» Beauty Rituals

Natural Hair Haute-ness: Oscar Nominee Viola Davis in High Fashion Spread

The Cubicle Chick — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:00:48 +0000

First off, I want to apologize for posting these photos of Viola Davis so late. Sometimes when I travel, I am not able to update my site on a regular basis. Even though I am a day late and a dollar short, I wanted to post these pictures and share them with you because they are so freaking awesome! When I first saw these photos of Viola this weekend while in Chicago, my mouth dropped. Viola Davis has always been a beautiful sister to me. But this photo spread was amazing! And the fact that Viola gave it to us with her short, natural hair, makes me love it even more. I find the photo shoot to be a little Grace Jones, a hint of Michelle Obama (one of the frocks in this piece were designed by Michelle's designer Jason Wu), and a lot of fabulousness! The pictures are from an LA Times Magazine piece centered around the star. And instead of wearing her usual wigs or weaves, Viola got back to basics. As someone who has went back and forth from relaxed to natural hair several times, I applaud Viola for opting to keep it natural and fierce for this shoot. What do you think? Do we love this look on Viola? Photo credit: Madamenoire.com

Video: My Urban Decay Palette Collection

The Cubicle Chick — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:00:46 +0000

In my quest to try to do more videos, I recently recorded a vlog where I showcase my ever-expanding Urban Decay palette collection, which in 2 short years, has grown to--- ALOT! Feast your eyes on my latest video and let me know what you think! http://youtu.be/KHqwmfs7cHY Please subscribe to my You Tube channel. You can do so HERE.

12 Fab Girlie Valentines Day Gift Ideas & Fashion Finds

The Cubicle Chick — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:00:39 +0000

Valentines Day has always been one of my favorite holidays. I love spending time with my man in a romantical way, and all of the love and coupledom that goes on during Cupid's Time makes me warm and fuzzy. Valentines Day isn't just about the gifts, but it is quite wonderful when your significant other surprises you with a special gift that makes you smile. I've compiled a Cube Closet of 12 Fabulous Girlie Gift Ideas & Fashion Finds that are glamorous, fly, and oh so Chic!

Wearing a lot of red? Break up the monotony with this white nail polish from Essie---great sheen and shine w/ a hint of sparkle. .00, ULTA

MAC Red Lipstick is THE definitive red lip color. Timeless and fab! MAC Cosmetics, .50

This amazingly fly timepiece is from Tissot, and is indeed a head turner! Tissot Couturier Ladies Watch, 5

This red wireless mouse from makes it easy to compute on the go. JetTech, .99

You can't go wrong with an iPod Touch. The white finish ups its fabulousness factor. Apple.com. 9 for 32 GB

Color blocking is the rage these days. Take this red, pink, & beige number from day to evening, Old Navy Women's Color Blocked Charmeuse Dress, .99

I fell in love with this ASUS Ultrabook at CES! Thin, hip, and trendy. (Price unknown, 2nd quarter offering)

China Glaze's Eye Candy 3-D Glitters in Love Marilyn is fun, playful, and Blonde Bombshell approved. China Glaze, .00

This cute Coach wristlet has pink hearts. It had me at hello :), Coach.com, .00

Dare to be different. Instead of an all red shoe, try some polka dots. Good for outside of the bedroom as well as in! HAUTE! Bordello Shoe, .99

Monster's Beats by Dre headphones are a must have when listening to music. Experience music the way the artist intended. BeatsByDre.com. 9 and up

Lip Gloss is a girl's best friend. And with Sephora's Shimmer Harmony Gloss Palette, a little goes a long way. Sephora, .00

I hope these Fabulous and Girlie Valentines Day Gift Ideas & Fashion Finds help you and your Cupid out. I certainly enjoyed putting it together for you! :)

I, The Cubicle Chick, received promotional consideration from some of the items listed in this post. The opinions and descriptions of all items within this article are mine. Stay FAB!

