January 7, 2017
MY TOP COSMETIC BRANDS
Fashion Fair Cosmetics
Like a lot of you gals, I enjoy playing up my look with makeup. Being a woman of color, it can be difficult to find a shade of foundation and pressed powder that looks natural on my brown skin.
Like I have reviewed before, Mac Cosmetics are one of the brands at the top of my list. But before there was Mac Cosmetics, there was Fashion Fair. I was introduced to Fashion Fair Cosmetics when I was a teenager, and I've been wearing it ever since. Back then, I even got a part-time job so that I would have money to buy my Fashion Fair. The cosmetic brand was created to accomodate women of color, to enhance our variety of skin tones.
The great news is that the cosmetic line has 15 beautiful shades of foundations and pressed powders to choose from. From the lightest shade of Honey to the deepest shade of Java, women of all races will find a beautiful tone that will look fantastic on their skin.
Because I have oily skin, I wear the Fashion Fair Oil Free Perfect Finish Cream-to-Powder Foundation, and the Fashion Fair Oil Controlled Pressed Powder. Fashion Fair has several lipstick shades to choose from. They are luxurious, rich and absolutely gorgeous.
Most of the time I purchase Fashion Fair from Macys. I also purchase it online directly from Fashion Fair. If you like Mac Cosmetics, then I think you'll be equally as pleased with Fashion Fair.
Iman Cosmetics
The stunning supermodel Iman has a glorious cosmetic line. I love love everything in her line. The foundations, pressed powders, blush and lipsticks will rival any top makeup brand.
Iman used to be sold in the department stores, but the exciting part for me, is that I can purchase Iman from Walmart and Walgreens. I'm never without it in my arsenal. You can also purchase Iman cosmetics online from the Iman website.
CoverGirl Queen Collection, Loreal True Match, Maybelline Fit Me
It's wonderful that stores like Walmart, Target, CVS and Walgreens sale quality cosmetics these days. I remeber when the only choices were Maybelline, Revlon and CoverGirl. Not to say that there is anything wrong with Maybelline, revlon or CoverGirl. In fact, I used to be a Maybelline Qeen back in the day. The lipstics and the eyeshadows were good, but again, finding the right foundation was an issue. Not anymore.
CoverGirl has the Queen Collection which is by the lovely and talented hip hop legend, oscar nominated actress, producer and singer, Ms. Queen Latifah. This brand is also geared towards women of color but has a pretty selection for every skin tone.
The Queen Collection, Maybelline Fit Me Foundation and Loreal True Match Foundation are all always in my makeup box. The foundations from these lines are light and glide on smoothly.
Though these brands are inexpensive, the quality is definitely there. The foundations and the pressed powders last all day.
Last but not least all of my top cosmetic brands are sold for less than $30. Ladies you can't go wrong.
June 7, 2016
A Few Of My Fav Beauty Buys
Lorac Cosmetics is one of my top beauty brands. To all my oily, acne prone super sensitive skin girls, you will love these cosmetics.
I have sensitive skin, so I am really careful about the products that I use. What I like about Lorac Cosmetics, is that the makeup does not irritate my skin. What's also great about Lorac Cosmetics, is that they do not contain harsh ingredients like oil and fragrance. And, they are packed with hydrating conditioners, plant extracts and antioxidants.
I love everything Lorac, but my absolute favorite is the lip gloss. On a night out, I love a highly pigmented matte lipstick, but for everyday I want something more natural. My pick are the Lorac Lip Glosses. They are rich in color, they are emollient and they have great shine. But, best of all you really get a lot for your your buck.
July 26, 2015
Beauty Trends For Fall 2015:
The Ponytail, Kohl Defined Eyes, Bangs, Red Lips, Light Makeup and Hair Pull Up & Adorned With Pretty Head Pieces.
The beauty trend for Fall 2015 is individuality. Hairstyles ranged from long ponytails to pretty up dos and perfect buns. Makeup included beautiful bold red lips. Eye makeup ranged from bold kohl eyeliner and white eyeshadow, to soft and natural eyes paired with clean fresh bronzed skin and a soft pink muted lip.
Here are a few of my favorites that were seen on the runways, alongside my own interpretations.
Ponytails are a must this Fall. The ponytail has been a staple of mine for many years.
Here are a few of my favorites that were seen on the runways, alongside my own interpretations.
