#itsAtSephora

IT COSMETICS IS NOW 

AVAILABLE AT SEPHORA

Have you heard the great news? IT Cosmetics™ is now available at Sephora! That's right and I attended two events with the brand this month prior to the launch: #ByeByeFilters and #ITsAtSephora . We previewed, tested and took home nine exclusives, each developed with leading plastic surgeons to give you life-changing results, enjoyed make-up touch-ups and of course, took a ton of pictures (and by pictures I mean I hijacked the photo-booths). 

I am already a huge fan and loyal lover of IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara, Confidence in a Cream and Je Ne Sais Quoi Hydrating Color Awakening Lip Treatment, and just recently began using their Bye Bye Under Eye Cream. What do I think? Totally eight hours of sleep in a jar, and it got me through NYFW!

Second photo-booth, at the Sephora soft launch last week

IT Cosmetics™ Color-Infused Skincare™ line featuring your Bye Bye Exclusives is a collection of game-changing products that are designed to help you say bye bye to everything skin concern, from dark circles and pores, to stubborn makeup and fine lines.

My Bye Bye Gift set from IT Cosmetics

Check IT out:

Prismacolor - Coloring

PRISMACOLOR TOOLS, ADULT 

COLORING & EVENT RECAP

Prismacolor color tools have been the key to helping me maintain my creativity and calm, in all the daily chaos. See, I tend to doodle (you know, scribble, draw, etc.) so anytime I want to relax and unwind and let my ideas flow, I doodle on napkins, at meetings, while on the phone, when writing - even decorating my notebooks (it's so soothing.) So it helps to have the proper color pencils handy. I've been hooked on Prismacolor colored pencils and pens since attending a fun press event this summer, an evening of adult coloring, cocktails and creativity, at The Painting Lounge in NYC. 

My finished piece (lots of colors on small details...took a while)

PRISMACOLOR PREMIER COLOR PENCILS (24 count)

M∙A∙C Selena

M∙A∙C SELENA

EXCLUSIVE PRE-SHOP SEPTEMBER 28th

The vivacity of Mexican-American singer, Selena Quintanilla, lives on through the passion of her fans and her impact on Latin culture and beauty. Inspired by the devotion of all those still touched by the iconic Latin legend, M∙A∙C Selena is a makeup collaboration tenderly curated with Selena’s sister. Selena not only taught us to move, she moved us – let’s keep that rhythm alive! 

LIPSTICK

SRP $18.00 US/$22.20 CAD 

Dreaming of You: deep wine (matte) 

Como La Flor: muted cherry red (amplified) 

Amor Prohibido: pinky mid-tone brown (glaze) 

EYE SHADOW

SRP $17.00 US/$20.50 CAD 

1. Fotos Y Recuerdos: bright warm pink (satin) 

2. Is It The Beat: deep black (matte) 

3. Missing My Baby: light pinky nude beige (matte)

4. No Me Queda Mas: warm dusty brown (matte) 

5. Selena: intense pearly violet (veluxe pearl) 

 

LIQUID EYE LINER

SRP $21.00 US/$24.00 CAD 

Boot Black: intense black

OPULASH MASCARA

SRP $18.00 US/$21.00 CAD 

Optimum Black: intense black 

TECHNO CUMBIA

SRP $29.00 US/$34.00 CAD 

Ven Conmigo: beige pink (matte) 

Blunt: muted golden brown (matte) 

BRUSH 129SH Powder/Blush 

SRP $35.00 US/$42.00 CAD 

LIPGLASS *Online Exclusive* 

 SRP $17.00 US/$20.50 CAD

Bidi Bidi Bom Bom: bubblegum pink with silver pearl

#MACSelect Obsessed & Devoted Members exclusive pre-shop is September 28th: http://bit.ly/MACSelect ~ #MACSelena will be available online October 1, 2016 and in stores October 6 through November 17, 2016.

