The Wait is Over!

And I'm IN!
I am overjoyed to announce on this little blog with only three followers that I will be attending the Taste of L'Oreal Weekend in February. I received the email below yesterday.

Starting this blog I wanted to document my journey into the beauty industry and I've posted a few things here and there about interviewing for a couple different companies but this is sort of like the BIGGEST thing that has happened in that pursuit. Although I have not officially been selected for a summer internship, I feel good because in all honestly, I didn't have to interview to attend this event. Because I won the Howard level of the Brandstorm competition I was guaranteed a spot however, I applied anyway because at the time my team did not know if we would be representing Howard at nationals. It just feels really good to be able to go on merit and not on a technicality.  

Waiting for L'Oreal is HARD!

This is a blog about my journey into the beauty industry and I must say I have not really talked about that too much. So this post is an update and the type of post I should be writing anyways. 

I interviewed with L'Oreal last week for the Taste of L'Oreal weekend last Friday. The anticipation about if I am selected to attend is driving me nuts! Its very hard to wait for something you want so badly. I registered online in November and over 1000 juniors did the same. I was selected for a phone interview out of the 1000 (although I am not sure how many others were being interviewed). They said that the decision would be discussed Monday so hopefully I will hear back early this week... but early this week is turning into the middle of the week. Patience is a virtue I clearly lack. 

I will update the moment I find out!

On an unrelated note. I found out my grades today and yippee (!) all As (except for that frustrating B in Quantitative Business Analysis, but who really could do well in such a boring class) giving me a 3.81 GPA. Congrats to me, I worked hard for it. 

Christmas Gift Guide 2010

My dad claims that each year it gets harder and harder to shop for me and my sister. I sincerely beg to differ because it does not take much to make me happy when it comes to presents! I told my dad to go to Sephora and have a sales person help to pick out one of the many gift sets available this time of year. 15 minutes later I get a panicky call saying he is overwhelmed and to please come immediately!

When I reached him he was surrounded by 2 laughing moms and the only male sales assistant in the store. It was quite funny I must admit. What we ended up doing was take a tour around the store of the different holiday sets each brand offered. From there he chose the ones he liked the best from the ones I liked. We ended up with three gift sets that I think are the best values. So if you are still doing some last minute Christmas shopping... consider these. 

Tarte: The Jewelry Box available HERE 
This set retails for $52 but you get 32 FULL SIZED shadows, 8 lip colors, 5 eye liners and 2 face powders.Extra bonus: it comes with a gold tone chain necklaces that can be taken off the top and worn.  

Tarina Tarantino Jewel Box available HERE
I love this one because not only is it an incredible value at $39 but it also comes with beautiful colors and the makeup section can be removed and its a wonderful functional jewelry box! 

Urban Decay 24/7 Jackpot available HERE
Zero is my go to black eye liner because it is so smooth and super pigmented. This collection comes with a full-sized Zero (black) and 9 minis in various colors. At $39, it may not be a value set however it IS a great way to try out several colors before committing to a full-sized ($17).

L'Oreal Brandstorm 2011

L'Oreal hosts a brandstorm challenge every year for college students to compete in marketing to launch a new product or service under the L'Oreal umbrella. This year we have to create something that will get men into salons. Hummm... now that IS a challenge. Only 8 universities in the US participate so check out www.brandstorm.loreal.com to see if you can participate. I believe the deadline is TODAY so hurry!   

Its Been Too Long

It has been WAY TOO LONG since I last wrote a blog post.
But really, nothing has come of my dreams for cosmetic glory...
The job at LUSH fell through and I haven't had much motivation to look for something else.
I will say one thing, the month I spent without my video camera really hurt the amount of videos I have posted on youtube. I will make a point to start that up again.
Better updates and more interesting comments coming soon!! haha

Kelsey

Interview with LUSH!

Hey everyone, 
long time no post... final week... enough said
But on the brighter side
I have an interview with LUSH cosmetics tomorrow afternoon!

As you can see with my last post, I am a huge fan of lush products and I've spent this month reviewing products that I purchased in April for a huge haul/ review video that I should be getting out this week.

