Before reading this page, I assure you that I am not a self-proclaimed "Beauty Queen." This is simply just to share information about the products that I use the most. They tend to work really well for me, so why NOT recommend them to the people that are interested in reading MY blog? Enjoy!
Hair Care: Salon-Recommended...
KeraCare is the brand of shampoo that my stylist uses on my hair the most. I have used this product at home, and I can definitely tell the difference! I am a black woman, which means that my type of hair needs MOISTURIZING 24-7! KeraCare helps keep my hair moisturized during and after washing and styling my hair. There's no irritating smell, either!
Visit the KeraCare website now!
Skin Care: Keep It Consistent...
Throughout the years, I've tried many different brands, but I prefer the following products:
MaryKay TimeWise Cleanser
I've been using this cleanser for about four or five years now and it never fails! It removes any dirt or oil from my pores so I can start fresh! However, some cleansers will strip your face of it's NATURAL moisture, which is NOT a good thing. TimeWise has different types of cleanser (whether your skin is dry, normal, or oily) that can treat your face accordingly. This product is not sold in stores, but if you purchase a tube from any local MaryKay consultant, it should cost around $18+ tax. Visit http://www.marykay.com/ for more information about their products!
I am absolutely in love with this stuff! I can honestly say that I have never used a facial moisturizer quite like this. Other moisturizers usually make my skin feel heavier, and possibly a little oily (which is a problem because I have normal/dry skin). However, after first trying a free trial size of this product from Dillard's, I have decided to purchase a jar, and I do not regret it one bit. At first, I thought the small container was overpriced. It costs around $25 for the smallest size; but in the end, you will only need to rub about 1 or 2 fingertips worth of the product. It will last you a long time!
The Best Make-Up Ever!
I know, I know...you're NOT going to want to read this, BUT the rumors are true.
Kiss Marie Cosmetics - Bold & Bright Lipstick
Unique and glamorous.... Kiss Marie is definitely for the creative woman seeking to express herself; and I'm all about that! In fact, I ENCOURAGE woman to try a spunky new color every now and then, whether it's lipstick, hair color, etc. What makes this brand unique? The vast assortment of lip colors. High-quality, long-lasting hues bursting with pigment. Endless possibilities!
Kiss Marie offers two collections of lipstick:
1) Bold & Bright Liquid Lipstick Collection / Liquid. Pigmented. Vegan. Dries Matte. Peppermint-scent.
It's NOT lip gloss, rather a lipstick in lip gloss form, for easier application. I love mixing this lipstick with other lipsticks to create different colors and ombres. I mean, three dabs of one color is enough to give you a splash of color, yet still remain subtle. Now if you're like me, you can also lay it thick on both lips. The best part is that you only need about one or two swipes...it's THAT pigmented! No back-and-forth, windshield wiper motion is necessary.
2) Superstar Lipstick Collection / Creme. Compact. Easy to Carry. Vegan.
If you're more traditional, a lipstick in a shiny, small platinum silver tube may be more your style...or "steez" as the young folks say (as if I'm not still under 25...don't mind my old soul). Just as many colors, and so easy to carry in a small clutch. The size of these tubes are no larger than 3/4 of your palm...how adorable!
Kiss Marie offers two collections of lipstick:
1) Bold & Bright Liquid Lipstick Collection / Liquid. Pigmented. Vegan. Dries Matte. Peppermint-scent.
It's NOT lip gloss, rather a lipstick in lip gloss form, for easier application. I love mixing this lipstick with other lipsticks to create different colors and ombres. I mean, three dabs of one color is enough to give you a splash of color, yet still remain subtle. Now if you're like me, you can also lay it thick on both lips. The best part is that you only need about one or two swipes...it's THAT pigmented! No back-and-forth, windshield wiper motion is necessary.
2) Superstar Lipstick Collection / Creme. Compact. Easy to Carry. Vegan.
If you're more traditional, a lipstick in a shiny, small platinum silver tube may be more your style...or "steez" as the young folks say (as if I'm not still under 25...don't mind my old soul). Just as many colors, and so easy to carry in a small clutch. The size of these tubes are no larger than 3/4 of your palm...how adorable!
MAC - Takes the Cake!
I vowed never to fall into the MAC trap...so, what happened? They helped me end my search for the perfect compact foundation, that's what! The first foundation I used was by Clinique. Don't get me wrong, Clinique is an AWESOME brand of make-up, but it just wasn't cutting it. So, I asked a friend of mine what make-up she used. (She's GORGEOUS by the way!) She referred me to PUR Minerals. This is when I began to use bronzer, to lighten my face. I later discovered that the reason for using the bronzer was to OFFSET the darkness of foundation!
My desperation began to increase! Where could I go? While asking myself this, I happened to pass by the MAC section in Dillard's and thought to myself, "What the heck?!" I walked into the area, and the sales rep pretty much took care of me. She taught me a few things, including the fact that some "other" brands of make-up actually darken after you sweat. Eww!
So, now I am proud to say the words, "I use MAC make-up!" Specifically, I use Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation (below).
