Inexpensive Makeup Place Mat

 Makeup Tools, Makeup Work Station, Work Setup, Work Station  No Responses »
Apr 202014
 

Everyone has their own way of setting up their workstation. I prefer to have my tools on top of some type of barrier instead of just on the table or counter. Lots of makeup artists use towels or paper towels/tissue. Well I happened to try something a little different and it’s worked out really well. :-) While walking down the Kroger Grocery Store aisle, this item caught my eye.Dish Drying Mat

It was only around $5.  I’ve been toying around the idea of purchasing a makeup place mat ever since going to NYFW.  I remember seeing a nice one at the Alcone store but I didn’t get it.  I’ve regretted it ever since.  It came in different colors and textures.  I don’t remember how much it was, but I think it was somewhere around $40…which is why I didn’t buy it.

dishmat on makeup table When I got home and opened it, I was pleasantly surprised at the size as well as how sturdy it is.  I’ve used it about 5 times now and I really like it.  It looks sooooo much better than using a random hand towel and definitely better than paper towels and tissues.  I love that it stays in place and it feels soft but strong.Workstation at Qwashae BoutiqueAbove is my workstation setup for a photoshoot a couple days ago at Qwashae Boutique.  Closeup of Workstation at Qwashae BoutiqueHere it is a bit closer.  Sorry it’s blurry. I was in a hurry trying to quickly snap a couple of shots before my clients came in.  The above picture is actually just a cropped version of the previous picture.  I didn’t think to take a close up at the time, but I wanted to show you that this dish mat is a nice size.

A quick selfie right before starting to do makeup. ;-)

Selfie in front of Qwashae Workstation

My 1st NYFW Experience Part 2

 Beauty Blender, Celebrity Makeup Artist, Ernest Alexander, Event Coverage, Evolution Man, Glam Squad, Lip conditioner, Models, Moisturizer, Monae Everett, NYC, NYFW, Series  No Responses »
Mar 082014
 

The 2nd Show I worked on was for designer Ernest Alexander. He’s based in NYC and proudly manufactures 100% of  his line in the USA, with most pieces being made in the Garment District.  When I walked into the studio, he was actually one of the 1st people I met as I walked in the room. That was awesome!  He’s so nice and appreciative of all of the people who worked with him on his show. :-)

2014-02-05 17.16.37How cool is this car with the designer’s name on it? :-) IMG_20140205_232900Check out all of the snow that was shoved to the side. *whew*20140205_171312 I love how they went all out with the fashion.  Even with the cars.  I’m guessing Cadillac was one of the sponsors for the show.

I was blessed to have the opportunity to assist Key Makeup Artist Monae Everett. This was another Men’s Wear Fashion Show.  Here she is in action. Monae was showing us the look for the show.  IMG_20140205_142217 Beauty Blender reps came by to supply us with tools to use on the models.  You’ll notice she’s using a Beauty Blender in the picture.   Evolution Man was a sponsor for the makeup team.  Here are the products we used backstage on the models.

2014-02-05 14.09.57

Here’s my very condensed makeup station

These guys were a lot of fun to work with and had great personalities. I even met one model who moved from Houston not too long ago. Here are two of the models I worked with below. 2014-02-05 15.01.152014-02-05 15.24.31 Here’s more behind the scenes action.  2014-02-05 16.11.242014-02-05 16.53.142014-02-05 16.53.542014-02-05 16.55.422014-02-05 16.55.512014-02-05 16.59.16  Below is an #Usie with two of my fellow glam squad members Shrini, and Danielle.  Check out the model behind us doing a photobomb. LOL! :-D 2014-02-05 15.55.56-1

Stay tuned for more of my experiences during NYFW 2014.  Also if you missed the 1st part click here. :-)

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask Review

 facial mask, masks, samples, skin care, skin prep, Tata Harper, Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask  2 Responses »
Mar 042014
 

I’ve been going through my stash of products and I found this sample.  I’ve actually never heard of Tata Harper so I didn’t know what to expect.20140304_20333120140304_203342I’m not even sure where I got this sample from ( I know that’s so bad). It seems to have some pretty good ingredients though.  I noticed Aloe, Witch Hazel, Pomegranate, and clinical grade essential oil blends. There’s also a note stating some of the ingredients came from organic farming.

