Yummy411: Best of 2008 (Beauty and Non Beauty Related)

Here it is guys, my list of the best of 2008 beauty and non beauty, Yummy411 and non Yummy411. I feel compelled to do this even though I don't feel like I'm in the jolly New Year's spirit. I'm really not even up to posting any pics (Egads! What's come over me?) Each year, I've done beauty resolutions and things of that sort. Nah, not this time. I think I'm worried about 2009. My expectations for 2009 are so high right now, I'm afraid of failing or not achieving them. Without really dampening the mood, I'm going to get on with my POSITIVE list (in no particular order)!

1. Working with Poteat Consulting and building up my makeup game!
2. Doing weddings in 2008.
3. Wii
4. Dermablend Cover Creme foundation
5. Blogger networking, The Pretty Committee
6. Google reader
7. Bible study
8. Beauty blogger gift swap... thanks L!
9. KidYum started school
10. Saturday school with KidYum
11. Christmas 08
12. MAC paint pots
13. LA, NY Fashion Week
14. Emerald Sparkle and Zoya Suvi nail polishes rox my sox!
15. Pepperidge Farm gingerbread men and egg nog 0_o hehe
16. Underneath it all, my parents rock too! I love all of my family and am glad to have had another year with them.
17. My friends- the ones that have stuck by me and those that I've reconnected with on an adult level.. love
18. Having real locs!
19. BARAK OBAMA BABY!
20. if you haven't heard it enough... YOU GUYS (readers, commenters, followers on the blog and twitter, general supporters--) man yall are a reason alone to celebrate 2008! I LOVE YALL!

Here we go 2009!

Yummy411: Happy Holidays and Finally Lola!

Happy Holidays!! I hope you all had a blast on Christmas if you celebrate. I hope that we usher into the new year with smiles and ringing bells! How did I get holiday cheer/the Christmas spirit after the fact? Oh well!

A few weeks back, I wanted to recreate Lola's (from the Shark Tale movie) look. I invited reader/bloggers to participate. While two other bloggers already did fab looks, I'm late posting mine as the comp situation coupled with the holidays got in the way. So I definitely had to put this up!

Here's the original Lola!

And here's my recreation!


In the movie, different scenes gave Lola's look a bit of variation. Sometimes, she was shown with more purple and pink, other times you could see her with orange and purple. I wanted to throw in a little of all of that!

To create this look, I used shadows: MUFE 92, mac violet pigment, off the radar pigment and fuchsia pigment (at the tear ducts).

On the cheeks, I used Stark Naked blush. I'm still enjoying this blush as it came as a complete surprise to me. I didn't think it would be this pigmented on me. For swatches check this post.

Lips? I had to throw together something because I didn't have much of a burgundy lipstick with the exception of my kirsch lipstick and .. i dunno. I guess I found my Victoria's Secret lip palette from a few years ago. I mixed that with Pure Vanity lipglass to get the shade I have.

Have you seen what the other bloggers came up with? Please check them out! They did an awesome job.. it makes me sooo giddy! Thanks ladies for feeling creative with me!

RockStar Beauty

Makeup Bliss

yummy411: Revlon Beyond Natural Smoothing Primer

Revlon Beyond Natural Smoothing Primer

I recently picked this product up after much debate and eyeing it for a while. In another post's comments I was asked about it. Here's what I have to say:

I like it!
Why: I never had problems with my pores, lines or wrinkles, but recently when wearing powder blush, I could see the 'wide open' pores and my cheeks looked grainy. After using this, the pores were less noticeable and my skin looked smooth. Yes! Mission accomplished. The formula is light, lightly scented and available at the drugstore for a reasonable price. You get a .85 oz bottle for about $12-13. The product may not absorb instantly i nto the skin upon application, but given a few seconds (1 min or 2) the product dries nicely and melds into the skin for a smooth surface! Another reason I like it: I was trying out Maybelline's liquid mineral foundation that I primed with this Revlon primer. I was caught in the rain and I knew that I was surely dripping liquid foundation ewww! I tried to blot my face lightly and hopefully didn't appear to be an uneven mess. When I checked the mirror, I still appeared to have some even decent coverage. Was it the primer that helped? Not positive, but I sure think so!

