LOTD with NYX's Shocking Pink and Pale Pink Matte Lipsticks

Today's LOTD features the wonderful and most famous NYX matte lipsticks in shocking pink, and pale pink! Paired together they create a nice transition for the ombre effect.

Products used are:
NYX matte lipsticks in Pale Pink & Shocking Pink
MAC Lip Pencil in Magenta

To create this look, line your lips with MAC's Magenta. Take shocking pink and apply closest to the lip liner and lip line leaving the center top and bottom lip bare. Then apply Pale pink to the bare center of the top and bottom lips. Smack those lips to blend and voila! Totally kissable!

Without flash

With flash ( I have no clue why it looks so different, but hey, i guess some lipsticks do that, ha!)

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Random FOTD Trying Clinique's Stay Matte Foundation

This is my random FOTD. I'm trying out Clinique's new Stay Matte foundation. Trying to figure out what my true shade is, as i'm kind of in between shade 21 and 23. It's great and perfect when I mix the two, but 21 alone is a little too ashy by itself, and 23 alone is a little too red by itself. I love Clinique, it's the only foundation that doesn't irritate my face and is good for my skin, but they need to upgrade on those colors dude. Black folks have been around for how many years??? So what do you think?

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MAC Casual Lip & Cheek Color in Out For Fun

O.K. so I caved again, and bought the casual lip and cheek color in out for fun before it was completely sold out. I bought the last one at the MAC store that I was at after finding out it had been sold out at 3 other counters I usually go to. The fact that it sold out everywhere hyped me up even more, (talk about psychology). So anywhoo ummmm.....I LOVE IT! It's perfect for summer, and works with all skin tones. This collection featured colors for all skin tones where they included a lighter selection of colors as well as a darker selection of colors. The colors I picked up (evening stroll and out for fun) were part of the darker selection, and they both look wonderful on African American skin. Take a look.

                                

Out for fun by itself

Out for fun topped with Morange lipglass

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Can you spot the fake? Watch out for MAC Lookalikes

Today I learned a valuable lesson. A week ago, I placed a bid on Ebay for MAC's lipstick in Peachstock. It was only a dollar less than what MAC would normally charge. So I thought, why not? At that point I thought it was a discontinued color, because the lady at the MAC counter said so. Little did I know, that it was still available online on their website. Too bad I had already placed a bid. :-(. Welp, I completely forgot about that item, and the punk seller opened up a case on me. (Usually, sellers might send a message to me about the item if I've forgotten to pay, of course if there's no response then they open a case). Nope this seller went straight to opening a case, so of course what a great reminder, and I paid. I love getting things in the mail, it's like Christmas when you get your presents. It was really hot outside, so I decided to stick the tube in the freezer so it wouldn't break in half once I applied it. Then comes the moment of truth when I go to try the color. Mind you my only concern at that point was if the color was going to look right on me and not wash me out, as most nude colors do. I try the lipstick, and automatically notice something different. First of, you know those cheap old school Revlon lipsticks that feel like canola oil on your lips? Yeah, ummmm... that's what it felt like. I know MAC's lipstick finishes, and knowing that this finish was supposed to be satin, the texture and feel kind of threw me off. Secondly, Mac lipsticks have a distinct scent, they all smell like vanilla, and have no particular taste.....so......tell me why my lips smelled like bengay? From that moment, I knew I purchased a fake. Poo. I got the box to see what was different, because EVERYTHING was on POINT. Here, let's take a look...

The boxes look identical! Nothing different here....but wait a second...

Do you know which one is fake? If you said the one on the right...you're wrong. The one on the right is the original and true. MAC lipsticks do not come with a sticker label describing the color name. They all are labeled directly onto the lid.

