GLOW GLOW!! SUNKISSED

Now that the weather is warming up (and hopefully stays that way for a while), we’ll be out more showing our beautiful faces and bodies dressed in bright-colored and printed duds. A striking spring wardrobe calls for simple yet pretty makeup.

The trick to this look is to have somewhat decent skin to begin with. Luminizers will only highlight things like uneven texture, acne, and other blemishes. You can get skin more even toned with a great concealer and foundation combo, but know it can’t do magic for texture issues.

General rule for luminizers: they should match your undertones. If you have cool undertones, go for pink or silver luminizers. If you have warm undertones go for gold ones.

Quick skin guide:
Fair/Light Skin (think Rihanna or Zoe Kravitz): try luminizers with a pinkish color or shimmer
Tan/Caramel Skin (think Halle Berry to Queen Latifah): try luminizers with a goldish or sheer bronze color or shimmer
Brown/Dark Skin (think Gabrielle Union to Alek Wek): try luminizers with a rosy or even a taupe/champagne tone or shimmer

How to wear luminizer:
Apply it to areas of the face like the tops of the cheekbones, the tip of the nose, the tip of the chin, the bow of the lip, the inner corners of the eyes, and/or the temples. To avoid overdoing it, be sure to use matte shades (i.e. in blush, eyeshadow, lip color) along with your shimmer.

Some to try (go for powder formulas for oily/combo skin; liquid/creams for dry):

BLUSH ME OFF

Blush has been said to be the one makeup product that women tend to avoid the most especially women of color. Ive seen great makeup looks that would have looked even greater if only blush was used to pull everything together. Ladies, no matter how you slice it, blush is a must!

So how do you figure out which blush to use? Simple, read on.

Similar to finding the right foundation, in addition to picking the right color for blush, you must also choose the right formula. Here is a quick guide:

Dry Skin: Creme blushes tend to be more hydrating and flattering.

Oily/Combination Skin: Powder blushes work best as any other consistency can tend to slide off on oily skin.

Normal Skin: almost any blush formula works including liquid and gel formulas.

As far as finishes are concerned, shimmer is good for a youthful glow however, matte is more forgiving on all skin types. Take care when using shimmer as it can make not-so-tiny pores seem larger than they appear.

After choosing the right formula, find the right color. Your most flattering shade of blush will be the color your cheeks turn after working out or you can pinch your cheeks and see what color they turn. I have created a handy guide for colors based on skin tones.

(As a quick tip, the darker your skin, the brighter the blush–now, don’t be nervous, the pigments in your skin can take a brighter blush and it will look absolutely gorgeous on your skin.)

Pick a celeb below whose skin tone closely matches yours and try the shades i have suggested.

1. MAC Blush in Well Dressed  at MAC 2. NARS Blush in Orgasm  at narscosmetics.com 3. NARS Blush in Outlaw  at narscosmetics.com 4. NARS Blush in Lovejoy $25 at narscosmetics.com 5. NARS Blush in Taos at narscosmetics.com 6. MAC Blush in Raizinat MAC 7. NARS Blush in Taj Mahal at narscosmetics.com 8. NARS Blush in Exhibit A at narscosmetics.com

You can apply blush either before you put on foundation (for a natural look), or after foundation but before powder or even after foundation and powder it is up to you and your routine. To get the longest lasting blush, apply finishing powder on cheeks first, then blush, and then another thin layer of powder. For maximum color payoff (and to help blush last longer), first apply a creme blush and then a powder blush in the same color on top.

Using an angled brush like MAC 168 Large Angled Contour Brush, smile and lightly sweep the blush on the apples of your cheeks and the top of your cheekbones. If you are using a creme blush, apply with your middle finger and lightly tap your cheekbones and tops of your cheekbones then blend with your ring finger. Then follow with a light dusting of finishing powder.

Make Up For Ever, another powerhouse makeup brand I love, has some awesome diagrams on where to apply blush according to your face shape. Check it out:

Applying blush first before eye and lip color can help to determine how much eye and lip makeup you need. Often times you can get away with just wearing blush!

