Fall Yummies!

Hello Beauties!

I hope that everyone is full of cider, pumpkin pie, and happiness!  Fall is one of my favorite seasons for a multitude of reasons!  The leaves, the change in climate, no more allergies, annnnnnnnnd more of a romantic palette for my make-up collection. :)


This Fall season in particular, I am totally loving the color Brown---but let's call it chocolate as it sounds a bit fancier :).  I've been incorporating chocolate lip colors, nails, beautiful warm toned eye-shadows, bronzed cheeks, and such.  It is a color that I find looks good on everyone---as long as it's the right shade of course.  Below, I've included a few of my faves, as well as examples of variations of the tones.  Be brave, and consider trying it for yourselves!

















Here is a before, and after of a beauty I made over using warm chocolate tones.  Initially, she was nervous about rocking such a dark lip, but quickly grew to love it.  Notice how she still looks soft, yet dramatic?  This lip definitely makes a statement that says: "I'm confident, fabulous, and I own my look.".

I also am wearing the same lip color.  I kept my eyes almost nude, and let the lip pseudo speak for itself. 

The lip color Cameo, and I are sporting is called, "Photo" with, "Chestnut" lip liner on top by M.A.C. Again, Keep your eye simple to avoid looking overdone.

Absolutely gorgeous! (Not my work, source: Pinterest)

Did you know that people often notice our hands before anything else?  For that reason, it is imperative to sport a well-manicured nail especially if you're a working professional.  The vampire shaped nails with jewels all over them is one of the latest trends---but there's something about keeping it classic that you can never go wrong with.  Normally I wear a nude, "Ballet Slipper" type of color, but decided to be daring with this chocolate toned polish.  Love the color? It's called, "Rapture".

Here are a few other examples of colors that are gorgeous.  Don't neglect your toesies too!

 

This palette by Bobbi Brown cosmetics is gorgeous, and honestly can work on all skin tones.  If you dip your brush in water, the colors will go on much more bold.  This palette is called: Tortoise Eyeshadow Palette in Sand.

Bobbi Brown Desert Twilight Eye Palette 7 ^^^^^^. GORGEOUS!

I own this palette by Stila, and LOVE it.  There's beautiful hints of shimmer to it, and is so convenient for travel/organization.

 

 Even though it's Fall, you can still dust your face with a bit of beautiful bronzer to set the look off.  Nothing too much, but just subtle hints throughout.

Now, your turn! Get to your nearest cosmetic counter, and ask a beauty adviser to assist you in finding what is best for your skin tone.  Send me pics of you rocking something in chocolate, and I will feature you on my FB page.  (Make-up By MelissaRoshan).



Happy Fall!

MelRo's Faves!

Hi everyone! I often get asked what are MY PERSONAL favorite make-up must haves? What do I use? What can you find in my own make-up kit? Well, I've decided to give you all a peek!

First off, the way I store my make-up, is in an extremely organized fashion. I used plastic drawer containers from Target, then label the outside of the drawer: Lips, eyes, face, etc.

I own two of these containers which probably comes as no surprise (wink) ;).  

Going through my top ten favorite make-up pieces, here they are!

I LOVE my Smashbox Studios liquid concealer! I love using a shade about two hues lighter than my skin tone to brighten, lighten, and give a nice refreshed look. I apply it around my eye area, and even on the brow bone.

Tarte Cosmetics makes AMAZING organic blushes, and this particular color in, "Dollface" is gorgeous. 

I wasn't a huge bronzer fan until I started using bronzers! Ha! Now,  to define my cheekbones and get a little life back in my skin, I'll apply bronzer, and then a pinch of blush as an added bonus.

MAC also make a gorgeous mineralized skin finish that is gorgeous on the skin. I apply just a pinch to the apples of my cheeks if I have an event to go to, and it give a beautiful faux glow :). I would not recommend this product for extremely mature skin however.

Still haven't found a mascara that I love more than Benefit Cosmetics, "They're Real". This mascara lengthens, strengthens, separates, and adds fullness to my lashes. I apply two coats of this mascara, and it gives the look that I've applied false lashes. Yet, it still looks natural! :) I HIIIIIIIGHLY recommend this mascara!

