At the risk of not sounding like a true Trini, I have a confession to make. I haven’t been home for Carnival in a decade. TEN YEARS! What can I tell you? College, then the workplace, then financial constrictions always seem to conspire against me. I must admit, I feel very left out and more than a little depressed when I visit sites like Trinidad Carnival Diary, which is all about the fun of Trini mas.

Even though I haven’t been home for the highly anticipated annual event in ages, that doesn’t mean I don’t love Carnival. I always have. Ask mama bella — as a little one I couldn’t miss Viey la Cou (an annual celebration of traditional carnival), and I used to even collect the abandoned masks and standards left by masqueraders in the street after the parade of people passed on Carnival Monday and Tuesday.

I’ve always loved the pageantry and spectacle of mas. And just because I won’t be there this year doesn’t mean I am not looking out for you bellas who will! I wanted to do a post all about Carnival makeup, because it is an art form in itself. Creating a lasting, stunning look that will survive buckets of sweat and the relentless Caribbean sun isn’t easy. So I reached out to one of Trinidad’s leading makeup artists, the talented and beautiful Sandra Hordatt, with questions about creating that perfect Carnival day look. (this is her brand-new MySpace page, but you’ll learn a lot more about her from this profile in the Trinidad Express).

Sandra made her name in modeling, make up. and mas. She is an artist and a costume designer for Island People Mas. For this year’s Animal Instincts band, she’s designed two sections (scroll down to see them) — the hot to death Dragon Lizard, and the resplendent Kingfisher Bird. (Sandra’s costumes range in price from $433 to $1916 USD. And they’re all sold out).

To give you an idea of the kind of looks Sandra comes up with, check out Trinidad’s 2006 Miss Universe delegate Kenisha Thom in the beautiful butterfly costume Sandra designed for her to wear at the pageant. Besides designing amazing Carnival costumes, Sandra’s got a reputation as one of THE premiere makeup artists in Trinidad right now. Her strong suit is covering blemishes and creating a flawless canvas without a heavily plastered on look. I caught up with her for all of fifteen minutes, as she raced from making up a client to her designing duties at the mas camp, to put the finishing touches before the impending Carnival madness.

Afrobella – How many faces do you do on average for Carnival Monday and Tuesday? Or are you out yourself, playing mas in a costume you designed?

Sandra Hordatt — I try not to work on Carnival, I like to be out on the road to see the costumes. I don’t take any bookings. I just do makeup for myself and my friends on Monday and Tuesday.

Afrobella – I think the biggest concern for Carnival is getting your makeup to stay on. You glue on all these face jewels and glitter and then you’re jumping and waving in the blazing hot sun for hours. How do you make your look last through the sweat and the heat?

Sandra – I say focus on your eyes. Obviously you’ll be sweating a lot, so your foundation will probably melt. Make sure you wear sun block, and just do a really dramatic eye and it should last all day. So your first layer should definitely be sun block, then use a good cream to powder foundation. Set that with a loose powder. Then go out with your compact for touch-ups, those oil absorbing sheets, and a nice lip gloss. Good to go.

Afrobella – What’s your favorite brand of makeup and why? Do you use any local stuff, like Sacha?

Sandra – I just love MAC. I love their bronzers and shadows. And I also love L’Oreal HIP, their eyeshadows are vibrant and intense. And I do use Sacha, I like their blushes and they have a great fix it spray.

Afrobella – Is there any one look you’re really loving for this Carnival season, or does your inspiration come strictly from the costume the person is wearing? What’s the hottest makeup trend in Trinidad these days?

Sandra – Each costume inspires a different look in terms of color and theme. But I know, me personally — for Carnival Monday and Tuesday, I love glitter on the eyes. MAC and NYX have some fantastic glitter liners that are really easy to use.

At this point, we go off on a tangent because Sandra hasn’t ever heard of Urban Decay! Urban Decay’s glitter liners are practically made for Carnival. And so is their eyeshadow primer potion. So I gush about them for a while. Then back to the interview.

Afrobella – Do you do airbrush makeup? I realize that’s become increasingly popular in Trinidad, among women who want to cover scars and stretch marks. What are your thoughts on that?

Sandra –I do airbrush makeup… I think it’s excellent for covering up scars. But on older skin it can be very… turkey-like. With the airbrushing you have to pull the skin taut. I don’t know if you can visualize what I’m talking about. Half the time you’d be better off with a good cream to powder foundation and a sponge.

Afrobella – For the ladies who can’t afford to get their makeup done professionally, what’s the best advice you’ve got to give?

Sandra – You definitely don’t need to hire a professional to go out and look beautiful on Carnival day. I would say look through a magazine to find a look you like, go for something dramatic in terms of eye makeup. And then practice your look beforehand so you can figure out your technique. Don’t wait until Carnival Monday morning to try something new. Find a look you like and figure it out first.

