Guess what...

I'm trying something new for "Inside The Fashion". I am collaborating with the lovely,Alessia from Luello.com. Alessia will be featured on ITF regularly with original guest posts. This is going to be really fun!I will also be featured on Luello.com as a regular guest blogger.Who's excited? That's a rhetorical question-because you all should be. Welcome Alessia with open arms,ITF family :)

XOXO,
S

Personal Microderm review

Remember I told you gorgeous folks about the Personal Microderm? Well I got mine and it's truly a revolutionary product. Honestly upon receiving it I was kind of bummed because it seemed to be a product marketed towards an ahem, older crowd. I'm 19 and thought I had pretty decent skin. Come to find out it can be even better thanks to PMD! PMD scrubbed away all of my dead skin cells. We all have them don't EW me:p

Under those dead cells were glowing & radiant skin! No worries-there's zero pain. In fact,it was very soothing. Skin care doesn't have to be a task but a fun regimen. I will admit it's a bit much to assemble the PMD. It has a million pieces and wires. I wish there was an easier guide to follow or it was pre-assembled.Also the packaging wasn't the spiffiest thing in the world.

Honestly,if I was scouring the net for great skincare products;I wouldn't check this out.Again,t would even MORE beneficial to an older crowd.But,I'm very glad I was selected to try this product. It clear blemishes and even out the skin tone.Overall,I'm very happy I have it in collection. I highly recommend it! There's a lot of imitators out there but PMD is one of the best.

How cool is this?

I've been selected out of hundreds...maybe thousands:p to review a product called the "Personal Microderm". This product really is one of the best beauty tools around. What the Personal Microderm does for your skin is miraculous. It revitalizes and cleanses the skin. I'm OH so very excited. Apparently I'll receive my Microderm in a week or two. Gotta love Apothica & The Fringe Network!

I'm very much alive

So sorry for the lack of updates.I've been super duper busy...transferring to a different college in the fall& doing my very best to pass my current courses. I CAN'T WAIT TO MOVE OUT. Knock on wood & pray for me!

XOXO

Do you want makeup that looks good and is GOOD for your skin too?

Well...DuWop cosmetics was made with you in mind! I know that us gals have our own makeup dilemmas but mine is...RED LIPSTICK. I love red lipstick but I'm absolutely terrified of how it'll look on me. As a woman of color,I'm very concerned about drawing negative attention to my lips. Such effect will be called:CLOWN MOUTH,just tragic.

But DuWop is here to the rescue with their revolutionary lipstick "Private Red"!

Private Red is different from other lipsticks because it has "mood lipstick technology".Which always it to change color and complement YOUR skin tone.Thanks for solving my 3 year dilemma,DuWop:-) Not only that but Private Red contains nourishing ingredients like Vitamin E for conditioning and Henna for a non-fading pigment.It not only protects&conditions,smooth-ens but never fades! This isn't your mother's lipstick!

This is the lipstick of the new generation. It's a great buy that every trendsetter needs in her makeup bag. No more dry lips! No more weird smells! No more fading color! I'm a huge fan! I do not advocate anything I don't believe in so don't waste another dime on products that don't work.

XOXO

Apothica Review

I can't believe I never did this. My poor lil 19 year old brain. In Early December,I received my lovely Apothica makeup via USPS.


(Not the best photos but these are the actual products.Cute,huh?)

I ordered the following:
JAPONESQUE Brush Set Touch Up Tube - Blue *****
Jane Iredale PureLash Conditioner *****
Borghese Linea Precisa Liquid Eyeliner No. 01 Black **
Pur Minerals Under Control****

Japonesque Brush Set is a travel tube that comes with five well crafted brushes. I was in desperate need of great brushes. My old brushes which I got from CVS were falling apart..literally. The bristles were falling out,just a mess. But these brushes have a smooth easy to hold handle and strong bristles.It includes two eyeshadow brushes,a powder/blush brush,concealer brush and a lip brush.Of course,the beautiful blue color is so MAGNETIC. Had to get it...