One of my favorite palettes of all time is by Urban Decay Cosmetics. Their beautiful, "Naked Palettes". It has an array of colors I use! I own one in my professional kit, and of course my personal make-up collection.  Are these colors not lovely? :D

This is a GORGEOUS sheer lip color by Clinique Cosmetics called, "Air Kiss". I LOVE that it moisturizes, plumps, and gives a hint of color. I've loved this lip gloss since 1999! Back then, they used to sell it in a little pot. I like the wand concept now though. Very convenient, and sanitary!

I definitely have to have my Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer! It gives a nice tint of color, while still allowing my natural skin to shine through. Tinted moisturizers are like face lotions with color.  It has an SPF of 30 which is an added bonus! No matter your skin color, we all need SPF, EVERYDAY! Even when cloudy!

LOVE my YSL Touche Eclat highlighting wand. It's different than a concealer in that it draws the light to the right areas on the face. It doesn't go underneath the eye, but rather in key places. I apply above my eyebrows, LIGHTLY down the middle of my nose, and on my cheeks.

Lastly, my favorite liquid liner at the moment (smile) is by Victorias Secret. I also like Kat VON D.'s eyeliner tattoo wand, but my mind instantly thought of my V.S. liner, so I decided to mention her :). 

That's all for now my friends! My prayer is that you ALL are well, peaceful, and happy! Thanks so much for reading, and I will be back soon!

Must Have's that are right under your nose! Your local drugstore!

Hi Lovelies!

I hope everyone is amazing, and well!  I'm sure we all can agree that with Spring being here, there's even more reasons for us to smile! Warmer weather, flowers blooming, puddle jumping, and such. II keep mentioning the fact that warm weather is here---someone is just a little excited, can you tell? SMILE. Love it!

I am so excited to be back again with another post.  As the title says, this month's post is highlighting some of my beauty faves, as well as industry faves that are actually located in your local drugstore.  

Believe me, I can get lost in Sephora all day, but if I am not careful, so can my budget.  That said, I've scoured the internet, as well as done my own research to find products that are comparable, if not better that are located at CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, and Duane Reade.  Often times, we believe that by spending more money, we must be getting the best of the best.  While this is partly true, it is not necessarily because of the content of the product.  What happens is, we're paying more for the experience, and the packaging.  Let's be honest, there's something about the elegant ambience of a SAKS cosmetics department as opposed to Aisle 9 of Walgreens.  You tend to feel prettier, catered to, and the presentation creates a better experience.

There is NOTHING wrong with this. I get it!  As a free-lance make-up artist, this was one of the major reasons I went into business for myself.  I wanted my clients to have a more calming environment than that of a store, didn't want them to feel pressured to buy, and I wanted them to feel catered to.  I wanted to provide stellar service by way of technique, and most importantly---- experience.  For most of us though, budgets are a factor, and even when they're not, saving is always in season!

That said, below you're going to find a few great beauty deals that not only will keep more money in your fabulous purse, but will also get you high qualities results.  By helping you put together your shopping list before-hand, this will allow you to bypass feeling overwhelmed, and get right to seamless shopping!  Hooray!

Rather than spending an arm, or fabulous leg on expensive beauty creams, don't sleep on this product that has been on the market for years! Aquaphor is absolutely phenomenal! I slather this on my feet at night, and then wear socks while I sleep only to reveal baby soft heel skin in the morning.  Additionally, I apply it all over my body during the day, as I have found my skin to be a lot more dry as I have gotten older.  Let me add that this is a product that is to be used on the body skin rather than the face.  Finally, you'll love the fact that this cream is scentless, so it will not interfere with your favorite fragrance.  Awesome Sauce, right?

