Drug Store Driven!

Ok ya'll (my southern draw is coming out)! The following is being brought to you by none other than one of my best homegirls who is totally a drugstore junkie...Deirdre!! And after reading her deals & steals, you can't blame her and don't fault yourself if you begin to have tendancies of being one too!! Here's to Wal-Mart, Rite-Aid, CVS, Walgreens, Target, and all that you can't leave behind! Happy Holidays! xoxo

Dear Drug Store Diva: I have gotten such good advice from you and was wondering if you have any personal favorites when it comes to creating Drug Store Divine-ness. If we looked in your purse, what is in your beauty bag?

A: Well, diva I'm so glad you asked...I have a lot of personal favorites both old and new..My first stop on a search for fabulosity begins at your local Walmart or Target supercenter:

Iman
Their foundations are amazing..They come in an array of colors from nutmeg to warm brown for Sisters of all hues, Clay, Earth and Sand...I use Clay 1

Lipsticks
Sheer Gold is my daywear lipstick Luxury Lip shine: in Glitzy...I use this amazing lip gloss for shimmer on hot nites, when I want to punch my lip color up a notch..Use alone or over another warm gold matte lipgloss for amazing shine

Cleansing Products
Garnier Nutrisse are the new products that I am addicted to. I use the cleansing towelettes for a 1 minute cleansing. No wetting or rinsing required; just sweep off your makeup (including eye gunk) and toss in the receptacle. Then I follow with the Deep pore oil free cleanser. It is fantastic, and is thick not greasy and heavy-duty enough to even remove stage makeup (for any divas out there who have a (ahem) "night job")..ok I'm leaving that alone...lol Last but not least, during the summer months I use the daily regenerating serum...during the winter months my skin becomes drier so I need that extra moisture and umph...I use the Regenerating night cream...and my skin feels as soft as a baby's bottom...
http://www.nutritionist.garnier.ca/en/product.asp?pid=1

Black Radiance
How many of you had an older sister that used Black Radiance and Zuri products back in the day? Well I had older cousins that used these products when they were some of the first products made specifically for African American folks...you know back when Earth, Wind and Fire had just put out "Reasons"...ok thanks for that trip down memory lane..but alas, these old school favorites have re-invented themselves and they are hot, hot, hot...brand new packaging and I encourage you to check out the black radiance line of lip glosses..yum!

Queen Latifah's "Queen collection" by Covergirl
The foundations are all amazing. I use Spicy Brown..and the price? Very little "cha-ching"!

Wet n Wild
Lip Glosses and the new liquid Eyeliners in different hues are affordable and give you a bang for your buck as they will wow you...

Rimmel products
Love, love, love their colored mascaras for hot nights...

Maybelline
The old favorite Great lash is still my old stand by!!

More to come divas. Until then..Stay fabulous! Your drug store diva, Deirdre

Keep Your Eye On The Prize

I've just started wearing eyeliner on both the top and bottom lids. Normally, I wear it on the top lid only; however, I have found that wearing on both lids with a neutral lip color & topping it off with some gloss to get that luscious shine is just darling for the cold winter months. I was freelancing with M.A.C. last night and was so inspired by their mechanical eye pencils. They are waterproof and lasted the whole evening. Oh, and it goes on like a dream! Here are my faves to try:

M.A.C. Technakohl Liners (just ask for the mechanical eye liners)

• Graphblack
• Jade Way (Green)
• Auto-de-blu (navy blue)
• Brownborder

Hope you like them as much as I do...Line It Girl!

Lets Get Luckie!

