GLAMAMARA

Glamamaras Beauty Blog

2009-06-16T08:10:00.001-04:00

Glamamaras Beauty Blog

Shared via AddThis

Moving

2009-06-10T05:27:00.002-04:00

Good Morning Bloggers,

Please follow me at http://glamamara.wordpress.com/

I am phasing this site out.

thank you and I hope to see you at my new address.

Smooches,
Glamamara

Glamamaras Beauty Blog

2009-06-09T12:57:00.001-04:00

Glamamaras Beauty Blog

Shared via AddThis

Glamamaras Beauty Blog

2009-06-04T16:23:00.001-04:00

Glamamaras Beauty Blog

Shared via AddThis

Glamamara catches up with rising star Raedawn J

2009-05-13T22:25:00.004-04:00

An apprenticeship under the famed brow God Ramy Gafni led her to gigs beautifying and grooming everyone from Kimberly Locke to Tyson Beckford. It’s safe to say that Raedawn J is one to watch. I caught up with her at Rouge Makeup Studio where we chatted about… just watch and see.

the brows have it

2009-05-13T22:16:00.003-04:00

Both makuep mavens and minimalist agree that the key to a polished face is and expertly defined brow. I spent my first year as an artist mastering the art of the perfect arch that's why I'm excited to introduce you to a man after my own heart. Makeup Artist Ramy {who has touched that faces of A-list celebs, supermodels & beauty editors} and owner of Ramy Spa in Manhattan understands that we are all not as financially blessed as some of his notable clients. On Thursday nights this summer, stop in and enjoy champagne, lite fare and discounted brow taming. For more info or to schedule and appointment call RamySpa at (212) 684-9500. 39 East 31st Street bet. Park and Madison Avenues, New York City. Log onto beautynewsnyc.com for additional info.

Summer Scent-sation

2009-05-11T03:09:00.001-04:00

Memorial Day, also know as the unoffical start of summer, is just a few weeks away. Kick off the season with fresh and refreshed scents that will have you smelling good all season.
Bvlgari's latest addition to the Omnia collection Omnia Green Jadewill enitice the 30 and under set with it's crisp white peony notes.
Dior re-creates a classic J'adore by combining invigorating splash of lemon with hints of ylang ylang.
Issey Miyake 's L’Eau d’Issey pour Homme and L’Eau d’Issey pour Homme Intense original classic scent needs no revamping but the bottle has received a major overhaul. The concrete flask makes this perfume a must have item.
DKNY is synonomys with the timeless slogan I ♥ New York so isn't it fitting that Be Delicious is inspired by New York City's beautifully fragrant apple blossoms. The fruity notes captured in this apple shaped flacon smells almost good enough to eat.

Beauty Sale just in time for mums day!

2009-05-07T09:38:00.001-04:00

I'm nobody's mother but I will be treating myself to some of these goodies this Mothers Day. My tip-get there early!!

Fighting tooth and nail

2009-05-07T09:32:00.003-04:00

The last couple of months have been interesting. I have travelled quite extensively throughout the country with Melyssa Ford on a "glamorous" tour sponsored by Hennessy where we visited over a hundred liquor stores and clubs promoting the brand. Flying from city to city to city, rushing into hotel rooms to do speedy makeup and dash out of the door only to stand for hours can wreck havoc my feet. In Harlem (during one of her store visits), I dipped out to get a quick pedicure. Something told me not to enter that dreadful salon but it was hot and my toes were screaming for new polish so I thought, “it can’t be too bad”. Upon entering, I noticed a woman performing an eyebrow waxing on her client who was sitting in a folding chair at the front door. You read it right, in a folding chair at the front door. Ugh… not cute, but as I said earlier my toes, well you know the rest. I am rushed to a massage chair with a water jet powered foot soaking tub attached to it and am pressured to pick a color. Two minutes into my relaxing pedi, the nail tech proceeded to exfoliate my heels with a loofah that looked like forty people had used it! I kindly asked him to skip that step and opted for polish without the buffing. He granted my request and asked me if I wanted my nails to be shaped, then attempted to use tools that were unsterilized to do so. I suggested that he use sterilized tools to shape my toes.The experience could not have been more frustrating but I learned some valuable lessons nonetheless.

