Pretty in the Queen City

L’ORÉAL PARIS Encourages Women to Stop "Faking It"

No woman should ever have to “fake it.” Whether it’s flashing a faux smile through a horrible date or flaunting fake lashes that are tricky, frustrating and time-consuming to achieve, L’Oréal Paris is encouraging thousands of women everywhere to join them in pledging to never fake it again. Because after all, any woman that’s experienced the real thing is sure to pass on faux forever. 

I admit it.....I have an obsession with big lashes. I have tried nearly every mascara out there and I LOVE wearing falsies. So, you can imagine my excitement when I heard about Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara.

A mascara that gives the same look as falsies? No way! I jumped on the chance to check out this product and I actually was pleasantly surprised. Can you tell which eye is wearing Voluminous False Fiber Lashes? 

 

I think it turned out nicely after applying it to both eyes. I could definitely tell a major difference! It's not as thick as my falsies but it looks great! Want to try it yourself? Voluminous False Fiber Lashes is available at mass retailers and drug stores for $8.95 

 

From the creators of the cult-favorite Voluminous Mascara comes a breakthrough in fiber mascara technology. Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara reinvents the false eyelash look, making it possible to achieve the clean impact of professionally-applied false lashes. A combination of super-fine nylon and rayon fibers perfectly adhere to natural lashes, enveloping them from root to tip thanks to an exclusive polymer in the formula. Meanwhile, an architectural precision brush with a 40-degree angle and reverse twist bristles ensure optimal application, making lashes appear fuller, longer, curled and sculpted. No clumps or messy results – just flawless lashes from every angle. 

 

“This is a sponsored post on behalf of L’Oréal via One2One Network. I was compensated and provided product for this post, but all thoughts and opinions are my own."

 

Halloween Inspiration from NYX Cosmetics

It's that time of year my Pretties....the one day a year it's ok to pretend to be something you're not. HALLOWEEN. Have you chosen your costume? I will be taking my sweet daughter trick or treating so no dressing up for me this year BUT I just have to share what I found with you guys. 

NYX Cosmetics is one of my favorite lines-beautiful bold colors, quality makeup and best of all-AFFORDABLE. So, if you still need help coming up with some Halloween inspiration-NYX is your go to.

I decided to go for a mod look....Twiggy-inspired!!  

I used NYX Fabulous Lashes in Guilty Pleasure, Candy Glitter Liner in El Dorado, Pump it Up Lip Plumper in Jessica(LOVE LOVE LOVE) and the Slide on Pencil in Azure (you can't beat the slide on pencil by NYX)

I LOVE the way lashes look on me.

The nude lips are very Kim Kardashian....don't you think? This is by using one of my fav products from NYX Pump It Up Lip Plumper.  Each formula plumps up your lips immediately. Each shade is Hollywood inspired with names such as Scarlett, Jessica, Angelina, Kim and Pamela.

The silky smooth eye pencil gives an intense rich color. This liner glides on smoothly, doesn't smear and is waterproof.

NYX has 50 styles of eyelashes from chic everyday glamour to funky colors, crystals and glitter. 

So, while I won't be dressing up for Halloween, I will still be using the fun colors for my everyday look. 

Who inspires your Halloween makeup? What will you be stepping out in at all the exciting Halloween parties?

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ABOUT NYX COSMETICS:

NYX, named after the ancient Greek goddess who ruled the night, is known for its high quality, professional makeup and incredibly wide shade selection-ideal for both artistry and every day creative looks. NYX Cosmetics features 2 sub-brands. Black Label, the higher-end, premium line, and NYX Girls, a fun, trend line with brighter and ligther formulas. Since it's launch in 1999, NYX has introduced products in every makeup category and has rarely discontinued a shade. It is one of the fastest growing cosmetics brands domestically and internationally. For more information, please visit http://www.nyxcosmetics.com 

