Showing posts with label african american beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label african american beauty. Show all posts
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Lately, I cannot seem to get away from women commenting about other womens' hairline. It's quite annoying because *leans in* NOT EVERYONE HAS A THICK HAIRLINE!!!
When lace fronts were really popular around 2006-08, people were learning to "thin hairlines" on their wigs so that they resembled a natural hairline. I was born with a thick hairline, but it came with the 4 Z very coiled, wig like hair. I hated it, and thinned it as much as possible. If I didn't my hairline would blend into my eyebrows. I was thinking about my hairline the other day and wondered how many people think I have a love lorn possum or wig on my head. It's so thick it sometimes feels like I look like those cut outs at theme parks that you put your face in the whole and take a photo as someone else. Like a painting of Popeye and Olive Oil, but if you put your face in the hole it's you as the caricature. I walk around like that 24/7 so I have been looking into laser hair removal. It's expensive, but I'm so insecure because of the rise in sensitivity towards the care and density of women's hairline.
I understand the discussion about the supermodel with a balding hairline and I sympathize because her photos are splattered on social media, unlike when they used to put the black rectangle to hide the identity of the fashion, hair or whatever faux pas victim we just put people on blast.
There are things that can be done to regrow the hairline but if it's not in one's genetics, you're most likely buying snake oil.
Here are a few things that don't work. I would go so far as to say these are things that may be exacerbating the problem.
  1. Stop laying your edges! I know that it's the in thing to do, but why are all my naturals trying to have smooth relaxed looking edges? You see women tying their hair down to the point they cut the circulation. Leave them alone, stop putting products, brushing, and tying them down.
  2. Baby hair! We are bringing back 2009, and obsessed with baby hair again. I know of a few women who relax their edges to get the baby hair but how can you have baby hair and thick hairlines? 
  3. Stop the braids! You need to ease up on the braids, this is called traction alopecia. If you must wear a protective style, then get a wig or wear a turban or wrap long enough to allow the circulation or you may cause follicular damage to your hairline and that's not easy to undo.
There are some things that are easy, inexpensive and will help to recharge your hairline and, with patience, a few suggestions, you can have a thicker hairline by next season.

  1.  Massage your scalp! Scalp massage will stimulate circulation and help the blood flow back in the areas that were obstructed. You can do this in the evening prior to going to bed and if you can't find or afford a massager, use your hands. I've known some people to get success buy putting their head down and massaging whilst upside down.
  2. Massage Oils! Tea tree oil is said to be good if you have any follicular damage, infections, or scalp issues; however, there are oils that stimulate circulation such as cinnamon, pumpkin, avocado and other oils. Do research oils for hair growth/stimulation and understand it's trial and error so what works for some may not work the same for you.
  3. See a dermatologist or trichologist. There's nothing worse than trying to fix something that is broken. It's like when someone has a headache and they take aspirin only to find out they have migraines, or other serious head trauma. It's wise to see a specialist rather than play doctor. I cannot stress that enough! All the tips and tricks won't work if there is a serious underlying issue.
  4. Get a full check up! Have some tests run. I am severely anemic and require iron transfusions and medical shots because supplements don't work for my levels. You may have an hormone imbalance or something that causes your hair to fall. In addition, you can catch any illness early on if you choose to have a check up, and your body and mind will thank you.
  5. Hydration and silk. Water, water and more water. If you drink coffee, you're depleting your body of water, so for every cup of coffee have two waters or double the amount of water to whatever diuretic such as beer, alcohol etc. Protect your hair with silk as you replenish your body with water.
The process may seem  futile and there will be days that seem hopeless, but the construction and rebuilding of any foundation should be strong, sturdy and short of quick fixes. You can go the Minoxidil or Nioxin route, or take supplements like B Complex, Biotin, or whatever vitamin cocktail popular on the hair forums, but you will still need to modify your current habits to preserve any repair/regrowth.