For even more Carnival makeup tips, of course Trinidad Carnival Diary should be your first port of call. Enjoy the celebration and stay safe, bellas!

Here’s what I keep hearing from my friends here in Miami, about Hillary Clinton’s win in the Florida primary — “but that vote doesn’t actually count for anything, right?” And, “if I thought it was gonna mean something, I would have definitely made an effort to vote.”

Florida was stripped of all of its delegates by the DNC because the state wanted to move its primary forward from February, right? So I’m confused — does this victory count for the Clintons, or not? Was this just the symbolic election we were led to think it would be? Is this just a way to steal the big Kennedy-endorsement thunder from the Obama campaign? Or does it really mean that the Obama candidacy isn’t as secure as we might want to believe?

Clinton is quoted as saying, “I could not come here in person to ask you for your votes, but I am here to thank you for your votes today. This has been a record turnout because Floridians wanted their voices to be heard. I promise you I will do everything I can to make sure not only are Florida’s Democratic delegates seated but Florida is in the winning column for the Democrats in 2008.” According to that article, the eventual nominee will likely try to reverse the Democratic National Committee’s punishment and seat delegates from Florida and Michigan. What? Really? How can you change the rules of the game after the fact? I personally know a whole lotta people who would be righteously pissed if that happens.

The headline on the Times Online reads: “Hillary Clinton hails victory as Barack Obama cries spin.” Democrat Rep. Alcee Hastings was quoted on MSNBC as saying, “”Someone said that our vote doesn’t count. Our votes counted in 2000; our votes counted in 2004. They counted yesterday, today, and they will count in November when we elect Hillary Clinton President of the United States.” Um, the contested and controversial elections of 2000 and 2004 aren’t the kind of results I’d imagine anyone in Florida wants to remind America about. It wasn’t a good look for the Sunshine State. Just saying.

I don’t like the ugliness of politics on my best day, and this campaign already feels too personal. Too hot under the collar. Just because I’m backing Barack doesn’t mean that I automatically despise the Billarites and everything they stand for. Ostensibly, we’re supposed to be standing for the same thing, right? Kind of?

I saw Maya Angelou disrespected for her political choice on a super popular gossip site yesterday, and it made me sad. Not that Maya Angelou is referring to Hillary as “her girl,” but that her decision to lend her instantly recognizable and powerful voice to the Clinton campaign has caused many young voters to instantly dismiss all of the wisdom and experience and elegance and class she has always exuded. To explain away her point of view as that of an old, out of touch woman, or even worse, a “house negro”. People, it’s MAYA ANGELOU. An elder stateswoman who deserves our respect. So I respectfully disagree with Ms. Angelou, and I think the emotions uncovered by her decision reveals how personally people are taking this upcoming election. It also reveals, in my opinion, what many pundits have been saying for a long time — Hillary Clinton is a polarizing figure in politics. You’re either with her 100%, or totally against her. Even within her own party. That worries me, as someone who genuinely wants to see the Republicans unseated this November.

If Hillary does become the Democratic nominee, can she beat the Republican nominee? I am not sure about that. But by the same measure, can Barack? Breaking news from the AP — John Edwards is dropping out.
What does this all mean? What do you think?

Heyo!

I got a recent Ask Afrobella question that dovetails nicely into this review/giveaway I’ve been working on. Away we go!

I just came across your website yesterday. It is indeed great! I found it through temptalia’s website (ed — which I adore. Check em out for makeup tips!).

Anyway, I did come across on your blog about afrobella’s on a budget. I am really interested in Queen Latifah’s collection for covergirl. To further my fascination with make-up, I decided to use the CG make up mirror on the website. It gave me the opportunity to choose colors based on a photo that I could upload from my computer (but of course it would have to meet the requirements of the mirror) or use one of the models instead. But my question is, since I am on budget right now, and can’t afford to indulge in MAC, benefit, and all the other brands that I am a fiend for. Could cover girl, Maybelline, and other drugstore make-up can up hold to the other pricier brands? Could I still look fabulous with cheaper make-up? Especially foundation, I have been worrying about that.

From a trouble el cheapo afrobella…..

Hola, el cheapo afrobella! In a nutshell, my answer to your questions are… sometimes, and definitely yes!

I’ve been extremely disappointed in pricey Sephora brands, and thrilled at the quality of drugstore brands. And honey, you can look fabulous beyond belief with just items you get at the drugstore. I’ve given loving reviews to Milani and HIP, two of my favorite drugstore brands. Now let me focus on what you’re most interested in — Cover Girl’s Queen Collection.

