Is that really Adriana Lima looking like Marilyn Manson? Wow, who would have thought? At first one is hard pressed to think it has to do with all the fuss about vampires and Twilight. If that is the case, then Edward and Bella had a marked interest in the fall fashion shows in London, Milan and Paris as many models sported dark lips, pale skin and the absence of brows.
Kimmy's artist used the wax you can purchase from theatrical/costume stores to block hers. You can do the same with spirit gum, concealer, glue sticks and by soaping the brow. Soaping the brow consists of taking a bar of soap, rolling a dry brow wand over it and applying the texture over the brows and following it up by using a heavy coverage foundation.
Not to fret my felines of color here's a vamp look which looks great on us.
It's all about thinking outside the box felines, no you don't have to be a supermodel and this isn't an everyday look; however, it can be fun to surprise your mate with a new look every once in a while to spice things up a bit. It also gives you the practice of applying different looks so you feel more comfortable with your makeup artistry applications. Remember, skill can be learned but creativity surrounds us from externally to internally.
Meow for now,
B.P.
I have never been one to comprehend mean spirited people. Even as a child, I never understood when kids would pick on other kids. When the kid was me, I felt it was because of the usual. Black, chubby, female, dumb, new kid, and so on.
What I am learning as an adult is that those people truly never grew up. The names and faces are different but the behavior is the same.
This is a topic I really thought I would never address. I think people use the term "hater" far too often. I get that not everyone will like what I say, how I look or how I dress. I see the stares, the rolled eyes and it really doesn't affect the way I choose to dress. What I don't understand is when people take it to a graduated level. I'm talking the level of trying to get you fired, starting rumours about you or your family and even spreading lies. That can only be called hate, I can't think of any reason a person would go for the jugular of another, especially if they don't know them.
I visit a few forums to get ideas on clothing, style, beauty et al. I like to research and sometimes interact with other members. What I don't understand is when a member gets an attitude towards another member on a forum. Most times I find it funny. I actually like some of the more aggressive boards because those people can cut you with their tongue and not miss a beat. In addition, there are some quite intelligent people who post and it's quite refreshing to learn something new each day.
I even have to look within myself at times, as there is a woman, much older than me, married with a son and she goes out of her way to make me and others try to feel small. Why? I can honestly say she lives a sheltered life. Her husband works which allows her to be online all day (another topic for another post). She thinks her husband is the sun and moon and will not hesitate for a moment to express her opinion about anything and everything.
Now, I could blast her @ss and it would be an enormous weight off my shoulders. I know I would have her in tears not to mention rethinking some of the decisions she makes in her life. The point is, I don't. I don't say a word. She responded to me in a post, and I gave her a pass. I could have made her look small, pathetic, and uneducated not to mention give her a reason to not trust her younger husband, but I shook it off. That's what people need to learn to do with "haters." You must shake them off. Giving power to people who have no impact on your day to day life is a waste of energy. If they are people you must have contact with, keep it brief and keep it moving. Your hater(s) will begrudge you and begin the next level of attack but raise your security level and be prepared for the disaster. In time, he/she will get bored and move on to the next victim. But you have to let them go. Trust me, they will try to provoke, stir and wreak havoc on you, but do not let them steal your joy.
You answer to one person and you have to live with yourself, what happens to us and around us we have no control over, but what we do about it is our responsibility. Let them hate, but just do you. In time, you will feel pity on them. While they're busy plotting, you're busy living.
Roaring along
B.P.
Hmm....
I have had great success in getting rid of the makeup I purchased which has never been used. The duplicates were embarassing. I didn't blog about it but I was a bit down. I know one should blog for themselves; however, I wanted to help others. I can journal to get my own thoughts. BUT, what bothered me was I did RAOKs to people who don't follow this blog because I got zero responses from the half dozen or so followers. Somehow I thought at least one person would respond, and I would send them some of the makeup and hair products I haven't used.
Instead, I sent some to ladies on a forum about hair, and I could have gotten $300 or more on eBay; however, I sent it to random posters. Sadly, I don't know if they received the items or not. I don't want a thank you, I guess I hate not knowing if they received their gifts and if they, in fact, like them. It's been over a week, and nothing.
Incidently, I could not figure out why my bank account wasn't showing the money I earned from eBay via PayPal. I logged onto my account there and I guess the money sits there until you transfer it, so I did. $483.00 in a week for stuff I have siting around. I don't know what is wrong with me, but I haven't spent any of the money on anything and I don't feel motivated to. The country is in an economic crisis and I have money I don't want to spend. In addition, it's a Saturday and I've only been out with my dog and that is it.
