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!

No One Gonna Love You

In Jennifer Hudson's video No One Gonna Love You she's going through a situation many women find themselves in with a man that she has been dealing with for quite some time, someone she's been through a lot with, but loves to pieces and accepts for who he is. She spends the entire day prepping for their anniversary dinner that she planned for the both of them and she's let down when he doesn't show. At that point she is genuinely hurt that he didn't have to do anything and she bent over backwards to create a memorable moment and express her love to him, to celebrate their relationship... I won't tell the ending of the video or my beef with it, but instead I'd like to address the behavior of a women who gives everything of herself only to be let down by the "world". I put world in quotation marks because our relationships are what mean the most to us, be it family, friends or a significant other.

Take a look at the video and take notes on Jennifer's behavior:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqkt7WIf144

After watching the video what did you observe? First, I'd like to say that Jennifer is an excellent actress and she is soooo beautiful inside and out. She was able to depict emotions that so many women feel when they've been let down in a relationship: hurt, anger, disbelief... In the beginning she also showed anticipation, anxiety, anxiousness and a genuine desire for things to go perfectly as planned. I'd be remissed to leave that part out.

Getting to the point - Feeling hurt by someone's actions happens. You will get angry at your partner's lack of enthusiasm or be in disbelief that you've put so much effort into what you have and wonder what type of women that makes you. I have the answer for that! I want my readers to know that makes you normal, the same as you getting anxious and spending hours primping to make yourself beautiful in his eye sight does. I once read a quote by Lena Horne "Don't be afraid to feel as angry or as loving as you can, because when you feel nothing, it's just death." So my advice is to feel every emotion you have in that moment, take in the experience and learn from it. The moments you love the hardest or anger consumes you are shaping you into the character you are. Your role should always be to choose to play yourself. As I listen to the words of this song, I can imagine the lyrics being about a person's love of self. "No one gonna love you/like I'm gonna love you". Replace "you" with "me" and suddenly the dynamics of the song take on a whole new meaning for yourself. Choose to love you better than anyone else!

What does this have to do with beauty? Choosing you is the first step to embracing your beauty, but who are you? Choosing who you want to be takes time and thought. While you sit in the mirror putting on your lipstick and flat ironing or curling your hair think about what kind of person you want to be if he doesn't show up or if you find yourself waiting on him, especially if this won't be the first time. Ask yourself while you are pulling the mascara wand through your lashes if you want more from a relationship, because you clearly deserve it. The amount of effort and time spent to prep alone, not even taking into account the amount of work your brain did to think thoughts of how to make yourself and that moment or previous moments execute flawlessly... have they produced an adequate outcome up to this point? And as you lean back from the mirror, take a look at the full picture, find the beauty and accept the flaws, reach for your purse to walk out the door in confidence knowing that no matter what he does, you are fine inside and out. You are FINE enough to choose to love you more than him. So if he doesn't show, you show up for yourself, feed yourself, please yourself and then go home and take pictures of how beautiful you look!

Beyond the Blog

I want my blog to be my full time job one day and here's why.

I actually have a full time job that has a lot of down time and allows me the opportunity to focus on my blog almost from 9-5. It's really convenient at the moment, but I would love to work from home. I feel that what I do matters and I would like to be as productive as possible. Much of my inspiration comes from just being around makeup or sitting in my home makeup studio. More importantly, I'd like turn the blog into a full on organization that does community service and programming. I want to provide more information and research on body image in a scientific and scholarly way.

I had a discussion with other beauty bloggers this week and we talked about Christina of Temptalia.com, a great beauty guru who said she plans her life around her blog. Here's what I had to say about that:

I see my blog as something that can be larger than me, especially since it creates awareness for serious issues such as body dysmorphic disorder and issues formed around body image. I already look at myself as a director of an organization rather than just an author of a blog. I feel like the "work" I do matters. I actually don't want to have kids because I think that will keep me from giving the time and attention this work as a public speaker/writer/fundraiser/​researcher deserves. In the same breath, if I were to get married and have a child, I'm sure I'd find a way to work it all out. I have that much passion for the work I do with Blushing Ambers.

 I appreciate all of the comments and support from friends, family and followers/readers. Please continue to spread the word about Blushing Ambers and our causes. Subscribe, Like and Follow Me!



