Back To Talk shop on Basketball......not Lipstick!

I'm back from my hiatus.  Since my last entry to my Pretty In The City audience, life has taken some exciting turns in my career and love life! I tied the knot late last year, and am now Nelvia Arlisa Bullock. But enough about me. Lets get right to it. I'm not trying to stir the pot during this celebratory moment, however, I feel inclined to get something off my chest! According to the dictionary :A fan, sometimes also called aficionado or supporter, is a person with a liking and enthusiasm for something, such as a band, a sports team or entertainer.

Unfortunately, I'm equally from two places Chicago and Oklahoma. I lived in Chicago during the era of Jordan, Pippen, Grant, Kukoc, and even had the pleasure of meeting most of those guys when I was a little girl. I remember hanging out at my Aunt Nelvy's in the South Loop decked out in Bulls gear, and showing my team spirit. Naturally, my level of enthusiasm for the Chicago Bulls is high. I even met the legendary Michael Jordan once, got autographs, took pictures, and he knows my family.

My entire childhood and most of my adult life, I have cheered loudly for the Bulls. The irony is that I married a die-hard Celtics fan, and for the last four years I stood by his side screaming for Rondo, Paul Pierce, and friends. Could it be a Celtics vs. Thunder this year, well let's just watch the chips fall where they may!

Since Thunder landed in OKC, I never found a place for the team with the AMAZING story! Is it a bad thing that I've been gone for eight years, and just never hopped on the Thunder train? I'm happy their doing well, and love the Thunder fans as my parents, sister, and close friends scream Thunder Up each and every game. I would be an awful Chicklahoman not to say Congrats to the Thunder on this major milestone!

Everyone, who knows me can attest to this has always been my story and I'm not changing it now, as the victory of the Thunder reigns. Either way at least I kept it real on what's in my heart!

May the best team, win and take it all!  Stay tuned for my next post that will highlight hot beauty products for Summer.


Smooches,


Nelvy

Lighten Your Beauty Load In Style ❀

3floz.com is a one stop shop for all of your favorite TSA friendly beauty products. When I frequent Sephora, Ulta, or other one-stop shop beauty outlets I'm always on the hunt for the perfect travel kit.  Back in my day I was the young girl with the iconic caboodle, filled to the brim with my essential items. As a lover of all things beauty, I have lots of lotions, potions and many fabulous things that accompany me while traveling. The challenge is transferring product to smaller containers, ensuring that the small amount of product lasts the duration of the trip and carefully labeling each little jar to identify what's inside. This is always a tedious task and personally I purchase beauty products for the stunning bejeweled case or cute bottle. Simply put, I am not too keen on applying my products from clear containers and prefer the branded packaging.

To my surprise I would discover a company that attempts to solve your travel beauty products woes! The chic ladies behind this concept have excellent taste, travel often and only carry on their favorite brands.  They are passionate about certain products and make them readily available so that you can fall in love. 3floz.com has a wide variety of products that you have always wanted to try without the commitment. I love that 3floz.com offers a wide array of face, hair, nail, and body kits to meet the needs of a beautynista on the go.

This innovative concept also has the gamut covered with a nice selection of cute baby products and men’s toiletries for your hubby or beau.  They will ship to your home or directly to your hotel, whichever makes your traveling easier. Even If you aren’t traveling and can’t commit they might have just the product for you.  I am eager to indulge into this land of travel-friendly beauty packs and travel in style!

I wanted to share this with you all and hope that you're just as excited as I am, check it out: http://www.3floz.com/

Smooches,

Nelvy

Pretty In The City with Nelvy

Let's Talk About Brushes!

 

Thanks to my lovely followers for your continued support and kindness. I absolutely love sharing my expertise, favorite products and beauty tips with you all and I plan to start blogging weekly in the upcoming months.  I'm often asked what's the most important thing to add to your makeup wardrobe and I have suggestions for all categories.  Please keep reading my posts, following the Makeup by Nel Facebook feeds and I promise that particular area will be covered.

One of the essential elements in applying flawless makeup is having the right beauty tools.  The correct tools will perfect your application, enhance your technique and precisely place the product onto your skin. My favorite makeup brushes in my brush roll come from Trish McEvoy, Laura Mercier and MAC. After investing in the proper tools, maintenance and upkeep is also very important. The essential brushes in any set include but not limited to: eyebrow brush, cheek brush, powder brush, eye shadow, angled eye color, eye shadow crese, and depending on the set it could include other key tools for blending.

