My Updated Address- www.glossandsticks.com

Please update all of your blog links. My new address is http://www.glossandsticks.com/. Please visit and follow via GFC, Networked Blogs, Hellocotton, and Bloglovin. Thanks for the support.

Gloss and Sticks - My new blog

After doing some reflection about this blog and where I wanted to go with this blog. I decided to keep this as a personal blog about my daily life and interactions. I have moved my beauty blog to a new domain. The new site is Gloss and Sticks(www.glossandsticks.com). I am still working on this blog, so please be patient. If you follow this blog, please update and follow me at my new blog.

Thanks so much for your support.

Alicia

The Photo Shoot I Mentioned Last Week...

Below you will find some of the shots the photographer sent to me. Shout out to Mitch of Bridal Studio II Photography!

I'm hard on myself, I see some things I could have done differently. Anyway, enjoy! All comments are welcome. (Pic Heavy)

Happy Mother's Day!

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Mother's Day! I hope you all enjoyed your day. This is my first Mother's Day without both my mom or my grandmother. I lost them both last year. I am thankful for the time I had with them and the lessons about being a woman and a mother that they taught me. That is my little lady (Arrhia) in the picture above. I am shaking my head because I want to know what happened to my little baby. She tells me all the time, mommy I am eleven now. It does not matter, she is still my baby. LOL!

Again, Happy Mother's Day!

My Very First Photo Shoot As An Aspiring MUA

On last Saturday, I had the chance to do the make-up at a local photo shoot. I was asked by my friend who is a cosmetologist, if I would do the makeup of her model for some promotional posters for an upcoming hair and fashion show. I really enjoyed working on the photo shoot. Trust me it is very hard work. The following are some pics that I was able to snap behind the scenes. I cannot wait until I get the final pics(I will try to post a few of them later). Our model Muffin did a fantastic job!

Model Muffin getting ready to work the camera.

Model Muffin clowning behind the scenes.

Another shot of model Muffin in different hairstyle.

 

DOTD(04/10/2010)- eShakti Smocked Floral Applique Maxi Dress

I purchased this dress for my BD trip to Turks and Caicos. I must first acknowledge that eShakti has very fast service. I had my dress 10 days after ordering, plus I had to have it customized for my height. I am really impressed with their service. It is made of cotton satin and came in a beautiful royal blue color with a white applique. The dress is well made and fully lined. I have since visited their site and now this dress comes in two additional colors, black with white applique and black with a red applique. The best thing about eShakti is their prices are affordable for customized clothing. I definitely recommend this site to all my plus size divas.

The white jacket is my own.

I also ordered an additional dress, but have not worn it. I will be doing a review on it in the future.

Mini MAC Haul

A few weeks ago, I visited the MAC counter at my local Macys. I picked up a few goodies. I got items that I thought would look good on my skin while I am on vacation in Turks and Caicos for my BD next month.  Below are the pics and swatches of what I got.

Left to Right: Sweet as Cocoa Blush, Buddy Up Blush(from MAC's Too Fabulous collection)

Expensive Pink Eyeshadow

Swatches of blush below:

Top: Sweet as Cocoa

Bottom: Buddy Up

Top: Boy Bait Cremesheen Glass(from MAC's Too Fabulous collection)

Middle: Kumquat Lipglass(from MAC's Spring Colour Forecast 2 collection)

Bottom: Painterly Paint Pot

Swatches of Lipglasses below:

Left to right: Boy Bait, Kumquat

I also wanted the Ripe Peach Ombre Blush, Vintage Grape Ombre Blush, and Electric Fuschia Lipglass from MAC's Spring Colour Forecast collections but they were sold out. It is sold out online as well.

The Give Me Liberty of London Collection was on display also. I just was not moved to purchase anything from this collection, even though the packaging was really cute.

I have really been in an golden, bronzey, orangey(I know it is not a word, lol!), coral, neutral kind of mood. Therefore all of my purchases have been along that line lately. I am really pleased with my blush selections. They are really gorgeous on the skin. I just lubb(lol!) me some Sweet as Cocoa. Currently, my go to blush of the moment.

FOTD and Wig Edition

Today was such a beautiful day. I just love spring. My favorite season in the year. Anyway, here is my  FOTD pic.

Wig:

Equal Freetress Lace Front Billy Wig in 1B/33.

Face:

MAC Studio Fix Concealer in NC 45

Cover Girl Queen Collection Natural mineral Hues Pressed Powder in Brown Bronze1

MAC Blush in Sweet As Cocoa(I did get a little carried away with this blush. LOL! I lubbbbb this Blush!)

