Russian Red Night

Here is a look from last night. I attended a friend's birthday party/fashion show. I went for "eyes poppin', lips bustin'" a la Nee Nee Leakes in season 1!

As an aside, my skin is pretty much pimple free, but I have several dark marks where the bumps were. Any suggestions on fade cream?

FACE:
Eve Pearl Salmon concealer
MAC MSFN
Cover Girl Queen Collection bronzer in Brown Bronze
NYC bronzer applied over CoverGirl

EYES:
MAC Indianwood Paint Pot
Urban Decay 'Smog' eyeshadow
MAC Teddy eyeliner on upper lash line, waterline, and smudged on lower lash line
Dior lash primer
Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara


LIPS:
NYX cabaret
MAC Russian Red lipstick LOVE!!


HAIR:
Don't even ask; it was dumb luck.

click pics to enlarge
sorry about the open closet door...

Different Strokes for Different Folks

Hi MakeupLovers!

I wanted to briefly give you guys my opinion on two products that I purchased based on the opinion of fellow beauty bloggers/YouTubers. I just want to illustrate that idea that what works for some, may not work for all.

Bargain Princess is the cutest blogger ever, like for real. She regularly posts via her YouTube channel and blog about fashion, style, and makeup. Her videos are pretty addictive mainly because she is so funny and bubbly, not to mention she knows how to shop on a budget.

In one of her videos she mentioned the Clean & Clear Advantage Mark Treatment and raved about how beneficial it has been to clearing up some acne she had been experiencing. After my skin started turning on me, I went out and purchased this product based on her review. I bought it at a drug store for less than $7 and used it immediately.

I instantly LOVED it. What it has done for my skin is to eliminate pimples overnight which is major. What it has not done is reduce any scaring or blemishes whatsoever. Please be clear, it does not promise to reduce any scarring. I have not experienced much acne in my life which is a good thing due to the amount of time it takes for my skin to FULLY clear of any blemishes left over from a pimple. I love that this product reduces the actual pimple, which is exactly what its supposed to do.

The second product was reviewed by MsVaughn on her YouTube channel. If you guys haven't checked her out, do so now. Chick is fly. She also posts videos about fashion, hair, and makeup. One of her posts featured MAC SunTints lip balm. Her review had me sold! As soon as I saw it in my local CCO I picked it up and used it immediately and was completely underwhelmed. I was like, "uhhh...it's aight" lol. I didn't find it as moisturizing as I would have anticipated. I will continue to use as a base for lipstick simply because I;m stuck with it now. I do like the way it feels under my Korres lipblam though...it's pretty decent as a pre-lip balm (if that makes any sense).

 
 
 

What have you guys purchased based on the review of others? Did you love it or hate it?

Midnight Blues

Hi MakeupLovers!

A FOTD from 2 weeks ago when I went out for drinks with a friend. I was feeling like doing something bright and wanted to play around with my new MAC purchases (Fluidline in Midnight Blues and MAC Pro Longwear lip creme in To the Future). Sidebar - I haven't purchased makeup in SOOO long; this would be the first time in about 5-6 months I think. I think I have more than enough :-)


You guys, my forehead keeps attracting pimples *SIGH*




I played around with photoshop and cleared up my forehead, lol!



FACE:
Lancome Maquicomplet concealer used under eyes w/ Ben Nye Banana Powder to set
MAC MSFN dusted all over face
WNW Color Icon bronzer in Princess
NYX blush in TerraCotta

EYES:
NYX HD eyeshadow base
Midnight Blues fluidline as a base
Surf USA (LE from Surf Baby collection)
Birds & Berries (LE)
Blue Flame (LE)
matte brown from WNW Vanity palette to blend; lightest color from palette for inner corner
UD eyeliner in Zero on waterline
WNW Color Icon e/l in Black on top lash line
Maybelline Great Lash Lot of Love mascara

LIPS:
NYX lipliner in Mauve to fill in lips
MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme in To the Future
MAC Suntints Liquid Lipbalm in Pink Tinge

HAIR: 3-4 dy old Domincan roller set; excuse the rollers in the front but ya'll know I like voluminous hair.
EARRINGS: Forever 21 for approximately $3


OMG I LOVE this lipstick!! I may have to break my makeup strike with a few more of these. Do any of you guys have them??