If you're visiting Atlanta, you have to grab a bite over at The Luckie Lounge. I had the opportunity of joining a friend in celebration of her birthday at this delicious kingdom. The menu consists of anything from burgers to filet mignon and sushi! I guess that's the reason they call it Luckie-cuz you're lucky to get all of this under one roof! The dessert menu wasn't shortstopping either..selections ranging from chocolate mousse to strawberry rhubarb pie and good house made cakes: carrot or coconut to name a few-yummy! Charm is also adjacent to Luckie, having a DJ lounge, magazine rack, and to-go options. Make sure you go and powder your nose because the bathroom is incredible! I never care too much about a restroom in a restaurant as long as it's sanitized, etc. but it is state of the art..you'll see! Located directly across the street from The Georgia Aquarium in a space that once was a former auto parts warehouse off of Luckie St., you'll be coming back for more and feeling luckier every time! http://www.luckiefoodlounge.com/

New MK Limited Edition!

Bella Belara is more than just a
fragrance-it's a beautiful feeling.
Eau de Parfum, $34









High Intensity Colonge
As irresistable as the man who
wears it.
Colonge Spray, $38







Just in time for the holidays!
Lip & Eye palettes are the perfect
stocking stuffer! Eye or Lip
Compact, $18






You can find these products & many others by shopping with MK Beauty Expert: www.marykay.com/jhamb

Q & A: Atlanta Boutiques

Q: Deirdre of Four DEVAS Event Planning, Inc: My relatives are coming in town and I want to take them on an unforgettable shopping excursion. Tell me, are there any boutiques that would be worth our while to check out?

A: Get It Girl Beauty: I'm so glad you asked! Believe it or not, there are a ton of hidden boutiques that are right under your nose located here in the Atlanta area. Housing some of the most mystical, one of a kind pieces in fashion, you'll be sure to wow your relatives. They'll be running back down here for their next visit! Here's the list:

Controversy
Specialty clothing and accessories boutique designed for the fashion-forward female unafraid of flaunting femininity. 230 Auburn Ave Atlanta, GA 30303 Phone: (404) 880-9088

Envy
Popular family owned Little Five Points boutique offering stylish selections for ladies and gentlemen. Accessories are always a hit here! 1143 Euclid Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30307 Phone: (404) 525-3689

Fab’rik
A shop-o-holic's dream, fab'rik delivers high style without attitude or sticker shock. If you've seen it on the runway or the cover of a magazine, chances are you'll find it at fab'rik, but without a hefty price tag. All items are priced under $100, except for their extensive denim collection. 1114 W Peachtree St Atlanta, GA 30309 Phone: (404) 881-8223

Bill Hallman
Featuring 6,000 square feet of unique fashion finds, the store is divvied into browsable sections of menswear, women's clothing, denim duds, vintage threads and footwear. An outstanding source for jeans, T-shirts and party outfits, the store keeps celeb-favored designers like Diesel, Citizens of Humanity, 1921 Jeans, Carpe Denim, G-Star and Hudson in stock. Chic accessories such as sunglasses, wallets, bracelets are by the register. 792 N Highland Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30306 Phone: (404) 876-6055

Sole

Shoe boutique featuring Kenneth Cole, Steve Madden, Franco Sarto, Nine West, & David Aaron to name a few. Beautiful accessories from local designers and HOBO Brand handbags are carried here as well. 1245 Caroline St, Ste 100 Atlanta, GA 30307 Phone: (404) 523-1777

Wish

Featuring cutting-edge labels and limited edition footwear
1140 Euclid Ave. Atlanta, GA 30307 Phone: (404) 880-0402

FRECHE
Owned by a former celebrity stylist, the shop stocks trendy yet classic styles, mostly from L.A. and New York designers. A moderately priced selection--including lines from Jak & Rae, Frenzii, 213, Betsey Johnson, James Jeans, Notice and Beth Bowley--sets it apart from super-expensive Buckhead boutiques. 3145 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30305 Phone: (404) 816-4446

P. Valentine
Open since fall 2005, P. Valentine is the brainchild of Sherlita Patton and Tracy Valentine. This femme fatale duo provides the perfect balance of an out the box feel, with classic conservatism and sheer style. Patton (wife of Antwan “Big Boi” Patton) and Valentine have combined fashion and music to create an atmosphere of funky flair, while attracting a serious A-List following. 572 Edgewood Ave SE Atlanta, GA 30312-1988 Phone: (404) 521-3660

