Mischo Beauty Superstar of the Week: Celebrity Makeup Artist, AJ Crimson

I've mentioned AJ Crimson about a thousand times on the blog over the past two years- remember this, this, this and this? Well, as most of you already know, it's because I was given the most amazing opportunity to see him in person and attend a class of his during a Celebrity Makeup Symposium held in Washington, DC a few years ago. I witnessed his talent- in person, and that's why I can't stop writing about him- and also the reason why he's this week's Mischo Beauty Superstar of the Week!

The photos included in this post were sent to me by Alexsa, one of the winners of the giveaway I held two weeks ago to win tickets to attend AJ's "Affordable Beauty" class held in NYC this past Wednesday. Alexsa so kindly sent me a few photos she'd taken during the class to share and said that she thoroughly enjoyed it. Please read her recap of the evening here.

As you can see, Adrienne Bailon was the "special celebrity guest" and model for the makeup demonstration.

And finally- Alexsa, AJ and Adrienne are pictured above from left to right. AJ's work is such an amazing example of "BEAUTYisTRUTH" and "BEAUTYisART". To learn more about his classes be sure to visit his website, blog and follow him on Twitter! Enjoy.

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Mischo Beauty Giveaway Winner: Lancome's Définicils Precious Cells Mascara

And so without further delay, I'm happy to announce that the winner is:

#8 Vonnie

A very special thank you to everyone who entered!

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Mischo Beauty Giveaway: Lancome's Définicils Precious Cells Mascara

As I mentioned yesterday, Lancome is clearly the leader when it comes to mascaras. Yes, there's a mascara that will satisfy your every need, including the new Definicils Precious Cells Mascara. The payoff from this mascara is definitely definition and volume, but it's the first by Lancome to promise to "regenerate the condition of lashes" and "minimize lash loss"! Sounds like a must-try, right?!

So who's interested in trying this out and reporting back (by leaving a comment) your thoughts? Simply leave a comment below- no later then 11:59pm today (July 29th) and a winner will be chosen at random and announced on Friday, July 30th. If selected as a winner, you must contact me within 24 hours of the announcement. The giveaway is open to U.S. resident only.

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Lancome's Teint Idole Fresh Wear Foundation, Ageless Minerale Blush & Definicils Waterproof Mascara

Just about everyone I know, as of late, has been talking about their makeup melting- off their faces that is! This summer has been like no other, with temperatures reaching 90++ degrees daily! And as I mentioned last week, I haven't given up on the "A Healthy, Sexy & Beautiful 2010" challenge. So that means my goal is still to get in at least 10,0000 steps daily- which means taking the stairs instead of elevators, and walking up escalators instead of riding them. So yes, as you can probably imagine, I'm having issues with makeup, too!

At any rate, Lancome has an answer! Their Teint Idole Fresh Wear Foundation is lightweight, oil free, is formulated with an SPF of 15 and protects against humidity. Most importantly the result is a "no makeup" makeup look (I love still being able to see my freckles!). The Ageless Minerale Blush is BEAUTIFUL! I can't begin to tell you how much I love Luminous Rose! It's very sheer and the color payoff is perfect. And we all know that Lancome is known for their collection of mascaras, so Definicils Waterproof is recommended to prevent smudging.

Would love to know what works for you in the heat!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Pantene Pro-V Medium-Thick Hair Solutions

To my surprise, Pantene has recently launched a collection of haircare products based on an individual's hair type/texture - and I'm excited! Remember this post? Well after reading the press pitch and learning that celebrity hairstylist, Tippi Shorter (yes, we love her!) loved the new collection of products, I decided to give them a try.

