DetroitDuchess, Author at Detroit Duchess

Just Brush It!

December 18, 2018 by DetroitDuchess Leave a Comment

Over the last few weeks I’ve been obsessed with YouTube MUA videos (that’s short for makeup artists which I just learned). Who knew there was so much drama in the MUA community?! I have watched way more videos about it than I care to admit haha! There is a common thread in all of these videos – a very specific set of makeup brushes. Each of the artists seems to have their favorite version but it left me wondering which set to get for myself.

After watching so many makeup videos I am embarrassed at how sad my brush collection is. I probably have about 3 brushes that are nice enough to even share online. This prompted me to try and figure out what set I should invest in for myself. Some of the lines I’ve been looking at have a variety of sets but the others just sell them as individual brushes and you can build your own set with all of your favorites. Here is a list of must-have brushes to start your collection:

Foundation Brush
Concealer Brush
Powder Brush
Blush Brush
Shadow Brushes
- Flat
- Fluffy
- Dome
Small Angled Liner Brush
Lip Brush
Liquid Liner Brush
Brow Brush

I’ve narrowed it down to five brands that I want to start building my collection with:

Smashbox

Smashbox Cosmetics is the OG in cosmetics started by the great-grandsons of Max Factor. I already have their Buildable Foundation Brush which isn’t too bad at $32.

Bobbi Brown

As I’ve mentioned before, I am a huge fan of Michelle Money and her Youtube show the MMandL Show. This was where I was first introduced to Bobbi Brown’s brushes. I have the Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush ($31).

MAC

MAC is probably the beginner brush set for a good portion of the MUAs online. A good portion started out working at MAC so it makes sense. I have brush 217 – the Synthetic Blending Brush.

Sigma

I haven’t used any Sigma brushes, but this is one of the brands the MUAs rave about. Sigma was created in 2009 by a molecular bacteriologist and civil engineer. I need a better brow brush and I hear that E75 Angled Brow Brush is great and you can’t beat the $17 price point.

Morphe

Morphe was created in 2008 and is billed as the company started by MUAs and influencers. They do a ton of collaborations with prominent influencers. Their Bling Set ($49) would be a great way to start your collection.

What are your favorite makeup brushes?

For more beauty posts, click here.

Filed Under: Beauty Tagged With: beauty, Bobbi Brown, MAC Cosmetics, Makeup brushes, Morphe, Sigma, Smashbox

Don’t You Step on My Blue Suede Shoes

December 17, 2018 by DetroitDuchess Leave a Comment

During my Black Friday shopping extravaganza this year, I splurged on a pair of blue suede Steve Madden Adella Pumps. But what does one wear with blue suede shoes? Enter Pinterest to help me figure it out.

In today’s Pinspired post, I stumbled upon a fun look that I couldn’t help but recreate.

Macy’s had a beautiful I.N.C. Cotton Ponte-Knit Coat on sale for $112.13 which is perfect for this recreation.

I would pair this with another Black Friday purchase, the Luxespun Wrap-Front T-Shirt Top ($49.50).

I could also add these SUGARFIX by BaubleBar Tassel Drop Earrings with Beaded Studs ($12.99) to tie the outfit together.

How would you style my blue suede shoes?

For more Pinspired looks, click here.

Filed Under: Fashion, Pinspired Tagged With: Blue suede shoes, fashion, pinspired

Catch JLO’s Second Act on December 19

December 12, 2018 by DetroitDuchess 5 Comments

Disclosure: I received complimentary passes to the screening in exchange for this post. Scroll down for your chance to win tickets to the screening.

What would you do if you were stuck in a low-paying job and due to a mistake, were offered a chance at a big career? Would you tell the truth and stay put or would you take the risk and see where it leads? In Jennifer Lopez’s new movie, Second Act, she tries her hand at the opportunity of a lifetime.

