I love a perfectly winged eye, but hate when the line fades after just a few hours of wear….leaving an unintended rocker/grunge look behind…womp womp!

With Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner I love that the the crisp clean winged line that I create at 7:00AM is the same perfect edge on my lid for 6:00PM press events. There’s nothing more unfortunate than a Beauty Girl showing up for an event with runny eye makeup….

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner allows me to apply super sexy cat eyes with ease. The line is sharp, rich, lasts all day and does not transfer to my lid. The proof is in the pudding — This pic were taken at home after an 8-hour day of running around the city. My skin is super oily in the pic so you can kinda tell that it really is end of day..or maybe you’ll just have to trust me

My dear dear friend and professional makeup artist mentor, James Vincent, shares his top 5 beauty product musts. Let’s prep our shopping list, shall we?!

Embryolisse, Lait-Crème Concentre

“The makeup artist must have and cult favorite is perfect for any skin tone and skin type and keeps the skin looking refreshed and revived.”

MAKE UP FOR EVER, HD Elixir

“My secret weapon for HD or everyday photo. It prepares the skin for foundation and makes makeup last all day while feeling like there is nothing there. If I could let my clients bathe in it I would.”

Yves Saint Laurent, Touche Eclat

“A must have for every woman and every artist. This product is one of my favorite tricks for bringing light to the under eye and lifting and opening up every eye.”

Kevyn Aucoin, The Sensual Skin Enhancer

“A little goes a long way with this foundation that can give light to full coverage and always look like skin.”

Stila Cosmetics, Convertible Color

“Perfect for a natural flush or a fashion forward blush, I love this on the apple of the cheek or the cheekbone. My trick is to use some before foundation to give the illusion that the blush is glowing from beneath the skin.”

I am a certified, card carrying, full-on red lippie kind of girl….a blue-based red if we’re splitting hairs. However, this summer I find myself positively infatuated with orange. Follow my summer beauty shenanigans as I explore countless oranges — red-based oranges, sheer oranges, slick oranges, matte oranges, and more.

First up is Stila Long Wear Lip Color in “Outrageous”, a matte deep orange that’s long lasting without drying out my precious puckers. See for yourself. And share, what’s your summer lip obsession?!

With the holiday season upon us, I wanted to do a quick tutorial on transitioning your look from “9 to 5″ to “holiday party”. Learn to create an easy sparkly smokey eye, framed brows, cheeks that pop, and lips that beg to be kissed…

Please leave a comment and share your thoughts with me.

xoFelicia

I have fallen hard for Stila’s Holiday Smudge Pot Collection. The 5-piece set is a $95 value but Recessionista priced at 32 buckeroos. I’m so giddy over this collection that I had to do a video review. Check it out!

PRODUCT DETAILS (via Sephora)

What it is:
A quartet of shimmering mini Smudge Pots and a mini Smudge Pot brush.

What it does:
This stunning set of Smudge Pots—the cult-favorite, gel-based shadow and liner in one—features four shimmering shades (two bestsellers and TWO exclusive new holiday hues!). The transfer- and smudge-resistant formula is easy to apply for lining, blending, and lash-thickening. The perfectly portable size and mini eye liner brush make them great for travel and on-the-go glam. You’ll be able to create countless subtle-y, shimmery eye looks for the holidays and every day!

This set contains:
- Black (intense black)
- Kitten (the eye-conic universally flattering shimmering nude champagne)
- Violet (bright shimmering ultraviolet)
- Starry Night (deep shimmering navy)

What else you need to know:
The formula is water resistant for all-day wear.

For the last few seasons of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week (NY) my dear friend and Social Media Maven/Beauty Blogging Force Extraordinaire Lianne Farbes, has hosted THE soiree of the season — Cocktails & Couture. This IT event brings together national fashion reporters, editors, bloggers and social media gurus to discuss all things fashion, glamour and beauty.