I know you cant read this, and this was hard to spot as well, but below the lipstick on the sticker label, includes the product color name, and a letter followed by some numbers. The fake sticker, was slightly lighter and more metallic. The fake had the code ABO, while the real one had the code A22

So there you have it! I honestly wouldn't suggest purchasing anything MAC on Ebay because first off, you never know, second, sometimes they charge even more outrageous prices for items that are either sold out or discontinued, and third you may be paying outrageous prices for a FAKE! Your best bet is to get it from a MAC retailer while you can, if it's sold out or discontinued, welp, you could try ebay, :-) either way, tough luck.  :-)

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Urban Decay All Nighter

The All Nighter Spray is describe as follows:

In an exclusive partnership with SKINDINÄVIA, we developed this groundbreaking, hypoallergenic setting spray that keeps your makeup on for 16 unbelievable hours. Legendary enough that it’s already inspired imitations, All Nighter boasts a patent pending Temperature Control Technology that makes this weightless mist so powerful and sets it far above the competition. Your makeup won’t melt when it's warm and humid or become dehydrated when it’s cold and windy. Yes, it actually lowers the temperature of your makeup to hold foundation, eyeshadow, blush and concealer in place. The sprayer, unlike others on the market, delivers a micro-fine mist that distributes product evenly over the skin.

To use: Simply apply your makeup as usual, then mist All Nighter on in an “X” and “T” formation (making sure to shake the bottle before each use). The mist really is so fine, you’ll hardly feel it!

I had fallen onto this product by way of a sample. I mean it's free so you're gonna at least try it right? I though t nothing of this thing when I would spray it on. I would go to my muy thai class sweat a bunch and come home, take a shower, etc.....still thinking nothing of the spray. When I finally ran out of my sample, and went for a bathroom break during muy thai, alllllll my makeup was below my eyebrows, and under my eyes! OMG! where the heck is my all nighter spray?!?! So yeah, I bought a full size the next day. I live in hotlanta, and it gets a really humid hot down hear.That factored in with the fact that I can really rack up a sweat in this heat calls for the excuse to by this stuff. It really holds everything in and keeps it looking freshly applied, also all the colors seem to blend, and your foundation just melts into your skin. Kind of like a MAC Fix plus, with some extra. So when you're going to be doing some heavy duty things, and you're going to be in heavy duty places...guaranteed mr.allnighter has your back.

 

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Smith's Rosebud Salve = Lifesaver

 

Who needs Vaseline when you've got Smith's Rosebud Salve? I'm just kidding, I love my Vaseline, but I love my salve eeeeeven bettter.

Smith's Rosebud Salve is described as follows:

This cult-favorite, multipurpose lip balm has been popular for over 100 years. An Old Family Standby Since 1895, this world-famous salve has been re-discovered by Hollywood stars and makeup artists. Rosebud Salve is still a favorite to aid in the relief of chapped and dry skin, blemishes, diaper rash, and detergent burns. Rosebud Salve is also a wonderful lip moisturizer and natural looking lip gloss. It moisturizes dry lips, calms and heals irritation, and soothes the sting of minor burns. Try dabbing on dry elbows or knees to condition, and relieve dryness. Also an excellent remedy for the treatment of diaper rash. The original flagship product, Smith's Rosebud Salve remains our top seller. A glossy, non-sticky, non-waxy, texture makes this balm stand out. Only a dab is necessary, ensuring that one tin lasts a very long time! Mix with lipstick for extra shine. During allergy and cold season, dab on a dry, irritated nose to relieve discomfort.

Now Smith's does have a line of balms/salves, but this one actually contains the pure rose extract. Wanna know what the benefits of roses are? Rose oils, and Rose water are great for the skin. Rose hips contain vitamins A, B3, C, D and E, and they also contain flavonoids, and other beneficial properties.It's also used in aromatherapy, as it is known as an anti-depressant. The essence of rose helps to heal ailments and dry or patchy skin.

I put this on in the morning and at night after I have exfoliated my lips. At night, I also use this as an eye cream. You wanna know a good trick to prevent wrinkles? Moisture! You don't need all those expensive eye creams to make your wrinkles go away. Although this product will not take your wrinkles away, it sure as heck does a great job of preventing them. If you dont have this, of course you can try my other favorite....VASELINE! It's all about prevention, plus, it conditions your lashes as well. Hope this was informative! Ciao!

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E.L.F Primer vs. Smashbox???

