HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you out there: moms, single moms, those honoring their mothers, those who have wonderful motherly figures in their lives.  I hope you all enjoy this day!

Best Advice We Got from Mom

Our favorite beauty tips from -- yeah, we said it

Ever since we watched our mothers get ready for a night out (and snagged a bit of lipstick and eye shadow when they weren't looking), they've been sharing beauty tricks. From fighting wrinkles to looking gorgeous with or without makeup, we must admit we've learned a lot (see Mom, we were listening!). And even though "a lady never tells," we couldn't resist sharing our favorite gems of advice. See advice

Yummy411: Go Mommy Go- Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet+

Mommies on the go (and other busy women in demand) really don't have time for multiple products just to look fresh and polished. Here I review one of my new found loves Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet+.

Why I like this: Read these words- oil-free, mattifying, and color range. That's all I needed to read to pique my interest, but let me tell you more. I know you'll be sold! This foundation not only has those properties, but I would dare to wear this without any other makeup. Did you ever have that friend (or maybe even it was you) that would wear foundation while in sweats, running an errand with you to pick up a plant or something as small as pick up the pampers on sale at Target? Yeh, her. Being a makeup junkie I understand the need as the foundation would offer a pick me up to your otherwise dull look. However, against those sweats and hair in a pony tail, the foundation just doesn't blend with your easy going, no frills day. It just looks fake and forced. This foundation is what that friend needs (or you) to look natural, but refreshed. It blends into skin well and offers medium coverage or can be used sparingly for light coverage (my style). It feels creamy as it dispenses, but is light upon application with no greasy feel. I know this sounds gross, but I like to apply with my fingers (for a thin, lotion application). This is one of those foundations where you see someone with flawless skin, but upon further inspection realize the person has something on, not quite sure what, but her skin looks great regardless. Mat velvet+ also cuts down on finding your perfect tinted moisturizer and a great setting powder... It's all in one product! That's right! You don't have to set this foundation with a setting powder as it mattes on its own, unless you want more coverage. This foundation gave me what I expected from MAC Studio Fix Fluid. Perfect for mommies on the go!

Slight dislikes: By the fifth hour or so, only my nose (after being outside in 80 degree weather) has become a star, shining brightly (usually my forehead and cheeks too share the spotlight). I'm not turning away from this foundation just because of that, since I can count on this oil blotting powder (only in spots) for my oilies that resurrect. The price point is kind of moderate- high ($34), but for two products in one with great wearability (is that a word, lol?), it's worth it. I wouldn't recommend this to someone with dry skin, unless you like the finish so much that you are sure to moisturize well with a good thick cream before hand.

Have you tried Make Up For Ever's Mat Velvet+? What did you think? Go to TotalBeauty.com to see what other people think about this foundation.

Yummy411: Go Mommy Go!- Get Your Feet Summer Ready

This post is for Muthasfynest!
(photo credit)

Anyone else amazed at how fast Spring has gone by and Summer is right upon us? Many of us, especially our mommies on the go, haven't been able to make time to get that much needed 'out of winter' pedicure. You may have cheated and faked a pedi for your peep toes, but with the weather heating up to 90 degrees in my area, you have to go full on flip flops and sandals, exposed heels and all!

Let's try a quick fix until you get to the nail salon!

1. The day before you plan to wear your sandals, head to CVS or your local drugstore and invest in a PedEgg ($10, Cvs.com). After checking out that link, are you a believer? Be sure to use on dry feet!

2. Clean your tootsies (scrub and clean around and under nails thoroughly). Pull out your old faithful Vaseline/petroleum jelly and moisturize feet. Sleep with socks on. Have sock phobia? Use a minty scrub and rub with an essential oil.

3. Next day, give your toe nails a good filing and polish over those babies with NYC Nail Glossies in #215 ($1.99), Linen, a sheer off white, cream color with minute silver shimmer that gives the cream a nice shine. Use 1-3 coats for your desired opaqueness (I use 3). Using a nude, subtle white color gives a fresh appearance without drawing too much attention to the feet if polish chips.

4. Schedule a pedi to start the summer off right!

Go Mommy Go!
If you have any other suggestions and or product recommendations for feet care for mommies on the go or other busy ladies in demand, leave them in the comments!

Yummy411: KidYum on False Eyelashes

Yeh, he's no longer a baby, he's a real boy (kid) Geppetto!

I never shared these, but my Kid cracks me up! He wanted to get in on the eyelash fun!