1st- go with your gut. The storefront was rundown and the salons appearance was untidy but I went against my better judgment and suffered the consequences.

2ndspeak up! It is ok to request that a nail tech use freshly sterilized tools, sanitized towels etc. Your health is important.

3rd bring your own tools. It is a great idea to bring your own tools when going to any nail salon. We really cannot be sure of how often techs are sterilizing theirs. Stores like Ricky’s NYC, Rite Aid, Sally’s etc have aisles dedicated to nail care.

4th avoid the water jet powered basins- unless- they change the filter in front of you. Unhygienic jet baths can cause staph infections and left undiagnosed or untreated can lead to death. The best option is to frequent salons that do not use jet baths but stainless steel bowls or basin instead. The cleanup is easy as stainless steel is non-porous and medical grade disinfectants coupled with hot water wash harmful bacteria away.

the best of both worlds- where nature and science mix

2009-04-29T20:33:00.004-04:00

I was recently interviewed by Shayna D from Sirus's Shades 45 where one of her questions was "what's the latest trend in beauty?" My answer-earth friendly cosmetics. While cosmetics companies have been incorporating botanics into there list of ingredients for years, technological advances have been some companies key selling points and the rationalization for higher pricing. The new products on the market like NUDE mineral mask seamlessly merge some of natures best kept secrets for amazingly beautiful skin combined with scientific advancement. Get you your natural beauty fix at Sephora (one of my favorite beauty destinations)

What Men Want

2009-02-10T09:10:00.004-05:00

Like clockwork during this time of year we start to see ads of men expressing their love and adoration to the women in their lives with gifts. A diamond is forever here a bouquet of roses there, but what we don’t see is the reversal. Here’s a question…

If we all believe that love is a two way street than why does the gift giving part of it appear to be so one-sided?

Ladies, I know that we’re in a recession, but don't let that be the reason why you bought him yet another pair of cheesy red satin boxers. If you’re stumped than head into your nearest Sephora, be inventive and make yourself part of the gift.

Set the mood with the mouth watering aroma of cho-0-lat. For a limited time you can purchase the sweet smell of nostalgia. Hershey's Chocolate Fans Scented Soy Wax candle $20.

Next, this enticing blend of espresso and chocolate won't work in your cappuccino maker but bathing in it will make your body smell so sweet that he'll want to drink your bath water. Sephora brands Chocolate Espresso bath and body collection $12-$16.

The sexiest part of the female form is arguably her lips. Treat yourself to some angle food cake scented lip gloss slide it on and pucker up, he won't be able to stop kissing your face. Philosophy Candy Hearts Lip Duo $20

Now it's his turn. Surprise him with an uber masculine yet metro sexual gift of grooming. After all smooth skin is the ultimate aphrodisiac;) Anthony Logistics' The Perfect Shave Kit $50

love is in the air

2009-02-05T14:54:00.011-05:00

I would be committing a serious lapse in judgment if I did not dedicate the first two weeks of February to Valentine’s Day. Yes it is Black history month, and yes this may be one of the most positive years thus far in black history, but I’m a Libran makeup artist!! (if you didn't know Libra's are ruled by Venus, the planet of love) I promise to blog about my ethnicity’s contributions to the beauty industry in the last two weeks of the month. (Madame CJ Walker, I got you, just let me live… dang.) I promise… Now that I’ve gotten my BHM disclaimer out of the way, let’s talk about sexy makeup baby.

I spent most of my years as an artist developing an insanely sexy makeup look. My first makeup mentor worked solely for the Playboy enterprise so there you have it. I like to think that I am hired because I can deliver a beautifully sexy lip and smoldering smoky eye. Many of my sexy looks have made the covers of men’s mags like Today’s Black Men, and Smooth Magazine. That being said, I have worked with countless models, all beautiful, and all sexy, but one of my sexiest clients and long time friend Melyssa Ford, wears my look the best. Why, you ask? I think the answer to that question is that she owns the look; she is an embodiment of natural sex appeal. This year, if you’re celebrating the holiday of love with your husband, boyfriend, lover, or even if you’re single and decided to bash the holiday and spend it with your dearest girlfriends, do it with confidence, spunk and a really glossy lip.

