Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Jan 14, 2011, 4:57 pm
  In your satin tights...fighting for your rights and the old red, white, and blue! The first time I can remember having a birthday party is the year I turned four.  We had a pool party at my Aunt Cyn's house.  There were little plastic baby pools stretched across her backyard with to...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Dec 19, 2010, 11:30 am
The end of the year is here.  This has been the roughest year of my life and I am so looking forward to having it be over with.  But because of this last year, I have prioritized so many things in my life and have decided on the ways that I want to move forward in 2011 and beyond.  One of my prio...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Oct 13, 2010, 12:39 am
  Okay, ladies. Sorry for the delay. I wanted to wait the full six months to give you an accurate update. My curls are still waves. They look a little fuller than they did six months ago. I honestly feel that this treatment has changed my curl pattern for good. I'm not upset at all. I ...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Oct 6, 2010, 8:00 am

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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Oct 6, 2010, 6:00 am
Revlon continues the quest to change the face of cancer with Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Pink Pursuit.   In partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation™, Revlon® will donate proceeds* to fund breast cancer research around the country.   10% of sales of Pink Pursu...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Oct 5, 2010, 11:00 pm
This October, Cosmoholic Cosmetics (www.cosmoholiconline.com) is donating 10% of the proceeds of the sale of their Prudish Pink Liquid Lipstick to benefit  the American Cancer Society for Breast Cancer Research.   Prudish Pink (SRP $20.00) is a gorgeous, natural rose pink shade that pr...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Oct 5, 2010, 10:01 pm
This week has felt pretty blah to me so far. Although I do not have to wear make up to work, everyone in my office does. I prefer not to. On the days I do, I prefer the "natural look". I just throw on some eye liner, blush and some lipgloss, or a nude lipstick. Lately I have been having...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Sep 1, 2010, 6:00 am
Nicole Ritchie famously went from her well-known honey blonde locks to a deep brunette. This to This So . . . which wig works?  Do you like Nicole as a blonde or a brunette? Honestly, I prefer her darker lock...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Aug 31, 2010, 12:30 am
So, I announced last week that there is a new venture coming to The Life of A Ladybug and here it is!  I have amassed a wonderful group of women who are going to help me review the latest and greatest in makeup, beauty, skincare, hair care, fragrance, etc - they are my "Beauty Review Cr...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Aug 30, 2010, 11:26 pm
Finally, making its debut on September 1st, NARS Cosmetics introduces Pure Matte Lipstick!   Over 15 years ago, François Nars created a collection of 12 perfectly edited lipsticks. Nars’ passion for lipstick never wavered. Introducing Pure Matte Lipstick– the newest addition to the...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Aug 29, 2010, 12:48 pm
Every now and then, I reflect on my beauty icons/inspirations.  Not only as a make-up artist, but also as a woman who finds that my personal style evolves as I grow and mature.  For the last few years, I've found that my inspirations are kind of in the same vein - either an old school, pin-up ae...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Aug 29, 2010, 12:30 am
Whitney Port was at the Sephora Hollywood and Highland store in Los Angeles to kick off Sephora’s “Kiss for a Cause,” a three week long- initiative to benefit The Beauty Bus Foundation, a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for homebound, termin...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Aug 19, 2010, 12:10 pm
I know you've seen the commercials . . . the Winkee ads have been all over the air.  Not quite as geeky as a dickie, but just as functional, the Winkee gives you the answer to your "too much cleavage" syndrome.  It is a lightweight bra accessory that can help cover your cleavage with adding bu...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Aug 19, 2010, 11:41 am
  MAC's Viva Glam Cyndi and Viva Glam Gaga are being issued in Lipglass shades this fall!  I am excited about this and I am a lover of all the Viva Glams and always purchase each new one as it's released but I didn't fall head over heels for either the Cyndi or Gaga shades.  However, ...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Aug 18, 2010, 4:34 pm
So, at least some of you have probably already heard about this.  You see this picture of Jill Scott - it has been suggested that Jilly from Philly has gotten a relaxer.  Folks are in shock and awe. Okay, let's start here: I'm not even sure that's a relaxer.  It could just be a g...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Aug 18, 2010, 11:42 am
SEPHORA Brings the Hottest Names in Beauty to New York for Fashion’s Night Out on September 10, 2010   This September 10th, Sephora will be hosting interactive events in all 15 of their Manhattan locations in celebration of Fashion’s Night Out, the most anticipated global fashion initi...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Aug 18, 2010, 7:00 am
People Style Watch is growing to be one of my favorite magazines.  I drool over the new trends in beauty, hair, clothing and accessories every month. Click through to get some details about the September issue, on newsstands now! 10 Fall Must-Haves:  Kick off the ne...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Aug 17, 2010, 11:00 pm
Calgon, a leading bath and beauty brand, announced today the launch of the Take Me Away! Moments Contest, which will go live on August 16th and will run through December 19th.  On the heels of a 2010 re-launch for the brand, Calgon is looking to revitalize the famous slogan with an online youtube v...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Aug 17, 2010, 6:00 pm
Naturallycurly.com has listed their 10 favorite low cost conditioners. What are yours?
