FOTD 1/2/10

A greenish look...

On eyes:
Urban Decay Primer Potion
MAC Paint Pot in Quite Natural (entire eye)
HIP Metallic Shadow Duo in Gunmetal (light side lid)
Maybelline Eye Enhancer in Brown Smolder (crease – used to soften lid color lines)
HIP Metallic Shadow Duo in Gunmetal (dark side outer corner and crease)
MAC Dark Devotion (outer corner and outer crease)
Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer in Dark 3 (highlight)
Jane Pure Mineral Gel Eyeliner in Black (lash line)
Lancôme Color Design Liner in Sparkle Black (waterline)
Lancôme Oscillation Power Booster (primer)
Lancôme Defincils Mascara in Deep Black
Max Factor Volume Couture in Rich Black

Face and Lips:
Skin Prep Nourshing Foundation Primer and Anti-Aging Serum
Bare Minerals Deepest Deep mixed with Borghese Hydro-Minerali Crème Finish Makeup in Espresso (used as concealer under eyes and on chin)
Valana Minerals Foundation in Amber Dream (used to set concealer)
MAC Fix+ Rose
MAC Mineralize Blush in Gleeful
MAC Lipglass in Utterly Discreet

NY 2009

I hope everyone had a fabulous and wonderful New Year's! This look is basically a recreation of a look I wore to a wedding last year except I was using Ulta Minerals. I wasn't all that thrilled with the Ulta Minerals so I did a lot of layering of similar colors since we were running late and I did not feel like washing my face and starting over.  Hence the 1000 many shadows.

On eyes:
Urban Decay Primer Potion
MAC Paint Pot in Quite Natural (entire eye)
Ulta Minerals in Smoke (lid)
Lancôme Color Design in Aspen Nights (lid)
Maybelline Eye Enhancer in Brown Smolder (crease – used to soften lid color lines)
Ulta Mineral in Midnight (outer corner and crease)
NYX Eyeshadow Trio in Lake Moss Blue Shadow (outer corner and crease)
MAC Carbon (outer corner and outer crease)
Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer in Dark 3 (highlight)
Jane Pure Mineral Gel Eyeliner in Black (lash line)
Lancôme Color Design Liner in Sparkle Black (waterline)
Lancôme Oscillation Power Booster (primer)
Lancôme Defincils Mascara in Deep Black
Max Factor Volume Couture in Rich Black

Face and Lips:
Skin Prep Nourshing Foundation Primer and Anti-Aging Serum
Bare Minerals Deepest Deep mixed with Borghese Hydro-Minerali Crème Finish Makeup in Espresso (used as concealer under eyes and on chin)
Valana Minerals Foundation in Amber Dream (used to set concealer)
MAC Fix+ Rose
MAC Mineralize Blush in Gleeful
MAC Lipglass in Peroxide

 I also did my friends eyes.  She did her own face and used her own mascara and liner.

On eyes:

Two Faced Shadow Insurance
MAC Paint Pot in Quite Natural (entire eye)
Lancôme Golden Sunrise (lid)
Maybelline Eye Enhancer in Brown Smolder (crease – used to soften lid color lines)
MAC Dark Devotion (outer corner and crease)
Sephora Giraffe Eye Shadow Palette Brown (outer corner and crease)
Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer in Dark 3 (highlight)
Jane Pure Mineral Gel Eyeliner in Black (lash line)

FOTD Another Neutral Look

I went through a neutral phase in November.  Really simple and quick to do.

On eyes:
Urban Decay Primer Potion
MAC Paint Pot in Quite Natural (entire eye)
Valana Minerals Copper Crush (my new obsession)
Maybelline Eye Enhancer in Brown Smolder
MAC Dark Devotion
Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer in Dark 3 (highlight)
Jane Pure Mineral Gel Eyeliner in Black (lash line)
HIP Liner in Navy (waterline)
Lancôme Oscillation Power Booster (primer)
Lancôme Defincils Mascara in Deep Black
L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara in Carbon Black

Face and Lips:
Bare Minerals Deepest Deep mixed with Borghese Hydro-Minerali Crème Finish Makeup in Espresso (used as concealer)
Valana Minerals Foundation in Amber Dream (used to set concealer)
MAC Fix+ Rose
MAC Mineralize Blush in Lovejoy
MAC Lipglass in Peroxide

FOTD Neutral Everyday Look

This a fairly neutral everyday look.

