The Makeup Show Ultimate Recap

Hey Lovelies!!!

There's no time to waste, so lets jump right in. If you are a professional, freelance, up-and-coming, or aspiring makeup artist there's a company you should be extrememly familiar with...The Powder Group. The Powder Group along with Metropolitan Events and Productions organizes the Makeup Show (fyi they're adding the Makeup Show in LA in 2009). The Powder Group is also responsible for On Makeup Magazine (sign-up NOW). These tools offer amazing networking opportunities and inside tips on the world of beauty.

Now for a recap on the VB experience in NYC...

This was my first year attending The Makeup Show and my initial thoughts afterwards were..."Makeup Overload". Upon entering the Pavillion, you're faced with 66 cosmetic companies and over 3200 fellow makeup artists, there are workshops going on, and demonstrations at various booths. Whooo, its a lot to take in...in fact, I'm still digesting all of the information.

While browsing the booths, Latoya and I (my Makeup Show partner...since Kenya's holding down the West Coast this summer...tear tear) were asked to be models in the Master Workshop. Let me tell you how unbelievable that was. First of all, there's only 1 Master Workshop per day and it costs $275 per person...and that was definitaly not in the budget...so as models we got the best of both worlds; We were made-up and we sat in on the workshop for FREE. This year's Master Workshop was lead by Joanna Schlip, who works as a Special Events Makeup Artist, which is the hottest of the hot (she only does makeup for celebrities when they need to look their absolute best). After sharing her tips, she watched as the attendees made up their models. My artist, Angela, flew in from Switzerland and Latoya's artist flew in from the Phillipines to attend the Show, and they were fabulous. Yes, it is that serious, attendees come from all over the world to attend The Makeup Show!!!

left to right 1. Teneasha and MUA Angela 2. Joanna Schlip 3. Joanna and Teneasha

After the workshop, we immediately started browsing the booths. The Makeup Show is the perfect time to build/add on to your kit or your personal collection because all of the brands offer their products at a discounted rate and they items available that are only specifically catered to their professional clientele (and in some cases items from upcoming collections).

While browsing we ran into SilverRain Studios, a cosmetic brand that specializes in theatre makeup. As we admired the work of the demonstrating artist, Latoya and I decided to get some extravagant makeup done to wear for the remainder of the Show.


(left to right) 1. Latoya 2. Teneasha and SilverRain MUA 3. Teneasha and Latoya

After having had not one, but two makeovers for the day, the only thing left to do was shop and network. I ran into so many attendees from the Celebrity Makeup Symposium and even some fellow bloggers. We had an amazing time, however, I will still have to adjust my strategy for the 2009 Makeup Show to make sure I visit more booths and get more exclusive information for you guys.

If there's anything that struck your fancy in this post or any piece of the puzzle you feel has been left out in the blog world on the Makeup Show please let me know and I'll do my best to share the information I have.

Keep it BLUE!!!

Happy Memorial Day: Makeup Show Sneak Preview

Hey Lovelies!!!

I hope you are all enjoying your Memorial Day. A 3 day weekend is never complete without a little beauty talk, so I deemed it appropriate to give a sneak preview of the New York Makeup Show. Although I promised this post last week, better late than never right?

If you're familiar with youtube's make-up tutorials, then you definitely know EnKore. While picking up some items from the Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics booth (we'll be doing some product reviews and brand highlights soon)...guess who was standing next to me...EnKore! Of course it was a photo moment.

EnKore was able to get some behind the scene interviews with various Makeup brands and artists, so be sure to check out his video.

The New York Makeup show is such a huge event that it could turn into a month of posts just to cover all of the product reviews, brand highlights, workshops, makeup trends, pro makeup artist discounts, up and coming artists, professional artists, and so much more. Tomorrow we're going to give a brief recap on The Makeup Show, however, we can certainly dedicate future posts to addressing any questions or concerns that you may have. So feel free to leave us a comment and let us know if you have any specific interests regarding the Make Up Show. And as always, Keep it BLUE!!!