I guess I think this blog may close, and I may simply begin a different journey. I don't want my blog to be for my benefit, it's to help others; however, if I'm not doing that, it serves me to establish another form of giving. In the items I sent out the past two days, I threw in full size product extras and that felt really good. I hope it makes them smile, I also added a thank you note.
When I took the dog out to potty we walked down to the post and there was a check for me from the state of California. I will add that to my RAOK account and maybe I can establish a fund for some organization I believe in.
I guess I need to learn not to take rejection personally. Life always has a plus though, I have 100% feedback as a seller on eBay so those items can go to a good home, but I am embarassed by the amount I still have. What was I thinking? Seriously, I have enough pigments to fill a land mine and these:
I have never even used other than to swatch because I'm trying to use up the shadesticks I have. Well, eBay and MakeupAlley here I come :)
I am a sucker for all things healthy.
Healthy hair, healthy skin, healthy body, but being a product junkie, sometimes products whisper my name from the shelves. I'm working on a zebra print set of ear muffs, but until then, enjoy!
These two are from the Deep Conditioning Treatments for the shampoo and conditioners of their respective hair types. I selected moisture and strength. The hair:
Claims:
Garnier Fructis Moisture Works
Drench your hair with moisture! Active Fruit Concentrate - an innovative combination of vitamins B3 and B6, fructose and glucose - helps restore moisture in dull, brittle or dry hair. Moisture is replenished and brilliant shine returns. Hair is up to 5x stronger, up to 5x smoother and so much shiner.* The result? You just have to touch it. Hair is so smooth, soft and supple that it feels like silk.
Garnier Fructis Moisture Works Instant Melting Conditioner is a breakthrough in conditioning technology. It instantly melts into the hair while Hydra-Replenishers deeply moisturize and strengthen hair without weighing it down.
How to use: After shampooing, apply the Instant Melting Conditioner to wet hair from root to tip. Rinse. For best results, use the Garnier Fructis Moisture Works System.
Results:
Didn't do much for my hair. It didn't detangle, it didn't make my hair feel like silk (wasn't expected) and it didn't seem to dry to a higher sheen.
The other product I had not seen nor heard of and found it by a lark. It's thicker, comes out more like a cream than lotion in an off white to peach color and smells nice as well.
Claims:
Garnier Fructis Strength & Repair
Garnier Fructis introduces the Strength & Repair System to help reverse the signs of damage in one week,* leaving hair intensely nourished, repaired from the inside out, and more resistant to breakage. The formulas with Nutritive Fruit Micro-Oils - a combination of apricot and avocado oils - nourish hair, and Ceramide Reconstructor helps repair and fortify hair. The result? Up to 7x less breakage.*
Garnier Fructis Strength & Repair Instant Melting Conditioner is a breakthrough in conditioning technology. This formula with Ceramide Reconstructor instantly penetrates deep into over-processed, damaged hair to help repair and revive the hair on contact.
How to use: After shampooing, apply the Instant Melting Conditioner to wet hair from root to tip. Rinse. For best results, use the Garnier Fructis Strength & Repair System.
Results:
Loved it, I will definitely repurchase this when I finish my others. This product comes closer to melting into my hair than its predecessor; however, the thing about this product is the moisturizing ability. I don't put this above my HGs but it was really nice to finally get a product which delivered most of its claims.
Five paws bellas!
No sleep til....
Adam Yauch gets well soon. I heard the news this morning, but had to marinate in my memories.
The Beastie Boys were the first concert I ever went to, granted I was tagging along with my older brothers as usual, but they were spectacular. I bought a shirt that said "Suck my d*ck!" with my allowance and lied to mumsy and told her it was my brother's when she found it in the laundry. I had been so good about washing it when she wasn't home.
I love them so much, thinking about them with Run DMC during the summer of...well a long time ago. They were the first band (in my era) to bridge the white versus black spectrum in music. Long before the term "wigga" and Eminem was winning blaze battles.
I remember rappin to their CD with my mates knowing all the words line by line to every song. Thank you MCA, MikeD and the King Ad-Rock for the great music and fab concerts. You make me laugh endlessly and that will be the medicine (along with your friendship) that will get you through this tough time. I don't doubt you all have had your fair of hardships unknown to the public, but the public, your fans and God are all on your side. You will get through this, and we will be waiting for your return no matter how long it takes.