I'm three months post-texturizer and I fall into the Type 4 hair category. My hair is thick, tightly coiled (in it's natural state) and always dry. So I selected the Medium-Thick regimen for review. Here's what I used:

- Breakage to Strength Shampoo
- Professional Level Damage Repair Ampoules (I used 2!)
- Breakage to Strength Conditioner
- Straighten & Smooth Creme
- Heat Protection & Shine
- Anti-Humidity Hairspray

Now while I liked the regimen as a whole, the hero products for me were the Professional Level Damage Repair Ampoules (left my hair super soft and I was able to easily detangle, section and comb through it!) and the Anti-Humidity Hairspray (the temperature on the day I tested the regimen was 100+ degrees and my hair held up!). I was pleased with my results and I recommend the regimen.

Would love to know your thoughts? Love any Pantene products we should know about?

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Are you in favor of relaxing a child's hair?

My beauty editor, Ayanna and I were discussing this topic, along with the haircare of children in general after a friend on Facebook left a comment asking me for suggestions on caring for the hair of children who had different hair textures (oh, and I did NOT suggest a relaxer!).

Now I will tell you all that I wanted a relaxer as a child (blame it on the media, society, etc.), but my mother was not having it. She told me that I could not get a relaxer until I could pay for it and maintain/take care of it. And so, I didn't get my hair relaxed until I was a sophomore in high school and had a job...

So my question for you today is: Are you in favor of relaxing a child's hair?

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Mischo Beauty Superstar of the Week: Lisa Eldridge

As much as I love reading the international editions of Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Glamour and many others, surprisingly it wasn't through these publications that I discovered the work of celebrity makeup artist, Lisa Eldridge (though her work has appeared in those listed and many more!). Twitter is to blame! Someone on my timeline retweeted Lisa, which led me to her Twitter page, website, portfolio and YouTube videos- and the rest is history! Her work is amazing and I thought you should know about her. Enjoy!

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Mischo Beauty Announcement: Winners of Tickets to AJ Crimson Presents the "Affordable Beauty" Series

And so without further delay, I'm happy to announce the winners of the AJ Crimson Presents the "Affordable Beauty" Series class to be held in New York City on July 28th:

Comment #1: Alexsa
Comment #8: Rebecca Domingue

Congratulations, ladies!

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Mischo Beauty Alert: Estée Lauder America’s Night To Repair - Choose Your Free Gift of Advanced Night Repair!

I thought you all wouldn't want to miss this- especially those of you who are searching for the best products to complete your at-home skincare regimen. Tomorrow, July 22nd, visit an Estee Lauder department or specialty store counter nationwide - from 5pm - 9pm (all local times) and get a 10-day supply of the new Advanced Night Repair Eye Synchronized Complex or Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex - one sample per customer while supplies last.

If you're in New York City, stop by the Bloomingdales at 59th Street and Lexington Avenue and meet two of my beauty blogging friends, Roselyn of Tempt'd and DE of Beauty Logic, who are also Estee Lauder's local Brand Ambassadors! Be sure to tell them "Mischo Beauty" sent you!

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Mark Cosmetics' Glowdacious Illuminating Powders & Totally Balmed SPF 15 Tinted Lip Balms

The makeup I've been wearing as of late has been melting right off of my face. I'm only partly blaming the weather (yes, it has been 90++ degrees for a few months now) because I did make a promise to myself to try and get as many steps in each day (the "A Healthy, Sexy & Beautiful 2010" challenge is still going on!), so that means walking up escalators and of course, taking the steps instead of the elevators! And so because of all of this, I've reduced my makeup down to the basics, and that's where Mark comes into play.

I've substituted my regular blushes for Mark's Glowdacious Illuminating Powders in "Prettied Up" and "Shimmied Up". Both give you a hint of color, along with a little bronzing and highlighting. And on my lips, I've been using "Totally Cute" and "Totally Pink" for just a hint of color. Both are sheer and are actually tinted lip balms with the bonus of being formulated with a SPF. They're perfect for me at the moment because believe it or not, my lips have been so dry lately...

Like Mark products? Would love to know.

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Nanette by Nanette Lepore

With top notes of spicy pink pepper, lush neroli and glazed rose petals, Nanette by Nanette Lepore does not disappoint. Though the designer's fragrance launched last Fall, I found the scent to be perfect for the warm weather. Most noticeable is the fragrance's sweetness, actually sweeter then what I'm normally used to wearing, but at the same time a welcomed change from the norm.

