Review: Smooth FX Lip Scrub & Balm

I recently purchased the Smooth FX Lip Scrub and Balm from Victoria Secret. I rarely go in there but I couldn't help myself since I had a $10 off coupon. As I perused through the makeup and beauty items, I came across the last box of Smooth FX.

To make sure my review of this product was accurate I did not follow my normal routine of applying carmex to my lips before bed and I did not apply anything before trying this product. Needless to say, my lips felt like at any moment they would fall off. Anywho, I followed the directions as they were written on the box "To ensure a perfect pout, our pros always prep lips with this sugar scrub and moisture-rich balm before applying color. Gently massage the scrub onto the lips for 30 seconds, then tissue off. Finish with a light layer of balm. Lips are left feeling soft, supple and ready for camera-worthy color" Then, I tried things my way. I applied the lip scrub with a q-tip to my lips and rubbed them together as you would if you applied lipstick or gloss. I rubbed until my little heart was content...30 seconds was not enough for these lips. To remove the excess scrub and dead skin, I used an exfoliating makeup remover wipe. The moisture from the wipe helps to remove the product without leaving any lint residue. I then applied the lip balm using a generous amount. I didn't feel like a "light layer" was enough. I can honestly say, my lips don't feel any different now than they did before I applied the lip scrub and lip balm.

Overall, I can't say I'm overly impressed with this product. It retails at $16.50, luckily I only paid $6.00 for it. If I had to buy it again, would I? No. The packaging is nice, but the quality of the product is not up to my standards.

I would recommend Mary Kay's Satin Lips...I love, love, love this product. Makes my lips feel heavenly after using this.

There are several other brands on the market that you can try or you can also make your own homemade lip scrub which consists of a mixture of olive oil and sugar. With the harsh elements of winter, it is important to make sure that your skin (lips included) stay moisturized.  

**Remember that this review is based on my own personal opinion and preference. I am in no way affiliated with Victoria Secret. I purchased the product with my money and I am not being compensated.**

Thanks for reading...See ya soon!!! Smooches!

Extra....Extra Read All About It....

It is my pleasure to announce that I am the newest Marketing Representative for Glam Fetish Magazine. This is a wonderful opportunity and I am blessed to be in this position. Make sure you all check out Glam Fetish Magazine for the latest in the beauty and fashion industry. Also, be sure to check out the fan page on Facebook for updates and more. Be sure to "like" it while you are there. Smooches!!

MiSo Pretty Workshop

Hello Dolls...

I've been asked by several people if I offer classes. Sooo, I've decided to host a workshop. The purpose of this workshop is to give insight on skin care, makeup application, products/brands and to give you a few of my own personal tips and tricks.

Date: January 14, 2012

Time: 11am to 2pm

Place: Russell Memorial Library

           2808 Taylor Rd

           Chesapeake, Va 23321

Feel free to bring your makeup kit...and come with plenty of questions. There will be prizes and raffles!!

To reserve your spot email your name and phone number to misopretttymua@gmail.com. Use Workshop in the subject line. I look forward to seeing you.

FOTD

This face of the day includes all of the products listed in my "Makeup Must Haves" post.

My Makeup Must Haves

As a professional makeup artist I have a lot of different kinds of makeup that I buy to review and/or use for a particular gig. Therefore, I have an abundance of foundations, concealers, blushes, mascaras, etc. As with any beauty enthusiast, although I'm not biased, I do have my favorites. Here is a list of my favorite makeup brands and/or products...

1. MAC Mineralize Foundation in NC45- I love the flawless finish I get after I apply this very rich, creamy foundation.It's very light weight with medium coverage. I apply it with the round sponge that came with it. Some times I use a buffer brush I ordered from Coastal Scents to make sure that the application is even.

2. MAC Brow Pencil in Stud- this pencil is my everything. My eyebrows are already very thick, but there are spots that need to be filled. This pencil is perfect for filling, adding color, density and shape. Another plus is there is no sharpening required. I would highly recommend this pencil for brows...bad brows are a pet peeve of mine, but that's another post in itself.

3. Urban Decay's Naked Palette-I love the 12 neutral shades with a mix of mattes and shimmers to give you just the right look for any occasion. I tend to wear a natural smokey eye with a bold lip and this is always my go-to palette.The packaging is very nice also, that's always a plus. I would recommend this palette to anyone who likes a soft, subtle look with a hint of color. It's not too much and it's not too little.