Encouraging Comments From Readers:

‎''Set your standards high and force people to match your worth'' ~Amberly C. (Such a powerful statement!!!) Girl I finally had some time to read your blog site. I am so inspired by you and your mission to inspire women. May you continue to use your creative mind and positive leadership to accomplish great things...." - Cocoa 'Mimi' Campbell on Facebook

"Hey girl, I didn't get a chance to write on your post that you put on my wall, but I just wanted to thank you. I find your articles very interesting, keep em coming! Hope you're doing well! And.. btw..every pic u upload is beautiful! xoxo" - Sharia Cotton on Facebook

"WOW. Ambi, this work that you are doing is something serious. This speaks volumes. Thank you so much for putting yourself out there like this." - Vanessa Leon via email

 

The Beauty Equation Challenge 5: Spontaneity

We are currently on our 5th Challenge of Nigel Barker's Beauty Equation, spontaneity. The responses I have received from readers/followers has been great. Continue to submit your challenge submissions and find them here. Previously we discovered 3 other components of beauty (Allure, Confidence, and Compassion). Jump right in and send me your challenge submission as myself and other beauty bloggers and our readers reveal all the things that make us beautiful. For more info see the Introduction Challenge post.

Teach:
Spontaneity - to be curious, creative, offbeat, magnetic, and flexible. According to Nigel Barker, "[Spontaneity] It's the science of things coming together".  At first I couldn't understand why this would be a characteristic of beauty. Then it hit me, people are most beautiful when we capture them in their most natural state. That's why when you take a picture of someone laughing, the photo usually comes out as a good picture. The feeling we have when we laugh is a moment where we are not in control of our body. It's a moment of freedom.

Challenge:
Today's challenges are very specific to the content in Nigel's book and in order to make it possible for those who aren't able to read along, I created my own challenge for you all to follow.

1. Create a play list of at least 5 songs that are about being spontaneous. Send me the song titles or links to their youtube videos in an email to BlushingAmbers@gmail.com

Sadiddy by Brandy

 

Blindfold Me by Kelis

Let's Go Crazy by Prince

Thubthumping by Chumbawamba

Shut Up and Drive by Rhianna

2. Find a candid photo that was taken that you like and explain what's happening in the photo and why you think you look beautiful in it.

I chose this pic from my 24th surprise birthday party my friends threw me because it truly was a spontaneous reaction. You can see the gum in my mouth because I couldn't control the expression on my face, my mouth opened really wide. The picture is much more prettier without the explanation, but I hope you understand that these details are the examples of true freedom of expression. It's me in a live, candid moment and I think I'm beautiful!

FOTD: 4th of July Look

FACE: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Mocha, concealer under the eyes and on the bridge of the nose up through the forehead

EYES: NYX Jumbo Pencil in milk with navy eyeshadow over it, metallic cranberry eyeshadow, white highlight under brow, light pink in the tear duct, black eyeliner, Iman black mascara

LIPS: Revlon Lipgloss in Pink Pursuit

Quick List: 5 Things That Make Me Feel Beautiful

1. Doing my makeup... duh!

2. Wearing a warm cozy robe after a fresh shower

3. Painting my nails

4. Wearing a sexy pair of heels

5. Doing something nice for someone else

Reel Beauty: Jamie Chung

Hangover 2's Jamie Chung first caught my eye in Sorority Row. I thought she was funny and had really strong beautiful Asian features.  She's is definitely making her footprint not only as an Asian American actress, but an actress period. She's a REEL beauty!

Photo Credit

Photo Credit

Photo Credit

Beauty Equation Challenge 2: Allure

Thursday of last week we began somewhat of an interactive book club where other bloggers and their readers joined together with Blushing Ambers and our readers to participate in Nigel Barker's challenges from his book The Beauty Equation.  As you know, Nigel Barker is a noted photographer widely known for his role as a judge on America's Next Top Model.  Just like on ANTM where the models learn a "teach" (lesson) and complete a challenge, our readers were able to do the same.  First, like Tyra, I completed the challenge for participants to see as an example. I would like to say thank you to those who took part in our very first challenge. Your submissions were beautiful headshots of yourself to use as a reference point for all the forth coming challenges.  Some were sent for my eyes only, but you can take a look at those who submitted for others to view here under Intro Challenge Submissions.

The Teach:
This weeks challenge is a bit more complex.  Let's begin with the teach. According to Nigel, Allure is  the ability to entice, invite, and attract others. What about you attracts people to you? Your personality? Infectious laughter? Wide smile? Allure is what helps you live up to your full potential in life. With that said, it is important to make good first impressions. How do you walk away as the chosen one instead of the wannabe? By putting your best foot forward at all times!