Thinking about trying this scent? Let me know...

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Loves Makeup Artist, Jai Williams

I was recently browsing various portfolios by established makeup artists the other day and stumbled on the work of Jai Williams. You see I'm half way through the makeup class I mentioned to you all last week, and discovering the amazing work in Jai Williams' portfolio gave me a ton of inspiration and a huge push. Another amazing example of "Beauty Is Art"! Wouldn't you agree?

photos: Jai Williams

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Mischo Beauty Superstar of the Week: Keith Campbell: The Hair Architect

Earlier today I saw that celebrity hairstylist and Mischo Beauty Superstar- Keith Campbell tweeted the most amazing Twitpics of a client's haircut and color that knocked me off of my feet! Yes, it took my breath away and this is the reason why, yet again, he's been named the Mischo Beauty Superstar of the Week!

And what I love most about Keith is that he can cut, color and style every hair texture, like hairstylists are supposed to be able to do, and do well! That's one of my biggest pet peeves with hairstylists today.... end vent! On another note, my beauty editor, Ayanna, created the Twitter hashtags #BEAUTYisTRUTH and #BEAUTYisART, which we use for the obvious reasons. And Keith's work is such an amazing example of both.

Redheads are really the new bombshells, but then again we've always been bombshells, haven't we {I know, I'm biased- hehehe ;}? ! Love her new hair as much as I do? Let me know!

photos: Keith Campbell

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Mischo Beauty School: Eyelashes 101

As I mentioned earlier today,I recently started taking a makeup class that has added more fuel to my fire and I'm loving it! I've fallen in love with eyelashes and brows all over again and wanted to share with you a quick lesson on applying artificial eyelashes- specifically, band eyelashes.

Band eyelashes (also called strip eyelashes) are applied to the natural eyelash line, using an adhesive, and are meant for single use (though you can easily remove the adhesive and use again!). They're available in human hair, animal hair, synthetic fibers, and in a variety of colors. And so very quickly, here are ten easy steps for application:

1. Always wash your hands first to avoid infection.
2. Decide on length and desired effect of band eyelash.
3. Curl your eyelashes with an eyelash curler.
4. Apply eyeliner based on your desired effect.
5. Remove band eyelash from package, measure and trim to fit the curve of your eyelid.
6. Apply a thin strip of adhesive to the eyelash band and allow to set for a few seconds.
7. Apply the band eyelash to the eyelash line.
8. Use tweezers to gently press and set it.
9. Retouch the eyelash line with eyeliner and you're done!
10. Repeat steps for second eyelash.

Eyelashes are easily removed using eyelash remover or makeup remover, so no worries. Oh, and if you lose a few of your own lashes in the process of removal, don't fret- your eyelashes will grow back just the same as the rest of the hair on your body! Any questions? Love your lashes.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Clean Well All-Natural Hand Sanitizers

I just started taking a makeup class and I can't begin to tell you how great if feels to be on cloud 9! But, I do have one pet peeve and it's the fact that people don't always wash or sanitize their hands before class (insert a blank stare here!). I'll be the first to admit that after becoming a licensed cosmetologist and a licensed esthetician, I am somewhat of a germaphobe- but with good reason!

And this is where I introduce you to Clean Well All-Natural Hand Sanitizers. They're available in 1oz. pocket-sized sprays, spray and foaming desktop bottles, and wipes. This means that they fit easily into purses, makeup bags, carry-ons, etc. But most importantly, they leave hands soft and they're gentle on skin. No more excuses!

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Mischo Beauty Alert: Win Tickets to AJ Crimson Presents the "Affordable Beauty" Series

After attending a celebrity makeup symposium a few years ago, and sitting in on AJ Crimson's class (yes, I was able to witness his magic!), I've been a huge fan. So you can understand why I'm so excited to be able to give away two tickets to his "Affordable Beauty" class taking place on July 28th in New York City!