To get this sexy neutral lip color start with a nude or flesh toned lip liner. Fill in lips fully, top and bottom. (note if your lips aren't naturally full line the outside of your lip with liner) Next apply flesh toned lipstick over fully lined lips. Last: add Smashbox lip enhancing clear lip gloss to center of lips.

Side bar. Some of us were born with two toned lips. (the top or bottom lip may be darker than the other.) If that is the case, apply foundation to your lips with an triangular sponge, take a piece of two ply facial tissue, separate it so that you have two pieces. Cover lips with one of the pieces of the tissues that you separated, and hold it over your lips. Using a large powder brush, dip brush into loose powder than apply to the tissue that's covering your lips. Remove tissue than follow steps above.

Kevin Aucoin Flesh Tone lip liner $24.00

Lancome Brazilian Earth Tone Lipstick $24.00

Smashbox Lip Enhancing Lip Gloss $18.00

When it’s cold outside I’ve got the month of May!

2009-01-30T11:57:00.002-05:00

This winter has been a brutal one. Below zero temperatures, nasty slush to sludge through and let's not forget the lack of vitamin D boosting Sun. Sigh, there is a silver lining to this snow producing cloud and it's called the spring 2009 beauty forecast! 1^st up… Eyebrows, please tell you friendly neighborhood brow groomer to lay off of the wax and pull out the tweezers instead. Full, sculpted, brows are the way to go this spring (the plucked to within an inch if it's life thin brow, is so 1991).

2^nd up to bat… Eyes- pull out your liquid liner ladies, but use with caution. A thin application is all you need to duplicate this trend.
Lastly, lips… Red is back with a vengeance. This beautifully bold color compliments all skin tones simply because there are so many shades and textures to choose from.

you don't wanna miss this!

2009-01-28T11:12:00.002-05:00

Fri. Jan 30th '09"YEAR ONE" -the Minority Report's One Year Anniversary and Tiffany Rhode's B'day Celebration Dinner.@ Tamboril - 527 Myrtle Ave near Grand St.Dinner starts 9pm-10:30 Dance from 10:30-4amMusic by Brooklyn's musical ambassadors the AhficionadosAnd guest DJ K-Salaam

Hosted by the Stylistic Agency, Guts, Cocolah, Keith MSJG Enterprises, Harriet's Alter Ego, Lichiban, Silky (Sound Proof International), Loft Boys Media, 718 Bodega, Swagger 360, Not Just Vintage, Tamara Delbridge, Coup D'etat BK, Kristen Fraser, Heavy, Children of Da Curb, Isis (Small Wonder / C.I.A.), Kiser, Born As A Raggamuffin, and the Brooklyn Circus.Dress code Semi formal Semi funkyHeineken Lite promo $3 beers All nightTwo happy hours 10pm-11pm, 2am-3am$30 bottle specialPre-fix menuJohn Legend ticket give-awayAnd possibly an Ipod (?)Live percussionist w/ DJ

RED LIPSTICK DIARIES

2009-01-26T16:06:00.004-05:00

ABOUT 22 years ago, (age 12) my mother gave me the ok to start experimenting with makeup. For years she would send me to the store to pick up her face essentials… Posner Liquid foundation and powder compact in tawny and a berry bronzy toned lipstick from Revlon. (22 years ago black women had few choices in cosmetics.) I noticed that she would wear a certain shade of red lipstick for special occasions and thought that she looked fantastic in it, so when she gave me permission to paint my face I went for the gusto.

That's my mom at 32!

Being the novice that I was, I didn't consider the fact that all reds are not created equal so, I began rummaging through her bag of tricks, picked up the first red lipstick that I could find (a bright orange red) and commenced to applying it. I checked myself in the mirror and thought that I looked like Ronald McDonald; I was a sight to see. On that very day I vowed to never wear makeup again.

(hey I was only 14 sheesh)

Ok, so I lied… Whatever… I got it right after a few tries but that mistake in color choice stayed with me; so as a pro makeup artist, before applying color to any of the faces that I work on I consider a few things. Hair color, skin tone/undertone, and wardrobe color. Here's a quick tip: Let your lips be the star. Red is a powerful color, keep the eyes and cheeks simple. A thin application of liquid liner and 3 coats of mascara for eyes and a lightly contoured cheekbone works best!