Shine this Holiday Season with Target Beauty

The holiday season can be a stressful and costly time for the busy woman on-the-go. Fortunately, Target Beauty has a plethora of products that make fulfilling holiday wish lists easy for all budgets. Offerings from Burt’s Bees, EcoTools, Jason, JK Jemma Kidd, Pixi, Nicole by OPI, NP Set and Remington – are all available at Target for under $40!   Bold Hues for Every Budget Vibrant eyes are easy to achieve with Pixi Pretty Perfection Kit ($12), with 12 shadows, or Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen Tester Trio ($12), with three pocket-sized liners in Black Noir, Black Tulip and Black Cocoa. Pixi Ultimate Beauty Kit ($40) is a compact beauty vanity composed of 32 lush eye shades, 16 balmy lip hues and eight awakening cheek colors, ideal for the beauty junkie on the list. NP Set Over the Rainbow Palette ($20) offers a variety of shades for any occasion, delivering fresh looks through the hustle and bustle of the season and beyond. JK Jemma Kidd Smoke It Up Kit ($22) includes five complimentary shades in a mix of shimmer, pearl and matte finishes that can be easily blended for sultry, smoky eyes in one light-weight compact, while JK Jemma Kidd Hi-Design Eye Color in Stylized ($16) is a festive stocking stuffer that delivers a touch of on-trend emerald green.

 

Tools to Get Party Ready Remington Textured Appliances ($19.99 each) aid in achieving party-perfect hair with textured, jewel-toned hair dryers, curling wands and straightening irons. Textured Brush/Mirror Sets ($9.99 each) are eye-catching stocking stuffers for the tress-obsessed beauty maven. An essential for natural beauties, EcoTools Limited Edition 4-PC Kabuki Brush Set ($14.99) includes a variety of brushes made of synthetic taklon bristles and sleek, recycled aluminum handles, ideal for stocking stuffers or holiday travel.

Festive from Tips to Toes Burt’s Bees Manicure Set ($14.99) includes cuticle cream, hand crème, nail file, and lip balm to keep nails and lips nourished all winter long. Jason Moisturizing Frosted Plum Body Wash Gift Set and Jason Revitalizing Orange Clove Pure Body Wash Gift Set ($8.99 each) include a sponge and a rich body wash infused with hydrating natural oils, Vitamin E and Pro-Vitamin B5 to nourish dry winter skin. Nicole by OPI Merry Must-Have Kits ($10.00 each) allow wearers to mix and match this season’s most cheerful colors. The Merry Must-Have Kits are available in 2-packs in lacquers like Chrome for the Holidays, You Can Sleigh That Again, Brr BrrBurgundy, and Come in from the Coal’d, ideal for stocking stuffers.

 

 

Fall Trends plus Free Gift from Rain Cosmetics

Celebrated Fashion Designers Re-imagine the Iconic Pink & Green Tube from Maybelline New York

Maybelline New York Unveils Great Lash

40th Anniversary Limited Edition Mascaras

Celebrated Fashion Designers Re-imagine the Iconic Pink & Green Tube

New York, NY, (August 17, 2011) – In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Great Lash, Maybelline New York introduces a special limited edition collection of America’s favorite mascara. As the official cosmetic sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Maybelline New York has partnered with three celebrated fashion designers to create the limited-edition collection: Max Azria, Tracy Reese and Vivienne Tam. Each designer took inspiration from their own collection to create inspired, fresh takes on the iconic pink and green tube.
Great Lash’s history is rooted in fashion. In 1971, Lilly Pulitzer, a then up-and-coming designer known for her bright and cheery fabrics, inspired Great Lash’s legendary pink and green tube. The unique color palette has become instantly recognizable and the symbol of an American beauty icon. After 40 years, Great Lash remains America’s favorite mascara for women and the go-to mascara for makeup artists. The product is coveted by celebrities, models and style icons around the world, with fans as diverse as Mary J. Blige, Selena Gomez,Kate Beckinsale, Kim Kardashian, Chloe Sevigny, Nicole Richie and the list goes on.

“Great Lash has always been a favorite among leading makeup artists and industry insiders, whether they are working on a celebrity client or backstage at Fashion Week,” said David Greenberg, president of Maybelline New York-Garnier-Essie. “For the product’s 40th anniversary, we’re celebrating Maybelline New York’s fashion heritage by partnering with sought-after designers to bring a new look to America’s most iconic beauty product.The designs of Max Azria, Tracy Reese and Vivienne Tam represent the spirit of the Maybelline New York woman – modern, confident and chic.”