Ponytails are a must this Fall. The ponytail has been a staple of mine for many years.
Black Eyeliner Is Back. I have loved the look of black eyeliner for a very long time. I have definitely worn it off and on. It does go in and out of style but this year it's back in a big way.
Chunky Bangs, Wispy Bangs, Straight Bangs and Wavy Bangs were all seen on the Runways. Most of the time I wear bangs. As you can see in the pictures below, I even wore them in the 90s.
Fashion Trend or not, I will always wear red lipstick. It's good to see it's become popular again. My favorite red for over 20 years is MAC Ruby Woo. I first purchased it at the Mac store in West Hollywood. At that time it was the only Mac Store in Los Angeles. This was before Mac was sold in department stores. I have been wearing it since.
Hair pulled up and a soft pink lip is my go to look most of the time. Pucci showed barely there makeup with a soft pink lip and Balenciaga showcased a pretty bun for fall 2015.
January 26, 2014
My Favorite Make-up Trends For Spring 2014:
Clean Bronze Skin, Bold Eyeliner, Pastel Eyeshadows, Natural Eyelashes, Orange, Red, Pink and Berry Lips and Pointy Nails.
November 22, 2013
Retinoid For Aging and Acne Prone Skin
Vitamin A can be found in fruits, vegetables, sweet potatoes, eggs, liver and dairy products. Vitamin A is essential for a healthy immune system, healthy eyes and healthy skin.
Both Retin-A and Retinol are Retinoids derived from Vitamin A.
Topical skin creams containing Retinoids promote faster skin cell turnover by peeling off the top layer of skin, and thickening the layers of skin underneath. This process helps to in unclog pores, clear acne, fade skin discolorations and diminish wrinkles. Retinoids work to boost collagen, therefore preventing and improving sagging skin. Retinoids can be prescribed by a dermatologist.
Prescription strength Retin-A products can be very effective, but can in many cases irritate those who have sensitive skin by causing drying and peeling. Retinol is a non prescription form of Retin-A and much more gentle to the skin.
There are many over the counter products on the market that contain retinol. Of course with a prescribed Retin-A product, visible results can be obtained faster. Nonetheless, over the counter retinol products can deliver great results. The brands listed below have worked well for me.
Both Retin-A and Retinol are Retinoids derived from Vitamin A.
Topical skin creams containing Retinoids promote faster skin cell turnover by peeling off the top layer of skin, and thickening the layers of skin underneath. This process helps to in unclog pores, clear acne, fade skin discolorations and diminish wrinkles. Retinoids work to boost collagen, therefore preventing and improving sagging skin. Retinoids can be prescribed by a dermatologist.
Prescription strength Retin-A products can be very effective, but can in many cases irritate those who have sensitive skin by causing drying and peeling. Retinol is a non prescription form of Retin-A and much more gentle to the skin.
There are many over the counter products on the market that contain retinol. Of course with a prescribed Retin-A product, visible results can be obtained faster. Nonetheless, over the counter retinol products can deliver great results. The brands listed below have worked well for me.
I get great results when I use the Serious Skin Care A Defiance Line which I purchase online at the Home Shopping Network (HSN).
The A Defiance Line includes face wash, serum, eye cream, night cream and a day cream containing SPF.
The face wash really cleanses my skin thoroughly and leaves it feeling smooth even before I apply anything else. The serum is fantastic and absorbs quickly into my skin. The day and night creams are not heavy but are very moisturizing.
The thing that I like about shopping at HSN. is that you can buy the products individually, or all together in a kit for a good price.
The A Defiance Line includes face wash, serum, eye cream, night cream and a day cream containing SPF.
The face wash really cleanses my skin thoroughly and leaves it feeling smooth even before I apply anything else. The serum is fantastic and absorbs quickly into my skin. The day and night creams are not heavy but are very moisturizing.
The thing that I like about shopping at HSN. is that you can buy the products individually, or all together in a kit for a good price.
The Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair products are great. I do see a difference in my skin when I use these products, and the price point is fantastic. These products can be purchased at any drugstore.
The Oil Of Olay Regenerist products do not contain Retinol but contain Peptides. Peptides are microscopic proteins that penetrate the skin. They prove to be just as effective as Retinoids.
