Naturalspiration: Solange Knowles

Jun3

If anyone knows me I love a good curl, whether chemical inclined or natural curls are the most beautiful type of hair to Me. There is something about being able to take a curl and transform it into an onslaught of styles and accessorize it and the way that it shapes ones face. For my first naturalspiration I went with a woman who has lived some of her life in the shadow of a mega star, but has able to break out and make her own identity and say I am not her, I am ME.

Cover of Solange Knowles

Solange Knowles has always been a hair and stylespiration to me and she is my first naturalspiration spotlight. Check out some of my favorite styles to date along with some of the fiercest makeup to boot. Without further delay Solange Knowles.

Solange Knowles attends the Costume Institute Gala for the “PUNK: Chaos to Couture” exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2013 in New York City.

Solange Fro-Tastic!

Solange Knowles attends the Premiere Of “Girls” Season 2 Hosted By HBO at NYU Skirball Center on January 9, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)

Solange kills naturally

Solange Knowles for Complex 2013

Solange Knowles Complex 2013

Solange Knowles for Vibe Vixen

Review: mn8

May29

How hard is it to be a woman, we are always on the go, super independent, pulled from every which way and always need to be *snap* ON! But there is those couple of days out of the month where you want to crawl under a rock and stay there when your period decides it has to come and wreak havoc in your world. Heating pads, tea, ibuprofen, calling out sick but nothing seems to exactly work well. I believe that I just got so super lucky enough to review what might be the best thing ever created for women, enter the mn8.

What Is It? A mn8 is a small, powerful, drug free magnetic button, which discreetly attaches to your underwear. It is totally natural and is an alternative to popping pills, heating pads and calling out from work. mn8 also toots to reducing mood swings, keeping water retention down, bloating, facial spots basically most things that come with your period.

How to Use? So simple you place the large side on the inner part of your underwear and the magnet part on the outside and thats it. You’re ready to go. mn8 says to start using a couple of days before the start personally I used it a day before the Big Day… you know the spotting day before all hell breaks loose.

My Honest Opinion: I saw this device and was really skeptical and then Flow came and I said hey can’t hurt to try and my mind was blown! For the first time in over sixteen years I was able to go out and actually have fun on day of my menstrual cycle. I had minor naseau but that also was short lived with mn8.

The magnet was strong enough to hold up the device even after several bathroom breaks
It’s comfortable you’ll forget that you’re even wearing it
You can go through airport security with it on without having to worry about a cavity search

Tenderness was a non-factor and pain forget about it after using mn8 I only know I have my menstrual cycle because I have the physical reminder below.

Cost: $45 Dollars plus S&H

Merli says: Don’t waste any time go get it and tell a friend, I’m a total and utter fan of the mn8 and love it. For more information please check out the mn8 site.

What is mn8? It’s a small and powerful, drug free magnetic…

Highlights: The Makeup Show NYC 2013

May28

Its the most wonderful time of the year… no its not Christmas for me its the annual Makeup Show held in NYC Metropolitan Pavilion. The weekend of makeup started with the blogger preview headed by the amazing host makeup artist James Vincent who went through a humongous bag of his favorite things (move over Oprah!) Along with the highly anticipated blooger preview was the show which garnered over 7500 makeup artists from all over the world. Here to do what we do best learn, buy, watch and admire makeup. Apart of the sea of makeup artists were over eighty five amazing exhibitors which continue to blow our minds with great discounts and cutting age products to make the act of makeup even more easy and magical. Can you imagine the candy land that makeup artists were in? Nope you just have to see. Here are some photos from the show. I’ll be sharing my haul in another post.

Me & the fabulous Trini Gal herself Jaleesa Jaikaran

Mathu Anderson transforming a plain Jane into a Drag Bombshell

Drag Bombshell!

The Dynamic Duo of Success Michael Devillis and Crystal Wright

My New Foundation Palette that I picked up from Ben Nye isn’t it Lovely?

Social Media Panel Moderated by Ty Alexander with Lianne Farbes, Felicia Walker Benson, and Beautylish creator Nils J

Always equipped with a smile and wisdom Sam Fine

Another purchase that was a must Bdellium Tools yes in Pink!

