you're my inspiration!

The American Heritage Dictionary defines inspiration as: to stimulate creativity or action. I guess that would explain why I felt the need to imitate this look...

 Rihanna is always beautiful and cutting edge. I love that she's never afraid to experiment with color or style, even when it may not be what everyone else believes is best. That is what true style is all about... Being comfortable in one's own skin and knowing what works best for you. My best friend used to always say, "Truth to thy own self." Rihanna seems to have made that her mantra as well! I think we could all take a page out of her book. Take a look at the pictures from my chapter!

How did I do???

Here's what I used:

Face:

Skindinavia T-Zone Makeup Primer

Maybelline Superstay 24 Hr Foundation in Caramel

Napoleon Perdis Liquid Veil in Buenos Aires

CoverGirl Professional Loose Powder in Translucent Honey

Eyes:

CoverGirl Perfect Point Plus Eye Pencil in Black Onyx

NYX Doll Eye Volume Mascara in Black

Lips:

Wet N Wild Creme Lipliner in Fab Fuchsia

Femme Couture Ultra Shine Lip Duo in Harvest Berry

Who has been your inspiration lately?

Happy Wednesday!!!

to stay or not to stay? that is the question... (a review)

I have been using the new Maybelline Superstay 24 Hr Foundation lately, and thought I would do a little review on it...

First, one claim of this foundation is right in the title! 24 HOURS, people! Let me just start by saying that I hope, for most of the general public, you are NOT testing whether or not this can last for an entire day!! While most of us may be tempted, I would suggest if you'd like to try out the staying power, you should start from the earliest you're willing to wake to the latest you are willing to stay up, and that's all. Leaving foundation on overnight is not good for your skin; plus, you are toting all of the day's bacteria right to your sheets/pillowcases (which you are probably not washing everyday!). I digress... we can continue on with the review...

Maybelline has gifted us with a Micro-Flex formula to insure long wear, no smearing or transferring and sweat/humdity/heat-resistance. It's also an oil-free formula and should be good for all skin types. With all of that said, this should be like the holy grail of formulas for most of us, right?

Well, for me it is! I really like this foundation. My skin, like most, is not without its flaws, one of them being the tendency to get greasy an hour or two into my day (boo!). I love that this foundation keeps me matte. While I also didn't intend to get wet, I did actually do a little crying today... Why? That isn't important. But the fact that the foundation didn't budge, is. Okay, let's be real. My tissue didn't come back without ANY residue, but I didn't feel the need for reapplication after the fact. And that is something worth celebrating! I left the product on for about 12 hours and I can honestly say I have been satisfied with its performance.

However, there are cons...
As a woman of color, I really don't think the amount of shades are sufficient. The line has 12 shades altogether, only two of them categorized as being "dark". I don't know if anyone is aware, but we also come in a range of shades and need a variety as well. What happens when a darker-skinned young lady finds that she is neither of these colors and buying them both to mix is just not an option either???

Second, I hate the pour bottle top. It makes for a lot of waste of the foundation, which is equivalent to a waste of our hard-earned dollars as well! A pump would have definitely been a better feature...

Other than that, I am one happy, little consumer.
The product retails for about $9 - $11, depending on where you get it from (Walmart being the cheapest that I have seen). The bottle is also 1.0 fl oz. which, if you are like me, will last quite some time. I don't use much and often dampen my blending sponges in order to spread any foundation that I put on. I did not find myself touching up on powder at all, but I am not sure whether or not this had anything to do with my primer and the small amount of product combo, or if it is just really that good... ha! All in all, money well spent; I would definitely repurchase this.

Rank: 4 out of 5 stars.

What are some of your thoughts on this? ♥
(...stay tuned for my FOTD)

in and out... (2)

Time for an update!

IN:

1.) 8 hours of sleep.
Remember when we thought naptime was totally unnecessary? Oh, how I long for those days once more...

2.) Oreo cookies.
Um, not the whole package... but one or two really can sweeten the day!

3.) Friends/Family.
Never forget the preciousness of connection with another. I wouldn't trade my relationships with my siblings and my bffs for the world!

4.) Robot Chicken.
It's so damn tasteless, but I can't look away. Inappropriate is sometimes hilarious! Sometimes...

5.) Personal style.
There's nothing like improving on or learning how to really wear your clothes and not let the clothes wear you.

6.) Hair pins.
Once I learned how to use these, I found that they hold my hair in all the right places.

7.) Fall!
I'm so excited for changing leaves, carving pumpkins, boots, sweaters, and Thanksgiving (it's my favorite).

8.) Fresh contacts.
I love when I get my new prescription for contacts each year. Not only can I see better (#1 priority!), but it's nice to take a break from the glasses every once in a while.


OUT:

1.) Laundry.
No matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to get rid of it all. Ugh!

2.) Dentist appointments.
I'm long overdue for a visit. Clean teeth are great... Hands in and out of my mouth? Not so much.

