IBS New York 2013

IBS New York & IECSC are the largest beauty & Spa tradeshows in New York open to licensed beauty professionals.  This year it was held from April 14-16 at the Jacob Javitz Center, and I had the honor of attending as Press/ Beauty … Continue reading

Makeup Monday: A Stroll Through my Makeup Bag

Seeing how I haven’t posted in a while, I wanted to share some of the favorite cosmetics I have in my make up bag now.

MUB

Although I am a product junkie, I’m not overboard when it comes to items that I actually use everyday. I usually just opt for a facial moisturizer, mascara and lip gloss most days, so don’t laugh at my minimal selection of items in my bag. lol

Although its minimal, these products pack punch when I’m ready to add a little more and they are essentially my must haves.

Maybelline EyeStudio Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner, (Black) Never in my life would I think I would use liquid liner but this right here changed my life. It goes on perfect and it’s thin enough for a light line or you can create a thicker application with ease.

Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes Washable Mascara, (Blackest Black) This mascara is my everyday wear because when applied it gives such a long natural look to my lashes. I prefer the waterproof  version. When I am going out and I want my superstar lashes my go to is Diorshow Mascara hands down.

Next on the list is the Jouer Mineral Powder Bronzer in the shade Sunshine. I actually use it as my blush. I got it during a fashion week years ago and it’s almost done. (Sad Face) I will definitely be purchasing this again.

Because I freak out like many people when I see ash or I feel dry, I walk around with my Beekman 1802 Stick of Butter in the Spring Scent. Those gentleman knew what they were doing when they made this. With Ingredients like goat’s milk, sweet almond oil, etc. I couldn’t help but to purchase this one and the Autumn scent. And as the great MILF that I am, it is perfect for the days out with the kids.

My newbie to the crew is the See by Chloé Eau de Parfum SprayI am my mother’s child and after growing up not being able to see my mother’s dresser because it was covered with perfume bottles, there’s no way I could differ. You can’t have enough perfumes and depending on my mood I select a scent. But I’m enjoying this one right now so I’ve been using it often.

My ever loving MAC. Being that I like my low key look, the Siss Lipstick is the perfect nude shade for me and when I want to add a little spring color I go to Maybelline SuperStay 14Hr Lipstick, (Perpetual Peony). I find that both of these lipsticks are very drying on my lips so I always do a layer of L’Oreal Colour Riche Le Gloss (Watermelon Crush). This is also the lipgloss I use everyday sans lipstick. I guess you can tell since everything has been smudged off the tube. lol

Well I hope you enjoyed the trip and do try some or all of these products and judge for yourself!!

Spring Nails!!

Although the weather has been bouncing back and forth, we technically are still in full Spring bloom, and nothing won’t get you more pumped up and ready for the season like a fresh manicure. These nail designs courtesy of IG: … Continue reading

Hello My Name is Nivia… and I’m an Addict

My addiction ETSY!!!!!

It is amazing how many awesome things you can find on Etsy.  I can only compare it to Amazon my second love.  Mostly everything I buy these days are between these two sites. They even have an iPhone app so I can take my addiction on the road.

I also love the fact that the site has a wide selection of indie designers and artisans who are providing nice products at reasonable prices.  And if you to are interested in selling something you like setup is easy and cheap to have your own e-commerce site.

But seeing how I am working hard to keep a budget I window shop Etsy everyday just for home decor inspiration and to see all the other lovely things the site has to offer.

Here are some of the things I added to my favorites most recently.

Empress Vanilla Spice Shea Butter

Combination Bracelet

Washi Tape

Sconce Bookshelves

Wooden Stamp

Cast Iron Soap Dish/ Business Card Holder

Send-me-Your-Overalls Bag

The BUST magazine Craftacular 2012 this weekend

With such an amazing weekend we had in NYC I took the chance to start my Spring and Summer of outings by attending Bust Magazine’s Craftacular & Food Fair. Although the subways suck on the weekends and I normally hate leaving … Continue reading

Bring Back the Braids: Not just for little girls

I am loving the new spring/summer hairstyles featuring various braids.