As My Hair Turns: My New Curly Q ‘Do

The Cubicle Chick — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:00:21 +0000

Yes, I change my hair---ALOT. I suppose it's because I tend to get bored really easy with it. I've been long, short, straight, curly, bangs, no bangs, highlights, layers. I've pretty much done it all. My feeling is that life is too short. And I want to live it being as fabulous as I can. I don't want to waste a minute not living it up, and that includes, glamming it up! :) For the last few months, I have been rocking a long straight weave with layers. I thought it was time to shake things up a little by going a little shorter and switching from straight to curly. The hair I used is from ModelModel and is from their Max 5 Collection----it comes in 5 bundles of different lengths to make it easy to put in and style. One bag retails for .99 and will complete a whole head (and yes, if one bag could cover my big head, it does indeed work). Little cutting is needed. I opted for a quick weave because at this time, I am trying to determine if I want to go natural again. It's been several months since I have had a full relaxer, so I am thinking I will continue to get either quick weaves or sew-ins until all of the relaxer grows out. My hair stylist, Carla, is the bomb and I always leave feeling fab after I visit her. The photos below are the results of my new 'do.

Curls, anyone?

Beauty Buzz: 5 New Year Beauty Resolutions w/ Walgreens

The Cubicle Chick — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:00:53 +0000

Thanks to Walgreens for underwriting this post. I was paid as a member of the Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all mine. Visit http://www.discoverbeautywithin.com/ -------------------------- Cubicle Chicks understand that beauty doesn't have to cost a lot of money. In fact, you can be at your most fabulous while spending minimal funds. And while I like to peruse the magazines and look at all of the designer, high market beauty products that are out there, I can't afford most of them. But I don't let that stop me of course, especially when I am always prepping for events and traveling. I have to have my game face on so to speak, so I have to be lights, camera, action, ready! One of my New Year's Resolutions was to pay more attention to the money I spend and budget more wisely. One of the things I dislike the most is spending tons of money on a beauty product only to get it home and find out I don't like it and never use it again. Walgreens has been my go to place for years for quality beauty products at low prices. You don't have to worry about breaking the bank there, and they have quality cosmetics that have been in business for years. Here are my 5 New Year Beauty Resolutions with the Help of Walgreens: 1. Read the labels: A lot of products that are offered at high end stores have the same ingredients as those in Walgreens. Especially when it comes to facial cleaners. You would be amazed when looking at the contents of your favorite high end beauty item and then looking at those that are available in Walgreens. Things like Acai Berry, Vitamin D, Retin-A, and more are also in the lower price brands in Walgreens. So why pay more for the same thing? 2. Colors: If it's a color you are in love with by a high end brand, then finding a like color at Walgreens is a good look. Brands like Revlon, L'Oreal, Maybelline, and Rimmel are all available and Walgreens and have amazing color choices and selections. Color match by taking the more expensive brand and finding a similar color that costs less. More in your pocket! 3. Couponing: Walgreens offers competitive coupons for most of their cosmetic brands located in their store. I love their "Buy 2 get one free" deals, and you can end up saving a lot of cha-ching utilizing Walgreens store coupons for cosmetics and beauty items. 4. Selection, selection, selection + Location: The Walgreens in my neighborhood offers such a wide variety of beauty items and selection, that I almost feel silly going to the mall, fighting over a parking space, to buy the same thing. Many of their stores are open around the clock, so even in the wee hours of the night when the kids are in bed and the hubby is watching the game, you can sneak out and get your shopping on at Walgreens. 5. Return policy: Buyer's remorse? Sometimes with beauty items, it happens. You get the product back to your home only to find out that it's not quite what you thought. Most Walgreens will let you exchange the purchase for something else or refund your money (terms and conditions apply). So buying my beauty items there gives me a piece of mind, because if it's not my cup a tea, I have options! Utilizing these New Year Beauty Resolutions with Walgreens makes it easy for me to stay fly and fabulous and keep a few dollars in my bank account. Do you have any New Year Beauty Resolutions that you want to share? Comment below.

