Scandalous Beauty: III

Makeup Tips and Tricks from an around the way Brown Girl

Make Your Lashes Pop!

MAC does it again with new lashes and a phat new mascara, Plush Lash. I love trying new mascaras, just because there are so many out there and I love to have backups. So, this mascara has a huge head, similar to DiorShow, but not as massive. MAC says”Instantly plump up lashes for over-the-top voluptuous volume. Contains natural humectant sodium hyaluronate, pro vitamin B5 conditions the lash, while the vitamin E derivative acts as and antioxidant. The combination of waxes and film formers allow for super even and smooth application. Double “V” groove design and hollow, tightly interwoven filaments allow product to sit on top of the brush and in the feed grooves providing very good volumizing and quick building performance. Use flat side first to push lashes upward and curl. Separate and comb lashes with longer bristles. Ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for wear with contact lenses.” I tried it at the store the other day and I must say, I will be buying a tube.

Lashes. I’m wearing the #7 lashes in the picture to the right. And my Sennsationnal Wig. (I have got to figure out how to make it look more natural, the excessive shine is blowing my cover!) I know that I talk about lashes all the time, but they take a look to the next level!! I must say, I am terrible at applying them to myself. It took me, like, 20 minutes to apply those lashes on Saturday! MAC repackaged their old lashes and created a heap of new ones! The new lashes were designed by celeb lash expert Christina Smith. Here’s the scoop in an exclusive interview!

Q: Why do you feel lashes are an important part of a women’s regime?
A: Lashes create fullness, evoke sexiness, and can be used in many capacities. They open the eyes, and frame the eyes, they can create an emotion or mood depending on the style worn and most importantly they can positively affect someone’s confidence.

Q: Why did you collaborate with M·A·C to develop a new Lash Collection?
A:
First and foremost, lashes are fabulous! Everyone should have access to buy, wear and enjoy lashes. You can change the entire look of someone by simply adding a great pair of lashes. Part of the success of my business is largely due to the fact that I make the only handmade, made-to-order lashes in the industry, which explains why a large portion of my clients are celebrities. As you can imagine making custom lashes takes time and energy, which can result in them being a little pricey. It was important for me to work with a cosmetics brand that cares about their professional clientele as well as their customers, and by working with M.A.C, we were able to take all the design elements that I use in the creation of my custom lashes, and make an entire collection that is affordable; unique and wearable for everyone.

Q: What are the special features and benefits that make these lashes different from other lashes on the market?
A:
False lashes look best when they blend with your existing lashes and lash line. When developing the collection, we implemented the following characteristics throughout all the lash designs:

  • Intentional Imperfection: lashes are not perfectly symmetrical. We created intentional imperfections in each lash design to create a more natural effect.
  • Shorter Width: to provide a more custom fit to the inner corner of the eye the lashes have a shorter width, so they fit comfortably to the length of your natural lash line.
  • Clear Band: the lashes include a clear, flexible and uber thin band for ease of application and blending with the natural lash line
  • Color: Black and brown hair is blended into each lash so they blend with your own lashes for the most natural effect.

Q: Please walk us through the steps for applying false lashes?

Step One: Hold a mirror below your chin, look down into the mirror, so that your eyelid is fully extended.

Step Two: Apply a thin amount of Eyelash Adhesive evenly to the lash band.
Step Three:
Let the adhesive dry for about 30 seconds, until it becomes sticky, and not wet.
Step Four:
Affix lash on top of your own lash line. Use an orange stick to push the lash securely onto your last line. Let dry for a few seconds.

Note: I recommend curling and applying mascara to your own lash before applying the false lashes.

Q: How do you care for M.A.C lashes?
A: If cared for properly, MžAžC lashes will last approximately 3-6 wears. When removing lashes from packaging or the lash line, gently lift one end and peel off slowly and carefully to keep lashes intact. Store lashes in a cool, dry area as humidity or warm temperatures (often found in the bathroom) may compromise the curl of the lash. Be sure to peel off the old glue completely before you use them again.

New Lash Styles and Availability:

#30: Individual lashes. Three lengths available in one package for the ultimate customization.


#31: Natural style length with a wispy texture. Perfect for those who want fullness every day.

#32: Natural style length that includes a combination of lash bundles and individual hairs
for a natural fullness.

#33: Natural style length. Separate lash bundles give a flirty fringe.

#34: Slightly more dramatic length. Wispy texture with winged corners.


#35: Slightly more dramatic in length. Separate lash bundles for fullness above the iris, which
creates a wide-eyed look. (M
žAžC Store Exclusive)

#36: A full lash favorite that creates a naturally dramatic look.

