R.A.W Minerals....

Hello Glamazons!
Many of you have emailed and asked me about the whole mineral makeup "phenomenon" and I had yet to try for myself.
I have been fortunate enough to be able to test out and review the Discovery Kit from RAW Natural Beauty!!!
Whoo hoo!!
ABOUT RAW Beauty:
Raw Natural Beauty products offer woman a high-performance line of purely natural makeup and skincare. The Active Mineral Foundations glide on with a weightless, silky feel and blend perfectly into skin for seamless, luminous coverage that lasts all day.
It just came in the mail yesterday ( I will post pics soon) and I am going to begin my trial on Monday!!

I will let you know how it goes and post pics as I try it on myself and my wonderfully willing neighbor!!
In the meantime, please check out this LINK to find out more information!
I am also offering a discount for readers who might be interested in purchasing could try the Discovery Kit (retail at $180) at a discount (only $90.00)!!!
You can use this link: http://www.rawnaturalbeauty.com/link/D8F5C3 with the promotion code DISCOVERY50 for 50% of your order (no minimum) plus free shipping, or just use the DISCOVERY50 code upon checkout.

Check back on Monday for Day 1!!!

its' finally FALL and I'm BACK!!!!!

Hello Glamazons!

I'm back!

Did you miss me?

Of course you did!

Well its finally fall in sunny Southern California and you know what that means?
New makeup!!

Whoo hoo!!

One of my favorite things about fall is being able to rock the sultry smoky eye and a generally darker look than I have been ALL summer long!

Time to put away the Beach Bunny Bronze and look forward to a Warm Winter Tan!!!

During my hiatus I was trying to figure out the direction of this blog and have decided it will contain several parts.

A How-to section- see a lovely look in a magazine but are unsure of how to pull them off?

Send me your questions!

I will take before and after pictures with my wonderful willing friends!

A Whats's Hot section - because makeup is like fashion and something new comes out all the time! How can you keep up? Sweet Emotions will do it for you!

And a Look of the Week section - this will showcase/ highlight some of the best makeup looks out there and what I've managed to pull off each week as well!

I invite you to join me on this new journey and check back often for new product reviews, pictures and info!

Looking forward to chatting with you all!!!

brief hiatus

Hello Glamazons!!!

Sorry I've been on a hiatus for the summer as we enjoy the many fun things our new city has to offer but I promise I'll be back soon!

I want to re-tool the blog and figure out which direction I want to take this in so be on the lookout for a new and improved blog in the next month!!

Back to school = back to beauty for me!!!

Ciao Bella!!!

new find!!!

I just discovered a cute new place to get makeup online!

CherryCulture.com is fabulous site that carries over 40 brands of quality makeup!

Much like myself, they believe makeup is a form of art!

They have everything a young beauty junkie could ask for - and reasonably priced too!

From body wash and bronzer,

blushes and lipglosses,

to brushes and bags!

This is one stop shopping for all the ladies in your life!!

Check out this Amuse Super Star Makeup Kit for only $24.00 !!!!

This 2 layer kit includes 9 lip gloss colors, 2 blushers, 2 foundation powders, 48 eyeshadow colors and 4 glitter cream which can be used for body or eyes.

All applicators included.

This is a true super star makeup kit.

So go check it out!!!!!

www.cherryculture.com

extra inches

ATTENTION GLAMAZONS!!

My latest OBSESSION:

Maybelline Stiletto Lash Mascara!

O-M-G!!!!

So...I wandered into Target the other day in search of a new mascara as it was time to replace the old one, and as I perused the many selections I stumbled upon the new Maybelline Stiletto Lash.

We all know what stilettos can do for the legs but Maybelline's new mascara claims it can do the same for your lashes!

The new Lash Stiletto has an elastic formula with Pro-Vitamin B5 to stretch lashes and give a black-patent shine.

There are a total of three shades available - Very Black, Soft Black and Brownish Black.

I picked up the Very Black and ran on home anxious to test it out.

Being that I am a mascara connoisseur, I feel pretty good about saying that this is

IN-CRED-I-BLE!

