Urban Decay Primer Potion vs. TooFaced's Shadow Insurance

Lash Love

I hadddd to add a pic... It's an oldie but newbie for me and I am in love... Christian Dior's Azure mascara... LOVE LOVE LOVE IT and completelyyy hooked! :)

Evening Look

I did this look some time ago, but totally want to put pictures up of it. Its a great evening look if you are going for something simple. I only used Loreal's HIP eye shadows and a no name tinted lip gloss. Let me know if you like it :-)

Ttfn, K

The Prep Step!

Ever wake up in the morning feeling good about putting on makeup, so you do your best when applying it, but by the end of the day you don't look nearly as good as when you started? Trust me, this happens all too often and although life's natural occurences tend to have a helping hand, there are preventative steps you can take to help reduce your makeup mayhem.

Prepping
Makeup is a foreign object to your skin's epidermis (top layer of skin) so you need to properly prepare your skin in order to get the best results. Prepping the skin can have many steps depending on skin type, style of makeup being applied and type of products being used, but here is a prepping guide for the most basic makeup application.

Step 1 - Cleanser
Your skin and the environment produces tons of its own dirt and residue and makeup really doesn't like things like that to interfere with its "wearability." Before doing anything with your skin, use a cleanser to rid it of dirts and oils. This will allow your makeup to go on smoothly without the interference of dirt and leftover makeup.

Step 2 - Exfoliator
When it comes to the steps of a basic makeup application, exfoliating the skin is often overlooked. Now don't get me wrong, every time you put on makeup, you don't need to exfoliate (unless extremely necessary) but it will help to remove dry, flaky skin which foundation most certainly doesn't like. Remember, foundation hates dry skin.

After your cleansing and exfoliating, you are 1/2 way done! Next step? Tone-- and I don't mean singing :-)

Step 3 - Toner
I think toner is often misconstrued to be a harsh chemical that dries the skin out. And although certain toners are capable of making the skin drier (depending on skin type, skin sensitivities etc.) toner is a great product to use when your skin is really oily. Toner helps to minimize your pores and remove oils so foundation can go on evenly and smoothly as well as last all day. I mentioned foundation doesn't like dry skin and your skin does produce its own oils, but your skin's oils don't absorb the foundation, therefore making it harder to keep on and force's you to reapply over and over again. Using toner balances out the skin's Ph levels in order to lessen oils and helps when moving on to our next step. If you did have to exfoliate the skin first, be careful with the type and amount of toner you use. The skin can be very sensitive and you don't want to experience burning or redness.

Step 4 - Moisturizer
Soooo you've cleansed, exfoliated and toned and your just about ready to pass out (giggles). Don't worry you are almost done! Up next, probably one of the easiest is to apply --moisturizer. You want to hydrate your skin and apply a layer of product that will really absorb the foundation. Simply cover the skin, going over extra dry areas twice, to give your skin the moisture it needs.

The Forgotten Step--Lip Balm
People normally stop at the skin forgetting the skin on the lips is very important as well when it comes to long lasting makeup. You don't want to apply your favorite lip stick and your lips are dry and cracked--it most certainly will show! To avoid that, apply lip balm to your lips before starting on the rest of your face. The time between applying the lip balm and actually applying lipstick should be more than enough time to allow the lip balm to soak into the skin and give your lips a fresh and hydrating look.

Now don't get me wrong, this prepping method can change drastically. Some people may need to add additional steps, others may need to take out. Get to know your skin and find out what works best for you.

Stay pretty,
K

Like the Ocean... :-)

Heeeey!

Sooooo, sometimes I want to wear drastic makeup for absolutely no reason... It helps me express my inner feelings lol

Either way-- I was off to a baby shower and wanted to look faboo!

Sorry the lighting isn't the greatest, but trust me-- I looked fly!

