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?

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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Friday Flashforward — Estelle’s My Girl

I love her music, I love her message, and I absolutely love her style — British import Estelle has been making big stateside buzz finally, and she’s made an impression on me as a style icon to watch. Here’s why.

Estelle is an unconventional beauty. She’s got distinctive features, and she doesn’t try to be anything other than who she is. From her first track, the phenomenal 1980, she revealed her roots in the lyrics, along with some offhand beauty advice —

“Boil a big pot of water on the stove to take a bath, Rub my face with Olive Oil, All my mates used to laugh...” ahem, is she talking about the oil cleansing method? No wonder she’s got such amazing skin!

Estelle seems to have sprung out already a self-confident, full fledged star. Her name’s more than appropriate in that regard. In the UK, she first made big waves in 2004 with her album The 18th Day, and she seemed poised to make worldwide waves, along with the then-new crop of British singers, including Miss Dynamite and Natasha Bedingfield, who she collaborated with on Free. LOVE that song! It didn’t happen for her then, and Estelle’s gotten some flack recently for speaking out against racism in the British music industry. Quite a few have branded her as a racist for her statement, but Paul McKenzie, editor of the urban music magazine Touch, agreed with Estelle. “There is a fashion for YWFs - young white females. They are the ones who are given the money and the time, and most importantly, people are patient with them. Duffy, if she hadn’t had this hit, would have been given a second chance, and a third. Estelle wasn’t. The people who hold the purse strings are looking at trends rather than talent. If you’re not a young white female - in other words if you’re black - I can imagine that is incredibly depressing,” he’s quoted as saying.

Estelle’s statement has been blown up into a beef between her and Duffy, which has brought attention to both artists. Estelle’s outspoken, but I think there is some essential truth worth considering in her brash statements. Either way, she’s flying a flag for dark skinned beauties and truly talented musicians. She’s got a gorgeous singing voice and she’s a skilled rapper. I think she’s going places, and I hope that kicks down the door for more musicians of her caliber.

Estelle’s look is simple, effortless, and easy to do. She plays up her beautiful eyes — she’s got eyelids perfect for bold makeup looks. Check her out in American Boy — her makeup is FLAWLESS. Glowing skin, big, beautiful kohl rimmed cat eyes accented with white or silver shadow, lush, mascara-ed lashes, and a pretty, subdued lip. Very polished, very fresh. She rocks the short hairstyle she describes as “Audrey Pepa” — Classic Audrey on one side, Salt-N-Pepa sass on the other. There are rumors that Atlantic Records has pressured her to change her hair and get her teeth fixed… but in this SOHH piece, Estelle says that’s rubbish. I sincerely hope so — the last thing America needs is another contrived pop singer whose style is borne from a Svengali who can’t see beyond a lacefront wig.

Estelle’s new album Shine is poised to make a stateside splash, and her hits are already blowing up on VH1 — American Boy is in regular rotation, as is Wait a Minute, which is produced by Will I Am, and relies on a heavy sample from Screaming Jay Hawkins’ “I Put a Spell on You,” one of my favorite songs of ALL TIME. (the Nina Simone version rules too!)

I adore Estelle’s makeup in Wait a Minute — glow in the dark eyeshadow rules! That’s a fun club look — bold white/silvery lids under a black light guarantees attention. You could use MAC’s white Kohl eye pencil to accent just above your lids, and Urban Decay eyeshadow in a pale silver/pink like Cherry or Midnight Cowboy would be ideal for this look as well (don’t forget your Primer Potion! Wouldn’t want to sweat off all that gorgeousness on the dance floor). Of course, if you REALLY want to glow, you could go bananas and use real ravers’ glow in the dark eyeshadow. That bright yellow would really pop on brown skin.

Like myself, Estelle adores reggae music — her Grenadian background played some influence there, no doubt! Her new album — which drops next Tuesday, April 29 — includes a
cover version of one of my favorite classic reggae tracks of all time, Substitute Lover by Half Pint. (new reggae fans, don’t sleep on Half Pint. I think he was one of the main inspirations of Sublime’s sound. Listen for yourself and see. Half Pint rules). Here’s Estelle’s new, Wyclef-produced version.

Love that hook. She’s a stellar live performer, and I am just livid that I missed her performance this week in Miami. I hear it was fantastic. Alas. Next time for sure, Estelle!

Are you feeling Estelle as a style icon? Do you have a favorite Estelle track already? I love American Boy and the title track, Shine, which just makes me wanna dance. That beat is bangin’! Can’t wait to cop this next week. Enjoy Estelle with me this Friday, bellas and fellas. Happy weekend to you all!

Total and Billy B — but of course!