Jane Iredale PureLash Conditioner is a formula to strengthen,lengthen and add volume to eyelashes. The white and gold tube is very pretty,cute packaging. The formula is absolutely scentless.I have very sensitive eyes and this product DOES NOT irritate my eyelashes or eyes whatsoever. I've seen a difference in just the four weeks that I've been using it. My eyelashes are definitely fuller.You can wear the conditioner by itself or apply before mascara. It goes on white but blends into your eyelashes in seconds.

Borghese Liquid Eyeliner is a beautiful liquid liner from Italy.The packaging was very nice but it does not have any staying power. I've never seen a liquid liner disappear off my eyelid faster than Borghese. Maybe I just have oily eyelids? 0.o I got black,it's a shame because it goes on very smoothly. The tip is specialized to create a straight& smooth line.Maybe I should use eye primer than use this? I will report back!

Pur Minerals Under Control is a primer for oily skin. My secret is out! I have the oiliest T-zone of all time. The T-zone is the forehead,nose and chin. Pur Minerals DEFINITELY reduces the amount of oil especially on my worst part-my nose. You have to use a dime-quarter size amount for maximum protection. It's scentless and I'll definitely buy it again! Pur Mineral is a non sticky cream that allows your skin to breathe.It feels like you've put nothing on. Most primers feel like sticky film ;( Best primer out there!

I also got two free samples: a herbal bath gel and an acne cleanser.
In summary,I LOVE APOTHICA:)

Congratulations to...

Thifa! Yes, Thifa with the email address(thifasblog@gmail.com) Beautiful,you won a $25 gift certificate from Apothica!!! I will send your info over to Apothica by Monday. You'll be shopping in no time:-) Thanks everyone! Merry Christmas xoxo
-Sharifa

ATTENTION ALL GLAMAZONS--WIN FREE MAKEUP!!!!

As some of my extra glam readers may know Apothica is one of the leading carriers in Make-up,hair and skin care,fragrances & many more!I’ve teamed up with them to bring you this phenomenal contest. Apothica carries the leading brands in beauty like Smashbox, Urban Decay, Too Faced and Bobbi Brown to name a few…

My personal favorite is Too Faced cosmetics.Their Transculent Powderis light and leaves skin soft with a romantic glow. It’s colorless and blends into YOUR skin tone. Every girl needs a fab concealer right? Here’s one.

I’m giving away one $25 gift card! Starting from December 3rd...

RULES:
.Must be 17 + to enter
.You must be following my blog. Scroll down the sidebar until you see a box that says Google Friend Connect,follow!
.Must comment THIS post with preferred email address

You can submit up to 10 + entries!!!

Additional ways to enter:
-1 entry for becoming a fan of Apothica on facebook
-1 entry for following Inside The Fashion on facebook
-1 entry for following me on twitter @thesymphony-life, tweet me “GIMME APOTHICA”
-2 entries for following Apothica on twitter @apothica
-2 entries to retweet Apothica’s tweet about Inside The Fashion’s giveaway
-2 entries for leaving a comment about what they’ll purchase with gift card in this post.

What the Winner of the Apothica Giveaway Needs to Know:

1)Inside The Fashion will provide Apothica with the winner's contact information
2)Apothica will contact the winner to verify information is correct
3)After verification, Apothica will email the a code for the gift card to be used at SkinCareRx.com, Apothica.com, and SkinBotanica.com
4)SkinCareRx.com and SkinBontanica are sister sites.

Please, save SkinCareRx as a contact in their email box so that we don't go to the Spam/Junk Mail folder

CONTEST CLOSED,WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!!!!!!!
THIS IS A WORLDWIDE CONTEST SPONSORED BY APOTHICA.COM

Winter Beauty Tips :D

For the harsh winter months it's important to protect our skin more than ever! That's why a good moisturizer is essential. I'll recommend one from Clinique

Prices range to $12.50-$50
A good moisturizer is the ultimate base for makeup. It should go in the order of Clean face,Moisturizer,Wait,Primer,Wait then Foundation.Clinique is a wee bit expensive but it truly works!Enriched with Vitamin E to quench thirsty skin;There's lotion and gel for all skin types oily,combination and dry with SPF.

