#BEAUTYTALK: I'M FEATURED BY @LOVECOCOTIQUE FOR THEIR ULTIMATE BEAUTY ARSENAL SERIES

So there's no denying that I'm a beauty junkie. I was reminded of just how much I am upon being selected by Cocotique to be featured for their Ultimate Beauty Arsenal Series. Cocotique, founded by Dana Hill is a deluxe beauty box subscription service specific to women of color which is great because while there are a lot of "beauty boxes", Cocotique is a particular fave because it meets my needs. Every month subscribers receive a box of lifestyle and beauty goodies curated just for them. And get this? You don't even have to leave the house. Your box of goodies arrives on your doorstep every month. How awesome is that? You get a monthly surprise delivered direct to you. There are various subscription options one of which allows you to cancel at anytime. 
Click here to learn how Cocotique works and how to subscribe.

I was flattered to have been both asked and featured in the Ultimate Beauty Arsenal Series amongst some fab ladies. As I was responding to questions about my beauty habits, fave beauty products and more, it reaffirmed how much I love product and using product and reviewing product and of course, shopping product.

Click here for my full feature. And you be the voice of reason please. Do you think I'm a beauty junkie? Are you an admitted junkie also? Ha! You didn't think I was gonna ask that huh? Thank you for reading. Oh, and the first step is acknowledgment. 

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#BEAUTYTALK: MY LATEST HAUL featuring @BOBBIBROWN AND @JOMALONELONDON

Being a self-professed beauty junkie in addition to a shopaholic means any time spent in a department store, money will be spent in a department store. I recently had the pleasure of hanging at one of my fave shopping destinations, Neiman Marcus in celebration of a friend's birthday. Read the full details here. So it goes without saying that I didn't leave empty handed. Between the freebies and swag and that which I decided to pick up for myself, I left with a pretty significant haul. Upon trying out Jo Malone London scents and picking and choosing amongst some Bobbi Brown faves, I left with:

Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick - Bobbi Brown offers a wide range of shades for darker complexions but I just loved the natural looking coverage this foundation provides. I don't wear foundation on a daily but when I do, I want something seamless. It blends easily and I can apply with my fingertips. The Bobbi Brown ambassador suggested the walnut color to be a great match to my cinnamon complexion.

Bobbi Brown Art Stick - I couldn't refuse the Electric Pink and what I love about this stick is that it's like a liner and lip color all in one and it comes with a sharpener.

I had to try em' before I buy em'

Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner - I am still on a mission to master a fab cat eye and I love the fact that this offers the staying power and application of gel but in a pencil. And the plus is that it has a built in sharpener so you can make the head of the eyeliner as small as you like. And a tip that had most of us in attendance oohing and aahing was starting at the outer corner of the eye instead of the inner corner. Aha ...

Bobbi Brown Blush - This was interesting because I was ready to select a much brighter and much more pink color until I applied Slopes 17 only to realize that it was much more flattering to my complexion. Had I bought the other color, it would've surely been a do-over.

Jo Malone - Silk Blossom Cologne which is an irresistible limited edition scent. I'm a total smell goods fiend. And I go goo goo gah gah over everything from candles to perfumes and more. One spritz of this scent and I was a gonner. But the packaging is so adorable, I don't even want to open the box. It's a must-have.

Oh and did I mention the freebies which included everything from Jo Malone Lime Basil and Mandarin Cologne and Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair Cream to a Jo Malone Makeup Bag and Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara. And the complimentary 10-Step Beauty Guide which provides tidbits on how to apply everything from concealer to lipstick, is a must-have. It's more than you might get in an at-cost tutorial. I'll be sure to keep it handy.

Quite a haul huh? If you could select any of these items, which ones would you haul away? Fun times ...I'll see you in my mirror playing "beat the face."

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#BAGLADIESLIVE WEEKEND: ESCAPE TO SIMPLICITY WITH FORD & #BEAUTYTALK AT NEIMAN MARCUS ....