I don't have the Monistat Chafing gel or the Smashbox primer to compare it to. When I did try the Smashbox's infamous primer, I didn't have any real concerns for the primer to address-- again those lines, pores, wrinkles AND the fact that I wasn't into foundation really at that point. Then, I felt as if I was just adding another unnecessary layer of face products to my face.

If you are in the market for a decent primer that can be found at the drugstore give this a try. This seems ideal for people with dry to normal/combination skin. If you are oily and still want to use them, try following up your foundation with blot powder. I'm unsure if this makes you any oilier than you may already be. My nose gets super oily, but didn't appear any oilier because of this product. Besides, it's Winter.

Have you tried this? What do you think?

Yummy411: Hair Update 12-2008!

Check out the fuzzy wuzziness that is my hair! This is after it was washed and conditioned. This was the first time I've ever seen it this fuzzy! I think because I let it grow out so much before washing it and getting it retwisted.


(Gosh that part is huge. Looks like I'm missing some hair there!)

Ah squeaky clean! All ready to be twisted up!

The routine:

• Wash with Jamaican Mango and Lime Tingling shampoo. Wash and rinse until hair rinses clear. (about 4-5 washes)
• Condition with Suave Clarifying Conditioner. Clarifying products are good for locs to address build up and keep the hair tight.
• For loc maintenance and retwisting I use Ampro brown gel... don't shoot me! My hair is just determined to not stay twisted with anything else. The brown gel holds like none other!

I was so tired after I got from under the dryer, I didn't take an after photo of the loc maintenance. I'm sure you'll see it in an upcoming fotd! I'm seriously trying to do my Lola look!

Yummy411: MAC Dame Edna Collection now online!

MAC'S Dame Edna Collection is now online. This is my favorite look from the line up! Can't wait to try it. Find the details here on how to create the look. I really don't need the featured products to create this as I have all similar colors.. but! I want to indulge LOL. I absolutely love the packaging! I'm looking forward to the amplified creme lipsticks! What about you?

View the collection at maccosmetics.com. Buy in retail stores on 12/26/2008.. (or knowing MAC, have they bumped up the release date ?)

p.s. This look is tickling my fancy also!

Yummy411: Debuting My Beauty Fix!

My Beauty Fix goody bag is here! Oooh la la! A chic, quilted, Beauty Fix embroidered bag!
It's filled to the brim with hot beauty products!

All waiting to be tested and reviewed! Stay tuned.

Have you ordered your Beauty Fix bag yet?

For a list of the products included and for other reviews, check it out here!

Yummy411: Thank you MMMH!

A few weeks ago I entered into Makeup Makes Me Happy's Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual Giveaway. Can you believe it!? I WAS ONE OF THE WINNERS! It arrived quickly to my mailbox. I ripped it open as fast as I could and also wanted to share it with you all.

Here's a preview and my thoughts on it!

The book includes step by steps,
Helpful color application tips,
Showing the beauty of blush (I'm a blush whore!)

Makeup on different ethnicities,

Goes from basic to advanced, showing makeup in photography,

Bridal makeup,

And advice on how to break into the business.

The book doesn't tell you everything, but gives you a good amount to go on. There are some tips that I like because you don't realize you need them until you've been practicing in makeup. I'm not even through all of these chapters because some I just look and absorb the pics! I'm so excited to have won this book! If you are starting out your makeup library, this is a solid buy. I can't compare this book to her other books because I don't own any of them. Great advice from a pro who lives and breathes natural, practical makeup.

Yummy411: Lucky Green for a Christmas Tree!

