Jouer Cosmetics Review: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Jouer Cosmetics touched down in Dallas on September 24, 2014 at Blushington Makeup and Beauty Lounge and I decided to attend the French Fete soiree to get the scoop. Myself and my newest beauty contributor, Meagan Frazier, attended the "Girl's Night Out" event to see if this line of cosmetics could fare with some of our all-time favorites (i.e. Nars, Urban Decay, MakeUp Forever, etc.).

Beauty Contributor Meagan Frazier receiving her Jouer touch-up

As we tend to review things from the "women of color" point of view, I reached out to my newest contributor and beauty junkie sister, Meagan, to give me her complete and honest opinion of the newest launch of the French award-winning cosmetics company. After receiving a complimentary touch-up and getting up close and personal with Blushington professionals, here's our newest resident expert's opinion on Jouer.

Likes:  

• Super light texture, non-clogging, natural, easy to apply and in love with the year-round colors
• The blush lends itself to a myriad of skin types 
• Great selection of tinted moisturizers with SPF in illuminizing as well as matte
• Absolutely LOVED the lipsticks, tints and glosses...the BEST SELLERS of this brand!  A definite MUST HAVE! They are super light, non-sticky and last all day.

Dislikes: 

• There was not enough color for the woman of color. Specifically, there were no base colors that would work in most light settings for a woman of medium to darker skin or the woman who has spent too long in natural light or artificial light
• Many of the blushes and base colors as well as the tints had a red undertone which is not good for many African-American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian-American, or Pacific Islander women who need more of a golden undertone--lest it makes us look gray and chalky
• The only brow definer was in blond. (We're secretly hoping that we overlooked the darker brow definers.) 
• May not be enough coverage for someone wishing to cover blemishes or skin imperfections

The overall premise for this brand is that we will definitely be buying the lip products but will need to see vast improvement on the foundation products (tinted moisturizers, base colors, etc.).  We're still on the hunt for the best products for women of color.  Think you know the brand? Shoot us an email and we're more than happy to review!

It's My Wardrobe, I Can Wear What I Want To

As a stylist, I know that there are colors for every season as well as different materials, textures and wardrobe options that are more seasonally appropriate than others. Even though I know that these things still exist, I frankly could care less. Why, you ask?  Because I live in Texas!  The seasons themselves are confused, therefore my wardrobe options and day-to-day attire is even more confusing.

Apparently, the first day of Fall was on September 22nd, but the Texas weather Gods missed that memo. So in an effort to just embrace the season that I'm in and to rebel against Fall, I'm going to continue to wear my bright Spring and Summer colors. This is what I wore to my church women's conference, Flourish Lite...it looks like Miami in Dallas! I love it! What do you think? The motto: don't be afraid to mix and match colors, even if you feel like they will not go together. You never know what you'll come up with!

Outfit Details: Off the Shoulder Blouse by Gianni Bini (Dillards), Pants from Nordstrom Rack and Peep Toe Pumps by Fergilicious (DSW)

All Photos to be credited to: Meagan Frazier

Flourish Lite: Bloom Into the Woman You Want to Be

Many of you always write to me and tell me how inspired you are by my journey. I openly wrote a snippet of where God has brought me in my July 2014 post: Dream Big--What God Has for You is Just That--For You. While I would love to think that the accomplishment of my dreams was through my hard work, sleepless nights and determined perseverance, I know for a fact that this was not all my doing. I have openly communicated the desires of my heart to God, whether it was for my career, relationships or family by writing them down or saying them in prayer. While many have likened this to the "Oprah effect" and her popular "dream board" theory, this is a principle solely rooted in scripture.

"Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart." ~Psalms 37:4

When I discussed the quadrupling of my business in the above referenced blog post and also the expansion of my influence, it was ignited through a women's conference put on by my church annually entitled Flourish. At Flourish, I get to dive deep into the desires of my heart, speak those things into being, interact with women who are actively going after their passions and gain the knowledge and tools in how to go about achieving my purpose--but according to God's plan.

