Sista Sites: The Letter S

Sista Sites

It's time for another edition of Sista Sites in which we showcase blogs from my Beauty Marks blogroll. I have also gotten in the habit of showing a piece of Black Art with each Sista Sites post. When I was younger I visited a ton of African American museums and I would just be in awe of the beautiful paintings. And when I visited the Smithsonian museums....well, I pretty much fell in love.

Smithsonian. Hmm..... S!!

Let's feature beauty and fashion blogs that begin with the letter "S".
Do you feel like you're watchin' Sesame Street yet?

• Scandalous Beauty: Awww, my girl, Erin. I love her! She was one of the first Black beauty blogs that I read. If Clumps of Mascara had a sister, it would be Scandalous Beauty. Her expertise and experience taught me a lot and I've pretty much watched all of her YouTube vids. Seriously, if you are stuck with trying to figure out how to complete a look, want to know how pinks look on darker skin or annoyed with your natural hair, check out Erin's videos. I love how she connects with her readers and has that "she could be my friend" aurora that somehow shines from the internet. Plus, we are hair twins! Yay for the Scandalous Beauty movement!!
• Shake Your Beauty: All hail one of the vanguards of Black beauty blogs; well, at least to me. Tia Williams isn't only a blogger, but a published author as well. She gets mad respect from me! She features product reviews for Black women and her humor is just delightful.
  
• Silver Lips Beauty & Musiq Haven: Another Brown skinned beauty blogger with beautiful techniques and reviews. I love blogs that have cute little features SlvrLips' doesn't stop with dazzling us with her fabulous blending skills...but she takes it a step further and introduces us to the hottest new tunes. Loves it!
• Specktra Beauty Blog: I'm really a fan of Specktra the site more so than the actual blog. And if you've never visited or had a short obsession with Specktra.net, I really don't know how you are livin'. However, what I do like about the blog is the up-to-date pieces of information we can get from them about upcoming collections and lines. Get your sneak peek and swatches of MAC Collections that haven't even been released yet. It's so overwhelming that you start making a list of what you want before even seeing the actual products. It's a sickness, I swear.
  
• Stephienese: I just adore this little lady here. I remember discovering her blog around the same time I discovered Specktra. Her skills are fierce! I remember lemming over every product she purchased. Get it, Stephie!

I'm off to Miami this weekend, lovelies. Which unfortunately means I won't be able to update. But no worries....next week I will be sure to crank out the posts. You can look forward to the following:

-Dr. Miracle's and Miss Jessie's Curl Pudding.
How do they hold up for the napptural sistas?
-Sunscreen for Women of Color (and a giveaway hosted by Palmer's)
-Brown & Blushin'. Cheap and beautiful drugstore finds.
-But Black Women Can't Series (pinks anyone?
Submit your photos to Brittany@ClumpsOfMascara.com)
-Of course Mascara Monday

...and some more thangs.

Enjoy the weekend!! And as always, you can email me.
My new Blackberry has me crazy excited to do every little thing.

Besos!

Sista Sites Series: F-Blogs and Mascara Monday "you decide".

Sista Sites

My Sista Sites are one of those series that I tend to forget about. Opps..... But I promise to do a better job. I just checked out my Google Reader subscriptions and realized that I am subscribed to 75 blogs or websites!! That's a lot. Obviously those blogs interest me in some way so what better way to show them how much I love them than by tootin'....uhhh...their horn.


Yeah.


This edition of Sista Sites showcase blogs that begin with the letter "F".
Random, I know...

• Fab Vixen: This lovely lady from Memphis incorporates many different elements of her blog, which I love! One minute she's talking about money management and the next....fab summer dresses. Either way, I'm tuning in!
• Facepaint 101: The author of this blog defines beautiful. Seriously. Suzie C's skin is just absolutely divine, as are her make-up skills. She also happens to find the best NYX products. *pouts* No faiiiir.
  
• Fashion Devotee: I have never met someone so more obsessed with fashion than my friend, Ari. Gotta admit...chick is pretty fly. And doesn't hesitate to tell me when I'm not matching. She has bits and pieces of that fabulousness that she showcases on her blog. Not to mention...she is a wonderful friend! Love you, sis!
  
