Go Deep: Vamp Lips

Lips the color of night. Deep, dark, and sexy. She is mysterious. The woman who wears darker makeup is not afraid of being daring. She revels in it. You can never tell exactly what she's up to. With her dark eyes and dark lips, she's as mischievous as a black cat. She watches her prey from a distance and attacks when the moment is right only to disappear back into the shadows. Her face is that of an angel with tiny glimmers of light who decided to take a walk on the darkside. She's a black magic woman, and she's got you under her spell.

I've always been curious to try deeper hues on my lips. Colors that look like dark chocolate or Merlot seem so enticing. Until now I was a bit hesitant, because I didn't know if they would work for me. I associated really dark makeup with goth or a dominatrix-type woman. Not that I wouldn't mind walking around wearing a black patent leather corset and carrying a whip, but I wasn't sure that dark lips were right for me. Well, don't knock it 'til you try it. I've finally discovered some hues that are rich and sultry without being too unapproachable.


Spicy Chocolate
They are as a sweet as fudge brownies fresh from the oven and piping hot with sex appeal. These reddish browns have a warmth that complements any complexion. Go for colors like this gorgeous one from Tropez called Choclate Mousse (top) or Hestia by NYX (bottom). Both are the tone of a polished cherry wood with a dash of paprika. Spicy! These browns have shine and are extremely moisturizing, so your mouth won't dry out. I like to imagine that Foxy Brown would be kicking ass and wearing this color on her lips.



Red Wine
It's so easy to fall drunk in love with these colors. They can be as dark as a blackberry or as light as a glass of Pinot Noir. Homegirl by Kat Von D (top) is a vampy dark hue that glides on your lips with ease. It looks like velvet once you have it on. Cherry Bomb by Wet N Wild(middle) is my go-to when I want to look like a femme fatale. It has more of a matte finish and the color lasts for hours. No need to reapply throughout the day or night. Last but certainly not least there's Rebel by MAC(bottom). I've nicknamed this color Purple Majesty because I think Prince would like it. Gorgeous, majestic, and an attention-grabber.

Before you go smearing any of these lipsticks all over your mouth, keep a few things in mind. Don't rush. Pay close attention to the shape of your lips when applying dark colors. Use a lip liner when possible to prevent the color from bleeding. Always keep makeup remover nearby to clean up any mistakes. Use a dab of illuminator whether it's powder or cream to highlight your pretty cupid's bow. Keep the rest of your face simple with just a little mascara and blush. If you're daring enough to wear dark lips, you should go all the way and pair that with a Phoenix Eye concocted by my girl Angel of KisforKinky. See how she created the look here. Put these two together and that's one fierce kitty. Watch out, boys!


Vamp Lips is part 2 of 6 in our KisforKinky x Model Liberation 'She' collaboration. Makeup by me, photographs by Angel Jordan.

Beauty Blast: Serious Skincare Glycolic Gommage

We all want bright, youthful-looking skin. Am I right? I seriously doubt you've ever looked in the mirror and appreciated a gray, ghostly face staring back at you. Oh the horror. Bloody Mary! Bloody Mary! Bloody Mary! During the colder months my normally luminous skin starts to lose its luster. There's not as much sunshine or warmth to stimulate that golden glow. I end up looking like a dirty penny or the old silver that sits in your parents' china cabinet desperately in need of polishing. But not only do I need to shine up, but I need a scrub down to restore my skin. Enter Serious Skincare Glycolic Gommage.

This stuff is the real deal. It's an exfoliating facial that gets down deep into your pores and cleans. Glycolic Gommage scrubs your face below the surface and clears away the oils and grit your skin collects throughout your day to day business. It removes all the things makeup wipes and normal face washes just can't do. After it cleanses, the mask polishes your skin. It's really easy to use. First you should wash your face and then pat dry. Apply Glycolic Gommage to your face in a thick layer. Be sure to avoid your eyes and make sure the layer is even. You will feel it tingling immediately, so you know it's already working its magic.

