How It's done!

As August approaches we know that there are many preparations being made for Fashion Week where designers are getting ready to showcase the trends for the upcoming season. In addition to getting their apparel ready they have to determine how they want to showcase their clothing to the world and everything is taken into consideration even makeup. The designer can choose to be bold and utilize over the top makeup or an understated theme. The makeup however is not to outshine the clothing, it is used as a complimentary accessory to complete the whole look. That being said a makeup chart is designed with the approved makeup looks that will be used for that show where each artist who is supervised by the key artist for the show follows.

Christian Dior Runway Face Chart

This chart shows the makeup design that is to be followed from the bright angled blue shadow to the well defined lips.

After the break find out how to design your own makeup !

Tweet

Simplify Your Makeup Routine!

I am sure where ever you are located it's blazing hot and we all have our weekend errands to run. We want a no fuss approach especially if we are just heading out to the grocery store. Here is a helpful video that will take the fuss out of getting ready, keeping it Simple.





Tweet

Is there a Right or Wrong way?

To Apply Powder!

I was recently asked a question about the best way to apply powder. Honestly there is no right or wrong way, I guess it all depends on your needs and how much coverage you feel you need. 
If you have applied your foundation and you want the makeup to look a bit dewy and not too powdery. The best bet is to use a powder brush and lightly dust the powder over the face, to prevent he face from looking powdery.
If however you have oily skin, I would recommend using a powder puff or makeup sponge and lightly press the powder into the skin, thus sealing in your foundation.


I hope these tips help, stay tuned for more... Tweet

Post It!

Please post on my blog any videos you would like to be done. If you have ideas or questions hit me up and I will be sure to answer.


THANKS FOR YOUR FEEDBACK AND SUPPORT! Tweet

The Case of the vanishing lipstick!

I don't know if you are like me but I have gone through phases where I had issues of keeping my lipstick on my lips. I would tell myself "don't lick them" don't bite" but to no avail I would  forget and then my lipstick would be gone. I have found  some of these helpful tips to solve the case of the disappearing lipstick.


Keep reading..

Tweet

Bigger Breasts without Surgery!

Creating the illusion of bigger breasts is not difficult if you know how and what to do. Here are the tricks that are used by artists on their clients to give them the appearance of larger breasts.


Tip 1


First things first, get your bra on, a push up bra is best, it helps with the illusion. Tuck some toilet tissue around the edges of your bra. This will protect your clothing.


Tip 2


Apply a darker color (bronzer or powder) down the middle of your chest in between your breast, blend the color upward and outward creating V shape following the  curvature of your breast.


More tips after the break

Tweet

The Many Uses of Makeup!

Eye shadow has so many uses, one small shadow can be used as your blush (depending on the color). It can double as an eye liner, you only have get your liner brush damp, dip then apply.It can also be used as a brow powder (matte is best). Also you can use it to color your lips. Extremely versatile.

Another great way to be versatile is to use your blush to give your lips some color. There are now many products on the market that are marketed to be used on lips, eyes and cheeks. However if you need a little dab of color just dot some on your lips and you can add a bit of gloss if you so desire.


 Learn more about how you can use your makeup after the break



Tweet

Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes on Billy Ocean's Music video "Question is"





Tweet

Removing Makeup The natural way!

I have been going through a phase of taking a more natural approach to my skin care to see if it would make a difference in the overall health of my skin. Since I have been trying the OCM (Oil Cleansing Method) I decide to explore the natural options for makeup removal. Let's explore together these approaches to see which one would work best for you.

Yogurt, believe it or not makes a great makeup remover, by spreading plain yogurt on the face it helps to lift the makeup off the skin. Some people prefer to use yogurt as a cleanser because even though some products claim to be natural or organic, sometimes they are not. Have some yogurt today, on the face!

Yes, banana is great for your skin! All you have to do is mash a ripened banana it into a paste and this can be used to remove makeup and dirt from the skin. To improve the consistency of the paste you can add a drop of milk to adjust the texture. Try using it as a mask as well, leaving it on for about 8 to 10 minutes then remove with a  warm wash cloth. Mashed bananas not only remove the makeup but it helps to soften the skin, the milk is a big plus as well.