Taste
Great staff and the best denim, going out tops, and accessories. Even if you want to relax and look cute, they've got you. 265 18th St NW Atlanta, GA 30363 Phone: (404) 347-0211

Luna
Luna dresses hippie-chic babes and party-girl vixens in the latest designs by Theory, French Connection, Michael Star, Seven, Free People and the like. Head to the back of the store for a small, but outstanding, selection of boots and heels. Gift ideas are scattered about the store: bath products, makeup, aromatic candles, ornate pillows, coffee table books, jewelry and handbags. 3167 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30305-1812 Phone: (404) 233-5344

Kaleidoscope
The clothing, cut to fit small waists and larger hips, ranges from casual to evening wear. Sizes go up to 16, uncharted territory for most boutiques. The store's collection of chic boots and imported Italian shoes sets off jeans by Joe's, Buffalo, Vitamina and Paper, Denim and Cloth. Purses start at $25, while an evening gown might run $300. 252 W Ponce de Leon Ave Decatur, GA 30030 Phone: (404) 378-1214

Market
Located in a converted grocery store in a strip mall, this boutique carries more than 20 denim lines, including Rock & Republic, Joe's Jeans and Sacred Blues. Tops, sweaters, tees and cord jackets help to complete stylish outfits. Accessories like shoes, jewelry, handbags and belts are on hand too. 2770 Lenox Rd NE Ste 2; Atlanta, GA 30324 Phone: (404) 814-0977

Boogaloos
Boogaloos carries more than 20 name-brand designers and keeps its offerings in the $30-$100 range. Look for names such as Emma Black, To the Max, Seven, Frankie B., Language and French Connection and plenty of casual jeans and pants. Boogaloos' selection of locally designed jewelry abounds, as does its assortment of sequined and beaded handbags. 246 W Ponce De Leon Ave; Decatur, GA 30030 Phone: (404) 373-3237

Lisa Brown Atlanta
Lisa Brown Atlanta is the newest addition to the Atlanta boutique circuit. With a wide array of the most popular brands and styles, this high end boutique has quickly taken the Atlanta suburb Sandy Springs by storm. In addition, Lucky Magazine, Women's Wear Daily, Jezebel Magazine, and Instyle Magazine, have all acknowledged Lisa Brown Atlanta's unique style for dressing women young and old. They offer casual to formal pieces, some classic, some fresh off the runway. Find brands you can't find elsewhere in addition to accessories to make you look and feel your best. 6301 Roswell Rd; Atlanta, GA 30328 Phone: (404) 255-4949

One Palette, A Million Looks

Bobbi Brown has done it again. Now you can get her best selling lip and eye shades in one palette ideal for creating look after look. This 2 tier drawer-like compact gives you 4 lip colors to choose from: Sandwash, Brownie, Rum Raisin, & Raspberry. Followed by an easy pull out row of eye colors: Bone, Wheat, Champagne Truffle, & Espresso. Best sellers. Limited time only. You know what that means-get it today not tomorrow!

Ciao!

Gimme Sum Suga!

Some Sugar Lychee, that is! I stumbled across this while me and my good friend Deirdre were on one of our many beauty outings at the luscious Sephora. Unlike any other, it's amazing. Comprised of bright grapefruit, lotus flower, and undertones of tonka bean (never heard of that) and lovely amber, you're sure to be getting some suga from your sweetie. Enjoy, xo

Mega Metallics

Get the look with Bobbi's NEW Metallics Collection, four chic palettes filled with lux, high-shimmer shadows that stay crease-free for all day wear. Shades wearable for any skin tone available exclusively in these palettes. Priced at $45. Just in time for fall so get yours now! As you can see they're hot and guaranteed not to last!

Velvet Plum Burnt Sugar

Forest Midnight

Carol's Daughter

Check out The Tyra Show tomorrow as Carol's Daughter will be the scheduled topic. Looks like they are going to be stirring something up!

