Cream Shadow Smack Down!

Attention everyone!  We have three contenders for the title of BEST CREAM EYE SHADOW...are you ready for a creeeeaaam shaaaadddooooww ssmmmmmaaack dooown!!!  Okay, a little overboard but imagine we are witnessing a real battle:)
So I have three different cream shadows and decided to compare then against each other.  Here are the contenders and their specs:
Loreal Infallible Eye Shadow:

• a powder to cream texture, feels dry at first but smooths out nice
• lasts for 24 hours, waterproof, crease/fade proof
• applied with ???- I had to use my finger.  None of my cream shadow brushes would lift the pigment out of the container.
• 12 colors to choose from (online)

Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Eye Shadow:

• shimmery long wear eye shadow with a gel texture
• can be worn as a liner or eye shadow
• applied with a brush (it comes in the package and its little)
• 6 colors to choose from

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow:

• velvety smooth texture and smooth application
• lasts all day, dries and stays put
• crease free/fragrance free, safe for contact lens wearers
• applied with a brush (Bobbi Brown Cream Shadow Brush)
• 21 colors to choose from 

(L) Loreal, (C) Chanel, (R) Bobbi Brown

AND THE WINNER IS....Bobbi Brown Cream Shadow!!  I pick this for first place because of the versatility.  You can apply this cream shadow and then layer a powder shadow over it, it is blendable, more colors to choose from, and application is very smooth.  Chanel is a close contender but the lack in colors and the glittery mess it leaves after removing is a pain.  Loreal, well... good try!  Which one did you choose? 

Show off those beautiful eyes today, Girlfriend!

Beauty tip: Remove your cream eye shadows with an oil-free eye makeup remover.  The kind that has the oil separated.  The reason is because the formula lasts all day and sets on your skin.  The oil-free will gently remove versus a regular remover.

A new color to try!

So I was at the grocery store yesterday and I always look in the cosmetic isle to see if there is anything new that I would like to try and I saw this incredibly sparkly eye shadow called REVLON diamond lust- Neptune Star.  Wow, a piece of space star pressed into an eye shadow!  

The application was okay with the little sponge tip applicator that it came with, but when I applied it on my eye lid with a brush I got flecks of pigment all under my eye... it made a dark mess. The color is intense when applied with a firm applicator and I recommend using a brush for blending.  I liked the color in the package, it gave my eye a little drama on the outer corners and turned into a sultry blue hue with glittery specks here and there.  If I were rating it from 1 to 5 I would give it a 3 simply because later in the day it faded a little and the blue wasn't so sultry blue anymore.  It was worth a try though!  I will give it another go another time.  

Explore a new color for your eyes, Girlfriend!

Beauty tip: This type of color is great for an evening look.  You can apply a color like this on the eyelid for a more dramatic look during the day, but keep it light.  

Beauty Basic #1

What can I do to get a nice shimmer or glimmer on my eyes?  Well, shadows that have shimmer contain a mineral called mica which contains light reflecting properties to brighten up the eye. Some shimmer shadows have a high content of mica to create a 'high shimmer' look and some have a lower content to create a more subtle look.  So here are a few tips to create the perfect shimmer:

• Prep your eyes with a type of concealer or specific eye primer to prevent your shadow from creasing and smudging.
• Day look- choose a neutral color like a grey, beige or champagne powder eye shadow. I like Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow Champagne.  Brush the shadow over the lid and work from the outer corners in- the brush will deposit the most color where it hits the skin first.
• Night look- try a charcoal or purple eye shadow applied with a firm brush for the strongest color.  Try Laura Mercier Luster Eye Colour in Celestial.  Make sure to tap your brush to remove excess color.
• Curl your lashes, add a black volumizing mascara (check a previous post for a recommendation).  Skip the liner and wear a neutral lip.

Beauty tip: A simple, natural look works best.  For an everyday look, pick shadows that bring out the eye color rather than shadows that make a statement. 

Beautify your eyes with some shimmer, Girlfriend!


Cynthia Berry is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

What is your skin type?

There are so many things that can affect our skin such as environment, pregnancy, stress, medication and seasonal changes.    When I freelance for beauty events I always ask the question "what type of skin do you have?"  Most women will tell me dry, oily or combination,  BUT sometimes they do not have any idea what type they really are.  So how do you assess your skin type?


