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,

Must Have Beauty Reads

Happy New Year everyone! I have been gone for awhile as it has been crazy busy for me! Thankful for that! I am in process of finishing my memoir, doing a wealth of work within the community, modeling, doing make-up, amongst many other things! Glad to be busy though :). I appreciate you all following me, and taking the time to read. Speaking of reading, I wanted to share some of my favorite beauty reads.. Books that have tips/tricks, and amazing beauty advice! Please check them out! Perhaps you want to learn the art of artistry, perfect your current skills, or love to read. You will LOVE these books!



One of my favs is by celebrity make-up artist, Sam Fine. This is an oldie, but goodie. You'll learn so much about contouring, doing ethnic make-up, brow shaping, and more. You can find this, and all books I have mentioned at Barnes and Noble :)




The late, and legendary Kevin Aucoin was a phenomenal artist who showcased many of his tricks of the trade in the book, "Making Faces". There's so many before/afters that are incredible! He's even listed step by step instructions on how to get the looks. I got the news he passed when I lived in New York years ago, and was devastated. He was one of my favs as well.. SOOOO glad he left part of legacy in this book offering.



Definitely a must-read!!!!!!!!! Bobbi Brown is an accomplished make-up artist with her own line of make-up that I LOVE. This book has taught me so much especially about bridal make-up. No matter how, 'good' I feel I am as an artist, there's always room to learn and grow!



I met a beautiful Japanese bride-to-be about five years ago, and she recommended I purchase this book to understand/learn my way around an Asian beauty's face. I am so glad that I humbled myself and took her advice. This book taught me so much about color tones, facial shapes, eye shapes, and concerns that Asian women may have...  LOVE IT!




LOVE this book by Charla Krupp. I wanted to understand what a mature woman's needs would be whilst working with her... Her book offers a practical approach on how to look more youthful. From the glasses you choose, the way you do your make-up, hair coloring, dress style, and more. I highly recommend for anyone over the age of 35!



Love Tyra Bank's book!!!!!! I highly recommend this for adolescent women! Her book covers self-esteem issues, make-up tips, personal style, and more. The book was written with young women in mind, and I remember when I read it in my teens, it encouraged me so much :)


Hopefully you all will find these helpful! I will be back soon! XOXO

Find your perfect fragrance

Happy Spring everyone!!!

Today I wanted to talk to you all about finding your perfect fragrance, how, and how not to wear it, and a few other helpful hints.



Interested in a little history lesson? Here you are :):
There has always been a trade in scents and by the year 2008 perfume had become a $10 billion industry. Today women have fragrance wardrobes of at least six different perfumes, rather than a single signature perfume, keeping one special perfume for occasion moments.
People have used perfume, oils and unguents on their bodies for thousands of years in lesser or greater amounts dependant on fashion whims. The early Egyptians used perfumed balms as part of religious ceremonies and later as part of pre-intimacy preparations. Myrrh and Frankincense were exuded gums from trees used to scent the atmosphere in rituals. Other plants such as rose and peppermint were steeped in oils until a perfumed unguent formed. The unguent was then rubbed into the skin. It's interesting to note that perfume has come full circle today as more and more of us seek out high quality aromatherapy perfumed oils to use in exactly the same way as our ancestors did.


Products that enhance the feel of skin and the smell of the body have been highly valued in every culture. Trade routes introduced spices to other parts of the world and a wider range of scents could be made. In the past people often mixed their own potions using home methods creating their own aromatherapy products. Many homes had a still room where essences were steeped out of flowers and herbs.
Perfume fell out of use during early Christianity, but was revived in the medieval period. By the 1600s scents were applied to objects such as furniture, gloves and fans. In the Georgian Era non greasy eau de cologne was developed and it had many uses from bath essence to mouthwash.

So how do we found our own signature fragrance?
There are plenty of perfume and cologne choices out there. But even with the variety of fragrances available, there is still one dilemma…how do you find the perfect fragrance that smells great on you? That is, without having to waste your precious money buying bottle after bottle only to find out they don’t work the magic you’re looking for? Now, you are familiar with the sales people at the discount stores, waiting for you in the aisle, ready to give a spray or two. Yeah, then you try this one and that one and by the end of your experience, you’re either confused, dizzy, or both!


Trying New Fragrances At No Cost To You!

If you happen to like going to the mall and visiting department stores, you can take advantage of your visit without having to buy their perfume. You also have to be careful not to try out too many fragrances at once. Decide to try between two and four fragrances per visit: one sample on each wrist and one on each crevice of your elbows. More than that is overkill. Take a small spray of each fragrance, allowing some time in between perfumes or colognes to let the alcohol evaporate.

As you take your stroll around the mall or go on to your next adventure for the day, the fragrances will be working their magic… you then decide if you like any of the candidates, or not. You can do this as often as needed until you find the fragrance, or fragrances, that make you, and those around you, smile. Once you have selected your signature scent, purchase it online.



The advantage of buying perfume and cologne online is that the prices are much more affordable. Also, you’ll find more variety because they have more space, since the perfume stores online don’t have to keep a storefront and make room for any other products. Additionally, while you are trying out your different fragrance, take a whiff of coffee beans (the counter should have some available) to reset your nose :)




Trying Out Your New Fragrances

Once you decide on the fragrances to try, the idea is to wear each for a while to allow the middle notes, or the heart of the fragrance to emerge. These are the notes that will reveal the essence of your chosen fragrance. They will interact with your body chemistry and become one – your very own signature scent. Wear your potential fragrance around the house, as you do your chores. This is a great way to test drive it because you will be allowing your body to heat up the fragrance and therefore reveal its heart notes. You can then experience the full scent effect and either buy a bigger bottle or take a shower!