The MUST attend semi annual fete gathers the Who’s Who of fashion, beauty, and blogging…so naturally I was front and center…and here’s the scoop:

@LuxebyTracyLee @Erikasaprincess ME @silverlips @fashionstbeauty

Bravo’s D.C. Housewives cast members Mary Amons and Jason Backe attended Cocktails & Couture, which was hosted at the Ted Gibson Salon and Spa. The event’s title sponsor was Mwari Magazine (the first and only holistic lifestyle publication created especially for women of the African Diaspora aged 18 – 24.)

Guests enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres from Honey Bun Catering, grooved to classic hip hop courtesy of DJ Belle De Jour (India-Jewel Jackson of Glam.com), sipped Moet and Chandon champagne and satisfied their sweet tooth with passed Starbucks ice cream and frappuccinos.

The Mwari Magazine gift bags included products from sponsors L’Oreal, HTC, Stila, Lierac, Visine, Caress, Venus, Olay, Sigma, Zoya, Covergirl, Proactiv, Degree, Fournier, Suave and more.

Here I am with host @LianneFarbes

With @behindthebrand and Jenna Muller (of Phyto) endorsing Anna Sui blot papers...LOL

With my Bowtie Boo @jdavidrobbins

With the homies @cassiefree @beautylogicblog

@karenrobinovitz @whatshaute @templeofglam

For all photos from Cocktails & Couture, go here:

www.cocktailsandcouture.net/event-gallery

Fridays with Felicia: An intimate look behind the curtain as I share my favorite style/ beauty discoveries and ThisThatBeauty shenanigans from previous week.

The highlight of my fashion and beauty filled week was the opportunity to attend the sneak peek event for the Target Harlem Grand Opening. The star studded press event occurred on July 20 and on July 25, Tarjay Harlem will officially open its doors. Yay Team Harlem! So spread the word New York – For style, design, and great value: take the 6 train to 116th street.

Naturally I represented and wore a strong red lip (Lipstick Queen Red Sinner) for the grand opening. I mean c’mon, it’s Target…their logo is red!

Since I haven’t done a good old fashioned Face of the Day post in forever, let me go on and break this down for you

• FACE: Cover FX Skin Prep Primer. Make Up For Ever HD Concealer #360. Lanccome TEINT IDOLE FRESH WEAR (shade Suede 2w).
• CHEEKS: Lancome Ageless Minérale Blush in Brilliant Berry
• EYES: It Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eye Brow Pencil. Kevyn Aucoin Volume Mascara
• LIPS: Lipstick Queen Red Sinner

Selita Ebanks walked the red carpet at the Target store opening. She added a bit of glamour to her nude Sir Alistair Rai dress with a gold braided necklace from the Melania™ Timepieces & Jewelry collection.The piece is available at QVC.com and retails for $39.00.

Selita was indeed a vision on the red carpet. I appreciate that she went high/low and combined her designer frock with a frugalista friendly accessory piece.

I too went the high/low route with simple black Christian Louboutin pumps, Fiona Paxton necklace,Mossimo v-neck pocket tee (From Target) and this Aqua brand gold/black metallic skirt from Bloomingdales. I snagged it on sale for about $18!

And you couldn’t tell me a thing as I hit my hottest contortionist model pose on the red carpet! Hilar!

Ok, next time I’ll leave the “posing” to the real models

While perusing the aisles (makeup aisles, of course) at the grand opening, I spotted one of my beauty faves. She was carefully inspecting her product line on the shelves — crossing t’s and dotting i’s! See if you recognize this iconic makeup artist and entrepreneur…

It’s Sonia Kashuk. Yep, THE Sonia Kashuk — the woman behind the popular exclusive target cosmetic line. We chatted for a spell and did a quick interview regarding her new eco-friendly beauty tools. More deets on the interview soon…

Here’s Sonia Kashuk’s new line of bamboo and cork brushes….

Culture and lifestyle maven, Bevy Smith was in attendance and I was lucky enough to snag a quick flick (and rub the hem of her DVF garment). If you’re not following @bevysmith on Twitter you’re missing out on a daily dose of invaluable “Bevy-isms”.

