Sigma Beauty Introduces Vegan Tools

Sigma Beauty has introduced a new line of makeup brushes that are vegan. The "Bunny Collection" will provide the same HD quality application. For more information watch the quick promo video below.

Eva Marcille for VIBE Magazine

Eva Marcille looks abosolutely amazing (but then again when doesn't she) in her most recent spread where she graces the pages of VIBE Magazine. I can't help but look at her and say in my B. Scott voice "bitch hold my ponytail".

see more photos after the break

Couture Poolside Pretty Tips

The sun is blazing and the pools are open. Thank the heavens! I don't think I could take another day of this heat without the relief of some water to dip my entire body in and out of.

Now I know there are some women that just absolutely refuse to leave the house without a stitch of makeup, but honey let me tell you its just been too hot these days to even fathom wearing makeup. But for those of you have just have to wear something and vow to be the hottest think laying next to the pool, here asre some poolside pretty tips for you via Huda Beauty and what she does in the blazing sun in Dubai. For the full post click here.

1. Apply Cheek Stain to the Apples of your cheeks


2. Apply a Liquid shimmer to your cheekbones and cupids bow of your lips

3. Use your favorite Chapstick to keep your lips protected and soft (look for one with SPF)

4. Opt for a Waterproof Mascara, and apply a slight amount, (if you need to curl your lashes)

5. Make sure to use some Leave-In Conditioner to your hair and reapply every time you exit the water

Remember, the sun can be very damaging, so take a lot of SPF with you!

*peace love & couture*

10 Cool New Summer Cosmetics via Rachel Zoe

Here are 10 Cool New Summer Products chosen by Celebrity Fashion Stylist Rachel Zoe! Check them out and click on the links to shop!

At Home Remedies Using Epsom Salt

The other day I did a post about making your own bath salts with Epsom salt being the main ingredient. I listed briefly some benefits of Epsom salt but now I'm back with some at home remedies. Who knew salt could be so beneficial for beauty!

Epsom salt uses: BEAUTY

Exfoliate dead skin - In the shower or bath, mix a handful of Epsom salt with a tablespoon of bath or olive oil and rub all over your wet skin to exfoliate and soften. Rinse thoroughly.

Exfoliating face cleanser - To clean your face and exfoliate skin at the same time, mix a half-teaspoon of Epsom salt with your regular cleansing cream. Gently massage into skin and rinse with cold water.

Dislodge blackheads - Add a teaspoon of Epsom salt and 3 drops iodine into a half cup of boiling water. Apply this mixture to the blackheads with a cotton ball.

Remove foot odor - Mix a half cup of Epsom salt in warm water and soak your feet for 10 minutes to remove bad odor, sooth achy feet, and soften rough skin.

Remove hairspray - Combine 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of lemon juice, and 1 cup Epsom salt. Cover the mixture and let set for 24 hours. The next day, pour the mixture into your dry hair and leave on for 20 minutes before shampooing as normal.

Hair volumizer - Combine equal parts deep conditioner and Epsom salt and warm in a pan. Work the warm mixture through your hair and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.


Did you know these things? Ever tried any of them before? If so let me know. If not, which remedies are you going to try?

*peace love & couture*

Couture DIY: Bath Salts

If you don't have time to go to the spa, and like making things on your own, why not try making your own bath salts. It's really simple.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Epsom salts
• 1 cup Sea salt
• 6 drops eucalyptus oil
• 10 drops rosemary oil
• 15 drops peppermint oil

 Directions:

1. In a large bowl mix the salts first.
2. Add all other ingredients.
3. MIX VERY WELL!
4. You can use food coloring to make the salts colorful
5. Bag/Bottle mixture and let sit for 6 hrs.
6. Sprinkle into tub and take a nice long bath with lit candles

The main ingredient of this concoction is Epsom salt. Do you know all of its benefits? Here are just a few of the benefits:

- Eases stress and relaxes the body
- Relieves pain and muscle cramps
- Helps muscles and nerves function properly
- Helps prevent hardening of arteries and blood clots
- Eliminates toxins from the body.

Now you're all set for a little me time in the bathroom. Aromatherapy that you can do yourself.  Now get some candles, grab a robe and a towel and enjoy your you time in the bathroom.

*peace love & couture*

Are You Addicted to Lip Balm?

Hi...My name is Candice and I'm addicted to lip balm. Do you know someone that is addicted to lip balm? Did you know it may not be in their head but in the product?

The scientists behind the new book Can You Get Hooked on Lipbalm? who blog at http://www.thebeautybrains.com/ have used their insider knowledge to investigate beauty myths.

Here is how lipbalm hooks you:

Applying it regularly confuses healthy cells into thinking that dry lips are sufficiently moisturized, causing a drop in new-cell production. Balms with the greatest potential for "addiction" contain high levels of pretrolatum or beeswax, which are the most efficient at keeping skin moist.