$16 makeup for ever $24 nars lipgloss stick $34 ysl rouge volupte

high shine lip gloss silky sexy radiant

lipstick

all lip products shown available at Sephora stores nationwide

Mi-chelle Mi belle

2009-01-20T13:44:00.006-05:00

Kudos to Ingrid Grimes-Miles, 1st Lady Michelle Obama's long time makeup artist. She adorned the 1st lady's eyes with ModelCo's eyeshadow in Seychelle. The color choice complimented her ensemble without overpowering the look.

Seychelle, a gold toned shadow available at

http://www.modelco.com/ $20.00 I cant wait to see what Ingrid does for Mrs. Obama's evening look.

The Year of Change

2009-01-19T14:29:00.010-05:00

In the year 2005 I stopped relaxing my hair but succumbed to to lure of the quest for straight hair just one a year later. My lure? PhytoSpecific no-lye hair relaxer. I was enticed by it's use of egg and and soy as opposed to harsh chemicals ( used in other hair relaxing kits) as the active ingredients for hair straightening. The result, beautiful bone straight hair with lots of body. Shortly after I relaxed it I began to have withdrawal symptoms and longed for the kinky texture that I was born with; What can I say, I'm an indecisive Libra woman, But if you know anything about hair you know that it takes a hell-of-a-lot of time and hard work to regain a curled coif once you've relaxed it. That's when I opted for my infamous huge curly Afro weave. I'd walk the streets of New York City and cause quite a stir with my fro, and I welcomed the attention; what can I say I'm a narcissistic Libra woman. But in 2009 just one year after President elect Barack Obama named 2008 "The Year of Change" I have decided yet again to change my hair. This time I've elected to take out my weave and wear my hair in it's natural state.. Kinky curly, but uh ... more kinky.

This decision to really go natural has been a difficult one. Instead of relaxing for the straight look I blow dry, then flat iron, then curl to style. That's takes about 2 hours.. That's right, I said it; TWO HOURS. I don't have two hours to spend on my hair everyday so I took a gander over to my beauty home away from home SEPHORA and discovered a lifesaver in hair straightening balms..

Ojon's Tunu elastic hair tamer. Imagine, elastic in the product!!! Tunu is a tree found in the Brazilian rain forest that is revered for it's ability to produce rubber. The indigenous peoples of that region have extracted rubber from these trees for a host of different purposes including to de-frizz hair.

I started using this product and it literally cut my drying time in half. The most important aspect of why I highly recommend this chemical free hair straighter is because it is chemical free. I truly have the option to be straight for one week and kinky curly the next.

PhytoSpecific relaxer $60.00 available at Select Sephora locations

Ojon Tunu hair tamer $25.00 at select Sephora locations

WE DID IT BROOKLYN WE DID IT!!

2009-01-16T11:08:00.005-05:00

In light of the resurgence of the Bad Boy era (Notorious hits theaters today), I've been thinking about BIG'S influence on New York style and how he was able to aritculate his thoughts by telling vivid stories of street hustling, struggle and his transformation. The journey of being broke then getting rich or in his words going from ashy to classy. Many of his bars contained references of luxury goods. These pricey items: Coogi sweaters, once synonymous with Bill Cosby, $300 Versace shades, oh and let's not forget about the Sergio Tacchini sweat-suits worn mostly by Italian mob bosses; became staples in "our" wardrobes whether we could afford them or not. It seems, everyone wanted to be like BIG.

Makeup changed in that era too. MAC cosmetics became a household name and female rappers became rap divas. Who would have ever thought that a young chick from BK would be a spokeswoman for a global brand. Biggie's female protege Lil Kim took the industry by storm with her sassy sex appeal and ability to spit lyrics better than some of her male counterparts, I.E., lil cease. I digress...

Yes the makeup was painted on, the lips were extra glossy but that's how she did it, and you know what, it looked good, (minus the obvious nose slimming shadow). Young black women finally embraced this thing called makeup. Thanks to BIG and KIM, I'm living my dreams... i went from being a college dropout to a sought after celebrity makeup artist.

Thanks BIG... miss you much

My fave MAC Product. Cream Colour Base for Cheeks Why? It's a build-able base that adds a pop of color and aids in definition. $16.50 MAC stores worldwide

Hair Freedom

2009-01-13T14:50:00.006-05:00

Let's face it, all of us have suffered from the dread-ed bad hair day at least once in our lives. However there are ways to deal with this dire predicament; we could call out of work and jump back into bed, put on a hideous baseball cap that by the way; doesn't seem to match anything in our wardrobe, or pin down an incredibly realistic hairpiece created by a celebrity hairstylist.

