Blog | Page 2 of 225 | Makeup By Kim Porter

Brighten Your Look with the Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Lipsticks

May 3, 2016 by Kim S. / Beauty, Giveaways, Makeup Looks / 37 Comments

Although the weather doesn’t really seem like it, but believe it or not, spring is here. Usually, when people think of spring they think of spring-cleaning, but for myself and others in the beauty world spring means new looks using colors that pop! Elizabeth Arden’s Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick line makes it easy to add that perfect pop of color while keeping your lips moisturized.

I’ve set aside my vampy lips in exchange for a fresh-faced look with just a pop of color using the Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick along with their Grand Entrance Mascara.

First up, we have the Beautiful Moisturizing Lipstick in Pink Pink. Normally, I am not a fan of shimmer in lipsticks, I’m either a satin or matte type of girl, but Pink Pink looks nice on me. The blue-toned pink goes well with my skintone.

Wild Berry, when applied looked a lot brighter than what I thought. I love bright lip colors, so that didn’t bother me. This one is actually my favorite.

Valentine is so pretty! I’ve deemed it one of my favorite red lipsticks. My lips look so full and plump when wearing it. I see myself sporting it daily, whether to work or casually on the weekends.

I love wearing orange shades of lipsticks, especially during the summer. I was happy to have received Marigold. It’s a red with more of an orange tone; however, when applied, it looks a bit redder, and not as opaque as the other shades. It’s pretty, but I prefer my lipsticks to have a bit more color.

I love the look and feel of the Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipsticks. They do exactly what they say they will do: keep my lips moisturized and soft. The lipstick has pretty decent staying power, even after drinking a beverage. I also like that Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick, aside from Marigold, applies with full, almost opaque color with one swipe.

How do you update your look for spring?

Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture: Whipping my Hair into Health

April 26, 2016 by Kim S. / Hair Care, Reviews / 31 Comments

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Remember that time when I broke the news about the Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture hair product line? Well, now I am back after putting some of the products into action. I had the opportunity to test out products from both the Curl Enhancing Jamaican Black Castor & Murumuru Oils Collection, and the Smoothing Brassica Seed & Shea Oils Collection.

I started off my hair wash day using the Jamaican Black Castor & Murumuru Oil Pure Clarifying Shampoo with Apple Cider Vinegar($26). Both JBCO and ACV are staples in my hair care routine, especially as a natural hair girl who is working on growing longer, stronger, and healthier hair.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil is dark, raw oil that is rich in Omega-6 fatty acids and Vitamin E. I’ve used the oil alone on my scalp, as a hot oil treatment and on my hairline to help regrow the areas where hair was lost or thinning. Apple Cider Vinegar also has great hair health benefits like balancing the pH levels of the hair and scalp, which can create the perfect environment for hair growth, and it aids in shinier and healthier hair by helping to seal the hair cuticles. If you have dry and itchy scalp, both ingredients are perfect treatments.

I liked seeing the two ingredients combined into this sulfate-free shampoo that created a thick and creamy lather when applied to wet hair. It successfully removed any build-up of product form both my daughter’s and my hair. Fellow natural hair girls know how much product can build-up within a week or two, and the Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Jamaican Black Castor & Murumuru Oil Pure Clarifying Shampoo with ACV does an excellent job of removing the buildup without stripping the hair. Both of our hair was left soft manageable, and tangle-free.

I don’t always blow-dry our hair, but I did get a chance to use the Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Brassica Seed & Shea Oils Silkening Blow Out Crème ($26). The crème has the consistency of lotion, but without the oily or greasy feel. It has a light candy-like scent that quickly dissipates once applied to the hair. I like that it doubles as a heat protectant for those times when I want to wear my hair straight after blow-drying. Plus, the special time-release ingredients aid in extending the life of my straightened hair.

After either of our hair is styled, using the pump dispenser, I’d place a few drops of the Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Brassica Seed & Shea Oils Brassica Seed Oil ($26) into the palms of my hands and work through for added shine, and to help lay down fly-aways. The oil isn’t thick, and doesn’t weigh down our hair. I do find that it works and smells best on freshly washed hair.

I thought I had an HG edge control gel until I used the Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Jamaican Black Castor & Murumuru Oil Edge Control and Shape Paste ($26). This Jamaican Black Castor Oil & Murumuru Edge Control has my edges LAIDT, hunny! I’m not even kidding. Even if my hair isn’t pressed, it gets my edges slick and without the stickiness or buildup. Oh, and there’s no white residue. It’s definitely a product I would repurchase.

So far, I’m loving the products I have from both of the Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture lines. I can’t wait to check out the others. Although it’s too early to tell how well each product is working in helping my hair growth, I’ll continue using them and just wait and see.

The Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Jamaican Black Castor & Murumuru Oil Collection is meant for those with coily or curly hair, while the Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Brassica Seed & Shea Oils Brassica Seed Oil is made for those who heat style their hair. Both collections, along with the other two collections: Coconut and Moringa Oils Collection, and Dream Come True Collection are currently available at your local Sephora or Sephora.com. Prices range between $24-32.

Have you tried any of the products from any of the Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture hair product lines? What are your thoughts?

Trying Something New: LURK Perfume Oils

April 22, 2016 by Kim S. / Fragrance Friday, Reviews / 10 Comments

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My love for perfumes, especially niche fragrances are no secret, which is why I excitedly opted to try out the niche, green fragrance line, LURK.

LURK Perfume Oils are hand poured and blended by founder and perfumer Anne Nelson Sanford. She uses 100% pure essential oils, resins, absolutes, and CO2 extracts infused in certified organic jojoba oil.

