Keeping it Light with DIY Tinted Moisturizer

Hi Y'all (waving),

Any MUA (Makeup Artist) will agree that we probably hear, “I don’t wear that foundation stuff” or “I just want to look natural” as a new customer sits down for a makeup job a hundred times over! It makes me cringe every time because I am thinking, "What did you think I was here to do, play pat-a-cake?" Any who, I do have recommendations for clients who do not like heavy facial coverage and my consult includes a conversation about Tinted Moisturizer. Now tinted moisturizer is not always an appropriate option such as in formal photo shoots to prevent glare. Tinted moisturizers can add a dewy glow which is a great look for a day party or casual outdoors gathering especially on warmer days. Here are examples of products very similar to tinted moisturizers that you may have seen advertised or on your cruise down the cosmetics aisle. So many products, who can keep them all straight?...ME, that’s who! Learn on…

 “BB Cream” is a “beauty balm”:  a light foundation, moisturizer, sunscreen combined with included antioxidants and skin nourishing vitamins.

 “CC Cream” is “color corrective”: a light foundation, moisturizer, sunscreen combined with anti-aging ingredients used to even skin tone.

BB Cream provides a heavier coverage than a CC Cream would in terms of topical color. CC Cream is more commonaly used as a primer in addition to other coverage makeup but can also be used alone.  Either of these options would provide a more natural appearance in comparison to using a cream foundation and a pressed powder. Oh and yes, brown girls need sun protectant too.

 DIY: Take a clean cosmetic sponge in the shape of your choice and apply some of your liquid foundation to the sponge. Then apply your daily moisturizing lotion to the sponge with your liquid foundation on it. I use the liquid foundation in a squeeze tube by Mary Kay Medium Coverage Foundation and my face lotion by Clean and Clear with SPF in a pump container which makes distribution easy. For moderate coverage add more foundation and less lotion. For a sheerer look add less foundation and more lotion. Keep the portions small, you can always add more. No need to mix the products together, just apply and blend to the face like you would your liquid foundation alone. When done, your skin should be smooth and ready to wear. Bronzers, blush, and other makeup can be applied for enhancement.

Helpful links:

Ideal Flawless Tinted Moisturizer Lotion by AVON - http://shop.avon.com/product.aspx?pf_id=51359

***a great product option, at a great price

My favorite Mary Kay Lady, Tanika Bullock - http://www.marykay.com/tbullock7

Happy Monday!

Meek

Funny Friday HA!

Bwahahaahaaa,

Meek

"Give the gift of BEAUTY"

Hello Readers,

Yesterday was my birthday so; I figured what a more perfect time to discuss gift giving. I have picked up a new, fun, money-saving hobby...COUPONING! In the process I have met some fabulous and very generous people. A new couponing buddy that I met at the drug store check-out counter gave me one of the most creatively awesome Mother's Day gifts that I have ever received this past May. It was a "Beauty Bouquet" made of a thrift store flower vase layered with artificial grass used during Easter time in the bottom and stuffed with nail polish, lip gloss, eye and brow liner, and eye shadow (all items that we snag for .25¢ or free by stacking store sales with manufacturer coupons) and topped off with bright silk flowers! This abundant bouquet was wrapped with a bow and I was in love.

I have found some other awesome Beauty Giving ideas in my daily passings. Check out this photo in an advertisement. Place those products in a translucent mesh baggie inside one of those graphic martini glasses and you have got yourself a birthday present any girl would love to have.

 

For my little sister's bridal shower last year I created a Beauty Bar as a party favor to each guest. They were able to choose several items from an assortment of nail files, nail clippers, nail polish, lip gloss, lip sticks, hair combs, etc. and stuff them in cute little gift bags to take home. Any occasion can be a beautiful gift giving opportunity.

"There is no better cosmetic, than the laughter on a woman's face." -Estee Lauder Counter

Give On...Meek

Oo La Lash

"You can't eat beauty, it does not feed you" ~as told to Lupito Nyong'o by her mot

A must see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPCkfARH2eE
...beauty is something you just must BE!
 

Nothing frames the eye better than a well defined lash. There are so many options for extending your eye lashes beyond a false strip bonded by glue bought at the beauty supply. Which is my go to for a quick spruce of drama in my look but I've also tried eyelash extensions applied by a professional. Individual eyelash extensions were not right for me because I wear a full face of make up at least twice a week and after my cleansing regimen my lash application took a beating that left many empty spaces from fallen lashes.

I love fiber extending mascaras that lengthen the lash and can be bought at your local drug or super store for everyday wear that wash off easily. I must confess that my new obsession is with eyelash primers though! I got a freebie to try Smashbox Layer Lash Primer that goes on white and is covered easily with your choice of mascara. It thickens, it magnifies, and it lengthens ♥

Sephora calls Smashbox Layer Lash Primer a "priming sensation" and at least it is in my bathroom or work break room or wherever I remember to apply my face ;-) Try it as a healthy conditioning option for your lashes. It costs about $18. It's nothing like seeing a shadow on my face from a layer of lash that just won't quit honey! What a shame that boys get the best lashes, that we women pay a ton to envy.