I also added more pics and listed the products I used below! :-)

Ttfn,
K



Products
Eyes: MAC's Painterly cream color base; Glamour Doll loose pigment in Blueberry Lush; Urban Decay shadow in Adore; Urban Decay shadow in Flipside
Brow highlight: Stila's shadow in Kitten
Eyeliner: MAC's Black Tracks (top); Urban Decay's glitter liner in Distortion (bottom); Stila's convertible color eyeliner in Onyx (bottom)
Lashes: Elite strip lashes

Cheeks: Graftobian's cream blush in Raspberry Wine
Lips: MAC's lip gloss (clear)

My Recent Makeup Venture

Lookie! I am finally posting pics of the different looks I've been creating-- I'm so excited! I am really going to post as often as I can.

This pic is one of my most recent looks.... My gorgeous make up models are sporting "opposites"... On the left: bright eyes, nude lip; On the right: light eyes, bright lip.

I listed all the products I used below. Got a specific look you want to see? Let me know!

Products
Model on the left
Face: MAC face and body foundation N9; MAC's bronze pressed powder
Eyes: Senna eye shadows in Peacock, Artique and Sea Lilly
Eye liner: MAC's cake liner in black; Makeup Forever eyeliner in black (bottom)
Brow highlight: Stila's shadow in Kitten
Lashes: Strip lashes (Revlon-medium)
Cheeks: Graftobian cream blush in Autumn Breeze
Bronzer: Stila (bronze)
Lip: Smashbox's reflection gloss for high shine
Finish: MAC's finishing Mist

Model on the right
Face: MAC face and body foundation N9 mixed with Smashbox concealer in medium; MAC's bronze pressed powder
Eyes: MAC's Painterly cream color base; MAC shadows in medium brown and blanc type
Eye liner: MAC's Black tracks liner in black; Makeup Forever eyeliner in black (bottom)
Brow highlight: Stila's shadow in Kitten
Lashes: Elite Individual (short and medium)
Cheeks: Graftobian cream blush in Raspberry wine
Bronzer: Stila (bronze)
Lip: MAC's Ruby Woo lip stick mixed with Inglot's plum lipstick; Smashbox's reflection gloss for high shine
Finish: MAC's finishing mist

RIP "Ban This" Lipgloss

RIP MAC's "Ban This" 10/14/2010

I've really been stuck on buying lip colors and had to do a post in remembrance of my MAC lipgloss in "Ban This." I lost it a few weeks ago and my life has not been the same (sighs). I will get a replacement soon, but I will never forget the true happiness I felt when I first purchased this gloss during NYC's Fashion Night Out.

Until next time,
Ttfn
K

My many looks (Pictures)

Light Makeup

(liner, mascara, concealer)

Day Makeup
(neutral shadows, liner, mascara, light blush, light lip color)


Evening Makeup
(foundation, color corrector, concealer, pigments and shadows in brown and turquoise, liner, heavy mascara, lashes, blush, bronzer, lip liner, lip stick, gloss)

Natural Makeup
(foundation, concealer)

Party Makeup
(foundation, concealer, pink and purple shadows, shimmer pigments, turquoise liner, pink blush, lip liner and pink lipstick and gloss)

MakeUp Classes at Chic Studios

Where the heck does the time go!

I have been attending classes at Chic Studios this month and boy has time flown!!! I absolutely love them though! My fabolous makeup instructor, Ruthie :-) is wonderful! I've learned SOOO much and can't wait to put my skills in action. I'm giving myself three years to really get good... Watch me work... ;-)

K
xoxo

Time to brand myself

Heeeey!

It has definitely been a while! I have my newest venture coming up and it is totally time to brand yourself... Are you ready? I am about to be...

ALL ABOUT MAKE UP!!!

So excited and can't wait to provide make up tips, answer questions, offer prize giveaways and keep you informed about discounts for your favorite make up brands!