And there you have it, a quick and dirty guide on blush. No longer should you be afraid of blush. Keep it as a part of your normal beauty routine and your face will thank you.

HOME MADE BEAUTY MASKS

Go get some fruits and some natural oils and do it yourself!!!!!! no more beauty products to buy....

Firm up your face

Banana mask. Mash up a very ripe banana. Add just enough honey to make a soft pulp. Apply over face and hair. This is such a great firming mask that aging movie stars have been known to put it in the cups of their bras to make their breasts perky.

FOR OILY SKIN TYPE

Lemon/Egg homemade facials Mask 

Squeeze half a lemon and mix the juice with one beaten egg white. Apply to face avoiding the area around the eyes. Leave on your face overnight or if during the day, for about 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

OATMEAL homemade Facial (For Oily Skin)

Make a creamy paste of oatmeal and water. Apply to face, let dry completely. Remove by very gently rubbing off with your fingers.

Peach homemade facial Masks (For Dry Skin)

Mash a fresh peach, mix with enough warm olive, peach kernel or almond oil to form a spreadable paste.

APRICOT homemade facial Masks

Mash the fresh fruit for a good facemask.
Variation: Add apricots to a little warm olive oil to form a spreadable paste. Good for dry skin.

NORMAL SKIN TYPE

Lettuce leaves are best home remedies for normal skin. Dip two large lettuce leaves in olive oil and sprinkle on them a few drops of lemon juice. Place them on both sides of your face, and then cover them with a paper towel dipped in mineral water. Wipe your face with a cotton ball soaked in warm milk, then rinse with boiled warm water.

Strawberry and Papaya facials masks: 1/4th cup cooked peach, two strawberries, 1/4th cup mashed papaya, one tsp honey and oatmeal, to form a thin paste. Mask the fruits together and add oatmeal to make a paste. Apply to face and leave on for 10 mins. The fruit acids will remove the dead skin and leave you with a beautiful, hydrated glow. The oatmeal calms the skin.

On my next post i'll give you more recipes for your hair and face, be ready and don't hesitate to give me your feedback.
Have fun in your kitchen!!!!

I GOT MY LACE! DID YOU GET YOURS??

If you haven't seen it yet on Alicia Keys and other celebs!!! you are late...i got mine you better get yours! : )

FACE LOOKING 10 YEARS YOUNGER

Description Jade Facial Roller

This facial roller is made of pure Jade, a cleansing stone used in Chinese medicine for centuries to aid the body's filtration organs and lymph system to expel toxins. The original, medium sized roller is designed to use around the face and neck area to aid lymph drainage and blood flow, eliminating puffiness, toning facial muscles and plumping out wrinkles. You will also find that regular use minimises spots around the chin and jawline caused by toxin build-up. Store in the fridge and use on your temples to ease headaches and hangovers.

BLING YOUR HEAD AND BODY BABY

This is summer must haves. I love these jewels pieces...just rock them with jeans, a tank top and fab hair and makeup. It just completes the look. Just email me and I'll tell you more if you to purchase some.

Product Description

This piece is bad ass. Super comfortable to wear. Stainless Steel, one size fits most.

Product Description

This piece is heavy and beautiful. Looks AMAZING with a backless dress or over a t-shirt or jacket.

Product Description

Ear cuff made from vintage brass pieces. Each one differs, all are equally beautiful. Wears comfortably. No piercing required for top of ear, but a lobe piercing is recommended.

Product Description

Ear cuff made from vintage brass feather like piece and mixed chains. No need for upper ear piercing but lobe piercing is recommended.

Product Description

Sterling silver rings connected by layers and layers of mixed chains

DO YOU WANT TO SEE MORE?? I KNOW YOU ARE JUST LIKE ME...YOU CAN'T MAKE UP YOUR MIND!!!!!! I GOT THEM ALL !!!!!!

HOW ABOUT YOUR HEAD???? OH GIRLS!!! IT IS OUR BIRTHDAYS!!!!