• Forty is the New 20: Mrs. PBW is like that Aunt who's house you visit and never want to leave. And she won't make you feel bad about it either. I love the reviews of beauty products she gives us. And her honesty is refreshing. I feel all special anytime I see a comment from her; she's a published author, yall!

I've got at least 8 mascara reviews comin' up. But these have been the top 2 requested babies. I've decided to override the make-up probation (just this once, I've been good, Lady PO) and start testing them out. Which should I review first?

THIS ONE:


OR THIS ONE:

YOU DECIDE!

The Above Painting is one of my favorites. The piece is called "Rhythm" by Keith Mallett.



[image source: www.itsablackthang.com]

Brown and Blushin' Series: Berry/Plum Swatches

Yaaaaay, time for another edition of Brown & Blushin'.

*keys theme music*


A lot of you gals were interested in berry/plum blushes. I'm not even going to sit here and front like I own such. I'm a total newb when it comes to those colors. So what did I have to do? Hit up my sis, Jessica from paix all around. She has provided us with some gorgeous blush shots and even swatched them. I know she can't wait to show us the FOTDs either, uh? Hehehe....love you Jess.

The colors are as follows (they are all from MAC):
(l-r) Ambering Rose, Breezy, Lovecrush (discontinued), Fever, Frame (discontinued), Flirt & Tease

Feenin' yet?

Wait...


Yall remember that song?





Oh my fault....had a New Jack swing moment. Let the show continue.




Beautiful, uh? I am definitely diggin' that Lovecrush. And of course. It would be discontinued. No worries....I'm on my mission to find a beautiful berry blush for my brown skin. Say THAT 10x fast. So uhhh....I'm pretty much in love with berry blushes for now. What you gals say? Any recs?



And for this post's Brown & Blushin' Beauty...we have the lovely Danyelle rockin' the MAC's Breezy Blush. My girl is all shy about having me post her pictures and I don't know why because she is gorgeous!!



CHEEKS:
Breezy- sheertone shimmer blush MAC; brush from CVS by Essence of Beauty
MSF Light Flush MAC


Killer brows, uh? And her skin IS that pretty in person. Chiiiile, I'm gon get there one day.
Don't forget.....you can send your blush photos and submissions to me at Brittany@ClumpsOfMascara.com. And thanks to all of you beauty bloggers for their contributions to this series. It has definitely been a collaborative effort and you gals have been so wonderful at supporting me. *tear* Love yall!


Stay beautiful loves!






[image courtesy: amazon.com

Coastal Scents brushes

There has been a lot of buzz in the online beauty world about Coastal Scents brushes. I’ve seen Kia over at Yummy411 give a review, Kenya at Virtuous Blue did a wonderful video review of the brushes and my online make-up guru/teacher, EnKore has been raving about these brushes for awhile.

I can’t believe I’ve been snoozing on these, folx!!

Not only are the brushes are affordable (think $2.99) but many are saying that they are comparable to MAC brushes in look and performance. Now that sounds good to me and I’m sure to my other broke beauty sistas of the world.

I love brushes but I don’t feel as if I need to have 2 or more of the same thing so it was rather difficult trying to find a brush that I actually “needed” from Coastal Scents. But here’s what I ended up getting:

Pink Kabuki ($4.99)—Now granted I have the MAC 182 ($45) kabuki and I adore it. I find that it works great with blushes and mineral foundations. I even use it with my bronzers and I love how I can squeeze it to change its shape. But who can beat a pretty pink kabuki brushes? How gorgeous is this? I just haaaaaad to order this.

Deluxe Buffer Brush ($4.25)—These brushes are great for those that use mineral foundations; which are my foundations of choice. I have been going foundation-less for some weeks now and will be until I get my face in check BUT….I can’t wait to start using this with my mineral powders. And if it doesn’t work, chile….I won’t even care because it was less than $5.00.

Pink Kolinsky Lip Brush ($2.79)—Kenyah over at Virtuous Blue says that this is a great brush. I only have one lip brush that I hardly use but I would love to have a retractable one. Can’t wait to see how this works out.

My Dear Newbies, if you have been trying to invest in brushes without breaking your wallets, I’m thinking this is the way to go. I will be sure to do a review of my brushes the minute I get them. For those of you that own them or have heard great things about them, let a sista know!