  Sharing a Limited Edition Tube of Great Lash with Joy Randall, owner of Flawless Makeup Art

Max Azria Inspiration: “Maybelline has been backstage for BCBGMAXAZRIA’s runway shows for the past several seasons and I’m thrilled to be once again partnering with them on the 40th anniversary for their Great Lash Mascara. To bring the BCBGMAXAZRIA design aesthetic to such an iconic product is a true honor.” –Max Azria, Founder, Designer and Chairman of BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP

Tracy Reese Inspiration: “Great Lash Mascara is a timeless product; every woman knows the iconic green and pink packaging. I was excited to design limited-edition packaging in celebration of the 40th anniversary andchose a graphic floral print that exudes fun and femininity and complements the signature colors of the brand.”– Tracy Reese

Vivienne Tam Inspiration: “I’ve worked with Maybelline New York for the past several seasons of Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. I’m delighted to work with them again to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Great Lash Mascara. My Great Lash design is adorned with the Chinese symbol for ‘Lash,’ creating the perfectfusion of the Vivienne Tam and Maybelline esthetics. It’s the must-have beauty accessory for fashionistas this fall.”

Forty years ago Maybelline New York introduced women to Great Lash Mascara, and a love affair began. The pink and green tube continues to be America’s #1 selling mascara, with over 20 million pieces sold each year.Passed from generation to generation, devotees remain true to the beloved formula for perfectly defined, thick,conditioned lashes. Maybe that’s why a tube of Great Lash is sold every 1.7 seconds in the US.
Maybelline New York has partnered exclusively with Target to distribute the Great Lash Limited Editioncollection for a limited time only. The collection launched on Target.com on August 14 and will be available in-store on August 21 for a suggested retail price of $6.99.

Maybelline New York is available in over 129 countries worldwide. As the official makeup sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Maybelline New York combines technologically advanced formulations with on-trend expertise to create accessible cosmetics with a spirited style. For more information, log onto www.maybelline.com also available in Spanish.

Maybe she’s born with it, maybe it’s Maybelline.

Maybelline New York Invites You.....(Tonight!)

 

Maybelline New York Invites you TONIGHT ,Sunday, August 14th, from 7pm – 9 pm EST to a Twitter Party in celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Great Lash, their #1 selling, iconic mascara! It will be an evening of Great Lash fun, including beauty tips, trivia and Great Lash prizes. The evening will also celebrate the launch of the Great Lash Limited Edition collection designed by Max Azria, Vivienne Tam and Tracy Reese available exclusively through Target. The three new mascaras will be available starting August 14th through Target.com and available in Target stores nationwide on August 21st.   Please see the below invitation for additional details about the event:

 

(Update) Take me to Malaysia with Cellnique

At the beginning of June, I did a review (as seen below) on the fabulous product line, Cellnique!  My review was submitted to Cellnique for a contest they were hosting and I am thrilled to announce that my review was chosen as one of the Top 5 reviews, out of submissions from around the world! 

Cellnique is giving our fans ONE LAST chance to tell why we should win their ultimate prize.....Favorite Blogger AND a TRIP TO MALAYSIA! All you have to do is visit this link http://j.mp/fansay and tell why I should win this amazing opportunity whether it's because of this review or  just because you enjoy my blog.

Thank you so much for your support and for getting me this far! I am excited to be in the Top 5 and honored. I hope to be blogging from Malaysia in the near future ♥ 

      

Contour De-Puffy Jewel

 

Description

With its unique combination of Acetyl Tetrapeptide Gold Dipeptide and Rhodochrosite Extract, this breakthrough eye formulation helps alleviate eye puffiness and dark circles by increasing blood circulation and deep moisture the eye areas. Consists SPF15 which protects skin from again UVA and UVB rays.

 

Benefits
	Reduces puffiness and dark circles Minimizes the appearances of fine lines and wrinkles Strengthens and regenerates skin tissues Soothes, softens, and hydrates the delicate eye-area skin Sun Protection with SPF 15
Main Active Ingredients

	Rhodochrosite Extract •   An anti-stress ingredient which fights aging by preserving cell to release collagen and elastin fibers, soothes and relaxes skin.
	Acetyl Tetrapeptide Gold Dipeptide  •   Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by relaxing facial expression muscle. This will greatly prevent further premature aging.
	Guaranine  •   Reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffy eyes by constricting blood vessels.

 *My thoughts* 

This product has literally made changes around my eyes within only four days of use! It has decreased puffiness and dark circles. My eyes look more alive and I don't look so tired! 

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Intensive Hydrating Silk Masque

Description

This multi-property sheet masque intensely hydrates, moisturizes and regenerates skin from within, leaving it dewy-soft, youthful and supple. It is also fortified with anti-aging properties to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Enjoy a truly pampering experience after single application.