4. Hard Candy Baked Bronzer in Tropics- It's a matte finish with a hint of bronze it gives my skin a natural looking glow. Goes great with an everyday natural look. (Just a FYI...this brand can only be purchased at Wal-Mart)

5. Milani Liquif Eye in Black and Brown- These liners are very easy to apply due to the smoothness of it. It gives the look of liquid liner once applied and they are true to color. Great for long wear!!

6. Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstick in Berry Beautiful- this color is very bold and vibrant. I have several colors from this collection and I love them all...Berry Beautiful is my favorite for the moment.

Hope you all enjoyed my list of favorite things. Next, I'll be doing a review on Essie Nail Polishes. 

The products listed in this blog were all purchased by me. I'm in no way affiliated with any of the above mentioned brands or companies. This is all based on my personal opinion. 

Guest Bloggers

Hello Beauties!!

I'm looking for guest bloggers to be featured on this blog. As you can see I have not posted in quite sometime due to other projects and events I've had going on. I'm in the process of putting together several new posts, but in the meantime I want to keep my readers informed. If you are interested in being a guest blogger email me your post, blog url, twitter name, FB fan page or any other info you would like to include to misoprettymua@gmail.com. Thanks in advance.

Face of the Day!!

Photo taken by Lee McDowell

Here is the FOTD featuring one of my wonderful model: Chenoa S.

In this photo I am wearing the Milani Smooth Finish Cream to Powder Foundation with Milani's Even Touch Powder lightly dusted over with a simple natural eye (no eyeshadow) lined with Milani's Liquify Black Eye Liner. I also used Milani's Baked Bronzer in Golden. For my lips I used Victoria's Secret Lip Gloss in Bananas.

I absolutely love this picture. Shout out to Chenoa for allowing me to be a part of this photoshoot and also for giving me my first opportunity in front of the camera!! Thanks girl!! 

Team Natural Hair

Hey Loves,


So I've been on my natural hair journey for over a year now. I must say, this has been a rollercoaster ride. I've definitely had my fair share of ups and downs, but I'm very happy with the results I have thus far. My main reason for going natural was the damaging effects to my hair after relaxing. I had so much breakage it was unreal. In my younger years my hair was always beautiful. It did whatever I wanted it to do, but once I got pregnant with my daughter my hair changed. It grew very long, but it was very thin and brittle. I relaxed it a few months after having my daughter and things seemed to be alright then all of a sudden it began to shed alot. It went from shedding to long strands of hair falling out. I had long hair with spots of very short hair throughout. I tried every hair strenthener and anti-breakage product out to try to get my hair back to it's normal condition to no avail.

I made the decision to go natural about three years ago. I went out and bought new hair products and a new flat iron. Whatever I thought I might need for this transition I had it. The one thing I failed to do was research...research...research. I went about nine months before I relapsed back to the "creamy crack". I start in the beginning of the year, things were going good.
A year ago today, I decided to try it again. I did alot of research...reading blogs, magazines, speaking with hair stylist, looking at different products, watching youtube videos whatever it took to educate myself. I didn't do the "Big Chop". I could never muster up enough nerve, but I did trim a few inches off of my relaxed hair monthly. I developed a regimen and I stuck with it. I suffer from very dry scalp, so alot of the products I use have emphasis on moisture. Right now the products I use are as follows:

**L'Oreal Sulfate Free Ever Strong Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner-It gently cleanses and leaves my hair feeling clean without over drying.

**T-Gel Shampoo-To help reduce flakes and buildup, also to help with itching.

**Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Smoothie-Used as a deep conditioner to help detangle and  moisturize hair.

**Sulfur 8 Fresh Hair and Scalp Conditioner-helps strengthen hair and also helps reduce dry scalp.

**Garnier Fructis Frizz Ease- Helps ease the frizz due to humidity (great for the summer).

**Carol's Daughter Hair Milk-Used as a daily moisturizer/ hair conditioner. I normally apply this before going to bed.

The products listed are good, geared more towards natural hair. I recently purchased shampoo and conditioner from a line called Shea Moisture. I've read a lot of good reviews and I'm very happy with the results. It left my hair feeling very clean, it was also very soft and alot more manageable. I'll definitely be adding them to my list.