I will be honest and tell you that I am an avid fan of Origin's cleanser: "Checks and Balances", but as a back up, I LOVE Neutrogena's Oil Free Acne Wash. If you're prone to break-outs here and there, have normal to oily-skin, or just like the feeling of a squeaky clean face, I believe you'll fall in love with this cleanser as well.  Years ago, it came in a bar soap formula, but they've now put it into a bottle form which is much more sanitary :)

I own about four tubes of the Loreal Color Riche Lip Gloss, and it is amazing!  Not only does the color stay in place all day, but it has a plumping agent that keeps my lips pouty, moisturized, and beautiful.  Be careful though, they're addicting! You may end up with over five of these tubes!

Garnier's BB Cream is amazing as well!  BB Creams really help smooth out the skin before you actually apply your base on top.  For some people, (self included) I will often wear it on it's own like a tinted moisturizer.  I LOVE using Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizers, but in effort to save for that vacation to Bora Bora (smile) I've found a product that is equally phenomenal.

Neutrogena made my list again! So, I wasn't a believer in this product until I actually tried it.  I absolutely LOVE there shower gel for several reasons:

*Leaves my skin hydrated, and gorgeous.

*It smells fresh, pretty, and clean.  When showering, I feel as if I'm at a luxury spa

* Ding Ding Ding! It doesn't break my bank account! Yay!

*3-4 pumps in your loofah sponge is all you need, and you'll find that this shower gel will last easily for 3 months! Love it!

There are times when I just don't want my lips to appear too shiny, nor do I want the sticky/heavy feel that lip gloss can often give off.  That said? I LOVE Burt's Bees lip balm.  Organic, hypo-allerginic, and incredibly nourishing for the lips it is easily one of my favorite balms of all times.  Plus, it comes in a variety of hues if you prefer a little bit of color. Fabulous!

Recently, I was on a business trip in Atlanta, and forgot to pack my own favorite mascara (Benefit Cosmetics, "They're Real").  I had to hurry up, and find a solution before I started my day.  Lo and behold I found an amazing replacement, that I still am using after being home 2 months later! Maybelline's, "The Colossal" is incredibly amazing.  Just like with my department store brand mascara, it lengthens, separates, lifts, AND adds volume to my eyelashes without making them look like spider legs. LOVE THIS, and a few of my make-up artist friends do too!

I could go on, and on with this post, but I know you all have some shopping to do! :).  Let me know how you like the products I mentioned, as well as send me your suggestions of products you think should make the list in say, a part 2 post!  Until then, have an amazing month!  I will be back soon!

XOXO, 

Update time!

Hello Beautiful, Beauties! I hope this finds you all in the best spirits ever! Welcome back!


Wellllllll, Spring time is here, and I don't know about you all, but I am SO glad it is! It's been a long, blistery cold Winter, and you can totally tell by my own starving make-up collection.  Honey, I haven't wanted to leave my home to stock up on new beauty products, because it's been THAT cold! Okay, okay..... Maybe not to THAT extreme, but I thought it sounded good for dramatic effort (smile). Plus, I certainly don't expect you to believe that I would go without a well stocked cabinet for ANY reason! Hee Hee! Now then, I have compiled a small list of a few must-haves that will take your Winter, "Hi's", to a fabulous Spring, "Well, hello there Dahhhling!".  Dig in, enjoy, then make a beeline to go update!


First off, we know that our skin changes right along with the seasons.  Over the Winter, a heavier moisturizer with sunscreen is appropriate.  For Spring, you can certainly think about lightening it up a bit. I highly recommend and currently use:

Seaberry face oil by, "Fresh" cosmetics.  You can apply this before a heavier moisturizer (just out of sheer preference) before your foundation/base (no it won't slide off as long as you apply sparingly) or by itself.  You can find this fabulous oil at your local Sephora, or online.

Here are the details:

A precious blend of pure oils packed with omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9 that absorb quickly to preserve a youthful appearance and provide 24-hour moisture.

Key ingredients:
- Omega 7 is known to enhance the skin's healing process, 3 helps calm and soothe and omegas 6 and 9 are known to improve elasticity, softness and smoothness.
- Seaberry oil, also known as seabuckthorn oil, a powerful antioxidant rich in all of the moisturizing omegas noted for protecting the skin from aging free radicals.
- Cranberry seed oil, packed with vitamin E to maintain skin's elasticity and smoothness.
- Camellia seed oil to help maintain soft, smooth and supple skin.
- Grapeseed oil to help maintain healthy hydration levels.

