Mixdup Makeup Before and After

Just so you guys can see the colors and products I use, I am considering doing a weekly (fingers crossed) before and after, where I feature someone before I add any products at all, and then how they look after I give them the selected look. Some people do not feel they need makeup, and while all of you ladies are already beautiful, beauty can be enhanced by adding just a few things to your facial wardrobe. Let me know your thoughts.

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Barefaced Syndrome

Occasionally, I go without makeup. I don't really like to, but doesn't everyone have a lazy day? I wake up on some mornings, and I'm just really not feelin' it. So, on to work I go, bare faced. The funny thing about me not wearing makeup, is that I always pack my makeup kit with me just in case I decide to apply it later in the day. Anywhoo, I dislike going without makeup because I get comments from people like:
"Are you feeling okay?"
or
"You look sick."
or
" You must be tired."
I hate comments like that, because I'm like, "wow, thanks. I feel great, but thanks for asking." So, when at all possible I at least try to add mascara and gloss. I also try to wear makeup when I'm having a bad hair day or when I actually am sick. It makes me feel better that I look better than I feel, or possibly take the focus off of my coif. All in all, I just try to avoid the barefaced syndrome.


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Free Makeup for Airport Security

A few years ago my husband and I (who was actually still my boyfriend) took a family trip to L.A. for his step sisters wedding. We flew out a day before both his parents and sister and her husband flew out. My plan was to do my makeup on the plane. I had my good makeup in a carry on case, and my not so great makeup in my suitcase. We were moving right along through security checkpoint and waited for about half an hour before we boarded the plane. Once we got on the plane and the cabin was secure, I decided to start on my makeup. I look through my purse. Then I look again. and again. and again. I asked my husband if he had seen my makeup. "Um, It was in your hand earlier. What did you do with it?" was his response. An alarm goes off in my head, a very loud tornado siren! It's saying Security, Security. This is how the conversation may have went:
me: Babe, I left my makeup at the security checkpoint (tears in my eyes)!
him: Are you sure? Maybe you left it in the seat at the gate.
me: No, I forgot it!
him: Did you leave it in the gift shop?
me: Maybe. I don't know. I've got to go get it (beads of sweat)!
him: They won't let you off the plane. I'll just buy you some more when we get to L.A.
me: BUY ME SOME MORE? YOU'RE JUST GONNA BUY ME OVER A THOUSAND DOLLARS WORTH OF M.A.C. MAKEUP? JUST LIKE THAT? Do you know how long it took me to buy that amount of makeup and brushes? Some of that was limited edition stuff. It's irreplaceable (tears rolling).
him: You paid that much for makeup!
By the time we reached our layover in Phoenix, I was hyperventilating. I needed my arsenal. I called the airport gate and asked if they found it. No luck. I called the gift shop and asked if they found it. No luck. I called TSA and asked if they found it.
TSA: Is it a green plaid case with makeup inside?
me: YES, YES, YES! Please hold it for me.
My brilliant boyfriend reminds me that his parents are coming the next day and could pick it up and bring it with them. Genius! So I only had to go one night without the good stuff. My in laws met us the next morning with my cosmetics, and my life wasn't over. See, and you thought happy endings only happened in massage parlors Fairy Tales!

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Tiffniffy

My baby sister is going to be so excited because this post is about her. I like to think that I am a major contributing factor for my sister Tiffany's love for makeup. She grew up in California, and I'm sure for as along as she can remember, when I would come and visit, my arsenal of makeup wasn't too far behind. She would watch me do my makeup and ask to use what I brought and I would experiment on her. Every time I would visit, her makeup collection would be bigger than the last time I saw her. Tiffany has by far surpassed my skill as an artist. She uses makeup as a true form of art and has perfected blending and has fabulous use of color. Love you Tiffniffy!

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How to Stay Fly in the Heat

I don't know where you guys live, but I live in Oklahoma. We have had more than 30 days of three digit weather. It's hot, and I don't want any heavy makeup on my face. It's not a good look when you have been perspiring either. So, if I do wear a foundation I make sure it's a tinted moisturizer with SPF. Philosophy's Hope in a Tinted Moisturizer is a sheer light formula is great to look great in spite of the heat, and it's good for your skin too.

Occasionally, when I'm out and about, I like for my face to feel refreshed. It's really hard, especially when running errands in the heat. I keep my makeup looking fresh by spraying a mist of Evian Mineral Water Spray. It hydrates the skin, and actually makes your makeup look good throughout the day, not to mention, it feels....so.....gooood.. This is one of the gifts I had for my bridesmaids because they are the perfect size to drop in your purse.

These products, along with a dust of mineral bronzer or blush, some mascara, and some tinted gloss, you will not have a problem staying gorgeous in this weather.

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Makeup Toddlers

This is for the beginners. You want to know how to transition from wearing hardly any makeup to trying out a few things, right? First things first....you need a set of good starter brushes. If you already have some you are on your way. Sephora has a really good set for beginners. They include all of your standard brushes (powder, concealer, pointed eye crease, flat eyeliner, eye blending, and smudge brush) for $48.

