Nars Video #3 - Lips making a Statement

Nars Video #3

Hey everyone--I've been gone for a while, but just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to all y'all out there.

Also, I found this on the Nars site--I haven't been doing the makeup thing lately but I had to post it. I plan on hauling a little this weekend or next--it's been one month since I've bought any makeup at all. I've been buying clothes and getting my hair done, so...

Ok, well I hope you enjoy the video, and have a great holiday with family & friends...

Now go fill those bellies lol!!

Hair Update

I have been really lazy about the hair updates but I just wanted to post pics from earlier this year, my hair journey anniversary.

I let a different stylist relax and trim my hair, and it turned out fine. I hadn't had a trim since May, so I have to be more regular with the trims from now on, I just don't know how frequent I should do them yet. I am currently 4 weeks post relaxer, but these pics are from 10/4, when I relaxed.



I'll take more pics in January. Not actively growing for length, so much as I am trying to grow the layers out...Wish me luck!

Nars Video #2: Cheeks

Here's another fabulous video from one of my faves, Nars. This time, the MA shows you have to contour and color the cheek for a modern glow. I love Nars cheek products--specifically Gueule de Nuit cream blush and Albatross highlighter blush.

Have fun!

http://www.narscosmetics.com/video2.aspx

Nars Video #1: How to get a Flawless Face

Hey there lovelies!!

It's been a while but I'm still alive. Just needing to take an internet beauty break for a bit. School's back in session too, so I'll try to post when I can.

In the meantime, here's an awesome video from the incomparable Nars on how to get a luminous and flawless makeup complexion.

Enjoy!!


http://www.narscosmetics.com/video1.aspx

Skin Update: Finally something works!!

It has been a long time since I've been able to not need to layer my face with foundation for coverage. And now all I need is concealer and loose powder : )

These pics are from FEB 2008

These pics are from tonight 9/22/08, after washing my face:

And this is with just a little concealer and powder : )

So what did it, you ask?

LOL!

You ready??

Patience, and diligence...

Ok, so after much discouragement from damn near everyone, I decided to go back to Murad Acne Complex. Once my skin got used to it (I had breakouts because of sensitivities) which took 2 months (I started using it on May 31, 2008), I changed out the cleanser for something milder, Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild. I also now use a facial mask 2x/week and a GENTLE scrub only once/wk. Most of the results came from the Murad Exfoliating Acne Gel, which will continue to remain in my regimen. As long as the rest of my products are MILD and GENTLE, and I use sunscreen daily (I just started rx 4% hydroquinone one month ago) my skin is happy and getting better each day : )

No breakouts, just focusing on the dark spots left over from old ones.

(Please Note: My regimen is LOOSELY based off of the OSPT regimen in the book "Skin Type Solutions" by Dr. Leslie Baumann, a book I've blogged about previously...)

If anyone has any questions about the details, more than what I have posted, just message me, and I'll get back to you.

But I just wanted to post this b/c...WOW, look at the difference in my skin : )

Thanks for reading!!

Hair Update: My Hair : (

Ok, so it's time for an update. Should have done this last month but I am just not feeling my hair. It's just looking, feeling, and acting so thin right now. Maybe stretching my relaxers just isn't for me...I waited 10 wks this last time (I relaxed 2 wks ago).

I don't know why it won't act right but here are pics anyway. Here's my hair right after the salon visit (rollerset/flat ironed)...






This is one day after my salon visit. I don't like how it looks right after I get it done; each time I've been, I end up wrapping it one hour after I get it done because it looks way better (to me).






I plan on [at minimum] trimming the ends at the next touch-up...I told my stylist I'm not really feeling this hair right now, and that I was worried it would look even more jacked up as it grew longer--of course she suggested I cut like one or two inches off and keep it there. "I know you want it long, but it would look so much thicker at that shorter length"...*sigh* Why don't I just shave it off?! Nah, it'd still be thin...this sucks.

I keep telling myself that it's just that all the layers are trying to catch up to each other (and that very well may be the case...)