Copper Peptides promote collagen production to aid with sagging skin. They also work as antioxidants which blocks out the harmful free radicals in the air that our skin encounters on a daily basis. These Free Radicals help to deteriorate our skin. Neuropeptides work to relax wrinkles by blocking the transmission of signals from nerves to facial muscles.
The Oil Of Olay Regenerist products in my opinion are some the best products that you can purchase over the counter. My skin loves this stuff. They can be purchased in your local drugstore.
Copper Peptides promote collagen production to aid with sagging skin. They also work as antioxidants which blocks out the harmful free radicals in the air that our skin encounters on a daily basis. These Free Radicals help to deteriorate our skin. Neuropeptides work to relax wrinkles by blocking the transmission of signals from nerves to facial muscles.
The Oil Of Olay Regenerist products in my opinion are some the best products that you can purchase over the counter. My skin loves this stuff. They can be purchased in your local drugstore.
November 18, 2013
My Favorite Concealers
I am a woman of a particular age, so for me concealer is important on those days when I want to look my best. I have found that as the years go by, the dark circles under my eyes become more pronounced. Concealer is a must for me to have in my makeup bag at all times. Below are three of my favorites.
I have sensitive skin and am prone to breakouts. I have to be careful of what I put on my face. The three concealers below do not irritate my skin.
I have sensitive skin and am prone to breakouts. I have to be careful of what I put on my face. The three concealers below do not irritate my skin.
I am a working mother and wife. I cook all the meals and being that I have teenage daughters, do I really need to emphasize that I am the only one who cleans the house? Needless to say, I am quite busy. I get up by 5:00 a.m. and I sometimes do not get to bed until well past midnight. There are mornings when I wake up and it looks like I have been punched in both eyes. Those are the times when I reach for my M.A.C. Studio SPF 35 concealer.
It's opaque and will conceal anything, so it is good for those days when I need a lot of coverage. The thing that I like most about it, is that though it's thick, it still goes only really creamy. And once I put it on, it stays put for the entire day. It also has a SPF of 35, so for those who need to cover discoloration spots from acne or scarring, the MAC will protect your skin from the sun. It is also good for anyone who has sensitive skin because it contains Vitamin A and Vitamin E.
It comes in a wide variety of colors. If you have really white skin or really dark skin, I am certain that MAC will have a color match for you.
You can purchase the MAC Studio SPF 35 Concealer in any major department store.
It's opaque and will conceal anything, so it is good for those days when I need a lot of coverage. The thing that I like most about it, is that though it's thick, it still goes only really creamy. And once I put it on, it stays put for the entire day. It also has a SPF of 35, so for those who need to cover discoloration spots from acne or scarring, the MAC will protect your skin from the sun. It is also good for anyone who has sensitive skin because it contains Vitamin A and Vitamin E.
It comes in a wide variety of colors. If you have really white skin or really dark skin, I am certain that MAC will have a color match for you.
You can purchase the MAC Studio SPF 35 Concealer in any major department store.
I love the L'oreal True Match Concealer for those days when I need light coverage. This concealer goes on so smoothly, that it blends in with your skin. When you put it on, it looks as if you have nothing on your face. If you are going to be outdoors or in bright light, the L'oreal True Match is a wonderful choice.
Also, for those days when you want to perhaps cover a faint discoloration, then this will do the trick. It's liquid, so it's not good when you need something opaque. But if you just want a little something to brighten up your eyes, then this is perfect.
It's price point is under $15.00, and you can purchase it most drugstores.
Also, for those days when you want to perhaps cover a faint discoloration, then this will do the trick. It's liquid, so it's not good when you need something opaque. But if you just want a little something to brighten up your eyes, then this is perfect.
It's price point is under $15.00, and you can purchase it most drugstores.
I have been a fan of the gorgeous model Iman for a three decades. She in my opinion has the most beautiful skin. When IMAN first premiered her cosmetic line back then in the early 90s, I was a customer then. Suddenly her makeup line disappeared, and I was extremly disappointed. I was elated to see her bring the makeup like back.
The Iman Cover Cream Concealer is what I go to when I need coverage that is a little bit heavier than the L'oreal True Match Concealer, but I don't need coverage as heavy as the MAC Studio Finish. It's a cream, so it is perfect for those days when I need to mask a blemish. It's also buildable, so I can go from a very light coverage to a little bit heavier. It contains minerals, and it feels good on my skin. It also comes in several different shades from the lightest to the darkest. The colors are beautiful and very rich.