Meek

Nails Done, Everything Did!

Hey All,

I have missed my beauty love (this blogspot). Meek's Mobile Make Up Counter received it's first celebrity shout out! Thank You to Michael Costello who appreciated and shared my blogspot on his FB page:

Well, for the last 3 or so years I have used press on nail polish strips. Mostly by Sally Hansen brand purchased from Wal-Mart but I have also used other generic brands I have found on sale at Big Lots in a bin under a shelf marked $1 clearance. This girl cannot pass up a deal! Anywho, I have also used the Kiss brand and I love the quick convenience of a mani/pedi at home with a salon look. Here are some pics of my hand and toes for a weekend rachet bejeweled look on my way out on the town that took me everybit of 15 minutes to complete: 

The polish strip packages come with very simple instructions and with a little bit of determination and an emery board in hand honey...you can do it too. They come in a variety of colors and patterns even french manicure. Heck, I've even seen them in an Avon catolog. I gave my sister these leopard nails to match her bridal shower decor last fall: 

Review Disclaimer: The polish strips packaging claim that the manicures should last for 2 weeks. I have never had the press on nail polish last that long and I follow the instructions exactly but they are definitely good for at least 1 week of fabulousness. 

Beauty Tip: When using polish strips or gel nail strips, be sure to start with a clean nail bed. Use nail polish remover before starting and right before application of the strips, be sure to wipe the nail bed clean again. Either use the preparation clothes provided in the kit or a simple LINT FREE cosmetic pad from the drugstore with REGULAR RUBBING ALCOHOL will do just fine. I use rubbing alcohol on my nail bed even before applying wet paint to elongate my wear.

While out on a cosmetics dig at a closing sale at a local K-Mart, I bought a gel nail kit by Sally Hansen that I did not want to pay $30 for that I nagged for $16 woohoo! It is a complete starter kit so I am looking forward to trying out my new purchase. I have no plans of ever paying for a manicure ever again unless someone else is paying ;-)

Liberate Yourself (from the nail salon that is),

Meek

I ♡Michael Costello Couture

Happy Valentine's Day Darlings,

ko͞oˈto͝or,-ˈtYr/

noun: couture

1. the design and manufacture of custom highly fashionable clothes to a client's specific requirements and measurements.

 Today is the day to show our near and dears how much we care so I thought I would share my new love and favorite designer: MICHAEL COSTELLO COUTURE FASHION! I have never been obsessed over couture clothing because it is obviously out of my budget. However, I have been shown the light and a star to reach for, shall I share...

Mrs. Carter looks so snatched in this Michael Costello Couture gown at the 2014 Grammy Awards. I am not a fan of the wet and wavy hair look but it was perfect for her performance (Surf Boarttt).

 

And will Cassie go ahead on and WERK then! This black and gold strapless number by Michael Costello Couture is everything. The shape and reflection is awing love, love, love.

 Mr. Costello's play on peak-a-boo cut outs and the enhancement of the curves of women is genius and has earned my heart. M.C. is a well known former contestant of Season 8 Project Runway in 2008. Did he win, do you ask? Uh, no and as a matter of fact, he came in 4th but who cares. He is huge and I want to wear his clothes. Well, one day...

 Find out more: http://www.michaelcostellocouture.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/MichaelCostelloCouture 

 Hi M.C. #call me

Meek <3 <3 <3

Caring For Your Aging Hair

Hey Blog Family and Followers,

I'd like to introduce you to my fabulously talented and beautiful Madre whom I lovingly address as "Sistah Gina". It was my mother's persistence that lead to my enrollment into a cosmetology program. I can hear her now, you will always need something to fall back on (Plan B). She was right, as always...

"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." ~Old Proverb

 

My mommy has been a professional stylist for over 32 years. During a recent interview, I gathered valuable information from her years of experience and I would like to share her knowledge with you, my blog family. It is a definite necessity that as we age, we alter our look not only for vanity but also for healthy preservation. Here it is:

Professional Feature: Gina at Salon Mattise

 

As we age, changing hormones and the slowing of the metabolism effects the absorption of needed nutrients for hair growth. Being careless with your hair in older age can cause irreversible damage including hair loss. Hair has a lifespan and can survive much longer than human life. Hair continues to grow after death and even burial so if you carefully care for your strands they can remain beautiful, longer.

 

Crucial Hair Care Tips: Find a stylist that specializes in healthy hair care, Minimize or better yet stop wearing hard styles, add moisture back into the hair, and lastly, spritz products along with constant heat application causes drying and hair strands to break (snap just like that!).

 

Gina says, "Pray and ask God to direct you to a stylist to care for your hair."

