I.C. Faces

GWFCC Feature

icfaces — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:27:58 +0000

Mankind Grooming at Menzfit

I was recently featured as the member of the month in the GWFCC newsletter, and the article pointed to this site. I obviously have not posted to this blog. in a few months because I have been blogging from www.icfaces.wordpress.com and unfortunately have neglected to merge the two. Check out the blog, and if you have not checked out the article, here’s a link for the GWFCC Newsletter. (Just a note of correction: the mens line is Mankind Grooming, not Evolution of Man). Feel free to email for details or samples of the pre-shaving oil.

A Hair Miracle

icfaces — Fri, 20 May 2011 13:06:14 +0000

A family friend came to visit yesterday and we were talking hair. As long as I’ve known her, she’s kept her hair cut close. Well, now I have my hair cut close and she was surprised to see that I chopped it all off. We discussed products and she told me she was going to grow her hair out and that she’d been using a product by a local woman in Evanston, Illinois. I immediately ran to the computer to look this woman up and boy was I WOWED! Not only was I intrigued by her story, but her credentials were intimidating. Founder, Georgia Parker, Chemist, Aesthetician, Trichologist and Beauty Educator created the skin and hair product line twelve years ago after experiencing hair loss and now focuses on educating stylists and consumers alike about the importance of quality ingredients in products. She started the company after suffering from hair loss due to alopecia and now, as I’m told has a thick head of hair from what she formulated in her very own kitchen. I am very intrigued to try these all-natural products and would love to pick her brain for my own line of men’s grooming products.

She features products for everyong – from those experiencing hair loss to straight heads, to those curly heads like myself. Either way, there is nothing but good things being said about the products and the line itself. I suggest you check out Ashley Lauren hair care with me!

Face Off

icfaces — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:00:14 +0000

I recently tweeted that one way to become famous is to become a makeup artist. Well, makeup artists who want to try another hand at becoming famous get their chance to in this new reality tv show called “Face Off”. Auditions are to be held in New York City and Los Angeles next weekend:

“Face Off” on Syfy
Going on its second season, “Face Off” is looking for special effects makeup artists, trained or self-taught. There will be open casting calls where you will bring your application and create special effects makeup on yourself! There are only two open casting calls on Saturday, April 9, in New York or Sunday, April 10, in Los Angeles. Callbacks come the next day in each city. If you can’t make it to either of these cities you can submit an audition tape showing your makeup transformation, due by Tuesday, April 12. Click here to apply!

Vote for Evolution of Man

icfaces — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:44:05 +0000

A day late, but hopefully not a dollar short!

Most of you know I entered into a contest sponsored by GeorgiaNY and #TeamBeauty to win my own product line. To be totally honest, I never really expected to make it this far because when they used the term “beauty product” I didn’t think my grooming line (for men) would qualify as a beauty product. Nevertheless, I pulled all my resources together in like 5 days to get this commercial/video together to submit into the contest. A couple of weeks ago I received an email that I was one of the 5 finalists! YIPPIE! My eyes grew big and it was on. I immediately began thinking of who would vote for me and how to get the most votes. Well here we are in the final two days of the contest, and I’m in third place. I even went as far as to reach out to a couple of radio personalities to try to pull some strings (no promises from them, but didn’t want to go down without saying I tried my best). All in all, this has shown me that I have such supportive friends (online and offline) and associates who will do what it takes to look out for a fellow entrepreneur or friend. I truly appreciate the people in my life and no matter how the contest ends, this will not be the last you hear of Evolution of Man!

In the meantime, like I said we have two more days to get the ball rolling. So without further or do, here is the commercial/video. Here’s the link to vote, please pass it on:

#TeamBeauty Finalist (@EvolutionofMan)

To vote, you must go to the video on youtube and give it a thumbs up (right below the video) however you must be signed in to vote.

Shout out to Ryan Richmond (Streamline Filmworks) – Cinematographer, Director, Editor

Shout out to Sharon Malachi for the idea and supporting and encouraging me (and opening up her home)

Shout out to all my actors (LOL) for coming through at the last minute.

