Makeup Inspiration — Missy Does Her Best Best

It’s no secret around here — Missy Elliott has been one of my beauty inspirations for a while now. The magic of Billy B made her features come alive in the earliest videos from Supa Dupa Fly. I loved Missy then — as a full figured girl looking for media affirmation that she too could be considered beautiful and desirable, Missy was a breath of fresh, much needed air. She came out swingin’, clad in an inflated garbage bag, rocking finger waves and fierce makeup. I’ve been an unabashed stan ever since.

Having said that, I’m a little sad to admit that I’m with Soulbounce on this one — Best Best isn’t going to stand among my favorite Missy tracks, not by a long shot. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll bump this in my car on the way home from work, but it doesn’t have that replay factor. But her makeup on the cover of the new single is gorgeous. Like I did with the Chrisette Michele makeup inspiration post, I’m going to try to guess what she used to get the look, and also suggest ways you can get the look for less. Will Missy stop by the blog to set me straight on what she did or didn’t use, like Chrisette did? That would be awesome. Only time will tell, bellas…

Missy’s a MAC kinda gal with a Viva Glam ad under her belt — so I’m going to assume quite a bit of her look can be attributed to MAC. Let’s start with those eyes. She’s got bold kohl liner around her eyes, and that shadow is all kinds of blended gorgeousness. Looks almost like either Goldmine — one of my favorite shades of shadow — or maybe it could be Old Gold pigment on the lid itself. The touch of deep purple in the crease could be Graphology — a black/grey that’s got a slight hint of purple, making for a gorgeous smokey eye. The upper lid has a whisper of almost-fuschia, blended into a champagne colored highlight at the brow bone. But who’s noticing all those tints and tones? Those stunning lashes stand out more than anything.

MAC makes lashes, of course. But on a recent trip to Sephora, I was blown away by the insane selection of classical and extravagant lashes by Make Up For Ever. Shu Uemura is also known for making fabulous lashes, and a layer of their False Eyelashes 600 would give that thick, dark, eyelash drama. But of course, if Billy B did indeed do this makeup, the lashes could well be purchased at a party or costume store, and cost like $2.50 instead of $20.

There’s a lovely, shimmery effect on Missy’s skin around her nose and under her eyes, that almost calls to mind that MAC Fafi shimmer (which has completely disappeared from their website). Another product that could create a similarly stunning, glowing effect is Saude Pele Radiance Booster by Christopher Drummond Beauty. It’s a truly unique and amazing product — I use it on my cheeks as a highlighter, and it truly does make me glow like nobody’s business. Look out for a bigger review of this stuff to come.

Let’s talk lips — Missy’s lips are clearly outlined, but not with a darker lip liner on the bottom lip. It’s possible that her makeup artist has gotten wise to my latest beauty find — BeneFit’s D’Finer D’Liner invisible lip liner, which really keeps lipstick from feathering. I can’t figure out which lippie she’s sporting there — it’s a deep fuschia that could be venetian lusterglass, but it might also be one of those hot slimshine lipsticks. To recreate a similar look on myself, I’d just reach for my beloved Vincent Longo lip stain in Baby Boo, and layer with super cheap Milani glossy tubes — I have a hot pink shade that isn’t on their website, but you can find it at your neighborhood drugstore.

I’d love to interview Missy’s makeup people and find out exactly what she’s using, but it’s fun to try figuring it out on my own for starters. For a fitting Throwback Thursday, here’s one of my fave Missy joints of all time — Take Away, an ode for the late, great Aaliyah. Oh, how I love this song.

What did you bellas think of Best Best? Do you have a favorite Missy video?

Finally - My Latest Beauty Secrets

I get tagged quite often, and I am a turrible knucklehead about responding in kind. I don’t mean to be a jerk, I just get super busy and overwhelmed and before I know it, a month has gone by, then two, then three… and then ah forget it. But not this time! My friend in cocktails, Christina of E Beauty Daily, tagged me about a month ago in the perfect kind of meme for a product addicted bella like yours truly. Without further ado, here are my freshest beauty faves — quite a few of which are products I haven’t had a chance to review yet!

