Brows updated

To have a great brow is much simpler than you'd think... let's get started!!!
The items needed are
1. Brow pencil, shadow (powder), or cream liner.
2. Spoolie (looks like a mascara wand)
3. Concealer
4. Flat, angle, or shadow brush
5. Brow gel or clear mascara works too

What's important is that you get comfortable with working with your brows!! You won't get it right on the first couple of tries but practice makes perfect! !!
Here we go...

Step1. Follow your natural brow line starting at the first 1/4 of your brow filling it in with small strokes. Following through to the tail of your brow.

Step 2. Use the spoolie to blend in the color with your natural hair so the brow doesn't look so harsh. (You can repeat steps 1 &2 until you get the desired color)

Step 3. Use the brush of your choosing and start at the end of the brow with small strokes and trace under your brow with the concealer. Blend downward with the extra concealer onto your eyelid
Step 4. *optional* go over the completed brow with your brow gel or clear mascara to hold hairs in place if need be.

Tip:  if you want a more dramatic brow go with a lighter concealer (1,2 shades lighter than your complexion and perhaps place a light shadow on top of that... if you want a more natural looking brow conceal with a color closer to your complexion...

I have used what I've explained in the pictures shown. ..

Talk about it Tuesday....

Today is Talk about Tuesday so today we're going to talk about health & beauty and how they go hand and hand!!!

How many of us at times feel awkward about our self image????  They say a picture is worth a thousand words!!! What are the thousand words saying to you about your self image?  Are they saying "hey beautiful!" "girl you're too cute!" "you are fearfully and wonderfully made!" "I love myself!" "I am beautiful in every way!"  These are phrases that you could look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself everyday. Say these things to yourself until you begin to believe them!! The mind is a very powerful tool and you should use it as such! Use it to uplift yourself NOT tear yourself down!!!

Once you begin to look at yourself differently you'll begin to feel better about yourself and the beauty will shine through!!! I PROMISE!!!

When I was a young girl I got teased all the time about how "big:" my lips are.  It made me extremely self conscious and I didn't think very highly of myself.  However, as I got older I noticed that it was the "in" thing to have "big" or "full" lips.  There were suddenly tons of women injected chemicals into their lips to make them look like mine did naturally!! hmmmm!!! That was so ironic!!! I started to see myself a bit differently because what people thought was once distasteful and ugly was now pretty.  It may not have been the right thing to turn my thinking around but it did cause me to start to notice the different features in my face and notice that God did make me different and I'm beautiful no matter what you say! Soon I became very comfortable in my own skin and you will to!!!

Self image is a very important of beauty because you have to notice the beauty first and foremost before anyone else.  Once you do it wont matter what anyone else has to say about you.  Just know that God loves you and you're fearfully and wonderfully made!!! To thine own self be true....

Until next time....
Have a soFACEticated day!!!

Talk about it Tuesday...

What makes you beautiful???? They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder...hmmmm?! Perhaps but what do YOU say about your beauty? When you look at yourself do you have a lot of buts??? " I know I'm beautiful but..." "I love this part of me but...."

What is it going to take to make you feel beautiful????? 

I would offer you that beauty starts from within. Once you learn to love yourself and the skin you're in you're going to feel more beautiful than you ever have before..remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made!! There was no mistake made when you were created. 

So if you're concerned with you're outer appearance I would work on the inner beauty first. Remember the old saying " beauty is skin deep?" I think that's only true for those who look at beauty on a surface level.  

 

You can always work on the outer shell. Start an exercise program.. A clean eating regimen...juicing....cleansing...just to name a few. Start with one of those and find which one works for you and be consistent with it. 

As we age what we see on the outside will surely fade away so it's very important to take care of the inside...

Until next time...

Have a soFACEticated day! 

Monday make up session...

Monday make up session is in....

Let's talk about make up essentials if you will... What essentially do you need to dress your face?? Eyeshadow?? Blush??  Foundation??? Lipstick perhaps??? 

All of these things are great to complete your look! What if you don't have time in the morning to put all of that on then what?????

Can I offer you a quick solution!!!! You ready for it?!?!?!?!?!

