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Throw Back Friday!!

Remember this song by Tevin Campbell.... man so long ago. It was so positive, and the mastermind behind it all, none other than Quincy Jones.

Hope this song puts everyone in a good mood..... It's the weekend baby!




LFM

update your link!

Ok. So I have moved my content..... please save this to your faves


http://www.lipstickfashionmascara.com/


And please follow me!!! The page still needs a lot of work and I have to work on moving somethings around. Content and such will get better.... Comments help too, so I know what I should change or add.


~Carmen

Bear with me...

I am trying to move my content to another host, which will be more reader friendly...and will allow me to give my readers more.. I had posts scheduled but there may be a delay. Hopefully I will have this completed by the weekend. I will let you all know, as you may have to update your links to my site.

In the meantime, pile on lots of mascara and enjoy your day. ;)


Carm

These are a few of my favorite things!-Oscar Edition

So since I don't consider myself a movie buff, what other reason to watch the Oscar's other than fashion and make up!!! Here are some of the looks I loved the most. After watching this I do actually hope see more films, and do it more frequently. My next day off I will make a trip to my local Blockbuster to rent some of the films. What did you all think of the night?

School Daze! Good and Bad hair...

I'm hoping most of my readers have watched Spike Lee's "School Daze" at some point in there life.. if not I encourage you to! In fact go watch all of his movies, all definite must haves in your DVD collection, in my opinion.
With all the "good hair bad hair" things going on I thought about this scene from the movie...He exposed the whole good hair, light skin dark skin foolishness long before Chris Rock's "Good Hair". I loved this scene! Although on my college campus, the wonderful South Carolina State University, I don't remember this type of stigma...I'm sure it existed.

After you watch this I encourage you to love what makes you stand out, there are so many different flavors of woman of color... and I embrace every aspect of it. My black is beautiful!!!





Nappy, curly hair don't care!!!

LFM

P.S. I am not some militant natural hair rocker... I had a beautiful, thick, healthy head of relaxed hair for YEARS. I wanted a change... end of story.

Just in case...

I'm militant about washing my face before bed. Incapacitated, inebriated, or sick make up comes off. I know there are a few people who don't  *clutches pearls* .

Enter Skyn Iceland Glacial cleansing cloths.....for those of you having trouble with the face routine at night, keep these in your night stand. You don't need water, they are oil free and don't leave your greasy. They remove everything, even my waterproof Loreal black liquid liner. Your face doesn't feel stripped.

For you gym bunnies, they are excellent to keep in your bag, if you need to remove make up prior to hitting that spinning class.

LFM

How to SHINGLE!!!

No... not roof work. lol. Here is a brief but very good tutorial on how to shingle, I mentioned in the two proceeding posts. Don't be discourage by her hair. My hair type is clearly kinkier and has a tighter curl pattern than the lady in the video. You can still make it work..Also it appears that product just sits on your hair afterwards...It does eventually absorb and dry.. Enjoy!!!!

Carmen gets a HAIR CUT!!!

So as some of you may know....last Saturday I got a much needed hair cut!! I had a trim of not even a centimeter in summer 2008, and not a real hair cut in 3 years!!! sheesh! My hair was very big (the bigger the better for me), and thick, but as you can imagine, my ends were a mess, and we it needed shape, BADLY.

I went in on Saturday where the owner and stylist, Paulette, of Authentic Salon went to work on my mane. She first shampooed and then applied a conditioner. From there I sat under the steamer for about 20 minutes.After rinsing she blew my hair dry, so that she could acurately cut. After cutting she re-wet my hair to return it to to the naturally curly, kinky state. she then styled it as I described in my previous blog post.

Many of my friends were worried that I was going to have a lot of hair cut... You can tell by the pics it wasnt that much, and that it was definitely needed....I will go back regulary to prevent having to cut so much at one time.

After my hair was re-wet..She began to comb through or "shingle"

 amazing how water changes things ha? You would think I cut 8 inches!!!!

