March has come “in like a lion and out like a lamb” and it’s now April and spring is officially here…at least that’s what my calendar says even if the weather man doesn’t agree.  The temps in March here in DC have been up and down…nice warm balmy 60 degrees one day and a freak snow storm the next.  With such weather fluctuations, it can be difficult to find products that work in both weather extremes.  Here is a quick look back and round up of some of my favorite products from March.

• C. Booth 4-in-1 Multi-Action Body Lotion: This lotion works equally well in warm and cooler weather by delivering great moisture without leaving you greasy.  It also has AHA which helps sloth off dry scaly skin to leave your skin soft and even toned.  Check out my more in-depth review of this product here.

• Philosophy “The Present” Clear Makeup:  Philosophy calls this clear makeup but it’s really a primer…and a darn good one to boot!  Nefertiti and I like to call this “makeup glue” because whatever makeup you apply sticks to it and lasts ALL DAY.  It’s great when the weather is cooler because it locks in moisture from your moisturizer, but when the weather warms up; it keeps your makeup in place and prevents the “melt down”.  I’ve been using this daily for the past few weeks after taking a break from it to test and try other things and I couldn’t be happier to have it back in rotation!

• Ulta Super Blending Sponge:  I never really got the hype over the beauty blender…I always thought it was just an overpriced sponge and surly my makeup brushes provided just as good application or better.  While pursuing Ulta one day, I decided to try this “generic” version and now I FINALLY get it!  I have been using this sponge daily for a few weeks and my foundation has gone on sooo smooth and flawless.  The real selling point for me is that I get coverage without that “heavy” feeling that some foundations can leave.  This blends out the tiniest amount of foundation perfectly and my skin looks like skin and not “foundation on top of skin”.  LOVE this thing and I’m going to pick up a few more!!!

• Hairveda Almond Glaze:  I haven’t been doing much lately with my hair other than twists and puffs.  My hair has grown out of its pixie cut and I’m on the fence about cutting it short again, letting it grow, or locing so I’m just letting it be for now until I decide.  After washing and conditioning, I apply my leave in de jour and seal in the moisture with this.  I LOVE that it’s all natural yet shields my hair from the temperature fluctuations.  It leaves my hair soft and shiny without being too greasy (unless you over apply).  I can apply it directly to my scalp in areas where it gets tight and dry or I can apply it to the ends to keep them from drying out.  My jar is almost out so I’ll be picking up 1-2 more to add to my stash!

•  Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 15: If you know me from Curl Talk or any of the natural hair forums, then you know I’m a HUGE fan of Kiehl’s products, especially their facial moisturizers.  I have extremely oily acne prone skin and it can be difficult to find a product that adds the perfect amount of moisture without causing a breakout.  I have found that Kiehl’s products perform exceptionally well for my skin in this regard.  As the days have started getting longer, I wanted to add in a lighter SPF to my routine (I use SPF 50 in the summertime).  This product provided enough moisture on those bitter cold days, without being too heavy for the nice balmy days we’ve had in March.  An added bonus is that the SPF doesn’t leave that dreaded white ashy cast to my dark skin.  I’m not sure if I could use this in the summer as it might be TOO heavy once the humidity sets in, but for late winter/early spring usage I have found this to be a winner. 

What products have you incorporated into your routine over the past month?  What are your standout performers or favorites that have amazed you?  Share them with us in the comments.

FTC Disclosure:  The item discussed below was purchased with personal funds.  This is not a paid endorsement.  All thoughts and ideas expressed are those of the reviewer.

By now I’m sure you all know that Milani Cosmetics has completely redesigned their lipstick line and it is hitting shelves in most drugstores now.  This new lipstick line includes a lot of bright new shades that are PERFECT for the coming spring and summer seasons.   As I purchase these beauties, I’ll take face shots of me wearing them so all my fellow PJs can see exactly what they look like.  I personally find that on lip swatches and full face pictures give me a much better representation of what a particular lip color will look like.

Here’s a picture of me wearing Milani Cosmetic’s lipstick in “Violet Volt” which is one of the new colors in the revamped lipstick line.  It’s a beautiful iridescent purple with flashes of pink.

I’ve heard that this lipstick is a possible dupe for MAC Violetta.  Below is a picture of me wearing MAC’s Violetta.

Below is a picture of the two swatched side by side on white paper.

While I think they are close, they are NOT dupes but rather close cousins.  Do you need them both?  Generally speaking, no.  They are very similar so for those of you that don’t wear lipstick often, you likely would be fine owning one of them.  I personally own them both though I wear lipstick everyday so  I can justify having them both in my collection (this is what I tell myself anyway).

