This blog was created for our current and future Trendsetters! This is our little piece of cyberspace where you can find product pictures, candid reviews and vlogs of our favorite products and accessories available to you in our store!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
The Picture Perfect Competition
Everyone one loves a little healthy competition! We have added another dimension to our Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Launch Party! It’s time for you Trendsetters and Makeup Addicts to show us your photography skills. Bring your camera and take candid but quality photos of everyone mingling and having a blast. After that you would be half way to possibly winning fabulous prizes!! See below how to enter and the rules of this competition! See you there!
Rules and Conditions for the Picture Perfect Competition
To Enter
1) “like” Essential Trends, Velvet Thrills and Cool Comfortz Frozen Delights on facebook.
2) Create an album entitled the Obsessive Cosmetics Launch at Essential Trends.
3) Tag Essential Trends, Velvet Thrills and Cool Comfortz Frozen Delights in the album.
Rules and Conditions
1) Must be on the rsvp’d list.
2) Must have personally attended the launch party.
3) Must have completed all the requirements for valid entry.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
The Notion Fitness Series Part 2.
You're putting in the time and effort at the gym but may not be seeing the results you desire. Don't forget that your diet is very important if you want to build muscle. Men's Lifestyle Consultant Darren Blackett shares some tips when it comes to dieting.
Enjoy!
Durand Blackett
Creative Director
Monday, November 14, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
U by Ungaro Review
U by Ungaro for men is now hands down one of my favourite colognes. I was speaking to owner and Managing Director of Essential Trends Dolleen Blackett and she was telling me about this amazing cologne that we have in store (U by Ungaro). I tried it out for the first time today and I couldn’t believe I didn’t have this incredible cologne in my personal collection.
For me U by Ungaro is the ultimate Gentlemen’s cologne; I imagine James Bond wearing this fragrance – It is for the man who is effortlessly confident and sophisticated. The fragrance is bold and yet not overbearing.
I immediately had to do some reading up on it and here is what I found. This magnificent fragrance was created by Yves Cassar and Pascal Guarin and was launched by Avon and the French fashion designer Emanuel Ungaro.
The top notes consist of grapefruit and pomegranate which gives it that fresh element. Then we get to the very warm middle notes of immortal, cedar and cardamom; we finally settle at the base notes of patchouli, vetiver, peru balsam and tonka bean that creates that lasting musk.
U by Ungaro for men is definitely a captivating evening fragrance that is perfect for special occasions (weddings, dinners, formal gatherings).
It’s time to embrace the modern man, the confident man, the U by Ungaro man!
Durand Blackett
Creative Director
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Behind the Look-“Emerald Eyes”
Spring and Summer 2011 has brought us very bright colours, prints and carefree silhouettes;
Fall fashion took a very natural progression into something more decadent, reminding us of the fun of the 1920’s Flappers and falling in love with dressing up all over again. The Fall season heralded many beauty trends both in fashion and beauty. Needless to say my favourite was the jewel toned smokey eye. When one of my favourite makeup artists Suresh from Suresh Beauty made a makeup suggestion in his #BeautyTipDuJour on twitter I just had to replicate it. He suggested pairing a smokey eye the same colour as your eyes with a red lip, for an elegant yet fun makeup look. I tried this for our Perfectly Pretty Affair using Sugarpill Cosmetics and voila!!! Emerald Eyes was born! Do not be afraid or hesitant to play with your makeup and wardrobe, when you do, you are that much closer to embracing your inner Trendsetter.
Xoxo Dee
Friday, October 21, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Gentlemen, Complete Your Image!
When it comes to reviewing our fashion choices and new trends for the year I believe many times the idea of new colognes are neglected. Cologne isn’t an optional by the way or insignificant element to a man’s image – it is in fact the final piece to tie everything together and add another dimension to a man’s image. People get an impression of you by what they see in terms of dress, they also get an impression of you by what they smell. My favourite thing about colognes is that you combine the visual art of dressing with another sense, the sense of smell to create a single image of the man that you are and the man that you aspire to become.
In store we currently have a cologne that I’m extremely excited to write about and to review. True Force for me stands for strength, confidence and adventure – It is truly a manly fragrance that is versatile enough to be worn as a daytime or night time fragrance. The smell of fresh sage and lavender creates an excitingly spicy note that is smooth and sleek, the raw suede and oak wood adds those warm strong manly notes. The result? Cologne that most men would be happy to wear, and something that most women would be pleased to smell.