Eye Brows:

Maybelline Define A Brow in Dark Brown

MAC Cork Shadow using MAC 266

Eyes:

L'Oreal De-Crease

MAC Expensive Pink

MAC Cork blended in crease

L'Oreal HIP Black Gel Liner

Urban Decay Liner in Zero

L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black

Lips:

MAC Lipliner in Night Moth

MAC Cremesheen Glass in Boy Bait

I know I have been MIA...

I know I have been MIA. I have not forgot about you all, I have been a little busy lately. I defintely miss you all. I've been keeping up with everyone through Google Reader. :)

I have been busy planning my 40th BD celebration on April 3rd. I am also getting ready for my BD vacation to Turks and Caicos. I am so excited, I have never been to Turks and Caicos.

I have some product reviews that I need to do and share my latest hauls. Hopefully I will get it done by the weekend.

In the meanwhile, take care and be blessed! For those on you on the East Coast, please enjoy the nice weather we have been having lately.

I Got The Blues

I don't really have the blues. This is a look I did using assorted blue shadows.

Face:

MUFE Mat Velvet + Foundation-#65
MAC Studio Finish Concealer- NC45
Cover Girl Queen Collection Bronzer- Brown Bronze

MAC Blush- Gingerly

 

Eyes:

UDPP

L'Oreal HIP Gel Liner in blue

LA Colors 5 Metallic Shadows in Tease(Blue Metallic Shadow)

L'Oreal HIP DUO- Showy(Blue Color)

MAC Dame Edna Wisteria Trio(Light Blue Color)

ELF Pen Eyeliner-  Midnight

Ardell Lashes #115
L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black

Eye Brows:
Maybelline Define A Brow in Dark Brown

 

Lips:

ULTA Lip Pencil- Mocha
NYX Mega Shine Gloss- Frosted Beige 

ONLINE SALE- Adornments By Alicia

SALE---Making room for Spring/Summer Collection.Visit Adornments By Alicia Online. Everything is 50% off. Add'l 10% off if you spend $75.00 or more(Use SPRGCLEAN at check out).

Wig Edition- Freetress Equal Synthetic Futura Lace Front Sonya Wig

I recently ordered the Freetress Equal Synthetic Futura Lace Front Sonya Wig. This is my second lace front wig. I wore this wig to my fraternity brother's 40th birthday party on Saturday. I received so many compliments on this wig. I really like the style. It is a nice chic bob with plenty of fullness. I ordered it in a 1B. The texture of the hair is really nice and soft. It is not too shiny. It is part of the futura line, which means it is safe to curl up to 400 degrees Farenheit. I have not tried to curl this unit. Some other futura reviewers suggest you use temperatures quite a bit lower than 400 degrees. Also, I must note that this unit has a much wider lace front and that the lace is from ear to ear. This unit has three combs in the front and one in the back, plus adjustable straps. No glue or tape is necessary. It is a snug fit.

I ordered this wig from Hairsisters.com. I paid $41.49. Hairsisters has a sale this weekend with 20% off of all of their wigs. The Sonya wig is currently on sale for $33.19.

I love this wig.

These pics was taken at the end of night. I tried the L'Oreal De-Crease Eyeshadow Base. I noticed some creasing and the color was not as vibrant by the end of the night.

The products I used for my face of the day are listed below.

Face:

MUFE Mat Velvet + Foundation-#65

Cover Girl Queen Collection Bronzer- Brown Bronze

MAC Gingerly Blush

Eyes:

L'Oreal Paris DE-CREASE eyeshadow base

LA Colors 5 Metallic Eyeshadows in Tease(Fushia Pink Color)

NYX Eyeshadow in Black in outer V

MAC Cork blended in crease

Milani BROW FIX Eye Brow Powder Kit used as a highlight under brow

MAC Penultimate Eyeliner-Rapid Black

L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black

Eye Brows:

Maybelline Define A Brow in Dark Brown

Lips:

MAC Lip Pencil- Cork

MAC Lip Glass- Garden

The Beautiful Blogger Award Nomination

I would like to thank Miss Nic of Miss Nic's Elegant Edge for nominating me for The Beautiful Blogger Award. This is my first blogger nomination. In order to accept this award, you must do the following things.

• Thank the person who gave you the award.
• Paste the award on your blog.
• Link the person who nominated you for the award.
• Tell 7 interesting things about yourself.
• Nominate 7 bloggers or less.
• Post links to the 7 blogs you nominated.

Seven Interesting Things About Me...

