Cheap Spring Makeup from e.l.f.

Now that spring is here, Everything She Wants is looking for new beauty products and lighter, fresher mineral makeup.  So it’s only natural that I turned to e.l.f.* (eyes lips face), perhaps the bestselling makeup brand for bargain beauty-nistas.

Previously, I’ve written about e.l.f.’s magical Essential Zit Zapper (it’s only a buck).  And since my pesky breakouts persist I’m ready to try out the limited edition Spring Collection Mineral Blemish Set ($5), which promises to heal and disguise blemishes with all-natural ingredients.  The two-piece set comes with a concealer brush and translucent powder with active acne fighting ingredients like sulfur, tea tree and willow bark to treat acne and prevent future breakouts.

For spring makeup, e.l.f. has several limited-edition Spring Collection products perfect for Mother’s Day, prom, graduation and birthday gifts including: the 2-Piece Mineral Foundation SPF 15 set ($5) infused with vitamin E to condition and smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines; the e.l.f. Studio 32-piece Eyeshadow Palette ($5) available in warm and cool palette shades; and the e.l.f. Essential 4-Piece Nail Polish Set ($5) with bright polish colors in Coral Dream, Flirty Fuchsia, Party Peach and Smokin’ Hot.  For only $10, diehard makeup mavens can pick up the 100-Piece Eyeshadow Palette (reduced from $20), which includes everything to go from daytime fresh and bright, to a party-ready smoky eye, to more avant garde, creative looks.

Since all e.l.f. mineral makeup is 100% free of parabens, preservatives and chemical dyes, it will help you to look your best and you can feel good about using the products, too. Plus, free shipping if you place your order today (April 26, 2012)!

*This post was sponsored by e.l.f.

Summer Makeup Tips for Women of Color

Picking the right makeup can often be a challenge for African-American women and other women of color.  So Everything She Wants enlisted the help of Baltimore makeup artist Tamika "Meekeyo" Pinckney for her expert advice:

Model shot by Tracy E. Hopkins 

1. Lighten the load: Use a lightweight moisturizer to keep your pores clean and blemish free. Stick with water-based or oil free products. Try Aloe Vera gel.
2. Rock the 'block: Sunblock and sunscreen are very important even for women of color. Skin with a substantial amount of melanin (African-American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American) can burn too! According to dermatologist Dr. Susan Taylor, "Our skin is prone to dark marks and discolorations. Sun makes dark marks darker and keeps them from fading."
3. No more shine: To get rid of that excessive shine use, blot papers. Instead of using a sponge and patting for coverage, try using a large brush to lightly apply powder foundation all over the face. Also, remember most women are darker in the summer, so pick a warmer shade. Look for products that are oil-absorbing or matte finish in liquids.
4. Decrease the crease: Keep eye shadows out of the crease by using a primer as a base. Apply shadow over primer and see how it also helps to give the color a little more pop. For intense color pat the shadow on instead of sweeping using a small-medium shadow brush. Also, load up on liquid liners and waterproof mascaras as they have great staying power.
5. Primer time: In addition to keeping the eyes fabulous, primers can also be used all over to provide an even base for foundation and help makeup to stay on longer and stronger. It's lightweight and doesn't clog your pores.  Tamika's pick: Smashbox Photofinish Primer
6. A touch of tint: Tinted moisturizers with SPF are a summer favorite as they provide very light coverage and keep skin glowy. These work best with dry to normal to skin conditions.
7. Lip service: Avoid heavy lipsticks and glosses. Try lip balms and tinted lip balms.  Can't bear to switch from your favorite? Use a lip balm first, then apply your gloss or lipstick only to one lip. Press together for a soft touch of color and shine. Everything She Wants' pick: Youngblood's petroleum-fragrance-mineral oil-and cruelty-free Mighty Shine Lip Gel (available June 1, 2012)
8. Face off: Waterproof/sweat proof makeup will do it's job of staying all day, and as a result may be a little harder to remove. So to remove just use a makeup remover wipe and then wash with your cleanser.

