Lowkey obsessed –

1. To be secretly in the early, heady stages of infatuation with something or someone, the stage when you can’t stop thinking about said thing or person.

2. The feeling you get when you’re ready to tell the world about the new favorite thing you just discovered

3. The instant passion you feel for a new product you love that you need to incorporate into your arsenal ASAP.

4. A new hopefully-regular series where I tell you all about the awesome new thing I just tried, but haven’t road tested forever just yet.

(inspired by BBJ’s Fictionary and Urban Dictionary!)

Rare is the day that I try a product and become inspired to begin a whole new blog series, bellas. And yet here I am once again. The last time it happened, I started the You Deserve category (and the product that inspired it? Votre Vu Duette Luxe).

The product that inspired Lowkey Obsessed? It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush. I am in LOVE with Je Ne Sais Quoi.

It is so moisturizing, so pretty, so what I didn’t even know I needed.  For bellas like me, who may have two or even three-toned lips, it could be the perfect pretty shiny pink you never thought existed.

See my before on the left and after on the right. As you can see, my lips without pencil or color are kind of like a red grape – not consistently one color. This is a subtle, shiny, wearable, super moisturizing lippie – in terms of texture and appearance I’d compare it to Votre Vu Champagne Kisses, one of my favorite lip balms EVER. It’s even more emoillient than Chapstick or Softlips or Burt’s Bees. And it gives your lips a subtle flush of sheer pink that conforms to your lip color. Check it out.

So perfect for summer, n’est ce pas?

It Cosmetics is a really intriguing new product line – the creators reportedly “work with leading plastic surgeons to infuse the latest anti-aging technology into their high-performance color cosmetics.” Their products are intended to improve as well as beautify the skin, and they’ve been written about in more magazines than you can shake a stick at, even though you may not have heard of them or know their products by name just yet. Their products are on sale on QVC and everything I’ve been lucky enough to try so far has been pretty awesome.

The pink flush of Je Ne Sais Quoi delighted me the MOST, though. Most pink lipsticks have the effect of highlighting the discoloration of my lips, or revealing how chapped they are with opaque color that cakes in the cracks. But not this. It’s just sheer, supremely moisturizing lip shine that looks sheer or clear in the tube, but has this delightfully flattering effect. And when the shine fades, your lips retain a rosy glow. I’d LOVE to see my dark skinned bellas who have struggled to find a pink lippie try this and let me know your thoughts. I hope it’d work for everyone as well as it works for me!

Let me stop rambling and let them explain:

What is it: Vitality Lip Flush Anti-Aging Lipstick Stain takes the place of your lipstick, anti-aging conditioning lip balm, ultra-hydrating lip gloss, and your lip stain! This truly innovative formula contains Hydra-Luxe Technology including ingredients such as plum oil, cherry oil, shea butter, aloe, and jojoba that all work together to treat, hydrate, condition, and nourish your lips. It minimizes the appearance of lip lines and wrinkles. Plus, this lip flush is packed with anti-oxidants including acai, green tea, white tea, and vitamins A, C, and E to fight free-radical attack.

Who is it for: Anyone who wants a naturally pretty flush of color for their lips! It’s also for anyone who wants ultra-hydrated and conditioned lips.

Why is it different: Vitality Lip Flush Anti-Aging Lipstick Stain is developed to give that long-wear flush of naturally pretty color, the anti-aging hydration of a super-luxe treatment lip balm, and the infusion of a powerful stain that doesn’t dry out your lips. Plum oil, cherry oil, and a power-packed formula of anti-aging and good-for-you ingredients drench your lips with hydration. Works on all skin tones.

How do I use it: Apply directly from the tube for a sheer, naturally pretty flush of color that lasts.

AND this comes in two more colors I’m officially now dying to try!

Look, I wore a pink top (vintage Lane Bryant) and took a sip of my morning veggie juice to give you a comparison in pinkness. Oooh and my druzy earrings are by Nina Nguyen. Love her stuff!

Please excuse these raggely brows, I’ll be getting them take care of this week!

For this look I tried to come up with something SUPER simple and easy to wear, in colors that are office friendly or even appropriate for someone younger. What did I use to get this look?

– Urban Decay’s Naked 2 palette – mostly Bootycall, Chopper and Snakebite.

– Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes pencil in Gypsy

– Benefit They’re Real mascara

– Avon Glow bronzer in Deep Tan

– Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation in medium/dark

– Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Nectar

– It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush in Je Ne Sais Quoi. It’s $20!

It Cosmetics are available through QVC and you can follow them on Twitter or like them on Facebook.

Is this the pink lip color of your dreams? What products are you lowkey obsessed with these days?

Products provided for consideration but opinions are all mine, baby!

Tangerine Tango is Pantone’s color of the year, and we’re officially in the midst of Spring – Chicago’s dismal weather aside. Orange is sizzling hot right now for lips, cheeks, nails, and even eyes. Yes ma’am, just the other day I gave Make Up For Ever’s orange Aqua Cream a try on my eyelids under a bold, black cat eye, with peachy cheeks and a shimmery nude lip. Lately I’ve been rocking orange lips in varying degrees of intensity, and it’s a head turner of a look. If done wrong, it can be very eighties. (When I told my mom I was writing a post on orange lips she said “IT’S BACK!!!” with tremendous excitement. That was her signature for a while!