I find so much makeup inspiration in music videos. I just put on some VH1 Soul and let it ride. Bellas, if you ever find yourself stuck in a makeup rut, you just may find a way out by mellowing out with some video classics. To wit — Total. Where the heck are Kima, Keisha, and Pam? They looked absolutely exquisite in the video for Trippin’. Oh, how I have loved this song.

I had to Google that and yes, Billy B. apparently did the makeup for the video. You already know how much I admire him. Look at the faces in that video! Exquisite. Proof that a bold, smokey eye + nude, glossy lip = sexy, sexy, sexy. I love their look in this video. I love that in the early Nineties, it was still considered fly for members of a girl group to rock short hair and distinctive fashion. Compare that to today, when reportedly, super fly British import Estelle is being pressured to change her look to conform to the expected American ten-pounds-of-weave-veneers-and-a-scandalous-outfit standard. That breaks my heart. I adore Estelle, and her quirky style is what drew me to her in the first place!

I miss those good ol’ days when groups like Total and Xscape and SWV proved that talent could win over studio-created image. Those girls were sexy, but it always seemed like it was on their own terms. I miss Total! And because of their work on the hooks of songs like One More Chance and Hypnotize, I hear their voices often and wonder about them.
Total = Friends in my head.

Sadly, there is no Total website, and the only apparent resource, Wikipedia, which has some cleanup to do on this entry, reveals no immediate plans for the girls to regroup. Keisha is happily married to the talented Omar Epps, Pam is a devoted churchgoer, and Kima is still grinding, occasionally collaborating with her sister, the rapper Vita. I couldn’t find even so much as a MySpace. Sad.

What’s your favorite Total song? I know — they had some classics! I love What About Us, too. I’m torn!

Meeting Billy B

I’ve been pretty much obsessed with the makeup wizardry of Billy B. since I first saw the video for Lauryn Hill’s Ex-Factor. Or no wait, it was Missy Elliott’s “She’s a Bitch.” Or maybe it was the video for Independent Women by Destiny’s Child. When I was soaking up all that beauty inspiration, I had no idea who Billy B was, of course. I just knew that here were strong, beautiful black women and I wanted to look just as beautiful as they did.

Billy B has been behind the scenes of music videos and television shows, beating the faces of celebs from Sharon Stone and Natalie Maines to Mary J. Blige and Tina Turner. Oh yes. When I interviewed Billy on the phone — he was visiting Miami for The Makeup Show — he had just come from doing Tina Turner’s makeup for her performance of Proud Mary at the Grammys. She looked amazing (aside from her Robocop couture), but still Billy doubted his work. “I would make some different choices after seeing it. I’m not sure about the red mouth in hindsight, not sure about the contour. I was standing there with her, thinking how did this happen? How did I go from Aberdeen Mississippi to doing Tina Turner for the Grammys? There’s still these moments of clarity for me where you’re sort of, how did I get here? And when are they going to figure out that this is the biggest scam ever? This is one of the few living American… not even just American. Icons. Ever. And here I am!” Billy attributes his continued success to humility. He is a very real, very humble kind of guy. “I never fully feel like I deserve to be there. I think that’s what keeps me successful, and I think that’s something new makeup artists can learn from. Most think their s*%t don’t stink, and they’re better than everybody, and they deserve so much more than they already have. The reality is, none of us do.”

Billy has been at the top of the game, and at the bottom of the heap. He has had to eat humble pie quite a few times in the biz. Billy B.’s fairytale life story is well known to anyone who’s obsessed with makeup and music videos — as my homegirl Lianne The Makeup Girl said in her interview with him, “small town boy with big town dreams.” In the Eighties, by day Billy B. worked the makeup counter at Macy’s in Times Square. By night he was cleaning up vomit at nightclubs in New York City. Sick skills and one lucky break led to him making $500 an hour. Now he’s done just about every celebrity you can think of, for print, television, fashion shows, whatever.

I had an great telephone interview with Billy before the show, we chatted at length about his career and his new line of brushes, which are professional quality, and designed especially to avoid the pitfalls Billy has encountered with other brushes. They’re short, light, and very specifically designed for particular tasks. He is especially proud of his eyelash curler ($15, a steal) and he uses brush #9 to build the bottom lashes with mascara. More on that later.

So following a fun phoner, I was ready to meet Billy B. at The Makeup Show Miami. I got to the convention center in the afternoon, an hour or so before he was about to begin his keynote presentation. And excuse me while I gush for a moment, but something quite exciting happened. I got recognized! By a complete stranger! So there I am, walking into the Miami Beach Convention Center, when a lovely bella with adorable twists comes jogging after me. “Excuse me… are you Afrobella?” she asked. Yes I am! OMG YAY! She was super sweet. Her name is Ethanie, she’s a makeup artist from… Philly? And we took a couple of photos together. E mail me, Ethanie! It was a pleasure to meet you.

