Marie Claire's 2012 International Perfume Winners and U.S. Beauty Stand-Outs

Hello All My Wonderful Fashionistas' and Nisters'.

Previously, I posted the winners of Marie Claire's 2012 Beauty (Skin Treatment) Awards. The following list is the continuation of those awards including the International Perfume Winners and The "Runner Up" U.S. Beauty Winners. Let's Get Started...

The award for the Best Fragrance goes to...

Chanel No. 19 Poudre Eau De Parfum - This replica of the classic scent is an updated version of the fresh rose, iris and green blend that was created in 1971.  $115

 

The award for the Best Concept Perfume goes to...

Prada Candy Eau De Parfum - This scent is abundantly sweet, but it works due to the subtle coolness of a smooth caramel twist. The opposing musky aroma has just the right combination to dull the sweetness down a bit.  $108

The award for the Best Bottle Display goes to...

Burberry Body Eau De Parfum Intense - This bottle is an elegant and sophisticated display of originality. The designer was going for a classic flute with an iconic look. Job well done.  $115

The award for the Best In Skin goes to...

Super by Dr. Nicholas Perricone Activators - This is a quenching drink for your skin. Described like a conditioner, it updates harsh toners by mixing exfoliating acids with ultra-hydrators and antioxidants.  $38

The award for the Best In Eco goes to...

Rodin by Recine Luxury Hair Oil - This luxurious oil is a rich and chemical-free moisturizer for your hair. It has a fruity-fresh scent composed of oranges, apricots, almonds, and other defining oils.  $65

The award for the Best In Makeup goes to...

 

Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow - This eyeshadow goes on smooth and silky due to its' gel texture. Complete with a variety of bright beautiful colors this is a must-have for the makeup chameleon.  $36

Well there you have it. Your list to the most fantastic beauty products of 2012 chosen and tested by the fashion experts of the world. Test them out and see for yourself. Submit your experiences and comments about these or any of your favorite beauty products and they could be posted on my blog.

Stay Beautiful.

Jessica J.

Some of the content was contributed by Marie Claire Magazine, May 2012

Marie Claire's 2012 Beauty Award Winners

Hello All My Fashionistas and Nisters,

Here is the coveted product list that Marie Claire chose for their 2012 Beauty Award winners. There is a panel of 15 judges that is comprised of expert beauty editors from around the world and every year they put these products to the test. The products adhere to very strict rules and are put through a rigorous voting process. There are only 6 international winners, as well as 3 national awards per country and 3 perfume stand-outs. Here are the Best Skin Remedies. Let's get started...

1. Clarins Paris UV Plus HP SPF 40 Day Screen - It is now available in 3 tints. Made with organic cantaloupe from Provence, it has added sun protection with its' mineral filter. This product also fights elements and free radicals responsible for pollution and DNA damage. $40

     

    2.  Este`e Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator - It has optical light-reflecting pigments that fight fine lines and red spots while illuminating skin. This product is claimed to work in as little as 2 weeks. $85

 

3. Vichy Liftactive Serum 10 -  It has a magical combination of hyaluronic acid; ceramides; thermal water from Vichy France and rhamnose. These ingredients work together to de-puff, reduce fine-lines, and stimulate cell renewal. With just two drops a night, it is claimed to work in less than 1 month. $52

 

   4. Clarins Paris Extra-Firming Body Cream and Lotion -  Make sure to get both the cream and lotion which work together to fight anti-aging by firming, tightening and rebuilding the skin's collagen. The miraculous mixture of shea butter, hazelnut oil and lemon thyme claim to make this product work within 4 weeks. $60 (each)

5. Lanco`me Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector - It is a facial serum that does it ALL! This magic formula nukes wrinkles, shrinks pores, and plumps skin. All because of a rare plant-extract called LR 2412. It works like retinol but goes deeper to illuminate and diminish blemishes and spots. $84

