Sean "Diddy" Combs Launches Empress

Sean "Diddy" Combs is launching a new women's fragrance, EMPRESS, that is the female counterpart to his number-one selling men's fragrance, I Am King. Empress is said to be made for the modern woman-- a women who exudes confidence and captivates all around her. 

It's considered a crisp, fruit floral -- Top notes include a blend of Key Lime Pie, Mandarin Imperial, Starfruit & Imperial French Berry. Mid notes of Raspberries, Passion Flower, Peony, Cardamom & Ambrette Seeds. It dries down to a warm Vanilla, Caramel & Sandalwood. I definitely recommend this fragrance to anyone who loves fruity florals.

Kelly Rowland is the new spokesperson of this fragrance. Isn't she gorgeous?!

She looks like she smells delicious.

(Disclosure: Sample was sent for consideration)

Retail: 

1.7 oz - $57

3.4 oz - $74

Body Creme - $38

Available at Macy's

Have you ever tried any of Sean Combs fragrances?

OPI Launches Disney's The Muppets Nail Collection for Holiday 2011

"This holiday season, OPI pays homage to America’s favorite Muppet friends as they hit the big screen in Disney's The Muppets.  With an all-star cast including Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, Kermit, Miss Piggy and the entire Muppet crew, the family comedy opens in theaters nationwide on November 23, 2011."

"Inspired by the film’s namesake lively and colorful characters, OPI launches twelve limited-edition Nail Lacquers for Holiday 2011. “OPI is so excited to work with Disney to celebrate this long-awaited movie release,” said Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. 

 “Not only do The Muppets characters inspire fun, bright and joyful colors, the fashionable Miss Piggy lends her name to three high-shine pink-based hues, ranging from bold red flecked with silver to a multi-dimensional strawberry shade.”

"This line features six shimmery reds and neutrals, as well as six glitter-packed shades, including:

Glitter!!

Animal-istic
This wild bright red cannot be tamed!

Meep-Meep-Meep
Missing out on this fuchsia would make you weep, weep, weep!

Wocka Wocka!
The popular deep berry makes everything fun and merry!

Pepe's Purple Passion
This deep, decadent shade is the best purple ever, okay!

Designer, de Better! 
And this light metallic bronze is ready for the runway.

Warm & Fozzie
A feel-good shade of metallic copper.

Rainbow Connection
The rainbow glitter of your dreams.

Excuse Moi! 
Ahem! This pink glitter has something to say!

Gone Gonzo!
The aqua-blue glitter is taking over the world!

Fresh Frog of Bel Air
A glitter that prefers the greener things in life.

Divine Swine
The finest, most fabulous magenta glitter ever.

Gettin' Miss Piggy With It!
Red glittery fun for everyone!

"This limited edition promotion will be available beginning November 2011 at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for  $8.50 ($10.95 CAN) suggested retail for each Nail Lacquer."

Honestly, this launch reminds me of being a little girl watching The Muppets. It's definitely a part of my childhood and I'm sure many of those who are now all grown up.

Are you excited for this launch? Will you be checking out this movie?

Makeup Beauties: Kristen Stewart Graces The Cover Of W Magazine

I decided to start another section of this blog called "MakeUp Beauties" that focuses on one beauty of the moment. I've noticed lately when I look at magazines I can't help but notice how beautiful some of the makeup is and want to share it with all of you. This week I read a copy of W Magazine and was blown away by how beautiful Kristen Stewart looked on the cover and in the spread. W Magazine is one of my favorites of all the fashion magazines. They always have AMAZING photos inside. If you aren't subscribed, you definitely should be. 

Gorgeous right?! That winged eyeliner + nude lip definitely caught my eye. Keep up the good work, Kristen. You look better than ever and kudos to your makeup artist. 

Have you seen any fashion spreads you love lately?

Fall 2011 Top Makeup Trends

I'm always curious to see where the trends are going with each season. This upcoming Fall it's all about bold red lips, rich metallic lids and the adored winged eyeliner. These looks were a hit at Fall fashion week and are already being seen on popular celebrities.

