Amazing Beauty Benefits of Ice Cubes

• treats puffy eyes 

• calms pimples

• minimizes pores

• refreshes tired skin

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When you notice puffiness or pimples appear, place ice cubes in a towel and rub the affected area. It will chill the blood vessels and reduce swelling. 

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#iceicebaby #beautytip #mondaymakeupmadness #makeupmonday #skincaretip 

Beauty Mistakes to Stop Making in 2015

Reapplying makeup with dirty brushes will only lead to a face full of bacteria. Yes, any makeup artist will tell you that brush-cleaning time is their least favorite part of their job. Remember to clean your brushes after each use. If you don't care about that dirty brushes can make you breakout, be informed that they will affect your makeup application. Would a painter use a dirty brush to paint your walls? Exactly. Not only will the colors muddle together, the bristles are already overloaded with product, blurring your perfect cut crease. 

Face Painting Amateur

I had the most amazing weekend! Ok, so I need to step my face painting game up but so what the kids loved it!! I told my client that face painting wasn't my forte but she insisted on hiring me for the job. I always appreciate people pushing me to do more. That makes me so much better as an artist. Anyway the kiddies were too pleased. They weren't as critical as I thought they would be. I had so much fun face painting. I just distracted them and talked to them as if we were the same age lol. I'm a big kid anyway. Karen luh da kids!

I had my face painted as a cat so that was definitely was a conversational piece.

The Birthday Girl. I loved her response when she looked in the mirror

 

She's so precious! She saw me and asked me to paint a unicorn. Um...I can give you a pretty pink butterfly (I think lol)

Studio Love

This most amazing thing that has happened to me so far this year is working in a studio with the most talented, professional people.  The energy that our team radiates while preparing for a shoot is entertaining and the results that we produce are miraculous. Transformers. Premium makeovers - Transformations is what we call the sessions. People walk in timid but before they leave, they are comfortable in their own skin; they let their hair down - they are transformed into self-expressed beings.  

 

Our Transformations sessions have been a success so far and we look forward to creating more memories; allowing people to develop their own identities, giving them looks that they absolutely love; and making them look and feel unbelievably beautiful.   

 

Caitlyn

 

Jameela, Bride-To-Be 

Energetic Jayde

 

 Tag Team! Terion and Karen perfecting the look with right before the shoot. 

 



Varsha

Sandy

HDMI is located in Atlanta, GA. For booking inquiries, please email mychokolatekisses@gmail.com

 

Kisses For Your Journey!

The Tranformers

Sunday was our first time working in the studio.  Sandy Darrell was our first client.  She's an emerging fashion stylist who has spent her early life in New Jersey, moved to Bermuda to start her family, and now currently living in Atlanta.  Her style is classy and chic. We spent a total of two hours transforming her entire look. 

I started off with sculpting Sandy's brows. She normally gets her brows threaded, but unfortunately I forgot my threading tools at home [grrrr...I didn't think that I would need them], so I shaped her brows by tweezing. I normally don't like to shape brows by using tweezing as my only method, but because Sandy isn't new to the pull by threading, she was a trooper with tweezing. 

Before applying makeup, I used a primer. Although Sandy's skin is free and clear from blemishes and harsh lines, primer was still necessary for keeping the oil from her skin at bay to provide a smooth canvas for the foundation to stick to. I used a concoction of Iman and MAC products for concealing and for her full makeup coverage. I chose warm, gold hues for her eye shadow, since she planned on having numerous wardrobe changes. Then switch of the lip was the best move. I started off with a bold red lip for her black & cream dress. I used MAC Ruby Woo as a thick liner and added a touch of MakeUp Forever Aqua Cream in red for dimension. To complement her peachy dress, I went for a nude lip with NYX Creamy Beige. Sandy's final ensemble consisted of an all black dress complemented by a Cosmopolitan Fascinator Hairpiece, so I had to end it with a banging oink hue, Matté Sweet Pink by NYX.

Sandy's skin remained perfect throughout the shoot; with just a couple touch ups on her blush here and there, her makeup remained in tact.

It was a pleasure creating the look for Sandy that she absolutely loved. The transformation was amazing. It brought out something in Sandy that she already knew she had - self-expression and true beauty.

It's great to work with the most humble and talented artists I know. It's been a long time coming, but we're finally here  - specifically at 614 N. Valley Brook Dr., Decatur, Ga. 30033.

