Category Archives: Beauty Addict

Product Obsession: Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Hair Fragrance

Published: Monday, June 10, 2013 | Author: | In:Beauty Addict

shu-uemura-hair-fragrance-320x480Unfortunately, I’ve been slipping on my weekly hair wash routine, and yes I’ll admit, my mane hasn’t been the freshest this week. I know, TMI! With a hectic schedule, time will not permit for me to run to the salon before this week is over. I’m still wrapping my brain around how to properly use dry shampoos, and the thought of doing my own hair from start to finish is a bit stressful. Luckily, I ran across Shu Uemura’s Essence Absolue Nourishing Hair Fragrance ($68 at shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com). Little did I know, this would become the quick fix and treasure my strands had been longing for.

Not only the first hair fragrance from Shu Uemura, but it’s one of the only amongst others, to be formulated with encapsulated oil pearls. The Camellia Oil infused mist adds deep nourishment and shine without weighing your hair down. Just shake it up, and spray about 8 inches from your scalp. You can use it on wet or dry hair, and you’ll experience a subtle lingering scent that’s not overbearing. The hair fragrance shouldn’t be habitually used in place of a wash, but it is a temporary refresher that delivers shine and a stunning scent. A winning match!

photo credit: Lifestyle Mirror

 

Trending: Braided Beauty Babes!

Published: Friday, June 7, 2013 | Author: | In:Beauty Addict


Beautysets - Braided Beauty Babes
With Singer and Trendsetter, Solange, arguably sphere heading the new box braid trend, I have noticed so many other beauties rocking their braids in style!  I definitely am loving this moment, and think it may really blow up for the summer. Pinned up, laid to the side, or strategically styled, it’s a gorgeous trend to try!  Love, love, love!
2 Snaps and a three stranded twist for these braided beauty babes! 
photo credits: popularcritic.com, overlycritical.com, mediumhairstyleupdate.com, bossip.com, PInterest
 

Snapshot: Julie Schott, Elle Magazine

Published: Wednesday, June 5, 2013 | Author: | In:Beauty Addict

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Julie Schott, Beauty and Fitness Editor at Elle Magazine

5 Questions Fast with Julie!

1. What does being the Beauty and Fitness Editor at Elle entail?
It’s a mix of market coverage and reporting. Each day there might be a product launch and a deskside meeting, or an interview with an industry expert or celebrity. Then there’s the writing.
2. What do you love most about your job?
Working for people that I enjoy and admire. I’m still intimidated every day! But that’s a good thing.
3. Is this always the career path you saw yourself taking?
Yes! I’ve always loved magazines and still keep stacks and stacks of back-issues in my kitchen cabinets. I’m not a hoarder, but I can’t throw them away!
4. Any beauty products that you absolutely can’t live without this spring/summer? Why?
My picks don’t vary too much from season to season. I keep a mini-pack of Yes To Wipes in every bag in case I end up at the gym and need to remove my makeup. And my Urban Decay Precision Tip Brow Tint because I feel bald without overfilled eyebrows. During the summer, I return to Benefit Bathina “Take a Picture, It’ll Last Longer…” body balm, which I’ve probably worn since middle school. It turns rough skin into gleamy mannequin smoothness.
5. What’s the best advice you’ve received?
My boss, Emily Dougherty, says “never live in regret,” and Cat Marnell told me, “Botox too young is a faux pas of the soul.”
photo credit: elle.com

Freebie Friday: Marc by Marc Jacobs Makeup Bag!

Published: Friday, May 31, 2013 | Author: | In:Beauty Addict

There are few makeup bag essentials that every woman should try to have handy at all times.  Maybe you’re asked on a last minute date, called into meet some high level executives at work, or you happened to spot your favorite celebrity crush walking down the block, there’s always a way to give yourself a quick beauty boost!  Most of you have your own own personalized quick touch-up recipes, but for those of you who don’t….

Marc Jacobs

I’d say ALWAYS stuff in your makeup bag the following rescue items:

Concelear-  Even more simplified then foundation, you can quickly dab on any dark marks or discoloration.  Flawless skin is key, and most important!

Mascara- Fast, easy, and you shouldn’t need a mirror to apply mascara.  It instantly gives your eyes a glammed up look without any additional eye shadow, liner, etc.  When meeting someone, eye contact is key.  So, why not jazz up your lashes up a bit? Make your peepers pop honey!

Blotting Powder- If your foundation is a melted mess after a few hours or the sun has made you look like you poured a whole bottle of baby oil on your face, blot away!  if you don’t like powders, there are tons of blotting sheets and sprays on the market (drugstore and prestige brands).  This will help balance out your skin, and zap any unwanted shine in a hot minute.

Lipstick- Find a shade that works well with anything you wear, and own it!  There’s nothing like going from “hell no” to “hell yes” with just a quick swipe of red lipstck (or any color that fits you well). Lipstick stays in place, and lasts longer than gloss that can get sticky and out of place if not applied right.

Bronzer/Blush- If you need more warmth in your skin, and you want more of a sun kissed glow, brush bronzer on your cheeks to wake your face up, and add radiance.  If you would rather a more “makeupy”  finish, apply your favorite blush on the apples of your cheekbones.  Blush is always cute, girly, and adds color to dull skin.

-GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY-

Because we all need a great makeup bag to keep  our essentials and tools in, I’m giving away a new Marc by Marc Jacobs makeup bag (pictured above). Share this post on twitter or instagram via @livluvlaurean using hashtag #2snapsfreebie, and email 2snapsandatwist@gmail.com with Marc by Marc Jacobs Giveaway in the subject line, and you’ve entered to win this purttty little pouch.  Good luck!

