Great Makeup at Drugstore Prices

When it comes to buying cosmetics, sometimes less is more. Here's how I achieved this look using only drug store makeup.



Do you prefer drugstore makeup over department store brands? What's your favorite cosmetic line?

Makeup used in video:
Make up brushes: Ecotools $9.99
Eye Shadow/Liner: Revlon Custom Eyes Rich Temptations $9.99
Marscara: Loreal Paris Voluminous Original $8.79
Liquid Liner: Revlon Color Stay $7.29
Concealer: Black Opal Flawless Perfecting Tan/Toast $4.75
Black Opal True Color Stick Foundation SPF 15- Beautiful Bronze $9.50
Black Opal Deluxe Finishing Powder- Medium $8.95
Black Radiance Artisan Color Baked Blush- Warm Berry $4.99
Black Opal Mahogany Lip Liner $5.00
Revlon Lipstick- Berry Haute $4.49
Ardell Lashes $4.99

Music provided by http://www.audiomicro.com/royalty-free-music

Weather Anchor Mama

Tips for Long Lasting Eyeshadow

I frequently get asked how I get my eyeshadow to last so long. Here are some tips on how you can get your shadow to pop and last all day.

How to Achieve Fierce Brows

This is a little trick I use to shape my eyebrows when I can't make it to the salon to get them done.

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics (Giveway)

It goes on smooth and it doesn't make your hair stick to your lips.  It's a must have for the summer!


For more information on these products visit www.ybskin.com
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Find more sweepstakes on Contestgirl

Shaving With Shea Moisture

No more shaving with Soap!
 

Transition to Natural

I've struggled and researched long and hard about this decision. But, now I'm ready to take the plunge!

It's a Curl Review

I'm always on the hunt for the latest beauty finds for myself, but lately I've been searching for the right products for Princess.  A couple of other mommy bloggers recommended that I try "It's a curl."  As I mentioned before, her mane is beginning to come in.  As you can tell by the photos below, her hair is straight in the front and at the sides.  But, she has some small curls in the back.  

I've made some bad mistakes in the past, and now I'm extra careful about what I put in Princess's hair.  I chatted with the folks at "It's a Curl."  They were a huge help in identifying my baby girl's hair texture, and selected a few products for us to try.  

The great thing about this line is that it doesn't contain harmful ingredients like parabens, sulphates, silicones, mineral oil, or animal by parts.  It's all natural!  I received the peek-a-boo tearless shampoo, patty cake baby curl conditioner, ring around the curlies leave in cream, and the itsy bitsy spirals moisturizer.  I couldn't wait to try them out.  Each product is very light and doesn't coat her hair which means no heavy build up.  I like the fact that the itsy bitsy spirals moisturizer isn't greasy.  If you do decide to use it, you may need to apply a couple times during the day.  Since Princess is always running around, her curls tend to flatten out in the back.  

So if your little one has tendrils, you may want to give this line a try.  The peeps at "It's a Curl" will help you find the right product for your baby boy or girl.

What kinds of products are you using now??

Weather Anchor Mama

Creme vs. Powder Blush

Which do you prefer?

Products used in tutorial:
Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Luminous Creme Blush (Tropical Glow) 
Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics: Crushed Mineral Blush (Cabernet) 
M.A.C Dolly Mix Powder Blush

Talkin' About Skincare

I've been getting requests to do a skincare tutorial. Here I am makeup free! You'll be surprised at what I use to wash my face.  It's ain't much!

Weather Anchor Mama

How I Get Fab Hair After a Workout

Balancing career and motherhood is hard enough. But, managing my hair is even harder, especially after exercising!  As a weather anchor, my hair game has got to be tight.  No excuses.  I've come up with a routine before and after my workout to keep my mane looking fab on-air.  Check it out!

 

How do you keep your hair looking fab after working out?

Weather Anchor Mama

Baby Hair Care

After realizing that my daughter's hair was drying out from using Johnson & Johnson's products, I've been on the hunt for the baby shampoo and conditioner. I found one that's natural and safe for my baby's hair. Check it out!



What products do you use in your kid's hair?

