The Makeup Show Chicago 2015

It's going down November 7th (9am-6pm)and 8th(9am-5pm) at the Bridgeport Art Center! As someone who has attended every time The Makeup Show has hit Chicago, I'm extra excited for this year's show. If you are a professional makeup artist, hairstylist or student, you should attend this event at least once.  The networking and educational opportunities are on next level status. I'm talking seminars and workshops featuring Derrick Rutledge, AJ Crimson, Danessa Myricks, Orlando Santiago, James Vincent and my personal fave (Taraji P. Henson's too), Ashunta Sheriff. Brands like Crown Brush (LOVE them!), Gleam by Melanie Mills, Magnolia Makeup, Smashbox, MAC Pro, Inglot, Cinema Secrets, Make Up For Ever, Nars and Bdellium Tools will all be present and offering product (some discounted).

Although I will miss a few of the regular vendors/attendees like the amazing David Klasfield of OCC (Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics) and the blogger's blogger Afrobella, I'll be there with bells on and ready to soak in the experience as always.  After many years of merely attending and shopping between workshops, I am actually working at the show both days.  This is very exciting for me although I currently have no idea of what exactly I'll be doing.  I've been a member of The Powder Group for a few years now and it hit me last year that I should engage more and participate in the behind-the-scenes work instead of enjoying the perks only (like the seminars and shopping).  So, whether I'm carrying a mic around for audience questions during a seminar, helping set up tables or carrying somebody's bags, I will be giving back to the community that recharges my makeup mojo every year.  With all the on the ground promo we've been doing, the turnout should be massive.

If you're in the Chicago area, or can be in a few weeks, you should check us out at www.themakeupshow.com for tickets and information.  You won't regret it!

Begin Again

Hey!

I've often thought about returning to this space, since my last post over 2 years (yes, TWO!) ago.  I began experiencing a bunch of personal life stuff that resulted in me losing my oomph and becoming distracted by the day-to-day goings on, to the point where this outlet lost its luster. It wasn't just this blog, though.  A lot of things that I enjoyed doing like writing poetry (which I've done since I was a child), going out dancing, hanging out with friends, all just didn't move me so all of those things became sporadic. This blog was the newest addition to that list so it was a victim of the "last hired, first fired" rule.  I felt, for a time, that I might not be able to add anything substantive to the beauty blog landscape so I continued to let this space languish. I considered re-branding and a bunch of other things to make it worth the return.  However, I realized that the more I quibbled with myself over a new blog name and whether or not I have a banner or whatever, the more time that was being wasted.  #NoTimeForThat

So, in true Coco fashion, I am beginning again.  My love for beauty hasn't waned and I've nurtured that love by supporting blogs and YouTube channels that reflect my aesthetic and keep me up on game.  However, that hasn't been enough for me lately. I recently had a pretty big birthday and in the year leading up to it, I tweaked a lot of things in my life and experienced a bit of a rebirth.  I'm growing into a better version of myself and the new and improved me loves makeup and stuff just as much as the old me.  This blog will now be about more than makeup and will be a place where I post on anything that floats my boat.  It will still be mostly makeup because that's my boo for life. Just don't be surprised if you see a book recommendation, food/drink/restaurant post, inspirational quote or even some fashion.  All of that is what keeps me going.  Well, that and coffee (Bustelo is EVERYTHING!).  Til next time.....

Excited for The Makeup Show Chicago 2013!

What's up?  I'm posting this at damn near 2am because I can't sleep!  Why? Well, while it's true that I'm a lifelong night owl, tonight's wide awake status is due to my excitement for The Makeup Show Chicago.  I've attended since it first blew through Chicago a couple of years ago and am thrilled by how rapidly it has grown here.  The "new to Chicago" exhibitors like Eve Pearl, Hakuhodo, Ellis Faas and Zuca have me hyped because I finally get to see up close what the girls in NYC (i.e. YouTube's beauty divas like DRBrooklyn, girlcanpaint, thefancyfaced, Niya0302, etc.), showcase in their TMS hauls.  This year, I will be attending two workshops and soaking up knowledge from every seminar and keynote I can squeeze into the next two days.