Here's Nigel's list on making a good impression:
    1. Be Neat, Clean and Groomed
    2. Stand up straight
    3. Make eye contact
    4. Listen
    5. Smile!

Here are a few more good tips:
- You are what you wear! Never dress in a way that doesn't define who you are. You can never go wrong with basics (i.e. The little black dress).
- Have you ever heard that less is more. This can refer to your accessories, makeup and sometimes how much you talk.
- Remember that hair is also apart of your ensemble. An updo that you would wear in a wedding may not be appropriate for a job interview.
- The difference between sexy and "hoochie".  Steer clear of crossing the line from flirty to overt cleavage.  Your setting and the occasion will dictate how you should dress.
 - Leave your baggage at home (If things are really bad, stay at home)
- Be impressive, not desperate or a brown noser. You don't want to appear to eager, you only want to show interest.
- Know your stuff/Be prepared. If the situation calls for a little research, be sure to take time prior to the occasion to prepare.
- Remember failure is not an option! Always think of situations in this matter and you'll be sure to end up on top.  In the times when you do not achieve your ultimate goal, if you gave your best, then you can be a winner in your own eyes.  That's what's most important since you are the one who has to live with yourself. lol. Also, many opportunities will arise because someone else may be watching and see the go-getter drive in you.
- Get out of your own way! Don't allow your personality flaws and immaturity to hold you down. Take a look at your friends and determine if your association with them could potentially conflict with the person you wish to become.
- Last, but just as important as the rest, be yourself, not an imitation of someone else. Don't portray who you think someone wants you to be, but actually be who you really are - the professional you. Knowing that people accept you for who you really are feels good.

The Challenges:
1. Take an oath
"Honesty is an active verb, not a passive noun. Go out of your way to be truthful, beginning with the things that you say to yourself." - Joe Tye, America's Values Coach
   a. "mean judge" Write down five things about yourself that you could easily improve with a little effort. (physical or personality wise)
        1. Keeping my mohawk cleaned up (I always let it grow so much that people ask if I'm growing my hair out. I'm like no! I love my hawk! lol.)
        2. I have big ta-tas, I definitely need to have better support. I'll be purchasing new undergarments
        3. I am short. I could wear clothes that make me look taller.
        4. I have never in my life had enough water intake. I can drink 3-4 bottles of water to stay hydrated, good for my skin, too.
        5. My teeth have a yellow tent to them and I want to laugh and smile more. I need to see my dentist regularly and I think I could use some teeth whitening (Maybe I'll test out the strips.)

   b. "nice judge" Write down five things about you that you feel are your most important physical attributes. What makes you unique and helps you make a good 1st impression?
        1. My smile is one of my best attributes
        2. I have a cute little button nose
        3. My eyes draw people in
        4. I have small petite hands and feet (culturally an admirable trait)
        5. I have really healthy curly hair

   c. "experienced judge" Offer yourself what you would consider sage advice. Write down five things that you feel are your most important emotional attributes, whether or not they need some improvement. What are the things inside that you feel rub people the right way when you meet them?
        1. I am approachable
        2. I always have something cordial to say
        3. I am a good listener
        4. I am honest
        5. I share stories people can relate to

2. Unforgettable
Think about your most memorable qualities (for example, a time when someone told you that they remembered you because you had an infectious laugh or beautiful smile). Embody just one of those and take a self portrait.

I was thinking about people who compliment me on my smile

3. What's Your Hook?
What is the message you most want to portray about yourself? What is it that you want the world to know about you? What do you stand for? Do you want to change the world? How? Do you want to shout out to the world that you are a kind and caring person? Are you mad as hell and not going to take it anymore? Think about it, and let your heart do the talking. Take a self portrait.

I'm a rebel...

4. The Eyes Have It
Think about one thing you want me to know about you and convey this through your eyes alone. Take a self portrait.

I contain multitudes!

As you embark on this journey feel free to ask questions, leave comments and subscribe. Good Luck! 

Look for a new challenge every Tuesday and Thursday!

See Other Blogger's Beauty Equations 

April Antoinette Beauty - Posted once a week every Tuesday or Wednesday 

Beauty Equation Introduction

I'm looking for Beauty Bloggers and Blushing Ambers' followers to do Nigel Barker's Beauty Equation challenges... The book gives teaches and then challenges similar to America's Next Top Model on accepting and showing your own personal beauty. This is a great way to overcome any fears of flaws and let go of our beauty hangups. This is kind of like a book club, but we will be creating posts for readers to follow rather than one single meet up.  If you are with me in this challenge, comment below and email me at BlushingAmbers@gmail.com.