Weather Anchor Mama

Just the Right Amount of Shimmer

My skin is extremely sensitive.  If I use certain cosmetic lines, I get massive breakouts.  So, I'm always selective when it comes to make up.

Even though I run the risk of my skin flaring up with pimples, I still love trying new products.  I came across Young Blood Mineral Cosmetics and I decided to try their line.

Now normally I shy away from bronzers, but decided to give Young Blood's Lunar Dust a shot.  According to the label, it's mineral oil, fragrance, talc, and paraben-free.  So it won't irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin types.  Can't go wrong the that!  Check out the video to find out more.

I'll be giving away all three shades.  I'll even through in some eye shadows and makeup brushes.  All you gotta do is leave a comment telling me you want them, and you'll be entered to get it.  I'll announce the the lucky person January 10th on my Weather Anchor Mama facebook page.  Good Luck!  Happy New Year!

Don't forget to become a follower of Weather Anchor Mama.  Just click join this site, and the rest is easy!

It's a Wrap!

I don't always have time to go the extra mile with my hair in the mornings.  There are times when Princess just doesn't want to cooperate.  As of late, she's wants to play with her toys before going to daycare.  Needless to say, our morning schedule has been thrown off.  So far this week, I've been an hour behind each day which takes time away from me getting ready for work.

Luckily, I have short cuts to make up for the lost hour and I'm still able make it to the station on time.  I have no problems taking quick showers, slapping on my makeup, and cooking dinner in 30 minutes or less.  But, I save the most time on my hair.  It all begins with wrapping my mane before bed.  Here's a demo:

It's simple.  It's fast.  No heat necessary.  Now that's healthy stylin'!

What do you do with your hair before bed?

Weather Anchor Mama

Sometimes All You Need is a Bobby Pin

In my line of work my on-air appearance always has to be on point, and that includes maintaining a fabulous hairdo.  But, I don't always have great hair days.  I've written about taking matters into my own hands.  But rather than go to extreme measures like I've done before, I've learned sometimes it's best to improvise.

The other day my hubby suggested I wait a couple extra days to wash my hair, since I'd be off from work.  FYI, washing my hair is a 3 hour long process I normally tackle on the weekends.  But I figured putting it off would mean that I could spend more time with Princess and her daddy.  In the back of my mind I knew I'd pay for it later.

I wash my mane once a week (I know that may sound gross to some.  Side bar: most black women wash their hair a lot less than their white counterparts).  Anyway, it's been almost two weeks since my hair has been lathered with shampoo and detangled with conditioner.  Needless to say, it's like I have a helmet on my head.

I'm used to having a bouncy silky finish.  Instead I've been sporting the weighed down greasy look.  Normally I'd just rock a pony tail and call it a day.  But doing that would be frowned upon at my job.  So, I've managed to work with what I've got, and create a cute style.  Sometimes all you need is a bobby pin!
Check it out!



What do you do when you have a bad hair day?

Weather Anchor Mama

The Best Liner Ever!

Whether you're a makeup connoisseur or not, I'm sure you're familiar with eyeliner.  There are the regular pencil and powder eyeliners.  There's also liquid liner.  I've tried them all.  But I was introduced to a new kind of liner and I'm hooked!  Maybe you will be too.  Check out this short demo!



You can find more info on this fab gel eyeliner by visiting the Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics website.

Do you have any make up must haves?  Hit me up!

Weather Anchor Mama

Fresh Look Makeup for Thanksgiving

I don't usually get all dolled up when family drops by.  However, this time is different.  Last year Princess ate her turkey dinner by way of mommy's breast milk, now this Thanksgiving she can sit in her high chair and chow down with everyone.  Thankfully my mom and sis will be doing all of the cooking. I'll be on salad and dessert duty.

I also have family traveling both internationally and domestically, which doesn't happen often.  We'll be taking pics, so I have to look my best.  I'm not talking about over the top TV makeup.  I want to have on just enough to not look a hot mess.  Here's a quick demo on achieving a fresh look for Thanksgiving dinner with my family.

