Updates…

Hello Guys!! I didn’t mean to neglect my dear blog. I really didn’t…I have been extremely busy. I hope you all had a good week. I wanted to give a few updates about what’s been going on with me. 

As I said in a previous post, I had the privilege of working on a photoshoot for Essence magazine back in November. I did the Makeup for a wonderful lady called Yvonne for the “Fit and Fab”article. I was impressed with her dedication and success with losing weight. It motivated me to start making some changes in my life as well.  

The article is now out in the March 2010 Issue (with First Lady, Michelle and President Barak Obama on the cover). Please pick up your copy and spread the word about PINK DIAMONDS by Tiwa Lawrence.  

March 2010 Essence Magazine

Image from: Here

I also mentioned in a past entry that I would be discussing my skin care regime and my natural hair story, but I put a hold on those entries, because some things have since changed in my routine and I wanted to make sure the results are perfected (well perfected for me, lol) before I talked about it.  

I really do love each and every one of you. I appreciate everyone who continues to visit my blog. I would love to receive feedback on what you would like to see featured on future blog entries. 

And like always, I look forward to hearing from you.   

Thots, 

Tiwa 

ECOTOOLS Brushes and Cosmetics Bags Review:

I been receiving questions about where to find good quality, affordable brushes that can be used to achieve a finished look when applying makeup. Below is a review about a brush set and some fabulous cosmetics bags I received back in January from Ecotools:  

Finding affordable brushes that are environmentally friendly and great in quality is not something that happens everyday. Well…not until I got my hands on the EcoTools by Alica Silverstone brush set. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was quite impressed with their brushes and the cosmetics bags.  

I have used them for over a month to apply my makeup and I think they are amazing. When I washed them they didn’t have a weird smell, like some of the store-bought brushes I have tried in the past. The bristles are very soft and did not shed. After washing and drying them, they felt just like the first time I touched them…soft. The shape was not distorted after the bristle dried like some cheaper brushes.  

The EcoTools brush set comes stored in an earth-friendly cosmetic bag. I love the bag because apart from the elastic compartments to store the brush handles, it also has a clear plastic pocket on the side where I store my concealer, lip gloss and any other touch up products I might need during the day. The four brushes that came in the set are listed below in the order they appear in the picture (L to R):  

The EcoTools 5 piece Brush Set

  1. The Blush Brush: As the name suggests, it is supposed to be used for blush. It works very well with blush application, but I have been using it as a powder brush. Because of the rounded tip of the brush, it really helps to blend my mineralized powder. I also use it to contour my face. It gives me an amazing glow… I just love it!!
  2. The Finishing Brush: It is also called a stippling brush which is used to blend makeup into the skin for a flawless finish. This brush is supposed to be used to apply mineral face makeup and loose powers, but I use it for more than that. I use it to apply my blush and bronzers. You can also use it to stipple wet makeup like liquid foundation. The light touch gives an airbrushed finish.
  3. The Angled Eye Shadow Brush: This brush is great for applying eyeshadow to the outer corners of the eyes, giving a smokey eye effect. But I love it even more for applying highlight colors under the eyebrows (the brow bone).
  4. The Lash & Brow Groomer: This brush is great for controlling stray brows. You can also use it to separate and lengthen your lashes after applying mascara.

Below are some pictures I took of my brush set:  

The Brush set...please note, the makeup is not included, lol

Closer view of the brushes

The Brush set with zipper closed

The Cosmetics bags: I also got the other bags from the EcoTools by Alica Silverstone collection. The bags I got were the Overnight bag, Train case and Cosmetic bag. All the bags are made of natural hemp material, which I thought was unique. According to Ecotools, they are lined with recycled plastic and all the designs on the bags are printed with non-toxic inks.  The overnight bag, is my new go-to bag for traveling… it holds everything I need, from the moment I brush my teeth to the moment I get out of the shower. The Train Case is my new favorite makeup bag. I love the size because it is large enough to store my makeup, but small enough to leave in my car, in case I need to change my makeup look after work. It has a nice size removable clear case inside that I put items I need easy access to. I also like the fact that my Brush set (mentioned above) fits into the train case with ease.   