You can find more brushes and other affordable finds by Coastal Scents by clicking here.

Image Source: coastalscents.com

80's Challenge!

Booooo to Mondays. I think it is embedded in our DNA to naturally despise Mondays. But this Monday, we (as in beauty bloggers) have something to look forward to! It’s our 80’s Challenge Post day!

I can’t say this was the easiest look for me to come up with. The 80’s isn’t one of those eras that fascinate me and I remember very little about it. After all, I was only 4 in 1989. I couldn't find a look that fascinated me enough to want to replicate soooo my look has no real inspiration other than the bright and crazy colors of the 80's! And as usual....whenever I want a bright look, I pull out those pigments and wet my brush. Nothin' big but it was fun doing!

Are you peepin' the crazy funky hair?

I used:

FACE:
Nada

Eyes (all MAC unless otherwise noted):
Artifact paintpot
Delft paintpot
Fuschia pigment
Naval Blue pigment
Vanilla pigment
Clinque Eggplant Cream liner
L'Oreal Voluminous mascara

Lips:
MAC tinted moisturizer


Check out the looks that my other beauty bloggin' sisters have come up with. Are we fab or what?

Lakahna
Yummy411
Muse
Habitual Beauty
Lilan
Seymone
Baby Doll
Mrs. Lynne
Rocketqueen
Slvr Lips
Christina Divine
Vanessa
MissJaclynRose

Hi lovelies!
My life is the busiest right now....and not in a good way, either so excuse me for bein' a bit behind on commenting and posting. I do have a little time to get up on 2 topics that my blog sistas Shawnta and Nywele (nap love!) tagged me on.





First....

My Top 10 Must Not Have Items

(1) MAC's Strobe Cream: A hot pearly mess on this woman of color. And it's too heavy on the face....AND it's too much money and you don't get enough product and I think it is just one unnecessary product (angry much?...hehe).

(2) Revlon eye shadows: Now I'm all for cheap but these colors are hardly pigmented. And the colors look a H.A.M. on....you guessed it---"this" woman of color.

(3) MAC Lipglasses: I know, I know....I purchase them, but the more I think about it, the less I like them. They aren't any better than other lip products. In fact, I find them to be more drying and they stay on less longer than the cheaper brands. And I'm sure there are hella dupes. I just got "caught" up because it's MAC. Towards the beginning of my blog, I vowed to never spend that much money on a lip product......ahem, 12 products later...

(4) Pantene Pro-V (in the gold bottle): You're kidding me right? Sulfate-galore.

(5) NYC Nail polishes. They are super cheap but these bad boys come off in 1.5 days. And don't even try to wash dishes. Chile please....

[PHOTO BREAK!!]

Now for the top 5 Beauty Crimes:

(1) I keep my mascara longer than 3 months.....and I don't care either. Muahahahaaaa.

(2) I purchase products because of a collection but I know good and dern well I will probably never used them (ahem, Fafi Eyes 1).

(3) I let my finger nails get too long. I don't even take the time to care for them the way that I should.

(4) I hardly wash my hair. Which is okay because I have a thicker texture but seriously....I can go 2-3 months without washing my hair and that's just not cute. I mean, it doesn't stink or anything---I'm just too lazy to wash it.

(5) I spend money I don't have on cosmetics. The biggest crime of them all! I still can't justify $10 on some eye shadow because that could be gas money, payin' off a bit of a student loan, a gift for my Mother, shoot....something else "more" important.

Have you done any of these yet? Let me knowwww!! I don't think I'm going to link anyone because I'm pretty sure most of done this already! I love these random question posts.....helps us get to know each other better. I'm a cornball, sing Kumbyah type yall, so don't mind me.

Allure's Beauty Spring Trends, part II comin' soon so stay tuned!

Peace & sunshine

Get ready, get set, get beauty!

Spring time 2008 is coming! In honor of Spring, I have decided to showcase Allure Backstage: Hottest Beauty Trends. Now I have to admit, I’m not a big fan of “trends”. Never have been. I consider myself to be unique and I like developing my own style when it comes to make-up and fashion. My fashionista friend, Ari over at Fashion Devotee had me watching this Allure Backstage episode, as well as reading the magazine AND checkin’ out Project Runway. I have a better appreciation for fashion but I’m still rockin’ what I like even if it fits the trend or not.