For a basic everyday look, start with a nice everyday lip color. I love glosses and usually stay in the pink/peach/coral family. Try one of MAC's lipglasses in VIVA Glam or Lychee Luxe Tinted Lipglass.


For your eyes, try MAC's Pigment in Naked . Use this all over your lid. It'sbeige with pearl reflects. Urban Decay also has a Naked Palette. It's a good starter kit that comes with 12 nuetral and flattering shades, potion primer, and a brush for $48 at Sephora. Finish off with Sephora Brand mascara, it does not flake and they have different formula's to lengthen and curl.
I found a great blush at Sephora by NARS in Orgasm or Super Orgasm. It's a great color for most.
These are beauty basics and should get you started on trying out different looks without over doing it.

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Random Memory

I just had a sudden random memory. When my son was two I was doing my makeup in my bedroom. I left to do something and left my makeup on the bed. When I came back, my son had taken my red lipstick and colored on the mirror, the wall, the comforter, and himself.

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Not an Artist

I love doing my own makeup and I love doing makeup for others, Most of the Time! I remember two years ago when I was planning my wedding, I was looking for a makeup artist. I wasn't sure if it was going to be in my budget, but I hired someone in advance. After looking at my expenses, I decided to cancel her services. Two weeks before the wedding my husband said he would pay for the makeup artist, but she never returned my calls. Although I was capable of doing my own makeup, I knew that if I did mine the day of the wedding, I would end up doing several faces that day. I'm sure you can figure out the rest. I did my makeup, my sister's makeup, a few touch ups, and my stepdaughters makeup. I loved it though. It was like a girls day. I was a little stressed because we were behind schedule, but it was still a great day. My makeup looked as great if someone else had done it, and everyone looked gorgeous. Makeup is my pick me up.

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Makeup Mishaps

There are not many things that just irk me, but sometimes I see people with makeup mishaps that really need my help. The biggest mishap is the dreaded line of demarcation. This is where there is an obvious line where your foundation stops and your true skin tone starts. Please make sure you are using the correct color for your face, and that you Blend Blend Blend. The best way to avoid a foundation that simply does not match, is to go to a department store that allows you to try on the foundation before you purchase it. Most will even send you home with a sample. Before you purchase, make sure you see your face in natural sunlight. You may also need different colors in the summer and winter because your skin tone does change.
The second makeup mishap is all over eyeshadow. The worst thing you can do, is place a single color all over your eyelid, ALONE! Your purple eyeshadow should not be applied from the lash line to the brow line. Big no no. Instead, try the color at the base of the eyelid, use a darker complimenting color in your crease, and a lighter color as your highlighter under the brow.
The third mishap would be the obvious colored lip liner. This is done wrong when you have a shade of lipstick or lipgloss that is not complimented by the liner. For example, burgundy liner does not look good with red lipstick. Instead, try a nude liner so the lipstick does not feather. You could also try a colored liner all over your lips and adding gloss. This makes for a long wearing lip color.
The last makeup mishap would be overdone colors. Just because your outfit is pink, does not mean that your eyeshadow, blush, and lip shade should be. Try focusing on one color that compliments your attire. If your focus is lip color, tone down the eyeshadow and blush. If your focus is eyes, then wear a nude color or sheer gloss.

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SummerGlow

I know the summer is nearly over, but there are several products that I think are great picks for the summer to give you a nice rich glow. I have posted these previously on my Facebook page.
1. MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish in SemiPrecious Goldstone $28. This product is a limited edition, so if you want it, buy it now. This looks great on cheeks and forehead for a nice sunkissed glow. I use a MAC Duo Fiber brush to apply.


2. MAC's Skinsheen Leg Spray , $26.50 is a gel bronzer, that comes out of an aerosol can in a mousse like consistency. I used a large kabuki brush to apply. Once it dries, it does not come off on clothes or furniture. It gives you a really nice tanned color, very natural. This product is a limited edition come back, that I discovered a few years ago. I have loved it every since.

3. MAC Pigment in Tan, $19.50, is a muted pinky bronze color. I love this color, especially when applied wet. I think it looks good on most individuals I have tried it out on.


4. Lorac's Oil Free Luminzer in Gold L2, $28. The trick with this product is, a little goes a very long way. I use barely a squirt and mix it with my F.A.B. moisturizer and apply to my cheeks and nose. Instant glow.

5.NARS Body Illuminator in Laguna, $45, is a 5.5oz body bronzer that can be used from head to toe. Has gold pigment in it for a subtle shimmer and does not come off on clothing.

6. Lorac's Little Black Palette, $33. Ummm, enough said. Just kidding, this palette comes with 4 baked colors and a primer.


So those are my favorite products this summer and I have used them all frequently.