Find out more after the break.

Tweet

My work with Billy Ocean!

Behind the Scenes of the video ... coming soon. Tweet

Using your Bright Colors!

Tweet

What makeup should I wear to My...

JOB INTERVIEW!

First impressions are lasting and sometimes we rarely get a chance to make a second impression. So we have to ensure that the first meeting is the best especially when it comes to our attire. Jacket , check, skirt check, what about makeup, what look works best? Here are some suggestions to ensure that our makeup looks just as professional like our resumes.


For Eyes!

Avoid applying heavy eye makeup, keep the makeup in the neutral tones of plums, greys and browns. Matte shadows are a best bet as you don't want to look too shimmery. On that day go easy on your eyeliner and mascara.


More suggestions after the break.



Tweet

An instant Face Lift!

If you desire to achieve a lift in your face, look no further as it does not require a scalpel. All you need is a pair of tweezers, small scissors and your favorite brow kit. Having well groomed brows changes the whole dimension of your face as it is the frame of your canvas. Take a look !

Anastasia Brow Kit

Do you see the difference in the after. In the before picture we see a droopy, more closed down eye and in the after picture the eyes are bright, the face looks fresher.
These are the wonders of a well groomed brow.


After the break find out how to get your face lift using eyebrow stencils.



Tweet

The Duel !!

Check out the release "The Duel", congrats to those involved. 

 The Trailer after the break..    ( makeup - Sharada Baker)
amazon.com



Tweet

Get out of that Makeup Rut!

We have all been there stuck in our day in and day out mundane routine without realising we have hit a makeup rut. Wearing the same kind of makeup look everyday, I know this has happened to me and it is only when I decide to shake things up. Here are some things I do to get out of that rut.


Tip 1.

Check out your favorite fashion magazine they will keep you informed of the trends for the season and what you can incorporate from your kit to revitalize your look. 


more tips after the break..

Tweet

The different Faces of a Nude lip!

There are many ways you can wear a nude lip, these are just some of them just to give you some ideas. You can either use a nude lip pencil close to your lip color , fill in then add some gloss for a glossy nude look or a lipstick with a warm peachy tone for a matte effect. It all depends on the look you are going for at the moment. If you are out of lip pencils or lipsticks another way is to apply your foundation on your lip, set it with powder and then use a gloss over it or just leave it bare!


more on nude lips after the break!



Tweet

Supermodel Beauty Tips.

They are beautiful and are like chameleon's  who are able to be transformed at a drop of a hat. Yes, Supermodels, they face are faced with the wear and tear of the industry of wearing tons of makeup on any given day. Let's take a peek inside some of their beauty tips so we can work on our inner supermodel!

Supermodel Adrian Lima

According to Victoria secret Supermodel Adrian Lima when she gets a pimple (hard to believe- but yes!) she quickly dabs a bit of tea tree oil to fight the bacteria and reduce the swelling. I have used tea tree oil for a variety of things and it has great antiseptic properties. It has great anti bacterial and anti inflammatory properties. So if you happen to wake up to a surprise in the morning just zap those pimples with a little tea tree oil and I am sure you will be well on  your way to eliminating your pimple.

Tyra Banks 

For Supermodel turned Mogul Tyra Banks, she says that she likes to bring attention to her eye by wearing white eyeliner . This technique will make your eyes pop and give your eyes a fresher look. However if you are a bit hesitant to try a white line you can select a liner that is close to the color of your water line and that will work as well!

Find out about Heidi Klum's personal Tips after the break..

Tweet

Customizing Your Lashes!

We all know that there is no one size fits all for lashes and over the years I have played around with various lashes and investigated different methods as to how to get lashes looking natural. I tend to use individuals as they are my preference. For individuals you can get the lashes in 2 different lengths, whether short and medium or medium or large and start to play around with the placement for a variety of effects. Because I have small set eyes even the short clusters are too long for me so what I do is cut them and then place the shortest ones to the corners while gradually building up with length. Another way is to add lashes to your strip lashes for a whole new signature look!


