The Best Primer for Oily Skin

As of the other day, I was probably one of the last oily skinned makeup junkies on earth who hadn't tried using Milk of Magnesia as a foundation primer. Well I have been using it recently and OMGOSH I just can't believe this stuff actually works! I was very skeptical at first but I decided to given in since so many people of youtube were raving about it.

To show you all just what I mean I took pictures of my how my face looked throughout the day.

 


8:30am - I just finished applying my foundation concealer for the day.

9:00am - I'm getting ready to leave for work.

11:30am - On break at work. Normally, by this time my nose is so oily I have to blot away the shine but not today. I did notice my skin wasn't as matte as it was when I first applied makeup but it's such a big difference what I'm used to seeing by this time of day.

4:00pm - It's the end of the day. After work I had some errands to run and a meeting across town. The temperature outside was at least 80 degrees. But even with all I had to do today and hot temperatures my foundation looked great all day long.

 end of the day. no filter.

 If you have combination oily skin or just oily skin I HIGHLY recommend you try Milk of Magnesia as an oil control primer. 

 

 

Flawless Foundation Routine

To some this routine may be seem like a lot but beauty is pain... or time lol. Flawless skin is what it is all about!

Products Used: 

-L.A. Girls Pro Concealer -Warm Honey

Concealer Tip: When applying your concealer or foundation under the eyes, look up to the ceiling to stretch that under eye skin so you can get into all those little cracks and crevices.

-Maybelline Super Stay Foundation- Caramel

-MAC Studio Finish Concealer- NC 42

-Ruby Kisses Powder Foundation

-MAC Mineralized Skinfinish Natural-Dark

Foundation Tip: After you have applied your foundation and powders, if you feel like your skin looks too matte spray a finishing spray like MAC Fix+ or ELF's Mist and Set to add a life back into your skin!

-Ben Nye Foundation Cream Foundation

-MAC Blush-Blunt

 

HAIR UPDATE! Life After the Big Chop #2

 



 

Maggie cut my hair

Twistout Fail!

I have tried several times to do a twistout with my new cut and it never comes out how I want it.

One of the many things I love about the cut is that it shows more of face which allows me to wear more bold lipsticks.

 

Tapered TWA Styling

Products Used:

-SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

-Curls Curl Souffle

-Kimble Hair Care Bounce Back Curl

Classic/ Bridal Makeup

I can not tell you all how much I love a good winged liner, lashes, and red lip. It's such a classic look that you just can't go wrong with. Not to mention it's great for any occasion!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0IPy--Rbp0&lc=f6b5qlrncG1R2AzU4o5bdV10ANjIcBf_U9cHAX642HI
Face:

-Makeup Forever HD Foundation in #177 (contour)

-Mac Studio Finish Concealer in NC 42

-MAC Mineralized Skinfinish in Dark

-MAC Blunt

-MAC Darkly My Dear Blush (limited edition)

Eyes:

-MAC eyeshadows: Ricepaper, Arena, Embark, Folie

-Coastal Scents e/s M24

-Wet n Wild Gel Liner in Black

-Loreal Voluminous Mascara

Lips:

-Wild n Crazy Lipliner in

-Wet n Wild lipstick in Purty Persimmon

-No name dollar store berry colored lipliner

 

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)

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:

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)

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

 

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

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

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.