How To: Smokey Eyes

Here's a great video I came across on how to achieve the smokey eye in 5 minutes!


















Get It Smokey Girl!

Fall Lips

So the look for fall is BOLD, RED lips. Here are a few that will make your face go PoP!

Chanel

Fire

Lover

CoCo Red

Nars

Heat Wave

Jungle Red

M.A.C.

Lady Danger

Lady Bug

Russian Red

Dubonnet

Eager

Glam

MAC Red
Ruby Woo

Giorgio Armani

Matte Silk Lipstick #9

Armanisilk Lipstick #'s 10 & 12

Stila

Michaela

Mary Kay

Red Salsa

Make Up For Ever

*Hollywood Red

*Blue Red

*Orange Red

*Fluorescent Blue Pink

*Fluorescent Orange Pink

*Cherry Red
Intense Red

Vincent Longo

Fore-Plush

La Prima

Hottie

Ouch

*denotes lip lacquer

Here's to many fall kisses...MUAAAAH!!

NATURAL Glamour

It's been a very long time since I've purchased Glamour. The latest issue features a discussion- "Do's & Don'ts of Corporate Fashion," which advises readers to use Kimble leave-in conditioner, along with a flat iron, followed by a curling iron with spritzer, topped off with some extensions to achieve "Mary J. Bilge's loose beautiful curls." Of course the Glamour editor who is conveniently unidentified, presents a slide show to a New York law firm as her way of shedding some light on the topic according to this month's American Lawyer magazine.

"First slide: an African American woman sporting an Afro. A real no-no, announced the 'Glamour' editor to the 40 or so lawyers in the room. As for dreadlocks: How truly dreadful! The style maven said it was 'shocking' that some people still think it 'appropriate' to wear those hairstyles at the office. 'No offense,' she sniffed, but those 'political' hairstyles really have to go."

Mark Walker, managing partner of the law firm Cleary Gottlieb's who wasn't at the lady luncheon, attempts to end this pleasantly by sending everyone an email pointing out the stupidity of the Glamour editor and fashion magazines:

"As for the identity of the editor, neither Cleary Gottlieb nor Conde' Nast Publications Inc. (publisher of 'Glamour') would say. Indeed, almost all of the half-dozen 'Glamour' editors contacted for this story professed not to have ever set foot in a law firm. 'Clearly what?' asked several. And Walker states he has no idea whether the editor who sparked all the controversy is a well-known fashionista. In fact he adds, 'I really don't know people in the fashion industry.'

Wow, speaking from experience and the fact that I sport a huge afro and have been for the last 4 years or so in the corporate world, seems to get over fine nowadays. However, that wasn't the case a few years ago. At one point early in my career, it did take a long time for me to land a position. I sought out advice from my friends and family and they did ask me did I think it was because of my hair that I wasn't getting hired? I said of course not but took into consideration what they were conveying. I decided to wear a wig to an interview and to my surprise, I got that job! A few weeks into the position I took that cap of a wig off, and showed off my natural tresses. My boss and a few of my co-workers approached me asking, "why didn't you wear your hair like this during your interview?" I thought, "are you kidding me?" What I really wanted to say was, "If I did wear my afro, would I even be standing here today having this conversation with you?"

Is this what it's really coming to? It doesn't matter anymore if you have twelve degrees to qualify for the job, you have to be in the image and likeness of fried straight hair, curled hard, with split ends, drizzled down with a fruit scented holding spray? Why should it matter when you look at the African American woman in your office that's wearing her beautiful crown and manages to get the job done not enough for you to be satisfied? Funny, because if the unidentified editor felt that her opinion was right on, why is she choosing to remain anonymous?

Years ago, there weren't as many African American women wearing their natural hair as there are today. We've come a long way and it's a beautiful thing! As always said, what was in the beginning, shall be in the end.

Hot Off The Press Beauty

It's been a long ole time! Needless to say, I'm back and ready to get to it! Here's some beauty newness for you:

*Supermodel Alek Wek will release her new book August 28th entitled 'Alek: From Sudanese Refugee to International Supermodel'...A definite must have!