FOTD to calm my nerves

I did this look a few weeks ago. I had a terrible day and came home to do some makeup to calm my nerves. Seriously, the "smiles" in these pics are all forced - that how bad my day was lol. Of course I got over whatever was bothering me and all is well :-)

You guys, I promise my edges are not this rough in person!
 
 
 

FACE:
CoverGirl NatureLux foundation
MAC Mineralized SatinFinish Foundation
Lancome concealer used under eyes
Victoria Secret concealer palette - darkest color on blemishes
Graftobian Pressed Powder to contour
WNW Bronzer in Princess
NYX blush in Terra Cotta
Eve Pearl HD Dual Pressed Powder
Ben Nye Banana Powder
MSF Dark/Natural and Shimmer - shimmer side to highlight

EYES:
NYX HD eyeshadow primer
MAC Grease Paint Stick in Dirty
Stila e/s in Luster
L'Oreal HIP eyeshadow duo - matte brown in crease; on lower lash line
L'Oreal HIP eyeshadow duo - orange color above crease to blend
NYC black eyeliner on waterline and lower lash line
no mascara in these pics

LIPS:
NYX lipliner in mauve
MAC Ever Hip lipstick (LE)

HAIR:
1st day twist out using Giovanni Direct Leave In conditioner, Curls Souffle as a moisturizer and styler and eco styler gel.

Quick hair post

Hi guys - I just have a quick hair post to share:

I retwisted an old twist out using the products listed below. My flat twists were done on dry hair in two layers, parted from ear to ear and secured with perm rods. I actually find the Curl Enhancing Smoothie to be a tad greasy, so I didnt use any additional product to untwist.

 
 
 

 
 

Not sure why that piece won't lay right! 
 

FACE:
MAC tinted Moisturizer
Lancome concealer
MAC MSF Natural
Milani bronzer

EYES:
Quite Natural PP
Buck eyeshadow
Dior lash primer
Lash stiletto
Brown UD eyeliner on top lash line & water line

LIPS:
MAC Gaga lipstick
Clear gloss

HAIR:
Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner as leave in
Shea moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Eco styler gel

Magically Cool??

I'm going to keep the typing to a minimun bc my wrist has been killing me lately -- it feels like a sprain and hurts everytime I try to move it. Bear with me...
This look is from a few weeks ago. I was taking a break from my study schedule to have brunch with a friend. Since my life revolves around work and school and I have no life lately, I was super excited to get all cute.

I picked up the MAC Magically Cool Liquid Powder from my local COO and couldn't wait to try it. This was limited edition from the Disney Collection and I was bummed that I missed out on it. I applied it as a bronzer and ummm...can you see it? I dont think I can.

When swatched on my wrist, it is a beautiful bronze shade, but when I applied it to my cheeks it left a little to be desired. Maybe it'll work as a highlighter. Let me know if you want me to swatch it.

How do you guys use this product?


 
 
 
 
 

FACE:
MAC Studio Finish Concealer
MAC MSF Natural
MAC Light Over Dark blush
MAC Magically Cool Liquid Powder in Cajun

EYES:
ELF eyeshadow primer
UD Naked Palette : Sidecar from lid to crease; Gunmetal applied over Sidecar
MAC Chromographic eyeliner
Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara

LIPS:
NYX lipliner in Brown Cafe'
Wet N Wild lipstick in 930C
clear gloss

RIP TROY DAVIS

On September 21, 2011 at 11:08pm, Troy Davis was executed in the state of Georgia by lethal injection. To see the details of the case, click here. I could go on for DAYS, WEEKS, MONTHS about what is so fundamentally, socially, morally wrong in the Troy Davis case, but I wont. I will simply say that the only to avoid another situation like this is to eliminate the death penalty altogether.