Well, I'm probably just going to leave it alone for a while and keep doing makeup. It looks healthy as heck so maybe a little benign neglect will continue to be good for it...

Holla <3

New Video 7.28.08

Not a tutorial, but I just had to say a few words...

Bronze look FOTD 7.18.08

Hey guys! Quick update. I'm back in class so I'm not able to really post like I want to. School comes first, haha.

But here's a recent video tutorial:

Let me know what you think :)

Here's what I used:

Face:

Prescriptives All Skins Mineral foundation - Level 4 Warm

Blot pressed - Dark

Ambering Rose blush

Eyes:

UDPP

Woodwinked e/s

Bronze e/s

Solar White e/s

Dipdown fluidline

Stila eye kohl in Topaz

Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black

Maybelline Define-a-lash Volume Black

Lips

Origins Shimmer Stick (Go-for-the-bronze)

Loreal Colour Juice (Caramel Creme)

Holla <3

Cool Heat Crease Cutter FOTD

Another video tutorial, this one's over the top, haha. I was feeling like a rebel today :p

Here's what I used (MAC unless noted):

Face:

Px All Skins MMU Level 4 Medium

Blot Powder -Dark

Lovecrush blush

Eyes:

UDPP

Warming Trend e/s

Cool Heat e/s

Deep Truth e/s

Freshwater e/s

Solar White e/s

Graphblack technakohl

Ardell lashes

Loreal Voluminous mascara (Carbon Black)

Lips:

Nars Borneo l/l

Palatial lustreglass

 

Hope you enjoy!!<3

Smokey eye look

Hey y'all!

I did a smokey look video, so check it out.

Here are the photos from the video...

Here's what I used (MAC unless otherwise noted):

Eyes:

Graphblack technakohl

Club e/s (219)

Nighttrain e/s (222)

Naked Lunch e/s (Sonia Kashuk brush)

Loreal Voluminous - Carbon Black

Cheeks

Nars blush - Lovejoy (Sonia Kashuk stippling)

Lips

Rimmel l/l - Spice

Nars lipgloss - Sandpiper

Making my foray into MMU

Hey y'all!

I'm taking a break and enjoying my school break, but I wanted to post about Prescriptives Mineral foundation...I bought it yesterday in Level 4 Medium and it's a perfect match. So far so good! It feels like I have nothing on my face, but I have a medium coverage.

My only concern is that I still get pretty shiny but I don't think that is the makeup's fault. I live in a humid climate and I haven't found sunscreen or moisturizer w/spf 30 that doesn't make me greasy.

But I love this anyways so far.

I'll post pics later, and if you haven't already, check out my YouTube page and subscribe.

<3

A Steamy night with Stars N Rockets: The Remix

I wanted to re-create a look that I did back in the day and posted on Specktra. I have learned a lot since then, lol!

Oh, and check out these sexy brows!! Haha, I did them myself :-)

Here's what I used (MAC unless otherwise noted):

Face:
Px Anywear Powder Foundation -Antelope
Select cover-up - NW40
Cargo Bronzer in Dark
Dollymix blush

Eyes:
UDPP
E/s: Steamy, Stars N Rockets, Texture, Naked Lunch, Deep Truth, Plum Dressing
Blacktrack f/l
Nars e/l in Kaliste'
Clinique High Definition Mascara - Black

Lips:
Rimmel Addiction lipliner
Palatial lustreglass







I did a video tutorial on this, but it did not turn out how I wanted it, so it got deleted, haha. Sorry lovelies.

Holla <3

To Weave or not to Weave?

Hey y'all! I'm blogging about hair right now because I am seriously considering getting a sew-in. I don't feel like messing with my hair at all, but it's been years since I've used extensions. There was a time when I felt like I had to have weave in order to have long hair, and now that my hair is finally retaining length, I don't want to regress, y'know?

*sigh*

So I don't know what I will do, but I am almost 7 wks post relaxer right now, and tomorrow I'll wash and put in flexirods (my new favorite toys!!) and think about it some more.