These Allure tips focus more on beauty and hair anyway, so this is great. Each post, I will highlight two tips with pictures (and my attempts, yay!) and descriptions of how you can achieve these looks. I admit..I had TOO much fun trying to re-create these looks for yall. Enjoy the next few installments of Allure’s Backstage: Hottest Beauty Trends! And no worries, newbies. If I can attempt these trends, you can too!

……but until we get to that, let’s do a quick blogroll of some of the beauty blogs that I have recently added to my blogroll.

Suzanne at Mineral Make-up Reviews has all of the business about…..mineral make-up! I am definitely checkin’ this place out every time she updates.

Grayburn also wow-ed me with tons of information (with her personal testimonials) on mineral make-up.

Mrs. Lynne (who I call Auntie Lynne for some unknown reason) over at Makeupfix.net has re-launched her website to something beautiful! Go and check it out!

Over at the Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog, Beckie and Jamie (a mother and sister team, how cool is that?) are discussing “Women Over 50 Have Cha-Ching Power”.

The lovely ladies at Virtuous Blue tell as all about the Black and White challenge with their friends. Fab!

Hmmm….and just in time for Spring, Nywele over at Coup de Coeur hits us with some oh so yummy ways of smellin’ good.

Check out the new ladies who have found their places on my blogroll. I am so lucky! More beauty bloggin’ family and more inside beauty/make-up tips.

Peace and happy demeanors!

Bloggin' Sistas and Bold Eye

I love blogging. It's therapy and a lifestyle. Rantings of a Rebella and Clumps of Mascara have truly saved my sanity. I have 2 different sets of bloggin' families and it just makes my day when I see a new comment or a new post sittin' in the Google Reader. Today, I am happy to announce the unvealing of The Daily Cookie's Facelift! My blog sista, Lilan and her web designers have done a fab job with the new site! Congrats, Lil! And the cookie theme just has me salivating all over the place. Munch your way over to The Daily Cookie.

Great things are happening all over the make-up world and in blogspace. You've got anticipation for Fafi thickening, Fashion Week in NYC, L'Oreal has everyone buzzin'.....I just can't take it! Ah!

--------> MAKE-UP!

(one day I'll buy Photoshop! LOL!)


Newbies, I have not forgotten about you. A Newbie Post is coming soon. Keep emailing me your suggesions. I'm lovin' it! I have decided to familiarize myself more with the presdential election. So until I do that, I have to limit my make-up talk. Just last night I spent 2 hours at OnTheIssues.org trying to understand which candidate has the best lies, I mean platforms. Hehe, and I'm always tabbing in at CNN.com on the cell. Gotta know what's goin' on because it's going to affect us all in some way.

Okay, no posts this weekend because I've got some packing and studying to do. But before I go, check it.....my school is having Catholic School Week next week and Monday is "spirit day". You have to dress up in school colors. So, of course that gave me the idea to do a bold eye look; something I haven't done in forever! So here's what I came up with using Bright Sunshine e/s and Navy Blue pigment from MAC.

I don't have on any face make-up. Eek! Ah well...should I recreate this? I'm on the fence about this one. I had to bring in Wondergrass e/s to help me blend but I just don't think I like these colors on me. And I couldn't bring the color too far up on the lid because then I'd look clown-ish. Suggestions? Anyone? Hmm.... Have a happy weekend, my loves!

Peace & Newbie Pride!

Oh, here's the Clumps of Mascara banner! Ohhhh, my skills.

I'm a newbie in that area too. Clearly!

Bee Photo courtesy of Juliebee.ca

What's in Your Bag?

I'm sorry but I seriously love the "tagging" game. No matter how many times I get tagged, I'll still take the time to post! So love to my Lil at The Daily Cookie. Chick's got it goin' on. Yeeeahhh mon. So let's do it!

I'm carrying a Wilson's Leather Purse. A big ole' teacher/professional lookin' purse. Copped it in Biloxi, Mississippi at a fab outlet. I used my sorry behind Sidekick 3 camera to take the pictures. Upgrading to the Blackberry soon and very soon. I had to take my pictures in 3 shots so here we go.