Speaking of Twitter, I finally met one of my Twitter faves in-person. Please meet @theelegantthrifter aka Stan Williams. His book, The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details (Clarkson Potter) shows you “not just what to look for, but also how to look at an object to identify a great piece.”

Also follow Stan’s blog at www.theelegantthrifter.com

Here I am with world-renowed chef Marcus Samuelsson. Check out his kitchen collection at Target! Five-percent of each product’s purchase price will go to The Fund for Public Schools in support of the library at PS 180: Hugo Newman. www.schools.nyc.gov/site/M180

While I certainly enjoyed the many wonderful humans I met in Harlem that evening, it was a four-legged friend that sent my heart sailing….

Most folks at the event took “one” picture with Bullseye the Target mascot. Yours truly could not resist requesting a second picture with Bullseye…this one with a kiss! MmmmmmmmmmMWAH Bullseye!

Definitely check out the Harlem Tarjay! What a wonderful win for the community. #TeamHarlem!

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Beauty360.com, the online shopping destination for CVS/pharmacy’s prestige beauty retailer Beauty 360, carries coveted skincare brands including Ahava, Bioelements, Borba, Canyon Ranch Skincare, Mario Badescu and many more.

Today thru July 25 shop Beauty360.com for 20% off all your suncare and skincare purchases! By entering coupon code GLOW at checkout you will also receive free shipping when you spend $49 or more. Click on this link for additional details and products: http://tinyurl.com/337cyau

You may follow Beauty360 at www.twitter.com/beauty360 for beauty tips and news, event details and upcoming promotions.

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Here’s one for my brides — NYC Smile Design announces a cosmetic dental makeover contest for one lucky bride –to-be to win a FREE dental makeover worth up to $30,000. NYC Smile Design’s “Extreme Bridal Makeover” is a contest based in the metropolitan area. Women who are getting married are encouraged to share their stories for a chance to win a makeover worth $30,000.

In order to enter, the contestant must submit a story about why she is unhappy with her smile along with a picture. Dr. Ramin Tabib and Dr. Mello of NYC Smile Design will choose the person with the most compelling story to win the makeover and they will then work their magic to create the perfect smile for the big day.

In order to enter for a chance to win, you must first become a fan of NYC Smile Design’s Facebook page. Visit NYC Smile Design’s Facebook page for details to enter and for daily updates about the contest follow NYC Smile Design on Twitter.

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Visit Youngblood at the Plaza Hotel to get your ultimate mineral makeover. Through July 24, join the artists behind Youngblood to learn about flawless foundation application. For purchases over $150 you will receive an organza bag filled with a full size lip gloss, deluxe Primer sample, deluxe Hi-Def powder sample and a Kabuki brush.

Youngblood offers a comprehensive collection of natural-looking makeup. Visit the Plaza Hotel’s beauty level and learn more!

WHO: The Plaza Beauty

WHAT: Youngblood Cosmetics

WHEN: Now through Saturday, July 24th, 2010

WHERE: The Plaza Beauty One West 58th Street, Concourse Level NY, NY 10019 212.223.4694

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On July 26 one of my favorite makeup brands will debut on ShopNBC. (See previous BECCA posts here, here, here, and here)

BECCA Cosmetics will premiere on the network this Monday, July 26^th at 11am and 7pm ET. The line is a fave of mine because its complexion range satisfies from Nicole Kidman to Alek Wek. The line features natural looking cosmetics that focus on a flawless and fresh finish, while benefiting the skin with anti-oxidant vitamins and high levels of broad spectrum sunscreen.

Of the launch on ShopNBC, BECCA founder, Rebecca Morrice Williams, has this to say: “We’re thrilled to be launching BECCA on ShopNBC. Offering women the opportunity to create flawless, natural looking skin is what the BECCA line pivots around. We’ve chosen many special, best-selling products for the face, eyes, lips and cheeks, and are very excited to introduce them to the ShopNBC audience”.

Tune in and learn more about BECCA!

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Last, but certainly not least, here’s a deal from Stila that I just had to share…..