Please let me know how you get on, this is something I am quite passionate about. For centuries black women have been lead to believe our hair was inferior, nappy and won't grow; we've been fed a lot of fallacies, but our hair grows, it has various densities, curl patterns and growth rates, but it's good and when taken care of, it's beautiful!

xoxo
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There's nothing worse than when I get clients that have been given misguided information and it results in their face looking like they let a child colour on their face. We'll call her Jane Q. Citizen. Jane comes to me with her makeup done stating she wants to look "more polished." I often ask clients to bring a photo that captures the look (not the model) they're going for. For instance, is polished, natural as in little make up or clean as is minimal but bold blips? "Like this girl" she says pointing to a well known Instagram makeup poster. "Huh.... so you want to look like you're wearing makeup?" She looks perplexed so she shows the video that she followed to obtain the look she's currently wearing. As we watch, I hand her a makeup wipe to remove the Spackle so we can start fresh faced.
I ask her if she brought her products which she did and we start. What people say isn't always what we hear. Jane didn't realise that many terms aren't synonymous. For instance, if you are concealing something, you never get a shade two lighter than your own complexion. You want your complexion and depending on what you are concealing you will have a peach tint if it's a dark spot. The only time you want to get any foundation that is lighter than your skin tone is to HIGHLIGHT!!!! Most people walking around don't need a highlight. If you want your features to stand out, you can play them up but you don't need a highlight to accent your eyes, lips or any feature. Great brows? Leave them alone a la Cara Delivigne. Nice Lips? Exfoliate and moisturise and experiment with lip colours. Nice eyes? Mascara! Nice eyes, no lashes, demi lashes and a kitten flick!
I understand the trends but they are simply that. Trends! The only time contouring and highlighting makes much difference is in photographs or low lights. Having dinner with someone special? Of course the highlight will look major when it's reflecting from candle or dim lights. Taking a head shot? Highlight will look like the sun just kissed you there, but if you don't know what you're doing, you're going to have a face full of streaks.
Take what they say online like you would a rumour. There may be truth to it, but don't count it as fact or a scholarly source depending on the person. There are a lot of things like, "clean up my brow" or "conceal my eye bags with a concealer two shades lighter than my face" You clean your brows when you pluck the hair that's stray or you conceal your bags by using a salmon based concealer and then applying your regular foundation. When a person says anything and it ends with "like a pro" don't be fooled. All the "pros" do things differently and it's based on skin tone, texture, elasticity and purpose. You can watch "How to get a flawless face" all day every day but no one has a flawless face, so if you want a one dimensional face with no textures or tone, be my guest.
Just because people have a large following, does not mean they have what it takes to make you look your best. They don't know your skin, your undertones, your trouble spots so the most they can do is give general direction.
Jane and I spent a long time working on her look. Not because she was in need, I rarely advocate the need for makeup as opposed to the love for experiment. It's not good or healthy to feel one needs makeup to be attractive. Jane simply needed to learn about her face so she could have more knowledge when selecting products to enhance her natural features. Cool undertones with warm makeup shades can make her look dirty. Her hair is too warm for the pink in her porcelain skin so that's the beauty of makeup. You experiment, and by that you learn. What didn't work today, a few tweaks and tomorrow she can wear that colour but effortless is always the goal.
If you have beauty questions, aren't sure about a product, drop me a line, I love to help!!