Hope you all enjoyed my pictures...let me know what you think and if you have questions about natural hair care...

oh and follow me....... :)

LFM

Product Review! Miss Jessies Stretch Silkening Creme

I bought this product back in December...It is still in the bag. That is until the next time I style my hair. Today I went to the salon for a long, past overdue cut, deep condition and style. I will be doing a post regarding my experience in the next couple of days...stay tuned for that.

So let me get to the review. My stylist took my hair section by section apply the product and combed it through with a small tooth comb (don't worry,it was already detangled)...The result, beautifully defined curls, very tame and frizz free, I believe the process is called shingling. As it dried my hair was a little harder than I'm use too, but that is the good part. Throught the afternoon my hair stretched more (naturals experience crazy shrinkage) and overall looked better with time.

Directions from Miss Jessies:

Apply product while hair is soaking wet for full coverage based on your length and density. Do not rinse out. Air dry or dry under an overhead dryer. For maximum stretch silkening: After curls are fully dried grab a section and stretch downward for tension. Using a blowdryer with a nozzle attachment blast heat from root to midshaft. This will further stretch those kinks to curls. Enjoy!

I'm sure tomorrow will be better! Also I didn't sit under the dryer,I let mine air dry. After the steam from the shower softens it more I'm sure I will fall in love with again.

Also I wasn't able to post this do to my internet woes, however, I haven't washed my hair since typing this, everyday I have re-wet my hair, applied Baby Buttercreme and then a tiny bit of Quick curls and voila!!! Curly hair don't care!

LFM

We got a bad connection...

Just an update....my internet connection or lack thereof is being worked on...I will be back to our regularly scheduled program in a few days!

On Pins and Needles

The past 7 days have been so hectic for me... and I'm extremely on edge about a few things going on in my personal and professional life... I remembered this song from India Arie and it made me smile...This isn't a an actual music video (I don't think there is one) but listen to it if you haven't heard it.



How is your week going so far?...let's cry and laugh together :)



Carmen loves ya!


LFM

Inglot Cosmetics....available online...well almost

The site was to go l Cive on Saturday... I navigated around the site about 5 minutes ago.You can view swatches and see the "freedom palette". It appears that you should be able to purchase from the site in a few days ,click here to see the site.

The only store in the U.S. is in New York City, Times Square....Finally all us Americans can purchase! They will also be at the Make up shows this year in L.A. and NYC...  Here is my post about my experience at Inglot.
I haven't forgotten about taking pictures using the colors I bought...however I just got my camera back from Fuji. The poor thing had swine flu or something.


LFM

Let's Get Physical!

So I have been using this product for about 8 months now...I'm in love. It is an at microdermabrasion treatment.. Very simple to use and no mixing and trickery required..You apply on a clean,dry face. Rub a small amount, GENTLY all over your face. It may tingle, however for me, it is not an uncomfortable "tingle".You then rinse clean.Your skin's texture instantly feels smoother. Any treatments you may be using will penetrate better too! DermaDoctor can be purchased at any Sephora.

Follow your bliss....because I said so.

It's 5:40 am...I've been up since 4am and have to be at work at 8am. I am sure after I eat lunch later today I will want the 2 hours that I could've been sleeping....

Anyway. I jsut wanted to let everyone know that life throws you MANY curve balls.It never stops. But keep doing what makes you happy. People will attempt to discourage you. Many of these people will be your very own family and friends. Sometimes its because they are scared of you failing...But it is your life. You get one shot. Live it up.

When you have a moment view the video below, from Erin at Scandalous Beauty... its bascally about claiming and getting whats yours....



Follow your BLISS!!!!

LFM

How much is your Gucci worth?

Gucci, in partnership with Christies (notable auctioneers) has developed a way to have your beloved Gucci appraised!You visit the Christie's website and upload pictures of your vintage Gucci. A team assesses the bag and its value. This applies to qualifying submissions, meaning, they won't assess a value to knock offs or bags that aren't in sub mint condition. For more info about the service click here.

Innovative of Gucci I'd say. There are also vintage -inspired items available for purchase on Gucci.com



LFM

Sex and the City 2 !!!

Most of you have probably already seen this trailer...The music makes me fall in love with New York City all over again. I'm so excited about the release in May!