I guess this makes sense. I've been using  Burt's Beeswax lipbalm since the 10th grade. I honestly can't use anything else, however, when I don't use it my lips just feel way too dry and I panick and reach for my lipbalm. I guess I need to find something new to nourish my lips.

What do you use to keep your lips smooth. Have you experienced the same things I have? Let me know!

*peace love & couture*

Kirsten Dunst for Bulgari "Mon Jasmin Noir"

Just when I thought Kirsten Dunst had been gone too long, I came across her beautiful face in my latest magazines. It was a present surprise and she looks absolutely stunning as the new face for Bulgari "Mon Jasmin Noir".

Take a look at the commercial below.

*peace love & couture*

2011 Met Gala Favorite Faces (Makeup)

It's not always about the gown. Hair and makeup are just as important. Some ladies get it and others don't. There were a few that caught my eye last night on the red carpet. Here are some of my favorite faces from the red carpet of the 2011 Met Gala.

La La Vasaquez

I gasp every time I see LaLa's face lately. Its always so beautiful. With soft colors on the lid and perfectly bronzed. Always using a white liner on the lower lash line to make her eyes pop and seem more open. Slightly smoky but never too dramatic.

Janelle Monae

I love Janelle Monae's fresh face. A wonderful way to wear makeup and look fresh, yet look like you don't have that much on.  With defined brows and the perfectly peachy cheek and a nude lip, this look is perfect for everyday, and still appropriate for a red carpet.

Iman

Sam Fine is the king of the smoky eye and perfects it so beautifully on Iman's face. Perfectly bronzed and golden elsewhere, then the perfect smoky punch on the eye with a nude lip.

*peace love & couture*

Are You Wasting Your Beauty?

A survey conducted by Cover Girl shows that women spend on average $69 each year on cosmetics products that they never use.

I went through my collection and looked at products that I purchased and have yet to use. And  I must say there are a number of things I don't use. However, I have a 30/60/90 day rule where I get rid of tangibles in my life. I either give them away or donate. So I guess some of my friends will be pretty happy here soon...or maybe there will be a Twitter, Blog or Facebook giveaway. Stay tuned!

I challenge you to go through your own collection of makeup and beauty products. How many products have you purchased that you have never used? Do you plan to use them ever?

*peace love & couture*

How Young Is Too Young for For Makeup?

QUESTION OF THE DAY

How young is too young to wear makeup?






Sam Fine

 At what age is it appropriate to start wearing foundation and other makeup products? According to beauty expert Sam Fine 14 is the perfect age for young girls to start experimenting with makeup. While he is not a proponent for young teens to have a dark smokey eye or wear heavy foundations and bold lipsticks, there are a few things that he says young girls should do.

Young girls (around age 14) should start:

• grooming brows
• proper skin care
• start the using a light application of a pressed powder
• lip gloss
• a little mascara

"If a girl is using deodorant, tampons and wearing a bra, they can begin to groom their brows, wear lip gloss and a thin coat of mascara and powder" -Sam Fine

I do remember growing up that a large number of my friends started wearing makeup between the ages of 13 and 15. Apparently it was a really big deal to them. I personally didn't start wearing tons of makeup until college. I was a tomboy growing up and makeup just wasn't my thing, however I was always concerned with having clear skin and wanted clean brows. So I guess according to Sam Fine I was right on track. Despite the fact that I was a late bloomer in the world of makeup, my mother tells me a story of a time when I was 2 years old. She said I accompanied her to a party and I took it upon myself to go through a woman's purse and I found some red lipstick. At the age of 2, she said I put the lipstick on perfectly without a smudge and without a mirror. My mother said she knew from that point on I was going to be addicted to makeup at some point in my life. It took 20 years...but it happened.


When did you start wearing makeup? How much did you wear?

*peace love & couture*

Couture News! B. Scott Beauty

B. Scott Beauty!

B.Scott

I nearly passed out and lost my ever loving mind when I learned that none other than the uber splendiferously divine and ALWAYS beat down B.Scott will be coming out with his very own beauty line in 2011. How amazing is this? The line will include a "double kisses" lipgloss that I can't wait to apply the same way he does.

I can't wait to get my hands on these products. As I get more information I'll be sure to share it with all of my couture cuties.

So in honor of B.Scott and "Tap Yo Neighbor Tuesday" I'm going to ask you "Do you know who B.Scott is?!?" If you don't know who B. Scott is then here is a little taste for you honey.... DOUBLE KISSES! *muah muah*

Neiman Marcus 2010 Beauty Award Winners

Neiman Marcus has recently released the winners of its 2010 Beauty Awards. Click here for the complete list.

