Where the hell have I been.. and a HAUL! yes!

Well, It's been over a year since I've blogged. My apologies. But I promise I've been rejuvenated, and I actually have A LOT of ideas for this blog. =) So, hopefully you guys have a lot to look forward to.

I'm going to be starting school in January, so I'm going to try and crank out as many blogs as I can before then. With that being said..

I'm not the most fashionable, but I've been trying to up my game (Thanks to Jessica). Lately, I've been following a lot of fashion blogs (esp. on my tumblr) and I've been really into vintage, over-sized ugly sweaters and what-not, so I'm determined to work them into my wardrobe. I actually got Jessica to come consignment shopping with me (it wasn't hard, esp. since she loves to shop..)

We went to two stores, Painted Bird (1360 Valencia St, SF) and Buffalo Exchange (1210 Valencia St, SF) for some vintage goodness.

Off the bat, I already knew we were going stumble upon some good finds, because 1. we got prime-time parking and 2. We didn't have to pay for a meter. YESSSSS.

Anyway, the first stop was at Painted Bird. Jessica has been telling me about this place for months, and I'm glad we stopped in. They're a little pricier than Buffalo Exchange or Crossroads, but the quality of clothes are much better. Jessica said it best; "They're like the boutique of the consignment shops".. mainly because they're more particular about the items they want to sell. I ended up leaving with 3 items. A old man sweater, a leopard vest, and a bracelet (not pictured).

"Old Man Sweater"

$13.50

Leopard Vest

$6.50

I tied to get a good picture of the bracelet, but since the lighting was bad, and the flash made the bracelet disappear, I couldn't post a pic.. but I'll let Jess tell you the funny story about them. =)

After Painted Bird, we walked about a block and a half to buffalo exchange (I know, how convenient). It was a bit over whelming for me in there. It was a lot more crowded than Painted Bird, and I also had Jasmine, who was getting cranky since she didn't really go down for a nap before hand.. so I only got 2 things there as well.. I got an H&M cardi, which I didn't really like, but since it was Half off, I just bought it. (LOL), and I got a new pair of black booties (let me just let this be known, after this pair, I WILL NOT buy another pair of black heels.. unless they are EXTREMELY cheap.. hahahaha)

H&M Cardi

Orig price: $13

Sale price: $6.50

I didn't really like the sholders, but whatever.. LOL

New pair of booties (forgot the brand, too lazy to get them to look)

$23.00

It's 2:25am, I have a photoshoot at 10am.. goodnight!

-Cj

Friday Night FOTD

It's friday night and I wanted to go out with my man only to find out his friend is taking him to a Goapele concert at Yoshi's. Lucky asshole. I LOVE GOAPELE! I also love Yoshi's -____-;; OH well..

I did this FOTD for you guys, now i'm gonna pop open a bottle of moscato and call it a night :P

click to enlarge

Products used:

- udpp

- kat von d memento mori palette

- urban decay l/s in naked

- mac e/s in expresso for brows

- mac mineralized blush in band of roses

- mac msf in petticoat

- the faceshop black gel liner

- chanel mat lumiere foundation

Anyway, hope everyone else had a good friday!

D.I.Y. Jewelry Rack!

Here's a cheap alternative to having your jewelry on a stand that gets cluttered or is too short for your necklaces. It's a wall rack and all together it cost me under $10!

You will need:

• wire net (used for hanging kitchen utensils) ($1.50)
• hooks for wire net ($1.50 for a set of 8)
• basket for wire net ($1.50) (optional)
• push pins ($2)

Basically you just snap the hooks on the wire net any way you want. I added a basket for things I don't want to hang like my HelloDrama stuff and a few bracelets that didn't fit on the hooks. Use the push pins to hang it up on the wall and voila! Instant (and cheap) wall rack!

I got all the supplies from a place called Daiso, it's like a huge japanese super store. Anyway, try it out and I hope you like it. If you have any questions about the jewelry feel free to ask.