xo
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I would call that my dream job. Why do I fit in that position? Because people who are transitioning from relaxed to natural need all the support they can get. Sadly, where can you find someone on call to walk you through your detangling, co-washing, stretching, protective styles, product addition, hair typing, apl, bsl, and all the frustration, determination and dedication required to stop lye-ing to your hair? Exactly!
I realised I have a knack for this yesterday whilst assisting a group of women and their daughters during a meetup. As they went round the room expressing their issues I realised they spoke things I had chronicled on my journey. It got to the point where, I who's very demure and reserved, seemed to be offering all the information.
I am not better, nor do I have the answers, but I have been there. I dealt with the breakage, the shedding, the twist out gone wrong, the products that didn't deliver, the hair crushes. In fact, yesterday I looked at the spoils of my trip for hair ingredients and it looked like I was making various salad dressings and vegan trays. The oils: tea tree, olive, garlic, almond, jojoba, vitamin E, and Amla. I had the butters: Shea, Cocoa, Almond, Coconut, and Honey. The produce: avocado, banana, garlic clove, ginger, organic cinnamon, and blueberries.
I use these to make products for girls at the foster home. It's far less expensive to make than purchase, and we have a time to bond and talk about things. Also, since they are freshly made with no preservatives or chemicals, they must be used within a strict time frame. I'm thinking about getting fragrance oils for scent, but I'm concerned about the impact on future endeavors.
Seriously, when I was in line, there was a pretty young lady who had an unfortunate wig on and it was due to her going back to relaxing and had a weave sewn in and her hair was damaged when it was removed. The hair dresser washed her hair prior to removing the weave, therefore causing it to mat and resulting in breakage. She had to cut her hair to an inch all around and still doesn't think she can "do natural" because of the "work" so...
It's not really work if you think about it. When you first start exercising, you don't see results, but you are exerting yourself and working hard. It's the same concept. You don't see immediate results because you are training your body to work differently. It takes time. When you have learned to manipulate your hair for 20, 30, 40 or more years, you can't figure out what your chemical free hair likes. You didn't have to listen to your hair because the lye allowed you a "crutch" to keep from working with it in its natural state. Make friends with your hair. Learn what it likes, but don't pressure yourself. Don't compare your journey to anyone else's. It's one thing to learn or share experience with products, techniques, etc. but you can't expect your hair to respond the same. Also, don't expect the many rules to be hard and fast. Some people grow hair faster but genetics, diet, hydration, etc. are all factors. Go easy on yourself and your hair!

xo

Natural Hair Coach

by on 9:10 PM
I would call that my dream job. Why do I fit in that position? Because people who are transitioning from relaxed to natural need all the su...
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So the internet when HAM when a website displayed a Caucasian women as a representative of the "Natural Hair Movement." It's been ugly in the cyber-world. It was ugly for a few weeks and fortunately, I have no dog in this fight, however, I have an opinion. From my understanding, the Natural Hair Movement really isn't as much a movement as it is a statement. For centuries, women with Afro textured hair that was often called, "nappy," or "bad hair" etc., would often use Sodium Hydroxide (Lye) to straighten our hair to either loosen or eliminate the curl. There are women who were known for having "good" hair; however, they had curls that were loose, almost wavy and that was the "ideal" texture. They didn't straighten their hair with the vigilance we kinky girls did.
Not gonna lie, having the "z" pattern wiry curls absolutely sucked! Sitting between your mum's legs as she waved a hot comb through your kinks was not fun. Sadly, the detangle process was what did my hair in. Thick hair, think wiggy, that really had no part but rather sat on one's head was so difficult to comb through most times I found excuses to not want my hair done, but that meant no church, no church meant no home.
When most girls came of age, to be determined by their house rules, they could get a relaxer to straighten or relax the curl. When I found out about this, SIGN ME UP!!!!  Against my mother's wishes, I succumbed...







 

It was as if heaven opened and cherubs were released around my head that day. I could not understand how addictive this would be. I felt like I had "good hair" although everyone knew the good from the bad haired girls, it was wicked moving my head and my hair not stuck to my head. When the wind blew, I had some problems, just like the white girls! We understood the struggle of rain, fog, and other elements that could take a good hair day and throw it down the toilet.
My mum refused to "put that junk" on my head, so I had to work humiliating chores for families to afford my addiction. I had a worker's permit, but I had no experience, car, references, so cleaning, babysitting, writing papers, all means to get the roots straight. Most women did this for most of their life.
About 10 years ago someone brought to my attention all the health hazards of the "creamy crack." I spent a lot of time researching anything to dispute the claims. How could I allow hearsay to steal my joy? Devil be damned!




























































































































