Calling all Female Fashion Designers

icfaces — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:12:46 +0000

Skintimate is pairing with Mara Hoffman in a search for the next generation in female designers, with their 2nd Skintimate Studios Ready for Everything Fashion Design Contest. Contest is open from February 9 – March 23rd 2011. You must be 18 or older to enter the contest to win the 2-week internship, however girls age 13 and up can still enter for a chance to win a Hoffman scarf and a trip (with a chaperone) to Miami for the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim Show in July.

From February 9th to March 23rd, aspiring designers will visit www.skintimatestudios.com and enter for a chance to win a two week internship with Hoffman helping her team prepare for her 2012 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim show. Contestants will upload a female dress design that conveys the theme “Ready for Everything.” In addition to the design, girls will need to answer two questions: Explain details of your design and why it represents the theme “Ready for Everything,” and share what unique qualities you posses and bring to the fashion world. Designs and essays will be judged for both versatility and original creative expression.

Skintimate, along with Hoffman, will select ten final designs which will be announced online April 21st. The finalists’ designs will premier on the Skintimate Studios website from April 21st through May 18th allowing America to cast their vote for their favorite. The winning designer will be announced online May 25th and will be given the chance to spend two weeks with Hoffman and her team in New York and Miami as she debuts her line at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim show in Miami. The nine other finalists will receive a deluxe fashion prize pack filled with must-have items to help kick start their fashion careers.

Good Luck!

Like Prince Akeem I use Juices & Berries in my hair

icfaces — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 21:50:10 +0000

I don’t typically discuss hair, but I’ve been feeling the need only because people ask me all the time what I use in my hair. I even get approached by barbers who want to cut my hair all the time, and they even ask me (outside of who cuts my hair), what I use in my hair. My answer is always the same – it depends on the week and what’s in my cabinet. I’m sorry, but I haven’t found anything that I’m crazy over and that I just HAVE to have in my hair….until NOW!

I ordered Oyin’s Juices and Berries off of the Curlmart website months ago and used it every now and again. I did notice a difference, depending on what I paired it with, and even recieved compliments from people who don’t see me every day (shout out to Keith @Carmine’s! LOL) Nevertheless, it wasn’t until I went a month without my Juices and Berries, that I realized that I’d finally found a product that I live by! Anyone who knows me knows it takes a LOT to impress me (all around). So, with that said, I need Oyin to create a monthly or bi-monthly distribution program (smile).

All jokes aside, I went to the actual store this past weekend and decided to try another product, that I must admit to being satisfied with. My daily hair ritual (when I was getting crazy compliments) was to spray with the Juices and Berries and then use a “quarter-size” of the Ouidad “Heat & Humidity Gel” and go – quick and easy. (Thanks for the formal introduction by @RuquaiyahN) Wham! Bam! Thank you ma’am! BUT, here we go again, lol. Now with this new trial, i’m pairing the juices and berries and the NEW! hair dew. (I wish I had a then and now to share). Here’s a picture of me with my new pairing(Even though this shows me as i’m WAAAY overdue for a haircut – gotta holla @MarvTheBarb ASAP):

So now when the barber asks me what I use in my hair, I can honestly answer, like Prince Akeem – it’s Juices and Berries!

So after many product trials and tribulations, especially my most recent – where I thought I was in love with Kinky Curly until I realized that was what was breaking out my forehead – I’ve found one that I will recommend and be able to answer to when asked what do I use in my hair. Not only do I love the smell of the products, but it keeps my hair shiny and doesn’t attract tons of gunk. Nor does it drip onto my forehead (if it is, it’s not clogging my pores) to cause me to break out. I love an all-natural, lightweight product that will keep my hair looking healthy and even moreso, just enhance or define my curls rather than make them look stringy like I sprayed Soul Glow.

Virtual Makeover

icfaces — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:38:59 +0000

Cosmetics brand Stila Cosmetics has teamed up with a virtual makeover firm merging its facial recognition software and iPhone audience to market its products.