Photo via Fashion Bomb Daily.

Recently a friend on Twitter asked me if I had a recommendation for THE perfect orange lip for brown skin. I didn’t know if there was one special orange for all of us. I had to ask incredible makeup artist Tia Dantzler, who offered some helpful orange lip tips. “That orange can be tricky. I like to use a pencil first to fill in. Sometimes you have an orange that’s too bright. So I like to use a brown or burgundy pencil as a base to tone it down. Or you can use a gloss or an orange lip balm. I like to tone it down before I turn it up.”

I dug deep into my own orange-or-in-the-orange-family lippie stash to see which were the best. Photographed here with my camera phone, apologies for photo quality:

MAC lipstick in Watch Me Shimmer from Shop MAC Cook MAC, which is a coral pink that’s super pretty and wearable

Black|Up Cosmetics lipstick in RAL 26 – creamy, bright, buildable orange with a touch of red coral to it, if you feel me

OCC Lip Tar in Safety Orange – the gold standard of longlasting orange lippies, with a touch of red for the bravest among us

Lancome color design lipstick in Corset, a matte coral peach that is so smooth and fabulous

Milani Lip Flash pencil in Flash Light – coral with red shimmer, very shimmery, great over lip pencil

Cover Girl blast flipstick in Cheeky, interesting orangey coral you customize – one side is shimmer, the other cream

Avon Glow Lip Gloss in Coral, the safest, sheerest, shiniest option for those who are a tad too shy for overt orange. Just a hint of creamsicle orange that’s super sheer, excellent when layered over a lipstick or pencil.

Those are the few I have – couldn’t find my tube of MAC Morange for the photo. Classic shade, one I LOVE.  Check out this post by Style And Beauty Doc for a few more classic MAC oranges.

If you’re looking for a brand new orange lippie, might I recommend Sephora? I stopped by the one on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue recently to check out their orange lip collection. And there were some GREAT oranges in store.

Urban Decay’s Super Saturated lip pencils are chubby and slick and highly pigmented and full of win, and Punch Drunk is a delicious orange cream. A Go Go by Kat Von D is a hot coral color. And then I hit the motherlode — Sephora has a Pantone Color of the Year collaboration that you can shop in store or online! Check out this display with all the Tangerine Tango you could want. Look!

So if you’re looking for your ideal orange, check out Sephora. And if you want to know how to wear them, consider the advice I got from Tia Dantzler. “It’s best to use a scrub on your lips first, because with bright lip colors they really show if your lips are peeling.” TRUE STORY.

Have you found YOUR perfect orange lip color? Tell me about it!

I travel a fair amount, so I am well familiar with the ins and outs of beauty on the go. When I pack my makeup bag, I tend to go for flat eye shadow palettes, multi-use products, and anything that comes in pencil form. I’ve got an always packed makeup travel bag, so at the drop of a hat I’m more or less ready to jump on a plane – often what I do is just switch out the products I haven’t used in the last few trips with something new and exciting I plan to review for the blog soon. For my latest trip to Trinidad, I made the unusual decision to completely repack my travel makeup bag. My existing bag had become overloaded with products I wasn’t even actually using on my trips, and of course a trip to the Caribbean called for makeup that would last in sweltering temperatures and high humidity!

When I got to Coco Reef, Tobago (one of the finest resorts in the Caribbean, trust and believe!) I took this photo of the standout products that I used and loved the most on my trip. So, bellas – here’s the makeup I took with me to my homeland of Trinidad and Tobago, all tried and tested and ideal for island hopping!

 

 

Top row, left to right:

Neutrogena UVA/UVB Sunblock SPF 45 (via my mom. Don’t think they make this anymore)

NARS lipgloss, Wonder and NARS Velvet Gloss lip pencil, Club Mix

Jordana Easyliner Eyeliners in Seagreen, Denim Blue, and Purple Fusion

Jordana Easyliner for Lips in Plush Plum and Cabernet

MAC Brow Set, MAC Haute and Naughty Lash

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Pencil in Perversion and Woodstock, Urban Decay SuperSaturated Lip Color in Apocalypse

Proactiv Oil Blotter Sheets

Mally Evercolor Poreless Face Defender

Mario Badescu oil free moisturizer SPF 30

The Balm eyeshadow palettes, NudeTude and Shady Lady vol 1.

Bottom row, left to right

Fashion Fair Shine Eliminator

Fashion Fair lipsticks from the Siren Call holiday collection – Femme Fatale and Forbidden

Coach Poppy perfume

Secret Natural Mineral deodorant

Cover Girl Clean pressed powder in Soft Honey

Benefit They’re Real mascara

Cover FX Clear Prep FX Matte Foundation primer, Cover FX translucent mineral powder setting FX, Matte FX dark, Cover FX SPF 30 (I wear B35).

Estee Lauder Topaz Chameleon (will be available Jan 29 and it’s to DIE for!)

Yes, all of these items fit into one makeup bag. Yes, my husband made fun of me and asked me why I was bringing so much makeup. No, I don’t wear all of this makeup at once. What can I say, this is what happens when you’re a beauty blogger!

