Dash Wedding Event Pictures!

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to cover a Dash Wedding Event. Although the venue was small- It was filled to the brim with delicious treats, makeovers and fab wedding vendors.

Check out my pictures from the event:









My giveaway winners :)

Mary Kay® Creme Lipstick: Hibiscus Lip Swatch

I cant tell you how much lipsticks I seen with the name Hibiscus in the past month. This particular one definitely caught my eye.

Hibiscus is a Deep Maroon-Plum.
This is a gorgeous color for Women of Color. Perfect plum shade which is not over powering or vampy.
Mary Kay Lipsticks are described as:"Long-wearing, stay-true color glides on with a lightweight, creamy texture for maximum color impact that lasts."
Lip Swatch
Gorgeous!
Is this a color you would wear?

Tips to create a great blog

In January, I achieved my goal of 1,000+ followers on blog. Extremely exciting but all of that didn't come easy. Whether these individuals who are following me now are current readers or not.. I know at one point and time all these individuals supported me. I'm thankful for that!

When I started blogging two years ago there was no guide or assistance for new bloggers like me. Everything was fresh and definitely confusing. Let me start off my saying... I'm NOT a know it all..just a girl who wants to share some insight. Whether your a new blogger starting out or a someone who needs direction, this is great information that I know will help.
  1. Social Networks are your friend: Facebook, Forums and Twitter are essential for promoting your blog. Twitter is my favorite because I post all my blog posts as short teaser tweets. My followers have the option of retweeting to their followers. Which results in a growth in your network.
  2. Follow other blogs with similar interest: Let's face it everyone can benefit from a little support. I have to stress that support doesn't always mean a comment on your post but the act of just reading and sharing is great.
  3. Credit other bloggers when you use their ideas:  Crediting your post is flattering my opinion and I'm more likely to show others your blog. Which results in a growth to your network.
  4. Don't take hateful comments to heart: This is definitely easier said than done. Recently I had to deal with this and I didn't take it lightly..lol. But I know with one hater there will be 100 supporters.
  5. Most importantly don't look at comment numbers: Although you may have worked hours..weeks..maybe months on a particular post don't feel discouraged if the comment section is bare. Some of my most viewed posts are stuff I wrote 2 years ago!
To reinforce my opinions I contacted some of my favorite bloggers from USA, UK & Canada far advice.

Shirley from Meek-n-Mild:
Have fun Posting, it's your own creative space! Blogging is meant to be fun, so don't take it too seriously!
Farah from Facesbyfarah:
Keeping your paragraph's and posts short and engaging is key. Also think outside the box when It comes to topics, images and design. It will help set you apart.
 Michelle from Lipstick Rules:
Don't worry about numbers and to focus on content and finding your 'voice' online.
Rai from Glam Morena:
If you're a newbie blogger. Focus more on building your blog and a good relationship with your readers.
Alicia from Funny Face Beauty:
You are your own best promoter. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and your blog to other bloggers and/or people in the beauty industry. Be genuine, but let others know you are out there.
Joy from Makeup Junkie
Ignore numbers, stats, and haters! Can't please everyone!

Amazing advice! I hope this helps.

Winner of Can you get hooked on lipbalm giveaway!

Thank for all for entering this giveaway.
I loved reading this book and I know the winner will as well.
With no further ado the winner is:
Kay
"I really want to give this book to my BF. She works hard and totally deserves it!"
Please email me jenn (at) spicedbeauty (dot) com with your address within 48 hours to claim your prize.


Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Temptu Airbrush Makeup System - To buy or Not to buy?

I want a Airbrush system but I didn't know where to start. After talking to a few makeup artists, the name that was common was TEMPTU!


I went to their website and uploaded my picture to their FindMyShade program. Within less than 24 hours I received a personal email with a color, blush and highlighter match. As an e-Business consultant, I can tell you, your experience on the internet needs to mirror the experience you get in person. I was very impressed with this email that I had to share it with you all:

"Thank you for sending in your picture for a free color match – nice picture by the way! Your perfect shade is #011 Chestnut . Your complementary Blush and Highlighter shades are: #404 Sheer Berry and #304 Copper.