My cameras are charging, my brushes are cleaned and ready, my hair is air-drying as I type and I have mapped out which Starbucks will give me my caffeine fix in a few hours.  I have my shopping list drafted and my walk-through planned, thanks to viewing the haul videos from YouTube and using the new The Makeup Show app on my phone.  I'll be posting about my experience at this year's show before the end of the week so stay tuned!  Ok, it's 2:41am and I really should get in the bed and grab some shut-eye.  Later!

Riri Woo: Swatched and compared!

Well hello there!  I was all set to post my long overdue MAC collection haul but I figured this was a bit more exciting.  The lovely Riri Woo retro matte lipstick from MAC!  I jumped in the queue as soon as it popped up (about 14 minutes prior to the "official" launch time) and snagged one with only a short wait in the virtual waiting room.  This lipstick is the first item from what will be four total collections from Rihanna's collaboration with MAC Cosmetics and "Riri Woo" will be featured in all launches.  So, if you missed it this time, you will get another chance or three.  It retails for $15.00 USD and comes in standard MAC packaging with Rihanna's engraved signature on the actual lipstick bullet.  A couple of the re-releases will be in special packaging for you collectors.

Riri Woo is a darker, bluer version of the famous "works on everyone" red, Ruby Woo.  This is the exact same formula as Ruby Woo, a retro matte, which people either love or hate.  I'm of the love squad for the formula as I know to prep my lips with MAC's Prep & Prime Lip first so it glides on smooth and doesn't dry my lips.  You can use a balm like EOS or something comparable but for mattes and the retro mattes (Ruby Woo is the only permanent color in this formula), P&P Lip never lets me down.  There are many comparison photos of Ruby Woo vs. Riri Woo out there so I decided to instead compare it to my latest fave MAC red, the LE matte "Ronnie Red"(from the Archie's Girl collection).  I wore Ronnie Red at work today until my Riri Woo was delivered in the afternoon.  Ladies and gents, ain't she a beaut?  I love this color and the velvety goodness that is the retro matte formula.  Grab one later this summer if you dig the pics below.  As always, sharing the swatches is cool as long as you give credit.  Got it?  Great!

Riri Woo: Soooo pretty!

Close-up of the Riri signature

Riri Woo on the lips w/no liner.
It makes my teeth look super white, LOL.

Ronnie Red (Top)
Riri Woo (Bottom)

Until next time....stay chic!

Beauty Supply Treasures: Kiss New York's Envy Me palettes! (Picture heavy!)

As often occurs when I go out to run errands at Target, Walmart and the like, I have an overwhelming urge to stop in the local beauty supply stores nearby.  You know, just to see what's new in lashes, hair creams and budget-conscious makeup not available at the nearest CVS/Walgreens/etc.  On a recent trip to a "Beauty & Wig," I found a new baked blush/bronzer/highlighter trio by Kiss New York for only $5.99 (MAC Mineralize Skinfinishes sell for $30 USD).  It gave me results that can stand up some of the top brands, based on swatches and early performance.

There is a palette that features a matte/satin blush but the other two have a sheen similar to some of MAC's Mineralized blushes.  The bronzers are all sunkissed/shimmery but not ridiculously glittery (I'm looking at you Physician's Formula) and the highlighters give a beautiful glow to the high points of the face.  As you will see in the pics below, the bronzer is the largest dome, followed by the blush and then the highlighter.  I find the size of each dome to be easy to work with and they are in proportion to how the products are to be used anyway (i.e. bronzer on perimeter of the face, blush on cheeks only and highlighter on small areas like the browbone, bridge of nose, top of cheekbones).

L-R: Terracotta Glow, Peach Glow, Big O Glow

If you don't like to glow, don't get these. However, if you don't mind having a little sheen on your skin, grab at least one.  I could do without the superfluous plastic dome packaging because it makes storing these a pain in the neck but I like the product so much, I'm overlooking that.  I don't know if these are available on any beauty supply store's websites but if you have access "around the way" to a "Beauty & Hair," "Hair & Wig," "Cosmo" or something similar, you can try these out for between $5-7 each.

L-R: Terracotta Glow, Peach Glow, Big O Glow

Terracotta Glow (Satin peach blush, medium bronzer, golden highlight)

"Teracotta" Glow: Note the little diagram on the label.

The Terracotta trio is the softest -toned of the three shades.

Look at that sheen.....so pretty.

