Hey Dollfaces,
I am happy it's almost Friday, and that's always good. I wound up selling my camera on eBay, happy it sold fast, but in other news...
I did an experiment with Revlon Colorstay Foundation for combination/oily skin. I have the oiliest T-zone that I should have called this blog T-zone because that sums up my makeup experience in one word. Never mind.
I have had this bottle in Caramel for half a year or so, but have been dabbling in all of these new releases from high end brands such as MUFE, Bobbi, Stila, MAC, et al, and read a review about this product on Epinions. So, I gave myself one week to sport this and see how it agrees to my sensitive, oily and quick to break out skin.
The product claims it will "stay for 16 hours" but I did have to blot my face throughtout the day and I never wear makeup for sixteen hours, not ever as I like to wash my face and rarely do I wear foundation during my work week.
The good thing about this, it doesn't rub off. Each time I blot my face I did a sneak peak to see how much foundation would transfer to the napkin and I had very minimal. Not that I am a huggy person, as I am not, but I don't like my foundation to transfer to clothes.
In addition, I might have to say I like this foundation more than the Studio Sculpt as it didn't irritate my skin. If you have the opportunity to get to a drugstore during a Revlon buy one get one free, I would recommend having one of these in lieu of your everyday foundation.
Stay positively fierce,
B.P.
Hey Gorgeous,
I have something I want to include in my blogs and they are going to be "bites." It's a cute spin on our theme which correlates to how I love black panthers but want to include more than panthers, so we have pumas, cougars, lions, kittens, cheetahs, et al. What would be better than to add a bite? Or bites will be tips for achieving, maintaining, or incorporating our physical, mental and spiritual health.
I am guilty of loving mascara, and having a fetish for eyelashes hence, my current research on growth products for lashes. I went to ULTA yesterday because I was researching the Peter Thomas Roth product for eyelash growth, a blog for another day. While the sales assistant was pushing the product, the voice in my head was speaking about lash healthy.
I think my obsession and research has me observing everything I do to my eyelashes and one of the epitome's has been the damage we do in the quest for beauty.
If you use mascara, especially waterproof mascara, you may want to consider conditioning your lashes. Sound silly? Well, mascara is an extension of your health and part of your health is maintenance. We maintain our hair on our head, but think of all the rubbing, tugging, washing and scrubbing we do to our eyes. We lose lashes, and they also have a growth cycle. Why is it we don't think to condition them as well?
Heated eyelash curlers sound like a recipe for split ends and other damage, not to mention if you are one of those who curl your lashes AFTER applying mascara? Or, if you use a blow dryer for heating your lash curler.
All it takes is a little Vaseline or petroleum jelly, jojoba, vitamin E or another oil along your eyelashes every night. What's more, some people have found Castor oil to help the condition of their eyelash and assist in making them appear longer. I can't report that to be proven; however, I also can't report it to be something to cause further harm. What is your opinion, this is interactive and I encourage your feedback, comments, and suggestions.
Stay Beautiful and love often,
B.P.
Beautiful!
I cannot do diligence if I wasn't one of the thousands posting free shipping from MAC through March 1st. I do my best to promote every sale, coupon or code I can in order to save you lovely cherubs a bit of money and shipping is quite costly and given the current economy, every little tidbit counts.
Meow for now,
B.P.
Hello Beautiful,
I have been perusing many of the forums, blogs, and YouTube channels and I am really finding something on my heart cherubs. In all of this talk about the best mascara, the best foundation, and the next line of cosmetic trends and fashions for spring, I realize my goal has NEVER been to promote the ideology that people are not okay as they are. I believe it's great to purchase bath oils, fragrance, shoes, cosmetics, et al. but I don't believe people need to be anymore than their best self. So, this is a bit of a disclaimer for this blog.
In addition, I'm not a popular blogger, YouTuber, makeup artist etc., on the web, but I know the person I am in my daily life and the goal I have for myself and others, and it has to do with looking, feeling and obtaining your best. I don't care if I have a huge amount of buzz, but I really do care about promoting self esteem.
I guess the panther is needing to unburden her heart as I think of the next stage of where I want the things I speak, promote or represent to be perceived. My hope is not for subscribers, but I want to create a network of people, primarily women as that is what I understand, who can share their stories, lift one another up, and be a support system for each other.
Love yourself and love others,
B.P.
Hi Gorgeous,
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, I know I did, I did watch the Oscars, but I'm sick of hearing, talking and recapping them so, I wanted to post a review on a product I swatched and posted a few posts back.