My lashes have never looked so long and luxurious!!

I've been wearing it alone for the Twiggy effect and then when combined with eyeliner ~

Va Va Voom Vixen!!!

I encourage you all to try it and let me know what you think!

But what I really want to know is:

Whats your favorite mascara?

Hair Trauma

My daughter has beautiful, naturally curly hair from her father's side of the family.

It is both a blessing and a curse.

She loves that her hair can be worn straight or she can wear it in a pony tail of some sort.

But it is a challenge for me to come up with new hair styles.

We would like for her to do less of the pony tails and more of the free and loose curls.

I have tested out numerous products to allow her naturally curly texture to be displayed but it seems the products either work on the detangling and leave her ends dry and frizzy or the hair is moisturized but the curls shrink up after the product has dried!

In the very back of a past issue of InStyle that I never got around to reading (don't remember the month either-sorry), I noticed a quick blurb on Halle Berry's favorite things and there was a product line that she uses on HER curls.

Since she has beautiful hair I thought," OK - lets see what they're talking about", and found this

How absolutely fabulous!

Mixed Chicks is a line of hair care products designed with curls in mind.

It's lightweight, its not sticky and it locks in moisture all day

So of course I want to try it and lo and behold stumbled upon it at the local beauty supply store!

Whoo Hoo!!

So we tried it out and......

I am now OBSESSED!

I put a small amount of the Leave-in-Conditioner in my palm, spray her hair with water, add the Mixed Chicks , comb through and style as usual!

Her hair is curly and soft and it makes it easier to comb through and style.

We LOVE it!

Thanks Mixed Chicks for making my Sweet Pea's hair shine and her curls so defined!

Will post pics in a bit!!

Until then check out the website and locate where MixedChicks is sold near you!

RUN dont walk!!!!

Exclusively at Sephora!

Smashbox Masters Class Vol. 4 ($175 value)

contains all the necessary products to achieve and maintain a flawless complexion ,from illuminating serum to moisture-rich lip gloss , as well as an instructional DVD!

This kit has all of your beauty basics covered!

At only $59.00 this kit is a steal and I will be rushing out to purchase one ASAP!!!

Check it out and let me know what you all think!!

Speaking of bridal beauty - here are a few pics from a wedding I did last summer

My best friend Michelle's "little" cousin Myndi got married!

maid of honor

sister of groom

the bridesmaids and flower girl

my bestie, her mama and her sister

Myndi is a country girl at heart and her wedding, which took place on a ranch in Temecula, had a lovely down home feel to it!

Myndi was unlike most of my brides

in that she didnt really have any specific "look" she wanted to attain.

She just wanted me to do my thing

and trusted that I would make her look even more amazing than usual

and that her maids would look lovely as well.

Thanks Myndi!!!

also is a pic of my little one and her "new" auntie on her wedding day!

Thoughts? Comments?

Bridal Beauty Style

Well ladies, it's that time again.

Spring is here and that means that the "wedding season" is upon us.

As a makeup artist that is wonderful for me, because I stay pretty busy and get to meet all kinds of different women.

Some women want to look really natural,some just want "a little shimmer",

some want to look glamorous and some don't know what they want at all.

As I am newly engaged I am now facing that impending decision as well.

Being a makeup artist,

I have a better idea of how my ideas will look and am willing to take more risks.

I am looking forward to picking up the bridal magazines and seeing what the latest and greatest looks are.

check back for my monthly updates and photos of some looks I might try out either on myself or on my unsuspecting friends and family!

So in the meantime, leave me a comment and let me know what your wedding day beauty style was like or will be!

check out http://www.instyleweddings.com/weddings for ideas and suggestions!

I Know What Girls Like......

Girls Dig Pearls

Too Faced Cosmetics has done it again!

They have come up with a lip gloss that perfects ones pout without all the sticky mess!

Having worked as an intern at Too Faced , I saw this product come together and have to personally attest to it's fabulousness!

First of all the texture and gloss shine are phenomenal and the packaging is just too cute!

The secondary packagaging (the box) is just as fun & flirty!

