TREND ALERT: LIP FAB! CAN YOU HANDLE COLOR?

Ok, ladies so I know you all have noticed a new ambiance of this blog and I gotta first start off by saying THANK GOD, I finally have help: NYC resident & FBF Miss Jane (You ROCK *kisses*).

I been so busy keeping up the updates on all my other social networks that I barely had time tp update this blog, but nevermind that! A sista got ammo & ready to aim and fire!

Today, I want to discuss the latest trends in makeup, which this summer is BOLD lips. Of course, I can hear ya'll now: Oh I'm too dark for color or it's NOT for me. Let me tell you to each her own but DON'T knock it 'til you try it! Makeup is NOT permanent and the fact that you're reading this gives you a cheat sheet to decide what will suite you best, so enjoy!


For starters, knowing your skin tone will help discover what shade looks most flattering, but hell, who has the time to swatch & research!? Make it easy for yourself and actually use the trial and error method.

Try it ON LOL! I personally have loved bright colors since I was able to wear makeup but that's me. For others, it's a delayed acquired taste. No worries! I'm an avid believer that seeing is believing & daring to be DIFFERENT should be a motto. I mean whats the worst that could happen? You actually like it, right?

Start with using a darker shade around the lip. Back in the day, FAB divas used lip pencils, which is a no-no today for me. I say use a darker lipstick, which is more practical and less harsh looking. NOTHING worst than all your lipstick being gone and a hard lip line left standing. OMG #Truestory (*_#)

As you see, in this picture the lips are outlined with a darker, soft line by lipstick. (You can also use a thick lip pencil. You know, those chunky ones.)

luciesbeautyboxblog.blogspot.com

Afterward,  on the inside of your lips, apply the color you like. It could be a softer shade, let's say soft pink, or glitzy nude pink if you will ,should turn out like so below.

As you can see ladies this can be VERY simple if you follow this cheat trick , Let me know how it works out , I would love feedback & even picks of your new found Divatude in LipPOW. Enjoy. xoxo MJ

As a makeup artist, I'm always on the hunt for the BEST, so I apologize in advance for you ladies who are  Gospel MAC users.  I don't approve of all their selections for woman of color. I have tried their lipsticks and have fell in Love with Lady Ga Ga, but I will leave that explanation for another post. 

Here's some pics of me wearing Lady Ga Ga and Neon Pink from my collection. I havent been able to put it down and in fact, my coworkers always ask me why I'm not wearing it when I do decide to change it up. I love it for the high gloss and most definetly for its long-lasting wear. It's so highly pigmented. You can buy Neon Pink as well as other bright shades from my retail site www.shesfab.com.

Neon Pink

UV Neon Red

UV Neon Cranberry

Lime                                                                  MAC Lady Ga Ga

Gloss & Uv Lipstick sold online @ www.shesfab.com

UV Colors are available on my Website as individual or sets, as shown. They light up and are perfect for body art photo shoots. Buy online @ www.shesfab.com

Here are a few pics of makeup clients who chose the FAB and decided to take a chance on a BRIGHT, BOLD lip:

 

Honestly, NONE of these ladies would have EVER thought they could pull it off. So the proof in the pudding.

I would love to see pics of what you accomplished with today's post. Futhermore, I just wanna see you look FABulous! Who's got your back??? I do!!!!

Stay True Stay You Stay FABB, til next post.

*Kisses* XOXO MJ

TUESDAY FASHION OBSESSIONS: SHEER MADNESS, NUDE LINGERIE FOR BLACK WOMEN & SCARVES GALORE


Hi FAB ladies. So we all have our fashion obsessions, but mine change from day to day (or even minute to minute.) I get excited about an item or a look, and I go crazy searching for pieces and looks to fit my wardrobe and style.

I decided I'd channel my obsessions and post them whenever I feel the need to share with you.

Today, I'm absolutely FABuliciously obsessed with anything sheer. Everyone's wearing it, but that's not what it's about. There's a sexy allure to sheer that can be pulled off from day to night, from button-down blouses, sheer panels in a freak 'em dress or sheer maxi dresses, jumpsuits and skirts in poppin' colors.

  Asos; Zara; Asos; Asos

(Clearly I'm obsessed with Asos as well, but that's a whole other post LOL)


I just recently purchased a bright orange jumper that has sheer pants legs and I ADORE it. I want to go buy it in every color. The piece I bought came from NYC's SOHO. It was one of the boutiques along Broadway. (If I can remember the name of the store later, I'll post it.) The jumpsuit I bought features long inseams (which is perfect for me since I'm 5'9 and have long legs) so I'd say be conscious of the hemline and the fall of the pant when purchasing an item like this.