The Studio: HD Media

The Hair Stylist: Terion Montgomery

The Photographer: Steve Darrell

The Makeup Artist: MyChoKolateKisses

The Model/Stylist: J'Adore La Mode

Love & Kisses,

Karen

Exercise Your Options - Working Out With Makeup

So the New Year brought about New Resolutions and Im sure yours was to get fit, right? It's always better to go au natural when working out, but some women still insist on getting glammed up before hitting the gym. Fashion aside, the question remains: Is it OK to wear makeup while working out?

 

Tyra Banks roughting it during her workout.

 

Kim K. roughing it druing her workout.

 

Decide here and now to excercise without makeup on.  Um, who are you trying to impress? First of all, let us just say that if you're going to the gym and working up a sweat, you have a right to look as bad as you want - we are big believers in hitting the gym to work out, not to win a beauty contest. Second, you dont want to be remembered as the girl with smears, drips and splotches of makeup on her face. 

 

Besides that, wearing makeup and sweating isn't a good combo. The reason for this is fairly simple. When we exercise, we increase the volume of blood to our skin and when we get warm, our pores open wider. Sweat can then get into the pores and clog them, and having foundation and makeup on top of that can spell d-i-s-a-s-t-e-r for our skin - causing bacteria build-up and other ugly side effects.

 

Ok, so, maybe you're meeting an old friend there (or hoping to meet that cute guy by the free weights), and you want to look your best. Or, perhaps you just like to look good no matter what you're doing - there's nothing wrong with that either!

 

Since you just can't bear to leave the house naked, we can help! Here are a few tips to help you get through your workout with a pretty face:

• Concealer - just wearing a touch of concealer under your eyes will hide a lot of flaws.
• Waterproof Mascara - this will save you from Raccoon eyes.
• Tinted Moisturizer - while you're working out, you want to put moisture back into your skin.
• Lip Gloss - using regular lipstick will only dry your lips; go with the gloss and glaze.

Whether you choose to look fashionable with or without makeup on, keep in mind that sweat, germy gym equipment and outdoor pollution can all clog your pores. So, after a good workout, be sure to give your face a good cleansing. As always, rehydrate with plenty of water as you exercise.  Your skin will reward you with a nice glow and luminous appearance.

For more ways to look hot at the gym, just be fashionably fit with new gym clothes.

Happy Sweating!

 

Engagement Season Is Here!

 Makeup by MyChoKolateKisses Makeup Artistry

'Tis the season! Did you know that it’s officially “engagement season"? Did you know that 1/3 of couples do get engaged from November to February? Maybe it’s the family gatherings. Maybe it's the family portraits. Maybe because it's getting cold outside. Whatever it is, there is something in the air that makes this the season for engagements.

According to The Wedding Report, December is the most popular month for engagements. There are many reasons why the holidays have grown to become the most popular time for engagements; family is in town, everyone can be involved, everyone is in the holiday spirit, love is simply in the air…um, and sales LOL.

The holidays are a perfect time to propose, which is why it is the most popular time of year to pop the question.

If you are considering MyChoKolateKisses as your Makeup Artist, give us a call at 770-820-5927 or shoot us an email mychokolatekiss@gmail.com – don’t be shy.

Happy Holidays!  Kisses!
 

Last minute touch ups before Stephanie walks down the aisle!

 

Last minute touch ups before Fatima walks down the aisle!

 

Visit www.mychokolatekisses.com for Karen's portfolio.

Is That A Squirrel In Your Makeup Bag?

Okay, so I was over here I am feeling like I lost a bff a couple weeks ago. I misplaced my personal makeup bag [OR someone stole it because it hasn't popped up YET!] with at least 10 of my favorite items, including the BEST makeup brush that I've ever owned. This eco-friendly brush set was gifted to me by one of my best buds. The bristles were amazingly soft, so soft that it actually feels like squirrel. Yes, I've pet a squirrel before, but I cant say that I've ever rubbed a squirrel's hindquarters on my face. Awkward moment... Anyway, for my #mondaymakeupmadness tip on 9/17/12, I posted "Have a some faves in your makeup bag? Double up in case your makeup bag is lost, stolen or misplaced". It was definitely a sad day in paradise. I wasn't worried about the makeup, that can be replaced.

The brushes were perfect for me and that's what made me upset. I wasn't sure that I would find another set to fall in love with. Funny enough [well, not so funny] I took pics a week before "the case of my missing makeup bag" because I intended on blogging about these brushes.  

