Glitter Party Eyes!!!

Last tutorial of the YEAR!!! Check it out below.

PS:For some reason the glitter wasn't picking up as sparkly as it was in person ;(

 

Products used:

Face:

-MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NC45 and NC42

-MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Dark

-Makeup Forever HD Foundation in #177

-Ben Nye Banana Powder

Cheeks:

-MAC Blunt Blush

-NYX Pinky Blush

 

Eyes:

-Sephora Pantone Palette

-Smashbox Studio Eye Pop Palette

-MAC eyeshadows: Scene and Saddle

-Maybelline Color Tattoo in Silver Strike

-NYX Glitter Mania in Disco Ball

Lips in Video:

-Nikka K lipstick in Beach Fuschia

-MAC Lipstick in Petals and Peacocks

-NYX Lipliner in Magenta

Lips in Photos:

-NYX l/l in Magenta

-NYX l/l in Dolly Pink

-Revlon Matte l/s in Stormy Pink

-Revlon Lipgloss in Pink Pop

Gunmetal Eyes

 

I recently picked up one of the new and now permanent pressed pigments from MAC called Enlightment. It's a really pretty silver glittery shadow. So the day after buying it I had to wear it work with a dark gunmetal smokey eye. So here are the products I used:

 

Face:

-Studio Sculpt Foundation in NW43

-Mineralize Skinfinish in Dark

-Studio Finish Concealer in NC42 (highlight) and NC45 (above brows)

Cheeks:

-Iman Sheer Finish Bronzing Powder in Clay

-MAC Mineralize Blush in Love Joy

Eyes:

-MAC Ricepaper e/s

-MAC Saddle e/s

-MAC Embark e/s

-Sephora Patone Palette

-Smashbox Studio Pop Eye  Palette

-MAC Enlightment Pressed Pigment

-Salon Perfect Demi Wispies Lashes

Lips:

-NYX Lipstick in Honey

-Revlon Lipgloss (I don't know the name but it's the clear one with glitter in it)

Skincare FAQs!

In a couple of my most recent videos I have mentioned several times that I have been trying to clear up my skin for the past year or so. As I look back at where my skin was four years ago and where it is now I am extremely happy and satisfied with my skin! Some of you may know I am in school for esthetics right now and I have to say I have learned so much already about the importance of taking care of your skin. I also want to recognize a fellow Youtuber named Foxynerd101, who's videos have helped me get started on the clear skin journey.

How did you clear up your skin?

-I started by just starting a skincare regimen. Then I changed my eating habits, I started working out more, and I started drinking A LOT MORE WATER!!!!

When did you start to see results?

-Once I started my skincare regimen I started to see results pretty quickly, in terms of fewer breakouts and then the fading of the hyper-pigmentation on my face. In 2012, I feel I have seen my skin clear up even more because I started to drink a lot of water this year and I also changed my lifestyle.

What products do you use?

-Makeup Remover: Neutrogena Makeup Remover wipes or Walmart Brand Makeup Remover Wipes

-Facial Wash: Clean and Clear Essentials Foaming Facial Cleanser

-Scrub: St. Ives Apricot Scrub

-Toner: Witch Hazel

-Moisturizer: Ponds Dry Skin Cream (Night), Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion (Day)

What is your skincare regimen now?

-If I'm wearing a full face of makeup, I will remove it first with a makeup remover wipe. Then I apply my cleanser. To really remove dirt, oil, makeup and it also kinda exfoliates my skin a bit I use my Sally's facial brush. Depending on the day, next I'll apply a scrub. Then my toner and next depending on the time of day I'll either apply my nighttime or daytime moisturizer. I also have incorporated my PMD, click here to  see my review, so I use that probably once or twice a month.

Are you still using the PMD?

-Yes, I am still using the PMD. I still stand by my review of the device. Once again, I'm going to say be careful when using it because I had two or three scars from where I guess I held the device on for too long.

If you all have anymore questions, please feel free to ask them.