The holidays will come and go, but pictures will last forever.  I'm grateful to be able to celebrate with people I care about.

How'd you celebrate Thanksgiving? Did you get dolled up?

Don't forget to share your makeup tips!

Makeup Made Simple

Physical appearance is very important in my line of work.  Adding mama to the mix doesn't make things easy.  I can't begin to tell you how hard it is to apply makeup while managing a toddler.  But after years of practice, I've got it down to a science.  I've chatted about choosing the right wardrobe.  Now it's time to address make up application, and how I was introduced to Black Opal Cosmetics. 

I get asked about the make up I use all the time, so I'm hoping that sharing my regimen will help you with yours.  I wouldn't consider myself a make up artist, but I've been doing it for so long that I feel like a pro.  From my modeling and pageant days to my career in TV, I've picked up so many tips from professional make up artists.  For me, keeping things as simple as possible is key.

I love experimenting with different color pallets.  Most women of color I meet say they rather use neutrals, but I'm the complete opposite.  I'll rock blue or green eye shadow and bright pink blush any day of the week, and make it look fierce.  But before copping those make up essentials, I make sure I have the right foundation (which could be challenging).  I can't begin to tell you the horror stories of ending up with the wrong color base. 


There were times when I'd think it matched perfectly in the store, only to later realize it was a completely different shade by the time I got home.  Luckily my foundation problem days came to an end, when I was introduced to Black Opal Cosmetics.


A make up artist first introduced to me the cosmetic line at a photo shoot back in the day.  But, I didn't stick with it at first.  I was later re-introduced to Black Opal when I auditioned for a traffic gig in New York City.  The make up artist took one look at my face and asked me what kind of foundation I used.  When I told her, she then replied, "It's too heavy.  It's not good for TV."  She then whipped out the Black Opal compact, and that was the beginning of my Black Opal experience.


Over the years I've learned how to apply make up for everyday wear and TV.  The best part is that it's affordable, easy to apply, and saves me tons of time.  Find out how in this video clip.  Hope you find it helpful!  Please hit me up and tell me all about your make your routine!






Makeup used in the video:
Mineral Mosaic Eyeshadow (Rain Forest) $8.95
Lash Defining Mascara (Black) $4.95
Automatic Eye Lining Pencil (Licorice) $5.00
Invisible Oil Blocking Mattifier $9.95
True Color Stick Foundation w/ SPF 8 (Beautiful Bronze) $9.50
Flawless Perfecting Concealer (Toast) $4.95
Deluxe Finishing Powder (Neutral Light) $8.95
Automatic Lip Liner Creme Pencil (Mahogany) $5.00
Freebie Alert!!!!!!
I'm also giving away an invisible oil blocking powder and mascara.  Both are great for all skin types.  Leave a comment to be entered.  Those of you who join my blog for the first time will double your chances to win!  I'll announce the winner November 18th on my Weather Anchor Mama facebook page.  Good luck!!!


Weather Anchor Mama

Lashes That Pop!

Some women opt to get false lashes professionally done for at least twenty bucks at the salon.  It may last a few weeks, while giving your look an extra va va voom.  But when you're ready to take those falsies out, plan on losing what little natural lashes you have left.

Here's a way to achieve lashes that pop for a lot less dough.  Plus, you get to keep your real lashes in tact!

Tips for Removing Make Up

When I showed up to work wearing the wrong color foundation, I wanted to hide.  The thing is that I didn't realize anything was wrong until a friend of mine told me.  It was a make up brand that I had never used before.  It seemed like it was a perfect match in the store!

Check out what I did to fix the problem, before reapplying my usual foundation.  If you have any tips you want to share, hit me up.

Using Scotch Tape to Avoid a Fashion Faux Pas

As I slowly get closer to my pre-baby bod, I do what I can to fit into my clothes.  There are still some outfits that are a bit too snug and others that bulge in spots.  But no matter what my size, I'll always need to have some garments tailored.

Instead of spending money on a prossional tailor, I've figured out a way to do some minor alterations without picking up a needle and thread.  I explain in my beauty video blog, sometimes all you need is a little scotch tape.

Another link for you cell phone users: