Pretty in the Queen City

Video Review: Lancome's Rouge in Love

 

PITQC partners with iMpact color cosmetics to launch "i'M PITQC" lipstick

Everyone that knows me, knows that I love red lipstick. Some call it an obsession and some even say it's my signature. I believe the reason I gravitate towards this is because it reminds me of old Hollywood. It's powerful yet classy. For the longest, I would only wear Chanel Dragon #75. That was the only lipstick you'd find in my bag, that I actually used. That was before I was introduced to Stanley Owings from iMpact color cosmetics. Not only did I fall in love with his entire cosmetic line because of it's quality but it has a beautiful message behind it. iMpact's philosphy is that true beauty and real confidence come from within-when a woman looks good, she feels good.

My 30th birthday is next month and never being one to truly celebrate this occasion, I felt this year was the year to do something different. I decided I wanted to launch a limited edition lipstick in RED! After a lovely meeting with Stanley from iMpact, we decided to partner together to make this happen. How lucky am I?!  Not many beauty lovers get to say they had their very own lipstick for sale. 

With that said, on December 1st-World AIDs Day, my dream will come true. For a limited time only, you will be able to purchase "i'M PITQC" from iMpact color cosmetics! To go along with this launch, $1 from every tube sold will go to RAIN:Regional AIDS Interfaith Network. 

(This is the actual product image! )

 

"i'M PITQC" will launch on December 1st, 2011. Each tube will retail for $21 and be available online and at Fuze Salon in Charlotte,NC.

If you would like to pre-order, please send an email to prettyinthequeencity@gmail.com 

I hope you join me in celebrating a milestone in my life and by helping a great cause.

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About iMpact color cosmetics

The idea behind iMpact color cosmetics was to reflect their philosophy of simplicity in their packaging and presentation. The sleek minimalist design of each product is a subtle reminder that many times in life, less is more. The fashion houses of Calvin Klein, Prada and Armani were all inspirations for the final result. In a logo-obsessed world, they consciously made a decision to boldly be the brand of the anti-logo. They wanted their brand identifiable by more than just a logo. iMpact color cosmetics is recognized by its chic minimalism and its iconic “i” found on each product. From their “i’m special HD lip polish” to their “i’m humble lipstick” to their “i’m healthy foundation,” their underlying message with each of their products, is to use one’s life to make an iMpact on the lives of others.

About RAIN:

RAIN (Regional AIDS Interfaith Network), founded in 1992, engages the community to transform lives and promote respect and dignity for all people touched by HIV through compassionate care, education and leadership development. Services include CARE Management, Peer2Peer support & outreach, support groups for youth, faith-based training, chaplain services and caring volunteers who provide practical support to persons living with HIV and AIDS. RAIN also provides HIV awareness and prevention education programs to thousands of people each year and is the only HIV nonprofit in Charlotte providing direct client services.

 

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 

Pump Up Your Pucker with NYX Cosmetics' NEW Lip Plumper

Last month I wrote about a fabulous new lip plumper called Pump it Up Lip Plumper by NYX Cosmetics. You can see the review HERE.

 

I am thrilled to say they have come out with 9 new shades named after Hollywood Stars with plump worthy lips. From Angelina to Pamela from Liv to Scarlett, these starlets have a pout that anyone would desire. With one swipe of this formula your lips begin to tingle and transform immediately  I love the tingle of this gloss. I feel it working it's magic immediately upon application. Not only does it actually work but it's affordable. Why spend thousands of dollars when you can have the lips you want at an affordable price and without the pain of injections?!

 

NYX Cosmetics’ Pump It Up Lip Plumper retails for $6.00 and is available at www.nyxcosmetics.com

 

Limited Edition Teenage Dream Lip Gloss- Miss Teen USA

 

2011 Miss USA Cosmetics Sponsor, Rain Cosmetics, has come out with a limited edition Miss Teen USA 3 piece lip gloss set!!! As you know, I LOVE Rain Cosmetics Lip Gloss. What a perfect back to school gift  for your growing mini-me's (the ones old enough to wear makeup of course!) 

 

 

This ultra-moisturizing gloss keeps lips soft and smooth with lasting color and brilliant shine. Lips look full and glossy. Perfect when worn alone or over other Rain lip products for heightened intensity.

 


The shades included in this 3 piece set are : 

Rose- A flirtatious affair of blushing berries

Crown- A mouthwatering combination of shimmering corals

Gown- A picture-perfect pale pink

MSRP $18 ($54 value)
Available online at raincosmetics.com through the end of July 2011

Pump it Up Lip Plumper: NYX Cosmetics (Review)

Are you looking for that perfect pout without having to go under the knife? I think I have found your solution! NYX Cosmetics has launched Pump it Up Lip Plumper.

