I will be my own judge!

Makeup Your Swimsuit

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Yaya) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 04:08:00 +0000

The day is upon us to hit the sandy shores of the beaches around us (or a flight away). Actually, if you're more of a 'glass half empty' person, the days are dwindling, and we are wasting time at our computers (unless you're the smarty pants reading on a gadget while sprawled out on a beach chair).

Various publications are clamoring for us to learn about which bathing suits are new and fresh, and which patterns are the hottest. The best part to it all is the advent of mixing and matching bathing suits. Originally, the concept was set forth to accommodate the different shapes of consumers (I mean really - who has a perfect combination of identical sized tops and bottoms?!), now it is perfect for renewing your swimwear the same way you would your closet (as is recommended for thrifty guys and gals).

I've seen people sport a solid complimentary top to their print bottom (or vice versa), and even less often have I seen two similarly colored patterned pieces together. At the end of the day, though I'm all for it, I can't seem to muster up the guts to mix up my swimsuit. Celebs Audrina Patridge and Megan Fox have no fear when it comes to their suits. It just feels like I have on two different patterned socks in kindergarten and someone is laughing at me. Just me?

Do you mix and match?

Versace Menswear Trends

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Yaya) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 20:14:00 +0000

The Versace menswear runway was ripe with green lights for trends in menswear that were once considered strictly for females.The pastel suit above isn't really new, but the tailoring and monochromatic styling is definitely current. The neutral tone accents work perfectly with the outfit and would compliment any skin tone (the yellow is also ideal to bring out a tan!).Enter the high-waist pant. I smell trouble for this, considering that there is different packaging on the guys vs. the gals. Thoughts?Last but not least, my favorite bright color pairing! The vibrant pink and orange duo has been famous for years now, and doesn't look too shabby on a fella (although this is way brighter than on a female, when taking into account the fact that sleeves and full length pants hold lots more fabric than a minidress).

Manly Colors

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Yaya) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:12:00 +0000

[It seems to be natural for my scheduled posts to boycott just when I need them. The following will be posts that got cold feet and never launched!]Milan Fashion Week continued with my favorite conundrum. How much color is allowed in menswear? Do they get the full spectrum of the color wheel, or are there limits?While I am a huge supporter of all things bright, you can see from the below posts that even I have to draw the line somewhere (namely floral patterns). A bright neon pant or a lavender blazer though? That's still macho enough for me.
Do you know males who aren't shy with colors?

Milan Fashion Week - Colorful Males

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Yaya) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:05:00 +0000

Milan Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2012 is going full steam ahead, just as the first days of summer are registering on the calendars. The front rows for the shows seem to be more star studded than New York Fashion Week (and I'm surprised because it's all the US people taking up the seats!).

The men's shows are nothing new in the realms of structure and sewing techniques. If you ever doubt the dependable nature of a man, don't doubt the menswear. From button downs to blazer, every tuck is in the right place for perfect draping. Once there, the standout becomes the styling and pairing of the outfit with (or without) accessories... and color!As you may have found out through several rants about the love of color, yours truly is a fan. Make it bright and it's all right. But on men? I can dig a pink shirt or pastels, but when the fellas start encroaching on floral territory, or pairing on trend hues straight from the girly racks, my eyebrows head upwards. Designer Enrico Coveri's collection was decked out with the best of the best sun-kissed colors and (tastefully) bright pairings.I'm just not sure I'm sold on a guy in floral pants. The above paisley and graphic linear prints in vibrant colors (or the pairing of khaki and coral) are a great infusion of fashion into what is normally seen as drab navy and browns of the menswear, but florals? Verdict is still out.

Image credit: Zimbio

Barr + Barr Sample Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Yaya) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 22:57:00 +0000

While I was overjoyed for Gertrude who won the Barr + Barr giveaway, nothing would make me happier than to own one for myself. Perfect timing for wishes as their sample sale is coming up. What beats owning a luxury handbag? Getting it for half off or more! If you're from New York, or the surrounding area, you better believe I'll be seeing you there!

NYC Pride

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Yaya) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 17:21:00 +0000

Drugstore madness continues! I snagged a couple of the new colors from the New York Color spring collection. They have a cohesive mix of brights, pastels, and on trend colors.There's something about living in New York that gives the inhabitants so much pride. The atmosphere is always buzzing and there isn't much to keep you sedentary in this city. It doesn't matter if you were born here or if you moved here, the love just grows with time. It's partly this mentality that makes me happy to be a patron of all products named after my favorite city. It also helps if the products rock.