Blue Bargains: Coastal Scents Memorial Closeout Sale

Hey Lovelies!

So it's Friday, the weekend is here, and what better way to celebrate it than by shopping? And if you're going to shop, why not get a great deal while you're at it? Well ladies and gents, that is exactly what the VB "Blue Bargains" segment is all about. We will use it as an opportunity to highlight great finds that are on discount, sale, or just overall affordable.

This particular segment will feature none other than CoastalScents.com. Coastal Scents is a company that has gained significant viral popularity recently due to their low priced items, assortment of products, and mass youtube exposure.

As many of you may know, I did a review awhile back on some make up brushes that I had purchased from them. One of the perks of making a purchase is receiving a weekly newsletter that informs customers about specials and updates. This weekend they are currently having a Memorial Close Out Sale due to their need to make room for new arrivals. And you know what that means right? BLUE BARGAINS! Here's a few items to look out for...


Silver Deluxe Kabuki Brush - Every make up wearer needs a Kabuki brush. It's great for mineral foundation, blush, bronzers, and essential for adding a great buffed appearance to the skin. If you don't already have a kabuki brush, why not add one to your collection for the low low price of $4.95?


Angle Liner/ Spoolie Brush - Can I just say that I am in love with this duo brush? I featured it in my review, and I had nothing but praises for the precision of the the liner brush. More info can be found here http://youtube.com/watch?v=8XBSiOHpou0. You too can experience it for the price of $2.29

Mini Sable 8 Piece Set - This set of brushes is made with sable bristle hairs, detailed finishing, and an assortment that would be great for any make up collection. The Kit includes: a tapered blush brush, a powder dome brush, shadow brush, round contour brush, angle liner brush, oval lip brush, spoolie lash brush, and a black nylon case for storage. It can be yours for $15.95

Pink 5 Piece Travel Set - This set is surely to make you feel like a pretty pretty princess while applying your make up. Pink brushes! How cool is that? In addition, the powder brush is made with the best quality goat hair and the shadow brush is made with sable. All of that for only $2.49. You just can't beat that.
California Tan Get Started Kit - Since I'm a little more melanin inclined, I have yet to try out tanning, but I thought this would be a great item for you chicas out there that wanted to try out a lovely summer glow for the upcoming season. This kit comes with a 2.5 oz exfoliator prep, 2 oz neutralizer spray, 2 oz tinted self tanning spray, 2.5 oz tan extending moisturizer with bronzers for a total of $15.95
Cuccio Mani Fizzie Pack Assorted - You drop one of these bad boys in some water and your skin and cuticles come out feeling moisturized and softened. It's also great for sanitizing and whitening the nails. The pack comes with 8 assortments: seaweed, papaya green-tea and milk&honey. This would be a great item to achieve those ideal manies and pedies for the spring and summer for the price of $5.95.

Collagen Elastin Cream - Here's what Coastal Scents has to say about this product that I think would be a great addition to the skin regimen, "a high quality emollient and nourishing treatment cream, which can be used as a day (under makeup) and night cream for normal, combination and dry skin. After cleansing and toning, use once or twice daily. Contains a blend of fine oils, natural marine hydrolyzed collagen, hydrolyzed elastin, carrot oil (natural vitamin A), chlorophyll, and botanical extracts. Soothes and softens the skin, helps to improve firmness and elasticity." All of that goodness in a jar for a price of $12.95

One Stop Shop: Old Navy

Hey Bluetiful Ones!!!

Today’s One Stop Shop features items from Old Navy, the cost effective brand under Gap. Inc. We put together a simple, yet chic outfit that we thought would be great for spring, or even this upcoming summer season. So have fun at a Memorial Day Bar-B-Que, the beach, or even the mall and look stylish while doing it. And the best part? The look is affordable for even the most budget conscious fashionista!