My Foundation+Concealer Shades

MAC:

-Studio Sculpt Foundaiton-NW 43

-Studio Finish Concealer- NC 45 (actual shade) & NC 30 (used for dramatic highlight)

-Mineralized Skin Finish- Dark

Black Opal:

-True Color Cream to Powder Foundation- Rich Caramel (used to highlight)

-True Color Stick Foundation- Truly Topaz

-Flawless Color Concealer- Toast (used as subtle highlight)

-Cover and Clear- Honey

Maybelline:

-Dream Liquid Mousse- Dark 2

Makeup Forever

-HD Foundation-#177 (summertime foundation)

Revlon:

-Colorstay Foundation- Caramel

 

My Top 5 Blushes Swatches

Here are the swatches for my top 5 favorite blushes. If you haven't already seen the video, be sure to watch it because give advice on what colors work best for certain skin tones.

1st Impressions of the Perfect Results Curl and Twist Definer

I dare you to try saying the name of this product 3 times really fast. Go!



I picked this product up the other day at my local beauty supply store for $8.99. Don't you just love it when hair products cost $10 and less :) So far I'm really in love with this product and I think I may have found the PERFECT STYLER!

 

What's great about this product:

-It's only $8.99

-Doesn't flake

-Has a nice hold but my hair remains soft after it dries

-Defines curls immediately and you don't need a lot

-The scent is light

-And it does what it says...Winner!!!

 

The consistency of this product is thick and a mix between a gel and a pudding. So far I've only used it for my twist outs and I LOVE how they have turned out. I imagine if I were to use this for my wash n go I would only be able to get one day out of it (them curls would be on point though lol) because the hold is medium.

 

Josephine Baker/ Flapper Girl Look

Products Used:

Brows:

-Glue Stick

-Mehron Tattoo Cover Wheel

-Milani Face Powder

Face:

-Ben Nye Banana Powder

-Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse (dark 2)

-Black Opal True Color Creme to Powder Foundation (rich caramel)

-Iman Blotting Powder (medium)

-Ben Nye Cream Foundation

-MAC Blunt Blush

-MAC Darkly My Dear Blush

Eyes:

-88 Neutral Palette from Coastal Scents

-NYX Jumbo Pencil (black bean)

-Ben Nye Eyeliner Pencil (black)

-Salon Perfect Demi Wispies Lashes

 

Props:

-Feather/Flower Clip (Party City)

-Cigarette Holder (Party City)

-Dress and shoes (Target)

-Pearl earrings and necklace (mom's closet)

Watch the Transformation Product List

 

Hair:

-Koils by Nature Heavenly Delight Hair and Body Butter

Face:

-Mehron Celebre HD Pro Foundation (Dark 1)

-Black Opal Stick Foundation (Truly Topaz)

-Ben Nye Banana Powder

-MAC Blunt Blush

-MAC Sweet As Cocoa Blush

Eyes:

-Ben Nye Eyeliner (Brown Black )

-MAC Corduroy Eyeshadow (as used on brows)

-CoverGirl Lash Blast

Lips:

-NYX Lipgloss ( Red Tint)

-Revlon Matte Lipstick (Stormy Pink)

 

In case you missed it, here's the video on how I did my hair:

When I Was a Transitioner....

WARNING!!!!

THE PICTURES YOU ARE ABOUT TO SEE ARE EXTREMELY EMBARRASSING

SO YOU BETTA NOT JUDGE OR LAUGH! jk 

Here are some pictures from when I transitioned back in 2008. I transitioned for 9 months and big chopped December 2008. I'm not gonna lie, transitioning was rough for me. It was difficult because I made the mistake of cutting my hair too short one day which I had never experience. That's not to say, that if you have short hair you can't transition, like with any length of hair you just have to know what options are out there for you as far as styling goes. During my transition period, I wore wash n gos (before the cut), ponytails, and baseball hats. Looking back I wish I would have done more styles like braids, braidouts, and roller sets.