Perfume oils are very new to me so I was not quite sure what to expect once I tried out the LURK Perfume Oils for the very first time. I mean, I’ve heard that perfume oils last longer due to the skin’s natural ability to absorb oils better versus fragrances with alcohol, so I guess you can say I went into this thinking I will experience a longer lasting scent. Was my assumption correct? Continue reading to see.

First we’ll begin with LURK TRN V4 is described as a spicy fragrance with Tobacco, NErolig, Bulgarian rose, and Lavender blossom notes. “An intoxicating infusion that is densely layered yet never heavy.”

Being a fan of scents more on the masculine side, I was initially excited about the Tobacco and Neroli notes; however, what sticks out most to me are the floral notes, especially the lavender. It’s not completely disappointing as the florals make it the perfect spring fragrance, but part of me wishes it had more spice.

Next up is LURK NST V7, which is composed of notes of Lotus blossom with Owyhee, fresh citrus, warm Sandalwood and creamy Tuberose.

This one I loved almost immediately, and I know why. LURK NST V7 reminded me so much of one of my favorite Frederic Malle scents, Carnal Flower. It has the same woody notes mixed with tuberose. Although floral, it isn’t overly dainty so a man can get away with wearing it. In fact, this was the LURK oil preferred by my husband, and it smells good on him.

Out of the two LURK perfume oils I’ve tried, the LURK NST V7 one has the most sillage, which is one of the things that are a must for me in a perfume. It isn’t too strong, but it isn’t so light in the sense that you can barely smell it. With the LURK TRN V4, I feel like I have to place my nose directly above the spot to where it was applied in order to get a whiff. Its lightness makes it the perfect fragrance to use after my evening showers.

LURK Perfume Oils are packaged 1/8 oz. glass bottles topped with a round gold cap; simple and elegant. Each bottle comes in cute little muslin bag on which LURK is printed in bold letters. Both oils retail for $55 and can be purchased online at lurkmade.com

Have you tried LURK Perfume Oils?

Top 5 Fragrances I’ve Worn this Past Fall & Winter

April 1, 2016 by Kim S. / Beauty, Fragrance Friday / 29 Comments

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Top 5 Fragrances I’ve Worn this Past Fall & Winter

Spring is here, but the weather hasn’t been warm enough for me to ditch some of the fragrances I’ve had on heavy rotation during the fall and winter months. So before it gets too warm, and I have to switch out the warmer fragrances for something lighter and crisp for the spring and summer, I wanted to share my Top 5 Fragrances worn during this past fall and winter. Maybe you’ll get some inspiration for fragrances to add to your collection for next fall and winter.

Tom Ford Black Orchid (review)

Tom Ford Black Orchid makes a comeback every fall and winter season. I love this scent, especially how delectable is the dry-down into chocolate and berries, and then spice with a little smoke. It’s a very sexy fragrance that’s suitable for a romantic night out on the town.

Top Notes: French jasmine, black truffle, ylang-ylang, black currant and effervescent citrus.

Middle Notes: floral, and spice, Tom Ford’s black orchid

Base Notes: Woodsy notes (patchouli and sandalwood), dark chocolate, incense, amber, vetiver, vanilla and balsam.

Atkinsons Atkinsons Oud Save The King

Atkinsons Oud Save the King was a new addition to my fragrance collection; it was an anniversary present from my husband. First, I love the bottle! How pretty is the gold finish? Although this Oud is a masculine fragrance, a woman who loves masculine scents can definitely wear it. It’s a smooth woody fragrance with a hint of vanilla that is both warm and inviting. I’ve worn this during the day while working my 9-5, and found that it isn’t too heavy for the office. It is also the perfect fragrance for an evening out that will for sure last for hours.
Top Notes: A fusion of earl gray tea and bergamot.

Middle Notes: Orrisroot absolute and suede accords.

Base Notes: Woody mixture of sandalwood and oud.

Serge Lutens La Religieuse

La Religieuse, a unisex fragrance is perfect for the jasmine lover. The dark purple parfum is lush and pleasant. It is a unique, and well-balanced fragrance that does a good job at balancing both light and dark notes that make it an alluring and mysterious scent. The vanilla dry-down make it perfect for wear during winter. It’s both classy enough for work and sexy enough for late night outings. My only riff with this fragrance is the sillage and longevity; Serge Lutens LA RELIGIEUSE doesn’t last very long post spray. I’d say I’d get 2-3 hours of wear before I would have to reapply it.

Notes: Jasmine, Incense, Civet, and Musk

Flora by Gucci Eau de Parfum

Flora by Gucci is one of my favorite feminine scents. Although a floral fragrance, I find that wearing it during the warmer months can morph the fragrance from beautiful to cloying and overwhelming. I think that’s due to the blend of patchouli and sandalwood, which add a bit more depth to the fragrance than what’s needed during the spring and summer. Therefore, I reserve it as my spring to fall transition scent.

Notes: Citrus Accord, Peony, Rose, Osmanthus Flower, Pink Pepper, and Sandalwood.

Odin 09 Posala Odin (Review)

Odin 09 Posala Odin is a beautifully executed floral unisex fragrance. It has the perfect balance of fruitiness, spice and smoke, and becomes warmer at dry-down – think vanilla and amber. Doesn’t it sound yummy? This cozy, comforting and yet sexy fragrance has me reaching for it every fall/winter.

Top notes: Pear blossom and peach.

Middle notes: Jasmine, bourbon vanilla and orange blossom.

Base notes: tobacco, benzoin, black iris and amber.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my favorite fragrances for fall/winter. What were yours? Do you have suggestions for spring/summer fragrances?