2012 Cracked Polish & Review

I know all the beauty junkies was amazed when they first heard about the new crack nail polish because I was.

applying the base

When I first saw the polish in the stores I was reluctant to get it. After searching for pictures and viewing the outcome, I decided I might as well try it out.

A week or so ago asked my cousin to purchase it in purple for me and this is what i got out of it:

ready to add the cracked polish

If you notice some nails look okay and others look horrible. This was my first time trying it and I believe I got a cheap brand.
I tried many designs on one hand and on the other i picked the design i liked the most. While applying I used the nail polish differently on some fingers. For example, I used one coat lightly with the base colors, i doubled coated the base colors, i quickly applied the cracked nail polish, or i coated the purple cracked nail polish many times.

The nail polish didn't chip until 2 days after, which was a plus. How ever, i didn't like how the cracked nail polish showed over the dark navy blue color. It seemed to show well on the white & light turquoise blue, only after coating the base polish more than once.

I will try this type of nail polish and application again, but I wont use or recommend this brand unless you are on a budget. It was bought for $1.99. I will also try it with solely one base color.

International Makeup-Artist Trade Show 2011

Although i was planning on go to the IMATS Makeup Trade Show since three months ago, I still managed to be very much excited this morning as if I had just herd I was going. My mother picked me up around 8 am and we headed to the show, which began letting people in at 8, where workshops started at 10.

The lines were semi long, but moved very quickly. While waiting I immediately chose the workshops and booths i wanted to visit, but things don't always go as planned. When we entered we saw a bunch of hollywood makeup. For example, live-like dead people, cone heads, aliens to Eddie Murphy. Next to the mini museum we watched as the makeup artist prepared their models, who roamed the building, for the student competition.

 The Instead of going to the first workshop, we shopped for some new colored CICI Fashion brushes, and most lines were crazy!!! It was hectic because this was the first booth you come to, we had no idea what else we were going to to see.

A spray painter and artist caught our eye. Two models, simultaneously, became works of art by the two. There was a line next to the Wolfe Face Art & FX cosmetics, to get work done, and we made sure to place ourselves  at the end of it. While we waited my mother got some eye serums from GrandeLASH-md. Finally after 40 minutes she got a elegant face design and then I got decorative cheetah prints on my hand.

We took picks, and entered a room of masterpiece. There were several more makeup booths, including a seminar on horror like makeup that i chose to ignore. Glittery colors caught my eye, canadian Lit Cosmetics glitters (shown later) to be exact. so I touched up my mom with some samples and headed to Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics cosmetics. And boy, did I get a treat. I saw the Queen of Blending. I used to watch her vids daily before i got into my natural hair phase. She let me take a pic and when gave me a hug. I was joyous. We got some OCC vegan lacquer and some glitter.

The rest was much of a blur. We went around the crowded room inching. I tried to view some other stuff but could hardly see it because of the bunch of people. I viewed naked cosmetics and stilla and temptu. I tired to get some Inglot (of Japan) pallets, but that was the worse spot to be. But after i passed that crowd i got, yet, another surprise. Julieg, another great MUA of YouTube, was there. She seemed a lil busy so I made sure to snap a picture as she waved hello.

After that we watched the OCC Skin airbrushing workshop, which we chose out of the many other workshops there, given by the creator. He was funny and very informational. I went bare faced just to get my foundation done, but when he asked for a volunteer I guess I was a second to late. I would have loved it. He explained the ingredients and how he wasn't interested in tactical advertising, only the truth of his products. Not only did he speak of the products he offered her spoke of others. He explained the pros and cons, and I loved that he said not to give up on other makeup techniques, but to see the airbrushing as an option. He was great.

To finish off the show we went back to the natural, alcohol and paraben free Canadian makeup booth, Lit and got more work done. My mom transformed her elegant eye into a funky eye and I got a dual-glitter line on my eyes. We left with some makeup and solution.

Here are more of the other companies that were there http://www.imats.net/newyork/newyork_exhibitor_list.php

Show will also be tomorrow, Sunday.

Sorry if photos are unclear, more will be shown soon.