Ever wonder how some women seem to have the glow during this season? It's either: they're in love,pregnant,both or they use highlighters and bronzers!

They're highlighter powder and creams but you can also use gold eyeshadow without sublte to no shimmer to "highlight" your features. Your features can be your cheekbones,brow bone etc. Using a powder/blush brush brush up towards the hairline.

Bronzer like this one from NARS gives a natural glow that's ideal for all skin types

$32;It has a subtle shimmer

Now! What about your beautiful lips? It's crucial to keep them moisturized and looking kissable.Have you noticed the abundance of lip treatment ads lately? I honestly can't recommend you a lip plumper. I'm very blessed in that area but my favorite lip gloss beside the Classic Cherry chapstick is Dylan Candys Bar Lip Saver
$3.50

They're available in an array of delicious flavors. Small and super cute!

"Winter Wonderland Look"
I came up with this last year on a complete whim. Every time I wear it I get tons of compliments.
What you'll need:
-White Eyeshadow -Eyeliner brush
-Blush -Powder brush
-Primer -Concealer brush
-Moisturizer
-Mascara
-Foundation
-Concealer
-Pink lipstick or gloss

1) Every artist must work with a clean canvas....After washing your face,apply moisturizer. Wait five minutes before applying an oil free face primer.A face primer sets your makeup for a matte finish.

2) This step is optional.If you regularly use foundation,apply after primer.Wait five minutes for makeup to set and apply concealer with your fingertips or brush to conceal dark spots,dark circles and acne.

3)Now the magic begins. Using an EYELINER brush dip into white eyeshadow and line the upper and lower eyelids.Don't try to make a straight line right away!!! Pace yourself,try making small dots and connect them. Fact:White eyeshadow opens your eyes and appears to make them bigger. Note we're going for a thin line. Be careful not to get the powder in your eyes!

4)Apply mascara,I recommend 4-5 coats. Wipe away excess dust of your face and prepare to apply blush.

5)The correct way to apply blush to SMILE and apply the powder to the "apple of your cheeks" towards your hairline.

6)If you're using lipstick. Line the lips with a pink liner.Moisturize lips with a clear gloss and add lipstick with a lip brush (preferred) than using it straight out the tube. Its better for a softer look.Rub your lips together,fix the edges and pucker UP!

&There you have it :D
**I love rocking bouncy curls with this. The white eyeshadow symbolizes snow,get it?

XOXO

I have....

A LOT OF GOOD STUFF ON THE WAY :) Be patient!

XOXO,
Sharifa

What's on your summer wishlist?

That's a pretty big question but I've narrowed it down to the must haves...
**Not in any specific order*

-The "Perfect" Fedora
Not the kind your grandpa wore but the ultra trendy ones you see in the fashion magazines.A straw hat fedora is more appropriate and weather friendly for the hot days of summer.

Now where do you find these hats has always been some type of enigma. Forever 21 and H&M will probably have a couple but check the small boutique that caters to the hipsters in your city.Also online shopping is probably the best bet. Check Alloy.com

-The "Perfect" Summer dress
I hope you know that coral is the "It color" this summer. If you heard it was anything else--THEY LIED.

Forever 21 Satin Shirt Dress;$27.80
Now I think i may have this category covered already. I got a dress (totally different from the above pic). It coral dress with a bustier type and a criss-cross back with a gold zipper. I have no idea when to wear it. My 19th birthday maybe? Omg,I'm going to be 19 in September...*quickly changes topic*

-The "Perfect" Cocktail Shorts
To me,this is one of those trends that always come back once summer arrives.Dress it up or dress it down!I would love black ones...I need to brighten up,eh?


-The "Perfect" Handbag
Leather will stick to my arms.Suede is just...weird.That still leaves plenty of options. And of course it'll all depends where you're going-work,school,beach etc.