What do you think of these colors?  Are you thinking of picking one or both of these up to add to your spring collection?  Let us know in the comments below!

FTC Disclosure:  The item discussed above was purchased with personal funds.  This is not a paid endorsement.  All thoughts and ideas expressed are those of the reviewer.

Inspired by the bright and bold colors of the Spring 2013 runways, Maybelline has launched a limited edition line of lip, blush and nail colors for us to dive into! I saw the display at my local CVS and the first thing to catch my eye was this darling so I HAD to get it!

FTC disclosure: The product below was paid for with my own money. I am not affiliated with nor paid by Maybelline New York. This review reflects my own thoughts and opinions.

It’s one of the three gorgeous baked blushes of this line in Coral Burst, which is described as a satin bright orange. It’s a midtone orange with slight shimmer.  Comparing this blush to what I have now, Modern Mandarin (MAC Cosmetics) is more powdery and pale, while Optimistic Orange (MAC Cosmetics)  is darker, with a natural finish. I don’t know about you, but as a woman of color it’s really hard to find a good orange blush.

As you swatch the product, you immediately realize that it’s not your typical hard baked blush. It’s dense, but soft and velvety to the touch. The pigmentation is really nice where the color is buildable and blends easily. The shimmer leaves you with a flattering glow that lasts throughout the day. I wore it for about 10 hours before it began to fade.

Final impressions:

Maybelline did a great job making an orange blush that’s not only true to pan, but builds quickly and blends out seamlessly. The blush lasts pretty much throughout the day, and doesn’t settle into any imperfections you may have. This is a blush to compliment all skin tones. It’s limited edition, so don’t miss out!. I’ll certainly be stocking up!

Size: 0.9 oz (2.9g)

Cost: $8.49

Availability: Retail drugstores nationwide, Target, Walmart

Swatches and photos

FTC disclosure: This blush was paid for with my own money. I am not affiliated with nor paid by Maybelline New York. This review reflects my own thoughts and opinions.

Hey PJ’s!! Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I have an eyeshadow tut for you!

Today is the one day of the year that I adore because it’s signature color is my FAVORITE : GREEN!! It’s everywhere I go and it’s absolutely fabulous! What’s even more fun is that I get to glam my eyes up with it in a serious way using one of the best eyeshadow pigments out right now, Sugarpill. If you don’t know about this company yet, I suggest you mosey on down to their website and take a gander. (Amazing colors, pigmentation and pay-offs out of this world, seriously)

Anyway, I’ll call this look Lucky Lu!

Lucky Lu my eyeshadow rocks! Feel the shimmer yet?

Steps:

1. Prime eyes with Milani Eyeshadow  primer , then NYX Jumbo eye pencil in Milk to make the eyeshadow pigments stand out

Using a shader brush:

2.Apply Absinthe loose pigment eyeshadow starting in the inner corner to the center of the eye on the mobile part of the lid

3. Add Midori eyeshadow to the remaining portion of the mobile lid

4. Gently blend these two colors together to create a smooth transition on the lid

Using a fluffy blending brush

5. Take Acidberry eyeshadow, applying it to the crease to blend the two greens together. Take your time, and use a light touch

6. Take Goldilux loose eyeshadow pigment and pop that in just above the crease towards the inner corner of the eye

Blend , blend, blend!

7. Brow highlight with a MAC Mineralize skin finish. It’s hard to see my deep dark at the browbone, or maybe you can see that slight bronze effect (from blending with the goldilux).

Apply white eyeliner ( I like Rimmel London’s) to your lower lash line, then using a pencil brush

8. Apply absinthe eyeshadow to the inner corner

9. Apply Midori eyeshadow to the remaining lower lash line. You can blend the absinthe with acidberry eyeshadow here as well.

I lined my upper lash line with  Electric, a green shimmery liquid eyeliner from Stila Cosmetics, added mascara and ta-da!

Final look

Let’s talk lips!  I usually love bold everything, but with these eyes it was important to let them steal the show. The best way to do that is with a nude lip. So, Milani to the rescue!!  I recently picked up a few of their new color statement lipsticks and they’re awesome! Here’s the lip I chose in their shade “Naturally Chic”. This is definitely lipstick chronicle worthy.

Color Statement lipstick by Milani Cosmetics in Naturally Chic

Alrighty, so there you have it! My St. Patrick’s Day look.  I hope you like it and have a great time today being green and merry!

We love hearing from you, so leave a comment below if it suits your fancy. Till then..

