Racquel Simone

GRAMMY Awards - Red Carpet Best In Beauty

2012-02-13T07:45:00.000-05:00

photo by Jeff Vespa/WireImage - 2012

The GRAMMY awards took place last night and let me tell you, there was quite a bit happening on the red carpet! There were some MAJOR misses but, as always, I am going to focus on those who made the mark!

Taking the award for best beauty look of the night was ADELE, who looked absolutely fabulous, as usual. It's like she can do no beauty wrong. That red lip was everything and the contouring, which appeared to get a little deeper after the red carpet, was just what she needed. Her skin always looks flawless. The red lip helped her keep her look classic. Can we talk about her lashes?!?!? SEXY. I loved her entire beauty look.

Honorable mentions: Melanie Fiona always has thee best glow of anyone on the red carpet. Carrie Underwood totally took the cake as far as dresses were concerned. She wears her smokey eye well, every time.Kelly Rowland's artist did an excellent job with her brows. That is how you pull off a strong brow! Lastly, Katy Perry looked like a burst of spring with her fresh hair and makeup.

photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage - 2012

photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images - 2012

photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage - 2012

photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images - 2012

photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage - 2012

Remember,

~Beauty=Your Definition
Racquel Simone~

♥ XO Valentine's Day Beauty - Just a Few Things ♥ XO

2012-02-07T07:46:00.000-05:00

With Valentine's Day just about a week away, I decided to put together my top beauty picks for dates this Valentine's Day. Whether it's brand new love, your husband, your fiance or a budding friendship, most of us girls want to make sure we are super cute for our Valentine's Day dates. Check out these items and consider adding them to your Valentine's Day beauty line up.

Clockwise from the top right: OCC Cosmetics Valentine's Day Box Set $49.95, Ginger & Liz "Put A Ring On It" nail polish $12, Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss Trio $38, Stila Cosmetics "Happiness Pink" Lip Enamel $22, Stila Cosmetics "Love At First Blush" palette $14, Zoya "Carmen" Nail Polish $8, LORAC blush in "Pink" $20, M.A.C. "Ruby Woo" lipstick $14.50

Remember,
~Beauty = Your Definition
Racquel Simone~

Smashbox: Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer

2012-02-01T18:00:00.000-05:00

Influencer disclosure: I was given a free product or sample because I'm a Klout influencer. I was under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company.

I was sent a tube of smashbox's latest formulation of their much raved foundation primer. Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer is for those with normal to dry skin. Now, I tend to have combination to oily skin, but since it's winter, I'd figured I'd give it a shot since my skin had recently been on the dry side. My thoughts of the product are that it is an okay product.

The Pros

- Helped my makeup glide on

- Moisturized my skin

The Cons

- The odor! The smell was NOT pleasant at all. That's no bueno over here.

- The product had a little too much moisture for me. Even though it was oil-free, I still ended up shiny at the end of my use which was about 6 hours later. I am not sure I can fault the product completely though, because it DOES say "hydrating" which one can assume means it should be used on skin that normally has issues with being too dry.

I have to note that I love the original formulation and can only say good things about it. I do use the "Light" formula in the summer though to make sure I am not shiny! Overall, if you have dry skin, I'm sure this is a product you might find beneficial.

Remember,

~Beauty = Your Definition

Racquel Simone~

Taylor Swift Lands the Cover of VOGUE

2012-01-19T10:34:00.000-05:00

To know me is to know that I LOVE Taylor Swift. I've been to her concert, watched TV specials, and collected memorabilia. As of late, my favorite item would have to be my 2012 Taylor Swift wall calendar. So, imagine the sheer delight I had when I discovered that Taylor would be gracing the latest cover of VOGUE.

As far as the actual spread goes, (from what I've seen online), her hair in the pictures looks great. The sleek straight look complemented by her long bangs bring a bit of maturation to her look. I like the wardrobe in the spread, but I can't say that I'm convinced she'd wear any of it in her non-editorial life. However, for other celebs who land in VOGUE, I am usually able to picture them wearing and loving the pieces pulled for their shoots.