Normal skin should feel have a comfortable feeling.  It will be smooth, even in texture with small pores.  The cheeks would be the driest area but not too much and you may experience a little shine on the forehead, nose and chin.  The water and oil content in your skin is balanced.
Dry/Extra Dry skin feels tight after washing and it generally needs more oil.  The skin may look dry or flaky, rough, and dehydrated.  The pores are small (invisible) and fine lines will show up faster than on other skin types.
Oily skin will be shiny, especially through the T-zone.  You might see large pores and frequent breakouts.  Fine lines are not as visible with this skin type.  Also, oily skin can lack water.  Even though your skin is oily, you still need to hydrate it or else it will produce even more oil.
Combination skin is oily through the T-zone.  It will be dry in the cheek area or can have spot dehydration.  You might see larger pores on the forehead, nose and chin.


So which type are you?  If you can recognize which one you are then you can choose the right cleansing and moisturizing options.  And if you do not have a good skin care regime then I would encourage you to assess you skin and customize the best products that will keep your skin healthy. 
Have a beautiful day, Girlfriend!

Laura Mercier smells good!

Okay, so I really don't know what Laura Mercier smells like BUT the lotion I possess can be served up with a fork and a glass of milk!  Yes, it smells that delicious! I am talking about Laura Mercier Body and Bath Creme Brulee lotion.  If I had a scratch and sniff attached to my post then you would eat the screen!  


So what does this smell like?  Picture walking into the finest bakery in town...they serve all kinds of cakes, cookies, petite fours, scones, cup cakes, cream filled pastries and it is all baked fresh.  Mmmm... can you smell that?  It smells just like that.  You have to get this!  


The products speak for themselves, but I like that they are enriched with grape and olive oils, replenishes and locks in moisture and its packed with soy proteins and amino acids to help in the repair process (Laura Mercier).  Plus, the scents are so concentrated that you can smell it on you throughout the day.  Her collection is described as decadent and luxurious.  Give me a tub of that!


Well, what other scents does she have besides Creme Brulee?  Well, I have had the opportunity to smell Almond Coconut (a spicy, warm scent), Pistachio (reminds me of mint chocolate chip ice cream) and Fresh Fig (nice soft scent).  Laura Mercier Body and Bath collection consists of perfume, Honey Bath, Souflee Body Cream, Sugar Scrub, Hand Cream, Body Butter and Cream Body Wash.  Click the link below to explore you favorite Laura Mercier Body and Bath scent!  Treat yourself, Girlfriend!


Laura Mercier Creme Brulee


Cynthia Berry is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

My New Favorite Lip Gloss

NARS Lipgloss Belize

In a previous post I talked about a lip gloss called Turkish Delight by NARS and how Kim Kardashian wears this color over a lipstick.  Well, I have since explored my NARS lip gloss options and found a new love!  My new favorite color is Belize Lip Gloss by NARS! I love how my lips feel throughout the day, hydrated and not sticky.  The formula is fabulous!!  Plus, the color is in my 'neutral zone' so it will go with anything.  This color would look awesome on fair complected skin tones all the way to light/medium skin tones (like mine).  If your skin tone is darker then it will create a beautiful shine for your lips.  Remember, this gloss is packed with Vitamin E and has an ultra smooth application.  
There are many NARS lip gloss color options to choose from.  Just click the link on the right (under the blog archive) labeled 'NARS Lip Gloss' and start shopping for your next favorite color, Girlfriend!






Cynthia Berry is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Spring is in the Air!

Maurices.com

Maurices.com

Spring has officially arrived!  What can we do to stay cool and look good at the same time? Try a spring dress on for size!  A super cute flat, kitten heel or ankle bootie will look fab on your feet for the season.  Of course capris (rolled cuff), layered lace tanks, chunky heels, florals, chiffon, and the burn-out tees can all make it as a fashion YES for spring!
Don't forget to complete your look with some accessories and a cute handbag to match! From a satchel to a wristlet, you can't go wrong!   And don't forget to complete your look with some outstanding accessories.  Hmmm... You are ready to walk the runway, Girlfriend!

Accessories

Spring 2012 Fashion Trend

Laura Bee Designs

Turkish Delight by NARS

Anyone heard of Kim Kardashian?  Well of course you have!  This Armanian beauty is iconic for her style, reality show and Turkish Delight.  No, not the dessert.  What I am talking about is the lipgloss by NARS.  This pink sherbet color has graced Kim's lips so many times that it sells like hot cakes at an IHOP convention.  So guess what...I bought it.