3.) Flat tires.
I had a nail in mine the other day. Interesting how something so tiny created a problem so huge! Lucky for me, a handsome and helpful cutie pie volunteered to help. Don't get me wrong. I'm no "damsel in distress", but I'll be the first to admit I did not know what I was doing! Hats off to self-sufficent, tire changing ladies round the globe...


The pros still outweigh the cons! Woo-hoo! ;)

i know why the caged bird sings.

Okay, not only is this post's title one of my favorite books (by one inspirational woman, i might add...), but I thought it also described today's photos wonderfully. Except... no singing for me! I wouldn't want to subject any of you to that torture, ha ha! Lately, I have been loving my look. Experimenting with photography has been some of the most fun. I think we could all use a little more self-love, no?

Dress: Dots $9
Belt: ?
Sandals: gifted by the bf (...he's got great taste!)
Earrings: another gift... from mom.
Glasses: true prescription.

♥

aren't we all?

I thought this photo summed it up for us recessionistas...

...need I say anymore? ♥

wanna know what I'm using right now?

Even if you don't, I'm STILL gonna tell ya! ;)

This stuff is all cosmetics right now. I'll update on the bath/body products later...

Primer: Skindinavia T-Zone Makeup Primer. This stuff is AWESOME. It goes on so smooth and creamy; non-greasy and long wearing for combo/oily skin. I found it hiding on an Ulta clearance rack for like $4.89 one day and our fate was sealed. However, I have hit pan on it and did a little research for more on their website... this stuff is like $35, y'all!!! And, it's only 0.5 fl oz. I love, love, love but I probably won't be repurchasing any time soon. If anyone has a good suggestion for a replacement, please email!

Foundation: Maybelline 24 Hr Superstay Foundation in Caramel. I personally like this new foundation. Expect a review soon.

Concealer: Black Radiance Perfect Blend Concealer in Walnut. It comes with a dark and a light shade for premium blending. Personal tip: A little water on your brush goes a long way when applying...

Powder: CoverGirl Professional Loose Powder in Translucent Honey. Ever notice how translucent powders for women of color are never REALLY translucent?? Ha! I do like this though. Sometimes, I even skip the foundation but lightly dust my face anyway. It keeps me oil-free and fresh looking.

Bronzer: Napoleon Perdis Liquid Veil in Buenos Aires. Just the tiniest bit is all you need.

Highlighter: I have a few, just none I'm using at the moment.

Blush: Wet N Wild Silk Finish Blush in Berry Shimmer. You pay $2.99 for some nice pigmentation... check out my previous post on this.

Eyeshadow Base: Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin. At first I didn't like this, because it had color in it. Why did I get it then? It was the only one left in Sephora and I didn't really notice the different tone of the bottle until I got home. I thought it was special edition packing too, so my dumb butt opened it up! I've finally gotten used to it, though. It's really nice for highlighting your inner eye corner when you aren't wearing any other shadows, but works just as well as regular UDPP when you do.

Eyeshadows: Model Co. in Ibiza, Palladio Herbal Eyeshadow in Black Raven and Sally Girl Eyeshadow in Cranberry ($1!).

Eyeliner: NYX Felt Tip Eyeliner in Jet Black. The felt tip is great! It works just like a marker pen. For me, the color comes out just right, without being too harsh.

Mascara: CoverGirl Lash Blast in Black Brown for those "natural" days. I've been having quite a few of those lately...

Lip Conditioner: Palmer's Cocoa Butter Stick. Two words: lasts forever.

Lipstick: If I even wear any, Sonia Kashuk's Luxury Lip Color in Sheer Champagne is a good choice. It goes on nice and smooth, and there's a nice color payoff too. Basically, it's a pretty nude with a hint of sparkle; no drying out either!

Lipgloss: Bonnebell Cherry Berry Kiss... until it fell out of my pocket and broke today. Boo...

Nail Polish: Ulta Nail Laquer in Pink-a-Boo. Don't you just love the name? That and the light pink tone won me over!

Overall, I don't think I have paid more than $10 for any of these products...

What are some of the products you've been using? When was the last time you fished through your makeup to determine your favorites?

Figure out what you like best by using your own products to fill in the blanks.
Happy Wednesday! ♥

...then she told me these shoes didn't go with this outfit.

I just wanted to post a few pictures of the day. I've been wanting to test my abilities in throwing some outfits together, so here goes...

I felt tough, but sweet in this! And these shoes have got to be some of the most comfortable in the WORLD!

Tank: Walmart $4

Jacket: ....?

Skirt: Fashion Bug $4.88

Shoes: Anne Michelle $10

Belt: Dots $5

Bracelet: Target $1

♥ 

chai tea vs. tai chi

Just wanted to throw in a few pictures from the day...

Top: IDK?!

Shorts: Walmart ($3!!!!)

Shoes: Target

Necklace: Charlotte Russe

Ring: H&M

Bag: Chinese Laundry @ TJ Maxx... it was like $15!

Was feeling very mellow for the day... Whoever said it wasn't easy being green??? ;)

two! count 'em, TWO fabulously frugal finds!