This brings me to my question: Should Taylor Swift have gotten a VOGUE cover? I know that she is loved on the music scene, very wealthy and quite talented, but can it be said that she evokes feelings of grandeur when it comes to the type of high-fashion and couture spreads that VOGUE is known for? Or, is VOGUE attempting to welcome in a new demographic of readers? Just a few thoughts. What do you think of Taylor Swift landing a VOGUE cover?

Photo Credit, Mario Testino for VOGUE via JustJared.com

Photo Credit, Mario Testino for VOGUE

Remember,
~Beauty = Your Definition
Racquel Simone~

Hair, Makeup & Gowns! The Best From the 2012 Golden Globe Awards

2012-01-15T23:37:00.000-05:00

Head on over to my TUMBLR for my picks for Best Dressed, and Best Hair and Makeup!

Remember,
~Beauty=Your Definition
Racquel Simone~

Viola Davis - Ciritics Choice Awards Acceptance Speech - Inspirational Moment

2012-01-13T09:26:00.000-05:00

I know that I usually do a red carpet beauty review the day after an awards show, but today I wanted to show you something a little bit different. The 2012 Critic's Choice Awards were held last night and actress Viola Davis won for Best Actress. Her speech was so touching, and real and true.

While watching her Critic's Choice Award acceptance speech, I remembered an interview she had done last year for the women's ministry at her church in Los Angeles. It was very insightful and motivating. Even if you are not trying to break into acting, her message of hope, diligence and perseverance in both clips will inspire you. The speech clip is about 5 minutes and the interview with her church is about 24 minutes, but worth it. I have great respect for Viola Davis. Watch the clips below. Be inspired today!

Remember,
~Beauty-Your Definition
Racquel Simone~

TV Shows - Full Episode Video - Reality TV Shows

Viola Davis Interview w/ Holly Wagner from Oasis Church on Vimeo.

2012 People's Choice Awards - Best In Beauty

2012-01-12T09:49:00.000-05:00

Three cheers for the people! Last night, the 2012 People's Choice Awards were held in Los Angeles. These awards are rumored to be one of the favorites among celebs. Why? Because you, the people, decide who wins these awards. It's not often that the awards are given out based on the decisions of the people that the content was created for, and that's somewhat unfortunate, but that's a whole different story for a whole different blog!

Moving on, there were definitely some nice looks on the red carpet last night, both beauty and fashion wise, though I'll be focusing specifically on the red carpet beauty. Below are my picks for the best beauty looks of the night.

I LOVED Lea Michele's bold lip choice. The pinkish purple lip took the somewhat dramatic dress and toned it down a notch. It was a nice balance. Although, I'm not quite sure what happened with her hair.

Tia and Tamera Mowry always have flawless foundation. In my mind, it's become their trademark. Their MUA always highlights the right areas of their face too, specifically their cheeks and the high points of the face. Their eyeliner is always somewhat smudged, either on the top or bottom lid, and it always looks just right on them.

Miley Cyrus was giving us LASH last night on the red carpet! I am a fan of a nice lengthy lash whose hairs aren't clumped tightly together and her lash was perfect, adding just the right amount of drama without over doing it. Her lip and cheek color were refreshing too.

Take a look at the their looks below:

Lea Michele- Getty Images

Tia Mowry & Tamera Mowry-Housely

Tamer Mowry-Housley

Tia Mowry

Miley Cyrus

Remember,
~Beauty = Your Definition
Racquel Simone~

Red Tails Red Carpet Premiere - Tika Sumpter Shines

2012-01-11T16:52:00.000-05:00

Tika Sumpter stepped out to the "Red Tails" movie red carpet premiere last night looking fab as usual. I have to say that her makeup is flawless. The best part of it, to me was the blush. The lashes completely set the look off. Her Nicole Miller dress was nice, and slightly daring seeing as it has a summer time feel to it and we are in the winter season. Overall, this was a nice look for Tika. I usually like how she presents herself on the red carpet.

Remember,
~Beauty=Your Definition
Racquel Simone~

Sorry. I'm a Little Late!