E.L.F Face primer and Smashbox Photo Finish Primer are actually quite the same, but E.L.F primer is less than half of the price of Smashbox. They both contain goodies for the skin. Smashbox contains green tea, vitamins a&e, along with grape seed extract. While E.L.F's site doesn't describe the exact ingredients, it does provide the fact that it is a mineral primer. On the bottom pictures you see the elf primer freshly pumped from the bottle and the last picture it the primer smoothed over my hand. They both do a great job at smoothing the skin, control oil, (neither of them are greasy), shrinking pores, and providing a smooth makeup application. They both also have the same exact consistency, with that smooth velvety silicone feel. There are many products out there that are "high end" and can't perform and there are many products that are "low end" and can out perform higher end products. In this case, I see that no one is better than the other. If you've got the cash to shell out $36 for smashbox, hey why not right? But if you want something cheaper that does the EXACT same thing, without sacrificing performance, why not give E.L.F a try?

Elf Primer just pumped

Elf primer smoothed out

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Arabic EOTD

This is an Arabic inspired look that I created. I love how Arab makeup is so dramatic with a lot of contrasting colors, sharp edges and precise lines.

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Illamasqua Intense Lip Gloss

This product is described  as follows:

Come out of the shadows with high-shine, colour-rich Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in a wide range of bold colors. Create lips that look full and glossy, without feeling sticky with this "liquid lipstick". Draw attention to your lips, and to you.

I was really looking for a nice true violet purple to pair with my seasoned plum lipstick by MAC. Lo and behold, and Found it! Its definitely moisturizing, and it's not sticky. The color is very pigmented, and you don't need much to achieve a statement look. It can definitely be worn alone or over lipstick.

Illamasqua Intense Gloss in Fierce

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Smokey EOTD

Just a little smokey eye look eye came up with today. I hope you like! P.S. I know my lash was lifting in the inner eye corner, by the time I was done snapping the pic and had realized it,it kinda became an "ehhh, screw it" moment. Ha

Products Used:
Urban Decay Primer potion in sin
Maybelline Color Tattoo in Asphault
Lorac Bejeweled Palette (Night)
Smashbox Black Liner
Ardell Lashes

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MAC Casual Lip and Cheek Color in Evening Stroll

Is described as follows on MAC's website: Versatile, lightweight all-in-one color for cheeks and lips. Creamy, super-blendable, barely there formula. Contains Vitamin E to help keep skin and lips nourished. Limited Edition.

I had read a review about this lip and cheek color on tempalia, looked at the swatches etc. Mind you, I fell in love with this color at first sight because I just looooooove purple. I began to wonder though, as I do have oily skin, how a dual lip and cheek color would test up to my skin. That alone made me say, mehhhh, i'll pass. Then came all these photos from instagram of all the make up gurus who were purchasing this item, I mean literally I felt like somehow, subliminally they were teasing me. I seriously need to unfollow the makeup gurus before I go broke. So I walk up the the sales rep at MAC and ask if it works good on oily skin. Being that this is new she of course didn't really have the answer to my question...which meant there was only one thing left to do. Buy it and try it for myself. I'm glad I did! I haven't used this as a lip color yet, I have only used it as a blush. When blended well it will does give your cheeks a really nice glow. I wouldn't say it gives a dewy look, more satiny to me. But point blank, I didn't look like a grease ball with it on! Yayyyy! It wore on me for a full 4 hours before it started to fade. If you want it to last longer you can pair it with some powder blush on top. It did feel really moisturizing on my cheeks though, that has to be the vitamin e, :-). Also a tip, you can buy two separate colors of these items and mix them to create something new. I had mixed this with Out for Fun, and it looked GORGEOUS! Just a tip. K guys, till next time!

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DIY Avocado Mask for Dry Brittle Hair

Mix one avocado, one tablespoon honey, and two tablespoons olive oil. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then rinse and shampoo. For a variation, blend the avocado with one tablespoon each of lemon juice and aloe gel, and one teaspoon sea salt. The avocado contains vitamin e which acts as an antioxidant, and plays a key role in healthy skin and hair. The olive oil gives for more shine and less frizz, less dandruff, and extra softness.  Honey is a humectant which means it retains water, therefore adding and retaining moisture in the hair, and smoothing the cuticle for a shiny, more healthy look.