Warmly,
B.P. and Co.
Vampires?
Yes, cherubs, more and more felines are falling in love with the immortal blood suckers themselves.
No one claimed the prizes I had posted for this blog, so I made some RAOKs from a forum. In order to send out the items, hair products, makeup, fragrances and skin cream, I had to get some boxes. The weather has been HOT, hot like you want to lock yourself in a freezer and thaw out in October hot. So, I journeyed to two local drugstores to get mailing materials.
I have sworn off buying anything that is not an absolute fundamental necessity so I looked at books. I love to read; however, there aren't many books that interest me. I tried to read Twilight, and I finished it but that was only because I rented the movie and wanted to see what all the hype was about. I'm glad I did because the thing was hysterical! I know it wasn't meant for, but I could not stop laughing because Robert Pattinson *Edward* was so funny.
Bella: "Put on your seat belt"
Edward: rolls his eyes and smirks "You put on your seat belt" shakes his head
How could people take that movie serious. What the heck is a "spider monkey?"
Much to my chagrin, with the exception of silly romance, spirituality and cookbooks, the rest were vampire novels. I was hard pressed to find anything other than a half dozen political books and a few dramas. So, I left sans reading material and bought craft items instead.
What I don't understand is why "Moonlight" was discontinued from the airwaves. Here you had a somewhat good looking tomcat who worked as a private investigator but was really a vampire. Why did that series get cancelled? I can't understand being that so many people seem to have an obsession with vampire love stories.
This series was Edward and Bella as adults and had a good time slot in my area. It followed Ghost Whisperer. It was better than Dollhouse.
Here's to Mick St. John and his obsession with a mortal. I think he was a "vegan" vampire as well.
B.P.
Lovers,
I find the names quite funny, but here you have them. I use Tarred to deepen any shade, and feathered to lighten them. They work quite well being I used less than a drop to obtain these images and again, this is on a brown girl. I wanted to let some of my darker kittens see what the colors look like on our skintone. It appears most of the swatches, tutorials and posts about many cosmetics are shown on women who are fair to medium in skin tone. I guess the equivalent would be for women NC45 and darker.
What I did notice about these two of the lot, they are a bit more sheer in application than the others. I am using the same amount for each in order to maintain consistency in representing the final look. In other words, I didn't alter anything in the applications or tweak them in order to add or subtract emphasis.
Also, some of the applicators are doe foot and the other round similar to Carmex, and if I recall they will all be transitioning to the round applicators. If you don't fancy them, it's very easy to transfer them to containers and use a brush or spatula to scoop the product out.
Don't forget the midnight deadline!
B.P.
In honor of appreciation, I would like to send gift bags to those of you who have been kind enough to sub to this blog. Not because I want a following, but I sincerely appreciate any and all support from people who don't know me.
Leave a comment and tell me what one beauty item you can't live with out and why. I will be sending you gifts catered to your response.
You have until midnight Friday, July 18th.
Meow for now,
B.P.
Cherubs,
To your left please notice Pageant
To your right, say "hello" to RX
I was playing with my camera and had so much fun! I was doing swatches in a store and for some reason the sales assistant did not like me doing so. I'm not sure if she thought I was up to something nefarious; however, I could tell she wanted to ask questions but refrained.
I have to applaud the big name bloggers who have swatches of everything straight from the shelves. I have no one to blame but me, fear people will stare or think I'm shoplifting (common in retail especially cosmetics) has left me apprehensive to do more than make a purchase and leave. Shame it's gotten so bad that I rather not truly shop for makeup. I don't need more other than what I have but never the less, it would be nice.
I digress. I was playing with my "tars" and snapping away. It's funny taking your own photo. The ratio of good photos to bad would be 20:1 for me on a good day and that's not a full face.
The trick to taking a good photo really has to do with attitude and skill with your camera. Cameras are a tricky lot as they each have their own temperament. If you think about Paris "Queen Narcissist" Hilton, she does have a knack at being photogenic. Why? She never met a camera she didn't love. She loves being photographed and it shows in most her pics. Even the candid ones, she has her head slightly tilted with that come hither stare.
Well lovelies, that's all for now.
B.P.