I'm all about Team Natural...I look forward to the day when I'm completely natural. Maybe then I'll be over my HIH (Hand in Hair) stage.

Thanks for reading...see you soon!!  Smooches!!!

Milani Foundation Review

Hey loves,

I've always heard great things about Milani products, but I never used them until recently. On one of my many hauls, I purchased several Milani products including two of their foundations.

The Even Touch Powder Foundation was the first one I tried. I was initially drawn to it because it is a powder foundation. With the summer heat, cream and liquid foundations tend to clog up your pores making you sweat more and also give you a shiny look.

A few things I like about the Even Touch Powder Foundation are:

• It is oil free!!!
• Very lightweight, while providing full coverage.
• Skin does not look dry or chalky

This particular product is available in 8 tones and costs about $8.50 at your local drugstore. (CVS and Target are where I purchased my products)

The second foundation is the Smooth Finish Cream to Powder Foundation. I chose this product because I tend to use liquid foundations more. I have used several cream foundations by MAC and I want to do a comparison.

A few things I liked about the Smooth Finish Cream to Powder Foundation are:

• It's oil free.
• It blends to a matte finish, therefore there is no powder necessary (Although it is cream to powder, I was still skeptical).
• It is flawless full coverage, helps even out skin tones and I did not need concealer.

This product is available in 10 toned hues and costs about $8.50 at your local drugstore. (CVS and Target are where I purchased my products).

**I will be posting pictures of myself wearing both products, the Smooth Finish will also be featured in my very first YouTube video...woot woot!!**

Both products were packaged nicely and came with a mirror and a sponge applicator. I used my Destiny Short Handled Buffer from Coastal Scents for application.

Feel free to check out Milani's full product line. I would most definitely recommend these products to my clients.

Thanks for reading...see you all soon!! Smooches!!!

Just Having a Little Fun

I love animal prints...here is a pic of my latest experiment!!!

Supplies I used for this look...

NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk (Depotted)

Wet n Wild White Eyeliner

BH 180 Palette 2nd Edition Matte White

BH 180 Palette 2nd Edition Matte Black

MAC Groundwork Paintpot

Elf Black Liquid Liner

NYX Black Liner/Brow Pencil

NYX Jumbo Pencil in Black Bean

Ardell 118 lashes

Rhinestones

Shea Moisture

In yesterday's blog, I mentioned a product line called Shea Moisture. They have several different products for hair and skin. I was initially interested in the shampoo and conditioner. I did alot of research on these products before investing in them, which is always the case for me. I was pleased with the reviews I read. I purchased the Organic Raw Shea Butter Restorative Shampoo and Conditioner. These products are only sold in Walgreens and Target and they run about $9.99 each. Walgreens does have BOGO sales every now and then.

I washed my hair yesterday using the new products and I must say I am very pleased with the results. My hair felt clean and free of build-up. It was also easier to comb and detangle. The conditioner can be rinsed out or used as a leave-in. I chose to leave the conditioner in my hair because I feel like my hair lacks moisture. I put my hair in bantu knots to let it dry as usual and I'm loving the end result. I would definitely recommend these products to anyone for any hair type. For more information, here is the website--------->Shea Moisture

Thanks for reading!!! Smooches

Team Natural Hair

So I've been on my natural hair journey for exactly one year today. I must say, this has been a rollercoaster ride. I've definitely had my fair share of ups and downs, but I'm very happy with the results I have thus far. My main reason for going natural was the damaging effects to my hair after relaxing. I had so much breakage it was unreal. In my younger years my hair was always beautiful. It did whatever I wanted it to do, but once I got pregnant with my daughter my hair changed. It grew very long, but it was very thin and brittle. I relaxed it a few months after having my daughter and things seemed to be alright then all of a sudden it began to shed alot. It went from shedding to long strands of hair falling out. I had long hair with spots of very short hair throughout. I tried every hair strenthener and anti-breakage product out to try to get my hair back to it's normal condition to no avail.

I made the decision to go natural about two years ago. I went out and bought new hair products and a new flat iron. Whatever I thought I might need for this transition I had it. The one thing I failed to do was research...research...research. I went about nine months before I relapsed back to the "creamy crack". I start in the beginning of the year, things were going good.