-jess.

let's put you on nail game!!

Hope everyones week is going great. I know mine is awesome.. just finished out my semester!! SUMMER FREAKIN' VACATION I'M HERE!! Plus, Cj just started a new job so she's super busy. Anyway, now that finals are done I finally had time to take my ass to the spa to get a mani/pedi.

L'Esprit - American Apparel

I went with a pastel purple/cobalt-ish color. I ordered hella nail polishes and some other stuff from the american apparel f&f sale. Cremes and pastels are hot right now and american apparel's nail polish line is pretty much only cremes and pastels. This is the first time I've tried it so I can't say how long wearing it is but so far so good. I love this color.. reminds me of melted ube ice cream. All my filipinos, tell 'em about ube ice cream!

Another good pastel color I've tried is..

Milf - Illamasqua

I love this Illamasqua polish! It's so long wearing and goes on so smooth like butttttaaaaah!! I got it because it reminded me of like matcha green tea or something. Try it and let me know what you think!!

-Jess

VARIETY STORE HAUL :D

A couple weeks ago my girl Connie and I went into the local variety store. I needed some emergency fishnet stockings for Vegas and the variety store is definitely the place to go to for cheap socks and hair ties and stuff like that. I haven't been to the variety store since I moved out of my parents home.. but now I'll go all the time. Here's why..

A WHOLE FREAKIN ISLE DEDICATED TO SUPER CHEAP NYX!!

Obviously we went crazy. They sure didn't have all this the last time I was there. There was like every single NYX product you can think of and it was way cheaper than what you'd find it for at ULTA. They even had a nice section of LASHESSSSSS and NAIL POLISH!!! Check out my haul!

All this for under $20!! That's like 7 pairs of red cherry lashes, a pair of leg avenue fishnets, and a green NYX concealer for my kit.

The Red Cherry lashes were under $2 each, the leg avenue leggings that I JUST saw for $20 on Haight st were also under $2, and the NYX concealer was like $3. Makeup junkies of SF, do yourself a favor and check out the Variety Store on Clement!

-Jessica

David LaChapelle Shoot

As you may or may not know, I started school at the Academy of Art in SF for photography. This week I had a shooting assignment to emulate one of my favorite master photographers, I chose David LaChapelle. CJ agreed to be my model AND by my MUA. Here's a few of the shots I got, hope you enjoy!!

This is based off his portrait of Lil Kim. You can view it here.

This was the one my peers liked the best. It's based off his portrait of Uma Thurman. You can view the original here.

This was probably me and CJ's favorite. This was personally my favorite shot out of all of them, I preferred the darkness of it though I turned in a different image with more background. It's based off his "Declare Yourself" series. You can view the original of Christina Aguilera here.

Maybe if you're lucky CJ will do a post on how she did the makeup. MAYBEEEE!!

'til next time sweethearts, have a good rest of the week!

Jessica.

PEOPLE WITH ACNE AND DRY SKIN REJOICE!!

I've got another product review for everyone! I'm sure you guys have read/watched a few reivews on Mario Badescu products. Here's another incase you haven't seen enough.

DRYING LOTION is perfect for those with moderate acne, or just those people with practically GODLY skin and only a few pesky zits every now and then. You don't shake it. Use a qtip to pick up the pink sediment at the bottom and apply it to your little problem. Obviously you would do this before you go to sleep unless you think pink dots are sexy. Let it dry overnight. When you wake up in the morning, as I have found, your pimple is either dried up or significantly reduced.

ALOE MOISTURIZER W/ SPF 15 I suppose this was ment for people who spent way too much time in the sun and ended up with painful sunburn. This has become my HG WINTER FACE MOISTURIZER! I have never experienced such dry freakin' skin ever in my life! This winter has been a bitch on my skin! Typically I have combo/oily skin.. lately that has not been the case. A little goes a long way with this baby, less than a pea size amount is more than enough for my face and neck. It absorbs slow which keeps my skin from completely drying out. Has a nice smell and gives my face a soft feel. LOOOOOVE THIS STUFF.. but I can only use this during the winter when the weather is cold otherwise its too moisturizing.