As I have mentioned before, drugstore brands are doing serious overhauls of their brands, New York Color included. Their new colors are much more no nonsense than their predecessors, with thicker polish formulation, and less shimmer filled spectrums - and more pure color. The bottles look pretty fancy too. The price though, remains the same.

Have you checked these out yet?

Pixie Lott - Lipsy SS11 Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Yaya) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:50:00 +0000

As I continue my quest to dominate my closet with colors brighter than the last, the photos of the new spring and summer Lipsy collection designed by Pixie Lott repeat in my head. The collection features a lot of whites, brights and floral patterns, making it known that the three trends are warm weather mainstays.

If you're curious how the pairing came about, and what it took to create the collection, click over to Pixie's webisodes chronicling the events from start to launch here.

What's your summer wardrobe looking like?

(Wet n') Wild About Blush (b' Bronzer)

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Yaya) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 03:39:00 +0000

Call me the budding drugstore maven, because I have been converted to the land of the under $10 cosmetics. I have some things brewing in the background awaiting the curtains to rise and there is just no room to play around with money and beauty like there used to be (though even then I had no business spending the way I did). Add that to the fact that cosmetics companies have become very cognizant of the fact that customers want quality, pigment, and they want it with a coupon. What better place to do that than a drugstore? Even if the brand doesn't issue coupons, there are always deals and specials to hook you.I spent some time getting reacquainted with Wet n' Wild cosmetics. I was already aware of the new lipsticks (which continue to pack a punch might I add - check my older post about them here), but sinfully overlooked their blushes and eyeshadows for a while. Well, my most recent run for milk and soda gave me reason to bring some home with me. I snagged three blushes and a bronzer (and for less than five dollars a pop, you really can get away with buying the whole collection with change to spare). As I set forth to photograph and test the newbies in my arsenal, I couldn't resist toppling them like dominoes (the photos do the gameplay absolutely no justice!).The variety of shades are great for different skin tones and color payoff desires (i.e. if you're a plum/coral/pink fan).

These powdered gals are great for layering. They went on pretty thin with one swipe and I was worried that hoodwinked, but then a second and third swipe gave priceless payoff. Not to mention, the 80s have been gone for a while, and no one needs the pigmentation three swipes deliver (though it's good to know it's a possibility). The photographs are also a bit different in coloring because the right was taken with flash (and is the true to life color).

You can see by the veins that peek through on my hand that despite layering, the colors don't morph into war paint and become opaque. I had an easy time blending the colors on my hand, so one can only assume it'll be the same on your face.

Tip: to maintain an even blush/bronzer application, make sure you moisturize your skin and then provide a primer/foundation layer for it to go on top of. The moisturizer will keep your skin moist and prevent drying-cracking mishaps, and the primer (or foundation) will create an even barrier between the powder and your skin, preventing blotchiness and allowing for a smooth blending process.

Have you found any drugstore gems recently?

Kolor Me Kardashian

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Yaya) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 17:04:00 +0000

Kim Kardashian is infamous for stellar red carpet ensembles, but her makeup has often been one note, in that it normally consists of sky high lashes, bronzer, and a smokey eye.

Photo Credit: HotCelebsHome

The media darling sashayed down the red carpet for the Glamour Women of the Year Awards in a subdued look (though with a killer dress as always). While the lashes are threatening to take flight as always, there is far less bronzer or eye shadow present. Just even coverage and the softest peach/coral blush. Call me a fan.
Any favorites?

Barr + Barr Winner Announced!

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Yaya) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 06:17:00 +0000

Congratulations Gertrude! Thank you to everyone who logged on to Facebook to enter the handbag giveaway! There will be more giveaways coming soon!

Gray the H&M Way

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Yaya) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:54:00 +0000

The new H&M polishes are bigger in size and offer more support and surface area for those with adult digits. I grabbed a couple of colors and am using this time of post-cold to catch up with images and posts. Being able to breathe through your nose is fantastic y'all. Left image is without flash and right is with flash. I have an endless appreciation for these polishes (and all other polishes who do this) because of their flawless carryover from color delivery at first look to different lighting. That and I have a thing for 90 degree angles on polishes!

What do you think? Have you tried any?

