Thursday, March 15, 2012

Fashion Week Nail Trends

Michelle Resendiz – Chicago, Il.
NY Fashion week always seems to have everyone on pins and needles waiting for some new fashion trends. The runways seem to be pounding with excitement and I know we are too, but have you ever really watched the trends on the runways? You can use those to help predict what ‘beauty fashion’ is going to be emerging this season. Take a look at some of my favorites and let’s watch this unfold.
This spring is all about color, but I can see many colors coming out. Spring is always about color actually! Everything is blooming and growing, becoming new, starting over, the weather is changing… it’s such a magical time of year. Some love the pastels and the light ‘easter egg hunt’ colors. I personally think this trend is going to be a hit this spring as well. When I think of blooming and new beginnings I think of the light pastel loves of mine.
Then there’s my bold beauty lovers. These guys love bold colors, and bold polish. Think Tommy Hilfiger runway show…. These guys would love Nails Inc. Who is my current favorite nail polish brand, and has some amazing colors for spring. They have things I wouldn’t normally use, but I tried them to go along with my Spring Inspiration and I loved them! Take a look at these!
Nails Inc. Warwick Way
Nails Inc. Porchester Place
Nail Polish
What it is: Professionally formulated, catwalk-inspired nail colors.
What it does: This formulation has been specially created and developed using the latest professional technologies for instant and exceptional results. The formulation is long lasting, ultra glossy, and easy to apply so that you get the best possible results every time. All of nails inc. polishes and products are named after iconic places in the UK and streets in London in order to celebrate the brand’s British heritage. The range includes shades such as “Piccadilly Circus,” “The Mall” (where you will find Buckingham Palace), and “The Thames,” the most famous river in the UK.
What it is formulated WITHOUT: - Parabens - Sulfates – Synthetic Fragrances – Phthalates – GMOs - Triclosan
What else you need to know: Nails inc. has a huge color range including everything from super glossy cream shades, liquid metals, shimmery metallics, and glitter shades. Nails inc. really has something for everyone, every outfit, and every occasion
Nails inc. is sold at Sephora and the prices can not be beat. The quality of this polish is way better than OPI in my opinion, and the colors are classy and cool. I love Nails Inc. I am VERY impressed with their products, their company, and what they are about.
What to look our for this season? Here’s my Fashion predictions…. PURPLE! And Holographic Glitter’s.
Glitter Gal Purple
I have seen some amazing new colors coming out from Glitter Gal, and they are to die for! Something all in its own category. Visit their site to see all the amazing colors they have to offer.

Beauty Haul Hits and Misses

Michelle Resendiz – Chicago, Il.
Hey beauty lovers! Here’s this week’s Affairs Magazine version of a Beauty Overhaul. I had some new stuff this week that I absolutely loved. It’s all explained in the video, but here’s a photo breakdown of all my favorite things. Also, if anyone wants those face exfoliation wipes I don’t mind sending them to you to try, but my advice is not to risk it. If you want them comment here, or on our Youtube, or @AffairsMagazine on twitter that you want them. The first person to comment is going to get them.
Video Breakdown
What we loved
…. and many more!
What we hate
Disclaimer: I am not being paid by anyone to ‘promote a product’. I was sent products for review, I personally try them and write-up a review’s based on my own personal experience’s and opinion’s. This is my true thoughts on these products based on the application, smell, texture, and usage. Affairs Magazine makes every attempt to provide an honest opinion about the products that we recommend. This includes providing an opinion of a specific product and educating readers regarding the benefits, drawbacks and other useful information about these products. All pictures were taken by Michelle Resendiz at application by iPhone Camera

Plus size Fashion Spring Boho Chic

Michelle Resendiz – Chicago, IL.
In my quest to find the hottest trends for all my Plus Size Beauties out there, I always come across some sweet looking dresses. I usually have to really pick through them, because that seems to be a theme with me in the Spring and Summer months. DRESSES DRESSES DRESSES! Think about it… it’s beautiful outside, the wind is blowing, and wearing a comfortable flowing dress sounds just perfect doesn’t it? SO, here are some more spring and summer dresses for all my Boho Chic Babies out there.
This batwing boho is perfect for warm weather, and look how great it looks with some nude or bone colored heels! I love this dress. I would pair this with a cropped jean jacket, ‘Smooth Sailing’ nail polish by Essie, and some bone colored flats…. IN LOVE!
I’m a sucker for prints. Anything Aztec, stripes, polka dots… you name it Michelle loves it. Sometimes, however, prints are not the most flattering of things for a big girl to wear. Finding the right kind of print is the hardest thing to do. Here’s some simple tricks that I can teach you.
  • Opt for something a little more form-fitting and not so ‘hangy’! It’s true, and I know that it sounds backwards but it’s not. If you get into a dress that’s too big and just hangs off of you, you are going to look like you are in a potato sack. I’m sure that not the look you are going for!
  • Show a little skin! There is nothing sexier than a girl who loves herself, and her body. Be proud of who you are, and wear what God gave you with pride! This dress, I particularly love, because it’s a nice off the shoulder dress… and showing a little shoulder is very sexy ladies!
  • Do it with a belt! Belts around the mid section aren’t the easiest thing to pull off ,but if you can it’s a little known secret that it shrinks your mid section. Belts show off your waist, and even if it’s not the smallest area it gives the illusion that it is.
I love this color, but this dress is available online in many others you might like better! Check it out at Jessica London. In fact, all of these dresses are all found at Jessica London…