ALL IN ALL.. I would def buy these products again and recommend them to people with similar skin problems to mine. Check them out and let us know what you think!



Hope everyone's Thanksgiving was great, be safe shopping this weekend!

HAI, NOT DEAD!

Yes, I know.. CJ and I have been MIA. We have been mighty busy.. (lazy.)

So today, I don't have much but a product review. Check it out!

YU-BE MOISTURIZING BODY LOTION is sold at Sephora, I got mine at some asian super market. It retails on Sephora.com for a steep $29, I think I got mine for around $20. It's described as being a glycerin rich, fast absorbing lotion, perfect for winter skin. FAST ABSORBING is what I've been looking for lately. This winter it's been so cold in the lofty, all I care about when getting out of the shower is moisturizing and getting my damn clothes back on ASAP!

PROS:

- Truly fast absorbing, feels like rubbing baby powder on yourself
- Sufficiently moisturizes
- Doesn't have an offensive or sickenly sweet smell

CONS:
- Anything over $10 is a little much for lotion
- Might not moisturize enough for those with severe dry skin

WOULD I BUY THIS AGAIN: ..for $29 probably not. I have to say though, this lotion absorbs into my skin like NO OTHER. For that, maybe I'd buy again.

Smokey eye w/ Young Punk

As promised, I did a look with the STYLE BLACK collection. Sorry, it's a bit late :(

Anyway, on with the look.

Click pix to enlarge. Sorry if I look mad. I was tired. HAHA.














Products Used:
(All MAC unless otherwise stated.)

Face:
Studio Fix - NC 42
Sculpt and Shape Powder - Lightsweep Shadester
The Body Shop - Brush On Bronze
The Body Shop - Vitamin E Face Mist

Eyes:
Urban Decay eyeshadow Primer Potion (UDPP)
Shadestick - Overcast (on inner to mid lid)
Cream Colour Base - Bat Black (on mid to outer lid)
(make sure you blend them out so it doesn't crease)
Lovely Lily Pigment - Inner lid
Kryolan Sparkling Eye Dust - #42 (mid lid)
Young Punk e/s (outer lid)
Shroom e/s (highlight/brow bone)
INcolor FabuLiner -01 Black
Zoom Lash - ZoomBlack

Lips:
Lipglass - Young Thing (From the make up art cosmetics collection)

Hope ya like the look.

Tootles!

<3 Cjay

Style Black

Today, Jess & I went to MAC BURLINGAME so I can pick up some of the products from the Style Black collection. I'm excited for this collection. I will have soo much fun doing dramatic looks with these shadows. (I'll try and do a FOTD this weekend, MAYBE I'll film something.)

What did I get? (In the same order they're pictured)
Young Punk e/s
Gilt By Association e/s
Cinderfella e/s
Bat Black cream color base
Bling Black glimmerglass l/g

My absolute fave? Bling Black! I was thinking about passing on them, but I liked this one the most. It adds a good bit of depth, but not too much to change the shade of the lipstick. I'm personally not a fan of the dazzleglasses cuz I think they're too thick, so I was glad that these were a little more lightweight and less glittery (i'm not much of a fan).

On to the swatches. The e/s are swatched with no base. Click to enlarge.



flash


no flash


flash


no flash

Goodnight!

<3333 Cjjayyy!

Q&A w/ Sarah!

As you all know I had my makeup done by Sarah at MAC a few weeks ago. She has been nice enough to answer a few questions for TNB. Like I said she's a PRO, so listen up!
Disclaimer: All things mentioned in this blog are the opinions of Sarah and TheeNewBlack, NOT M.A.C. Cosmetics =D ..So with that aside, time for the Q&A!