6. Garnier BB Cream Skin Renew Miracle Reflector - It is a cream that performs multiple tasks. It hydrates and nourishes while giving your skin a soft glow. This product can be used as a light foundation itself because it employs a tint with built in sun protection. $13

7. Guerlain Lingerie De Peau Compact Foundation/Concealer - It is an amazing soft pressed duo that shrinks pores, smooths wrinkles, softens skin and provides subtle coverage. The added bonus is a concealer that is composed of a hyaluronic-acid that  erases dark circles and redness. $70

Look for the perfume and stand-out winners on my next post. All of these products are moderately priced but well worth the money!

Jessica J.


Some content provided by Marie Claire Magazine, May 2012.

Be a Hottie with a Body... when following these swimsuit tips

Today we're going to focus on looking good in that dreaded swimsuit. So, let's get down to the nitty-gritty.
Every woman has their own, unique body shape/size so this makes it all the more difficult to find the right swimwear. Here are some of the most common complaints, with tips for wearing it well and camoflauging what you don't want to be noticed. There are ways to wear a bikini and still feel good about your body.
If your problem area is your stomach...

• Black is always your friend! This is a must have staple for everyone. It is flattering and slimming to any body type.
• If you want to wear a bikini, try a high waist line to cover your abs. This will also direct the focus down to your beautiful legs.
• If you want that sex appeal and have love handles, try a folded-over bottom. (Ever notice why yoga pants look so good?)
• Another sexy alternative is wearing a "tankini". The top is a tank/halter top and the bottom is an average bikini bottom. I like this look because I can pair the top with some jeans or shorts in public and be ready to swim without having to change.
• A Corset or belted one-piece is not only stylish but creates a "cinching" effect and provides an hour-glass figure.
• Stick to diagonal and vertical striped prints to conceal your tummy. Stay away from horizontal stripes which will have the opposite effect.
• A new trend in swimwear is ruching. This is when the fabric looks puckered. Wear this in a one-piece with the "puckering" covering your stomach. It tends to blend in with the little extra you're carrying in front.

If your problem area is your bottom....

• Try attracting the attention to your voluptuous cleavage by dawning a daring, plunging neckline or ruffles.
• Any cute top (halter, strapless, etc.) with boy shorts is a good way to give your booty full coverage and also disguise the wonderful lumps from cellulite.
• Remember, black is always your friend!
• Show off your hot core with low rise bottoms, which will make your bum look smaller.
• Find suits with accents such as jewels, beads, metal, etc. This will show off your flash instead of your a**!
• Follow the same guidelines as before when going with any kind of a striped pattern.
• Ruching on the sides or directly over your bottom will blend in and give you a stylish appeal.

Show no fear with these tips and you'll be a hottie with a body this summer.

Jessica J.




Some content is courtesy of Cosmopolitan Magazine, May 2012 issue.

What is Sexier, According to Men?

Hello all my fashionistas and nisters'. Today we're going to get a little sexy! While reading my Cosmopolitan today, I found a great article titled:  The Clothes He Can't Resist.  It is a survey taken by 600 men, who decide between two clothing item(s) and determine which one is sexier. So let's get into it...

Pointy-Toe Heels   Or   Round-Toe Heels......Winner is:  Round-Toe Heels. Cosmo Suggestion:  Wear them with short-shorts. My Suggestion: capri leggings, or a micro-mini.

A Plunging V-Neck   Or   A Bralet.......Winner is:  A Plunging V-Neck. Cosmo Suggestion:  Wear it with an eye-catching necklace. My Suggestion: Try any necklace that's bright, shiny or bejeweled. Or, go for the bad-girl vibe with a choker.

Cotton Lace   Or   Sheer Chiffon........Winner is: Cotton lace.  Cosmo Suggestion:  Show some leg.  My Suggestion:  Leg is always good in my book. Why not mix it up with both? This technique will give your look texture. Obviously, there is something intriguing about the good-girl vibe with a bit of an edge.