The Conclusion is this – Gentlemen, if you’re not wearing cologne you’re not dressed. So get dressed and get True Force!
Durand Blackett
Essential Trends Director
Friday, October 7, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Essential Skincare
Dee's review of her Anew Skincare regimen and reveals a surprise for you Trendsetter for the month of October!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Inspired Tutorial: Once Upon a Feather....
Look inspired by my sisters peacock feather. Easy to recreate yet stunningly beautiful because I'm using Sugarpill Cosmetics which you people know I love :) Enjoy and let me know if you like it! Love Dee.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Current Faves!
Vlog about my current faves we have available at Essential Trends! Let me know what your beauty favorites are at the moment! <3 Dee
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Introducing Crown Brush!!
We are happy to have these top notch brushes in our store; watch the video to see what we currently have at Essential Trends!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Get Loud! With Sugarpill!
Rihanna's Barbados leg of her Loud tour is here on August 5th and with all the hype I decided to do a tutorial showcasing how you can use the vibrant long lasting Sugarpill Cosmetics to create a simple but fierce look! Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Out of the Beauty Box Review
I had the most fantastic opportunity to attend the Out of the Beauty Box Tour workshops in New York! Held at Makeup Forever's New York studio and hosted by Pursebuzz (Elessa Jade) and Enkore Makeup (Koren Zander). Watch the video for my review of the seminars and workshops I attended!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
5 Favourites!
We got some of the things you can look forward to getting for this summer from our Beauty Director and Mens Life Style Consultant. Here are their Favourite products - 
Darren Blackett, Mens Lifestyle Consultant is constantly looking for the next best thing for guys. To him it is important for a guy to look good and smell good but over all the best thing I guy can wear is Confidence!
5. Unscripted Cologne Set
Smooth, subtle fragrance that is perfect for intimate gatherings as it creates a cool laid back ambiance that puts persons at ease.
4. Musk Marine
Definitely a very fresh fragrance. Perfect for our environment. A natural blend of cool mint, fresh mandarin and ginger.
3. Blue Rush Intense
Very fresh but warm it is a very bold musk. A mysterious blend of scents to invigorate the senses and emotions of those around you.
2. True Force
Strong spicy notes that inspire chic and class. A nice evening fragrance to let everyone know here I am without overpowering them.
1. Herve Leger Homme
My favourite is a decadent, fashionable cologne. A Classy, subtle fragrance that's perfect for a business man. Great for all times of the day.
Dee Blackett, Beauty Director spots and documents the numerous trends in the world of beauty and is never afraid to give it all her touch. She believes that Beauty is all about Confidence and Self expression.
5. Skin So Soft Mineral Gems Glamorous Gold
Lotion Nourishing and of medium consistency, one of my must haves because this lotion leaves a light gold shimmer on my skin which adds that perfect summer glow.
4. Mark. Mist Opportunity Multi-Tasking Refresher Spray
A saviour in hot weather, simply give your face a light spritz for a pick me up. Does not affect your makeup and contains fruit extracts that are great for your skin.
3. 24 KT Mascara
This formula for the win! I have a hard time finding mascara that is a true gem and this is one of them. My lashes are short and thin. This mascara gives me both volume and length. Light golden flecks in the formula give me a pretty finish to my eyes.
2. Naturals Body Spray in Cherry Blossom
In hot humid weather I find myself obsessed with mists and sprays, whether for my face or body. These light but fragrant splashes are perfect, because you do not have to worry about your fragrance being overpowering ; yet you may indulge in this refreshing spray.
1. My number one must have is the 8 in 1 palette in Neutral Tones.
Summertime is about minimalism and this palette is perfect. Whether worn on its own or used in conjunction with a beautiful pink or teal; the options are countless. Neutral Tones look great on everyone and for a summer getaway it is the only palette I need!
Guys come and visit us tomorrow to make sure you have everything you need to be fresh this summer. Ladies, we have everything you need to stay pretty and cool under the sun.
Come and Give Life Sparkle!
Durand Blackett
Creative Director
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
3 Summer Makeup Trends!
Although it is perpetually summertime here in Barbados; the excitement for the summer months is undeniable. We tend to wear flip flop, sandals and wedges more often, our wardrobe's come to life with more colour and obviously our makeup is more vibrant! Here are three summer makeup trends, I will also tell you my absolute fave of them all!