Allow the facial to dry for at least ten minutes. That's just enough time for me to enjoy a glass of champagne. Before you rinse off, get your fingers wet and massage your face. The mask will start to crumble off. This is the final exfoliation. Now you're ready for a full rinse. When you're done pat dry and go about your usual after cleansing routine. My skin feels as soft as a baby's bootie. And talk about a glow! Serious Skincare's Glycolic Gommage is a steal at just under $40. Why spend hundreds of dollars when you can pamper yourself like this at home.

Black Is Beautiful

We come in all shades. All complexions. Not one of us looks exactly alike. Different faces. Different bodies. But one thing's for sure... black is beautiful. I remember as a child when this particular month rolled around, my parents would go the extra mile to make sure I knew about our strong heritage. It was all about celebrating black firsts and black achievements. We talked about the things you didn't learn in school or that history books just skimmed over. When society is constantly showing you examples of black thugs and black welfare queens it's important for you to know that positive images of our people do exist, otherwise we will believe the BS propaganda that is put out there. Black History Month was the time that I discovered some of my favorite icons. Josephine Baker. Dorothy Dandridge. Beverly Johnson. Myrlie Evers-Williams. Diahann Carroll. Shirley Chisolm. Angela Davis. Don't forget the baddest Catwoman that's ever lived Eartha Kitt. The list is endless.

Before Beyonce, Lupita, Joan Smalls, or even Michelle Obama these were the women who inspired a generation. They were the firsts of their kind to break down barriers in television, film, music, and fashion. Ladies, they taught us how to be strong, intelligent, gorgeous, and resilient. The CIA once called Eartha Kitt "a sadistic nymphomaniac" and Angela Davis was on the FBI's most wanted list. Their beauty and power was so strong that it scared Mr. Joe Public. These femme fatales didn't back down from their natural callings or talent, they stood their ground. Can you imagine if any of them had rolled up into a little ball and caved in because of the harsh words and criticism? I'm so glad they didn't. Where would we be today without them? Lost. Take this month to celebrate these pioneers and visionaries. They paved the way for not only women of color, but for women around the world. Because if we don't rejoice in us who else will.

Speak out: Who are some of your black icons?

Lip Scrub-a-Dub

Tell me if this has ever happened to you. Getting ready for a night out. You start putting on your favorite lipstick, but there's a big problem. It's not gliding on smoothely. You lean in for a closer look in the mirror when you notice the flakes. Sorry girl. You've got a case of crusty lips. I know you didn't think it could happen to you. In the winter months you smear on Carmex to keep your lips from getting chapped. But the dryness has still crept up on you. There's no time to run out to Sephora to grab a remedy. You need a quick fix. Well I got you, boo. DIY lip scrub to the rescue.

I'm a huge fan of lip scrubs like Fresh Lip Sugar Polish or Bliss Fabulips, but sometimes you can't get it or you don't want to spend the money. I totally feel you. That's when you whip up something all on your own. There's no need to run out to the grocery store. For this little concoction you'll need a few items from your kitchen and a couple from your medicine cabinet:

Brown or refined sugar
Maple syrup
Orange slice
Coconut butter or oil (whatever's in your cupboard)
Vitamin E oil

Just a little disclaimer... this recipe isn't exact. First take about three heaping spoons full of sugar. Then add my beauty miracle go-to coconut butter or oil. If don't already know, coconut products cleanse the skin of bacteria, are packed with antioxidants, and contain fatty acids that seal in moisture. Za-zing! Next pour in a little maple syrup. This may come as a surprise but 100 percent pure maple syrup is full antioxidants too and can help reverse the signs of aging. Squeeze some orange juice into the mix. The vitamin C will help wake up your skin. Drop in the vitamin E oil which you already know is essential for keeping your skin youthful. Now stir until the mix is sort of crumbly. I added in a little more maple and coconut oil so mine is more like a lip drizzle.

Get ready for the fun part. Grab an old toothbrush. Dip it into your little mix. Now get to scrubbing. It's ok if you get messy with it. Unlike some of the lip scrubs on the market, this one is completely edible. And boy is it delicious! Just like you brush your teeth, scrub in a circular motion. The brushing should reinvigorate your dry lips and remove all the flakiness. Rinse and then pat dry.

