The Psychological Effects of Drugstore makeup for Dark-Skinned Girls (or, Why I've been buying the wrong color foundation)

LIGHTBULB.


If you're a dark skinned girl on a budget with a makeup addiction trying to satisfy your foundation cravings at the drug store...your first inclination is to **wait for it** pick the darkest shade. End of story. Whatever the darkest shade is...it will have to do.

I'm not saying that my light-skinned sisters don't have the same problem, but I think we can all agree there are WAY more options for you than for me.

It's winter here in Central New York which means NO SUN, EVER, AT ALL. Which also means that my Caucasian friends are hitting up the tanning beds to get ready for vacation (can someone please explain this to me...no shade, I genuinely don't understand) and the rest of us are returning to our lighter selves. Change of season means change of foundation shades. No big.

I have had random conversations with my friends and family about skin color in which I would say that I am dark-skinned and they would give me the "yeah...but you're not THAT dark" or "you are NOT, you are brown skinned" I still don't know the difference. But, even my mother would question my foundation choices like, "that's your shade? You sure?" My mom is more than a few shades lighter than me, so I figured she just didn't understand my dark-skinned problems.

AND THEN CAME YSL TEINT TOUCHE ECLAT. It is, by far, my most favorite (and most expensive) foundation ever. It matches me perfectly. PERFECT. LY. Naturally, I reached for the darkest one first, and my mother said..."I mean it matches, but its dark." So, I tried the lighter shade and the angels sang. When I got it home, I immediately began swatching my other fave foundations only to find that they were a completely different color! I figured, well, its YSL so it must have some french stuff that gives it a certain je ne sais quoi (what even...?).

(Lately, I'll admit that I've been taking much better care of my skin. I've been using mostly Yes to Grapefruit and Rx for Brown Skin. Recently I've added a toner and moisturizer from the Balm. Even so, my skin probably cleared up, but it did not change colors.)

But then, nothing could compare to that foundation. Everything was the wrong damn color. Even my beloved NARS, and Lancome, EVERYTHING WAS WRONG. I even bought the Queen collection foundation and it was TOO DAMN DARK. I was spiraling into a skin color identity crisis.

Here is where the phychobabble comes in. I had spent my whole life being the "darkest one." Friends families called me "morena" and "La Negra" (two terms for "black") which, are, despite how problematic they can be, terms of endearment.  It never really bothered me, it just was what it was. I went to a predominately white school so a lot of my teammates and friends were white. My non-white friends were light-skinned, my momma and mama (grandmother) are both light. I mean, to be fair, I also had lots of dark skinned girl friends, but the majority just weren't my color. And, starting out in drugstore makeup, I mean...there just weren't many options. In essence, I was the darkest shade. So, I got used to just buying the darkest shade.
(And, let me just say for all of you who may read this as self-hate, I love living in the skin God gave me. I would never, ever wish for anything else. I am beautiful, Black is beautiful, and I hope you ALL love the skin you're in)

This logic of "just pick the darkest shade" has lead me down a path to a drawer full of the wrong color foundation. I mean, thank God I can return most of them...and the darker shades will most likely suit me during the summer. I mean, I understand this is kind of a strange topic, but I guess here is what I want to say, and it doesn't even have anything to really do with makeup:

1. Love the skin you're in (even when makeup and skincare companies refuse to acknowledge your existence)

2. Don't settle! Don't buy the foundation that doesn't really match because its the only one available. Take your money to a company who will cater to you. (please broadly apply to your entire life, thanks)

3. KEEP ALL OF YOUR DAMN RECEIPTS! (every. last. one.)

4. ...and then RETURN and EXCHANGE!

What say ye? I'd love to read your comments. Also, can someone please explain tanning before you tan? Again, no shade, I just don't know!

Welcome, 2014

Praise God for another year!

I hope that you all had a safe and happy entrance into 2014. I've been blessed to be home with my family and friends for the holidays. And, I've been especially blessed to spend time with my favorite (well, only...well, only biological) niece. She is the most precious thing God has made. And my brother and sister-in-law are wonderful parents. My mother is in first time grandmother HEAVEN and my dad is just trying to hold the baby. The great grandmothers are taking it all in stride. I'm all about Kimtastic (yes, that's what I call her).

