“I didn’t want to let women down. One of the stereotypes I see breaking is the idea of aging and older women not being beautiful.” - Annie Leibovitz
This morning, I was watching favorite new program, The Today Show and I was intrigued by a story they featured about 50, 60, 70, and even 80 and 90-year-old women, becoming the the cover girls of cosmetic brands and fashion magazines.
It’s been almost two years since I published the makeover I did on my twin sister, Erica (read: Sis Has Got Her Groove Back) back in April 2010. If you can remember, Erica aka “Plain Jane” isn’t a beauty addict like myself. As a mother, wife and events planner, she has a very busy schedule, so she prefers comfort and simplicity over the fuss of makeup.
Two years later, she has made changes to her makeup routine, but she still prefers to keep it to a minimal with just blush, eyeliner and lip gloss. What can I say, she’s a natural beauty! Recently, she started her own events planning business and I had the opportunity of doing her makeup for her photo shoot. She was aiming for a casually chic look, so she reminded me, nothing dramatic like last time.
I used NYX’s Caviar & Bubbles Eye Palette – Applied a neutral color to her lids and added a kick with the deeper browns in the crease.
I applied Ardell Lashes #113 for a little dramatic effect.
MAC’s Dainty Blush was applied to the apples of her cheeks.
Since I spiced it up with the eyes, I went subtle with the lips. I completed the look with MAC’s Cremesheen lipstick in Ravishing and Laura Mercier’s Bare Beam gloss.
I think she’s simply gorgeous!
“Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together.”
— Elizabeth Taylor
Speaking of lipstick, here are 4 bright and luscious shade perfect for spring.
1. Nars – Roman Holiday ($24)
2. Bobbi Brown – Atomic Orange ($23)
3. KA’OIR – Capricorn ($17.99)
4. Milani – Rose Hip ($5.49)
What shade will you be rocking this spring?
Color blocking has crossed over from the fashion scene to the beauty scene. What was once popularized on the runway, color blocking has now become mainstream in hair and makeup trends.
For those who aren’t familiar with the trend, color blocking is basically matching two or more shades, which creates a vibrant pop.
Pairing together bright eyeliners, lipsticks, blushes and/or eye shadows is a fun, easy and inexpensive way to join in on the trend.
If you’re feeling extra bold, try color blocking your hair.
If you aren’t that adventurous, you can always keep it simple by color blocking your nails.
I tried it myself, with green eyeliner, hot pink lipstick and neon green nails.
So are you feeling adventurous too? Would color blocking be a trend you would try?
How many times has your powder/blush broken in its compact, leaving you with nothing but a BIG mess? I know for myself , this has happened numerous of times, and I have been forced with the decision to either waste money by throwing it away, put the compact and leftover powder in a plastic sandwich bag, which can be very messy, or dish on more bucks by buying a loose powder container.
Luckily, I came across a solution from fellow blogger, Katrina Lomidze on “How to Fix Broken Powder Makeup” by simply using rubbing alcohol.
I know you’re probably wondering about the odor and if the alcohol will cause your skin to dry, but as Katrina mentioned in her post, alcohol dries quickly, so it will evaporate and the odor will go away. Also, the more alcohol concentrate, the faster it dries, but if you leave it out to dry overnight, any percetnage can work.
One of my favorite MAC bronzers had broken and saving it was creating a mess, so following Katrina’s steps by using rubbing alcohol, here’s what I did:
Applied several drops of alcohol to the compact.
Then using my fingers, I began to mix the alcohol with the powder. You’ll notice it will start to turn into a paste, which will make it easier to smooth it out.
Finally, I let the powder sit overnight to thoroughly dry.
It isn’t as perfect and as smooth as when I purchased it, but at least it’s all in one piece. So the next time your powder brakes, just use these easy steps to help salvage it and save you money!
Last season, I was really disappointed in the Braxton sisters hair and makeup choices (read Braxton Family Makeup Faux Pas). From the bad wigs, to the excessive amounts of blush, it all just seemed too over the top, and with divas like Toni and Tamar, I expected so much more.
Well, I finally peeped an episode of this season’s Braxton Family Values . I was happy to see some improvement with the sisters. It seems as though they learned a lot from last season — better wigs/weave, and they even toned down the heavy makeup, just a little. The award for most improved has to go to both with Towanda and Traci. Those two have come a LONG way.
Remember in the first season, Towanda was always rocking the two ponytails and/or micro minis and frosty eye shadow. Well, with season 2, Towanda has stepped it up with curly locs and opted for more warm and neutral tones.