Without fail, EVERY YEAR that I attend this conference and apply the principles that are being taught, everything around me begins to change and grow. Financially, I have seen increase.  Business-wise, I have seen increase. My road to entrepreneurship gets brighter and brighter. Relationships improve. I am not one to promote something that I don't believe in, but this is a conference that women (believer or non-believer) need to be at.

Photo From: Flourish Lite Website

We all have that itch...that something that gets out of bed everyday and that keeps us going.  What is your dream?  What is your passion? Do you have the tools you need to get there? Have you openly expressed the desires of your heart? Have you connected with women who have been there and done that? What are YOU doing to get yourself to where you need to be so that you are in line with your purpose?

If you are struggling with these questions and need the extra added push to get the answers, then I am personally inviting you to Flourish Lite at Covenant Church on Saturday, September 27, 2014. While this is not the large annual conference that is held every year, this is a small and FREE snippet of what many of us experience on a year to year basis. Saturday's conference will discuss health and fitness among many other issues that women often need guidance with.

In addition to September 27th, mark your calendars for May 6-8, 2015 for the annual conference. It is truly life altering and you will thank God (and me) later. 

More information on Flourish can be found by visiting the website here.

***AFTER WRITING/PUBLISHING THIS BLOG POST, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEPTEMBER 27TH EVENT IS BOOKED TO CAPACITY. PLEASE REGISTER FOR THE MAY 2015 EVENT EARLY AS THE SAME WILL HAPPEN FOR THIS EVENT***

Blogging in Brooklyn: Essence Street Style Party

Cab view of me crossing over the Manhattan Bridge

While I was in New York for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, I had the opportunity to venture to the other side of the Manhattan Bridge and attend the Essence Street Style Party in Brooklyn.  Anytime I think of Brooklyn, I always think of that line from the Sex and the City movie where Miranda was contemplating the move from Manhattan to Brooklyn and says, "New York Magazine says that Brooklyn is the new Manhattan." Then Carrie looks at Miranda with the side eye and remarks, "Whoever wrote that LIVES in Brooklyn!"

  

Looking up at the Manhattan Bridge

It's so funny to me.  This is what pops into my head everytime I think of Brooklyn--as if it were not the same or better as Manhattan. As my cab crossed over the Manhattan Bridge and circled into Brooklyn I was curious to see exactly what this quote from the movie meant...and honestly, I would have to agree with Miranda. I thoroughly enjoyed Brooklyn 10 times more than I did being in the city. It was family friendly, I could breathe and my whole aura was more calm. Brooklyn had character. 

The Essence Street Style Party was thrown in conjunction with all of the events being held for Fashion Week. It was underneath the bridge and near Dumbo Park. While there wasn't as many vendors as I was hoping for, it was definitely a break from all of the Lincoln Center Fashion Week madness and a chance for me to relax and connect with Essence readers and down to Earth folks. I put a lot of thought into my outfit and wanted to really showcase what Dallas was all about (just in case I was asked). So I put on this fabulous skirt from Dallas brand Phantasie, paired it with an olive green top, leather-esque belt and peep-toe booties. And let's not forget, my Tom Ford shades to finish the look!

I felt good and was surprised when I was stopped on the street to take photos...I know for a fact it was my Phantasie skirt that was getting all of the attention. There are drawstrings on the side of the maxi skirt that you pull to create the bubble skirt effect.  If you want a straight maxi skirt then you release the drawstrings...so a 2-in-1 skirt!  I loved it and so did the people of Brooklyn!  Anyways, enjoy these photos! It's just another day in the life of the traveling, Dallas fashion writer.