1. BOLD RED LIPS: A classic favorite of many -- the red lip will always come and go in fashion trends. It's timeless and anyone can wear it. I, myself, have never been a lover of red lips. It is, however, growing on me and I'm opening myself up to other options. The key to a red lip? Finding the right one for you. Red lips are not all created equal and neither are we, so like most colors, you can't expect them to look good on everyone. Some pointers I've learned over the years: If you're fair to medium skin-tone, you should try a blue red shade. A "classic red" will look sunning. If you're medium to darker skin-tones, you should try warmers reds. Trial and error also works great. Go to a few different makeup stores and try different ones on. Don't purchase anything you haven't tried on! Bring your friends and ask their opinions. 

Or Scarlett...

Or Miss Taylor

Do you have a favorite RED lip?

2. RICH METALLIC LIDS: The trend of metallic lids is honestly something that only comes around once in a blue moon. I normally see it on the runaways, but never actually see it transition to the streets. I've actually been seeing people wearing this hot trend. Chanel & Sephora have definitely put out ads to get people excited about metallic lids.

Have you ever wore metallic lids?

3. WINGED EYELINER: This is another trend that will always make a comeback. It's sexy, fresh and plays up the eyes, which we all love. My girlfriend describes it as "sexy" and it works on everyone--no matter how old you are. Anyone can pull this off. Most beauty experts won't leave the house without eyeliner and non-beauty experts tend to only wear liner. I love the winged out effect because it reminds me of gorgeous Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra. 

They definitely knew how to do it back then. Here's how our favorites are doing it nowadays...

Could Eva Mendes be anymore more gorgeous?! Geez..

I LOVE the double winged eye. Smokin hot on Kim.

This video seen below is an AMAZING tutorial on dramatic cat eye liner. I definitely recommend everyone to watch it. It's absolutely gorgeous!

I love winged eyeliner.

Are you loving or hating the Fall 2011 trends? Is there a trend you'd love to see happen?

Lipstick Love: MAC Peachstock from MAC ME OVER Collection

I, like most, get very excited for new MAC cosmetics launches, but they've been driving me insane trying to keep up with all their new launches lately. I thought I was going to love their latest launch, MAC Me Over, but I wasn't really interested when I saw it in person...

Took a few quick photos with my phone even though the MAC lady was giving me an evil look :X

I found that most of the product was easily duped.

 I did, however, pick up one product that I love. I've been eyeing it for some time but have been too lazy to go to my local MAC Pro store. My newest lip love is MAC Peachstock. It's described as a "creamy beige peach." It looks lighter when on my lips but it's actually pretty true to the color on my hand. 

It's stunning. I like that it's more of a peachy nude because that's something I definitely don't own. I've considering picking up a few more items from the MAC Me Over collection. I was eyeing one of the blushes and a gloss. Have you purchased any products yet?

Retail: $14.50 at MAC (Permanent Edition at MAC Pro Stores) 

OoO and now I want peaches...

What's your favorite lip product of the moment?

LOTD: My Favorite Eye Look With Urban Decay's Naked Palette

I'm one of those beauty lovers who will always love a great "natural" eye. I remember the days when I used to only wear one eyeshadow. Oh so long ago... This look I constantly wear and I like to call it my "natural smokey eye." The reason being that it's considered natural by most people standards because of the colors used but has a slight smoke at the ends.. what I call the "baby smoke." Haha. Let's take a look...

See? I love this look because you can wear it for so many things. It's natural enough to wear during the day but can always be wore at night. Whenever I wear it, I always get compliments. 

Here are the products I used to complete this look:

Seen above: Brushes --Tokidoki Mozzarella Eyeshadow Brush, Tokidoki Adios Amigos Crease Brush, Sigma E25 Blending Brush & Bdellium tools eye 780, Too Faced Shadow Insurance & Make Up For Ever Black Liquid Eyeliner #13

Seen above: Urban Decay's Naked Palette, MAC Pigment in Shimmer Time. Can you tell Urban Decay's Sin is one of my favorite shadows? The pan is EMPTY. I definitely need a refill. Till then I've been using MAC's pigment Shimmer Time instead. I got this pigment in a set two holidays ago.

Seen above: Shu Uemura's Eyelash Curler, Urban Decay Lush Lash Mascara, Hourglass Film Noir Lash Lacquer, NYX Cosmetics Jumbo Eye Pencil in Cottage Cheese

This look is super easy to do! Here are the steps below:

Step 1: Apply Too Faced Primer all over the lid

Step 2: Apply Urban Decay's Virgin on the inner corner of the lid.

