that strong vanilla cookie smell.

Scandal is a true in-your-face hot pink. Even a more sheer application of it will result in an undeniable hot pink shade. I can’t see any undertones to it, neither cool or warm so I say that it would go well with most skin tones. Sometimes lipsticks that are super pigmented (such as this one) tend to be a bit difficult to apply and feel dry because, after all, the pigment itself is a powder. This doesn’t happen, what so ever, with this lipstick as the pigmentation is great but the overall feel is exactly that of a good lip balm. The finish is satin and the staying power is as good as Sonnet’s.

The reason I don't feature high-end lipglosses often is because they are just… lipglosses. Lipglosses are one of those things that you can get pretty much everywhere and they are all pretty much the same; however, I really have to rave about the Sheer Lipgloss Enchant. Although Enchant may be just another lipgloss, it smells sweet and what’s more, it tastes sweet. I have a ton of lipglosses that smell really good but don’t really taste like they smell. This one does and if you happen to kiss someone who has a sweet tooth while wearing it, that person will most likely be hooked. The color is a sheer peachy brick with a lot of shine minus the stickiness that bothers us all. The packaging is really awesome and original. You can carry it around in your purse and even if you happen to squeeze it accidentally, it won’t ooze out like common tube lipglosses do. Though I keep saying lipglosses are just lipglosses, I love Illamasqua’s Enchant and may purchase more colors.

I rated Illamasqua’s blush an outstanding 10 out of 10 and I will do the same regarding their lipglosses. As for the lipsticks, I’ll be giving them a 9.95 out of 10, so just that they don’t compete with the lipglosses!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Micky