Colors Mandatory in Resort 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Yaya) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 17:14:00 +0000

Summer Fridays may be official starting today, but fashion is in overdrive as always. The Resort 2012 collections (yes 2012) are debuting some bright colors. It seems like across the board, clothing requirements are: lightweight airy fabrics and cuts, bright or pastel colors, hats and sunglasses. Makeup? Optional. A bright lip made a guest appearance here and there, but suffice it to say, a vacation requires little work.

Photo Credit: Style.com Graphics Courtesy of: MyOwnJudge.net

Which collections caught your eye?

Respect the OG

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Yaya) — Fri, 27 May 2011 21:41:00 +0000

When I was younger, I would also try to prove to my mother how great the evolution of fashion made the youth, and how much more knowledge we possessed. As I grew up, I realized that the situation was out of my reach. I was talking foolishness to the Original Gangsters (fashionwise at least) and trying to claim the youth played a part in reinventing the wheel. Now I know that everything I get excited about has already come full circle in the cycle that is trending, and even all the new concepts pay homage to predecessors.

Image Credit: Zimbio

So it was to no surprise of mine when I spotted pictures of Diane Keaton walking the streets of New York reprising her Annie Hall wardrobe, high waist wide leg pants and turtle neck belted just right. But what was this? Do I spy no one (not two), but three leopard print bangles? (looks a lot like Dannijo) And is that a contrasting red clutch with an uber cute (and super popular Kate Spade Large Dots iPhone case?). Yes, indeed I did. And it just reminded me - she's an OG and we're the students. Let's all tip a hat to ~~Annie~~ err... Diane!

p.s. Her walk and shots came out as though intended for a personal style blog!

More Forever 21...

Lip Service

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Yaya) — Fri, 27 May 2011 09:46:00 +0000

The magazines and websites are ablaze with lip colors that are trending this season. The truth of the matter is that anything bright is on par with the trends. The standout colors shouldn't be too surprising, as they always peek their heads out as soon as the sun comes out to play for real. Case in point: orange and pink. A newcomer to the popular table is the lilac and purple lipstick. Let's blame it on the gals who take the stage in costumes your mother would never advise you wear. As far as the red - well that one never goes out of style. A bright red lip is a bad-mamajama all year, come rain sleet or snow (and unlike the postal service, it doesn't take days off).

I love the orange trend the most because a lot of the times it comes off as a red depending on what shade you get it in, and how you wear it, and it makes your teeth look brighter than your toothpaste ever could. Though I have favorite lipsticks for all of the shades, the hands down winner is the selection of colors by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics with their Lip Tars. The best thing with them is that you can even mix them to customize your own color.

p.s. I had to add a celebrity example in a variety of skin tones because I don't want to hear anyone say the color doesn't look good on their skin. Retire that mindset!

Which color tickles your fancy the most?

More Yves Saint Laurent...

Kiss A Mani

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Yaya) — Thu, 26 May 2011 15:16:00 +0000

Being that I just wrapped up my final exams, you could rightfully expect my nails to be on the.. well... mend. It seems that though my nail biting habit went out the door, the presence of exams and wanting to do well and just be over with the madness - well that brought the chompers and the nails together again.

Thankfully, I had a product to review that would save me from the mess. As a side note, let me just say it's not that I dislike the look of short nails (okay maybe I kind of do), but it's the feeling! It feels so awkward to have a newly short nail when I touch things, it's almost like it was never meant to feel like that (does that make sense or is that just me?).

Kiss Everlasting Nails were patiently waiting for me to have an aha moment and break them out. Now, I'm pretty familiar with how the faux nails work by now, are you? It's a simple pick the nail, use the glue, and voila process. I'm sure if the package had a voice it'd be just waiting to say "I told you so" after everything was over.The changes? Let's call them updates. The nails come with application tabs, and though that may seem like nothing special, consider the fact that the other nails that have numbers on the back of each nail are tiny, and usually blend in with the nail, and then deciphering if it's a 6 or a 9 is a pain (and you always end up needing those two sizes!!). It's also just easier overall because it's right there before your eyes. Simple and efficient. I was also digging the short size, because my nail beds aren't as long as I would've like them to be and most nails are a little too long for comfort (especially when logging time behind a computer screen or using a touch screen phone - both a constant in my life!).The other thing that I noticed with these is that I had almost no - I'm talking 1 out of 10, nails with glue related bubbles under the nails. I had a problem with making it look spiffy on my thumb but my other nails came out darn near flawless (even if I say so myself). That's not an easy feat for nails that have a clear or almost clear majority.Removing the tabs is easy, fold them all down (learning from experience, folding up messes with the nail) and file the remainder.There are small chips from the remainders of the tabs that need to be filed off. If you have a mosquito bite or an itch, keep these on for some instant relief and then file off promptly thereafter.
File in an underneath type of motion. This will keep the nail file from scratching your nail design and handle the excess from the back of the nail.Ta da! I tried to spiffy up my mani a bit with some leftover
Kissstickers from past holidays (it's kind of like being green - as well as removing clutter in my house!)I kept it simple with just one sticker on my ring finger, and topped it with a clear polish to secure it.