Well, this brings me to my post tonight... There are so many brushes out there, are you using the right one for you? Cosmetic brushes are essential tools for all makeup users - amateurs and pros alike. They come in many brands, types and two major categories: man-made aka synthetic and natural aka animal hair. Is there a squirrel in your makeup bag? Some companies may tell you that their natural-hair brushes are 100%. They buy from manufacturers in other countries and therefore, they don't know firsthand how the animals were treated. I'm not sure if I like the idea of using animals for the purpose of using their fur for makeup brushes anyway. Because I didn't know where to find the previous brush set, I went to Ulta to purchase a 5 brush set by Eco Tools. They are super soft and they came with an Alicia Silverstone cosmetic bag made with cotton & hemp blend!

Anyway, enough about my opinions. Here are the facts. 

Natural Brushes 

What they’re made of: Often made with real hair from animals, like squirrels, goats, horses, minks, sables, badgers, mongooses or a combination of multiple animals’ hair. So, if you oppose using animal products or are concerned about ethical animal treatment, you might not want to choose this option. 

Pros: 

• Soft, more natural finish to your makeup 

• Easy application of powder cosmetics, like loose powder, powder blush or powder eye shadows 

• Even distribution of makeup pigments, which prevents streaks, blotchiness or a caked on appearance Cons: 

• If you have an allergy to some animal hair or fur, you might not want a natural makeup brush 

• Natural brushes aren’t good for applying cream-based makeup. This can result in a cakey, sticky finish 

• Natural brushes are often more expensive than synthetic brushes 

Synthetic Brushes 

What they’re made of: Typically have bristles made of taklon or nylon. They don’t use natural hair or fur from animals. 

Pros: 

• They’re ideal for deep, rich colors or dramatic makeup looks 

• They offer precise application in small, defined areas, such as your lips, lashline or on specific blemishes  

• They have a lower price tag than natural brushes 

• They’re ideal for cream-based concealer, foundation or lipstick

Cons: 

• They can become cakey and goopy with makeup 

• Their bristles harden with time, which can make your makeup application more difficult and uncomfortable 

Whichever bristles you chose to work with, make sure you care for them properly to extend the life. Stay tuned for a post on how to care for your brushes. That's all for now! Kisses!

MyChoKolateKisses Makeup Artistry Backstage at Bronner Bros. Int'l. Hair...

I was honored to be a part of the nation's most leading African American hair and skin care companies. The show comes to the Georgia World Congress Center twice a year. People of different backgrounds, cultures, shades and preferences had one thing in common - hair. This year, the Bronner Brothers International Hair Show celebrated it 65 years serving the hair and beauty industry with its products and giving us the best show. It is considered to be the world’s largest beauty and trade show of its kind, the event will includes a comedy show, church service and a legendary “Barber Battle.”

So here I am backstage at the hair show. Three days of creative hairstyles, makeup and wardrobe.

Here's a #picstitch of some photos that were taken backstage. Makeup done by yours truly :)

If you love Chokolate, Click. Like. Fall in Love & Share with a Friend!



Until next time,

Kisses!

Super Sunday

Im baaaack! It's been a hectic season for me, doing what I absolutely LOVE -bridal makeup! Pictures coming soon. Anyway, I received a great offer from my friends over at Sugar Lips Apparel! My favorite was the Sunday Striped Dress. The fit is amazing. The breathable cotton was so comfortable to wear on a hot summer day. It was so appropriate to wear today, Sunday of course, with a splash of any color. I chose orange. I put on my favorite scarf [fit for the perfect bad hair day] and my new favorite shoes. I think I had a citrus overdose when I added Morange by MAC - totally appropriate for the summer tho. I think orange is my new favorite color.

I totally love animal prints. I try to incorporate the prints every chance
I get. It's the the fruits of the jungle. This is my rendition of Journey to Brasil and Im loving it.

For more info, visit www.sugarlipsapparel.com to update your wardrobe with for the summer.

Happy Shopping!

-Kisses!

Lip Service - Miss. Lead

It’s bold. It’s beautiful. It makes a statement. Whether you wear a bold red or a modest nude, lipstick has always been a staple in a girl's makeup bag. Well, recent studies show that there may be some dangers lurking in your makeup bag.