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How to Wear Pigs

Pigments (Pigs) are a material that changes the color of reflected or transmitted light. I love, love, love pigments. They can be used for so many things. I prefer MAC pigments and  I have put some in clear nail polish to make a fantabulous color, I've added them to ligloss, but most commonly I have worn them as eye shadow or eye liner. Let me break it down for you. There are two ways to wear pigments. The first way is the easiest way. Just knock a little onto your hand or a clean surface and let your brush do the work. The second way is my personal preference. I use MAC's mixing medium (I'm not sure if it available anymore,  if it is, it's a professional product not available to regular consumers) or MAC's Fix+ Spray. I usually spray my brush with the Fix+ spray and dip my brush into the pigment. The result is a highly pigmented color that does not crease and stays put all day. In addition, the color is much more brilliant than the dry option. I recommend you try this method if you have not tried it before.

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FAB Face

In May I started using a set of products by First Aid Beauty from Sephora. The full size kit included a 5oz Face Cleanser ($18). The cleanser is great because it doesn't feel harsh when you wash with it. It has the texture of lotion, and when you add water it's creamy and soothing. It also came with Facial Radiance Pads ($28 for 60 pads). I like these because they are a gentle exfoliant and act as a skin brightener. I have noticed a difference since using them. Usually my skin looks dry and ashy in the summer from sun damage, but my skin has not been peeling, and looks bright and healthy. Also included in the kit was a 6oz Daily Repair Cream ($28). The formula is very nice because it does not make my face feel oily but it feels well conditioned after I use it. I use this twice daily, before bed and in the mornings. Overall, once my product is gone, I will get another kit. That's how much I like it. When I was in Sephora I asked for something that would make my skin more radiant, and this is what was suggested to me. I paid $35 for the full size kit, although I'm not sure if it is available anymore. But they do have a full line of products available through Sephora and F.A.B..


On another note, moisturizing your face is essential to keeping your face looking FAB. Moisturize your face nightly and in the morning, and make sure your moisturizer has SPF in it. Don't forget your neck. You don't want a 20 year old face with a 50 year old neck. Remove your makeup nightly, if you don't, you age your face by 7 days every time you sleep in your makeup.

Also, for makeup removal, I love M.A.C.'s Cleanse Off Oil. I have been using this for about three years and it has not failed me yet. It removes even the hardest makeups.
It comes in a pump style bottle and a squirt is all you need. It has an oily texture until you add water, then it becomes a milky emulsifier. All in all, these products have become staples in my beauty cabinet.

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How I prepared for Electric Eel...

I have always been fascinated with beauty products. How could I not? I was raised by a woman who sold AVON for years. I loved when her orders would come in. It was like Christmas every other week. I would sneak into the cabinets to look at and sample all the makeup. On special occasions she would make me so pretty with tinted lipgloss and blush. Ahhh, my first love; makeup!

I was pretty simple with makeup at first. I wanted all the new lipgloss scents; Cherry, Bubblegum, Grape, Strawberry, Chocolate. I loved it all. That's about as fancy as it got as an elementary girl. By the time I reached junior high, I wasn't allowed to wear makeup, but would sneak it on after I got on the bus, and made sure it was off when I returned back home. That was nothing though. Just some mood lipstick that turned an awful shade of pink.

But wait.....In high school, which at this time was about 1996, I got really fancy. I started wearing gold lipstick with brown lip liner. You couldn't tell me anything. I was foine!!! Such a disaster. I didn't have a clue. I knew I wanted to wear makeup, but I didn't know where to start. I had been programmed that Black women didn't wear bright colored eye shadows, and we looked better in neutral colors. So I kept my neutral colors until I graduated high school in 1999. That is when my eyes were opened to so much more.

As a graduation gift, my mother took me on a shopping spree. She let me pick out whatever I wanted and she bought it for me. I got shoes, purses, jewelry, clothes, but the best thing was my first trip to M.A.C.!!!! I had never seen so much makeup in so many BEAUTIFUL colors in my life. I was instantly excited. I had my face done by the woman who taught me so much, Little Rock. That is the only name I know her by, but I think she still works for MAC as a beauty trainer on the corporate level. When I met her she was wearing Electric Eel eyeshadow, the most lovely shade of turquoise blue. But hold up, I was sooooo not there yet! So, I started simple. I got Tanarama lipstick, Amber Lights eyeshadow (e/s), Goldmine e/s, carbon e/s, black mascara, cork lip liner, and Margin blush. I also learned that the key to good makeup application is a great brush. So I got a #40 large fluff brush, a #266 angle brush, and a #213 fluff brush. That's when my obsession started. I went back nearly every month and added something new to my collection, trying out different colors and looks, and techniques.

After a couple of years of purchasing nothing but MAC makeup, I had quite the collection of makeup and brushes. I started playing around on friends, not because I was a fantastic artist at this point, but because I had pretty much any color, and if I didn't have it, could blend to create it.

It wasn't long after graduating high school, maybe two years, that I was ready for Electric Eel, as well as other bright hot colors. So I thank Little Rock, my makeup artist mentor, for showing me my full potential. She took me from a plain girl who only wanted neutrals, to being outgoing in my makeup personality.

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