Let's shift our focus to cleanliness and hygiene, allow me to share some excellent tips for sanitizing your beauty tools. When is the last time your makeup brushes received a nice bath? Often times, makeup is applied in a hurry and brushes are tossed back into the drawer. As a result from being dirty, they shed and expand thus your brushes loose shape. Once your beauty tools revert into this fluffy, scattered shape they are no longer appropriately placing the product and makeup will look sloppy. Your dirty makeup brushes can potentially cause infections as they harbor bacteria, mold, fungus and other unpleasant germs.

These are all things that you want to avoid from happening, so here is what to do.

(Items needed: towel, a mild shampoo and water.)

1. Lay out and old medium sized towel on your bathroom counter. 
2. Dampen the brush and drop a pea sized amount of shampoo onto the palm of your hand.
3. Build up a good lather and gently scrub at the base of the bristles with your fingers.
4. Rinse well by placing the brush under lukewarm water until the water runs clear.
5. Mold the brushes back into their original shape with your fingers, squeeze well and then place onto the towel.
6. Allow the brushes to dry completely overnight.

I recommend that your use a brush cleaner in between cleanings and shampoo regularly. Try the Sephora brand brush cleaner for a good practical product and it's gentle enough for the brush hairs. Cleaning your brushes regularly in this way will ensure they keep shape longer, reduce shedding and improve application and eliminate bacteria.

Smooches,

Nelvy

Pretty In The City with Nelvy

--

Food for Thought

The top beauty secret amongst all experts is that great makeup starts with great skin care. Implementing a balanced and functional skin care routine is just half the battle. The other key component of great skin is your diet. It's clear that what you put into your body is going to have an impact on how your body looks and feels. Simply put, people who want to have skin with a healthy natural glow need to pay closer attention to what types of foods they are putting into their bodies.
Antioxidants prevent your skin from aging by fighting off free radical damage. Examples of common antioxidants include glutathione, beta-carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Selenium, alpha lipoic acid, melatonin and Vitamin E. The United Stated Department of Agriculture has put together a list of the 20 foods with the highest concentration of antioxidants.


The USDA's list:
1. Small red beans
2. Wild blueberries
3. Red Kidney beans
4. Pinto beans
5. Cultivated Blueberries
6. Cranberries
7. Artichokes
8. Blackberries
9. Prunes
10. Raspberries
11. Strawberries
12. Red Delicious & Granny Smith apples
13. Pecans
14. Sweet cherries
15. Black plums
16. Russet potatoes
17. Black beans
18. Plums
19. Gala apples
20. Walnuts

All of the above foods are excellent choices so think about which ones you can easily add to your diet to get closer to a flawless complexion. Another way pack in antioxidants in one sitting is through a delicious salad. People think of salads as lettuce and tomato, but you can make so many interesting salads with so many personalities by mixing all sorts of healthy foods together. I love fresh greens with grilled chicken, fresh veggies, diced boiled eggs and berries.

Incorporating these foods to your diet should go a long way towards improving the youthfulness of your skin. However, it’s just as important to cut out foods from your diet as it is to add foods if you do want healthy skin. Personally this will be a challenge for me because salt is my best friend but like most I also desire more supple skin. Pretty In The City with Nelvy readers let's work together and slowly reduce intake of caffeine, bad fats, salt, sugar, etc. to maximize the healthy benefits our skin. Last but not least, do yourself a favor and drink more water! The most essential thing that you can consume is you want great-looking skin is water. Truly the more water you drink, the more you flush out all the other toxins and the healthier your skin is going to appear.


Smooches,
Pretty In The City with Nelvy

Five Minute Makeup

My typical work day is spent behind a desk and I have very limited exposure to the general public for most of the day.  Often times my day requires me to go out for appointments, errands and other miscellaneous activities.  As I prepare myself to step out into the world, I try to put my best face forward.  In my opinion it's really empowering to radiate beauty, grace and happiness inside and out all at once! Pretty In The City with Nelvy is all about adding a touch of pretty to every moment. Imagine if you could bottle up your pretty into a fancy atomizer and magically spray it on.  That would be great, RIGHT? However, in the real world with time constraints and busy schedules it’s not that easy. Lots of my clients tell me that it’s a miracle if they can get any makeup on.