Our Blue Cents: If the items in your outfit are mostly mono or bi chromatic (made up of mostly one or two colors), try adding accessories in an unexpected color. It’s a small adjustment that offers a pop of color and makes you appear confident and fashion forward. If your outfit is mostly neutrals, feel free to go as bright as you wish with your accessories. If your outfit is mostly a bright color, try adding neutral toned accessories to balance out the look.

1. Women's Keyhole Tops $11.50 2. Women's Mid-Rise Denim Bermudas (12") $15.00 3. Women's Embellished Leather Sandals $19.50 4. Women's Tinted Aviator Sunglasses $7.50 5. Women's Quilted Clutches $8.50 6. Women's Two-Stone Drop Earrings $5.00 7. Women's Wrapped-Stone Rings $5.00

For a Grand Total of: $86.50

All these items can be found at Oldnavy.com

Color Me Bluetiful: "Blue Magic"

Hey Lovelies!

It's Kenya of VB, and as stated a few posts back, I'm taking a break and back in my hometown of Los Angeles for awhile. And just as sure as the sky is blue (no pun), I've managed to find a way to get bored. And I know the saying is"an idle mind is the devil's workshop", but in my case "an idle mind is make up's workshop". In my boredom, I've been playing dress up, just like I did when I was a little girl growing up as an only child. All I needed was a mirror and my imagination, and I had all the fun in the world. Well these days, those same things still do the trick, along with a train case full of make up goodies :-)

This is a segment that we at VB like to call "Color Me Bluetiful". It will consist of various make up looks that we have come up with. Some like to call it "FOTD", but you know how we always like to put a blue spin on things *wink*.

Speaking of "blue", that's the color that inspired my latest look, entitled "Blue Magic". It's pretty much a replica of the look that I'm wearing in the blog profile pic, but a bit more dramatic. I've already posted a slide show of it on our youtube channel, but I thought it would be more beneficial to go into detail on the blog. Here's a few pics...




Products Used

Face:

Milani Smooth Finish Oil Free Liquid Foundation in Honey Amber

Joya Blush in Peachy Pink - applied to the apples of the cheeks

Eyes:

NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Milk - acts as a base for entire lid

MAC e/s in Freshwater - entire lid

L'oreal HIP e/s in Showy - light blue in the inner corners of upper & lower lid and dark blue on the outer corners of upper lid

Urban Decay e/s in Zero - in the crease and outer corners of lower lid

Wet & Wild Sand Eyeshadow Palette in Sand Castle - pearl shade used on the brow bone as a highlight

Wet & Wild Liquid Eyeliner in black - line the upper lid

NYX eye liner in black - applied to lower waterline

L'oreal Original Voluminous Mascara in Black

Lips:

Sephora Lip Pencil in 731B - used to line the lips

ColorWorks lipstick in light pink

CoverGirl Wetslicks Crystals in Chocofix

More of this look can be seen here...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiv48U1PtWE

As you can see, I own a plethora of make up brands, and somehow I manage to find a way to use just about all of them lol. As we like to say at VB, "beauty is endless...so why limit yourself?" Feel free to diversify your own make up collection, and don't be afraid to step out of the box. And if you ever find yourself bored, why not just "Color Yourself Bluetiful"?

4th Annual Celebrity Symposium Pt.2

Hey Lovelies!!!

As promised here's part 2 of the 4th Annual Makeup Symposium that took place in DC a few weeks ago. So without further ado...

Class 1: Makeup for Photoshoots
Instructor: Danessa Myricks, Celebrity Artist and Master Educator
Class Notes:

• Know Your Model: learn the features, skin, and dimensions of your model. These characteristics affect your looks and application.


• Have a Plan: (1) How many looks you’re executing that day (2) Location of the shoot, inside/outside affects the lighting (its best to apply makeup in the light you’re using for the shoot) (3) Determine the order of the looks (best to start off more natural and work your way to the more dramatic looks).


• Know your Camera: (1) Balance (know the focus of your makeup look; eye, lip, cheek) (2) Application (make it fluid and without streaks and gaps, continue the foundation down the neck) (3) Details (the small things can make or break your photoshoot, i.e. disheveled brows)
  

Class 2: Editorial Makeup
Instructor: James Vincent, celebrity artist, artist for The Powder Group
Class Notes:

• Editorials tell a story; when designing the look you must consider the story.