Blog Giveaway! Cosmetics OR $10 Gift Card

I would like to promote my blog some more. So the best way I believe to do this, is to host a giveaway. I also want to give my product drawers some space. Therefore, I am hosting a giveaway and contest on my blog and youtube channel. (RULES BELOW)

WINNERS AND PRODUCTS

Two winners will receive either a $10 gift card to anywhere OR unused or swatched products, such as the following: eyeshadows, lip balms and stick, a facial mask, blush, applicators, a nail polish, and a foundation that is a shade darker than me. 

***ADDITIONAL: If you would like a product added (especially Mary Kay), feel free to let me know in your comment. I will add the product or something close to it. 

RULES (read all before implement your entry)

1. Subscribe to/Follow my Blog 
2. Read and Comment on AT LEAST two post on my blog. (Feel free to ask questions.)
3. Comment this post once subscribed, explaining how you have subscribed and entered. 
1. For an additional 2 entries, subscribe to my youtube and comment any video. My YouTube   
2. on this post write the name of your youtube (if any)
4. US and National
5. I will be using random.org

Tara Smith is for "Green" Hair

Celebrity hairstylist, Tara Smith Of The UK, is making her way to the US with her Vegan friendly products.

I first saw her while watching an Explore Modeling video on youtube. Featured Here:

I had to explore more into her products. So I explored her site and found that she has a huge celebrity clientele. Stars include: Rosario Dawson, Lindsay (Lohan), Orlando Bloom, Demi Moore, Angelina Jolie and many more.
Though I haven't yet tried her safe hair products (I will), after reading the testimonies, i will most definitely vouch for her. And of course I love the ingredients used.
As posted on her site at Tara Smith Products, her shampoos, conditioners, & styling products are vegan friendly, made using natural and organic ingredients, and contain no parabens or other harsh chemicals.

To purchase this INEXPENSIVE product in the USA: visit Duane Reade

after i try the products i will give a review

Feeling oversized!?!?

Do you love yourself? Do you want to lose weight or tone up?

If the answer is YES to either of these questions, you should join my bandwagon and start  working out at least a couple of times I week.

For me, the answer is YES for both questions. I love my body but i want to help it tone up and enhance different places on my figure. I would like to tighten and shape my abs, underarms and thighs.

In order enhance these features on my body, not only have I been drinking water and trying to change my eating habits for the better, but I have been exercising. I started working out 6 times a week, at least 30 minutes to an hour each day, and switching up my routine each day.

I took ideas from many places, LWN TV, celebrity trainer inputs on the television, P90X and Insanity infomercials, online sources, and my past dance classes. This helped me to get a daily workout plan. I'll first stretch and then work out a different part of my body each time i work out. Changing up your routine, aka "muscle confusion," as said from a P90Xer, helps weight lose in toning to be an ongoing process. By doing highly intense routines I will be able to lose weight faster.

My routine:

Mon: ABs or Core

Tue: Cardio 

Wed: Chest & shoulder or  SHoulder and Arms

Thur: yoga

Fri:legs & back

Sat: stretches

This will work for anyone, not just me. If you do want to buy pricey dvd sets, you can go on youtube or other free online sources where the have workouts you can follow. If you have internet trouble, try going to to a discount store and buying some of the workout DvDs, some costing as little as $5. But remember always change up exercises or put in additional reps so your body can keep progressing,

You may see many testimonies or sources on youtube or online for Insanity or P90X. Here are two form youtube:

 

For more advice you can visit the Live Well Network.
Any ideas or comments? Please share.

haul & lite review by Amoni B

Maybelline Fit me™ Foundation & Powder #1

Among my purchases of last week, lay my Fit me™ by Maybelline, which I am very please with.

After seeing that Maybelline had a new while on Walmart.com and being redirected to watching the lovely introduction to the merchandise & tutorials of how to use, I knew i had to get it. The Fit me™ makeup collection consist of liquid foundation, pressed powder, liquid concealer, blush, and bronzer. On site, I searched for the foundation i thought would be my color, there were many to choose from. In one of the intro videos, i was told that there would be an in-store color guide that you can put on top of your skin.

