New L'Oreal Foundations for Women of Color

As a women of color blogger, I think it's my duty to share products that are universal. Both foundation have shades ranging from fair to dark. In this post I am going to focus on the deeper tones.

I feel like a kid in a candy store talking about these foundations. Mostly because I know that they will work for some of my readers. If it won't work for you, I know its a brand that you can suggest to your friends or client if your an MUA.

The product on the left is the L'oreal Paris Magic Beautifier BB cream in Deep. Try saying that five times fast, it's a mouth full. If you're like me and you don't wear foundation daily, this is perfect for you. This formula is much different than your traditional BB cream because it comes out white and then adjusts to your skin tone. There are a lot of products which  say they do this but they are usually not suitable for dark/deeper tones.

Another factor which makes this product unique is the "luminating" particles in this BB cream.

I currently don't have a product like this in my make up stash.

L'oreal Paris Magic Beautifier BB cream comes in Fair - Light - Medium - Deep

L'oreal Paris True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Foundation 

The words healthy & foundation are usually not words that see you on foundations bottles.

Apparently this foundation has 3 powerful ingredients (40% water, antioxidants, vitamin C & E ) that improve your skin the more you wear it. I will tell you that I have not been wearing this foundation enough to see "changes" but I can give you information on coverage.

The foundation is light and buildable.  For reference this shade is Nut Brown/ Cocoa.

I just came back from a week in the Dominican Republic and I am probably a shade darker.

 Currently this foundation is exactly what I need during the summer.

This foundation comes in 15 shades ranging from light to deep.

Beauty/Fashion News: Payless, So...? Fragrance & Win a Lifetime of Shellac

New from Payless

 Have you had the time to visit Payless lately? 
A lot of super cute styles have arrived! Perfect for any look that you are going for.
My current favorites are all pretty high but that thankfully they all have a platform!

*****
 
So...? Fragrance

I'll admit I'm a few years too old for this line: Ages 14 - 25. 

Since I'm all about fruity & fun scents, I decided to try the line.

I work in a scent-free zone. In basic terms we are not allowed to wear any fragrances which may cause headaches, migraines and etc. I can wear these in the office because they are light. Which is pro for me at work but it may be a con for anyone who loves strong bold scents.

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Win a Lifetime of Shellac from NailpolishCanada

This sounds like an amazing opportunity!

Chipped nails are an important issue that affect lives in many ways. “We’ve invented substantial research and the reason women slap or bite in a catfight is fear of chipping their nails. Hopefully, together, we can build a world where a woman can throw a punch at the bitch who kissed her boyfriend without worrying about chips” said Ms. Smith

The prize will go to whomever can show that their life will be most impacted by winning Shellac for life. Be it better, or worse.

If you or a loved one is still stuck in a world of chips, smudges and wasting countless hours re-doing nails we urge you to take a stand. Enter at http://www.nailpolishcanada.com/categories/cnd-shellac.html

Grand prize will go to the best description of how winning a lifetime supply of Shellac will change their life.

Winner selected August 7, 2012.

Prize Details & Entry
Grand Prize (Value $1266): 33 Bottles of CND Shellac + 36 Watt UV Lamp + 5 Topcoat + 5 Basecoat + Scrub Fresh.

How much Shellac do I need to last 25 years?
1300 (weeks in 25 years) / 2 (weeks application lasts) / 20 (applications per bottle) = 33 bottles of Shellac color

Open to Canadian and United States residents only.

Full rules and entry at: http://www.nailpolishcanada.com/categories/cnd-shellac.html

Anastasia Beverly Hills See or Be Seen Kit + Swatches

Lately, I have been seeing reviews/swatches of this Anastasia Beverly Hills See or Be Seen Kit popping up all over the bloggersphere.

It's amazing to see how the colors show up on different skin tones.

I will admit.. I've never tried anything from Anastasia Beverly Hills before. I thought the whole line was dedicated to brow products.



This kit was the perfect way to try out some products from line that I would not be exposed to.

This kit consists of:
Illumin8 Eyeshadow Duo in On Set

This eyeshadow duo felt like velvety smooth butter. 

I can't get over how well the colors blended together. 

The color is also very flattering on every skin tone.

*****

Hydrafull Gloss in (Top) Plastic & Heiress (Bottom)

It's hard to get pink glosses to show up on my lips sometimes but these showed up perfectly.  

I'd recommend them because they're pigmented and hydrating.
Perfect shades for the summer!

The applicator was a little tricky to use at first.
TIP: Dab on the color, don't swipe it.

*****

 Tinted Brow Gel in Caramel

I wish that the kit came with a clear gel. This color was not suitable for me.

I'll be putting it into my kit because it may work for one of my clients.

*****
Seen and Be Seen Makeup Kit: The limited edition See and Be Seen makeup kit is available exclusively at Sephora and Anastasia.net and retails for $44 (with an $80 value)

Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream waterproof colors #24 & #26 swatches

One of the most popular Make Up For Ever products is their Aqua Cream colors. 

A must have because they are pigmented, creamy and long lasting. 

Just in time for summer, Make Up For Ever is launching four new colors- 

lime green, purple, baby blue and bright yellow.