*Bulgari will be launching a skincare line in Italy that's set to be out mid October. Not sure when it will sweep into the U.S.

*Keisha Nash-Whitaker and celebrity makeup artist AJ Crimson are joining forces to launch a set of lip glosses called Kissable Coutoure

*Benefit has released a face brightening primer-"That Gal" Use this to help your foundation glide on easier.

*Whipped Body Delights available at Sephora. These skin-smoothing body butters are enriched with Shea, Avocado, and Mango Seed butters. Available in four assorted buttery delicious flavors!

*Lancome Courbe Virtuose Divine Lasting Curves Mascara (wooh, that's a loooong name) has an eyelash curler effect mascara that's noted to last up to 12 hours!

Get Your MAC On

Last week, MAC did a live chat with Eve and her personal makeup artist, JJ. There were countless blogs that posted the conversation. Here's what I got out of it that stood out the most:

1. Golden Bronze Loose Powder..gets you that fresh, glowy highlight. Use powder brush 150 when applying.



2. JJ's favorite brushes: 252 & 224



3. Bang on Blue..great eyeshadow, mix with electric eel for a royal blue treat!



4. On the daily: Smoulder eye pencil & Golden Bronze Powder



5. Mascara application: Fibre Rich Mascara and then apply Mascara X for thickening & lengthening lashes



6. Favorite lip gloss of the collection: She-Boom lipgelee



7. Best lashes: #7



8. Face & Body Tint..uses at night for the deifinite dewy, flawless look. Apply with fingers or a sponge



9. Perfect nude lip pencil: Subculture

Until next time pretty chicas!

Set the Foundation

During this time of year, my skin color changes. It gets darker of course and my foundation is not the perfect wintery shade I've been using pretty much up until now. Below, I've listed a few brands of foundation with the first 2 being the ones I frequently use:

• Mary Kay Medium Coverage Foundation Shade 500
• Ben Nye Loose Powder in Sienna

Top 3 to try:

• Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
• Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation
• MAC Face & Body

So I've made it a point that's long overdue to go out and try some new foundations to see what other coverages will work best! Also, I've heard a lot about foundation primer and wondering if there's really a difference using that? Does primer lift shine or should a matte foundation be used? For those of you out there, please feel free to leave a comment with your favorite brand(s) of foundation!

Ciao Bellas!

BET BEAUTY

Eva the Diva is Soft, Summery, & Glossy!

Space Invading Beyonce..the metallic belt is fly!

Shimmering Ri-Ri looks oh so classic in white!

MAKEUP SHOW 2008!

This just in: Amanda Levine over at The Makeup Show placed this in my inbox today. So mark your calenders and get ready for the best Makeup Show around..YaYaY!! I heard this year's was better than the first one which was held back in May, 2006. And they've added another location, Miami-yummy! So you know it's just going to keep getting better and better!! I can't wait!

Make it up girl~

The Makeup Show is excited to announce The Makeup Show Miami, February 24th & 25th at The Miami Beach Convention Center.
An intimate show with a real sense of community and artistic energy, The Makeup Show Miami will bring a pro-driven legion of beauty and fashion professionals to the shores of South Beach in Winter 2008.

Examining cosmetic applications of technique and style with hands-on workshops, seminars and keynote presentations, the Miami show will have an increased focus on beauty and tanning applications for the body and will celebrate Latin influence, including bi-lingual events.
Be part of the makeup artist’s community as you network with the foremost names in the business, meet your peers and discover new products. M.A.C, Stila, Crown Brush, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, Auraline, Lord & Berry and Temptu to name a few will be joining us in Miami .