Where I found it, Where to buy:

After searching long and hard in brooklyn for a store that sold the inexpensive Fit me™ goods, I went into a target. Most products were gone and there was no color code for the for the medium-dark complexions. I decided to get 315 liquid and 350 powder, based on observation. I got home and there were no items in my bag.   The next day I went to Soho (which brings me to another foundation story that i will reveal later) and saw a Rite Aid. Still there wasn't much product on the shelf & no color guides at all, this made me believe everyone was after the product. I purchased the liquid in 320, honey beige, and the powder in 355.
BUY GUIDE: Target, Rite Aid, Walgreens, CVS, Ulta, Sears, Harmon, drugstore, and Walmart

How I Applied:

I applied the liquid foundation in 320 by adding dots of the products all over my face (& neck) and then in, circular motions, dispersed the foundation. I learned this trick when i sold Mary Kay. I did two coats for better coverage.

Next opened the powder, which contained two compartments. I grabbed the soft applicator from the lower compartment, which included a mirror, then pulled down the mirror to reveal the powder in 355. I used the applicator to dust the compacted powder on to my face. A lil went a long way!

I then let it sit a few minutes and blotted with tissue.

Results:

The products were light on my face, as I was told it would be. They went on smoothly and really did complement each other.

The liquid foundation seemed a lil too light, i am unsure if this was my complexion color. Next time I will try the liquid foundation in 350, caramel. It gave me a nice shine. if i could have only worn the foundation, it would be nice.

The glow-like look, which i like, was diminished after the application of the matte powder. The color was a hint too dark for me, next time i will get 320, honey beige, or 350, caramel.

Price: very inexpensive. I bought them each for about $7.30. It will remain in that price range

SKin Match: Because of the powder the overall look was darker than my complexion.

Coverage: Though having an adequate coverage, next time i will use the concealer to hide my dark spots some more. The powder did, however, cover the creases that the foundation neglected to cover effectively. After a while, a natural shine came.

Finish: When i first used the foundation i wore my coastal scents primer. Bad Move! the extra titanium dioxide from the primer gave me an ashy finish. Without primer, it looked natural, as if this were my skin color

Made: in the US by Maybelline New York

* all photos are unedited, raw, and haven't been tampered with!

A green spring clean!!

Have a safe and clean home. Have a green spring cleaning.

Learn ways how:
The Easiest Green Cleaning Recipes You Can Make at Home

Facials are necessity!! Facial FAQ

About 6 months ago, I herd a couple of females talking on the train about how facials cleared up their skin. This made me want to get a facial myself. Not having money to spend on what i had thought was considered  luxury, I decided to look online for at home facials. I saw many methods, which was mostly to cleanse. Some methods were involving oatmeal and others using citrus fruits. I copied some recipes but never got around to giving myself one. recently I was looking on youtube and stumbled across a facial tutorial by a licensed esthetician. I liked what i saw and decided to research and learn more.

What is a facial?

"A skin treatment that may involve steam, exfoliation, extraction, creams, lotions, facial masks, peels, and massage... It often contains minerals, vitamins, and fruit extracts."

Why do my skin need a facial? 

This is like saying why do my body need to stay active. A facial cleanses your pores and purify your skin. some are deep cleansing for cleaning the pores, healing dark spots, or hyper-pigmentation, or brightening for a gradual illumination of the skin tone. It shouldn't be a luxury, but a part of life.

Where should I get a facial done?

At a reputable beauty salon or spa, which consist of wise estheticians. Don't settle for a cheap way out, if that method isn't proven to work for you. If a facials is not done right it will worsen skin.

Why do I need someone who is licensed?

They will know how to analyze your skin and make the facial to your needs. They will also be able to give you products, tell you techniques, and provide equipment you most likely will not have at home. ANd most likely, mistakes will not be made. 

How many times should i have a facial?

As much as needed. Facials should be a part of your life. Some people need to do them more or less each month. It depends on the person and the reason.

Can I do my own facial?

if you are knowledgeable, maybe. If you really rather it that way, research, research, research! YOu also may want to speak to a dermatologist.

