So here’s an update on my protective styling. For those who don’t know, I pretty much live in protective styles because when it comes to my hair, I 1) am kinda lazy when it comes to styling, 2) like the convenience, 3) don’t like to wear my hair out when it’s cold (which is at least 75% of the year). I wear a twisted style one week, then a twist-out bun the next, wash, repeat. Get it?? Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE buying hair products, testing them out, but I have not that creative with styling. So I’m trying to bust out of that.
Here is my usual protective style, a two-strand cornrowed flat twist:
So Trinidad & Tobago Carnival 2011 drops in less than one week and as ah true, true Trini, I’m now getting around to this!!!
Anyway, as usual the bands have provided lots of inspiration for makeup looks, plenty brilliant colours, lots of beading, feathers, sequins, skimpiness!. You have to admit that it’s amazing!!!
Bliss Izumi Clan, image courtesy of Trinidad Carnival Diary
Remember, this is the time to express yourself…be more bold. Accentuate your look with rhinestones, palettes, body paint, falsies, glitter, whatever you want. Also since you are going to be jumping up in the blazing sun and sweating, you want to use as much waterproof makeup as you can. Make Up For Ever makes an entire line of great products. Many other companies sell waterproof items, M.A.C., NYX etc. Just do a little research.
Note: My Trini folks, head over to The Falls at West Mall to the M.A.C. store and get some waterproof eyeliner, like the Technakohl eyeliner, the Paints, which can be used as a stay-put, crease-free base. They have a lot of options. A Wonderful World sells a lot of different drugstore brands that have waterproof items. Mascara, eyeliner and blush are musts in the waterproof formulas.
Since Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, I decided to try the look from the Illamasqua Throb collection. I mentioned it here.
Image courtesy of Illamasqua
Of course you know that I omitted the white pancake makeup and made it more wearable. Application was soft. Cute. Soft cut crease. Pink cheeks. Here it is:
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!!!
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.