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So to wrap this post up, if you are currently transitioning or thinking about starting I suggest you do some research on different styles, especially protective styles, so you will feel better about yourself and you won't have to stress out as much about your hair.

***The last picture shows  where i cut all the relaxed hair off while transitioning. I was anxious to see my natural hair****

New Hair Color!!!!

Someone requested that I post some pictures of my new hair color on here. So here are some pictures I have taken since getting it done. I tried to get them from all angles and lighting so you could see the color. Enjoy!

 

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Info on the Salon:

I got my hair done by Sparkyl at the Lather Lounge.

2902 B. Hillsborough Rd., Durham, NC.

(919) 477-3331

 

The Lather Lounge website:
http://thelather.com/

 

Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Lather-Lounge-Hair-Studios/133088150613

 

A Mane Event!!!

 

Here's another great natural hair event for you all looking to be inspired, learn, and meet other naturals. On August 12, 2012 Mane Angels is hosting this wonderful event featuring Master Stylist & Artistic Director Samantha Huntley of Bronner Brothers, Ebbie, and me!

 

Get your tickets now so you can get a SWAG BAG :)

Tickets can be purchased here:

http://amaneevent.eventbrite.com/

 

Here's the Facebook event page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/388256871232469/permalink/388256874565802/

 

1st Impressions| African Pride and Nice & Curly

Clearly I've been living under a rock for the past couple of years. The other day I went to the beauty supply store to pick up some makeup products but some how managed to find my way to the natural hair care section. I was amazed at how many natural hair care products have grown. It's so big now it takes up an entire isle #craziness!

Well while I was there I picked up a couple of products to try, Ampro Olive Oil Gel, African Pride Shea Butter Miracle, and Nice & Curly. Here are my 1st impressions of the African Pride and the Nice & Curly products:



African Pride Shea Butter Miracle Buttery Creme

-Smells great (that's all that matters jk)

-Thick consistency (which I love in moisturizers)

-Moisturizes very well (could possible replace my Curl Ehanching Smoothie for whatever reason)

-AFFORDABLE! (this thing cost like $5 lol)



Nice & Curly Curl Me Up Curly Pudding

-Smells like orange push pops...that's a good thing!

-Very thick and heavy cream. It's kinda like a gel and cream mix together, very interesting

-Moisturizing, doesn't flake, and has a nice hold

-A little goes a long way

-AGAIN AFFORDABLE!!!!! As you can see it's $4.99 :)

 

I used both of these products for my flat twistout (shown below) and I have to say it came out BEAUTIFUL! I loved the definition the Curly Pudding gave me and also how soft my hair was from the two. I'm going to keep trying these two products to see how they work with other products and styles but so far so good!

Sparkly Purple Eyes

Products Used:

Face:

-Mehron Celebre HD Pro Foundation (Dark 1)

-Black Opal Stick Foundation (Truly Topaz)

-IMAN Blotting Powder (Medium)

-Ben Nye Banana Powder

-MAC Blunt Blush

-MAC Blush Ombre (Vintage Grape)

Eyes:

-ELF Eyeshadow Primer

-Stila Eyeliner (Peach)

- Wet n Wild Color Icon Palette (Lust and Vanity)

-Coastal Scents Glitter(Red Comet Sparks)

-ELF Gel Liner (Black)

-Beauty Supply Store Lashes

-Covergirl Lashblast Mascara

Lips:

-NYX Lipstick (Circe)

-NYX Lipliner (Cappuccino)

-NYX Lipgloss (Natural)

Bahamas Hair!

My family and I took a 4 day cruise to the Bahamas this past weekend. Like with any trip I wore my hair lose so that I could do different styles or detangle and wash if I needed to. During this vacation I wore a couple of different hairstyles so here they are.

 

I bought this hat from the $10 store on the ship and decided to wear it that day in port

Of course I pulled my hair back into a ponytail

For the formal dinner night, I wore my new favorite hairstyle, the side bun!

