Apple just dropped their newest release, the new iPad PRO.

Their slogan? “Like a computer. Unlike any computer.”

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It’s big - it’s bad - it’s the newest iPad.

Starting at $329, this device is 9.7″ and engineered with an A10 fusion chip, for heavy-duty design capabilities, comfort, and ease of access. It’s very fast, sources say, and it has Powerpoint built into it - what a lifesaver!

You can use multiple apps at once and access augmented realty from the convenience of a small screen.

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Apple is very excited about their 8mp camera, including 1080p HD video, the equivalent to YouTube’s minimum quality, video standards. Even though it’s a bit large to carry around as either a comcorder or small vlogging device, this is great news for all YouTubers and vloggers.

The list of incredible updates the new iPad contains, goes on and on and on. Just know that their site contains all the info I have shared, I’m just a master summarizer, Apple nerd, and tech enthusiast.

This week on #SimplySleek, let’s discuss the Google Pixel 3 vs the Galaxy S9 by Samsung.

Similarities are...

Although they have other, very similar traits, their differences are such as...

So... Which would you choose?

All information borrowed from Android Authority.

Learn more about #OutOut by Oasis Fashion with Niomi Smart, a British youtuber.

Niomi Smart has partnered with Oasis Fashion to create a stunning clothing line, imo (and I can be quite the critic).

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Her thematic #OutOut line seems to be centered on dark tones, “holiday” inspo, and sparkles. This range actually covers quite the variety - from long-sleeve tops to maxi/party dresses to mini-skirts. The style of the attire is definitely holiday formal, as most of this couldn’t be worn down to a lunch date or “Sunday best.” 

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There’s even these beautiful, glitter heels. The price point is failry reasonable for most girls, as we tend to pay pretty prices for pretty things, although it is a bit high if you’re on a tighter budget (aren’t we all?)

It dropped a couple weeks ago, but it’s still sleighing.

The Jaclyn Hill x Morphe is as real as it gets, guys. 35 BRAND-new shadows, all perfectly designed by Jaclyn herself, and just in time for the holidays - whether you want to celebrate Halloween with it or just go straight to Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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For $38, you get her beautiful, signature engraved, 9 inches of colors. “Mattes, shimmers, satins, foils, and glitter,” claims the description of the listed Morphe site.

Because news travels so quickly, it’s probably old news at this point, that Elon Musk has stepped down as Chairman of his own company. But did you know that his potential replacement could change that role in a drastic way?

Let’s back up. Tesla has already been in the news for a while - they just love that spotlight. Firstly, their cars keep self-detonating, in different ways; more recently, they just let go of thousands of employees (thank God the market is hot for employment right now).

Wait, what actually happened though? It all happened so fast. He left his position for no other reason than for violating his terms & conditions, which is a no-no. In a recent interview, he claimed that he would take the company privately, which was something he was not at liberty to announce, either because it was too soon or he was simply not allowed. Either way, this caused a major uproar, as you can imagine.

Stepping down from Chairman, Elon will no longer be counseling and supervising the company's management team. After 14 years, that’s a big change, but it’s not the end of the world.

Regardless, he did co-find Tesla, so his CEO privileges will still exist. But for how long?

VeronaVanity, a creative and visually-appealing makeup artist on Instagram (@veronavanity) and YouTube is making her mark in the community.

From her vibrant glow to a creative swirl, VeronaVanity likes to incorporate all her beauty faves, like Huda Beauty, Anastasia Beverly Hills, and Jeffree Star Cosmetics.

“In this image, I was inspired by a [popular] trend: ‘[The] Splashing a Drink on Your Face’ illusion. I gave it a go and wanted to add a bit of meaning, as well, by adding instagram likes - filling ourselves up for likes, bringing us more energy and higher status.” She then shares her opinion on the pop culture of Instagram, “In no way [do] I care about how many likes I get but instagram for me is a digital app where I can post all my crazy makeup looks.”

Using her colorful Jeffree Star Cosmetics pallette, she was certainly going for shine and glow - though not just any glow, a blinding glow, as is one of Jeffree’s most iconic trademarks.

“I’m LIVING for the glow. Hopefully I will own all of Jeffree Star Cosmetics and create even more colourful looks with slight meanings as I have the platform to do so. Everyday is an improvement from the last.”

Her look is SO well done. Even though she does appear “picture perfect,” she’s not airbushed or facetuned to the max, giving the photo a flawless, perfect finish. It’s really refreshing to see.

Go follow VeronaVanity on IG (@veronavanity) and support her YouTube channel with a subscription. Huuuuge shoutout to the girl behind the brush ;). What a pleasure it was to work with her!