My goal is to reach Arm Pit Length (APL) by December, but I don't know if I will make it. I started up my vitamin regimen again, and I'm looking for even simpler methods than what I already do, so hopefully I will make it.

Wish me luck, and if you have any input for my dilemma, holla at ya girl, lol!

<3

Quick Pink Look Video

Just uploaded another video. It's on a look that I've already posted a FOTD on, but it's a great simple look. Enjoy <3>Here's what I used:
Face
MAC Select Cover-up (NW40)
Prescriptives Anywear Compact Foundation (Antelope)-182 brush
MAC Select Pressed Powder (NW43)-182 brush

Eyes
MAC:
Girlie (239)
Texture (217)
Espresso (222)
Shroom (219,217)
Blacktrack fluidline (Sephora angle brush)
Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black mascara

Cheeks
Nars blush - Lovejoy, Crazed (SK stippling)

Lips
Rimmel lipliner - Addiction
MAC Pinkarat Lipglass

An oldie, but goodie: Fine hair help

I'm cruising through old threads on LHCF, and found this article with tips for fine hair. Hope you find some good tips, or at least check off what you are already doing...

Holla <3

Hair Boutique: Fine Hair Solutions

Foundation and Contouring Videos are UP!!

Hey y'all! My last day of class was the other day (until July) so I figured I'd attempt to make some videos! Well, one long one, and chop it up.

Hopefully this will be of some help to someone out there. If not, you can just watch me be a spaz over my cats, lol.

I'm neither here nor there...

Just wanted to post a quick blog. I've been working and doing school, and sleep has been my #1 priority. However, I do want to mention my Nars Birthday Haul :)

There was a National Event here in Atl and Rafael was my MA. He has forever changed the way I do my makeup, just by showing me how to focus on my skin and foundation (and keeping eyes and lips light/subtle/soft). I normally like to focus on the lighter tones of the face and blend the darker tones into them (against most MA's wishes) but he showed me why it's easier to do the reverse: because you can contour and highlight to bring the front planes of the face to a middle ground without lots of product. So that's what I've been doing lately and it's been amazing.

I'll be retiring Px Antelope until it gets cold (and I get paler) again...for now I am Px Ginger. I'd bought the Anywear powder in this shade, but clearly didn't know how to use it. Gotta go buy it again :ugh:

Anyways, here's what I hauled:

Ita brush (love, love, love!)
Petula cream e/s
Borneo l/l
Kaliste' e/l (sooooo sexy on the waterline!)
Hellfire lacquer
Blush: Luster, Lovejoy, Zen
Sunset Strip l/g
Viva Las Vegas l/s


I've been using MAC's Sculpt/Shape duo's for contouring (w/Ita) and it's been super easy to look almost goddess-like...I look so refreshed with highlighting. And the BONUS: No concealer, and just a smidge of powder. All I really apply is foundation! Just fabulous :)

My only complaint: Lovely Rafael used Jamaica Oil-free on me (with Aqua Gel underneath) and I looked so Saint Tropez and slick! I am not used to "dewy" me. I think he also mixed a lighter shade of base in with Jamaica, but didn't tell me what it was. Clearly I am not Naomi Campbell's complexion...oh well, that's what Px is for :p

So hopefully when I get a free(-er) moment, I will do some FOTDs and show y'all my new contouring skills. There's actually a look that's posted on Specktra of Beyonce that I copied...and made my own, that is now like my everyday look...So that's coming soon :D

Holla <3

They call me...MR. PIBBS!! LOL

Oh yeah, forgot to mention, I am a part of a secret cult that covets Pibbs dryers, LMAO!

I just got this the other day, but I haven't tried it out yet. In the meantime, here's a pic of the famous salon pro appliance. Au revoir, Lazy Dazey and Gold n Hot. Never again will you burn my poor scalp for 2 hrs a pop.

I'll be reviewing this as soon as I get a chance to wash the new 'do...New job starts in a day or two, and I still have school so I'll be around. <3>

Mother's Day FOTD

Didn't do too much for Mommy Day, but wanted to do a FOTD anyways...

