Blogging the News

Artemisia V is a bath and body brand based out of Astoria, Queens. I stumbled upon these beautiful soaps while visiting an artisinal fair in Astoria. Artemisia V stood out among the other vendors to me. Their products were displayed as professionally as one much see in a store window. It was clear to me, from afar that Artemisia was the star of the fair.

Once I got closer, and got a chance to smell the products, I was blown away. The stand held a variety of scents such as Hot Chocolate, Pumpkin Pie, Chai Latte and Cappuccino. I was in soap heaven. I eventually left with the Lavender and Bergamot and the Hot Chocolate soap, but not before I spent 20 minutes inhaling the incredible smells.Not only do the products, smell incredible, but they also include ingredients that are beneficial to a variety of skin types and solve a variety of skin issues. Some of the ingredients include dead sea mud, which is terrific to clear pores. Tea tree oil, which is known to help fight acne and treat fungal infections on the skin. Sea salt to exfoliate the skin and get rid of dead skin. Coconut and avocado oils to moisturize the skin. Every ingredient added to the soaps is listed in bold, large letters right on the label. Artemisia V does not hide a thing from its customers. The labels, even say when the product was made and how long the item will last.

All of the products that Artemisia V sells are under $9.00.  According to their website, the products will now be available to purchase online on December 15th. (Today.) The items are beautifully wrapped and it is clear how much thought and preparation went into the packaging of every single item. While at the fair, I spoke to two of the salespeople about the product. They both appeared to be very knowledgeable about the ingredients inside of the products and answered every question I had with enthusiasm. The duo really seemed to be passionate about their products.I would highly recommend checking our their products. The soaps would make a terrific gift, as they appear to be far more expensive and luxurious than their prices reflect. It was truly a joy speaking to the sales team and I look forward to using the soaps I purchased.

Artemisia V is a bath and body brand based out of Astoria, Queens. I stumbled upon these beautiful soaps while visiting an artisinal fair in Astoria. Artemisia V stood out among the other vendors to me. Their products were displayed as professionally as one much see in a store window. It was clear to me, from afar that Artemisia was the star of the fair.

Once I got closer, and got a chance to smell the products, I was blown away. The stand held a variety of scents such as Hot Chocolate, Pumpkin Pie, Chai Latte and Cappuccino. I was in soap heaven. I eventually left with the Lavender and Bergamot and the Hot Chocolate soap, but not before I spent 20 minutes inhaling the incredible smells.Not only do the products, smell incredible, but they also include ingredients that are beneficial to a variety of skin types and solve a variety of skin issues. Some of the ingredients include dead sea mud, which is terrific to clear pores. Tea tree oil, which is known to help fight acne and treat fungal infections on the skin. Sea salt to exfoliate the skin and get rid of dead skin. Coconut and avocado oils to moisturize the skin. Every ingredient added to the soaps is listed in bold, large letters right on the label. Artemisia V does not hide a thing from its customers. The labels, even say when the product was made and how long the item will last.

All of the products that Artemisia V sells are under $9.00.  According to their website, the products will now be available to purchase online on December 15th. (Today.) The items are beautifully wrapped and it is clear how much thought and preparation went into the packaging of every single item. While at the fair, I spoke to two of the salespeople about the product. They both appeared to be very knowledgeable about the ingredients inside of the products and answered every question I had with enthusiasm. The duo really seemed to be passionate about their products.I would highly recommend checking our their products. The soaps would make a terrific gift, as they appear to be far more expensive and luxurious than their prices reflect. It was truly a joy speaking to the sales team and I look forward to using the soaps I purchased.

Recently, the mega cosmetics brand Revlon launched a new tagline, the first in over 10 years for the company. The new tagline Love Is On has been launched using a variety of social and traditional media. The commercials also feature celebrity Emma Stone. The social media aspect of the campaign asked customers to tweet and Instagram photos of themselves with their loved one using the hashtag #LoveisOn. The company then curates these customer photos and features them on it’s website as well as on a billboard. As a part of the initiative to spread the new tagline Revlon has also launched a photo booth on a jumbo screen in Timesquare of New York City to display these photos. The Jumbo screen also has a #LoveIsOn hashtag written on it. It is meant to take photos of couples displaying affection toward one another.

Source: http://www.revlon.com/loveison

I spent some time this week looking at these campaigns, visited the Timesquare site, and looked though the photos that couples that posted on social media. After a while, I noticed something quite odd. The Revlon Love Is On website has yet to feature on a non-traditional couple. Photos of gay, lesbian, transgender couples have not been posted. I did some digging, and found that I was not the only to have noticed this.