Sick as it sounds, I scoured the internet to find out what beautician was known for getting hair bone straight. There were times, my scalp was on fire, but if I said anything then the chemicals would be rinsed out with the chance of my hair not straightening all the way. So I suffered with the chemical burns in order to have that hair that moved like the girls on tv and magazines. Sure, my body and face were jacked, but the hair was on point.
In time, more of my associates were doing a "big chop" or "bc" and opting to stop straightening their hair and to let it grow in it's natural state. Some were more zealous than others. They said natural and they meant natural. They stopped putting any chemicals in their hair. There were recipes made from ripened bananas, avocados, raw honey and other items found in the house. As for colouring the hair? Henna! I started greying at nine so I do colour my hair. If that makes me unnatural, cool, I'm okay with that, but the fact that in 06, I transitioned (no big chop) from relaxed to natural has been such an amazing journey. It's had highs and lows, it takes a lot more time, patience, and tender loving care to do my hair, but I don't mind. I am past the whinging about how many hours it takes since the beauty shop took a whole day, it's nice to have my weekly pampering session.
So, where is this #teamnatural coming from? When a Caucasian woman was interviewed by a predominately black website, pitch forks and torches ensued. It was the interview that divided a movement. In all fairness, the struggle with kinky coarse hair is much different than the curly haired girl who isn't even transitioning. She just decided to embrace her natural curls. No more scrunchies, this girl is wearing her hair proudly.
So, shots were fired, fingers were pointing, domains were questioned, boycotts were trending and accusations ran amok. Nearly everyone, even those who didn't understand the "movement" were chiming in. A man held a forum via Web Ex to try to bring the peace back. I tried to listen, but I kept thinking about that song, "I am not my hair," by E. Badu. Was it really that serious? It's one thing to not spend money where you aren't respected such as Asian owned beauty supply stores, but now we are boycotting some of the friends we "grew up" with online.
I must admit, I did view some bloggers and vloggers differently; but fortunately, none of them live on my side of the world. Being an outcast has its benefits.
Do I think that it was wrong to put a "Becky" as a featured natural? There are some who have kinky hair; however, this one did not. I find that poor taste because it would be like having Kate Moss represent Weight Watchers. Sure, she may "embrace her natural curves," but they miss the point.
Will there ever be a #teamunited? Of course not, so I'll just dodge the bullets, educate myself when necessary and stay out of it. How was your week?


xo
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 I don't get products sent to me for obviously reasons; however, I am a very good judge of products due to the fact I am spending hard earned money and with the economic situation as it is the only person I have to blame for my poor choices is myself.
I didn't know until the Federal Trade Commission started mandating full disclosure of sponsorship, paid reviews, product placement, etc. that bloggers may be a bit biased in their review of a product. I trusted reviews for purchasing cars, electronics, skin care and other things in an attempt to stretch my dollar. When I paid off all debts, I started to see purchases as investments. Kind of takes the thrill out of retail therapy but one can't have everything. There are many sites I trust for reviews; however, when I do find the handful of people I trust for reviews, I take things into consideration. I had to get to know me and that made a big difference. Having someone give me their experience with a product for oily skin, which I have, will be informative; however, it won't have the same experience if their skin is normal, combination or dry. This is also the case for hair products. I've had to practically obtain a PhD in chemistry to make better choices when making purchases. I know there is a large push against sulfates, silicone, dairy and gluten. I learnt the hard way that I need silicone in my hair. I have long, natural hair that tangles easily. It's been a trial and error to find products that support my attempt to obtain relaxer free and healthy hair. I say "relaxer free" because I am not natural. I don't put 100% organic things in my body or on it. I'm sure there are chemicals in my shampoo conditioner, fruits and more. I won't tell that lie.
I encourage anyone who wants results from their products to look at several sources before deciding on a purchase. In addition, find out the return policy prior to making any purchases. I was recently  cat fished at a cosmetics counter. I failed to do what I would normally do because I was nervous. I bought a foundation that appeared to be a match when it was applied to my face in the store, but by the time I reached my flat, I realised it was not a match and the receipt stated "No Returns or Exchanges" so I can either put it in my poor purchase cemetery, or use it with another product to neutralise the difference. Looking back, I was too worried about being indecisive and the sales assistant seemed annoyed. In the store, there is fluorescent lighting, and because of my oils it oxidized to a burnt orange. I don't know why I even felt the need to buy foundation. I have yet to be satisfied. I can't find one that looks good indoors, outdoors, with and without flash that doesn't transfer to articles of clothing. If you know of any, please let me know.
So, when I make a purchase I will check a few forums. People on forums are usually really enthused about whatever the subject is and they don't get paid. There may be shameless plugs but that's rare. I also will look at Yelp, or Amazon. When it comes to vehicles, it's never 100% and it's taken me longer to decide on my next used car than any of my college majors. I'm concerned.
For cosmetic reviews, I used to trust videos and blogs, but even if the person has disclosed if it is a pr item, it may not suit me. I saw a review for a hair product that EVERYONE loves, and I hated it. But, I don't live in an area that is humid, so that could be a factor, it's quite dry and it's either hot or cold and my hair responds different to hard water and moist climates.
So, before jumping on the "next best thing" think about a few things, and do some research. The eyeshadow may swatch well with fingers, but will a brush perform the same?
xo
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I love love ♥ when I get good service.  This place is my new best friend.  I found Ugly N Beauty when my regular distributor flaked on me.  *boo hiss* I have to have Emergencee.  It is one of my "must have" products for my Afro textured hair.  It has been fundamental in my hair journey and, while I could find an alternative it doesn't have the same effect.  It's called Aloxxi now, but my hair reacts the same to this formula and I only see one difference and that is the amount of water in the ingredients.  I don't recommend this product for all hair types, especially fine hair, but if you have long Afro textured hair that tangles easily, this should be in your stash somewhere.  Most etailers sell this one 16.9 oz bottle for $50 or more.  I got two for less than $65 including shipping.  Great price, great service, and fast shipping.  They included beauty products as well.
Sadly, I am not sponsored, nor am I a "common name" in the blogosphere, therefore, when companies give me good service, I'm shouting from the rooftops since it seems you have to "be someone" in order to get good service these days.  I tried to call and thank them, but was too lazy to stay on hold, so I'm posting this instead.  I will do a review of this product in full, and indicate why I love it so much and how I use this.
see how matted? meh!

