Archive for blush

Do It Yourself :: Fix Your Broken Powder

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!

Feature Friday :: Braxton Family Values

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?

Under the Mistletoe :: Kiss Proof Lipstick

It’s the holiday season, so whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas and/or Kwanzaa we all  know, this is usually the time in which we spend with the ones we love.   I’m sure, being the fabulous lady you are, you and your sweetie have been invited to a ton of holiday parties. So in the midst of joyful music, spiked egg nog, and ugly Christmas sweaters, don’t forget to slip away and pucker up under the mistletoe!

Here are some helpful tips to keep your lipstick kiss proof:

Exfoliate your lips!  Gently massage use a damp washcloth or soft toothbrush over your lips.  This helps get rid of dry skin.

Use lip liner as a base for your lipstick.

You can also apply lip liner after your lipstick to create a waxy barrier.

Blot your lips with your fingers.  This presses the color into you lips and creates a stain that will last.

Apply a little powder or blush on top of your lipstick will help it last longer.

It’s the holiday season, so don’t be afraid to go bold! Go red!


Try L’Oreal’s Infallible Le Rouge Lip Colour. Long lasting and doesn’t dry our lips out. Swear by it!

Melissa Rich Red LipstickMuah! Happy Holidays Beauties!

Don’t Grab My Hair Because You’re Messing Up My Weave

I celebrated my 10,592.0238 day birthday this past weekend.  The theme was “Valley of the Dolls”, so I wanted to do everything doll/barbie-like — pink everything, apparel, big accessories, big lashes, and most importantly, big hair.  


Now, I’ve done the weave thing from time to time, but I’ve never been consistent with it.  The maintenance and expense is a bit much for me.  The longest I kept it in, is about 2 weeks, but I decided to do something different and get the sown in to have it last longer.  


I went to my sister’s salon in Baltimore, Salon Blush, where she sewn in 16 inches of lovely locs. For the record, I am tender-headed AND this was my first time, trying this method, so it was a bit painful for me.  My head was literally throbbing, and for a moment, I had contemplated stopping and taking it out.   The whole time I was thinking to myself, how do women do this consistently, it’s torture and how can I go out tonight and celebrate with my head hurting like this.  The price of beauty!

Maybe because my mind began to focused on others things, the party and joking around with the ladies in the salon, but it’s as almost the pain went away soon after.  Looking at the end result certainly helped as well.  I loved it, but I did have to issue a warning, that if anyone, pulled, touched or even patted my head that night, it would be on!

Would I do it again??? I would never say never, but I will say, a sew-in is perfect for those who intend on keeping it in longer than a few days/weeks and who aren’t tender-headed.  

Beauty Junkies Stay Organized

As you all should know, I am a beauty product/tool junkie!  Seriously, I have products everywhere!   In my bathroom, I have a cabinet filled with beauty tools (flat iron, curling irons, blow dryers, combs, clips, etc.) and products (shampoos, conditioners, styling products), and I also have a cart holding my everyday stuff (more shampoos, conditioners, styling products and makeup).  I have a big case of makeup, that I keep in my living room, and in my closet I have a self for more things that I don’t use as much.  So, as you can see, organization is essential for me.  

I came across article in the latest issue of InStyle Magazine “Vanity Sanity” on how to keep your beauty essentials organized, so I thought I would share some ideas with you.




1. Containers – Use containers or jars to hold your cotton balls, q-tips, and/or sponges.  The colorful stackable containers in photo 1 are from Zak Designs.  I purchased inexpensive glass jars from Ikea.  

2.  Wall Mount or ShelvesThe Vitra Uten Silo Wall Organizer is the perfect organizer for your beauty products and tools. It can hold a lot of items, without taking up much space, but it’s pretty pricey…$425, to be exact. An alternative would be to purchase inexpensive shelves and mount them on your wall.

3.  Labels - Keep your products organized by labeling them by the date of purchase. This helps you remember what products to trash when they expire.  These label package from Beauty Alert come with 20 labels in four categories:  3, 6, 12 & 18+.     