A new study of lead in lipstick conducted by the FDA reveals that the level of lead in lipstick is actually worse than previously reported. The new study found lead in 400 lipsticks tested by the agency, at widely varying levels of up to 7.19 parts per million [ppm] which is more than twice the levels reported in a previous FDA study in 2009.

Severe levels of exposure to lead have been linked to miscarriages, infertility and learning disabilities in children. “Lead is a proven neurotoxin that can cause learning, language and behavioral problems such as lowered IQ, reduced school performance and increased aggression. Pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure, because lead easily crosses the placenta and enters the fetal brain where it can interfere with normal development,” according to Sean Palfrey, MD, a professor of pediatrics and public health at Boston University and the medical director of Boston's Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. “Since recent science suggests that there is truly no safe lead exposure for children and pregnant women, it is disturbing that manufacturers are allowed to continue to sell lead-containing lipsticks."

The FDA claims that all dyes used in cosmetics have to be examined for safety and although some of the coloring agents used in cosmetics are approved contain lead, it is present in such a small amount that there are no severe effects from it. Each of the approved dyes has its own set of specifications that must be adhered to. For example, F&C Red #6 cannot contain more than 20ppm of lead. According to the top 10 most lead-contaminating brands list, just about all of the colors are pinks and reds, which contain Red #6.

Psssh, so are you telling me that my favorite go-to red that I wear on the weekend might not be a good choice? Perhaps.

Lead is still an element that is dangerous to humans. Although the recent studies revealed that there are no safe levels of lead exposure, applying lipstick may not necessarily cause cancer, but one should probably make an effort to avoid contact with lead. Period. Lead builds up in the body over time and I guess lipstick that contains lead applied to your lips every day can probably add some significant levels of exposure.

Here is a list of the Top 10 lipsticks that were tested and found high levels of lead:

1. Maybelline’s Color Sensation in Pink Petal. (Lead content: 7.19 ppm)
2. L’Oreal Colour Riche in Volcanic. (Lead content: 7.00 ppm)
3. NARS Semi-Matte in Red Lizard. (Lead content: 4.93 ppm)
4. Cover Girl Queen Collection Vibrant Hues Color in Ruby Remix (Lead content: 4.92 ppm)
5. NARS Semi-Matte in Funny Face. (Lead content: 4.89)
6. L’Oreal Colour Rich in Tickled Pink. (Lead content: 4.45)
7. L’Oreal Intensely Moisturizing Lipcolor in Heroic. (Lead content: 4.41)
8. Cover Girl Continuous Color in Warm Brick. (Lead content: 4.28)
9. Maybelline Color Sensational in Mauve Me. (Lead content: 4.23)
10. Stargazer lipstick in shade “c.” (Lead content: 4.12)

Because lead is a contaminant not listed on lipstick ingredient labels, it's damn near impossible for consumers to avoid it. Hey, don't let that dissuade you from doing something though:
- E-mail, call or write to the companies that make your favorite lipstick shades and tell them that lead-free products are important to you.
- Write to L’Oreal to demand the company get the lead out of its products.

Although I love when my lips are poppin', I don't wear lipstick every day so its not a major concern for me. I'm no doctor, but I don’t think that it’s a major cause for concern...well, unless you’re eating it!

Until next time,

Kisses!

How Long Have You Had That?

Hey Divas! Wondering what the shelf life is for all of that makeup in your junk drawer? We all know that you have a pile of makeup in your junk drawer that you will get to "one day". In other words - you will never use it, maybe because you don't know how or the makeup consultant "forced" you into buying it and you're too embarrassed to return it.

In case you didn't know, beauty products do have a shelf life, however, chances are the makeup you were compelled to buy years ago has long expired, Honey. Here's a quick guide on the shelf lives of typical beauty products, listed in alphabetical order [something like that]. Please keep in mind that these are estimates, no matter what your know-it-all girlfriend will tell you, it's unlikely you'll go blind from using that 2 year old mascara.

Brushes - Wash every 2-3 months in a mild detergent or Tea Tree Shampoo.
(Sponges Wash weekly and discard monthly.)

Concealer - Up to 12 months.

Cream & gel cleansers - 1 year.

Eyeshadow - Will last up to 3 years. Tip From Kisses: A dark eyeshadow can be used as eyeliner [or a brow filler]. I swear by it. All you need is a super-flat eyeliner brush for this: Get the brush a little damp and dab in dark eyeshadow (black, brown or deep jewel-tones work great). Wiggle the brush into your lash line focusing on the space between your lashes, then sweep the color just above your lash line. For the brows, grab an angled definer brush, brown eyeshadow and start filling.