What if my skin doesn't get better?

Either the method wasn't done right or it is the other products you are using. Try using natural makeup and better skin care, without harsh chemicals and other toxins. 

Are facials affordable?

Normally they cost approximately $50. You may get some on sale. There will be many spa sales this month from March 21st- March 28th and Next month April 14th-April 20th. Try searching on Spa Week or Spa Finder.


I have yet to get a professional facial. But i will later on this month, no matter the price!!!
For questions and concerns, comment.

Fashion 2011: WInter Ends as Spring Brightens

Now that the season is starting to warm up, I would love it if I didnt have to still see all the dull colored hues. I love color and so should everyone else. Are you ready to brighten up the end of your winter? With the addition of a little color it can lighten up the mood the bad wether brings. Sprucing up your look, be it makeup. outerwear, businesswear, comfort wear, or even workout clothing, will liven up wear ever you are at.


Bright colors, such as orange, pink, and maybe even a lavender, should be worn as an accessory. Try putting royal purple on your nails or coral on your lips or eyes color some color(s) on your eyes,

 

Speaking of brightening, Spring is coming in three weeks. The upcoming season has a lot of different trends coming our way.  If you happened to see the fashion week you might have noticed that much of the clothing was leaning toward a relaxed and comfortable fit.  I know you all are tired of seeing pictures from fashion week here are some Spring 2011 styles from stores you may know or buy from. But trust me, these trends aren't just limited to those designers, you should be seeing the styles in any women clothing store, even pretty girl ;).


Like I said, Spring is all about the comfort and loose fit. Featured below is a pair of Hanes' Soft Luxe Wide Leg Pants, in brown, for casual wear. They also come in grey, purple, white, beige, and black. Personally, I would wear these pants in purple, of course, with some flip flops, a cami, and some accessories. is all about the comfort. Flowing bell bottoms (fashion week), loose tops, strips are back, flowing dresses.. platform and cloths. fold over pants

Here are some more wide leg typed pants. 70's style bell bottoms will also be in style. Below are The Marisa Fir Lenin Pant by Victoria Secret. 

This year, we again see the strips. Strips in any color for all style of clothing will do. And since strips bring about a more nautical feel, I decided to feature swimwear. Beneath is the Laguna Hills Pink Triangle Bikini by Hollister.

Many of us ladies are no stranger to the beloved Wedge. Of course the seasons to come will not be a stranger to this style of shoe. However, the wedge is beginning to modernize. Here is the right foot of "Lenny" by Maloles.

Do you love clogs as much as i do? Well I know you'll love that the clog is also evolving. This perfect combination of sandal, clog, and platform greatly pleases me. The Platform Clog by Gevenchi, shown in black, is also available in in brown and beige.

I must confess, when I fist got an email from Barneys with this picture of the new collection of Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony I was ecstatic. I feel in love with the varies shoes by the brand. My favorite was the one below, named "Mary Jane." 

As I stated early, the upcoming season is all about a loose fit and comfort. This loose fit includes pants, dressed and skirts. Styled below is the Washed Silk Short by Juicy Couture.

Everyone loves going out. For those party girls, prints and fitted dresses are definitely back. This dress can be dressed up with some nice jewelry and heels or dressed down with a leather jacket and heels or laced boots. This blue-licious cheetah dress is known as the "Leather Taped Animal Print Ribbon Backless" dress by Burberry. Mouthful? I know.

As i previous stated to wear with the lovely party dress, you can accessorize your clothing with a multi-pocket leather. I doubt the ever go out of style!

I cant help but stress, that loose clothing is the way to go. Though not asymmetrical, like many of the 2011 trend tops, this "Cashmere-silk Draped Cardigan" by Black Label is no exception to the 2011 fashion rules. here is is shown with a fitted dress and some platforms. I would wear it with a pair of skinny jeans and fitted top and flats.

And lets not forget the cargos!! Yes, cargos will probably remain in style for the next couple of years. Actually, I don't see them going anywhere. These Skinny Leg Cargos by Calvin Klein is worn with strips and platform like clogs. This female is surely ready for this upcoming spring.

