Some of My Favorite Things

It’s been a while…life is taking over at the moment. I have been working like crazy and time just seems to be speeding by.

It’s been over a year since I last shared some of my favorite beauty items. Since then some items have changed and some have remained the same:

1. I still use MAC Paint in Bamboom as an eye primer, but lately I have been grabbing for my Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden. I love the finish of the primer and the opaque coverage which really makes my eye shadow pop.
   

   Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Eden

2. I can’t live without my MAC  Spiked eyebrow pencil.
3. Can’t get enough of my Cover Girl Queen Natural Hues Minerals Bronzer in Ebony Bronze. I use it to contour my cheeks and temple area, but sometimes I use it as a eye crease color as well. This is a great all over bronzer for women of color.
   

   CoverGirl Queen Collection Natural Hue Minerals Bronzer in Ebony Bronze

    

4. MAC Pro longwear foundation in NC 50. I love it!
   

   Pro Longwear Foundation

5. MAC Studio Finish Concealer w/ SPF 35 in NC 50
6. Haute & Naughty Lash Mascara is theBOMB.com.  It really works for my unruly lashes and helps to define them perfectly.
   

   Haute & Naughty Lash

7. Styli-Style 24-Hour Power Line & Seal 24-Eyes…I love how long it stays in my waterline without smudging or running. I use the pencil in carbon black and I pick them up at my local CVS store.
   

   Styli-Style Line and Seal Eyeliner in Carbon Black

    

8. For eyeshadows; MAC Bitter, Fig 1, Jest and Girlie are some of my favorite eyeshadows of the moment.
9. For lipglosses; I can’t commit to any one color…or brand.  But right now, I am really feeling MAC Flusterose Lustreglass. I am also loving, NYX slim lip pencils. There are so many great colors to choose from.
   

   NYX Slim Lip Pencils

    

10. My friend, Onada told me about the Clarisonic Cleansing System in 2009 and I knew I wanted to try it out, but I kinda procrastinated about it until last year. It is by far the best skincare tool for exfoliation and improving the texture of one’s skin. There are reviews everywhere, so I won’t duplicate efforts, but trust me once you try it you will know what I mean. The Nordstrom Exclusive packages are still available online. The exclusive package is valued at $315  but you get it for $225. The package includes extra brush heads, cleansers and a cute pink travel bag.
    
    

    Clarisonic Cleansing System

What beauty items can’t you live without?

Thots,

Tiwa

False EyeLashes for Unruly Lashes… the EASY WAY!

As I have mentioned in previous entries, I have extremely annoying, unruly lashes. Therefore, applying lashes used to be a great issue for me and others who have tried to put lashes on me.

I had to find a way that made sense and worked at the same time, because I love the way false lashes look and I didn’t want to drive myself insane. I thought I should share this with you guys, in case anyone else had the same issues. Below are the things that have work  for me:  

Some pointers before you begin:

*For my curly lashes; I do not put on mascara on my real eyelashes before I apply the false lashes (this works for me, but people with normal lashes can put on mascara first). What would happen when I put the mascara on first  was that; (while my lashes would be more defined) the mascara would make my lashes curl even more, making it more difficult to apply the lashes.

*Measure the lashes against your lash line and cut off any excess hair. Make sure to cut the lashes from the outside (closest to your ears) not the inside (closest to your nose).

*I personally prefer strips lashes because I find it easier to apply than individual lashes. The band makes the lashes blend in better with my unruly lashes, than individual lashes do. Also, the band helps to hide any unevenness.

*I use a magnifying glass, because it simplifies the whole process. This way, I am able to see the “nooks and crannies” of my eye. 

*Last by not least, take a deep breath and start the process. The more jittery or apprehensive you are, the more likely you are to mess up. You can do it, if you put your mind to it!!!

What you will need:

*Sephora Platinum Lash & Eyebrow Comb #21

*Duo Adhesive (I prefer to use the clear Duo)

*Lashes of your choice

*Tweezers

*Scissors (optional, it the false lashes are too long)

*Something with a pointed end (I use the wooden nail sticks)

*Eyelash Curler (optional) 

 

 

 

Listed Clockwise: Shu uemura eyelash curler, Laura Mercier Tweezers, Nail Scissors, Duo Adhesive and Lashes of your choice

 

The Process:

1) After your eye shadow has been applied, comb through your natural lashes with the lash comb

2) Next, take out the false eyelashes from its container, then put some glue on the tip of the pointed wooden stick. Distribute the glue evenly on the band of the lashes. Try to be as neat as possible and make sure you have more glue on the extreme edges of the band. Then wait until the glue is tacky (about 30 seconds or so)

 

Holding the lashes with Tweezers

 

3) Next, place the tweezers in the middle of the false lashes close to the band but not over the band. Place the false lashes where your natural lashes grow out of your lids

 

Placing the lashes, using Tweezers

 

 

4) Then use the tweezers to slightly push the band of the false lashes into area the hair begins in the middle of your lashes

5) Using the tweezers, place the lashes in the inner and outer corner of your eyes

6) Last but not least, use the pointed wooden stick (again), to press down on the lashes starting from the inner to the outer lash line. If you need to merge your real lashes to the false lashes, use the eyelash curler. Also, reapply eyeliner to conceal any errors or noticeable glue  (only if you need to).

 

Lashes Placed...Mission Accomplished!

 

Thots,

Tiwa

 

Product Review: Myrabelle Mascara Shield

The World Wide Web is an amazing place. Through the web, I have been able to read many reviews of makeup and beauty products. Some of the reviews are soooo compelling, that being the Makeup Junkie that I am…I get mesmerized. I usually end up walking myself directly to the store or logging on to product’s website and making the purchase. Only to get the item and realize it doesn’t work quiet the way I expected. I have come to realize, I can’t rely totally on what others have to say. The products that works for one person might not necessary work for me or my clients. So, every now and then, I will do reviews on products I purchase. I promise I will give you my honest, unbiased personal opinion. Armed with that information, you can then do your own research and see if the product is something you would like to add to your “makeup bag”.

Myrabelle Mascara Shield

Do you ever get mascara on your eyelids when you apply mascara to your lashes? My sister and I have extremely curly lashes so this is typical with us. It can be so annoying!!! I purchased the Myrabelle Mascara Shield to help eliminate this problem.

The Shield

Instructions

 Pros:

Great idea

Easy to clean

Would probably get the job done if you have very long eyelashes

Added bonus: The shield is Pink. My favorite color!!!

Cons:

The curve of the shield does not fit all eye shapes

The shield disturbs and smudges eye shadow applied to the eyelids

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Verdict:

If you ask me, the old business card trick works better than this mascara shield.

Price: 5 out of 5 (Very Reasonable)

Creativity: 5 out of 5 (Very Smart Idea!)

Packaging: 5 out of 5 (Nice! Great instructions and I like that the shield is Pink, lol)

Functionality: 3 out of 5 (It doesn’t work for all eye shapes, therefore it doesn’t do the job for me)

Thots,

Tiwa

FTC Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with this company. I purchased the item with my personal funds. I was not paid to use or review these products.