See anything you love, need, or gotta try? I love absolutely all of these items and would highly recommend them to you, if you’re looking to upgrade your makeup stash!

For an answer to that question, I turned to Afrobella’s friendly makeup vlogger and reviewer Sherry Blossom (follow @MsSherryBlossom on Twitter)! She did amazing, exhaustive research to give you the definitive answer. Take it away, Sherry!

What Were The Top Makeup Trends of 2011?

With responses from over 100 of my makeup peers: pro makeup artists, YouTube makeup sensations, major cosmetic brands, celebrity makeup artists, beauty bloggers and fashion bloggers alike I’ve complied a list of the top makeup trends of 2011! Inspired by the runway, print, commercial and even the red carpet, these trends took 2011 by storm. Some are old favorites, others finally got the attention they deserved and some were worn to the ground and may not return as big in 2012.

With over 100 responses from my makeup peers, here’s what some had to say on the hottest trends of 2011:

Celebrity Makeup Artist Kevin James Bennett – “The biggest trend..METALLICS. I love all the fabulous reflective (not glittery) finishes. And not just in the expected silver, gold, bronze- Oh no, they’re showing up in a multitude of rich jewel tones and gorgeous saturated brights.”

Fashion blogger CherrieAmore – “…1) the red lip & 2)neutral looks..”

I wish I could list them all. I’ve tried all of these trends and I see many of them being staples for me in 2012. Without further delay, let’s see what makeup trends made the list!

1) Natural Makeup

Also known as the coveted “no makeup” makeup looks. Highlighting and contouring the face, a bit of blush on the cheeks, soft arched brows, perfect mascara laced lashes, and a flesh toned lip completes the look. The key is to have flawless skin and let your ENTIRE face be the focal point of the makeup look. Tasha Smith pulled it off perfectly for the December 2011 cover issue of Essence.

2) Winged Liner

Amy Winehouse wasn’t the only one who loved this look. Icons like Audrey Hepburn wore this look back in the 1960s and it’s since made another debut. Black eyeliner winged upwards gives the illusion of almond shaped and “lifted” eyes. I ALWAYS wing my liner and I don’t see that ever going away. One of my favorite liquid liners to wing my liner with is Maybelline Ultra Liner in Black.

3) Orange Blush/Orange Lip

This trend literally skyrocketed it seemed overnight. Especially for those of us with deeper skin tones, we rediscovered how awesome coral cheeks and lips could be! With a neutral makeup look, a pop of color on the cheeks is just what the makeup doctors have ordered. Here I’m wearing Ruby Kisses All Over Bronzer with Black Radiance “Soft Honey” blush and Cover Girl Queen Collection Lipstick in “Rush”.

4) Matte Red Lips

Whether matte, satin, gloss, tint, stain or even luster the trend that will NEVER die…RED LIPS! Guerlin, a French cosmetic company, introduced us to our first red lipstick back in 1871 and we have never looked back. We now refer to the matte red lip as “timeless” and “classic” because with centuries under it’s belt, it’s definitely not just a trend, red lips were actually trendsetters! Here I’m rocking MACs Ruby Woo.

5) Bronzer

From the red carpet, tv screens, and print ads to our very own vanities — who doesn’t love a sun kissed glow? With Jennifer Lopez leading the way with her signature bronze look, celebrities like Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce and others showed us that bronze skin can be obtained at any shade. That glow from within works on any skin tone too. From high end to drug store, brands are debuting bronzers for you. Lots of shimmer, subtle shimmer and even matte. There is even bronzer in an airbrush formulation. It’s another trend that here to stay. So long to bronze skin only in the summer time. Wake up tomorrow looking as if you just got off the plane after a week in St.Tropes. Here I’m rocking Ruby Kisses All Over Bronzer.

6) Bold Lip Colors

Color, color and more color. The boldest lips have splashed onto the scene. Stepping outside the box was celebrated and encouraged. Fuschias, purples, pastel pinks and even blue and black lips were seen worn all around the world. With so many different shades of lipgloss and lipstick, a bold lip is just the tip of the iceberg on the color wheel and the combinations are limitless! Here I am wearing Covergirl Queen Collection Lipstick in “Seduction” and NYX lipgloss in “African Queen”. Patrice is rocking her very own MAC lipglass in “All Of My Purple Life”.

7) Metallic Eyeshadows

Duochromes ruled here! Makeup looks that were amplified by reflective tones, shimmer and brought to life by light. Metallics are not for the faint of heart. We can’t deny that mettallic eyes are attention grabbing. With the holiday season upon us, why not be daring and stand out (in a good way) at the party? All of the eyeshadows used above are by Inglot!

8 ) Luscious Lashes

Mascara commercials were endless this year, revolutionizing the way women “smile with their eyes”. Lashes complimented every look. Individual lashes, lash extensions, strip lashes and natural lashes with generous amounts of kick behind mascara. Lashes now completed every look. Above is a photo of a model from the Gucci Fall 2011 RTW collection — the lead makeup artist for the team behind the scenes was the legendary Pat McGrath. My favorite mascara to achieve luscious lashes is Maybelline Lash Stiletto (Waterproof).

