Review: Nicolet Beauty Lip Catnips

September 16, 2017September 15, 2017 Mstldelano2 Comments

During my beauty binge a few weeks ago, I came across Nicolet Beauty. I was intrigued by the line, because they offer vegan lip products in both glamorous and unusual shades. They offer both lipsticks and lip glosses. But that’s not the only thing that lured me in.

Look at the container. LOOK. AT. IT.

Nicolet Beauty sells “lip catnips” (intensely pigmented lip gloss) in both the standard lip gloss tubs, but they are also offering a few of their shades in these limited edition special containers. Now tell me: wouldn’t you just LOVE to have these on your vanity?

I ordered two of these limited edition glosses in the shades “Florence” and “Norino” (there are two other shades, as well: Delphia and Zona). The website describes “Florence” as a “Metallic Berry lip gloss”, while “Norino” is described as a “Rose Gold metallic lip gloss”. I found both of these descriptions accurate, and the pigment was intense and true to what is shown on the website.

(Florence on the left, Norino on the right)

I. Loved. These. Catnips! The coverage is gorgeous and these smell like cupcakes! I’m a bit more partial to “Norino”, mainly because this is the one that I’ve worn more frequently. I have gotten compliments on the rose gold shade when I wore it. I anticipate that “Florence” will be an absolute hit this winter (I usually go a little deeper on my lip shades during the cooler months, so this one will be a perfect change from “Norino”).

(Florence and Norino in their pots)

Now, a few disclaimers are in order. These are both shimmery shades, so if you love your mattes, this isn’t for you. Also, while the website lists these as lip glosses, the website also cautions that these are highly pigmented. So these colors apply like a lip gloss but have coverage and finish like a lipstick. These do not apply as sheers and, since they don’t dry down to a matte finish, they blend well with lip liners (you don’t have to rush and blend because the lip catnip doesn’t dry completely).

Since these are glosses, you can expect that these will remain a little “tacky” and retain their sheen throughout the day. Funny enough, I found that the colors looked a tad shinier when unmanipulated, and took on a more matte look when I pressed my lips together. If you want a shinier look, you will have to layer a clear gloss over the lip catnips, or just remember not to press your lips together too much.

The unexpected surprise of this order was the fact that I got the glam lip brush along with the catnips. I can’t promise you that everyone receives a lip brush (it wasn’t mentioned on the website) but I was delighted to see this coordinating accessory in my package.

Oh yes, about the package: it arrived quickly (within a week) so I was pleased. These glosses are ordinarily $16, but as of September 15, 2017, these are on sale for $12 each. This is a great way to get some affordable luxury in your life!

That’s my review of Nicolet Beauty. I hope that the company continues to produces these luxuriously packaged items, because they are unique and help me to quickly tap into my inner glam.

What do you think of Nicolet Beauty? Let me know in the comments below!

words of wisdom

Words of Wisdom: Audrey Hepburn

September 15, 2017September 11, 2017 MstldelanoLeave a comment

I first discovered Audrey Hepburn late one night, while watching American Movie Classics (AMC). The channel was airing “My Fair Lady” and I was immediately hooked when I heard the singing and recognized the fairy tale-esque plot. Linguistics Professor Henry Higgins has bet his friend, Colonel Pickering, that a common flower seller can be coached to the point of passing off as a princess.

Enter flower girl Eliza Dolittle (played by Audrey Hepburn). She charms from the first moment she appears on the screen.

And from that day to this one, I’ve been one of Audrey’s biggest fans.

I loved her even more when I realized that her beauty and skilled acting were nothing in comparison to her wisdom, kindness, and humanitarian spirit. Here are some of my favorite Audrey Hepburn quotes and photos. Enjoy! And, if you have a great Audrey Hepburn memory you’d like to share, feel free to post it in the comments below!

quoteaddicts culturestreet machcdn reductress

(photos courtesy of Reductress, Pinterest, Machcdn, CultureStreet and QuoteAddicts)

beauty

Review: Glow by Melodye Lip Glaze

September 14, 2017September 14, 2017 Mstldelano1 Comment

A few weeks ago, I ordered a ton of beauty products from small, indie brands. One of the orders I placed was with Glow by Melodye. The company specializes in sleek lip colors that last for a long time and leave lips shiny, hydrated and picture perfect.

I purchased the colors “I Love Her” and “Extraordinary Smile”. “I Love Her” is bright, bubblegum pink with bluish undertones, while “Extraordinary Smile” is a bronze that balances both cool and warm undertones.