"Look at me mommy!"

If my baby Kid had on a green suit he would totally fit in with the baby Sea Turtles on Finding Nemo!

More silly face...

"Your turn Mommy!"

MAC #7

Speaking of lashes, Slvrlips has called me out about my Heatherette still standing over in the sidebar. I've been wanting to post a look with my Heatherette lashes, but ...*gasp* I can't find them. The images in the sidebar have served as reminders for me to get that post cracking... the search continues...

Yummy411: Go Mommy Go!, Coastal Scents Mineral Makeup and More!

Hello mi ladies!

More and more these days, my makeup is very minimal to fit my fast paced lifestyle and conservative workplace. As I'm racing to do things I find myself chanting Go Mommy Go! I guess because I feel that all that I'm doing is mommy related-- rushing from work to the metro, to get my car, to get to daycare, to get home, to get some dinner and it doesn't end there (don't ask about blogging.. grrr)

As I have these moments I'll share them with you, Fotd's, etc. entitled Go Mommy Go! (while BabyYum, who is actually KidYum now, chants Go Diego Go!)

I wanted to be a tad presentable when going out so what quick look did I pull together? This one:



Face: moisturizer formerly applied, spritzed on some Fix+, buffed in some Coastal Scents mineral powder* to even my complexion, dab and blended in a wee bit of concealer
Eyes: put a swipe of Woodwinked eyeshadow on just the lid ( a goldish frost color), lined my top lid with Maybelline liquid liner (the one with the felt tip), and lightly lined my waterline with Milani's Color Brilliance pencil in Aqua; two coats of Maybelline's XXL Curl Power mascara, a touch of blush, barely noticeable..
Lips: a swipe of brown/taupe gloss, but after a MAC run, I have Pleasureseeker lipstick on...

Woodwink eyeshadow is becoming a winner in my book. Look how it performs by itself! No expert blending needed.
*Coastal Scents Mineral Powder/foundation: I have had a few samples of mineral makeup around for quite some time now, but I've been super hesitant to try them. Since I've been into mineral shadows, I just figured I'd give in. What's the worst that could happen? A nasty breakout or walking around not realizing how bad a powder has oxidized? Oh yeh, those things could happen and are actually devastating. But, I was up to the challenge!

I wore the medium 1.2 shade out. While it initially matched, it seemed to oxidize down to a darker shade that I wasn't as comfortable with... with a super slight, tinge of gray (at my cheeks' contour areas). I still got compliments from MAC artists *gasp*... One counter lady said even though it was a hint darker than what I needed, it gave me a bronzey glow. I'll try the medium shade next. I gave myself quite a few sprays of Fix+ trying to down the powder look. The powdered effect didn't quite die down as much as I would have liked, but once I looked in the mirror about 6-12 inches away, it was okay. As the powder melded with my skin, I got the even toned dewy look that you can see in the pics. I went out at night when it was rather cool. Could it stand up to heat? I doubt, just like many other mineral powders. As I play around with these powders I'll continue to give updates!

Yummy411: HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Yummy411: Busy as Bees in March

March has been an especially busy month for us!

My sister's baby shower. I lost all other pics of the event, but I couldn't resist showing a pic of my adorable nephew, the big brother.

Easter weekend, we wanted to do the Horton Hears a Who! breakfast and movie. Babbyum and I got the green eggs and ham (the pancakes are gross, but pretty!) and then off to the movie, but he insisted that we see College Road Trip instead. He's a Disney fanatic. What can I say?

Did some work on the portfolio.

And then Babyyum (#3 from l-r) turned 4! Am I getting old? We celebrated at the National Aquarium in Baltimore with his cousins and buddy. Then, we had Spiderman cupcakes and ice cream at Macaroni Grill. Sorry, no pics of the candle and all, but here's one that I particularly like LOL

Whew! I'm tired! Doesn't seem like much from my super short picture summary, but it's been a lot in a few weeks (add in other personal matters and the full time job). It's all good though. What will April bring?! (featuring, Loreal HiP's Playful duo =))

Yummy411: Uninspired, Events, Fotd's

So, I know this was holiday weekend for most people, but since I'm not out of town or doing anything lavishly (shopping, etc.) I'm at home, looking for beauty blog updates. Why? Because right now, I'm in a slump and need inspiration. I know I get in these slumps where I'm not inspired by my mags or makeup, etc., but this one's lasting longer than usual. I was on a makeup shopping fast and I couldn't have done it at a more inconvenient time: Holiday season! Well, I didn't have much of a choice since my money would be super tied up with tuition and LIFE!