Thoughts?

Disclaimer: This productwas sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on MOJ remain unbiased and unpaid. For more info, feel free to contact the author.

Pop the Cork!

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Yaya) — Wed, 25 May 2011 17:23:00 +0000

The cork trend has been weaving in and out of spring arrivals (and has been sticking around for summer) for several years now. Every single year there is another brand jumping on the wagon and allowing for more choices.

Sure the cork trend is cute, but you can't just glue your wine bottle corks together and walk on 'em right? This year has embraced the cork and it has come in various shapes and sizes. It even got the red sole treatment (in different variations too)!

Cork shoes and accessories are perfect for warmer weather due to their light weight and casual feel. Depending on what material and color is used along with the product, you can wear it into the night. The neutral coloring of the cork blends well with all skin tones and all outfits. Dress it up with bright color accessories, clothing, or makeup. It really serves as a blank canvas for you to work your creative side. I'd love to see y'all display some royal blue toesies peeping out of a cork sandal, or a neon green tank with a cork clutch. You can even match up the accessories in shoes, handbags, and jewelry without it going too overboard. When the trend is over and you stop feeling the style, remember you can just use pushpins in 'em and have stylish paperweights. :)

Sandals by Donald J Pliner
Clutches at National Jean Co.

Thoughts?

You Can Find Me At The...

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Yaya) — Wed, 25 May 2011 14:44:00 +0000

Spring showers and May flowers also bring with them the warm comfort of leaving your house more frequently than you did the last couple of months. So it's no surprise that events are starting to pop up everywhere. Today and tomorrow, StyleFixx will be hosting an event in Manhattan where attendees can shop, drink, and be merry. I'm using the event as a way to meet up with a college friend I haven't seen in years (though we live in the same city!), and wanted to give everyone a heads up so that maybe we can meet there too.

To check out a list of the vendors present or past shows click here. Not in NY? They have shows touring the states in locations like Boston, Washington DC, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Will I see you there?

Giveaway Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Yaya) — Sat, 21 May 2011 00:06:00 +0000

Barr + Barr handbags are embarking on their second decade of producing quality handbags with handwoven details among many other standout features. Helen Barr, brand designer and owner uses her fine arts degrees to create memorable designs in both construction and aesthetics. The brand's success and popularity earned them a spot on the Home Shopping Network's (HSN) roster.

The brand has been kind enough to provide fans of MyOwnJudge a luxury handbag (retails for $279). Excited?!

To enter:
-'Like' MyOwnJudge on Facebook.
-'Like' Barr + Barr on Facebook.

Once you 'Like' both, leave a comment on the Barr + Barr page (in 20 words or less) saying why you should win. Anything from needing a new bag to match your makeover to being the perfect foray into luxury handbags!

EDIT: Because of Blogger's refusal to post my giveaway on 3pm 5/20 as expected, the giveaway will end 5/28 - a day later. The winner will be announced after the weekend by Barr + Barr.

Good luck!

The Makeup Show NYC 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Yaya) — Fri, 20 May 2011 08:13:00 +0000

I have been a bit remiss in actively posting updates about my whereabouts. Why? I've been trying to build up the MOJ channels across the social network world. The YouTube channel had a significant boost in the last week (I double the amount of videos!), I'm on Twitter for darn near all day with y'all, and I'm working to improve Facebook.

This past weekend I got the chance to go to The Makeup Show NYC. This year it was the most amped up and interactive show I have been to, to date. The educational seminars and workshops were stepped up, the brand presence and communication was upgraded, and the show had a kickoff party the night before to raise morale and really get everyone excited and amped to spend money. (The above image is Makeup Forever artists working their magic).

I spent a hefty chunk of money and am looking forward to reviewing the products I got. I also feel like I got inspiration and motivation to push my career out of the plateau I have unwittingly placed it into. Check out the Facebook album for photos from the show, and the YouTube playlist below and let me know what you think and if you want any different coverage from these kinds of shows. Do you want more products? Interviews? More footage? More chat? Let me know!