I used the Urban Decay Creme Eyeshadow as a base and the color was Moonshine. The creme shadows claim to "Cream Shadow channels the sex appeal of the 70’s and the science of today! Whipped to perfection, each shimmering shade dries to a weightless layer of color that will not crease, fade, or hide in fine lines. Unlike most cream shadows, our gel-based formula features silicone technology, allowing time to blend, correct and smudge. Once dry, shadow is light and as flexible as your own skin." Why did I forget to read about the products before I purchased the products?
It went on smooth, but not quite creamy in texture. Dried in a matter of seconds, and I used my fingers and it doesn't budge. Keep that in mind, whereever you put it is where it stays and it's buildable, so the more you apply the more intense the color. Unfortunately, I used this as a base to do a pink and purple eye. I kid you not these bases are like neon lights under shadows. The shadow glides on perfectly, but it's the equivalent of wearing glitter as a shadow base. You cannot get away from the particles of glitter. It's not that it makes a mess, but when trying to take yourself serious you can't because the more eyeshadow you put on, the more the glitter appears. On the plus side, it washes off well without having remains of glitter all over your lids or fallout.
I never laughed at myself so hard but wanted to cry at the same time. I was not about to take the base off and redo my eye, but I have treid a lot of "quick fixes" and this product seemed like it knew what my next step would be and didn't budge. I think these will be go backs since it's not sanitary to swap used makeup since it was applied from the dove foot wand, is it? *shrugs* I would post the photo, but I think you all get the picture without having to have a laugh on me. I think for something festive, this product would be great or if you like going to the club and want some attention, this is your go to product.
Meow for now felines and tomcats!
B.P.
Hello Kit Cat,
I forgot to post the style I usually wear as a protective style. This is it, sometimes I mix it up, but as soon as I wash, condition and add my products and oils, I twist it, and pull it to the top of my head and clip it with something to hold it in place and voila, that's it. The secret is to style while wet in order to keep it together so it will dry and I can put my hair wrap on it at night and it will maintain this shape.
Love, Laugh and LIVE!!!
B.P. (no paw here :()
Hello Gorgeous!
This is a post I had to get off my back, no pun intended. YES YOU CAN have long, afro textured, and relaxed hair. I have enclosed a photo so we women can get out of the mindset you have to be born with "good" hair or 3b/c and not 4b/c texture for it to grow! It's not true. I relax my hair, and it doesn't take much to grow it and keep it healthy. I took the photo out of the shower and my hair is still wet, but that's because I was heavy hearted about this and I don't wear it down often as I am in a hair rut. It takes a lot of work to style, maintain, and protect, so I feel like wearing it up is much more realistic being that I work full time, go to school full time and do makeup as well as try to have a life.
So, that off my chest, don't let anyone tell you what is or is not possible. I never thought I had hair that would grow, my mum did not know what we know about taking care of our hair and now that I have grown it, I can move on to another challenge which is getting in shape before summer.
Meow for now,
B.P.
Hello Kitty, Hello World...
Yeah, that equaled EPIC FAIL, but that song is stuck in my head, darn you MAC. I digress.
Thankfully, I am great mates with the women at the ULTA two blocks from my house, and have them on speed dial. On Tuesdays and Thursdays they get their shipments and due stock and inventory very late. So, I like to test run makeup, but mascara is not something one should ever, ever, ever test in any form. Unless of course, you strike damaged inventory. Well, the product promises "Light-reflecting metallics and a hint of tint bring out your blues, browns,etc." The mascara is supposed to make your own eye color pop with the use of some special light reflecting tints and metallics. Well, maybe because my eyes are the darkest shade of brown, unlike Rihanna's hazel eyes, and I don't have that level of beauty on any external level, I didn't see any transformation. I tried standing under lights, taking a photo with a flash, but there was nothing *shrug*.
I do think this product may work for people with light colored eyes or very fair colored eyelashes, but don't expect to have your eyes have that spotlight effect in the photo with Rihanna. Sure, that's marketing, but there are some who happen to believe they will get what a product delivers.
By the way, Happy 21st Birthday to Rihanna, and shame on whomever leaked those photos and for anyone making a profit from it. Sad, sad, sad.
Meow for now,
B.P.
Hello Gorgeous,
I have been coveting bases and later, I'll go on a rant about something in the beauty industry; however, I found that my ULTA does NOT carry "Sin" but Sephora has it in stock for everyone. I was sent an exclusive invite last month for an offer to purchase as an Insider Exclusive but passed. Why would I pay shipping to try something I don't "need" for something I can get at the department store in a few weeks? Go figure that one. Another thing I don't get is how saturated we consumer's are with the need for that "one" item that will "fix" everything.