#37: Most dramatic length. Theses Lashes are the biggest, fullest and longest (MžAžC Store Exclusive)


#38: Natural style length with a wispy texture. This half lash adds subtle fullness to the outer corner of the eye (MžAžC Store Exclusive)

#39: For the lower lash line. Natural style length with a wispy texture. Perfect for those
Of us who want extra fullness for lower lashes (M
žAžC Store Exclusive)

#40: For the lower lash line. Natural style length. Combines lash bundles and individual hairs. (MžAžC Store Exclusive)

Filed under: Lashes, MAC

Matte2

MAC has come out with 16 new eyeshadows that feel like silk. They are a whole new genre of colors, called Matte Squared. It’s crazy, they are ridiculously blendable, rich and color and so brown girl friendly. There isn’t one color that we can’t wear. Why all the hoopla over matte shadows?? Mattes work well on more mature skin, brides and look great in pictures. They are classy while adding color, sometimes you might not want shimmer and sparkle all over your eyes.

Warm Script eyehadow may just take the place of my ever fabulous Swiss Chocolate eyeshadow, which makes it a sad, sad day for me. I always apply this in my crease before I add my lid and highlight colors, as well as any additional crease colors. It “connects” all of the colors and completes the eye.

Lucky for us, these colors are permanent. I highly suggest a few of these, they are blue.

Post Haste Bright berry pink
Poison Pen Deep mid-tone purple with grey
Newly Minted Rich sea green
Handwritten Rich chocolate brown
Flourishing Rich moss green
Blanc Type Creamy beige
Fig. 1 Eggplant purple
Copperplate Muted mid-tone grey
Prussian Deep sea blue
Clarity Rich Aqua
Brown Script Warm chestnut brown
Signed, Sealed Black maroon
Graphology Dark black grey with a hint of purple
Tete-A-Tint Caramel brown
Typographic Asphalt black

Filed under: MAC

MAC Blue Storm Look

BlueStorm

Eyes

MAC Sea Me Shadestick (base)

MAC Tilt E/S

MAC Swiss Chocolate E/S

MAC Blue Storm E/S

Cheeks

MAC Ablaze Blush

Filed under: Uncategorized

Exclusive: Curls!


Another hair post! We value our hair so much, and we have to keep it at it’s healthiest!! Well, finally a line with tons of options!

I played with a few things from the line, and here is my take. The Curls Milkshake, it smells soft and delicious. Good gracious. Every time I use it, my hair is soft to the touch. I use it in the morning, and at night. I browsed the site and found a few more things to try, I’ll give you the scoop, of course.

As a matter of fact, While you watch Nia Long in her new show Big Shots, you’re looking at hair treated with Curls products. Here’s what she uses:

Curlicious Curls Cleansing Cream – gentle, sulfate free cleanser…cream based, so it is gentle enough to use daily. Mild later (since it does not contain drying detergents)

·Pure Curls Clarifying Shampoo – clarifying shampoo that removes product build up, debris and even breaks down reside from weaves including hair glue

·Coconut Sublime Moisturizing Conditioner – Rinse off conditioner with maximum moisture

·Curls Milkshake – Creamy leave in cream that softens, defrizzes, and defines curls.

·Curl Euphoria Elixir – Use on straight or curly hair to add extra sheen. EXCELLENT thermal styling product. This natural curl gloss creates unbelievable sheen, naturally!

·Champagne Curls & Kaviar Kinks Hair Growth and Restoration TreatmentFormulated with champagne grape and caviar extracts, this growth enhancing, hair strengthening treatment is THE solution for women that chemically alter their hair. Caviar extract nourishes the hair and promotes healthy keratin formation & Champagne yeast extract has a high concentration of Vitamins B1, B2, B6, and amino acids.

Not sure which product works well for your hair?? Check out the video how-to’s for all hair types!

Curls has even put together gift sets, including “Transitioning Diva”, “Natural Sistah”. Perfect.
Not sure if you want to buy a whole bottle? Try the sample packs! I love having options, who wants huge bottles of something that just doesn’t quite work out for them?

I had the chance to ask Mahisha Dellinger a few questions about her line. Here’s the Scoop!!!

1. What sets your products apart from the rest? CURLS products are based on organic formulations, the ingredients are just scrumptious! They ar specially created for ethnic hair (curly, kinky, relaxed, natural, wavy, etc)…but beyond this…each and every product is tested by our panel of testers until it meets the needs and requirements of today’s market. We do not just launch products…our testers, from all of the world, dictates what we launch and when. In fact,

2. Which products work just as well for relaxed girls? Actually, all of our products are great for relaxed hair…you see, relaxed hair requires more care so that it maintains its healthy glow. Quality products are essential for this process. CURLS products are formulated with exotic extracts, natural oils, organic ingredients, and rich moisturizers. Who needs such TLC more than a sista with relaxed hair?

3. What is the best solution to softening 4a/b hair? I always encourage embracing your natural kinks, locks and tresses, so all of our products are created with that premise in mind.