2012-01-11T12:52:00.000-05:00

I am uber late, but I would most definitely like to wish all of you a Happy New Year! 2012 is here, and I am excited about it! There is so much in the works, and I could not be happier. My life is changing right before my eyes. It's a wonderful thing! The Lord is STILL good and I am 100% sure He will continue to be. My life isn't perfect, but it's perfect FOR me. I'd like to encourage you all to love harder this year, fight for what is right, stand by your convictions and pursue all of your dreams, with intention (even if it means moving across the country ;) Be sure to take time out for YOU. Don't forget to help others along the way! Get out of the box of conformity and live outside the lines. You may have to step out of the boat of comfort into the waters of discomfort, but the sacrifice will pay off! It's never too late. Stay consistent and live your life! Don't settle for an ok life. Do what makes you happy, not others! Enjoy your adventure called life and you just might look up and find that you've helped change the world!

Remember,
~Beauty=Your Definition
Racquel Simone~

Pin It

Beauty Craving - Bobbi Brown 20th Anniversary Lip Palette Limited Edition

2011-12-13T10:59:00.000-05:00

I. Want. This. The. End.

Bergdorf Goodman - $60

Remember,

~Beauty-Your Definition

Racquel Simone~

Paula Patton for Harper's Bazaar Arabia

2011-12-09T16:26:00.001-05:00

Paula Patton is turning the heat up with her cover for the latest issue of Harper's Bazaar Arabia. The garments, the hair, the makeup, all have an exotic appeal to them. This shoot is helping assist in her rise to the title of Superstar.

Photographer: John Russo

Makeup: Fiona Stiles

Hair: Robert Steinken

Styling: Sally Matthews

Remember,

~Beauty=Your Definition

Racquel Simone~

Tool To Keep? - Violight UV Cellphone Sanitizer

2011-12-09T08:56:00.001-05:00

A few days ago, I was doing a little research on a hi-tech beauty tool that I'm looking to invest in for my skincare routine. This post is not about that, but about a nifty little device I came across in the process. At first glance, I thought it was a speaker, or some kind of kitchen appliance. It turns out, it's a cell phone sanitizer! The Violight UV Cellphone Sanitizer goes for $36 on Amazon.com. Why am I so excited you ask? Well, we always hear about bacteria on cell phones and how it might lead to breakouts. I like this because you can sanitize not only your phone, but your mp3 player, and ear buds as well. Does it really work? The reviews are almost perfect on Amazon. As to whether or not it's really working? Well, I guess you'd have to wait and see if your skin stopped breaking out in the spots you use your cell phone in. It's interesting. I'm going to get it. Of course, you can always spray alcohol on your phone and then wipe it off. That would be too easy though, right? :)

Remember,
~Beauty=Your Definition
Racquel Simone~

Sam Fine for Fashion Fair - A Behind The Scenes Look

2011-12-05T09:22:00.001-05:00

This morning via Twitter, makeup artist Sam Fine released a behind the scenes look at the photo shoot that took place for promo of Fashion Fair's holiday collection for 2011, "Siren Call".

As the newly appointed Creative Makeup Director at Fashion Fair, Sam has managed to assist in breathing life back into a brand that many people had simply forgotten about. The collection features "forbidden reds and cool sultry greys". I myself am looking forward to purchasing a few items from the collection. All of the items can be purchased here. I'm excited about more new collections from Fashion Fair in the future.

Check out this video for a behind the scenes look!

Remember,
~Beauty=Your Definition
Racquel Simone~

Did You Know? - Zuca for Sephora - Pro Rolling Bag

2011-12-02T09:57:00.001-05:00

ZUCA has partnered with Sephora to create a Sephora branded line of this popular bag. I came across it because I'm in search of the perfect price for my ZUCA. I've both heard about and seen the ZUCA bags in action and they are everything they claim to be. The bag comes with multiple, interchangeable bags, as well as a ton of different compartments for all of your items. The bag is not, specifically, a makeup bag, but so many artists have found that it is ideal for packing up their kits in. The fact that it can also be used as a seat is definitely a bonus. Especially, if you have to be on set for long periods of time. While, I can't say that I necessarily plan to buy the Sephora branded version of the ZUCA pro bag, what I will say is that Sephora has managed to capitalize on market research and form both ideal, and credible partnerships with brands that are unique to the beauty industry. This partnership, however, shows Sephora's unique ability to not only maximize partnerships with other beauty brands, but also to take brands that function outside of the beauty spectrum and make them a part of their beauty family.

