Revlon Runway Professional Eyelashes

Last Friday, I had the perfect opportunity to play up my eyes with lashes. We were invited to a wedding!!! For evening glam, I chose the REVLON Runway Professional Lashes #91202/Smokey Glamour. /$6 to $7 at Walgreens.

Each box has step by step directions for usage (application AND removal). I loved the vampy plush thickness of these lashes (think Kim Kardashian or Jennifer Lopez). The lashes criss-cross each other which make them appear dark and dense. The band itself is pretty thick which made placement a bit harder but once I put on eyeliner, it helped define my eye even more. Of course, I used the REVLON Precision Lash Adhesive for super easy application/$5 at drugstores. (Deets and review coming soon). Despite the sturdy strip, the lashes are really light. Another perk is the eco-friendly packaging.


My only concern was that throughout the night, the lash was a bit uncomfortable depending on how I moved my eye. I've never had a problem with any other strip lash I've used. I may have to wear these again but I won't wait for an 'event'...a bright spring day will do.

(This blog is a personal blog that I write and edit myself for informational purposes only. I purchase all products mentioned on BLACKswan Beauty for review unless otherwise mentioned. However, the blog accepts promotional products and services which do not influence my opinion, review, nor input for posting (no third party influences).

The Jimmy Choo 24:7 Collection

Planning on jet-setting abroad anytime soon? First class travel merits luxury accessories like the JIMMY CHOO 24:7 Bags Collection.

The collection is the for the sophisticate who prefers timeless pieces. It features quite the variety in styles: messenger bags, carry-ons, laptop covers, luggage tags, roomy totes, iPhone and passport covers to name a few. (Whew!) And since I'm B.I.G. on textures, I like the assortment in finishes: glossy patents, mock croc, and ultra-soft calfskin. My favorites include the crackled leather Rafael Travel/$2,995 and the animal print on The Terrance/$4,995 (peep the leopard interior).

These bags and accessories are embossed with the JIMMY CHOO stamp of quality and style...perfect for the modern woman. To review the entire collection, click here.

Spring 2011 Color Trends

Color is what spring is about. Vibrant, crank-up-the volume color transforms everything around us especially in beauty and fashion. Here are some of the hottest hues right now...

PINK: Honeysuckle showed up on the runways abroad. It is THE pink shade of the year. Be daring and pair it with other brights or tone it down with neutrals like sand, beige or khaki that won't compete. Add it to your beauty routine with a bold lip. The color actually lights up your face. Try PAUL & JOE Lipstick in Poppy/$20.

CHARTREUSE: Citrus is quite refreshing on a warm day. Brighter tones pop against dark complexions and deeper muddier versions are pretty on fair skin. Add some sunshine to your eyes with a pop of eye color on G.N.O. One of my favorites is Bitter from MAC Cosmetics/$14.

TURQUOISE: This tropical blue is a spring/summer staple. It's perfect with contrasting or nude accessories! Mimic runway trends by wearing a solid wash of the aquatic color as pictured. For eyes, I like MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Turquoise 4/$20. Use as a cream shadow or rim the lower lash line for a eye-brightening look that lasts all day.

Other fun colors for spring include tangerine orange, purple and cobalt! These colors can rev up any ensemble or accent your beauty look. For makeup application be sure to find the right tone for your skin and focus on one feature with bright shades. Go ahead, explore the rainbow!

(Source and Photos: Polyvore.com, InStyle.com; Vogue)

June Ambrose Turban Launch

After sporting the look for quite some time, style maven, JUNE AMBROSE, has launched her own line of head wraps. The trendy line mirrors her signature look precisely. The collection features thirteen wraps ranging from $125 to $150 with luxurious fabrics, an array of jewel tones and eye-catching patterns. I discovered this while browsing through the May 2011 Ebony Magazine. JUNE gives a mini-tutorial on how to rock your wrap right, makeup and all!

Beauty Bar: JUNE recommends look #5 for Sunday Brunch -- the warm orange lip pops against the cool green tones. Try REVLON Moon Drops Creme Lipstick in Orange Flip/$9 or FASHION FAIR Lipstick in Burnt Almond/$15 (color swatch is MUCH darker than actual shade) with MAC Mahogany Lip Pencil/$13. Add a side bang for softness and full femininity.

The turban trend goes beyond coping with a bad hair day. It's fearless, fashionable and fit for any occasion. Order yours at JuneAmbrose.bigcartel.com.

(Source: Ebony Magazine May 2011.)

What's Your Lingerie Style?

Your intimate apparel reveals more about you than you may think. I recently went shopping for two bridal gifts and couldn't resist browsing in the bra and panty section for myself. It took a lot of discipline to put back the unmentionables selected for me but I did. I love everything about undies -- the color, fabric, details and design. I believe what lies beneath speaks volumes about your personality. Take a peek inside your lingerie drawer. Do you prefer: Touches of black silk or satin? Flirty feminine florals, dots, and prints? Matching bra and panty sets with detailed lace? Soft cotton boy shorts and tanks?

Yep, I've been smitten with undies forever. I like it all including the ensemble above from http://www.hanrousa.com/ from the Luxury Moments Collection. Highly comfortable lace lingerie that boasts a perfect fit (bra/$98 and panty/$58). I also adore the budget friendly Simply Vera Vera Wang Intimates Collection at KOHLS (thong/$12 and bra/$36).

GO TO GUIDE: For petite bras, try http://www.thelittlebracompany.com/ as seen in InStyle (sizes from 26AA). Buxom beauties can shop online at http://www.figleaves.com/ -- stocks bras in up to 56K and undies in size 24. For a variety, click on to journelle.com -- Hanky Panky, Elle McPhearson Intimates and Natori are a few of the lingerie designers. For your next pin-up shoot with BLACKswan Beauty, be sure to visit thousanddancers.com for the ruffled bloomers and high-waisted briefs.

(Post inspired by PeopleStyleWatch/Feb 2011)

Lash Out with Revlon Fantasy Lengths

I received a promo package from REVLON with false eyelashes and artificial nails the other day. I usually wear lashes on special occasions, but with this assortment, I figured I should go glam for the day. The Fantasy Lengths Maximum Self Adhesive Lashes/Intensifying immediately got my attention because I didn't need to fumble with gooey glue. Yep, that's what sold me. Pros (and cons) as follows:

• Latex free -- perfect for those with sensitive eyes or allergies.


• Includes extra adhesive strips.


• Contains an eye-shaped applicator to ensure placement and precise instructions.


• The adhesive is waterproof.


• The band adheres to the lash line without popping up at the corners.


• Felt weightless -- nice and light.


• These did not blend well with my lashes -- too long for my shorter lashes.


• The lashes looked thick in the package but I felt they were too wispy.

Overall, I actually liked the way I looked with these lashes (although I look tired). I added some mascara and felt my eyes looked pretty. I especially loved the way the lashes fanned out. (Pictured above: pack of lashes, applicator, without lashes, front view and side view.)

This blog is a personal blog that I write and edit myself for informational purposes only. I purchase all products mentioned on BLACKswan Beauty for review unless otherwise mentioned. However, the blog accepts promotional product and services which do not influence my opinion, review or input for posting (no third party influences).