In Second Act, Jennifer Lopez stars as Maya, a 40-year-old woman struggling with frustrations from unfulfilled dreams. Until, that is, she gets the chance to prove to Madison Avenue that street smarts are as valuable as book smarts, and that it is never too late for a second act. The movie also stars Leah Remini, Vanessa Hudgens, Treat Williams and Milo Ventimiglia.

To get us into the 2019 go-getter spirit a little early, I’m offering up 50 pairs of tickets to the advance screening of Second Act (PG-13) on Wednesday, December 19 at 7:00 p.m. at the MJR Grand Digital Cinema 16 in Troy, MI. You can enter via this link. There is no purchase necessary.

It’s so interesting that this is the film JLO chose to make next as she is having a second act in her career (not that she ever stopped). She is just on fire lately! Her Giambattista Valli gown at the premiere was amazing! If you want to see more, People Magazine did a nice round up of all of her look’s from the promo tour here.

https://twitter.com/JLo/status/1073107859293044737

What do you think of JLO’s second act? I would love to see you at the screening on Wednesday but if you can’t attend the screening, you can catch it in theaters on Friday, December 21.

For more movie posts, click here.

Filed Under: Movies Tagged With: Giambattista Valli, Jennifer Lopez, Leah Remini, Milo Ventimiglia, Movie, Second Act, Treat Williams, Vanessa Hudgens

Pull a Pound with 4ocean

October 22, 2018 by DetroitDuchess Leave a Comment

Lately I’ve found myself more interested in supporting products that are doing good in the world. I decided that I want to seek out more products that are helping causes or sustainable. One of our most vital resources, the ocean, has a huge collection of plastic floating around. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is 600,000 square miles equivalent to twice the size of Texas.

According to 4ocean, an estimated 16 billion pounds of plastic enter the ocean each year. This trash can have a devastating effect on marine life not to mention the damage that degrading plastic will do to the environment in the long term. 4ocean ounders Alex an Andrew created a piece of jewelry that helps clean up trash from the ocean. This video explains how they have turned saving the ocean into a business.

I was so moved by their mission. Every bracelet they sell pulls a pound of trash from the ocean! One full pound! For just $20 you can help remove a pound of trash from the ocean and get a cute bracelet. They have pulled nearly 2 million pounds of trash from the ocean in less than two years and they also employee 150 employees. They’ve worked to clean coastlines in 27 countries already.

Every month 4ocean highlights a special cause and creates a limited edition bracelet for it. I ordered the two pack including the signature bracelet and the limited edition polar bear bracelet. For the polar bear bracelet, 4ocean partnered with Polar Bears International and Carbonfund.org to help protect polar bears and conserve the sea ice they depend on for survival. Other causes they’ve contributed to include whales, manatees, sharks, sea turtles, and the coral reef.

4ocean also has a monthly subscription allowing you to get the limited bracelet for just $20 each month. By the end of the year you will have helped pull 12 pounds of trash from the ocean! I think these would make excellent gifts or stocking stuffers.

What color/cause bracelets are your favorites?

Find more fashion posts here.

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: 4ocean, fashion

Five on Friday: Kendra Scott comes to Michigan

October 12, 2018 by DetroitDuchess Leave a Comment

For this week’s Five on Friday, I wanted to share five reasons to get pumped about Michigan’s first Kendra Scott boutique at Twelve Oaks Mall. I was running through the mall a few weeks ago to pick up some Olaplex at Sephora and was surprised to see a brand new Kendra Scott boutique! Imagine my excitement! They took it up a notch by handing me a glass of champagne as soon as I stepped foot in the store.

Here are a few things you should know about shopping at the new boutique:

1. Kendra Gives Back

If you have a cause that you are passionate about supporting, you can work with Kendra Scott to host a fundraising event. They will provide the treats and you can invite all of your friends to shop. Kendra Scott will donate 20% of the proceeds to your cause.