Check me out on YouTube: MakeUpAddictK and Twitter: MakeUpAddictK!!! :-)

It's been a long time coming

Most certainly haven't been here in a while-- for good reason of course (sorta)

My computer is actually about to die (go figure... lol) but I was rereading my old posts (the few I do have) and fell in love with the thought of writing all over again, so I promised myself I'd be more consistent.

I'll be back later but before I go I'll say this: life is such a beautiful thing...

Sometimes I have to remind myself... I am here to have a good time ;-)

Ttfn
K

...

Boy o boy... where has the time gone?

Random thoughts that run through my head

Some thoughts that often cross my mind...

I love love and hate love at the same time

I give out smiles for fun

I enjoy loving people

Life is too short to live the same day twice

Be you

Life can't enjoy itself without you

If the other side is greener the water bill is higher

Love the skin you're in

There is someone just hoping to see tomorrow-- stop complaining about the little things

Yip pa dee dooo daaaaaaaaa

You can tell how far you will go by the five people you are with the most...

I been gone for a min... but I'll be back :-)

Ttfn
K
xoxo

The Suntanned Truth

Sooo no, this post isn't about sun rays or SPF (although I could stand to wear more sunblock in the summer LOL) but instead its about good ole truth... Or so I'd like to think-- allow me to carry on (smile)

I've always wondered whether or not the saying "what's done in the dark, comes to the light" is actually true. I am not doubting that it happens, BUT I will admit-- like most people, I have some skeletons in my closet that I don't plan on letting anyone in on.

Over my years, my tendency to lie or "not reveal the whole truth" has lessened in frequency but increased in terms of the magnitude of the situation. For example, I used to lie to my mother about what time I came into the house or whether or not I finished cleaning my room, but fibbing about those types of things has stopped. Now, my lies are mostly to protect someone's feelings-- which is good in theory, but not in reality.

Anywhoo... The capacity in which someone can withhold truth absolutely scares me. I've found that humans withhold truth to avoid pain, gain success or to harm others. And considering I am a proud conspiracist, I think there a lot of truths withheld from the public. Yup, definitely frightens me LOL.

The only thing that allows me to accept this realization is the lesson learned from each situation. The truths I haven't told anyone about, are the very things that I know have made me a better person. Like they say, *you live and you learn*.

Now, I do I try to watch the truths I withhold. I've had situations in the past where my lies surfaced and they didn't turn out pretty or weren't even worth it. At the time, I realized the person's feelings were at stake, but I never realized how much things would change as a result of my inconsideration.

Yet, with smaller instances, sometimes its hard for me to tell the complete truth because I really care about a person's feelings (there goes me thinking more with my heart than mind habit *slaps forehead*). Again, this is something else I am working on (refer to my post about "flaws" to read other things I have come to terms with about myself-- LOL).

So-- if some truths don't come to light, it somewhat justifies searching for/seeking them in some instances. I mean in terms of relationships, I'm not big on snooping, considering there is always the consequence of finding out something that you really didn't want to know, but I do know that in some situations, there would be no other way to find things out if you do not look for them. However, in less emotionally-charged situations, challenging truth is apart of educating yourself.

The truth shall set you free...

Ttfn,
K
xoxo

Yearning...

So I really want to write...

I just don't know what.

For now, this will suffice

BBL
K
xoxo

Stupid Cupid

Okay, so I know you may think my title automatically makes me "anti-Valentine's Day," but trust me-- I have good reason! Or at least I'd like to think so...

I know the 1st thing you're thinking is, "well, are you single?" LOL

And to my very own disbelief [kidding]-- I am... [Slaps forehead] --But this is not my reason as to why I do not acknowledge February 14th as a legit holiday... Let me explain...

First off, when I say I don't celebrate V-Day, I don't mean that in terms of my family. They RARELY see how affectionate I can be [yes, I'm working on it lol], so this day is a great way for me to let them know how much I love them. I plan on writing each of my family members a nice letter for the occasion.

So now that we have that cleared up, let me just let you know that, yes-- I have celebrated V-Day in the past [most recent was 2008] and actually had some very special ones...