Find out how to customize your lashes after the break..



Tweet

Oil Cleansing Method Update!

Getty Images

It has been a little over a month now on the Oil Cleansing Method (OCM) and I am happy to say that I am seeing great results. I have been going through breakouts  and have been trying various regimens to see which would improve my condition. I had first started by doing cleansing with castor oil 75% and Grapeseed oil 25% ratio. I then moisturized with Grapeseed oil. It was working as the Castor oil works as a cleanser and penetrates the pores while the Grapeseed oil nourishes the skin.After a time I noticed that my skin was clearing up but was a little dry.


I then decided to make an adjustment as I realised I needed to use a more moisturizing oil in the mix so i added Olive oil. The Grapeseed oil though great , gets absorbed into the skin quickly and so it leaves the skin without enough moisture.


Find out the adjusted regimen and a video after the break

Tweet

Skin Care For MEN!

Skin care regimens are not only for women, men have skin too!. Here are some helpful tips for men to incorporate in their daily routine.


Tip #1 - Clean Your Face 


 I know it sounds basic but it is one that men tend to forget. Taking the time to wash your face twice a day will keep your skin clean clear and vibrant.


Tip#2 - Determine your Skin Type


Just like women , men have a skin type as well and to select the best regimen knowing ones skin type is of utmost importance. You can have normal , dry, oily or combination skin. If you use the wrong product it can actually make your skin look worse.


More tips after the break !



Tweet

Being Fab through Every Stage!

Pregnancy is a time when the most wonderful miracle is taking place, the growth of your baby. Even though it is a special time, it can be some of the most challenging times for women due to hormonal changes. It takes more effort to get ready  if we have places to go. Many of us skip the makeup routine because we just feel blah.


To get over this rut takes effort and I know quite well having been pregnant twice how challenging it can be to get that pregnancy glow even when I wasn't feeling glowing.


Find out how to keep yourself looking glowing after the break..



Tweet

Makeup in a hurry!

At some time or another we have either woken up late or ran out of time and usually the thing that we do last is applying our makeup. We get stuck applying our mascara like professionals while stuck in traffic. It is truly a phenomenon to see a woman at the wheel while expertly doing her makeup.


After the break find out some helpful tips..



Tweet

Getting that Glow!

Makeup Made Easy!

Tweet

Being Gorgeous at the Gym!

The gym is a place to get the body conditioned and along with that comes tons of sweat. Does it mean that we have to forgo looking beautiful. According to Michele Gasiorowski, a Connecticut dermatologist, there's absolutely nothing wrong with making up your mug before a workout.


I would suggest going light on the foundation,if any at all . Add a blush for some color and light gloss and you are good to go. You never know who you might meet at the gym! If you decide to forgo makeup, ensure that your brows are intact as a well defined brow is like the perfect face lift.

Cast your votes if you wear makeup at the gym or not!

cosmopolitan magazine

Tweet

Bronze Goddess

I have always been a fan of Iman's cosmetics, as you know I love their Sunlit copper blush and I have always had great results from Iman's pressed powders. They are excellent and give a beautiful finish. Their powders work wonderfully for darker skin tones, they range from light to Earth.

Find out how to look like a Bronze Goddess after the break

Tweet

No More Stains!

Don't we just get annoyed when our makeup accidentally catches our clothing, especially if we are wearing white. This happens on the days we want to be perfect such as a wedding or prom night. I came across an interesting face protector hood , that is used to protect the makeup from staining clothing. 

Find out more about this face protector after the break...

Tweet

Barely there Makeup !

We all have those days when we just want a very low maintenance look, that "barely there" makeup look. Looking fresh without looking made up. 


Check out a helpful video after the break..



Tweet

Makeup Inspiration !

Here are few makeup ideas I put together that I hope will inspire you in how to wear your eye shadow, whether you choose a bold or understated approach is all in your hands!