Feel how smooth and soft your lips are after that. Your mouth will still be moisturized from the coconut oil and vitamin E. Ooo la la. So kissable. Now you should have no problem wearing your favorite lip color without fear of it crusting over. Enjoy!

xoxo

White Like Porcelain

Remember when you were a teen and you were bored in class. You took some white-out and started painting your nails. It was all streaky and matte, but you didn't really care. This is that but way better. Hello white nails! We're used to seeing pink, red, or even black nails. That's all fine and dandy, but I'm telling you white is where it's at. White nails look clean and crisp like a freshly starched dress shirt. It's so good. And the color will instantly draw attention to your perfect manicure. I'm declaring it... White nails are the new neutral.

All whites are not created equal. Years ago I tried a few white polishes that just looked cheap and awful on my nails. You don't want a product that looks like a kid used marker on your fingertips. Also, picking the right white is crucial. I chose this particular color at a party just last night. Other ladies steered clear of it thinking it wouldn't look right with their complexions. Oh please. This OPI My Boyfriend Scales Walls is bright and pure white enough to work for any skin tone. If you're worried about the white making you look pale, go for a glossy color. You can also experiment with different shades like a pearly finish or something iridescent and sparkly. If you have darker skin, white will make your mani really pop. What compliments a fabulous cocktail ring better than killer nails?

If you're a DIY girl, here are a few tips to get your white nails perfect. Make sure your nails are clean and free of any oils. This may seem super basic, but a clean slate makes a world of difference. As always, start with a prep coat like OPI's Chip Skip. This will make sure that your polish doesn't peel off. Then go for a base coat like Essie's First Base. It's like a primer for your nails so that you get the true hue of the polish and the color won't stain your nails. Now it's time for the polish. The first coat won't be perfect, and that's ok. The second coat should be much smoother and more even. If it's not, a really thin third layer is fine. Seal the deal with your favorite top coat. I love Ciate's Speed Coat because it dries super quickly. If you're like me and you still get paranoid about messing up your fresh mani or you're in a rush to get moving, try Zoya Fast Drops. You'll be done with your mani in 20 minutes flat and ready to run to your next audition. Even the casting director will notice your white hot nails. Get it!

xoxo

Scarlet Fever

Hello awards season. It's nice to be able to celebrate the cream of the crop in Tinseltown. All those compelling films and nominations are great, but what I'm really interested in is fashion. Bring on the red carpet! Who's wearing what. Tell me about that necklace. I can't believe she picked that dress. These are just a few of the words that came out of my mouth yesterday as I was watching the Golden Globe Awards. Let me just say, I was throughly entertained by all the fashion hits and misses. What really caught my attention... the color of power and passion. The ladies in red won my heart and knocked them dead.

Amy Adams, Lupita Nyong'o, and Emma Watson are my top picks for best dressed. They all hit the nail on the head in very different ways. Let's start with Amy Adams. If you saw her in American Hustle, then you know she was oozing with sex appeal. She definitely channeled that in this two-toned Valentino gown looking like a slice of red velvet cake. Mmm mmm. You didn't see this during the pre-show, but Amy also had a red cape to go with the dress. But I'm sure once she saw showstopper Lupita in a caped dress, Amy probably decided to leave it off for photo opps. You can't compete with Lupita in all her scarlet glory.

Her dress had me at hello. That Ralph Lauren number is something else. The 12 Years a Slave actress looks like a superhero and I'm crazy about it. Let's get a better look at the face. Can we say flawless! You can't fake a glow like that. The hint of blue around her eyes is like icing on the cake. And for all the girls with short and sassy cuts, how can you not be inspired by her hair. It's sleek and polished but still funky. Even guys are sweating her side part right now. Lupita knows how to work her beauty.

Here's a closer glimpse at why I'm loving Emma's look. The color, the spunk, that back. She went for a Christian Dior pants look that I'm still dying over the next day. Emma is young and not afraid of taking risks, and this outfit really works for her. She keeps her makeup and hair simple but gorgeous, and allows the outfit to make a statement. Some of you might argue that the choice is all wrong, but Emma's having fun. Would you rather her dress like a 50 year old? Exactly.

The Golden Golden Globes are just the beginning. For the next month or so, we're going to be flooded with even more awards shows and red carpets. Some of my best dressed ladies could tank later. You never know. But I'm sure Princess Lupita will be shutting it down. That girl's a star! Can't wait to see what all of these ladies do for the Oscars.