As a lifelong fan of Revlon products and its company, I have mixed feelings about the launch of a new tagline. Personally, I don’t think it was necessary as the Revlon reputation speaks for itself. I decided to ask other customers what they thought. To find these answers, I spent some time in NYC drugstores. I simply lingered around the Revlon displays to find people that already use the products. I spoke to the customers about what they thought of Revlon in general as a brand, how often they purchase Revlon products, if they have seen an advertisement for the Love is On initiative, whether they have participated in the social media campaign and what they think of Revlon possibly ignoring LGBT couples. Below are a few direct customer quotes:

Desiree 28, a graduate student said: “I haven’t actually heard of the new tagline yet. I guess I’ve been a little too busy to read magazines or watch TV but I do use Revlon products, I’ve used the Colorstay foundation for years. That being said, I wouldn’t support the company if what you are saying about the possibly of discrimination turns out to be true. I would probably switch to another brand. I hope it isn’t true.”

Source: http://www.revlon.com/loveison

MaryAnne 44, a cooking instructor said, “I was actually shopping for a replacement lipstick when you stopped me today. My favorite lipstick is by Revlon, it’s called Cherries In The Snow. I have seen the commercial, and I thought it was sweet.” Later she said, “I don’t think Revlon is against gay couples, At least I don’t think they would show it, even if they were. I think that the lack of gay couples on it’s website could be a coincidence.”

John 32, a financial analyst said, “I don’t personally use Revlon products. My wife asked me to run an errand for her which is why I’m here but she does use some of their products. I haven’t seen the ad you are talking about or heard of the new tagline but if they are discriminating against gay couples I would try to discourage my wife from buying Revlon products in the future. It’s horrible to hear that a company as large and influential as  Revlon would encourage discrimination of any kind”

Everyone I spoke to, really seemed to enjoy the Revlon brand and truly hoped that Revlon has not been discriminating. I will continue to monitor the Revlon website, in hopes of spotting some unconventional couples soon. It is possible that this was simply a coincidence and not a comment against the LGBT community. It is clear, that the news of such discrimination would upset Revlon customers as well as lower sales.

What do you think of Revlon’s new campaign?

Recently, the mega cosmetics brand Revlon launched a new tagline, the first in over 10 years for the company. The new tagline Love Is On has been launched using a variety of social and traditional media. The commercials also feature celebrity Emma Stone. The social media aspect of the campaign asked customers to tweet and Instagram photos of themselves with their loved one using the hashtag #LoveisOn. The company then curates these customer photos and features them on it’s website as well as on a billboard. As a part of the initiative to spread the new tagline Revlon has also launched a photo booth on a jumbo screen in Timesquare of New York City to display these photos. The Jumbo screen also has a #LoveIsOn hashtag written on it. It is meant to take photos of couples displaying affection toward one another.

Source: http://www.revlon.com/loveison

I spent some time this week looking at these campaigns, visited the Timesquare site, and looked though the photos that couples that posted on social media. After a while, I noticed something quite odd. The Revlon Love Is On website has yet to feature on a non-traditional couple. Photos of gay, lesbian, transgender couples have not been posted. I did some digging, and found that I was not the only to have noticed this.

As a lifelong fan of Revlon products and its company, I have mixed feelings about the launch of a new tagline. Personally, I don’t think it was necessary as the Revlon reputation speaks for itself. I decided to ask other customers what they thought. To find these answers, I spent some time in NYC drugstores. I simply lingered around the Revlon displays to find people that already use the products. I spoke to the customers about what they thought of Revlon in general as a brand, how often they purchase Revlon products, if they have seen an advertisement for the Love is On initiative, whether they have participated in the social media campaign and what they think of Revlon possibly ignoring LGBT couples. Below are a few direct customer quotes:

Desiree 28, a graduate student said: “I haven’t actually heard of the new tagline yet. I guess I’ve been a little too busy to read magazines or watch TV but I do use Revlon products, I’ve used the Colorstay foundation for years. That being said, I wouldn’t support the company if what you are saying about the possibly of discrimination turns out to be true. I would probably switch to another brand. I hope it isn’t true.”