For instance, I'm going on a very low buy. If I say "no buy" my brain goes into "hoard" mentality and I buy more than I can use in several life times, so I am telling myself everything I tell you. I'm shopping my current stash, challenging myself to dupe a color and save the money, etc.
I have found the root of many problems and think I have it solved. You know I love blogs, forums, and YouTube for makeup knowledge, skill and inspiration. Lately, even though I have posted some videos, I have been very down on myself. I want women of color, dark skinned panthers, brown skinned cougars or leopards et al to see what makeup looks we can "rock." Since I have access and discounts to many brands, I want to try them and give you all an idea as to whether the product is a hit or miss or you make the call. I find that most of the popular "gurus" are not of color. That is why I love Ateyaaa so much but she takes a lot of hits for posting her information and it's mostly by the African American community? I cannot even begin to speak to this, as it really gets on my wick that people will knowingly slag someone online. I know what it's like to be bullied but to have your own peeps slagging you and other ethnicities appreciating you, something isn't right with that. Why are people so, well I know why, but it's sad. What's more, why do people put others on pedestals anyway? I am surprised at the "fans" or "Stans" out there. "Do people really think they can start a romance by leaving a marriage proposal for someone?" Better yet, "How often do women need to tell a man they have dreams or lust for someone on their comments?" In addition, the "follow me on twitter..." and then their marked "private"? Well, I am not one to "ask" for permission to communicate with you so you can grant or deny me, is not going to happen. Unless you are sleeping with me, in my inner circle or something of that nature, what about you can be so "secret." Do people really think they are that important?
Thank you all for allowing me to express my randomness!
B.P.
Hey Sexy,
I found out about a sit called Polyvore and I love it!
I can make up my own fashion designs, styles, outfits for everyseason and from head to toe with the click of the mouse. Now, for me, I'm none to keen about labels, so I can easily recreate the "looks" at thrift stores, vintage clothing boutiques, Ross, F21, et al. But, what this website allows me to do, is to find pieces of clothing similar to those I already have and put an outfit together. I tried it with the above this morning and it suits me perfect, hat especially since it's raining felines and mutts right now ;)
It saves time AND helps to get your creative juices going. In this economy, it's really important to make every penny count and if you can revamp your wardrobe and make it work for you, you will be less apt to splurge on something you "have" to have and find your money troubles are causing you unnecessary stress.
Here are some suggestions:
Don't use credit cards
Shop for makeup, then find ways to recreate the colors in your own stashy
Scan YouTube for tutorials on hair, makeup, nails, and style
Experiment putting together outfits with what you have, if necessary add new buttons, patchwork or fabric dye.
If you feel the urge to spend limit it to an item at a time and once a month maximum.
Felines, we are all feeling the crunch, it depresses me to no end how bad the economy is and the jobless rate. I have never seen so many businesses go under at one time, and it doesn't appear to be getting any better anytime soon. Let's pray for each other and hope for the best :)
Meow for now,
B.P.
Cherubs,
I cannot believe I neglected to give you an update. As you are aware I have been using both LiLash and Enormous Lash to lengthen my eyelashes. Well, the Enormous Lash is more impressive thus far; however, I must tell you of an adventure I partook this past weekend.
Sans a lover for St. Valentine's Day, I wanted to do something for myself. My hair was done last weekend (more to come on that) and I gave myself a manicure and pedicure as well as a facial and eyebrow touch up. So...what's a female to do? I obsessed about my unruly eyelashes and the fact they are so curly and unruly it makes it quite difficult to gauge the actual progression, even with photos. I contacted a lovely lady who has been perming lashes for years, and I did a background check and Googled her name and found nothing bad and her license is still legitimate.
I got there and it was a very relaxing experience. It's literally perming your eyes, with the perm, neutralizer, roller etc. It took her about an hour and I could not apologize enough for her patience. As the perming solution processes she would take a comb and attempt to get my lashes to straighten in order to wrap them around the bend of the curler (which is similar to the rubber on an eyelash curler) but my lashes were like my hair, quite resistant, and she indicated such.
The procedure was an hour and cost $40.00 and a tip. I learnt a lot about the cosmetics industry as my cosmetologist seemed to need to talk, so I listened :)
I must conclude by stating I do not recommend this procedure. I don't intend on going back as the curls are nice; however, my lashes with mascara hit my eyelids :( See, the price of vanity. That was $40 plus I could have spent on makeup, perfume, shoes, or gas. Oh well, I hope my lesson benefits others. If you do partake in this adventure, remember your eyelashes are like the hair on the other parts of your body, it sheds, gets dry and can split, so use petroleum jelly, Castor or some essential oil as perming is a recipe for drying out your eyelashes :)
Meow for now,
B.P.