This isn't a special look, but I liked it alot especially just for kicking around and going tree hunting. The old artificial Christmas tree went MIA between some moves and relatives, so I put on my lucky green and went tree hunting!

MAKEUP MAVENS: We are all hotties, but have any of you noticed during this holiday season, better customer service when you are wearing makeup? I feel like I have =(

My highlights: I was enjoying my new Romp eye shadow and Dermablend Cover Creme foundation (in Chroma 3 Honey Beige). Oh and my earrings that inspired it all.. Gotta love Charlotte Russe for costume jewelry! FACE: Revlon Primer

Dermablend Cover Creme foundation in Chroma 3 (Honey Beige)

Dermablend setting powder in white

CHEEKS: Milani Sunset Duo in Sunset Beach (just the pink blusher)

(all MAC unless stated)

EYES: L'Oreal HiP paint in Lofty

Romp eye shadow on lid

Soft Brown eye shadow in crease

Swiss Chocolate eye shadow in outer v and blended a bit into crease

Magic Dust eye shadow as highlight and at tear duct

Maybelline waterproof liquid liner for top lid

Milani Color Brilliance liner in green on waterline layered with MAC's Fascinating eye kohl

Humid eye shadow on bottom lid

L'Oreal Voluminous mascara on top and bottom lashes

BROWS: Swiss Chocolate e/s and Soft Brown e/s blended and concealer to shape

LIPS: My Dear lip glass from the neutral Red Darling MAC set

Can't show you the double chin LOL

Makeup helps me to get past my locs when they aren't 'fresh'

Yummy411: Battle of the purples- MUFE vs. MAC

Can you tell which one is a MAC shadow and which is a MUFE shadow?


Let's see if you are really good and can identify the colors? Hmmm? hmm? hmm?? ;)

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Ok, the answers are: left (top) is MAC's pandamonium purple (from the Pandamonium quad) and right (bottom) is MUFE's 92. Ren had me craving this purple, so I had to get it! I was afraid it was going to look like my all time favorite matte purple from the Pandamonium quad. Ok they are similar, but for purple lovers and makeup junkies we unanimously agreed that they are indeed different and both are worth having.

I tried out MUFE 92 for the first time on Suzie. Find out what went down over red velvet cupcakes at Nikkia's pad as she shares her experience in this post! This also explains the fabulousness that I mentioned in an earlier post.

Yummy411: Rainy Day in DC, CS Mini Badger Brush Set; Milani Sunset Duo v. Stark Naked Blush

Did I get everything in that title? LOL

Yesterday was a cold, dreary, rainy day in DC. Not very Christmas like, nor were these rain boots that inspired my fotd. Since I had my Manish Arora palette in my makeup bag, I knew I could break out of any rainy day blues (or conservative neutrals for that matter!)

Ahh love- pink and yellow hearts!

FACE: Maybelline Mineral Power foundation (liquid) Medium 1 (so not my color but whatevs) (applied with fingers)

Maybelline Mineral Power Bronzing veil in Sunlight 2 (me likey) (powder brush)

EYES: based with concealer

Manish Arora palette

Going Bananas at tear duct (eye shadow brush)

Playful e/s middle, crease and above crease, bottom lid (eye shadow brush, angle brush for bottom lid)

Pink from HiP's Brazen duo outer 3rd, bottom lid (eye shadow brush, angle brush for bottom lid)

Carbon e/s outer v and into crease (crease brush)

Nylon as highlight (eye shadow brush)

Maybelline waterproof liquid liner on top lid

Urban Decay's Zero liner on waterline

Dermablend concealer in Tan (concealer brush)

Max Factor Volume Couture Mascara (had to recheck this to see why it's B's HG mascara)

BROWS: Soft Brown e/s and Swiss Chocolate e/s mixed

Concealer to define and highlight (had to use my MAC power duo, #266 and #209)

CHEEKS: Stark Naked blush (blush brush)

LIPS: Dior Addict Ultra Gloss #313 (Linen Beige?)