Streaming via USB

MyFord Touch Navigation

I've taken on some new projects so the last couple of weeks have been jam packed. I had to stand down for a sec on publishing posts but I'm picking up right where I left off with the latest edition of #BagLadiesLIVE Weekend which included putting #HeelsToTheWheels and escaping to simplicity with Ford. My latest curbside delivery is the 2014 Escape SE. You know the statement, "keep it simple stupid"? Well Ford does that very well when it comes to the functionality and technology of the Ford Escape. As much as I love luxury (parting recently with the Audi SQ5 and Volvo V60 was such sweet sorrow), automotive brands tend to tow the line between either not enough bells and whistles or so many bells and whistles, learning all the functionality of a vehicle can be overwhelming. Ford does a good job of finding a happy medium with the Escape SE. It is extremely user friendly witH MyFord touch screen and MyFord voice activated communications and entertainment system. As busy as I've been as of late, the 2014 Ford Escape SE has literally become my mobile office. I can make and take calls totally handsfree and without missing a beat. I can connect my iPhone via the USB and stream ... And the metallic blue is easy on the eyes. Stay tuned for the full review ...In the meantime, follow my #heelstothewheels chronicles on Instagram @bagladies.

So ya'll know I'm an admitted beauty junkie. "Beauty Talk" is still my most popular recurring on-air segment. And did you know although I'm not live on air, all previously aired Bag Ladies episodes including "Beauty Talk" episodes can be accessed via iTunes as as free podcast? Just search Bag Ladies Radio. But moving on ...What happens when a bunch of dolls descend on Neiman Marcus to be catered to by renowned beauty brand ambassadors in celebration of one's birth? A fab affair! The set-up was gorgeous and myself and the rest of the attendees were treated to some great dish on the latest trends in colors, techniques and products by Bobbi Brown and Jo Malone. Friend and Blogger, Yvonne Pearson was the "hostess with the mostess" as we kicked off her birthday celebration. And how much more fabulous can an affair be when hosted against the backdrop that is Neiman Marcus.

Neiman Marcus Pulled Out All The Stops ...

I'm a candle fiend and this scent had me at hello. It enveloped our table.

Which color should I choose? I love getting touchy feely with product. 

I mean c'mon ...I'm in Neiman Marcus. Of course I spied a Chanel bag that I was swooning over. The shopaholic in me wanted to come out.

Where there's a mirror, there's a selfie ...This dress which I got so many questions about, was a 12.99 Marshalls score purchased a year ago and never worn. My shoes, JustFab.

We had a blast!

My two fave takeaways, Jo Malone Lime, Basil and Mandarin Cologne and Bobbi Brown Art Stick in Electric Pink. And that's not even all the goodies!!

How was your weekend?

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New season lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen.  Follow on Twitter and Instagram

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#BEAUTYTALK: MY LATEST NAIL SWAG on VINE and featuring ESSIE

The same "big chop" urge we sometimes get when it comes to our hair, I recently felt when visiting my Nail Stylist to get my nail swag on. Click here for my last visit during which I went for a dramatic  stiletto shape and eye catching design. And mind you, my nails are natural and they grow fast! And they only grew longer (of course) following my last visit. So the only thing I could think of upon my most recent sit-down, was chop-chop!!! The length of my nails were so long, they were getting stuck in between keys on my keyboard and snagging stuff. I mean the length had become lethal. My nails could've been a deadly weapon or sumpin LOL! 

So this time around, my Stylist, Mikal Brannum (follow on IG @belovednails365), and I went for a tame (especially for me) look with an aztec accent. I love the way she layered Essie colors, "Vices Versa", "Under The Twilight" and "I'm Addicted" over a soft lavender base color. And we paired my toes with Essie "Too Taboo." The same as I dress according to my mood, the same applies to my nail swag. This is soft and mellow with a little bit of pop. This is how I'm feeling, press play. I got my nail swag and my pedi swag back! How do you feel about it? What polish colors are you rocking?

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#BEAUTYTALK: THIS IS NOT MY MOM'S MARY KAY

Growing up, I would watch with such genuine curiosity, my Mom apply her makeup. Mind you she didn't require a lot. I have two girls of my own who do exactly the same as I used to do my Mom. They rest comfortably on the toilet seat and just watch, paying attention to everything from colors and tools to application techniques, etc. Growing up, the beauty industry/market was so dramatically different and there were just a select few brands my Mom used. Mary Kay being one. The traditional mindset is that Mary Kay lends more appeal to my Mom's generation. While I know Mary Kay is still very popular, I don't necessarily feel the brand targets me ...Until now. I was extended an opportunity by Influenster of which I'm a member, to try a select few complimentary Mary Kay products. The packaging grabbed my attention immediately upon delivery. I mean who doesn't love being addressed as "gorgeous"? 