There are velvety pearls on the box and the lettering is covered in the same material in Too Faced's signature pink & black.

From SEPHORA.com

What it does:

Too Faced Girls Dig Pearls Lustrous Lip Gloss is the classiest way to get irresistibly kissable lips. Heaven knows that no lady worth her country club membership will forego her trusty strand of pearls—and no glamour girl can live without a gorgeous gloss. Lavish your lips with this silky treat that conditions and softens—creating a sexy sheen. A suggestive hint of peppermint will keep you coming back for more. These aren't your grandma's pearls!

What else you need to know:

You'll love this formula's sweet finish—it's sweet and shiny without being sticky. It is infused with real crushed sea pearls that offer unparalleled radiance and promote cell rejuvenation for a fresh, youthful look. Peppermint oil and vitamin E sooth and moisturize, leaving your lips luscious and lovely. Take your pick from four fabulous shades—or try them all for pure pearl paradise! (www.sephora.com)

But don't just take MY word for it; run out and grab one today!

Don't forget to pick up one of the Luster Liner's too!

Baxter Update!

Okay so a couple of weeks ago I had my boyfriend try out the samples from Baxter of California.

I have since been waiting patiently for his emailed review of the line but since he fails to see why he has to email it to me I will just paraprhase here:

The shaving lotion is a nice texture and consistency. It coats evenly and doesnt irritate the skin.

He can shave often and not get razor bumps. ( Love that!)

As for the the daily face lotion I will testifyt that his skin looks really good and is soft and smoother than usual.

So, feel free to run out and grab the Baxter of California products for the man in your life and let me know how you like them!

http://www.baxterofcalifornia.com

Tender Moments

Intimate grooming products are part of a woman's beauty ritual and I wanted to share about a product I was introduced to ( thanks Phnewfula!) that I think is pretty awesome.

The re-birth of feminine hygiene in its modern form has arrived!

Intimate Grooming Escensuals™" by SweetSpot Labs®.

Unlike most soaps, shampoos or body washes, SweetSpot Labs® products are pH balanced specifically for optimum sweet spot health. They contain mild ingredients specially chosen to blend with soothing botanicals, and is absent of alcohol.

I highly recommend the Gentle Wash , Balancing Mist and On-the-Go-Wipettes, the products thoroughly cleanse, are refreshing and smell fantastic!

Check them out at http://www.sweetspotlabs.com/

for the fellas

Given the recent boom in men's grooming products , I got to wondering how good they were and what some of the oldest and most repudited brands were. Lucky for me I have a girlfriend who always manages to score great samples and shares. So she let me have some skincare samples from Baxter of California and a body wash. Baxter of California was launched in 1965 and has been featured in Men's Health, Men's Vogue,Details and GQ.

Imagine my excitement! And fortunately for me I have a wonderful boyfriend who understands and tolerates my beauty obsession and lets me test things out on him.
So tonight he's going to test out the face wash and in the morning, the body wash and shave cream!
I will report back and let you know how it goes!

In the meantime ~ ladies let me know what your guy uses , IF he uses anything , skin, hair and body, I want to know all about it!

NYAKIO - UPDATE

UPDATE!!!!

Today I had the pleasure of trying the NYAKIO Kenyan coffee and sugar scrub.

And let me just say it was A-MA-ZING!!!!!

I don't drink coffee so it was nice to have the coffee smell shower with me and wake me up.

The scrub had a nice consistency. Not too grainy or hard.

The BEST part is that coffee is known to have a diminishing effect on cellulite! Whoo Hoo!!!!

So I am excited to continue using this and hope you all get out there and try it too!

Sweet Emotions: NYAKIO - Bath & Beauty

Sweet Emotions: NYAKIO - Bath & Beauty

NYAKIO - Bath & Beauty

NYAKIO: modern bath and body therapies inspired by a time honored beauty heritage and crafted to help revive the mind, enrich the body and refresh the soul.

