Monthly Beauty Favorites

April went by faster than the speed of light, and May seems to be going at the same pace (Feliz Cinco de Mayo!) Last month there were a few items that I found myself constantly grabbing for (aka permanently attached to).

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish: The first item I talked about a few weeks ago when I first got introduced to it through Birchbox. Though I have been using this for the past few weeks, since it is a moisturizing cream based cleanser and the weather is warming up, I will probably switch to something lighter for the months to come.

Sephora Rose Gold Cream Blush: This is the first cream blush I've tried and though there was some getting use to (umm can we talk about how much brush hair gets stuck in this thing) I've really been loving the subtly color of  this blush and the long-lasting power of a cream vs powder.

Clinque Stay Matte Oil Free Foundation: I had been eyeing this product for a while and finally decided to take the plunge and buy it, and I'm sooo happy I did. As someone who doesn't wear foundation everyday, I wanted something that would be light and help to even out my skintone on those rough monday mornings. Although it's considered a foundation, this product is more of a tinted moisturizer/ BB cream with buildable coverage. Love this product for Spring/early Summer weather.

Clinque High Impact Mascara: Another gem by Clinque, I was gifted a sample of this mascara through some means and finally tried it last month. After using the sample up, I went out and bought the mascara and haven't looked back since.

Lush Cupcake face mask: Also another item I was introduced to through gifting. As someone who never really got the deal when it came to masks, I  can honestly say that this product produces a noticeable difference with my skin immediately. After using this product my face is brighter and tighter.

And there you have it. My favorite beauty goodies for the month of April. Comment below and let me know if you have tried these products or plan to. What were your favorite beauty products from last month?

xoxo,

Like what you read? Follow Fancy Francy on RSS and Bloglovin so you don’t miss a post!!

Want more Fancy Francy? Be sure to follow on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest

Brand you Should Know: Liz Earle Skincare

As a beauty blogger, I somewhat pride myself on staying up on major beauty trends and knowing most beauty companies. So naturally I was pretty surprised when I got introduced to a new company through Birchbox that was completely off my radar.

Recently Birchbox and Liz Earle hosted a special informational blogger breakfast were I got the opportunity to learn all about this British brand. While they are relatively new to the States, they have been a favorite across the pond for years. Liz Earle describes themselves as naturally active skincare. They focus on using "precious ingredients" to promote inside and outside beauty. While they do not label themselves as an organic brand, they use organic and ethically sourced ingredients in their products.

Their claim to fame is their signature "cleanse and polish hot cloth cleanser". This two part system consists of a soothing cream cleanser and a muslim cloth for exfoliating/polishing off the cleanser. Like most of their products it's suitable for all skin types and doesn't contain any harsh ingredients.

I've personally been using this cleanser for a little over a week now and have enjoyed it. While I'm not sure if its made any improvements to my skin yet, I definitely enjoy using the warm muslim cloth on my face and like the fact that my skin doesn't feel stripped after like with other cleansers.

In addition to the polish and shine cleanser, they also have the Instant Boost Skin Tonic, Gentle Face Exfoliator, and Skin Repair Moisturizer to name a few.

Interested in trying out this brand? Liz Earle is available in the U.S through Birchbox.com. You can also shop my favorites from this line below!
[show_shopthepost_widget id="9032"]

 

xoxo,

Like what you read? Follow Fancy Francy on RSS and Bloglovin so you don’t miss a post!!

Want more Fancy Francy? Be sure to follow on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest

Miss Jessie's New Wash and Go Stylers Launch

 

If you're a curly, kinky, wavy girl of any type, chances are you've heard of Miss Jessie's products. As one of the pioneer companies to focus on curly girls, these were some of the first products I heard of when I first went natural so needless to say I jumped at the chance to get to attend their event in partnership with Birchbox.





During the event, Miss Jessie's cofounder, Miko, discussed their three newest products while giving live demonstrations on curly girls with various hair textures.



The products feature a new tube container and help to quickly style "wash and gos" looks for various curl patterns. The new products include: "Transitioner's Magic", "Curly Custard", and "Multi Cultural Curls".



Transitioner's magic is ideal for anyone with both curly and straight hair textures from transitioning to natural or heat damage. The product encourages the hair to curl without weighing it down and works best used with a diffuser to further encourages straight ends to curl. Multi cultural curls is the 2nd lightest product out of the three and was inspired by Miss Jessie founders biracial heritage. This product also helps to encourage curls and works best sectioned on wet hair. Last but not least Curly Custard works similar to Multi cultural curls but is the heaviest of all three products. Curly Custard is ideal for ladies with tighter curls as well as loose waves to provide a more defined and bouncy wash and go.

Personally, I've been wearing my hair straight lately but can't wait to try these products once my hair is curly again.

