Help for People Who Need It....

I hope everyone has been well. I know I have been gone for quite sometime, not posting here or on my YouTube Channel, but I have been going through a lot of personal happenings and have decided to take a break from blogging and YouTube for a little bit. I will slowly be getting back into this, but it is going to be a little while longer I think. To all of my viewers of my YouTube Channel, followers of this blog, and fans on my Facebook page I appreciate every one of you who have taken the time to check out what I do. But that's not what the reason of this post is today....

In the US a person dies of suicide every 14.2 minutes. Suicide claims more than 36,000 lives a year. Attempted suicide happens every minute, of every day, with close to a million attempts each year. It is the 10th leading cause of death and is the 3rd leading cause of death of people ages 15-24 years. The education and advocacy of suicide and depression lacks in awareness, and there is something we call can do to help.
 
I recently teamed up with the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention in my area. They sponsor Out of the Darkness walks across the country. They are a non-profit organization who take the proceeds from the walks and use it for understanding and preventing suicide through extensive research, education and advocacy. They are the nations leading non profit organization for suicide prevention. I have decided to participate in the walk, as well as some other behind the scenes coordination with the Chairperson in my area. My goal is to raise $1,000 before the walk. 

I haven't lost a loved one to suicide, but I know many who have. I've seen the turmoil that families are left with after losing a loved one to suicide. So many unanswered questions, the hurt, the anger, the sadness. I've lost many loved ones, but will never know the feeling of emptiness that someone left behind feels when they lose someone to suicide. I myself thought of, and even attempted suicide when I was younger. I was very depressed and unhappy, but I am lucky to have the people around me today who make me happy and I no longer feel the way I once did. But sadly, there are so many who still battle with depression, mental disorders, who take their life each year.....and because of them I have decided to participate in the walk in my town.

Please take the time out to visit the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention's website, at www.afsp.org to find out more information, and see if there is a sponsored walk in your area. Also, below is a link to my donation page. I know times are tough right now for everyone, myself included, but if anyone reading this is able to make a donation to my page, even if it is only $1.00, you will make my heart smile. If you aren't able to, that's okay too. But please check out the website and see if you can sponsor a walk in your area, or find another way to help. Life is too short not to take time to help others. Whether it be through donation to this cause, or any cause for that matter. Helping someone in need is so rewarding.

My Donation Page:  http://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.participant&participantID=312395

Thank you for anyone who is able to help, and thank YOU, yes YOU, for taking the time to read this blog post....

<3
 

Super Heroine Series: Psylocke--Featuring Sugarpill Cosmetics!

Hi Beauties!

I'm not exactly sure why it took me so long to do this tutorial. This is probably by far the best look that I feel I have done. Maybe because it has my favorite colors in the look, purple & pink! This was a really fun look to create and hope you all enjoy. This is just the first part of my Super Heroine Series. 

Psylocke

This is the photo that I used for my inspiration. She is so beautiful and her costume is so bad ass!! The products that I used to complete this look are below:

UDPP

Wet N Wild #251A Brulee Eyeshadow

Sleek Makeup Acid Palette (both blue shadows in palette)

Wet N Wild Color Icon #C307 Stagedive Eyeshadow

UD Pigment in Rockstar

L'Oreal Infallible #555 Perpetual Purple Eyeshadow

Sugarpill Cosmetics Poison Plum Eyeshadow

Sugarpill Costmetics Magentric Loose Eyeshadow

Wet N Wild Color Icon Black Eyeliner

Physician's Formula Organic Wear Mascara in Black Organics

NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder #03 Taupe/Ash

L'Oreal True Match Foundation in N3 Natural Buff

Milani Baked Blush #05 Luminoso

NYX Matte Lipstick #02 Shocking Pink

I used Sugarpill Costmetics eye shadows for the very first time in this look. I absolutely love the quality and how pretty the colors are! Big shout out to Amy over at Sugarpill! You rock girl!!!

I added false lashes in this photo just on the ends.

This was a very fun look to do. I can't wait to do more for this series!!!

Hope you all are well and until next time....

So long dearies!!!

XOXO

A Beauty Blogger Nail Tutorial: Ombre Nails

Today was my second attempt to do the ombre (sometimes called gradient) nail effect on my nails. Last night when I went to do the tutorial as I went along for the first time, I used a regular sponge like you would to do dishes with like was recommended in the article that I found on Facebook. I didn't like the way the effect was looking so I tried again today and this is the result.