My Beauty Secrets:

My Foundation: I was stuck on Cover Girl’s Queen Collection powder foundation for a while there.. then I wandered into Sephora with Mama Bella. A very friendly saleslady made us out for the ripe targets we were, and proceeded to give me an unrequested makeover using Benefit’s Play Sticks (my shade? Teeter Totter). I had to buy it. And Mama Bella bought TWO! The reviews over at Makeup Alley are mixed, but this cream stick foundation works great for me as a spot concealer. I blend with my fingers (or a wedge sponge), dust with the aforementioned Cover Girl’s Queen Collection powder foundation and I’m GTG.

My Mascara: Oh boy. Or as my mom sometimes says, boysie kapoizie. I have an array of mascaras to choose from, and I switch it up on the regular… but my current favorite for day is Lash Blast, but for evening drama… I’m really digging Prescriptives Plush False Eyelashes mascara of late. It gives you that bold, thick, lash drama without any mess.

My Blush: I am currently obsessed with NARS Orgasm, and like Chrisette Michele, I prefer to use two shades — so Orgasm and b.l.a.c minerals’ toasty. Just a teeny bit really gives my cheeks a delicious glow.

My Eye Shadow: No pigment stands out better on my skin than MAC. I can’t deny it. When I use shadow, I invariably return to MAC. But I do love Urban Decay’s range of colors, and you know what — Make Up For Ever makes a fine Star Powder that I adore as well.

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Makeup Inspiration — Chrisette Michele

I spotted this photo over at Necole Bitchie, and I gotta thank her for introducing me to the work of Atlanta-based photographer Derek Blanks. His photos are really edgy and interesting, and I was absolutely captivated by this photo of former Afrobella of the Week Chrisette Michele, meeting herself as celebrity and admirer. I love the hot, chic short hair trend, it’s infinitely preferable to the ten-pound-weave so many celebs were rocking. And her makeup… oh, her makeup. Chrisette looks absolutely flawless, IMO.

On the glamorous celebrity Chrisette, the eye shadow looks kind of like MAC’s Sketch shadow, which is described as an “intense burgundy-plum flecked with red shimmer.” I say this because MAC makeup artist Victor C. once did a mall makeover on me and used that shade to a very similar effect, and I’ve been mildly obsessed with it ever since. Seeing that gorgeous smokey burgundy/brown/purple eye on Chrisette makes me wanna go buy it. And if you’re seeking a MAC alternative, b.l.a.c minerals’ patience eyeshadow is a perfect alternative. Deep burgundy purple with a subtle sparkle. Magical.

Chrisette’s blush has the same gorgeous shimmer that NARS orgasm does, so I’m guessing it’s NARS. And speaking of NARS orgasm — bellas, I must say there really is something magical about gold-flecked orange blush on brown skin. Apparently the brighter the better — beauty blogger GG points out that crayon orange looks gorgeous on brown skin, and NYX cream blush in Orange is a nearly identical match to NARS Exhibit A for a fraction of the price. In case you were wondering, “Is that NARS orgasm blush worth it?” It’s $25 a pop, but I’d say yes — a little goes a long way, and this color didn’t fade from my face as soon as other blushes have. Also, I was shocked that Orgasm complimented my skin as much as it did, even though I’d read so many reviews that suggested that it is the universally perfect blush. (hat tip to BellaSugar for the Revlon blush-alike).

In this photo, Chrisette’s blush is more of a rose-bronze-berry — I’d guess it’s Sin– berry with gold shimmer. Too much Sin can look muddy, so go light with the application. For a brighter cheek, Valana Minerals’ cheeky plumeria blush is close enough — sheer pink with silvery brown highlights, and very pretty on brown skin.

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… But Is It Worth It?

There’s something really intoxicating about shopping at Sephora, Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, or Nordstroms, and stopping by the makeup counter of the brands you see mentioned in Vogue or Elle or Harper’s Bazaar. I remember my first Chanel lipstick — a deep chocolate berry brown I wore down to the nub back in high school, when almost-black lips were the hottest thing. (Raise your hand if you owned a black lipstick!) Fancy makeup makes you feel the part. If you lived your life like the glossy magazines dictate, you’d have a dresser covered in MAC, bedecked with Shu Uemura, and decorated with Dior. But in these days when gas prices are escalating, homes aren’t selling, and we may-or-may-not be in a recession, maybe you can’t afford a lipgloss that’s $25. Maybe a $50 giftcard at Sephora needs to get you the maximum bang for your buck. Maybe you yearn to pull that YSL lipgloss with the gold sparkles in it out of your purse, just to be flossy for once, but you need to pay the bills and can’t afford to splurge on a product that may not be perfect. So you’re asking yourself… but is it worth it?