 

 







 Suggested styles in photography provided by Gina at Salon Mattise in Independence, MO contact: (816)358-5490

 

Peace and Hair Grease,

 

Meek

Bye, Bye "What Not To Wear"



I saw this picture on Facebook and thought, "Why is Ashley wearing sandals in the winter?" However, I couldn't help but "LIKE" her photo because she was fierce and beautiful at the Beyoncé concert in December in St. Louis, Missouri, where there was snow and cold temperatures. Ashley is never scared and I have yet to see her make a fashion mistake. So, was Ashley going against an universal fashion no-no or am I OLD and too conservative with my fashion rules. I'm going with the latter.

"Self confidence is the best outfit. Rock it and own it." -unknown

Ashley is definitely my muse for this post and Essence Magazine certainly agrees with her. Winter, sminter...In the January 2014 issue of Essence Magazine in the Style section, There are features on street style and what celebrities and local women in various areas are wearing and what do you know??? Winter weather beauties in SANDALS and sweats and leather much like my girl, Ash! I am sorry to inform those of us raised in the generations of storing away your sandals in the winter months and not wearing white bottoms after labor day but those days are loooong gone people. Throw out your fashion rule book and in the words of Russell Simmons, "Do You" boo!

"If you are CONFIDENT, you are beautiful" -unknown

Be-YOU-tiful,

Meek

Special Thanks: To my girl, Desi C. that let me have this issue of Essence because she has that good subscription. Good looking out!

It's an inside job...

What is your daily regimen for skin care besides, applying lotion? Well baby, It's cold outside (here in the Midwest) and dry skin, eczema, brittle/dry/thinning hair, and flakey scalp flare ups need extra attention. A crucial part of my daily skin care routine year round is taking a Biotin nutritional supplement by mouth.

Biotin is the primary vitamin found in Hair, Skin, and Nails supplements that you purchase over the counter. If you take a multivitamin, I say cut out the extra fillers and take the most effective part, the Biotin. You can buy Biotin over the counter at your local drug store. I personally use Nature Made or CVS brand (especially when they are buy one bottle get one free). I love a good sale chile! I would recommend a dose of about 1000 mcg daily for a healthy adult.

Where to buy: http://www.cvs.com/shop/product-detail/CVS-Biotin-Tablets-1000-mcg?skuId=459961

 Along with using my ol' faithful Neutrogena topical products, Biotin helps to keep my nails strong and skin clear. I have gone without Biotin and I can definitely recognize a terrifying difference. I drink more water than any other beverage and we must replenish our bodies with the appropriate nutrients if we want to look fly and not flakey. Besides it won't be Winter forever and you are going to want to take off those long sleeves sooner or later.

"Those that don't got it, can't show it. Those that got it, can't hide it."

Happy 123rd Birthday Zora Neale Hurston d. 1960

 

Stay Smoothe,

Meek

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. The material provided on this site is for strictly informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace or substitute for the recommendations or advice of your physician or health care provider. The information contained in this site should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. If you believe you have a medical condition or problem contact your health care provider.

The statements contained in this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.


Classic Red Lip Done Right!

"I got my start by giving myself a start." Madam C.J. Walker

Happy New Year Readers! I am very excited about 2014. This first blog post came with much anticipation and fear...but I am doing it anyway. I <3 the beauty business and I have dibbled and dabbled in it way too long. I acquired a cosmetology license without the intent to ever "do" hair. The knowledge and practicum it took to pass the state board exam is just in my blood. We'll talk about that more in another future blog post.

No, I do not wear red lips. However, I admire those that dare to. I have a dark skin complexion and due to the high pigment in my skin, my sclera (white part) of my eye can appear jaundiced in a red lip color LOL. To brighten my eyes, I wear a pale lip most days. My skin tone is cool so pink colors are flattering. Oh but you girls with warmer skin tones like, Sanaa Lathan can wear a red lip honey! I prefer red lips in matte and not in gloss. A shine on red lips is over kill (gag) and unnecessary. Any lip color looks best on well conditioned lips.

Find out skin tone's best lip color: http://www.steadyhealth.com/articles/how-to-choose-the-perfect-red-lip-color-for-your-skin-tone-a3298.html

Make-Up Tip: Sleep in a Chap Stick. Apply a lip balm before bed time. I repeat, Chap Stick not Carmex. Simple Vaseline will suffice if you do not have a lip balm. Be sure to remove loose skin from your lips before your moisturizer application by rubbing your lips with a textured cloth or the back of your clean dry hand. I've heard of some people gently brushing their lips with a toothbrush to exfoliate the lip skin but I think that could be a bet too vigorous for the delicate lip skin. When you awaken from your beauty sleep, you will have the best feeling smackers this side of the Mississippi! You are welcome.

If you are scared of lip color and you play it safe by wearing M A C "Oh Baby" lip gloss everywhere and for every occasion like most of the women I know. Use a lip stain to start. 

"Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick and pull yourself together." Elizabeth Taylor





Muah, Meek