A Snug Minidress   Or   A Dress that is Soft and Flowy.......Winner is: A Snug Minidress. (Big Surprise!)Cosmo Suggestion: Go Red and Very Clingy.  My Suggestion:  Black is always a good choice too, because of it's slimming effect. There is nothing better than a little black dress, and every girl has, or should have, at least one.

A Chic Blazer  Or  A Badass Leather Jacket........Winner is:  A Badass Leather Jacket. Cosmo Suggestion: Be a Rockstar, he will be the groupie. My Suggestion:  Pair it with tight pants, killer heels, and a studded belt.

Bare Shoulders   Or   A Bare Midriff.......Winner is:  Bare Shoulders. (This one actually is a surprise to me!)  Cosmo Suggestion:  He will beg to touch you there and everywhere.  My Suggestion:  Accomplish this look with a Tube Top Dress or a Top with sleeves that hang down around your shoulders. Amp the sexiness up with lace.

Supershort Shorts   Or  A Micromini Skirt.......Winner is:  A Micromini Skirt.  Cosmo Suggestion: Add a Slouchy Top.  My Suggestion: Any top that is "low-key". The Micromini will make a big enough statement.

Skinny Jeans   Or    Boot-Cut Jeans.......Winner is:  Skinny Jeans. Cosmo Suggestion:  Wear them in all white.  My Suggestion:  Neon and Bright Colors are in right now, so pair them with a plain black or white top.

Well ladies and gents, here you go. Show off that sexiness and always be F-I-E-R-C-E!


Some content is courtesy of Cosmopolitan Magazine, April 2012 issue.

Building Women Up Through Fashion

Hello Fashionistas' and nisters. I try my hardest to be upbeat and optimistic every day, but it is very difficult when I feel like I'm constantly being judged. As I have proclaimed before...I bleed fashion. However, I have also become my own enemy with it. Though, I don't think that I will ever stop trying to make my own mark, I do get discouraged from time-to-time. I believe that our looks define us and tell our stories to the people who surround us. With that being said, I know that I am looked at in a certain way when I am wearing dresses and 5+ inch heels. But, I want to know...Why are people so uncomfortable with it? Why, as a society, haven't we got past this? With celebrities like Madonna and Lady Gaga paving the way, why are we still so sensitive to pieces of material on our bodies?

I have noticed that women are the most judgemental of all. As women, we should understand the need to express ourselves through our looks. Especially since it is ingrained in us, practically from birth. Unfortunately, that is the hard truth and it is not going to change, so we need to embrace it and stop judging. This is proven through the astounding revenue that the fashion industry pulls in every year. I think that it all boils down to self-esteem. Women who are intimidated by other women usually don't feel comfortable in their own skin so they take it out on others who do. I admit that I don't have the highest self-esteem myself, but I can testify that I have always gone to the mat for people that dare to self-express through their style and their bodies.

So, come on ladies...and gents. Let's start building women up and STOP tearing them down. Let's be proud of what we have. Let's all band together and start a new revolution!
TO BE PROUD, ACCENTUATE  and FLAUNT it, no matter what you got.

Jessica J.

What are you wearing?

Hello, all you Trendsetters out there. Seasons are changing and we are heading into Summer. Are you ready? Well here are some of the hottest fashion trends that are sure to bring the sizzle to your summer.

Pastels and Bright Neon Colors - Mix and match pastels from your head to your toes. Try a pale pink lipstick with some shimmery baby-blue eyeshadow and pearlesque nail polish. Or go bold with bright neon leopard pants and a low-key white T-shirt.

Color block -  Dresses, Purses, Shoes, and Accessories. This style is reminiscent of a quilt my mother had made me. I pay homage to this trend by sporting my hot pink and black bandage tube dress from the Charlotte Russe collection. There are many options of this trend from low-end to high-end fashions.