Now, I've found bigger reasons to explain why I'm in my slump that will take more time than I'd like to resolve. The two main reasons that I feel I've fallen into this slump: organization and weight loss. *gulp* There, I said it. I won't go into details to save myself some dignity. Just know that birth control is a bitch! ugly monster with a thick, black unibrow... As if I had already been winning the war against the weight on my own. Thanks!



I think this all started back a little after I went to see American Gangster. Great movie, great Denzel performance, but the reality of it all went straight to my stomach and I had knots for two days!
Here's my fotd (on the right) from the night I went to see the movie. I actually liked this makeup, but it was all down hill from here.

Next exciting event, I went to the Nordstrom's Cosmetics Trend Show. It was my first time there, though I truly believe I've walked through many of the shopping escapades after a trend show. Waking up at 7am to get to a 7:30am show has never been so much fun. Little breakfast boxes were handed out and a cosmetic gift for attending: a cute, small, soft gun metal traincase. Inside were samples of perfumes and facial products. I had an appointment with Smashbox Cosmetics. The artist was fun to work with and she gave me a simple look with their products. I can't say I was wow-ed, but it was nice to be made over.

The nice, fun and down to earth artist gave me a look using the Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light , eye brightner under my eyes, their liquid foundation High Definition Healthy FX mixed with Artificial Light in Prism (the first product that made me fall in love with Smashbox, concealer (on top of the under eye brightner)- Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer, AND a little powder foundation. All of it felt lightweight and surprised me as products I would consider taking home. For the look, she used the Fusion Eye and Cheek Palette in Reflect (cool toned colors) from the Beyond Beauty Collection. Three colors on my eyes and a sweep across the cheek palette for my cheeks. She used the Brow Tech in Brunette, which she actually did a good job. Of course, I had to fill in the front of my brows for my desired square shape. During makeover, I'm very apprehensive about my under eye circles and brows =( To line the top lid she used the black waterproof liner and my crease color was used as my bottom liner. Mascara topped off the job. For lips, she used one of their sheer liners and a little gloss.

Again, I wasn't amazed by any color or application technique (which I'm usually looking forward to seeing) but the colors were all smooth, well blended and she applied my crease color with great placement for my eye shape. I think I do too much with my crease color sometimes and my brow bone hangs over giving me an undesired shape to my eye color. Sorry, you may not even notice, but I think that's my own quirk with my work and why I haven't been feeling too hot about my fotds.

To give a little spice to my eye game, I thought... okay, let me try MAC's Uppity fluidliner AGAIN. This Uppity fluidliner gets on my last, damn nerve! The consistancy is thinner than the other fluidliners. How am I supposed to use it? I was told to put it over a black liner, which is what I was doing here, but it looks so messy to me. Then from a short distance, it's barely noticeable =(( I had high hopes. Return or not to return? Help!?



On Thanksgiving, I gave it another try as a base. I only used it over concealer to ensure a smooth application. It looked nice to me. Definitely happier about it as a base than a liner. (No lipgloss= ashy lips= not a good look, lol)

Up close, it still looks choppy and chalky... ew! oh well! =((((((((((((( It reminds me of my Urban Decay Primer Potion, making some of my shadows look a little choppy and hard as hell to blend! Karen warned me about the UDPP, but I was convinced that I had either used to much or didn't let it dry properly.

Lastly, I'm loving the pigmentation of these Wet 'N' Wild trio palettes. I've gotten 3 of the 6 that are available. Here's an example of what they are like with only concealer being used as a base. Of course, I don't like this fotd either =( I also have on some of their Winter Holiday Illuminating Powder all over my face. (Can we say drugstore beauty powder??) I bought it in the spirit that I can't afford MAC's stuff right now =/ Did you guys know that Wet 'N' Wild is a cruelty free company.... extra brownie points!!!

I check the mail and see that I've gotten an evelope from MAC! Could it be, would it be what I've been hoping for? An invitation AT LEAST to a private launch party? NOPE! Just as my luck would have it, no invitation. A promo for the Stylistics Collection.

Even though I get in these slumps and I'm uninspired by makeup and pictures or whatever else is out there in the world making me groggy and no fun.... I always have a reason to smile =)

Tuesday, Upcoming and Around the Blogosphere

It's Tuesday and I remember always having a music list lined up to buy whatever album of whichever artist I wanted to support that week for making music that either made laugh, cry or dance my heart out on the dance floor. My beauty addiction has long taken over my music cravings, though I still need some sound for the soul.