Beauty bargins

Michelle Resendiz – Chicago, Il.
Have you ever really really wanted something, but you couldn’t see yourself spending that much on it? I feel that way all the time, and I decided that in my travels I was going to document my findings so that my lovely pupils could also do the same thing. My beauty lovers out there will tell you it’s easy to drop a lot of money on cosmetics, and clearly with the way that the economy is right now no one has the money for that. SO, in today’s version of Make-up Tips with Michelle, we are going over the Splurge and the Steal so you don’t have to hunt for it. Here we go!
Make-up: Personally I’m a total snob when it comes to make-up, I really enjoy my name brand stuff. It could be my background in the business, maybe it’s the things I’ve used as I’ve grown as an artist, but I can’t even begin to tell you the countless trips I would make to my local MAC Cosmetics (Pro store) to get some new replenished stock.
The money I spent on MAC I could have spent elsewhere, and I’m telling you that now because I’ve fallen in love with someone else, and they are way better. These boots are made for walkin sista!
Right now they have this collection at MAC. The VERA: Flashy florals, butterfly brights, punchy patterns, and a light-as-air spirit fuse in a collection inspired by the art of textile designer, Vera Neumann. For fashion fanatics everywhere. Limited edition. Things in this collection range in price, but the price that you are going to pay for this… you could go over to Lumiere Cosmetics and get THE SAME THING IF NOT BETTER for half the cost. Take a look at the comparison…
This collection has 3 different kinds, and there are 4 loose pigments in each collection. They are $32.00. SO, if you like all the colors here that’s basically $100.00 with tax to get the eyeshadows in this picture (above).
Lumiere Cosmetics has the same vibrant colors that everyone loves, and you can pick whatever colors you want! Make your own little quad, for $20.00! Take a look at all the colors they have, and get the 1 gram (small jar) in you favorite colors for $5.00! I love them… I would buy Lumiere over MAC any day.
Michelle's Lumiere Quad using her own color choices
You can also compare the foundations while you are there… MAC has a mineral Foundation on their site for $30.00. Instead of spending that much on a foundation why don’t you go here, and get a better one for $18.00? AND that’s the largest size!
The other thing I liked about Lumiere’s Foundation, there are 4 different blends to try. Each one is formulated to fit your face, and your preference. They even have a ‘full coverage’ available. People often times don’t get the coverage that they are looking for out of mineral foundations… so I say try Lumiere, you can definitely see the difference.
Nail Fashion: I love these dry nail polish strips, but I also don’t like spending a ton of money on them. I was at the store and I saw Sally Hansen made some cute ones… then I went over to see if they were on Incoco’s website, and of course THEY ARE! Take a look at what I found, and what’s online.
Sally Hansen Salon Effects
Incoco Nail strips
Look at that! Basically the same thing, but better at Incoco. Thank you very much… I would rather buy Incoco anyway because they are better quality and stay on better for me. I really like those a lot better than Sally’s.

Fashion Spotlight What is a Bombshell

Michelle Resendiz – Chicago, Il.
What’s a Bombshell? What is YOUR definition? According to the internet if you look up the word this is what you get…
Bomb·shell
(bmshl)
n.
1. An explosive bomb.
2. One that is sensationally shocking, surprising, or amazing.
3. One who is very attractive.
Here’s some little fashion blurbs for our ‘bombshell readers.’ We have plus size fans, we have hair fans, we have nail art fans… we have it all! So, we decided to make a little Bombshell blurb for you guys, cause we love you.
 
Get this vintage hair look with a few simple steps perfect for the plus size bombshell!
~ Create a defined side parting.
~ Using a large barrel tong or wand, make sure to curl hair inwards towards the face.
~ Then clip in place using flat, setting clips.
~ Leave to cool {set} for 15 minutes then gently brush so the curls ‘blend together’. I realize it seems weird brushing out all your hard work but the curls will spring up and look so much prettier and softer than they do as individual curls.
~ If you want to achieve curls higher up your head, around your forehead, curl smaller sections towards the front. You can also mold the hair into curls and use setting clips to hold the dip of the curl. Then add a light dusting of hair spray and you’re ready to go work those vintage waves!