Several of my followers have mentioned that they desire a quick routine for a polished look.  The great thing about makeup is that you can always customize it to meet your needs and your lifestyle. I do understand that hectic schedules may only allow five minutes of primp time, so let’s get started.  See the list below for the suggested items to complete the five minute look:

Checklist: Tinted Moisturizer, Blush, Mascara, Concealer and Gloss

1.    Tinted Moisturizer: This product is light weight and typically will have a SPF 15 or higher. It will provide sheer coverage and a dewy glow.  To apply, squeeze a dime size amount on top of your hand and use fingers to blend on areas where coverage is needed.  (Smashbox and Laura Mercier have great Tinted Moisturizers.)

2.    Blush: Depending on your undertones, find a soft blush color that will give your cheeks a subtle glow.  This needs to be a color that offers healthy, glowing, flushed cheeks.  (I recommend a powder over a cream/stick and application with a nice blush brush that has a long handle.)

3.    Mascara: Find a voluptuous formula that will lengthen and thicken without being clumpy.  To boost the performance of your mascara, try curling your lashes before application or try a lash primer to get long pretty lashes. (Lancôme or  YSL are always a hit.)

4.    Concealer: This step is intended to be a simple concealer application not a camouflage session. Just dab a generous dot under each eye to brighten up that area to make you look awake. (Quick tip: Mix with an eye-cream to give a more natural look.)

5.    Gloss: Pick a gloss that has a moisturizing formula and your favorite sheer color.  I prefer nudes and soft pinks when opting for this look. (Chanel Glossimers are another essential beauty must.) Enjoy and remember to Keep It Simple.

Smooches,

Pretty In The City with Nelvy

Decadent Body Treatments

As the ultimate girly-girl and lover of all things fabulous allow me to share my fave body treatments.  Busy women on the go can appreciate the pleasantry of creating spa like experiences at home. See my list of Decadent Body Treatments that revive, rejuvenate and release me from stress.

Product #1: Jergens Original Scent Dry Skin Moisture

This low maintenance drugstore lotion is super hydrating.  It works great for instant body moisture perfect for fresh out the shower application.  Jergens Original Scent has a silky texture and goes on very smooth without too much fuss with rubbing it in. Additionally, many lotions are too thick and greasy I like this one because of the water base formula.  The cherry almond scent is heavenly and gets me every time.

Jergens Original Scent Cherry-Almond Moisturizer 10 fl oz (295 ml)

Product #2: Sabon Patchouli Lavender Body Scrub

Sabon NYC has a lovely product line and they really nailed it with the body scrubs.  I was introduced to this item in a gift basket from my fiancé a while back.  The scent is Patchouli Lavender and it takes me away like Calgon with every whiff.  I use it weekly to exfoliate my entire body and really enjoy it after a fresh leg shave. This fantastic scrub not provides an intense exfoliation but also leaves the skin with a radiant glow.

http://sabonnyc.com/index.cfm/a/catalog.prodshow/vid/21605/catid/1563

Product #3 Arbonne FC5 Cooling Foot Crème

My next body treatment comes from Arbonne and it’s a wonderful foot crème. As a woman who is committed to all things fabulous and uncomfortable five inch heels this is a mandatory toiletry.  The scent is a minty and very fresh.  It’s the perfect aroma therapy solution for preserving your soft feet post-pedicure.  FC5 foot crème has benefits of kiwi extract and fresh moisture complex to comfort and soothe your feet. 

Here is Arbonne Consultant ID for Sharlita High: 18436616 you will need to place your order.

 https://www.arbonne.com/shop_online/shopOnline.asp

Product #4: Almond Coconut Mike Crème Body Wash

Warning this next item is so yummy you will want to have desert.  It’s from Laura Mercier’s popular Eau Gourmande product line.  This luxurious body cleanser will leave your skin feeling baby soft in no time.  This item is definitely on the splurge side at 36.00 for 8oz but worth every penny.  If you fall in love with this creamy cleaner you can pair it with the hand cream to enjoy the fragrance throughout the day.

http://www.lauramercier.com/store/shop/prod260037_prod260037_prod260037?currentSkuId=sku90034