Right now, this is silently playing in my ears and making my head bob:

"I met this girl when I was three years old

And what I loved most she had so much soul

She said, excuse me little homie, I know you don't know me- but,

My name is Wendy and, I like to blow trees and,

From that point I never blow her off.........."

What song and artist is that? Anyone else bopping with me?


Here's some cool stuff from around the blogosphere:







Our blogosphere style vixen, Samida of Stained Couture, put me on to this pump; Vince Camuto 'Lottie' Peep Toe Pump, $119.





Daneen from Spoiled Pretty shows us the most universal flattering hairstyles and how to get them!





I've been totally lusting after this product, the YSL Palette Esprit Couture #2.. but Tia of Shake Your Beauty shows us a comparable palette until I can get my hands on this collector's item!


I love Essence mag and they've come out with Style Diary, a beauty and fashion blog. The media is taking blogs very seriously these days. I knew it was coming sooner or later, but I was hoping they'd outsource some help *smile* Speaking of Essence, I love the 10 Things We're Talking About section which features the hot, controversial topics Black media and culture. Short and concise, it fits me well since I'm a list kind of girl (keeping up with my attention span). Besides it's written by one of my best buds C. Gordy. I'm always looking for more from her and I've found it on Essence.com! I'm diggin in first where she gives Jena 6 some coverage, interviewing with Mychal Bell's mom.


I adore Scandalous Beauty Blog, but Erin is giving us even more MAC coverage by giving it its own site : The MAC Fetish! Yay! For the makeup/MAC heads, it's never enough =) The official launch date is 10/22, mark your calendars!

There's sooo much more out there. Check the right sideline for great blogs, info and the different widgets over there to feed you more great articles!



Upcoming:
This was a long weekend, which gave me time for what? more beauty LOL. I can't give you all the scoop at the moment, because I don't have pics of everything.
-I did a fab photoshoot for an up and coming gospel artist.
-I met up with a fellow makeup addict that you all are acquainted with- Apple Diva.
-Some fabulous how- to's that are long overdue (eyebrows and more!)

Stay tuned, I'll be working on the pictures!


An Ode, not really, to one of my fab sisters
(Unfortunately, this ode does not rhyme and you can't sing it... lol)
My sister Toni, recently told me to get on my knees and to lick and scrape every (negative) word I ever said to her about makeup off the ground while she was experiencing one of my makeup addiction highs over breakfast on our Columbus holiday. While we both love beauty, here's the difference between us: At our impromptu breakfast at the College Park Diner (home style, delicious food; a breakfast lover's indulging haven) I was sitting in loose jogging capris, a t-shirt and my quilted hoodie, looking quite busted (with boy in tow) plotting on how to include a beauty run into my busy schedule ahead. She, on the other hand, looked divalicious, with her curls bouncing from her press and curl fresh out of a wrap, a "I-can't-tell-you're-preggo" maternity outfit on (black capris, bubble sleeved satin wrap shirt and gold accessories) AND baby boy in tow! I hadn't even bothered to contemplate earrings as I wore my hood... I constantly think beauty as she wears it with ease (WITH A BABY IN HER ARMS AND BELLY!) Oh well... peeking out from under my hood, that I quickly removed, I eye-ed this scrumptious cutie; tall stature, black jogging suit... a UMD bball player perhaps? Great! Why can't I wear beauty with ease?! For her, it's a habit. An ode, but not really, to you Toni!

Mommy Makeup

Has anyone checked out Mommy Makeup? It's designed for chic mommies on the go. I typically feature my fotd's on this site, but being a mommy, those looks (that can take 20-25 minutes to do) aren't always on the go. When you know you have a lot ahead and wearing the hot of mommy can be draining, you need a beauty routine to take you from feeling drab to chic and polished instantly, instead of totally giving up the idea of wearing makeup. That's where the Pretty and Polished kit comes in. The set includes:
"Paint by Number" Instructions & Face Chart
Mommy's Little Helper Concealer
Mineral Dual Powder SPF8
Eye Triplets Shadow
Lush Mascara
Mineral Bronze-n-Blush
Mommy's Kisses-lipgloss and liner
Black Mesh Makeup Bag (Free Gift!)

I have not tried this product myself (the price is kinda scary), but it's great to know that some mommies are designing products with real mommies in mind!