Here are just some eyeshadow looks you could try if with your blue dress. For the bold lip remember to keep the eye makeup light as the lip should be the emphasis. I selected plums which is not too much of a contrast with the blue dress but will be sure to make your eyes stand out. For the greenish blue look which has a touch of silver shimmer, gives the eye a sultry look, great for a night out. The colors have the right hint of blue mixed in with the green to give it dimension. I also added a smokey eye, which is a look that is very classic and versatile.


See my other ideas after the break..

Tweet

Full Lips!

Find out how to bring out the best with your full lips, watch Eve Pearl, Emmy Award winning Makeup artist demonstate this helpful tip!



Tweet

Things I Love at the moment!

These products have proven themselves to be extremely durable, how can you beat Ben Nye's blush wheel where you get 6 cream blushes for the price of one $16. They are of excellent quality and high pigmentation. For La Femme Blush powder which I use for a natural glow for around $4.95 it is a great deal if you can overlook the packaging. Sometimes great things come in unexpected things. This blush is very diverse and can be used on a wide cross section of skin tones.

Yaby's cream shadows albeit, very pricey $155.00, this product I would recommend for a makeup artist kit, is excellent waterproof makeup that gives outstanding results.

Tweet

Makeup Finds!

I can't wait to try out these two new products which got great reviews and guess what!!! they are not pricey. Check it!

Studio Gear Cake Eyeliner $14

This cake liner got rave reviews from members of beautylish.com as being very intense and having great staying power, rivaling the other well established fluidline brands.

To see the reviews of this product...

Tweet

A Peek in=to Fall

Even though we are into the heights of Summer it doesn't for us to get a bit prepared for Fall trends. Check out the looks for fall from Chloe' and Donna Karan for 2011.

We see the continuation of the flawless finish foundation (Donna Karan 2011) and the chocolate smokey eyes from Chloe'. The softness of the smokey eyes is enhanced with a dark black or deep brown liner which is smoked out with browns. Get your warm earth tones ready as browns will be ruling this fall along with a flawless fresh face. Tweet

Eyeliner Video!

Tweet

Lip Liner Tip!

Selecting a lip liner for every shade of lipstick you have can be very daunting. Your best best is to select a lip liner closest to your natural lip color which will work with any lip color you have in your stash. 
The purpose of your lip liner is to give your lipstick longer wear...



Tweet

Best Drugstore Eyeshadow

Loreal HIP Eyeshadow Duo

These eyeshadows are surprisingly highly pigmented for a drugstore brand. Let me know if you have some stashed away and if it is as true as they say!



Tweet

Makeup Trends for Summer

Bright Orange or Red Lips!

Summer brings forth luscious orange and red lips. If you are wearing these bold colors on the lips ensure your eye makeup is light as lips will be the focal point.



Tweet

Makeup your LBD!

Alexander Wang

We all have a LBD (Little Black Dress) and if you don't you need to get one. It's that dress that  can save the day when you can't figure out what to wear. You can use your makeup as the best accessory to create whatever effect you desire. Here is a look at some of the sultry looks that can spice up your LBD...

Tweet

Makeup Matching Rule # 1

It's a NO NO to match makeup to your outfit.

Selena Gomez

I know this is a bit much, I am sure this was for a costume event , but I know you get the point with this image. So if your lipstick, lashes and eyeshadow all match your outfit make sure it's for a costume party or Halloween. Eyeshadow is to be matched with your eyes and not your clothing.

Tweet

Eyeshadow for Brown Eyes!

Brown eyes can get away with almost any eyeshadow color from plums to greens. Be wary of certain colors that can look muddy against your skin. I have found that if the pigment in the eyeshadow is not string enough it comes out muddy.

For a peek at colors that work for brown eyes..

Tweet

Stage Makeup Bronzer Application!

Check out this helpful video from Expert Village on how to apply bronzer for Stage Makeup.



Tweet

Best Drugstore Makeup Brands !

We all know that even though there are great brand name cosmetics we still have some really good makeup that are not as pricey that can do the job just as well. Today we will be looking at the best drug store eye liners.

Cover Girl Perfect Point Eye Pencil Charcoal $5

Another great brand that I personally recommend is Maybelline Liquid Liner.



Maybelline Ultra Liner Black $7

Stay tuned for more ...