Pencil Eye Liner - Should be sharpened after each use. It can last up to 3 years.

Lip Liner - Up to 3 years. Tip From Kisses: Skip the push-up lip liners. They're expensive, tend to break and you never really know how much you have left until you run out – which really sucks, especially when you’re putting it on in the car on your way to a date. Oh, that’s never happened to you before? Either way, there’s no need to spend money on push-up lip liners, stick with the pencil.

Foundation - ABC[YI] - Always Be Checking Your Ingredients. Yes, I made that up. Anyway, a water-based foundation will last up to 12 months, oil-based will last up to 18 months. You may find you need two different shades of foundation each year: One for summer when your skin is naturally darker and one for winter when you're lighter. Tip From Kisses: If your water-based foundation dries out before it's expiration date, simply add a few drops of alcohol-free toner and shake it like a polaroid picture. No need to add anything to oil-based foundations since they contain oil - they will tend to separate. Just like my favorite jar of Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter - "oil separation is natural, just stir and refrigerate." UGH, I really hate when that happens but a nice shake and stir gets everything right back in place.

Powder - 2 years.

Lipstick - Some experts say 1-2 years. Others say up to 4 years. What everyone agrees on is that if it smells sour, just throw it out, it's spoiled. Tip From Kisses: If you store lipstick in the refrigerator, it will last longer – just like everything else.

Mascara - Using 2 year old mascara will cause blindness. Juuuust kidding. This product expires the fastest though. Throw it out after 4 months. Tip From From Kisses: Be easy on the pumping. There's really no point in doing that in the first place. Everything you need is on the wand as soon as you take it out. Pumping in and out causes the mascara to dry quicker and forces bateria into the wand. Swirl the brush as you pull it out. If it starts to get cakey, try dipping the tube in boiling water for about 15 seconds. It will make the makeup gooey again and may even kill some bacteria.

Nail Polish - Up to 12 months, depending on the quality and how many times you take it on a plane (we all know the cap always unscrews on a flight. Don't believe me? Try putting it in your purse they next time you fly. You'll have a purse full of a fumey mess!).

Rule of thumb, if it looks like this:

TOSS IT! Really, how long have I had this?

Okay, so I was doing a little seasonal cleaning. I found a container full of nail polish I hardly ever used. I decided to go through it after catching up on Monday night's episode of Gossip Girl.

The rule of thumb for everything during major cleaning – when in doubt...chile, just throw it out! Besides, there's always the "next best thing" out there ready for your purchase.

Until next time, happy tossing!

Elements of Success!

Success is an inside job.
"Being relaxed, at peace with yourself, confident, emotionally neutral, loose, and free-floating - these are the keys to successful performance in almost everything you do." - Dr. Wayne Dyer

The Elements of Fashion Photo Shoot Party in collaboration with HGreaves Photography Bodies of the Year Calendar Launch was a HUGE success! The high energy kept everyone going and Jerel "Goofy Jokes" Ledger kept everyone laughing. DJ KracBaby did his thing on the 1's and 2's while everyone danced to the beat of their own drum.

Here are some sneak pics of the models Mickayla Johnson and Thida Penn in action:

The amazing model that twists and bends himself to make things work: Terrell Wright and the lovely Mickayla Johnson in action.

Here are some pics of me working in the process:

The Clarke Sisters [myself and my big sisters]. We had to show our love for the camera too!

Special thanks to all of the designers that contributed their pieces in the event. Thanks to all of the vendors that came out and thanks to you who made your presence known. This event would NOT have been as successful as it was without you. If you missed us this year, no worries, we're not going anywhere. :)

Stay tuned for more details on Elements of Fashion Part 2! Next year, same time, same place. Follow The Ladies of Sweet Chic Meet on Twitter for more details to upcoming events with our amazing affiliates!