Snapshot: Dawn Sterling, Luxury Manicurist

Published: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 | Author: | In:Beauty Addict

Dawn Sterling1. At one point did you discover how passionate you were about nail artistry?  Once I started in the local Brooklyn salon at the age of 17,  I saw how a pedicure instantly made people extremely happy, and I knew this is what I wanted to do.

2. Do you have any role models? I do. Growing up it was my Uncle Kevin, my mom and grandma. I look up to each for an extremely different reason.   I am also inspired by many different art forms as well as other artists.

3. Are there nail trends that you think are “out with the old? Well to be honest, nail trends will never be out with the old! Everything that people are doing now, I’ve already seen and did over a decade ago, and I’m pretty sure someone before me did it decades before that. It’s all just recycled and remixed.

4. What nail trends are “in with the new?” Currently, textures are huge! It’s really cool to have leather nails ,concrete nails, latex nails, quilted nails, etc.

5. What’s the best part about your job? One of the bests things among many is once I shoot with a iconic team of photographers, models, hairstylists, makeup artists ,prop stylists, etc it’s captured for ever and becomes apart of history! The very best part is never knowing how far what I loved could take me. Still learning my craft, and I’m excited! dawn sterling

6. How do you stay on top of your game, and continue to work with some of the most glamorous celebs and magazines? I pray alot! I write down everything I want and will do! I have an amazing agent/manager who’s such a huge blessing. I am always doing research,  up late at night searching for new things. I know from experience that talent isn’t enough. So I pay attention, stay humble and work so everything stays in line with my ultimate goals!

7. What nail trends do you predict will pop up the most this summer? Alot of clean nails and alot of textured nails. Pop art is going to be big this summer!

8. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received? Always be yourself. Stay humble and let your passion lead the way.

photo credit: Instagram @nailglam

FREEBIE FRIDAY: NEW Motions Straight Finish!

Published: Friday, May 17, 2013 | Author: | In:Beauty Addict

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Uber, duper, super excited about the new Straight Finish Heat Styled System from Motions! For all you naturalistas who like to have the option of switching it up, this new system is God sent! If you have natural curls, and you continually use hot tools, your texture begins to change–which can be an issue for those who like versatility. Well, oh thank heaven, Motions picked up on this long overdue issue. First, you begin by washing your hair with the Straight Finish Cleanser. The cleanser is formulated with Shea Butter, Soy Bean Oil, and Keratain Protein to add structure and strengthen your curls. Next, you follow with no more than a quarter size of the Straight Finish Leave-in Conditioner to add a protective layer of moisture. After applying the leave-in, blow dry your hair. Once it’s blown straight, add about 1 or 2 pumps of the Straight Finish Sealer to eliminate frizz, and leave a radiant shine. The sealer is formulated with a satin blend of Argan Oil and Almond Oil. I gave the products a go, and they really showed my strands some TLC. After one wash, I noticed my curls snapped back, and actually looked like they slightly had a bit more volume. I’ll definitly be adding this system to my hair routine.

-GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY-

By posting your favorite curly or straight look on Instagram or Twitter, including in the caption @LivLuvLaurean @motionshair and using hashtags #Curly2Straight #2snaps #giveaway, you’ve entered for a chance to win the New Motions Straight Finish Heat Styling System. PLUS, you’ll win a flat iron to help you style from IOS Professional. Good luck!

If you don’t win this time around, all of the Motions products can be purchased at your local Target or Walmart.

SNAPSHOT: Celebrity Makeup Artist, Mimi Kamara

Published: Wednesday, May 15, 2013 | Author: | In:Beauty Addict Hu$tle Hard Snap For 'Em!

Name: Mimi Kamara, Celebrity Makeup Artist

Background: Originally from the west coast of Africa, Mimi Kamara, is one of the flyest makep artists making her mark in NYC.  She’s created exquisite looks for some of today’s hottest celebs, and has brought to life the faces of runway models during New York City’s infamous Fashion Week.  Mimi is a full time artist, and has continually booked gigs with some of today’s most prestigious print and television publications. #getlikeher #winning #snapforher

How did you discover your passion for makeup artistry? I’ve always loved to help people and studied Psychology in College. For me, makeup is a form of therapy for myself and the client. It’s very emotional and personal, you’re influencing more than a person’s face. You’re a heavy influence on how they feel or even a new perspective on their beauty!

What’s your favorite makeup brand, and why?                                                                  

Asking me this is like asking me my favorite food. And everyone knows I LOVE to eat, LOL!! My favorite changes with my mood or the season. Right now I’m loving NARS. They seem to just get it right! Meaning color payoff and variety.

If you could only choose one, what’s the one cosmetic that woman should always have handy in their makeup bags?                                                                                             Concealer! You can have a perfect eye or flawless lip, but if your skin is not perfected, it’s kind of pointless.

What’s your favorite new spring/summer makeup trend?                                                      Bright lipstick! It’s been a trend I’ve loved for quite some time, but I feel the world is finally catching up and embracing it. I love to see women of all races rocking and owning it!

What inspires and keeps you motivated?                                                                                  Life and my ability to be living it inspires me and keeps me motivated. I can honestly say I’m not just collecting a check but influencing, pushing the envelope, and doing what I love. Every single day. During a time where many people aren’t even working, I am motivated to still keep pushing and crank out dopeness!

What’s the best advice someone has ever given you?                                                           Bevy Smith once told me to keep my own counsel because no one will ever know me better than me. This advice has enabled me to trust my own strengths, talents, and never let anyone else influence that or define my success.

2 Snaps for Mimi Kamara!