Here it is on my face 2014-03-04 21.48.19

I like that it doesn’t leave any thick colored residue like a lot of masks do.

Here’s my face after I rinsed it off.2014-03-04 21.45.44 2014-03-04 21.42.59

I can’t tell a major difference in the appearance, however I can definitely feel that my skin is more smooth. The one thing that stood out as far as appearance was that my nose was a bit red. Not irritated, but red.  I also like that my face feels good. Sometimes, masks can leave your face feeling tight and uncomfortable to where you have to immediately put on moisturizer. This one doesn’t do that.

I’m guessing if I was to use this mask over time, I could really notice a difference in how my face looks. The package states that your skin is supposed to glow afterwards. I can’t really say that happened.

Have you ever heard of Tata Harper? Have you used any of these products?

My 1st NYFW Experience Pt 1.

 AJ Crimson, Alcone, Backstage, BB+D Cream, Bold colors, Bold Lip, Celebrity Makeup Artist, Dark lips, Event Coverage, Fall Trends, Fashion, Fashion Week, lipstick, M.A.C., MAC, MAC Pro, Makeup Artist, Makeup Team, Models, NYC, NYFW, Runway, Series, Sin Lipstick, Winter Trends  1 Response »
Feb 282014
 

WOW! Would be the short and sweet version of my 1st New York Fashion Week experience, however, I’m sure you’d prefer actual details of my trip. LOL! :-)

NYC Selfie at the Park with Snow 1 I had to take selfies with the snow in the background because before this trip, I’d never been in real snow. :-) NYC Selfie in the park with snow 2 By the way, I’m wearing MAC Lipstick in Sin. It’s a Pro color.  It lasted all day! Like, for real. I took it off before I went to sleep that night.  I tried it on at the MAC Pro Soho store and kept it on.

MAC Pro Selfie

I almost got it, but it’s so close to Diva.  I really couldn’t justify buying it. Here are swatches below.  The Beauty Blogger in me couldn’t resist doing a product review while I was in NYC. LOL! :-) MAC Sin Lipstick Label

MAC Sin vs Diva Hand Swatches

Me in front of the MAC Pro Sign I was on my way to work on a photoshoot with UK Designer Blessed Zion. This explains why I’m at the store with my Zuca and my bag. You know, just in case you were wondering.  Ha ha ha! :-P

Now back to talking about New York Fashion Week. I was blessed to be able to work on 4 fashion shows while in NYC. I almost did 5, but due to the snow on Sunday, the promoter felt it would be best to cancel it. So we did a photoshoot instead.

The 1st show I worked on was on 2/4/14. I assisted Celeb Makeup Artist AJ Crimson who was the Key for the Michael Bastian Show. It was a Mens Wear show and I had a great time. AJ Crimson Michael Bastian TeamAbove is a picture of the AJ Crimson Glam Squad for the Michael Bastian Show. Here are a few behind the scenes shots I took. 2014-02-04 13.02.52The hair and makeup team getting prepared for the models to come in.
2014-02-04 13.00.31Above is my makeup station set up. :-) Below is a picture of the models, and designer team getting the guys ready for the runway
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Muji was one of the sponsors for the makeup team.  They provided these amazing masks for skin prep.  I forgot to take a picture of them, but they’re really small; like the size of a nickle.  Once you wet them, they expand and you just peel it a part and place it on the face for a few minutes.  It provides instant hydration to the skin and makes it smooth and ready for makeup.   Below is a picture of AJ showing us how to use the Muji Masks.2014-02-04 13.12.452014-02-04 13.14.342014-02-04 13.14.46After the time is up for the mask, he sprayed Caudalie Beauty Elixir (also one of the sponsors for the Makeup Team). Then he perfected the skin with his AJ Crimson Creme Foundation
2014-02-04 13.18.20 Here are a couple of the looks from the show below.