For those of you who joined us last year in NYC, thank you for helping to make The Makeup Show NYC 2007 such a huge success! We are so pleased that you were with us in our second year and hope you’ll be joining us again on May 18 & 19 2008 in NYC.
M.A.C, Stila, Shu Uemura, Face Atelier, Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, Make Up For Ever, Three Custom Color, A. Design, Awake & BECCA Cosmetics are just a few of the companies that will be joining us again in NYC next year. http://themakeupshow.com/

The Weekend

Well the weekend was a great one! I went out to dinner yesterday afternoon with a homegirl who loves makeup just like me self! P.F. Chang's China Bistro was the spot we decided to hit up and it was d-lish! The crab wontons were our choice for the appetizer. Following came our entrees' in which she had the Seseme Chicken and I, the Eggplant with a spicy, garlic sauce. Both dishes came with either white or brown rice so we opted for the brown! Just trying to keep it on the healthy side and it was a splendid choice indeed! :) Although the meals were light and just perfect we did decide to be bad and order the Banana Spring Rolls for dessert! This dessert is becoming a staple for me to get when I go to this restaurant. Can't seem to leave without having this to finish off my visit! You will love it! It comes with six warm crispy bites filled with firm, warm, bananas, a scoop of this amazing coconut pineapple ice cream, and drizzled with caramel and vanilla sauces-absolutley divine! When you go, you'll have to try it girl!!

After letting our food digest, we finally headed to the mall that's pretty much across the street from the restaurant. We were on the hunt for some summer frangrances. Our first stop was Nordstrom where we hung out at the Laura Mercier counter for about 15 minutes. The girl whom I was with works for Laura and I knew this line was nice but I finally took the time out to see why! The eyeshadows have wonderful pigment although they are $20-which isn't too bad; however, I may pick up one every now and then. What stood out to me though was her Vanille Gourmande frangrance that you'll find in their Body & Bath section of the line. I think what makes it differ from other vanilla frangrances on the market is its infusion of vanilla liqueur, heliotrope, daylily, bourbon vanilla, sandalwood, amber, and other captivating essences. Hmm..yes, smells good enough to eat!

After leaving Nordstrom, we made a stop over to the lovely Sephora. All I can say is OMG! Have you smelled Narcisco Rodriguez!?!?! This frangrance is oh so delicious! Ok, I know this scent has been out for a while and I believe I first came across it while running through Bloomingdale's. You know how they try and flag you down to smell & sample everything-yeah! Anywho, if you haven't added this to your personal collection, do so immediately! It's also available in a musc and an oil! Um can we say how womanly, head turning, and stop a man in his tracks you'll be on a summer evening as you stroll through the town? I promise you everyone will want to know what you're wearing. Yes, it's like that! Go, get, & spray it girl!!!

Oh, I don't want to forget these few notables I scooped up at The MAC Store: Nail lacquer in Lovin' Pink, and eyeshadows in Paradisco, a light peachy color that you could use for bronzing the cheeks as well, and Tempting, which has a rich gold flava that goes with just about everything this summer. http://www.maccosmetics.com/

Until next time, Enjoy!

Stephanie

Greetings

Welcome to GET IT GIRL BEAUTY! G.I.G.B. will provide you with the latest on the current beauty trends, product reviews & deals, and makeup application tips! I'll throw in a little something something regarding food from time to time, i.e. restaurant faves, recipes, and what I'm eating or have come across! Simply because I like to look good and eat-who doesn't!?!

I'm so excited! After reading countless blogs that I've fallen in love with, I've decided to start my own! My name is Stephanie. I'm originally from Chicago; however, I've been residing in Atlanta, GA for the past 7 years. My background includes modeling, being a licensed esthetician, makeup artistry, and unfortunately corporate america. Yes..I've been doing office administration work off and on since as early as 1998! I've recently made the decision to channel my energies into what I am most passionate about-makeup artistry! I've been into makeup since I can remember and for some reason always shyed away when I thought of it as a career move. I guess I was a little nervous or 'scurred'. Not anymore! I'm doing what I love in my spare time which will turn into all the time very soon! Enough about me! Get ready to look your best! Stayed tuned for my first entry because here is where you'll be in the know as you GET IT GIRL!

Ciao! Stephanie