Recently, I’ve gotten the opportunity to try out some of the fancier makeup brands. Some of them really are everything you’ve dreamed of, and make you feel like the epitome of luxury with each application. Some of them, not so much. Sometimes you might be better off spending $10 on two-for-one drugstore lipglosses than blowing $20 on just one. This is the beginning of some really honest reviews about the products you may have been saving up to purchase. I’ll start with the Fafi collection from MAC.

Ask just about any woman of color what their favorite makeup brand is, and you’ll get almost the same answer — MAC. It is the gold standard for women of color. Why? Because MAC has a reputation for high quality products with pigments that work with and last on darker skin tones. Their new Fafi line is super fun, with distinctive, graffiti-inspired packaging all designed by the makeup’s muse, French artist Fafi. Makeup Loves Me scored an exclusive interview with Fafi, check it out to learn more about her.

Click here to explore the super cool Fafi website, click here to peep the products. The Fafi stuff is funky, youthful, sparkly, and muted all at once. Some beauty bloggers love it. Some don’t quite feel the same. And apparently, Fafi isn’t selling as well as Heatherette, so you can still find Fafi stuff at the counter. So, is it worth it?

Mostly yes, sometimes no.

The thing that draws everyone to MAC is the quality. You know if you’re buying an item, be it a $14 lip gloss or a $34 eyeshadow kit, will be a well-made, wonderfully packaged, highly pigmented item. Fafi lives up to the quality standards, and some of the items in the collection are awesome. I think the paint pots are amazing. My favorite is Rollickin’, a subdued ice blue that looks great on my skin tone. Cash Flow is a buttery green-gold that looks better on than it does in the pot. But here’s the thing with Fafi. We’ve got lots and lots of pink happening. Is there such a thing as too much pink? This brown skinned bella says yes.

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Ask Afrobella — A $5 Makeover??

If you’ve been on this Afrobella journey with me for any length of time, hopefully you’ll realize — I am all about bellas on a budget. I believe that just about every woman wants to feel beautiful every now and then, whether they’re stacking lots of paper, or struggling to get by. These almost-recession days aren’t easy, and some of those glossy magazines would have you believe that beauty products need to cost you a pretty penny. But I’ll tell you this — you don’t need to buy all your products at Sephora to be gorgeous. There are often bargains to be had at the drugstore, or even right in your own pantry. Having said that, I also think it’s important to recognize that sometimes, you get what you pay for. Take for example, this recent Ask Afrobella question.

Dear Afrobella,
I just found your blog. I am in a wedding in two weeks. I have been told by the bride(zilla) that we can either do our own make or she will have someone there to do our make up for $5. So I’m like, what kind of make up are they doin for 5 bucks? I am worried that this make up chick will have me looking crazy, but I’m not confident that I can do my own make up.
The only make up I own is lipstick and I don’t have an appropriate color for a wedding, I don’t think. I generally prefer dark lipstick. I would just go without make-up and just wear lipstick and mascara, but I don’t want to look odd against the other bridesmaids. I’m a full-time student so I can’t afford to spend a lot on make-up, especially that I won’t wear everyday. Should I let the $5 lady do my make up? Go to the drug store and get some stuff and do my own? I don’t even know what to get or how to apply it. Or just go without and put on some lipstick? I have dry skin. I get a few pimples on my forehead and chin around my period. I’ve attached a pic so you can see what I’m working with. I’m just wearing lipgloss.
Y

OK, so I didn’t post Y’s photo in the interest of protecting her privacy — wouldn’t want the bride-to-be to find out that she’s a bridezilla on the internet! But just so you know, this is a lovely, luminous bella with wonderful chocolate brown skin. She’s got her hair pulled back with a head wrap, and from the photo, her skin’s got nary a blemish. So Y, my first bit o’ advice is, you’re naturally beautiful so don’t worry about comparing or looking odd next to the other bridesmaids. It’s entirely possible that this makeup artist is an apprentice, an amateur, or a professional family friend who’s offered an insanely affordable price…? I dunno, $5 is pretty cheap if you ask me, so I can understand your skepticism. I’ve never heard of a professional makeup artist who’s that affordable. I’d be interested to know how that turns out for the other bellas in the bridal party. So for the wedding, I’d advise you wear some fabulous accessories, and with these basic makeup tips, you’ll be the one of the loveliest ladies in the room (besides the bride, of course)!