Close-up to show the shimmer, which buffs in nicely.

Peach Glow

Peach Glow: This blush reminds me a bit of NARS Orgasm blush
 and the highlighter 's giving me Albatross tease.

The Big O Glow: Look at that bronzer!  

I love the way this blush so vibrant yet melts into my skin.

As you can see, you'll get quite the bang for your buck if you can locate these in your 'hood.  I think they are worth the hunt and a true treasure.  Hope you enjoyed the swatches!

MAC Hayley Williams collection - Online Exclusive - photos and swatches!

Truth moment: I would probably not know who Hayley Williams is if it wasn't for a very special 14 year old (14 & a half, LOL)  in my family who is a HUGE Paramore fan.  I actually dig some of the music I've heard from the group and since I have an affinity for female-fronted bands (Garbage, No Doubt, Rufus featuring Chaka Khan), I had to check out MAC's latest collaboration with Hayley.  Hayley wears orange like nobody's business so this collection centers around that color.  The collection includes an eyeshadow, lipstick, nail polish along with a re-promote of Lightscapade mineralized skinfinish.  I was only intrigued by Daydreaming eyeshadow and Sounds Like Noise lipstick since I don't have a good track record with MAC nail polishes and Lightscapade doesn't knock my socks off.  The eyeshadow is amaze-balls as all Veluxe Pearls are and I am LOVING the MAC matte lipstick formula right now (the Strength and Fashion Sets collections featured mattes that I. can't. stop. wearing).  I think if you are a woman of color, this is a no- brainer as orange tones flatter darker pigmented skin beyond belief (NARS Taj Mahal, anyone?).  If you are of a lighter skintone, this is a perfect way to branch into brighter colors if you tend to play it safe.  This lipstick looks beautiful on Hayley AND me (if I do say so myself) so no matter your complexion, go for it!

Both the eyeshadow and lipstick retail for $15 each and can only be purchased via www.maccosmetics.com for a limited time.  Here's the eyeshadow and lipstick swatched on my NC50 skin (sharing's ok as long as you give credit, ya dig?) Enjoy!

Daydreaming eyeshadow (Veluxe Pearl), Sounds Like Noise lipstick (matte)
Sounds Like Noise is not as dark as it looks in the photo above.

Daydreaming (top), Sounds Like Noise (bottom)

Daydreaming (top), Sounds Like Noise (bottom)
This photo shows the shadow and lipstick more true to color.

Finally: In Extra Dimension Skinfinish pics and swatches!

So, this is my last post about the limited edition In Extra Dimension collection from MAC, featuring the lovely stars of the show: SKINFINISHES!  I was lucky enough to get all three at my local MAC store since MAC was dragging in putting them all up online.  I must say I am extremely pleased with how smooth and buttery these are on the skin.  I believe most skintones can pull off all three shades and as a woman of color, I found none to be too light or silvery on my golden undertones.  I say try them first before ruling any shade out based on someone else's opinion, even if you share the same skintone.

These skinfinishes give you that glowing, lit-from-within look without being too shimmery.  These have more of a sheen which seems to just melt into your skin beautifully.  They are definitely worth a try if you have never tried an Extra Dimension skinfinish before or if you want a multi-tasking highlighter that has enough color to work as a blush. These retail for $30 and are available at www.maccosmetics.com, MAC stores and MAC counters in department stores.  Now, on to the pictures and swatches on my NC50 skin (sharing's ok as long as you credit the source).  Enjoy!

Definitely Defined, Shape the Future, Double Definition

Definitely Defined, Shape the Future, Double Definition

Definitely Defined, (L-R) lighter, darker, swirled together
Don't be scared!  This looks amazing buffed into the skin, even my NC50 skin.

Definitely Defined, (L-R) lighter, darker, swirled together

Shape the Future, (L-R) top, bottom, swirled together
I think the bottom shade would make an amazing summer blush!

Shape the Future, (L-R) top, bottom, swirled together

Shape the Future, (L-R) top, bottom, swirled together

Double Definition, (L-R) top, bottom, swirled together
The bottom shade is a deeper golden bronze in real life (see below).

Double Definition, (L-R) top, bottom, swirled together
Look how it melts into the skin!

Double Definition, (L-R) top, bottom, swirled together
I blurred this picture to show the color more accurately.