P.s. If you're in the Chicago area, the Makeup Show is headed your way in less than a month (and Europe in three). Click here to get the details.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Tinted Moisturizer

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Yaya) — Mon, 16 May 2011 15:20:00 +0000

Last week I was invited to Wonderland to check out the launch of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics new Tinted Moisturizer.There may be some sort of bias going on because I'm such a fan of the brand, but it's not without merit. The brand is always spot on with their pigmentation and efficiency in their products. The moisturizer is no different. It follows the same coloring skin as the OCC airbrush system and can be apply by brush, hand, or sponge (not with airbrush).My shade is Y2. A pea sized amount is enough for practically full face coverage.It blends right into the skin and provides gentle coverage. It is no miracle shellac for your problem areas, but then again, would the name make you think it was?

The biggest plus about this is that unlike many "tinted moisturizers" I've tried in the past, this one actually delivers on both ends. It moisturizes and it contains a real tint. The coloring gives your skin a sort of a light wash and does the equivalent of some light photography retouching. The moisturizing half of it leaves your skin even and made mine feel sort of like soft suede (if that makes sense).
Check out two models wearing the product:
Fellas need moisturizing too!

Though the bottle doesn't look amazingly large in size, it is bound to last for eons as with all things OCC. It retails for $25 and is now available on the site and at Wonderland.

Check out my OCC Tint video:

Accessorize Me Rachel!

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Yaya) — Fri, 13 May 2011 22:51:00 +0000

It is unclear what makes one month that much more special than others, but May by far has taken the cake. It brought some long lasting warm weather, flowers, get togethers, sales, the end of school (for me), and many more. The credit can't go all to May, but I feel like it deserves some credit.

The Makeup Show is one of the great events coming up (this Sunday and Monday! you coming?), and I'm giddy. It comes once a year to New York, and beyond the shopping and close proximity to the beauty industry extravaganza, it's also a great time to meet ladies from all over the east coast (and even internationally) that fashionably arrive for the event. I've had my share of being stood up with style choices (I often aim for comfort because I'm familiar with my shopping habits and knack for carrying far too much on these here shoulders), so I made a quick visit to Macy's to get a leg up. The accessories counters are fantastico. Maybe it's my shopping diet, maybe it's my recent need to clean out my unnecessary belongings, but everything looked so darn cute. The start player? Rachel Roy! I still tried to remain faithful to some sort of budget, so I kept the trip short and stuck to earrings. Let me know which catch your eye.
Buy any accessories lately?

More Rachel Roy...

Taking Care of Your Makeup Brushes

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Yaya) — Thu, 12 May 2011 13:47:00 +0000

This year has been a transitional one for me, where I have been more assertive with the things I'd like to see done. Fitness/health and education were the first to be checked off the list. Yours truly started to walk like it was going out of style and finally buckled down with completing my degree. It's amazing what you can do when you get mad at yourself for wasting time! Then came work. Though I am always looking, I was fortunate enough to expand doing makeup beyond just events and dabble in photo shoots. This is my year for getting comfortable with making makeup translate beyond real life - and through the lens.

A lot of photo shoots involve plenty of preparation and nearly only half as much time is spent doing the shoot. Time flies in between meeting models, translating ideas into reality, and cleaning up. Here is the second part of the prepwork. The first half of the process involves making sure you have everything to create a look and then a little bit more just in case you get creative freedom.

The second part is all about cleaning and setting everything up to be used again next shoot. Brushes need special attention, because sometimes a hectic shoot and a tired Yaya equal a disorganized kit heading home. My process is usually standing at the sink squeezing some Blendercleanser onto my brushes and then making sure my brushes are clean. Once done, I usually have a small towel ready to be the drying area for my brushes. They stick around overnight (and sometimes longer) and we're good to again. This practice isn't so bad when used in between shoots, but it's really time consuming when cleaning brushes for personal use.

I was super excited to hear about Sigma Beauty's Dry'n Shape system, where you can set your brushes to dry and reshape in four to six hours. The material holding the brushes helps reshape and evaporate the moisture out of the brush, and makes your life just a bit easier. And if you're anything like me, it's a money saver as well, because now you don't need two sets of brushes for when the other is preoccupied. The system holds twelve brushes at a time and has variety in sizing to accommodate all shapes and brands, and retails for $29.00. Consider it preventative maintenance and an insurance policy on your brushes.