1st Challenge will be given on this Thursday June 23rd! Good Luck!

Too Ugly for Love

Can you think of something about the way you look that you would change? Maybe you have a pointy nose or large ears.  For some people they spend hours in front of a mirror and pick themselves apart. They stare at their freckles wishing them away and those who can't accept their "flaws" decide to physically alter their appearance either by cosmetic surgery or self inflicted pain.

Blushing Ambers is dedicated to a cause that many people deal with at some level. It's not quite an obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), but the altering of our lifestyle to hide a perceived flaw.  You might not leave the house unless your makeup is done to cover up old acne scars or wear bangs to cover up your forehead. Society teaches us at a young age, what is culturally defined as beautiful. Just recently, BeautifulPeople.com a popular dating site, reportedly deleted 30,000 member accounts stating whom they deemed did not fit their beauty standards and in December booted 5,000 members who "appeared to heavy during the Christmas season".  People glorify images of celebrities and public figures who are skinny, with "flawless" skin, and long hair and call them picture perfect. Truth is, even celebrities may not measure up to these standards unless placed under a knife, the use of harmful chemicals, fad diets or photo altering computer software.  America is a symbol of diversity and the irony lies in the idea that everyone should have the same body type, bone structure and no fat. Unfortunately there are those who will die trying to become the "model" citizen rather than defining their own beauty.

Obsessive thoughts about perceived appearance defects is formally known as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). One of the many symptoms of BDD is depression and those who have a BDD often spend hours in the mirror. Although I was never clinically diagnosed as depressed or with having a BDD, I can relate with depression.

In college, I was unhappy with my environment and didn't feel that I fit in because I looked different from other students. I felt that how I looked on the outside made me different on the inside.  I was the only African American in the entire English Department in my cohort. I was like a single cocoa puff in a bowl of milk. I felt the pressure to succeed because I didn't want to be a statistic or stereotyped because of my race or ethnicity. I worked hard to compensate for any academic gaps I had in order to perform at the level of my White classmates. When I was stressed over grades only being average and my lack of social life, I felt overwhelmed and became very depressed.  I would wake up several hours in the mirror before class doing my makeup and finding the perfect outfit. After all that primping, I'd suddenly have no energy, lay back down and go to sleep or randomly, for no concrete reason have these crying spells.  I considered seeing a counselor, even went a couple of times, but then diagnosed myself as "a normal college student going through identity crisis" and figured it was just a phase I'd snap out of. I also felt that counseling was a taboo in African American culture and was ashamed and afraid someone would see me walking out of the doctors office. I was having suicidal thoughts and even considered coming home from school, but a group of people who cared about me reached out and gave me the support I needed to make it though.

I don't know if doing my makeup all that time in the mirror was me trying to change anything I didn't like about myself physically, but I definitely believe I was trying to paint away the things I didn't like about myself emotionally.  Then, and even now, I found my escape to peace in the world of makeup. I find that while I'm doing makeup, I am not thinking about my student loan debt or my disrespectful car that breaks down whenever it feels like it. Doing makeup for me has always been about expressing myself through an art form.  I suppose like any artist, when I put the brush down and the piece is finished there is a little sadness. I have to leave a state of meditation and actually find real solutions to real problems; I can't just paint them away.  In the process of "painting away" my problems, I began to see a different me; the me I wanted to be, rather than the ones my comparison with others made me feel like. This, along with the support and motivation from my loved ones somehow managed to lift me up from a dark place in my life. I believe makeup was my therapy and continuing to do makeup has made me feel good. If I find myself heading back down that road of depression, I pull out my brush roll and 120 palette.

I figured if I shared my story; someone else might find my "Makeup Therapy" to be helpful. There are many people that don't believe there is a cure for BDD, only medicinal treatments that lessen the symptoms. And since many of the people diagnosed with BDD are feeding their obsessions by looking in the mirror and doing their makeup, I assumed naturally they would be drawn to makeup and beauty blogs, including Blushing Ambers. Hopefully the healthy messages and encouragement to develop one's own definition of beauty will resonate and began to change their perspectives about their body image. I understand that one of the many symptoms of BDD is camouflaging a perceived defect with clothes, makeup, fashion accessories and posture. This means the content of this blog can be used to feed their obsession. Blushing Ambers is in no way trying to fuel anyone suffering with a BDD or body image problems. In fact, quite the opposite! Blushing Ambers wants to serve as a resource on using makeup and skincare as a meditative and therapeutic, physical and mental health tool and a creative outlet.  We want our readers to embrace who they are and what they look like and through that find self love. So I did a little research to help me understand the disorder and its symptoms better, as well as find helpful ways to reach out and support people with a BDD.