Click here to read a full product description and see photos of different views of the Sephora branded bag and it's compartments.

Click here to see other bags ZUCA offers.

Remember,

~Beauty=Your Definition

Racquel Simone~

Beauty Spotlight: Detroit's Own SUNNI - Bosnian Beauty On the Rise!

2011-11-30T11:00:00.000-05:00

Sunni is a radio personality who hosts a show on Washington D.C.'s Powerhouse; WPGC 95.5. She is originally from Bosnia, and she and her family escaped the Bosnian war. They settled in Detroit, MI and the rest is history.

I started following Sunni on Twitter earlier this year, by way of a friend retweeting one of her tweets. Shortly after, I remembered that this was the same Sunni that used to grace the radio airwaves here in Metro Detroit. She is a superb radio talent and has the perfect voice.
She totally destroys that saying that people in radio are not attractive. Sunni is beautiful! She always tweets pictures of her and her girls before, after, and during events. I noticed that Sunni was ALWAYS put together. With that in mind, I decided to ask Sunni to give us an inside look at some of her favorite beauty products. Read the interview below for that and a little more insight on Sunni. She's doing big things and I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of her on a much broader scale soon!

Racquel: Where are you from?
Sunni: Originally, Bosnia but I grew up in Detroit, MI.

Racquel: What is your title?
Sunni: Radio Personality

Racquel: If you weren't an on air personality, what profession do you think you'd be in right now?
Sunni: I would probably be a homicide detective, I love watching shows like The First 48 and Forensic Files, and I feel like I would really enjoy solving crimes.

Racquel: You are a girly girl clearly. Where do you pick up your beauty inspiration from?
Sunni: I'm always on beauty blogs, looking at magazines, or just some of my favorite celebrities, I love Rihanna's edgy style and also Beyonce's natural look

Racquel: What is true beauty to you?
Sunni: True beauty definitely comes from within. If you don't have a great heart then you're not beautiful, no matter how "attractive" you might be.

Racquel: What are your top 5 beauty products you can't live without?
Sunni: Hmmm I love my Bare Minerals make-up, Maybelline Falsies Eyelash mascara, Milani Secret Lipgloss, Chanel Coco Mademoiselle perfume and the Neutrogena make-up face wipes. I'm not very much into big labels. I've found some amazing things that work for me, and are available your local drugstore, plus they're affordable.

Racquel: What's on the horizon for Sunni?
Sunni: I've got a lot of things coming up but I'm going to focus more on TV. I've always wanted to get myself out in front of the camera and I'll have a chance to do that soon. Stay tuned :)

Check out her site: http://www.sunniandthecity.com/
Twitter: @SunniAndTheCity

Remember,
~Beauty=Your Definition
Racquel Simone~

Keep It Clean! - Beauty So Clean

2011-11-29T14:50:00.001-05:00

There is a product on the market that I have been hearing buzz about for a long time, that I think may be beneficial. I have yet to try it, but it is on it's way to me. The name of the product is Beauty So Clean. The product promises to "Banish Bacteria" with it's special formulation that makes it the world's first makeup sanitizer. All of our cosmetics and tools carry bacteria once we use them. Bacteria leads to breakouts and most of us are trying to avoid those at all costs! Most of us are aware of this and perform our due diligence in ensuring that we eliminate as much bacteria as possible in the handling of our products, both as professional artists and every day beauty connoisseurs. The line includes a brush cleaner formula, cleansing wipes and a spray sanitizer. Currently, you can get all three for $39.99 as part of their Holiday special. This package is found under the Professional Store. They also have a "Sale" and "Retail" store on the site. http://www.beautysoclean.com/. The company's Twitter is @BeautySoCleanTM

If you'd like updates on how I like the product once I receive it, be sure to follow me on Twitter ---> @RacquelSBeauty.

Remember,
~Beauty=Your Definition
Racquel Simone~

Best Beauty At the 2011 CMA Awards!

2011-11-10T15:57:00.001-05:00

Last night, the 2011 CMA Awards commenced in Nashville, TN. Here are my picks for my two favorite beauty looks.