Source: http://www.revlon.com/loveison

MaryAnne 44, a cooking instructor said, “I was actually shopping for a replacement lipstick when you stopped me today. My favorite lipstick is by Revlon, it’s called Cherries In The Snow. I have seen the commercial, and I thought it was sweet.” Later she said, “I don’t think Revlon is against gay couples, At least I don’t think they would show it, even if they were. I think that the lack of gay couples on it’s website could be a coincidence.”

John 32, a financial analyst said, “I don’t personally use Revlon products. My wife asked me to run an errand for her which is why I’m here but she does use some of their products. I haven’t seen the ad you are talking about or heard of the new tagline but if they are discriminating against gay couples I would try to discourage my wife from buying Revlon products in the future. It’s horrible to hear that a company as large and influential as  Revlon would encourage discrimination of any kind”

Everyone I spoke to, really seemed to enjoy the Revlon brand and truly hoped that Revlon has not been discriminating. I will continue to monitor the Revlon website, in hopes of spotting some unconventional couples soon. It is possible that this was simply a coincidence and not a comment against the LGBT community. It is clear, that the news of such discrimination would upset Revlon customers as well as lower sales.

What do you think of Revlon’s new campaign?

Recently, the mega cosmetics brand Revlon launched a new tagline, the first in over 10 years for the company. The new tagline Love Is On has been launched using a variety of social and traditional media. The commercials also feature celebrity Emma Stone. The social media aspect of the campaign asked customers to tweet and Instagram photos of themselves with their loved one using the hashtag #LoveisOn. The company then curates these customer photos and features them on it’s website as well as on a billboard. As a part of the initiative to spread the new tagline Revlon has also launched a photo booth on a jumbo screen in Timesquare of New York City to display these photos. The Jumbo screen also has a #LoveIsOn hashtag written on it. It is meant to take photos of couples displaying affection toward one another.

Source: http://www.revlon.com/loveison

I spent some time this week looking at these campaigns, visited the Timesquare site, and looked though the photos that couples that posted on social media. After a while, I noticed something quite odd. The Revlon Love Is On website has yet to feature on a non-traditional couple. Photos of gay, lesbian, transgender couples have not been posted. I did some digging, and found that I was not the only to have noticed this.

As a lifelong fan of Revlon products and its company, I have mixed feelings about the launch of a new tagline. Personally, I don’t think it was necessary as the Revlon reputation speaks for itself. I decided to ask other customers what they thought. To find these answers, I spent some time in NYC drugstores. I simply lingered around the Revlon displays to find people that already use the products. I spoke to the customers about what they thought of Revlon in general as a brand, how often they purchase Revlon products, if they have seen an advertisement for the Love is On initiative, whether they have participated in the social media campaign and what they think of Revlon possibly ignoring LGBT couples. Below are a few direct customer quotes:

Desiree 28, a graduate student said: “I haven’t actually heard of the new tagline yet. I guess I’ve been a little too busy to read magazines or watch TV but I do use Revlon products, I’ve used the Colorstay foundation for years. That being said, I wouldn’t support the company if what you are saying about the possibly of discrimination turns out to be true. I would probably switch to another brand. I hope it isn’t true.”

Source: http://www.revlon.com/loveison

MaryAnne 44, a cooking instructor said, “I was actually shopping for a replacement lipstick when you stopped me today. My favorite lipstick is by Revlon, it’s called Cherries In The Snow. I have seen the commercial, and I thought it was sweet.” Later she said, “I don’t think Revlon is against gay couples, At least I don’t think they would show it, even if they were. I think that the lack of gay couples on it’s website could be a coincidence.”

John 32, a financial analyst said, “I don’t personally use Revlon products. My wife asked me to run an errand for her which is why I’m here but she does use some of their products. I haven’t seen the ad you are talking about or heard of the new tagline but if they are discriminating against gay couples I would try to discourage my wife from buying Revlon products in the future. It’s horrible to hear that a company as large and influential as  Revlon would encourage discrimination of any kind”

Everyone I spoke to, really seemed to enjoy the Revlon brand and truly hoped that Revlon has not been discriminating. I will continue to monitor the Revlon website, in hopes of spotting some unconventional couples soon. It is possible that this was simply a coincidence and not a comment against the LGBT community. It is clear, that the news of such discrimination would upset Revlon customers as well as lower sales.

What do you think of Revlon’s new campaign?