This Plus size Bombshell showcases her ‘Pop of color’ Clutch purse with her flirty dress. That’s a total bombshell move.


Look at these Aztec inspired Bombshell lookin’ nails! I’m going to do a little tutorial on this for you… I did mine in different colors but you get the just right?

Step one: Apply a base-coat. I like NAILS INC's Caviar Basecoat
Step Two: Apply 2 coats of your favorite nail polish. I like OPI Red Flecker
Step Three: After waiting for that to dry a minute take your smaller nail art colors, and draw lines in multiple locations on your nail.
Step Four: Make sure you wait a little longer for this part to dry, then add your top coat. I like NAILS INC'S Caviar topcoat.
Finished Product! Aztec Nails!
OR... you're like me and you don't like nail designs on all yours nails! Here's an accent design nail!

Youngblood Cosmetics Review


Michelle Resendiz – Chicago, Il.

I had the opportunity to do a review on YoungBlood Mineral Cosmetics, and I love it! I was really happy with the presentation of the company first off. They sent me some great products with a little love note, and some really amazing information on everything. They were so informative, and neat. I really was pleased… You have to check out the site and peek at all the amazing things that they have to try. Can I make some recommendations to add in that shopping cart?
Eye-lluminating Duo

Eye-lluminating Duo

Creamy, dual-ended multipurpose pencil helps transform tired-looking features. The over-sized pencil brightens, reflects light and accentuates with two neutral tones that can be used to create a variety of effects.

Application Tips

Apply Shimmer to highlight inner corners of eyes or beneath brow bones; Matte to brighten lower inner rims of eyes.
- As an eyeshadow base: Apply to bare lids and blend with the Luxurious Shader Brush.
- To enhance eyes: Use the Shimmer side to draw in the inner corners and blend. To give eyebrows a little “lift,” apply beneath the brow bones.
- To make lips appear fuller: Trace the Shimmer side along the cupid’s bow (center of the top lip).
- To neutralize your natural lip tone: Use the Matte side to fill in lips.
Luminous Crème Blush

Luminous Crème Blush

This oil-free cream-textured blush combines a shimmering glow with sheer, long-wearing color. Can be worn as a cheek color or highlighter, or layered with powder blushes for extra color. I got this in Champagne life, and Plum Satin… IN LOVE!
I really loved this whole experience with them, I would purchase more from them in a minute. Take a look at the history of what sets them apart from the crowd, and my swatches with and without flash.

Why Youngblood

The Youngblood Difference

Of course, all mineral cosmetics are not created equal. Pauline Youngblood, a pioneer in the industry, developed her first products in a medical setting, specifically for patients recovering from harsh medical procedures, such as laser or chemical peels, surgeries, and even cancer treatments. Her patients experienced such dramatic success that they continued using her formula long after their skin had healed, and urged her to make it commercially available.
So creamy and rich! This photo is

 
Today, Youngblood is the premier mineral cosmetic line available, because of the luxury formulation, ideal milling process, and chic, upscale image and packaging. From the first moment you brush it on, you’ll notice the incredibly silky feel, and a polished, natural finish, unlike any other makeup you’ve ever tried. Clean and lightweight, it allows your skin to breathe and is non-comedogenic (it won’t block pores or cause irritation). Even with our flawless coverage, you’ll feel like you’re wearing no makeup at all. And unlike other mineral cosmetics, Youngblood never looks “glittery”; instead you’ll radiate a natural, healthy glow. It’s no wonder Youngblood has emerged as the clear standard, used in upscale skin care clinics and med-spas around the world.
Youngblood products are incredibly easy to use, long-lasting, and stand up to heat, humidity, and perspiration, no matter how active your lifestyle. Whether you’re at the office or at the gym, our makeup is as high-performance as you are.
Youngblood is perfect for all ages and skin types – even for women with sensitive or problem skin. And Youngblood offers a comprehensive set of the most realistic, natural-looking shades, for women all around the world.

With Flash Lip gels in Displayed and Exposed. The Matt and Shimmer sides of the eye illuminating pencil, and the 2 cream blushes. Top is Champagne life, and bottom is Plum Satin

But don’t take our word for it. Try Youngblood today and feel the difference for yourself.
Enlarged Photo with no flash...
Enlarged photo with flash...
Disclaimer: I am not being paid by Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics , or by anyone else to ‘promote a product’. I was sent products for review, I personally try them and write-up a review’s based on my own personal experience’s and opinion’s. This is my true thoughts on these products based on the application, smell, texture, and usage. Affairs Magazine makes every attempt to provide an honest opinion about the products that we recommend. This includes providing an opinion of a specific product and educating readers regarding the benefits, drawbacks and other useful information about these products. Photos taken by me with digital camera, or iPhone camera at application.