The always beautiful and glamourous Queen of transformation of real women Eve Pearl

Beautiful makeup artist LeRinda

Kissable Couture liquid lipstick on a platter just the way I love my makeup for consumption

You better Work!!! I picked up some grandlash.

AJ Crimson doing what he does best beautiful makeup

James Vincent makeup artist and inspirational speaker

Revealing Beauty Francis and myself

Ardency Inn by James Vincent

James Vincent & Danessa Myricks

Magic Touch by Danessa Myricks now available for purchase on ishopmyb.com

Lashes anyone these are simply fab!

Bloggers at work look at the intensity in their eyes @DivadoesMakeup @CreativelyYours R’Chelle @TheGorgeousIngredient Santara

SEE YOU AT THE NEXT MAKEUP SHOW

Highlights From The Beauty Press Spotlight Day

May20

As always Beautypress does an amazing job of bring brand new and cutting edge beauty brands to the light with an event that puts them on front street. Beauty bloggers, and media alike ascend to the room and talk face to face with the creators who are eager to get vital information and samples to be tried. This time around Eve Pearl, Brocato Hair, PretendTAN, Icoloniali, Juliet, Mistura, Balanced Guru, Being True and Osense were in attendance offering brow grooming and full face makeup. Also to my surprise there was aromatherapy from Osense based in France, perfume and brows from Juliet and not at all a newbie but an amazing force to be reckoned with Eve Pearl who was showing off some of her amazing new products including her powder-less face powder. Check out some photos of the highlights below a few which include Trinidad beauty Jaleesa Jaikaran

NEW Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics: Stained Gloss & Sci-Fi Lullabies Collection

May4

Oh baby if just going to the Makeup Show wasn’t enough all of my favorite brands one of them being Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics is coming out with products to make your smile permanent or stained to say the least. The LIP TAR: STAINED GLOSS is an exciting new texture option that combines the pigment power of LIP TAR with a glossy finish ready to go anywhere and best of all after its long shelf life on your lips you’ll have some color left behind. Fabulous right!? LIP TAR: STAINED GLOSS can be worn alone or layered over your favorite existing shades for added depth, and dimension that puts other long wear lip glosses to shame. Can’t wait to get my hands on some.

Which color will you be picking up at The Makeup Show? Get you some because after Monday the 6th you’ll have to wait till May 23rd for the official launch.

Has your fancy been tickled? I know it has but there is more from your favorite colorful and cruelty-free brand OCC is also adding to the Sci-Fi Lullabies collection and officially launching them at The Makeup Show in NYC as well. These amazingly futuristic, metallic, and opalescent Lip Tars and concentrates are beautiful on their own or paired with your favorite products.

The Sci-Fi Satellite Collection infuses the Crème Colour category with a diversity of vibrant shades and two new textures – metallic and opalescent. The universe of colour created by Sci-Fi Lullabies continues to expand with the Sci-Fi Satellite Collection. –Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics

Guide To Staying on Budget at The Makeup Show

May2

Yes t-minus five days and counting to the most awaited Pro-Only event of the artistic and creative minds yes The Makeup Show will be taking place this coming Sunday May 5- May 6 2013 at the Metropolitan Pavilion tickets are going quickly so hurry and secure your spot. Once you’ve done that you’re half way through the battle of getting through the show with your wallet not screaming at you. How does one prepare? Well after being to the Makeup Show for several years now I’ve come up with a full proof way to setting and sticking to your budget set.

1. If you’re an existing makeup artist go through your personal and professional kit and toss any items that are no longer good for use, and giveaway or sell anything you are no longer using. This will allow you to take inventory of your current stock lipstick colors, shadows, disposables, and etc…

Get organize and Prioritize

2. Make a list of everything that you need to have a completely stocked kit. Do research based on the type of makeup you are doing make sure to have your essentials. Check out James Vincent who has a great article on Beautylish explaining what you need and how to make those decisions wisely.

3. Now do your research! Yes all makeup is not created equally, organically or cruelty free. Decide what kind of makeup you’d like to have in your kit, ensure you have makeup for your clients who may have skin allergies as well as skin ailements that may flare up with application of certain chemicals (Very Important) Check out the EWG Cosmetics Database to start.