Hey guys! I know that my posts are inconsistent. I’ve had a freakishly busy summer so I haven’t been able to keep up with my writing, which makes me sad. But this blog is always on my mind.

Anyway, since the idea behind this blog is to switch off between fashion/makeup and technology every other week, I’m considering branding the bi-weekly posts of technology, calling it #SimplySleek, where I write predominantly about Elon Musk, other car companies, Apple news, etc. The makeup/fashion hashtag I’m still brainstorming. That way, it keeps me on schedule and my posts relevant.

This week on #SimplySleek (might need tweaked?), let’s dive into the wonderful world of Apple.

I’m an Apple head - always have been, and I imagine I always will be (though I’m only late-20s, I can bet on much more new tech to occur in my lifetime).

Taken directly from 9to5mac.com, iOS 12 is coming soon! After Apple’s September 12th event, we can expect some awesome changes. Of course, with each update, comes faster and easier movement.

Watch a review video here!

Some changes include new wallpaper on your iPhone or iPad, and a measurement app.

Deleting an app has reverted to the original way of simply swiping up from the bottom, and then swiping the app upwards... instead of the current version, where you have one, extra step: clicking and holding the app until the red X appears, just to have to still swipe it up to delete it.

Apparently the Voice Memos app is frequently-used, considering that has also been updated, for easier access. You will now see the date on your iPad, instead of just the time.

And last of many, new updates will be a better version of FaceID. The current setup is to recognize only one face - yours and yours only. The next version will come with the capability of adding a face AND even presenting yourself in a costume, if it’s so beyond recognition. Whatever may deter the app from noticing its owner.

Here you have it. There are several more updates in the making, and more that may not even be public information yet.

Calling all my English fans, this one is mostly for you.

This week, let’s take a journey into the wonderful world of...

Mai​ Accents is a British-based company started up by a cute, young, Italian girl named Marzia. Taken directly from their website, Mai “aims to provide you with unique pieces that are handmade with love; from precious jewellery, to one-of-a-kind pots, Maì will have the accent you are looking for.”

A Youtube personality (or Youtuber), Marzia Bisognin thought Mai into existence with her love for creativity and a desire to create cute accents for the home, using the platform she has earned for herself - through videos, merch, etc.

If you like little trinkets, plants, and especially jewelry, you will love Mai!

A featured item this week, is a limited edition ESTATE PERFUME (though it is limited to the UK, as it is a British-based company). “Estate,” Italian for “summer,” is a floral, fruity, and earthy scent. A simplistic, minimal design, the Estate Perfume is topped with a plain, golden cap and wrapped with a black ribbon for that extra pop of cuteness.

Another item is their “fine jewellry collection,” (which is unfortunately all sold out right now).

Some of these items are such as the Foglia earrings - a small, golden hoop with a dainty feather hanging by a thin chain. Item is handmade in Italy, so availability is limited (though currently out of stock, as mentioned).

Another featured item is a white-gold bracelet with tiny moons and stars. And this one is called the Notte Bracelet.

Lastly (of much more merchandise), is the Guro Planter in black. This three-legged iron planter holds two pots, measuring 15cm and 6cm. These planters are also hand-made in Italy.

Displaying just a few of their many, merchandise items, perhaps you will consider a purchase once more becomes available to order.

Seeking a new groove... for your look?

This brand is knocking the lash game out of the park with all of their unique styles.

Introducing... Tres Chic Lashes. Find them online at treschiclashes.com!

Here we have a thin, clean line with Princess, displaying a cute array of natural beauty. This pair is their second to lightest (in weight) in their line, right behind Naked. Wear Princess to work or out for a nice meal with bae and/or the girls.

Dreamer, pictured directly below, is potentially their most popular lash (always sold out when I visit the site). This look is light and feathery, but still has that plush vibe you’re seeking. Can be worn any way you want - the office, the club, or as a transition lash.

If you’re REALLY trying to stand out - you just have to be the life of the party (and everyone knows it ;) - one may find you working it in Queen, Fierce, or even Sassy! These bold looks are so beautiful and designed with such detail, to make anyone say “wow!”

(Pictured is Sassy.)

With a passion to lead the “falsies” industry worldwide, Tres Chic is certainly making their mark. They offer quality, cruelty-free lashes. “Made of a premium high end quality flexible cotton band that feels so natural; no-one will even know you are wearing them!“

Get Riah’s look and more at treschiclashes.com! Follow them on IG, @shoptreschiclashes.

What do they say is a girl's best friend, you ask? Diamonds, of course! From Rare Carat®.