During the class, AJ, who works on celebrities such as Amerie, Estelle, Brandy and Adrienne Bailon, will share makeup application techniques, as well as rework your makeup bag. For those of you outside of the New York City area, be sure to visit www.ajcrimson.com for the entire schedule of classes taking place in Atlanta, Houston and Los Angeles.

To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment below telling me why you'd like to attend no later then Tuesday, July 20th at 11:59pm. Two winners will be chosen at random and announced on Wednesday, July 21st. If selected as a winner, you must contact me within 24 hours of the announcement. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Rene Furterer's KARITE Collection

So it's clear that we're Rene Furterer fans here! If you follow us on Twitter, then you know our signature hashtag is #BEAUTYisTRUTH, and so with that said it's our goal to bring you the latest and greatest on the beauty products we absolutely love. We've reviewed the Myrrhea, Okara and Acanthe Perfect Curls collections and so it's only right that I introduce you to the Karite collection, which my naturally dry, Type 4 hair loves!

It includes the following:

- Rene Furterer Complexe 5 Regenerating Extract
- Rene Furterer Karite Intense Nutrition Oil
- Rene Furterer Karite Shampoo
- Rene Furterer Karite Nourishing Conditioning Cream
- Rene Furterer Karite No Rinse Nutritive Concentrate

The Intense Nutrition Oil isn't pictured above because I dropped it on my bathroom floor (it comes in a glass bottle), but it along with the Complexe 5 Regenerating Extract make an excellent pre-poo treatment. I'd have to say that my favorite product from this regimen is the Nourishing Conditioning Cream, which I'd fallen in love with years ago while apprenticing, and it does not disappoint.

I'd love to hear your thoughts if you've tried this regimen, or are thinking of trying it!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: BrushLab Fresh Square Cushion Hair Brush

I'm about 3 months post-texturizer and so I have tons of new growth, which means thick roots! BrushLab's Fresh Square Cushion Hair Brush has saved me. I use it along with a wide-tooth comb after shampooing and conditioning, and it gets the job done. I recommend this brush for all hair types, but if you're Type 4 (like me) then you really understand why I love this brush so much!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Loves Chris Chase Salon

Not only does the decor of this salon take my breath away (which I mentioned before), but I thought it was an amazing example of "Beauty Is Art". Wouldn't you love receiving services in a salon like this?

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Mischo Beauty's Top 5 Summer Beauty Picks featured on Hot-Coco.com!

I was given the opportunity to share my top five summer beauty picks over on Hot-Coco.com. Check them out and be sure to let me know what you think. I hope you love them as much as I do! Enjoy.

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Mischo Beauty School: Serums 101

I believe in serums and am amazed at how the skin benefits from them! A serum is simply a highly concentrated treatment of active ingredients used to penetrate and treat various skin conditions such as dehydration, stress, environmental damage, fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation issues or loss of elasticity.

They're usually made up of vitamins, lipids or antioxidants and are usually the consistency of a thin liquid. To allow for maximum penetration into the skin, they're formulated with smaller molecules which make them extremely effective. They can be used both day and night and are usually applied under a moisturizer, but can be used alone. During a facial an esthetician might apply a serum under your mask or before the application of your moisturizer, depending on your specific skincare needs.

So, do you need to use a serum? Well, I would suggest following a skincare regimen first. Once you're consistent with your regimen, really begin to pay attention to your skin and make note- for example- of dehydrated areas, loss of elasticity and dullness. If your skincare regimen doesn't correct these issues, then I'd highly suggest investing in a serum!

Questions? Love your skin.

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Mischo Beautyliciousness...

I'm not jumping on the bandwagon to discuss Naomi Campbell's hair loss issues as talked about everywhere on the web this week (we discussed those here over 2 year ago)- that's old news! What I wanted to discuss today is the fact that she does not age! Is it her skincare regimen, diet, exercise or just great genes?

Your thoughts?

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