Product Display

About a month ago, Revlon released a new collection for the Fall/Winter season. The collection has just this week arrived at my local drugstores. Information about the new collection was hard to find, as the product is not yet on the Revlon website. All of the information that I have is based on the product display, personal experience and from other blog posts. The line is called “Ultra HD” although I am not sure why this is. There are 14 colors available and they range from bright spring appropriate colors to deep fall inspired colors. The lipstick colors are named after flowers, which I really enjoy; the colors I purchased are called Primrose, Gladiolus and Iris. This does leave me wondering why the products were not released in the spring. There were also lip lacquers released along with the lipsticks, but for this review, I will focus on the lipsticks.

From left to right: Primrose 835, Gladiolus 875. Iris 850

I purchased my lipsticks for 7.99 at Target, although I have seen them for 9.99 at other drug stores.

The formula of these lipsticks is unique. It is very comparable to the Revlon lip butters, but with better pigmentation. They are extremely soft, smooth and hydrating. As someone that frequently suffers from dry, flaky skin and lips, I found this product to be terrific. I do recommend wearing a lip liner along with the lipsticks as they do have a tendency to feather.

These lipsticks have a pleasant and a very sweet scent. It is rather strong, but I found that it does not linger on the lips after a few minutes.

My least favorite part about the Revlon Ultra HD lipsticks is the packaging. The clear plastic tubes give a very cheap look; this contrasts the beautiful gold tubes that Revlon lipsticks normally come in. They are so extremely messy. After using the lipsticks for a few days the tubes are incredibly scuffed. I had to be extremely careful when placing the tap on in order not to ruin the tube. Most of the time this did not work, and I found myself cleaning the tubes way too often. This is too much of a hassle for a drugstore lipstick.

Color swatches left to right: Primrose, Gladiolus and Iris

As for wear time, it is fairly long lasting. The colors actually leave a light tint on the lips when they begin fading. For a lipstick that is so creamy this is a nice surprise. With a lip liner they can last for a few hours.

Overall, I really do like these lipsticks and would recommend them, to anyone searching for a lip butter or a tinted lip balm product. If you aren’t someone that is turned off by strong scents or the messy packaging, go for it! These are a great buy.

Product Display

About a month ago, Revlon released a new collection for the Fall/Winter season. The collection has just this week arrived at my local drugstores. Information about the new collection was hard to find, as the product is not yet on the Revlon website. All of the information that I have is based on the product display, personal experience and from other blog posts. The line is called “Ultra HD” although I am not sure why this is. There are 14 colors available and they range from bright spring appropriate colors to deep fall inspired colors. The lipstick colors are named after flowers, which I really enjoy; the colors I purchased are called Primrose, Gladiolus and Iris. This does leave me wondering why the products were not released in the spring. There were also lip lacquers released along with the lipsticks, but for this review, I will focus on the lipsticks.

From left to right: Primrose 835, Gladiolus 875. Iris 850

I purchased my lipsticks for 7.99 at Target, although I have seen them for 9.99 at other drug stores.

The formula of these lipsticks is unique. It is very comparable to the Revlon lip butters, but with better pigmentation. They are extremely soft, smooth and hydrating. As someone that frequently suffers from dry, flaky skin and lips, I found this product to be terrific. I do recommend wearing a lip liner along with the lipsticks as they do have a tendency to feather.

These lipsticks have a pleasant and a very sweet scent. It is rather strong, but I found that it does not linger on the lips after a few minutes.

My least favorite part about the Revlon Ultra HD lipsticks is the packaging. The clear plastic tubes give a very cheap look; this contrasts the beautiful gold tubes that Revlon lipsticks normally come in. They are so extremely messy. After using the lipsticks for a few days the tubes are incredibly scuffed. I had to be extremely careful when placing the tap on in order not to ruin the tube. Most of the time this did not work, and I found myself cleaning the tubes way too often. This is too much of a hassle for a drugstore lipstick.

Color swatches left to right: Primrose, Gladiolus and Iris

As for wear time, it is fairly long lasting. The colors actually leave a light tint on the lips when they begin fading. For a lipstick that is so creamy this is a nice surprise. With a lip liner they can last for a few hours.

Overall, I really do like these lipsticks and would recommend them, to anyone searching for a lip butter or a tinted lip balm product. If you aren’t someone that is turned off by strong scents or the messy packaging, go for it! These are a great buy.

Product Display

About a month ago, Revlon released a new collection for the Fall/Winter season. The collection has just this week arrived at my local drugstores. Information about the new collection was hard to find, as the product is not yet on the Revlon website. All of the information that I have is based on the product display, personal experience and from other blog posts. The line is called “Ultra HD” although I am not sure why this is. There are 14 colors available and they range from bright spring appropriate colors to deep fall inspired colors. The lipstick colors are named after flowers, which I really enjoy; the colors I purchased are called Primrose, Gladiolus and Iris. This does leave me wondering why the products were not released in the spring. There were also lip lacquers released along with the lipsticks, but for this review, I will focus on the lipsticks.