A view from the block party

The first lady of NYC speaking at the block party

Nicky Hilton Book Signing and Personal Appearance at Belk

Heiress and celebrity socialite, Nicky Hilton, is headed to Dallas on September 23, 2014 and its all to promote her new book, 365 STYLE. The designer and fashion muse will be engaging in Q&A and signing copies of her book at the Dallas Galleria location at Belk from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 

The book was recently released earlier this month and gives readers a 3-6-5 method of finding their own personal style. In short: identify 3 essential qualities of your lifestyle, select 6 staples of clothing and lastly, choose 5 must-have accessories to be "on track" and "on trend" throughout the year. The fashion expert shares tips and tricks of her own as well as how to achieve the million dollar look for less.

The book signing is open to the public and no RSVP is necessary.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week SS15: NYC Street Style

Have you ever wondered what was meant by the term "street style"? I must admit, I really have come to appreciate this category of fashion and style but didn't truly give it the attention it deserves until I arrived in New York City for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Street style is derived from elements of street fashion and much different from day to day conservative and contemporary fashions. This type of self-interpretive style most definitely differs from state to state. From the steps of the Lincoln Center to below the bridge in Brooklyn, I've captured some of my favorite street style looks during my stint at Fashion Week--and I'm delivering them right to you.  Enjoy and be inspired!

All images credited to: Leah Frazier

A new twist on booties...and the rolled jeans look is still in!

My all-time favorite look from New York Fashion Week SS15

This guy stopped me to take my picture but I couldn't help doing the same. I'm digging the hair and the high tops...a little throwback to my childhood days!

Dallas Launch of Jouer Cosmetics at Blushington: Giveaway Included

Join me on September 24, 2014 from 6-8 p.m., as I venture off to Blushington MakeUp & Beauty Lounge for the official launch of Jouer Cosmetics in Dallas. This top French makeup brand has some of the best makeup products out on the market currently and they are going to be offered exclusively at Blushington. 

Come join me for this French Fete and enjoy sips of complimentary French Rose' cocktails, petit fours, makeup touch-ups with Jouer Cosmetics professionals and photo booth fun! The best part--guests will also receive a gift bag, which will include a selection of full-sized makeup products! RSVP for this fantastic event today. (See info above)

Giveaway for my faithful readers:

For the first three of my readers to show up at Blushington on September 24th, you will receive a Joeur Leopard IT bag, valued at $28.








For one lucky reader, I'll be giving away a full set of Long Wear Creme Mouse Eyeshadows as part of Jouer's new Fall 2014 collection, valued at $180 (includes 6 eyeshadows at $30 each). All you have to do is comment on this post with your email address for a chance to win!  It's that easy!  The winner will be notified on September 24th!






Mark your calendars and come out to Blushington on September 24th and celebrate with me! This will be an event you don't want to miss!

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week SS15: Haze Collection

Shades are the new black--and for those of us who may have a slight addiction to accessories (myself included), we are much aware that the perfect pair of shades can upgrade any outfit from drab to fab within a matter of seconds. I now introduce you to the Haze Collection--a collection that I was able to view during New York Fashion Week on September 5, 2014 at the Hudson Hotel.

While apparel is said to have its seasons and trends, the same can be said for shades or "sunnies" as the fashionistas would like to call them. Over the past year, there has been an upsurge in the aviator shades trend with the reflective and color-stained lenses. Hopefully this too will pass (aviators are everywhere!) but another overarching trend in shades have definitely been "the bigger, the better".

Although the Jackie-O oversized shades trend is one that I don't see dying down anytime soon, it does appear that lens sizes for shades in the future are slimming back down but the overall styles of shades are becoming even more grandiose.  Pops of colors in neons are in with even more selections of lens colors from bright gold hues to bright bronzes.

Whatever your preference may be, Haze has an assorted collection of sunnies that are perfectly matched with what you already may have in your wardrobe. From t-shirts and jeans to leather with an edgy flair, my current fashion obsession is definitely with Haze. Enjoy a sneak peek as to what you can expect from Haze for this upcoming spring and summer and dive even further by searching their current collection here online.

All images taken and to be credited by: Leah Frazier