2. Kendra offers 50% off on your birthday

During your birthday month, Kendra Scott offers a 50% discount off of one item. All you have to do is show your ID. The clerk told me that I should also have my husband shop for me during his birthday month to take advantage of the discount twice! What a great idea! I have my eye on this Harlow Statement Necklace In Blush Pearl that retails at $225.

3. Customize your own look with Kendra’s Color Bar

You can create your own look right in the store! I made these awesome Danielle Earrings with the gold filigree.

4. Elisa Necklace

Kendra’s favorite piece of all time is the Elisa Necklace. I like this iridescent drusy version.

5. $500

Kendra started her business with just $500. She opened her first business, Hat Box, at 19 years old. You can read more about her in this Forbes article.

What are your favorite Kendra Scott pieces?

You can find all my previous Five on Friday posts here.

Filed Under: Fashion, Five on Friday Tagged With: fashion, Five on Friday, Kendra Scott

Support Breast Cancer Awareness

October 8, 2018 by DetroitDuchess 1 Comment

I’ve mentioned in previous posts that I have a family history of breast cancer. My mom is a survivor and my grandmother was also a survivor. I haven’t had a mammogram yet, but I have had an ultrasound. On top of my family history, I have a little something called Fibrocystic Breast Disease which sounds scarier than it is. FBC basically means I have lumpy breasts and that hormonal changes can be responsible for frequent changes and lumps. It’s important that I get everything checked out, but usually if I notice something unusual it will go away within a week or so. Having an ultrasound clearly distinguishes between fluid-filled breast cysts and solid masses. If you have any questions, or think you might have FBC, make sure to talk to your doctor about it.

Anything I can do to support research and treatment in this area is important to me so I am sharing some of the fun products and companies that are helping to raise money for the cause this month.

GLAMGLOW BUBBLESHEET™ Oxygenating Deep Cleanse Mask – Breast Cancer Awareness Edition ($9)

I love a face mask and this bamboo charcoal-infused sheet mask uses Green Tea to purify your skin and create a tingling 3D bubble experience that detoxifies your skin. GLAMGLOW is donating 20% from the purchase price to support Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign through 12/31/18.

Stella & Dot Tribute Bracelet ($29)

I am in love with Stella & Dot’s bracelet this year, it is so cute! Through Oct. 31, Stella & dot will donate 20% of the purchase price to Bright Pink which focuses on prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women.

Bobbi Brown Pinks with Purpose Lip Color Duo ($45)

This duo includes Sandwash Pink and Pink. For every set purchased they’ll donate $17 to Estee Lauder’s Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Kendra Scott Metastatic Breast Cancer Necklace Charm Set ($110)

I am so excited for this new breast cancer collection! Twenty percent of the proceeds will fund Kendra Scott’s BCRF research grant and for every piece you purchase they will donate a piece of jewelry to a woman undergoing cancer treatment. This particular necklace goes even further to help support a special retreat for 20 families battling metastatic breast cancer.

Tory Burch Eau de Parfum Breast Cancer Awareness Rollerball ($30)

This fruity floral rollerball has key notes of neroli, peony and vetiver. Twenty percent of the proceeds go to Estee Lauder’s Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign.

Naked Cashmere Love Scarf ($165)

I love how chic this 100% cashmere scarf is. For each scarf, Nakedcashmere will donate $50 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. I would get the antique pink color.

The Lip Bar “As If” ($13)

I love a local favorite and was excited to see that The Lip Bar was donating 50% of the proceeds of this color to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Swell Geode Rose Water Bottle ($35)

I love me a water bottle, you literally can never have enough. The Geode Rose highlights the natural mystery of the inside of a rose quartz geode stone. Swell is donating 20% of the retail price to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

La Mer The Cleansing Micellar Water ($55)

If you still haven’t a clue about Micellar Water, check out this post for all the details. La Mer has got luxurious skincare down so there’s no doubt their Micellar Water will be no different. La Mer will donate 30% of the purchase price to BCRF.