Behind the scenes at the Michael Bastian NYFW 2014 show

Behind the scenes at the Michael Bastian NYFW 2014 show

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Michael Bastian NYFW Behind the Scenes

Michael Bastian NYFW Behind the Scenes

I have so much to share with you all. It’s hard for me to know when to stop so that I don’t overload you in one post.  I’m still trying to decide just how many parts I’m going to break up this series into.  In the meantime, I’ll stop here for the 1st part.  Make sure to stay tuned to find out more about my 1st experience working at NYFW!!! :-)

Eco Tools Wisp & Flared Lashes Review

 Drugstore Makeup, Eco Tools, Eyes, False Lashes, free, Klout, klout perk, Lashes  No Responses »
Jan 262014
 

EcoTools Lash ContanerI received these lashes as a Klout Perk a few months ago with this Eco Tools Kit. I like the fact that it gives you directions.EcoTools Lash Container backThe packaging is so cute. I love that these lashes look like they’re on a mannequin.

EcoTools Lashes This set comes with “tools” to make it easier to apply your false lashes. There’s a container of lash glue as well as a spoolie/lash tool. EcoTools Lash GlueThe glue isn’t a squeeze tube. It actually has a plastic applicator

EcoTools Lash with Glue It doesn’t show up at first, but for some reason this glues seems to turn an iridescent blue color when applied to the lash strip.  It’s both cool and strange. Ha ha! :-) EcoTools Lashes On Open EyeThese lashes are very natural. On the package it states they’re great for everyday wear.
EcoTools Lash Left side looking downEcoTools lashes 1 eye up One of the downsides of the lashes was that with a flash, they appear very shiny, almost like plastic. Another downside is that the strip is kind of stiff so it makes it harder to bend to fit the lashes on your eye.  Last thing I don’t like is the design.  I get that they want the lashes to wisp at the outer ends, but I don’t like how the lashes are lighter and thinner on the inner corner.  When you put them on, it appears that you only have on half a strip.

Overall, they’re okay. Not dramatic enough for me but they’re better than not doing anything.  I’m guessing these lashes will stand out a lot more with mascara on top.  I didn’t apply any because I wanted to give a true review.  I may reapply them for another look.

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick Review

 AJ Crimson Creme Foundation, Black Opal, Black Opal Foundation Stick, Bold colors, Bold Lip, Cover Girl, Cover Girl Queen Collection, Eyes, Face, False Lashes, Faves, FOTD, Foundation, Lips, lipstick, M.A.C. Brush Cleanser, MAC, MAC Viva Glam, MAC Viva Glam Rihanna, mascara, Red Lips, Red Lipstick, Rihanna, Rihanna Lipstick, Viva Glam  4 Responses »
Jan 262014
 

The newest installment of MAC Viva Glam lipstick and lipglass was released this week. The newest Viva Glam Spokesperson is Rihanna.

2014-01-03 10.18.091390806106815I purchased the lipstick and I love it. It’s a different red than the other MAC lipsticks.  It’s a pretty red frost. Here it is below.Viva Glam Rihanna ContainerThe box has Rihanna’s autograph

Viva Glam Rihanna LabelViva Glam Rihanna Lipstick TubeI Love this red packaging! The texture of the case feels really smooth. Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick Here’s what it looks like on my lipsViva Glam Rihanna lip applicationViva Glam Rihanna on lips close

Wearing VG Rihanna Lipstick 1Viva Glam Rihanna looking downViva Glam Rihanna Head shot tiltedViva Glam Rihanna holding tubeViva Glam Rihanna Head Tilted Yep, I’m very happy with this lipstick! Rihanna and her team did a great job picking this color.  I know a lot of people dislike frost textured products, but this one is really pretty and isn’t overly shimmery. Somehow it has just the right amount of sheen.  I worked at the counter today and sold quite a few of these Rihanna Lipsticks and Lipglasses.  I can honestly say I haven’t seen it look bad on anyone.  It’s a very wearable red.   It also has great staying power.  There’s not an official guaranteed time frame as far as how many hours it will last, but this is my 3rd day wearing it and I don’t have to touch up throughout the day until I eat.  Even when I drink water, the color stays true.

I’ll be buying more of these before they’re gone.  As a heads up it’s only available for a year. Also keep in mind all proceeds of MAC Viva Glam lipsticks and lipglasses go to the MAC AIDS fund.   You’re doing a good deed by purchasing these products so go get you some. :-)

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