• Do you need makeup? (of course you do. LOL)
• Do you have $10?
• Ok, buy this!

Stila just launched limited edition Stila Girl Travel Palettes! The first of the series is Road to Radiance Across the USA inspired by Kylie’s road trip across the US!

The frugalista friendly palette includes:

Four Eye Shadows:
- Snow Bunny (shimmery champagne)
- Southern Belle (mauve)
- Valley Girl (pink)
- City Chick (alloy)

Convertible Color:
- Hibiscus (I lurrrrve Stila Convertible color cheek colors. “Fuchsia” is one of my faves)

Each palette is ONLY $10, a $65 VALUE! Collect all Five (check back next month for the new palette!)

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Have a great weekend everyone…I hope to do some crabbing down the shore! Nom nom!

xo,

Felicia

Looky here! Urban Outfitters is in the beauty game…and in a big way. You won’t find your standard run of the mill beauty brands here. No ma’am. Urban Outfitters goes off the grid with below the radar niche brands like Lipstick Queen, Malin+Goetz, Paul & Joe, uber pigmented bargain cosmetic powerhouse NYX.…and many more!

Get familiar!

Want to win a $500 Urban Outfitters gift card,$500 worth of Stila cosmetics and s trip to NYC –

CLICK HERE FOR DEETS

Fridays with Felicia:

An intimate look behind the curtain as I share my favorite style/ beauty discoveries and ThisThatBeauty shenanigans from previous week.

It is decided. The beloved hairdo that was once a childhood staple, has re-surged with a vengeance and shows strong signs of becoming my summer time go-to look. Yes ladies I’m talking about “cornrows”. From about age 1 to about age 6, cornrows were my thang! Mom braided my hair often. In returning to my roots, this week I decided to give my hair a break and sport a couple of loosely braided cornrows. What do you all think?

Not one to claim I started a trend when I did not, lets look to the runway….For LA Fashion Week Beauty Spring/Summer 2010, Future Heretics sent these braided beauties down the runway.

In Paris, for Spring/Summer 2010, Elie Saab and Jean Paul Gautier both showcased braids but from uniquely different perspectives. Gaultier  presented a collection of intricately woven buns, full-head braiding, and Aztec influenced designs.

Saab on the other hand opted for romantic and feminine plaited crowns.

Taking this look from runway to real life is easy.

The photos below reflect wearable alternatives.

Do you know what I absolutely love about summer? I mean my most favorite thing about summer? Swollen feet! Yea, nothing makes me feel sexier than fat old sausage-y feet! Grrrr! Every summer like clockwork I find myself fighting the Battle of the Bulge…not bulging hips — BULGING FEET! This week as the temperature climbed to above 80 degrees, my feet conspired to prevent me from wearing these <=======

Luckily, like a good little beauty blogger, I recalled that I had recently attended a Sally Hansen Spring product launch event and was introduced to JUST FEET Instant Relief Foot & Leg Gel. I dispensed a generous amount of the rich creamy gel and went to work on my feet. The caffeine extract enriched formula works to quickly visibly reduce puffiness. By vigorously massaging the gel into my ankles and feet, I increased circulation and reduced the swelling. This product is road tested and ThisThatBeauty approved. Bye bye puffy summer feet!

And not to be all “Sally Hansen – Sally Hansen”…but Sally Hansen Chrome Quick Pen is the business. I know I know I introduced you to Chrome Quick Pen last week….but that post did not include pics of yours truly rockin out to Silver Chrome. I double dog dare you to tell me that this polish is not a dead wringer for MINX. Here’s the color I wore all week (just one coat of polish).

Mario Badescu, one of favorite skin care lines, recently launched a new SPF product. All week I’ve been wearing Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30. You all know that I’ve been extra careful with my skin lately as I continue to focus on improving my Hyperpigmentation. Sunscreen is a MUST for every one, every day…but for individuals dealing with Hyperpigmentation, sunscreen is especially important because you don’t want your dark spot to get darker. For me, my dark spots come from old pimples. In an effort to keep my skin pimple free, I recently switched from my usual SPF product to Mario Badescu’s oil-free SPF 30. I’m sorry but skin does not need the extra oil. I’m oily enough already, thank you very much!