I'd choose the latter.

Terrance Davidson, hair stylist/entrepreneur has created amazing wigs and extensions that literally save you from peer hair sneer. Extensions are great for those of us who have desired longer, thicker locks. But, the custom wigs are an instant makeover. Want to experience Unconfined Coif? Well watch and listen, Terrance explains it best!

Cant get enough of Terrance and his Unconfined Coif? Neither can I... Terrance has allowed me to shadow him as he styles Jackie O for a shoot with Inked Magazine. Stay tuned...

mid-week makeup tips from yours truly

2009-01-07T14:42:00.006-05:00

There's nothing sexier than expertly applied makeup. I mean let's face it. Men complain to their wives and girlfriends about wearing it. They say things like; "Babe, I like you better without the war paint" or "Hon, I prefer the natural look" and blah blah blah. All the while fantasizing about Beyonce, Eva Mendes, Angelina Jolie, etc. etc. etc. Correct me if I'm wrong but, uh.... Whens the last time you've seen any of these beauties without makeup? Don't get me wrong, I'm sure that these women are beautiful without it, but their un-made up fresh faces are not what we see. When we look at these icons we see hours in the the hair and makeup chair. I say this: If you are going to wear makeup wear it well! Forget about what anyone, including your schnookums, has to say about how you decide to face the world. On the flip side; If you're going out plain faced than do tweeze those brows and keep your puckers moisturized.

Tweezerman tweezer Sephora $22.00

Kiehls lip moisturizer http://www.kiehls.com/ $8.50

Get Hannah's look-

Start with a clean moisturized face

Next- clean brows by tweezing hairs on the bone. Brush brow hair up. Starting at the hair just above the center of the iris gently pull one hair at a time. Continue towards the outer or tail end of the brow.

When you have completed both eyes apply foundation in downward strokes. (If you are using airbrush in a can like Era face Cosmetics or Dior's Airflash, direct the spray nozzle to the t-zone than using a sponge, blend outward)

To set makeup apply loose powder with a large brush. (skip step if using airbrush in a can foundation)

Your Foundation is set!

Next step Blush. For this look I substituted blush for bronzer. Lorac bronzers work best for women of color

Moving on...

Create this alluring eye by starting with a highlighter- apply directly to the brow bone. {Benefit's High Beam is my favorite highlighter.}

Next select a brown eyeshadow of your choice. (I suggest a reddish brown shadow) Encircle eye with shadow. Using Too Faced Cosmetics Lava Gloss eye liner in black line inner rim and smudge to create a smoky look on the lower lid. Sharpen pencil and apply a thin line to upper lid.

Apply three strokes of great lash mascara to top and bottom lashes.

Last but not least lips;

Fill lips in with any flesh toned lip liner then top with Lancome Juicy Tube Grand Cafe Creme Brulee.

the ideal beauty

2009-01-05T15:51:00.016-05:00

It seems as if the universal idea of beauty derives from the thoughts of male artists and poets of the Renaissance era. Check out this excerpt from one of my reference books "BEAUTY"

"IN 1539, Augusto Nifo dedicated On Beauty and Love to Jeane diAragon, in which he defined very strict criteria that were inspired by her legendary beauty: the length of the nose must be equal to the size of the lips, the area occupied by the two ears should be eight times that of the head. No bones should mark the chest area, and generous breast should be shaped like upside down pears. The ideal female was tall without the help of high heels, wide in the shoulders, narrow in the waist, with ample rounded hips, plump hands with slender fingers, round legs, and small feet. According to these theoreticians, the perfect face must be set on a long neck, it must be fine and oval, with regular features, and high forehead, a straight thin nose, and a small mouth. This arrangement must include three black elements-the, eyes, the eyelashes, and the eyebrows, which must be shaped in a perfect arc well above the eye- and three white elements-the hands-the teeth (always small) and the skin so transparent that when the beautiful girl drinks her wine "one must be able to see it flowing down her throat." Finally, the lips, cheeks, and nails must be red.