Mascara - The Simple Eyelash Enhancer
I have had quite a journey finding the perfect mascara. The secret that everyone doesn't want you to know is that ANY mascara can be a GREAT mascara! Here are a few of my favorites:
"They're Real" by Benefit Cosmetics
As tiny as this tube is, it is packed with everything you need! Volume? Oh yea! Length, YOU BET! The secret weapon of mascaras: it's discrete and easy to carry, plus it does the trick everytime. If you're going for lashes that are thick, long, and well-defined, this is worth giving a shot for a pretty penny! You can find this at Sephora or Ulta for about $23.00. (I was lucky enough to snag a trial size using my Beauty Insider points!)
Stila Major Lash
I am definitely biased, because Stila is one of my favorite brands! Thickness at it's finest! If your eyelashes look thin and short, "fuhgetttt about it" (in my best Italian accent). This stuff will change your current situation right before your eyes. The only disadvantage to using this mascara is that the tube is huge...also an advantage if you're fond of getting your money's worth. This will run you about $22.00 at Sephora.
I have had quite a journey finding the perfect mascara. The secret that everyone doesn't want you to know is that ANY mascara can be a GREAT mascara! Here are a few of my favorites:
"They're Real" by Benefit Cosmetics
As tiny as this tube is, it is packed with everything you need! Volume? Oh yea! Length, YOU BET! The secret weapon of mascaras: it's discrete and easy to carry, plus it does the trick everytime. If you're going for lashes that are thick, long, and well-defined, this is worth giving a shot for a pretty penny! You can find this at Sephora or Ulta for about $23.00. (I was lucky enough to snag a trial size using my Beauty Insider points!)
Stila Major Lash
I am definitely biased, because Stila is one of my favorite brands! Thickness at it's finest! If your eyelashes look thin and short, "fuhgetttt about it" (in my best Italian accent). This stuff will change your current situation right before your eyes. The only disadvantage to using this mascara is that the tube is huge...also an advantage if you're fond of getting your money's worth. This will run you about $22.00 at Sephora.
Anywho, in early 2011 year, I began branching out into other make-up brands; most notably, Maybelline. I LOVE IT! "Maybe it's Maybelline" *shrug*
I purchased a tube of Maybelline's Great Lash mascara from WalMart, for about $5.00, while I was in Atlanta, simply because I ran out of my trusty Clinique. In terms of volume, Great Lash does the trick! I made my eyelashes look a lot thicker. Nowadays, I am a major fan of achieving maximum lash length and I refuse to wear fake lashes! So, this summer I was in search for something that would give me the "fake lash" LOOK instead. And that's when I stumbled across Maybelline's Lash Stiletto Mascara! I'm sure you've seen the commercials for it! The two combined make up my "Lash POWER-DUO"!
Somehow, someway, it makes my lashes look a lot longer. I usually like to combine my two mascaras by using two coats of the Stiletto first, then going over with a third coat of Great Lash. AWESOME results! I purchased the Stiletto mascara tube at my local Walgreens store, for about $7.00 or $8.00. That's it! What a steal for a stiletto...
Although I believed to have found my perfect duo, I just HAD to search for something better. I want my eyelashes to look fake, and therefore became interested in trying Maybelline's Falsies mascara! This winter (2011), the company released it's latest version of this mascara, known as Falsies Flared. This is the one I bought, and the name couldn't describe the results any better! Instantly, I notice after I apply that it makes my eyelashes look longer, thicker and they actually flare outward, to the point where I don't need to wing my top eyeliner (if I even apply it). I know it may sound like I'm beefing it up a bit, but I'm just being honest. It's a really great product. It costs around $7.00 or $8.00 from your local CVS or Walgreens store.
Perfection: Eyebrow Tutorial...
If you're like me, then you have probably struggled with the idea of shaping the "perfect eyebrows!" Like any other woman pressured by the media and so-called beauty gurus, you will find yourself wanting to learn every secret trick and technique in the book. I have viewed SO MANY "How To..." videos, trying to learn this and that. I have ultimately come to the conclusion that different things work for different people!
However, I recently came across an eyebrow tutorial that blew my socks off. Finally, a woman of color who knows what she's talking about! I couldn't believe how clearly she explained everything, how paced she was in creating the work of art before my very eyes! I would LOVE to share this video with everyone, because I know the search is painful. Thanks a bunch, lilpumpkinpie05!
*NOTE: This video is 20 minutes long. Take a deep breath before starting....
Even though this is a great tutorial to try at home, I find that getting my eyebrows threaded does the trick even better. If you have thick eyebrows, it's actually a good idea to get them threaded, versus getting them waxed for the first time (or after a long time). The reason is because when I usually had them waxed, it seemed like the person waxing them applied the wax and aimed for one type of shape and arch, hoping fot the best. The first time I got them threaded, I was extremely pleased with the results. It seemed as though the threader was aiming toward a shape and arch that FIT MY FACE. Plus, I noticed that the threaded result lasted longer (about 1 extra week).
Getting my eyebrows threaded costs twice as much ($12.00 for threaded, versus $6.00 for waxing), but once my brows begin the grow out, the shape is still there! It works for me!