Pics aren't as clear as usual b/c they were smaller, but whatever!!

FACE
Select Cover-up (NW40)
PX Virtual Matte (Fresh Antelope)
PX Anywear Powder Foundation (Antelope)
Nars blush (Taos)

EYES
UDPP
Shadestick (Penny)
E/S (Expensive Pink, Woodwinked, Coppering, Naked Lunch)
Fluidline (Blacktrack)
Rimmel Eye kohl (Pure White)
Loreal Voluminous (Carbon Black)

Lips
Rimmel l/l (Spice)
Lustreglass (Love Nectar)





Just want to plug my love for NARS blush...A little goes a long way, and a LONG way it goes!!!

Holla <3

Hair Update :-)

Hey y'all! Just wanted to check in and post and update the hair thing. Still on a hair hiatus, but wanted to share these pics because I am no longer a do-it-yourself-er. I went to a local salon and got a touch-up. She used Design Essentials. Me likey. I also got my ends trimmed, and my "wu-tang" is completely gone. Yay! Now I can continue to grow out my length and keep it healthy.

I am soooo over the hair thing right now! It's so stupid!

This pic was taken on Mar. 22...After I chopped off 1 inch...

I know I am supposed to update my Fotki this weekend, but I changed my mind. In fact, I've locked it instead. I will continue to blog sometimes about hair (in general) here, but as far as my hair is concerned, it and I are no longer on speaking terms (and I am no longer a DIY-er). Let's just keep it at that.

Those of you who know me from the hair boards, don't worry, I'm not going Britney or anything, I am just simply "over it" and if I could go just one day without someone talking to me about some hair product or method, it would be so f-ing fab right now.

I am working on a blog entry on the woes of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, so that should be up soon, and some more FOTDs as well. Also trying to plan out some pic tutorials, so we'll see how things go. School starts on Monday, and I have a new job (yay!) but I'm still gonna try to work this out...

Holla <3

PS. Is anyone else as upset as I am that The "L" Word's series finale won't be here till freakin' next year?? I so want to watch Shane grovel at Jenny's feet some more. Damn, Shane is such a slut! Haha, I love it ;)

Go to Taaz.com -- It's so fun!

Taaz.com is a makeover site that I learned about while bopping in and out of threads on Specktra.

I finally got super bored today and decided to upload a couple of photos to see how it works. This is my best one (2nd one). I had played around with the idea of getting colored contacts in the past, but I am soooo getting a pair after going to this site. I look so f-ing hawt, tee hee.

Here's my before:


And here's my after:

Look out Beyonce, LMAO!

So anyhoo, if you get a chance to check out the site, it'll be quite an adventure. An added bonus is that there are swatches/recommendations of various makeup items (Chanel lipstick, anyone?) to choose from when editing your photo, so if you see something you like you can make a note to check it out IRL at a local counter. Lots of ideas for trying out new looks.

One more...An evening look, just for fun:
I'd totally rock this one IRL (different original pic)

Makeovers ROCK!!

Holla <3

Orchid Eyes

Hey what up! Decided to try a different combo. Been in the mood lately to use my colors in ways that I wouldn't normally. I don't have a large makeup stash, but it's enough to where I shouldn't be doing the same look twice, (and it's always growing, hehe).

Anyhoo, hope you likey ^_^

Here's what was used:

Face:
Px Virtual Matte - Antelope
Studio Finish NW40/NC50
Select Coverup NW40
Select Sheer Loose NC45
Sculpt/Shape - Lightsweep/Shadester
Blush - Lovecrush, Dollymix

Eyes:
UDPP
Goldmine
Ricepaper
Royal Hue Shadestick
Beautiful Iris
Satellite Dreams
Endless Love
Handwritten
Blacktrack f/
Rimmel Pure White eye kohl
Loreal Voluminous in Carbon Black
Ardell Lashes - I need new ones, bleh!

Lips: Rimmel Addiction l/l, Origins Plum Perfect (Rain & Shine) l/s, Stila Fig Lip Glaze

PS. Sorry the 1st one's blurry. It gets better, though.