Surprise homemade candlelight dinner featuring my favorite Italian dish-- chicken parmigiana and my favorite desert-- red velvet cake... A beautifully intimate experience..

Another where my boo at the time created a scavenger hunt for me to search for all my V-Day gifts... That was sweet...

And another where we had a romantic evening spent in bed simply snuggling and watching romantic movies...

Yea, I know--nothing extravagant, but they were definitely great memories nonetheless...

So why the change of heart?

Okay, first of all, its a recession! Stores want to mark up the same candy, cards, flowers etc. [wrapped in red packaging] for the moment-- pssssssssssh! A card saying "I Love You" in all red shouldn't cost more than one that says it in all blue [sucks teeth]. And on a bigger scale, if your loved one plans something grand and romantic, they are definitely bound to pay more during this weekend than any other weekend... Sucks right? Love shouldn't break the bank for one weekend, but instead across several of them [LOL joking]

Well, as I've grown, [over my short life span-LOL] and have had experiences with different types of guys, I've realized that I need more than just V-Day to really honor love-- I need that ish all the time. So don't get me hype because you can buy me flowers on Feb. 14th, but then don't bother any other day-- I mean, not that its all about me or anything... [smile]

And its not... My third reason has to do with the man in the relationship, friendship, 1/2 way commitment or whatever... I feel for the fellas... So many pressures to live up to, tons of money to spend and reservations to make. In most cases, the holiday isn't built for them. I mean... you can buy him boxers, cologne or something to wear for him, but how special does it really get for the man? Eeeeeeh I don't know, but I doubt its as great as it is for women. But shoot-- what holiday is? lol

Thee Exception

But, if I happen to get a partner in the future that ABSOLUTELY has to celebrate V-Day, he can kindly buy me all the chocolate [I love chocolate any day really], the teddy bears, the balloons etc the day after when they are all 50% off... Yup-- might as well buy it all on sale LOL...

OR an even better option would be to make up our own "Day of Love"-- whether that's simply an anniversary date, the first time we say "I Love You" or any random date we picked with our eyes closed. I live for random things :-)

I hope this all made sense. See... I'm not completely crazie lol just a tad bit coo coo in the head...

All in all, laugh a little more, live a little more and love a little more...
Tomorrow, February 14th and everyday there after...

Ttfn- ta ta for now
K
xoxo

No Comprendo

Greetings earthlings...

Lately I have been feeling extremely emotionally and I am pretty sure I know why, but we won't go there LOL. Anywhoo... As I was discussing a recent article with a friend, it reminded me of a topic that I have been dying to blog about.

So in this article, a man, 26 years of age at the time, was accused of raping a 15 year old Catholic school girl in 1994. After being in jail for 14 years, he was proven innocent. Could you imagine?

With that story told, it leads me to my next point...

Things that I have given up trying to understand (part 1)

No. 1- Why bad things happen to good people

Now, I know this is a question that can be answered with quotations from different religious texts, but sometimes, those scriptures just don't satisfy me enough. I do believe in a higher being and such, however, it has always rattled my brain as to why bad things happen to good people. In this world, it is so much easier to be bad than good, so why is it that the good gets the short end of the stick?

So now, I think back to this case where this man was behind bars for 14 years.... not 1, not 5, but 14 long years for a crime he didn't commit. *That would have eaten me up inside*

However, he elected to meet his accuser after an appeal to the court's decision and being let free. He didn't hold anything against her and was moreso focused on rebuilding his life with family.

It's all too often that I hear about innocent bystanders getting hurt in acts they had nothing to do with. No matter how many charities I've donated to, or hours I volunteer, nothing saves me from being subject to evil-doers.

Life is complicated-- We live in a world where its hard to determine whether good prevails bad, or if bad clobbers good. Think about it...