9) Neutral With A Pop Of Color

Neutral looks are awesome — they go with everything! With color bursting onto the scene neutral looks were taken to the next level with pops of colors in the inner tear ducts and/or lining the bottom water line. We saw teals, purples, pinks even orange! This trend put a whole new spin on the “everyday” neutral look.

10) Color Blocked Makeup

Orange cheeks, pinky red lips and teal eyes!! Color blocking was a hot fashion trend, first seen on the runway that infiltrated the beauty scene. Bold eye and bold lip combos that were not for the faint of heart.

11) Strong Brows

Nothing completes a makeup look like a strong brow, perfectly arched with deep color. The time of thin, overly plucked and waxed brows has passed. Above you see work from my very own makeup portfolio.

Last but not least, This list would not be complete without this trend!

12)NAILS! NAILS! NAILS!

Thanks to Shellac, crackle and opaque polish trends, nails ruled far and wide. With many nail polish collections being just as anticipated as some makeup collections, nail trends went crazy! The craze with nail polish brought the hands into the world of beauty as never seen before.

What trends did you try this year? Which trends will you continue in 2012?

Around this time of year it’s a beautiful thing to be given a gift — but it’s even more beautiful to be the gift giver. I reached out to some of my favorite brands to arrange special holiday giveaways for Afrobella readers, and I hope you love the products as much as I do! Second on the holiday giveaway list? A brand new holiday collection by one of the most historic cosmetics brands for women of color — Fashion Fair!

Fashion Fair was born in 1973, and was named after the internationally known Ebony Fashion Fair event. In order to find makeup that matched the models in their show, John H. Johnson and Eunice W. Johnson went to a private lab to have cosmetics made to match their skintones — the demand for these products proved to be overwhelming that the Johnsons brought the products to store shelves. The first ever Fashion Fair counter opened right here in Chicago at Marshall Fields (now Macy’s) on State Street.

I remember my mother having that trademark pink marblized compact in her purse when I was little. I remember some of the iconic advertisements, featuring the biggest stars of the era, all glammed up in their Fashion Fair cosmetics. And now the brand is experiencing a rebirth and reintroduction that’s remarkable to witness.

Ever since legendary makeup artist Sam Fine was named Creative Director, all Fashion Fair has done is win, win, win. The press mentions have been excitable. There’s been big buzz amongst customers. And the new Fashion Fair holiday collection? It’s exquisite.

Siren Call is all about dispelling the myth that women of color can’t wear red. There are four lipsticks that offer options of red (and one deep purple that I LOVE) for bellas all shades of beautiful. Nail lacquers that are modern in terms of color palette, AND that last — I was chip free almost a whole week, very impressed!

How do you WEAR these reds? Creative Director Sam Fine offered some helpful advice.

“If you have golden yellow undertones, I recommend a true red lipstick such as Fashion Fair Lipstick in Siren. For women with a soft mocha complexion, I recommend a more orange-tone red shade sucn as Fashion Fair’s Intrigue,” says Mr. Fine. (Click here to follow Mr. Sam Fine on Twitter!)

How glam is THAT??? That shoot was Sam Fine makeup, Oscar James hair, and styling by legendary Trinidadian Freddie Leiba (TRINIS REPRESENT!)

If you’ve been afraid to rock a red lip, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE. Bellas, I’ve got FIVE full sets of Fashion Fair’s Siren Call Holiday Collection to give away!

The Siren Call Collection includes:

Lipsticks – $18
Intrigue (Orange Red)
Siren (Blue Red)
Forbidden (Brown Red)
Femme Fatale (Deep Purple)

Nail Lacquers – $9.50
Heart Throb (Red)
So Cold (Silver)
Allusion (Grey)

Lip Teaser – $18
Liquid Silver

Here’s how you can win! Leave a comment below, telling me how YOU feel about rocking a red lip, and which Fashion Fair lipstick you’re most excited to try!

Five lucky winners will win the complete Fashion Fair’s Siren Call Holiday Collection! This contest will be open until December 27 to contestants within the US, so you have lots of time over the holiday week to enter (and hopefully win!)

Click here to follow Fashion Fair on Twitter, and on Facebook. Thank you for your generosity, Fashion Fair!

Good luck and MERRY CHRISTMAS, bellas!

PS: Have you signed up for my newsletter yet? You should!! I’ll be sending a special holiday letter and there will be special discount codes for newsletter subscribers!! Clicky click!

If you have a professional makeup artist in your life, consider yourself BLESSED, bellas. Professional MUAs work so hard for the money. The makeup artists I know and respect take their craft SO seriously. They will spend all day on their feet at a shoot to get the right look. They sometimes have to sacrifice time with their friends and family in order to pay the bills. It can be a glamorous life but don’t be fooled — it’s hard work!

Makeup artists can sometimes seem hard to shop for. What do you buy the makeup artist in your life, for Christmas? If you’re a professional MUA, what do you need or want as a present to further your craft? I turned to Afrobella’s resident makeup artist, the one and only Meagan Shea, for an ultimate holiday guide for the professional makeup artist.

Take it away, Meagan Shea!!