• Top 4 Prestigious Magazines in the US (Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, W, Elle). Do your research, know the market, and stay on top of trends.


• A great way to get started in editorial makeup or other aspects of makeup artistry is to become a makeup assistant or work at a counter. This experience allows you to work on your makeup application while building networks.


• How to become a makeup assistant: Contact an agency and let them know you are interested in assisting. be honest with the agency regarding experience and your portfolio or lack their of, and make yourself available.


• Business Cards: Keep it simple and to the point. No photos, no quotes, and no Vista Print on the back. (that made me laugh...I guess that cuts out the 250 free cards idea)


• Portfolio: Have a variety of clean beauty shots (everything doesn't need feather and rhinestones). Never have blank pages; your portfolio should allow you to add and subtract pages.


• Resume: Keep it clean. At most, a few small images on the header (in a row)


• Comp Cards: Good if you have a portfolio and GREAT if you don't (a comp card is a larger version of a business card, with an image of your work and your contact information).

• Building your portfolio on a budget: Do testing. Testing is when you work on a shoot for free with photographers and stylists as an exchange of service for photos and field experience. (Check craigslist and model mayhem for opportunities)

Class 3: Foundations
Instructor: Lorena Simpson, Freelance Artist, Instructor
Class Notes:

• Step 1: Start with a clean and moisturized face. (A) Determine the skin's undertone (Red/Warms or Yellow/Cools). (B) Select proper shade: select 3 shades close to the complexion and test on the jaw line. (C) Add concealer if needed to cover blemishes.


• Step 2: Apply foundation. Tools to Apply foundation: (A) Brushes- synthetic hairs allow foundation to move better (Ben Nye brushes are great & inexpensive) (B) Disposable Sponges-Natural absorbents that soak up more product but give you more control and greater sanitation. (C) Fingers-allow foundation to warm up to body temperature making it easy to blend, but not a great tool professionally.


• Step 3: Applying Powder: Powder helps to set the foundation for increased staying power. Also great for eliminating shine.
  
  
  (left to right) 1. Teneasha and Denessa 2. Sam Fine 3. Teneasha and James Vincent

Class 4: Building Your Kit
Instructor: Aisha Ferguson
Class Notes:

• Foundation: Not a good idea to start building your kit with liquid foundation. Start with cream foundation in the lightest and darkest shade because you'll be able to blend and create shades.


• Powders: Get powders with red and yellow undertones to accommodate the skin complexion.


• Mascara: Mascaras have to be replaced often, its ok to use a cheaper Mascara (Loreal Voluminous is GREAT). Buy Mascara's in black, brown, clear, and something to accommodate people with red/auburn hair.


• Blush/Bronzers: Darker skin- berries & plums, Lighter/White Skin- corals, rose, pinks


• Eyeshadow: Start with matte heavily pigmented shadows.


• Eyeliner: Get the basics (black, brown, white, taupe)


• Lipliner: Start with colors to match your lipsticks.


• Lipgloss/lipstick: Buy in forms conducive to doing makeup on other people. Pots are better than tubes. Know the undertones of the l/s shades (silvers or golds) and stay in the same undertone while applying.


• Brushes: Eyes: concealer brush, short hair angled brush, 2 dome shaped brushes, and a crease brush. Face: foundation brush, blush brush, powder blush. sable hair fan brush
  

Class 5: Working with Celebrities
Instructor: Sam Fine, Celebrity artist for EVERYONE
Class Notes: (Let me apologize in advance, I was so star struck and focused on taking in his makeup application technique that I slipped on my note taking, but here's what I have)

• Your signature look comes in time, don't force it, its already in you.


• You learn how to do makeup by doing makeup (PRACTICE PRACTICE)


• Concealer: Should be lighter but in the same color family.