Benefits Retains and holds moisture Reduces fine lines and wrinkles depth Stimulates collagen synthesis Restores skin natural radiance
Main Active Ingredients

	Sodium PCA •   A natural hydrating factor that penetrates deep into the skin and readily to be absorbed by the skin. It helps retains water and increases the capacity of skin to hold moisture.
	Acetyl Hexapeptide-8  •   This powerful relaxing agent works within few minutes of application to reduce overall wrinkle depth, and to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
	Acerola Fruit Extract  •   Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, helps in increasing collagen synthesis which not only aids in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but also helps in the restoring of skin natural radiance.

 

*My Thoughts*

This product gives me a spa experience in my own home! Slide in your bathtub, slip on this mask and grab a glass of champagne.....it screams "Cellnique....take me away....to Malaysia of course" . I am SO in love with this masque. Unbelievable. 

You can find Cellnique online at http://www.cellnique.com 

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(Editor's Note: Compensation was not received for this review. These are my own opinions based on product samples provided by Cellnique. Pretty in the Queen City and Cellnique  promote Blog with Integrity)

4th of July Beauty Regimen: Red Nails, White Teeth and Blue Eyes

Every year on the 4th of July, we celebrate by spending time with family, friends and of course wearing the colors red, white and blue. Sometimes I wonder if people REALLY know what this day stands for. 

" The Fourth of July is a time to commemorate America's declaration of separation from Great Britain that was made on July 4, 1776. Our freedom and our democracy that we have been blessed with is a direct product of the sheer determination from our forefathers who worked to establish the United States of America as a free country. " 

It is because we are a free country, that we are allowed to wear what we'd like, express who we are whether it be through writing or through what you wear. 

This 4th of July, rather than walking around looking like an American Flag (ladies....some times you take it TOO far!) , keep it simple. Here's my RED, WHITE AND BLUE for this 4th of July! 

Thank you to all who made it possible for me to be able to express myself freely! 

 

Red Nails, White Teeth and Blue Eyes! 

 

ORLY Lacquer in Star Spangled ($7.50 at Ulta) delivers megawatt shine and classic color in a formula that’s free of DBP, toluene, formaldehyde and formaldehyde resin. I love this polish. Not only does it stay put but it has just enough sparkle to stand out without being TOO much.

The new REMBRANDT^® Deeply White™ toothpastes and mouthwash ($6.99-$7.99 at drugstores) work together to provide superior whitening by using Active Dental Peroxide, the ingredient dentists use to whiten below the enamel surface. This toothpaste and mouthwash is WONDERFUL. I have recently added it to my daily regimen, replacing my former toothpaste and I couldn't be happier with the results. You can actually feel and see these products working. It's amazing! 

For an edgier approach, use NP Set Eye Palette in Seattle ($20 at Target) to create an alluring metallic smoky eye accented with shimmering navy.  First of all, this palette is adorable and fits right in with the theme of the 4th of July. I love the raised stars on each shadow. Not only is this palette adorable, it's small enough to fit into your makeup bag and has a beautiful look once applied.

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(Editor's Note: Compensation was not received for this review. These are my own opinions based on product samples provided by LAFORCE + STEVENS. Pretty in the Queen City and LAFORCE + STEVENS  promote Blog with Integrity)

Jewelry Artists of Charlotte Presents Eye Elements

It's that time again my Pretties! Jewelry Artists of Charlotte presents Eye Elements.  If you attended the recent Eye Elements class by Joy Randall from Flawless Makeup Art then you know this is an event not to be missed!

Joy will teach you the techniques to achieve beautiful eye makeup.  Not only will you walk away knowing the secret behind a natural look and a dramatic -smoky look but there are also additional offers from I.C. London Lingerie, Modern Salon & Spa , consultations by Fashion Designer Michelle Nassaney and treats from Kilwin's Chocolate!

RSVP at flawlessartmakeup@gmail.com

Check out Testimonials and Photos from the most recent Eye Elements Class here

Denim & Rose by Bobbi Brown

I  love this Denim palette by Bobbi Brown!

The entire Denim & Rose Fall Collection is FABULOUS! How adorable are the travel brushes!

You can pick up the products above at Belk Cosmetics in Southpark Mall-NC. I am sure I will!