Chime in: Who made your best-dressed list for the Golden Globe Awards?

With Love from ASOS

From ASOS Magazine January 2014

Hold up! Wait a minute! Is that who I think it is? There's Beyonce, Camilla, Rihanna and Lorde. But who's that other pretty girl? Oh, yeah that's me! Yours truly is featured in ASOS Magazine for January 2014. I love it when I get surprises. I kind of had an idea that it was going to happen, but things are never really for sure. You know what I mean. I found the story this morning and I'm so giddy about it. Yes, I'm a model and should be used to seeing my face pop up in random places, but it's the little things like this that make me happy.

Apparently my Black Like Licorice lipstick is still making its rounds. First it was Refinery29, then Rue Lala, and now this. I love it. ASOS included my photo in this cute write-up about some of the hottest lip color trends for the season especially deeper colors. Dark hues are so great for the winter and add a film noir femme fatale feel to your beauty look. It's so Veronica Lake or Ava Gardner. The colors range from a nice tart berry to my deep almost charcoal, smokey lip. It all looks really seductive and moody. ASOS even included brown shades like the one Drew Barrymore used to rock in the 90s. I wonder if you'd consider that retro now?

Thanks for including me in your gallery of dark-lipped ladies, ASOS. It means the world to me. Oh, and look out for a new blurb about how to de-winterize your lips coming soon.

Xoxo

Red Velvet Kitty

Cold weather, clouds, and darkness. My entire wardrobe has gone from brightness to nearly all black in the just one month. I've also noticed that my face is starting to lose its color too. No, no. This will never do. Although I love deep autumn tones, my beauty habits don't need to turn grey and boring. I was digging through my closet the other night and I found this great pair of cheetah print heels with scarlet stems that inspired me. Why not try a sort of spicy red with a hint of pink on my lips? Rich golden honey-kissed skin, messy brows, tempting eyes with a flirty red velvet pout. Yes please.

Normally I just wear a bit of gloss. It's easy and never gets old. But a red lip is so classic. It can take any outfit and automatically kick it up a notch. Now I know what you're thinking. How do you find the perfect shade of red? This decision not only has a lot to do with your complexion, but also your mood. I like to think of it as "The Hunt for Red October". You don't want something too springy but you also don't want a red tone that does nothing to complement your face. I stray away from reds with too much blue that will make me look more dead than alive. I also wait to put on lipstick until I'm fully dressed. You've got to make sure the red matches your clothes, right.

For this look, I literally grabbed an affordable lipstick from a drugstore when I was heading out for the night. The color is Red Velvet by Wet n Wild, and it's perfectly priced when you just want to try something but don't want to invest too much money. It stays put so I don't have to reapply between cocktails. Like with any other bold color, keep the rest of your face simple. I always do a bit of bronzer on my cheeks and my eye lids, a little black eyeliner on my lower lashes and then lengthening lash mascara. Throw on this cute little kitty mask, and I'm purrfect. See how just the right red lip can make such a difference. Kiss-kiss.

Black Like Licorice

Grey skies and cooler weather are creeping up on us and I'm totally digging it. I love autumn. This is when we trade in our bright summer hues for deeper, darker colors not only for our wardrobes, but also for our makeup. Don't get me wrong. I'm still going to use any excuse to wear orange lipstick, but why not try something different. Why not black? Morbid... no. Ghoulish... perhaps. But if we wear black clothes, black boots, and black eyeliner, who says we shouldn't give black lipstick a try.

I know that you may be thinking black is all wrong for your lips. Normally we like to wear colors that attract positive attention to our mouths and boys think of kissing. Who cares. Men don't understand lipstick and any color other than nude will complicate a crazy makeout session. But I say if you like to experiment with deep reds, purples, and burgundies, take it a step further and go for the darkest of dark.

You don't have to go full-on Elvira or Morticia Adams when rocking black lips. Just like when you red lips, keep the rest of your face simple. I opted for a tiny bit of tinted moisturizer and a little bronzer on the cheeks. I added a little highlighter in the corners of my eyes and on my Cupid's bow to accentuate my best assets. Then black mascara to make my eyes really pop. Now let's pull out that black lipstick. If you're a little nervous, don't worry. I was unsure about what kind of black lipstick to try, so here's a couple of options. If you don't want to spend money, just use your trusty black liner on your lips. Outline and then fill in. Top it off with a dab of sheer gloss. Or, go to the drugstore and pick up and affordable brand like Wet n Wild's Fergie Collection in Pagan Angel. This is what I used and it looks smashing.