Not only do we want to switch up our moisturizers, but I also highly recommend switching to a foundation/base that is either lighter in the way you apply it, or to a tinted moisturizer all together.  As the warmer weather approaches, don't be afraid to let your skin shine through. Even if you have more problematic skin ie; acne scarring, blemishes, etc... Let YOU shine through.  Resist the urge to conceal with heavy cake make-up.... Natural beauty (even with imperfections) is always in season.

If you simply prefer a heavier coverage, go with a nice liquid foundation.  Either mix it with your moisturizer to tone coverage, or apply it with a fluffy kabuki brush in quick circular motions.  This will give you a beautiful, clean airbrushed look... You'll get the coverage you desire, without it being heavy.  No more make-up sponges, or even foundation brushes needed.

Try:

MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid.  GREAT for more problematic skin! My clients tend to respond VERY well when I use this on them! Again, try applying it with your Kabuki brush, and diluting it with a little moisturizer (a cream, or lotion.  Not the Seaberry oil) for a softer finish.


For tinted moisturizers, I am head-over-heels in love with Laura Mercier's brand.  Here are a couple of formulas I think you will love too.  While you totally can create one yourself (by mixing your foundation with moisturizer) sometimes already having it in a tube with moisturizer is much more convenient.

Here is her oil free formula......






She also has one that is more hydrating (not shown), or the illuminating one above (my favorite).  This gives you more of a dewy finish (which is my personal preference for my own self). Again, you can find most of these products at Neiman Marcus, Sephora, Saks Fifth Avenue, or Nordstroms.  I so want to read your feedback as well! If you love it, let me know!

For color, don't be afraid to go lighter in your application (you will read me mentioning this a lot) as well as choosing colors that are brighter, and fresher.  The look this Spring is clean, natural, and much less severe. While a smoky eye is amazing, try going for brighter colors instead that will bring our your features.


Aren't the new Bobbi Brown palettes amaze?! See the trend here? Lighter, natural, and pretty.

For my darker hued Beauties, I can't get enough of the Queen Collection of Cover Girl for Spring! YUM! Bright, fresh, and pretty!



Chanel Cosmetics Spring Collection


Nars Blush...

I HIGHHHHHLY recommend  my FAVORITE mascara of all time?? Brought to you by Benefit Cosmetics... It's called, "They're Real".  I think the name explains itself.





Finally, don't neglect your brows, as they are what frame your face.  Instead of an extremely dark brow, consider going one shade lighter that your hair color to soften the look.  I'm a huge fan of Anastasia Brows.  She has a line of pencils, brow gels, powders, and highlighters specifically for the brow.  Plus, she includes tutorials in her product to take the guesswork out.





Well my Loves, thank you so very much for reading along with me again. I hope you found this post helpful, and that it starts you on your way to an updated, refreshed look!  I will be back soon with a part 2 :).  Until then, shine your light, and stay beautiful!

Xoxo,

New Year, New You---but no, really this time!

Hello Love Lambs!

Happy New Year, and Happy almost Spring to you all! First, my hope, and prayer is that you all have an amazing new personal year of growth, love, beauty, and all things awesome! Next, let me just say that I KNOW we've all said that at the top of the year, we'd be making x, y, z changes, but sadly, and quite honestly, we never stay committed to following through with them.   By month 2, we've fallen off. Trust me. I GET IT, as I've been guilty of this before.

This year however, is the year that I am personally staying committed to all the things I said that I would do, plus more! Normally my posts on this blog are more about beauty, but I will share with you some of my goals with the hope that it will inspire you all to stay committed to your own. Heck, we may even have the same one's, and this just happens to be your confirmation! :).  Read on:



1.