[Scene 1]

-Study material for the FTCE (Florida Teacher Certification exam) *cringes*
-Wet Ones...because children have germs.
-Organic Granola bar. I love snacks!
-Hello Kitty coin purse

[Scene 2]

-Big ole' shades
-Coach wallet with everythiiiing in there. Minus money, HA!
-Hello Kitty bag that holds lip stuffs, hand sanitizer (because kids have germs) and a mirror

[Scene 3]

-Tissues....if you know why, you get an A+!
-MAC 3D
-MAC Be Seen lipglass
-VS's Slice of Heaven
-3 pens
-A candy cane
-Hi-Chew candy (did you know I eat Asian foods/candy 80% of the time?)

Not sure what my purse says about it. I love candy and sheer lip glosses throughout the day. And obviously I'm in the teaching profession because I've got a child-ready purse. Yay!

I tagged (people who've already been tagged a dozen times, ha!)

Seymone, Neta-Darling, Eb the Celeb, Izar and Koffee Dyme

Oh wait.....Izar has already done it but check out her Hungarian beauty site anyway. Fab, I tell ya!

Peace and Sanity.

I'm back!

Yaaaay! Clumps of Mascara is now up and running. Big ups to my webmistress, Koffee Dyme. I'm lovin' my new blog space. Drop me a message and let me know what you think! Check out my new tabs. I'm excited about it. OH....and my blogroll is in the works too!

And your girl is feelin' like a bit of a celebrity blogger this week because of the love I'm getting from the UDPP post. I've been linked from several other fab beauty blogs and greatly appreciate it. PurseBuzz even linked me! Heyyyyy...

I'm back just in time for the N Collection. Can't say that I'm too excited about this one (what? I'm being honest) but who knows, maybe things will be different when I actually SEE the products. Instead of being repetitive about what this collection is releasing, why don't I just send you over to some of my fellow blog sistas' sites. They've got the real skinny on N.

MakeupFIX
Yummy411
The Daily Cookie
Temptalia

I think I've got enough neutrals in terms of eye shadow colors.....and I got the perfect nude lip from the Blue Storm collection. And since I'm keeping it real simple on the face, there is no need for any MSFs. I'm savin' up for Fafi, mon! Yeeeep. Have a fab weekend! Not sure when I'll be back since my internet is trippin' like a man after the first date.

Peace & happiness!

'07 Beauty Reflections

...and since I'm one of those semi-vain people

who celebrate their birthday like it's a national holiday

TO ME!!!

It's on the 2nd but I observe it from at least New Year's Eve 'til around January 7th. I know, I know....who do I think I am? I'm big on birthdays and believe that if ain't nobody else gonna make a big deal about it, I damn sure will! So have yourself a slice of my vegan cake. I, promise, it's good. And I hope you aren't not one of those "OMG, I can't have a piece of cake because it has like too many calories in it" people because that's just annoying. Eat it! HA!

I still haven't made it Tampa/Orlando/Miami. My lazy A. I leave tomorrow. Fo real this time. And like my blog sistas Vanessa, Karen and Yummy, I have decided to reflect on this year of beauty.

As most of you know....I am a newbie to the make-up world. Hence the title of my blog. I didn't get heavy into make-up until about June 2007. 90% of my products are 6 months old. Brushes included. I am a PROUD newbie. I don't feel bad for for just figuring out what tightlining is or for having no clue how to put on fale lashes. I'm learning each and everday. My top 10 newbie lessons of 2007 would beeeeee....

• Work on your own pace. And stop comparing your skills to someone else's. We all had to start somewhere.
  
• Great cosmetics can be found anywhere....and for cheap (Walgreens Buy 1, Get 1 Free, okayyyyy!!!).
  
• Feeling like you HAVE to wear make-up everyday is, well...a problem.
  
• Don't fix what ain't broke (leave my brows alone!). And my skin. No foundation is fine.
  
• Celebrate being a beautiful Black woman by wearing something other than Burgundy lipstick.
  
• Ask ask ask ask ask questions...and not just at counters/stores. Sometimes they are just trying to sell you a product. Get the truth from make-up gurus (Specktra).
• Love myself make-up less and naked (TMI, I know but I had to say it).
  
• Don't feel bad for being addicted to make-up. It's a fun and creative hobby.
• Prevent impulse buying by researching and checking out swatches.
  