The nutrients used by NYAKIO are derived from natural ingredients, such as grapefruit, soy, kiwi, coffee, papaya, avocados and shea butter, which have been widely recognized for their healing and preservation qualities. Time has tested NYAKIO's benefits through generations of use by people from the cradle of civilization, Africa. One only has to look at the soft glow and healthy skin of people from this part of the world for proof of the success of these methods. Nyakio has developed her line of products as a tribute to her family and heritage, as well as to share the secrets of a time tested skin care regimen to all people of all races.

check them out at http://www.nyakio.com/ and let me know what you think!

Smashbox Spring '09 - The Muse Collection

While spring has not "officially" sprung outside, in the world of makeup; Spring is here!

Smashbox has created an etheral Muse palette that is bound to inspire anyone! The colors are soft, flattering and easy to use! And the Bionic Mascara is AMAZING! I was fortunate enough to get a sample before it came out and was so excited to see my naturally curly lashes lifted, seperated and looking oh so luxurious!

So get inspired and and experiment with soft washes of color, bold lashes and soft pale lips for an angelic, "fairy-like" look that will be sure to turn heads and garner compliments!

food for thought

quote for the day:

" A woman without paint is like food without salt." - Roman Philosopher Plautus

As a woman who loves all things beauty and makeup I find this quote very intriguing. It can be taken many ways, but I choose to see it as this, women and makeup are akin to food and salt. Food will still taste good without the salt but its this extra flavor that makes it that much more special. Same thing can be said about women and makeup. A woman without makeup is just fine, but a woman with makeup......SHE stands out.

So go ahead ladies, add your salt to your food each day, don't be afraid to spice it up and STAND OUT!

a worthwhile cause.....

Today's post is for a most worthwhile cause. My sister-in-love is running a 26.2 mile marathon on May 31’st for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society.
As you know when you join a charity you have to raise funds. She picked this particular cause because it supports major hospitals and their research departments to help pinpoint new medication for blood cancers which include: Hodgkin’s disease, cancer, lymphoma, leukemia and myeloma.
Please read the letter below and show your support by donating to this wonderful cause. Cancer can strike anyone, anywhere, anytime and at any age.
Hello Everyone! My name is Michelle Dorsey and I am participating in the Team -In-Training marathon for the Lukemia and Lymphoma Society.
One of the reasons why I choose to support this charity is because breast cancer runs in my family. I lost my close cousin to this illness a couple of years ago. I also had a similar scare a couple of months ago when I had to live thru 2 ½ months of not knowing if I had it or not. Fortunately I was blessed to be in the clear and was diagnosed as having a fibrous cyst instead of cancer.
As I went thru this ordeal I tried to put myself in the shoes of those actually having cancer and was not able to function. So I told myself that if everything came back okay I would give back somehow. So this is my promise that I am fulfilling today. This is not just for me but for my cousin and the other women in my family.
When you have a moment, please log on to my site and donate whatever you can to help support this society.

Also, for the ladies who are local I will be hosting a Ladies Big Hat luncheon on Saturday April 18th. Please email me and let me know if you would like to be put on the list
The cost and location of the event will be included on the invitations.

http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/rnr09/mdorseyz8i
Many thanks in advance,
Michelle L. Dorsey
Michelledorsey36@yahoo.com

Soap & Glory update

if you read my last post you already know it was all about the brand Soap & Glory which you can find at your local Target!

Well since then I have come across two more friends who recently tried a few products and LOVED them.

My sister in love purchased the Soap & Glory Spa Big Butter Peachy Cream, now she is a connesseuir of body butters, lotions and creams and she tested it out in the store and enjoyed the smell as well as the price.

And one of my advisors tried the Great Shakes Hand Cream ($9.99) - she said that it left her hands amazingly soft and supple all day and it smelled great!

So this is just a quick post to say thank you Ganell and Anna for sharing your stories with me and offering insight into such a fun, quirky and inexpensive beauty brand! While their website http://www.soapandglorycosmetics.com/ is not yet up and running you can always purchase at your local Target or from Target.com! Happy Shopping!

i'm in love with a srcrub!

I admit it. I am a sucker for products. It takes me almost 2 + hours to get through the beauty aisles at Target. I have to smell, touch and sample everything. Well I have found a new favorite!