I tried both of these colors and enjoyed them both. I wore them with a deeper-colored lip liner to create a more ombre-d look. I liked the application as well as how these products weren’t drying at all. Also, the color was intense enough that it didn’t fade during the day, but not overpowering to the point that people noticed my lips before they noticed me. Full disclosure: these are NOT matte lipsticks. These feel like lip glosses and you can build up the color, so instead of drying down to a dry matte look, these instead have the look and feel of a semi-sheer liquid lipstick.

There is one caveat about the product: the two that I purchased had shimmer in them, which was not indicated on the website. I fully expected “Extraordinary Smile” to be shimmery, because the product photo on the site depicts a shimmery-looking product in the tube. But “I Love Her” surprised me: the photo on the site appears to be a shimmer-free product, but it isn’t. I saw the shimmer when I looked at the tube in person, and then I confirmed the added shimmery flecks when I swatched the product. Other than that unexpected finish, everything else was fine with the product.

Here’s the deal: nowadays, EVERYONE has lip products. So it’s hard for me to say conclusively that this is the best available. However, the prices are reasonable and the products work well. The shipping was also pretty fast, and the packaging was cute (hot pink envelopes!).

A bit of brilliance: Melodye enclosed three of her business cards, so I can easily refer my friends to the website without having to remember the hyperlink information.

Would I order again? Yes, definitely. The price, speed of delivery, and quality of product are all good reasons for me to reorder. I only wish that the brand would extend to other products, or at least add additional shades to the line (I already have lip products in pretty much every shade on the website). Once Glow by Melodye expands, I’ll be right there, ready to support again.

food · international

Review: People’s Bao Food Truck

September 13, 2017September 9, 2017 MstldelanoLeave a comment

People’s Bao food truck has been on my “to try” list for a few months now. I’ve craved delicious Chinese style buns since my trip to China last year. I was blown away by the flavor of Momofuku’s mushroom buns (which I reviewed here). But I saw the rave reviews of People’s Bao on Yelp and I was eager to give it a whirl.

The truck finally arrived close to my building, and I seized the opportunity. I ordered the Portabella buns and Portabella rice bowl. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I figured that if the food was half as good as Momofuku, I would fare well.

Here’s the good, bad and otherwise:

The Portabella mushrooms were ample but not particularly flavorful. They would have benefited from marinating in a sauce that would infuse the mushrooms with flavor. Also, since these mushrooms are thicker than the shiitake ones used by Momofuku, they didn’t cook to the bacon-like crispiness of the last buns I tried.

The sauce added to the bun was spicy enough but fairly indescribable. I can’t name anything that it tasted like, other than “spice”. Also, this was another bun creation where the filling was folded in the bun like a sandwich, instead of being fully encased in the bun bread (like the buns served during dim sum).

As far as the rice bowl? Meh. Lots of delicious, fresh veggies but, again, not a lot of flavor. I tried to like it, but I couldn’t. I eat primarily vegetarian meals but I still love flavor, and this dish came up lacking.

The best part of the meal was the watermelon garnish that I found in the bottom of my bag! I initially thought the ramekins contained a sauce to add to my entrees, and I was excited at the thought of something savory being in the bag. But, as it turns out, the ramekins contained small chunks of sweet, ripe watermelon instead. That was an unexpected treat, and a nice accent to an otherwise forgettable meal.

I’m adding some stock photos for context, but I didn’t photograph this meal, because it simply wasn’t worth it.

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This photo from DCist looks exactly like the bun that I received.

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In a nutshell? I wouldn’t order again. It’s possible that this was just an “off” day, but I’d rather pay a few more dollars and have guaranteed tastiness at Momofuku. Maybe one day I’ll be adventurous enough to give it another go, but for now, I have to decline returning to People’s Bao.

international · travel

Flashback to Cruise 2016, Pt. 1

September 12, 2017September 9, 2017 MstldelanoLeave a comment

I haven’t gone on a true vacation since last October. My current job is demanding (though enjoyable) so I won’t be able to really get away until November. In the meantime, I’m looking back fondly at my last vacation, which was a cruise to Bermuda.

I cruised with Royal Caribbean; the ship was the Anthem of the Seas. I’ve sailed with both RC and Carnival Cruises, and I almost always prefer RC. I’ve found that the service, dining options, and overall ambiance of RC is more luxurious than Carnival. However, I’m still looking for other cruise lines to try, and I’m positive that I could have an even more luxurious experience with a different line.

The trip wasn’t very long – 5 days – but it was just enough time to recharge me. I sailed from Cape Liberty in New Jersey, USA. Two short days on the water later, and I was stepping foot onto the Royal Naval Dockyard in Kings Wharf, Bermuda. The ship remained docked there for two days before sailing back to Cape Liberty.

