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Tag: Iman Cosmetics

Black Owned Makeup Brands tutorial #BOMB

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Nothing to Disclose

BOMB graphic blog

Hey! So I have had this on my mind for months, years, now. I have always  wondered why retail stores separated products specifically geared towards black consumers.  Yes, black owned makeup brands.  Why have an ‘ethnic’ aisle? I think this separation has made non-black people think that they could not use these products.  People of colour have been using not-black specific brands for decades, even as companies still don’t produce foundation shade in the darker end of the spectrum.  Certainly many people, who are non-black, have curly hair in need of moisture.  Coincidentally, Jackie Aina, who I follow on YouTube issued a challenge to non-black makeup lovers to step outside of their comfort zone and try makeup brands that are black-owned.  

There are many amazing black-owned makeup brands out there! Don't be afraid to try something new! After all, it's just makeup! Share on X

There are even more makeup brands that have extended colour ranges that cater to medium to dark skin as well as lighter skintones, that are not black owned like blackUp Cosmetics, Sacha Cosmetics and Black Opal. Get out there, as a makeup lover, and look beyond the M.A.C. and the Covergirl and discover the makeup that we chocolate ladies and gents have been loving! You might be surprised!

In this tutorial, I mostly used black-owned brands and I tried to used products from companies that I did not think that were on the lips of every beauty blogger or magazine editor.  There are more out there as well.  Let me know, in the comments below, other brands that did not make my list.

Check out my video below and links to all the products mentioned  are also listed.  

And here’s the look! A beautiful gold, teal and turquoise.  Perfect for a summer party or fete!black owned makeup brands tutorial

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LOTD: MUFE Smoky Rock inspired!

Two LOTDs in one week?? Wheeeeeey!!

Browsing the MUFE boutique and saw this promo image for their Rock For Ever collection.

Rock For Ever by Make Up For Ever

Close up

Hot, right??? I had to recreate this look.  It’s certainly not an everyday look but if you are wearing a black or silver Carnival costume, this would be a stunning look! Add some glitter on the lid or rhinestones and it would be all over!

The Rock For Ever collection was released late last year and is a series of trial-sized mini sets of Aqua pencils, Star Powders, mascara etc. housed in a studded container. Cute. Especially the Best of MUFE collection set.

This features a smoky eye, cut crease and winged liner, and I was up for the challenge!!!

Here is what I came up with…..

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LOTD: Glittery, bronzey, Arabic-inspired look!!

Hey!!!

This is my first look of the day for 2011 and it’s a stunning one!!

Last week, my Middle Eastern dance instructor, Jannelle,  was invited to perform at the surprise 40th birthday party for Mary J. Blige!!!!!!!!!

I was trilled and privileged at the opportunity to do her makeup at the event! I immediately started thinking about the look.  An event like that, with all the movers and shakers in the music industry, requires more than just a smoky eye.  You have to bring it!!!

The theme of the event was Arabic-inspired and I wanted more than just kohl-lined, winged liner.  I drew inspiration from Eman and Scandalous Beauty and decided on a glittery look.  Jannelle also wore a gold, sparkly costume and I wanted something to match.  This is a great look for performance especially in situations where there is not a lot of bright lighting so that you are drawn to the dancers eyes.  Could also be used for a Carnival look.  I also paired it with a red lip and a hit of shimmer. Btw, I have found an amazing red that everyone can wear – Make Up For Ever’s Rouge Artist Intense lipstick in Moulin Rouge (#43)! Separate post on that coming soon!  Using glitters was stepping out of my zone, but makeup is all about not being afraid to try something new.  One note: If you are going to use glitters, especially on the eyes, make sure it is cosmetic-grade, which is milled fine enough and won’t scratch your eyes.

Anyway, here is the final look!

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2010 Products of the Year!!

Another year has come and soon to be gone and it’s time to recap!

This has been somewhat of an up and down year but here are the products that got two thumbs up and that I rocked any chance that I got!!!

In no particular order:

Urban Decay Naked Palette: Review on this really soon, but this was well worth all the hype.  12 gorgeous neutral shades that work well for day and night.  I totally see why people went completely crazy for this one!! Love it!!

 

Naked Palette, image courtesy of Urban Decay

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So you want to wear makeup: Cheeks

Hey guys!!!!

Another installment of my series.  Today’s focus is on the cheeks.

A soft glow, image courtesy Jeanillebonterre.com

I must admit that this is an area that I have only recently gotten into.  I’m all about the eyes but I have come to realize that the right cheek colour and application could take a look to another level!!!

Again, there are many different formulations for cheek colours and these include:

  • Powder (the most popular)
  • Gel
  • Creams (my new favourite!)
  • Liquids
  • Mousses

So there is something there for everyone, you just need to find something that suits you.

There are a few things to take into consideration when selecting your cheek colour and formula:

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