A year ago today, I decided to try it again. I did alot of research...reading blogs, magazines, speaking with hair stylist, looking at different products, watching youtube videos whatever it took to educate myself. I didn't do the BC. I could never muster up enough nerve, but I did trim at least one inch off of my relaxed hair monthly. I developed a regimen and I stuck with it. I suffer from very dry scalp, so alot of the products I use have emphasis on moisture. Right now the products I use are as follows:

**L'Oreal Sulfate Free Ever Strong Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner-It gently cleanses and leave my hair without over drying.
**T-Gel Shampoo-To help reduce flakes and buildup, also help with itching.
**Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Smoothie-Used as a deep conditioner to help detangle hair and  moisturize
**Sulfur 8 Fresh Hair and Scalp Conditioner-helps strengthen hair and also helps reduce dry scalp.
**Garnier Fructis Frizz Ease- Helps ease the frizz due to humidity.
**Carol's Daughter Hair Milk-Used as a daily moisturizer/ hair conditioner. I normally apply before going to bed.

The products listed are good, but I'm looking for a new shampoo and conditioner more geared towards natural hair. I recently purchased shampoo and conditioner from a line called Shea Moisture. I've read alot of good reviews and I'm anxious to try it out and see what all the fuss is about. For more information check out their website ------> Shea Moisture!!

BEAT THE HEAT!!

Beating the heat and humidity can be tough espeically when it comes to ensuring your makeup lasts throughout the day. Here are a few tips to help maintain your "Pretty Face" during the summer months:

1. Cleanse your face daily using a mild facial cleanser. It is important to exfoliate at least once a week to remove dry, dull skin. I personally use St. Ives Apricot Scrub, I'm in love with it.  For people with normal to oily skin I recommend you use a pore refiner or reducer to help reduce excess oils in the t-zone area. The pore refiner/reducer can be found at your local drug store for under $10. The pore refiner/reducer helps give you a more smooth, refined complexion. For people with dry skin, I recommend cleansing with Aveeno's Moisturizer Bar, which can be found at your local drug store for under $5. For all skin types moisturizing is very important, it helps proctect your face from the harsh elements. For the summer, I use a light weight moisturizer with SPF 15 to help protect my face from the elements as well as to prevent sunburn.

2. Wearing heavy makeup in the heat and humidity can be very uncomfortable. I would avoid wearing cream and liquid foundations because the outdoor heat and high body temperatures can cause your makeup to melt. If you prefer wearing cream and liquid foundations, I would apply it very lightly. Another option is to wear a pressed powder. This provides a more lightweight feel with medium coverage. Also, try using a pencil concealer instead of the regular cream or stick. This might not provide you with as much coverage as a liquid or cream, but it will ensure that your makeup lasts throughout the day. I always finish up my look with Fix Plus aka Fix + by MAC.

**A FRIENDLY SKINCARE TIP** Bacteria and heat go hand in hand...try to avoid touching your face with your hands because your hands harbor soooo much bacteria. Also, keep your cell phone screen and surface clean. I'm constantly wiping my screen because after I use my phone it has makeup residue and natural oils from my face. Keeping your face clean can help prevent problem breakouts.

***DISCLAIMER*** I am not affliated nor am I being compensated by any company, product or brand mentioned in this blog. This is my personal opinion, facts I have gathered from my knowledge and research as a makeup artist. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at myprettyfacemua@gmail.com***

How much PRIDE do you have?

I recently purchased the Pride palette by Wet N Wild. I love this brand for several different reasons. First reason being my first makeup purchase was a Wet N Wild lipstick and that was about 15 years ago. Secondly, WNW products have great quality.

So, I purchased the Pride palette because the shades really caught my eye. I immediately went home to true it out and see what look I could come up with using just the colors in this particular palette. Here is a picture of the finished product...