I am always looking for a body scrub that leaves my skin soft, smelling good AND doesnt make a mess in my shower and I think I have found the ONE - for now!

Many of you may not be familiar with Soap & Glory, the very cute, slightly retro looking brand that is carried at Target stores nationwide.

I'm always excited by the cute packaging and tongue in cheek names but have never really taken the time to check out the brand and this past week I did. And I am now in LOVE! Their "Flake Away" scrub is only $9.99 for 10.1 oz and works wonders!

For under $11.00 you can have soft velvtey skin that smells and feels great! It contains sea salt, grapeseed oil and notes of peach for that fresh clean fragrance.

The grapeseed oil make it ideal for dry skin in winter as it sloughs off the dead skin and envigorates the skin underneath for fresh, healthier, younger looking skin!

I highly recommend it and hope you all go out and try it. If anyone has tried any other products from their line please let me know!

New Niche?

The other day I got a really cute phone call from my older brother to ask me "what type of products did you say I should be using on my skin?"
Now most sisters wouldn't be excited about something like that but because I am a student of the Beauty industry I am beside myself! I love products and helping people find that one thing that makes them feel fabulous. Wether it be getting clearer skin, lengthening eyelashes , discovering a great cleanser or scrub and sometimes just finding the right lip gloss.
So I recomended that he try Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser and Daily Facial Moisturizer as it is non-irrating and a good start for a newbie to the product world, reminded him not to buy the products the grocery store as they are more expensive and sent him on his way.
He calle about 3 days later super excited about the cleanser and how his skin felt and I'm feeling like a pretty good sister.
That got me to thinking about the recent expansion of Men's skincare products. This is a relatively new niche and I am going to be doing a little more research into all avenues.

Check back to see what I uncover!

Ciao bella!

what matters most

this morning as I was thinking about todays post I got to wondering: what is it that is most important in a woman's beauty routine?

My first thought was mascara because I'm so obsessed with finding the perfect one but then I thought about what really makes or breaks a look. And the answer was quite simple; clear skin.

We all know that without clear/ healthy skin all the makeup in the world will not help you look beautiful.

So here are a few suggestions to assist with getting healthy skin:

1. Wash your face everynight before bed!! Even if you have been out all night and are SO tired it is so important to rid your face of all the toxins and dirt that have been collecting all day.



2. Moisturize! This is incredibly important. Our skin needs to be hydrated in order to function properly and to maintain resiliency. Once you figure out what your skin type is ( that will be adressed in a another post) get the proper moisturizer and use it daily



3. Drink plenty of water! I know this seems silly and obvious but water really does help improve your overall health and keeps skin looking youthful and fresh well into your twilight years.

Those are the most important steps you can take (in my humble opinion) to improve the overall quality and appearance of your skin! I'm including some pics of a few of my favorite cleansers and moisturizers - good for all skin types; just to get you going.

Feel free to comment and ask questions!

Gorgeously Green

I haven't posted in a couple days what with all the hubub with being sick, celebrating Dr. Kings's legacy and getting a new President - I have been completely overwhelmed.

But I'm back and I'm ready to chat.

Since the whole country is talking about change I got to thinking, what can I do to change my environment as well as my country. Well getting out to vote was the first step, seeing real change happen as President Obama took his oath was another. But how can I help the environment and do so in a way that I am comfortable with.

We hear people talk about going and living a "green" lifestyle and one has to wonder. What exactly does that mean? Can I really make a difference?

Well I have found a piece of literature to answer those questions and more and assist in becoming a more eco-friendly member of society.

Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano is a great book that I am required to read for school but I have found it so interesting that I wanted to share with my cyber friends. Many of us are stay at home moms who are rather enterprising on their own and I thought this book was a wonderful example of how we can learn to better our environment and still be fabulous and chic. Also what a great way to set an example for our children!

I know I'm excited about sharing some of the tips and activities with my daughter and I know that when she sees how good it feels to do something for the environment she'll want to join in.

This planet is not going to be around forever if we keep living the way we do and I want my daughter to be able to go out and play and not have to live in some type of protective bubble due to all the pollution and environmental waste.