Hello Bellas! Happy Holidays! It’s the time of the year to give gifts to your loved ones, and maybe even people you share a cubicle with. It is also the time to receive gifts, which we ALL love. I mean seriously, who doesn’t love to get gifts – especially during the holiday season? I’ve decided to give you bellas a glimpse into the wishlist of a makeup artist. The desires of my heart for this holiday, with hopes that Santa Claus himself will read this. He knows I’ve been nice and not naughty, right?

photo courtesy of therapup.net

I have two lists. One is all about work, things I need and/or want to ensure I continue to do my job effectively (I’m good at making this seem like it’s not about getting gifts, right? HA!). The other list is focused on relaxation and pampering. People seem to think being a makeup artist is easy work… WRONG! It’s strain on your back, feet, knees, patience and then some. Often, as women we fail to find the time to take care of ourselves. It’s time to take our lives back (from who I don’t know, but we need to get it back. LOL)!

Enjoy! Even if you don’t have a makeup artist to share with this season maybe you’ll see something that you like for yourself, or your momma, your cousin, your mail lady, your hair stylist – SOMEBODY!

Most makeup artists will agree with me when I say that you can never have too many brushes. It’s always good to have duplicates, extras and a few sets. By doing this you give yourself options. I’m a woman who appreciates having options, ya know? I love MAC brushes – they are awesome! However, the full set is a whopping $1065.50!!! THERE’S NO WAY – well maybe over time, but not in one sitting. I’d rather go on vacation!

I am BIG fan of bdelliumtools, they are based out of a city very close to where I grew up. Our high school football teams were rivals (GO BUCS!!!). I support local business – all the way! Here’s a 24 piece brush set for $148.50. That’s a GREAT deal, mainly because the brushes are really made well. The quality of the brushes are amazing & their brushes are treated with an antibacterial agent on the bristles. That’s totally AWESOME, right?

bdellium tools brush set for the Studio Line

I love this holiday set from Royal & Langnickel as well. This one is $90 and it’s a 12 piece set that comes with a FREE (YES I SAID FREE!) promo gift! It comes with a free retractable brush set – I want that for myself!

Royal & Langnickel Holiday Set

Of course as an artist we need something to tote our magical secrets around in. I have had such “interesting” experiences traveling with my makeup in tow, that I know it’s a lot easier when things are compartmentalized securely. With the Zuca Pro you won’t have to worry about your kit being a hot mess when you open your bag, not to mention it also can be used as a seat! That’s awesome, TRUST ME – IT IS REALLY AWESOME! The Zuca Pro is $295 and believe me when I say the artist in your life will be VERY pleased with their gift.

Zuca Pro in Midnight Blue & Black

GlamCor has a lighting set that would come in really handy on set. Sometimes, you’re placed in an unexpected situation and the lighting on the set (whether on location or in a studio) may not be great for – let’s say, “doing your best”. This light set is amazing because it keeps all colors true and it cools down immediately, which is great for packing up and going home! The lighting set is on sale right now for $250, go have at it!

GlamCor Classic Light Kit

The RCMA foundation palettes are a staple for artists. They last forever, have very full coverage and a wide array of colors. They are great for mixing and even have a foundation thinner to sheer them out if you’re not looking for heavy coverage. They are small, easy to tote around and blend well. The most popular palettes are the Shinto and the KO palette, each at $215.99 (HERE) – although I found them for $195 (HERE). YAY FOR BUDGET SHOPPING!

RCMA Shinto palette

An airbrush machine will make any artists’ life easier, as it will make the application process a lot more flawless and quick. I asked a few of my makeup sistren and according to them the top two airbrush systems are made by Kett Cosmetics for $467 and TEMPTU for $435. I found that both brands have an introductory kit which is great to start out. The TEMPTU kit is sold out on their website, but I found it on AMAZON for over $20 LESS!!! It’s $411.26 on Amazon – go scoop it up!

Kett Cosmetics Intro Airbrush System

TEMPTU Intro Airbrush System

Are you just looking for a stocking stuffer? Maybe something a wee bit smaller? Try the En’Kore finger palette! It’s only $10 & is adorable! It’s awesome for mixing concealer, lip colors, pigments – and did I mention it was ADORABLE! I can tell you firsthand, it can be messy and annoying to mix things on the back of your hand all the time. I have ruined many blouses and smudged colors on my own face. NOT WINNING! LOL I also heard through the grapevine that En’Kore will be releasing a “cuff’lette” – a palette that you can wear on your wrist for mixing! LOVE IT!!! I cannot wait to get my hands on that when it hits the public.

En’Kore Finger Palette

Now onto goodies for self care. This is important. VERY VERY IMPORTANT. This is actually when I really need Santa to tune into Afrobella. First artists’ are standing for long periods of time. Some of them do it in stilettos & super high heels. I commend them. I would love a pair of Dankso Professional Clogs! I’ve heard they are great. I want a pair, and it’s that simple. I like these blue ones. Of course they aren’t super duper haute couture, but I’m okay with myself. I’ll rock them, with joy! They are $135 and I’m sure they are that price for a reason. If they’re good enough for a nurse, I’m sure they’ll work for me. Although I secretly like the way they look. LOL

Dansko Professional Clogs in Blue Patent Leather

ALL makeup artists should have a digital camera! We need them to snap behind the scenes shots of our work, and create videos. If you’re going to get one, may as well get a cute one that gets GREAT reviews. I like the Nikon Cool Pix S9100 in RED. This camera is listed for many prices, however I found it for $279.95. Even if you aren’t a makeup artist, you should get this camera – it’s AWESOME. Did I mention it was really cute?