1) The neutral eye with coloured eyeliner. I love this. Quick and easy, yet a pop of colour. I turn to this when time is not my friend!
2) The neutral eye with the bright beautiful lip! People are having so much fun with this look for summer. I am seeing hot pinks, oranges and reds. From lipsticks to glosses to tints; the lips are definitely the star of the show.
3) Last but certainly not least.......my favorite trend! The bold, colorful eye makeup paired with a nude lip! My love for this trend is unending. Not only are ones eyes alluring but experimenting with various rainbow colours and textures never bores me. Tone it down with a nude lip and voila....you are perfectly pretty!
I will leave you Trendsetters with one of my versions of this trend.
Do have fun with your makeup this summer people!
Love
Dee
Monday, June 20, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Beat the heat! (Sneak Peek)!
Hi Trendsetters! It has been so hot recently a lot of people are just melting and its only June! I have been really taking the time to look at some of my favourite make-up and bath and body products that are helping cope with this heat and humidity. I have a video coming up with all my front runner products that make me feel a lot more comfortable. I thought I would give you a little sneak peek of a product on my list!
The Naturals bath and body line! These refreshing, nourishing, fruit infused body products help me to deal with this weather. You may purchase sets or singles, they include, body wash, lotion, spray mist; available in a vast assortment of fragrances. Non- pore clogging, refreshing and therapeutic; these products for the win in my books!
Tell me Trendsetters, what are your fave products for beating the heat? Please leave comments below :)
Love,
Dee
Friday, June 10, 2011
Pretty Fridays
I thought Dee was rocking an amazing look today. The vibrant pink eyeshadow is perfect on her complexion and works well as a day time look.
It's fresh and optimistic - You can always count on Sugarpill Makeup to save the day.
So always remember to brighten up your Fridays!
Cheers to the weekend,
Durand Blackett
Creative Director
Fierce & Fun!
The Essential Trends Beauty Director Dee Blackett is known for creativity and versatility when it comes to her different looks every day (After all she is a makeup artist).
On Tuesday of this week however her look reminded me of something that our Barbadian Born Superstar Rihanna rocked at this year’s annual Met Gala on May 6, 2011.
A clean look with smoky eye and deep berry colored lip and let’s not forget the long side-swept braid. It’s a beautiful and highly adaptable look that is perfect with Jeans and a T-shirt or with the most elegant gown.
This look is bold but not overdone; there is an inescapable element of simplicity. The Smoky eye with the long braid gives it such an authentic Caribbean vibe.
So how about you turn some heads with this summer look we like to call "Fierce and Fun".
So be daring, be bold and make it all look eternally effortless.
Durand Blackett
Essential Trends, Creative Director
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Dress Great, Smell Even Better!
Every man should have a signature scent – Something not too overbearing (That says ‘look at me, look at me’) and not too subtle (That says ‘I don’t think enough of myself’).
I’m currently wearing a fragrance called Driven Aromatic Spices by Avon for men. This cologne is endorsed by American Baseball player Derek Jeter.
I love how understated it is yet it is a scent that is absolutely distinguishable and long lasting. It is a vibrant blend of fresh spices, exotic woods and citrus that creates a fragrance that is both fresh and masculine.
This fragrance is so versatile that it is a perfect daytime and night time scent. The message it sends about the guy wearing it is that he is both ‘confident and cool.’
So guys get to looking good and smelling even better!
It will do a lot for your personal image.
Durand Blackett
Essential Trends Director
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Do you moisturize?
Love Dee!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Anew Facial Care Systems (Review)
Let’s just jump into this. What I love about the Anew skin care system is that they provide everything you need to maintain your skin care routine. I especially love the fact that they are formulated for particular age groups. Regimens for 20/30’s (Rejuvenate), 40’s (Reversalist), 50’s (Ultimate) and 60’s (Platinum) are available. This is great because every age group has a regimen particularly formulated for their needs. I personally use the Rejuvenate system which includes:
1) A Revitalizing 2 in 1 gel cleanser.
2) Revitalizing Day Cream (contains SPF 25)
3) Revitalizing Night Cream
4) 24 Hour Eye Moisturizer
This system is quoted from Avon to have “RevitaFresh Technology. Engineered to help visibly shrink pore, smooth skin texture and even skin tone”.