Kiss us! We’re Irish!!! <3 
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The premise and claims (from Iman Cosmetics.com)

“Finally a BB Crème for Women with Skin of Color! IMAN Skin Tone Evener BB Crème SPF 15 is the ultimate “beauty balm”, skin care, and color all in one. With a unique blend of Skin Tone Evener Complex, SPF, essential botanical extracts and multivitamins, it evens out discoloration, hydrates and protects your complexion in one step. In a gorgeous range of six semi-sheer colors that compliment your complexion delectably–With or without makeup, its the mist have product for all season, all ages, all skin types and skin tones.”

-Evens with Skin Tone Evener Complex enriched with Acai, Licorice & Grapeseed
-Protects with SPF 15 & Antioxidants
-Hydrates with Kokum, Almond, Aloe, & Vitamins A, E, & C
-Paraben Free
-Compliments your skin tone with a hint of color in 6-perfect match shades increase powder effect and absorption properties.

Ingredients

Water, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Glycerin, Talc, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Garcinia Indica Seed Butter, Rumex, Occidentalis Extract, Xanthan Gum, Alcohol denat., Ascorbic Acid, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit extract, Aloe Barbadenesis Leaf Juice, Vitis Vinifera (Grape)  Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra, (licorice), Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Plamitate, Propylene glycol, disodiumEDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Methylisothiazolinone,

Active  Ingredients (Sunscreen): Ethylhexyl, Methoxycinnamate, Benzophenone

May contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron oxides

Price: $20 (suggested retail, but I paid $21.95 at my local drugstore)

Size: 1 fl oz. (30ml)

Selection:  6 shades, covering various skintones

Availability:  Iman Cosmetics (via Drugstrore.com) , Walgreens, Ulta, Target, Walmart, Duane Reade, Sears

Packaging:

It’s a sleek earth toned squeezable tube that dispenses the product well. Of course, as the product dwindles, it requires a little shimmy of the bottle to get the product out.

Consistency and Finish:

I would describe it as a lightweight, low pigment,  medium density crème that on contact diffuses into the skin to produce a semi-matte to natural finish.  Your skin will definitely have a healthy, hydrated look to it. The coverage is light with one coat, but with multiple coats I was able to build it to medium at the most.

Versatility. shade range:

Given the pigment content, it has limitations in terms of coverage as previously mentioned, but if you’re looking for full coverage, foundation is more appropriate. It’s an all-in-one product depending on the degree of hyperpigmentation you have, and what your individual skin needs are. The shade range caters to all skin tones, but particularly medium to dark skin tones which is a Godsend because frankly, other than Iman I can name 3 companies that even have BB creams/tinted moisturizers that give us dark toned ladies the time of day. Iman did a great job of keeping these neutral toned to make finding a shade match easier. Of course, this also makes it easier for the pigment to smoothly adjust to the skin.

Application:

I used a face primer as I usually do (for better oil control, minimize pores). I did my eye makeup. Then, using my makeup wedge I buffed/pressed the product in. I used quite a bit for 3 coats (Quarter size) for my whole face  and it blended easily (no cake). I followed with a light dusting of setting powder, highlight, contour and blush. I did not use any concealer or color corrector. I am an Earth Medium in this line.

My skin characteristics are here. I’m a  MAC NC50 or Matchmaster 9, Revlon Colorstay in Mahogany, Loreal True Lumi C7-8, Black Opal Beautiful Bronze, MUFE 178, or NARS in Trinidad ( to name a few).

Durability and Impression:

I’ve worn this product in the last 2 weeks in a variety of ways, and through that found this unable to provide more than 3hrs of continuous wear without setting the crème with a powder. With a powder, I got 5 total hours of wear. My skin is oily though, so you have to keep that in mind. Otherwise, I did feel that the creme evened my skin tone somewhat (I still had obvious hyperpigmentation coverage issues) and made it feel and look healthier. I developed a blackhead or two testing this product, but I have a known sensitivity to products with SPF in them.

SUMMARY:

Semi-matte to natural finish

Light coverage (buildable to medium)
Lightweight, breathable, non-drying
Blends well, evens skin tone
Durability enhanced when used with a primer and setting powder

Given the pigment content, it has limitations in terms of coverage , but as an all-in-one product depending on the degree of hyperpigmentation you have, and what your individual skin needs are could earn a place in your beauty line-up.  I would recommend this product to anyone looking for a  light, breathable, natural look without using foundation (i.e: The “No makeup, makeup” look). This product would be ideal for dry to normal skin types. For combination to oily skin types,  consider using a primer and setting powder for optimal results.