Nikon Cool Pix S9100 in Red

This gift I’ve been eyeing for YEARS! It’s the Clarisonic Facial Cleansing Brush and it works WONDERS! This is another one of those gifts that no matter WHAT you do for a living, you should own. It made this list because makeup artists usually wear makeup regularly (some wear more than others) and we have to make sure we are caring for our skin properly and thoroughly. This tool will make that so much easier, there’s no excuse to not wash every ounce of makeup off of your face. It also exfoliates the skin on your face (removing dead skin cells and allowing skin to breathe), reduces pore size, and it feels great when you clean your face. The Clarisonic is a little pricey (the original system is $195, however the “Mia” which I’ve included a link to is only $119), but if you use it just ONE time – YOU WILL BE HOOKED! It’s an investment and we should all invest in our beauty.

Clarisonic Mia Limited Edition Colors

Another really cool gift for the artist in your life (or yourself) is an Apple Ipad 2. I really don’t need to say much about this, we all know they are amazing. It’s great for artists’, because it’s quick and easy way to share our portfolios with others right on the spot. It could be the link to an amazing job or connection if the other party can see your work immediately. Think about it. They start at $499 and are worth every penny.

Apple Ipad 2

Lastly, if you’re just looking for a quick gift that will help your favorite artist to relax and find a way to pamper themselves, check this gift basket out. I actually want one of these myself. I LOVE fresh lavender scented bath products and you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home to be pampered. Lavender will relax the mind and really helps you to have a peaceful nights sleep. Art of Appreciation sells this basket for $69 and you get so much stuff! It’s a great gift idea, for anyone (as long as they don’t have any health issues that would be affected by certain essential oils).

Art of Appreciation Lavender Aromatherapy Gift Basket

Anyone and everyone will benefit from this gift. A gift certificate to a local spa for some hands on pampering. Sometimes, you just have to do this for yourself. After receiving spa services (facial, pedicure, manicure, or massage) you just feel so rejuvenated and ready to take on the world. Or take a nap, then take on the world. If you aren’t sure where to go or which spa to choose, you can always go to SpaWeek.com and get a gift certificate that allows the person you’re purchasing it for select their own spa. How cool is that! If you don’t like any of these gift ideas, just get the makeup artist close to you a week long vacation to a Caribbean island. I mean, I’m pretty sure they’ll appreciate that too. Ha!

Bellas, enjoy the rest of your holiday! If you guys purchase or receive any of these gifts, PLEASE stop back and let me know how you like them. Oh and if you see Santa, let him know what I’m asking for this year. I haven’t seen him yet, they returned the letter I sent him and he won’t answer my text messages! I promise I’ve been a good girl this year… *wink* Remember to try something new, you never know what you’ll like until you try it! If it’s makeup, it’ll wash off.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!!! See you next year.

I love how makeup takes the spotlight during the holiday season. As we edge closer to Christmas and the beginning of a new year there’s a flurry of holiday products and they always focus on a return to beautifully made-up eyes in glitters and metallics and rich holidazzle colors, and of course super bold lips in rich, decadent berry and wine hues. I love it ALL.

Achieving the fabulous and over-the-top holiday eyemakeup look you want takes more than just the perfect eyeshadows or liners, though. It takes practice and precision. Here’s my secret weapon in the precision department — the new Precision Tips by Q-tips.

Just so you know, I’m a Q-Tips Tipster! I’ll be sharing some of the best ways to use Q-tips products. For makeup application, these Precision Tips are so perfect. Here’s how I use ‘em to help create a holiday eye.

– First things first! Half of the time that you may think you have awful undereye circles? It’s probably makeup residue. Before I even start putting on new eye makeup, I apply a little of my favorite eye makeup remover of choice and just clean up under my eye, as close to the waterline as possible. That helps my new look to be clean and sharp, and makes me look less tired!

– Everyone has their own method of putting on eye makeup, but for me it always begins by lining my waterline with (usually black) eyeliner. Here I’m using Benefit’s Bad Gal waterproof eyeliner to give me that bold black line I crave.

– THE most important thing for eyeshadow newbies to know — BLENDING is ESSENTIAL. If you’re not comfortable with using colors that are very different from each other, then consider sticking within a certain color palette. Lately I’ve been working a lot with glittery nudes – think of Urban Decay’s Naked or Naked 2 Palette, or The Balm’s Nudetude palette. For this look I used Urban Decay Naked 2. You can pretty much blend any of those colors into a flawless, very Kim Kardashian inspired gold or silver smokey eye look. To finish, I line my top lid with black eyeliner, as close to the lash line as possible. Clean-up is essential for a smokey cat’s eye kind of look, so I use Talika Lash Conditioner and a Q-tips Precision Tip to clean up the outer eye area after application.