Aqua Cream is a completely smudge-proof, tear-proof, waterproof cream color that won’t crease, run or transfer. It gives intense payoff with a highly pigmented formula that ensures the colorful, pearly hues show up on skin while the soft, silky texture allows it to glide effortlessly onto eyelids, cheeks and lips. The formula includes evaporating oils to help fix the pigments on skin for impeccable hold, and a special filmogen polymer that encapsulates the pigments to keep moisture out and render them waterproof.

#24 Matte Vibrant Yellow

#26 Violet Sheen

These are gorgeous! 

The colors are buildable and can be worn alone.

Work quickly when using them because when they set they don't budge.

I also want to add that these aqua creams are used by the Canadian Olympic Synchro team.

If these are good enough for strenuous physical exercise underwater, they will definitely work for you!

Canadian Face of the Day featuring Annabelle & Marcelle

Happy Canada Day!

To Celebrate it's only right to share a look I did featuring Canadian brand Annabelle & Marcelle.

I shared this look in a previous post but now I will share details on what I used!

I have reviewed a lot of Annabelle & Marcelle products on my blog in the past. If someone asks me which products are definate must haves, I would recommend: Annabelle Smoothies & Marcelle Waterproof eyeliners.

The smoothies can be used as over the eye as a highlighter, shadow or liner. Once they set, they don't budge. To top it off they are crease free & waterproof.

 
The color I used is called melonade. I use it in my inner corners daily. I also blend it out as a highlighter.

 The waterproof eyeliners comes in 16 colors!
I chose Electric Blue because it compliments my skin tone.

Up-close

Happy Canada Day!

CoverFX Canada Day Giveaway!

To celebrate Canada day on July 1, I am giving away a CoverFX 

prize pack away to a lucky Spiced Beauty reader.

Cover FX creates healthy, natural-looking foundations for flawless full coverage. Available in a global palette with more than 30 shades, our unique formulas provide a precise match for skin of all ethnicities. We take ingredient choices seriously which is why each product is free of parabens, fragrance, gluten, mineral oil and talc. To ensure each product is safe for even the most sensitive of skin, all Cover FX formulas are developed under the supervision of dermatologists and clinically tested, for a truly healthy foundation.

During this heatwave it's important to have an effortless beauty routine. Get a perfect fresh, transparent look for Spring/Summer in three quick steps:

Step 1: BritePrep FX Brightening Foundation Primer ($45)

• Provides instant skin brightening effects and blurs the appearance of fine lines and pores
• Facilitates foundation blending and extends wear 
• Bearberry Extract: Anti-UV, lightens brown spots to even and brighten skin ton SPF 50

Step 2: SkinTint FX Treatment and Tinted Moisturizer ($39)

• Oil free, paraben free and water-resistant formula
• Contains skin repairing ingredients, anti-aging, skin firming and anti-wrinkle technology
• Bisabolol; the main active ingredient of the chamomile plant, anti-inflammatory, to protect and reduce skin irritation and sensitivity
•  SPF 30

Step 3: Bronzed FX Mineral Bronzing Powder ($28) available in 5 shades.

• Creates an instant sun-kissed appearance on the face and body
• Highlighting or all-over bronzer to achieve a sun-kissed glow without damaging UV exposure
• Ideal for all skin types

For your lips: MintTint FX Tinted Anti-aging Lip Glaze ($22) available in 6 shades.

• Moisturizing lip treatment and primer. Protective, fortifying and refreshing
• Lip Fill Technology, a blend of peptides and hyaluronic acid improves collagen synthesis and provides time released hydration

Enter to win here!

USA & CANADA ONLY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Beauty News: Belle Noel, Sally Hansen and Panasonic Beauty

Kim Kardashian visits
The Bay for Belle Noel

Kim Kardashian, in collaboration with Pascal Mouawad, launched her first foray into the world of jewelry design with “Belle Noel” in January 2011. Belle Noel was designed to add a touch of glamour to any outfit with inspiration from classic movie stars like Carole Lombard, Vivien Leigh, and Sophia Loren to the fashion muses of the 70’s like Lauren Hutton and Julie Christie. This versatile line features statement, daytime and evening styles from understated, casual pieces to bold, lavish creations reflecting her myriad influences from her travels around the globe. Belle Noel is currently available at upper tier department stores, specialty boutiques, and select online stores.

She has some really cute unique statement pieces!
Definitely worth checking out.

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Avril Lavigne Collaborates with Sally Hansen Salon Effects

Avril Lavigne has partnered with Sally Hansen and created 12 new limited edition shades and designs of the revolutionary Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips. The innovative Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips are all about the ability to express yourself through your nails and who better to capture the essence of that expression than Avril Lavigne. The 12 distinctive shades have unique individual features including, starts, studs, leopard prints, plaids and the rocker-chic style, representative of Avril’s personality. Each of the limited edition Salon Effect Real Nail Polish Strip are designed to complement the diverse style Avril wears on stage to ensure each nail is a fashion statement and not just a fashion accessory.

I'm such a fan of the Salon Effects Nail Strips! 