4. Which products do you recommend for braids and weaves? Our Whipped Cream is very popular for braids. http://www.curls.biz/curly-hair-products/Whipped-Cream-p-16148.html Ashanti used this when she had her hair braided on the picture found on our website, http://www.curls.biz/. Curls Milkshake http://www.curls.biz/curly-hair-products/Curls-Milkshake-p-454.html is insanely popular for women with curly weaves! This light curl lotion is formulated with pure coconut milk and it enhances, defines, and defrizzes weaves without a heavy build up or residue. We have several Hollywood stylists that order this product just for their weaved clients. Also, Pure Curls Clarifying Shampoo – http://www.curls.biz/curly-hair-products/Pure-Curls-Clarifying-Shampoo-p-16146.html breaks down and removes build up left behind from weaves, including hair glue.

5. What is the importance of a detangling comb vs. any other? Using a detangling wide tooth pick is very important…as the standard combs (fine to medium tooth combs) will not only detangle the hair, but take out a significant amount of hair along the way. I highly encourage the use of this shower detangler, available on our site, http://www.curls.biz/curly-hair-products/Curl-Shower-Detangler-p-466.html. This shower detangler slides through curls to detangle tangles and snarls. Helps eliminate damage to fragile, wet, curly hair. I also recommend detangling the hair, while in the shower, with conditioner on the hair.

Filed under: Curls, Natural Hair, Relaxed Hair

Intro

Hey All!

Welcome to Scandalous Beauty: The Looks. Here, I will demonstrate different makeup looks that I have done, as well as tutorials and color swatches. Keep an eye out, and check back regularly!

And just to let you know, I am a bit of a M.A.C. freak.  Sorry if that bothers you. : )

Filed under: Uncategorized

Jena 6

My heart goes out to all of the families that are suffering through this crap. It’s ridiculous. I really don’t have anything more to say than that. I’m wearing all black today to support the cause, and I hope you are too! There’s finally some national coverage on the issue, here at CNN.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/law/09/20/jena.six/index.html

Filed under: Uncategorized

My Fashion Week Adventure!

Sadly, Fashion week is over. This is a 7 day holiday for many of us, others can be annoyed by it. So, I waited until after it was over to report on it! Here’s a view of the tent from 40th street.

I had the privilege of sharing the MAC forum with a few of my fellow beauty fanatics. One of my favorite artists, Bianca Alexander, gave us the scoop on what went down backstage. The picture to the left is a close up of the MAC booth, plasma TV’s and sketches of the looks beneath.

Polished, beautiful skin is at the forefront. “Candlelit” skin with a beautiful sheen is the way to go. This can be achieved with Face and Body Foundation.

Strong eyelashes are key! (Try the new lashes MAC has debuted at your local counter or store, they were designed by lash expert Christina Smith. She has custom made lashes for just about every celebrity.)

Mineralized SkinFinish Natural is used to sunkissed, sexy skin. It snuck in and took the place of bronzer! (Speaking of which, I saw tons of this being used on Kim Kardashian at GlamBlush)

For this Fall, Bianca says that black eyeliner is still a hit. You can’t go wrong with black liner, be it pencil, creme or shadow. (Ever since I saw The Devil Wears Prada , I have been a sucker for liquid liner. Liquidlast liner is so long lasting that you need an oil-based remover to take it off!)


The million dollar question, what would be a great set of shadows for brown skinned sistas?? Bianca suggests Bronze all over the lid for a metallic shade, Bamboo as a subtle highlight, Embark for a plumish/brown crease (Charcoal Brown for lighter skin) and Carbon to line. Perfect.

Interested in how the trends come about?? She explained that backstage is literally where it all happens. The directors work alongside the designers to get ideas for the show. Makeup and hair tests are done before the show to make sure the whole bit works, and thus, a trend is born. A few months later, those products end up at MAC counters and stores for us to wear!

There is a bit of the scoop, more to come!!!

Filed under: Fashion Week

Hotness..

I’m in the library at school (yes I should be studying, I know) , and I just had to post some of my favorite Fashion Week outfits. All pics courtesy of WWD. I’ll be back within the week for some reviews that you’ll love, a few makeup looks and a special surprise! By the way, did you notice that we (and by we I mean you, I and Scandalous Beauty) were linked at the makeup artist’s megaspot The Powder Group?? : )

L.A.M.B.

Tracy Reese

Malandrino

Lacoste

Filed under: Uncategorized

Foundation Tutorial

YouTube is one of the best tools out there, it gets your point across so easily! Here’s a foundation tutorial for Women of Color by world renowned artist Eve Pearl! It contains some excellent tips!!!

Filed under: Foundation, Tutorials

Was the Beauty Forcast correct??

Check out this YouTube clip of Mally Roncal at Tracy Reece Fall/Winter Fashion Week, 2007. She explains the look for the models, and how the look will translate to Fall (aka, NOW). Are you wearing the look???

Filed under: Fashion Week

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