Hello Kittens,
I apologize for the absence the past two posts, but my new gig is leaving me rather knackered and it's affecting me on social, spiritual and mental levels. I am learning a lot, I love what I do, but the hours can be long and the work is endless but I would not give it up especially in this economy.
I posted about my experience with Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics some posts back. I have been stagnant on posting pictures of the tars I received from Camera Ready Cosmetics. I bought several and the above is NSFW.
I know everyone is posting about these tars, but not many women of deeper skin tones have posted theirs so, for what it's worth I will be posting them and may even use them in various looks.
The tars run $12.50 which is not expensive if you look at the price of many drugstore products these days.
They are not tested on animals, go on smooth and dry to a satin finish. You don't need much product. In fact, if you use a drop as in a dropper (think eye drops) you will have too much. I find it easier to start with enough to cover a fine tip lip brush and then build up slowly from there.
The only product I can compare this to would be the UK based Illamasqua lip gloss. Those run $1.50 more and are not at Sephora until the 24th of this month.
There are no cons to this product but please don't use too much, and if you do, ensure you have a screw top container to transfer the product. You can also mix, store and blend in those and most craft stores carry them.
B.P.
I was perusing the urban decay website to check out their collection for the Fall of 2009 and happened upon a contest they're hosting.
Awhile back I did a review on the "pocket rocket" and it appears they are looking for more men. Well, I don't have a man who will allow me to submit him (not that I asked) but I did enjoy perusing the submissions. If you are so inclined, or want to submit your tomcat just click here and follow the simple steps. Who knows, your guy may just be the one on everyones lips...;)
Meow for now kittens,
B.P.
bail you out of jail and tell you what you did was wrong, but a true friend will be sitting right there next to you and say, "Damn we really f*cked up!"
Cherubs,
I have been thinking a lot about the value of friendship. Some say it's like good health, you never appreciate it until it's gone. Me? I think I'm a sad case in that, I am over having friends the way I did as a little girl.
Although we moved ALOT I always managed to meet one girl who was deemed my "best friend." When I was young, we would play all day and break to accomodate our parents, then we'd play some more until it was time to eat dinner, then more play and bed time. I would do this all summer long on a rinse and repeat schedule.
Once I got into school I had friends, but my bestie was the mate I would share all my secrets with. Who I fancied, my favorite singer, my problems at home, etc. As I got older, I learnt that sometimes we must learn who we deem to confide in. I think this is when we learn the danger of gossip. Gossip is something that can take on a form to the point where some people are so ashamed and hurt they don't want to go to school or live. I can't tell you how many adults I know who were bullied in their school years. It's really sad, because we don't start out that way. Sure there are some psychologically off kids out there who are determined to make other people miserable; however, children are generally seeking acceptance.
There are so many lonely people in the world and there need not be. I know I get the twinge of jealousy when I see a group of girls shopping together. I miss the days of hanging out with the girls, shopping, having lunch and mingling "A la Sex and the City" but it's not happening for me.
I think as we get older we spend less time facilitating or even nurturing friendships. It's quite sad most people look to computers or other technology to create friendships. We text, IM, or rely on Myspace and Facebook to keep in touch with friends. I read about some people who have over a hundred thousand "friends" on social sites. How the hell do you have that many friends? Wouldn't you lose track of things like, birthdays, graduations, and other important events? How do you decide what car to drive for you and your thousands of "friends" when you go to a movie or dinner?
I don't know, but it seems like the importance of giving back to people is losing against the narcissism of being all about self importance. I could be wrong, but it saddens me to know there are people who don't feel connected to others and are just existing rather than living.
I hope people learn, given there is a war going on, people are losing their homes, jobs and there is no end in sight, how to connect and support one another because, after all, no one is meant to be alone. We weren't created to be alone and all it takes is a smile to get a friendship started.
My challenge for you, get out and start living. Find someone, anyone who enjoys doing what you do and spend time with them. Build a friendship and cherish them as you would a plant and watch it harvest.
B.P.
Noooooo!
I did it AGAIN! How many times have I told people to research, research, and do more research prior to making any purchases unless it's for something frivolous like a mocha, type of food or anything experimental which is of a small value? I got bitten by my product junkie desires, and low and behold have aquired another product that won't even tame my unruly eyebrows.