• Contour: Should be darker but in the same color family

I hope you gained some valuable information in taking your passion to a career and being successful at it. If you have any tips you've learned along the way feel free to share them with us as we all learn and grow together.

Keep it BLUE!!!

P.S. I know you might be on overload on posts from The Makeup Show by other bloggers, but VB had the esteemed opportunity to drop in and we're just itching to give our take on it. We'll be sharing some information from that event this week. Stay tuned!!!

Etsy Find: Pretty Raccoon

Hey Lovelies!!!

Another day of browsing Etsy, and look what I find. Pretty Raccoon is a one-of-a-kind clothing brand that specializes in duplicating natures beauty and other unique prints on clothing. They've managed to apply patterns of animals and leaves without looking cheesy, in fact quite the opposite...its chic. In addition to their own designs, they feature a few one-of-a-kind vintage pieces. Check out these hot items...

You can see more of what Pretty Raccoon has to offer at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=9598

P.S. Check back tomorrow for Pt. 2 from the 4th Annual Makeup Symposium

VB In Action: 4th Annual Celebrity Symposium Pt.1

Hey Lovelies!!!

The Bennett Career Institute hosted their 4th Annual Makeup Symposium where they brought the biggest names in the makeup industry to teach, encourage, and inspire makeup artists of all levels. VB's very own, Teneasha ,was so privileged to be able to attend the Symposium, and lucky for you she'll dish all the tips, tricks, and secrets they shared. Grab your notepad and let's get started!!!

Class 1: Quick Hair for On Set
Instructor: Gerald Armstrong, Celebrity hairstylist for Pattie Labelle and DC Salon Owner
Class Notes:

• Time is everything in makeup and hair. Learn to work on your speed. Time is money and in most cases you're only given 1-1 1/2 hours to execute your looks.
• BE PROFESSIONAL (come early, be pleasant, and be flexible)
• Reasons a makeup artist (MUA) should know hair basics: (1) Hairstylists and MUA usually work on a client at the same time, so it's beneficial to know their process. (2) If the hairstylist is a "no show" or is running late, you can step in, which will impress the client and send you home with 2 checks. (3) Makes you a more competitive MUA
• Items to add to your Hair Kit: Blow Dryer, Flat Iron, Shears, Velcro Rollers, Hair Pins, Aerosol Hairspray, Hair Wax, Hair (wigs, ponytails, bonding glue).

Class 2: Makeup for HDTV
Instructor: Valente Frazier, Celebrity MUA for Tyra Banks
Class Notes:

• HDTV shows all flaws.
• Make sure your foundation color matches perfectly. Airbrushing is best.
• Carry Foundation down the jaw line and neck to avoid uneven complexion of the neck and face.
• Products I love: MAC mineralized skinfinish natural, Gem-toned shadows.
  

Class 3: Bridal Makeup
Instructor: Tanna J., Instructor for Bennett Career Institute/Freelance MUA
Class Notes:

• Have your makeup done when you arrive to jobs or consultations.
• Want makeup that's buildable, so if you need to apply more you can.
• Never apply foundation over foundation (if it begins to get oily or wear off throughout the day apply more powder not more foundation).
• Sample Fees to charge for Bridal Makeup: (Experienced MUA/Beginner MUA) Bride ($225/$145) 1 hour of application (full face, brows, lashes) Bridesmaids & Extras ($95/$45) 20 min. of application $50 Hold the Date Fee $75/$50 Consultation Fee

(left to right) 1. Richard Pelzer 2. Valente Frazier and Teneasha 3. Billy B w/ Tanna J.

Class 4: The Business of Makeup
Instructor: Richard Peltzer, owner of Mega Management
Class Notes:

• Communication is key. Always build relationships.
• If its not in writing, it doesn't count (write down your rates and make them standard, if you choose to give a discount write the original amount and the amount discounted so everyone is aware of the actual cost).
• Know when you're going to get paid/ask questions.
• Agent vs. Manager: Agents help to secure jobs, Have multiple clients and doesn't care who gets what job. Manager: Develops client, Makes sure YOU get the job.
• Before you get a manager build your portfolio.
• Never stop developing yourself and your business.