I'm a self professed "beauty junkie" and the product line-up made me just want to dig in and try out everything which includes:

Lash Love Mascara

Cream Eye Color

Mineral Cheek Color

Translucent Loose Powder

Gel Eyeliner

Bronzing Powder

NouriShine Plus Lip Gloss

Cream Eye Color

AND two brushes

So this is what I'm working with and I will follow-up once I've been able to try these products out first hand and show you what I create. 

Which product would you try first? What's your opinion of Mary Kay?
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New season lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen.  Follow on Twitter and Instagram

#TBT TO THAT TIME WHEN I SLEPT ON THE SIDEWALK ALL IN THE NAME OF SHOPPING

Whilst rummaging through a HUGE bag of product samples from previously aired "Beauty Talk" episodes which is my most popular live on-air segment, I found everything from brand spanking new MAC lipsticks to unopened perfume, cleansers, moisturizers and more! I was doing a bit of spring cleaning and found the bag just this week tucked under my bed. I mean I was swooning over some of this stuff and thinking how could I leave you??? 

Bag O' Goodies

I'm an undercover "beauty junkie." I don't boast about it because I'm not a make up artist or professional but I love beauty products and at one time, I was doing reviews both on and off-air regularly. But what was most nostalgic about happening upon these treasures, was an empty lipstick case battered, bruised and neglected from the debut of Lanvin for HM. I was immediately taken back to my friends and I camping out on the sidewalk overnight on a cold night might I add just for the sake of being able to snag and grab pieces from the collection. And yes, we did have to grab with the quickness because we by far were not the only ones on a mission. Are you a shopaholic too? I scored three lipsticks all of which I still have as per my arsenal and all of which I still wear. You can click HERE for the full post which chronicles my adventure (that it was), and my SCORE! It was major.

And just as an update to that post, that must-have dress, I still have not yet worn but it's mine foreva!!

All in the name of shopping ...I don't know that I would do that again but you only live once, right? To what extremes have you ever gone, in the name of shopping?

The "after." My hand was covered in swatches after sifting through my Bag O' Goodies

Follow me on IG/Twitter and Vine @bagladies.

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Click to Subscribe to #BagLadiesLIVE newsletter and don't miss all that's happening in 2014!

New season lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen.  Follow on Twitter and Instagram

#BagLadiesLIVE Weekend Update: Beauty Talk with AJ Crimson & Renny Vasquez + Electric Run + Swooning over JCrew

Well look who I bumped into this weekend! Professional MUA, AJ Crimson from this weekend's Crimson Academy LIVE DC at the W Hotel. Also, Professional MUA Renny Vasquez. It was a pleasure to finally meet the both of them and dish beauty particularly with AJ and see up close and personal his product collection. Renny was just as much a sweetheart as I've always been told. And you know I popped the question. Both of them, soon to hit the airwaves of BagLadiesRadio.com.  

I got the personal treatment from AJ himself as he dusted me w/ his loose powder great both for controlling oil  and creating a matte look without otherwise taking away from your color. Totally in my element and loving every minute of it.

AJ dropped great tips while beating his models face. This was my fave regarding how to apply mascara using a sponge.

AJ's makeup table alone was *swoon* worthy and I'm not even a MUA. I just dish beauty ...ALOT.

It was a wonder I even made it out to bump into both AJ and Renny. My body was aching all over from a 5k Electric Run I did Friday nite. Why you ask? I don't know either. It's what I get when I let my "good girlfriends" take the reigns and plan a "girls night out." This night out required running shoes and great stamina. This time last year I was running 3 miles consistently 2-3 days a week but I've since fallen off. 

My ensemble, Fila Sport Top / Xersion Performance Wear Bottoms / Nike Kicks

My body surely let me know that I'm not in the shape I used to be. I made it across the finish line but I didn't run the entire time. The last 1-1 1/2 was a brisk walk. It was definitely challenging in that part of the course was sand and gravel. That was tough. I had never run amongst people. I had only ever run solo. Imagine a rave but in the form of a run. DJ's, lights and music blasting the entire course and everybody looks like a gloworm since the run is after dark. The brighter the better. We were glowing from the glasses on our faces to the necklaces around our necks to bracelets and more. But the fellowship was fun. I would definitely do it again just for the sake of challenging myself to complete in it's entirety which I will absolutely do next time around. You heard it here first.

My girls and I prior to starting the race.

After. A lil' worse for wear but we made it over the finish line!

