If there's ONE thing in the beauty world that I live for, it's defintely new foundation. And my second fave is when I can purchase it with a $10 budget. For the last few months I've been ranting and raving about Revlon's Colorstay line. It's still awesome, and I love it! However, this time around I have found the next best thing to perfection, whether it's drugstore or department brand wise. 

What do you gals think? 

There's no denying that soul singer Jill Scott is a gorgeous woman. She embodies the definition of class and oozes natural beauty. Her makeup is usually very simple, yet glamorous. This is one of my all time favorite looks on her. I call it Barely there, showed up.

If you would like to achieve a similar look:

-Maybelline Dream Mousse Foundation - This is one of the most lightweight, great coverage, drug store brands out there. I chose this foundation to go with this look, because of the barely there appeal. You don't want a heavy liquid to take the look from natural to runway.

-Diorshow Mascara - Personally, I'd go with faux lashes to complete the look, but if not, Dior has an amazing mascara that will have everyone thinking you're wearing lash extensions anyhow. Use just enough to give the eyes a 'doll like' effect.

-MAC liquid liner - Apply a generous amount (at your own discretion) for a 60's Twiggy MOD style.

- A nude lip is essential. MAC offers an array of shades and finishes depending on your preference.

Viola!

Hi everyone!

How's it going? It's been awhile since I wrote a review on new products that i've purchased. Trust me, I've gathered quite a collection in the past few months though. I like to try different brands, expensive to affordable. Target is one of my favorite stores to "drugstore" bargain shop. They have an array of products to fit all of my beauty needs.

1. Elf eyeshadow brush $1.00 - I mean, for a buck can you really pass up on much of anything? This brush is really cool because it's easy to work with, and I didn't have any trouble blending the pigments with it. It's all about how your ability to work with an item. Don't let the cost fool you.

2. Megablast Eyeliner, Wet n' Wild $2.99 - I was very reluctant to use this liner, because i'm spoiled with my kohl's brand. (Available at Kohl's retail stores) However, I must say the way this liner went on was pleasantly shocking. The lasting power is great, no smearing, and the price is amazing!

3. Sweet as candy - Wet n' wild swatch $2.99 - If your'e a beginner with makeup, or simply need help with the how-to process of applying pigments this would work great for you. The trio includes 'Eyelid, browbone & crease' to let you know where to apply. I didn't have a problem with blending, but I will say the pigments were a bit more chalky than i'm used to. Overall, it's an affordable buy.

4. Don't steal my thunder - Wet n' wild swatch - 2.99 - Yes ma'am! I absolutely love these pigments, because i'm able to create an awesome smokey eye in no time. The shades are still a bit chalky, but with the right amount of time spent blending no one will know the difference.


I'm a mother, student, and budgetnista. There is no way in the world that i'd get caught up in names just because they're what's "hot". Make sure that you don't pass up on great items trying to keep up with the Joneses and 'nem. Do what looks and feels great at all times. And hey, would you prefer a heavier wallet, or makeup bag? *giggles*

This look is where Glam meets Earthy.
I absolutely love the dramatic eyes
paired with a neutral, stunning lip color.


1. Apply a lightweight foundation to your skin. Try Covergirl Queen Collection.
2. Wet N' Wild cosmetics has amazing trio swatches that show you which colors to use on each part of your eye, such as "Brow bone, crease, and eyeline"..
With the correct blending and shading this is a fool proof way of achieving the look.
3. For full lashes try MAC'S temporary extensions.
4.Estee Lauder's high glaze lip gloss is textured, sheer, and stays on for hours!
5. To maximize the drama of the eyes, make sure to grab a black eyeliner to finish the look. Personally, I adore Rimmel's Kohl liner. It goes on baby soft and i've never had a problem with smudging!

For some odd reason, women of color are terrified of blush.
I've never understood the reasoning behind NOT wearing it.
Someone once told me, "Our skin doesn't change colors when
we're flustered, so why create a facade of it doing so?"

Girl, what?!? Blush can be your best friend if used correctly.
Who doesn't want to highlight their cheek bones? RIGHT.




Quick Tips:
- Blush should always look natural w/ an undertone of color.
- Lips and cheeks work best when kept in the same shade family.
- Powder blush is simple to use for beginners. It blends quite
easier than cream blush. (But if you have dry skin, cream blush
maybe the best route for you.)
- When in doubt, swipe a hint of bronzer after applying the blush
for a smooth finish.

NARS cosmetics has an array of shades that looking amazing on literally everyone. But at $27.00 a pop that isn't ideal for every budget. With that said, try brands such as, MILANI, COVERGIRL AND MAYBELLINE to begin with. Invest in a great brush & Blend, blend, blend, blend!!

DON'T!!!! make the sad mistake like the photos below. Blush is supposed to highlight your cheekbones, not look like you fell in a sea of color.

I LOVE Orange lips on Brown girls!


Wanna try this look but afraid?

Lip Tip: Try a shade in matte form.
It tones down bright colors more
than a shiny lip gloss.

Below, are a few of my favorite shades
in cost efficient brands.

1. MAC's Neon Orange
2. NYX Diamond Sparkle Lipstick Orange
3. Revlon's Orange flip
4. Fashion Fair's Cinnamon Crush

They have beautiful shades for
every brown complexion :)