– Does this happen to you after putting on mascara? JEEZ. I hate when this happens! You put on mascara and while one eye is totally wet, you blink too much and wind up with undereye smudge. Precision tip to the rescue!

– This is probably another post, but I’ll go ahead and share — Precision Tips also help me keep my lips in check! Here I used Black Opal’s lip pencil, which is highly pigmented and generally awesome. To get a very precise Cupid’s Bow, I used a Q-tip Precision Tips, and my FAVE lip cleansing product, Bliss Spa’s Fabulips. A little dab of that and voila!

Holidazzle!!

I love these for makeup application, but as this wacky video reveals, you can ***really*** use Q-tips for ANYTHING.

And I mean anything.

You can find Q-tips new Precision Tips at your fave drugstore beauty department, or here on Amazon. Visit facebook.com/qtips! Seeing that I’m a Q-tips Tipster, expect to see more handy-dandy guides on how to make Q-tips enhance your looks and your life!

This is a sponsored post. Q-tips® product was provided by Unilever, the makers of Q-tips®; my tips and usage suggestions are my own.

I can’t even quite put into words how AWESOME you guys are. Thanks to your LOVE and PASSION for All Of My Purple Life, my custom, limited edition MAC lipglass sold out not once, but twice. And when it disappeared from MACCosmetics.com, it popped up for three times the price on eBay. And even then, months after it came and went, you kept asking for MORE.

Now the very appropriately named PurplePeace79 on Twitter has launched a PETITION, simply titled Bring Back “All Of My Purple Life” by Afrobella for MAC, where you can sign and make your purple passion known. And yes, the folks at MAC are aware and are reading!

MAC doesn’t typically do the same thing twice, but hey – maybe the powers that be will realize that there are consumers just waiting for the return of this particular purple! Who knows what tomorrow brings?

In the meantime, I reached out to MAC to get VERY SPECIFIC recommendations for those of you seeking a similarly purple pout. MAC Senior Artist Fatima Thomas (click here to follow her on Twitter!) recommended some substitute shades to All My Purple Life.

“Permanent MAC Cosmetics makeup shades that provide a color similar to the All My Purple Life shade include the following:

Lipstick: Rebel, Violetta, or Up The Amp.”

Thanks, Fatima!

And may I add, I also happen to love the Dazzleglass in Date Night or Funtabulous? And if you can find Ban This! from the Dare to Wear collection, GET IT, cause it’s HOT.

I hope that helps those of you who need a purple fix ASAP! Signing the petition is an awesome way to let MAC know we the people want more purples!

And me? I have awesome ideas for a full makeup collection next — lips, eyes, nails!! I have dreams of collaborating with a major brand, but which one? I’m open to your suggestions, bellas. And I ALWAYS appreciate your support!

Bellas! In the interest of always giving you beauty, style, and hair inspiration you can relate to and learn from, I’d like to introduce my newest Afrobella contributor.

Sherry Blossom is a freelance makeup artist, mom, FDNY EMT, native New Yorker, and beauty blogger/vlogger. I first became aware of Sherry via Twitter, she’s super friendly and is always there to share knowledge, makeup tips and words of inspiration with everyone. Then I checked out her blog and her videos and fell in love with her demonstrations. Sherry really SHOWS YOU how to rock a look! And she will be contributing monthly posts here on Afrobella where she demonstrates how to get the looks you wanna rock!

Sherry’s first post is SO apropos for holiday cocktail party season. I hear from so many women who are afraid of rocking a red lip, but there ARE foolproof ways to do it — depending on the kind of lip color, the product in question, and even your method of application! Take it away, Sherry Blossom!

5 Foolproof Ways To Wear Red Lips

1. Red Tinted Gloss

I’ll admit, sometimes less is more and there are times you may only want just a hint of color. Lipglosses are great for a sheer wash of your favorite shade. The beauty of glosses are their pigmentation: go as sheer as you like or opaque. In a previous post on SherryBlossomBeauty.com, I compiled a list of 5 Lip Glosses To Help You Overcome Your “Wearing Red Lipstick” Fear. A great red lip gloss to start with would be NYX lipgloss in Sunrise…

NYX Lipgloss in “Sunrise”

Wearing NYX Lipgloss in “Sunrise”

2. Red Lip Liner & Gloss/Lip Balm

Yes, you definitely read that right. Sometimes just filling in your lip with a red lip liner and covering with your favorite gloss or lip balm is all you need. It creates a nice natural lip stain that will last and last. I used NYX Lip Liner in “Plush Red” & Aquaphor (lol oh yes I did and I LOVE that stuff!!)….

Wearing NYX Lipliner in “Plush Red” (filled in entire lip) & Aquaphor

Wearing NYX Lipliner in “Plush Red” (filled in entire lip) & Aquaphor

3.Satin Finish Red Lipstick

I find lipsticks that have a little sheen to them sometimes work best when wearing a bold color. Cream finish aka satin finish lipsticks are silicone based, so they lock in moisture and stay put. No lip liner necessary so there is no fighting to perfect your lip line. Pop up the tube, apply and go. I used Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lipcolor in Royal Red…

Wearing Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lipcolor in Royal Red

Wearing Maybelline’s Royal Red

4. Matte Red Lipstick

It’s the ultimate red lip. Timeless! It definitely doesn’t get any better when you want to achieve a classic red lip. The key here is to exfoliate your lips prior to applying and using just a dab of lip conditioner. Be sure to use a lip liner! Matte lipsticks are unforgiving to your lip line so be sure to apply with a lip brush and use a lip liner to help you create symmetry. My favorite matte red lip is MAC “Ruby Woo” & I also used MAC’s lip conditioner and NYX “Plush Red” lipliner….