• I would agree with the list for Nars sheer blush being the best. Highly pigmented and its all about the application ladies!


• Gucci Guilty fragrance is also on my list of loves. May need to buy that for my birthday.


• Although I haven't tried the Fekkai hair product mentioned I absolutely ADORE Fekkai hair products. Even for ethnic hair I love it. Whether transitioning to natural or maintaining chemically and color treated hair I love it. There is something for everyone and the products smell amazing. (Men love the glossing collection *hint hint*)

Many of the products are not exclusive to NM. They can also be found in Sephora, Nordstrom, Ulta and even Target!

Couture Event: Minx and Mingle with D'brows

Who: D'brows

What: Minx and Mingle

When: Thursday July 29 (4-9 pm)

Where: 5332 Georgia Ave., NW, Washington DC 20011

(Second Floor of Natural Motion Salon)

This Thursday D'brows will be hosting a "Minx and Mingle" event in their studio. Here is your change to indulge in one of the latest beauty trends (minx nail overlays) while receiving other services.

Pre-registration for the event is required so sign up today if you want to attend. Guests that pre-register for the event will receive the Minx and Mingle package which consists of :flare lashes, brow waxing, and a set of Minx nails for $80.

Appointments can be set for as early as 4:30 and the last appointment will be scheduled at 8pm. Please contact the salon coordinator for further inquiries at (202) 232-7677

My X-mas Wish List!

There are only 41 days left until Christmas and for once I'm actually excited. I'm normally a Scrooge and/or Grinch when it comes to the holidays but this time not so much. I can't wait to purchase a tree with my roommate and decorate it. I'm looking forward to holiday parties and being with the ones that I love.

Although I'm more excited by giving gifts than receiving, I've made a wish list this year. The only thing I have on my list this year is books. I only want books that are related to fashion, beauty and make up. I really want to hone my skills and education is the best way.

Here are the books that I have so far on my list:

• All 3 Nina Garcia books
• Rachel Zoe's "Style A to Zoe"
• Tim Gunn's Guide to Style
• Sam Fine book and DVD
• "How to be a Hepburn in a Hilton World" (Jordan Christy)
• Bobbi Brown Make Up Manual

If anyone has any other suggestions for me please let me know!

Beauty Tag

I was tagged by the fabulous Olivia

What's your favorite make up look?
A smokey eye. Doesn't matter the colors as long as its smokey lol

Do you have a beauty vice?
Burt's Bees wax lip balm. 

What part of your body do you love?
My hair (when its behaving) and my eyes (b/c I have a lot of room to play with shadows) and my butt in good jeans!

Who is your beauty icon? 
Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long, Kim Kardashian, J Lo, Tyra

What beauty product makes you feel instantly sexy?

Eyeliner and lip gloss.

How do you look after your skin? 
Wash with a creamy Olay cleanser, Alba Botanica scrub, Alba Botanica moisturizer

What is your signature scent? 
Have a few: Flowerbomb, J'adore, Classique, 

What are your haircare secrets?
No secrets. I just don't follow rules. Don't wash it often. Don't get regular trims. Don't relax often. Just keep it conditioned, wrap it every night and don't use a lot of heat. I don't get split ends and my hair grows like a weed. 

How do you pamper yourself? 
Going to the spa and shopping and eating at really nice restaurants. (treat yourself don't cheat yourself!)

What is your beauty pet peeve? 
Lip liner that is darker than the lipstick, shaving off eyebrows just to draw on thin lines, ungroomed eyebrows.

What would your desert island must haves be?
bottled water, books, Old Bay Seasoning (in case i get to eat crabs...I'M FROM MARYLAND... its what we do).

Finally, do you have a beauty philosophy? 
Embrace your femininity and live in it.

Bad Spa Experience

Last Friday I had a pretty horrible experience at the spa. I didn't want to blog about it at first because I didn't really want to say anything negative about the establishment. But then again, I feel like I'm doing people a service by telling them certain places to avoid.

I had been very stressed lately (working in the school system will do that to you) and needed some relief. A very good friend of mine gave a gift certificate to another friend and myself to go to a spa and have a girls day together. Manicure, pedicure, massage and facial. Sounds like a good time right? Well, it wasn't. Not for me anyway.

I arrived 30 minutes earlier than my scheduled appointment time. I knew since I was a new customer to this particular spa that I would have to fill out paperwork and create a file. Although my friend was running late, I didn't expect the staff to be so rude about it. They were aware that we were coming together and would like to have our services done side by side. The ultimate girls time. I opted to start the process without my friend (with her permission on the phone) and went on to get my pedicure. This is where it all goes down hill....