Hello Gorgeous,
MAC keeps on keeping on with these bi-weekly to monthly limited edition releases. I am really over the Hello Kitty release and the buzz is on for the Sugar Sweet! Here is what MAC has forthcoming:
Lipstick
Sweet Thing: Mid-tone magenta with multi dimensional pearl (Lustre)
Bubbles: Sheer frosty white beige (Glaze) (Repromote)
Touch: Peachy cinnamon (Lustre) (Permanent)
Lollipop Loving: Mid-tone coral with subtle green and gold iridescence (Glaze) (Repromote)
Saint Germain: Pastel pink (Amplified Creme) (Repromote)
Tricolour Lipglass
Tasty Top Sheer: blue pink with reflects, Middle Mid-tone blue pink with duochrome pearlized pigments, Bottom Dark creamy red pink
Just Dessert: Top Sheer yellow pink with reflects, Middle Mid-tone yellow pink with duochrome pearlized pigments, Bottom Mid-tone creamy yellow pink
Simpy Delicious: Top Sheer peach with reflects, Middle Pale coral with duochrome pearlized pigments, Bottom Creamy mid-tone coral
Triple-Yum: Top Sheer gold with gold reflects, Middle True gold with duochrome pearlized pigments, Bottom Mid-tone bronze
Consume Me: Top Sheer white with reflects, Middle Pale mint with duochrome pearlized pigments, Bottom Creamy light peach with pearlized pigments
Eyeshadow
Sugarshot: Pale frosty beige (Lustre)
Dear Cupcake: Mid-tone pink coral with gold pearlized pigments (Satin)
Aquavert: Soft mint with white pearlized pigments (Veluxe Pearl) (Repromote)
Stars n Rockets: Lavender with red/pink reflects (Veluxe Pearl) (Permanent)
Club: Muted reddish brown duochrome with green opalescent shimmer (Satin) (Permanent)
Shadesticks
Cakeshop: Frosted light neutral beige
Butternutty: Frosted pale white gold
Lemon Chiffon: Frosted pewter
Red Velvet: Frosted mid-tone pink
Penny Light: pinky copper (Repromote)
Mascara
Zoomlash
Nail Lacquer
Peppermint: Patti Creamy mint green (Cream)
Seasonal Peach: Creamy pale peachy pink (Cream)
Mineralize Skinfinish
Perfect Topping: Pink/peach/lavender melange
Refined: Tan/peach/coral melange
Lash
34 Lash
Unfortunately, I have most of the colors or something quite close, and the shadesticks will take some real coercion because I am still battling the lack of smoothness of the previous purchases I made. I think since most shadesticks are for a base to prime the eyes for eyeshadow wear, felines can pass on those.
Stay Beautiful,
B.P.
Hello Beautiful,
I have purchased the Urban Decay Creme Shadows. The shadows are about the size of my thumb and come in the typical UD wand applicator style packaging. The colors are pigmented but not creamy as the primer potions. The texture goes on wet in a water type texture but dries quickly and is water and smudge proof. I don't really like it by itself, but if you are in the market for a base, this is a great bet. I would not advise it's use for pigment bases and if you are like me, you have enough pigments to fill a play pen and make large sandcastles.
I think if you are looking for a base for powder shadows, to make the shadows more vibrant, or as a base these will work quite well and it takes a small amount. I think something with a bit more tackiness will suit your pigments. This is just my experience, please go to an ULTA or a Sephora to judge for yourself. Overall, I will use them, but these are not must haves unless you are the die hard Urban Decay feline.
Stay gorgeous!
B.P.
Beautiful You,
Please make a tradition, whether you are in a relationship or not, to take time to cultivate the most loving act of kindness and cultivate the most important relationship of all. Love yourself. Please remember it all starts and ends with self love.
In the advent of Youtube tutorials for everything beauty related, I cannot stress enough how important self love is. Here are some ways to begin:
1. Begin with writing in a journal that is kept private, if you don't feel comfortable writing, start by drawing, singing, crying, something to let your emotions release.
2. Give yourself some alone time. Spend time taking care of you, if only for one half hour. Manicure, pedicure, bubble bath, listening to music or reading a book with a cup of tea or glass of wine anyone?