Personally, I've been loving Pinterest, (or as my boyfriend says, "Pin-interest") and I have been on my DIY skincare ish! HELLO, COCONUT OIL. Coconut Oil is seriously a wonder-oil.
I know y'all are not here for my family newsletter.

I know I have not posted as much as I could have this year, and I plan to change that in 2014. Here is an overview of my goals for this year:

1. Put God First- this should always be at the top of my list. I know that God has been too good to me for me to not put Him first. I'm not going to preach to you all, but we need to get our priorities straight. 
2. Forgive everyone for everything- I know that this seems extreme, but why not forgive? Forgiving doesn't mean we don't learn our lesson, or forget what happened, but it means that we let go of the drama and bitterness. I don't have enough mental space to hold grudges, IJS. This includes forgiving myself...
3. Blog more- I genuinely love to write, and truth be told, I need the creative outlet. I live in a city where there isn't much for me to do, I have no family, and I need something to do, LOL.
4. Complain less- complaining isn't productive. Point blank. 
5. Don't make excuses, make moves instead- I am habitual procrastinator. I'm going to make an effort to just do it, whatever it is, when it comes up. No more putting it off. Like Nike said, "Just do it."
6. Get off my lazy butt and get healthy- I mean what else is there to say? I'm getting older, I'm not in great health, so I have got to get it moving!

What about y'all? What are your goals and resolutions? Let me know in a comment below!

Spring 2013 Haul- 15 Shades of Sephora (Bite Beauty)

I've never been a huge lipgloss fan....but this had me at "oh hey."

Sephora + Bite Beauty "15 Shades of Sephora"

The Basics: 15 small lipglosses by Bite Beauty. Nudes, to reds, to glitters.

Price: $48 (ouch)

My Review: I think this is an amazing collection, especially for someone like me who doesn't have that many lipgloss options. The tubes are very small, only about .06 oz. I would never take these out of the house because I would lose it, and I'd be upset. Bite is also an amazing company, using 99% natural products. The glosses smell amazing (like fruit) and have incredible color payoff. The gloss is thick (which I like) but not laquer-y. They are good to layer, and actually last a little while. I'm not upset about this purchase.

The Bottom Line: This is not a must have. I'm glad I picked it up, but realistically, you can get pretty good glosses for cheaper. If you are a Bite or lipgloss enthusiast, though, this is a great pick for you. It's pricey at $48, but you do get quite a selection for the price.

(maybe someday I'll swatch these for you...)

A Thin Line Between "Dewy" and "Greasy"

Hello, My name is Elise and I have combination/oily skin. I am a reformed matte fanatic. Last year, I was mortified at all of the new "radiant" and "dewy" foundation products hitting the market. I ran for NARS Sheer Matte, and stocked up on all kinds of powder. I was intrigued by Urban Decay's Naked Skin and its claim to be "demi-matte." What the hockey sticks is demi-matte? But I tried it and I loved it... Then I bought Nars TM and powdered the life out of it.

THEN,
I bought YSL's Touche Eclat. WHAAAAAT? (First of all, who do I think I am buying YSL anything!? My bank account responded, "Girl, you are no one, that's who. Hope you like Cap'n Crunch.")

Here is what I've learned

• Don't use so much moisturizer. Seriously, dot it on your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Apply the thinnest layer.

• Always prime your face! I know some of you don't like primers, blah blah. But get over it and buy a primer. I use Rimmel's Fix and Perfect in 001. It's only $8 suck it up. The primer will smooth out your skin and help your makeup last.
• Apply the thinnest layer of foundation to your face. The idea is to give your face dimension and youth. I don't believe us combo/oily girls and boys should be using this as a full coverage foundation.
• Precision Powder! Why buy a radiant or dewy foundation only to powder it to death? Powder only what needs to be powdered...aka your T-zone or wherever you use concealer. 
• Check the weather. It never fails that when my face is beat for the gods, its either 100000000 degrees or raining. If you're headed to Lucifer's house for a BBQ, maybe you wanna hold off on the maquillage, sweetness. 
• Keep a translucent/blot powder on hand. I mean, inevitably you will need to powder. I keep NARS (enter longest name here) pressed powder in my bag. 

Well those are just some of the things I have picked up on the way...hope they help! Leave some love and tips below!

Spring 2013 Haul- LORAC GloGetter

So, I don't know who I thought I was, or what kind of income I dreamed of, but things got a little crazy at Sephora and Ulta...Ladies and Gentlefolk, I present to you: My Spring 2013 Haul.