Class 5: Building a Celebrity Clientele
Instructor: Billy B, Celebrity MUA for EVERYONE
Class Notes:

• This Business is GREAT because it accepts creativity.
• Don't strive to be a celebrity artist, strive to be a great artist.
• There's always more to learn. Try to learn from everyone.
• Stay current on application techniques.
• Contour is a play on light and is good for print, but do not use for Bridal Makeup.

I know this is a lot to take in so stay tuned for part 2. Yummy also did a post on the Symposium, check it out...And as always Keep it BLUE

A Soft Coral Eye Tutorial

Hello Lovelies!

So a few posts back we showed you a haul of some new make up purchases that Teneasha had made, and of course we were just itching to try out some new looks. Here's a youtube tutorial featuring the make up look that was shown in the photo from the haul post. It's a soft coral and golden eye look, primarily focusing on Going Bananas by MAC and #5 by Make Up Forever, which is a great peachy hue. It goes great for this spring/summer limbo season that we are in, and what's even better is that it's versatile enough to be worn for different occassions. Hope you enjoy, and feel free to leave any questions and/or comments.

Products Used:

Bobbi Brown Oil Free Liquid Foundation in Golden 6
Bobbi Brown Loose Powder in Brown 4
Urban Decay Primer Potion
MAC Select Cover Up in NC35
MAC e/s Going Bananas
MAC e/s Fab 'n' Flashy
Make Up Forever in #5
MAC e/s Swiss Chocolate
MAC e/s Soft Brown
MAC Fluidline in Black Track
MAC Pro Lash Mascara
Stila Gloss in Brown Sugar

Thanks for watching...and don't forget to keep it blue!

A Bluetiful Contribution

Hello Bluetiful Ones,

When initially brainstorming the concept of Virtuous Blue, Teneasha and I both new that we wanted a site that did more than just showcase products, trends, and temporal things. We understood that beauty was bigger than that. Beauty is deep and goes far beyond just what the eyes can see; It also consists of what we feel.

As stated within the tagged post, VB experienced a little set back recently due to events that neither Teneasha or myself could control. The past few weeks have been very tumultuous due to my father passing away, being admitted to the hospital, and buckling under stress due to juggling school, work, and trying to be superwoman. There have been moments when I wanted to give up, but I can honestly say that I am still here today due to the love and support of those around me. It has been the courage of women like my mother, Teneasha, and close friends/family that has shown me what true beauty is all about.

I would like to use this post to formally thank those who have contributed to my true beauty, and to also encourage others in midst of their hardships. Just as there is beauty in a flower, that same beauty can be found in dirt, mud, and rain, for without them, the flower would not exist. The same applies to you. Just as there is beauty in your appearance, laughter, and happiness...there is also beauty in your pain, tears, and struggles. We are the people we are today because of the experiences that we have gone through.

Don't forget to embrace ALL of the beauty in you, and take the time out to spread that same beauty to others as well. Just a simple smile, hug, or compliment could be the difference that changes some one's life for the better. For indeed, it is a gratifying experience to transform a woman through the artistry of make up or a fly outfit. However, it is truly divine to contribute to the transformation of a woman through mental, emotional, and spiritual upliftment. You can wash off the make up and you can take off the clothes, but you can't eliminate the strength that you obtain.

"Count on Me" By Whitney Houston & CeCe Winans. Circa 1996

SOMEONE NEEDS TO HAVE IT: Textured Bliss

Hey Lovelies,

Check out this bag!!!

Textured Bliss Price: $24.00

This is just the coolest vintage navy blue textured clutch bag by Desiree. This purse has a great old school 80s feel to it. It's part new wave, part bohemian and we love the originality! An optional shoulder strap makes this purse versatile as both a shoulder bag, as well as a chic little clutch. The cool buckle also helps in making this a one of a kind a heavy hitter in the accessories department. The color certainly isn't the only reason why this purse is BLUE!