Product #5: Jo Malone French Lime Blossom Cologne

If you are looking for a new fragrance to add to your collection to capture the whimsical essence of spring check out French Lime Blossom from Jo Malone.  This cologne is so rich and romantic when I put it on my mood instantly changes to a happier state.  The main notes are sweet lime blossom, bergamont and tarragon. You literally only need a modest squirt because it’s very strong and you’re all set.  Another beauty splurge $55 for the 30ml small travel spray and $105 for the 3.4oz bottle.

http://www.jomalone.com/templates/fragrance/fragrance_family.tmpl?ngextredir=1&CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY7576

This concludes my Decadent Body Treatment selections; I hope that you get a chance to enjoy them as much as I do. Remember to always take time to treat and pamper yourself. It’s essential to a healthy lifestyle and most importantly YOU DESERVE IT!

~Smooches~

Pretty In The City with Nelvy

How to Create Alluring Smokey Eyes

Typically we can get so caught up in the everyday routine that it almost feels robotic. Wake up, get dressed for work, come home, grab dinner, unwind (book/Tivo) and sleep only to do it all over again the next day.....sound familiar? Sometimes after a hard day all you want to do is play! There's nothing like glamming it up to hit the town at night with your girlfriends. It’s simple for a Pretty In The City reader, she Slis into a flirty outfit, puts on stilettos, grabs a evening bag and jets!

But wait; don't just leave home without perfectly dusting your face.
You may be wearing the perfect outfit however, if you're wearing the
wrong makeup, the total look is incomplete. It may sound like an
exaggerationbut it isn't, flawless makeup is essential to polish the
ensemble off. Remember, this is your night out to relax and have fun. Let your pretty
makeup reflect the high spirits you're in, why not look like a million bucks
(even if you have just 50.00 in your purse)? Here are some detailed
instructions to get you on your way:

1. Take a brow pencil and define your natural brow shape. When applying 

the color hold the pencil on an angle and just lightly fill the brow in.

Next to smooth it out brush over the brow with a grooming tool to soften
the color. 

Continue this process until you have the desired natural brow shape. 

(Note: please select a brow pencil one shade lighter than your hair 

color)

My favorite is YSL: http://www.barneys.com/Eyebrow-Pencil
/00447103000184,default,pd.html

2. Next apply a concealer slightly lighter than your natural skin tone 

right under the brow bone to intensify the defined brow shape, created 

in Step 1. When applying the concealer use a brush with synthetic 

fibers and sweep a thin layer from the arch to the end of the brow. 

Then in the same area using a round eye shadow bush sweep a pale cream 

colored shadow on under the brow bone. (Note: this technique will
add a tremendous highlight the eye size and shape).

I prefer to use this dual camouflage on my clients: 

http://www.lauramercier.com/store/shop/Concealers_Secret-Camouflage_prod220004
prod220004

3. Cover the rest of the eye from the lid to the last line with a flesh 

toned eye shadow base. Apply the base with a creme eye color brush and 

go over it with a slightly dampened sponge to thin even out the 

application.

4. Then apply a neutral shadow on the lid with a flat shadow brush. 

Pack the shadow in the brush, then lightly brush the color on the 

entire lid continue to build your shadow until the color is perfectly 

blended.

5. Take a black kohl pencil and line the top and bottom rims of the eye 

to define the lash line.

6. Next, close your eye and take the black kohl pencil and draw a thick 

heavy line across the lash line from one corner of the eye to the 

other.

Excellent cost-effective black liner: 

http://www.maybelline.com/products/12/eyes/eye-liner/define-a-line-eye-liner
/ebony-black/801?shadeId=67&view=shades&position=458liner/ebony-black/801
?shadeId=67&view=shades&position=458

7. Using a smudge brush apply a black eye shadow directly on top of the 

eyeliner applied. Then blend and soften the pencil into the shadow in a 

upward sweep until the visible defined line disappears.

To add extra pizzazz to the look try this shadow (Night Clubbing by Nars)
it’s black with prominent sparkles:

http://www.narscosmetics.com/Eyeshadow-C24_makeup_1.aspx


8. (Optional) Using a wet flat eyeliner brush on a black cake or gel eye liner
place on the root of the lash line. (Note: this will the accentuate the eye
lashes)This step is a little more advanced if you would like more detailed
instructions contact me for a tutorial.