The initial person to do my pedicure ends up not even being a nail technician. I was wondering why she had such a hard time trying to help me pick out a nail color. She even got an attitude with me and told me I was wasting time by not knowing what color I want. Rule number 1 when in a spa....I don't care what kind of mood you are in as a staff member; the customer is always right! I am supposed to be relaxed, not stressed and not rushed. If it takes me 45 minutes to pick out a nail color then so be it! She then decides that she's not going to do my pedicure anymore and tag teams with someone else. I know have a woman that speaks little English and is rather rough with my feet. I opted to skip the manicure and allow my friend who arrived late to get a pedicure as well so we could have some time to chat side by side. They looked good at the end....but customer service wise I wasn't satisfied.

On to the massage. The room was not very inviting, calming or relaxing. There was no changing area with lockers to place your things in. I had to fold my clothes up and just put them in a corner on the floor! Not acceptable. The massage itself was pretty good, but I don't appreciate her rubbing her ultra oily hands in my hair. That made me angry. After the 50 minutes was up, there was not a calming voice to say "OK Ms. Coleman our time is up....". Instead I awoke to a blaring voice saying "OK I'M DONE. YOU CAN PUT YOUR CLOTHES ON NOW" and she left the room. Now I know (because I'm not new to the spa experience) that there was to be instruction and a care guide given after the massage. She was supposed to tell me to keep hydrated; that I might feel dizzy, and that she has moved toxins all around my body etc. But that didn't happen.

The facial wasn't that bad. I had never had a facial before (other than some over the counter masks and some home remedies) so it was a new experience. There was some sort of steam treatment that she administered and that I wasn't too fond of. I could just feel every bit of my hair frizzing up as a result of the steam that was being directly blown in my face over the course of 20 minutes or so. What I did not like is how the technician kept leaving the room and not even parting her lips to say "I'll be back momentarily". What if I was having a reaction while she was gone?!? Who was I supposed to call out to? And she had my eyes covered as well. I also did not like how every step she made she didn't tell me what she was putting on my face. I don't care if I put on my sheet that I'm not allergic to anything. When you put something on my skin or do something to my body, as the professional I'm expecting you to tell me what you're doing. I need to be confident and know that you know what you're doing and I want to know all the steps as well in case something happens or I have an adverse reaction I know exactly at what stage of the process it occurred. Call me crazy....

The facial lasted for an hour and the entire time that I was laid on my back and stiff, I started experiencing sharp pains in my back, neck and shoulders as a result of my massage. I think there was even a point where I wanted to let out a single tear. When the facial was over she just left...and that was the last I saw of her.

Eyebrow Threading

A lot of people ask me where I get my eyebrows done and look at me funny when I say I get them threaded. So I thought I would share a little bit about the art of threading. Its way more common than many people think. Although I'm still skeptical about getting them done at the kiosks in the middle of malls that are popping up everywhere. Not that I don't trust them...I just rather partake in my beauty regimens in a closed room.

Eyebrow threading is a hair removal technique which originated in India, although it is also widely practiced in the Middle East. Salons in Western nations offered the service to Middle Eastern clients for decades before European and American women became interested and the popularity of eyebrow threading skyrocketed.

The hair removal technique is not just for the eyebrows: threading can be used to remove other facial and body hair as well.The technique is sometimes listed on salon menus as khite or fatlah, which are both Arabic words for threading. Eyebrow threading involves twisting a piece of thread, usually cotton, into a double strand. This double stranded thread is used to pick up a line of hair and then remove it, creating a very clean, precise hairline. Eyebrow threading is the technique preferred by Indian movie stars, who are often distinguished by their crisp brow lines. Eyebrow threading can be used to eliminate a uni brow, raise the arch of the eyebrow, or add shape and definition to the brow.

Because it removes hair by the follicle, it is a reasonably long lasting hair removal technique as well. Repeat visits after three to four weeks are standard. The technique is also not terribly expensive because it is easy to do quickly and does not require costly chemical ingredients. For women who would like to pursue a more natural beauty regimen, eyebrow threading is a good choice, since it does not use harmful products. Eyebrow threading is a preferred hair removal technique for a number of reasons. Unlike tweezing or plucking, eyebrow threading removes one clean line of hair all at once, making it much quicker and easier to shape the brows. Eyebrow threading also will not harm the skin like wax and some depilatory creams can. If done correctly, the skin should not be red or irritated for more than a few minutes after the eyebrow threading session. Some aestheticians also find it easier to shape eyebrows using this technique than other methods available.

It is important to find an aesthetician who is experienced at eyebrow threading. Inexperience can result in uneven brows, hair breakage, ingrown hairs, or unnecessary pain. Most urban areas have a wide variety of spas offering eyebrow threading. If you are unsure about a spa, look for one which is frequented by Middle Eastern and Indian clients with perfect eyebrows.