Okay, so if this idea of beauty was conceived in the 1500's, then why in the world are we still trying to live up to these expectations in 2009. I mean to a certain extent women from every culture have adopted one, if not all of these ideas. I am 5'3 but I could swear I was born with a pair of heels on... I cant live without my mascara and would rather wear long bangs than to expose un tweezed eyebrows. I mean could one woman, Jean diAragon, be the poster girl of what we should aspire to look like?

Nah- I mean I have adopted some of those archaic beauty principles but I identify more with the beautiful image posted above {taken by photographer Thierry Le Goues.}

Dark skin seems to be associated with all things ugly, deathly, and abhorable. Thinking back to my adolescence, I was called black and ugly by my classmates but those words of self hatred didn't affect me in a way that it has affected others. I love my complexion and all the other things that make me... Me. Don't get me wrong, i WILL wear my heels, and i WILL tweeze my eyebrows, and I WILL NOT leave the house without my Maybelline Great Lash in very black, But i also WILL NOT become obsessed with someone else's idea of what beauty is.

Growing up ugly... so they said...

2009-01-02T12:36:00.011-05:00

I am the second of three children. The misunderstood middle child. The dark skinned, nappy headed one. (it pains me to say that) At least that's the way my grammar school peers perceived me. My younger sisters' olive complexion, long thick hair and my brother's golden brown skin tone led many to question how I could be a part of this "beautiful family"? Many suggested that I was adopted and others argued that I was a love child but none of this was true. My brother, sister and I are all cut from the same cloth, but, how could I explain this to a group of second graders?

I couldn't...

I would tell them that we had the same mother and father and carry on with my day, all the while dreading the next day of school where I would hear the same round of questions again and again.

Here I am, 28 years later, a professional makeup up artist who is often sought after for my product knowledge, working in the beauty industry!!!! What an interesting turn of events... Here's how it started-

After being teased and taunted for so many years about; among other things, my short nappy hair, my mother got fed up, and began to try many different goo's and greases in hopes of stopping hair breakage. That's when she stumbled upon a product called Perm Repair (which is still on the market today!). This miracle in a tube seemed to help my hair grow! The moisture that I lacked was replenished, the breakage had decreased and my hair began to grow! A breakthrough had occured!

I believe that these experiences have led me to this life of loving beauty products and I vow to share both my life's experiences and knowledge of makeup and hair products with you. Until next time...

{PERM REPAIR ABOUT $2.50 DRUGSTORES NATIONWIDE}

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T12:18:00.003-05:00

For weeks I've been thinking about re-vamping my blog, and now that the new year has arrived I've decided to take this blog in a new direction. Glamamara is no longer the blog for the cosmetically challenged, it is my open beauty diary. I invite you to get to know me the way only my closest and dearest friends do and feel free to share your stories with me.

2008-12-07T15:50:00.009-05:00

ALL MY CHOCOLATE LADIES!! don't be scared of wearing brilliant hues on your lids. Experiment a bit. I'm a little long winded in this make up demo video but it's worth watching! oh and when you're done check out http://www.hellobeautiful.com/!

2008-12-01T11:58:00.024-05:00

I must have fell and bumped my head! I mean, my last post was FEBRUARY 1ST! That was a long departure, but now that I have officially emerged from blog-hibernation I'm ready to hit you with some new video from an an event that I attended a few weeks ago. DEX New York's Big City Experience. OK, it was November 20Th to be exact, (I've gotta work on this procrastination thing) but who's counting? Anyhoo, I was invited to guzzle down free drinks, get a free makeup app, free hairstyling and discounted glam shots, how could I resist?? I mean after all, we are in a recession!

Not only does DEX New York carry an exclusive line of highly pigmented mineral makeup and accoutrement's, (think makeup brushes, makeup remover and the like) but the boutique/photo studio employs some of the most talented makeup artists and hairstylists in the big apple. DEX New York located on 224 W. 30Th Street in Manhattan goes one step further with an in house photo studio. Once you're primped and coiffed save the days memory with a glamour shot! Enjoy!

It's VALENTINES DAY!!!!

2008-02-14T16:42:00.005-05:00

Want to create a sexy eyes that will have him gazing at you all night long? Here's how...

Using the Smashbox cosmetics eyeshadow trio (pictured below),

Apply brown shadow to encircle the eye. (the lid of the eye is the area below the crease or fold of the eyelid) You must apply the brown shadow to lower lid to complete the encircling process. (the lower lid is the skin just beneath the lower lashes.