1. LORAC GloGetter Eyeshadow Palette

The Basics:

10 Spring/Summer colors. Lots of shimmer, lots of iridescence, sturdy packaging, nice mirror,
Price: $20. (yes, girl.)

My Review:

I was watching some youtube vids and one of the ladies showed the palette and said it was $20. TWENTY DOLLAS? It was a no brainer. I love LORAC shadows and figured that even if it was terrible, it was only twenty dollars. I went to Ulta to play with it, of course, and the texture is silky smooth (as per usual).   As pretty as those colors are, if you are darker skinned, the color payoff is not great at all. I finally used it wet this morning, and it was MUCH better, but initially, I was disappointed. If you are a lighter skinned girl (or guy) the colors may work much better for you.  I would still (and always) suggest using a primer, and possibly a base like NYX's Cottage Cheese Eyeshadow pencil.

**UPDATE** Check out these swatches! I used some cheap ELF primer. Please note that I used a LOT of product to get these swatches. But hey, for 20 bones, you can always just buy another. 

The Bottom Line: A nice spring palette with fun, iridescent colors. If you're darker skinned, you will have to work a little harder for vibrant colors!

GO BUY IT! (especially if you've never bought a LORAC shadow)

Welcome Back, Summer is almost here!

I'm BAAAACK!

I know I've been gone for a while, but please click the link above for a token of my appreciation. Welcome Back, Kotter is one of my favorite TV shows ever. I realize I'm a little young to have watched the show when it first aired, but I was an avid old show watcher as a child.

Anyway...alot has happened since my last post. Well, not really. I'm still working and going to grad school, and it still slays me. However, spring has finally arrived in my part of New York and I, for one, couldn't be happier. I absolutely thrive in the warm weather. I want to do everything I neglected during the winter: workout, a deep clean of my house (like, scrub the baseboards), eat healthy, and actually dress in something other than a polo and khakis. I love spring and summer!

In makeup news:

I am currently lusting after the new Summer 2013 Smashbox Eyeshadow palette: Heatwave. I happened upon it on my trip to Ulta, and of course, I swatched it. Now. I have to admit that I wasn't originally impressed. The colors are cute, but seemed chalky. Then, I did some research and found out that you can use them wet. (I really don't know why that's a revelation for me, as most shadows can be used wet, but eh...) Check out the photo below. Of course, its pricey at $48, but it looks like the top contender for "THE" summer palette.

Photo from Sephora.com

Oh! and I'm going to be in a wedding on Memorial Day weekend! I think I have the perfect full face for the day, stay tuned, I'll post pics after the wedding!

Review: NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Powder

NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Powder

photo from Sephora.com

We are all on a quest for a flawless finish. NARS claims to deliver with its new light reflecting pressed and loose powders. According to narscosmetics.com, the powder "enhances the look of foundation without a trace of color and prolongs makeup wear. This silky powder is infused with Photochromic Technology which diffuses light and adjusts to new sources of light throughout the day. Fine lines, wrinkles and pores optically fade as skin is visibly smoothed." It also claims to set makeup and prevent shine.

First Look: the powder is STARK WHITE, with GLITTER! Well, it's not really glitter, but that's what it looks like at first. As a dark skinned girl, the last thing I want on my face is white powder with glitter. However, when I swatched it with my finger it is very soft and finely milled, and disappears leaving a luminous kind of sheen.

After a week: I really like this powder! The first time I wore it to work, I felt like I was a vampire from the Twilight series...I was literally sparkling in the sunlight! I clearly put too much on. Be careful.

• If you are darker-skinned, when you first apply, you will see a white cast, but it doesn't last; if you apply with a sponge. Just press the product into your skin. It's very hard to pick up product with a brush, and I feel like it sets much better with the sponge. 

• I didn't really need to do many touch ups after the first application. I definitely noticed that I was not as oily as I had been using other powders.

• Go ahead and invest in some $3 powder puffs or round sponge foundation applicators. The sponge provided is cute, but thin, and really impractical, in my opinion.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

This product does what it says it will do. It's an investment at $34, but that's not terrible given the quality and ability to return if you absolutely hate it. The packaging for the pressed powder is great if you want to throw it in your bag, although I haven't needed to. It photographs well, and is indeed light reflecting.