Cheers!
xoxo
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Spotted! Marine Life & a Unicorn!!!
Erm....so I've been away from writing.  Why?  Because everywhere I look I'm forced to hear, see, or engage in the topic of Back to the Beach.  It is so ridiculous funny to me how people are selling crack their kids to get this blush.  Have they even used the highly overrated coveted Ripe Peach yet?  There's something to the MAC being laced with crack.  I think the genius who comes up with a twelve step program for beauty addicts will retire a very wealthy bloke or lass.  Seriously, all MAC has done is watered down their formula, created a bi monthly release (easy to do as themes are everywhere) and call it limited edition and the hysteria begins.
Every week their are hauls, blogs, swatches, "siting" and even auctions for something MAC released sure to be re released under some cool packaging and voila, people lose their rabid minds.  Of course, there is no other blush with over spray like this on the planet.  None of the many brands have any coral blush with a chalky highlighter.  "But it's pigmented!" Bitch please! Are you telling me it's a good thing the blush is pigmented?  Seriously?  What is the purpose of all the other blushes?  This means you are admitting that MAC doesn't normally sell blushes that are pigmented.  So, since this one is, you'll buy ten of them "just in case."  In case what?  They stop re promoting their shit products?  Now why would they be dumb enough to stop doing what's nothing more than a marketing GENIUS? There's too many suckers who have fallen into the scarcity principle.  I cannot believe people are willing to go so far for a product, knowing the engine is still cooling from doing the same thing for another item last week.  Lemme think...Book of Shadows, grease paints, Lady GaGa for Viva Glam, Spring Forecast, etc. I'm stopping as I found myself in one of those lines.  While I'm trying to eliminate a lot of this stuff, I'm curious as to the innate need for "just one more hit purchase." Come on, you have to admit we are being ridiculous.  Sitting and watching hauls, bitching about people who bought more than two, bidding on them for $68.00+, blogging, swatching, different looks and so on only to know this will start up for Stereo Rose.  Why are we doing this?  If it really means insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results, we need to focus on our priorities.  Sure we can't control the oil leak, but aren't there some different ways to spend money?  I know I have enough makeup for every city in the world to have one care package with a full face set included.  So, I guess I'll get my next hit fix right there with you. *wink*