I'm going to showcase some of my faves for you all soon.

*********** 

Panasonic adds a Beauty Collection to their line

Infused with Panasonic’s advanced technology and the latest trends in women’s personal care, the Panasonic Beauty Collection products are set to be the must haves of the season. With chrome accents and a hot pink hue, the collection consists of three essential tools designed to fit right into a makeup bag with style and discretion, including: the Heated Eyelash Curler, Touch-Up Body Shaver and Precision Facial Hair Trimmer.

I have used a lot of Panasonic items in my lifetime. Vacuums, Cameras and Camcorders.

I'm interested in how these products will perform.  

What is your favorite spring/summer lip color?

I'm so excited to break out my spring/summer colors!

Last year I fell in love with MAC Romancin'. Perfect blue based lipstick for my skin tone.

What colors/shades have you been wearing lately?

I've been duped! Sephora & Make Up For Ever glosses

It's so easy to get duped. You go out shopping you see something that catches your eye and once you get home.... You realize that you have 50 other products that look the same.

Does this sound like you? 

Well..That's totally me!

I originally was gifted with the MUFE Lab Shine Diamond Collection from Fabdiva20, sometime last year.

On one of my trips to Sephora I picked up a "similar" pretty pink gloss.


MUFE Lab Shine $18- $20

SEPHORA Lip Gloss $3.00 (on sale)

Can you guess which gloss is which?

They look VERY similar! 

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB in Deep

BB cream movement was something that I "wished" I could participate in. As several brands started to roll out their versions, there never was a color that fit me. Even though there was a"dark" was in some of the lines, they were way too light.

I can't even tell explain to you my excitement when I found a "deep" at the Maybelline Fall Trends event.

So far I have been wearing it straight for almost two weeks. I'm in love!


8-in-1 Skin Perfector:

• Blurs imperfections
• Brightens
• Evens skin-tone
• Smoothes
• Hydrates
• Enhances
• Protects with SPF 30
• Oil-Free

I may be getting too personal but it's a great feeling to be included. YES.. I said it. I love when brands incorporate a good range of skin tones in their lines. 

I am not just talking about dark tones. I spoke to a few ladies who actually found their perfect shade in the line (light/medium & medium/deep).

Here is a shot of me wearing the BB cream. 

Doesn't my skin look amazing!

Hopefully, this post will inspire someone out there to try it out. Regardless of what color you I know you will find a match. If you have any questions leave them in the comment box below.

Do you like BB creams?

The secret to long lasting heat-less curls!

I'm the type of girl who loves to change her hair style up regularly.

Whether it straight one week or curly another, it's a process that I put a lot of effort in.

I'm wearing Bella Dream Hair Extensions in Brazilian Curly

There is one process that I do that can last a full week and requires little maintenance!

I USE FLEXI-RODS

I wear them over night to keep the curls.

You do not need extensions to use flexi-rods.
It also doesn't matter what your hair type is, there is a rod size that will suit you.

Have you ever tried Flexi-rods before?

Maybelline Super Stay 10 Hour Stain Gloss in Refreshing Red Review

I can't believe that two years ago I would not be caught dead in red. I felt like it made me look to "old".

Now that I reflect back, I think I was wearing the wrong shades. Since you all asked for my favorites I will start highlighting them. Maybe I will inspire someone to go out and buy their first red lipstick. Let's get started  with one of my favorites Maybelline Super Stay 10 Hour Stain Gloss in Refreshing Red!

The Maybelline Super Stay 10 Hour stain glosses comes in 10 different shades. Ranging from brown to red. The finish is very different compared to your typical lip stains because they are moisturizing and glossy.

Great for anyone who wants to try to find their perfect red because they are buildable.

Think about it this way: One swipe of color suitable for the office. While three swipes of color is suitable for a night out.

In this picture I was wearing three wipes of color. The formula is very light and has a pleasant smell.

 Overall this Stain Gloss is at the top of my list because of its versatility. You can eat, drink, talk you head off and the stain will still be there once the gloss is off. Perfect for someone like me who has to run to meetings and often forgets to apply before I go.

Are you feeling this red?

Lise Watier: Havana All Over Baked Bronzer + Swatch

For years I stayed away from bronzers because of my skin tone. I felt that because I was "bronze" I didn't need a bronzer. Years later, I realize that I was totally doing it wrong!

Now I know the capabilities of a bronzer/highlighter. I also know mattes or cool tones don't work for me.

When I get a good bronzer, I rejoice! Okay... I know the word rejoice is a little dramatic but trust me! This one is gorgeous.

 Lise Watier: Havana All Over Baked Bronzer!

The no-mess, no-fuss secret to getting that deliciously luminous summer tan in a flash? Ssshh. It's Havana All Over Baked Bronzer. These four gloriously marbled shades of the stone blend marvellously on your skin to imitate the sun's delicious kiss with none of its harmful bite. Marvellous!

I love this bronzer! 

It's a warm tone which compliments my skin tone. I apply it as a highlight on my t-zone and cheeks.

I could also add this to my chest and shoulders for a warm glow.

Do you have a favorite bronzer?