Let the Makeovers BEGIN!!

It's time. Time for us to take a long, hard look at ourselves. Evaluate. Decide now what it is you will change about you. Then, tell me. And I will do whatever I can to help you achieve your goals. NVidel's last post featured a photo shoot with 6RobinsPhotography. I had the pleasure of helping to makeover a group of exciting teens.

Take a look at what the team pulled together!

The Eyes Have It: Don't Be Out of Line!

Some may not think so, but eyeliner is just as necessary as eye shadow in completing a full face of makeup and can even be worn without shadow. Eyeliner frames the eyes and is one of the few finishing touches in makeup.  It can make or break a look you want to achieve (e.g. bright eyes), or mood you want to convey (e.g. youthful, bright, vixen, etc.) - the key is precision. Well, precision and knowing what looks are most appropriate at any given time. Let's take an informed and strategic look at eyeliner application, considering desired outcomes, colors, liner types and application techniques. First, we'll review application based on eye shape and the goal of your look. Then, we'll cover the different types of liners and application techniques.

What EVERY Creative Person Must be Reminded Of...

I was in a Twitter-surfing mood the other day and came across one of my favorite photographers (Jasmine Star's) twitter page. I was introduced to her work by my photographer (Tosha Francis). Side note: there's more favor shown when you appreciate the work of others who love your craft - I've definitely observed that. Anyway, Jasmine's timeline is usually entertaining, and she occasionally posts a tweet that pauses my thinking. The reason why this particular tweet resonated with me is because of what I've been experiencing doing hair and makeup lately. I am not downing my work, but - like most artists - when I review the finished product I want to either do it again or "touch something up." To my chagrin, my client either loves what has been created for him/her, or does not have time for [seemingly] minor modifications. However, it frustrates me... I thought I was alone; that I was going through a rough patch in what I love to do. Well, I may be wrong.

Thanks Jasmine for putting this out there.

Giving Back: I Am B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L.

I had the awesome pleasure of being a special guest presenter for an I Am B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. (Brave, Energetic, Assertive, Unique, Tenacious, Important, Fabulous, Unequaled, and Loved) event! Along with hanging out with the girls, we got a chance to discuss skin care, self care, makeup, hair and more girls' stuff! Afterwards, we watched the Princess and the Frog and enjoyed popcorn and snacks. Unfortunately, I had to go home :-(...but I'm sure the "girls night in" (slumber party) continued. They were great, and I hope to work with them again!

Check this organization out - what they're doing for girls (and women) is great!

Gift from the girls - thanks ladies!

The Eyes Have It: Eye Shapes, Placement and Dimension

This entry features similar charts to what may be used in formal instruction; no harm in sharing this information with you though, right? First things first: take a look at the charts and discover your type.

Eye Shapes

Average/Standard - For those of us who already have average/standard (sometimes referred to as "almond") shaped eyes, you have the most freedom when going for the basic application. Stick with the 3-dimension makeup application for the eyes (i.e., shade, crease color, highlight), or go crazy with color!

For the rest of us, the goal is to give the perception that we have an almond (sometimes referred to as "standard") eye shape. Yes, "perception."

The Eyes Have It!

Whether you believe that they are the mirror to the soul, or subcribe to accessorizing them with the hottest diva shades; we can't deny that when it comes to makeup: the eyes have it! Let me first say that there are NO RULES with makeup (well, besides making sure your foundation is the correct match and other fundamental guides)! Yep, I said it - and I know someone will remind me of that later on. 'No rules' allows for your creative liberties to be fully expressed. Besides, who am I to hinder your creative freedom?! No, seriously, there are best practices and guidelines that I think are helpful when attempting to achieve a certain look. The eyes only take up a fraction of our face, but require a considerable amount of thought and preparation for certain looks (i.e., smokey eye, everyday, evening, etc.).

Color basics
To shorten the explanation (or an entire chapter of some text books), darker shades deepen the visual perspective, as these shades absorb light. This is why we apply darker shades under the cheekbone (in the hollow of the jaw)

It's All About Gratitude!

To all of the high school classmates and neighborhood friends who trusted me to master the art of weaving, braiding and natural hair care, using them as my personal guinea pigs; I say thank you.

And to all of my friends, associates, and innocent stranger-made-friends who would listen to my (solicited and unsolicited) critiques and reviews on what would work best for the event and with one's personal style - I owe you all many thanks!

In the winter of 2003 - during a graduate school winter break, I would make another investment in myself by becoming a makeup artistry student. Everyday I had class, I would leave and beg my friends and family to let me "do their face," snap a photo and keep it in my portfolio.

To all of my professional services mentors and friends who pushed me to push myself...there really are no words...I'll just say THANK YOU!

I never thought the love and support shown over the years would still be what keeps me going, but it does. Just when I consider transitioning on to something "new," I get a phone call, email, or text asking if my calendar is open for another event...what can I say other than: thank you!

Each and every one of you is so brave (not only to trust me, but to trust in what I researched, tested, and learned); to trust in making mistakes, falling and getting back up to try it again - but better the next time. These are merely words. I wish I could open my heart, pour my tears and leave them on this screen to truly express what I'm feeling. YOU ARE THE BEST - and you know who you are!!

We've done it! Many of you have encouraged me to get a Web-presence...As some of you know, I've been hesitant because I wanted to get everything just right. Well, now realizing that perfection can't be obtained on the first attempt, I'm starting with this blog. Who knows? It may be all I need! No matter where the skills, talents, and drive take me, I will ALWAYS be grateful to God for you and for what you have poured into my life's experience and what you have allowed me to pour into yours. I love you, and there's really not much you can do about it!