My new favorite train case...it stores all the makeup I use on a daily basis

Pros:   

Environmentally and Earth friendly brushes and bags   

Because of the color of the bags, they handle stains and dirt very well. I got a pink stain on my brush set and I can hardly see it. It kinda blended in.   

AFFORDABLE…YESSSSSS!!!  

The brushes are Super, Super soft… and feels soo good on the face  

Easy to clean and no odd odor to report like some other drugstore brushes  

No shedding of the hair bristles   

Added bonus: The brush case can double as a cosmetic bag which fits perfectly into any purse.  

Cons:  

I can’t think of any…well, expect that the brush set is meant for mineralized makeup, so it does not pack on a lot of makeup, but that’s what using mineralized makeup is about….you want to look natural.. so it works as a positive in my opinion. If you are looking to apply heavy or dramatic makeup, this might not be the brush set for you.  

Verdict:   

You should get this brush set if you are a beginner and are looking for tools to apply your makeup. I think it would be a great addition to your personal makeup bag.  You can pick up the brush set here. EcoTools, also has another brush set that might be of interest to some because it includes three other brushes that are not in the brush set I reviewed above. That brush set can be picked up here.  

Price: 5 out of 5 (All the items in EcoTools by Alica Silverstone collection are reasonably priced)  

Creativity: 5 out of 5 (Ferrule is made from reuse aluminum; The handles are made from Bamboo)  

Packaging: 5 out of 5 (Comes in a nice bag with instructions; packaging is made from post-consumer recycled content)  

Quality: 5 out of 5   

Functionality: 5 out of 5 (It gets the job done!!!)   

Thots,   

Tiwa

FTC Disclaimer: This review contains my honest thoughts and opinions. The products were sent to me by EcoTools. I am not affiliated with EcoTools. I was not paid to use or review these products. 

What do you LOVE???

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner I thought it would be nice to talk about what we love about our faces and bodies.  

Each individual woman’s body demands to be accepted on its own terms. 

-Gloria Steinem    

Many times as women we tend to focus on what we don’t like about our bodies or facial features…but today I wanted us to embrace what we do love. Expressing our feelings about the things we love about ourselves is not vain. It’s a way of empowering ourselves and embracing the positive things about us.  

Ok… so let me start, lol. The things I love about my face are: My lips, skin and some days, I really like my eyes.   

What are the features you love about your face or your body? What do you like to play up with makeup or clothes?   

TIP of the Week: Why not try really hot RED lips on Valentine’s day, like this beautiful model below.  I used MAC lipstick in MAC Red and clear lipgloss to achieve this look. You can tone down red lips with a neutral lipliner.   

Michelle looking "Hot in Red"!!!

 Happy Valentine’s Day!!  

Thots,   

Tiwa

Bringing the 70’s back

Working with Chi of Vibrant Photographics is always fun for me.  We both wanted to add a 70’s themed look to our portfolios. I loved his vision of paying homage to the Blaxploitation movie soundtracks and posters of the 70’s. Neira was the perfect model to capture his vision. Her essence captured the era perfectly. The photoshoot was this past weekend and I did the hair and makeup. I love how the images turned out, so I wanted to share.   

 
 

Photography by Vibrant Photographics

He also put together the movie poster below. Nice one, Chi!  

 
 

Photography by Vibrant Photographics

Thots,  

Tiwa   

PINK at The 2010 Grammy’s

Who watched the Grammy’s last night? I did and I enjoyed it. My personal “stand out” person of the night was PINK. I loved everything about her look. Her DRESS, makeup, hair…and last but not least I loved her captivating performance.

 

Pink at the Grammys

 

Image from: Here

If you watched the show last night, who was your “stand out” person?

Thots,

Tiwa