Here's my before photo with clean face (no makeup)

They weren't kidding when they said with just one swipe  (of course I always go *big* and did a few swipes) of this formula would transform even the thinnest lips into the "plumpest, pucker-worthy pout". 

 

Check out my shiny pouty lips! 

This tingling formula will definitely give you the pout you are seeking. It applies just like a simple lip gloss and all you have to do is sit back and let the ingredients do their work.

Please note, you WILL feel a tingle. I personally liked this. I know some of you think "it's all in the head" but I like to feel something that should be working.....as they say in exercise...."feel the burn". After applying this plumper, I could actually feel it working. My lovelies, the proof is all in the photos  ;) 

Available in 9 shades and priced at only $6 (you really can't beat that!) , you can find this product at www.nyxcosmetics.com

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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 lighter 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. 

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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 NYX Cosmetics. Pretty in the Queen City and NYX Cosmetics promote Blog with Integrity)

 

iMpact color cosmetics Glam Studio (Review)

I survived the thunderstorms in Charlotte yesterday but honestly I was having so much fun at the iMpact color cosmetics Glam Studio that I barely noticed the torrential downpour, thunder and lightening outside. 

You've heard me talk about iMpact color cosmetics in the past and they were even a part of the recent Une Belle Femme Event but I thought it was about time that I tell you more about this unique, inspirational and fabulous brand. 

iMpact’s philosophy is that true beauty and real confidence come from within – when a woman looks good, she feels good. Makeup should enhance and highlight a woman’s natural features. 

The mission is simple. Offer a flawless clean look paired with an uplifting, inspiring experience. The first of its kind : Fusion of Makeup and Ministry. A beauty brand created by Stanley Owings to revolutionize the Beauty Industry. 

So other than offering inspiring messages with each product, what is unique about this brand? Each product has self-adapting pigments, skin-improving complex and color-matrix technology.

 

Color-Matrix Technology ~ Based on the principles of color theory ~ Creates pigments that evenly match skin’s undertone and are able to color correct imperfections Skin-improving complex ~ Powerful cocktail of potent anti-oxidants including Vitamins A, C, & E to improve and protect skin ~ Provides Anti-aging benefits not usually found in color cosmetics ~ Skin benefits even after make-up is taken off ~ Customer will see a noticeable difference in her skin from using iMPact color cosmetics Self-adapting pigments ~ The encapsulated pigment delivery system allows for the product to immediately blend to match the skin tone, allowing for an effortless application, perfect match, and all day wear “WOW” factor ~ Every product has its own unique, special ingredient and/or technology  ~ Example: tinted moisturizer with SPF has hyaluronic acid ~ Example: foundations have pistachio vera seed oil ~ Example: all powder products are silk milled  Having held top positions for the most prestigious beauty brands in the business (YSL, Dior, MAC, and Prescriptives), Stanley Owings is in an enviable position to parlay his vast network of beauty editor contacts, A-list clients, and celebrities into talking points and recognition for the brand. Stanley is ready to demystify the smoke and mirrors behind makeup and reveal all of the tips and tricks from behind the scenes and teach them to the everyday woman. Enter : The iMpact Glam Studio which is located at Fuze Salon. This isn't your typical makeup counter. You are working with a true artist. You aren't working with a hired assistant. You work directly with the man behind the brand.  Each product has an inspiring name such as "i'm free", "i'm blessed" "i'm confident" and products come with a wristband that says "i'm world iMpact" as a reminder to use YOUR life to iMpact someone else.   Photo by Erin Hubbs (www.erinhubbs.com) I have had the pleasure of spending time with Stanley on a couple of occasions and he truly makes everyone feel beautiful and the light within him shines through offering love, peace, inspiration and truth. Not only is he an amazing individual but his brand is one of the most unique brands I've ever seen and the first I've seen that offers such an inspiration.  Not only does the brand have a beautiful mission but the quality is amazing. I personally use iMpact on a daily basis. My loyal readers know that I am a HUGE fan of red lipstick, especially Chanel Dragon #75, but I have set Chanel aside for "i'm confident" from iMpact. I LOVE it and get so many compliments. Not only am I fan of the lipstick but the foundation is unbelievable. My skin looks absolutely flawless after application. Check out this photo of me after Stanley worked his magic I'm not going to share much more because you need to check it out for yourself. If you live in Charlotte, Stanley's iMpact Glam Studio is located at Fuze Salon (1819 East 7th Street Charlotte, NC 28204) or you can purchase products on ShopNBC.com  . You can also follow Stanley and iMpact at  http://Facebook.com/iMpactcolorcosmetics and http://www.twitter.com/stanleyowings  Me with the man behind the brand, Stanley Owings "love yourself. love others. make an iMpact." ~ Stanley Owings

 

Guest Appearance on Charlotte Today: Long Wear Lipsticks

 

The Best Long Lasting Lipstick

Every lady seeks the perfect lipstick- the one that gives full, luscious lips. Lipstick that works for one diva may not work for another. The beauty-product-loving woman wants the energizer bunny of all lip colors. She does not want to leave her mark on the cheeks of friends at a party or the collar of her lover. She wants the color to last through a business meeting or through a night of partying. 