From left to right: Primrose 835, Gladiolus 875. Iris 850

I purchased my lipsticks for 7.99 at Target, although I have seen them for 9.99 at other drug stores.

The formula of these lipsticks is unique. It is very comparable to the Revlon lip butters, but with better pigmentation. They are extremely soft, smooth and hydrating. As someone that frequently suffers from dry, flaky skin and lips, I found this product to be terrific. I do recommend wearing a lip liner along with the lipsticks as they do have a tendency to feather.

These lipsticks have a pleasant and a very sweet scent. It is rather strong, but I found that it does not linger on the lips after a few minutes.

My least favorite part about the Revlon Ultra HD lipsticks is the packaging. The clear plastic tubes give a very cheap look; this contrasts the beautiful gold tubes that Revlon lipsticks normally come in. They are so extremely messy. After using the lipsticks for a few days the tubes are incredibly scuffed. I had to be extremely careful when placing the tap on in order not to ruin the tube. Most of the time this did not work, and I found myself cleaning the tubes way too often. This is too much of a hassle for a drugstore lipstick.

Color swatches left to right: Primrose, Gladiolus and Iris

As for wear time, it is fairly long lasting. The colors actually leave a light tint on the lips when they begin fading. For a lipstick that is so creamy this is a nice surprise. With a lip liner they can last for a few hours.

Overall, I really do like these lipsticks and would recommend them, to anyone searching for a lip butter or a tinted lip balm product. If you aren’t someone that is turned off by strong scents or the messy packaging, go for it! These are a great buy.

Our Brooklyn Success of the month is none other than the beautiful Chyna Russell. She is the founder and owner of The Dollhouse beauty bar and Dollhouse Cosmetics. A Brooklyn native who grew up in a single house home in the gritty streets of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Russell is determined to take over the beauty industry.

With determination, passion and a hard work ethic, Russell prides herself on being a person who has faced many adversities and overcoming obstacles. Russell motto is, “if I focus on all the things that could go wrong I would have never been where I am today.”

The Dollhouse beauty bar have been in business for over two years, and have captured the attention of celebrities such as reality stars, Tara Wallace, Yandy Smith, and online personality Blac Chyna and a host of others.  The dollhouse host’s monthly makeup classes that include gift bags with cosmetics from the dollhouse makeup line. The class attendees consists of makeup artists, aspiring makeup artists, and everyday women who just want to learn makeup application techniques. The classes offer beginner and advanced techniques for all levels. Russell also host other events in the neighborhood as a way to give back to her community. It also serves as a venue for private events such as children’s parties and business networking events.

Russell saw a void in the beauty industry and decided to open The Dollhouse and her timing couldn’t have been more precise. The Dollhouse opened right before there was a booming trend of aspiring make-up artist’s. There are no neighboring beauty bars within the vicinity of Russell’s establishment; this is how the successful make-up artist is able to stay on top of her game.  Her products are top quality and her clients says that they are just as good as Mac Cosmetics.

Since opening the dollhouse Russell have gain quite the notoriety on social media. Her instagram ha s over 40k followers who are very loyal to the brand. The dollhouse is not just limited to everyday women who are seeking to have their makeup done or learn makeup techniques but celebrities as well. VH1’s reality stars from the hit reality show Love and Hip Hop both New York and Atlanta have also gravitated towards the popular make-up bar.  Pop singer Elle Varner and up and coming hip-hop artist Nyemiah Supreme have also visited the dollhouse to have their make up done for video and photo shoots. Russell stated, “this is all a dream come true. Who would of thought a young black girl from the hood would reach the attention of so many celebrities when there’s so many celebrity make-up artists in the industry.” Her claim to fame has contributed to her  serving as the key makeup artist for VH1’s Mr. and Mrs. Jones with rapper Jim Jones and the newly hit hip-hop reality show Sisterhood of Hip-Hop.

Dollhouse cosmetics can be brought at http://www.thedollhousecosmetics.com and you can have your make-up done by the talented artist at 421 Marcus Garvey Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY 11233. You can call and schedule an appointment at (718) 450-8062.

https://blogs.baruch.cuny.edu/theombreoyster/