On eyes:
Urban Decay Primer Potion
MAC Paint Pot in Quite Natural (entire eye)
Urban Decay Twiced Baked
Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer in Dark 3 (highlight)
Jane Pure Mineral Gel Eyeliner in Black (lash line)
Lancôme Color Design Eyeliner in Sparkle Black (waterline)
Lancôme Oscillation Power Booster (primer)
Lancôme Defincils Mascara in Deep Black
L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara in Carbon Black

Face and Lips:
Bare Minerals Deepest Deep mixed with Borghese Hydro-Minerali Crème Finish Makeup in Espresso (used as concealer)
Valana Minerals Foundation in Amber Dream (used to set concealer)
MAC Fix+ Rose
MAC Mineralize Blush in Lovejoy MAC Lipglass in Peroxide

FOTD 10/10/09

I went to a friends wedding Saturday, such a beautiful night :) I went with a Gray look.

On eyes:
Two Faced Shadow Insurance
MAC Paint Pot in Quite Natural (entire eye)
Lancôme Color Design in Aspen Nights (light side lid)
MAC Deep Truth (crease)
MAC Carbon (outer corner & crease)
Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer in Dark 3 (highlight)
Jane Pure Mineral Gel Eyeliner in Black (lash line)
Lancôme Color Design Eyeliner in Sparkle Black (waterline)
Lancôme Oscillation Power Booster (primer)
Lancôme Defincils Mascara in Deep Black
L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara in Carbon Black

Face and Lips:
Bare Minerals Deepest Deep mixed with Borghese Hydro-Minerali Crème Finish Makeup in Espresso (used as concealer)
Valana Minerals Foundation in Amber Dream (used to set concealer)
MAC Fix+ Rose
MAC Mineralize Blush In Lovejoy
L’Oreal HIP Vibrant Shimmer Bronzing Powder in Radiant

MAC Lipglass in Peroxide

FOTD 8/23/09

A Fascinating Ruby Revisit...

 

  

  

On eyes:
Two Faced Shadow Insurance

MAC Paint Pot in Quite Natural (entire eye)
MAC Satin Taupe (lid)
MAC Dark Devotion (crease)
Lancôme Color Design in Dusky Plum (outer corner & crease)
Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer in Dark 3 (highlight)
Jane Pure Mineral Gel Eyeliner in Black (lash line)
Lancôme Color Design Eyeliner in Sparkle Black (waterline)
Lancôme Oscillation Power Booster (primer)
Lancôme Defincilis in Deep Black

Face and Lips:
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer
Bare Minerals Deepest Deep (foundation used as concealer)
Valana Minerals Foundation in Amber Dream (used to set concealer)
MAC Fix+ Rose
MAC Mineralize Blush in Lovejoy
HIP Color Presso in Trendy

FOTD 5/24/09

Sorry for the lag in posting.  This thing called a job got in the way...

A rusty purple look...

 

  

(I'm not quite sure where the rest of my hair disappeared to on the left...)

  

On eyes:
Two Faced Shadow Insurance
MAC Paint Pot in Rubenesque (entire eye)
Valana Minerals Eye Indulgence in Rusty Butterfly (lid)
Cover Girl Eye Enhancer in Brown Smolder (crease)
Urban Decay Flash (outer corner & crease)
MAC Lucky Tom (outer corner & outer crease)
Wet N Wild Mega Eyes in Cream (highlight)
Jane Pure Mineral Gel Eyeliner in Black (lash line)
NYX Liner in Black
Lancome CILS Booster XL (primer)
Max Factor 2000 Calorie Extreme Lash Plumper Mascara in Extreme Blackout

Face and Lips:
Revlon Beyond Natural Soothing Primer
Bare Minerals Deepest Deep (concealer)
Valana Minerals Foundation in Amber Dream (used to set concealer)
Valana Minerals Cheeky Cheeks in Cheeky Plumeria
HIP Vibrant Shimmer Bronzing Powder in Glowing
MAC Lip Gelee In Saplicious

Mini Haul 7/3 and Review

Got to love TJ Maxx and Marshall's! Bargain name brand shopping at its best. Don't sleep on their beauty sections ladies!

Lancome Color Design Eyeshadow Duo in Sparkling Plum. It’s a highlight and crease color combo. I love the packaging. The compact is really cute and has a great mirror. Retail: 29.00 Marshall's price: 7.99

Lancome Color Design Shadow in Aspen Nights Metallic. It’s a pretty Metallic Grey. Retail: 16.50 TJ Maxx price: $6.00 on clearence.