Holla <3

Hair Wonders in my Mind

Ok, so I relaxed my hair last week and it came out reaaaaallly straight, hehe. I cut off one inch, and my ends feel so dang good. It looks thicker. I am waiting for the layers to grow out, so I'm no longer in a hurry to get to APL at the end of the year. I want blunt ends!!

Ahem, so basically even though I KNOW I need to trim on a regular basis, I guess I just forgot, and even though I cut off up to one inch, I really could trim 1/2" more...

So from here on out, I'll be making a point to trim on a regular basis again. My fine hair requires regular trims, and I'd just rather get rid of unhealthy ends now instead of chopping off progress later...

*sigh* A necessary evil ^_^

FOTD: One Eye, Two Lips (plus hair)

Just wanted to do a look today, since I recently bought Sea Me Shadestick. This is an ok test run. Want to see what else it can do. It's a great color!

Oh, and for those who look at these pics and notice my hair...yes I cut it, but not as short as it seems...basically I suck at styling my hair, lol.

I'll be updating my Fotki on April 5, so don't think I lost my mind. I needed a trim and got rid of maybe an inch, and I'm ecstatic. Anyhoo, on to the makeup!!


Face:
Px Virtual Matte - Fresh Antelope
Studio Finish Concealer - NW40 & NC50
Black Opal blotting powder
Sculpt/Shape - Lightsweep/Shadester
Blush - Lovecrush, Dollymix
Metal Rock MSF

Eyes:
UDPP
Sea Me s/s
Beautiful Iris e/s
Freshwater e/s
Stars N Rockets e/s
Crease: Deep Truth e/s, Bronze e/s, Soba e/s
Highlight: Naked Lunch e/s
Loreal Coleur Intense Carbon black e/l (waterline only)
Maybelline Full n Soft mascara
Loreal Voluminous carbon black mascara

Lip #1
Rimmel liner - Addiction
Desire l/s
Loreal Colour Juice- Grape Soda






Lip #2
Rimmel liner - Addiction
Rimmel l/s - Birthday Suit
Loreal Colour Juice - Grape Soda





Okay, so hope you like it, and hope Easter's a memorable and sugar-filled day for ya, hehe.

Holla <3

I'm back! A few looks from the past week...

Hi all! Finally finished my first quarter as a graduate student. Very exciting. Thought I'd post a few looks to celebrate.

Here we go:

Eyes: UDPP, Goldmine, Steamy, Aquadisiac, Freshwater, Deep Truth, Soba, Ricepaper, Graphblack Technakohl, Loreal Voluminous, Clinique High Impact



Eyes: UDPP, Royal Hue Shadestick, Stars 'N' Rockets, Star Violet, Trax, Beautiful Iris, Naked Lunch, Blacktrack f/l, Rimmel Eye Kohl in Pure White, Loreal Voluminous, Clinique High Impact

Blush: Dollymix and Lovecrush, Warmed MSF

Lips: Loreal Colour Juice in Grape Soda




*This was my attempt at Eily311's "A Simple Look" on YouTube. I love her work!!*

Eyes: UDPP, , Sushi Flower, Scene 1, Texture, Espresso, Shroom, Blacktrack f/l, Rimmel Eye Kohl in Pure White, Loreal Voluminous, Clinique High Impact

Blush: Don't remember :(

Lips: Rimmel Spice l/l, Pinkarat





*This is a modified version of Eily311's look. Same technique, but brown instead of pink*
Eyes: UDPP, Bamboo, Soba, Espresso, Naked Lunch, Texture, Blacktrack f/l, Loreal Voluminous, Clinique High Impact

Lips: Cork l/l, Rimmel Birthday Suit l/s, Loreal Colour Juice in Caramel Creme

I don't remember what blush I used, but it was probably Sweet as Cocoa mixed with Warmed MSF.



Phew!!! That was a lot...

Hope you like these. I'm trying to experiment. Also trying to figure out the foundation thing still. My skin is clearing up, but still...I'm shiny from the sunscreen and it's so annoying...

Holla <3