The biggest fail. Wearing a wash n go to the beach and forgetting my ponytail holder

Midnight Smokey Eye

Products Used:

Face:

-Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Dark 2

-Iman Blotting Powder

-Ben Nye Banana Powder

-MAC Blunt Blush

-MAC Peachtwist Blush

-MAC Corduroy e/s (Brows)

Eyes:

-E.L.F. Eyeshadow Primer

-E.L.F. Midnight Gel Liner

-E.L.F. Beauty Book (Bright)

-Loreal Extra Intense Liquid Pencil

Lips:

-NYX Lipstick- Circe

-Smashbox Lipgloss- Couture

 

Thandie Newton Inspired Bun w/ Day 2 Night Makeup

Products used:

Hair:

-Koils by Nature Heavenly Delight Hair and Body Butter

-Eco Styler Argan Oil Gel

-Sock Bun

Makeup:

-Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Dark 2

-Iman Blotting Powder

-Ben Nye Banana Powder

-MAC Blunt Blush

-MAC Corduroy e/s (Brows)

-Eye, Lips, Face- Beauty Book

-Loreal Extra Intense Liquid Pencil

-Salon Perfect Demi Wispies Lashes

-NYX Circe L/s

-NYX Smokey Look L/g

 

It's Been Awhile....

This is a wash n go using the Proclaim Argan Oil Gel

 

Who remembers the last time I talked about my hair because I sure don't lol. Here's a quick little hair update. My hair is doing well I guess....kidding. I haven't really been doing anything with my hair lately. For a whole 4 weeks I wore my hair pulled up into a bun. My main reason for bunning it was because I had become so annoyed with the length, the shrinkage, and the overall look of my hair. But I have to keep reminding myself that I went on a cutting spree in Feburary and March so that's why my hair looks about the same length.

Other than that, my regimen has changed just a little. Since I haven't had the time or patience to deal with my hair I've only been shampooing probably twice a month (before you say gross) but I've been co-washing more.

If you follow me on Instagram, then you saw the gel I bought from Sally's, it's the Proclaim Argan Oil Gel. Since I've got it I've been using it on top of old Eco Styler Gel to slick my edges back and yesterday I used it as a wash n go and LOVED IT!!!! I love how moisturizing it is (I know it's gel but it does it some how) and how it defines my curls without weighing it down too much. I'm going to keep trying it and do a review later on but so far so gooda gooda :)

 

As the SunSets

I just posted another makeup look using the Sedona Lace 120 Palette.

 

Sorry I don't have more pictures I lost the sd card for my camera :( But here's what I used:

-Face:

• Black Opal Stick Foundation in Truly Topaz


• MUF HD Foundation #177


• Iman Blotting Powder in Medium


• Ben Nye Banana Powder


• Bare Essentials Foundation to Contour


• MAC Blush Ombre in Vintage Grape

-Eyes:

• Sedona Lace 168 Palette


• Rimmel London Soft Kohl Pencil in Black


• ELF Cream Liner in Black


• Salon Perfect Lashes-Demi Wispies (LOVE THESE)

-Lips:

• Mehron Lip Cream Color


• NYX Mega Lipshine in Smokey Look

Smooth Essentials Review + Giveaway

 

**Enter this coupon code to receive $10 OFF + FREE SHIPPING on any purchase

of $55 or more at checkout.**

To enter giveaway:

-Must be a subscriber to my Youtube channel

-Leave a comment under the video telling me your favorite way to relax

Tika Sumpter Inspired Look (Sedona Lace Palette)

I thought this was an easy and fun look that Tika Sumpter wore to an event. Even though it's yellow I think it's very wearable, especially for the spring/summer!