I've seen this photo pop up on other weight loss sites plenty of times suggesting I used their gimmick, pill, or LIE! (smile). Ahhhh, the joys of the internet, right? The truth is, that I made the choice to Eat Clean, and that is what allowed me to lose 74 pounds, and keep it off.  My commitment this year, is to stay on this path of clean eating, clean living, and making certain my heart stays clean as well.  In other words, while I don't consume toxic food, I also will not allow toxic thoughts to inhabit my being.  Sometimes, it is so EASY to slack.  Slacking has disastrous results however. Again, TRUST me! I speak from experience! So yes. I plan to continue on the path of taking great care of myself.  No sugar, no dairy, no fried foods, no alcohol, no binge eating. Yes to energy. Yes to looking fabulous in my cloths.  Yes to less doctor visits. Yes to operating on 10 in all that I do.  Healthy living works Friends!

2.

Okay, so we see a book here with no title right? What's that business about you ask? Welllllllllll, my Loves, this "blankness" represents my soon coming, and long overdue memoir.  Many people that work with me, only know that I am a make-up artist, and depending on the job, a model.  What many don't know, is that I am a public speaker, but most importantly, a survivor.  I've lived in many different foster homes, survived a tumultuous childhood past, met both of my birth parents recently, and have also been blessed to do some pretty amazing things throughout my life.  There is no way that I could keep the experience, and/or lessons to myself.  My purpose in life, is to give back to others by way of speaking about my story, but also this book.  I work quite a bit in my community, and the women/youth that I have had the pleasure of meeting inspired me to share.  It hasn't been an easy process. Opening my heart, writing, reliving, and healing was brutal at times. Plus, I am a mom, and a entrepreneur doing it on my own. However, the time is here! While I LOVE doing make-up, and I LOVE modeling, I do have to stay true to my purpose.  Book is around the corner :) I am committed to my purpose.





3. I LOVE smiling authentically, and being happy. I'm committed to staying in this space.  How often do we all compromise, extend, bend, and ultimately find ourselves depleted? For me? Plenty of times, and it has been disastrous every time. I've been hurt, the other party has been hurt----no bueno all the way around. I'm learning, and forcing myself to say no with love.  Letting go of wrongdoings, trespasses, and the past. My smile is my best accessory----I don't want to lose it. I won't lose it. I'm committed to my happiness.




4. Foot care, foot care, f-o-o-t c-a-r-e! I am in my 30's now, and while that is still young, I am mindful about aging, and everything that comes with aging.  That said? Dry feet.  I stand on my feet majority of the day, and if I am standing in heels? Forget it.  My heels become cracked, dry, and just horrid. I am committed to taking great care of my feet with no slack.  I do get pedicures once a month on average, twice if business is going well (smile). However, every night I moisturize my, "tootsies", and use a Ped Egg/Pumice stone about three times a week.  My feet feel better, look better, and as a result? I feel better.  I definitely encourage you all to not neglect your feet, or hands for that matter.  I've done quite a bit of hand modeling, and honestly what the clients look for are hands with no age spots, even skin tone, a great nail bed, and clean cuticles.  When we take care of ourselves, ourselves in turn take care of us.


5. Yoga. Whew! I honestly was encouraged to start doing this amazing form of fitness by a model friend, and also by mogul Russell Simmons.  After a chance meeting with him in New York, not only did I learn how to meditate, BUT, he also encouraged me to start doing Yoga to better my quality of life.  I've started, and am staying committed to this new way of life.


Well Friends, these are my top 5,  but of course there are more. OMG, if I shared them all with you, it would require about 20 minutes more of reading time for you---smile.  I'm keeping it short, and simple.  Listen, all we have is NOW. Not even 5 seconds are promised from the very moment you're in.  Live it healthily, fabulously, and at your best. Thank you so much for reading, and I will be back soon!

Xoxo,

Coconut Oil Benefits!

Hello my friends!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am back, and first off let me say that I have missed you all greatly! I have had to take some time off of Beauty Blogging as I am in the midst of finishing my first book.. A memoir on my life. Have had a lot of awesome transitions as well, but now that things are leveling off, I should be able to get back on my weekly schedule. Thank you for all your support!

I am Über excited to share with you all a beauty 'discovery' that I have made, and have incorporated in my life that past couple of months.  I laugh at me discovering this, as it's been used for centuries! I'm referring to the wonders of fresh ORGANIC coconut oil.... Not the coconut oil from the hair stores, but real, edible coconut oil.