OK, so then I entered the main atrium and was instantly dazzled. There were booths from product lines I knew well — MAC, Stila, Make Up For Ever. And there were some new niche products there, like Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics which has a great range of loose color, and Big Girl Cosmetics. Lots of you have asked me to specifically highlight products made for women of color by women of color. Look no further! I met Kiley Russell the founder and CEO, and she is a fly and self possessed sista. I got one of their Diva Glosses in my to-go bag, and I LOVE it! Definitely check em out, bellas.

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Sandra Hordatt’s Tips for Carnival Wow!

At the risk of not sounding like a true Trini, I have a confession to make. I haven’t been home for Carnival in a decade. TEN YEARS! What can I tell you? College, then the workplace, then financial constrictions always seem to conspire against me. I must admit, I feel very left out and more than a little depressed when I visit sites like Trinidad Carnival Diary, which is all about the fun of Trini mas.

Even though I haven’t been home for the highly anticipated annual event in ages, that doesn’t mean I don’t love Carnival. I always have. Ask mama bella — as a little one I couldn’t miss Viey la Cou (an annual celebration of traditional carnival), and I used to even collect the abandoned masks and standards left by masqueraders in the street after the parade of people passed on Carnival Monday and Tuesday.

I’ve always loved the pageantry and spectacle of mas. And just because I won’t be there this year doesn’t mean I am not looking out for you bellas who will! I wanted to do a post all about Carnival makeup, because it is an art form in itself. Creating a lasting, stunning look that will survive buckets of sweat and the relentless Caribbean sun isn’t easy. So I reached out to one of Trinidad’s leading makeup artists, the talented and beautiful Sandra Hordatt, with questions about creating that perfect Carnival day look. (this is her brand-new MySpace page, but you’ll learn a lot more about her from this profile in the Trinidad Express).

Sandra made her name in modeling, make up. and mas. She is an artist and a costume designer for Island People Mas. For this year’s Animal Instincts band, she’s designed two sections (scroll down to see them) — the hot to death Dragon Lizard, and the resplendent Kingfisher Bird. (Sandra’s costumes range in price from $433 to $1916 USD. And they’re all sold out).

To give you an idea of the kind of looks Sandra comes up with, check out Trinidad’s 2006 Miss Universe delegate Kenisha Thom in the beautiful butterfly costume Sandra designed for her to wear at the pageant. Besides designing amazing Carnival costumes, Sandra’s got a reputation as one of THE premiere makeup artists in Trinidad right now. Her strong suit is covering blemishes and creating a flawless canvas without a heavily plastered on look. I caught up with her for all of fifteen minutes, as she raced from making up a client to her designing duties at the mas camp, to put the finishing touches before the impending Carnival madness.

Afrobella – How many faces do you do on average for Carnival Monday and Tuesday? Or are you out yourself, playing mas in a costume you designed?

Sandra Hordatt — I try not to work on Carnival, I like to be out on the road to see the costumes. I don’t take any bookings. I just do makeup for myself and my friends on Monday and Tuesday.

Afrobella – I think the biggest concern for Carnival is getting your makeup to stay on. You glue on all these face jewels and glitter and then you’re jumping and waving in the blazing hot sun for hours. How do you make your look last through the sweat and the heat?

Sandra – I say focus on your eyes. Obviously you’ll be sweating a lot, so your foundation will probably melt. Make sure you wear sun block, and just do a really dramatic eye and it should last all day. So your first layer should definitely be sun block, then use a good cream to powder foundation. Set that with a loose powder. Then go out with your compact for touch-ups, those oil absorbing sheets, and a nice lip gloss. Good to go.

Afrobella – What’s your favorite brand of makeup and why? Do you use any local stuff, like Sacha?

Sandra – I just love MAC. I love their bronzers and shadows. And I also love L’Oreal HIP, their eyeshadows are vibrant and intense. And I do use Sacha, I like their blushes and they have a great fix it spray.

Afrobella – Is there any one look you’re really loving for this Carnival season, or does your inspiration come strictly from the costume the person is wearing? What’s the hottest makeup trend in Trinidad these days?

Sandra – Each costume inspires a different look in terms of color and theme. But I know, me personally — for Carnival Monday and Tuesday, I love glitter on the eyes. MAC and NYX have some fantastic glitter liners that are really easy to use.