Step 3: Apply MAC's Shimmer Time Pigment to middle of lid

Step 4: Blend Urban Decay's Smog & Darkhouse mixed into outer corner and slightly in crease

Step 5: Blend Urban Decay's Virgin under brow

Step 6: Blend all colors together for a finished look

Step 7: Using a smaller brush place Urban Decay's Smog on the outer bottom lash of eye

Step 8: Using the same brush place Urban Decay's Virgin on the inner bottom lash of eye

Step 9: Line your upper lid with Make Up For Ever Black Liquid Liner #13

Step 10: Curl your lashes with Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

Step 11: Coat your lashes with Urban Decay's Lush Lash Mascara

Step 12: Use Hourglass Film Noir Lash Lacquer on the tips of eyelashes

Step 13: Line your inner rim with NYX Cosmetics Jumbo Eye Pencil in Cottage Cheese

& you're set and ready to go. Woo hoo. I've been trying all kinds of different natural eyes lately... definitely taking inspiration from some of my favorite celebrities:

Who are your favorite celebrity makeup inspirations?

Vincent Longo Products Review & Swatches

(Disclosure: All products seen above were sent for consideration by Vincent Longo)

I've become a bit obsessed with all of Vincent Longo's line. Every product I try is absolutely stunning, super pigmented and long-lasting. Woot Hoot. Onto the products.

First thing I tried was the Water Canvas Base/Primer. It's a non-greasy gel formula that helps maintain skin's moisture, form a barrier that won't crease of flake foundation, allow skin to breathe, fills-in enlarged pores, fine lines, & creases, smooths over acne spots/rosacea, extends the wear of all makeup and it suitable for everyone. I actually really liked the consistency of this product and felt that it delivered what it promised.

Retail: $44

The foundation sent was probably the BEST product I tried. They sent their best selling foundation: Water Canvas Creme-To-Powder Foundation Oil Free in Natural Tan. The coverage is natural and flawless. I've always wanted to try a creme to powder foundation but hadn't found any worth trying. The best thing about this foundation? It contains Vitamin E that helps protect the skin from free radical damage, it has 100% natural botanical seaweed polymer and silica that help maintain skin's moisture balance and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles. Sign me up!

Retail: $57

I'm always on the prowl for some new amazing blush. I was super excited when I saw the set up of this next beauty. This is Day Play Duo Compact Blush in Innocence. I love that it comes with two shades: a bright pink for day & a fun orange/peach for night. The color pay-off is beautiful and a definite must try. Don't worry if these colors are two bright for you because it comes in six other duos that vary from bold to natural!

Retail: $36

You already know how much I love bronzer, right? Vincent Longo's bronzer is the same fun packaging as the blush, which had me excited to try it out. I was sent Sole Mio Duo Bronzer in Cooper Kiss. The sides read: Sun & Fun. Sun was a tad lighter than fun for this duo. Both shades had a hint of shimmer, so I was able to skip the highlighter.

Retail: $38.50

Once my primer, foundation, blush & bronzer were on -- I decided to try the new lip products they sent me. I received Velvet Rich Lipstick in Pure Demure & Perfect Shine Lipgloss in Dolce. Talk about the PERFECT nude lips. I totally fell in love when I opened the package--I actually squealed in delight when I saw the color (my girlfriend laughed and said I was crazy haha) because it's exactly the kind of color I flock to in stores. It reminded me a lot of MAC Myth once on my lips but when swatched, it was very different. The gloss is easily duped BUT definitely longer wearing than most. I also was glad that the sparkle in the gloss wasn't too much but just the right amount.

Lipstick + Lipgloss:

Retail: $23 (Lipstick) & $22 (Lipgloss)

Lastly, I received a Duo Eye Pencil in Rich Topaz/Aura Chic. The colors here are perfect for natural or smokey eyes. Aura Chic was more of a golden shimmer and Rich Topaz was a deeper brown shimmer.

Retail: $26

All products used in this post can be purchased at Vincent Longo

Have you ever tried Vincent Longo? Would you be interested in a giveaway?