I will try my damndest not to go on a teary-eyed rant regarding my feelings about racial disparities and the judicial system. I'll try to focus on one aspect of this situation (my issues with the death penalty) and, although I am not a proponent of capital punishment, I wont focus on all of the gross examples of "well,why Troy Davis and not so-and-so?" I won't mention the Sean Bell case. God, please help me to hold my tongue about Casey Anthony. I'll stick to the broader issue: Why do Americans feel that it is "humane" to execute another human being? Execute. That word. I just...can't.

A few facts:

Approximately 120 people have been exonerated from death row due to serious holes in the prosecution with at least one dozen of those cases being the result of DNA evidence.

There have been reported cases of botched executions, including the most "humane" method - lethal injection. One of the drugs used in lethal injection executions has been banned for use on animals for fear that it masks rather that relieved pain. This idea of a peaceful sleeplike death is untrue!

Due to medical ethics doctors are forbidden from conducting executions, which many times leaves prison staff and orderlies to perform this function...not cool, not smart, unsafe.

Until the 1980's the electric chair was the primary method of execution, however it is still used; the last electric chair execution took place in 2002 in Alabama. 2000 volts of electricity, internal body temperatures reaching upwards of 140 degrees Fahrenheit, reports of prisoners catching on fire, defecating, eyes gouging and resting on the cheeks, and vomiting blood can hardly be considered humane.

The news of Troy Davis' execution sent me into an uncontrollable crying spell and a deep sadness over the lack of compassion for this man. Let alone the lack of evidence. It made me question the fundamentals of our judicial system. It made me want to ensure that this does not happen to another person.

http://www.nodeathpenalty.org/

http://www.amnesty.org/

Inspired Purple!

I did this look almost two months ago, hence the dark roots. I was putting off getting my hair colored simply because I didn't have the time when my straight, male co-worker gave me the stank face and asked, "What's going on with your roots?" I had to do something ASAP!

I was inspired by Yummy 411's Purple Life look but wanted something I could wear to work as well.

I don't know what I was thinking when I used my extra thick eye cream under an Urban Decay eyeliner (used all over the lid) without setting it with a shadow. Needless to say : crease city.

Take a look:


 
 

EYES:
NYX HD primer
UD 24/7 liner in Ransom
MAC My Dark Magic (LE) outer corner and lower lash line
WNW Vanity palette - soft brown color to blend edges & shimmery white to highlight inner corner
UD 24/7 liner Binge on waterline
Eve Pearl HD Powder Duo as a transition color
NYX conealer in a jar to define brows

FACE:
Eve Pearl Salmon concealer under eyes
Eve Pearl HD Powder Duo
L’Oreal blush in Natural

LIPS:
Nars Risky Business lipgloss

HAIR: 3 day old wash n go refreshed with a bit of leave in and water

WOOSAH, Water, and FOTD

MakeupLovers I'm alive! I have been SUPER busy with work and school and I think my skin has been showing the signs of my stress. ugh! Thankfully in a few weeks my work schedule will lighten up tremendously. Until then I'm drinking lots of water, exercising on my lunch hour (since I have no time before or after work!!), trying to eat right, and trying to woosah as much as possible.

On to a makeup: A while back - maybe last summer - I stopped using my MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural because I felt it was starting to make me look red. I mean, out of the blue, one day it was fine and the next...red.

I decided to give it another go today nearly one year later and it worked perfectly fine. It gave a nice finish, kept my skin matte pretty much all day, and didn't oxidize on me. #WINNING!

Concealer above the eyebrow is always a nice surprise when you look at yourself in pictures *rolls eyes*

click pics to enlarge.