Such that we are discussing is from the source, Rare Carat® has recently been picked up by major publishers and journalists. They are not a retailer, but simply a website to discover, compare, and get inspired by inifite diamonds and their retailers. This way, he can find the perfect diamond for her, at the best price for him(self).

For starts, Rare Carat® has an easy-to-use-and-understand top navigation bar. From learning about different cuts and colors, to discovering trends and prices, to finding the stores that carry what you're looking for. Rare Carat® has it all.

The beauty of it, is that all the learning and discovering can be done from the convenience of the home page. Not just this, but in each section of "Learn" is a humorous way to discover new things about diamonds you may have never known - from "The 4 Cs" to flourescents.

A great way to compare diamond and band sizes, carats, sparkle, and cut, Rare Carat® makes it easy to find the perfect ring for the best price. Why pay a million bucks when you can pay half for the same, exact ring?

Manny MUA has taken the beauty world by storm. Known predominantly for his YouTube presence as a “drag” makeup artist, Manny has certainly made his name known--from his cute intros, to his catchy sayings, to his hawt Instagram uploads. Not only is this his debut palette to hit the net, but his own brand. Manny has come up from a no one, to a seriously important, public figure out yonder in Hollywood Hills.

Both derived and inspired by Allure Magazine, I was able to find some “tea,” as the kids say.

Taken directly from Lunar Beauty’s Instagram (@lunarbeauty), Manny is pictured here wearing Life’s A Drag, an exclusive eye shadow palette to his many “Manny-isms.” Check it out.

...At least just this week.

These are just some of the few (and biggest names) that have fallen in stock value this past week. Baidu’s stream company, iQiyi, was a predicted success... Nvidia has suddenly paused autonomous driving tests; Facebook, under fire for its data breach; and finally, Tesla took a hit when using Nvidia’s failed product. Yikes.

Baidu (BIDU), China’s video stream giant, launched iQiyi (IQ) out of the ballpark... but too far out, if you catch my drift. They sold a risky amount of shares at alarming costs and couldn’t keep up. With iQiyi being "the Netflix (NFLX) of China," [source] some competitors are Tencent (TCEHY) and Alibaba (BABA).

After a recent, fatal crash, Nvidia (NVDA) has temporarily paused its testing production of autonomous driving. As a result, both Nvidia and the 2017 Tesla Model X (its test subject), both dropped in share value.

Lastly, Facebook (FB) has been under fire the past two or three weeks for the recent information breach discovery. Mark Zuckerberg claims they will “tighten up” their privacy, selling less information to their Data Consultants, Cambridge Analytica. Yes, this means that your personal info isn’t safe anywhere... especially not on Facebook.

Everyone knows stocks can tank and flourish, you never really know what you’re going to get, and that the stock market doesn’t always predict future value, but I thought this was an interesting concept. I’ve never written about stocks before (because even I don’t fully understand them), but I wanted to give it a try.

Disclaimer: I don’t claim that this information is 100% accurate, as I try to use multiple sources, especially for information such as this, but I wrote this to the best of my knowledge.

Not gonna lie, it’s 🔥

Nearly two weeks ago now, Jeffree Star graced us with the announcement of his brand-new eye shadow pallette, Blood Sugar, hitting his website for pre-order on February 10th. The theme of this pallette is medical terms and supplies, which is certainly a different approach to his last two--Androgyny and Beauty Killer. 

With an all-new lineup of shades, from a snowy white to bright lavender to true, deep reds, Blood Sugar is taking the world by storm.

(Taken directly from IG/JeffreeStar)

A finished product of many looks, Jeffree sports his first, completed look to the world: 

...or is it the “sweetest”?

This screen shot was taken directly from their site, tartecosmetics.com.

Tarte Cosmetics, one of the leading beauty suppliers in the US, predominately known for their Shape Tape Concealer, just announced their newest line of foundation, Shape Tape Foundation, to complement their previous launch. This foundation comes in two different finishes: matte and hydrating.

According to more than one YouTube beauty guru, specifically James Charles in this case, it seems that the matte finish actually provides way better, fuller coverage than its rival, the hydrating finish, which is lighter in both coverage and in its matching color.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ep2OdAUwCM&t=2s

But Dara, why does he appear to be rolling his eyes? Glad you asked.

The beauty industry of YouTube lost their minds over this release--both out of excitement of a new (finally!) release from Tarte since its famous Shape Tape, but also because... well, they only put out 15 shades (as pictured in the first image), and this below upload sparked major controversy.