9. Apply several coats of mascara on the upper and lower lash line. 

Take the time to slowly comb through the lashes with the brush on the 

mascara wand. (Note: Avoid spider lashes)

10. Make sure your foundation and powder is perfectly applied and 

blended into the skin.

11. Also, add an illuminating brightening product under the eyes before 

concealer, then apply the concealer and set with a light and fine 

powder.

Best under eye concealer with excellent staying power and smooth finish:

http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/157/278/Select-Cover-Up/index.tmpl
index.tmpl

12. Lastly, to complete this look don’t forget the your nude+ glossy lips and
a soft cheek color.

If done correctly, the aforementioned steps are guaranteed to make you a
showstopper. Practice makes perfect! I encourage you try it for yourself
and do what works. I’m simply providing guidelines to help you achieve a
fabulous look but by all means modify this as needed. But in the end, it's
up to you to make that red carpet entrance.
Have fun and remember that, “beauty is a lifestyle.”

XOXO
Nelvia Arlisa

Beauty Secrets for Perfect Foundation

Beauty Secrets for Perfect Foundation

1. Great makeup starts with great skin so drink lots of water, exfoliate and hydrate the skin with a moisturizer. Don't be afraid of a moisturizer just pick one appropriate for your skin type.

2. Use a makeup primer. Primer will provide a smooth surface for the foundation to lay on your skin and help the makeup stay put for hours.

3. Makeup isn't hard to do if you have the right tools. Find the right tool designed for your makeup. The tools that you want to keep handy are heavy duty sponges and foundation brushes. When applying makeup with a sponge some times if you dampen the sponge with water you an get a softer coverage. If you select a foundation brush apply foundation on the top of your hand and dip the brush into the product then apply to your face. With the proper technique your foundation can look its best in no time.

4. Find a great concealer to cover up any imperfections that your foundation does not cover. Do not depend on your foundation for all the coverage because it ends up looking too artificial. Apply the concealer on top of the foundation be sure to use a concealer brush for the best application. A creamy concealer is used only for under the eyes and a matte concealer for the other trouble areas.

5. Pick a setting powder that you love. Powder will seal the deal and hold the makeup properly and if used correctly will make your face look perfectly polished. Avoid using too much powder because it will settle in fine line and large pores resulting in your skin looking dull. Investing in a velour powder puff and a full size powder brush is a great solution to keep the powder application soft.

6. Find a bronzer or a face glow to warm up the skin and give ideal radiance. Apply bronzer with a chubby bronzer brush and work it onto the face creating a backwards 3. This will give you even distribution and still provide the honey golden sparkle. Dusting bronzer on the neck, arms, and delicate is also recommended.......start light and you can always build.

7. When thinking about foundation always consider the shelf life of it 6-12 months period. When the color, texture and smell changes of a liquid foundation it needs to be tossed. Just as the seasons change the color and condition of your skin may change so you have to update foundation so that the color, coverage and texture match the current condition of your skin.

8. Lastly, allow your foundation enhance a pretty face and reveal the best new you this spring.

See this photo here of Eva Marcille totally rocking the bronze goddess look and still simple yet polished.

It's finally here!

Wow, I can't believe that I am actually sitting here typing my first entry for this blog. Welcome to Pretty In The City with Nelvy! One may ask what exactly does pretty in the city mean? That's a great question, allow me to elaborate and define the vision........

Definition-Pretty In The City: (Noun, A Formal Fashion Statement) Those who don't waste an opportunity to showcase the pretty. Showcasing your pretty is all about utilizing the best beauty tools, products and priceless advice to put your best face forward. In addition to looking pretty on the outside we will also take a deeper look at inner beauty and how to make it beam when you enter a room.

Pretty In The City will provide you with timeless beauty must-haves from luxury to drug store sectors. The beauty-must haves displayed on this blog can work for all budgets from price savvy recessionistas to those that prefer indulgence in the finer things.

I am truly thrilled to share my passion for all things makeup and bringing out the best version of YOU. Please be patient as I develop content, ideas and forums for my pretty girls in the city.

Thanks again for taking the first step in becoming the beauty trendsetter in your office, social circle and most importantly your city!!!

Smooches
"Nelvy"
Nelvia Arlisa of Makeup By Nel