Earth Day Style from TOMS Summer 2012 Collection

Not only does wearing TOMS shoes support a great cause -- with every pair purchased, TOMS gives a pair to a chid in need -- rocking a pair has never looked so looked.  This summer, new styles with funky prints and patterns, ballet flats, wedges, and high-top Botas join the staple Freetown Classic and vegan styles. TOMS also has a trendy line of eyewear, which benefits the One for One program.

Everything She Wants got a sneak preview of the super cute Summer 2012 collection, available online and in stores.  Any pair of these shoes will make a great gift for the eco-friendly Mom on the go.

Photos by Tracy E. Hopkins

Yoga and Workout Clothes for Women Under $60 from Macy's

It's easier to work out if you feel cute and comfy in your gym gear.  In fall 2012, we'll have another option for stylish yoga and workout wear thanks to Macy's new Ideology line. To give us something to aspire to, sexy and svelte "Dancing With the Stars" champ, Cheryl Burke, is the face of the collection.

Everything She Wants got a sneak peek of Ideology's flattering, fashion-forward looks in bright colors and trendy prints.  The collection is divided into three categories: Sweat, Stretch and Relax.

Photos by Tracy E. Hopkins

The Sweat collection is made with performance details like flat seams and moisture wicking. Stretch is designed with details like stay-black cotton/spandex built with 4-way stretch and hidden pockets. And the versatile and lightweight Relax collection includes soft shapes that drape in all the right places.

Ideology will be available this summer online and at Macy's stores everywhere.  Prices range from $19.98 - $58.

Summer 2012 Fashion Trends from LOFT

Bright colors.  Safari and floral prints. Crisp white separates.  And plenty of stripes.  These trends -- perfect for your next picnic in the park, beach getaway or casual Friday -- dominate LOFT's collection for summer 2012. Everything She Wants got a sneak peek and here are some of my favorite looks (prices range from $39.50).  To find these looks and more, shop a LOFT store near you or online.

Stripes are a staple in my wardrobe, so I'm glad they're still en vogue for summer 2012.

Stand out in the crowd in these funky safari print pants.

Make a statement in white from head to toe this summer.

How pretty is this yellow, floral print maxi dress?

This elegant A-line dress can easily transition from day-to-night.

Color-blocking is hot for spring and summer. Mix and match bold colors with confidence.
Images courtesy of LOFT.

Spring/Summer Sandal Trend: Wedges Are In!

Everything She Wants loves a wedge.  As a woman who was born without the high-heel gene, I appreciate the support of this type of sandal.  Wedges are a good in-between heel and flat style, which is good news, since according to the Miami Mamacitas on Basketball Wives I have to ditch my kitten heel sandals!

If you like this trend too, QVC has a few cute wedge options for under $100 from the IsaacMizrahiLive! line:

Peep Toe Espardrilles with Bow Detail, $86

Pansy Print Wedge, $73

Solid Wedge, $73

NFL Pop-Up Shop in New York for 2012 NFL Draft

Attention, football fans.  Here's your chance to purchase traditional and trendy merchandise from 50+ NFL licensees, some of which are limited-time-only exclusive products.  Fittingly, merchandise from New York teams -- the Jets and the Giants -- is particularly well-represented. Everything She Wants got a sneak peek of the NFL Shop set up in a 10,000-square foot space in New York City at the corner of 41st Street and Sixth Avenue.  It's open 11 a.m. - 8 p.m every day through April 30.

From team tees to fitted shorts, watches and handbags, there's plenty of fashionable items for women.  Moms won't be able to resist picking up a cute team dress, piggy bank or mini helmet for the kids.  Plus, find great gifts for Father's Day. You'll also find fun team necklaces, earrings and bracelets from Go Nuts (see third photo), made with authentic kukui nuts from the South Pacific.  The nuts symbolize good luck and protection.  Merchandise also available at NFLShop.com.