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Mizani Thermasmooth System

These products are described as follows:
ThermaSmooth is Mizani’s salon-exclusive, synergistic thermal smoothing system designed to repair, protect and smooth the hair from the very first step. With Mizani’s exclusive C3 Smoothing Complex of Coconut Oil, Ceramides and Cationic Polymers, Thermasmooth provides weightless protection for long-lasting, frizz-free, smooth style - ideal for use on natural, excessively curly hair to hair that is relaxed and or color treated.

I have been natural since 2008, and this system has SAVED MY LIFE! I'm not kidding. This system is designed to give a smooth silky shiny finish to your hair. It's also designed to smooth out your natural hair with time after repeated use. Right now my hair only curls at the roots because I've been using this system for so long. Now I do have fine hair, and while I must admit this product is a little more suited for people with normal to thick hair, you fine haired beauties can still give it a go, it really is all about preference.  I say this because after 2-3 days of washing your hair, it may begin to weigh you hair down and give it a greasy look and feel, this doesn't bother me, as I just wash my hair as soon as I start to see this happen. Just a hint of advice if you do have fine hair.


Thermasmooth Shampoo: This shampoo thoroughly cleanses the hair, and prepares it for the smoothing process. It deposits pure coconut oil to every strand of hair, to help moisturize and detangle.

 Therasmooth Conditioner:  This conditioner softens and smooths the hair prior to styling. it helps preserve the elasticity in your hair and begins the process for thermal protection.

Thermasooth Smooth Guard Smoothing Serum: This lightweight serum buffers against heat styling damage and provides extra glide for manageability.

Thermasmooth Shine Extend Anti-Humidity Spritz: This spritz really completes your look and overall style. I can tell a difference in the look and feel of my hair when I use the spritz. My hair feels more bouncy, shiny, and smooth, and I get more compliments ;-) . My fingers just glide effortlessly through my hair when I use this, so this is vital for me in my hair hair regimen. You can get away with split ends when you use this in the system before flat ironing, no lie.


So there you have it! A breakdown of each product and what they do, and also a little bit of my take on the system as well. The product speaks for itself, and I will use it until I know longer feel the need to. If it aint broke, don't fix it...right....?

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Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Toundra

 

This lip color is described as follows:

Combining the convenience of a pencil with the application of a lipstick in a jumbo-sized crayon design, these pigment-rich sticks provide a matte, creamy finish that will not dry the lips. Enriched with emollients, vitamin E, and silicone, each gorgeous shade glides on and stays put.

My take on it: I just bought this because it was on sale, lol. Not because I was in love with the color, or because I was looking for it, etc. This pencil is not half bad though. Nars velvet matte lip pencils retail for $24, and from what I hear they like to do specials on new products or colors such as these from time to time. Since it is a matte pencil, you may want to prep your lips with some lip balm at first, my preferred balm is Smith's Rosebud Salve ( I can't live without it ). I wouldn't slather it on, but put on just enough to make your lips feel moisturized. Oh, and how can I forget! Don't forget to exfoliate! Always, always, always exfoliate your lips before using any type of matte lip products that may accentuate any dry lips you may have. It also helps to achieve a smoother lip application. Its a very nice matte burgundy brown. In the pic below I've paired it with Iman's lip pencil in espresso. The color last a good 3-4 hours on me even after eating and drinking. The color does a really nice job of staying put and it sets very fast on the lips. Try blotting right after applying and you will see nothing come off on the tissue, I swear. Since its summer time and I've opted for the more brighter colors this season, this is my go to color for those rainy dark days...don't ask why, but when it rains I just want to wear this lip color for some reason. Is it a go? I would definitely say yes it is! It's on sale, hellooooo????