 

Products Used:

Face:

-Black Opal Stick Foundation-Truly Topaz

-Makeup Forever HD Foundation-#177

-Ben Nye Banana Powder

-IMAN Blotting Powder-Medium

Cheeks:

-MAC Blunt Blush

-Milani Blush- Terra Sole

Eyes:

-Urban Decay Primer Potion

-NYX Jumbo Pencil-Milk

-Sedona Lace 168 Palette

-ELF Gel Liner-Black

-Rimmel London Soft Kohl Pencil

-Salon Perfect Lashes-Demi Wispies

Lips:

-Mehron Lip Color Cream-Cotton Candy and MAC l/s- Honeylove

-NYX Lipgloss Palette

 

**For a more bolder look add a bright pink lip!**

NYX Fuschia Lipliner and MAC Petals and Peacocks Lipstick

Lashes With NO Liner

Lately, I haven't been feeling like wearing a lot of makeup. So on days when I have to go to work or do a shoot I have been rocking the natural-minimal makeup. Today, I was in that mood again but I felt like wearing some lashes so that's what I did! I didn't want the lashes to standout too much because I wasn't wearing any eye makeup. So I opted for the most natural pair I had. The lashes I wore today were the Salon Perfect #53. You can only purchase  this brand at Walmart but there are plenty of lashes out there that look similar. I love these lashes because they are exactly like my own lashes so when I wear them the blend in perfectly and make my natural lashes look a little thicker.

Here's are some tips for wearing false lashes without having to line your eyes. 

-Make sure you use a pair that are in GREAT condition. Using lashes that you have already worn can sometimes make it more noticable that you're wearing lashes.

-If you're not wearing anything on your lid, apply a translucent or setting powder before you apply the lashes. This will help the lashes to adhere and last longer.

-When you apply the lashes get them as close as possible to the base of your natural lashes (almost like they're sitting on top your natural lashes.

-Apply a little mascara after the lashes have dried to help them blend in even more!

Sanaa Lathan Inspired Look

 

Products used

Face:

-Black Opal Stick Foundation-Truly Topaz

-Mehron Celebre HD Pro Foundation- Dark 1

-Ben Nye Banana Powder

-Iman Blotting Powder

-Lorac Bronzer-Glow

Cheeks:

-MAC- Coppertone

-MAC- Blunt

Eyes:

-Urban Decay Primer Potion

-Naked Palette

-MAC Texture e/s

Lips:

-NYX l/g- Natural

-NYX l/l- Natural

Quick Tip for Dry Hair After Washing

 

Whenever I wash my hair and I feel like it's not as soft and moisturized as it should be, I apply my deep conditioner and then on top of that I apply an oil (usually olive oil). I'm not light handed when I apply the oil. Almost instantly after applying the oil I can feel my hair softening up! I let the deep conditioner and oil sit on my hair for however long I feel like then I rinse it all out. Once everything is rinsed out, my hair feels soft, moisturized, and amazing!!!!

Highlighting and Contouring

I just did a very detailed video on highlighting and contouring. So to help you all out even more here's where to place the products and a few product recommendations. 

Highlighting: Remember you'll want to use a color that is at least a shade LIGHTER than your skin tone or something with shimmer so the light can reflect off of. Concealer, foundation, eyeshadow, or powder can be used to highlight

-MAC Studio Finish Concealer 

-Lorac Bronzer

-MAC Ricepaper e/s

-NYX Highlight 

-Benefit Hi Beam

-NYX pigment in nude

Contouring: When you contour use a color that is at least 1-2 shades DARKER than your skin tone. You'll want to use something that is matte for a more natural look. You can use pretty much whatever you'd like to contour. 

-MAC Blunt Blush

-MAC Corduroy e/s

-MAC Sweet as Cocoa Blush

-NYX Cream Blush TAN

-MAC Harmony Blush 

-NYX Contour 

My 5 Makeup Must Haves

These are my top 5 makeup must haves. Products, that when I'm wearing makeup (which is almost everyday) complete me and without them I just wouldn't look the same....lol

1. Mascara- I love my eyelashes and mascara really helps to bring them out more. My favorite mascaras are Rimmel London Glam Eyes (the wand is amazzzzing), Clinque High Impact Mascara, and Cover Girl Last Blast.

