Current beauty favorites

Initially, I wanted to create a monthly post of my beauty favorites. But to be honest, I am pretty loyal to the products I love and that work for my complexion and skin type. Therefore, I decided to create a current favorites instead.

Many women ask what makeup products I use with the assumption that I may only use MAC or more higher end brands. I think this has become a global assumption...that in order to achieve a flawless and "beat" face, you have to wear these type of brands. I hope this post inspires you to save a few bucks in your pocket, and achieve a flawless and "beat" look on a budget. Here are just a few makeup and other beauty related products that I have been loving on lately!

1. Pure Essentials Oil Aroma Naturals Tranquility Aromatic Mist- a few sprays on my pillows really helps me get a good night's sleep

2. The Body Shop Atlas Mountain Rose Body Butter- I love the smell and body butters are great for the colder seasons

3. Cantu Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream- soooo moisturizing

4. Cantu Shea Moisture for Natural Hair Complete Conditioning Co-Wash- also very moisturizing

1. Maybelline Color Tattoo by Eye Studio 24hr eyeshadow in 35 Tough as Taupe

2. Maybelline New York Define-A-Brow Pencil in Medium Brown- Anastasia, who!? Lol

3. MAC satin eyeshadow in Coquette

4. MAC Pro Longwear eyeshadow in Uninterrupted- also great for contouring

5. L.A. Girl H.D. Pro Concealers in Cool Tan (GC980) and Warm Honey (GC982)

1. The Body Shop Tea Tree Cool & Creamy Wash- pairs well with my Shea Moisture Black Soap that I also love

2. Shea Moisture African Black Soap Problem Skin Facial Mask with Tamarind and Tea Tree Oil- this is great for all skin types as I do not have problem skin

3. NYX Studio Perfect Photo-Loving Primer- this is great if you have oily skin like myself

4. NYX Matte Finish Long Lasting Setting Spray- this works wonders when you spray before and after your makeup application

5. Revlon Photo Ready foundation in 010 Caramel- apply this with a Real Technique's beauty sponge for a flawless and natural finish

1. Forever21 Nail Color in Light Grey- I am all about nudes and natural nails, and am currently obsessing over grey anything (lol)

2. SinfulSHINE with Gel Tech in Prosecco1480- paired with the Light Grey polish or alone, this color is absolutely gorgeous

3. NYX Simply Vamp Lip Cream in Aphrodisiac SV03- amazing Autumn and Winter lip color and easy to apply

4. MAC satin lipstick in Siss- I don't hear much rave about this color but it is one of my favorite nudes

5. NYX Matte Lipstick in Butter MLS21- this is my absolute favorite nude color and very comparable to Rhianna's MAC nude lipstick

The Alexander Wang X H&M Collection

When I got word that two of my favorite designers were collaborating to release an exclusive collection this Fall, I was elated! I instantly marked the release date of November 6th on my calendar. After all, only important dates get stored on one's calendar, right? I know I am not the only person that has done this...if so, then I am sure that I am no longer alone if you have read this far and took heed to properly planning for this highly anticipated release date (lol).

Sad to say that after getting a glimpse of what to expect from this collaboration, I am no longer anticipating the 6th. After previewing the collection, I was highly disappointed. I just could not find any pieces that were "me," or that I felt I had to have. If you are really into the sporty lux trend, then you will fall head over heels with this exclusive collection. I personally am not a huge fan of this particular trend so I will be passing up on this one, unfortunately. However, I thought I would give you a glimpse of what to anticipate if you have not had the opportunity to preview items from this collaboration. This collection features trendsetting clothing and accessory pieces with a sporty twist for men and women.

Nonetheless, this will be a day to remember as Alexander Wang (a New York-based fashion designer) will be the first designer to partner with H&M for their annual designer collaboration! Let us take a quick moment to celebrate Mr. Alexander Wang!!! Now tell me, what trendy pieces do you have your eyes on? Share with me in the comments box down below.

 

 



Howdy, Fall!

Though I never look forward to the colder months, fashion helps me get in the Autumn and Winter spirit. Putting an outfit together and getting dressed in the morning gives me something to look forward to. During this time of year, I love to layer and play with an array of textures. I've also found myself going for more monochromatic looks. I think it just looks so classic and effortlessly chic!

This is an outfit I wore to church one casual Sunday morning. Side note, I dress however I'm feeling for the day and really appreciate churches who allow their congregation to really "come as you are." Some days, I'm just not feeling a dress or skirt. Well back from my little tangent, I am playing with a little texture in this outfit. Sometimes it's those subtle details that really complete a look.

In this outfit, I am wearing a white button-up blouse from H&M, black skinnies from Forever 21, oversized distressed denim jacket from Forever 21 that also has some black lace detailing on the back, black suede booties also from Forever 21 with gold studs, and a black wool fedora from (you guessed it, Forever 21 again). And I just love the gold chain detail on this hat! Lastly, I am wearing a cognac oversized tote from H&M for a warm, but neutral, pop of color.

Part I: How to rock this Fall's fashion staples...must haves in your closet this season



Prints are very trendy this season...try mixing prints in your Fall looks!

I love these colors for this Fall...not to mention that sweaters/jumpers are staples every Fall and Winter seasons

Buns, neons, and cut off shorts...no it's not Summer anymore, but with some sheer or opaque tights, this look can easily be transitioned for Fall. Neon colors can stand out, while being toned down with neutrals colors such as black, grey, brown, and navy.