WTC Tattoo - 9/11 15th Anniversary

MY 9/11 "NEVER FORGET" TATTOO

& WTC SURVIVOR STORY IN USA TODAY

A few weeks ago, USA Today reached out to me regarding the 9/11 WTC "Never Forget tattoo" on my right wrist. While I was excited at the thought of it being featured, I couldn't hide the fact that a part of me was a extremely nervous. See, I knew that it meant telling my story as to why I decided on this tattoo; recounting the events of that dreadful day. It also meant facing my biggest fear, something that I had avoided for nearly 15 years: finally visiting the 9/11 memorial, the footprints of where the towers once stood. 

My beloved tribute as a WTC survivor, on my right wrist

I said I would never go visit them, but somehow, the time finally felt right, and I am so glad USA Today was with me to capture this moment. Tomorrow marks the 15th anniversary and I will keep myself busy (thankful for NY Fashion Week to keep me busy and running around!) 

"Reflecting Absence" indeed. Finally standing where my office (2 WTC) once stood...

I am so honored and touched at the amazing job the USA Today team did, and yes, I did break down and cry the moment I finally stood in front of the 2 World Trade footprint for the first time (see the full interview and pictures here.) For those who don't know, I am a 9/11, 2 World Trade Center survivor (35th floor, only four months on the job with ABM as an administrative assistant). I will never forget, but I am so resilient because of that day. 

Photo taken by USA Today for the 9/11 15th Anniversary

To see the amazing 9/11 tattoos featured in USA Today's amazing and heartfelt article, please visit: www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/09/10/watch-incredibly-moving-911-tattoo-stories/90125184/

~Evelyn Lugo

Jurlique: #PowerOfNature

NEW JURLIQUE ACTIVATING

WATER ESSENCE

Behold the "power of nature". This past June, I escaped the hustle and bustle of the city and ventured into a subterranean oasis for the debut of Jurlique's latest skincare launch. I indulged in an evening of relaxation, beauty, treats (plenty of raindrop cakes) and my very own personalized bottle! Introducing Jurlique Activating Water Essence ($55 at Jurlique.com). A new and highly concentrated activating water essence that is the essential step in every skin care ritual and works great on every skin type. It hydrates your skin, which in turn enhances the performance of your serum and moisturizer, and leaves you with rejuvenated skin. What’s truly innovative about this product is that it captures the vital living energy of plants to continuously hydrate, soften and revitalize your skin.

My personalized bottle from the Jurlique June 15, 2016 press launch!

Mineral Fusion Brush-On SPF

MY YEAR-ROUND SUN SAFETY SECRET:

MINERAL FUSION SPF 30 BRUSH-ON SUN DEFENSE

Summer may be officially coming to an end, but that does not mean that your use of daily sun protection should. I always say "great skin is always in" (because it is), so you better believe that I use SPF all year round (SPF 50 or 100 on my face, even with my tanned skin tone!) Since I am not a fan of foundation and never wear it, I needed a product that would protect me from the sun, while combating shine. This is where Mineral Fusion comes in: Mineral SPF 30 Brush-On Sun Defense, with antioxidant protection. I carry Mineral Fusion Mineral SPF 30 Brush-On Sun Defense with me in my bag at all times, it's especially handy for the beach. I have been using this silky powder for two years now, since attending an intimate desk-side meeting with brand reps back on July 2014.

Mineral Fusion desk-side meeting, July 23, 2014

#MACTaraji

M∙A∙C TARAJI P. HENSON

AVAILABLE ONLINE SEPTEMBER 6, 2016,

SELECT M∙A∙C STORES SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 

#MACTaraji

Taraji P. Henson has won the world over with her fearless performances, powerhouse confidence and charismatic spark. M·A·C is thrilled to announce she is joining forces with  them or an upcoming collaboration! - #MACTaraji, coming in September. 