4. Once you’ve done your research set your budget that is based on your financials. A standard kit that can cover all your needs can start anywhere from 300-1500 depending on a number of factors ( airbrush machine, buying all the eyeshadows under the sun, and purchasing supplements such as a vanity, Zuca bag or lights)

5. Go through the list you’ve made and write down specifically the BRAND(s) you will be purchasing from. This is important as there will be more than six dozen who all have amazing products. Know what brands and products you want or else you’ll have five red lipsticks from ten different companies. ( I should know!) Here are the list of the brands who will be there.

AJ Crimson Cosmetics. Alcone Co. American Laser Skincare. Armour Beauty Auraline. Bad Ass Stencils. Bdellium Tools. Bite Beauty. Blinc Inc. Cailyn Cosmetics. Cattiva. Chic Studios. Cinema Secrets. Cosmix School of Makeup Artistry. Crown Brush. Crystal Wright Live. Dante Disposable Products. Dermalogica. Dinair. Elementwo. Elessa Jade. Ellis Faas. Embryolisse USA. Eve Pearl Beauty. Eye Kandy Cosmetics. Face Atelier. Frends Beauty Supply. G Body Art Pro. Glamcor. Graftobian Make-up Company. Grande Lash/Grande Hair. Hakuhodo USA. I Make You Beautiful. Inglot. Jaime Lashes. Kett Cosmetics. Kevyn Aucoin. Khuraira Cosmetics. Lady Moss. Lashes in a Box. Layla Cosmetics. LIT Cosmetics. London Brush Company.MAC Cosmetics. Magnolia Makeup. Make Color. Make Up For Ever. Make Up For Ever Academy. Mario Badescu Skincare. Mehron Inc. Michael Marcus Cosmetics. Model in a Bottle. Naked Cosmetics. Nars. Nigels Beauty Emporium. Nurturing Force. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics. Ofra Cosmetics. On Makeup Magazine. Pari Beauty. Parian Spirit. Pinnacle Cosmetics. RCMA. Roxanne Rizzo. Senna Cosmetics. Smashbox. Stila. T3 Micro. Temptu Pro. The Powder Group. The Knot. Tizo by Fallene. Tweezerman. Veil Cosmetics. Velour Lashes. Yaby Cosmetics. Younblood Mineral Cosmetics. Z Palette. Zuca.

6. If you’re enjoying panels, presentations and keynotes getting your education on, your time to spend money will be shortened. Also it will help you to make even better decisions, bring your tablet or notebook and take notes. Here is the list

SUNDAY, May 5th TH

Seminar A – 1st Floor
10:00- 10:45    Learn How to Control the Shine but Keep The Glow- Bp Carmouché for Inglot Cosmetics
11:15- 12:00 Designing Brows from Realway to Runway- Eugenia Weston for Senna Cosmetics
12:30- 1:15      The Art of Contour-Jenny Rostami for Make Up For Ever
1:45- 2:30        Airbrushing the Beauty and the Beast for Beautiful Creatures – Fionagh Cush for Temptu Pro
3:00- 3:45        NARS: Modern, Audacious, Iconic – Cindy Rodriguez for Nars Cosmetics
4:15- 5:00        Creating the Flawless 15 Minute Face, does your kit have what it takes? Brandalyn Fulton for Face Atelier
5:00-5:45         Sexy Summer and The Youngblood Difference- Liliana Pennington for Youngblood Mineral

Seminar Space B – 1st Floor

9:45- 10:30 Makeup Not War- David Stella for Ellis Faas
11:00- 11:45    A/W 2013 Back Stage Trends - Courtney Tichman and Valerie P. Hernandez for OCC Makeup
12:15- 1:00      Era Reinterpreted – Keri Blair for MAC Cosmetics
1:30- 2:15        HD Makeup for the Modern Bride- Dani Fonseca for Mehron
2:45- 3:30        Forming Long Lasting Skin Preparations-Ofra Gaito for Ofra Cosmetics
4:00- 4:45        Brushes 101-Orlando Santiago for Crown Brush

Seminar C- 2nd Floor

9:30- 10:15      Kit Focus – James Vincent, Orlando Santiago and Jon Hennessey for The Makeup Show
10:30- 11:15 Blending Italian Style-Stefania Ghidoni for Layla Cosmetics
12:00- 1:30      Red Carpet Revolution- Beau Nelson
2:00- 300         Building a Brand-Eve Pearl
3:15- 4:00        High Definition Bridal Flawless Finish- Buntricia Bastian for Pinnacle Cosmetics

