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.
Celebrity Chrisette’s deep fuschia lip is THE BUSINESS. What a gorgeous color. I’m guessing they used gloss over a lip liner like Make Up For Ever’s aqua lip matte dark raspberry — the lip looks more sheer towards the center. A slightly brown/brick color match is Milani’s Velvet Lips in Divine or Decadent. Cover Girl’s Queen Collection lipstick in Black Currant, slicked over with my beloved fuschia Milani glossy tube gloss would also do nicely. Oh, and by the by — the four winners of Cover Girl’s Every Woman is a Queen contest have been chosen, and they’re featured on the website and in the pages of Ebony magazine. Their stories are inspiring and heartwarming. Congratulations to the winners!
On the autograph-seeking Chrisette, it’s all about the lashes and that pretty, super glossy lip. Big Girl Cosmetics’ peach Diva Gloss definitely would capture that look, and for lashes like that, you’ll need to spring for some dramatic-yet-natural falsies, like the Shu Uemura fiber cross eyelashes. In terms of achieving the look with mascara, I’d also turn to Shu — the Fiber Xtension mascara really is the bomb. If you can afford to splurge on the $75 perfect lash set, go for it. If you can’t afford the set (or Shu Uemura in general), try the Cover Girl Lash Blast mascara. I seriously have been using it every day, and getting raves. Super fab and drugstore cheap.
What’s tying Chrisette’s whole flawless look together? Perfectly plucked eyebrows. Which reminds me, I really need to get mine done. I’m considering trying those Anastasia stencils. Have you bellas tried those yet?
Chrisette is also looking luminous in the new video with The Roots and Wale Rising Up, off The Roots latest album, Rising Down. I’m still on a Vortex tour hangover, so I offer you this in lieu of a Throwback Thursday.
Hope you’re feeling this song and the message as much as I do. How’re you feeling, bellas and fellas? It’s almost the long weekend!
Have you seen any makeup muses recently? Let me know so I can figure out what they might be using to get the look!
Good Morning Bella,I was just on Necole Bitchie web site last night for the first time ever.I saw all of the alter ego photos ,and they are very creative.Chrisette’s makeup is flawless,and her hair is pretty.I would love to have Derek Blank take my photo.
She really is beautiful and I agree, the short do is so much better than the weave down to the floor. I can’t listen to the music though, I’m at work but I’ll hit it up later 🙂
I saw these pictures a few days ago.. and I love them especially this one you posted about! And to add Chrisette’s Album is the BomB!
Thanks Bella
She looks totally gorgeous. The makeup, styling and photographer are flawless. I’m definitely a less is more Bella when it comes to makeup. I haven’t fallen in love w/anything except Stila’s lip gloss in cinammon which rocks my world. 😉
Anastasia is the TRUTH! I always mess up my brows, but they always fix it! LOL I’m going tomorrow to have them fixed. Word of caution though, have Anastasia do them first and then use the stencil. Everytime I’ve done it on my own my brows were always uneven.
On another note, Chrisette looks Fab! I didn’t do my makeup today, but I might run to the bathroom and put some on now! I feel insipired!
I love the alter ego photos! And Ms. Chrisette looks absolutely beautiful. I’m not a make-up savvy bella, nor have I ever worn anything more than lipstick (even though people always think I have makeup on – ??), but I love reading about all of the ‘bella’ recommended products! Keep up the great work 😀
Great photo and fab feature … thanks for the story!! I love that look on Chrisette … soft and feminine yet super edgy as well – will be trying some of those makeup recs myself! xo
Thank you Bella, so far today I’ve spent my weekend ‘play’ money on make-up! LOL!
I can’t even begin to tell you how many windows I had opened on my desktop, going back and forth with your recommendations!
I’ve tried the Anastasia stencils, really the whole kit. Works for me!
I have Sketch! I think I’ll wear that tomorrow. I tried Nars orgasm lip gloss & it did nothing for me. Had me looking like Tyrone Biggums from the Chapple show skits, but I may have to give the blush a try.
My favorite MAC make-up artist near me also suggested that I try a bright orange blush, punked out & bought ambering rose instaed.
She looks beautiful in this picture. Great breakdown, Bella. I need to hit up Sephora now. =)
Hi
Ladies, off the subject. Has anyone tried Hair Rules by Anthony Dickey? I was interested in the Kinky Curly Cream. If anyone has used it let me know.
https://www.hairrules.com/Shop.aspx?section=type&cat_id=462
Derek is a genius.
her makeup is lovely and her skin is fantastic! I would love to know what she uses.
hello my loves! its chrisette michele just writing you all to thank you again for your love and support. i actually did my own makeup and hair this day… i cant believe how right on you guys are because it is indeed nars orgasm on my cheeks but the darker blush color is MACs own ambering rose…i’d like to thank my wonderful makeup artist friend JJ for teaching me all the tricks i have under my sleeve. i also styled my own hair with an FHI flat iron and i got the edges with a wee chi iron u can purchase at ricky’s in nyc or order online. Mizani products are great on my hair for shining out the lil lovely kinks 🙂
i love you all afro bella’s.
cant wait to talk again.
ttyl!!!
miss michele
oh and ps!!!! keith campbel of brooklyn new york gave my my new cut. i hope you all like it! i sure do. he’s reasonably priced and has a great spirit.
okay toodles!
Hey Chrisette Michele, I am Loving the new due It is beautiful the new short styles are in and im definately loving it, the makeup is gorgeous and wow you did that? I need to get some tips from you, I know alot of Derek blanks Photography and I love that picture of you the photo of you being the fan is funny like the smile. Keep it natural girl much love.
Lisa Raye
she looks beautiful. the make-up is flawless and the new do is fierce, she’s rockin it. Her make-up and hair does look professionally done… so she’s really good @ styling hair and doing make-up. The photography is awesome also!!!
nice picture. well taken.
Celebs and their “ten-pound weaves”! Totally hilarious comment and spot on. I so agree.
As for your piece on Chrisette and her hair and make-up; it’s really well written… loved it.