• Create a portfolio for fun. Because even if I loose interest in make-up, at least I'll have something to show for it.

I'm sure most of you know these things already but they are definitely most 10 most important lessons. 2008 will bring such greatness for me. I can feel it. The same way I felt it for '07.

My biggest anticipation for '08? Not grad school, home owning or locin' up my hair but the Fafi Collection!!!

Don't give me that cyber-look. You know you waitin' on it too. Peace my loves and Happppppy New Yeeeeear!!!

[pics courtesy of maxrev.de & leehansen.com]

The Originals and then some...

I'm so behind on updating so I may be rushing things but I think yall can keep up.

One of my blog sisters, Yummy discussed Google Reader in her most recent blog. Do yourself a favor and check it out! It's amaaaazing. I can now know when each and every one of you lovely ladies makes an update without spending 30 years going to each blog space. I just go to my Google Reader and BAM....I can see who made updates. It even works fab on my Sidekick (which will hopefully turn into a Blackberry Curve on Christmas Day). Good lookin' out, Yums!

Here are what those pretty lip sticks look like. [ahem and how do yall get the titles and words on your pictures? Lemme guess....Photoshop, uh? I'll invest in that when I get on that steady salary. Hehe.]

*left to right* [Milani's Sumptuous and MAC's 3D and Viva Glam IV]

And then here's the bitty haul I got from The Originals Collection. Ochre Style on the left, A Little Folie on the right.

I was NOT a fan of that Parrot. I can't believe people were goin' crazy over a color that looks so close to MAC's Shimmermoss and Waternymph (from the Lure collection). It's so not worth the hype.

I like A Little Folie for a crease color. And even for a lid color if I can get it to work right. I have issues with some mattes. I like Ochre Style because it is a muted gold and isn't as loud as that damn Amberlights. However, it's color payoff isn't too hot so I have to get a super good base for this to pop. But if they don't work out, I will not hesitate to return them. HA!

Don't understand that hype over C-Thru either because it looked a hot mess on me. Hmmm...this collection was just "Eh" for me. The last collection that seriously wow-ed me all over was Smoke Signals and that was in August, I believe. But I do believe that the Fafi collection will have me jumpin' for joy!!!!!!! Who else is excited about this beauuuutiful collection?

Here is how I'm lookin' these days. Face is looking a little better but I'm getting insecure with the dark spots. I only wear eye liner, mascara and a lip color everyday. Tis all. And heyyyy....look who got a new scarf! Have I mentioned how much I love scarves?

And I played around with Sushi Flower (I'm sorry but I hate HATE this color, I can't ever get it to work), Humid and Shimmermoss. Something didn't come out right because the color payoff so didn't last. But then again, I was just playin' around.

And ohhh, I got my nails done and isn't this color pretty?

I'm happy happy. Why can't my nails look this good when I do it? Ugghhh.. Yall like my faux wedding hand picture, uh? I even got the wedding ring. LOL, I'm a mess.

Peace and Louis Vuitton (I just found my first one!)

Just some stuffff....

So I'm not into the Metal X shadows. I think they require too much work. That and my lids are waaaay too oily. I didn't even want to purchase those jokas because I knew I'd have some issues. Thankfully, EnKore has posted a video to help some of you who are having some issues with Metal X. And I think it's mad funny how die hard MAC users still use Urban Decay Primer Potion. Hehe...that's funny. I'm the same way. Although UDPP has been actin' crazy lately, for me.

Love this man. He's great.

Also one of my new and favorite beauty bloggers,

Lani has some stuff up for sale. Stroll on over to her blog and see if you're interested. She has a GREAT blog. I just love visiting because it's so festive!

And you're gonna die when see Francine's beautiful birthday look. How skilled is she?! Amazing.

And a throwback pic for ya. Because I love me some throwbacks, mon!
Check me out at my first visit to MAC Pro in Orlando.

And me and the baby sisters helping me celebrate my surprise 21st birthday party that my then boyfriend held for me.

I'm about to be 23 on Jan 2nd! Nooooo! I'm getting old! 5 days 'til I go home to Floridaaaaaa. I can't wait!!!!!!! What can't you wait for? Tell me!


Peace and congrats to Saleisha!

Another Black woman as ANTM......ya'mon!