This particular color combo makes me think of the Southwest

Below is a step by step instructional on how I achieved this look and some pointers that I learned by doing this look and how it will help me out the next time I try to achieve this look.


Step 1: Apply a base coat of your choice. 
This will help with keeping your color last longer on your nails and give the polish something to stick to instead of laying on a smooth nail.

Step 2: Apply a nail polish color all over the nail. Allow to dry completely.
My polish color I used was Aquadelic by China Glaze. I have absolutely loved wearing this color. Its a great spring or summer color, but can also be used differently all year.

Step 3: Take a cosmetic sponge and cut to fit the length and width of your nail.
You can use any sponge you want, but this seemed to work better than a kitchen sponge for me.

 Step 4: Take 2 or more other nail polish colors and apply them to the sponge. The two colors I used were Celebutant & Peach Parfait by Ulta.

Step 5: Press the sponge to the nail to get the color on there. You may have to do a few coats to get it to the desired brightness you want. At certain times I'd do one color at a time to reapply on the sponge and that seemed to help. Also you will have to re-apply polish to the sponge for every nail. When you are done they will look something like this:

Looks kinda sticky icky huh?? This was before I was satisfied with the amount of color on my nails.

Step 6: Apply at least 2 coats of a shiny top coat. This will smooth out the harshness and texture of the nail color and help it give that gradient effect.

Step 7: Take q-tips and nail polish remover and clean the area around the nail to leave your nails looking clean and beautiful!!

One step that you could also add is to apply cuticle oil to your cuticles once your polish has completely dried to help keep your nails looking healthy!

I hope you all enjoyed this look! Please share your thoughts and comments and post a video response on my YouTube page with your ombre nails!!

Until next time,

So long dearies!!

XOXO

Raspberry Beret...The Kind You Find in a Secondhand Store!!

Hello!!

I know I've been absent for a little while...life has taken me and swallowed me whole. But I am working adamantly on new tutorials and blog posts :)

I was inspired by one of, if not the best Prince song I have ever heard. "Raspberry Beret".  This bright look is great for spring/summer. However, you could also take a slightly darker raspberry-esqe color and make it great for night time or the fall season.

The frosty beige color for the inner corner makes your eyes POP!

Products I used:

UD Primer Potion

Wet N Wild Icon Eyes Eyeshadow Crayon in Pixi

WNW Color Icon Eyeshadow in Bruele

Sleek Cosmetics Acid Palette pinky/magenta Eyeshadow

Coastal Scents Eyeshadows in Red, Pale Raspberry & Hot Pink

Beautique Eyeliner in Black

Physician's Formula Organic Wear Mascara in Black Organics

Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Powder Foundation in Natural Ivy

Millani Baked Blush in Luminoso

Millani crystal lip gloss in Pucker Up

 

One thing that I did not do or mention in my tutorial on YouTube was filling in my eyebrows. I usually do this when I am trying to define my eyebrows a little bit more and it helps pull this look together. In these photos I was using NYX Eyebrow Powder.

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial!! Until next time,

So long dearies!!!

XOXO

A Review: Dark Heart Designs Hand-Made Eye Shadows

In life, we always root for the underdog. And when I say we, I mean, me. I can't really speak for everyone but you know. I always want to see small businesses succeed, especially in this time of economic hardships. Gigantic corporations are slowly causing small businesses to close because they just can't compete with these corporations. Its depressing, but it makes me uber happy when I find a small little company that makes such great products and offer a GREAT price for their products.

I first heard of Dark Heart Designs when the owner, Tina Z. liked my Facebook page for this blog. It made my day just to see someone who wasn't a friend or family member liking my page that I just had to check out her page. When you're just starting out with a blog, YouTube Channel, or Facebook page for your business or hobby it can be a little discouraging when you don't see many people other than your friends liking your page or subscribing. I've had my YouTube Channel for a little while but never did a bunch of videos to get my name out there until recently. I'm no Kandee Johnson, nor will I probably ever be, but I have fun with what I do, and even if I only have 3 people watch one of my videos it makes happy, because this is what I like to do. Anyway! Wow what a way to get off subject eh? 