Talents on Display:

Details - For creative and unique event planning!
Girl About Town - Fashion-forward, trendy styling and she's a seamstress!
MyChoKolateKisses - For unique makeup for any special occassion. Your face, my canvas!
Legacy Apparel - For beautiful gowns with a touch of class!
Lipstick Killers - For everyday wear fashion clothing for BBW!
Ben Almonor's Designs - For unique clothing for the curvaceous woman!
Hgreaves Photography - For high energy photos. Click. Flash. Pose.
Unforgettable Occasions by Design - For exotic fashion jewelry!
Leveled Living - Great tips for living healthy from the inside out!
Sweet Love Affair - For delectable cupcakes made with LOVE. You'll be sure to fall in love with these sweet treats!
Jerel "Goofy Jokes" Ledger - He will make your stomach hurt!
Sushi King Clothing, Inc. - For unique fashion jewelry created by hand.
MyMeApparel - For ready to wear fashion.
Alec Roeser - For music for the soul.
Hair 2 Please - For unique hairstyles.
Tightworks - For on-the-go hair & makeup at any event.

Dermablend Foundations

Are you still scared from that tattoo you got 10 years ago? Are those cherries fading into a blurr? Or maybe you have a skin condition that you want to cover up. There is hope. I just came across this amazing product that is the #1 Dermatologist recommended cover brand, Dermablend.

They say never judge a book by it cover. Check out what lies beneath here


This makes me want to go out and get more tattoos now that I know I wont have a hard time covering them up!

Facts about this product:
Dermatologist Tested
Allergy Tested
Fragrance Free
Non-Comedogenic
non-Acnegenic
Smudge Resistant
Last for 12 Hours

MyMeApparel Cocktails & Charity

Get ready for Labor Day weekend! Come see MyChoKolateKisses for lash applications and brows at the MyMeApparel Cocktails & Charity event tonite! Charity is not self-seeking. Support the cause. Kisses!

Check out the info below:

Downtown Conference Center
6701 Church Street
Douglasville, Georgia 30134
September 1, 2011 7pm-9pm

Come on out for a night of fun, sharing & giving...

COCKTAILS, AMUSE BOUCHE, SILENT AUCTION (inluding MAC Pack provided by UniqueFaces Makeup Studio), TRIVIA, RAFFLE, GIVEAWAYS, ...AND NETWORKING!!!

MINI MAKEOVERS BY MYMEAPPAREL PARTNERS:
MYCHOKOLATE KISSES MAKEUP ARTISTRY AND HAIR 2 PLEASE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MYMEAPPAREL PARTNER: HGREAVES PHOTOGRAPHY

Cocktails by Licensed Bartender: Cheryl Davis

Pre-Show Cocktail Party & Charity

Acknowledgment of:
September 2011 Model of the Year, Brittani Nolan,
Expressions of ME! Assistant, Adrienne Scott,
10 Charitable Recipients (Family Childcare Providers), Models/Photographers of the Months

& Acceptance of Contributions towards Charity (for 10 Play Areas/Stations; choices: indoor play/outdoor play/reading area/dramatic play

Hope to see you there!

Date Ready Makeup

So you have a date tonight. Your outfit is together, you're smelling good, you have your face set, but you don’t know what to do to complete the look. A bright pink lip and smokey eye may be super haute amongst your girlfriends, but sitting across the table from your cutie at your favorite restaurant? Eh, not so much.

Most men aren’t huge fans of makeup anyway. Many find it distracting. Some think it's deceptive. Either way, wearing makeup is a must for a doll.

Keep it simple. Besides, you don’t want to scare him away the next morning when your makeup is all over his pillow. Uh, yeah, anyway, highlight one feature at a time.

I’m not a relationship expert, but I hear from my guy friends that the most alluring parts of a woman’s face are her eyes and lips. Bring out your eyes out with flattering lashes or Rimmel Glam Eyes Lash Flirt.

Pucker up with some Velvet Touch #122 Nougat creamy lipstick from Gosh.

One splash of your favorite perfume and out the door you go! It's the weekend baby and it's time to play! Got a hot date? I do! Hehe.

In A Rush? Apply Mascara, Gloss & Blush!

This one is dedicated to all of my divas-on-the-go. Like you, I find myself rushing to get out of the house for work [or the gym] and I only have 5 minutes left to apply makeup, grab my keys and head out of the door. For a quick glam look, apply mascara, gloss and blush to your face. My favorite mascara is Maybelline's Colossal Volum' Express Mascara

What you'll love about:
• Lush collagen-enriched plumping formula and Mega Brush instantly build 9X volume, without clumps!
• Contact lens safe and ophthalmologist-tested!
• The brush is washable!
For Best Results: Sweep brush from root to tip to plump lashes and achieve dramatic volume. Do not let dry between coats. Removes easily with soap and water.