I was focused on relaxation this time around, as opposed to exploring the island, so I didn’t see a lot of the island. I did take the ferry to Hamilton, which was nice. I’m including a few photos from Kings Wharf and Hamilton, Bermuda.

Have any of you cruised with Royal Caribbean, or have you taken a trip to Bermuda? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below! Stay tuned for the next installments, where I discuss the ship, the dining options offered, and the artwork on board!

art · international

A Night with Neneh Ada Yang

September 11, 2017September 8, 2017 MstldelanoLeave a comment

A few months ago, I was invited to a red carpet event to celebrate the first US art exhibition of Neneh Ada Yang. The stunning Sierra Leonian married Chinese artist Yang Yan, and soon discovered artistic talents of her own. She mastered traditional Chinese painting techniques and now creates beautiful artwork that she sells to support her Queennak Foundation. Her foundation serves as a global diplomacy program, specifically engaging Sierra Leonians abroad.

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I was struck by Neneh’s beauty: petite, perfectly coiffed and elegant. She was so dainty and refined, yet possessing a quiet magnetism that drew everyone to her. She is soft-spoken and so gracious.

I enjoyed the experience very much, and I’m just sharing a few photos from the event. I suggest that you follow Neneh’s Facebook page and check out the Queennak Foundation.

As a bonus, I’m including a photo of the gorgeous painting that Neneh gifted me. I’ll treasure it forever.

Have you all gotten any beautiful artwork recently? Let me know in the comments below!

life curation · luxury

Luxury Indulgences As Self-Care

September 10, 2017September 6, 2017 MstldelanoLeave a comment

Part of my metamorphosis includes a good deal of reflection. After all, how do you know where you want to go if you aren’t honest about where you’ve been? And, if where you’ve been is a place that you don’t want to return, wouldn’t it be wise to know HOW you got there, and WHAT you found uncomfortable about your journey?

During one of my reflection sessions, I realized that I had denied myself certain luxuries. On the surface, the reason for denying myself these luxuries was simple: I didn’t have the money.

But was that REALLY true? Or was it something else: something deeper, something that wasn’t linked to the “external” (like monetary abundance)?

Of course, denying myself the luxuries had nothing to do with my income. I looked at my salary then, and there was enough “money” coming in. The decision to avoid certain purchases had everything to do with my self-esteem. Yes, my self-esteem was “in the basement”, as I like to put it (I have a post about how I boosted my self-esteem coming soon). I felt awful about myself because of some missteps that I made in my journey.

But as my self-esteem improved, I started examining my daily self care. What I saw horrified me: I had been treating myself worst that anyone else ever could have! And I looked squarely at how much I was investing in myself, and I saw how much I’d fallen off of my former routine.

My first order of business was buying the most expensive pair of shoes that I could comfortably justify in my mind. I found a gorgeous pair of Diane Von Furstenberg high heeled pumps, in tan suede. I was giddy about my purchase, and, as I mentioned previously, these shoes were more costly than any others I’d ever bought before.

clipartlibrary

(image courtesy of Clipart Library)

I wore them four times over a three year period.

Don’t worry, I’ll wear them again. But the “juice” I got from the purchase was the feeling of buying such a luxurious pair of shoes. And while I understand “retail therapy”, this was something more significant than shopping “for a high”.

The shoes signal that I’M WORTH IT.

I’m worth being surrounded by beauty, luxury, and good things. I’m worthy of being treated well, looking good, and living a high quality life. The shoes are an emblem representing the “switch” from low self-esteem to restored esteem. It’s almost like a sigil: these shoes had a nearly magical effect on my life.

Even though they’ve only been worn four times.

I don’t have to purchase luxury shoes every time I need to engage in self-care. Luxury comes in so many forms: perfectly prepared and pleasingly presented meals, soaking in intoxicatingly perfumed baths, sleeping on clean, sumptuous sheets, taking long walks on crisp days … All luxury. After all, luxury is, at its heart, intense indulgent, and indulgence is about GENEROSITY. In this case, it’s about being generous with YOURSELF. And you deserve it. You deserve it more than you could ever know …

Do you all have any “go-to” luxury indulgences? Please let me know in the comments below!

beauty · culture

Vintage Video: Why Not Be Beautiful?

September 9, 2017September 5, 2017 MstldelanoLeave a comment

I’ll admit: I was expecting to be frustrated with this vintage beauty video. After all, it was created in 1969, and I anticipated a bit of a misogynistic flavor with it. I thought that the entire video would be pushing beauty as a way to “get the guy” and “live happily ever after”.