I may very well be the only person who can’t braid that well though.

Thank God for Boys and Barbers because if I had girls my sister and best friend would be on hair duty.

But I am accepting the challenge of the fishtail braid because I have to try some of these looks I have been seeing.

Check out my top 5 Looks now.

Facial Freakout

So as I enjoy a wonderful Spring season and prepare for a fab Summer I realize I am having the worse breakout session on my face that I have ever experienced.

I know I am under a little bit of stress but my face is breaking out and I have all these crazy blemishes like never before.

I really thought I was pass the acne stage, but I also know I am no longer taking birth control pills which did clear up my skin for years. I am not one for much makeup and I am analyzing my diet but I think it’s time to see a dermatologist.

I am definitely one of the few people who do read the ads on the boards on the train and I saw the ad for Dr. Zizmor http://www.drzizmormd.net.

For all the native New Yorkers I know you have heard of him.  I remember the commericals and I even remember when Wendy Williams use to promote his services on her radio station.  I know I am dating my age but whatever lol.

Well I thought it may not hurt to see what he had to offer seeing how I also had a friend who did use him years ago and expressed great results. He offers services for AcneEczema, plus more.

 So over the next couple of weeks I will be giving you info on my progress on clearing my skin as well as more information on Dr. Zizmor and his services .

But for those of you who are interested in doing your own research on Dr. Zizmor you can call 1-800-771-6654 and you will receive a free gift by providing the code LMB2012.

 

This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Dr. Zizmor. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Every Day Beauty: Beauty Products I can’t Live Without

My Top Five Beauty Products I can’t Live Without Right Now

Maybelline Lots of Lashes Mascara sold at Target.

My lashes are pretty ok length wise, but when I put on this mascara… It’s show time!

I didn’t have any clumping just lashes that looked well defined, thick and long. This will definitely be a keeper in my makeup bag.

Tresemme Split Remedy Conditioner sold at Walgreens.

I do not have a perm, but I do love to color my hair.  Ever since I went from the highlights that I had for years to the jet black color I’m rocking now, I was experiencing a crazy amount of breakage and split ends when I blow dry my hair.

This product has been doing some serious repair.

The website reads: Formulated with Innovative Reconstructing Complex, it actually repairs up to 80% of split ends in just three uses and keeps working to fix damage and bind splits as they occur.

But I actually read about this product from BGLH: The site talks about the conditioner having PEC Technology which is said to be a process in which molecules bind to the open ends of your split and seal it back together when dried.

Bottom line I have seen less hair around my bathroom when doing my hair so I will continue to add this to my routine.

BeautiControl Spa Manicure Creme sold at BeautiControl.

I received this in a goodie bag during NY Fashion Week and this is exactly what my super dry eczema prone skin asked for.

My hands tend to get very dry and this creme softens my skin immediately without the feeling of coating my hands in glue.

Carol’s Daughter Macadamia hold and control smoother sold at Sephora.

I use this to keep my edges down and it really works like a super hold gel without the drying, flaking, or stiffness.

Christian Dior Serum de Rouge 670 Pink Ruby sold at Macys.

As I stated in a previous post I have been experimenting with adding a pop of color to my makeup.

This lip color also happens to be a lip moisturizing treatment as well.  Combined with the perfect matching waterproof lip liner by in Rose by Sephora I’m all set to walk out the door with lots of Glam.

Makeup Monday: Rethinking Rouge

Who said red lipstick is outdated?

Well I did until this NY Fashion Week when I received the Maybelline Super Stay 14 Hr Lipstick in Ravishing Rouge at the Maybelline Lounge at Lincoln Center.

I must say this lipstick changed my life.

First of all I don’t wear lipstick and Second I thought red lipstick was something only my mother wore.

Well, this lipstick was not only an awesome color for my complexion, the lipstick is true to what is says.  It stayed on for hours looking fresh without making my lips feel like chalk.  I received so many compliments and I didn’t feel dated with it on.  It actually gave me a push to add more color into makeup routine.

Here are examples of how the 30+ are rocking their red lipstick

  

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