Beauty



Age: In my 30's :)

Beauty Philosophy:  I honestly believe that everyone is beautiful in their own way.  As far as make-up goes, I think that you should explore different colors.  Make-up should be fun and not taken too seriously.

Who do you look to for beauty inspiration? I look everywhere.  I look at people and how they have applied their make-up.  I look in magazines.  I even look at people who seem to wear little to no make-up.  I'm completely jealous of those who have incredible bone structure and flawless skin.  I have cheeks so I have to contour to give the illusion that I have even a little bit of bone structure. I'm constantly looking at people's faces and even though I try to do it discretely, I know I get caught sometimes and they have to wonder why I am staring.

Describe your skin care routine.  I'm obsessed with exfoliating!! They say that you're supposed to do it no more than twice a week, but I know that I exfoliate way more than that! I like an exfoliator that's slightly rough. It makes me feel as if I'm really getting the dead skin off. After, I like to use Eucerin Intensive Repair or Cetaphil cream to rehydrate my face since my skin is very, very dry.


What are some of the things in your make-up bag that are tried and true and you can't live without? 
Inglot Gel Liner in Black- I really love this product because I like how it goes on when I apply it; plus it doesn't run.  It really does last all day.  I apply it with a thin angled brush and depending on the look I'm going for, I can create a really thin line or make it more dramatic by creating a winged look.

They're Real Mascara by Benefit- I love everything about this mascara! It's one of the few products that I have bought that, at least to me, does what it says it is supposed to do. I like that it's buildable so I can continue to apply product without it getting "gloppy" . I also like the brush. It separates well and I can get in those hard to reach areas so it really brings out my lashes.  
What are some of the new things you've picked up lately that you're obsessed with?  
 Custom lipsticks by BITE-  I love my lipsticks by Bite. If you're ever in the New York City area, I highly recommend the Bite Lip Lab. I am completely obsessed with this place and their lipsticks.  Whatever color you want they can make it! You can also choose your texture from matte to sheer to just nicely moisturized. Once you pick your color, texture, and scent, it takes about 5 mins for them to make your product, which they do right in front of you.  I brought my friend from Houston, TX there for her birthday and she went crazy!  If you can't make it to the lip lab, Bite lipsticks are available at Sephora. 

 Some Kind-a Gorgeous Fake Foundation by Benefit- I like this foundation because it starts out sheer but it is another build able product, so I can apply it according to the amount of coverage that I want.  It's a cream to powder foundation but it's nice and light and great for the summer so you won't feel like you're wearing heavy make-up. 


Charli and Chloe at Easter



Age: 37 years young! :)  

Beauty Philosophy:  My mother always taught me that inner beauty always enhances outer/physical beauty!  Also, an authentic and beautiful smile is the best accessory!  

Who do you look to for beauty inspiration? I have a diverse group of beautiful (inside and out) friends who are my constant source of inspiration (including the fab Candace Cardwell)!  Some of my celebrity inspirations include Diana Ross, Lupita Nyong’o, Naomi Campbell, Beverly Johnson and Rachel Roy.

Describe your skin care routine.  My skin routine is fairly simple and I love Neutrogena products! I remove any residual make-up with their Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover, then use the Pink Grapefruit Face Wash and Body Wash, followed by the Sesame Body Oil!  I also use my Clarisonic face brush a few times a week … it leaves my skin feeling so soft! 
Diana Ross: Eye Lash Inspiration!
What are some of the things in your make-up bag that are tried and true and you can't live without? 
EOS Lip Balm:  These balms come in a variety of great flavors and leave my lips feeling oh-so-smooth.  I keep one in my make-up bag, car and office!   
MAC Lip Glass:  I tend to favor light/natural colored glosses.  My two faves are Ample Pink and Viva Glam. 
MAC Studio Conceal & Correct Palette:  I don't use foundation, however I apply concealer on areas of my face that have an uneven tone.  With this palette, I can mix/layer the perfect personal concealer combo from the six different shades.  I use the medium dark color palette. 
L'Oreal Telescopic Waterproof Precision Liquid Eyeliner:  I love a long-lasting black liner … especially one that will brave the hot and humid NY Summers!  I can create a thin (daytime) or more dramatic (evening) line with ease. 
Maybelline Great Lash Curved Brush Mascara:  The contour of the brush lengthens and defines my lashes in a flash!  
Burt's Bees Herbal Blemish Stick:  I use Tea Tree Oil for blemishes so this is a great roll-on version that I keep handy. 
Bath & Body Works Lotion:  The Cherry Blossom scent is amazing!  