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Aug 17, 2010, 5:01 pm
To kick off opening day on Friday, August 27th from 8am to 10am Nordstrom is hosting a Beauty Bash.   The Beauty Bash is open to the public and the first 800 Beauty Bash attendees will receive a free Nordstrom Beauty Swag Bag (photo available upon request) with goodies inside to help get the ...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Aug 6, 2010, 10:33 am
tarte's fiends & family sale ends Monday, August 9th at 11:59 EST!  tarte is offering 40% off sitewide and a free gift wtih any purchase!  If you pick anything up, let me know! 
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Aug 3, 2010, 6:00 am
Whenever I flip through the ads in the back of the beauty magazines, I always seem to come across an ad for "Just for Redheads" cosmetics.  I am intrigued.  The idea of a whole beauty line devoted just to women with a certain hair color may seem a bit excessive, but redheads also tend to be quite ...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Aug 2, 2010, 10:15 pm
So, with summer hot and heavy upon us, I've found that, though I still love rocking a smoky eye, I enjoy switching it up just a bit.  Of course, a black/gray smoky eye is always chic, but in the summertime, it's so much more fun to try something new and go really colorful on the eyes.  It ...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Jul 22, 2010, 7:00 am
So, Katie Holmes has been spotted recently sporting longer curls: But she's been known for her sleek bob: So . . . which 'do does it for you?   
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Jul 21, 2010, 5:00 pm
I have often said I want to look like Christina Hendricks when I grow up.  No, I'm not trying to switch races - LOL!  But she is so lush and womanly, all curves and softness, while still looking toned and healthy.  And her hair and makeup are usually to die for!  Take for instance the Mad M...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Jul 21, 2010, 3:00 pm
    With the advent of summer, we all want to show off our legs in our favorite dresses, shorts and skirts.  Bath and Body Works' Aromatherapy Sugar Scrub will not only have your skin silky smooth and glowing, but it'll also give you a little boost.  Since I'm always looking ...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Jul 21, 2010, 11:54 am
My friend Shanna is an extraordinary woman.  She's an attorney, a wife, a mom of two ridiculously cute kids, a runner and one of the funniest people I have ever met.  Shanna also has fabulous style - a perfect mix of classic, sweet, vintage and modern.  Her fashion sense, her interior decorat...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Jul 8, 2010, 1:51 pm
For every 10,000 pledges that are made, Kiss My Face will send one camper to the Seeds of Peace summer camp during the 2011 season (a value of $6,000). There is no limit to the number of kids that Kiss My Face will sponsor!  The campaign will be running through September 21st, 2010. The “pledge�...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Jul 8, 2010, 11:47 am
Going Natural this summer? Summer sun and humidity can cause damage to your hair's cuticle and result in dull, frizzy hair, which equals disaster when trying to style your natural curly hair. Veronique M. Morrison, Director of Education, Mizani, offers a few tips on styling and maximizing your...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Jul 6, 2010, 11:31 am
Curly girls!  Hurry!  Today is the last day to get 15% of at Naturallycurly.com!  Enter coupon code HURRY15 at checkout!
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Jul 6, 2010, 9:00 am
        Feeling Rock & Roll? Give Us 5 Minutes. We’ll Make You a Star. “Everyone looks great in jeans— and anyone can pull off a dark denim eye. To make it wearable, I’ve paired inky blue shadows with pretty roses for lips and cheeks. The combination is casual and put-toget...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Jul 5, 2010, 5:00 pm
Lipstick (Cremesheen) Call My Bluff: mid-tone creamy coffee Jazzed: bright coral pink Creme de Nude: pale muted peach beige I Like It Like That: deep blue pink All Styled Up: bright yellow pink Go For It: mid-toned blue purple Cremesheen Glass On the Scene: light coral beige Yo...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Jul 5, 2010, 12:00 pm
     If Alice fell down the rabbit hole and met a Makeup Artist instead of the Mad Hatter, M·A·C alice + olivia is the curiously gorgeous collection she’d be rocking! Hip, playful, unpretentious and unabashedly fun, M·A·C is thrilled to announce the latest collaboration with the most ad...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Jul 5, 2010, 9:00 am
  I have fallen in love with a new book I've been reading, Babushka's Beauty Secrets.  Babushka's Beauty Secrets is written by Raisa Ruder and Susan Campos and is all about Raisa's Ukrainian grandmother (babushka) and the time-tested homemade beauty techniques she taught her grand...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Jul 4, 2010, 1:02 pm
  My friend, Yalonda, has just taken the plunge and gone completely natural!  I'm so proud of her and happy for her.  I know that, as a newbie to nappy beauty, I needed a community of people to reinforce my choice, celebrate with me and give me tips for taking care of my hair, product recomm...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Jul 4, 2010, 1:00 pm
I see several of my favorites here, including Carol's Daughter Lisa's Hair Elixir, one of my favorite hair oils of all time.   What are you using lately on your natural hair?  