2.Blush- Blush is great because it can really help to add that finished touch to a look. It can help contour, add color to the apples of the cheeks, or both. A lot of my favorites come from MAC, which are Blunt, Coopertone, and Sweet as Coco.

3.Brow Pencil/Shadow- Seriously, I'm NOTHING without my brows. When I don't fill in my brows I feel like a completely different person. I always encourage women to fill in their brows or at least keep them groomed for a more put together look. You don't have to send a lot on the products you will use to fill in your brows. I like to use a Wet n Wild brown eyeliner/eyebrow pencil, MAC Corduroy e/s, Maybelline Define a Brow in Medium or Dark brown, or MAC Brow Pencil in Stud.

4.Blotting Powder- Blotting powder has truly saved my life this past year with the changing of normal skin to oily skin. I always keep some type of powder in my purse to touch up during the day so I don't go walking around looking like I just rubbed baby oil all over my face. Blotting powders are cool because you can get them in translucent or with color. Right now I'm using Iman Cosmetics Blotting Powder in Medium.

5.Foundation- Because I love me some flawless skin, foundation is definitely on the list. Keep in mind not everyone need a medium to full coverage foundation but for me I need it (maybe not as much as I used to because my skin is clearing up). I love foundation because it smooths everything out for you. Lately, I've been trying to venture out and use different foundations...reviews coming soon. But what I use on a regular basis is Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse in Dark 2 or Makeup Forever HD Foundation in #177 (it's a tad too dark for me right now but perfect in the summer). Another inexpensive foundation is Revlon Colorstay foundation, in that I am Caramel. 

Virtual Makeover

Lately, I have been wanting a change for my hair. I know for sure I'm going to be getting some layers cut soon but I've also been thinking about dyeing my hair. So today I did a quick google search on virtual makeovers and I found this site ,it was the first one I visited, called TAAZ. Just like any other virtual makeover you upload a picture of yourself and you are able to literally give yourself a makeover online by trying on different makeup shades and hairstyles. I really liked this makeover site because it lets you see how different high end makeup products look on your skin. After playing in the makeup section for a while (of course) I tested out some of the hair colors and these were the ones I liked the most. The red was just for fun =)

 

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Transitioners Tip of the Week #1

Having trouble finding the right style for your transitioning tresses?

Styling transitioning hair can be a bit difficult believe it or not because you not only have to handle your hair with care but you also have to deal with having two extremely different textures in your head. So what you'll want is a style that requires low manipulation, doesn't require heat, that will protect, and don't forget stylish. Well the perfect style for you is.... drum roll please.... the bun. Buns are stylishly classic and a great protective style. Pretty much anyone who can pull their hair back into a ponytail can achieve a bun and there are plenty of ways to style them.

(Click here for tutorial)

Oh and who said the hair making up the bun has to be all yours?!? You can also buy "pre-made" buns from the beauty supply store =)

The Classic Smokey Eye

 

 

There's nothing like a good ol' smokey eye. When blended properly and flawless skin is involved, the smokey eye can look great on any skin tone. 

To get this look all you'll need is:

-Some type of dark creamy base like an eyeliner or cream shadow

-Two shadows. One black and one brown

-False lashes or a really good mascara

-Medium to full coverage foundation

- A blending brush and flat shader brush

 

Step 1: You'll want to start with the eyes first for this look to avoid fallout. Apply the dark creamy base on lids and a little in the crease.

Step 2: Next apply a black eyeshadow to lid with the flat shader brush.

Step 3: Using a blending brush blend out any harsh lines.

Step 4: Using the same blending brush, apply a brown shadow to the outer portion of the crease.

Step 5: Then repeat everything on the botton lashline.

Step 6:  Apply a couple of coats of mascara or even better some good ol falses.

Step 7: Lastly, wipe away any fallout and apply your foundation, concealer, brows, cheek color and all that jazz....and your done!

 

The most important part about a smokey eye is to blend, blend, blend!