3. Don't get caught up in hype. You can really do mental damage by falling into the trap the possessions or positions will make you happy. This is what advertising executives are paid to do. They want you to feel unhappy enough to buy their "miracle" products when all you need to do is nurture your soul. God made you for you, there is no one else like you, and there is nothing to big for you and God.
4. Forgive yourself and others. It's not easy to let go of old wounds, but the devil praises you for every negative thought you have about yourself and others. Life is too short, we all make mistakes. Forgive!
5. Don't believe the images you see of others. Focus on the things you like about yourself. Smile, humour, feet, bum, laugh or whatever and start thinking about how that trait helps others and you and soon you will have a list of things about yourself and you can work toward a goal of achieving greater things.
6. Love yourself!
Stay beautiful,
B.P.
Hiya,
How are you my lovely feline friends? Last night I took back the Studio Sculpt I growled about yesterday but have not made a decision the concealer. The concealer is more like the Bobby Brown compact foundations, it's like spackle, but it really does conceal. I don't know what is going on with the MAC makeup artists in my town, but they are having some heartburn lately. Sister girl was so grumpy when she was walking by I said, "You are wearing those heels" and I smiled but she said, "Girl you don't even know." Huh? Not interesting, but usually she's on my neck the whole time I browse. There was no one in the store! But she did say, "Can you believe it? We pushed up the date for Hello Kitty!" I mentioned how great their soiree was but when I looked at her face, I was a bit distressed. She and I have the same colouring and the palette Too Dolly did not look too smart on her. The light blue was horrid! I thought it was chalky on me but she was not a) feeling this collection or b) she didn't put a base on before she applied her shadows, foundation and lipstick. I reckon she had a bad day.
That said, I really cannot get myself into this collection. I have TRIED to find SOMETHING being that I have always loved Hello Kitty and Sanrio, but the collection isn't working for me. I did miss Romping during C-shock; however, 38.00 USD for one eyeshadow? Not a good idea.
I think for me, there has been so much talk about this discussion and the drama from the unexpected overcrowding at the release parties and for me, hype always fails me to be quite honest. I have seen the colours and felines of all shades from nearly invisible to deep mocha and the looks haven't wowed me. Even some of the Tom Cats sporting this have not looked impressive. Yawn...it's just MAC right.
Stay Beautiful,
B.P.
I am so sorry about my week long absence; however, I have been learning how to edit my youtube tutorials, organizing my stash, taking care of family, at a training and release parties for Hello Kitty have me knackered. How are you lovelies keeping? The economy is a nightmare, it's really starting to stress me out. I know it's not anything I can control, but being the extra sensitive type, bad news really kicks me in the backside and driving about town, I see SO many business closing it really makes me wonder how far removed from the real world our statesmen/women are? How can I expect someone who makes six figures plus per diem meals, lodging, car allowances, security, staffers, etc. to understand what it means to take a train and bus to work? They are so far removed from Jane Q. Citizen it's almost like me trying to comprehend the perennial homeless people who live on the streets with signs for money. We are in two different worlds.
Enough of that, makeup, art and self worth are what get me to feel inspired. Helping people love themselves and go about the best way of feeling good is what I live for, not positions or possessions.
So, about this MAC Studio Sculpt that has all the Youtube guru's, beauty forums and websites and blogs abuzz. Find out specific details here for in depth details. I was on a few sites (three to be exact) trying to find out the level of consistency, color and finish. I could not get specifics as everyone is a bit different, and I sought specifics on: will it be as good for very fair to the very dark complexions? What type of skin can benefit best, oily, dry or combo? Does the concealer crepe into fine lines? and so on. Well, I did a test run with a sample of each. I find this to be impressive albeit day two, for those with drier skin. The concealor does not fail, but it's color range is a bit tricky, they seem to be a bit off in color and I've read this on a few other reviews.
While I like this, I don't think it's a MUST HAVE right now. So much hype goes into everything MAC releases *await my next post* that people get into a frenzy type love affair with their things and then you wonder, "Didn't this happen when MUFE HD came out? Everyone could not rave enough about HD and now, they've placed those bottles to the side with their reasons for disliking it. Cherubs, be cautious with they hype. There are so many products out there, I would hate to see people thinking they HAVE to have something when all you need you already have. Stay beautiful!
Meow for now!
B.P.
Munere veritus fierent cu sed, congue altera mea te, ex clita eripuit evertitur duo. Legendos honestatis ad mel. Legendos honestatis Munere veritus fierent cu sed, congue altera mea te, ex clita eripuit.