Traci was all over the place during the first season. She was another fan of frosty eye shadow and her wigs just weren’t up-to-par as a professional cosmetologist. During this season, almost like an inconsistent boyfriend, sometimes she gets it right and the other times, well, she doesn’t.
All of the sisters looked fabulous during Toni’s induction to the Georgia Hall of Fame. Take a look at the episode:
What do you think?
Happy Friday Beauties! It’s that time of the week again…Feature Friday! Check out our favs of the week.
President Obama serenaded a crowd at the Apollo Theater in Harlem Thursday evening, when he broke out with Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together”. The legendary soul singer was among the 1,400 in the audience cheering President Obama on.
I’m so in love with him! lol
Actress, Zooey Deschanel’s tuxdeo nails were a hit at this year’s Golden Globe Awards. If you’re looking to follow the trend, take a look at this tutorial from Pop Sugar TV on how to recreated the look at home.
Finally, if you’re looking to do something special for your loved one or even for yourself for Valentine’s Day and are in the DC area, Melanie Joy Photography is offering a Valentine’s Day Special, which includes: 1 hour photo session, makeup artist, retouched photos and a private online gallery for only $285.
The special ends on February 2nd. Email Melanie at mjoyphoto@yahoo.com to book your slot.
I had the privilege of attending beauty and style afficando, Mikki Taylor’s book signing for her new book, “Commander in Chic: Every Woman’s Guide to Managing Her Style Like a First Lady” at Barnes & Noble in Washington, DC.
As you should know, for 30 years, Ms. Taylor served as ESSENCE Magazine’s groundbreaking Beauty & Cover Director, and in addition, she is the Founder and President of Mikki Taylor Enterprises, LLC.
I missed most of the open forum, but I was still excited to meet Ms. Taylor. She has a graceful aura and a radiant glow that’s simply contagious. It’s no wonder why so many women look to her for inspiration.
The book covers some of her personal tips and tricks to keeping your beauty and style simple, yet chic. I encourage you all to go out and read it! Stay connected with Mikki Taylor on Facebook and Twitter.
We’re just three days away from the New Year and aside from picking out the perfect party dress and planning the celebration, we have the unduly task of setting far fetched goals for ourselves, aka New Year’s Resolutions.
I’m always for setting goals, but let’s face it, how many of us actually stay committed and consistent with our new year resolutions? Forget unrealistic resolutions, let’s try keeping it simple for 2012.
Here are some simple beauty resolutions that you might want to add to your list:
1. Try Something New: Whether it’s a new hairstyle/color, lipstick color, or cosmetic brand, do something different for a change. This doesn’t require a long commitment, just courage to step outside the box.
2. Implement a Skincare Regime in Your Morning & Evening Routine: Remember, makeup can’t substitute proper skincare, so cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing and SPF should be incorporated in our daily routine. To make it easy, try buying a skincare set. That way everything you need is in the set, which will make it easier for you to remember to use.
3. Book an Appointment with Your Dermo: It’s always best to be safe, not sorry, so by visiting your Dermo, you’ll not only address any skincare concerns you may have, but, your dermatologist can check for any issues you may not be aware of.
4. Stop Settling for Less: When I started my beauty addiction, I would always go the cheap route — buying products because they were cheaper. But, we all know, you get what you pay for. Sometimes, you have to spend the big bucks for that great product. Most of the time, it’s worth the investment.
5. Invest in You: We all get caught up in the everyday hustle of life — work, kids, and/or school, etc., but remember, no one is going to love you like you! So take the time out, weekly or even monthly to do something for yourself, whether it’s painting your nails, getting your hair done or booking a facial.
Overall, it’s all about simplicity and taking baby steps.
What are you New Year Beauty Resolutions?
84th Annual Academy Awards Best Dressed
Sacha Baron Cohen’s stunt on the red carpet almost distracted the glamorous tone during the 84th Annual Academy Award’s pre-show, yet with the following fashionably fierce ladies on the red carpet, that would have been nearly impossible.
I was watching the red carpet with my 4 year-old nephew, so I’m sure you can imagine how hard it was for me to focus, especially when he’s throwing his apple juice on me. I still got the chance to catch a few of my favs.
So without further adieu, the awards for Best Dress goes to….
Angelina Jolie wurked the thigh-high slit, in the dark velvet Versace gown. Viola Davis looked radiant in a green Vera Wang gown and rocking her bronze natural hair. Jennifer Lopez showed off all of her assets in a cream Zuhair Murad gown and last, but certainly not least, Michelle Williams looked very feminine in a strapless bright orange Louis Vuitton gown.
So tell me, who were you favorites? Who are you least favorites?