1.  I am in love with all things pink. I'm definitely a girly girl. 
2. My mom was an only child. I am an only child and I have only one child, a daughter. I think that is so unique. All girls and no boys. ;)
3. I have an addiction to handbags and shoes. I have over 100 handbags and over 150 pair of shoes. My favorite handbag brands are Coach, Dooney & Bourke, and Marc Jacobs<----although I have yet to purchase one). My favorite shoe brands are Nine West, Stuart Weitzman, and Pelle Moda.
4. I love Blaxploitation Movies. Some of my favorites are Claudine and Cleopatra Jones.

 


    5. I am afraid of the sound of balloons popping and firecrackers.
    6. I love to read mystery novels. My favorite authors are Valerie Wison Wesley and Harlan Corben.
    7. Currently, I have a fascination with bright lip colors. Can't wait to get my hands on some of Lime Crime's lipsticks.

I nominate the following bloggers for The Beautiful Blogger Award.

• Mel of the House Of Flyness--I love her blog. She always has inspirational posts to encourage me.
• Reina of A Hidden Gem--She has some yummy recipes on her blog, plus she is a newlywed and was a beautiful bride.
• Mz More of The Glamorous Gleam--She always has excellent product reviews.
• Jamie of Rural Glamour--She also has some excellent product reviews.

Wig Edition- Janet Collection Human Hair Mommy Wig and FOTD

In order to give my hair a break, sometimes I wear wigs. I watched Ebony from ColouredBeautiful's You Tube Channel do a review on the wig in the picture below. Normally, I would have not given this wig a second look. However, Miss Ebony rocked this wig in her You Tube video. I just had to have this wig. I purchased it from Golden Mart Beauty Supply. It cost more than it cost Ebony but the site she bought her from went out of business. I have now found this wig on Hair Stop and Shop for $21.99. I love this wig. I just wish I can find it in a #1 or #1B.

Pictures of me wearing the Mommy Wig. Me likey!

I know I love to pose. LOL!

The products I used for my face of the day are listed below.

Face:

MUFE Mat Velvet + Foundation-#65

Cover Girl Queen Collection Bronzer- Brown Bronze

Milani Bronzer in Sunset Shores-the orange side used as a highlight on cheeks

Eyes:

UDPP

NYX Rust on lid

MAC Cork blended in crease

The Body Shop Copper Shimmer used as a highlight under brow

MAC Penultimate Eyeliner-Rapid Black

L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black

Eye Brows:
Maybelline Define A Brow in Dark Brown

Lips:
MAC Lip Pencil- Cork

MAC Lip Glass- Oh Baby(an old favorite)

Also, the earrings were custom made by me. Visit my site Adornments By Alicia for other styles.

Taraji P. Henson Inspired Red Lippie

I saw pics of Taraji from the Essence Black Women in Music Event. She inspired me to try a red lippie. Those that know me, know that I am not a lipstick wearer and most definitely not red lipstick. I prefer my tinted lip glosses any day over a lipstick. Although lately, I have been eyeing Lime Crime's opaque lipstick in Airborne Unicorn and My Beautiful Rocket.

My red lippie interpretation.

Face:

MUFE Mat Velvet + Foundation-#65

MAC Studio Finish Concealer- NC45

Cover Girl Queen Collection Bronzer- Brown Bronze

MAC MSF in Porcelin Pink as highlight on cheeks

Eyes:

UDPP

MAC Eyeshadow Paradisco on lid

MAC Cork blended in crease

MAC Penultimate Eyeliner-Rapid Black

L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black

Eye Brows:

Maybelline Define A Brow in Dark Brown

Lips:

MAC Lip Pencil- Cork

Black Radiance Red Lipstick- 5008A

This was my first time using Maybelline Define A Brow Eyebrow Pen in Dark Brown. I love it! It also has a little eyebrow comb at one end. Great eyebrow pen for the price.

 

I just may wear this red lippie out of the house. ;)

RIP MUA Extraordinaire - Roxanna Floyd

I was shocked when I read on Sharon Quinn's blog that Make Up Artist, Roxanna Floyd had passed. Many people in the industry are well aware of Floyd's creative genius. She was often praised for her gifts in the Make-up World. She has created magic on many faces that we all love and adore. Some of her celebrity clients include Queen Latifah, Whitney Houston, and Angela Bassett. She was on ANTM with the Queen. According to Quinn's blog, Ms. Floyd was instrumental in developing the Queen Latifah's Collection by Cover Girl. I really love the bronzers from that collection.

Roxanna Floyd will be greatly missed. My heartfelt prayers go out to all of her family and friends.