While soothing my back. My neck and my back on Saturday, I actually took advantage of long lost down time and flipped through J.Crew's latest catalog. One word,  I WANT! Two words actually but I want everythang for myself. All the crewcuts pieces for my lil' ones and the menswear styles for the man of my dreams whenever he decides to reveal himself. #TalesOfSingledom

What did you do this weekend? I'll be sure to follow up with the contents of my swag bag from my run in with AJ Crimson.

Bag Ladies Radio is the "official media partner" to this year's #Blogalicious5. For an exclusive Blogalicious 2013 ticket offer for Bag Ladies Radio followers, fans and listeners, click here and enter BLRfriend (case sensitive), for a 20% discount.

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For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

I'm Craving Some Beauty Talk ...

#BagLadiesLIVE is going down tonite. Myself and cast have alot of catching up to do ...From what went down in the Chi-Town for #BlogHer13 to what's to come in the ATL for #Blogalicious5.

And we got a hunger, a thirst, a craving for some Beauty Talk. One of our fave topics of dish. We are kicking it with our girl Erin Bailey of www.ScandalousBeautyOnline.com, named one of the "Top Black Beauty Bloggers" by Essence.

Tune in live online, 7:30p EST @ bagladiesradio.com/listen or dial in and eavesdrop at 347.327.9510, opt. 2

Follow live commentary on Twitter @bagladies and to ask a question or share a comment for an on-air shout, tweet @bagladies and attach #BagLadiesLIVE

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For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

Catch up on the dish you missed by going to www.bagladiesradio.com/listen. Scroll down to OnDemand and press play.

#BEAUTYTALK: THE "TWEET" FOR A GOOD MASCARA

Need a GOOD inexpensive mascara quick! #BeautyTalk

— Erin Martin(@bagladies) April 3, 2013

The tweet that started it all!!! Upon entering Target to grab one thing, I quickly recalled that I had run out of my fave mascara earlier in the morning much to my dismay. How could it be I asked myself. I tried my best to scrape the wand and all I got was nothing. Why didn't I re-up before finding myself completely out? Blame it on my head, not my heart. But while standing in the beauty aisle(s) at Target, I realized I didn't have a clue as to what I wanted or what was all the rage in mascara right now. I'm a beauty junkie, not an expert. There is a difference. I honestly hadn't purchased a drugstore brand in ages. My last mascara purchase was Bare Escentuals Buxom Amplified Lash in Loud Black from www.sephora.com.

I couldn't choose just one.

I knew if I didn't grab it, I wouldn't have time otherwise and going a day without mascara is NOT an option. It's part of my minimal beauty routine even meaning if nothing else, I apply mascara. I know, take to Twitter! I sent out a #BeautyTalk (named after my most popular #BagLadiesLIVE segment),  "tweet" and Twitter ignited in an uproar and almost instantaneously, I received two suggestions for Maybelline. Instead of taking on the undue pressure of choosing, I grabbed both the Colossal Volum'Express and the Falsies Volum'Express in true #Shopaholic style. At this point, I had a basket cart and more than just one item.

How many of you can relate to going into Target for one thing yet consistently meaning all the time, every time, leaving with ten thangs?! But I digress ...The bottomline is that of the two, I am completely hooked on the Colossal Volum'Express.

Upon cracking the package the following day and applying, I mean it extended my lashes amazingly well fabulously, less the clumps which for some reason I always have a problem with when it comes to my lashes. And my lashes tend to stick together so I am somewhat particular about mascara but not only did the Colossal lengthen but the wand brush also separated my lashes and produced a much fuller effect, totally exceeding my expectations. I also noticed the wand handle being wider and larger made it much easier for me to maneuver and apply. I'm quite a bit sold. I've yet to try the Falsies but I'm now dying to. S/O to followers @SeventhDistrict and @Vanessa_Gyan for their input.

What is your fave mascara and why??? Do you have lash issues too with clumping or sticking together???

P.S. I cannot tell a lie, I didn't stop at the mascara. One of my followers, @ClumpsofMascara, turned me onto a new lip color per a pic posted to IG. It's Maybelline Vivid Rose. The pic doesn't do the color justice but I'm in love ...Yet again. Smooches!


Visit www.maybelline.com, for product and purchasing information.
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For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

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Catch up on the dish you missed by going to www.bagladiesradio.com/listen. Scroll down to OnDemand and press play.

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