Well, "Hello, again!"

Hello, my friends!

I've seemed to have abandoned this blog with more favoritism shown to my YouTube channel and Instagram. What? You didn't know I was on Instagram? Here's the link... it seems I am able to keep up with that one the most as I can post in a simple click of the button. Diva's Instagram

So much has happened since my last posting. I've been keeping myself busy.I'll definitely try posting a bit more on this page. Do stay tuned!! For now, I leave you with some images from a recent bridal shoot that I participated in. The published shoot can be found here
-->Modwedding Also, here's a video from that session! --> Drop Dead Gorgeous New York Wedding Enjoy!!!

xx,
Diva

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Busy busy!

Hey Lovelies!

I feel like I'm constantly running. Prom & weddings keep me busy, but I'm not complaining. Here is the video that I did capturing the prep process I went through while getting my daughter ready for prom. Everyone is asking for the name of the shimmer powder I used on her body. It's Victoria's Secret Brilliant Shimmer All-Over Powder in Bombshell. I didn't see it on their website, so I hope it's not being discontinued. Check your local Victoria's Secret that carries their makeup line. When all else fails, check eBay. I saw it for $14.99! Enjoy the video!

As I kill time waiting for alternate side parking to be up, I'm studying color theory. As a makeup artist, it's highly valued knowledge! Have a blessed day!!!

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Lippie of the day!

So, I'm in Brooklyn making my way to Dance Africa. Following the trend if bold lips, I've decided to don orange hued lips. This is Magnolia Makeup's Electro Peach topped with Armour Beauty's orange gloss, Lucy!

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DANCE AFRICA!!!

Dance Africa is a celebration of all things African... eating, drinking, dancing.... Today is the LAST day. Here is a video footage of what I experienced last year. See you there!

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Sunglasses haul and more over the Memorial Day Holiday weekend!

First and foremost, my hats off, round of applause and standing ovation to the men and women in the armed services of America. It takes courage to do what they do. Everyday should be Memorial Day, especially for those whose lives were lost to protect our freedoms.


With the Memorial Day Weekend, comes the thought of finally experiencing the warmer summer climates and donning a cool pair of shades. Here are several bargain pairs that I picked up in my recent haul!!! Enjoy!


Also, today will be the last of Dance Africa festival in the downtown section of Brooklyn, New York. Hop the 2,3,4,5 to Atlantic Avenue! Hope to see you there!

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Trends in Eyebrows...

Hello, my lovelies...

As I perused some of my favorite fashion and beauty magazines, I noticed the trend of eyebrows returning to a more fuller look... think Brooke Shields when she first came out as a model in the Calvin Klein ads (IF you're old enough to remember). As a makeup artist, it forces you to challenge yourself and push your aesthetics from the usual "routine style" you may have. Can you adapt? It's vital to stay modern. What are your thoughts? Do you think you'll try a fuller brow?

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RIP, Queen of Disco- Donna Summer

Today I was shocked to hear of the passing of Donna Summer. Yesterday, it was the passing of Chuck Brown, King of the Go-Go sound and today we have lost the queen of disco. Listening to her music bought back happy memories growing up in the Bronx, living carefree, not knowing the stress that adults dealt with. That's when I thought her "Bad Girl" was referring to naughty kids that didn't listen to their parents.

Here is a look that I did almost two years ago inspired by her. May her soul rest in peace!

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Perusing the CVS aisles, look what I found!!!

If anyone knows me, you'll know that I am always on the hunt for the latest, the greatest and the best beauty products. I enjoy being knowledgeable on products that will enhance my craft. While perusing the aisles of CVS, what did I see? Two 8-eyeshadow palettes that looked VERY similar. I was looking at the sale in the Wet n Wild section, which offered "buy 1, get 1 50% off." I moved to the Black Radiance section and commented to myself "This palette is in the wrong place." However, upon close inspection, I realized that it was indeed a Black Radiance eyeshadow palette. While both have similar color groupings, the price point is different. The Wet n Wild retails for $4.99 while the Black Radiance is a whopping $2 more at $6.99. I suspect that these products are both made from the same manufacturer... you be the judge!

Left- Black Radiance- Posh Plum Palette   Right- Wet n Wild- Petal Pusher Palette

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Update...

Good heavens! It's like I've NOT posted in FOREVER! I'm feeling renewed and ready to go again. Let's see how long I can keep up this balancing act. Life has been very busy... between beating faces, being a mom and balancing family life, I'm running, running, running... or so it feels like. My daughter is in her senior year of high school, so you know how THAT goes... prom, graduation, finalizing college selections, etc. Pray for me!!!


I've gotta run, yet again, but stay tuned! We're going to take you behind the scenes at New Orleans Fashion Week with beauty sponsor Magnolia Makeup, we're also going to The Makeup Show New York. I have so much to share with you in regards to new products and hauls over the past few months. I can't wait!!! Be back SOON! Promise!

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Win an instructional EYE MAKEUP DVD by Danessa Myricks!

