Can I just say that I love presents! So I was the ONLY giddy person standing in line at the post office. I had a big kool-aid smile as I received the box and saw the return address. And I was super excited to finally get home and rip into it!

Lovingly packaged

Doesn’t that look good? Each part of my gift was individually wrapped. Starting with the small packages, feathers were the name of the game with some lovely earrings. Then I was blinded by the sparkle on a fantabulous pair of copper earrings. Chains and gems made up the next pair. I was gifted some sparkle nail polish that I shall wear when I finally paint my toes this week. And last but not least was one of the softest scarves I have felt in a long time!

Pow!

Unlike me, Secret Santa actually included a card (I forgot mine) and I think I know who got my name. I’m going to say it was Travel Diva. Yes?

Thank You Secret Santa!

Thankfully, I found something easily enough. I wanted to a dress because I also went to see a matinee showing of Wicked and needed to get my cute on.

How does this relate to makeup? Well, I had recently seen a YT video by KJ Bennett explaining how to create your own matte lipstick. While my end product wasn’t matte, I used the same techniques to create a deep purple lipcolor.

Products Used:

MUFE  Rouge Artist Intense #15

MAC Grape pigment

MAC Funtabulous Dazzleglass

This is the second year I will be participating in PSerendipity’s annual Secret Santa project. I realize this blog is focused on my makeup artistry and doesn’t give a glimpse of my other likes, so I thought I’d edit the post I did last year and drop some hints to my Secret Santa.

• I’m a licensed (a)esthetician. Meaning I love all things makeup and skincare related.
• Speaking of skincare, did you know that it’s soo cold in the D? I’m used to my skin taking a minute to adjust to the change in season, but this year my arms and legs almost staged a mutiny. I’m talking full scale dryness and flaking. Laughing in the face of lotion! This prompted me to put on my mad scientist coat and create my own moisturizer. I ordered shea and cocoa butters online along with a couple fragrance oils, gathered all the oils I normally use for my hair (coconut, almond, olive) and got to experimenting. The result is a lovely concoction that I use everyday and I love it! I smell like lemon cake right now. Can’t stop sniffing myself. Makes me wonder what else I can create. Muah hahaha! I’m not smelling like lemon cake anymore, but my skin is still mutinous this time of year, so I do still create my own concoctions.
• One of my favorite aspects of fall/winter – warm beverages, lol. Homeade ginger tea, peppermint mochas, witches brew, spiked apple cider…yum! I’m drinking pumpkin spice flavored coffee as I type this. Wow, I actually am drinking pumpkin spice flavored coffee as I edit this. Maybe I need to switch it up.
• I’ve had locs for just over 7 years, but by Christmas, I’ll have a newly shorn head.  I realize winter may not be the best time to cut off all my wind protection, but it’s been in my spirit for a minute so I’m going for it. (Hat, scarf, gloves perhaps?) As of Dec. 9, I will have had a low cut for one year. I have loved every minute of it, but am starting to let it grow. End goal is a funky Rhianna inspired mohawk. I figure by summer, I’ll be there. Anyway, that cold air on the back of my head is nothing the play with. A scarf would be lovely. ( I wear an orange coat).
  

  new hair inspiration

• I’m an accessories girl. One of my new playgrounds for cute, fun (read: cheap) costume jewelry is For Love 21. There’s one in the mall out here and it’s accessories as far as the eye can see.  Just a fun way to brighten up my everyday outfits. My new obsessions are long (read: past the shoulders) earrings. Bling, glitter, feathers I love it all.
  

  love these earrings! and the makeup! and the short hair!

Hopefully that gives a little perspective on me. I look forward to whatever my secret santa comes up with and I’m excited about doing the same for my blogger!

I experienced my first IMATS this past weekend. Not only did I attend, but I had the opportunity to assist THE Eve Pearl! Never underestimate the power of social media! Eve Pearl has made it a point to offer makeup artists access to her corner of the industry by regularly allowing them to be part of her team at various events.

setup day

Let me tell you how I knew I was meant to work with her. I saw the posting on Facebook and hesitated. I knew another makeup friend of mine was going (hey Belinda!), but didn’t know if I could swing the trip. It also crossed my mind that she would be getting more than a few inquiries from artists that were more seasoned than myself. So…I didn’t respond.

Fast forward to a week or two later. I talked with Belinda and decided I was going. She had contacted and was confirmed to work with Eve. I figured, since I finally made a decision, why not go all the way and see if Eve still needed assistants. So, I sent my email off (shout out to Crystal Wright for examples of how to structure an effective email) and received a response…that I was too late. She had all the assistants she needed. I shrugged it off because it was my fault for waiting so long to move. I determined that it would still be a great trip due to the amazing presenters (Kevin James Bennett and Roshar anyone?).

The week of IMATS I receive an email from Eve’s staff that originally responded to my email. My first thought was “Why am I receiving this? Did she include me by accident?” Anyway, the email outlined responsibilities at the show, required attire, show schedule, etc. At the bottom is a list of team members. Who’s name was on it?! That’s right! You should have seen the big cheesy grin on my face!

Eve did multiple demos on the attendees

It was an awesome show! I have never been sooo tired, but learned so much. I want to thank Eve Pearl for being so open with her knowledge and experience. I can’t wait to do it again!

 I liked the way this turned out. For the future, I have to work on my time. This look took approximately 45 minutes. If I’m in a multiple client situation, I’ll have to move faster. I have some willing practice models (love my friends!) so I’ll be working on improving.