#1 goes to my girl, Taylor Swift. She looks absolutely flawless on this red carpet! The flawless foundation, barely there blush and flush of color on her lips was just right. She always manages to pull off a very cat eye without the trademark cat eye. Artists know what I'm talking about. The lashes helped pull it off here.

#2 goes to Hillary Scott, of my favorite country band, Lady Antebellum. Her makeup is giving me old Hollywood love and I adore it! Her hair and dress were so chic. Her glam squad got it right and hit this one out of the park.

~Remember,
Beauty=Your Definition
Racquel Simone~

MAKEUP FOREVER NY Academy - 2012 Launch

2011-10-28T10:53:00.000-04:00

Today, one of the industry's leaders in professional, high-performance makeup, MAKEUP FOREVER, announced that it will be opening another location of it's world renown academy in New York, New York. The academy will be located at 853 Broadway, 10th Floor New York, NY 10003. The academy will allow students to choose from three modules, which will last anywhere from 7-20 weeks. The deadline to apply to be a part of the inaugural class is December 1, 2011. Classes will begin on January 9, 2012. For more information on the academy, including an in-depth look at the curriculum, dates and schedule of fees, please visit http://makeupforeverpro.com/academy.html

Makeup schools are growing in popularity here in the US, but many freelancers often choose to opt-out of makeup schools because they feel experience is the best teacher. However, as a professional, continuing education can be of great benefit to one's growth in the industry. The question is whether or not the school/program will benefit your career and if the investment will allow for an ROI, or return on the investment. Makeup schools are also often an excellent choice for someone coming out of high school who does not feel ready to jump into the world of freelancing as an artist and whose parents may have a vested interest in their secondary education. Visit MAKEUP FOREVER's retail site here.

Remember,

~Beauty=Your Definition

Racquel Simone ~

Benefit Cosmetics - Holiday 2011 Sets

2011-10-26T16:43:00.000-04:00

Benefit has launched their holiday collection. It doesn't include any individual products though. The holiday collection is comprised of multiple gift sets. The item's packaging somewhat hints at the holidays, but not quite. That's what wrapping paper and gift bags are for right? There is a cute lip gloss set and a set a little larger than the ones picture above that includes multiple items. The sets range from $24-$39 which, if you look at the items individually priced, is a good deal. I will admit that I am more obsessed with Benefit's packaging than the actual products, but I am HUGE fans of their Bad Gal Lash Mascara and their Coralista blush. Check out the entire collection HERE.

Remember,

Beauty=Your Definition,

Racquel Simone

NARS 2011 Holiday Collection

2011-10-20T15:07:00.002-04:00

Arabian Nights $45

NARS released their holiday collection for 2011 and I was immediately enraptured by the eyeshadow trio below. It's called "Arabian Nights" and it looks like something I need to add to my kit ASAP. I have all of these thoughts running through my head of new eye looks I can try out with this eyeshadow. I guess it's safe to say I have sugarplum fairies running around in my head. The NARS "multiple" for this collection is called G-Spot. NARS multiples are awesome products because you can use them as blush, highlighters, lip color, or a creamy eyeshadow or eyeshadow base. The gold eyeliner, Campo de` Fiori, looks like something that will take me through all of my holiday events. I can't wait to get to a counter to take a look at all of this in person, and buy some of it! As I'm writing this post, I happen to be listening to Justin Bieber's new Christmas single (don't act so shocked) called "Misletoe" which is a cute holiday song. I am just full of holiday cheer on this cold, rainy autumn day! Check out the entire NARS 2011 holiday collection here.

G-Spot $39

Campo de` Fiori $23

In The Pink! ~ Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2011 Beauty Products

2011-10-05T16:55:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year! Every year here in the US, we celebrate October as breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer is a serious disease that affects the lives of millions of people in our country. The disease stricken aren't the only people who are affected by a diagnosis. It can change the course of, not just them but their family members and friends. Researchers are dilligently searching for a cure to this disease. You can help contribute to the cause by purchasing some of the products listed below whose proceeds go to benefit the research of cures for breast cancer. Lots of love to those we've lost, those currently in the fight, and those who've survived. XO.