(p.s. If I need to clean a brush on set, my favorite is Clinique Makeup Brush Cleanser, you spray it on the brush and then wipe the excess onto a paper towel or small towel, the brush will be clean and dry within minutes).

How do you clean your brushes?

Fashion Bug Fall 2011 Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Yaya) — Wed, 11 May 2011 20:16:00 +0000

Recently I was invited to check out a preview of Fashion Bug's Fall Collection. Though I was admittedly barely familiar with the brand, I quickly started to formulate a shopping list in my head. The brand is very friendly to almost every single woman in the whole wide world. Fashion Bug's size range is from size six to size thirty. Yup. You heard me right. The younger audience counter part, Loop18 was launched for an overall teenage audience and there the sizes range from nine to twenty-seven. Fashion Bug has embraced that they are no longer a company for just the thirty and older market. Fashionistas no longer need an age assignment to the audience to find a deal and especially to find something original and cute. Lending their eyes and ears to what is trending, the Fashion Bug design team concocted their own prints for a fresh fall collection.My favorite part about learning more about the brand was hearing that most of the costume jewelry is no more than twenty to twenty five dollars. Several accessories caught my eye like this leopard print clutch and the mixed metal earrings. I am looking forward to August to find some of the accessories and tops that caught my eye at Fashion Bug. In the meantime, I will whet my palette with some of their spring and summer options.

Have you ever shopped at Fashion Bug?

Christian Siriano for Spiegel

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Yaya) — Wed, 11 May 2011 12:54:00 +0000

Something about the warm weather and the start of the month of May that puts everything into overdrive. The trees bloom practically overnight, events and parties accumulate in your in-box faster than you can open your e-mail, but your closet remains static.

Photo Credit: Spiegel Graphics Courtesy of: MyOwnJudge.net

For the sake of saving money, the advice is always to use affordable methods to spice up your clothing. But sometimes the only spice is a new item. Maybe it's just me, but the warm weather brings out the shopaholic in me, yearning to check out every store's display on a weekly basis as if to make sure I didn't miss a thing (oh - too much sharing?).

If you have designer taste working with a student's budget (sounds like me!), take advantage of all the partnerships going on between designers and mass market retailers like Target (Calypso St. Barth), Payless (Lela Rose, Isabel Toledo, Christian Siriano), and Spiegel. The latter partnered with Project Runway alum, Christian Siriano to create limited edition party dresses. These are great for dates, weddings, proms, you name it. And the price tag? It's not so bad - just a little spicy.

A MUD(dy) American Idol

noreply@blogger.com (Miss Yaya) — Wed, 11 May 2011 06:27:00 +0000

Turning on the television set often becomes a scavenger hunt if you're watching a reality show or a popular prime-time series. Stylists and brands compete to be your household's keepsake, and a thirty second commercial just doesn't do the trick anymore.

The magic really happens when you products are actually being used onscreen. How many times have you wondered what lip gloss or foundation an artist or character was sporting, or where you can get that exact top? Now how many times did you find an answer that actually pointed you somewhere instead of creating an inspiration and letting you go forth with a silhouette and a compass? Not today.

Photo Credit: American Idol

If you've been following American Idol, you're almost ready to crown a new artist as your favorite for the season. Though long ago it seemed that an Idol winner would only have fifteen minutes in the spotlight, the new crop of artists are weathering through the times (or maybe they have more talent? What do you think?). Even if they stay back on the chopping block, they almost always undergo a style makeover.

The performers on American Idol have been getting gussied up with the help of Make-Up Designory (MUD) as the foundation for their pretty faces to grace plenty an HD (or non-HD) screen across the country. Show makeup artists use the brand's foundation and concealer palettes to start the looks and count on the product to last through every agonizing commercial break to find out who made it to the next week.

The brand has comprehensive kits for artists varying in light and dark shades, but if you want to perfect your makeup application skills, start by purchasing a single shade for yourself. I used to be a fan of moisturizing my skin and then going straight to bronzer and mascara before jetting for the door, but a little bit of foundation and a couple of concealer dots around the eyes really pulls a look together.

My favorite feature of the website is that there is a chart explaining how to apply the product on your face, and where to do it. The foundation page shows you what spots aren't to be missed, and the corrector page advises on the motions in which you should apply product (I always thought to pull from the inside of the eye out, but apparently I've been terribly mistaken!).

Who's your Idol fave?