(answer to world peace)
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It's that time of year again...I want to go natural so bad my teeth hurt.  Seriously, it's that bad.  I feel like shaving my very long mane.  I worked very, very hard growing my hair this length...but having it texlaxed doesn't feel right to me these days.  With so many people making great strides these days, I feel like I need to challenge myself.  Well, why not continue with the work out, body makeover?  Because that isn't a goal, it's a lifestyle change.  I am changing the way I think about food and the result will be to become more "fit" and healthy in the process.  Feeding my body instead of my cravings.
I guess I am sort of bandwagoning.  I feel left out, I'll admit it.  Everyone is going natural and they are embracing their hair's natural texture.  To be fair, my mother didn't encourage me to do anything to my hair.  She was fine with taking care of my natural hair, and pressing it out for church and special events.  What happened?  Social brainwashing.  I wanted my hair to be like the images on video queens.  That was the era I was raised to watch, video vixens were the "it" girls.  I liked the naturals like Angie Stone, Lauren Hill, Eryka, Whoopi, but they were so dang smart I was into superficial so they fed my need for knowledge, but they weren't in my face like Halle, Meagan, Beyonce, Nia, etc.  It could be on me, maybe I wasn't focused on the "right" issues.  But, I was shallow and into beauty.  I was doing makeup and these were some of the images I was looking at to inspire some of the looks I could create.  Not that the others weren't doing the same, but they weren't everywhere I looked.  So why now?  Same thing, but I'm scared.  Not of the "big chop" I've been bald, that doesn't scare me in the least.  I can work a protective style to acclimate to anything.  I know now my hair can grow as long as I treat it properly.  But change in corporate settings isn't always well received.  My fear is, as a black female I'm very blessed to have a job in the field I do.  I've been made redundant and living on unemployment was the worst experience I have ever endured.  I hated every day of my life then.  I never felt more hopeless, worthless, and desolate.  I am still recovering from that which is why I allow some of the bullshit  stuff my boss does to get a simple side eye. I don't want to give my employer power reasons to eliminate me.  "They can't do that!  That's discrimination!"  Please, I see it everyday.  I am so depressed.  I watch Kimmay Tube, Scandalous Beauty, and read countless journals about others' transition and miss that.  I feel left out.  I know it's not easy, but there's a sister hood in the natural community and no matter how long, healthy etc. my hair is, I miss experimenting with chemical free hair.  I'd still color it, but watching a transformation and trying new styles is like clothes.  I like to change my style and switch it up.

(not my texture but nice)



(business appropriate)

(we won't be needing your services...)

My style of makeup and clothes are somewhat tolerated due to my background in fashion and makeup.  I don't think the transition and eventual journey will go well.  I guess it's cowardice and a lack of faith in God on my part, but maybe this is another phase.  I feel like I shouldn't have to be in this position, but I guess EVERYONE is required to make a compromise of themselves when working for someone else.  But times are really hard, and if an employer wants a face or "image" which reflects them, they have the right.  If I ran a business and felt body art or whatever didn't work in say a child care environment, I'd select employees accordingly.  Loves, choose decisions wise, but don't let them consume you.  Look at how many people are making their dreams possible on blogs, YouTube, and hard work.
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*\0/* Yay for finds that work!  I am not one who likes gimmicks.  I know enough about my skin and how it reacts to know, there are very few products which can actually block oil on my skin.  I am going through some sort of skin crisis at the moment.  I am still oily as Crisco, but the skin around my mouth is ridiculously and embarassingly dry.  It's absurd.  When Rite-Aid had a 25% off all cosmetics deal a month back, I took the liberty of trying some of the products from Black Opal.  It's a great line which is targeted to women of darker ethnicities and it's not very expensive and the products work well.  If you're a packaging and gimmick sort of lass who enjoys the pretty designs, sexy logos, etc.  You won't even flinch and will pass this by rather quickly.  For me, I need products which attempt to do what they promise.  All skin is not created equal.  For example, my skin is oily.  Nothing over the counter will slow down the production of sebum from my physiological makeup in my body.  This means, I don't purchase a product based on its sales pitch.  I look at the ingredients and see if they are compatible with my sensitive skin, and then hope that it can help me create a complimentary look for my routine.  Again, all skin is not created equal.  So, for me this product met my expectations, not that I didn't need to blot oil throughout the day, I did.  I didn't need to as often, but the oil still came.  What this product did for me was what I had hoped Make Up Forever's HD powder would do.  Unlike, MUFE, I do not get a white cast if I don't buff the crap out of my face to get the transparent finish as promised.  This product allowed me to take either my stippling, or buffing brush, tap it not the cap and lightly brush over my face for a flawless and somewhat matte finish.  It doesn't get cakey, nor does it add color.  It gives me a "finished" look. It hasn't been warm enough for me to determine if this is something to hold off on during the spring/summer months, when I like having a natural finish to my face.  The price was good, but that was due to the 25% off discount so I spent less than $5.00.  The product will last me a long time, and I would really recommend this product for all skin types.

