COLOR MATCHED: Is There a Foundation Shade for You?

Posted by JacquelineLaurean in Beauty Addict and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A topic that isn’t obsolete, but often swept under the rug!  Women of color, sometimes run into trouble trying to find the perfect foundation shade.  This really perplexes me, and raises the question of whether or not some beauty brands are “doing their homework,” before releasing new products? 

Nevertheless, there are a few brands out there that have collected “the right research,” and have produced  foundations shades that work FOR ALL WOMEN!  The brands listed below, got it right!

 black|Up cosmetics

photo credits: ladygaga.wikia.com, evecare.com, giorgioarmanibeauty.com, urbanbeauty.com, kortomomolu.com, lintonbeauty.com, activerain.com, progressivegeek.com, sheisnyc.com, waiyee.blogspot.com, blackupcosmetics.com

Take a Seat in Style…

Posted by JacquelineLaurean in 2 Snaps..Just Cuz and tagged with , , ,

We all make it our duty to beautify and groom, but sometimes there’s not enough time in a day to book an appointment.  Or, you may find yourself being a little skeptical about trying a new salon.  Let’s not even mention the fact that it can be so difficult to find a professional who specializes in a service you would like to have done.  Founder and CEO of StyleSeat, Melody McCloskey, took all of these concerns into consideration and created a genius website that solves all of these issues.

Death to the yellow pages, and move over Yelp!  StyleSeat is an online haven for finding the best of the best beauty and wellness professionals in your area.  Through this interactive site, you can search for local  pros, view images of their work online, and even check out reviews from other clients.  To top it off, you can also view schedules and book your appointment online.  It’s quick and easy, and I’m surprised nobody thought of this a long time ago.

On the flip side, StyleSeat is a wonderful tool for stylists.  For professionals trying to maximize their businesses, it’s like having a personal assistant, publicist, and marketing rep all in one.  Stylists can easily keep track of their schedules for the week, and send out promotions and deals to their clients.   There is even a function that allows you to keep track of how well your business is doing on a weekly basis.  Annnnd not to mention, you have the opportunity to connect with other professionals in the industry.

How much does it cost to sign up?  It’s 100% FREE for professionals and consumers.  So, what are you waiting for? Go check out StyleSeat like… now. 

6 sexy snaps for StyleSeat!

Fragrance Giveaway: Rebelle by Rihanna

Posted by JacquelineLaurean in Beauty Addict and tagged with , , , , , , ,

(photo credit: m.zimbio.com)

Sexy, sassy, and sweet are the three words that come to mind when spritzing Rebelle by Rihanna.  In collaboration with Parlux Fragrances, Inc., Rihanna’s second fragrance is set to be a big hit this spring.  Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Rebelle is an exotic mix of succulent strawberries, vanilla orchid, and amber.

“My new fragrance is about taking control but still being a lady.  There’s a feminine, romantic element to the fragrance-but there’s also a defiant quality in it.  I love its duality.”–Rihanna

GIVEAWAY: Subscribe to 2 Snaps and a Twist, and enter for a chance to win Rebelle by Rihanna. {$59 Value!)

Fashion Friday: Men in Optics!

Posted by JacquelineLaurean in Uncategorized and tagged with , , , , ,

The days of Steve Urkel are long gone, and men in optics has become quite the trend!  A list celebs like Brad Pitt, Kanye West, and Justin Beiber, have all been spotted sporting a great pair of frames.  There are few different types of modern spins on the optic trend, but for the most part, men have been wearing medium-sized lenses with thick black rims (as pictured above on Brad Pitt).  Every guy from the rugged and edgy  to the slick and suave can benefit from a smooth pair of glasses; a great accent piece.  Dolce & Gabbana has an excellent pair at LensCrafters!  Not necessarily a new trend, but definitely a trend that hasn’t left us yet. 

2 Snaps and a Twist for some of the fashion forward men rocking out in optics!

(photo credit: muckrack.com)

Get Your Munch On with Popcorn, Indiana!

Posted by JacquelineLaurean in Snappy Treats! and tagged with , , , , , , , , ,

 After eating a pretty heavy southern breakfast (scrambled eggs, catfish, and bacon to be exact), I knew that I had to keep the calories on the lower side for lunch.  As the late afternoon rolled around, I received a few bags of Popcorn, Indiana’s Chip’ins and Original Kettlecorn popcorn.  Initially, I told myself a snack probably wouldn’t be the best thing for me now.  Unfortunately, as my hunger grew, my curiosity did too!  After ripping the white cheddar chip’ins bag open like a crazy lady, the first bite was heavenly.  With such delicious taste, it was even more of a delight to learn the these chips are all natural, whole grain, ZERO TRANS FATs, gluten-free, and contain no cholesterol, artificial flavors, or preservatives!  So you mean to tell me, I can eat a few more, and not feel too guilty? Sweet.