The fully automated makeover tool has been launched on the Apple mobile device as well as through the Stila’s own website.

The tool utilizes a patent-pending facial recognition technology to automatically apply Stila shades and products on user uploaded photos.

The tool also features sharing options for Facebook and Twitter, the ability to save any photo, as well as full e-commerce integration which allows the products tried on to be purchased directly. Talk about virtual beauty makeover!

Happy New Year and welcome to the two-eleven (2011)

icfaces — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 15:25:03 +0000

Happy New Year 2011

By now most of you have set or at least begun to think about your New Year’s Resolutions (whether you’ve begun or not is another question). Usually what tops most resolutions is something dealing with health or fitness. Well just remember that healthy skin is vital to a healthy life…attractive skin is vital to appearance and self esteem. As you vow to improve your health and/or fitness routine, remember the side effect is will be improved skin! So begin your new year with a beautiful new skinship!

Holiday Beauty Shopping Guide…and more

icfaces — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 03:35:53 +0000

Do you remember I was fanatically looking for the coolest gifts to give my friends for the holidays? I was hoping to find all of my clever gift ideas by Black Friday/Cyber Monday. Well….that didn’t happen. But in my search I came across a lot of cool things that I wanted to share (and maybe suggest). My search was initially comprised of skincare and makeup, as that is what I do (that’s me branding myself). As easy as I thought that might be, I was not excited at all of the perfume gift sets and eyeshadow roll-out cases that I continuously came across. However, still in the spirit of personal care, skin care, and blissful pampering, I hope you will enjoy what I’ve pulled together below:

Gag and other fun gifts:

EB Down Scraper Mitt

Typically, this section would be for men. Men like a lot of gag gifts or strictly masculine electronic stuff, but I tried to stay away from the typical electronic stuff and tried to pick the most unisex gag/fun gifts I could find. I didn’t go crazy in the arena of skincare, but I think you’ll like it anyway. *wink*

This Down Ice Scraper Mitt by Eddie Bauer (EB) is actually great for both male or female car owners. The mitt comes in 11 different colors to choose from and can be found with fur or fleece around the cuff. I like the plaid choice, personally because it’s something different that’s fun/outdoorsy and stands out. Currently only $10 (reg. $15) with the purchase of another item from Eddie Bauer – this is a can’t beat price for the gift giver. Added incentive: EB is offering FREE shipping from now through Thursday (Dec 9th) with no minimum purchase amount, when you use the code STNICK. Still not convinced? Well, must I add that this item was also seen on Oprah! SHEESH! Now click here FINALLY! (smile) Between EB and Brookstone, I always find the coolest gifts for my loved ones!

compartes chocolates

On to more fun stuff! First there was whipped lightening (and if you’ve been under a rock – it’s alcohol infused whipped cream – WOAH!), which has been all over the news and internet in the past few weeks. Well, now there’s the perfect box of chocolates to send to the office. Well, maybe not the office – Compartes presents chocolate covered booze! For the Guiness lover or Scotch lover, Compartes has a limited edition Black Collection which is either “10 dark and boozy chocolate trouffles” for $30 or “20 dark and boozy chocolate trouffles” for $55. You must first become a member of Urban Daddy, to get this price. Compartes Chocolatier, who has been around for more than 50 years has created a line of organic, artisanal dark chocolate truffles that have been infused with Guinness, Macallan single-malt scotch and other formal essentials. You’ll get five Guinness-infused dark chocolate truffles, plus five that have been infused with Macallan whisky. But if you go for the 20 piece collection, you’ll get those same boozy truffles, as well as five black sesame and wasabi chocolates and five black truffle chocolates.

Royal Flush Poo pourri

The ultimate gag gift! I thought this idea was cute and hilarious! Check this out! Someone has come up with the idea to create a airfreshener that kills the problem from the start! Check out the Poo Pourri Santa Toilet Paper Set. This gift set consists of a travel size bottle of Poo~Pourri that is cleverly tucked into the core of packaged toilet tissue. The Poo-Pourri is intended to be sprayed directly into the toilet to stop the stench before it spreads! HA!