Is this a good summer bag? Alloy.com-Shada Bag;$39.90

-The "Perfect" Tank Top
I'm not taking about those lame spaghetti strap things. Tops like this:

Alloy.com;$22.00

-The "Perfect" Sandal
I don't think it's possible but have fun trying.


-The "Perfect" Romper
Denim,Satin(Why would you do that?)...pick your flavor.

If you're blessed with divine legs show them off! A little shimmer and leg makeup = perfect legs

-The "Perfect" Skinny Cargo Pants


And of course -The "Perfect" pair of sunglasses.Whether you're into designers names or not there's a formula for the perfect sunglasses based on your face shape. Good thing to Google.

Curently on the hunt for a summer job!

I do not have any previous work experience so it makes my job hunt that much harder. But please send any inquiries and offers to: shrconstantine@aol.com Of course I would love to write/secretarial-intern work for a fashion magazine. I'm a full time student majoring in Biology-Physician Assistant.So anything in the health career field would be of my interest as well.

Thank you!

Back from Hiatus

I have to take these random breaks from blogging. Especially around midterm &final time. Plus my life has been getting weirder and weirder everyday. I need to make a blog just about my personal drama.

Follow me on Twitter: @SharifaShenel

Hey!

I've been MIA because...I really don't have an excuse except that I'm lazy. And I'm starting to question my sanity. But it's going to be a lovely weekend in Brooklyn:) My spring break is way too short,I go back on Wednesday and I could not be anymore annoyed. I really don't know what to post...contemplating if I should hang up my fashion blogging "career". Yeah?

You can't get rid of me that easily...
Happy April Fools!

Echo Design's Spring and Beach Wear

Despite yesterday's apocalyptic rainstorm-the warmer weather is slowly creeping up on us ?Right? So why not get some pieces to breathe some energy and color into your spring/summer wardrobe?

Infinity neck rings(very cute and stylish!)
$38
$28
$38
Check out more of their infinity rings at Neck rings

The Sheer Cardigan( great for spring!)
$48
See more of the ready-to-wear-collection here: Cute stuff

Beachwear!

Round Raffia Bag $48;I love the blue. What a gorgeous color!


You can't go on summer vacation without a...Floppy Beach Hat $34


The Eye catching...Colorful Waves Tank Dress $88

Check out more of Echo Design's beach wear: Echo Design

xoxo

You should totally comment this...

Spring Trends

Show me some love:D!

Hello:)

I've been very busy in the last week or so. The Spring semester started:( and I'm trying my very best at getting my name out in the industry.Plus,I'm this-close to taking my written driver test. I received a lovely email asking if I would like to be a Guest blogger for Become.com Fashion and Style Sector. Of course,I graciously accepted. It's a great opportunity and I'm really excited.My deadline is Friday and all is good. I'm in the stage of making the final draft and bedazzling it a bit. When my post is up on Become.com I'll definitely post a link on here.

Check their site(s) out: Become.com
Pocket
Change

OverBra Shapewear

I went to a press day event for OverBra Shapewear yesterday. In case you didn't know-OverBra Shapewear is THE revolutionary shaper that slims your back and midriff while accentuating your cleavage. There's five different OverBra designs. There's the Original OverBra,Midriff, Longline,The Slip and Body Shaper.

Original OverBra

Midriff OverBra

Longline OverBra

Slip OverBra

Bodyshaper OverBra

I think it's a really interesting and unique design.The fabric is really soft,lightweight and breathable. It doesn't bunch up underneath clothing and it's very affordable. I got The Slip OverBra. I wish I got the Longline OverBra but I still adore it. Can't wait to wear it. Thank you everyone at OverBra:D

Check out http://www.theoverbra.com/ for more information and where to purchase it.

Pictures via www.jcpenny.com and www.theoverbra.com

All the Twitterheads

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER@SharifaShenel
:)
I'll follow you back. Please and thank you!

1/5/2010 outfit

Pockets


Rhapsody Dress- $20
Charlotte Russe Triple Chain Necklace- $8
Thrifted Leggings-$6
Groove ankle boots-$70
Beret from Spring-$8
=$112


Love ya!