Popcorn, Indiana treats  have most recently been noted in People, Women’s Health, and Shape Magazines.  Chip’ins, “the hybrid snack of 2011,” are the first chip-shaped popcorn, and are available at Wal-Mart, Costco, and Walgreen retailers for about $4 (7.25 oz).  They are a healthy alternative to fried chips, and pair nicely with chicken noodle soup. 

Grab a bag today, and get your munch on! :-)

2 snaps!

BUST ASH: Defeat Skin Winter Wars!

Posted by JacquelineLaurean in Beauty Addict and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , ,

(photo credit: madamenoire.com)

NYC’s metro areas have been fortunate enough to experience warmer temperatures for this time of year.  However, there have been a few really cold days, and with cooler temperatures on the horizon you need to pay extra attention to your skin.  The #1 winter skin problem that many of us complain about is dryness.  With this issue in mind, here are a few of the best products to keep your skin healthy and moisturized during the winter…

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

 

 

 

Dove VisibleCare Renewing Creme Body Wash {$7.49, walgreens.com}   This ultra creamy wash gives new life to your skin as it cleanses and moisturizes.  After bathing, your skin feels seductively soft, and there’s less of a need to pack on any heavy  lotions. 

 

 

 

Carol’s Daughter Love Butter {18, carolsdaugther.com} This skin saviour busts’ ash like no other!  Especially if you have really dry skin in the winter, the rich blend of shea butter, cocoa butter, and sweet almond oil will have your body feeling as smooth as a baby’s bottom.

 

 

 

 

Rosebud Salve {$7, Sephora.com} Usually termed as a “cult favorite,” Rosebud Salve is that classic all-purpose balm that you should have in your purse at all times.  Mostly used for conditioning lips, Rosebud is also beneficial for elbows, knees, and after care on minor cuts.

 

 

 

 

Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Nourishing Moisturizer {12.47, drugstore.com} With SPF 30, Aveeno’s new Smart Essentials moisturizer allows you to protect your skin from sun damage.  The sun actually beams a little more in the winter, and the UVA/UVB protection is just enough to safeguard your pride and joy.

 

 

 

  L’Occitane Shea Butter Mini Hand Cream {$10, usa.loccitane.com} I have been around the hand cream block and back, but I have NEVER come across a hand cream as moisturizing as L’Occitane’s Shea Butter.  Kind of surreal. No lie!

#Trendy Thursday: G-Star Midnight Collection

Posted by JacquelineLaurean in Uncategorized and tagged with , , , , , , , , , ,

I’ve always been a fan of the “all black everything” movement, and I’m sure many of you have too.  Black is that classic color that never fails us, and G-Star’s new midnight collection has great pieces that are quirky and cute!  Following on trend edgy looks from some of the Spring 2012 shows, there are  lots of cutouts, mixed fabrics, and uneven hemlines.  With a  romanticized goth collection of pieces, the midnight line can take you from day to night! 

 

G-star is an amazing designer brand overall, and has really lived up to their motto of “unexpected combinations.” The Midnight Collection ranges in price from about $150-$350, and can be purchased at www.shop.g-star.com.  Let me know what you think?

(Courtesy Photos)

Splurge Worthy:Tom Ford Violet Blonde

Posted by JacquelineLaurean in Beauty Addict and tagged with ,

 

The holidays have many of our bank tanks on E, and shopping may be the last thing on anyone’s mind.  However, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and choosing the perfect  fragrance for your honey is key (ahem, fellas!).  With that being said, I want to tell you a bit about my experience with Tom Ford’s Violet Blonde.  I received the fragrance around the time of its launch, and sort of overlooked it.  While doing a little New Years cleaning, I gave it a sniff!  Once I dabbed a little on my neck and forearm I was totally engaged!  This alluring scent took over, and brought me to the secret garden of seduction. 

Tom Ford’s Violet Blonde is sophisticated yet sexy.  It’s the word “elegant” captured in a bottle.  With powerful notes such as Violet Leaf Absolute with tones of Orris, the root of the Iris flower, and Jasmine Sambac this scent totally entices the senses.

And not to mention, this ad was GENIUS. 2 Snaps!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Courtesy Photos)

Happy 2012 from 2 Snaps and a Twist!

Posted by JacquelineLaurean in 2 Snaps..Just Cuz, Jacqueline Laurean, Snap For 'Em! and tagged with ,

photo credit: coated.com

I wish I could personally thank each and every one of you for supporting 2 Snaps and a Twist, and continually adding to the success of this site.  In 2011, 2 Snaps was viewed almost 9,000 times and I hope to multiply upon  that number in the new year.  Some of  2011′s most viewed posts include CND: My Shellac Attack,  and Beauty Alert: Red Carpet Manicure (you LOVE nails, haha!)

Through the highs and lows, good days and bad, laughs and cries, 2 Snaps and a Twist has always been my outlet.  Your compliments, words of encouragement, and of course…beauty samples help me to  continue to push  further.  Expect more than a blog in 2012. Expect a brand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make the big picture bigger….

Happy New Year from 2 Snaps and a Twist!