By now every woman should have at least one pair of color skinny jeans in her closet...I absolutely love this forest green color that can easily go with just about everything!



Berry lips and camo = DOPE

Turbans, chain belts, biker skirts, and animal prints

Faux leather everything!!!

African prints have segwayed into mainstream fashion...try incorporating African-inspired prints into your wardrobe this season...

This June Ambrose-esque look can easily be achieved with a printed blouse, oversized specs, and a bold color turban

Puffs and paisleys

Ladies, there is a way to look stylish in a cute pair of flats. And in my opinion, one cannot go wrong with animal print...hint hint!

Fellas, invest in a nice (tailored) suit jacket, a neutral colored scarf that will go with every outfit, and a classic timepiece

Elbow-patched jackets complement any look from business to casual. I'm so loving these cognac leather gloves that adds a hint of edge, yet a rather business professional touch to this look (not to mention they will keep those hands warm in the cold).

Bobbi Brown's "Pretty Powerful" Makeovers

Ladies, make-up should not subtract from one's beauty, but rather add to the beauty that every woman possesses. This is one thing that I absolutely love about Bobbi Brown. They specialize in a more natural and subtle application of make-up that is suitable for women of all ages, colors, occupations, etc. On this day, I had the pleasure of hooking five beautiful ladies up with a Bobbi Brown "Pretty Powerful" makeover. I too took pleasure in getting a makeover! These five beautiful winners were not only pampered with exceptional makeovers, but with impeccable service. I would like to send a special thank you to Bobbi Brown at 900 N. Michigan Bloomingdale's for treating me and my four lovely makeover winners with great hospitality. Now on to the winners...
***Drum-roll***

1. Nedra Foster

Before

 

After


2. Ashley Foster

 Before

 After (Ashley lost her makeup virginity this day heehee)

3. Andrea Hall

 Before

After

 

4. Tanzy Phillips

 Before

After

 

5. Angela Howard

After...somehow she snuck by without getting a before shot lol

 

Yours truly, Genovia Elle :)

 Before...with serious bags under my eyes smh lol

After...no more bags under my eyes!! Shoutout to Bobbi Brown's amazing concealer!

 

I would like to give a super special thank you to all of my winners of this makeover...thank you for allowing Bobbi Brown to accentuate the beauty on your already beautiful canvases, and thank you for your continued support of my blog!!

Win a Bobbi Brown "Pretty Powerful" Make-over!!!

I am so excited about Bobbi Brown's Fall 2012 collection, Desert Twillight!! I attended a previous Bobbi Brown beauty blogger make-up event, and fell absolutely in love with the their new products. I was moreso captivated by the story and inspiration behind this particular line, and how Bobbi Brown stepped outside of her comfort zone by adding beautifully, bold colors. Somehow, Bobbi has still been able to maintain a rather natural look with this statement collection. So you ask, "What inspired this collection?" Bobbi Brown was inspired to launch this collection after shooting a photo shoot in the dessert. She was intrigued by how the sunset illuminated various shadows of color during the photo shoot, annd hence we now have Desert Twillight!



Check me out at the top left getting a skincare make-over! I love how Bobbi Brown places a special emphasis on skincare, and caters to all skin types from normal to oily to dry to acne-prone skin. There is something in store for everyone! What was even more amazing was the consultation that I recieved while getting pampered for the day. I learned about what products work best for my skin type, which is a combination of oily and dry skin. As a result, my skin felt great and very hydrated. I will definitely be revisiting 900 N. Michigan at Bloomingdale's for a few skincare products by Bobbi Brown. All of the sales associates were very personable and sweet, and were willing to help you in any way they could. They even had cookies, cupcakes, and beverages for our hunger pleasures...which might I add, were delicious (lol)!

I had to purchase the Bronzer/Blush Duo in Bahama Brown Shimmer Blush and Pink Peony Illuminating Bronzer :)



I now want to give 5 lucky winners the opportunity to try out this new collection, along with Bobbi Brown's other amazing products! Yes, I want to send 5 lucky ladies to get pampered for a day by Bobbi Brown at the 900 North Bloomingdale's on Saturday, August 25th from 4:30-5:00pm. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, August 21st.

Here are the 3 simple rules:

1. You must be a follower on my blog.

2. You must leave a comment on a previous post on my blog.

3. You must also leave a comment on this particular blog post stating why you deserve to win a Bobbi Brown "Pretty Powerful" make-over. Please include your full name and email address in your comment.



Are you the lucky winner!?

Take It To The Streets Pt. I

Here are a few photos that I took while I was out and about in the lovely city of wind!!! In these shots, I try to emphasis how colorful fashion can be. Thus, fashion comes in many different styles and vice versa (lol but serious...ponder on that for a minute please). Nonetheless, this is the belief that I have adopted considering the notion that fashion, in my opinion, has no set rules or boundaries.



Thrifted glasses, vintage jewelry and accessories, Forever 21 necklace, dress, and denim jacket, Kenneth Cole sandals...who says you can't wear silver and gold together!?
Here's a little secret about me, I never wear silver unless I pair it with something gold...so make your own rules!









It was a lovely day to take pics in the park :-)