5 Most Fab on the 2012 Golden Globe Red Carpet

The Cubicle Chick — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:00:18 +0000

The Beverly Hilton was filled to the rim with stars last night during the 69th Annual Golden Globes awards ceremony. Many came and many conquered, but few earned the title of being the best dressed on the red carpet. As I did with each Golden Globe telecast, I narrowed down my top 5 favorite looks---which was no easy feat because I loved 10 looks on the red carpet ALOT! While the fashion fabulosity of this year's red carpet left little to be desired, there were a few standouts, who were glam, fab, and breathtaking to view. Here are my 5 Most Fab on the 2012 Golden Globe Red Carpet: 5. Claire Danes-Claire is hit or miss on the red carpet, but last night, she stole the show in a J. Mendel black and white number that was both glam and fab. Red lipstick and an updo completed the look and made for a showstopping appearance. 4. Paula Patton-Dressed in a canary yellow strapless Monique Lhuillier, with a half up, half down hairstyle alongside Jimmy Choo heels. I loved her use of color, and she radiated as she walked on the red carpet. Go, Paula! 3. Kate Winslet- How I love this woman! She is always a stunner on the red carpet, and last night, was no exception. Dressed in a Jenny Packham gown with gold waist embellishment, Kate looked haute with those curves! I love how Kate plays with textures and gown styles that accentuate her figure. 2. Evan Rachel Wood- Dangerously fabulous, Evan Rachel Wood is always THE best dressed girl on the red carpet. Last night draped in an emerald sequin halter, Evan displayed old school Hollywood glamour with a hip new twist. Understated jewelry completed the look. 1. Charlize Theron- Amazing! That was all I could say when I saw Charlize (in Dior Haute Couture) let everyone know she rules the catwalk. Simply gorge in a plunging neckline blush colored gown, she was the most fabulous woman on the red carpet last night, hands down. Perfection! And yes, I even love the headband. What were your thoughts surrounding the fashion of last night's Golden Globes red carpet? Who were your hits and misses? For a complete 2012 Golden Globe red carpet rundown of pics, click HERE.

Sin City Fab: Sephora at the Venetian Mini Haul (Photos)

The Cubicle Chick — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:00:59 +0000

You know what they say---all work and no play makes Jane....well, you know the rest. Anywho, I can't be in Las Vegas for CES without doing a little shopping. I enjoy going to the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, looking at exquisite shops like Herve Leger, Michael Kors and Barney's New York. I also love visiting Sephora at The Venetian. It's massive with a Make Up For Ever mini shop inside, which also boasts a Pro area for MUA's. Each time I visit Sin City, I always make my way to this particular Sephora location. I managed to get a few things that I wanted (and needed) without breaking the bank. I call this a mini haul because I didn't get out of control; but I had a fabulous time shopping and looking at the sites the store had to offer. Below are a few pictures of the Sephora at the Venetian, as well as my mini haul of items:

The front of the fabulous Sephora at The Venetian

The Nail Bar which features Nails Inc, NARS, Dior, & more

3D Nails Inc., London Special Effects nail polish in 'Bloomsbury Square' .50

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Shadow Pencil in 'Delinquent' (my favorite!)

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Shadow Pencil in 'Baracuda'

Tom Ford's Violet Blonde Parfum (received a sample of this last month in my Sephora order and LOVED it!)

My complete mini-haul

I will be leaving Vegas soon....Til we meet again! :)

Nicki Minaj OPI Review & Mini Lacquer Giveaway

The Cubicle Chick — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:55:49 +0000

As many of you are aware, I love OPI and make it a point to buy almost every collection that comes out. This weekend, I saw that my favorite spa, Go! Spa, had the Nicki Minaj by OPI collection in stock, so I dashed over there with my friend, Robyn, to pick up the Nicki Minaj Minis that were available. I often purchase minis because I can use more than one color and create mash-ups of colors and whatnot really inexpensively. The Nicki Minaj Minis by OPI include the following colors: Did It On 'Em: A lime~esque color Fly: Turquoise Pink Friday: A pastel pink Metallic 4 Life: A sparkle color that looks like glitter in the bottle, but is almost like confetti specks in the polish I am giving away one (1) Nicki Minaj Minis Lacquer set by OPI. To enter to win this item, you have to do the following:

Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Facebook
Subscribe to me on You Tube
Comment below and let me know you've done as instructed.