Architectural Heels - Show off your freshly pedicured feet with these works of art. These cutting edge heels are nothing short of scale models of the unique buildings seen in New York, London, Paris, etc. Check out the current high-end versions created by Balenciaga and Prada.

Gym/Sports Apparel - Look sporty and feel comfortable while wearing these fashions inside of the workplace or during errands. This clothing trend has taken off like a wildfire. Regular gym clothes have gotten a fresh and funky makeover. Practically every girl in my office is wearing these easy but dressy clothes with a sense of personality including splashes of color or rhinestones.

Lariats and wrap-around jewelry - I have personally been rocking the lariat and wrap around watch. I have noticed this hot trend in Avon, Vogue, Cosmopolitan and on a contestant from American Idol. Due to the shortage of stock in my area, I have designed and beaded my own line, but once they take off they will be as popular in stores as the bollo was from the late 80's. (A lariat is like a new twist of the bollo).

These are just some of the fashion trends I have noticed in my area.
Do you know of any more hot trends?
Have you created your own trend and like to share?
Tell me what you think?
What are you wearing?

Jessica J.

How much PASSION do you put into your fashion?

I am here to represent and support all those fearless fashionistas' and nisters'. I am always seeking that next dress or outfit that can outshine the last one.
I don't like to follow trends, I like to create them.
Fashion is not just clothing and accessories, it is a state of mind, it is art. I wear what I feel like inside. It is who I am. I live it, breathe it, think about it, and create it. It is the outer shell to our inner core. Don't we all judge people by what they wear? And from this misconception, don't we believe we know all about that person?
Are you wondering why you're not getting that job or that promotion in your current field? According to a Newsweek study, up to 85% of employers judge the potential candidate by what they wear and how they look. Unfortunately, this is a fact of life, and based on this staggering number it is not an uncommon practice. However, it is also something that I believe, we don't even know we're doing. Based on my own experiences, I know this to be true. I have had off days with mixed reviews, or down-right harsh criticism, but this is how I form my art and push the envelope, if you will. I ALWAYS however, get a comment. For this, it is all worth it!
 So, my advice to you,  is to always pay attention to what you wear. Sometimes, the clothes wear you. It doesn't have to do with the labels. It has to do with your "style". Be wary of your surroundings and environment and dress accordingly, but also, do not be afraid to showcase yourself.

Jessica J.

The Sisterhood of the Matching Pants

I love fashion, or what I believe to be fashion.
Oh, how I long to be one of those beautiful models wearing those gorgeous Haute Couture clothes, as I flip through my Vogue and InStyle magazine. Sadly, even if I could afford these highly sought-after labels I would have to keep dreaming because I could not fit in them.

Why am I seeking something I just can't have?
Even when I was a size 0, I would have to wear ill-fitting slacks, usually with an expandable waistband, just to fit them over my curvy thighs and apple bottom. My slacks become intimate with my legs while my waistband becomes detached around my "too thin" waist. I look in the mirror and wonder "where are the bottom of my legs"? "Oh, there they are, lost in a long trail of fabric". My 5'0" stature is swallowed whole by the material.
However, these adventures while shopping have allowed me to discover a hidden talent that might have not been known to me if I was not shaped this way. I have become my own tailor/seamstress.
The fun is just beginning as I'm off to find a matching blouse.
Tapered around the arms...NO! Short waist...STAY AWAY! Button Down...FORGET IT!
I start to wonder if the joke will ever end, so I regress, cross my fingers and hope this one will fit. Always an optimist, I decide..."It'll have to do".

I have become a pro in ecclectic style because trying to find any predetermined matching "sets" is a cruel joke, as this has been proven to me while trying to find anything other than a one piece swimsuit.
Have you ever had to switch out the top and bottom of a bikini just to get the right fit on both ends?
So, I pose this question to you....Sisters, where are the matching pants?


Jessica J.