Lip gloss and mascara!!! They go a looooong way when you just don't have the time. Lip glosses have come such a long way now...they pretty much have a tint for every shade you can imagine! Which means you can look like you have on a lip stick without having to have a steady hand. 

Make up isn't meant to be complicated or complex it's meant to enhance your beauty and your mood. So the next time your in a rush and you want to spruce up a bit. Try a bit of mascara and a lip gloss!! Keep those lips poppin!!! 

Let me know how it goes!!

Make Up Session...

Here are some of the oroducts that I use...Good Morning lovelies....

In today's session I'm going to talk about eye liner.  There are a few different kind.  Pencil, liquid, and gel that I personally use. However, you can use them for things other than your eyes. For example I use my brown cream gel eye liner on my brows to fill them in and give them shape.

First things first....The pencil... I think that this the most frequently used product because it's what we all pretty much started out using and we're very comfortable with it.  I personally only ever use pencil inside my water line to make my eyes look tighter (smaller).  The that I don't wear it more often is because my skin is oily and with oily skin pencil seems to always smear under my eye and or run.  It's not a good look especially if you think that your looking really cute for the day.

Liquid liner.. liquid liners usually come in a container that already has the brush at the end.  The thing that I like best about liquid is the boldness of the color.  It goes on really dark (depending on the color) and once it dries the color stays put.  It doesn't fade if you will like with some pencils you have to keep applying the color to achieve the rich tone that you desire.  Liquid liner users need to have a steady hand because you will notice any mistakes if they're not corrected and sometimes it smears if you touch it to quickly.

My favorite is the cream gel liner.....typically it comes in a container and you need to use a liner brush to apply. It's true to color and stays right where you place it.  You should use small strokes to ensure that your placement is correct.  Gel liner is usually used by the more advanced make up enthusiast. It takes practice but you can do it....Just keep trying!! You'll get it very soon.

Until next time.....
Have a soFACEticated day!!

These products are very affordable and can be found pretty everywhere....here are a few of the products that I use...

Monday mask madness

Good morning lovelies!!!! Today is Monday Mask madness so I'm going to answer a few questions that I've received regarding masks.

1. Is it important to use masks?
Honestly, I think it really depends on what you're trying to achieve.  Masks are great for deep cleansing, skin tones, managing pores and a great many other things but if you just want healthy skin they aren't really a necessity per say.  Having a healthy skin regimen is the key no matter if that includes masks or not.

2.  Do you (me) use masks regularly?
I use mask twice monthly in my routine and follow up by added moisture to my skin. I love the way a mask makes my skin feel when I've completed the facial.

3.  What is the best mask that you've found?
I use different masks for different reasons.  I have 4 different masks that I use on a regular basis.
1. I use a detoxifying clay mask to relieve stress and purifying & detoxifying the skin.
2. Mint Julep to fight acne pimples & blackheads and shrink enlarged pores.
3. Clay Avocado & Oatmeal  to purge my pores
4. Cucumber peel off mask to clarify & renew my skin

These products are all very affordable and can be found at your local CVS, Target, Walmart stores.

As always these are strictly my opinions!

The soFACEticated beat down ...Sassy Saturday Review

ThI love what I do!!!! I'm so blessed to be able to help women feel and look beautiful! When I have a women who's not having a good day sit in my chair and she leaves with a smile... There just aren't enough words to describe how that makes me feel!!!

Enfusing bright colors with nude lippies or a nice smokey eye does wonders for my soul! I think it does more for me than the client. Pulling out the best in you is what I love to do and keep it classic soFACEticated!!! I'm over moon excited about the future of soFACEticated.....thank you for sharing my dream with me.

Thank you ladies for allowing me to service you @ soFACEticated Make up Artistry!!

Fun Fashion Friday....

Let me just start by saying that I love fashion!!!! My heart skips a beat when I see a great stiletto, bobble or trinket and a pencil skirt is a must!!!! Now that's out of the way let's get started!!! I believe that fashion is really what you make it.  I love a great polka dot or print coupled with a solid bottom perhaps a nice rich red!! Keep it lively!!!!! There are some days when I wake up and I swear I think I'm dressing like Michelle Obama and then there are other days when I want to wear my skinny jeans a pair of boots a simple tee with a jacket and hoops!