That's it! One winner will be selected at random on January 20th after 6pm CST. The winner will have 24 hours to claim prize, or an alternate winner will be selected. This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada residents only, void where prohibited. Please note: This giveaway has ended an a winner has been announced. Below is a video review of the Nicki Minaj OPI collection. http://youtu.be/cmTrL8QO4Qs

10 Fab Picks for My Fave Beauty Items of 2011

The Cubicle Chick — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:00:16 +0000

2011 was all about discovering the beauty from within for me. But it was also a year in which I found some pretty fab beauty products, items that I will use for years and years to come. I fell out of love with several products (mostly because they changed formulas or are no longer available), but also came in contact with amazing brands, formulas, and that will forever be on my radar and in my beauty arsenal. These items were chosen as my 10 favorite beauty picks of the year, not for the price tag or the names that may make them---but because this Yummy Mommy on-the-go loves them, and feel they are a must-have in every train case. So without further adieu, here are my 10 picks for my favorite beauty items of 2011: 1. Laura Mercier Secret Concealer- This is such a fabulous item! I love it because it's effective, it's light, and it works. I use this concealer on my dark areas and problem spots, and then cover with powder. I no longer wear foundation because the coverage of this concealer is amazing! It's also great for oily skin and covers all day without touch ups. .00, Sephora.

2.Voluminous False Lashes Mascara- I don't wear false lashes, but with this mascara by L'Oreal, my lashes get the full makeover. With just two coats of this formula, my eyes pop and compliments my overall make up look. It's a drug store steal. .99, Walgreens 3. Make Up For Ever Lab Shine Lip Gloss- I will never use another lip gloss. Okay, that is a lie, but I will be hard pressed to use a lip gloss that I love more than MUFE's Lab Shine Lip Gloss. It comes in an array of colors, and gives light to dark coverage on the lips. My only con for this item would be that there isn't much in the tube. After about 10-12 uses, you have to go back and buy another one. :(. .00, Sephora

4. Bamboo Smooth Kendi Oil Dry Oil Mist- I began using this on my daughter's natural hair, and I loved it so much, I began using it on mine. It gives a light sheen that is perfect for any and every hair style or hair type. And it smells divine. Retail, .99 5. Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment- This is a fab product to put on wet or dry hair just before styling or using heat. Just a little goes a long way and is light and doesn't weigh down your hair. Retail, .00 for small bottle. 6. Sephora Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner- I so hate sharpening eye pencils. The Sephora Retractable Eyeliner is always ready to use, doesn't require a sharpener, comes with a blending brush, and lasts a long time. It's pretty inexpensive too. .00, Sephora 7. Specific Beauty Clarifying Acne Treatment Cleanser- I have had problem skin for most of my life. And when I was sent this product to review, I saw results within a week. My combo skin was more even and I experienced less breakouts. It also helped to even out my skin tone. .99 8. Nivea Body Original Moisture Daily Lotion- I've tried every lotion on the market it seems. From expensive formulas to the drugstore variety. But this old standby works for me. It's not too thick or too watery and goes a long way. Oh, and the price is right! .00, Walmart 9. Lady Million Perfume by Paco Rabanne- This perfume had me at hello. I received a sample of it in a Sephora order I received and ended up buying a bottle of it immediately upon completion of the sample. Sexy, vibrant, with a hint of musk, Lady Million is a scent you will want to have in your collection. , 1.5 fl oz, Sephora

10. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Shadow Pencil- I love using this pencil, which gives even coverage, and acts as a shadow. If you don't have time to do a full eye (or aren't skilled at doing so), UD's Shadow Pencil is the tool to have in your beauty arsenal. .00, Sephora

I hope you have enjoyed my 1o picks for my favorite beauty items of 2011. Let me know your thoughts! And, if you want to add a product that me or my readers should check out, leave a comment! :) I, The Cubicle Chick, paid for the items mentioned above (unless specified). This is not a paid or sponsored post. I merely wanted to share my true love for these items in hopes that you would share yours as well!

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