I think it would probably stand you in good stead just to have some basic ideas of how to wear makeup in your arsenal, lest there isn’t a makeover artist handy. But we’re trying to not spend more than oh, let’s say $20. $25, tops. So let’s go to the drugstore!

I am a big believer in eyeliner, and I really think a bold eye could set this wedding look apart from your everyday style. First stop, Milani. Did you already guess? I really like this super cheap makeup line. The colors actually stand out on women of color, unlike many other drugstore brands. I seriously rock their eyeliner almost daily, and I get compliments on them all the time. So first you might want to consider the color of your bridesmaid gown. Is it bold, or is it demure? Either way you might want to start with basic black or dark brown liner along your lower lash line, and I think the new Color Brilliance eyeliners are the bomb. They glide on effortlessly, and the pencil is soft but doesn’t break easily. The black pencil is my new daily eyeliner. Love it. Also, I might be partial because I’m a Pisces, but I think aqua shades look divine on brown skin. Just lining your top lid with a thin splash of color could be a fun way to jazz up the wedding day. If I’m not using some kind of primer, I usually lightly powder my eyelid before applying eyeliner. And trust me when I tell you, that aqua pencil is FIRE. And Milani being Milani, there’s no website that tells you the exact cost, and they’re not sold on Drugstore.com… But I will guarantee you that these are less than $4 a pop.

OK, maybe you aren’t quite ready for blue eyeliner, LOL. I always tend to reach for brights, and they’re not for everyone. For a more subtle way to dazzle, consider using a touch of golden shimmer on your eyelid.

I am partial to Physician’s Formula Shimmer Strips — they’re flattering, user friendly, and can be used as bronzer, blush, and eyeshadow… but I pretty much only use them as eyeshadow. I love the warm, golden pink shades — just applying a little to your eyelid, then lining your upper lash line with black could really make your eyes pop. This Temptalia look will give you an idea of what I mean, close up. Temptalia has great makeup tips in general, and if you’re not sure which part of the eye to apply makeup to, their eye diagram is tremendously helpful.

Now. On to the rest of your face!

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Ask Afrobella — Easy, Breezy, Beautiful… Worth It?

Heyo!

I got a recent Ask Afrobella question that dovetails nicely into this review/giveaway I’ve been working on. Away we go!

I just came across your website yesterday. It is indeed great! I found it through temptalia’s website (ed — which I adore. Check em out for makeup tips!).

Anyway, I did come across on your blog about afrobella’s on a budget. I am really interested in Queen Latifah’s collection for covergirl. To further my fascination with make-up, I decided to use the CG make up mirror on the website. It gave me the opportunity to choose colors based on a photo that I could upload from my computer (but of course it would have to meet the requirements of the mirror) or use one of the models instead. But my question is, since I am on budget right now, and can’t afford to indulge in MAC, benefit, and all the other brands that I am a fiend for. Could cover girl, Maybelline, and other drugstore make-up can up hold to the other pricier brands? Could I still look fabulous with cheaper make-up? Especially foundation, I have been worrying about that.

From a trouble el cheapo afrobella…..

Hola, el cheapo afrobella! In a nutshell, my answer to your questions are… sometimes, and definitely yes!

I’ve been extremely disappointed in pricey Sephora brands, and thrilled at the quality of drugstore brands. And honey, you can look fabulous beyond belief with just items you get at the drugstore. I’ve given loving reviews to Milani and HIP, two of my favorite drugstore brands. Now let me focus on what you’re most interested in — Cover Girl’s Queen Collection.