Apply the gold shadow to the browbone. (that's the area of the eye just below the arched part of the eyebrow)

Using a small brush add the pink shadow to the inner corner of the eye.

Repeat on the other eye.

Using Too Faced cosmetics Liquid Lava Lava Gloss Eyeliner in black

Line the inner rim of the eye

Sharpen liner and apply Lava Gloss directly on lid just above upper lash line.

Sharpen liner and apply Lava Gloss to lower lash line.

Repeat on the other eye

Using Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

Apply 3 coats of mascara to upper and lower lashes.

Repeat on the other eye

2008-02-05T09:26:00.001-05:00

I'mm baackk!!! I know it's been a long time since my last entry, so i decided to come back strong with a new page layout and images to illustrate my thoughts. After checking out these images you're probably wondering what's on my mind. Well let me start by saying that I'm not a lesbian! There's nothing wrong with women loving women, hey; your sexual preference is your choice and I'm all about being true to yourself. But i digress... I chose these images, not only beacause I believe that i did a fine job on their makeup, but because these are great looks for women to re-create for the sexiest holiday of the year, VALENTINES DAY! I am known for my abiltiy to create sexy looks on women of color, hence the images of the Puerto Rican bombshell Gloria Velez and the bi-racial beauty (and good friend of mine) Melyssa Ford. Here are some tips on how surprise your man with a new woman, YOU on Valentines Day.

let's start with the skin. Nothings sexier than soft smooth skin. I know that hairless legs are fantastic to touch but I'm a little scared of the whole waxing thing and i absolutely despise getting cut and nicked by my razor. My solution...

Nair Pretty Hair Remover Spray. Easy to use, just stand in the shower spray wait a few minutes, (my hair is coarse so i had to stand there for about 8 min) and rinse off. It's that simple. My legs felt great, and looked great too!

What did you think that you would get all of my tips in one shot?!?! You'l have to come back tomorrow for some more tips.

Face fall head on

2007-09-01T02:20:00.002-04:00

All you fashionistas out there trying to gain access to the inner workings of the tents at Bryant Park should be advised that YOU ARE MONTHS TO LATE!! Sure, some of you savy n-y'rs may know someone who knows somebody that'll get you standing room access but even that's a hell to the no at this point. Luckily you can gain access through yours truly.. I have positioned myself to bring you that latest info on the makeup trends for spring 08. I know it's a bit premature to be thinking about next season as we approach fall 07 but that's how the fashion world works. In the mean time let me give you the deal on what you should look like when the leaves change color.
Word on the street is that pork chop greasy lips are a thing of the past as we usher in a more polished look. Pretty pastels can be stored away until further notice. The look is Sophistcated, not sassy. Smokey eyes, stained lips and semi matte skin is a better fit for this seasons more structured clothing designs.
Celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal who's worked with Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez (to name a few) created a sexy stained pout with a hint of gloss in the center of the lip for Tracy Reese's fall showing.
Vincent Longo (whose line can be found at my second home Sephora) used cream blush instead of the powdered kind to play up the skins natural youthful glow. Placing the color in an almost doll like circle on the apple of the cheek created an ultra femme look.
Tom Pecheux smoked the eyes with sparkly gray tones for a more festive approach to the usual brown or black version. Try it his way for holiday parties.
The trick is to customize this season's looks to your taste keeping your skintone in mind

a little sweat is kinda sexy

2007-08-12T18:18:00.001-04:00

The heat is on ladies but that's no excuse to forego your daily beautification regiment for fear of a makeup meltdown. From the roof top gala's in NYC to cabana canoodeling in Miami you can go from poolside to party without so much as smudged mascara. Unless that's the look that your going for.
Your one stop shop for sweat-proof high quality cosmetics is Make Up For Ever. If you've never heard of this amazing brand then today is your lucky day. Known for it's highly pigmented yet wearable products this line has it all. Long wear lipsticks, sheer foundation, shimmery shadows and an array of water resistant goodies.
You can find the full line of M U F E cosmetics at Sephora store or http://www.makeupforever.com/