Length: 9"
Width: 12"
Tag: Desiree
Condition: Excellent!

Get it at: http://www.theurbancollection.com/

Taggy time

Hello Lovelies,

We would like to formally apologize for the brief intermission. So much has transpired in our private lives within the past week or so, but thank you for being patient with us. We definately have some great things in store for Virtuous Blue within the near future, so stay tuned!

Ok...so the ladies of Virtuous Blue have been tagged! Yay! The last time someone attempted to "tag" us was back in elementary school while playing 'Hide And Go Seek'. So needless to say, we're a little excited. And for it to be from great bloggers like Yummy, Mischo, and Anti-Hair Slave, we can't help but do cartwheels (well...not really, but we did cartwheels in spirit hehe). Ok, without further ado, here's the info...

Kenya's Beauty Secrets:

My Foundation: A mixture of Black Radiance Matte Souffle Oil Absorbing Make UP in Almond souffle and chocolate souffle (I'm a bit of a mad scientist when it comes to make up lol). Mixing foundations just tends to work best as a match for my complexion. My Mascara: Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black My Blush: I like to mix and blend eye shadows to create a unique blush hue (once again, the scientist at work) My Eye Shadow: Wet & Wild Sand Castle pallette. Those colors go with EVERTYTHING (and easy on the pockets too)
My Day Cream: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion SPF 15 w/ Alpha Hydroxy My Lipstick: I tend to turn my lip liners into "lipsticks". It just works lol
My Beauty Product Brand: some of this & some of that (did I mention i'm a mad scientist when it comes to make up? lol)
My Essential Beauty Product: Foundation. Even on my "natural" days, I can't go without it
My Favorite Makeup Product: lip gloss. An elixir for all possessors of big "soup coolers"
My Perfume: hmm...lately it's been that good ole Dove
My Nails: evenly filed nails give a neat look...with or without polish
My Feet: weekly foot scrub. Crusty heels aren't a good look
My Hands: Vaseline deep conditioning lotion with Cocoa butter (great for the hands as well)
Three Products to bring on a deserted island: Vaseline (what can you NOT do with this product?), body/face cleanser, and sunblock
Woman I admire for their beauty: Every woman that sacrificed so that I may have the opportunities that I have today.
Woman with the Best Sense of Style: That's hard...I like a lil bit of everything: the elegance of Tracee Ellis Ross, the funkiness of Kelis, the authenticity of India.Arie, the sophistication of Sarah Jessica Parker, and the chicness of Rihanna.
My Ultimate Dream: To give life. Not just through child birth, but through my words, deeds, and actions. Life is powerful
How Do I Define Womanhood: Wise enough to acknowledge your growth, but humble enough to know you aren't done yet. The possession of love, strength, courage, and wisdom.
My Favorite Fashion Publication: Suede Magazine (R.I.P.)

Kenya's 6 quirky facts:

1. I used to play the violin when I was younger.
2. When I was little I couldn't fall asleep without rubbing a doll's hair, or my own. To this day I still rub my hair subconsciously when i'm bored. Something about the softness soothes me
3. I find it incredibly difficult to sleep at night, but I can sleep with no problem during the day. I think I might be a vampire lol.

4. I have a habit of correcting people. Whether it's grammar, facts, or just the lyrics to a song...I show my friends no mercy when I think their wrong (the rhyming wasn't intentional lol). Teneasha just hates it lol.
5. I don't know how to swim. I can hold my breathe for a really long time tho...does that count?
6. I'm deathly afraid of horror movies, yet I continue to watch them anyway (then have the nerve to wonder why I can't sleep at night lol).