The gloss I cant live without: Co Bigelow Ultra Mentha Lip Shine.

I discovered this tasty gloss while waiting in line at Bath & Body Works years ago. This gloss lasts for hours without re-applying. Most of all, it smells and tastes great! Its super infused with Co Bigelow's clasic Mentha that refreshes your breath with a tingling sensation.

For my Blushing Beauties, try MAC Hushabye. Im not sure if they sell it anymore (im sure you can find it on ebay), but I love it. This is the perfect raspberry blush. Its sheer, natural and has lasting power. I wear it evryday.

So there you have it, Dolls: makeup in 5 minutes. Dont get caught putting makeup on in the car. I think its great because of the natural light, but officers and bad timing are against me. Putting makeup on in the car can be dangerous. Save yourself a ticket and a fender bender.

1st Annual Sweet Chic Meet

Besides the tragedy that struck our country 9 years ago on September 11th, I must say that it was a good day in 2010. I entered the foyer of the Grand Ball room on the second floor of the Renaissance Waverly Hotel to see a sea of children with their faces painted and a army of Veterans searching the buffet to fill their plates. I remembered where I was on this day 9 years ago, I smiled at the soldiers and kept it moving with my makeup case in my right hand, director's chair in my left hand, to the Tyndall Meeting Room to set up for my launch. Adrenaline flowing through my body. I was a little nervous, searching for pictures in my head to inspire me on how I would do my makeup. Don't you just love to see a hairstylist with a jacked up weave and she hands you her business card? I laugh at the irony.

Anyway, the launch was a success! I didn't get a chance to sit down! But I did do my wobble and someone finally taught me how to "Dougie".

I was amazed at how many women waited for me to do their makeup. The event started at 4pm and I didn't have a chance to get a glass of water. By the time I did, the cooler was on "E"! grrrrr.

I love how when I don't expect things, the BEST shows up; I chose to live the rest of my life this way...I just wished that everyone that RSVP'd for event would have showed up. I would have loved to share the experience of that day with them; from the Jell-O shots, to the samples of a variety of mouth-watering cupcakes, the mini-makeovers, all the way to the sounds of Deejay IV on the ones and twos that had EVERY body rockin'!

On Display we had:
Accessories by “Honey June Boutique”
“Sensual Novelties - Ignite Your Passion” By Jessica
“Girl About Town” by Kyla
Makeup by “MyChoKolate Kisses”
Sweet Samples of delectable cupcakes by “Sweet Love Affair”

We got the touch of class that we needed at the event by my sister Jackie and Claudia of Unforgettable Occasions by Design, who traveled ALL the way from West Palm Beach, Florida. Thanks for your support ladies!

For those who missed it, catch us next year! Ciao!

Eye Was Made For This Industry

I was MADE for this industry. Thanks to compliments on my makeup from strangers and friends alike, I decided to get into the makeup industry. I've always had a passion for makeup, especially eye shadows. A friend asked "why don't you just do makeup". I guess because I never gave it much thought. I just did it for me - for fun.

Just to give you a little background about me: After studying Criminal Justice, I enrolled in Cosmetology school where I obtained my license for my first passion - hair. Worked in salons here and there but I never got the clientele that I desired, I guess because I worked full-time as a legal assistant, it was hard for me to focus on hair. I lost the passion for hair but found a new love when I moved to Atlanta. Still with perseverance I gave the hair industry another chance. I enrolled in hair school AGAIN to complete my hours for Georgia's requirements. I started working in a salon/barbershop until a promising job fell thru. Don't get me wrong, there is money in the hair industry but its a tough world out here when they put you in the front chair, like ya boy on Barbershop, and everyone is thinking "Uhn uhhh, she aint touching my hair; I don't know her like that" Okay its really not like that but you have to have that hustle inside to get clientele and you have to put yourself out there. #notinterested.

So I start researching and soul searching and found that I could make more money without standing on my feet for a couple hours, just to turn around and give the owner %30 of what I made that day. I could simply transform blemishes to beauty within an hour and send my client out with a blushing, pinkberry smile.

Doors keep opening and Ive made so many connects within 3 months. I started my own makeup line, I'm currently working on a short film, and working on some upcoming fashion shows. I look forward to exploring what this industry has to offer. I'm ready, I was made for it.

-Kisses!