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Sooo...Everyone is blogging, tweeting, vlogging about Sugarpill.  Before anyone who might read this asks, here is my disclaimer.  I watched a review by Petrilude.  His skin is dark and although not as dark as mine, I thought the swatches might give me an idea about how these products would work on my brown skin.  I asked in the comments if he felt this would work on darker skin tones and didn't get a reply.  I remembered the drama about gurus not having time to reply to comments, how many subscribers, etc and was not about to get checked.  So, I decided to just purchase this myself.  I have no affiliation with Amy, Shrinkle, or anyone on the internet.  I am pretty much non existent, but I am a makeup artist and a consumer.  I have never been so much as asked to review a product and I have no cyber connections.  So, I am not paid, I am not friends with, or am I trying to suck up to anyone this is something I did so other women of color could get an idea about how this product would work for them. That said, I live in the same proximity as the owner, in Northern California.  I won't go into all the packaging, price, etc. because it's been done and I don't want to repeat what has already been said.  I ordered the product about five mins after Petrilude's video on a Sunday and received it about a week later.  I did appreciate the thank you note because my name is quite long and she didn't have to include a handwritten note, but that made me smile.  The texture is smooth and not chalky for almost all of the colors.  The purple and red are a bit more gritty but that has to do with the ingredients and not the pigmentation.  I will say the colors do not go on as opaque for us darker tones, but as Vintage or Tacky stated, the colors are buildable.  It will take more than a swipe to get the full effect.  I think I swiped the most for the yellow "Buttercreamcupcake" than I did for any.  I have many matte yellows, and this one is better than Chrome Yellow but I won't compare and indepent  and new company to Make Up Forever, that's not really a fair comparison, but I did include photos.  I like that this girl put a lot of work and detail into this line, and it shows.  Plus, she's local and if I'm going to spend money, I'd rather it be here and for someone who is trying to start an honest business as the market is saturated with so many items from China.  I am happy for her.  The price will be something people will struggle with, which has been said.  I do agree that you get  a great value and for me, I will pay more for a shadow if it works.  I have spent loads on products I had to "make work" by using a base, primer, etc. and with these I didn't use any primer and the only difference is flash vs no flash.  I would recommend these if you want an in your face matte bold color.  She will be introducing neutrals, but I can get those without a problem.  Don't be put off in that her demographic is a bit more ecclectic, think product.  I am very please with my purchase and hope that other people are the same. 