I placed an order with Valana Minerals for a mineral foundation in Amber Dream and a Cheeky Cheek Pot in Red Hibiscus; a deep burgundy with purple highlights and neutral brown undertones. The blush is really subtle. Just a hint of color. My order came with a free sample of the Eye Indulgence in Royal Butterfly; a rich purple with black undertones. I am in love with the both of them especially the eye indulgence. Dry it’s beautiful, I think applied wet with be just as nice.


Now for some swatches - Top to bottom:
Lancome Color Design Shadow in Aspen Nights Metallic
Lancome Color Design Eyeshadow Duo in Sparkling Plum
Eye Indulgence in Royal Butterfly
Cheeky Cheek Pot in Red Hibiscus
I forgot to swatch the highlight but it's a really light pretty gold

With Flash:


Without flash:

Review –

I'm somewhat obsessed with eye creams so I picked up 100% Pure Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream. The company uses no synthetic materials, no toxins, harsh ingredients, or

chemicals. The eye cream is described as:

“Anti-inflammatory, caffeine rich green tea and coffee de-puffs and reduces swelling while increasing circulation to alleviate and brighten dark circles. Concentrated with potent anti-aging vitamins, antioxidants, and nourishing blackcurrant oil. Truly, 100% Pure.”

Ingredients: Organic Green and White Tea, Blackcurrant Oil, Organic Green Coffee, Vitamin E (a-tocopherol), Vitamin C (ascorbyl palmitate), Chamomile and Lavender wax, Pure Vanilla Absolute, extracts of Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Grapefruit Seed and Golden Seal

I noticed no de-puffing or brightening. What I did notice was horrible drying and burning when I used it. Not cool at all. My eye area actually looked and felt worse while I was using it. Great ingredients but it did nothing for me. It took a week using another moisturizing cream to get my eyes back to normal. It retails for $19 but I got it for 7.99 at TJ Maxx. This is one you can skip.

FOTD 6/29

A purple and light gold look...



On eyes: Not pictured UDPP & HIP Eyeshadow Crayon in Meticulous; HIP Duo in Wicked; Lancome Color Design Eyeshadow Duo in Sparkling Plum; HIP Cream Liner in Eggplant; NYX Liner in Black; Maybelline The Colossal Volume Express in Glam Black

Face: Not pictured Bare Minerals Foundation in Deepest Deep (used as a Concealer); Valana Minerals foundation in Amber Dream; Valana Minerals Blazing Bronzer in Bahia Tan

Lips: NYX Lipgloss in African Violet

Nwele asked:

“In regards to FOTDS..I feel like i am too light-handed because every time I take a picture, I feel like I am wearing nothing…I’d love my color to pop...could you do an entry or tell us how to do your make up when you take pictures. I am not sure if we're supposed to wear a lot so it can show...”

In order to get my eye makeup to pop I always use some type of base. Either a crayon or a paint in the color family of the lid color I will be using. I find even a neutral base like a beige or white brings the color out. One of my fave bases to use is the HIP crayon in Meticulous or the paints in Nervy and Witty which to me are very neutral colors. I also sometimes layer my eye colors on. I have some colors that are lighter than what I thought so I put another color on top and sometimes I do pack on my lid color to get the intensity I want. I don't really do anything to my face makeup except use a primer which is Monistat chaffing gel.

I take pictures of my face with and without a flash in an area that has good light. Flash I find will make the colors pop and look vibrant. Without flash is more natural and true to life I think. I also take pictures somewhat close to my face that way you can see the colors and the details. I think I may take some pics outside next time to see what it looks like in natural light. I try to take it by my window but that doesn't work out too well.

I hope that was helpful!!

Mineral Power

My favorite foundation and concealer on earth is mineral based. I am a huge mineral makeup fan! I have used cream to powder, liquid and stick foundations. I love my Perscriptives Custom Blended Concealer but in the end I always go back to mineral. Summer and I are not exactly the best of friends and heavy face makeup is a big no no for me which I realized after having my foundation literally roll down my face. Due to the constant dabbing of sweat on my face liquid makeup tends to smear and shift and I end up looking like a blotchy fool. Mineral makeup is light, a little goes along way and I can sweat and dab all I want and my face still looks good.

Looking for something light I was introduced to Bare Minerals. I think I'm the only woman of color I know who 1. actually likes it and 2. it actually works for. For the most part my friends can't stand how it looks on them. I will admit when I first got it I was heavy handed so I was looking a tad ashen but once I mastered the swirl, tap tap, buff I was good to go. Up until a year ago I also used mineral concealer. Yes you can use mineral powder as a concealer I've done it successfully but switched to liquid because I wasn't getting the coverage I wanted. Bare Minerals has added new concealer colors but I don't think that they're anything to write home about so I don't use them. I actually prefer to use the foundation as a concealer and since I do that I had to find a new foundation.