Few makeup lines have provoked such a polarized response. I think the bad feelings started with that misguided casting call last year, but look, even as recently as my last post, announcing the Every Woman is a Queen Contest I got totally opposing comments. One reader loves it, another called it a “a low-rent knock off of Iman’s collection.” Ouch. Every bella is more than entitled to her own opinion, but I’d definitely say don’t knock it till you tried it. I tried it. There are wonderful aspects of Latifah’s makeup line. And there’s some not-so-impressive aspects too. Allow me to break it down for you item-by-item, so your shopping decisions can be informed. And yes, there’s a giveaway offer at the end of this post, so keep reading!
Read the rest of this entry »

Ta dow!

Barack Obama gave ‘em what for in South Carolina. The margin of his victory amazed me, but it must REALLY amaze those who lived through the civil rights movement and endured the indignities and pain of the Jim Crow era. Obama won fifty five percent of the vote in South Carolina, and took the stage to the resounding and repeated shout, “race doesn’t matter!” I mean, wow. Wow. It makes my heart swell. I don’t care where you stand on the preferred candidate front, that feels like history in the making to me.

What do you think?

My political coverage is sporadic at best, and some of my fellow bloggers have been doing a much better job at consistently covering the race. So if you’re looking for more political coverage, I highly recommend you check out Anovelista, Jack and Jill politics, and Concrete Loop for close, intelligent attention on Obama’s campaign.

Oh, and if you want to hear my two cents about Barack Obama’s victory, the state of the campaign, and that scandalous shame of a story about the mayor of Detroit, listen to NPR’s News and Notes today! I’ll be part of the blogger’s round table, alongside the magnificent Jay Smooth and Eric Brown, a passionate and intelligent blogger for the Detroit News’ political and government blog.

** edited Tuesday at 9 a.m. — here’s a link to my NPR interview in case you missed it yesterday. And finally, on a personal note The Fabbies website is back up and running. If you support what I do, then please take a moment of your day to vote for me in the Beauty Category! Thanks!

I know I got all political on you yesterday, but it’s still Throwback Thursday, right? Wait, what did you say? It’s Friday? Oh. Well, better late than never, right?

Do you have a singer who you just wish you could open your mouth and sound just like them? Kind of corny, I know… but I’ve always had a few singers like that. When I sing, I imagine their voice pouring out of me. Randy Crawford’s definitely one of them. I’ve always loved the sound of her voice. Distinctive, slightly nasal, but always sweet and seemingly effortless.

She tends to sing these kind of epic story-songs (Almaz is a perfect example), and always delivers her vocals with a smile. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a Randy Crawford photo where she isn’t flashing a friendly grin. Her spirit appears to be as warm and wonderful as her music.

One of my very favorite Randy Crawford songs is One Day I’ll Fly Away. That song so perfectly captures longing and hope and sweet sadness. I thought it was a great addition to Moulin Rouge, although Lord knows Nicole Kidman’s voice can’t hold a candle to the original.

But my absolute favorite-favorite Randy Crawford song is just about everyone’s favorite. Most definitely Quentin Tarantino’s favorite. Street Life. It’s the only life I know.

The Crusaders dropped Street Life the year I was born — 1979, a very good year. Back then, she was rocking a big, blown out curly hairstyle, and a whole lot of metallic eyeshadow. Work it, Randy!

Almost 30 years later, and Randy’s still performing her biggest hit. This jazzy version is so effortless and breezy and perfect. Love it. But I must admit, Randy’s hair is a little too ornately decorated for my taste, but hey. If she likes it, I love it. She’s a legend. I give musicians of her status a whole lot of room to work it however they see fit. Hope you enjoy your Throwback Thursday on a Friday, bellas! Happy weekend!

ppst — want a little more Randy? Check out The Ultimate Collection, or her most recent album with Joe Sample, Feeling Good. She’s got an interesting little interview about it where you can hear her version of the Nina Simone classic.

OK, I finally got around to reading all of those fabulous comments and I’ve chosen a winner for Najwa Moses’ Salte earrings giveaway!

Danielle, from Maine – you got it!

In case you’re wondering how I chose, I simply made a list of the names of people who indicated what color earrings they wanted, wrote ‘em on Post-Its, and chose the name that stuck to my finger. Random as can be.

Also, I made an executive decision — no new giveaway until I’ve finished the old one. That way I don’t get overwhelmed with people to contact and products to send out. So now that Salte’s done, Cover Girl Queen Collection’s coming up next.

If you’re among the many bellas who have complained that it doesn’t seem to be available in your neck of the woods, then you need to stay tuned to Afrobella all week next week! I’ll be getting down with some overdue product reviews and Ask Afrobellas, too.

Have a wonderful weekend, ladies!