Face and Body foundation (sheer buildable water resistant foundation) $28
PEARLY WATERPROOF EYE SHADOW PENCIL (longlasting water resistant easy to apply eyeshadow) $16

teen beauty tips

2007-08-12T18:10:00.001-04:00

August is generally termed the hottest month of the summer. August is also known as the month when the dreaded countdown begins. You know what i'm talking about right? You've got it: BACK TO SCHOOL. There's so much to think about... getting that perfect pair of True Religion jeans or two or three pair is a great start. Cashmere sweaters, graphic tees and pretty ruffled blouses to compliment the jeans sounds good. A few Juicy Couture sweat suits paired with those cute and colorful Pastry kicks by Vanessa and Angela Simmons for gym class and your all set. But wait!!!!!!! All of the dough that you've stacked from your summer job is all but spent and you haven't even thought about getting that lip gloss poppin!
Never fear i've got you covered on where to go to find great makeup that performs just as good as the products that you splurge on for a fraction of the price.
Drugstores like CVS Walgreens and Rite Aid stores a plethora of products for the price concious consumer. Teen shoppers can find an array of goodies at these shops if they know what they're looking for. For those who like to browse and by on a whim, shop at Rite Aid. Rite Aid's return policy is perfect for the girl who thought that the fushia lipstick looked great in the package but once she got it home, homie the clown is who she best resembled.
Read on to find out what my favorite products are and how they can work for you!
Milani cosmetics was created with your wallet in mind yet there was no skiming on quailty. The shadows are vibrant and long lasting just like those that you find at department stores minus the hefty price tag. My pick: Cream to powder foundation. Why? It's evens out blotchy complexions and absorbs excessive oil.

Milani foundation $6.50

Rimmel London is what i look for when i'm at my favorite "5 and dime" Target. I'm in love with their soft kohl liners. Colors like denim blue, loveable lilac and jungle green are sure to compliment your new wardrobe. I'm in love with Soft Kohl Kajal eye pencil. It's deep black coloring is perfect for a dramatic look. I suggest whipping out for your first back to school bash. For $1.99 a pop you can get all eight colors and have money left over for a slice of pizza.
Rimmel London Soft Kohl Kajal eyeliner $3.00
Wet and Wild.. No not a water ride at six flags, just one of the best bargain priced brands on the market. You won't be able to live without Wet and Wild's Glassy Gloss.
Even the colorless gloss is good enough to where alone. Wet and Wild Glassy Gloss $5.00

a few of my favorite things

2007-08-12T17:59:00.001-04:00

Professional makeup artist get booked for two reasons. The amazing fete of transforming natural beauties into stunning glamazons and they're kick ass kits. The best of the best own kits worth thousands of dollars because they fill them with top notch products yet they only use a fraction of what's in their arsenal. I am notorious for finding ways to maximize the use of my most coveted cosmetics. Here's an example of how I make my makeup work overtime...
MAC pigments can be used in various ways, here's how...
Pump up plain clear gloss with a dash of pigment to create your very own customized lip lacquer.
Sprinkle some pigment into your loose setting powder to add luminosity to your complexion.
A few dashes added to Johnson and Johnson's baby oil gel adds a great glow to your shoulders, legs, or anywhere your heart desires.
MAC pigments are available in an array of colors. Go to your nearest MAC counter or visit http://www.maccosmetics.com/ to get your fill. You can find Johnson and Johnson baby oil gel at your nearsest drugstore.

GLAMAMARA

Glamamaras Beauty Blog

Moving

Glamamaras Beauty Blog

Glamamaras Beauty Blog

Glamamara catches up with rising star Raedawn J

the brows have it

Summer Scent-sation

Beauty Sale just in time for mums day!

Fighting tooth and nail

the best of both worlds- where nature and science mix

What Men Want

love is in the air

When it’s cold outside I’ve got the month of May!

you don't wanna miss this!

RED LIPSTICK DIARIES

Mi-chelle Mi belle

The Year of Change

WE DID IT BROOKLYN WE DID IT!!

Hair Freedom

mid-week makeup tips from yours truly

the ideal beauty

Growing up ugly... so they said...

Happy New Year!

It's VALENTINES DAY!!!!

Face fall head on

a little sweat is kinda sexy

teen beauty tips

a few of my favorite things

Glamamaras Beauty Blog

Glamamaras Beauty Blog

Glamamaras Beauty Blog