Few makeup lines have provoked such a polarized response. I think the bad feelings started with that misguided casting call last year, but look, even as recently as my last post, announcing the Every Woman is a Queen Contest I got totally opposing comments. One reader loves it, another called it a “a low-rent knock off of Iman’s collection.” Ouch. Every bella is more than entitled to her own opinion, but I’d definitely say don’t knock it till you tried it. I tried it. There are wonderful aspects of Latifah’s makeup line. And there’s some not-so-impressive aspects too. Allow me to break it down for you item-by-item, so your shopping decisions can be informed. And yes, there’s a giveaway offer at the end of this post, so keep reading!
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Favorite Things of 2007

Happy New Year!!

I missed you guys so much. After a beautiful vacation in Chicago — complete with fun with friends in the city, family time in the suburbs, and a big ol’ family reunion in Findlay, Ohio — I am back at home and settling happily into 2008. I hope all of you had beautiful, nurturing holiday seasons. Last year I was invited by the wonderful Annie of Blogdorf Goodman to participate in the favorite things of 2006. This year, I’m back for the 2007 list, and as you have probably come to expect from me, it’s a bit unusual. I’ll separate things into categories to make a bit more sense of it all.

Hair Care

Favorite Shampoo — Devacurl No Poo. I first discovered this when I got my Curl Cut from Larramy at GBS — that reminds me, I need to make an appointment with him early in ‘08, my curls are taking on that shapeless mass again — and no shampoo makes my hair feel or look healthier, happier, sproingier, or shinier. I try a LOT of different hair products, and I always come back to DevaCurl when my hair feels over producty or dry or clumpy. This stuff is definitely the gentle rescue my hair deserves. And it’s only $13.95. Score!

Conditioner — Miss Jessie’s Recovery Treatment. At $48 for 12 oz, it ain’t cheap, but I gotta give it up to Miss Jessie’s. They’re at the top of the curly hair product heap for a reason. They deliver. When my hair’s at it’s coarsest and most matted, I can soothe it and restore it to maximum comb-throughability with this. Fingers crossed they come out with a 6 oz jar in an affordable mid-range this year.

Hair Styling Stuff — Ohm Body Crown of Glory Hair Custard and Avocado Hair Energy Oil. I tried Ohm fairly recently, and liked it, but these two nourishing, moisturizing hair products came to the rescue during my holiday vacation to the Windy City. Being a lifelong warm weather gal, I really notice the effects of cold on my hair and skin. I took the teeny travel size items I’d gotten in the Saturday Morning Sampler, and they helped keep my coif shiny and soft in the harsh elements. I look forward to trying more of Ohm’s hair products, and keeping you all posted. Judging from this sampler, Ohm is definitely heading in a good direction.

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Get That Holiday Glam!

This photo of fabulous Brazilian model Rojane Fradique perfectly illustrates what I’ve been saying for so long — bright colors look so stunning on beautiful black skin. Seriously, how fierce is she? I wish I could do such stunning eye makeup. Someday, bellas, someday.

The holiday season is upon us, and that means parties and get togethers and lots of opportunities to go out and look fabulous. This is the makeup that will help you get there.

Anyone remember my fake eyelash hell from last year? I think enough time has passed for me to consider a retry for New Year’s Eve. This time, instead of individually glued in lashes, I’m dying to try some Shu Uemura lashes. And the time is right — the company known for producing the best fake lashes on the market is having a friends and family event! From 12:01am EST on Thursday, December 13th through 11:59pm EST on Monday, December 17th, you can get 20% off when you enter the promotion code HOLIDAY07 at checkout. This offer isn’t available in stores, you gotta buy online at Shuuemura-USA.com, and if you sign up on their website (registration is free) and spend over $75, your shipping is free. Click here to check out some of their craziest lash styles. I’m not THAT out there - I’ve got my eye on the Premium Lashes Set. Hint hint, Santa baby!

I’ve been doing more makeup reviews recently, and trying out quite a few new brands. Some of the best stuff I’ve tried recently is by MESS mineral makeup, which stands for Making Everyone Soo Sexy — If you don’t know, now you know! I am seriously impressed by the quality of this brand. They’re based in New York, and all of their products are named for the city’s streets and areas of interests. They were able to perfectly match my skin tone, and sent me William Street bronzer, Grand Central Station blush, and Houston Street loose eyeshadow, which is the most perfect golden shimmer shadow I’ve used, possibly ever. Want to look a pretty MESS? Right now it’s their Tis the Season to Go Glam Holiday sale, and you get sweet discounts! Buy any 2-3 items and receive 25% off, and the discounts increase if you buy more stuff. Check out their beautiful lipgloss selection! Oooh. Next, I’m dying to try their mineral foundation. I bet it’s incredible.

