The new Bobbi Brown store inside Belk at The Summit is now open and it's beautiful!  Just look at the countertops.  Doesn't it remind you of a kitchen?  The marble counters, the large island in the center and the cabinetry is gorgeous.  

Let's have a brief history lesson about Bobbi and her brand...

Bobbi Brown's story is very inspiring.  It all started with these 10 lipsticks pictured above.  In the 1980s, with a degree in theatrical makeup she was a makeup artist.  The makeup trend back then was strong contoured faces and red lips, which Bobbi didn't find all that flattering.  Bobbi's own look was inspired by Ali MacGraw in "Love Story", so she wanted to create natural looking lip color so that lips would look like "lips".   She launched her lipsticks at Bergdorf Goodman in 1991, with instant success -- she sold 100 lipsticks on her first day!  And after 4 years, her brand was acquired by Estee Lauder with Bobbi retaining complete creative control.  Just like we all read those affirmations that say things like, "If it doesn't exist, create it".  Well, she did! 

These are the current lip colors...

And the creamy lip color which is like a tinted lip balm definitely caught my eye for everyday wear.

And there is also a simple balm.

And she offers foundations from the lightest to the darkest.  And an interesting fact:  they are all yellow-base.  This piqued my curiosity, because even though I have golden undertones to my skin and I would naturally wear a yellow-base foundation, I wouldn't think that everyone could.  But the way her makeup is formulated, it works.  And she also says, "Concealer is the secret of the universe".  And I believe her.  It's the difference between looking exhausted or like you've had some great sleep.

And even it you need a little bit of help, her bronzer is perfect for color correction.

And the beautiful array of blushes.

Here is the eye color.  Colors from cool to warm.  I like warm!  And from everyday clean to a dramatic occasion look.  

And most importantly, the skincare products.  And another little fact I learned:  The moisturizers contain a primer!  So that's one less step in your routine.

And here are 4 of the 8 books she's written that are also available at the counter.

And what's a major plus about this brand are the very educated makeup artist!  Bobbi Brown Coordinator Jennifer Puckett (sec. from the left) and her team of professionals are excellent in helping your establish your skincare regimen and makeup routine.  And they also offer classes.

Here's my sheet!  And they keep a copy on file in the store.

And they get to wear this fun, cool girl shirt!  So, if you're in the Birmingham Metro Area, make sure to stop by Belk and head to the Bobbi Brown counter!  Or any Bobbi Brown counter in your area.

Allow me to preface everything in this post by first saying, I am NOT a beauty blogger, nor do I deem myself a beauty expert.  However, I am a consumer that has been purchasing makeup for the last 30 years.  That makes me an expert on ME and on what I like!

So, when I was approached by Emily Guffey, a Younique Presenter to review the Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes, I jumped on the opportunity.  I'm a product junkie and I love being put on to a new product that I've never heard of or probably wouldn't purchase based on the lack of familiarity.

So I graciously accepted this beautifully packaged mascara.  It's like NOTHING I've ever used before.  And the entire process of using it is an experience.  Let me explain how you apply it:

First, you apply a thin coat of your own regular mascara as a base.  Any kind will do.  I'm a fan of L'Oreal mascaras, so those are what I use.  

Then you apply a coat of the Moodstruck Transplanting gel.  And IMMEDIATELY following while WET, apply the Moodstruck Natural Fibers.  

The part about immediately and wet are extremely important.  Let's just say that the first time I tried this product that I failed to do that part.  It was like I was brushing tiny little feathery hairs into my eyes.  I knew I had to have done something very wrong.  So, after a few more tries and probably around a week later, I feel like I pretty much know how to properly apply it.  You have to do one eye at a time, have all applicators ready and move through it reasonably fast.  I really like the end results when applied properly.  I think after you actually get the hang of the application process, you can apply it quickly.  Because it really is all about technique.

A problem that I initially had was when I was applying the fibers too dry was the falling or flaking of the fibers onto my under eye area.  But again, this all has to do with perfecting your own technique.  Now, would I recommend this product?  Not to the regular woman.  But I HIGHLY recommend this to the lady who LOVES makeup and is always in search of the latest and greatest new product!

Disclaimer:  I received this product for to review.  I was not compensated.  All opinions on this product are my own.

My preferred style of dress has always been a sheath dress.  I know a lot of women like skater styles or dresses with full skirts.  But I love a sheath dress.  And this pattern - Vogue 8872, which is a play off of the ever-so-popular Black Halo Jackie O Dress, is no exception.

My preferred way to wear a sheath dress is close-fitting.   Sheath dresses look elegant and slimming, especially when they're form-fitting (not skintight).  This is something you must keep in mind when picking fabric.  I like fabric with a little bit of stretch for wearing ease.  That's why the fabric I chose for mine is this gorgeous Italian peacock blue stretch wool (98% wool, 2% spandex) that I purchased for my Mood Sewing Network garment.  

I cut the size 14 because it was already in my stash.  I added 3 inches to the length of the skirt.  I like for my sheath dress hem to hit at the knee. I had to take in the bodice about an inch or so.  It's lined in a white nylon tricot from my stash.  So understitching is a very important step to not skip in order to make sure that lining doesn't slip out.

I self-lined the corset-style midriff.  Two layers of this fabric gave a secure, Spanx-like fit.  I can eat while wearing this dress!

Since the bodice is cut on the bias, it naturally has a beautiful drape.  I let it hang on the dressform for a few days and the neckline decided who it wanted to be.  I just went with it.  I left off the "shoulder wings", they weren't necessary for me.  And I also omitted the belt carriers.  If I decided I want to wear a belt, I'll just add a thin one at the waist.

And my final alteration that I make to my sheath dresses (and pencil skirts) is to peg in the bottom.  My formula is that the hem should be four inches less than the hip point.  With a vent opening, it's walkable and the fit is perfect!  This dress is perfect for all sorts of occasions.  It's subtly sexy in a way that will make men look and women not hate.  Perfect for a dinner date or a women's conference and will have a great home in my closet!

And my look is never complete without great makeup...

Celebrity Makeup Artist Rob Scheppy -- think Kim Kardashian's fabulous smokey eye, teamed up with Tini Beauty and created this gorgeous 8 color eye shadow palette.  Now, I love makeup and beauty products in general.  I'm a certified product junkie, and I've always loved the Kardashian sisters' makeup, so this was a great product that I was sent to review (no compensation, just this beautiful palette).

Matte shades:  White Russian - creamy off white; Cinnamon-tini - terra cotta; Pavlova - taupe; Blackout - black

Shimmer shades:  Pearl Fizz - pearly white; Rose' Champagne - peachy bronze; Cuba Libre - light cola; Bella Note - charcoal grey

So, today was my first time using this palette.  The colors are neutral, beautiful and perfect for my lifestyle.  Have you ever purchased a palette with colors that you'd never, EVER wear?  I have and this is not one of them.  I love that there are matte colors for day and if you want to get snazzy for evening or a special occasion, you can use the shimmer.  When I applied it, I used it dry.  I used the top row of matte colors to create a smokey eye.  The pigment went on pretty lightly, but you can always build the color up by patting on more.  I'm assuming if you apply it with a dampened brush, the color will be a lot more intense.  This is a great addition to my collection and I'll definitely be putting this to use.  I mean, how could I not?