LIPSTICK: Strip Me Down deep tone beige (matte) 

SRP: $17.00 US/$21.00 CAD 

MINERALIZE SKINFINISH NATURAL: Taraji Glow reddish brown 

SRP: $33.00 US/$38.00 CAD 

MINERALIZE SKINFINISH: Highlight The Truth soft bronze coral with golden shimmer 

SRP: $33.00 US/$38.00 CAD 

HAUTE & NAUGHTY: TOO BLACK LASH black 

SRP: $23.00 US/$28.00 CAD

PENULTIMATE EYE LINER: Rapidblack true black 

SRP: $21.00 US/$24.00 CAD 

BRUSH: 187 Duo Fibre Face 

SRP: $42.00 US/$51.00 CAD

EVERPRO Root Concealer

EVERPRO 10 SECOND ROOT CONCEALERS:

GRAY AWAY & BACK2BLONDE

Need a quick root cover up and don't have 10 minutes?, how about 10 SECONDS?? Allow me to introduce you to EVERPRO temporary root concealing products: Back2Blonde and Gray Away! Available in a variety of shades, allowing you to cover up those pesky roots in a flash. Sweat-proof, yet lasts until your next shampoo. I heard about this amazing hair product back in April at the event launch. 

EVERPRO launch event, April 2016

EVERPRO Gray Away & BACK2BLONDE

Artis Skincare Innovation

ARTIS DIGIT SKINCARE 

5-BRUSH SET IN COFFRET

Whether you're into make-up or not, it's no secret that if you need the best make-up brushes, the best way to go, is with Artis. If you don't know (and you should), Artis creator and former MAC Senior Executive Matthew Waitesmith, changed the makeup brush game and set a new standard in cosmetics application. Now, the innovators in the makeup brush category have done it again with the introduction of the Artis Digit Skincare 5-Brush Set In Coffret. These stunning skincare brushes will help to achieve a gorgeous, flawless complexion, applying skincare products better than ever before and making you feel luxuriously chic. Skincare and great skin are right up my alley, so I must get my hands on these brushes!

So what makes the Artis Digit Skincare 

5 Brush Set Collection different?

Perfumania

SIZZLING SUMMER SCENTS

FROM PERFUMANIA

Sizzle this summer with sexy scents, whether you're out and about, on a getaway - or simply enjoying a stay-cation. From authentic best sellers to new arrivals, celebrate the summer season with refreshing scents for him & her by Perfumania, America’s leading perfumery chain. This summer (and pretty much for ever), I am loving this beauty: Gucci Bamboo.

Summer Clean: Hair & Laundry

SUMMER CLEAN WITH 

TIDE & HERBAL ESSENCES

Summer isn't over yet, it's still in full swing (at least for me), so aside from all the skincare and beauty products needed to keep me going, here are two of my favorite items: Tide Pods + Febreze and Herbal Essences Naked Shampoo. 

Tide PODS Plus Febreze Odor Defense, $14.99 for 23ct – Fight summer odor all day and night with the power of Febreze, also available in: 

• Tide Rescue with Febreze Odor Defense, $9.99 for 18 ct
• Downy Fresh Protect with Febreze Odor Defense, $6.99 for 13.2 oz
• Tide Rescue with Febreze Odor Defense, $9.99 for 18 ct

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs

SALLY HANSEN 

AIRBRUSH LEGS

My two go-to shades sent by reps, I go darker in the summer! 

Here is a beauty trick that I swear by (a little over five years, possibly longer), while I don't wear foundation on my face - ever - there are times when I need a bit of cover-up on my legs. I turn one of Sally Hansen’s best-selling products, Airbrush Legs® Leg Makeup! A lightweight leg makeup that leaves legs looking smooth and sexy all day long. The formula infused with Palmaria Extract, helps cover imperfections like veins, freckles or bruises and stimulate microcirculation. I love how it covers up my tiger tattoo on my calf, a must for the office. 

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs retail for $12.99 and available in six shades:

Fairest Shade

01 Light Glow

02 Medium Glow

03 Tan Glow

04 Deep Glow

015 Beige Glow

This long lasting, fast drying formula is transfer and water resistant. The spray-on formula blends seamlessly into skin for gorgeous and flawless legs. It is available in six natural-looking shades with a luminous finish: Fairest Glow, Light Glow, Beige Glow, Medium Glow, Tan Glow, and Deep Glow and is also available in a Lotion form. You can purchase Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs at drugstores nationwide - they retail for $12.99.