If you’re looking for an AIRbrush Makeup System, our System + Face Kit includes a Foundation duo, Blush and Highlighter of your choice (only available at temptu.com). Perfect for your everyday needs!


Enter promo code ******** at checkout and receive Free Shipping *and* an AIR pod Foundation Duo for $50 (regularly $55).


Still feeling torn about which shade to order? No problem! Order both shades and we can arrange for you to return one of them, hassle free.


TEMPTU offers an easy 30-day money back guarantee, no questions asked, return policy."

They did everything right in that email. They started out with a compliment, Give me what I was looking for (my shade),  added extra information (blush & highlighter), Gave me a deal and lastly gave me told me about their policy. Brilliant!

In-case you were curious here is my shade, blush, highlighter & powder in person.  I think that they matched me perfectly!


I think I made my decision. I`m currently saving my pennies for this Temptu system.

Have you tried Temptu before? If so, share your experience below!

Bare it this summer with Nair Products

I received a lovely basket from Nair a few weeks ago and I want to share the contents with you all. Summer is coming and we all know what happens... the clothes get smaller and smaller. These are some NEW Nair products which can dramatically cut down your Grooming time.
Nair® Tahitian Blooms Legs & Body Wax Strips
The cello-backed strips follow body contours for easy hair removal that is effective even on short hair for long lasting results up to 4 weeks. The wax contains 24% moisturizing agents with a soothing gardenia scent.
 Nair® Au Naturel Citrus Roll-on
This 100% rinseable formula is a refreshing and gentle on the skin. The wax coats the entire hair, making it easy to remove at the root without damaging the skin for long lasting smoothness.The wax is dermatologist tested and the ergonomically shaped bottle makes waxing a breeze. Plus the outer packaging doubles as a tray for mess free application.
Nair® Shower Power For Men- For Body
Nair® Shower Power For Men removes hair from chests, backs, legs and arms in as little as 3 minutes. The specially designed sponge is included for effective hair removal.
Nair® Ultra Precision Face & Eyebrow Roll-on
It is gentle on delicate skin and with the precise wooden spatula, provides the perfect finishing touch. This wax is a 100% rinseable formula that is gentle and effective. The wax coats the hair for easy removal with the cloth strips provided. It is perfume free and made with softening lily.
************
My favorite product was Nair® Ultra Precision Face & Eyebrow Roll-on because as a blogger the brows/above the lip needs to be in tip top shape LOL

I can`t believe I showed that picture but  HD cameras show every single hair! I refuse to hide the truth.

So ladies,
Which product do you want to try this summer?

Cover FX: Say Yes To Skin Tint! Say No To Skin Cancer!

Skin cancer is now more common than ever. As a woman of color I can't stress how important it is to put on SPF daily. Start now while you're young, trust me your skin will thank you later!

This June Cover FX, Dermatologists’ First Choice For Flawless Looking Skin, urges you to wear your black ribbon with pride in support of skin cancer awareness.

Prevent and protect your skin by using a product with SPF. We want you to SAVE FACE and achieve a sun kissed glow without putting your skin at risk of damaging sun exposure.

Click the picture below to be directed to the CoverFX page!


 SkinTint FX SPF30 $39 and BritePrep FX SPF50 $45 and Cover FX products are available in:
  • United Kingdom – Select Harvey Nichols, Harveynichols.com, House Of Fraser and houseoffraser.co.uk and CoverFX.com
  • Canada – Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix, Murale, Jean Coutu, select The Bay and Sephora stores, Sephora.com, TheBay.ca, Ebeauty.ca and CoverFX.com
  • United States – Select Sephora stores, Sephora.com, Naimies, Dermstore.com, Skinstore.com and CoverFX.com

Sigma Travel Kit Naughty Review

As a Sigma Affiliate, I was happy to try out the Sigma Travel Kit Naughty in Black. I tried the F80 a few months ago and loved it, so I believe in the Sigma brand.