Hello, my Lovelies!

A LOT has been going on lately, but finally I've slowed down long enough to launch the first of a series of contests. The winnings for this contest is an instructional EYE MAKEUP DVD by Danessa Myricks. What makes this video so FABULOUS? It features 2 hours of instructional eye makeup application, showcasing 13 looks! For more information about the products and services Danessa provides, check out her website. The contest ends Thursday, March 8th! Get the details here! Good luck, Everyone!

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Good morning, my Lovelies!

Just a little FYI. The first series of contests will take place Friday. Are you ready? Get details in video below! 

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Contest update!!!

Hello, my Lovelies!!!

Thank you so much to each and everyone that took the time to subscribe to my blog. In appreciation, I will be doing a series of contests that will be open to individuals who are subscribers to my blog here on blogger... Diva Does Makeup, my YouTube channel Welcome2DivasWorld as well as my Twitter DivaDoesMakeup. Remember, you must be subscribed to all three.... If you go to my YouTube channel, you'll find a video talking specifically about the contest and a few of the wonderful prizes I'll be giving away. They include makeup DVDs by Sam Fine, Danessa Myricks and other beauty products. It could be a Twitter contest, a Blog contest or a YouTube contest. You NEVER know.... stay tuned!!!

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Diva takes you on a 17 minute trip to Nice, France & Monaco...

Forget all about the winter blues here in New York City. Let's take a trip to the sunny South of France. We'll even pop over to Monaco as well as have a peep at the famous Cannes, home of the Cannes Film Festival.

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Happy Holidays!!!

Hello, my lovelies!


I truly hope everyone had a Happy Holiday! Mine was spent home with family. I find that the gift of time with family is one of the BEST gifts ever... so precious. Here is my holiday look. I hope you enjoy. It was inspired by my Nigerian sister Barbara. Here is a link to her blog and the inspiration. 

Diva's Holiday Inspiration

Wishing you God's richest blessings to you and your family!!!


xoxoxo,
Diva

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Sleek MakeUP Berry Collection

Hello, Lovlies!

I'm back from my Hawaii/Japan jaunt and feel renewed and revitalized in all areas of my life. You know things were pretty rough for me over the past few months with the loss of my grandmother. Thank you all for your prayers, kind words and support.

Just in time for the holidays, Sleek MakeUP has a Christmas collection called "The Berry Collection." Check it out here! Sleek MakeUP is available at Sleek MakeUP.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

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Guess who's back?!?

Hey Lovies!

From the bottom of my heart, I apologize for my absence. I will explain in my forthcoming video. I've been a little under the weather. For now, enjoy my newest acquisitions.

OCC Makeup had a sale on Lip Tars that ended today. Each Lip Tar was being sold at $10 each. I decided to scoop up eight shades to stock my kit with. Here are the shades:

Here are the swatches. These were applied to naked lips without any liner. Do keep in mind these are for my professional makeup kit. I do makeup on individuals of all shades and complexions. These are ultra pigmented and a little bit went a long way.

For now I must finish editing the video from The Makeup Show Europe! Ta Ta for now!

xoxoxo,

Diva

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Sleek MakeUP discount alert!!!!

If you guys have watched my YouTube videos, then you KNOW how much I LOVE SleekMakeUP. Great news!!! Sleek Makeup is offering FREE SHIPPING to US with code USA75. Products l love from them.. Pout Paints, just released yesterday $8, Contour Kits $10, I have all three shades, 12 color eyeshadow palettes, prices vary. FYI, I named the Good Girl, Bad Girl palette.  ;-) Bad Girl palette has deep, smokey shades. True Color lipstick is great. I have EVERY color, but tend to wear Stiletto, Cherry, Vixen, Amped, Mystic...I took swatch pictures and try to post them on my blog today... Blushes $6.50!!! LOVE!!! Scandalous is similar to NARS Exhibit A, Santorini I show on my blog in a look that I did, Rose Gold is NARS Orgasm-like... lemme stop. I gotta order at www.sleekmakeup.com 

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5000 Subbies on YouTube!!!

Hey Lovies!!!

I am so humbled by the love and support I've received on my YouTube channel. Here's a video with an update.... Thanks for your continued love, encouragment and support.

xoxoxo,

Diva

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Check out this breezy look done with Sleek MakeUP's Mediterranean Collection!

Let me introduce you to Sleek MakeUP's Mediterranean Collection. It was launched in June 2011 and is a limited edition collection. That means if you see any items you like, you better snap them up. Sadly, once they're gone, they're ALL gone. The collection consists of the Monaco eyeshadow palette, which is a colorful collection of both shimmery and matte shades, Santorini powdered blush as well as Monte Carlo Pout Polish. The collection offers a gorgeous pop of color for all skin tones. I've been on a "pink lip kick" lately, so this is right up my alley. The great thing I like about this collection is that the shades have all been given names and are stamped on the mylar sheeting within the eyeshadow palette packaging.