 
 


To keep your lipstick looking fresh all day, celebrity makeup artist Riku Campo suggests that you make sure your lips are well moisturized before you apply any lipstick. He personally uses Elizabeth Arden's 8 hour Cream Lip Protectant under any lip color. There are many lip colors out there from which you can choose. Do not fret, there are many formulas that provide the desired staying power.

 

MAC Pro Longwear Lip Creme

According to NYC based makeup artist Sharon Becker, MAC Pro Longwear Lip Creme is "non-drying and feels fresh, not sticky." This is an important factor when searching for the best lip color with the strongest staying power. 

"InStyle" magazine named this lipstick "The Best Long-Wearing Lip Color" in 2010; MAC Pro Longwear also won this honor in '05, '06, '07 and '08.

L'Oreal Infallible

Seeking a powerful yet affordable long wearing lipstick? L'Oreal Infallible is a favorite among beauty experts, bloggers and magazines! L'oreal Infallible was voted Best Beauty Product in 2009 by "Oprah" magazine. Available in a variety of shades, you can strut your stuff with a long-wearing color that fits your personality.   

 Stila Acai Crush Lip & Cheek Stain

The latest addition to Stila's Acai collection, the Acai Crush Lip & Cheek Stain was named one of the Best Long-Wearing Lip Stains by "Allure" magazine. "Allure" blogger Sara Wexler said " The brush-pen makes it easy to apply perfectly before it dries, and the color stays put all night. I tested it at my high school reunion, and it survived what felt like dozens of cheek kisses and drinks."

 

Illamasqua Lipstick

Beauty expert Charu Suri says Illamasqua Lipstick in "Box" is the "everlasting gobstopper of lipsticks" Akisa from BeautySwatch.com, says "I'm impressed that Illamasqua lipstick is so pigmented you can even apply it without liner, as long as you have a lip brush or stiff angled brush." She says this lipstick is known for its staying power. This sounds like it's for the hot and steamy divalicious ladies.

 

Additional Long-Wearing Lip Tip

Jessica Lighter from Cliche Cosmetics, which specializes in stage makeup that needs to last under hot stage lights for hours, shares "To make any lipstick long lasting, apply lip liner to the lips and fill them in and then apply lipstick on top. Then apply a powder on top and then another layer of lipstick. This technique works with any brand or formula."

 

 

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RESOURCES

• MAC Cosmetics
  http://www.maccosmetics.com
• L'Oreal Paris USA
  http://www.lorealparisusa.com
• Stila Cosmetics
  http://www.stilacosmetics.com/
• Illamasqua
  http://www.Illamasqua.com
• Cliche Cosmetics
  http://www.clichecosmetics.com
• The Beauty Review: L'Oreal Paris Infallible: May 2010
  http://www.thebeautyreview.com.au/all-reviews/lip-product-reviews/loreal-paris-infallible-lip/
• Beauty Swatch: Illamasqua Lipstick: December 2010
  http://www.beautyswatch.com/2010/12/illamasqua-lipstick-box.html

REFERENCES

• Sharon Becker;Makeup Artist; New York
• InStyle: Best Beauty Buys: June 2010
  http://www.instyle.com/instyle/best-beauty-buys/product/0,,20360905_20356232,00.html
• "The Oprah Magazine"; New Beauty; September 2009
  http://www.oprah.com/
• "Allure"; The Best Long Wearing Lip Stains; Sarah Wexler: Oct. 20, 2010
  http://www.allure.com/beauty/blogs/reporter/2010/10/the-best-long-wearing-lip-stains.html
• Riku Campo; Celebrity Makeup Artist; Beverly Hills, CA

The Perfect Bold New Year’s Eve Party Lipstick

One of the biggest traditions of ringing in the New Year is to kiss those dearest to us. Not only are you sharing a celebration with those you love but our hope is that those who are with us as we welcome a New yYar will remain in our lives another 12 months.

Leaving your lip color on another person is NOT an option so an ultra long wearing product is a must have for New Year’s. Start off 2011 with a BOLD color that shows your daring side. Reds and bright pinks are a plus for New Year’s.

There are several brands that will give you a beautiful shade but help keep lipstick off the collar.

MAC Cosmetics’ Pro Long Wear Lipcreme is part of a new generation of technology. The color promises to stay true with 12 hours of wear. I am wearing MAC Pro LongWear Lip Creme in Rouge in the photo above and it is a great New Year’s Eve party choice for practically every complexion, especially with that signature LBD.

 

(Continue reading story at BeautyStat.Com HERE )