This brush set comes with seven important brushes. Each brush has a specialty which allows you to achieve your flawless look.



Here is each brush in HD after being washed:
Very dense with a rounded top. Ideal to apply powder products on face and body. Natural bristles.

Rounded and tapered top. Specially designed to apply and blend color on the crease. Natural bristles.


Can be used to apply liquid or cream foundation. It is also recommended to apply moisturizers and conceal large areas. Synthetic bristles.


The rounded, tampered, flat shape makes this brush ideal to conceal the under eye area. It is also recommended for a precise application in small areas. Synthetic bristles.

Soft and dense with a rounded finish. Can be used to apply pressed or loose eye shadows and pigments. Ideal to build intense color on the eyelid. Natural bristles.


Rounded and tapered top. Specially designed to apply and blend color on the crease. Natural bristles.


Precise application of color on the crease, outer corner, and upper and lower lash line. Also ideal to smudge out pencil liner. Natural bristles.

BONUS:

"Airbrushed" finish when used to apply liquid foundation. It can also be used to apply blush, highlight shades and loose pigments. Blend of synthetic and natural bristles.

Overall:
 I couldn't find anything wrong with this brush set.
Great carrying case, quality brushes and the bonus brush is pretty good too! 

I can`t stress how amazing it is to have a Tapered Blending Brush in a brush set.

Which brush is your favorite? 
Also would you be interested in this brush set? *wink*

Corioliss Wand Ceramic Curling Iron (18mm) from Missiko.com + Pictures of my curls

Missiko.com is the place to go to get Hair Straighteners,Curling Irons & professional salon styling tools. With several brands at your finger tips, you can select anything from their Corioliss Hair Straighteners to a dryer from Elchim for a low price.

I remember the first time I tried a Corioliss Wand Ceramic Curling Iron back in early 2010. I loved the look and hated the price. I could never justify spending over $250.00 on it, even if I was in love. Missiko.com offers the same curler for $99.99 plus FREE Shipping!

Corioliss Wand Curling Iron Features:
  • Tourmaline infused ceramic barrel emits far infrared heat technology to lock in moisture.
  • Heat Proof Glove Included in Package
  • Fast heat up time and high temperature performance.
  • Negative ion technology eliminates static resulting in hair that is soft, silky and shiny.
  • Professional 360 degrees swivel cord
  • Clipless design. 
This is NOT your typical curling iron. I love the fact that it's possible to control the curl pattern. With my past curling irons there was only one option- tight Shirley Temple curls. Not 2011 friendly at all.

In this picture I held the curl for five seconds. It ended up looking very beachy:

I repeated the process all around my head. I also combed out the back curls with my fingers.
 The finished look with my EXTREME baby face:
If you have been debating whether or not to get a Curling wand, I'd definitely recommend the Ceramic Wand Curling Iron!

Payless ShoeSource Spring/Summer 2011 Collection Preview

I had the opportunity to attend the Payless ShoeSource Spring/Summer 2011 Collection Preview. I've been a fan of Payless for their affordable shoes and various collaborations. 

Warning ladies.. This is shoe heaven!




Every style that will suit your lifestyle.

So ENJOY!

Lela Rose for Payless
Loved the color scheme & detailing.

Christian Siriano & Isabel Toledo for Payless
Isabel's line is on the left side. Color scheme is (Black & White) with weaving.
Christian's line is on the right has a very exotic look.
Christian Siriano for Payless

 American Eagle, Montego Bay plus Zoe & Zac.
This was my favorite table.
Everything was fun and super cute!
 
Montego Bay on the left.
Doesn't it make you want to actually go to Montego Bay!!
Zoe & Zac on the right.
Did you know that their a eco-friendly line?
American Eagle from Payless had a very nautical feel.
Hope you enjoyed :)
Visit Payless on-line or in store.