I came across a clip from this documentary "Too Ugly For Love" on The Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation website. The video allowed people to share their story about being clinically diagnosed with this psychological obsession with what they believed to be their flaws.  Watching the clip, I now know that it must be very difficult to work with someone who, no matter what you tell them, has a hard time believing anything different than their perception. They see a very different picture of themselves inside their head than in reality, even what they see in the mirror is a distorted image of their self. Psychological disorders seem harder to treat than those that are physical. There are many stereotypes of people with BDD, such as narsassistic and selfish. Someone with a psychological disorder such as BDD, needs to build relationships with many people they trust who will give them a positive environment that reaffirms their self worth and promotes community responsibility. One person telling a someone with a BDD that they are beautiful, carefully and uniquely made to serve a purpose, won't be enough support. Even if that person never completely recovers from a BDD, a support group and sense of responsibility may help them to have better days and hopefully prevent suicides and self harm.

I have been doing research on this topic for only a short period of time.  The UK based foundation appears to no longer be operating (Donate button no longer has an open paypal account) and the website has not been updated. I would like to find a charity to support that is either doing research or providing services towards Body Dysmorphic Disorder patients in America. If anyone has more information please reach out to me BlushingAmbers@gmail.com.

:::EXTRA:::
How I am Learning to Like My Face by Dani
Another blogger's journey to self worth and how she blocked BDD. She a former product junkie that gives advice to those who are insecure about acne blemishes.

As always, don't

The Make Me Feel Beautiful Campaign

My mom is a Registered Nurse (RN) for our neighborhood hospital in the Hospice unit.  That means she's making her patients, who are considered to be near the end of life, as comfortable as possible.  When I visit her at her job I always think to myself, how would I feel knowing that my days are numbered.  I hear that all the time at church because no one knows when they are going to die. Somehow it resonates a lot more when I with those that are terminally ill.  Death becomes real to me and I remember that I am not immune to it. This all brought about a special project that I've been trying to get off the ground for about 7 months. I will be starting a community service project where I do makeovers on women who are hospitalized with chronic or terminal illnesses. I want them to feel beautiful, despite their condition. I know there is a lot of red tape to get through in order to work with patients, but I finally got a call on yesterday to come in and meet with someone about officially setting up this service project.  I'm calling it the Make Me Feel Beautiful Campaign.  It's more about making the patients feeling beautiful because someone is taking the time to pay them attention.  Letting them know that every minute of their life they should feel important and worthy of being treated with respect and honor, like that of a princess or queen. So this is my way of giving back to my community using my time, talents and treasures.

Hopefully I'll be allowed to post pictures of me with the patients. If you as a reader are touched by the Make Me Feel Beautiful Campaign and want to write a letter of encouragement for me to read to the patients, please forward those to BlushingAmbers@gmail.com. Also, if you are interested in hearing more, volunteering or donating to this cause financially or with in kind gifts email me at BlushingAmbers@gmail.com.

Achieving that Natural Glow

Celebrity makeup artist,  Mally Roncal has done major beauties from Beyonce' to JLo and the diva that is Mariah Carey.  One of the best summer tips she has given is about how to appear to be naturally glowing from within.  As you may already know, many makeup artists may do different tricks to achieve a certain look, but this tip is one that will work every time.

If you want to achieve that natural glow from within, apply bronzer on the apples of your cheeks and tip of the nose. The key is to apply your blush afterwards in a buffing motion, sweeping it from the apples to your temples.