MONDAY, MAY 6TH

Seminar A – 1st Floor

9:45- 10:30 Tracking Trends- Fall 2013 – Kevin James Bennett for Naked Cosmetics
11:00- 11:45    Brow Blocking For Couture Creations – Sheila McKenna for Kett Cosmetics
12:15- 1:00      Studio Trend: Color Saturation-Lori Taylor for Smashbox
1:30- 2:15        Double Duty Beauty – Cory Bishop for Stila Cosmetics
2:45- 3:30 Runway & Red Carpet Trends -Dan Sharp for T3 Micro
4:00- 4:45 Alcone at Home- Alcone Company

Seminar B – 1st Floor

9:30-10:15   Local 798- How to Get Into the Union? – Valerie Galdstone
10:45-11:30     Bridal Makeup, start with airbrush, finish with classic techniques – Renolyn Monteloyola for Graftobian Make-Up
12:00-12:45     Makeup Application for All Types of Skin Discolorations-Maurice Stein for Cinema Secrets
1:15-2:00 Celebrity Makeup Tricks of the Trade – Sher Salzman for Cosmix School of Makeup Artistry
2:30- 3:15 Vintage Beauty -Nikoletta Skarlatos for Julie Hewett Los Angeles at Nigel’s Beauty Emporium
3:45- 4:30        Makeup for Entrepreneurs – Erik Kaser for GlamCor

Seminar C – 2nd Floor

9:15-10:00 Bridal Bootcamp- Esterique Aidan for The Makeup Show
10:15-11:00 Advancing Your Makeup Career with Airbrushing – Nicky Posley for Temptu Pro
11:30-12:15 Creating Beauty: Color Impact -Jenn Karsten for Make Up For Ever
1:00-2:00 The Next Big Thing with Crystal Wright and Michael DeVellis
2:45-3:30 Student? Graduate? What’s next? – Danessa Myricks for The Makeup Show

7. One last thing… Take out cash it’s always better.

Whose going to The Makeup Show LAST DAY FOR ADVANCE TICKETS

Bzz Agent Review: Playtex Secrets® Balconette bra

Apr18

Don’t you hate when you see an amazing looking bra but alas it just doesn’t fit well? That was the case here with the new Playtex Secrets Balconette bra that I received from BzzAgent (Thanks guys!) At first sight, here were my first thoughts about the bra.

Playtex Balconet Bra

Pros

Amazing full cups enough that your breasts wouldn’t runneth over,
Enough lining so that your headlights stay covered, and
Thick enough straps that you’d feel supported at all times.

Then I put it on and reality hit me in a not so good way, it just didn’t fit right. Here is what happen.

Cons

The bra didn’t lay flat in the middle about 1/2 an inch off
It kept riding up the entire time. It was so bad that other people noticed how uncomfortable I was and said that bra isn’t for you.

Merli says: Unfortunately while the bra seems well made and has promise maybe to hold someone else’s girls in place in a sexy and supportive way, the bra failed to keep my girls and me happy. I say leave it alone.

Grade: C+

Val Garland Dazzles at Milk Studios

Apr18

Makeup Maven Val Garland worked all day the present the beauties in which I and my good friend Jaleesa were able to bask in at the end of the night. Inspiration is certainly something that many at the MAC Pro event kept echoing. Her more than a dozen artistic beauties that were on display in a beautiful black dress and simple black pumps, captivated many hearts. Avante garde and that weird kind of beautiful life intimated art in the most fantastic way possible. Enjoy some of my favorites below.

For more looks and pictures from the night check out my FB page

Val Garland MAC cosmetics MasterClass In London

Will You Be At The Makeup Show?

Apr17

It’s that time of year again NYC, over six thousand makeup pros will be descending on Metropolitan Pavilion on May 5th & 6th. So much to look forward to but here is a list of people to see and workshops to attend.