The point is you have to do what works and feels good to and for you!  What works for me may not work for you! I will say this just because you see someone with it on doesn't mean that you should do it too! Your clothes should fit you nicely! Not too tight not too short and not showing your cookies.  Classy and sophisticated with a little pop of color is always a great way to go!

Fashion to me is about expressing who you are...It's about comfort! It's about class! It's about making a statement!

At my age I try to fuse all of those into my style....
What is your style?W
What does it say about you?

Take your fashion style and own it!!! Rock it as the fashionista you are!!!! Tag me in your outfit for the day! I would love to see them!!!

Have a soFACEticated day!!!!

Disclosure: these are my honest opinions and thoughts

Thursday Thirsty......what smoothie do you like!?

Hey lovelies.....It's Thirsty Thursday!!! what kind of smoothie do you like? Do you prefer fruit or veggie!!!
I've just recently gotten into juicing/smoothie myself and it's a whole new world honey!!! My taste buds have been acting up ever since...I'm a texture kinda girl so the texture of the veggie smoothie really bothered me a bit at first!!! I think it was the gritty texture of the green juice that got me.  The fruit smoothie feels much better on my palette....teehee!! Probably because it's sweeter!! Truth is they are very good for your health! There truly is no down side except for getting used to the different texture!!! You should try it!!! you can do it!! I believe in you!!!

Here is one of my favorite recipes so far....it is a fruit smoothie with a slight kick in the pants ;-)
1 pink grapefruit ( peeled)
1 orange(peeled)
1 green apple(cored & sliced)
1 red apple(cored & sliced)
a handful of grapes
Blue Machine Naked juice (fill up container half way)
Mango Naked juice (fill the rest of the way)
Now blend and enjoy!!! I promise you'll love it!!!

If you have a recipe share it with me!!! I would love to try it!!! Let me know what you think!

Until next time....have a soFACEticated day!!!!

Disclosure: this is my opinion!

Whacky Wednesday Q & A.... A few questions answered

Hey there lovelies.....

I've been asked some questions regarding make up and things of the sort... So today I'm going to address two of them.

1. What is best to wear when you have moles? Powder or Foundation?

This is a great question! Let's start by breaking it down first.  The question you want to ask yourself is are you going for full coverage or semi coverage?  If you want full coverage which is what you see most often on magazine covers for more of a flawless look then this is the way that you want to go.  Most full coverage foundations will cover most blemishes especially if coupled with concealer.  You can also use a translucent powder on top of the foundation to give it a matte finish.

2.  Powder...well powder can be used in a few different ways. Powder foundation tends to give less coverage than a cream to powder foundation, liquid or stick (full) coverage.  In my opinion they wont give the best coverage to cover moles or blemishes.  There are some that I've tried that give great coverage with more than one application. What I mean by that is apply once, then immediately reapply.  There are blot powders that don't give any color but are great to control shine after applying foundation.  Then you have translucent powders some with tent that are more comparable to your particular skin tone but they don't tend to effect the color of the foundation that is originally applied.

Another very important key factor when shopping for foundation of any kind is to first determine how much money you want to spend and shop with that in mind.  You can go to stores like Sephora or Ulta and find pretty much every hi end brand that you could ever want. However, if cost is an issue and you're looking for something a little more cost effective there are brands like Black Opal and the Queen Collection by Covergirl that are great as well and come in multiple colors from the very fair to the darkest skin tone.  The prices on these products can range anywhere from $10 - $45. Black Opal can be purchased on line and Queen Collection can be found in most drug stores like Walgreens.

I hope this helps....
Disclosure: these are my opinions

Until next time have a soFACEticated day!

Tousled & Tangled... from a natural sistas prospective

Hey lovelies....