It can be purchased online or in most drugstores. It cost under $15.00.
The Iman Cover Cream Concealer is what I go to when I need coverage that is a little bit heavier than the L'oreal True Match Concealer, but I don't need coverage as heavy as the MAC Studio Finish. It's a cream, so it is perfect for those days when I need to mask a blemish. It's also buildable, so I can go from a very light coverage to a little bit heavier. It contains minerals, and it feels good on my skin. It also comes in several different shades from the lightest to the darkest. The colors are beautiful and very rich.
It can be purchased online or in most drugstores. It cost under $15.00.
June 25, 2013
FERGIE CENTERSTAGE COLLECTION WET N WILD
Fergie has a new collection of makeup for Wet n Wild called the "Centerstage Collection. The colors are bold and highly pigmented. I have two colors, "Penthouse Sweet" which is a true hot pink, and "Saraghina" which is a true red. They both look really rich and feel creamy. And the color doesn't bleed. You can buy the products at www.drugstore.com. And also at your local drugstore.
April 23, 2013
The Collection L'Eté Papillon de CHANEL. Vibrant Colors Inspired By Butterfly Wings.
Beautiful colors of butterfly wings. The collection: L’ÉTÉ PAPILLON DE CHANEL. Shades are bright, sunny and glow for summer. Pink, platinum, gold, green, turquoise blue and silvery black eyeshadows. Tender green, blue green and electric blue colors for mascara. My favorite colors for summer lips. peach and raspberry. And for the nails I love the coral. But for my girls who like to keep it fresh and hot on their nails, metallic blue green and metallic blue. Go get it ladies.
4/12/2013
My Beauty Picks
I am a big fan of false eyelashes. However it's just not practical for me to wear them everyday. This Mascara Duo by Ready To Wear Cosmetics is fantastic. It makes my lashes look extra full and really long. I promise it looks like I am wearing false lashes.
There is one for lengthening and one for volume. You can wear them separately or together for a red carpet look. But that's not the end of it. Ready To Wear has a Lash Extension that you put on in between a coat of the volume and a coat of the lengthening. When I wear all three I constantly get asked if my lashes are real.
I love the Benefit Cosmetic Line. I especially like the Hello Flawless Powder Foundation. Girls if you don't want anything heavy, but you want to take away the shine and add just a little pop of color, this is the powder to buy. It's sheer and I can put it around my eye area because it doesn't settle into fine lines. I have sensitive skin so I have to be careful with the cosmetics that I use on my face. This powder feels really good on and it doesn't bother my skin at all.
I highly recommend these products.
There is one for lengthening and one for volume. You can wear them separately or together for a red carpet look. But that's not the end of it. Ready To Wear has a Lash Extension that you put on in between a coat of the volume and a coat of the lengthening. When I wear all three I constantly get asked if my lashes are real.
I love the Benefit Cosmetic Line. I especially like the Hello Flawless Powder Foundation. Girls if you don't want anything heavy, but you want to take away the shine and add just a little pop of color, this is the powder to buy. It's sheer and I can put it around my eye area because it doesn't settle into fine lines. I have sensitive skin so I have to be careful with the cosmetics that I use on my face. This powder feels really good on and it doesn't bother my skin at all.
I highly recommend these products.
4/8/2013
POP STAR JANELLE MONAE COVERS ESSENCE
R&B artist Janelle Monae looks stunning on the cover of Essence Magazine's May issue, rocking an Yves Saint Laurent blouse, vintage Chanel earrings and her signature pompadour, showcasing her flawless chocolate brown skin and perfect smile.
Inside the issue, the star talks about her musical influences and even touches on some aspects of her personal life. She speaks about why she chooses not to dress provocatively, stating that "People don't ask Jay-Z to take his shirt off when he rhymes. Showing my skin is not what makes me sexy. I like skirts and dresses just like everyone else, but I had a message I needed to put out there. It was up to me to show people and young girls there was another way."
You go Janelle.
Inside the issue, the star talks about her musical influences and even touches on some aspects of her personal life. She speaks about why she chooses not to dress provocatively, stating that "People don't ask Jay-Z to take his shirt off when he rhymes. Showing my skin is not what makes me sexy. I like skirts and dresses just like everyone else, but I had a message I needed to put out there. It was up to me to show people and young girls there was another way."
You go Janelle.