4.  Luxury Deluxe Wood Cosmetics Box w/Mirror by Lori GreinerAvoid the cosmetics crush with this deluxe wood makeup box with built-in mirror. Spacious and separated into four different levels with swing-out doors and magnetic closures, it offers ample room for 30 lipsticks and numerous other cosmetics, like blushes, shadows, pencils, mascara, foundations, nail polishes, and more. From Lori Greiner.  Available at www.QVC.com for only $69.12


5.  Brush Holder - Keep your brushes organized, simply by using a glass, metal or plastic container or cup.  


6.  Cosmetic Vanity Organizer - This organizer is perfect for your everyday essentials.  Available at www.touchofclass.com 

Vampires, Skeletons, & Geishas :: Halloween 2011

Unlike Halloween last year, I waited until the last minute to get my Halloween costume together…a few hours to be exact.  I ran out to the costume store, and tried to think of something creative, yet simple. I purchased fangs, white paint, black nails, lashes and a black leotard. I figured I’d be a sexy vampire.  I beat my face, but my costume on, but the only problem was, my vampire teeth wouldn’t stick (this is what happens when you procrastinate), so I had to quickly think of something else.

I went through some boxes and found a geisha costume I’ve never worn.  I figured this would work perfect since I only had my face painted white, I just had to change my lipstick and add blush.  I decided against the geisha wig and stuck with my own do.  Unfortunately I didn’t get a picture of the full costume….

“We create another secret world, a place only of beauty. The very word “geisha” means artist, and to be a geisha is to be judged as a moving work of art.”



But I did enjoy seeing some of my fav celebs dress up for Halloween.  Take a look:

Who were you favs? Did you dress up for Halloween this year?

Sweet Thang :: NEW Flushed Cheeks Tutorial

As mentioned in our Keeping Up With The Joneses :: Fall 2011 Beauty Trends post,  flushed cheeks are a top trend for this fall season.  If you take a look at any of the NYFW footage/photos or flip through any of your favorite beauty/fashion magazines you’re sure to see this trend.  


Not only does this look strengthen your cheek bones, but it also provides a very youthful, feminine and sun-kissed look with minimal effort.  Check out my NEW tutorial on how to achieve this look:

This look very sweet look.  Remember, for a subtle look, just use a pink, peach or coral blush and apply to the apples of your cheeks.  For a more dramatic look, apply bronzer in a c-shape in the crease of your cheeks OR you could do both.  To make the look even more feminine, pair it up with a peachy, pale pink or nude lipstick 

Here are some blushes I recommend:  Lorac’s Blush/Bronzer Duo in Hot Flash, Stila’s Custom Color Blush, and Lorac’s Baked Matte Satin Blush in Exposed.



Keeping Up With The Joneses :: Fall 2011 Beauty Trends

Fall doesn’t officially start until the 23rd, but judging from this upcoming weekend’s weather report, it’s pretty much already here. So time to pull out the layers and switch up the trends…and in case you aren’t familiar with the Fall 2011 beauty trends, here they are, fresh off the runway:


Red Lips  – Nothing is more daring and liberating than a woman in red…lipstick that is.in different shades variations of wine red, fire engine red, red velvet to neon red  to matte or shiny .

Remember: Blue based for fair skin and orange based or deep reds for dark complexions


Spider/Spiky Lashes – Clothes shouldn’t be the only thing you’re layering on this Fall…how about mascara?  Long, thick and voluminous lashes are  in this season, so don’t forget to pile on the mascara on both upper and lower lashes and don’t be afraid to try falsies.

Remember:  It’s all about the layers. Apply one coat of mascara to lower lash then top lash. Let dry and repeat the steps.



Smoky Metallic Eyes - Silver, gold and bronze, oh my! It never hurts to add a little sparkle to your palette.

Remember:  If you have dark skin, avoid silver and instead use golden or bronze colors.


Dramatic Eyeliner - Time the bring on the drama! For all my Drama Queens or Kings, if you really want to make a statement, try going bold with black eyeliner.



Flushed Cheeks – A simple way too add a little glow to your complexion is using pink blush.

Remember:  Cream blush is great for normal skin, but for oily or dry skin, stick with the powder.


So what look will you be trying this Fall?