 
 
 

TFSI
Soft Ochre paint pot
UD Buck
UD Virgin
MAC Chromographic Pencil on Waterline
Lash Stiletto mascara

MAC Studio Moisture Tint applied to the middle of my face
MAC Studio Finish concealer to redness around my nose and under eye circles
WNW Bronzer in Princess
MAC Foolish Me blush
MAC MSF Natural to set

NYX l/l in Brown Cafe
Revlon lipstick in Lilac

HAIR:
5 day old Domincan blowout

Have you guys ever tried something after a long period of time and fallen back in love with it?

Natural Glow

 
 

FACE:
Black Radiance primer
MAC Tinted Moisturizer
MAC Studio Finish concealer for undereyes & to define brows
Eve Pearl HD Powder duo to set the center of face
Milani Pressed Powder on the perimeter of the face
Milani bronzer in Golden
ELF bronzing powder in Warm Tan
Korres blush in Natural
MAC Foolish Me blush
MAC MSF in Shimpagne as a higlight

EYES:
TFSI
MAC PP in Natural
WNW Vanity Palette – left row 1st & 2nd colors blended together on lid; Right row top color on inner corner
MAC Chromographic Pencil on waterline
Maybelline Lash Stiletto mascara

LIPS:
Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate
MAC Resort Life lipgelee (LE)

HAIR - Co-washed this morning & pulled into a loose low bun using leave in conditioner, jojoba oil, and a little eco styler gel.

FOTD with Urban Decay Naked Palette

On Friday I had a lunch date planned with some friends so I decided to do a lil extra with the eyes. I hope you like it!

On another note, I think my skin is starting to come back to its senses. I've gone back to using my favorite face wash and drinking lots of water. *fingers crossed*

 
 
 

FACE:
MAC Studio Finish concealer for under eyes and to define brows
Eve Pearl HD Powder Duo
Stereo rose
Wet N Wild Color Icon bronzer in Princess


EYES:
Indianwood paint pot
UD Darkhorse on lid and blended into crease
UD Virgin on inner lid & tear duct
NYX Blue liner on lower lash line and waterline
Maybelline Lash Stiletto and Lancome Hypnose Drama

LIPS:
Rimmel nude gloss lipgloss (the name is rubbed off)
Revlon Soft nude lipstick
NYX Brown lipliner

HAIR:
A dry mess of an attempted dry twist out (not the one I posted!), pulled back into a low bun. I used some shea butter mix for moisture and added some Argan oil eco styler gel to the edges.

Hair of the Week - Long post

Hi MakeupLovers! Today's post is all about hair. The other day I posted about my summer favorites and mentioned my Shea butter/Shealoe mix (click here to read the post and to see what I used in the mixture).

A few weeks ago I used the mixture to achieve a twist out style. Basically I co-washed and conditioned my hair, used a leave in conditioner and applied my Shea butter mixture to wet hair.

I parted my hair from ear to ear then flat twisted my hair in 2 layers and secured the ends with perm rods. I had a total of about 10 twists. After I allowed my hair to fully dry I released the twists in the morning and here are the results.

The pics were taken at the end of the day, hence the "friendly frizz". Click to enlarge.

 
 
 

rough edges! lol!
 

2nd and 3rd day hair
 
 
 

4th day hair; pics taken in the morning on the way to work
 
 
 

I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of hold I got my just using this mixture and my hair was super moisturized.

At night I preserved the style by pineappling my hair (gathering and securing my hair on top of my head in a loose, high ponytail using a scrunchy), taking it down in the morning and refreshing with Carols Daughter Black Vanilla Leave in Conditioner, maybe a little oil, and my fluffing with my fingers. (The 4th day hair has been given new life with a little more shea butter mix and oil).

If you guys have any questions about co-washing, twisting, etc. let me know. I'll be happy to clarify.

**I believe I got that headband at Target.