In my defense, it was my research which caused me to take the $43.95 plunge. I was bored on Sunday, and wanted to rock a new look for the week ahead. I went to makeupalley and did some research on products for chemically/color treated hair and there were two products which caught my eye. One I could not find anywhere and I looked high and low all over Northern California. Finally, I waved my white flag and settle on a product called "Enjoy." I think I had seen or heard about it before but with the volume of catalogues, magazines and forums I am exposed to, not to mention the "gurus" who are popping up en masse. This product had about a dozen reviews who all gave it five lippies! Impressive to find more than three product junkies who all agree about one product so I got bit and tried to ignore the wound. The anticipation hit an all time high on Sunday morning. Seriously, I located a store and had it before they even had time to fully open.
Well, I should have read more into the reviews rather than getting into the 100% rating. What type of hair, what length, texture, etc. Nope, the rating was all it took, and now I have this:
in my shower and it does nothing for my hair.
Pros: smells great, thick but not too thick in consistency, no sulphates, soft scent and is also good for skin.
Cons: price is a bit steep, doesn't detangle, doesn't have the "slip" my hair needs.
The lesson kittens, when you do your research, do it thoroughly and ALWAYS find out the store's return/exchange policy. Haste makes waste in my case.
B.P.
Hey Cherubs:
It's amazing to me I have been in the makeup industry and am just hearing about camerareadycosmetics! The sight is owned and operated by Mary Erickson, a makeup artist located in Southern California. Mary has been such a blessing for me. I have placed several orders from her and have been impressed with how fast her shipping is, and how helpful she has been. For example, you know when a website has the "contact us" button and you ask a question with hopes to hear something back, but expecting nothing and if you're lucky you may get a reply that your message was received but then you never hear from them? Mary has been patient in answering all my questions, AND she even helps with product recommendations. I am so impressed. I know this blog is not popular, but I am not blogging for publicity so I get nothing by promoting this woman. My goal is to put out there that there are people who own business, who also work in the industry who are willing to help newcomers. This woman has an amazing portfolio, a resume one can only dream of, and a program for makeup artists looking for help getting into the field!
I am so excited to have found her link and other information so I can get as much information and useful tips as possible. The woman knows her stuff and she's dedicated to securing the sanctity of the makeup industry for all others. I can't tell you how many times I've contacted gurus, "high profile" makeup artists and bloggers and they don't take the time to acknowledge me under the guise of being too busy, too many subscribers, e-mails, etc. I completely understand, but how is it that someone who has more credentials, their own business and a store has the time to help me? Many of the top gurus were posting on forums AFTER me, and due to YouTube are now calling themselves "professional makeup artists" but have yet to work for a designer or a fashion show.
What's more, I ordered all my OCC lip tars from her site because the owner and CEO was a jerk to me at IMATS because he was too busy with the "gurus" and I mentioned my unhappiness about that. I am paying full price for the products from Mary rather than the discount because that is how much I enjoy her website, shipping and service.
If you are looking into becoming a makeup artist, want to buy great products such as Yaby, OCC, Face Atelier, and so many more, I strongly encourage you to go to her website. The lip tars were cheaper at IMATS, but it's worth it to me to support business owners who care about me as a customer. Again, I am not paid any compensation of any kind, (products, money, etc.) to write this, and my purpose of this blog is to try my best to not be all about me, pictures of me, etc. so thank you for reading.
Meow for now loves,
B.P.
Happy Hump Day Cherubs!
It's been said hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, but our Diva Mrs. Nick Cannon aka Mariah Carey is about to give Marshall Mathers a taste of his own medicine.
Mariah appeared as a man for her upcoming video to her hit "Obsessed," which is a response his slam at her and her husband.
If my memory serves me correct, since Eminem and Mariah's alleged romance years ago during his first divorce from his wife, the two have been taking their beef to the recording studios left and right. I guess it's a creative outlet for song/recording artists to express themselves much like drawing, painting, and other outlets people use to communicate.
I think she makes an interesting bloke to be honest. I didn't recognize her when I saw the photograph. The next thing I wondered was, "Who was the makeup artist responsible for the transformation?" Can you imagine having the talent to turn this:
to this:
That's some talent! Not saying the makeup artist who makes her look good daily isn't talented, but special fx is a different skill. You have to take something or someone and change it from one image to a completely different image and trick the eye using prosthetics and makeup. That can take hours and believe me, working on someone for even an hour gets tiring, with the touching up, retouching and making sure you've completed the "look."
Let's just hope these two learn that forgiveness is the only way to really let go of hurt, pain or negative feelings.
Meow for now kittens and tomcats!
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.