Luxe by Carmen Marc Volvo Floral Scarf ($16.95)

Fifty percent of the purchase price of this sassy scarf will go to BCRF. I love the pop of color on this.

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Limited Edition Breast Cancer Awareness Purse Spray ($30)

I’m a huge fan of Donna Karan’s Cashmere Mist – I love the deodorant! The scent is lovely and this would be a great on-the-go spray. Twenty percent of the sale goes to BCRF.

Loft BCRF Stud Earring Set ($34.50)

These dainty earrings are SO in right now…very Meghan Markle. Sixty percent of the purchase price will be donated to BCRF through Nov. 15.

Bumble and Bumble Pink Ribbon Thickening Spray ($30)

My fine, thin hair is very familiar with Bumble and Bumble’s Thickening Spray. I love it even more now that they donate 20% to BCRF.

Bekah Martinez for Jean Franklin Betty Scarf ($28)

Hooray for a Bachelor inspired piece for my list! Bekah Martinez teamed up with Jean Franklin to create this headscarf and a beautiful wrap dress to donate 50% of the purchase price to BCRF. I love to see Bachelor Nation using their popularity for good! You can read more on their collaboration in this article from Bustle.

IT Cosmetics Foundation Brush ($30)

For each brush you purchase, one is donated to the Look Good Feel Better campaign, which helps women manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer with confidence.

Blush Pink 100% Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase ($79)

I’ve been meaning to get a silk pillowcase because its supposed to be better for your hair. With every purchase of a Soft Pink Silk Pillowcase, $5 will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter ($38)

Eight dollars from the purchase price of BECCA’s creamy luminizing powder goes to BCRF.

BCRF Swirl Lokai ($18)

Lokai bracelets are a reminder to stay balanced.The white bead is infused with water from Mt Everest and the black bead contains mud from the Dead Sea, the highest and lowest points on earth. One dollar from each bracelet goes to BCRF. They have four different colors to support breast cancer this year so you can get them all.

Erin Condren Daisies Life Planner ($55)

Get a jump on 2019 with Erin Condren’s BCRF Life Planner. Fifty percent of the proceeds go to BCRF!

Pink Hope Rose Quartz Amulet Layered Necklace ($12)

I love quartz, it is a healing stone and perfect to support breast cancer. Fifteen percent of the sales price goes to the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer fund.

Have you seen any products this year that I’ve missed? Let me know in the comments!

You can see my previous 2014 and 2015 lists at the respective links.

Filed Under: Beauty, Fashion Tagged With: Avon, Bachelor, Becca, Bekah Martinez, Bobbi Brown, Breast Cancer Awareness, Bumble and Bumble, Donna Karan, Dress Barn, Erin Condren, Estee Lauder, GLAMGLOW, It Cosmetics, Jean Franklin, Kendra Scott, La Mer, LOFT, Lokai, Lovesilk, Nakedcashmere, Stella & Dot, Swell, The Lip Bar

Five on Friday: Tea Time

October 5, 2018 by DetroitDuchess 2 Comments

I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it before, but I am 50% British. My dad was the first one of his family to be born in the United States. Because his parents died before I was born, we don’t have a lot of cultural family traditions from that side of the family. One thing I do know is that my grandmother kept her tea time every day and that she NEVER used a tea bag. I’ve never really adopted tea time, but with 5 sets of my own china I feel like I am missing a prime opportunity. So I thought it would be fun for me to start having my own tea time. How relaxing would it be to start an afternoon tea tradition? Unfortunately, I have zero tea making supplies (aside from the china) so I thought I would research some options and get started.

1. Tea Kettle

The most important part of all of this is the tea kettle. I selected this beautiful Sotya Whistling Stainless Steel Tea Kettle ($39.99) for the house and then this cute BELLA 1.2L Electric Ceramic Tea Kettle ($39.99) that I could bring to the office.