Meet them at the Makeup Show NYC

Behind the Scenes – Dick Page Monday, 2:00-3:30
The Next Big Thing – Crystal Wright/Michael DeVellis Monday, 1:00-2:0
An Artist’s Perspective – Brigitte Reiss-Andersen Sunday, 3:30-5:00
Iconic Artistry – Gina Brooke for Make Up For Ever Sunday, 1:00-2:30
The Agent-Artist Relationship – Pati Dubroff/Brooke Wall Sunday, 10:30-12:00
Building a Brand – Eve Pearl Sunday, 2013 – 2:00-3:00
Humanizing Glamour – Mathu Andersen for Make Up For Ever Monday, 10:00
Red Carpet Revolution – Beau Nelson Sunday, 12:00-1:30
Oh interested on whose going to be selling their wonderful makeup products…. Only the best of the best here is the extensive list

Diamond Sponsor: Make Up For Ever.

Platinum Sponsors: Temptu Pro. Crown Brush.

Silver Sponsor: Nars. Stila. Obsessisive Compulsive Cosmetics.

Supporting Sponsors: The Powder Group. On Makeup Magazine. Inglot. Smashbox. Alcone. World Bodypainting Festival.

PLUS CHECK OUT THE EXHIBITORS!AJ Crimson Cosmetics. Alcone Co. American Laser Skincare. Armour Beauty Auraline. Bad Ass Stencils. Bdellium Tools. Bite Beauty. Blinc Inc. Cailyn Cosmetics. Cattiva. Chic Studios. Cinema Secrets. Cosmix School of Makeup Artistry. Crown Brush. Crystal Wright Live. Dante Disposable Products. Dermalogica. Dinair. Elementwo. Elessa Jade. Ellis Faas. Embryolisse USA. Eve Pearl Beauty. Eye Kandy Cosmetics. Face Atelier. Frends Beauty Supply. G Body Art Pro. Glamcor. Graftobian Make-up Company. Grande Lash/Grande Hair. Hakuhodo USA. I Make You Beautiful. Inglot. Jaime Lashes. Kett Cosmetics. Kevyn Aucoin. Khuraira Cosmetics. Lady Moss. Lashes in a Box. Layla Cosmetics. LIT Cosmetics. London Brush Company.MAC Cosmetics. Magnolia Makeup. Make Color. Make Up For Ever. Make Up For Ever Academy. Mario Badescu Skincare. Mahron Inc. Michael Marcus Cosmetics. Model in a Bottle. Naked Cosmetics. Nars. Nigels Beauty Emporium. Nurturing Force. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics. Ofra Cosmetics. On Makeup Magazine. Pari Beauty. Parian Spirit. Pinnacle Cosmetics. RCMA. Roxanne Rizzo. Senna Cosmetics. Smashbox. Stila. T3 Micro. Temptu Pro. The Powder Group. The Knot. Tizo by Fallene. Tweezerman. Veil Cosmetics. Velour Lashes. Yaby Cosmetics. Younblood Mineral Cosmetics. Z Palette. Zuca.

Advance Ticket Prices:

One Day $ 55

Two Days $ 75

Advance tickets available through May 2, 6:00pm EST.

Get your Tickets! CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS!

Macy’s Men’s Style

Apr15

Fashion is not just for girls… even though I’d like to think that women rule the fashion world. Nevertheless the very special men in our lives need style love too, Macys is the best place to do that with their various and amazing fashion choices that closely follow the current trends. On the scene was Details Magazine who shown Check out some of my favorite trends for men and the latest being sold at New York‘s greatest store.

It’s all about bright colors and mixing patterns for men this season!

A very happy man walks out of Macys with shoes and shirts SCORE!

Shoes and accessories the other man’s best friend

Comfort and style do go hand and hand

Check out the latest trends in Details Magazine while shopping

Refreshing beverages anyone?

Modern Minimalist I love the two brights married together just enough for the amazing man in your life

Behind every woman is a stylish man

In love with this amazing cream blazer by Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein is on with the ties love all the patterns

Give me the bright the shiny and the aviators

I am a member of the Everywhere Society. Everywhere Provided me with compensation for attending the Macy’s Men’s Style event however all thoughts and opinions herein are my own.

Wrapped up with Lifestyle Beauty & Fashion

Archives

Naturalspiration: Solange Knowles

Review: mn8

Highlights From The Beauty Press Spotlight Day

NEW Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics: Stained Gloss & Sci-Fi Lullabies Collection

Guide To Staying on Budget at The Makeup Show

Val Garland Dazzles at Milk Studios

Will You Be At The Makeup Show?

Macy’s Men’s Style

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