What's the life of a professional MUA like?
It's awesome! I have always been an artist way before I even did makeup. I am fortunate enough to be able to be creative in the workplace and I get to work with people all day. That's both of my passions combined into one!

What or who has inspired you throughout your career?
I have learned the most from working with many other makeup artists over the years. Everyone has a different technique and a different style. My transitional clients are probably the most inspiring however because they tend to share the same excitement that I do. Generally they didn't have the opportunity to learn from their mothers as genetic women have. They are usually the ones that take the "craft" of makeup very seriously and they tend to practice the most after makeup lessons. On another note, On Makeup magazine is my favorite and most inspiring makeup magazine. It is manufactured by the powder group. Check it out!

What is THEE most important beauty tip that you can give to women?
THEE most important beauty tip that I can give to women is... don't be such a hard critic on yourself. This is something that I observe everyday... as women we tend to obsess about our imperfections and not on our perfections. If you don't feel good about yourself you won't feel good about the makeup no matter how amazing it is.

What is your biggest makeup pet peeve?
My biggest makeup pet peeve is denial about dirty brushes. I have had clients that have said that their foundation is breaking them out when really their brush hasn't been washed in years. Neglecting your brushes from a good bath can be damaging to the brush itself and transmits bacteria on your face. Don't do it! Many women don't realize that they can actually give themselves pink eye if their brushes aren't cleaned regularly.

What are your favorite products in you makeup kit?
My favorite products in my makeup kit are: M.A.C PRO Pale Yellow pencil, M.A.C Prep and Prime powder, and Korres face primer (it's one of the few water based primers on the market).

What products do you think should be a staple in every woman's purse?
Lip liner!!!! So many women skip out on it for all sorts of silly reasons. Some say their lips are too small, some say their lips are too big, others think it is just plain too heavy. Just do it! Lip liner will provide definition and seriously increase the wear of any lipstick.

What advice can you give to those aspiring to become MUA's themselves?
For those aspiring to be makeup artists, all I can say is dedicate yourself to your passion. Many try to take up an alternate career to "fall back on". Don't do it. You will end up spending more time on your alternate career rather than doing what you really want to do. Not all of us were meant to be doctors! Do whatever makes you the most passionate, the most fullfilled, and the most excited. If you do what you love most, you will never fail.

Hope you guys learned something new,
Have a great weekend!

ProArtist Series: Sarah of MACpro

So Saturday I had my makeup done by my girl and fav MUA, Sarah. She's a vet at the MACpro on Union and has been working at MAC for ..like, ever. Haha, no I think around 6 years or so if memory serves me right. She's been a great mentor and has helped me hone my skill and foster my love for makeup for the past year and a half.

Here's the look she did, we were going for something smokey/vibrant.





I don't remember what products we used, probably something to work on for the next Artist Series installment.

Some stuff I learned while sitting in her chair: The 191 is truly the most slept on foundation brush, shimmery is not always the best way to go when using a highlighter, and the best way to apply reflects glitter is by finger.

Disclaimer: All things mentioned in this post are the opinions of Sarah and TNB, NOT M.A.C. Cosmetics. =D

Hope you liked the first installment of TNB's Pro Artist Series.
Have a great week, bitches.

Guess what came in the mail today..

I was anticipating this day since... Friday, when I ordered them. They came pretty quick, too. =) My dad kept it from me for a day though. I was almost ready to call the company and complain that it took more than 3 business days to come.. but it was here since yesterday. Thanks Dad. Anyway.. =)













If you guys are thinking about getting this set, I suggest you do. It's $69.00 for the 12 brush set.. so that's about $5.75/brush! Totally worth it. If you get the complete set with the brush roll (like the one I bought) then it's $89.00.. So it's about $6.85 per item. SO WORTH IT!