Tips & Warnings
*If some perfumes make you break out, consult someone about the particualr perfume you are interested in. This way you can avoid a skin reaction at all costs.

*Should the price of the perfume you like is high, consider looking at other stores. There are many retail stores that carry name brand perfumes for a lower price.

*While there are many positives to wearing perfume, there are few things to avoid. One involves perfume and jewelry. Certain types of jewelry, such as costume or pearl jewelry, can become discolored due to perfume alcohols. Some jewelry can also be stripped of its outer coating. When wearing perfume with this type of jewelry, apply it away from the jewelry.
*Don't use only one perfume year round. Test out various perfumes during seasonal changes to see which ones work best in the hot or cool temperatures. Different fragrances are affected by temperatures when it comes to scent intensity.
*Never apply perfume behind the ears. It can blend with skin secretions and create a bad smell. Also, don't spray perfume onto light-colored clothes because it can turn the fabric yellow.
*When buying perfumes online, try out the same brand and scent in a local store first to be sure it's right for you.

*The perfume fragrances you wear can cause people to be attracted to you or, unfortunately, to flee from you! You should carefully choose perfumes that enhance the space around you. Be careful not to offend others with fragrances that are too strong.

*Find a fragrance that complements your skin and natural aroma of your body. The scent should be subtle enough to not invade anyone else’s “personal space” but pleasant enough that others will want to stay around you. Perfume is meant to enhance your personality, attire, and overall being.




Other tidbits:
If you have dry skin, wear extra perfume. The oils in your skin, or lack thereof, can enhance or weaken the scent. When it’s cold out, wear extra perfume. Cold weather tends to weaken the scent as well. When, buying new perfume, don’t base your decision on what works for someone else. Try it out on your own skin first. Everyone’s skin reacts differently to a scent.
The best time to apply perfume is right after a shower or bath. After bathing, your skin pores will be open and will soak up the perfume’s fragrance. Also when bathing, use non-deodorized soap where the perfume will be applied. Soaps and deodorants can affect how the perfume will smell on your skin; the mixture won’t always be pleasant!
When applying perfume, dab it in unusual places where it will stay warm and keep its scent longer. It can be applied on the inside of the elbow, on the wrist, neck, stomach, cleavage, and back of the knees.

MelissaRoshan's personal favs:

When I am feeling happy, and go lucky I wear Ralph Lauren Sport:

On my wedding day I wore Donna Karan Cashmere Mist, and I also break it out on date nights:

If I am going out to dinner with my girlfriends, and will look snazzy, I pull out Armani Mania.


If I am going to a black tie event, Allure Chanel never lets me down:

When I am working with clients, I don't want to over-power them with scents, so I opt for a small dab of Ellen Tracy:


And lastly, I recently discovered a new fragrance I love by Queen Latifah! Appropriately called, 'Queen':



Well, that is all for now my fabulous ones!!!! Hope this posting was insightful, and that you are on your way to finding that perfect fragrance!

Fall Palettes Part 2.

Love lambs! As promised, I'm back with the second half of my make-up palette favs.  One post just wasn't enough, and I didn't want to over-crowd you with too much :). In my last post, I covered my eyeshadow palette favs, however in this post I will highlight lips, sets, as well as a few shadows. XOXO

 

I can't say enough about the Too Faced Cosmetics, "Natural Kiss" palette.  There is a shade for everyone, and to be honest, everyone can wear every color--yes, really.  Whether you pair it up with something else, (say a gloss, or lip liner) it's the perfect neutral palette for your collection. For all my make-up artists that work with the bridal clientele, you'll love this! Found at Sephora...

 

Speaking of Sephora, check out their Harmony Gloss 3 set.  It's so pretty!!!!! I purchased, two. :) 

 

I'm TOTALLY digging this Stila set... ALL of the colors can be used on the eyes, cheeks, and lips.  LOVE IT! If you go to www.stilacosmetics.com, they sometimes have free shipping on orders over $20.00.  Score!!!!!!!

I about flipped when I saw this Lorac Pro set at Sephora.  I purchased three as I KNOW I will use these up... The color quality is PHENOMENAL. From the most natural eye, to the smokiest of smoking hot-----this is def one of the favs.

I have a feeling my make-up artist friends out there are going to LOVE Smashbox Studios creme liner set. It's equipped with a precision brush, and the pigments are out of this world gorgeous. If you spend $50.00 or more in product on Smashbox.com, you'll get three deluxe samples. I don't think that will be difficult, smile.

 

 Told you it wouldn't be difficult.. This is Smashbox Studios, "Shades of Fame" palette.  It's equipped with 9 shadows, 2 creme liners, and a lid primer.  Haven't the foggiest where you would use the colors? There's a how-to-guide to help you out. SMOKING!

I couldn't forget about this palette from www.bhcosmetics.com. It's not top of the line, but for photo shoots, it's awesome (for all my artists out there) The colors are beautiful, go on well, and the price point is under $20.00----nice, right?

Well, I SOOOO appreciate you all reading, you make me so happy with your feedback. CHEESE! I'll be back very soon! My next post, is in regards to a book that changed my life. I promise you'll love it. 

XOXO,