This was the look I came up with when playing with the palette. Matter, today was my "play in my Sleek MakeUP collection" day. Pretty much everything that I have on is by Sleek Makeup, with the exception of my brows, mascara and eyeshadow primer.

I find that a lot of people are afraid of wearing "color," but if done right, it can work beautifully. 

                                        

Here now is a shot showing detailing of eyeshadow.

What I do like about these shadows is that the shimmery shades give your lids a lovely sheen. Here is a "what went where" shot.

1. Kiwi Zest went on inner corner and third of eyelid

2. Hummingbird went on center portion of eyelid

3. Magenta Madness went on outer third of eyelid

4. Midnight Garden went on "V" and crease area

5. Washed Ashore went on brow bone for highlight

Here is a swatch of the shades, however, keep in mind that this was taken at night with my flash on, so the colors got a tad washed out... specifically the lighter shades. Don't mind my nails, I just got back from Jamaica and no manicure survives a daily trip to the beach unless it's gel or something of that sort. LOL!

Top row, left to right: Bamboo, Aquamarine, Midnight Garden, Sunset, Washed Ashore, Magenta Madness

Bottom row, left to right: Summer Breeze, Sand Walker, Kiwi Zest, Lotus Flower, Hummingbird, Moors Treasure

I'm in love with the vibrant cheek color... Santorini.

Here's an idea of the shading. I didn't want to use to heavy a hand because I was going out. It is very pigmented... gorgeous! I must add that I highlighted the tops of my cheeks with Sleek MakeUP's blush in Rose Gold. I think the flash washed it out a tad, but you can see it better in the other pictures.

I expected the lip color to be more pink on me, but this is how it turned out. It's shown here without any liner, on bare naked lips.

As for liner, I used the Kajal liner in Odyssey, which is a rich, majestic purple.

Once again, the completed look. The complete product breakdown is listed below.

All products by Sleek MakeUP unless otherwise stated. Stay tuned to my YouTube channel Welcome2DivasWorld for a demo of this look!

Foundation: New Skin Revive in Cannelle

Powders: One Finishing Powder, Luminous Pressed Powders in #02 & #03

Concealer/Highlight: Luminaire Highlighting Corrector in #L05

Contour/Highlight: Contour Kit in Medium

Eyeshadow Palette: Monaco (Limited Edition)

Blush: Rose Gold & Santorini (Limited Edition)

Liner: Kajal Liner in Odyssey (Purple)

Lips: Pout Polish in Monte Carlo (Limited Edition)

Sleek MakeUP

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Lip Wars!

Hello, My Lovelies!

Today we're taking on two fabulous products that are similar in nature. The face off is between OCC Makeup's Lip Tar vs SleekMakeUP's Pout Paint. I was sent these products by Sleek MakeUP as a preview of what's to come. They will be released on August 3, 2011, to be exact.

Back in April, I had the pleasure of traveling to London, England for the "Destination S" Beauty Bloggers Event held by Sleek MakeUP. It was there that the Pout Paints were introduced to me as they had a mixing station where bloggers could whip up their ideal shade. 

Here is the shade that I whipped up and lovingly named "Dainty Diva" because it was anything, BUT that! LOL!

Once I received the finished product, the first thing that came to my mind were my OCC Lip Tars. There are a total of 11 colors at this time, but I was sent 5. Such a beautiful selection, wouldn't you agree? I felt like a kid in a candy store! You can use them "as is" or customize a shade that's all your own.

Here are the 5 that I received...

I immediately went into my makeup kit for my OCC Makeup Lip Tars...

Right off the bat, I realized that there were two shades that could possibly dupe each other...

When I swatched them, that was when I realized the difference in consistency. Mind you, it is summertime, however, the OCC Lip Tar ran out and was more liquid & sheer in consistency while the Pout Paint was thicker and more opaque.

Here's what each color looks like on my lips...

The Lip Tar goes on sheer, as you can see.

The Pout Paint goes on a lot more opaque. It even appears to have a more orange undertone than I had anticipated.

Here are a collection of the red OCC Lip Tars so you can compare them with the Pout Paint....

\

This is a prime example of what I mentioned with the Lip Tar being a tad on the runny side. I opened it to swatch it and it ran out so quickly. Notice that it's feathering in the lines on the back of my hand. The Pout Paint is on the right. From the tube they appeared alike, but I can clearly see the difference in shading. Once applied, Lip Tar has a light mint scent, whereas I detect a slight orange scent with the Pout Paint. Each tube contains 8ml of product and a tiny bit goes a long way. Lip Tars currently retail at $12 and the Pout Paints will retail at £4.99, but I'm waiting to see what US pricing will be.

Both shades were applied without lip liner using my Make Up Forever #3N lip brush.

I think that OCC Makeup has a serious contender in the area of Lip Tars vs Pout Paints. What say you?

(Just in case you're interested, here is the video from the Sleek MakeUP "Destination S" Beauty Blogger's event.)

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