My holiday party is Saturday, and tonight, I’ve got a wedding to attend — this will be an all-out glamtastic weekend for me. So I’m already thinking of the looks I want. My holiday party has a black and white theme and isn’t in a super glitzy location, so I got an understated wear-anywhere LBD from Old Navy that I can dress up or dress down for future events, and adorable black and silver embellished Steve Madden flats (the party’s taking place here, so apparently there’s sand and walkways where you’ll sink in heels. Lots of the ladies in my office were like, no heels? And I was like, yay, flats!). So because I’m wearing a relatively understated ensemble, I’m going all-out fab with the makeup. My inspiration is the amazing Estelle, and the look she sports in the video for Wait a Minute (Just a Touch).

Retro but modern and oh so gorgeous. Love Estelle! That eye makeup is killing it right now. Besides that soft silvery-white shadow, she’s also rocking some fierce fake lashes. I’m not going that route just yet, but I’ve got some amazing new mascara that’ll do the trick just fine. Prescriptives False Eyelashes plush mascara is my current favorite thing. It’s thick without being too clumpy, lengthens without making my lashes hard and spiky, and leaves my lashes looking super long, thick, and sexy. Plus it removes easily, which is a big plus for the laziest gal in town.

How does this mascara stack up to the hundreds of others on the market, price wise? Pretty well, I think. It’s 19.50, so it ain’t cheap, but it isn’t insanely expensive. Oh, and if you’re not sure what Prescriptives mascara you need, check out Lash Finder, which suggests a product based on your needs.

Do you want a taste of holiday glamour? Well then bella, I’ve got a giveaway for you! As soon as one ends, another begins I tell ya. This one’s pretty sweet if I do say so myself — the Body Shop’s Metallic Eye and Cheek Palette. It’s simply gorgeous. The little kit comes with five gleaming metallic shades. Use a little for daytime, and a lot for nighttime dazzle. Body Shop makeup artist and consultant Chase Aston is feeling me on the eye drama. “Women should be a little more adventurous with shades and textures but be sure to enhance just one key feature. For holiday, it should be all about the eyes!” says he. I agree!

He advises you go for a nude lip (for bellas with darker skin tones, I think a sheer pink gives that perfect barely-there pout), a sheer pink with shimmering silver highlighter for cheeks, then smudge metallic washes of gold and bronze around the eyes. Compliment with liquid liner, and you’re holiday glamorous. Want a fabulous Body Shop metallic eye and cheek palette of your very own? Of course you do!
Leave a comment below that begins with the sentence - I want that holiday glam! And tell me what you go for when you want to look extra special for a night on the town. I’ll close these comments on Monday night, and pick five lucky winners next week.

Happy Friday!!

Makeup, Made For Us

I love mineral makeup. I also love supporting small businesses. And after realizing that Philosophy The Supernatural may not be the be-all-and-end-all for me when it comes to foundation, I’ve been searching for a new mineral foundation. I first mentioned that in my In Defense of Diana post, and as luck would have it, I’ve since been so fortunate as to try two fabulous makeup lines that are working overtime to produce makeup for bellas all shades of beautiful. Get ready to add something special for yourself to your holiday shopping list, gorgeous!

I’ve been hearing great things about Valana Minerals for a minute now - my beauty blog buddy Andrea The Organic Beauty Expert, teaches a Create Your Organic/Natural Beauty Business workshop at The Learning Annex. Valana Minerals creator Valerie took her first class. I know Andrea holds a very high standard for her products, and not just any and everything gets the OK from her. So when I read her glowing review of Valana, I started getting excited!