Teneasha's Beauty Secrets

My Foundation: Bobbi Brown Oil Free Liquid Foundation in Golden 6 and Loose Powder in Basic Brown 4 My Mascara: MAC Prolash in Pitchblack (it gives me the length I wasn't naturally blessed with) My Blush: Nars Gilda on a Natural Day, Nars Outlaw on a Glamorous Day
My Eye Shadow: MAC Amberlights and Woodwinked, 2 basic colors but a necessity for everyone My Day Cream: Cetaphil Moisturizer with SPF My Lipstick: Since I've turned 23 I dibble and dabble in colors and I LOVE Dubonnet (a nice deep red) My Beauty Product Brand: 90% of my collection is MAC but I love Makeup Forever
My Essential Beauty Product: Chapstick or Lip Conditioner, chapped lips is not a good look My Favorite Makeup Product: Pigments, mixed with the right things you can do your eyes, cheeks, and lips with the same pigment (Try it with MAC pigment in Melon) My Perfume: Marc Jacobs Daisy...duh
My Nails: Clean, shaped, and filed with a nice clear coat of polish.
My Feet: MOISTURIZED, a nightly regimen of Cocoa Butter keeps my feet soft
My Hands: hmm...nothing special just Aveeno
Three Products to bring on a deserted island: Aquafresh Extreme Clean, Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, and I'm gonna steal from Kenya and say Vaseline
Woman I admire for their beauty: The list could go on forever , currently I'm loving Michelle Obama, an educated woman of color that keeps it BLUE...gotta love it!!!
Woman with the Best Sense of Style: Like Kenya there are many women who's style I admire for various reasons, but Tracee Ellis Ross is the only one who that I could see myself rocking their total look for all occassions. I love mixing colors an patterns and that woman does it well, don't even get me started on the curls. My Ultimate Dream: To inspire and to motivate, I'm a firm believer that the ups and downs of life shape our personality but more importantly they are a testament that you can survive things because someone else went through it and survived.
My Favorite Fashion Publication: Elle

Teneasha's 6 quirky facts:

1. I hate tomatoes, but I love salsa, marinara sauce, ketchup, and most things made from tomatoes.

2. I studied Spanish for 5 years and have only mastered saying Hello (Hola...lol)

3. I buy things just to have the option to use them.

4. I hate fluff, maybe its the business background but my attention span can only handle the facts...(can u tell by my straight to the point responses to this tag...hehe)

5. I pride myself on being a makeup artist but I can't apply liquid liner to save my life, well I can but it takes me like 30 minutes.

6. I have movies or CD's of the season, where I watch/listen to them over and over for a period of time and I never get tired of it. Currently I'm watching Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls, and Listening to Raheem Devaugh The Love Behind the Melody.

YOU'RE IT!: Habitual Beauty, askmewhats, It'sAWoman'sWorld, observationmode, miss pretty, fashion devotee, shoppingKharma, and BeautyIsWithin.

Since we put both surveys in one post (beauty secrets or quirky facts), we're going to switch up the rules a lil bit and allow you all to choose to do whichever one, or even both if you please. And if you've already been tagged or just not feeling the whole tagging thing, feel free to disregard. Hope you enjoy...and don't forget to keep it BLUE!

VIrtual Makeover

Hey Lovelies,

When I'm bored or can't sleep in the middle of the night I tend to surf the net, not a glamorous method to fill time, but it works for me. While searching for new and exciting things to share with you I ran into iVilliage. iVilliage is not a beauty focused site but they have an extensive "Beauty & Style" section.

Then I saw it (dramatic music)...Makeover-o-Matic...I clicked the button...and to my surprise there was an interface equipped for virtual makeovers. After a few clicks of the mouse "night time Teneasha" turned into "semi-glamorous. borderline 'too urban...hehe' Teneasha" Check it out:

As you can see this is not a makeover to be taken seriously. Kenya and I were crackin up as I virtually changed my hair, makeup, and accessories.

What you need:

1. A computer (with Internet...lol)
2. A basic head shot (they also provide options of model head shots if you don't want to upload your own)
3. Free time
4. A sense of humor

Makeover options:

• Hair style/Hair color
• Makeup (eyeshadow, blush, lipliner/lipcolor)
• Eye color
• Teeth whitening
• Eyewear
• Headwear

If you have time to do it email the before and after to us at virtuousblue@gmail.com and we'll post the best makeovers.

Keep it BLUE!!!