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Jul 4, 2010, 11:00 am
New for Summer 2010, OCC is introducing two new Lip Tar shades, Cha Cha - a bright cantaloupe with subtle pink undertones and Divine - a pale yet vivid pink flamingo! Gorgeous on their own, mixed together or with other shades, these vibrant tones work beautifully on a wide variety of skintones. ...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Jul 4, 2010, 10:35 am
Stila Fans - take note! In celebration of America's birthday, Stila is extending their Happy Hour promotion through midnight on July 5th! Use checkout code HAPPYPRIME when you spend $30 or more and you will receive: - A full-size One Step Primecolor in Kitten -    AND two samples of...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Jun 30, 2010, 12:54 am
Smashbox Cosmetics partnered with Elle Magazine for the celeb-studded 2010 Independent Spirit Awards in Los Angeles to help raise money for Hollywood Arts. The cult-fave cosmetics line enlisted the most charitable stars to sign VIP makeup boxes packed with up to $300 of Smashbox Cosmetics. Now it’...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Jun 22, 2010, 10:33 pm
I love Jurlique's Citrus Balancing Mist and Rosewater Mist, so this is great for me!  I hope it's great for you, too - Happy Shopping!  
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Jun 22, 2010, 9:58 pm
If you've paid attention to this site, you know how much I love Matthew Morrison.  So when I got a press release revealing the secret to his luscious locks (gotta love a man with a headful of curls), I was mega excited.  Until I read it.  Matthew says that in order to quench his curls' th...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Jun 19, 2010, 3:00 pm
If you are a fan of Burt’s Bees products, then you are going to love this deal!  Head on over here where you can snag the Burt’s Bees premium grab bag (a $50 value) for ONLY $24.99! This grab bag contains 5 full-sized products, 14 mini-size products, and 5 special gifts including an assortment ...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Jun 19, 2010, 7:00 am
SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely is partnering with Essence magazine in search for the next star for the newest Dark and Lovely ad. The national Are you Dark and Lovely? Show it off! Contest will run through July 6, 2010, with a winner to be announced in the October issue of Essence. The winner...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Jun 19, 2010, 12:00 am
So, on Glamour.com, they're talking about one of the latest beauty trends: apricot eyes.  As you can see on Jennie Garth, apricot eyeshadow can bring a beautiful warmth to the skin.  But on Glamour.com, they're only showing pictures of blonde, fair-skinned women sporting this trend. So...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Jun 18, 2010, 11:17 pm
If you're a Groupon member (and you know I am - I love a deal!), you are in luck!  Three Custom Color Specialists is offering a Groupon deal on Monday.  It will be posted as a "sidedeal" for Queens.  But regardless of where you live, you can take advantage of the Groupon by clicking on "Visit...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - Jun 13, 2010, 3:15 pm
If you're a fan of my "Hotter than Hell" series, you will remember when I wrote about the beautiouness of one Mr. Wentworth Miller.  If you are not familiar with that post, please go familiarize yourself: http://lifeofaladybug.typepad.com/the_life_of_a_ladybug/2007/12/hotter-than-hel.html. ...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - May 28, 2010, 12:26 am
Grey's Anatomy has never lacked good-looking men.  And this past season, they upped the hotness factor. This is Jesse Williams, also known to me as "Dr. McHotEyes".  He is beautiful.  Look at him.  I am drowning in his eyes just from this picture. I have a thing f...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - May 25, 2010, 11:51 pm
 Every time I decide to rock a red lip (which is quite often - at least once a week), I have more than one woman come up to me and say, "Oh!  Your lips look so pretty!  But I could never wear red.  It just doesn't look good on me."  Women of every shade have said the same thing.  How is it...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - May 22, 2010, 5:00 pm
I do not think this is good. In fact, I know this is bad ... for me.  This is giving me way too many options for buying make-up.  OMG.  m.maccosmetics.com features will include: · Access to the latest M.A.C Collections, all product categories, discontinued ‘Goodbyes’ and Gift ...
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Toya M. posted an article on The Life of a Ladybug - May 22, 2010, 1:00 pm
I have my own ideas, but I want to hear yours!  My top vote is for Maleficent, my favorite of all the Disney Villains! Via WWD: MAC Cosmetics is teaming up with Disney to create a limited edition color collection, intended to launch globally in late September in all MAC locations. The products...
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