Don't be afraid of the black. It's so sexy once you get used to it. You know what they say about darker colors.
"Once you go black..."

Chime in:
Would you wear black lipstick?

The Nail Game: NYFW Edition

If you're going to make an appearance at the fiercest fashion shows in the world, you'd better come correct. From head to toe, you've got to look on point including your nails. I'm not just talking a basic manicure. I'm talking stilettos, nail wraps, nail art, half moon manicures, jewels... the works. On the runway, designers like Mara Hoffman, Maki Oh, and Cushnie Et Ochs got in on the trend by incorporating nail art designs to match their collections. On the streets of New York, the fashionista took the nail game to a whole other level.

Imagine arriving at fashion week sans manicure. Between all the packing and last minute errands, I honestly didn't have time to squeeze in a mani-pedi. I just kept hoping that one of the gifting suites or beauty lounges would include manicures in their free services. For days I hid my nails from the world, until one evening at event for Amika hair products. Hallelujah there's a nail bar!

Amika decided to collaborate with Dashing Diva and create nail wraps to match the packaging for the new collection. Genius! I opted for the black with gold dots. Look at they compliment my freckles and this cute Oh by Joy Gryson wallet. Spots on spots on spots. These nail wraps became an instant hit for the street fashion lovers. Taye and I even made a cameo in this great nail trend video by Glam.com.

Ooo these girls got style. See how their nails amped up their outfits. Boom! It must have been kismet, because my nail wraps conveniently matched all my outfits at NYFW from my striped Stella & Jamie vest to my leopard print sweater. The other great thing about these Dashing Diva nail wraps, if you just add gel on top, they'll last for weeks. Genius!

Chime in ladies: What's your favorite nail trend from New York Fashion Week?

Loco for Coco

New obsession alert! Maybe it's my dream of escaping to an island, but I'm so into anything coco. I look at my moisturizers and they're all coconut. Open my fridge and there's coconut water and coconut milk. One look at my perfumes and all that matters is Coco Chanel. Ok, that's a stretch, but it's still part of my coco collection. So what's the deal with coconut anyway?

It's like a super nut or fruit or food. The coconut provides nourishment with its milk, oil, meat and juice. Pacific Islanders call the coconut palm tree the Tree of Life because of the fruit's various healing properties. Coconut is like some supernatural wonder cureall because it's anti- fungal, anti-bacterial, anti- viral and packed with antioxidants. You can use the fruit to fight tapeworms, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, and even the flu. Crazy right?!

Try squeezing coconut into your daily life...

Coconut Water- A great thirst quencher after a workout or on a hot day. It's ridiculously hydrating and has as many electrolytes as plasma. This water has all the fixings including potassium, calcium, and vitamins like B1 and C. Drinking coconut water can also help maintain your body's pH level. Because of its recent popularity, you can pick up coconut water any almost any supermarket and convenience store.

Coconut Body Butter- Let's be honest. It just sounds yummy. Every brand is different but the key ingredients are coconut oil, Shea butter, and vitamin E. The body butter moisturizers for hours without leaving a greasy residue. Your skin will feel like silk.

Coconut Oil- Well, well. Where do I begin? You can use coconut oil in the kitchen for baking and cooking. It's better than the other oils because it has no cholesterol or trans fats. Now on to the beauty side. Remember when I mentioned its rich with antioxidants? That helps protect your skin from free radicals and fights the aging process. I use it immediately after a shower the lock in moisturize. It's like butter, baby. Also try coconut oil on your hair. Instead of buying those expensive hair serums that only have a tiny bit of good oils and are packed with unhealthy fillers, I go straight to the source. Take a dime size and massage into hair after a good wash. Your hair will stay shiny all day.

Coco Eau De Toilette by Chanel - This has absolutely nothing to do with coconuts, but my does it smell good. It's lighter than the perfume version but is oozing with sophistication. This scent is timeless.