Pictures

Product with swatches

Final look

Have you tried this BB Crème yet? Let us know what you think about it in the comments below, or give us a holla in the PlatinumPJ forum.

Cheers,

Disclaimer: This product was purchased with my own money. As such I was not paid to do this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

PJ’s!!!

I have something exciting to share with you that I plan on reviewing, but wanted to give you a quick sneak peek. This is an ALL NEW collection of creamy full coverage matte lippies by Stila Cosmetics in 10 beautiful colors promised to deliver up to 6 hours of wear.

The colors:

• Fiery- a fiery deep red
• Dolce- nude cinnamon sheen
• Patina- dusty rose
• Aria- magenta plum
• Bellissima- pale neutral pink
• Carina- orange coral
• Fiore- hot pink
• Tesoro- orange red
• Amore- deep plum sheen
• Beso- true red

Availability: Stila Cosmetics, Sephora

Pictures are worth a thousand words, so here’s a sneak peek of what’s to come!

Aria, Amore and Fiery

Aria lip swatch with & w/o flash

Amore lip swatch with & w/o flash

Fiery lip swatch with & w/o flash

Stay tuned for a full review here on PlatinumPJ.com as part of our Lipstick Chronicles series. As always, the forum is also a great place to share the buzz!

‘Till the next,

I think I’m one of the few people that like looking like I have makeup on…. when I’m wearing makeup. That’s the whole point for me. However, there are times when toning it down can be challenging, and fun. (Yes, this is toned down for me)

Makeup used to achieve this look:

Primers:

• Face primer:  Pixi Flawless and Poreless Primer
• Eyeshadow primer: Milani eyeshadow primer

Eyebrows:

• MAC Eyebrow pencil in “Stud”

Eyes

Shadows: Makeup Forever (MUFE), Loreal Infallible, and Jordana Makeup

• Lid: MUFE 129 (inner half), MUFE 58 (remaining lid)
• Crease: L’oreal Infallible in Continuous Cocoa
• Highlight: Jordana Makeup in Brunette

Liners:

• Upper lid : MUFE Aqua eyes in Black topped w/Maybelline Master duo liquid liner in black
• Undereye:  Kohl liner in Silver frost by Jesse’s Girl Cosmetics

Foundation:

• Kat Von D Lock-it-Tattoo Foundation  (Deep 70)

Highlight/Contour:

• Contour: L’Oreal Infallible eyeshadow in Continuous Cocoa
• Highlight: MUFE Camouflage cream No 16

Blush:

• Pink eyeshadow from the Covergirl Eyehancers 3 Kit in Firecracker

Lips:

• MUFE Rouge Artist Intense in  “Mat 6″

If you have any questions about this look, feel free to leave them in the comments below!

Cheers,

So….

FINALLY Kat Von D has a foundation, and there are some shades for women of color (WOC)!!! 

I had tried this foundation some time ago in the summer, and really wanted to share my thoughts with you all about KVD from a dark-skinned woman’s perspective. There aren’t a lot of reviews out there in the blogosphere by WOC about this product, so hopefully this will generate some buzz.  Let’s get to it!

FTC disclosure: This product was purchased with my own money. As such I was not paid to do this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The premise and claims (from Sephora.com)

What it is:
A high-pigment foundation for full coverage with a long-lasting, beautiful finish.

What it does:
Kat created this foundation to provide exceptional coverage, without compromising a smooth, striking finish. Formulated with 21 percent pigment, this powerful formula was developed to match a broad range of skintones with bold coverage—the proprietary pigments can even effectively cover tattoos. The combination of raw materials and the best siliconic elastomers and siliconic esters provide 24-hour wear with transfer resistance. Natural polymers absorb oil for a matte, soft finish and the added emollients provide a velvety texture for perfectly smooth, hydrated skin.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Synthetic Fragrances

Ingredients

-Optical Diffusers: Treated pigments visually minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while increasing luminosity on the skin.
-Emollients: Impart excellent slip and playtime; ensure softness.
-Glycerin: Extremely hydrating.
-Siliconic Elastomers: Long-lasting esters with emollient properties; provide dry, semi-matte finish.
-Mattifying Powders: Texturing agent; increase powder effect and absorption properties.
-Siliconic Ester: Provides no-transfer properties.

Water, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Polysilicone-11, Butylene Glycol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Silica Dimethicone Silylate, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Isododecane, Sodium Chloride, Methicone, Glyceryl Caprylate, Calcium Carbonate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Trihydroxystearin, Potassium Sorbate, Methylpropanediol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Disodium Edta, Peg/Ppg-18/18 Dimethicone. May Contain (+/-):CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77492 (Iron Oxide), CI 77491 (Iron Oxide), CI 77499 (Iron Oxide).