Wearing NYX Lipliner in “Plush Red” & MAC “Ruby Woo”

Wearing NYX Lipliner in “Plush Red” & MAC “Ruby Woo”

5. Matte Red Lipstick w/ Brown Lipliner & Highlight

I’ll be the first to admit that I used to fear bold colored lipsticks, ESPECIALLY red lipsticks. I grew up thinking that someone of my skin tone just couldn’t do it. Life as a makeup artist has completely nixed the idea that my skin tone can’t wear certain colors. I can wear ANY color and so can YOU. The trick is in the application and technique. For those who want a smoother transition from your skin tone to the color upon your lips, grab a brown lip liner or a lip liner closest to your skin tone and apply. Be sure to feather the lip liner in at the corners. Apply your lipstick to the area that’s bare. Leave the inner most center sheer. Take your favorite golden colored lipgloss and apply just to the center of your lips. And VOILA…done! You’ll have a red lip with awesome dimension that looks great in person and photographs like a dream! I used Kleancolor lip liner in “Hot Cocoa” , MAC’s lip conditioner, MAC “Ruby Woo” & NYX Lipgloss in “Africa”…

Wearing Kleancolor lipliner in “Hot Cocoa”, MAC “Ruby Woo” & NYX “Africa” (dab just on center of lip for highlight)

So the next time you find yourself shying away from red lips remember that you CAN rock that color and these are 5 FOOLPROOF ways you can do it!

Please give Sherry a warm welcome to Afrobella, and look out for her posts every month! For more Sherry Blossom Beauty, don’t forget to visit her official site, and follow her on Twitter.

Do you remember when you first wore red lipstick? What did you wear and how did you wear it?

I’ve been a major fan of Jim Henson and the Muppets my whole life. Before I even could speak words. I was raised on a steady diet of Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, The Electric Company, 321 Contact and the original vintage episodes of The Muppet Show — gloriously broadcasted on TTT every afternoon around 4, as perpetual reruns that were burned into my brain. I’ve seen every movie, and I have special love for the original Muppet Movie and Labyrinth, which I’ve seen more times than I can count. If you have a Trinidadian friend in their 30′s, ask them. They probably watched WAY more Sesame Street and The Muppet Show than your average American everyman. I watched reruns of Sesame Street and The Muppet Show so much that at one point, I could sing entire songs and recount entire skits verbatim.

So you’d imagine that I would be super excited for the revival of The Muppets via the new movie, directed by Jason Segal. Instead, I feel unsure. I’m inclined to side with Muppets legend Frank Oz in my skepticism. While I’m very happy to see The Muppets return to play the music and light the lights, part of me wants to clutch my stuffed Super Grover tight and just watch the original Muppet Movie again.

Having said that, I will probably be seeing the new Jason Segal themed Muppet movie when it’s released. And I’m definitely digging some of the incredible merchandise being released in time for the film. Let me share the hottest items I’ve seen so far. Muppet Makeup? Who would have thought?

– MAC for Miss Piggy.

When I was little I never cared much Miss Piggy and her hi-ya hijinks, but there’s no denying her glamorous persona. Miss Piggy has always been one to remain draped in fur and diamonds, and she always has had a signature makeup look (all about the eyes, natch). MAC’s Miss Piggy collection will be online-only and it will launch November 14th in North America as well as select international locations at maccosmetics.com. Word on the street — via two of my fave makeup blogs Temptalia and Makeup and Beauty Blog — is that the Miss Piggy Pink eyeshadow is super sheer and takes a LOT of packing on to reveal color impact, but the lashes are tres chic.

– theBalm’s The Muppet Show Cast Your Shadow face palette

The most sensational inspirational celebrational Muppetational makeup collection out is gloriously packaged, SUPER limited edition — only 1000 were made and they’re all numbered! And pretty much all gone. Which is a bummer if you’re really obsessed with all things Muppet and need this for your collection. If you’re into it for the actual makeup colors, fret not! According to Temptalia and Musings of a Muse, all of these same colors are re-named and featured in The Balm’s soon-to-be-released holiday palette, TheBalm and the Beautiful! So hang tight — and in the meantime, like theBalm on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for upcoming deetz!

OPI’s The Muppets collection

The folks at the Muppet Wiki feature all of the colors, and Bellasugar breaks it down for us — the OPI Muppets collection will launch in November and includes 12 limited edition nailpolishes — six of which are out of this WORLD glitters! I think I need Rainbow Connection in my life. Stat.

The new Muppet Movie opens in theaters for Thanksgiving.

Were any of you Muppet fans? Are you? Will you be seeing the new movie, and what do you think of the makeup? Tell a bella!