2. Teabox Elegant Ball Infuser ($8.99)

The Sotya kettle comes with its own ball infuser, but the electric one will need one. I liked the idea of this elegant one from Teabox.

3. Tea

I wanted to find delicious tea from some local spots here in Michigan. I found two places that make their own loose leaf tea. I love shopping local for fun finds! The first one is Arbor Teas based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. They are a family-owned business that finds the best teas from around the world and try to deliver them to you in a sustainable way. I ordered their Organic Pomegranate White Tea, Organic Chocolate Pu Erh Tea, and Organic Vanilla Almond Rooibos to start.

The second company is Plum Door Tea Company based out of Milford, Michigan. They started out as a small tea bar, but closed down their shop and sell a range of 70 teas online. I ordered their Strawberry White, Peach Blossom, Southern Peach Oolong, and Chocolate Orange Pu erh.

4. Addison Pink Abstract Tea for One Set ($33.99)

At home I have five different sets of fine china so I am set there, but I don’t really want to bring them to the office. I found this darling tea for one set from Pinky Up. It’s compact and includes a saucer!

5. Macarons

I LOVE macarons and tea time is the perfect excuse to enjoy them. My local favorites are Le Detroit Macaron and Cannelle Patisserie when I have time to stop by and pick some up. On a daily basis, there is a Panera in my building and they have delicious scones so I could probably get one to enjoy with my tea at the office.

Now that I’m getting into tea, I need ALL of your tips so please share them and all your favorite teas in the comments.

You can find more Five on Friday posts here.

Filed Under: Five on Friday Tagged With: afternoon tea, Arbor Teas, Five on Friday, Pinky Up, Plum Door Tea Co., Sotya, tea, tea time

Fall 2018 Favorites

October 1, 2018 by DetroitDuchess Leave a Comment

I’m really not ready for fall this year, I was just starting to get into the swing of summer and really enjoy it and BOOM fall. One of my mottos is Fake it Till You Make it which applies here so I will just start talking about fall and getting all my fall items and then the excitement will follow. I already have a few easy favorites to share with you on my annual list.

Fergalicious Rattle Peep Toe Bootie ($44.99)

I had a similar pair on my year last year but never ended up getting them. I bit the bullet and bought these and they are SO cute! I have a really wide width and have a hard time finding shoes to fit when they encase your whole foot, but these work really well. They are a great transition from sandals and wedges into fall.

CND Dreamcatcher ($10.50)

I’m loving this new color from the CND Wild Earth Collection. It’s a fun purpley pink color.

Twist Back Sweater ($54.99)

I love the sexy twist detail on this sweater for fall. It’s like the mullet of sweaters – business in the front and party in the back.

Pumpkin Coconut Candle ($24.50)

This is a Bath & Body Works online exclusive, but talk about a great transition from summer to fall! the fragrance includes Spiced Pumpkin, Toasted Coconut, Creamy Vanilla, and Sea Salted Caramel.

The Jean Jacket in Pinter Wash ($118)

I’m not sure how I don’t already have a jean jacket, but ever since I saw this one on Meghan Markle, I had to have it. It’s a great way to take those summer dress and tanks into fall.

Thea Lace Chandeliers ($49)

These caught my eye the first time I saw them, so elegant. They also have a matching cuff.

Calvin Klein Bell-Sleeve Sheath Dress ($100.50)

I came across this while running through the mall the other day and WOW! I tried it on and it is now on my fall wish list. The color is fantastic. Lately, I’ve been having a love affair with Calvin Klein dresses, they are so stylish.

Exuberate Slingback Pumps ($69.99)

Another great shoe for transitions, I am loving the detail on this slingback!

Pumpkin 24K Gold Sheet Mask ($8)

Pumpkin and gold in one mask? Where do I sign up?

Charlie Carryall 28 In Signature Rose Print ($295)

This is so me! I love anything with a feminine detail and these flowers just make the bag!