I met with a wonderful woman and alumni of Howard University who reminded me that I need to take the next step in becoming a professional in the cosmetic/beauty industry. Let me clarify, I am not interested in becoming a makeup artist although I do love to apply makeup. I am more on the business side of innovation, marketing and packaging. Anyways, back to the story, this woman told me how when she was my age (lol I know, how funny does that sound that a twenty something is reminiscing about when she was my age and I'm only 20) she printed out a directory of the malls in DC and went up to every beauty store in the DMV practically looking for a job which she found at Origins.

So I followed her advice and applied to LUSH and I guess the moral of that story is if you want something, you need to get off your behind and search for it because it won't just fall in your lap right?!

Wish me luck!
kelsey

What A Great Day At LUSH

For those of you new to LUSH Cosmetic, I highly recommend you check it out!
There is one in Georgetown not too far from campus which was hosting an event today based around the famous Washington DC cherry blossom. 


I was fortunate enough to receive a goodie bag filled will soaps, cleaners, shampoos and so much more...


I will do a full review after I use them but I bought a repeat that I think you need to know about right away!


My favorite of the moment is Buffy
http://www.lushusa.com/shop/products/body/body-butters/buffy

Buffy is an exfoliating/ moisturizing bar. It is supposed to be great for cellulite and smoothing out the skin. I use it right after a shower before I step out and rub myself down head to toe. Then I massage it in to get the full benefit of the exfoliating particles. After I rinse and towel dry and TaDa! no need to moisturize either!! I promise you will love it.


 Please check it out. You will not be disappointed. 


Kelsey

Its Easter! Eggs are more than just for decorating...

The incredible edible egg!
Yes it is incredible, but it can be used in so many more places than just the kitchen.
Egg yokes are full of protein which is great for your muscles and for your hair. 
Use it as a hair mask and then wash it out for strong shiny locks!


I found this recipe for an egg white facial mask: why not give it a try? 

1. Take one egg
2. Break it.
3. Separate out the yoke 
4. Tie your hair back fro your face so it doesn't get stuck in the egg.
5. Pat the egg white onto a clean face avoiding your eyes and mouth.
6. Let it dry—about 10 minutes for it to dry tight.
7. Rinse off with lukewarm water.
8. Let your face air dry

Have a wonderful Easter everyone!

Kelsey

Clear Skin-a smooth base

Clear skin is the most important thing when it comes to beauty, makeup, and confidence. 


What you put in your body drastically impacts how it looks on the outside.
Check out these foods and drinks that will turn problem skin into a glowing complexion 

Water: Have six glasses each day.

Colorful fruit and vegetables: Have five daily servings, including red/orange/yellow vegetables and fruits, purple foods, green foods, onions and garlic,and ‘seed’ foods such as peas.

Fresh seeds: Each day have one tablespoon of mixed fresh seeds, e.g. pumpkin, sunflower, sesame or ground hemp/linseed.

Essential fats: Have a tablespoon of cold-pressed seed oils daily and oily fish three times a week.

Fiber-rich foods: Eat plenty of whole grains, root vegetables, lentils and beans.

Organic foods: Eat organic as far as possible.

Alternatives to dairy products: Try sometimes using alternatives to milk and cheese such as Soya, milk and tofu.

Vegetable sources of protein: Include some Soya, beans, lentils and sprouted seeds.Yoghurt: Have low-fat, live, organic yoghurt.

Alcohol: Avoid completely or limit your alcohol intake.

Tea and coffee: Have no more than two cups a day.

Importance of Business Connections!

So I have one thing I wanted to hammer home not only about the beauty industry but whatever profession you want to get into. MAKE BUSINESS CONNECTIONS!!


A woman from a scholarship program I applied for contacted me and although I did not win the scholarship money she did offer me some contacts at L'Oreal. 


Although all the internship opportunities at her company are for upperclassman, getting to know people in the industry never hurts because you never know what doors will open up for you. 


So in conclusion I just want to say take advantage of ever opportunity. It is not always about what you know but WHO you know and people learn as they go. Its ok not to know everything right away. 


More posts will definitely be coming soon. Check out my youtube page for a number of videos I have posted lately. 


Until next time,
Kelsey