Mally will be featured on QVC Monday 6/13/11 at 1 pm EST. Follow Mally on twitter @MallyBeauty or visit her website mallybeauty.com

Before and After Prom Pics: Tahite'

Tahite' - Rich South High School
For this prom, Tahite' actually wanted a celebrity inspired look, Kim Kardashian's Smokey Eye.  Something she saw from a still photo to Kim K.'s youtube video done by her makeup artist, Stephen Moleski. For Tahite's look, I used a light application of concealer (Beauty By Christa) around her eyes and eyebrows as the highlight and MAC Mineralize SPF 15 Foundation around the perimeter of her face.  I defined her eyebrows with a MAC Spiked eyebrow pencil.  For her eyes, I first used Urban Decay Primer Potion to give the eyeshadow something to stick to and prevent creasing.  I then used the darkest purple color from my Bundle Monster 120 Palette in the crease using my BK18 Crown Brush in the outer corners and up through and a little above the crease.  I used my BK13 Crown Brush to blend the purple shadow above the crease.  I then placed the lightest pink color (no label) from my 120 palette in the inner corners of the lids with my BK14 Crown Brush.  With my BK13 Crown Brush I blended a light dust of white from my 120 palette on the brow bone and into the crease.  For her lips, I highlighted her cupid's bow with a White liner from Wet-n-Wild.  Her lipgloss is from MAC in a sparkling frost color. I contured her cheeks with a purple blush known as Eggplant (Beauty By Christa).  For her blush, I used Beauty By Christa again in a soft pink-orange color known as Captive.  I lined her eyes with Sephora's Waterproof Smokey Cream Liner in Must Have (matte black) with my BK11 Crown Brush.  I winged the liner out and created a sharp V into the crease.  I blended the top of the V into the purple with a BK16 Crown Brush.  I glued drugstore strip lashes. I then placed another coat of Black eyeliner on top of the lashes to make them appear fuller and to hide the lash strip.  I lined the bottom lash line with a black Wet-n-Wild eyeliner pencil. On the top and bottom lashes, I applied L' Oréal Paris Telescopic Explosion Mascara to make her false lashes appear more realistic.  I set her makeup with Urban Decay All Nighter Spray.

Before

After

All Dressed Up!

*Beauty By Christa is a private label.  For more info email BlushingAmbers@gmail.com.

Before and After Prom Pics: Nesha

Nesha - Joliet Central High School
She wanted a very natural look because she doesn't wear makeup, at all. lol. I used MW3 concealer (Beauty By Christa) as my highlight with Honey (Beauty By Christa) as the setting powder, Beautiful Bronze Foundation (Black Opal) and setting powder in Brown Sugar (Beauty By Christa) applied with my BK1 Crown Brush.  I lightly brushed Azalea blush (Beauty By Christa) on the apples of her cheeks up to her temples with the BK2 Crown Brush.  MAC eyebrow pencil in Spiked. For the eyes I first primed with Urban Decay Primer Potion and then used my 120 pallete from Bundle Monster. With my BK14 Crown Brush a light sparkling pink color (sorry not labeled yet) over the entire lid and crease.  I then used my BK13 Crown Brush to apply an iridescent white (also from the 120 palette under the brow.  I used Sephora's Waterproof Smokey Cream Liner in Must Have (matte black) to line the top eye only with my BK11 Crown Brush and L' Oréal Paris Telescopic Explosion Mascara.  On her lips I gave her a sparkling pink lipgloss sample from AVON (I believe it was Luminous Mauve, but don't quote me!) so that she could re-apply throughout the night.  To set the look I sprayed Urban Decay All Nighter Spray.

Before

After

All Dressed Up!

*Beauty By Christa is a private label.  For more info email BlushingAmbers@gmail.com.

BlushingAmbers.com Official Launch Giveaway

OFFICIAL LAUNCH GIVEAWAY!

In celebration of the "official" launching of BlushingAmbers.com there will be a giveaway of some of Ambi's favorite beauty products (could include hair products as well).  The prizes will be displayed in a Youtube video.  The rules are listed below:

1. Subscribe to Blushing Ambers on Youtube and leave a comment of your favorite beauty product

2. Like Blushing Ambers on Facebook and leave a comment stating your favorite beauty product on the wall

3. Follow @BlushingAmbers on Twitter and tweet us your favorite beauty product with the hashtag #lovetheskin_u_r_n

4. Email the name of a product(s) you would like for Ambi to review by sending it to blushingambers@gmail.com

5. Check BlushingAmbers.com on December 16th to find out who the winner(s) is and of course view the follow up tutorial(s)/review(s) of the product(s) you chose.  The deadline for entries is December 15th.

*Must be a resident in the USA.  If under 18 you must have permission from a parent to participate since personal private info (your address) will be submitted to Blushing Ambers.  Also, all 5 steps are necessary to win. There can be more than one winner, but only one submission per participant is allowed.  Winner(s) will be chosen at random.

Subscribe & Win My Favorite Beauty Products!

I'll be giving away some of my favorite beauty products.

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