All The Pregnant Ladies :: Pregnancy Makeup Tips from Bobbi Brown

I’m sure you’ve all heard the news that Beyonce and Jay-Z are expecting their first child.  She sort of announced it (I say sort of because she didn’t say anything, she just opened her blazer and showed her lovely baby bump and rubbed it) at the end of her performance at MTV’s Video Music Awards.

Look at her, just glowing! Congrats to Bey and Jay!


Anyway, since there seems to be something in the water, I thought it would be a great time to do a post on pregnancy makeup tips. I know, during those nine long months, you body doesn’t seem like its own.  With morning sickness, swollen ankles and all the only symptoms that come along with pregnancy, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is “giving good face”, but you can still keep it glam and simple while preggers.

Makeup extraordinaire, Bobbi Brown suggest:

What about those days when you don’t have time for a full make up or you really just need a lift? “Blush is the best way to give yourself a boost,” says Brown. Her signature technique is to apply a bronzer or skin tone blush across the whole cheek as a base and then a splash of pink right on the ‘apple’ for a natural, I-just-finished-exercising, look. Pregnant women can also give themselves a beauty and mood boost by spritzing on a clean, fresh scent. Choose something light and pretty, says Brown, since your sense of smell is heightened during pregnancy.



“I like to recommend that pregnant women keep their beauty routine simple and easy,” says Brown. Her list of essentials includes a concealer for blotchy or uneven areas and dark undereye circles, yellow-toned foundation (which Brown swears is best for all skin types), a pink blush, and your favourite lip colour. For best results, Brown recommends first putting on concealer (one shade lighter than your foundation) just where it seems necessary, because that may be all you need. Then apply foundation, but only on the areas without concealer. Doubling up just cancels out the effect of the concealer, she says.


She says: “For many women, pregnancy is a time when their bodies do not feel like their own. Make-up can be used as a tool to feel pretty and in control. In fact, one of the biggest beauty mistakes pregnant women can make is opting out of make-up altogether.”

Instead, adjust your skincare regime for those pregnancy-related changes. “Add more moisture to combat dryness or switch to oil-free formulas if your skin is feeling greasy,” says Bobbi.

During pregnancy, dark often appear on your skin. “To cover hyper-pigmentation, apply a corrective concealer using a brush,” recommends Bobbi. “Apply foundation over your entire face, using a light touch to avoid wiping away the concealer. Use your fingers to press additional foundation into areas where needed, and then set it with powder.”




What about those days when you don’t have time for a full make up or you really just need a lift? “Blush is the best way to give yourself a boost,” says Brown. Her signature technique is to apply a bronzer or skin tone blush across the whole cheek as a base and then a splash of pink right on the ‘apple’ for a natural, I-just-finished-exercising, look. Pregnant women can also give themselves a beauty and mood boost by spritzing on a clean, fresh scent. Choose something light and pretty, says Brown, since your sense of smell is heightened during pregnancy.

July 4th Pin Up Girl Inspired Look

Independence Day is this upcoming Monday, and I’m sure a lot of us will be celebrating with cook outs, parties and/or viewing the fireworks to show our patriotism.  I was really thinking hard about a look for the 4th of July…maybe something funky like red, white and blue on the eyes or blue smokey eye and red lips or even blue lips, but then I thought about it, nothing is more patriotic than the retro pinup girl look.  





Pin up models like, Rita Hayworth, Betty Grable and Jane Russell and work from artists such as Alberto Vargas, Gil Elvgren and George Petty were ever present in the lockers of the G.I.’s during World War II.  


It’s a very sexy, yet simple look.  Here’s how I achieved the look:



- Applied a warm taupe shadow on my eyelid.
- Brown eyeshadow in the crease.
- Black eyeliner was a staple during that time, so it’s a must for the look.  I applied a thick line gel/cream black eyeliner.
- White eyeliner on the waterline. Remember wearing white eyeliner helps open your eyes.
- Black eyeshadow along the lower lash line
-  I wanted the big flirty lashes so I applied faux lashes.
- I wanted rosey cheeks so I used Laura Mercier’s blush in Spiced Cider. 
- Finally finished up with the classic pinup girl red lips. I used L’Oreal Infalliable Le Rouge in Refined Ruby.  This one of my favorite lipstick brands because it’s very hydrating, so it keeps your lips moist without drying them.

Hope you all have a safe wonderful 4th!

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