With all its benefits, it's no wonder islanders swear by the stuff. Now it's time for us mainlanders to go coconut crazy. Trust me. Once you try coco you'll keep going back for more.

Barely There

Good morning, sunshine. It's time to get that sleepy head out of bed. Now before you start with your daily routine, stare at yourself in the bathroom mirror. Ah ah ah. Don't pick at that pimple that crept up in the middle of the night. Stop scrunching up your face and obessing over those microscopic wrinkles on your forehead. Just stand back and take in your own reflection like you're looking at a piece of art at a museum. Isn't it just beautiful? So why is it that you pile on layer upon layer of makeup everyday?

Don't get it twisted...I absolutely adore makeup. I check out beauty blogs on the regular. The use of colors, contouring, and shading to highlight your greatest features is just fantastic. But what irks me is slapping on too much makeup. Girl, why do you do that to yourself? You do realize that even RuPaul doesn't wear that much face. I mean, really? It's one thing to wear a splash of color here or there on a night out, but when you're wearing a full mask out to work everyday... That's just ridiculous.

How about we try something new. We're going for less in more and the "barely there" makeup look. Pick only 5 or 6 things to use on your face. Let's try a cream blush, a highlighter, mascara, lip gloss, and maybe a tinted moisturizer. Skip the heavy foundation and go for Urban Decay's Urban Defense Tinted Moisturizer that's paraben free and light reflecting for a great complexion. I love playing up my eyes, so I add a little highlighter at the inner corners and just below my eyebrows. In this case I used Wet n Wild Bronzer in Reserve Your Cabana. Then I add some oomph to my lashes with this Megalength mascara also by Wet n Wild. Wondering about that clear mascara? I use Maybelline Great Lash mascara to tame my eyebrows and add a little shine. Then dab a little Urban Decay Glide-On Cheek Tint and lip gloss from Forever 21, and I'm good to go.

The trick is instead of trying to cover everything, you're just bringing out what you already have. You don't want to look at yourself and only see makeup. You actually want to see your face. Go for products that nourish and moisturize and steer clear of anything that will dry you out. Treat your skin with love everyday, and then you won't actually be afraid of what you see in the mirror.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

"La di da di. We like to party..." Let's flashback to junior high in the 90s when we all obsessed over boy bands, watched the original 90210 and wanted to dress like the girls in Clueless. In a swanky hotel room in West Hollywood, we kicked it old school at a slumber party hosted by my girl Taye of Stuff She Likes and Jenny Wu of GoodBadandFab. It was all courtesy of beauty giant Wet n Wild. Makeup, ice cream, and pillow fights. It was like totally amazing!



Taye and Jenny invited a few LA bloggers and gal pals to enjoy a night of pampering and partying at the London Hotel. I swear. I haven't been to a slumber party in forever and I don't know why we don't have them as adults. They are sooo much fun. There was plenty to do. We watched our favorite chick flicks, gossiped about boys, and played Twister. See, there's DJ Lady Sha and Aneesah looking fab next to hostess with the mostess Taye.




Makeup artist Brie let us try out some of Wet n Wild's newest beauty products including the Fergie collection. But it's kind of hard to get your face done when you're busy stuffing it with hot dogs and french fries. And we were also surrounded by tons of candy, champagne, and root beer floats. Somehow in between grabbing up lip gloss and nail polish and overindulging in food, these ladies found the time to strike a pose.



By the end of the evening our bellies were full of sweets and we were extremely giggly. We didn't trash the hotel room, but let's just say we took advantage of the space. Pillow fight! And I walked away with a goodie bag filled to the max with lipstick, bronzer, blush, mascara... the works. I won't have to go shopping for this stuff for a whole year. Aren't you jealous? Dear Wet n Wild, can we please do this again soon!
xoxo


P.S. If you're a little upset that you weren't in on the fun... I've got a surprise for you to make up for it. Stay tuned.

Inspiration Board

The wanderlust of summer is officially setting in. All I can think of is vacation, vacation, vacation. But until that actually happens, here's a little inspiration for all you kids with your head in the clouds...




Oh boy. I think it's time to get run away to an island. And since it's Throwback Thursday, you might also want to check out another inspiration board of mine that shares a similar theme. Enjoy!