Addy Versatile Poncho ($89)

Who knew Stella and Dot had clothing? I am living for this poncho that you can also turn into a cardigan! When I saw that I couldn’t believe it – two pieces in one has my vote!

Lily Knit Back Midi Coat ($125)

I am loving the idea of a camel coat for fall and I like the oversized look of this one. This is one piece I don’t already have and think it could be really versatile.

Sexual Chocolate

This really is the perfect fall wine.

Boone Cocktail Ring ($75)

I am obsessed with this Kendra Scott ring! I have tried it on twice and can’t wait to get it!

Drink Up Witches Stemless Wine Glass ($1.99)

I’m already getting into the Halloween spirit and thought it would be fun to enjoy my wine in one of these cute glasses.

Expert in Your Zeal A-Line Dress in Plaid ($79)

I love wearing dresses and hate wearing pants, so I love fall dresses that you can add a pair of tights or leggings too. This would look really cute with my new booties too!

What’s on your list for fall?

You can stock up on all my previous fall favorites for 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013 if you want to take a look back.

Filed Under: Beauty, Fashion Tagged With: beauty, CND, Coach, fall favorites, fashion, Kendra Scott, stella and dot

Wine of the Week: Blanc de Bleu

September 19, 2018 by DetroitDuchess Leave a Comment

John and I recently took a trip to Chicago and on the way back, we had to stop at a place so he could find a special bourbon he was looking for. While he was doing that, I, of course, was browsing the wine selection. I stumbled across Blanc de Bleu in the bubbly section and knew it had to come home with me!

Blanc de Bleu is a sparkling wine made with blueberry flavoring from Northern California. It’s not an overly sweet wine – great news for me because I can’t stand too much of something so sweet. Winemaker Bob Stashak adds the blueberry juice concentrate and coloring at the end so the wine stays dry and crisp.

The fun part about Blanc de Bleu is using it for all of your special moments. People are using it at weddings for something blue, baby showers and more. I was thinking of drinking it during Michigan games or to celebrate a victory…#GoBlue! A bachelorette party would also be fun. You can also order mini bottles as favors and customize the labels (great future baby shower idea!). This would have been so perfect for my Breakfast at Tiffany’s bridal shower…why didn’t they have this seven years ago?!

For $20 a bottle it is a great price point to bring for a celebration. How would you celebrate with Blanc de Bleu?

For more Wine of the Week posts, click here.

Filed Under: Wine of the Week Tagged With: Blanc de Bleu, wine, wine of the week

Shop Natural with Cream Blends

September 18, 2018 by DetroitDuchess Leave a Comment

I love finding and supporting local gems whenever possible and I was happy to finally get into Cream Blends‘ store in downtown Royal Oak. The owners Yolanda and Rick Williams started the company out of their kitchen about five years ago and it has been growing ever since.

The products at Cream Blends are made with natural ingredients like shea butter, almond oil, grapeseed oil, Vitamin E, and coconut oil. There are a variety of amazing products available like bath bombs, body butters, lip balm, scrubs, oils, candles and soaps. I tried the Vanilla Body Butter and the Oatmeal Honey Bath Bomb.

I LOVE the body butter – it is so decadent and lasts forever. You need a very small amount to cover your whole body. Cream Blends shared this usage guide which is helpful to know how much product to use.

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A post shared by C.R.E.A.M (@creamblends)

I especially love using the body butter on my feet and heels, you can absolutely see the difference in results versus using a regular lotion. Shea butter has a number of natural healing properties due to all the Vitamin A and E in its makeup. I’m ready get back in the store and try some of the other products like the body scrub!

Since they opened their store, Cream Blends has hosted a number of fun events like a body scrub workshop, a mini boss camp for girls, a flower arranging workshop and more! I can’t wait to see how they continue growing!

Have you tried Cream Blends yet? What is your favorite scent?