But I was WRONG! I was pleasantly surprised by what I saw. This video is filled with so many gems: where should I start?

First of all, kudos for the diversity. There are some modern-day television shows that could benefit from this example. And kindly bypass the terms “Negro” and “Oriental”: at the time this was made, those terms weren’t offensive.

Secondly, there are a lot of quote-worthy phrases thrown in here. Here are some of my favorites from the first 3 minutes of the video:

“Every girl can become beautiful, in the true meaning of the word.”

“Beauty indeed is more than skin deep. The most important part of beauty comes from within: the inner beauty. A healthy mind, being interested in life and the arts … Caring for others and being involved in the issues of the community and your country … Being creative … Being active … The more you’re interested in the world around you, the more interesting you become.”

Fitness as a way of bonding with other women was promoted, and I’m such a fan of that stance. I’d rather take a brisk walk outdoors with a friend than sweat it out solo.

I’m amazed at how many of the beauty tips are still relevant. The color concepts for increasing and decreasing the appearance of distance between the eyes still works (it’s a trick that I do constantly).

Lastly, I love how there were so many positive comments throughout. I didn’t see any discouraging of a woman’s unique beauty, just encouragement to enhance what’s already there. The video ended on a lovely note (I’m quoting it below):

“Above all remember the beauty that shines through you from within your inner beauty is your most beautiful, most precious possession. Beauty is more than a pretty face, it’s a way of life.”

I hope you all enjoy the video! Let me know what you think in the comments below.

culture

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

September 8, 2017September 4, 2017 MstldelanoLeave a comment

I don’t have many words for this post, because this is a solemn landmark not too far from my job.

I toured the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during one of my lunch breaks. As a habit, I try to go somewhere new and do something different several times a week during the warmer months. Truthfully, I keep up this routine as long as I can, for as many days as I can, each week. But taking walks during the chilly winter months isn’t always my highest joy, so sometimes I’ll skip it.

Anyway, I digress. Here are the photos I took at the memorial. May the officers that have served honorably and lost their lives in the line of duty continue to rest peacefully.

beauty

In Search of the L’Oreal “Zoe” Collection

September 7, 2017September 4, 2017 Mstldelano2 Comments

I am a regular beauty shopper and I keep up with most of the product launches that occur each season. So I was very excited to see L’Oreal’s Collection Exclusive lipsticks and nail polishes. This collection has nudes, reds and pinks tailored to different skin tones. I’m not sure when the collection launched, but I made sure to check them all out. I knew that I wanted to try the shades for deeper skintones: the Freida Pinto, Zoe Saldana, and Liya Kebede collections.

My complexion is close to Liya’s, so, naturally, I picked up Liya’s Nude. This gorgeous rosewood brown shade, with just the right combination of sheerness and sheen, instantly became a favorite of mine. However, I made a mental note to try the Zoe and Freida collections, because I didn’t particular like Liya’s Red or Liya’s Pink.

Imagine my shock when I returned to the store a couple of months later and both the collections for deeper skintones were GONE. Worst yet, I couldn’t even remember which actresses were associated with the deeper toned collections (sigh …).

So, I went to L’Oreal’s website to figure out where I can find these discontinued collections. Reading through the comments, I was reminded that Zoe and Freida had collections (thanks to those wonderfully vocal L’Oreal customers!). Their collections were no longer available on L’Oreal and in the stores.

The online hunt was ON.

I went to Amazon, and I wasn’t disappointed. I got ALL of the Zoe shades: the Zoe Red and Pink lipsticks and nail polishes.

I also swatched the shades for your reference.

(Zoe’s Red lipstick on the left, Zoe’s pink on the right)

Zoe’s Red lipstick is a true merlot color. It starts off semi-sheer and builds to a deep, rich color. Zoe’s pink is a soft, pretty bubblegum shade that also starts off sheer and builds to a nearly opaque finish. Both lipsticks are moisturizing and long lasting, and neither dries down to a matte finish.

(Zoe’s Red nail polish on the left, Zoe’s pink on the right)

I wore the Zoe’s Red polish – a pure bordeaux red – on my toes. The polish lasted an average amount of time before chipping (about 3 days), without a base coat or top coat. I haven’t tried Zoe’s Pink yet, because I don’t actually like the shade. It has the faintest twinge of coral that doesn’t flatter my skintone, so I’ll probably pass it along to a friend.

If you’re interested in getting these gorgeous shades for yourself, here are the Amazon links (just click on the photos below):

Have any of you tried the L’Oreal Collection Exclusive shades? Please let me know in the comments below!