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Nars Aigle Noir Soft Touch Shadow Pencil Review

When I first saw this pencil in a mini size at Sephora, I figured I had to have it. At first swatch, I was in love, it was nice and soft, and featured nice gold flecks amidst a what seemed to be a semi satin dewy finished black. Plus it was a mini size that I could try out for only 10 bucks, where could I go wrong? I am getting a deal because the full sized pencil retails for $24. Off to the counter I go along with the Sephora brand Prisma Chrome shadow to purchase my brand new shadow pencil. I decided I wanted to do a nice gold and black look with the prisma shadow and this pencil. Within 2 seconds, I kid you not of putting this shadow on my lid...it creased. No biggy, I usually layer my cream shadows anyway, even though I was a little let down for such a high quality brand. When I went to layer some black shadow to smoke out the color, it looked so patchy and uneven. It took me FOREVER to try and fix my shadow. I had to go to work and it wasn't blending right. I finally got it to work though, I basically blended my brush hairs to the ferrule to get everything to come together. But who has time for that? Fail Nars...Fail... I do love their blushes and highlighters though. :-)

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Sigma Dry n' Shape Review

The sigma dry'n shape is described as follows on their website:

The Dry'n Shape was specially designed to completely dry and shape your most dense brushes within 4 to 6 hours, guaranteed. The Dry’n Shape provides the necessary pressure to bristles to re-shape them while quickly and efficiently removing water from every bristle. It is an easy, quick, and effective way to quickly dry and shape your makeup brushes. Follow these three easy steps for best results: STEP 1: Wash your brushes using a mild shampoo or brush cleanser. STEP 2: Gently press the bristles to remove any excess water. Place the clean, damp brushes into the Dry’n Shape using the smallest band the brush will fit into. Make sure that all bristles are firmly compressed. STEP 3: Wait 4 to 6 hours and your brushes will be completely dry and ready to use! In addition to being completely dry, the bristles will be reshaped to their original form. The photo up top is my actual photo of my dry'n shape, the photos below are the actual site photos and are of the newer dry'n shape. I guess they decided the add some more spice to the look after finally getting more in stock. Basically, this product does exactly what it says! I would definitely recommend this for personal use of your sigma sigmax brushes, or anything synthetic for that matter, as they take a full day or two to dry. It mostly fits big face brushes, travel sized brushes and kabuki's. I think some eye shadow brushes would be too small for some of the compartments, but its a teeney, weeney eyeshadow brush, it barely needs 30 minutes to dry, Ha. If you are a makeup artist, this may work well in your favor, but most makeup artists have stacks of brushes in their collection, so while one set is drying, they've already got a fresh clean set to use on hand. If that's not the case, you can always buy two or three of them, right??? It's all about preference and choice. I wouldn't say this is a necessity, but it's definitely a nice product to have on hand when you don't have those back up brushes to use while the others are drying.

Disclaimer: I am not an affiliate of Sigma Beauty. All products reviewed on this page were purchased with my own personal money,and my review is my honest opinion.

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EOTD Using Coastal Scents 88 Matte Palette

Today's EOTD features the neutrals in the 88 original coastal scents palette. I mixed two of the peachy nudes in the right section for the lid, and the medium brown in the right section for my crease.

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LOTD MAC Viva Glam Nicki

And so today's lip of the day goes to..... you got it! Viva Glam Nicki! I'm loving the fun bright colors right now for summer, and this fits right in. I'm sporting it with NYX's Prune lip liner.

• Tip: To make brighter lip colors pop, make sure to apply a light coat of foundation, or concealer to your lips to neutralize your natural lip tone underneath. Let it set for a good 1-2 minutes, then line and apply your favorite lip color for a more true to you hue.

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Mac's Seasoned Plum on NC-44/45 Skin

With Illamasqua Intense Gloss in Fierce

Without Gloss

This is Mac's Seasoned Plum Pro Longwear Lip color paired with NYX's Prune Lip liner, and Illamasqua's Intense gloss in Fierce on top.The bottom is the same, just without gloss It's a very unique color in photo's with a flash. It shows a very blue toned purple that's pretty and vibrant. I'm really loving purples and oranges right now, somebody stop mehhh!

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