There’s a snowstorm here in Baltimore and all I can think about is Spring! Purple is one of my favorite colors and Pantone has declared that Radiant Orchid and Mauve Mist will satisfy my need to stand out in purple. I love the different ways that women of all colors can wear these popping purples!  On my cheeks I will be wearing Benefit Lollitint to battle my winter pallor! On the lips I intend to experiment a lot….mauves, pinks, purples you name it! My local drugstore Rite-Aid and Walgreens are perfect for experimenting with new colors that won’t wreck your budget.

Its time to invest in a new lip shade to ward off the Winter doldrums. Revlon Colorburst Matte Lip Balm is my favorite! Velvety Matte Look. Moisture Rich Balm it has a Matte finish that’s beyond plush. Balm that’s beyond comforting. Our Triple Butter Complex of Shea, Coconut and Mango butters nourishes lips. In 10 collectible, craveable colors. For a polished and perfect lip look, apply foundation on and around the lips before lip color. Foundation helps to prep the lip area for a more flawless application and helps lip color last longer.

I am feeling the need to write again and I thought I would begin with the beauty of fall. As I look out of my door each day I see the leaves changing and feel the weather getting cooler. My mind automatically starts thinking about change. I want to change my wardrobe, my hair and my make up. Autumn oranges, lush plums, rich browns are all on my radar. In my next few blog posts I will chart the changes I am making to embrace the beauty of fall. This weekend I started with my hair color. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to change my summer light golden blonde (courtesy of Dark and Lovely) to a chocolate brown or a lush sexy plum shade. I decided on a plum shade after a visit to my neighborhood Ulta. I walked in and spoke to one of the sales associates and she directed my to the hair color aisle and gave me some great advise. I am wearing my hair natural these days and for those who don’t know that means I do not have a relaxer or perm in my hair. I am not a natural hair nut by any means I just prefer it right now. Its a way to cut costs while trying something new and funky with my hair. My hair routine is simple and the costs is low. Back to the hair color aisle…I wanted a brand that was ammonia free and easy on the hair. The sales associate suggested the Garnier Olia line. I checked out the colors and decided on a light intense red. I went home and got straight to work. My hair was light to begin with and this color really popped. Its different almost plum but I love it. I feel like a new woman. I will post a photo as soon as I can take a good one.

Hey Sisterfriends!

It is important to do a self-breast exam every month. Make it a part of your routine. I am happy to say that I had my first mammogram and got the all-clear not long after the appointment.

 

As the weather changes so do our lip needs. Flakiness and dryness are an issue but there are great products out there that can ease us through the changing seasons. La Mer Baume De La Mer is hands down the best lip balm on the market but one of the priciest. I was able to get one while stationed in Germany and use it sparingly as it is the product I would take with me if I was stuck on a deserted island and could only have three things. The other two are a Nars the Multiple Stick and a big jar of Vaseline.

Intense moisture packed into this little tube…it lasts forever. This limited-edition line is all-natural perfect for those of us interested in keeping it green!

I am in love with fall…the trees are changing colors here in the Northeast and it signals the beginning of a new season. Rich hues and palettes are reflected in this season’s fashions and make up. Nars lipsticks in rich womanly colors for us to accent the beauty of the season. Clinique’s Black honey is a longtime make up staple that I return to time and time again. In a recent issue of Allure it popped up again as a beauty must have.

I am ready for a fun, new Coach to take me into the fall season! I’m going for what I call the Afro Puff Poppy bag with a few accessories. Check it out!

While mineral makeup might be one of the biggest trends to hit cosmetics counters in recent years, many people are still confused about what it actually is.

To help become a mineral makeup aficionado, I have compiled five fast facts:

1. Great for sensitive skin:
It’s what’s left out of mineral makeup that makes it so good for skin. Unlike traditional foundation, mineral makeup is binder, preservative, oil and talc free which means it won’t clog pores and is especially good for those with sensitive skin and women who suffer from acne, rosacea, scarring or broken capillaries.

2. Minerals sit on top of skin:
Rather than being absorbed into skin, mineral makeup sits on top of it. This means it provides full coverage but doesn’t look thick or ‘cakey’ and won’t crease like traditional makeup can.

3. Minerals absorb oil:
Mineral makeup is perfect for oily skin as it absorbs oil and shine and gives a natural, matte finish. There’s really no better option for a fresh look for the warmer summer months.

4. Minerals are incredibly versatile:
Mineral makeup is a true multi-functional beauty essential. As it is pure pigment, you can control your coverage and build colour up to create the look you’re after or easily create new shades by mixing two together. Depending on the intensity of the finish you’re after, you can also use mineral makeup wet for a stronger effect or dry for a softer result. It’s also worth knowing that with the right brush, you can use your Pure Mineral Powder Foundation as a concealer.

5. Not all mineral makeup is created equal:
Some mineral products on the market are not 100% pure. It’s important to look out for formulas that are free of fillers such as talc since talc can be drying and may build up on the skin causing pimples, whiteheads and blackheads.

Natural Make Up tips for Dark Skin

Get even. If your skin is a deep color, you probably know you’re at risk for hyperpigmentation — brown patches caused by excess melanin. Balance your complexion by matching your foundation to your lightest area

Prep your pout. Instead of tracing lips with a pencil that’s in the same shade as your gloss, use a liner that’s identical to your natural lip tone. You will add definition without looking artificial.

Play up eyes. Add a little more drama to your gaze by dusting a chocolate-toned shadow over lids. Then curl your lashes and lightly dot along your lash line with a brown felt-tip liner.

Natural Lip gloss for Dark Skin. Deeper tones get a just-ate-berries effect from all-natural Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss in Zesty Red ($6.99, burtsbees.com).

Thanks to Fitness Magazine for the Make Up tips.