Orgasm. In a tube.

Francois does it again. You can't mention Nars without knowing about Orgasm. After all it isprobably the best selling blush blush,EVER. It started out as a powder blush. The shade was so perfect for all skin tones that it now is available in a nail polish,lipgloss, and the multiple (cream stick).

Lucky for us it is now  in a liquid!!!! Imagine taking the perfect shade of blush and turning it into an illuminator.. The texture is amazing. You can use it as a high lighter, or mix with your foundation/tinted moisturizer for an all over glow.It is not overly shimmery and still maintains its versatility for any hue.Take a peek at it the next time you're in Sephora.

LFM

Hair Envy

I love her music....but her hair leaves me awe....When I grow up I want hair like this...Big, huge and crazy. Love it.

Rock on Leela James.

Anyone know what her regimen is?

LFM

Voluptuousness. In a bottle.

This comes as no suprise to those of you who watch the Kardashians...and the many who love Kim Kardashians. In collaberation with Lighthouse Beauty, she will release her first fragrance February 3,2010.

I am a fan of Kim Kardashian and really excited about the release! I don't buy 16 million perfumes, because I know what works for me. I stick to musky scents and some can be obnoxious (in a good way), honestly they work for my personality and style. To name a few of my faves; Thierry Mugler's Angel, Sarah Jessica Parker's Lovely, Narcisco "Her", Chanel No.5, and Kiehl's orginal musk.

The fragrance, in my opinion has a light musky undertone....it still it light and flirty, and a great scent for every day.

Here is a description of the notes in the perfume:

Top Notes: Mandarin,Honey Suckle, Orange Blossom

Middle Notes: Pink Jasmine, Tuberose, Sensual Spice, Lush Gardenia

Base Notes: Jacaranda Wood, Tonka Bean, Vanilla Orchid, Sexy Musk, Creamy Sandalwood

Kim says that she has been love with fragrance all her life, her father, Bob Kardashian , use to bring her perfume from his travels all over the world. And now she has created her own,"voluptuous" scent.

Now get a pin and write this down! Kim will be making personal appearances at the following Sephora stores:

February 4th South Beach, Miami
February 10th, 5th Ave NYC
February 17th ,Century City, Santa Monica, Ca
February 27th, Venetian,LV

LFM


She looks good in the pic, no?

A song for the times...

This song is from the 90's can't you tell by the hair and clothing selections? In light of the unbelievable week we have had I think it is very fitting.

Be optimistic. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.




LFM

Goody Two Strands.

My hair regimen for the past 3+ years has included products from Hairveda. Everything is handmade, free of parabens and shampoos are sulfate free. Some of the products I use are the Cocasta Oil, Vatika Frosting, and Moist Condition 24/7.Many naturals use these products, but they are definitely suitable for all hair types.The prices are very inexpensive, and are made to order.

During the month of January and February a portion of your purchase will be donated to Haiti to aid in their natural disaster relief. You may as well do some good while you shop! Again, keep them in your prayers.


LFM

PAUSE

Imagine no infrastructure.No running water. And you are not sure if your baby is alive. These are the thoughts running through Haiti.

Please visit http://www.yele.org/ to find out how you can help.

Continue to pray for them.



LFM

Eat,Pray, Love on the big screen

The book "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert has graced the New York Times best seller list, and Oprah's book club. It has been a topic of many conversations, and inspired so many people to do what makes them happy. I read it a couple years ago, after seeing my friend Arax carrying it in her purse. I don't want to run the risk of spoling the book for anyone who has not read it. But the long and short of it is that Gilbert takes a year to travel Italy,India and Indonesia.It involves a lot of self discovery.

The book was published in 2006, and later this year it will be adapted to film! One of my favorite actresses will play Gilbert. Miss Julia Roberts! I definitely recommend you read this book, and make a movie date for later 2010!


Eating, Praying, Loving,

LFM

SHAME on you H & M!