So go out, pick up Gorgeously Green and give it a whirl - what can it hurt to try a few things?

Let me know how it goes!

Meanwhile, I'll be making sure all my appliances not in use are unplugged and all the lights are off.....

a dream deferred?

what happens to a raisin in the sun? does it dry up like a dream deferred?

on this MLK day 2009 I am unable to pass up the opportunity to comment on all that has gone on in this country in the last year. yes, this is a beauty blog but I would be remiss if I did not comment on the signifigance of the next two days.

Its funny to see so many people so upset because tomorrow Barack Obama will be the 44th President of the USA. Is it because he's black? All of those who swear up and down that they are not racist, that they "know black people and have black friends", ask yourselves why are you really mad? Is it that McCain could do such a better job with this country or is it because the other guy is a black man?

It is 2009 people, its time to let it go. Move on. No one man is better than another regardless of race, creed, color or religion. Let the man do his job and then make a decision about if this was the best choice. Because like it or not, this is going DOWN!!!

Personally I am ecstatic. I can look at my little girl and tell her with the full conviction and honesty of a parent, that she can be ANYTHING she wants to be. That makes my heart swell with pride and joy. It's heartbreaking as parent to think that your child has limitations, and that the public will place limitations on them just by looking at them.

I feel truly blessed to know that our little girl has a chance because America finally decided to CHANGE.

Thank you to all who voted and want to see a better and brighter America. Not only for ourselves but for our children.

Thank YOU Dr. King for having a dream and believing that one day it will be a reality.

I can only hope we have made you proud.

"Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness. " Martin Luther King Jr.

whats the point?

So I've decided that not only am I going to post about family, school and work. I'm also gonna post on my favorite makeup/ beauty products.
Being that I am a makeup artist and beauty JUNKIE I am always looking for the next great mascara or nail polish ( O.P.I. for Sephora in meet for drinks.....i'm just sayin)
I will post my favorites, whats hot in beauty/makeup and whats worth the money and whats not.
also if anyone has any requests for tips or tricks to get that great smoky eye or dewy complexion let me know and I'll be happy to answer them for you!

So here are a few of my new favorites for 2009

• Lash Injection Pinpoint by Too Faced - I already love the original lash injection and this just defines the lashes that much more......




• M.A.C. - Studio Fix powder , prep & prime face protect - this will give you the flawless complexion we all crave but don't want to look like we're wearing makeup! ( thanks Marianne!)




• Rosebud Lip Salve- i am a lip balm, lip gloss, chapstick JUNKIE so when I find a balm that isn't sticky and still gives me a sexy sublte shine I am all for it!

So thats it for now.....until next time

ciao bella

1st post!

well it here it is 2009 and I have now joined the wonderful world of blogging.
funny, I used to think blogging was for people who had too much time on their hands but now I'm thinking it could be very therapeautic, not too mention informative.
so what do I post?
hmmm......since this is my first blog I guess I will just introduce myself.
I'm a makeup artist, mother to a wonderful little girl, girlfriend to the most magnificent man ( not too mention my best friend) and a student of the world.
I hope that my blogs will entertain, excite and enlighten those who read it and maybe catch up a few others on whats been goin on in my life over the last couple years.

So this morning, I woke up feeling not so hot. After staying at home all day yesterday taking care of the sweet pea and the BF, I kind of new it was going to come down on me but I thought I could fight it. Boy was I wrong.
I took a nap so I do feel much better and hopefully will be able to get some work done around the house and on the computer. That is if I don't cracked out on Facebook for hours......
But while I was wallowing this morning and trying to go back to sleep while my sick kid was in the next room I started to think about all that goes into being a mom and why as moms we have such guilt if we are not "perfect".
What is that about? Nobody is June Cleaver and lets face it - she was a FICTIONAL character! nobody can take care of everything all the time!
so to all my moms out there who feel guilty for not being a perfect susie homemaker, please understand that its okay to feel frazzled and its okay not to have dinner waiting when your significant other gets home and its okay to have laundry piled up and a not so spotless house.......as long as your family is happy - NOTHING else matters.