Mario Badescu Oil Free SPF 30 is extremely lightweight (perf for summer) and offers broadband UVA and UVB protection. It is formulated with antioxidant green tea, which helps to repair environmental damage. The moisturizer/sunscreen combo also contains St Johns Wort and Aloe Vera to soothe and calm inflamed skin. The two ounce bottle retails for $26…a steal for a product of this caliber!

I am absolutely amazed at the breadth of beauty products currently available at the drugstore level. L’Oréal Paris has recently launched Studio Secrets™, the brand’s first professional makeup line. When I first spied the line’s hero product,  Studio Secrets™ Professional Magic Perfecting Base, I must admit — I was skeptical. I like a good mix of high/ low as much as the next girl but can a twelve dollar and ninety five cent drugstore primer live up to its claim to deliver “perfect skin texture all day” and “minimize the look of pores and fine lines”? The beauty junkie, I mean, roving beauty journalist in me just had to road test this puppy.

Upon opening the small glass jar, I honest to God didn’t know what to expect from a drugstore primer (I can be a bit of a snob sometimes). Much to my surprise the texture is extremely light weight and blends on to skin like a dream. As you all know, I have extremely oily skin and its been rather warm this last week.  Studio Secrets™ Professional Magic Perfecting Base beautifully mattifies my skin and keeps the shine at bay. I am impressed with the fact that the product is oil-free. This is a major plus for individuals with oily, acne prone, and sensitive skin. The Magic Perfecting Base boasts a high elastomer content, which gives the primer its comfortable cushiony texture. If you’re tired of spending $30+ on your fancy department store primer, give Studio Secrets™ Professional Magic Perfecting Base a shot!

Mid week I popped in on my old pal (not really, I’ve just covered her work many times) Sarah Lucero (for Stila) as she prepped models backstage for the Rebecca Minkoff Holiday 2010 presentation. Sarah described the look as “dusty desert” inspired…a real departure from the traditional pretty girl sparkly look we tend to see around holiday.  The eyes were dark (espresso, brown, black), smoky and smoldering on top while tight and clean on the bottom. I asked Sarah if she was planning on incorporating the new Stila Smudge Sticks (I will review these soon, promise!)…she replied no. Instead she reached for espresso shadow (wet), puppy, and kajal liner in onyx to build/layer the color. There was sheen on the cheeks. The lips were flushed and slightly matte. Stila never disapoints. This was by far one of my favorite press events of the week!

Have a great weekend everyone!

xo,

Felicia

Oh, and Happy Mother’s Day!

Sarah Lucero for Stila led the makeup team at Rebecca Minkoff. Flushed cheeks, stained lips, and lush lashes evoked the presence of French bombshell Brigitte Bardot. Lucero wanted the models to look as if they were just brought in from the cold. Brrrr! To achieve the look of bitten lips and stained cheeks Lucero used  Peony Convertible Color on cheeks and Cherry Crush Lip Stain. For those who have been following my makeup game this Fashion Week, you know I am all about the look that I call “the deranged snow bunny”. Its basically glossy lips, lush lashes top and bottom, and hella stained cheeks. To achieve “the deranged snow bunny” I have relied on Stila Convertible Color in Fuchsia. Perfection! But back to the Stila look at Rebecca Minkoff…..

For luminous skin, models were prepped with Darphin Skin Care.  Stila Illuminating Liquid Foundation was used to create a smooth and even complexion. The lids were based with Dune eye shadow and top with Brown Smudge Pot and Java eyeshadow. (Y’all know how much I LOVE Smudge Pot, so I was filled with school girl excitement to see the product being used for Rebecca Minkoff’s runway look) The eyes were framed with Kajal Eye Liner in Topaz, drawing a thick cat eye.  Lastly, individual false lashes were applied and coated with Convertible Mascara. Here’s the ofish face chart:

#NYFW

Photo Credit: Getty Images