What are some of the new things you've picked up lately that you're obsessed with?  
MAC Prep + Prime CC Colour Correcting Loose Powder:  The Yellow/Neutralizing version provides a great way to finish my “look.”


How old are you? 37


What's your beauty philosophy? 
"Less is Best"...that's what my mother used to always say and I never heard her.  As I've gotten older and look back on my make-up routine as a teenager and young adult, I now understand.  Make-up should really be used to enhance and not mask.  As I've gotten older and more confident as a woman, that resonates with me.




Clearly before we understood that 'less is more'
Who do you look to for beauty inspiration?
I find inspiration in the women around me; my sister, mom, and my friends.  I'm a trial by error type of person and like to try new things. I'm always on the hunt for the perfect shade of lipstick or an eyeliner or shadow that will work for me.  Ultimately, I have to be comfortable with what I'm wearing or I won't feel like myself.
Look at Nicole in the background!



Mikita and Nicole being effortlessly glamorous


Describe your skin care routine. 
My skin care routine is very basic.  In the mornings and before I go to bed, I use a mild face wash. After I wash my face (in the morning only) I apply a light, oil-free moisturizer.  I like Neutrogena Oil Free Pink Grapefruit Face Wash and L' oreal Future*e Moisturizer.   I try not to over-moisturize since I have oily skin, so I don't apply moisturizer before bed.  Every once in a while I try different eye cream samples, but many of them make me itch.  About one year ago, my husband traveled to Korea on business and brought me back a vitamin C facial powder that you add to your daily moisturizer.  It is supposed to help soften and revitalize skin, and  I've been very happy with it thus far.  I've heard that combining Vitamin E and C is a great combination
Finally, I always apply a foundation containing sunscreen in the morning before I leave my house.



What are some of the things in your make-up bag that are tried and true and you can't live without? 
The three items that I take everywhere are:
-Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer
As a African-American woman, I'm impressed with the variety of darker shades that they have.  It's good to just cover up a pimple or blemish and doesn't require a powder finish.  I feel comfortable applying on the go.
-Estee Lauder Blush - they have many great vibrant shades that work well for deeper skin tones.  I like Hot Sienna.
-Mac Mineralize Lip Glass in Fashion Perk keeps my lips moist and has a great natural color.

What are some of the new things you've picked up lately that you're obsessed with? 
Vitabrid C12: This is Vitamin C powder that I mix with my daily moisturizer and since I've been using it consistently (about 1 year), I've noticed a major improvement in the vibrancy and clarity of my skin.  It also feels a lot softer.  I actually feel comfortable leaving my home with no make-up since I've been using this.



Hourglass Immaculate  Liquid Powder Foundation: This foundation is made specifically for people who have very oily skin.  It's the only foundation that I've tried that literally goes on and creates a super matte finish and leaves my face oil free for hours. I am super obsessed!




One last photo from the archives!


Age:  31

Beauty Philosophy:  I'm all about eyes, lips, and cheeks. I'm not fancy enough for foundation because it ends up everywhere BUT my face by the end of the day.  But a little bit of mascara, some blush and lipstick can make a face pop.


Sisters in Style
Who do you look to for beauty inspiration? Probably my sister, she always looks fabulous!  Her make-up is always nice and never overdone.  I have a problem where I love things like smokey eyes and funky lip colors, but they just look cray-cray on me!  So I keep it simple. 
Dinner at Lido: Nicole is wearing Nars Pure Matte Lipstick in Vesuvio
Nicole's 30th


Describe your skin care routine.  I wash my face every morning and use Vitabrid C12, which is a face powder that I mix with my moisturizer.  I use Neutrogena Make Up Remover at night.  I love to sleep, so I hope that helps in the long run.  I get at least 8 hours every night :)

What are some of the things in your make-up bag that are tried and true and you can't live without?

Stila Lip and Cheek Stain. This is the perfect blush that lasts all day long! 

Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash Mascara. This mascara is awesome;  it lengthens, makes your lashes fuller AND it's easy remove. 

Two Faced Perfect Eyes Waterproof Eye Liner. This liner is easy to apply and it lasts a long time. I use Perfect Black.

Perricone MD No Lipstick Lipstick.  This lipstick doesn't look too bright; it's a little more natural than most lipsticks, and it is the perfect daytime work look.  

Perricone MD No Lipstick Lipstick is available at Sephora

What are some new things you've picked up lately that you are obsessed with?

Anastasia's Clear Brow Gel.  My eyebrows are rogue... I have to control them! This is perfect because it doesn't add color but keeps them in place all day. It's like hair spray for your eyebrows! 


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