Price: $34

Size: 10 fl oz.

Selection: 13 shades, covering various undertones

Availability: Sephora.com

Packaging:

It’s a beautiful bottle with a pump that dispenses the product smoothly and efficiently.

Consistency and Finish:

This is a highly pigmented, full-coverage foundation that has 21% pigment. That being said, it’s dense, but not so dense that it feels heavy going on. I would describe it as a concentrated, medium density liquid foundation.  A little goes a long way! The product definitely mattified without being drying. Frankly, my skin looked fresh and healthy. The finish is matte , but it looks more natural (vs. your typical flat finish).

Versatility. shade range:

Given the pigment content, it could be used as an all-in-one product depending on the degree of hyperpigmentation you have. Here’s a demo the MUA gave me of her tattoo:

Now you see it.. now you don’t!

Now you see the tattoo, and now you don’t!!! Coverage!! Doggone FINE coverage! No primer, no setting powder, no concealer.

There are 13 shades in this collection, several of which (~5, shades 62-72) are WOC friendly in my opinion. Here are a few shades and what the packaging looks like:

Packaging and some swatches of 4 of the darker tones

Application:

I used a face primer as I usually do (for better oil control, minimize pores). I did my eye makeup. Then, using my makeup wedge I buffed/pressed the product in. A little goes a long way (used a nickel size for my whole face, if that) and it blended easily. I followed with a light dusting of setting powder, blush, then a setting spray. I did not use any concealer. I am a deep 70 in this line.

My skin characteristics are here. I’m a  MAC NC50 or Matchmaster 9, Revlon Colorstay in Mahogany, Loreal True Lumi C7-8, Black Opal Beautiful Bronze, MUFE 178, or NARS in Trinidad ( to name a few).

Durability and Impression:

WOWSERS!!!! I looked and felt flawless. Oil was NOT a problem. Any given primer usually gives me 1-2 hrs of oil control before I have to blot depending on the foundation. This stuff lasted 6 hrs before I actually saw shine in the usual places. A little exertion? No sweat. I have sweat like a pig with this stuff on, used a paper towel to blot the sweat away, and almost NO makeup was on the sheet. OK, maybe a teeny bit from some areas and other areas none. My face felt light and the formula was very breathable. It stayed in place until I purposefully removed it before bed.

SUMMARY:

Matte, yet skin-like finish

Full coverage
Lightweight, breathable, non-drying
Evened my skin tone
Minimal transfer
Sweat resistant (high performance)

This foundation quickly earned its place in my lineup. It’s in my top 3 best foundations actually– I  LOVE IT that much! I would highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a long lasting, truly full-coverage foundation that lends a matte to natural finish. To my fellow oily and/or blemish prone to hyperpigmented/discolored kindred spirits in particular, you should check this out!

Pictures

Before (no makeup). After (with KVD)

Pics with the KVD foundation on (Color Deep 70)

Have you tried this foundation yet? Tell us what you think of it below or in the PlatinumPJ Forum. We’d love to hear from you!

Cheers!

FTC disclosure: This product was purchased with my own money. As such I was not paid to do this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is my go to makeup look when I have an important business meeting, interview, or a training presentation to give at work.  When I am center stage and presenting to business associates, I want to ensure they hear what I am saying and are not distracted or focusing on my makeup.  It’s a polished yet natural face that pulls you together without screaming “LOOK AT MY MAKEUP”.

Makeup used to achieve this look:

Primers:

• Face primer:  Philosophy “The Present”
• Eyeshadow primer: Wet and Wild Fergie “For my Primas” (left eye)* Too Faced Shadow Insurance (Right Eye)
• Lip primer: Carmex Lip Conditioner

Concealers:

• MAC Select Cover-up NW45 (spot concealer)
• MAC Select Cover-up NC50 (under eye concealer)
• MAC Studio Finish NC50 (eyebrow highlight)

EyeBrows:

• MAC Eyebrow Fluid Line Gel “Deep Dark Brunette” *

Eyeshadow

Urban Decay Naked Palette

• Lid: “Toasted”
• Crease: “Buck”
• Transition color: MAC Studio Fix powder, NW45

Foundation:

• Makeup Forever Pro-Finish Powder #174*

Blush:

• MAC “Sweet as Cocoa”
• MAC “Raisin”

Lips:

• Revlon Lip Butter “Fig Jam”

If you have any questions about this look, feel free to leave them in the comments below!

*This item is being tested as a part of the review process.  This post will be updated with links to product reviews as they are published.