You can either be a good person and watch everyone else around you do wrong OR do wrong while everyone expects people to do wrong anyway, therefore making it okay in some instances. Now, I do believe you are rewarded time to time for being good, but for some people, those accolades are far and few and nonetheless not worth it. And sometimes, you don't feel like being good gets you anywhere. So why bother?

In either case, it breaks my heart when I hear about something horrible (specifically unpreventable) happen to an innocent person. The only thing you can wonder is "why would something so terrible happen to this person and their family?" And no matter how much I try to add things up, some times, it still makes no sense to me *sigh*

I've come to the point where I am over trying to understand why this happens. I HAVE to have answers to questions, but for this one, it's one of those things that I have learned to live with and let be.

But don't worry... I am all good (winks). I don't think I have what it takes to be bad-- remember I think with my heart waaaay too much LOL.

My frustrations don't end here... I actually have a ton of things to add to my "No Comprendo" list-- so definitely look out for part 2.

Ttfn... ta ta for now
K
xoxo

M&M

Not the candy silly-- it stands for make-up and mentoring-- two things that are totally better than chocolate! [okay, maybe not better, but definitely are close seconds lol]

I had a fantabulous day exploring both of these ventures and I can't wait to get started! Let me tell you allllll about it :-)

Make-Up Madness
Soooo... I told you about my desire to become a make-up artist and to get certified at a make-up school-- guess what~ I found one that totally takes the cake!

Sooo... its called Chic Studios! I haven't started the program yet, so I don't want to vouch for them so soon, but I will tell you I am happy with their assistance thus far. I got to meet one of the representatives and she gave me an awesome overview of the program. And look at the view from where its at! [Check out my pic!]

Anywhoo-- besides the great view and the new romantic getaway I found, I got to ask a million questions! What types of products are offered? How many people are in a class? Are there going to be tests? The rep was very helpful and really helped me through understanding their operations. I will be in class 4 times a week at 4 hours at a time [yikes after working full-time that will be tough, but I can do it :-)] They use all top line products and there are 3 tests [shoot me LOL] But I absolutely will LOVE learning about make-up, so I think this is the first time I will actually enjoy a test! I am just trying to figure out how I will fund this venture [Ohhhhh Daddy!-- kidding, I got my own ish!-- all the woman that's independent, throw your hands up at me! LOL]

Mentor Magic

I LOVE children! I would be a teacher now had I not spent a ton of money on my college education-- kidding lol. But honestly, I can TOTALLY see myself as a teacher down the line.

My heart skips a beat for make-up, but totally stops in terms of affecting a child's life. I am a firm believer that although life can be difficult, everyone deserves the chance to smile. I love to make people smile. Children aren't afforded the opportunities that adults are, so its unfair for them to be short-changed from what life has to offer.

Even if I never become a teacher, I will always try to stay as connected as I can with today's youth. One part of me feels like it is my utmost duty to give back to those who are less fortunate and the other part just knows that I undoubtedly have a big heart that I love sharing with people.

Soooo about the program... Its called Children of Promise and it's mission is to provide support, recreation and academic assistance to children with incarcerated parents. There is a viscious cycle of intergenerational incarceration and CP is advocating to end it. I think its a topic that definitely needs attention and I am happy to be apart of it.

CP gave us a tour of the facility [and fed us a very delectable red velvet cake-- my FAV!] The volunteers ranged from age 20-50... so it was a beautiful thing to not be the only one with the same passion. While on the tour, there were kids around and of course they were not afraid to be themselves LOL. I love their innocence, spontaneity and energetic spirits.

Now I have to wait and see how I will work this into my schedule, but I am mostly interested in becoming an individual mentor. I don't even have a preference on the gender or age- male or female, 7 or 17-- I am sure I will learn as much from them as they will from me.

Welllll.... go meee for making it happen in 2010! Crossing stuff off my bucket list!

Changing faces one eyeshadow and smile at a time...

Ttfn- ta ta for now...

K
xoxo