There are a lot of mineral makeup companies out there but I think that their colors for dark skined women are limited. Since I didn't feel like playing find perfect color I only tried 2 companies. The first company I tried was Everyday Minerals. They'll send you five samples and you pay for shipping and handling. I think shipping and handling was like $3. I got four colors and a blush.


I wasn't really thrilled. The only color I liked was the Deep Tan. As a foundation it doesn't work but it's great as a concealer. Go figure.

The second company was Valana Minerals. I've blogged about them before. It's by a woman of color for women of color so I knew something had to work. Each sample is $2. If you get 6 samples or more you get a $10 off $50 purchase coupon. I got six colors.

and the winner...


I've worn it for a week and I'm very happy with it. I didn't do a swatch because honestly you couldn't see it. It's very light, all I need is a little bit and I'm good. It has a little bit of gold in it which is really pretty in the sun. I will admit that sometimes when I use Bare Minerals Warmth if I sweat there is this burning sensation. It doesn't happen a lot but it happens enough that I don't use it often and I've never tried their blushes. I'm not trying to walk around with my face on fire just to look cute. It really ain't that serious! With Valana Minerals there is no burning!! The best part about the line is everything is multi-use so the samples that didn't work can be used as eyeshadows, blush or bronzers. How great is that?! If you're interested in mineral makeup I say give them a try.

Twinkle Twinkle here is the swatch of the bronzer you asked for. It's Bahia Tan Blazing Bronzer.

FOTD 6/11

I had the day off so I decided to play in some makeup. It's a green and goldish look inspired by my scarf.


Eyes: UDPP; HIP Crayon in Meticulous; HIP Pigments in Visionary(gold) and Rebel (green). I originally intended to just use Visionary in the inner corner and Rebel on the rest of the lid but didn't like how it looked so I covered the whole lid with Visionary; HIP Duo in Riotous ( the dark side in the outer corner and crease) ; Iman Shadow in Safari (outer corner and crease); Wet-n-Wild Shadow in cream (highlight); Victoria's Secret Liquid Liner in Blackout and NYX Liner in Black

Face & Lips: Bare Minerals Deepest Deep (Concealer); Valana Minerals Foundation in Amber Dream, Blazing Bronzer in Blazing Tan & Cheeky Cheek Pots in Cheeky Orchid; Milani Liner in Black Brown with Ulta Gloss in Shimmer


The verdict is in on the Rimmel Eye Glistners - I hate them. Ok maybe hate is the wrong word. I strongly dislike them. I tried to use them again and had the same problem. They're just too wet for me and I don't like how they make my brushes nasty. Good thing it was buy one get one free and I had a coupon. Off to the makeup graveyard they go which is unfortunate since the colors are so pretty.

FOTD 5/4

Sunday look...



Eyes: UPDD; HIP Meticulous Shadow Crayon; HIP Shadow in Mischief; Valana Mineral Shadow in Mystic Lava; Victoria’s Secret Liquid Liner in Blackout; NYX Liner in Black; Mayeblline Define-A-Lash and Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara


Face and Lips: Smashbox Camera Ready Concealer in 8; Bare Minerals Powder Foundation in Deepest Deep; Bare Minerals Warmth; HIP Bronzer in Thriving; Milani Liner in Black Brown and Sally Hansen Natural Butter Lip Shine

FOTD 5/1 and a Mini Haul

I love Iman makeup. I tend to use in the fall and winter since it's too heavy for me in the summer. It truly gives a flawless finish. I've been looking at her shadows for a while and during a trip to Tarjay and decided to pick up 2 shadows.


Top to bottom: Safari, which is a golden green color; African Violet, which is a dark purple with flecks of blue in it. Both colors are very pretty and pack a lot of color. I'm really impressed with the color payoff a little goes along way.

The next day I decided to try out my new purchase. A tad dramatic for daytime I know.



Eyes: UDPP; HIP Shadows, Charisma (Light side as highlight), Mischief (grey side); Iman Shadow in African Violet; Wet n Wild Shadow in Cream; Valana Minerals Shadow in Mystic Lava; HIP Shadow Crayon in Intricate; NYX Liner in Black; Victoria's Secret Liquid Liner in Blackout
Face and Lips; Smashbox Camera Ready Concealer in 8; Bare Minerals Powder Foundation in Deepest Deep; HIP Bronzer in Thriving; Revlon Sculpting Blush in Berry Daring; Milani Liner in Black Brown and Max Factor Pomegranate Fusion (purple side)