So I checked out Dark Heart Designs page and was so in awe of what amazing products I had just found with this company. I spent a good 30 to 45 minutes just looking at every single color. I wanted them all but settled on just trying one eye shadow product until I knew how well the quality of the product was. The color I settled on (like I said I wanted them all) was Clean Slate. Described as a
"dark silvery blue tinted shadow", this color would look great on all skin tones. The shimmer in the shadow is similar to a diamond glitter. I absolutely love it. The texture is so smooth and soft and its 100% cruelty free and vegan! I spent a total of $8.50 with the shipping and it is one of the best purchases I have ever made. When my package came in the mail I was as giddy as a school girl. It was really nice to see that someone even took the time out to customize the padded envelope with stamps and a cool wax seal. When I saw that I just knew the product was going to be amazing before I had even opened the package. Inside was a small drawstring bag that held the eye shadow and other goodies.

I couldn't wait to see what was inside!

Inside the bag was my eye shadow, but also some other goodies! I got 4 free samples of some other eye shadows!! I was given Ultra Violet, a bright blue shimmery shadow. Cotton Candy, a baby shimmery pink shadow. Pumpkin King, a beautiful pigmented orange-y gold shadow. Last but not least, Howl, a canary yellow shimmery shadow. I was in love!!! The samples that were given were quite a good bit of product, which was very nice in comparison to other samples I have gotten from other companies. I also received a 20% coupon on my next purchase. 

Check out how bright those colors are!

I was ecstatic with everything that was included in my purchase. I definitely was not expecting it and was a very nice surprise. I love all of the colors and will definitely buy from Tina again!! Below you will see my swatchfest for you to see how these look on the skin.

Dry swatch. L-R: Clean Slate, Ultra Violet, Cotton Candy, Pumpkin King, Howl

Primer Swatch L-R: Clean Slate, Ultra Violet, Cotton Candy, Pumpkin King, Howl

Please take the time to check out Dark Heart Designs. There are all kinds of cosmetic products to see. Not only do they have eye shadows, they also have lipsticks, eye liners, and other supplies you may need. You can also purchase samples for as low as .99!! Trust me, you won't be sorry when you go to this site!

Until next time,

So long dearies!!

XOXO

I Heart Sugarpill Cosmetics!!

Oh happy day!!! I got my first purchase from Sugarpill Cosmetics yesterday! I was jumping for joy!! I have been wanting to buy their Poison Plum Pressed Eyeshadow for a VERY long time so I finally did it! Purple is my favorite color and I was so inspired by looks I've seen on YouTube and their own website using their products. I figured I'd try the color I want most before I go on a spree with buying more lol...

The packaging was so pretty! I opened up their custom shipping box to find pretty pink/magenta tissue paper. Inside, this is what I found:

Ooo!! Prettiness!!

 I had no idea what goodies would be waiting for me!! I thought the sticker was super cute and the advertising card was neat. The packaging for the eyeshadow is so cute and I've always loved their font for their logo. I also got a sample of loose eye shadow! YAY!! Ok, ok, I'll calm down now lol.

I first opened the Poison Plum Pressed Eye Shadow. It looked just as described with photos on their site, which is always a plus. I hate getting things that even with a photo they aren't what they appear online.

Poison Plum

I was very happy to see that the size of the eye shadow didn't look different than online. I hate when I look at something online and the photo makes the product look huge but when you get it, the product is so tiny that you're like WHAT?!?!?! I just spent THAT much money on THIS!?!? Yeah, you know what I'm talking about. Anywho!! 

My new love

The color is a very vibrant purple with a few flecks of sparkle. Just enough! I love sparkly stuff but sometimes its nice to have just a little. This definitely delivers.  So, after I drooled over this eye shadow for a VERY long time I looked at the sample of loose eye shadow that I got as well. It is a VERY pigmented shimmery magenta-E pink color called Magentric. I love that name!! The sample is very giving and I just can't wait to use this in tutorials!! 

Magentric

 I know what you're waiting for, swatches right?!? Well here they are! My camera doesn't do its justice on the swatch fest, however I am very happy with both colors!