Bobbi Brown Breast Cancer Awareness Lipgloss & Lipstick Duo $44.00 - Bobbibrown.com

With each purchase, $10 will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation®

Shiseido Shimmering Rouge - Iron Maiden $25 Sephora.com

For the month of October, for every unit of Shimmering Rouge in RS308 Iron Maiden sold, Shiseido will donate $5 to CEW Cancer and Careers in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Sonia Kashuk 6-piece Breast Cancer Awareness Brush Set - Target.com $14.99

Remember,

~Beauty=Your Definition

Racquel Simone~

Heidi D Cosmetics - Bossy Collection Lip Gloss Review + Promo Code For Purchase!

2011-09-21T16:59:00.002-04:00

Bossy Collection by Heidi D Cosmetics

Hedi D, the founder of Heidi D Cosmetics - Photo by Irene Mahmud

I was recently sent some lipgloss' from Heidi D Cosmetics to try out. The two glosses I was sent are called, "Tipsy" a light, but bold pink and "High School Sweetheart" a soft nude gloss. The entire "Bossy" collection boasts 20 shades in "girly" colors. The gloss is smooth and NOT sticky at all which is a dream. It's a mix of creamy lipstick and lipgloss. The glosses are also loaded with Vitamin E! How's that for a beauty benefit? These glosses have just the right amount of shine, that would make them amazing to use for a photoshoot. When I tell you I LOVE these glosses?!?!? I am not joking or exaggerating. I am obsessed with the "High School Sweetheart" shade. It has not left my side since I received it a couple of days ago! I'll definitely be ordering more shades. Heidi D Cosmetics is offering ALL of my readers a discount code to use on all purchases at http://www.heididcosmetics.com - Just enter the promo code: BBH at checkout to receive your discount now until October 4, 2011. if your order, meet me back here and let me know how you liked the glosses! I know I love them!

"Tipsy" on top and "High School Sweetheart" below.

Girly Packaging

Remember,

~Beauty=Your Definition
Racquel Simone~

Primetime EMMYS 2011 - Best Makeup!

2011-09-21T16:18:00.001-04:00

Sunday, the prime time Emmys were handed out in Los Angeles. I watched quite a few of the red carpet and there was one person in particular who stood out, and that was Miss Kerry Washington was stunning. She consistently brings elegance and style to whatever red carpet she arrives to. I mean, the red dress, the red lip, the sleek hair, the flawless skin and makeup, and strong brow and a heaping portion of confidence all make for a dynamic red carpet appearance. I give her best makeup AND best dressed for that night! Kerry is naturally beautiful, but with the right glam squad she continues to take it to the next level.

Remember,

~Beauty=Your Definition

Racquel Simone ~

SS2012 New York Fashion - The BEST Makeup Looks - IMO

2011-09-16T17:00:00.002-04:00

Tadashi

Badgley Mischka

Betsey Johnson

It's been a minute! I've been caught up in a fury of makeup and fashion! New York Fashion Week has come to an end and what a whirlwind it has been! This year, more designers than ever live-streamed their runway shows. Such a treat for those of us who could not be there in person. There were a lot of nice shows, but there were a few standouts. My absolute favorite makeup was found at the Betsey Johnson show. My favorite clothes were from Badgley & Mischka and also Tadashi. Here are a few looks from all three. There just really isn't a better combination than makeup and fashion.

~Remember,
Beauty=Your Definition
Racquel Simone~

Wedding Bliss! Tiffany C - My Life As An MUA

2011-09-01T12:11:00.001-04:00

So I promised some bridal posts a couple of weeks ago. I am still waiting on 3 of my brides to send photos! :) I did get photos from one of my brides. They are rough and un-retouched, which to me is better than if they were as far as displaying work is concerned. I LOVE the speed of her photographer. She just got married this past Saturday! He sent these to her as teasers. One of them is a picture I took with my phone. Guess which one? LOL.

Tiffany was a lovely bride who never wears makeup. She wanted something understated and elegant. We went with airbrushed foundation, a neutral eye (from the Urban Decay NAKED palette) and a pair of natural false lashes. She isn't a fan of blush so a bit of bronzer to the high points of her face was all that I added. Tiffany made a beautiful bride and was super pleasant to work with!

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