At this point, we go off on a tangent because Sandra hasn’t ever heard of Urban Decay! Urban Decay’s glitter liners are practically made for Carnival. And so is their eyeshadow primer potion. So I gush about them for a while. Then back to the interview.

Afrobella – Do you do airbrush makeup? I realize that’s become increasingly popular in Trinidad, among women who want to cover scars and stretch marks. What are your thoughts on that?

Sandra –I do airbrush makeup… I think it’s excellent for covering up scars. But on older skin it can be very… turkey-like. With the airbrushing you have to pull the skin taut. I don’t know if you can visualize what I’m talking about. Half the time you’d be better off with a good cream to powder foundation and a sponge.

Afrobella – For the ladies who can’t afford to get their makeup done professionally, what’s the best advice you’ve got to give?

Sandra – You definitely don’t need to hire a professional to go out and look beautiful on Carnival day. I would say look through a magazine to find a look you like, go for something dramatic in terms of eye makeup. And then practice your look beforehand so you can figure out your technique. Don’t wait until Carnival Monday morning to try something new. Find a look you like and figure it out first.

For even more Carnival makeup tips, of course Trinidad Carnival Diary should be your first port of call. Enjoy the celebration and stay safe, bellas!

An Improvement from Last Time

Hey — do you remember that Queen Latifah casting call last year? You know, the one where people stood in the snow waiting to be seen? The one that pissed a whole lot of beautiful black women off?

I got lots of e mails from bellas swearing they’d never buy the Cover Girl’s Queen Collection. Well, guess what? The peeps at Cover Girl learned from the experience. This year, the contest is entirely online. No waiting in the snow. No waiting at all!

If you’re an everyday women of color, ages 18-48, you could win. All you need to do is visit EveryWomanIsAQueen.com, upload a photo, and share a story about how you have gone against the odds to achieve greatness in your life. The contest is open until January 31. Queen Latifah herself will judge the online search, and select up to five winners to appear in an advertisement that will be featured in the June issue of Ebony magazine.

And for those of you who just want to know more about the MAKEUP, hang tight! I’ll be reviewing the newest products from the Queen Collection, Vibrant Hue Shine and Vibrant Hue Color, and offering a special giveaway early next week!

Just for fun, here’s a Friday jam. I love me some classic Queen La.

They don’t make ‘em like that anymore! Happy Friday, bellas!!

Throwback Thursday — Miss Jackson

I was pretty psyched to see the video for Janet Jackson’s new single, Feedback — it made its debut on BET this week, and has been all over the internet, quick, watch before they take the link down again.

The video is an intergalactic romp that ends with Janet and co. dancing in what looks like a giant bowl of milk. Trippy, and laden with imagery. It’s got a beat that won’t quit, and Janet in total sex-kitten mode — she says in the lyrics, she’s heavy like a first day period. (sorry, that line made me LOL when I first heard it. Seriously, Janet?).

Fingers crossed, this means a real comeback for Miss Jackson — Lord knows I wasn’t the only one who wasn’t “So Excited” about her last album. I’d love to see Janet charge to the front of the pop music diva pack where she belongs. She’s an originator, she’s still looking incredible, and I’d love to see her step forward and show these young girls how it’s really done.

Choosing a favorite Janet Jackson video is even harder than choosing a favorite En Vogue video. I’ve loved her in almost all her incarnations, from innocent Let’s Wait A While to raunchy sex goddess in If. But stepping in the way-back machine, I definitely grew up on Good Times and Fame — any old-school Fame fans in the house? Anyone? I love early Janet the most, I think.

It goes without saying that Janet changed the game. She was one of the main reasons I became so enthralled with music videos so early in my life. So many of her videos were cinematic experiences, filled with colorful characters, random dance breakdowns, and Miss Jackson in the middle of it all, singing and smiling and making everyone feel like she was their BFF. When I Think Of You. Alright is one of my all-time favorites, because she features Cyd Charisse and the late, great Cab Calloway. And when Escapade dropped, it was a big deal in Trinidad, because Janet featured the artistry of Peter Minshall. Remember that big marionette thing? If you don’t know, now you know.

But this week’s Throwback Thursday goes way back to when I first wanted to BE Janet. Back when I could relate to her, when she looked like she did in the photo at the top of this post. When she was thick and workin’ it, cute but sassy, and had that big Eighties freestyle hair. When she was asking the question, What Have You Done For Me Lately?

So Eighties! I love it. LOL at Paula Abdul in that intro. She choreographed quite a few early Janet videos. I wonder if they’re still even a little bit friendly these days? Paula’s been acting a little crazy recently, and Janet doesn’t seem to be down with that. Can’t say that I blame her.

What’s your favorite Janet Jackson video?

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!!