Guess what I found? Give up? No worries... I'm gonna tell ya! I went to Target and Walgreens and procured some sweet stuff. I went to Ulta to see if they had the powder blush I wanted and was sorely disappointed. That trip was a total bust! So, I stumbled into Walgreens to peruse their makeup aisle instead. I didn't see anything worth trying until I was on my way out. I noticed their Wet N' Wild display and decided to take a look at their blushes. None had ever really caught my eye before now. I saw one in Berry Shimmer for $2.99 and thought, "What's the harm?" Take a look...

This stuff was well worth the $3!!! It's SO pigmented and has incredible staying power! It complemented my skintone well and had just the right amount of sparkle to catch the sunlight. Saying I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement. My point? Don't judge a blush by its price. Go check them out for yourselves! Given some of the other blushes I have tested, this stuff is about as pigmented as Nars. When I say pigmented, one light-handed tap may be a little too much color, so go easy. If it's not for you, who can really complain over the amount spent? Not even me, and I'll admit... I'm a cheapie.

After Walgreen's I zipped on over to Target to get some necessities (Ick... necessities usually don't include the fun stuff!). Anyways, I stumbled across their cosmetics clearance and looky what I found...

Okay, okay. Maybe I didn't "stumble" persay. It was more like a deliberate detour in that direction. Still, I got the Napoleon Perdis Liquid Veil in Buenos Aires Bronze 03. This stuff is AWESOME! It's supposed to be for those who want a little color to go a long way. Boy, does it ever! I used mine as a highlighter to bring a nice, healthy glow to my face. You still don't know the best part though...I got it for $3.50! Now if that isn't frugal AND fabulous, I just don't know what is! I'll let these pics speak for themselves. What do you think?

I guess I'm a little curious. What do you think is on that clearance rack (or affordable display) just waiting for you to scoop up? You may want to take a look! ;)

...take your hands off my jacket! And an OOTD?

Made a stop at TJ's yesterday and found the cutest jacket! Take a little looksie...

So cute, no? Yeah, I know.

I had been looking for a denim blazer for quite some time and yesterday, there it was. I had to dig around a little bit before I stumbled across it (then proceeded on to a staredown with another "grab-happy" looking consumer), but the time spent was worth it. It's by French Cuff (not to be confused with French Connection... I wish!) and it was $20. Under normal circumstances, this jacket would have been left hanging, but considering the facts that I had been looking EVERYWHERE and the luxe look, I figured I could make an exception, right? I knew you would understand...

Here is the outfit I paired it with today: (have mercy on some of my pictures, I'm still trying to get the hang; so glad to be back in business!)

Jacket: TJ Maxx

Top: Old Navy

Dress: JC Penney

Shoes: Target

This might be "Fabulous Find of the Month"! ♥

update!

So... while I realize I currently do not have comments enabled on my page, I do want others to be able to get in contact with me. It doesn't matter what for, really... questions, comments, requests, thoughts, constructive criticism or whatever! I decided to activate a gmail account so that anyone who wants can message me if they would like. Without further ado, my address:

arimichelle11@gmail.com

And there you have it! That is all.

♥

imagine my surprise...

...when I logged in to post some more unnecessary nonsense today, when lo and behold! ellamarie84 took the time to nominate my itty, bitty blog for an "I ♥ your blog" award!!! Now, this may not mean anything to anyone else, but seeing her post in my dashboard with my name in it made me SO happy! It has totally made my weekend... I just wanted to give her a quick shout-out to show my appreciation; not because I deserve any award, but because I'm ecstatic that someone out there likes my ramblings. The inflation of my ego, thinking she may not be the only one who enjoys, is just a bonus!!! Thanks again ellamarie... (BTW, I absolutely accept!)

In honor of sharing the love, I nominate:

The Couture Lounge

Carlene

Dulce Candy

The rules? Accept your award! Then... post who you'd like to nominate. It's that simple.

;)

A

in and out... (1)

Since I have been waiting forever to get my camera straight, I felt like an idiot when I realized I could have been doing some posts that didn't require any picture taking at all!!! DUH!!! Thus, my first 'in and out' post. Of course this has nothing to do with mainstream society, just my likes and dislikes for the moment... And on to the postage!

IN:

1.) Healthy, conditioned hair.
Coming off the high from summer and all the activities it has to offer can wreak havoc on your hair. Chlorine, sun-rays, and excessive heat/chemical treatments can do a lot of damage. So, I say yay to deep conditioning sessions that leave your hair soft, silky and touchable! (One of my personal favorites is Dr. Miracles 'Feel It Formula' Deep Conditioner packets, it's like a $1.78 at Walmart...)

2.) The natural look.
I totally love makeup, but sometimes it's nice to step out in your own skin! Just make sure to adopt a good skincare regimen and to load up on sunscreen mist for protection!

3.) Sundresses.
Comfortable AND stylish... how could you go wrong?!

4.) Drinking water.
Enough said. What better time to implement a healthy habit than during the summertime?

OUT:

1.) No camera.
I think this one speaks for itself. What's a girl to do, when she can't entertain herself with her own vanity???

:)