A little cam whoring for ya?






Ok, so now that I've used the Coastal Scent Mini Badger Brush Set, ladies, it's a go!
Why I recommend:

• small, compact and convenient


• a good solid brush set for quick looks; enough brushes for all of your needs


• powder and blush brushes are soft and great for blending and buffing of face products (instant love!)


• angle brush will do great for lining purposes; stiff but soft


• standard concealer brush; small and firm for concealing small spots

I wish I could get an all encompassing brush set in this size! I've become accustomed to using about 2-3 shadow brushes, 2-3 crease brushes, my special angled brushes and about 2 concealer type brushes. Can't have cake and eat it too, huh? Is it wrong to still want full sizes of some of the brushes?

Buy your set from Coastal Scents for $25. (This price is a bit high for CS, but I like my set nonetheless!)

Next Up, Milani Sunset Duo vs. Stark Naked
I've heard and have used a lot of Milani products: shadows, blushes, Color Brilliance liners, powders, but why have I stayed away from the blush/bronzer Sunset Duos? Curiosity killed the cat and picked up one at a CVS sale.

I got the Sunset Beach duo. If you checked the link, the color representation for this one is off. It's more like the bronzer of Sunset Glow (according to the pics). When I opened it, I saw muted pink with sprinkles of gold and I instantly thought of Stark Naked blush from MAC's Red She Said collection.

Here are the swatches:

(l-r) Stark Naked Blush, Blush half of Sunset Beach, Bronzer half of Sunset Beach

Stark Naked appears to be more pigmented with the Milani blush being a touch more muted. However, I actually love both!

Yummy411: MAC lashes #35 are my new bff's!

I saw these lashes, MAC #35, on Saturday when I found out that MAC holiday gifts sets are on sale now for %25 off (back down to the regular price from last year??) The ladies were promoting Kids Helping Kids (go in store for more details) and were wearing these lashes with their looks. I fell in love and purchased a pair. I love them! I've seen them before, but seeing them on someone is a different story!


I really do believe Brandy is wearing these LOL... btw. I LOVE BRANDY! Have you heard the new CD? (pic source)


Hmmm next time: remember to push up on lashes, curl them if necessary! I just want to take some blot powder to my face LOL. This was after a long night!

If you care *smile*:
FACE: Bobbi Brown oil free even liquid foundation
MSF Natural loose foundation

CHEEKS: Prism blush

EYES: Based with foundation, L'Oreal Decrease
Rollickin' paint pot
Ben Nye's Peacock on lid, possibly on bottom lid
Soft Brown e/s in crease
Deep Truth e/s on outer v, into crease
Pharoah e/s at tear ducts
Milani Color Brilliance liner in green on water line
L'Oreal Voluminous mascara on top and bottom lashes
MAC #35's
Cork and soft brown e/s in eyebrows
Concealer to highlight and shape brows
Dermablend concealer in Tan

LIPS: MAC Nymphette lipglass

I really didn't plan this, but this looks like Betty Brown's last FOTD!



Sorry for the side pic. I'm not posting in my normal environs.

More on this fabulosity later!

Brit just alerted me: Todd from Blush died. So horribly sad!

Yummy411: Teen Yummy411: OPI Monsooner or Later

It's me Kia. I'm writing about the kid sis, Teen Yummy411 today. I don't know which this chick loves to do more: change her myspace layout and pictures (every 30 mins.. do some homework!) or change her polish!

I had to feature this because out of all her polish changes, she's come back to this most often. OPI's Monsooner or Later (from the Moscow India collection*where was my mind? thanks Mandy!* ) is sooo pretty to me on her, in pics, etc... but for me, it's borderline red and I'm afraid of red polish. Unless of course, it's Ruby Pumps by China Glaze. Wizard of Oz, I'm coming! LOL So cute on her little nails. A burst of fun color, no shimmer required!