As a woman of color, Valerie has experienced the difficulty of finding her perfect shade amongst the mainstream brands. “I have traveled extensively and in my travels I’ve shared my experiences and discovered that people of color around the world have the same frustrations I’ve experienced with skin care and color cosmetic products. Most people around the world have yellow/gold, red or olive undertones with various combinations of red and blue. Many major market cosmetics companies don’t provide color selections that address the wide range of skin tones and undertones among those with various shades of brown skin. One size does not fit all. In the area of natural organic skin care, product availability has been scarce…UNTIL NOW.” Yes indeed.

In case you were scared that Valana didn’t offer your shade, looky here, scroll down, and be amazed at the range. I was intimidated by the variety — after becoming used to “brown skin” coming in three or four shades (if so many), choosing between 18 different shades is alot to process. Thankfully, Valana offers the sample purchase program — when you purchase six sample compacts you will receive a $10 discount on your next purchase of $50 or more. You choose the collection or colors you wish to sample. So if you’re not sure if you’re an “earth passion,” a “golden queen,” or an “amber blaze,” that’s the first way to figure things out. If you’re a super skilled makeup artist who knows the ins and outs of contouring, Valana is perfect for you - you can use the multiple shades to bring out different undertones. Valana also makes fabulous blushes, stunning eyeshadows — LOVING the Tropical Butterfly collection — and great vegan Sparkie Lips Color Sticks. They come in a long time with a brush attached on one end, and I am absolutely in love with the Velvet Pomegranate shade. These colors really enhance the natural color of my lips while adding sparkle and shine, and the formula isn’t sticky at all. It makes a great layering gloss for the lipstains I use daily.

For the bella who has everything, I’d recommend the Velvet Plush Synthetic Cosmetic Brushes. I have tried quite a few brushes, bellas - and these are among the softest I’ve ever used. Plus they’re totally vegan - no animal fur in sight! The seven-piece set is $65 and would make a great holiday gift - Mama Bella would just LOVE the $25 Kabuki brush! And speaking of great gifts, Valana also features the Girlfriends and Coffee set, a seven-piece set for $30 that comes with two eye colors, brushes, a vegan lip gloss and a cute little bag that makes a brilliant change purse. Order now if this is what you need to jazz up your Christmas stocking.

Valana is made by a woman of color for women of color — not just black women, mind you, there are gorgeous shades for Asian, Latin, Native American, and Middle Eastern shades, and every ethnicity in between.

Another similar company is run by a self-described “white chick,” but Ferro Cosmetics also aims to make products for bellas of all skin tones. You can shop by look, skin tone, or category — founder and president Krissy Ferro is serious about offering her handcrafted cosmetics for women of all skin tones. She’s tested her darker colors on a variety of bellas, and she also offers custom formulations for clients. She’s also very interested in customer feedback, so if you’d like to see more of a specific shade or product, leave a comment for Krissy! I love supporting companies like Valana and Ferro - the owners both care about the opinions of their consumers, and feedback is genuinely appreciated. Both ladies are incredibly dedicated, sweet, and responsive.

Ferro goes the route of some of the bigger mineral brands by offering not just regular foundation, but “radiance foundation,” mineral veils, and blemish control concealers. I fall between tan and dark, and there’s a ton of colors that really compliment my shade. I fell head over heels for Ferro’s eye shadows, which come in matte, pearl, or (my fave) shimmer.

If you were wondering, “do I need that Buy Me Emeralds shade in my life?” The answer is yes, yes you do. It’s ultra glamorous and just $12.50. But you know me, I love eye drama. If you’re less decisive about color, check out the chameleon, which is a color-shifting shadow with a brown base that shifts from green to gold on your lids. The 3-N-1 eye candy is an eyeliner, brow definer and eyeshadow — used with a wet brush, it makes for an excellent, soft-looking alternative for those of you who fear liquid liner.

Both Valana and Ferro are excellent brands, perfect for bellas who are concerned about what goes into the products you put on your face. Both companies get what women want — variety and range. My only complaint (if you can even call it that), is there’s so much to choose from with these brands, it can be positively mindboggling to choose your exact shade. But hey, it’s better to have too many items to choose from than too few, right? It’s a complaint that I wish I could make more often. “waah, these companies make too many colors for my skin shade! Whatever do I choose!” There’s a lot to check out, so if you’re looking for that ideal new makeup for your own personal holiday stocking, get clicking! Happy shopping, bellas!

Have you tried Valana or Ferro? Tell me your thoughts in the comments!