It comes with a pamphlet that explains what you can do with each brush, so if you're starting out, this would be a great set. They're very comparable to MAC brushes.. and also comes with the same # MAC names their brushes. For more details on the brush, there are a bunch of guru's on YouTube that did reviews on the brushes. TiffanyD, EnKore, RenRen are a couple people that did it.

I can't wait to use them!!

Bold Pink Lips

I did this post two nights ago.. sry if i look jank.. it was 2am. LOL

I just decided to play with my new lipstick and liner.

Hope you guys like!

(btw, I didn't put any foundation on.. whoops. but I did put a little tinted moisturizer in the morning before school)









Products used



Face

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Sand

The Body Shop Bronzer in Shade 02



Eyes

Urban Decay Primer Potion

INcolor FabuLiner in 01 - Black

Mac Shroom e/s for my highlight color

Mac Technakohl in Colour Matters on the lower lash line

Mac Bitter e/s over Colour Matters

Unmarks lashes #15

CoverGirl LashBlast



Lips

Mac Girl About Town l/s

Mac Magenta lipliner

The Body Shop Lip Line Fixer

Bomb ass week of shopping!

I have to be up at 445am for work but w/e. Cjay and I had an effing AWESOME week of shopping. Refer to the last two posts as well as this one for what we got. Week started off with trying to get rid of our bags and bags of old clothes and trying to get money for them at buffalo exchange, crossroads, etc.. you know, buy/sell/trade spots.

I got some straight BRAND NEW sex heels, a BCBG envelope wallet, and two FREE rings (plus the dude still cashed me out for the clothes I turned in!)


Rings - Freenintynine!


Here's the makeup haul I got for the week. Some Christian Siriano VS Makeup (peep last post for swatches, etc..) and some pieces from the Make Up Art Cosmetics collection from MAC. I also picked up a small pink soft train case that was 40% off at VS. Ohhh and I found Mandom makeup remover at Genki!



Swatches L-R: Off the Page e/s, Push the Edge p/m, Brash and Bold p/m, Artistic License t/l, Obviously Orange t/l, Color Matters t/l, Full of Fuchsia t/l, Full Body l/s, Young Thing l/g.


Swatches T-B/L-R: Notoriety Quad (Skintone1, Rich and Earthy, Skintone2, Notoriety), Photo Realism Quad (Photo Realism, Fresh Approach, Image Maker, Grey Range).

I recommend pretty much everything I got, unless you already have dupes for any of these. Many of the products from the Make Up Art Cosmetics collection are dupeable in fact.. fortunately for me my current collection was lacking. My MUST haves.. probably the technakhols, pigments, I love the Full Body l/s for fall, and if you don't already have a nude lip gloss, I'd go with Young Thing l/g.

That's all for now bitches. I'm going back to dsw for some bad kicks. <333 jess.

Christian Siriano haul.

So I think a collection that's pretty slept on from what I've seen (or not seen) is the Christian Siriano for VS Makeup collection. I'm REALLY not a huge fan (like, at all) of Victoria Secret makeup.. it's all hella small timer and not great quality. I wouldn't have even known about this collection if I hadn't have seen it in my mom's room. I wont lie either, when I first caught sight of the gold pyramid inspired packaging I swore it must have been from Saks or Bloomingdales which are my mom's usual haunts. Anyway, on to the hizzaul.

I got all the shadows, except for the brown one, and the Kajal liner.


Swatches w/ flash: Sahara, Sandstorm, Oasis, Gilded Fierce.


I didn't swatch the liner, it's black.. swatch your own. The liner itself I thought was VERY innovative, well I'm sure Siriano didn't come up with it himself but it's not like I've seen anyone else with something similar.

LASTLY.. just wanted to put my girl Yumi on shoe game. As she knows, I JUST hopped on a boot hype and she is ALWAYS up on her boot game.. UNTIL NIZZZZOW. Peep game.




I know she's proud.


That's all for now babes, JESSSssss.