Skin and other Pampering Gifts:
Another unisex gift for those who have to brave the cold more than others….or those who know the importance of taking care of their skin, is the Burt’s Bee’s Outdoor Survival Kit. Whether they’re planning on braving the snow and going skiing or taking a trip to Belize, this kit will have your loved-one covered with all the goodies inside. From hand salve to lip balm, to poison ivy soap this survival kit is a perfect gift for those who know the outdoors. In addition, Burt’s Bees has a few gift sets for him or her: the men’s grab bag, or the men’s natural grooming kit (they’re very similar – a $5 difference – I suggest the grab bag). The holiday grab bag is half price right now. If you are on a budget, you can even split up some of these goodies and give them as gifts. Or go for the Overnight Bee-Uty Bag; with Creams, Balms and Scrubs you can’t fail, especially for the travelling type. I love these options because they go along with my skincare campaign for giving and Burt’s Bees contains no Parabens, no Sulfates, and no Pthalates.

Airplus SPA footie

Next, I found the ultimate moisturizing slippers, containing aloe and Vitamin E. Pamper your loved one and let them enjoy these relaxing and uber cozy, moisturizing and re-energizing slippers. These footies come in assorted colors and Airplus is so confident that you will love their plush product, that they offer a money-back guarantee. Well it seems this product is very popular because it appears to be sold out at Walmart Online, but go to your local store and see if you can find these snuggie-wuggie SPA footie slippers ($6)! Whoever you decide to give these to, just know they may never leave the house. OR they may just decide to wear these when they do go out! So with a gift that great, you may want to just grab up a pair for each special lady you know! Well that is if you find them….chall-ANGE!

MK perfume gloss duo

Limited Edition Michael Kors Rollerball bottle of perfume and lipgloss is perfect and timeless. The sheer gloss and timeless MK scent is one that every woman would love to receive. This $22 duo is perfect to fit in a favorite clutch and hit the New Years party scene, so make sure you gift this to the girl in your life in time to hit the town. She’ll love you for it!

Shu_Takano lip duo

As if MK wasn’t enough to make a girl’s heart flutter, I present Shu Uemura’s Christmas Edition beauty gift suggestion! Shu Uemura and Aya Takano teamed up to not only create a Christmas countdown web page, with fun pictures and fantasy, but has come up with the ultimate gift – The Shu Uemuraya Takano Lip Duo Tint & Gloss ($45). There are a couple of other featured products, but the gloss duo was the most fun and exciting to me. It comes in three different shades, but I think i’ll be trying the passion red! Who can resist a juicy grape tinted lip or sexy rouge glossy lip to top it off?! While you’re at it, there’s also some fun lashes if you know someone with an obsession of lashes! I know plenty!

Now to the final presentation….have you heard of Wendy Brandes? Well, she’s just the ultimate jewelry designer and cleverly stylish person that’s featured in mass publications. Well, no harm if you haven’t heard of her. I’m here to inform you that you will be the holiday hero if she opens a wrapped up WB design. If you’re not quite ready to propose, but still want to get something special….this is for you, but beware, you should stop here if you don’t have a truly special woman in your life because WB is nothing to play with. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! It’s too hard to hone in on just one special item, so feel free to peruse at your own risk: http://www.wendybrandes.com/ You may even be able to find the diamond Cleopatra earrings (retailing for $7250 or $450) that Samantha wore in Sex and the City 2 or the four leaf clover necklace worn by Carrie.

Cleopatra Earrings

Clover necklace

Now ladies, feel free to pass this blog on to the males in your life and let them in on what’s good for them. Sorry I didn’t get too deep into the men’s things…this actually was longer than I intended.

Not too late to give the gift of stache

icfaces — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 20:11:02 +0000

HOLIDAY-Stache

In tribute to last week’s Movember blog, I had to post this (although we’re officially Dealcember): http://shop.shawnimals.com/collections/moustachios