xoxo
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When the Alice in Wonderland palette was released, I wrote endlessly about my love of the folktale.  Now that mother is in advanced stages of a terminal illness, I reflect on things from when I was young.  The first book I was able to read from cover to cover was Alice in Wonderland.  Even the cartoon was impressive to me, moreso than Cinderella and the others.  I admit the Cheshire cat freaked me out for a long time but this film has given me carte blanche to make purchases I would not permit myself to do.  Makeup should be an investment and I've streamlined/curbed my spending and enthusiasm greatly.  I did purchase the palette, and chose to give the new primer potion "Eden" a shot.  Primers have a purpose for me.  I need them. Primers prevent my shadows from creasing, and bases help the color to "pop" or can make the difference when an unpigmented color happens. 
Eden is opaque just like the original; however, this has a yellow tint.  Think of Benefit's Lemon-Aid that doesn't crease.  It goes on smooth and dries matte.  The original went on smooth, but my skin would look ashen or grey upon drying.  It worked for preventing creasing, BUT it would make shadows more difficult to blend, especially mattes.  Eden doesn't crease, and doesn't give me problems blending mattes.  I don't have the two bottles in order to compare the ingredients; however,  you can find detailed information here for current prices, locations, etc.
I did try it as a concealer for redness....that did not work well.  It will give dark skin a HUGE cast under the eyes.  Think Nicole Kidman and Taraji P. Hensen with camera flash.  Yes, which is why there is no photo of me with this.  "Why did you take the photo in flash then?"  Because that is the best way to determine if you will look a hot mess when you get photos back.  Anyone can look cute without the flash, but if an item will embarass you in a picture, one needs to know prior to placing it.  In real life, you can't tell and it does make the foundation go on smooth, but it's not worth trying with a flash or at "the club."
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Hmm... sometime you have to be willing to say things people won't really want to hear.  Like everyone else, I was really excited to hear about MAC's partnership with Cyndi Lauper and Lady GaGa for Viva Glam Beauty.  I love that MAC donates the proceeds towards AIDS research and continued strides to stop the spread of AIDS and HIV.  That said, do I think this collection works for everyone?  No.  Sorry, but after reading countless posts and seeing the reviews, I am passing on this collection.  As much as I love being a "Little Monster" to GaGa and enjoy Lauper's 80s tunes, I cannot justify purchasing these lipsticks for the following reason:
  1. The colours look warm even on my cool skin.  I have pigmented lips so it does distort the actual colouring, but...
  2. They are very sheer since they are sheens and for MAC, I like their amplified cremes and mattes, but not sheens.  They are buildable but...
  3. The colours are not suitable for darker women of colour.  Shots fired!  Yep, I said it.
I read about how people will make the colours "work" by using a dark liner and/or mix it with another lipstick and to me, if I have to "work" to make any item I purchase look presentable, I need to say, "Thanks but no thanks."  I read one beautiful sister say she would pair GaGa with a brown lipliner.  Really?  Is it that serious?  GaGa is a lite version of Saint Germain, which made most women look like they had eaten a powdered donut.  That's not a cute look.  Really, if you have money to the point where a $15.00 lipstick is worth mixing to look good, I'm happy you have it like that, but me? I can go straight to the chemist and pick up Wet N Wild for less than a dollar and put it on in the car and keep it moving.  Why do we continue to buy products that don't flatter us?  I have written letter to:  Physician's Choice, Chanel, Guerlain, Yves Saint Laurent, and a few others inquiring about the selection (or lack of) for dark skinned women.  Yes, I get that extremely pale women and women with (add skin type, issue, undertone here) have difficulties, but if you have a large population of consumers who are not able to buy products from your line, you may want to add a few more pigments to your line.  If you're not sure, try a small sample and send it to Scandalous Beauty, Afrobella, Vex in the City and other beauty bloggers of colour who have a strong audience and see what happens?  If you can't justify the costs, cancel it and if the subject comes up, remind us of the test run and the fact we failed to buy and Bob's your uncle.  Until then, I say women should support the makeup which is made to be good for your skintone.  You can make things work, but even for some of the most beautiful (to the left) a colour can wash out a look or add a grey cast to a lovely bronze complexion.  Just say "no" if you have to work to make a colour friendly.






















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I am not going to pretend I'm a life long Saints, fan because I'm not.  I've been a New England Patriots fan since forever, but I really wanted the New Orleans Saints to win because I felt the state of Louisiana could use a break.  Not simply a break, but their spirits lifted.  Hurricane Katrina has become the thing most people think of when they think of the Big Easy.  Unfortunately, they forget about Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) ever since.  The devastation of the hurricane was one thing, but the images, the poor disaster planning and lack of support by the government has left an ugly mark on the city of New Orleans, not to mention the financial setbacks, the blow to the economy etc.  It was time for good to smile down from the heavens to give the city a boost to remind them of why they were always known for the great music, night life, carnival and celebrations.  So in honor of the Saints, I sported their colors on my eyes.  I try not to be all about my face here, but today felt right. Cheers to you, thank you God!

xoxo
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