Comment below and let me know have you heard of Miss Jessie's before? Do you plan on trying these products

xoxo,

Like what you read? Follow Fancy Francy on RSS and Bloglovin so you don’t miss a post!!

Want more Fancy Francy? Be sure to follow on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest

Spring Makeup Trend to Try: Orange Lipstick

Orange lips have been a major trend since last summer and this Spring it's back!  This year's trend is an orange with more of a red undertone. Try pairing this look with the "aqua eye trend" for a bold and colorful off work look. You can also make this trend day time appropriate by pairing it with a neutral eye and natural blush.

Feeling this trend? Check out a few of my picks below at price points for every budget!

Beauty Basics: Do’s & Don’ts of Eyebrow Shaping By Face Shape

Eyebrows are like the curtains to the windows of the souls. Though seemingly unimportant, they can actually make or break the overall look of the face. So to start off the beauty basic series, what area could be more fitting to tackle first?

Keep reading to learn the Do’s & Don’ts of Eyebrow Shaping Based on your Face Shape.

Fancy and Frugal: NYK Butter Lipstick Review

Recently Lulu's hosted their annual NYFW style studio for bloggers. Amongst the many sponsors of the fabulous event, was affordable makeup company NYX. In addition giving mini makeup touches at the event, they also gifted us their new Butter Lipsticks.

As someone who's been loving to experiment with lipsticks lately, I couldn't wait to try out the new product. I received shade Shade BLS12 -"Little Susie", which is a pretty wearable pink shade. The lipsticks goes on like a Chapstick but has the color pigment of a lipstick, something I was surprised to see, given the texture of the product going on.

Shade BLS12 -"Little Susie"

Although it did have quite a bit of pigment, the consistency of the product made it not as opaque as I usually like and required a few applications to get it full coverage of my lips. In addition, I found it also necessary to reapply throughout the day as you would Chapstick.

Overall I think it's a nice product if you are looking for an alternative to tinted lip balm or Revlon's lip butters. I really liked the fact that it was moisturizing instead of drying like other lipsticks, and also the color of the shades I tried. .

Interested in trying them out for yourself? These lipsticks are available in stores and online where ever NYK is sold.

xoxo,

Like what you read? Follow Fancy Francy on RSS and Bloglovin so you don’t miss a post!!

Want more Fancy Francy? Be sure to follow on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest

 

 

Spring Makeup Trend To Try: Aqua Blue Eye Makeup

Blue eyeshadow is one of the many 90's fashion trends back again this season. While the look might seem dramatic, it can be easily toned down for everyday wear. As a brown eye girl, I particularly love this look because it helps to bring out our eyes even more. Try this trend by using a blue/aqua eyeliner or eyeshadow to line either your top lid like Lupita did above or your bottom waterline.

Below check out a few eyeshadow options below.

 

xoxo,

Like what you read? Follow Fancy Francy on RSS and Bloglovin so you don’t miss a post!!

Want more Fancy Francy? Be sure to follow on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest

Beauty Launch: Nars Contour Blush Collection

Contouring is one of the makeup things that sounds hard but is actually incredibly easy to do (see this how to here) and Nars' new contour blush collection is about to make it even easier. Finding the perfect two shades for contouring can be extremely difficult, especially for woman of color, but this new collection helps to solve both of these problems by putting highlight and contour side by side in the same compact in colors what will suit a variety of shades.



The beautifully balanced duos feature a lighter shade to illuminate the highpoints of the face and a deeper shade to enhance definition. Ultra-smooth, lightweight texture lends itself to a luminous finish and the specially designed contouring formula visual depth and dimension in a single swipe.

To create the perfect contour on cheeks, apply the deeper shade of the Contour Blush to the hollows of the cheek and along the hairline, sweep the light shade across the cheekbone toward the temple to soften and highlight. Finish the look with a pop of your favorite blush shade on the apples of the cheek.

Shop the collection below or in Nars stores now, the collection will be available at other retailers starting April 1st.

 

 

xoxo,

Like what you read? Follow Fancy Francy on RSS and Bloglovin so you don’t miss a post!!

Want more Fancy Francy? Be sure to follow on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest

 

Fancy and Frugal: Nuance by Salma Hayek Spring Beauty Line

Nuance by Salma Hayek is a premium beauty line sold exclusive at CVS pharmacy that combines exotic, natural ingredients, ancient beauty secrets and advanced science to create products that are designed to enhance the “nuances” that make up every woman’s beauty.



Last week, Nuance Salma Hayek launched their Spring collection, adding 10 new beauty and hair products to the shelves. All of the products contain key moisturizing ingredients such as: Shea Butter and Coconut, Avocado and Macadamia Seed Oils which soften and help maintain moisture levels in skin.



To celebrate the Spring launch of Nuane Salma Hayek, beauty editors were invited to attend "Selma's Secret garden" where we learned about the details of the line and the nourishing ingredients inside.





Below is a list of the ten new items added to the collection and the benefits of each. Personally, I can't wait to try the Eye Balm, Glycolic Cream Cleanser, and Neck & Chest Balm.

Best Budget Brushes

4 Drugstore Beauty Products to Combat Winter Skin

 

Winter is in full effect and one of the biggest beauty problem many of us have is trying to keep our skin moisturized in the harsh weather but with a few quick swaps to your daily beauty arsenal, it's easy to combat winter skin. Keep reading to see my top drugstore picks to help prevent winter dry skin.

Beyonce Inspired New Year's Eve Makeup Look

By now you probably have your plans set for tonight and finally figured out what to wear, but the icing on the cake may yet to be planned out. If you're like me and tend to recreate the same makeup look over and over for nights out, why not leave 2013 with an unexpected twist? Beyonce is the queen of glam, so who better to look to for inspiration? Try recreating the look above by

Holiday Hair Tutorial

Christmas season is usually a time to gather with family and friends you haven't seen in a while and celebrate the season. With all the traveling going on there is a lot of pressure to look you're best. Since Christmas is only a few days away, I've already been working on figuring out the perfect outfit and hairstyle ahead of time. After looking up hair inspiration on Pinterest last week, I decided to do a "test drive" this past weekend. Using the Pantene Pro V hair BB cream, I did ten two strand flat twist going directly back on already stretched hair. I let the twist set in over night and In the morning untwisted the hair. At this time I had a very defined curly fro which could work as a cute style on its own if you want to wear your hair down. In order to get the curly updo look, I took one inch sections in the back and pinned them up going towards the crown of my head. I let the right side hang down, creating an asymmetric curly updo.

xoxo,

Like what you read? Follow Fancy Francy on RSS and Bloglovin so you don’t miss a post!!

Want more Fancy Francy? Be sure to follow on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest

 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

How to highlight and contour your face (Tutorial)

http://youtu.be/iX2nD75rojY?a

Checkout the video above of me demonstrating how to highlight and contour then read my detailed instructions below!

Products Used:

-Maybelline fit me BB Cream in Dark
-Make up Forever Full Coverage
Concealer Shade 18
-Lisi powder blush in "Maldives"
-Sleek Contour kit in Dark
-Revlon Liquid Eyeliner
-Mac "Suspicion" eyeshadow (applied to crease only)
-Mac lipstick "RiRi Woo"

Directions:

Start off with a clean face, apply bb cream or foundation all over the face. I like to use a flat kabuki or dome shaped powder brush.

Next take a small amount of liquid concealer and apply under the eye and all over the eyelid with a fluffy tapered blending brush.

From here, apply the eyeliner of your choosing to the top and lower lashline.

Then get a powder brush and apply blush to the hollows of the cheek (feel free to make a fishy face if it helps).

Using a large fluffy face/powder blush to lightly apply your highlighter color directly above your blush. It's better to start off light and go back to add more if necessary. Once finished, take the excess left on the brush and highlight down the bridge of the nose, center of the forehead, and chin.

Next take your contour color and a tapered face brush or blush brush and lightly apply your contour directly under your blush, carefully following the hollow of your check bones. Once done with both sides, take the excess on the brush and carefully contour the sides of your nose starting from right below the eyebrow to the tip.

From here take an eyeshadow blending brush and apply the dark contour eyeshadow only to the crease of your eyelid. This helps to make the eyes appear larger in a natural and subtle way. Apply mascara to the top and lower lashline once done.

*For a more defined nose contour, take a small fluffy blending brush and apply your contour color to the sides of your nose. Follow up by applying your highlight color to the bridge of your nose again with another small tapered brush.

Apply the bold lipstick of your choosing to add some color (and sass) to the very subtle and natural looking overall face.

And there you have it, a natural looking contour perfect for everyday! Comment below and let me know if you contour certain areas of your face?

xoxo,

Like what you read? Follow Fancy Francy on RSS and Bloglovin so you don’t miss a post!!

Want more Fancy Francy? Be sure to follow on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest

Holiday Hair Inspiration + Giveaway!

December is half way over and the holiday season is in full swing. Preparing for holiday parties and gatherings are fun but stressful at the same time. Coming up with looks for natural hair always requires planning upfront so to try and elevate some of that stress, I like to pick outfits and even hairstyles ahead of time! After searching on Pinterest, I found a few styles that I think would be cute to recreate for the holidays.  



To achieve my style I'm using products from Pantene Pro V. To help spread the holiday cheer, I've teamed up with Pantene Pro V to give one lucky reader, all of the products pictured above! Enter the giveaway below!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xoxo,

Like what you read? Follow Fancy Francy on RSS and Bloglovin so you don’t miss a post!!