Color on the skin

So what is so great about this gloss? 
Well, it has a very smooth application and it the formula is not sticky at all.   In fact, it is very comfortable to wear and it has a sheer finish.  According to NARS, it is "enriched with Vitamin E to help lips feel supple and hydrated".  The reviews suggest layering this over a lipstick color OR fill in your lips with a lip liner and apply over it.  It is a great color for olive/medium skin tones.  But anyone can make this work.





I applied the gloss alone and made my eyes dramatic. Check out the Amazon link (on the right) to find Turkish Delight lip gloss ($24) and other great deals on NARS products.  Treat yourself to some Kardashian lips, Girlfriend!

Let's wear Lace

 

I love a romantic look and this season the ultrafeminine look is lace.  Lace is beautiful, its sheer, its eye-catching (when not overdone) and it is incredibly romantic!  Lace stands out because of its texture, the colors and clingy-ness to the body.  Tops, dresses and formal attire are leaning towards this forgotten fabric and designers are embracing the lace this season. 

Mixing and matching this fabric is not a hard thing to do.  Try a lace top with your favorite jeans and some boots or a cute lace skirt with a nice tank top and a kitten heal.  Layer your look with brightly colored camisoles to create a pop of color under the lace top.  Who knows!  You can have fun with all the options with the look of lace.  So go out and get you some lace, Girlfriend!

Silky Hair!

Best hair stuff ever!

Do you want hair that is silky smooth, shiny, healthy and can keep the frizzes away?  Then you have to try these two A-mazing products!  I use them religiously and do not travel without them.  You see, my hair is UBER processed.  My natural color is dark brown, but I have been dying it blonde for the past 4 years and it needs tons of TLC.  
It's a 10 Miracle Leave In Product is a wonderful conditioning product that I spray in my hair after every wash.  It helps repair my dry, damaged hair, seals and protects my hair color, creates silkiness and protects from heat.  Did I mention it controls frizz?  In this climate, frizz control is essential.  But wait... there's more...
Aquage Silkening Oil Treatment is like wearing a pair of jeans that fit!  It will make your hair THAT HAPPY. This product not only delivers silky smooth, frizz-free hair but it restores moisture, locks in color and is an ultra-light silky formula.  When used, it will help get your hair straighter and protect it from heat.  
Both of these products can be purchased at a salon (It's a 10 can be purchased at Kroger).  The price point is not bad and both products will last 3+ months (depending on hair and how much you use).  
As always, ask your stylist if these are the right products for you.  I am not paid to endorse these products at all (but that would be nice)- I just use these in my daily method of operations. I purchase my products at ASAP hair salon in Webster, TX.  Have a great hair day, Girlfriend!

What do you see?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  How many times have you heard that one?  Let me ask you a question...what do you see when you look in the mirror?  Do you see beauty?  If you had to think about it then let me give you some insight, you are beauty.  This flower is perfectly and wonderfully made in every way.  The curves, the color and the tiny details that make it so unique.  
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, therefore, when you look into the mirror you will see beauty.  Believe it girlfriend because I do.

Got Change?

So it's Monday and you're feeling kinda 'ehh'.  Well here are a few words of encouragement today:

• Change it up sista!
• You've got a smile that glows so paste it on your face for the day!
• Let your attitude be of gratitude today!
• Don't let anyone shake that confidence- JUST SHIMMY and keep doing your thang!
• Let your beautiful self shine and MAKE people notice it!

Beauty Tip: Clear gloss.  It will only enhance the already beautiful color of your lips!  Keep it in your purse for those 'gotta have something on my lips' kinda moments. I love Bobbi Brown clear gloss because the formula is not sticky.  What kind of gloss do you like?  

Yup, it's a clear gloss kinda day.  Make it a beautiful one Girlfriend!

Oh! stay tuned... I will be blogging on location and you will not believe where I will be!

Amazing Eye Pallet-Follow up

This is a follow up from the 'Amazing Eye Pallet' post.
So, my left eye has the highlight color Undercover (a matte, shell color) and Unreal (a high shimmer, soft-golden color) as the mid-tone.  My right eye has the two same colors but I added Unspoken (a matte chocolate color) in the crease.  I am also wearing the L'Oreal mascara mentioned in a previous post with Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in Caviar Ink.
Yes, I get "dressed" on the weekends, too.  'Dressed' for me is hair and makeup and then whatever outfit, garb or slummin look I desire for the day. And yes, I clean my house with hair and makeup, too. And I am okay with that!
Beauty Tip: As long as that hair and makeup is done it does not matter what you are wearing!  Believe me, you will look put together.
Make it a great weekend Girlfriend!

Amazing Eye Palette!

So I was running an errand for my hubby at JCPenny and noticed that there was a Sephora within the store.  As I walked in I noticed so much eye-candy (yep, that's my kind of eye-candy) that I could not help but spend some time browsing.  I noticed this cosmetic line called LORAC and saw an amazing, "universally flattering nude eye shadow palette" called LORAC Unzipped (LORAC product box).  AND this palette includes a mini LORAC BEHIND THE SCENES EYE PRIMER.  
The colors are from top left: Undercover, Unbelievable, Unattainable, Unconditional, Unbridled- bottom left: Undiscovered, Unreal, Uncensored, Unspoken, Untamed.  The eye shadows are shimmer and matte.
This is a very good palette to create a nude eye look and it has some shades that you can use to add a little drama for a nice sultry look.  Price point was $40 but for 10 eye shadows and a primer, I justified the purchase.  PLUS, I don't have any of these shades!  Anyone can wear these colors and look fabulous! Please post your thoughts:)
Beauty Tip: Apply your eye shadow with a brush.  You can use one for the all-over color (highlighter) and then use an angle brush for your mid-tone and crease color.  I love Bobbi Brown brushes because they all have natural hair and deposit the color wonderfully on the eyelid.  (hmmm...cosmetic brushes may need to be a future post)
(For the local ladies reading, this is the Sephora @ JCP-Victory Lakes)

Today's message

So you have been looking at that same piece of clothing in your closet for the last 20 minutes...JUST WEAR IT! Wear it and be confident today.  And if you don't like what size the tag says then CUT IT OFF!  Have a great day Girlfriend!

A Mascara Worth Trying!

Okay, you have to try this mascara.  Why?  Well, I have used different mascaras from Bobbi Brown, MAC, Clinique and even Lancome and none have done as good of a job giving my eyes that little extra like this one.  I'm talking about L'Oreal Paris Voluminous False Lashes Mascara.  I think I have about 5 or 6 different mascaras in my beauty boutique and I always go for this one.  This mascara is packed with a "lash sculpting formula" that gives the lashes added volume with each coat (L'Oreal).  Your lashes will look longer and fuller!  I love this mascara because it's clump-free, flake-free, smudge-free and fragrance-free.  Too bad it's not FREE! Wouldn't that be nice!  


Beauty Tip: Remember to remove mascara with a good eye-makeup remover.  Soap and water really isn't the best method because you may still leave mascara on your eyelashes.  Also, if you happen to get some on your skin while applying just wait a few minutes (I know it's hard) and then take a q-tip and gently remove it.  It will flake off in its dry form.  Easy!

How to Apply Bronzer

Let's talk about BRONZERS.
A bronzer is a year-round essential.  It gives the skin warmth and it's a good way to make sure the color is balanced through the face, neck and chest.  Bronzers are great for all skin tones. You want to choose a bronzer that most closely matches the color of your skin.
I love Bobbi Brown Bronzer because it creates a sun-kissed look in the winter months and gives me a nice, warm glow in the summer months.  Go to bobbibrowncosmetics.com and check out which options would be best for you.

1. Get a good Bronzer Brush and sweep a small amount of bronzer where the sun naturally hits the face.
2. Apply on the "apples" of the cheeks.
3. Next, dust bronzer over the nose and chin.
4. Brush bronzer onto the neck as needed.
5. If you have short hair or are wearing your hair up, apply bronzer to the ears and back of the neck.

I tend to do step 4 every time I apply bronzer because we are generally lighter in this area than most.  You can even bring the bronzer down into the décolleté (below the neck line).  Happy bronzing!

The Beginning of Girlfriend's Beauty Blog

Well, this is my first post and I feel butterflies in my tummy!  


Beauty defined is a combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, esp. the sight (Google).


Okay, as women we want to look and feel our best everyday, right?  Sometimes we want to look anew but are not sure where to start.  How would you feel if I told you that this place is a great place to start?  What if I told you that you can find out about beauty tips and fashion trends, but also find a place that encourages women to feel beautiful in their own skin?  
This is a blog that can provide ideas to reinvent your look, your style and perhaps provide a place where you can leave feeling encouraged to just GO FOR IT!  It is meant to bring out the individual beauty in every woman...it's meant for just us Girlfriend's!
I encourage you to begin your journey here with me!