Beauty gurus Jackie Aina (Instagram/JackieAina) and Alissa Ashley (Instagram/Alissa.Ashley) even reviewed the names of each shade, signifying how generic and unoriginal each name truly was--and the most obvious: the lack of dark colors.

Tarte has since uploaded an apology statement, announcing their concern over this backlash, stating that this was their first release of many more and that they will certainly be releasing a lot more dark and medium shades.

As of now, I have yet to try them out, but I would certainly be happy to, once my current foundation finally runs dry. Until then, follow me on Tumblr for my next blog upload, or on Twitter, when I announce my next topic.

Personally, I found it a bit silly (and annoying) that every beauty guru jumped on the “racist” bandwagon immediately. Like it suddenly made you a racist if you liked the new line. In fact, NikkieTutorials released the first video, I believe, with a positive attitude, but then deleted it once she saw all the hate that Tarte was receiving. I thought that was a bit extreme of her to delete the upload, but she just didn’t want the negativity streaming through her social--both in the comments and on other platforms.

I don’t know. What do you guys think? Do you agree with these gurus and think Tarte was totally out of line to only release 13 light (and 2 dark) shades, at the start, or do you agree with me that the instant backlash was a little silly?

It’s big, it’s bad, it’s cryptocurrency.

What is this “currency,” you ask? Easiest explanation I found was on Wikipedia, describing the spawn of cryptology (the practice and study of techniques for secure communication, for short) as another digital asset (like Bitcoin) that works as a medium of exchange, verifying transfers, and controlling extended creation. 

You may have seen the few bitcoin documentaries on Netflix by now, where they essentially glorify Bitcoin. To every pro, there’s usually a con. Though it is glorified on these documentaries, there is only one form of it, and that is online (meaning it’s traceable). So even if you were trying to use this on the black market, like Silk Road, for instance, you’re not exactly going under the radar.

Like it’s competitors (Google Analytics and Salesforce, to name a few), Alexa Certified Metrics accounts for all of your online web traffic. It has accurate rank data, the analytics reports are spot on, everything (including site performance) is tracked and monitored, and best of all... you can publish your rankings/data for advertising revenue. What’s not to love?

1. Without a code, there’s no data tracking. Period. You can install Alexa directly to your website and it gets to work right away, once installed, providing insight and data report information. Alexa filters out web crawlers and spammers for a more accurate reading. This, in turn, helps those behind the screen (and in front) to make better business decicions.

2. Once certified, you are actually given the option (after the 21-day diagnosis has been run) to actually use the provided Alexa Certified Metrics over the generic, estimated data tracker currently used. This method will obviously give you a more exact analysis on your numbers over something that would be more of a ballpark, generated conclusion. 

3. Social- and web-engagement becomes a lot easier to track and to read. These analytics reports range anywhere from graphs to percentages, and probably even more than that. Helpful, right?

4. Discovering and isolating the issue with low sales is a key to success. Alexa Metrics will help you to not only find the issue, but show its effects and helpful ways to reduce the error in the future. 

5. Running a business is all about making money. Why limit yourself to merch/ecom sales when you can publish your data for even more investment or just solid income? Of course it wouldn’t make sense to publish this type of information to the public; it’s a great tool for investors, stocks/bonds, and trade revenue equity.

The concept of Alexa Certified Metrics may be new for a lot of eyes, but it is the future. The future holds great things, especially for those of us living in the tech field in 2018. 

Source: https://blog.alexa.com/benefits-certified-metrics/

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Thank you for reading about my new discovery! I try to keep my posts consistent, bouncing back and forth between cosmetics and technology (for once it’s not about a product of Elon Musk) every other post, or every other week.

I'd love to know your thoughts on Alexa Certified Metrics. Have you used it? What do you think? If not, have you read good reviews?

Let’s put it this way... Just because every Makeup guru on YouTube has been talking about #FentyBeauty (the popstar’s last name, fun fact), doesn’t mean it’s the next best thing... But I’ve got news for ya, it appears that way. 

Fenty Beauty put out a FULL line of makeup. This must have taken YEARS, as these types of releases do. It ranges from primer to lipstick and everything in between. I joke that someone wanted to come in and take over the recent Kardashian/Jenner beauty line.

I do not have the budget to test out her new products, but I will trust the pale “Creators,” like me who have, and say that her products would probably work for me, as they seem to be a big hit in the makeup community.

She has primers, highlighters, lipsticks, and even really nice brushes.

Great job, #Rihanna.

Also, one of my favorites, Jeffree Star, ‘s new #holiday collection is out and it’s AMAZING. All his products are cruelty-free and vegan! Just throwing that out there ;-)