**Sorry about the photo quality. We'll get better with that soon ;) **



  Here are some similar options to check out online:

Arden B: Forever 21; Dillards


With anything sheer, the question always is, What do you wear underneath?

This is the perfect time for great lingerie or shapewear. I'm a big fan of mixing colors and prints, so try a brightly-hued tank, bralet or bra. (I chose an ultra pink lace tank and pink bra with my jumpsuit. It already had a shorts slip attached to it, but you still want to be sure to wear a nude or dark thong or full panty).

Try some of these options:

 Forever 21; Forever 21; Victoria's Secret; Asos

With a printed sheer jumpsuit, (or if you're just not into mixing colors) try a nude or black bra. I know oftentimes us black gyals (who come in all shades and undertones) can't find nudes that match us perfectly. Either they're too light, too peachy, or too dark. But try these options:

 MySkins; Macy's; Victoria's Secret; American Apparel

Also, try this trick: Wear your usual black or white bra or whatever color bra you have and just put a cotton brown or neutral-hued bralet, tank or soft-fabric bra on top. That will either hide any patterns or darkness of the bra underneath.


If there's sheer panels on the sides, or the dress or jumpsuit is backless, go commando or wear pasties. (Go FAB or go home.)

If you don't feel comfy going commando, try a backless or low-back convertible bra and a nude panty that matches your skin tone from outlets like Victoria's Secret, Calvin Klein, American Apparel or Bare Necessities. Or maybe even get some nude fabric sewn under the sheer panel that will smooth any dents, bumps and imperfections. (Hey, no matter what size you are, we all have stretch marks, cellulite, uneven skin and the like).

I really hate seeing any Spanx or nude panty lines at the side panels of sheer FAB pieces, but hey, DO YOU BOO.

(I say Hells No to this look, but I love Kim K. To each her own. Commando would have been fine with me, and maybe an intimate pasty to smooth out the front silhouette, but we all know Kim love her some Spanx. And I won't start on the boots... LOL. Love you Kimmy!)

Anywho, to take a sheer look from too risque to day, try adding a blazer, layering a tee or tanks or wearing a solid-colored bodysuit and lots of accessories.

 
Asos; J. Crew ; Asos

OAN: I already purchased two pleated dresses from H&M (that look similar to these (below) from Zara.). They were on sale for $15! (I got for one $10 because it was mismarked. Check here for H&M locations that are having sales in your city.)

I plan to purchase more sheer-accented items as the summer goes on. (These are on my wish list.)

Let's get sheer for the summer and be FAB sexy and free-spirited.

Oh, one more thing: I'm LOVING silky, printed scarves. LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM, especially for my hair since I've recently cut off the relaxed ends and gone natural. I get easily bored with styles, so to avoid turning back to the creamy crack, I've been making major use of scarves.

The one I'm wearing here is a vintage scarf I got from a Housing Works sale a while back. (It was one of those $20 bag sales, where you dig through a bunch of stuff and fit as much as you can in a bag and only pay $20 per bag). I'm terrible at thrifting (no patience and frankly never wear most of the things I buy), but this one was a keeper.

Here are some other picks to try. (I actually bought the first one and another one (not pictured) from H&M. The first one has a great black panther on it and lovely lime color throughout.)

H&M; H&M; Hermes ; Asos

You can even find some nice printed (and affordable) scarves at your local beauty supply store. (That's yet another obsession of mine, as I feel like a kid in a candy store when a new BIG beauty supply opens in my neighborhood).

I'd stay away from the fake Gucci or Fendi or Chanel scarves (though, by all means, if it has bright colors and you cool with it being fake, DO YOU BOO BOO), but sometimes they have great $5 options that work perfect for your hair. Also, try your local Pay Half, Pretty Girl and Dollar Store (General Dollar, Family Dollar and all those dollars).

Love how Joseline from LHH ATL wears her signature scarf look. (I know... #ratchet ... but chic is chic nonetheless.)

Here's a great YouTube tut on unique and chic ways to tie scarves by YT natural diva WomanInTheJungle:

 And lastly, here's some great ways to wear scarves with your ensembles by the FAB YT diva WendysLookbook.

Say FAB. Xiss Miss Jane ;)