Want more Fancy Francy? Be sure to follow on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest

 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Pinterest Inspired DIY Holiday Gifts

As the saying goes, it's the thought that counts and while we are all for DIY gifts, it's great when you can give something that the person will actually use (extra points if it looks so professional you have to tell them it's homemade). After browsing through the inspiration holy grail Pinterest, we came up with two delectable crafts, that are easy to make and perfect for gift giving.

Lavender Fields Body Scrub

Lavender has been said to help with relaxation, so why not give the gift of stress reduction with this lovely DIY scrub. Sea salt scrubs are great for use as all over body scrubs, hand softeners, or spa pedicures.

Ingredients:
- 1/2 Cup sea salt
- 1/4 Cup Jojoba oil or Olive oil
- 3 Drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- 1 Tbsp dried lavender buds

Directions:
- Add jojoba or olive oil to sea salt in a sealable jar.
- Mix in dried lavender buds until the mixture forms the desired texture.
- Add in lavender essential oil drops to create the perfect lavender scented scrub.

Pinterest Inspired DIY Holiday Nails

This season is a great time to show your holiday cheer by painting an easy design on your nails. Expert manicurist Gina Viviano found some fun nail designs on Pinterest and shares her step-by-process for each one just below. Try something new this season and paint your own nail design!

1) http://pinterest.com/pin/179510735120221338/

For this first image, paint nails your favorite Xmas red. I like Pirate by CHANEL. Paint your accent nails white. Let dry completely, one to two hours. Next cut slivers of scotch tape and apply diagonally to your accent nails. Apply red polish, wait 15-20 minute, carefully pull tape and apply topcoat.

2) http://pinterest.com/pin/219409813067676390/

This is a gorgeous, classy take on the French manicure. I love when French’s are done with lighter tips rather than darker. I feel a dark tip can make the nail look heavy. To achieve this look paint nails a rich dark color for impact. Vamp by CHANEL is my ultimate favorite. So high in quality, it covers with one coat. Paint tips gold and apply topcoat to finish.

3) http://pinterest.com/pin/387098530441767886/

For this look, paint nails your favorite Xmas green and let dry one to two hours. Cut strips of masking tape and apply as shown. Paint gold and remove tape after 10-15 minutes. Apply red rhinestone or a dot of red polish at the tip of tree and finish with topcoat. I use Extreme Shine Top Coat by CHANEL.

4) http://pinterest.com/pin/441352832203735172/

For this last look, paint nails white. Try Eastern Light by CHANEL. The formulation is milky, not stark with opaque coverage that doesn't streak. It's a good idea to have your black thread pre cut because you don't want to wait for polish to dry completely. Apply thread while polish is soft, (tweezers are helpful!) and gently push thread into polish just a little. Using a pointed cotton swab, dab on your green and red lights. As always, finish with topcoat.

 

Hope you feel inspired! Comment below and let us know if you plan on trying any of these nail art designs. do you have any holiday designs of your own?!

 

xoxo,

Like what you read? Follow Fancy Francy on RSS and Bloglovin so you don’t miss a post!!

Want more Fancy Francy? Be sure to follow on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest

 

*Credit: Beautypress.com

*Images in this post are not property of Fancy Francy

The Makeup Show Holiday Pop up Shop - NYC Event

The Makeup Show opens its doors to the public at the return of their highly anticipated Holiday Pop-Up Shop on December 7^th and 8^th.   For these two-days consumers and pro makeup artists alike can pick up beauty products offered at steep discounts and get their holiday shopping done for the fashionistas on their list.  Attendees won’t want to forget to pamper themselves too!  Some of the brands will only be offering these discounts exclusively at The Makeup Show Holiday Pop-Up Shop.

Five Nail Colors for Fall

Nail color trends change with the seasons just as much as clothing does. This past summer we showed you five colors to flaunt your fingers in for summer and now we've picked out our favs for Fall. Keep reading to see our top picks for nails this Fall and tips on what to pair them with!

Cocotique Beauty Box Unboxing

Recently I did a review on my Cocotique beauty box after using the products for some time. This month I decided to do an initial unboxing on my YouTube channel to show my first impressions of the products before using them.

Check out the video above to see my thoughts on the latest Cocotique beauty box and leave any questions you have below! Interested in trying Cocotique out for yourself? Use this link to purchase a Cocotique subscription: http://www.cocotique.com/subscribe/the-box and use my code FANDF20  to get 20% off. Also, if you haven't already, be sure to check out my review of my previous Cocotique beauty box.

Have you tried or do you plan on trying this beauty box? What has your past experience with beauty boxes been like?

xoxo,

Like what you read? Follow Fancy Francy on RSS and Bloglovin so you don’t miss a post!!

Want more Fancy Francy? Be sure to follow on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest