Don’t you love lips that say “Look at me!”? This this spring demands that you paint your pout in none other than the brightest and prettiest colors in beautyland.  Leona Lewis does bright red right and Rihanna rocks a pair of pink lips like no one else.  And she does a fine job with orange too…

Leona Lewis Photo courtesy of InStyle

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I am absolutely obsessed with eye creams. At any given moment throughout the day, you can probably spot me dabbing something around my eyes, and most recently that has been Relastin Eye Silk. (I don’t tend to use products as recommended)  If everything else on my face falls apart, I will have smooth tight eyes til the day my expire.

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Do you have a hard time creating a smokey eye? Most people do and I suppose that’s why there are a million smokey eye makeup kits, video how-to’s and tutorials on Youtube.  As a makeup artist, creating a smokey eye is second nature to me, but even I love shortcuts.  And I found a great short cut to an easy hot smokey eye.

In my goodie bag that I received upon check-in at the blogger event hosted by IMAN Cosmetics was an IMAN Cosmetics Eye Defining Powder in Black Magic .  Being the makeup junkie that I am, I couldn’t wait to play, so I wore the Eye Defining Powder that night.  And the smokey eye was HOT!  And simple!

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Well, I can strike one item off my lust list — Illamasqua Blush in Excite.  I received one to review and I am in LOVE!

Illamasqua Sirens Collection

About Illamasqua the brand:

Known for their intense colors and dramatic makeup, Illamasqua is your go-to brand for nighttime makeup—whether it’s an evening out at the opera or the dance club. Conceived amidst the dark drama of Berlin in the 20s, Illamasqua was developed by professional makeup artists and launched in 2008 in the U.K. Embraced by celebs and alternative cultures alike, their colors allow you to express your most daring, boldest, and most intense sides with professional nighttime makeup that’s richly pigmented and long lasting. Are you ready to release your alter ego?

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I am a dress and heels girl. I have been for years. I think that women look better showing a little leg.  With that being said, it’s Friday, get fierce.  Show some leg girlfriend.

Check out lovely Alicia Keys — I love how she is so ladylike yet über sexy in her leather dress and Christian Louboutins.

Alicia Keys 2010 Silver Rose gala and auction at the Beverly Hills Hotel on April 18, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California. Getty Images

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I am actually old enough to remember the first Earth Day 40 years ago. I lived in an area sumptuous with trees and vegetation, so I really didn’t understand the import of living an earth-friendly life.  Now, I make efforts to live a greener life.  And that includes using beauty products that are sustainable as well.  Here is some of my favorite green beauty bling!

Elliot’s Ethos Relax the Body & Mind Bubble Bath

(8 oz. $9, 16 oz. $14)

Elliot’s Ethos skin and body care products are cruelty-free and do not contain animal by-products.

The organic and natural ingredients are manufactured with renewable wind power and packaged in recyclable containers.

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I’m almost 53 and I don’t have a line around my eyes. And I’m sure that’s in part due to genetics, and also in part due to the fact that I am an eye cream fanatic.  I have used a gazillion eye creams, gels, lotions, masks — low and high end— and there are a few that really do what they claim.  Most feel great and provide hydration, but it’s rare to find an eye product that actually delivers on a promise of anti-aging.

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As a makeup artist, I have invested in high quality brushes over the years. Some of my first brushes I bought at art supply stores, then chiseled and cut them in to the ideal shapes.  Over the years companies that cater to makeup artists took notice and now there is brush for every single thing you can think about doing with makeup.  Liner brushes, crease brushes, blending brushes, brow brushes, powder brushes, blush brushes, fluff brushes, fan brushes, kabuki brushes, foundation brushes, concealer brushes….And then there are all the types of hair — squirrel, goat, sable, pony and synthetic.

Synthetic brushes are preferred for creamier products such as foundation and concealer.  But they have become favorites of those who are against animal cruelty as well. By chance one day I picked up a foundation brush in Walgreens by EcoTools for $7.99,  and it worked just as well as ones I had paid $30 and up for.  So I have since that time checked out other brushes by Eco Tools, and I love them.  Here’s the scoop on their brushes:

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I’m a chocoholic. And for the sake of pounds, I have to avoid it like the plague.  Of late though, I have been getting my chocolate fix with a little square of dark chocolate. It’s amazingly satisfying and has health benefits to boot!

CNN health is reporting that a chocolate a day will keep the heart doctors away!  One study reviewed found people who consume chocolate reduce their risk of stroke or heart attack by 39% due to lowered blood pressure.  Similar to other studies findings it warns that the amount of chocolate consumed daily was a mere 7.5 grams per day.  Let’s be honest 7.5 grams won’t keep your chocolate addiction at bay, but another way to satisfy the chocolate fix without overdoing it is to use chocolate infused beauty products!

Check out the products below that contain cocoa as the active ingredient.  These beauty treats are guilt free way to indulge your chocolate obsession!

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So, I am back from New York. More specifically, back from being transported to New York by Iman Cosmetics to be part of their presentation of their new Luxury Radiance Foundation. (My blog posting about my ultimate foundation won this fabulous trip).

I had a great time.  Stayed in a lovely hotel, made some new friends and met Britany from Clumps of Mascara and Erin of Scandalous Beauty — also winners of this great trip.  And most importantly, I met the one and only Iman. My proof is below!  (I was having issues with my dress, wasn’t trying to flash anyone…)

Me on the left, Iman on the right (like you needed that identification)

And I will be reviewing the new Luxury Radiance Foundation.  Real soon.  Like next week.  But I already love it.