Tweet

Touch Ups!

We all have our mini cosmetics bags that we carry around to ensure that we can be able to touch up our faces. Whether it is to reapply that gorgeous lip or blot to ensure we remain looking cool during the sweltering weather. Let's take a look at the essentials we should have to be ready for anything..

Tweet

Facial Mask Tip!

The weekend is here and I know some of us might have parties or some other summer events to attend. I just wanted to share a personal tip. Whenever I am going out I tend to prep by putting on a face mask. It helps to tighten the pores and brighten up the skin so that when the makeup is applied my face looks really fresh...

Tweet

Oil Cleansing Method

I know I have been posting frequently about skincare and I just wanted to share my personal routine that I am currently trying now.it is is called OCM (Oil Cleansing Method). Please note this works for some people.
So far I have been doing OCM for 2 weeks and have seen improvement in my skin, it is much clearer and I have been having less breakouts. I am still watching and observing to see if I am having any reactions to the oils to know if I need to make adjustments.
I have been using 75% Castor oil with 25% Grape seed oil to cleanse. For moisturizer I use grape seed oil along with my sunscreen.
I'll keep you updated with my progress as the weeks go by.

To find out more about OCM see the link below.

http://www.acne.org/messageboard/OIL-CLEANSING-METHOD-Hi-t141871.html Tweet

Indian Kajal Eyeliner

I am all for experimenting with products, and today I just got my package from India my Kajal Eyeliner. Yes I could have bought it from Amazon , but as I researched further I realised I could get 2 for the price of 1. Even though the wait was a bit long (15 days). I was counting down as I am looking forward to trying these liners which have gotten rave reviews as being long wearing and intensely black. Look out for my eye liner videos showing how to line the upper, lower and the inner eye!

To see pics of the Lakme Kajal Liners..


Tweet

Moisturizing Oily Skin

Some may believe that if a person has oily skin there is no need for moisturizer as the skin has enough oil and by adding more moisture it will only clog pores. That perception is indeed false as the skin still requires moisture. It is important to remove the excess oil daily without irritating the skin and then putting back the moisture on your skin with a good moisturizer..

Tweet

Beauty Shot!



This is just another picture from my portfolio. Enjoy!

Tweet

Evening out Your skin tone.

Some of us go through seasons where we feel like our skin has a mind of its own and no matter what we do we still are faced with blemishes,redness and unevenness which challenges our makeup routine. Here are some tips to weather these trying times.

Exfoliate

Removing the dead cells daily or weekly will remove the dullness that is caused with cell build up. Without proper exfoliation your foundation smooth over your skin easily or your moisturizer will not be easily absorbed into your skin. Exfoliate with face scrubs, beta alpha hydroxy pads, chemical peels (check with skincare specialist) or any Vitamin A product.

Tweet

Foundation Quick Tip!

Tweet

Five Stars!!!

As you must have realise by now I am a fan of researching and reading reviews on products. It helps a great deal when trying to test out a product. From my research I discovered that the CoverGirl Queen Collection got great reviews for women of color.

CoverGirl Queen Collection Natural Hue Bronzer

CoverGirl bronzer shades range from Rich Sand to True Ebony and has gotten good reviews. We know that the formulation has to work with darker skin tones as some bronzers tend to make the skin ashy. Check it out and let me know if it works. Remember to select a color that is a shade or two darker than your skin tone Tweet

Quick Peek!

Check out Beauty Insiders quick overview of bronzer application!

Tweet

Finding the right Bronzer!

Finding the right bronzer can be challenging if we don't know what to look for when making our selection. Here are some tips you can follow when you go to the cosmetics counter.


Tip 1
 Select a bronzer that is one or 2 shades darker than your skin tone .
Try to avoid bronzers with shimmers as the sparkles can come across as being a bit fake and can make you appear older if they clump . If you decide to go with a bronzer with shimmer make sure it has a slight sparkle.

Currently I am using Rimmel Natural Bronzer which has no shimmer and does a great job. You can find a wide cross section of bronzers from MAC to NARS.

For more tips..



Tweet