I know that in retail there are times that you have to cut your loses. But damn it. I can't believe what H&M does as a business practice, in the city that never sleeps. Full of homeless and needy people.I have dashed in the 34th street store many of occassions,the assortment is bigger than what we have in Connecticut.I also admit that I have forgotten socks while being in Manhattan for work and had to buy a pair or two while on break at this store.

Please read below to feel what I am saying. Story is directly from New York Magazine.


"Have you ever wondered what happens to clothes that large chain retailers don't sell? Not boutiques like Oak or stores like Barneys or other designers that can send things to sample sales, but huge stores full of stuff that's too cheap to resell, like H&M or Wal-Mart. The New York Times reports that both H&M and Wal-Mart throw out unused clothing people don't buy. But they want to make sure that, after they throw stuff out, people can't wear or resell the clothes. So they destroy the items by cutting holes in them with machines. If they're dealing with a pair of shoes, they go to the trouble of cutting the insoles so you can't wear them. Puffy jackets are slashed across the body and the arms are cut off. The 34th Street H&M discards the destroyed but otherwise perfectly good merchandise in trash bags behind the building. Wal-Mart has a contractor that dumps their destroyed unworn clothes in a space on 35th Street. Poor people who need clothes are freezing all over the city, but rather than donate unused goods, these stores are destroying them and treating them like garbage.
People who know about the loot go to scavenge for goods that aren't destroyed since whole, wearable items make it through sometimes. Wouldn't it be easier to simply donate the stuff so they don't have to bother with cutting everything? A New York Cares that holds an annual coat drive and would be happy to have H&M's unwanted goods is located just around the corner from its 34th Street location.

A spokesperson for Wal-Mart told the Times that the store normally donates unused items to charities, and needed to investigate the 35th Street situation. H&M did not respond to ten requests for comment from the Times yesterday. The store also throws out plastic hangers in perfectly good condition, which is ridiculous, because clothes may go out of style, but those certainly do not. The Times reports:

H & M, which is based in Sweden, has an executive in charge of corporate responsibility who leads the company’s sustainability efforts. On its Web site, H&M reports that to save paper, it has shrunk its shipping labels.

Maybe they donated $5 to save the polar bears last year, too."






Whats your take on this?

LFM

You're so vain!

We know the beauty industry is a billion dollar business! But now q-tips! Sheesh! Even they boxes have gotten pretty! So now the box sitting on top on your vanity suddenly isn't so sterile....eye candy, if you will. Beauty and hygiene rituals have never been prettier! And now REACH toothbrushes come in designs! Forget snagging my favorite color anymore....

Both of these items can be found at Wamart or Target.

Brushing en vogue,

LFM
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Must be Jelly

Just sharing something I have used for thr past two winters. I have had eczema since I was a wee one. During the bitter cold New England winters the dry itchiness intensifies a million times over. This body moisturizer from Carol's Daughter works like a dream. And it absorbs immediately,you don't feel like you're going to slide out of your skin, ahhhh memories of my mother covering me in Vaseline. Thanks Ma.

From the website:

Sweet Almond Oil, a natural nut oil high in fatty acids, alleviates dry, irritated or itchy skin and preserves moisture


Soy Oil, a protein-rich emollient, replenishes and improves skin’s natural texture and glow

Jojoba Oil, an excellent moisturizing agent, leaves a rich, non-oily feel while preventing water loss and enhancing suppleness

Snuggie in Full Effect,
 
LFM

Happy New Year!!!!

From my bed I type....wishing all of you a Happy 2010! I haven't been out in awhile for New Years. Past couple have been in, with company, or at a friends house. Finally got out this year and had a ball. I have tossed around some ideas for resolutions, but nothing is concrete just yet! Here are some pictures from NYE. I realize that none of you all wanted to see my cleavage, but I'm too lazy to photo shop at the moment. Please forgive me ;)

Make up is as follows: Revlon Colorstay liquid foundation, MAC photo realism quad (crease darkened with Humid), lipstick Maybelline "hooked on pink", MAC Viva Glam IV lipgloss, MAC brow pencil in "strut" and Nars blush in "Lovejoy".Red Cherry lashes in #601.

Be well in 2010!!!!!!!

Love ya,mean it.

LFM