L: Poison Plum R: Magentric

 These colors are going to go great for a tutorial I have coming up. If you've been following me on Facebook I just announced this week a new series that I am going to start working on. Not sure if anyone is a comic book fan. I am, but not as much as my hubby lol. I got the idea to do a Lady Super Hero series as something fun to do. Comment below if you think this is a good idea...Going to go work on the first look right now! So until next time....

So long dearies!!

XOXO

Clean It Up! My Skincare Routine! A Beauty Blogger Exclusive!

We've finally made it to Wednesday! Happy Hump Day! Spring is in full swing and you know what that means. Summer is just around the corner. I don't know about you, but when summer hits, my skin likes to freak out on me. When the heat and humidity sweeps over my town my skin, and my face especially goes into shock. Which means my skin gets even more oily than it already does, which causes more breakouts. Who likes breakout? Not me! I'm pretty sure you don't either! So at the beginning of the year I decided once and for all I was going to kick my pores into high gear and find the right products that work for my face to help with breakouts, being preventive and make my skin look healthy.  So to do that would require to do some research. 

Like most Americans, I don't have health insurance, and I can't afford to spend a lot of money at a dermatologist. So, I have to do what I can to use over the counter treatments. I first did some research through YouTube. I tried to find videos where people talked about what they did to get clearer skin. I heard about the Clarisonic and similar systems. They looked great! I want to try it one day, but at this point I have not. I'm sure that would be a big help with keeping your skin looking fresh and clean. But I took it a step farther. I tried to see what I could find through blogs, websites, etc. I stumbled upon Web MD. I'm sure you've heard of their site, and probably have looked up information on their site before. I had never though about looking up treatments for acne and such on their website. As always there is a disclaimer on their website that states that their advice on their page should not be substituted for seeing an MD in person. I read about things I already knew about acne, what causes acne and that sort of thing. I won't bore you with what I found on that, if you're interested, check out their page along with many other informational websites. What I did find that was interesting is that they had a "Personal Skin Evaluator" that assesses your skin through a few simple questions and in less than 5 minutes they give you a skin care regimen that is perfect for your skin. 

At first I was very skeptical that this online "questionnaire" could actually help me. I thought it would be just like any stupid little questionnaire or quiz that people put on their web pages, but what I would later find out is astonishing. I took the little questionnaire, and within 5 minutes I had an answer. In the past I would use some off brand acne facial cream wash, usually Equate brand because that's what I could afford. It'd clean my face but it never really seemed to help with clearing blackheads, blemishes, or pimples. According to Web MD, I should have been using a foaming face wash all along. It told me I needed to stay away from those white creams. The light bulb went off in my head! I knew the cream wasn't helping but only thought it was because it was an off brand and maybe they didn't use as good of products in theirs. It also told me I needed to use an exfoliate after using the foaming face wash. Then after the exfoliate, I needed to use an astringent. Followed up by a moisturizer. 

Once I got this information I was still a little skeptical.  I figured I'd go ahead and try it because I had nothing else to lose. If what they said didn't work it wasn't like it'd be a huge loss. I already would use an exfoliate every now and then so at least I was some what on the right path. I went to my local Wal-Mart and started looking at their products. I had always heard good things about Neutrogena and figured I'd give them a try. I found their Acne Stress Control line and tried their power foam wash. I figured stress was part of my acne problems and that maybe this could help. I then bought my usual Equate brand Refreshing Apricot Scrub, which, by the way, works just as good as the St. Ives Invigorating Apricot Scrub. I've tried both and they worked the same so why not spend less money and buy Equate? I then had heard about how Witch Hazel was a natural astringent so I thought it'd be less harmful on my skin so I bought a bottle of that. I had never  bought a moisturizer before and had no idea which one would be good for me. To start off I just bought the Wal-Mart brand oil free moisturizer with SPF 15.  I also from time to time will do a face mask. My favorite one is the Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque!

In a nutshell, I started using these products and saw a dramatic change in my skin. I still get breakouts every now and then but these products do help me. The only product I didn't like was the moisturizer. I am still on the lookout for an inexpensive moisturizer that is oil free and doesn't make your face feel greasy. If anyone could recommend something it is greatly appreciated!! 

If you're interested in taking Web MD's Personal Skin Evaluator, follow this link:
 Web MD's Personal Skin Evaluator

We've made it half way through the week! Can't wait to see what the remainder of the week has in store! 

Until next time, so long dearies!!

XOXO