 

You might just put away all your expensive potions and lotions after trying coconut oil in your daily beauty regimen. It’s loaded with Vitamin E and fatty acids (such as lauric acid, myristic acid, capric acid and more) which are anti-fungal, anti-oxidizing and anti-bacterial, just the sort of stuff that our skin and hair happily respond to!

It can be used as an all-over moisturizer (with excellent results, apply right after showering and throughout the day as you like), but here are eight different ways you can take advantage of it’s natural goodness to treat problem areas.
I also added tips at the bottom of the page outlining what to look for when buying it and where you can find it (locally and online).

For Dry & Damaged Hair:

• Simply rub some into the damaged ends a half hour before showering.
• You can also use it as a masque for the hair.  Dampen your hair, and apply a hefty amount to the hair from the root, to the ends.  Where a shower camp, and let it sit for an hour.... Later, wash as you normally would.  I promise your hair will NOT feel greasy.
• I use it to two strand twist my natural curly hair.. It smells great, and promotes hair growth.

Glossy, Shiny Hair & Frizz Buster:

• After washing, drying and styling, rub a small amount of oil into the palms of your hands then lightly apply.
• If you have a problem with frizz, the above treatment will also help tame it.

Exfoliating Facial Scrub:

• Mix equal parts baking soda with coconut oil and massage into face. Rinse with warm water to remove baking soda residue.

Dark Elbow Patches:

• Rub in each morning and night until desired results are achieved.

Dry Scalp:

Each night before going to bed, follow these steps:

• Part hair one section at a time and rub coconut oil into your scalp. A light application is all you need.
• Repeat process for entire head then massage for a few minutes to really work it in. Run a wide tooth comb through your hair to comb out any tangles then put on a shower cap.
• Keep the treatment on overnight, cover your pillow with a towel just in case the cap shifts in the middle of the night.
• Wash your hair as usual in the morning.
• Repeat daily until you are satisfied with the results (may take up to 5 weeks before the dryness is gone).

Rashes, Eczema, Psoriasis or Severe Dryness:

• Rub a bit into affected area and allow time for your body to absorb the nutrients. Treat daily for as long as needed.
• Did I mention how great this smells? DECADENT.

Acne:

• Clean face as you normally would, pat dry then apply a light coating. Leave on overnight (allow at least 15 minutes to absorb it before going to bed). Repeat each night until desired results are achieved (may take some time depending on how severe the acne is).
• If you have back acne, wash and dry skin then apply some (do this at least 15 minutes before laying down or going to bed).

Note: Some may experience an increase in oily skin and breakouts, this can be the case for several days (even a week or two) until the skin is detoxified.

It’s A Food Too!

Yes, this can be eaten too! Try it in cooking, in baking (replacing lard and fat) and as a spread (like butter).

Coconut oil has been linked to increase metabolism, which in turn, keeps your body fit.
 

What To Buy & Where To Find It

• Choose pure virgin or extra-virgin (preferably organic) which is unrefined, cold-pressed and non-hydrogenated.
• To use: It will be solid (at room temperature), heat in a hot water bath for a couple minutes (scoop a spoonful into a small glass bowl that’s resting in hot water) or rub a bit between your hands to soften and warm it up a bit before applying.
• How much to use: A little goes a long way! You don’t need to glob it on, apply in light layers so your body absorbs it readily.
• Where to buy it: Try your local pharmacy, health food store, grocery store, or even Whole Foods.  It must say, "USDA Organic" however. This stuff is surprisingly inexpensive considering all the benefits it has to offer!
• How to store it: Keep it sealed in its original container in a cool, dark place (unrefrigerated). It has a shelf life of about 2 years.
• Note: If you are allergic to coconut, chances are you’re not going to have a good experience using it topically. Your best bet is to not use it as a beauty treatment to avoid any physical reactions an allergy may trigger.

 That's all for now! I PROMISE I will be back soon! Until then love on you, and others too!

XOXO,