Hot Pink Products!

As a wee follow up to the earlier post about my relative, I wanted to shine a light on some of the cool Breast Cancer Awareness Month products that are available this month. Between The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Susan G. Komen, the list of stuff to stock up on is practically endless. This year, the range of items goes way beyond cheesy scarves, brooches, and teeshirts. I’m gonna clue you all in to the products I personally plan to purchase.

There are some really great, healthy Breast Cancer Awareness Month products available at your grocery store right now. I think I already mentioned the Fresh Express Baby Blends salads I picked up this week. 10 cents of each purchase is for the cure, and the veggie spring mix is the bomb.

I love the entire line of Emergen-C products, and they’ve just released a sweet pink lemonade flavor in honor of this month. It’s chock full of vitamins C and B, and 50% of proceeds go to the cause. Love that.

The Republic of Tea is big into supporting breast cancer research. Together with Susan G. Komen, they created Sip For the Cure, a special line of green teas. I’d drink the rose green tea hot, but just imagine the pink grapefruit, lady apple, or pink lemonade green tea served in a tall, frosty glass with lots of ice? Mmmmmm. 75% of sales benefit the cure.

Sephora has every pretty pink makeup item you want. The thing with pink is, if the shade’s too pale, it may not really pop on beautiful brown skin. Pale pink lipstick just looks silly on me, and pale pink blush washes me out. I am very particular about my shade of pink makeup, bellas!

Which is why the Clinique BCA Kit is CALLING MY NAME. It comes with a gorgeous Fresh Bloom Allover Colour compact in Peony. OK, that compact so belongs on my (ridiculously overcrowded) dresser. And I love that there’s two lush, complimentary shades of shimmering pink. And I have an almost identical lipgloss that looks magnificent when layered over my beloved Vincent Longo lip stain in Baby Boo. That’s an effortlessly lush hot pink lip that can go from the office to the after work happy hour with just a dab of extra gloss for insurance. (an aside — are those new pearlessence gel stains I see? Oh boy!). That Tarte Inside Out Vitamin Lipstick in Zen would also look incredible on brown skin of all shades, IMO. And a portion of the $22 purchase goes to the Young Survival Coalition, a non-profit for young women with breast cancer.

If you’re looking for an affordable, undeniably luxurious product for the cure, you need to check out Philosophy’s Shower for the Cure. It costs $20, but 100% of the philosophy and our profit from this product are donated to the Women’s Cancer Research Fund! Way to truly committ to the cause, Philosophy! I can’t wait to get my hands on this.

For those of you who can afford to shop at Bergdorf Goodman, fancy French essential oil producer Darphin is offering a special limited edition bottle of rose aromatic care oil this month. For $75, you can indulge in rose oil, hazelnut, evening primrose, and sweet almond oil luxury, and 10% benefits the BCRF. I’ve tried the Tangerine Aromatic Bath and Body Oil, and it. is. AMAZING. It leaves my skin feeling incredibly silky and luxurious. But… it comes in a teeny tiny bottle for $75, so I kind of think of it as the kind of stuff JLo, Kimora, or Mariah Carey would insist on filling a claw-footed bathtub with. Which is to say, it’s incredible but well out of my price league. I gotta keep it real, you know.

Speaking of stuff I want that’s out of my price league… are these Kitchen Aid appliances not freakin’ adorable? All of my kitchen appliances are dark blue. But I could go for that beautiful tea kettle! Besides appliances, they offer pink handled kitchen necessities aplenty, from a cute measuring utensil set, to the tres cute pink silicone heart pan.

Bake your loved one a Betty Crocker cake in it for extra fundraising fun. General Mills supports a number of breast cancer awareness initiatives, including Pink Together, a MySpace community for survivors. Oh, and Kitchen Aid does more than just sell adorable pale pink products this month. They also host Cook for the Cure, where passionate chefs can host special fundraising parties for breast cancer charities of their choice. Check out the website for customizable invitations, party suggestions, recipes and entertaining tips.

Have you seen any cool pink products on store shelves? Let me know! And check out the products mentioned on some of my favorite beauty blogs — 55 Secret Street (yo quiero that Smashbox brush), The Makeup Girl, and Clutch Magazine.