Now, let me give you the step by step application process that I used (FYI...I used a small shadow brush and a blending brush for this look)

1. I primed my lid...you can use the primer of your choice. I chose a matte primer/base in white.
2. I took WNW Deep Blue Color Icon eye liner and cut my crease on my brow bone (from the outside corner of my eye to the inner eye crease to just before the inner corner). With a blending brush, I blend my crease line out and up.
3. With a small shadow brush I took the matte white (very top left of palette) and  start at the inner corner going about 1/3 of the way across my lid.
4. With the same small shadow brush I took the matte white blended (a little of both colors on the brush) with the matte green (right below the white) and applied that to the remainder of my lid. 
5. With a blending brush I make sure the white and green matte colors are blended well. Apply the matte green to your shadow brush and apply that to the outer corner of the lid, blending inward towards the middle.
6.  With your shadow brush apply a generous amount of matte blue (below the green in palette) to the cut crease to darken it up. Starting from the outer corner blending inward and upward to the point where you stopped your cut crease line. Use as little or as much as you want dependent upon the look you want to achieve. I took mine up rather far...I left just enough room for highlighting.
7. After you've blended the colors using your blending brush in an upward motion (to make sure the blue does not mess up the white and green) add a little of the highly pigmented white (top right of palette) to the inner corner tear duct area of the eye (not in the eye though).
8. I added the pigmented blue (very bottom right of palette) to the corner of my crease just to add a little shimmer.
9. I lined my eyes using WNW Mega Eyes Creme Liner in black...feel free to add a wing to your liner just for the extra dramatic effect. I also used the Deep Blue to line my bottom water line.
10. To seal the look add a pair of your favorite lashes!!!

I hope these were simple step by step instructions...thank you for visiting. Please follow me!! Smooches!!!

Peacocky...MAC Cosmetics Spring Collection

Hello Beauties...

The Peacocky collection is here!!! It is definitely a must have for myself...it's very dramatic and edgy. The colors are so vibrant and bold. This collection includes Mega Metal Shadows which come in 15 different shades and Kissable Lipcolours which come in 12 shades. I haven't decided which  eyeshadow shades I'm going to purchase but I will say that I do have my eye on Top of the Posh, Mating Call, Odalisque and Spectacle of Yourself. These shadows are very creaming and are great for blending and an added extra are the crease resistance (def. a plus).

Here are swatches of the shades I mentioned above:

Top of the Posh

Mating Call

Odalisque

Spectacle of Yourself

The kissable lipcolours are amazing. The shade choices are out of this world. These glosses glide on smoothly with a rich, highly pigmented finish. I have my eye on a few of these  also, but I absolutely, positively MUST HAVE Peacocky. Here are swatches of the lip colors that are on my "must have" list.

Peacocky

Enchantee

Love Peck

Vanity Fair



I'm all for bold, vibrant, bright, edgy, highly pigemented colors. This collection definitely gives me all of that and more. If you are into neutral colors, don't be discouraged. There are several in this collection as well. If you enjoyed these colors then feel free to check out the whole collection here The Peacocky Collection. Thanks for visiting my blog, please subscribe. Smooches!!!

2011...very random!!!

There is so much I want to do and so many places I want to go/take my makeup artistry. At times things seem very overwhelming, but I have so much fight in me that I will not let the worries, negativity, pessimism, etc stop me. I've come this far...too far, to even fathom stopping now. I'm still a "newbie", but with any profession there are always new things to learn to improve your skill, your talent, your passion. As much as I may think I know and as much as I do know about makeup (my passion for it, my application technique, the brands and products) I will never know it all. Things constantly change, that's just a simple fact of life, but as long as I keep studying, practicing, reading and continue to learn I'll be alright. Just a little inspiration for myself and whom ever else may need it!!

I did not forget about the peacock spring collection...it's definitely my next post.

It's Prime Time

There have been a lot of questions about eyeshadow primers and bases. There are sooo many out there to choose from, but I'll give you my opinion on the products I use.

For starters, my absolute favorite primer is Urban Decay's Primer Potion. It really helps make the shadow pop, keeping it in place. It dries smoothly and helps prevent creasing. It comes in three different shades Nude, Tawny Matte and Champagne Shimmer. I use Nude which is the purple one.

My second favorite is M.A.C. Paintpots. I use Rubenesque which has a shimmer finish for my shimmer shadows and I use Groundwork for my matte shadows. They work great with all eye shadows to brighten up and bring out the pigment and keep the shadow in place. The picture below is Groundwork.

I also have several NYX jumbo eye pencils that I have depotted (melted into eyeshadow form) that work great as a base or primer. Out of th eight I have the one I recommend the most is Milk (first one from the right). It's also great to be used as a highlighter.



I would recommend any of these primers. I have also heard great things about Too Faced Shadow Insurance. There are also several brands of inexpensive primers sold in local drug stores. Expensive is not always better or best, it's all about what works for you.