Coming Soon: E-Book

Many of you have asked me about where to start with makeup.  I always answer skincare, but for those of you that want a more in depth answer on my thoughts and techniques on having a flawless face with and without makeup through skincare and beauty products I will be releasing my 1st beauty e-book, Blushing Ambers' Beauty Basics for Beginners before the end of this month. It will include health tips, product lists, blogs to read and even makeup tutorials on my signature looks. I can't wait to share all of this info with you. Stay tuned!

Tarte' Gifted Mascara Review

I am getting over a really bad cold of some sort and so my posts have been as weak as I felt. I actually got sick the same day as a major supporter/follower's bday party that I had planned to attend. Had my toes done up and everything! I felt so bad that I couldn't make it to the party, but I remembered that she asked me to do a review on one of her favorite products and so I figured I could make it up to her this way. So happy belated bday Nicole L. This post was a request you made and I hope you find it interesting!

Tarte' Gifted Mascara in Black

Price: $20 w/ taxes

Where did I find it: Sephora

My Thoughts: At first I thought it was very expensive for a mascara. I usually just use something from the drug store, mostly Loreal or Iman which is under 10 bucks. This cost twice as much and the wand wasn't that impressive. The packaging is made out of wood and all of Tarte's products are cruelty free. So, I figured the brand and packaging are what bring this product up in price.  I wasn't expecting it to give me such long lashes that stand out, but I absolutely love the difference wearing this mascara makes on my entire look. My eyes look like I'm wearing falsies... My lashes def got their bang for my buck! See for your self.

Mascara packaging

See the difference in the left eye (no mascara) right eye (mascara)

See the difference in the left eye (no mascara) right eye (mascara)

Both eyes have mascara

Full face w/ mascara

The mascara wand

Full face again

Essential Makeup Brushes

Several people have messaged me about where to start with makeup, of course my answer is always skincare. Periodically I will add on to what product and tools are essential to a makeup kit both personal and professional. I also plan to create how-to videos and downloadable content for those who wish to know more about the art and science of makeup. When you've prepped your beautiful canvas, like any artist, you need your tools. A makeup artist has many tools and makeup brushes are a very important part of a kit. There are a wide variety of makeup brushes. They come in different sizes and texture, synthetic and natural fibers, tight and loose. Each brush can be used for a different purpose or multiple purposes from packing, patting and blending to setting and sweeping. These are a few starter brushes that are essential for creating a flawless face.

Powder Brush

Powder Brush - I use two different "powder" brushes, the traditional powder brush and the second a very small one to reach under my eyes and on my cheeks with a lighter or transparent powder. My traditional powder brush is a very fluffy full blush brush I sweep around my perimeter, under my cheeks, around my temples, and across my chin and fore head.

Blush Brush

 Blush Brush - There are some who prefer the blush brush and use it as a multipurpose brush, especially for contouring, but I am in love with my contour brush that I use to draw a line under my cheeks with purple blush... I really define my cheeks and add dimension to my face. I use my oval blush brush to place a brighter blush over my contour line.

Full Shadow Brush

Shadow Brush - These come in various sizes for different types of placement. I prefer having a few different sizes for different looks.  The most useful, has been one with tight hairs that covers the entire eyelid by patting or packing on color.  The other would be a loose haired eyeshadow brush for blending colors.

Angled Wedge Brush

Angled Wedge Brush - A stiff angled wedge brush helps to perfectly line your eyes with creme eyeliner.

FOTD: All of My Purple Life

Blogger's obsession: Afrobella beauty guru created a MAC lipglass named All My Purple Life a reference to Erotic City by Prince. Two things I LOVE Prince and purple lips.  I have this purple tinted gloss over my CoverGirl Lip Perfection in Divine. 

Root Stimulator as Body Gloss???

Celebrity MUA Tick: Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Sheen Spray

My mom uses this product to give her afro a good glossy shine, so imagine my surprise to see Emmy Award winning Celebrity Makeup Artist and Beauty Expert Kevin James Bennet use this as a body shine/gloss for his models... Read what he has to say about the product on his website:

"The model's body has to be glossy...really glossy.  Put away the baby oil and for goodness sake put down the PAM cooking spray!  This is the insider solution to super glossy skin.  We know it's a "hair sheen", but it's brilliant at making skin look sensationally satiny without the thick and gooey feeling.  The price (usually under $5) and size of the container (over 15oz) makes it an even better Solution."

Best Face Wipes

Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes
I've used Olay, Garnier, Ponds, MAC and several off brands, but nothing compares to the Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes.  These are my favorite face wipes for removing makeup and dirt after a long day.  It feels like I'm wiping my face with a towel.  It's not too wet and not to dry.  One seems to be just enough to clean my whole face. It lives up to it's name by being soothing and leaving my face with a fresh tingling feeling.  Not to mention they are organic.  Preserving my sexy and the Earth.  Very cool!  I found these at my local drug store.  To date this is my favorite beauty product. <3