Get this and other polishes from current and past collections of OPI from 8ty8beauty.com.

Yummy411: Coastal Scents 10 Piece Blush Palette Review

Coastal Scents 10 Piece Blush Palette

For all intents and purposes, I will refer to the blushes as follows: The first row across will be A1,2,3,4 and 5. The second row will be B1,2,3,4 and 5.
Hmm? A blush, a contour and something on my jawline-- the jawline color looks like B1.

When I swatch blushes , I swatch everywhere! We only have 2 cheeks! LOL. For sure, on my forehead, your left, I am wearing A4- an orange with a goldish sheen. Possibly on my cheek, your left, I'm wearing A5- bronzey brown. Think MAC Format blush, but with more of an orangey undertone than a pink one. Believe it or not, one of them is on my nose.. try A2 or B2. Dunno. It became irrelevant when I couldn't see it =p

On my forehead, where I'm trying to shade the swatch so that you can see the color is A1- a dusty, muted soft plum. My cheek, I do believe I'm wearing B4- bright pink.

Where do I start? Of course with the good!

Pros:
-variety of colors
-great color pay off
-great for fair skins
-great price

Cons:
-not so brown girl friendly except for about 3 colors at most
-not for beginners in makeup
- doesn't blend well

My sister who is about an nc45-47 had trouble wearing some of the blushes. (Many of you think she has a light complexion.) I had trouble pulling off some of the shades. So definitely not as brown girl friendly as I had hoped. However, if you don't already own other blush palettes and you need to build your professional kit, this is a starter option. Because, these blushes don't blend well (I applied some and tried to even out the application and just couldn't get it to move) these don't make for the best blushes for people who won't take the time to 'work it out'. When I say work it out, i mean: go back over it with your setting powder to help blend, buff it until it moves, etc. Other ways you need to work this palette/blushes: you a cream color base under the blush, layer with some bronzer, etc. Because the blushes don't give you an even application it's easy to look like a clown which also makes this blush palette NON- foolproof.

I can't wait to hear how others reviewed this palette. Does anyone else own it?

Yummy411: New Nars This Holiday

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil & Sharpener Sets - $45
This famous trio of long-lasting non-drying creamy lipstick in the convenience of a pencil will deliver a velvet matte finish for seamless color. Plus a signature NARS sharpener so you'll never be dull. Available in 2 different sets.

NARS Striptease Lip Gloss /Deep Throat Blush Duo - $45
Create a shimmery lip and a radiant, healthy complexion with NARS' classic favorites: Striptease Lip Gloss paired with Deep Throat Blush.

NARS Lovejoy/Albatross/Dolce Vita Set - $50
Packed in a signature NARS box and valued at $60, this must-have set includes a Highlighter/Blush Duo in Albatross and Lovejoy, plus a Dolce Vita Lip Gloss.

NARS Lip Gloss Collection - $45
Create festive pouts in NARS' favorite shades with this Lip Gloss Collection. Boasting five all-time popular shades - Striptease, Orgasm, Bloodwork, Harlow and Triple X - this set is the ultimate in creating a sexy lip with serious shine. Valued at over $60.

NARS 3-Piece Duo Lip Gloss Set - $45
Give the gift of sultry lips with this Duo Lip Gloss Set. Included are three dual-ended lip glosses offering six of the most sought-after shades: Boogie Nights/Giza, Rose Birman/Chihuahua and Harlow/Sweet Dreams. Encased in a black box with a NARS-labeled ribbon.

NARS Holiday Eye Palette - $50 (not pictured)
Showcasing six of NARS' most sought-after eye colors (Bohemian Gold, Himalayas, Kilimanjaro, Night Flight, Ondine and Surabaya), this ultra-chic Holiday Palette puts on-the-go glamour at your fingertips.

The Nars gods want us to sell our souls.... obeejeebus! The Deep Throat and Striptease set is so mine!