Today is Tousled Tuesday so we're going to talk about hair.  What hair type are you? I'm a 4b!! There is so much to learn when it comes to natural hair because caring for it is pretty much the exact opposite of what your were raised with... am I right?  Being natural you want moisture, moisture and more moisture!! Relaxed you want nooooooooooooooo moisture at all  because your roots might curl.......ha!!! I've been there and did that for over 30 years!!! Chile I'm never going back!!! I love the versatility of having natural hair. So here are a few of the questions that I've been asked. Co wash or NO?????  How often do I shampoo???? What products do I use???? What do I do??? ? Help????These are a few of the questions that I've been asked. So lets talk about it...
1.  co-washing is the preferred method of "washing" . Co-washing is washing your hair with conditioner.
2.  it's best not to go more than 2 weeks w/o shampooing your hair with shampoo to get rid of excess products.
3.   a few of the products I use are Shea Moisture products, Argon Oil products, Organix products, and a mixture of natural oils.

I've also used an oil rinse or hot oil treatment once monthly using the natural oils I have!
These are the products I use but there truly is no real cut and dry or right or wrong. It's all trial and error!!!! You have to keep trying until you find the right combination of products that work well with your hair type!!! The most important thing to remember is NOT to get discouraged in your journey and love your hair through every phase.

I hope this helps...Next Tuesday we'll talk more about your Tousled Tangled hair.......

until then have a soFACEticated day!!! 

These are the products I use in the colder months!!! All products can be found @ Sally's Beauty Supply and Target. Price range $2.99 - $11.99. 

Disclosure: these are strictly my opinions!!! 

Mask Monday Madness

Good morning beautiful ladies....

Every Monday I'm going to talk to you about masks! Masks are a great tool to add to your skin care regimen. I know that you're probably thinking...what about my blemishes??? Well honey we all have them but masks are a great start to managing all your skin woes!!! 

Healthy skin is essential for a great make up application! By healthy skin I mean clean, moisturized and hydrated!! I don't mean blemishes!! Concealer and corrective concealing help to cover unwanted blemishes!! 

The mask product on review today is Freeman Facial Clay Mask in Avocado & Oatmeal. This mask is for minimizing pores and tighting skin! I love the way it makes my skin feel really smooth after removal. 

Steps for application:

1. Apply to a clean damp face

2. Apply in small circular motions leaving eye area alone

3. Let mask dry until the color is lighter than when    applied 

4. Remove with warm water 

This mask can be found at CVSfor less than $5. Have a great time using your mask! 

Have a soFACEticated day!!!

Disclosure: these are my opinions and only my opinions!

When is too much to much???

I had a young man pose the question of when is too much too much??? That's a great question!!! Let me first say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder!!!! What I may behold as too much you may say is just right!!  In my honest opinion I believe that make up is supposed to enhance the natural beauty that God has already given you!

When you start to look like something or someone other than yourself then I believe that you have too much on.  It really doesn't take a lot to lift your spirits or put a little extra pep in your step.  A little gloss with some liner, mascara and a nice brow goes a very long way.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made!!!! so rock your that look with confidence!!!!

Have a soFACEticated day!!!

The perfect brow..

Having the perfect brow is simpler than you think!  You only need a few things!!! Here is the list..

1. Brow pencil or brow cream liner...hint hint I use brown creme eyeliner...
2. Spoolie (looks like a mascara wand just bigger)
3. Angle brush
4. Concealer
5. Flat edge brush (not necessary it's just what I use)
6. Brow gel ( I use clear mascara)

The important thing to remember is that you're not going to get it right the first time or even the second time. You have to learn what you like and what you have to do to achieve the brow look that you want. Concealer fixes all brow mistakes honey!!! No worries!!! So let's get started.

Step 1.  Fill in the brow with the pencil or liner to darkness of your choice.
Step 2.  Use the spoolie to blend out the color in the brow so it doesn't look so harsh.
Step 3.  Use flat or angle brush to trace the bottom portion of your brow with concealer and blend down the              excess concealer onto your eyelid.
Step 4.  Take clear brow gel/mascara and lightly go over the shape of your brow to keep the hairs in place.

Here is the example of me brow using the same products that I've listed above. The cream eyeliner that I use is Fergies Wet n Wild Cream Gel Eyeliner in brown.