Of course the list of trends can go on, but these are styles that I've seen. If you have any to add, please comment.

Journey to finding the perfect organic foundation: People of color

Its been a year and some months since I began wearing makeup other than lipgloss. It has been just that long since I had the perfect foundation. So I am deciding to start a journey of the perfect natural/organic foundation.


For those yellow, dark beige, and brown skinned, it is very hard to find the perfect foundation. Many factors may come into play. First, you may ask yourself, "where to find safe makeup made for people of color?" Then you sub categorize to an inexpensive choice, not wanting to break your pockets, unusually over the web where you still aren't sure of the product. And of course you don't want to purchase outside of your country wear many thoughts might come to mind: poisons, no guarantees, and non secure payment methods. AND OF COURSE, the main factor is finding your correct shade. Then when match the one of the limited choices, the foundation may not have the best coverage or will end up leaving your skin looking ashy.


Well do not be discouraged! There are many places carrying safe foundation in shades for women of color, and some of these places are solely focused on people of that nature.


On my journey I will discuss what I have found, whether or not I'll buy, and if the product has worked for me or others.


My checklist will include the following:

• For women of color
• Expensive or inexpensive
• Local or guaranteed 
• Coverage type
• Ashy finish
• Match complexion/shade perfectly

For starters:


I will say that b.l.a.c minerals are located in brooklyn and have various shades for women of color. the;r samples are $2 with free shipping. I have not yet found my perfect shade though. Instead of ordering another sample I may try mixing the foundations together in order to find that which compliments me. THEY ARENT CURRENTLY TAKING ORDERS


I have matched my my skin with Coastal Scents Liquid HD Foundation with st-09 but it doesn't give me that full coverage and left me ashy(i used part of a sample). This could be because it isn't my shade. When I coat it with my sheer cover mineral powder foundation that i made from the kit I looks way better. I have reorder the st-09 as well as two sample packet of sf-11. The sample packets are $0.49 and the lowest shipping for me is first class at approximately $1.40

Sheer Cover seemed to work after mixing my shade together from the kit. It didn't. however work as well as you see in the infomercials. Also, the foundation doesn't last long enough for me, I end up having to reapply throughout the day. The kits for a month is $29.99, but you can find the products on ebay and other sites. I know this because i sold the rest of my kit online.

Review: Kiss New York's Acne Cover and Cream Foundation

*photo taken from the page

Kiss New York's Acne Cover and Cream Foundation was highly recommended my a photographer for me to get. Being that he is considered to be a professional photographer with a knowledge of makeup, I went for it.

I was told that by using this inexpensive product I would obtain excellent, full coverage. I visited the Kiss New York site, where i found out that it contained "acne fighting and breakout soothing salicylic acid, green tea, macadamia seed oil, shea butter and vitamin E." The site also claimed that, among other stuff, it would have MAXIMUM COVERAGE. So I hunted down for this foundation. Well, I visited three stores before actually finding the brand, product, and color that I needed.

When I reached home I tested it on my hand, the match was very successful. I knew it would be, being that my mother also helped me pick out my shade, Neutral cool 35, which was one of the newer colors.  I then washed my face and explored the product. The foundation had two compartments. The top consisted of the foundation, which was also covered by an opening flap. Underneath that, lied a breathable compartment, which held the soft applicator.

While applying it I was feeling disappointed.  I had to use several applications for about 10-15 minutes before I felt I had well enough coverage to cover my scars and blemishes. The applicator seemed to absorb most of the product before it reached my face, but it was good amount of product still in the case. I also did not like much of the matte finish. Since I do not suffer from oily skin, this product may not be ideal for the glow that I would have wanted. 


The end results did make me happier. After all I did achieve most of the coverage I wanted. I did not use concealer or any other product, because I wanted to see what the product had to offer on its own. I also like the ingredients, such as salicylic acid, which helps clear breakouts and blemishes. For a cheap price, approximately $9.00, the product was okay. Next time I would use a moisturizer or glowing/silk primer before applying.

Here are before and after pix.

 

  

No photoshop was use, these are actual result.... I did, however, blur out the background, for it is irrelevant.