Dee’s Take: Since I have been using this system for about 2 years I can honestly say I’m pleased. I enjoy having an even skin tone and moisturized skin. My skin naturally tends to be on the dry side and both the daytime and nighttime moisturizers help to prevent dryness. To avoid too much moisture that creates a greasy look, as soon as you cleanse your face on mornings, pat dry then use the moisturizer so that by the time you apply your makeup or are ready to leave, your face would have absorbed most of it. The foaming cleanser does just that, it actually foams! A small amount lathers nicely, cleanses and removes oil and dirt build up. It also deep cleans and tones your face. Onto the eyes, the 24 hour eye moisturizer; both day and night eye creams are packaged in the same container. So important to use this because the eye area has the most delicate skin on the whole body. The daytime eye cream is very light and spreads well (all the moisturizers spread well), the nighttime cream has the consistency of a balm which is very soothing. All these products have a pleasant, light, fresh fragrance. I thoroughly enjoy them and these regimens are tried and tested and are actually “Hall of Famers” with our Trendsetters!
Love
Dee
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Presenting...Best Face Forward!!
First off we at Essential Trends want to thank all of you that supported us for our Give Life Sparkle campaign! We all had a tremendous amount of fun and it was a fabulous relaunching. This month our campaign is one that means a lot to us and we know it means a lot to our Trendsetters out there. Presenting...Best Face Forward! A celebration of skin care. Watch the video below to see what this means to us and stay tuned for what we have in store of April!
Love
Dee
Love
Dee
Friday, April 1, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Driven Black Set Review
Every month the Essential Trends Team has the privilege of choosing a product that we like and would love to introduce to you.
At Essential Trends the guys are never forgotten – So our special for the month of March is the Driven Black Set by Derek Jeter. This set is made up of the cologne, body wash and after shave conditioner.
This fragrance is a sophisticated blend of exotic saffron, blood orange and precious woods. I truly love this set as it is subtle but memorable. From long days in the office to a romantic dinner with that special someone – the Driven Back cologne is the perfect choice. This amazing set is on special in store for $120.00 - Trendsetters, just join our Facebook group and for you its $115.00.
So for the ambitious, courageous male trendsetter – this one is for you!
Durand Blackett
Skin So Soft Mineral Gems Collections
This SSS Mineral Collections have been a favorite for the Essential Trends team from the launching of the new line. Our customers could not stop raving about them and they quickly rose to “customer fave” status! What makes these products so special is the transformative quality they possess. After the very first usage you feel the increase in your skins moisture level; while never leaving your skin feeling greasy or pores clogged. We carry three collections to this line. Glamorous Gold, Luminous Pearl, Diamond Blush and we will be very soon, have Shimmering Crystal available in store. Included in the collections are body scrub, body wash, body lotion and a gelled body oil. So we see these collections are all comprised of everything from exfoliates to moisturizing products to ensure you both achieve and maintain a healthy appearance. What I particularly love is the light shimmer you are left with after using any of the products. Not glitter, shimmer. A subtle hint of sparkle which left no doubt in our minds that these collections had to be in our Give Life Sparkle promotion! The Essential Trends team is so excited to offer all of the collections to you Trendsetters for a discounted price for the whole month of March. All customers may purchase any of the Mineral Gems products for $18 each, however for a further discount be a full fledged Trendsetter and join our facebook group. Simply search Essential Trends Store, join the group, and all of these products are available to you for $15 each!
Looking forward to meeting you all!!
Dee Blackett
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
Welcome to Essential Trends!!!
What is Sparkle? That is the question our company slogan usually evokes. “Give Life Sparkle” is more than simply a catch phrase or slogan; it is a philosophy. It is a way of life we aspire to and hope to embolden our customers to do the same. Sparkle is intangible, it is what you feel when you are getting ready to go out and you know you’re spot on. Sparkle lights up a room, it is contagious and addictive; in a good way! Sparkle is looking good, sparkle is feeling good, sparkle has no gender, race, or age. Sparkle is you being the best version of yourself possible and inspiring others to do the same. Our goal is to provide everyone with quality products and services that we gladly put our name behind. It is our duty to assist everyone in a personalized fashion, so that he or she leaves feeling better than when they came.
That stated; the Essential Trends team would like to welcome you to the re-launching of our cosmetic store! Commencing with the “Give Life Sparkle” campaign which lasts for the whole month of March! Exciting times are ahead for you Trendsetters so stay tuned!
Dee Blackett
Beauty Director
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