Mandy Hale: September 2012

When you think you cant, see why you can

Hey everyone, this has got to be my all time favourite makeup artists and I don't know why I never shared her story before! if you have never heard about her, here goes:

Five years ago on Valentine's day Talia Joy Castelleno, was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma and in early August of this year she revealed that she also has developed another type of cancer.

"I have preleukemia in my bone marrow", Preleukemia, is now known as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). MDS is a condition where stem cells in bone marrow do not mature into healthy blood cells, according to the National Institutes of Health. I first discovered her one night while browsing YouTube looking for cartoons...yes I said it....Tom and Jerry to be exact - has always been one of my source of comfort, when I needed to wind down. Going through the comments as sometimes subscribers offer links to other cool little videos to watch, one subscriber in particular posted a link to Talia' page. This exceptional 12-year-old girl, who is very articulate and with such timely educated wit, has serious makeup skills beyond her years! With her current condition that has left her with just four months to a year to live, she is very upbeat, bubbly, bright and exuberant and such a pleasure to watch.

This tween girl, who sometimes refer to her viewers as "bro" and frequently uses the word "like"....has endured over five years of surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy, stem cell transplants, and blood transfusions. She gives you blow by blow details of exactly what it feels like to face a terrible disease and speaks with such a casual tone...that I for one forget that she has cancer! She has made me cry, giggle, laugh out and even question the usage of a primer on myself (something I'm yet to try), I am humbled to say being a professional makeup artist myself, I am never averse to learning new ideas (as there are no rules of thumb in application) and with her articulateness and knowledge, she makes it easier because she speaks from the heart and as the Bible says "A child shall lead them".

If you still don't know who this little wonder is...just know that she is now a mini haven read this article.

She wears her bald head "like" so well, that when you see her, you really don't see that she has no hair....her makeup does all the talking as she wears it like a "wig". Talia extols with such knowledge the benefits of makeup, false eyelashes and her other fun drugstore buys.

This is not just another millennial YouTube celeb; she is a confident positive little girl, that makes you realize that whatever ish you think you are going through....you could not begin to fathom going through her pain.

Her videos are great and fun to watch but she leads you to see life a little differently. Be amazed by her charming personality and her tenacity. Check out her channel.

Have a Happy Monday!

xxo

Shades of lipstick to leave on your wine glass

I loveth the array of bright colors that will be wearing this fall! Get thyself 1, 2 or maybe 3!
Nude, wine, orange, red and dark vampy lips were very popular at New York Fashion Week (NYFW). Allow me to share them with you ;).

Au Naturale

Several designers, were big on the barely-there lip trend this season...but to rock natural-looking lip with ease, exfoliation of your lips is key. By doing this, it enables you to remove any dry, chapped skin you may have. Pair your lips with barely there eyes and face and strut!

Red Hot

A classic look that never goes out of style, are Red lips and they are back better than ever. From matte to creamy finishes, red lips are a must-have for your beauty arsenal. Read this guide I had written, in how to choose the correct tone of red for your shade.

Vivrant thang

Pantone always dictate what colour will be hot for each year or season and for 2012, the color of the year is Tangerine Tango.

Having made a splash from earlier this year, this color is not slowing down now. Orange sounds strange, yes? Not to worry it's actually quite pretty and works well with various skin tones.

Dare to wear

A date with Edward Scissorhands? I kid, I kid! Temptation was too much, anyhow...this goth-inspired deep plum or berry lip, is a must-have lip color this season. Much like Edward Scissorhands, you will be making a statement that speaks volumes without you ever having to say a word...well his hands were...never mind. However, if the idea of going deep and dark doesn’t make you smile, no worries, you could choose from the three other lip colors aforementioned.

M·A·C

A limited edition lipstick from MAC and rapper Azealia Banks called Yung Rapunxel; is a deep plum cream lipstick, with an amplified semi-matte finish, named after Banks’ alter ego. This sexy limited edition get-it-while-you-can color, is being described as "dark, eggplant purple".

Just like the model above, I'm sure you will feel decadent, daring and sophisticated when wearing this look. Do you feel it yet? Oh and in case your wondering, Yung Rapunxel lipstick will run you $15, and is available only in the US...but was available online for purchase from - September 5, 2012 at maccosmetics.com and also available at all NYC MAC stores since September 6, 2012...they will be available through to September 20, 2012. Happy Birthday to me!

Check out these other holiday candy you may like:

NARS

The Andy Warhol for NARS Collection Silver Factory Gift Set, is a 2102 Holiday collection...but it’s all everyone is buzzing about right now. Andy Warhol who's work became quickly became synonymous with Pop Art; was also a charismatic magnet for bohemian New York which he featured in a lot of his work. His work is the inspiration behind a massive new makeup range by NARS. The line, which will launch at different retail outlets in October and November, coincides nicely with a new Warhol exhibit opening at the Met in NYC – which explores the pop artist’s influence on other artists. It is enormous, it is glorious, it is what a tribute collection should be in terms of product and packaging. Excuse me! Do you see the packaging?

Rock & Roll icon, Debbie Harry

Debbie Harry, Candy Darling and Edie Sedwick adorn the beautiful eye and cheek palettes. Andy Warhol’s distinctive visage is on the eye shadows and other desirable items come in shadow pencils and nail polish. Debbie Harry's palette is made with Diamond Powder, “made of real micronized diamonds.” Items will be on sale at Sephora from October 1, you can collect these pieces for $65 a pop.


Candy Darling

If $65 is too much for you, you could collect the nail polishes at $18 a pop....and I say collect because these are indeed collectors items and so lust-worthy.

See anything worth trying?

Have a happy weekend!

xxo

Beauty Trends you should try becuz NYFW said so

Being from the Caribbean, Jamaica to be exact - I never quite understood the seasonal changes until I started to travel. Living in Argentina for nearly a year, summer months in Jamaica were winter months in Argentina....that I must admit took a good while getting used to. Traveling to other countries, made me experience such freezing weather that had me missing the hot climate of Jamaica...even just for a few minutes...But now I finally GET it. Having relocated to another country, that have places experience the climate changes in totally different Fahrenheit grades, I have now grasped the anticipation of the changing seasons. The allure of autumn - still sunny, but cool enough to layer. Blazers, jackets and tights now have a season. Makeup collections turn from dewy, peachy and pink to glam, glittery and noir. Basically what it boils down to, is that Fall may be my favorite season ;).

Beauty Trends for Fall 2012:

Fashion Week 2012 which happens to be in fall, was packed with tons of great new trends and inspiration for the upcoming year. These trends you should have fun trying them out on your own...and for my Jamaican damas these are worth the try!

Minimalist

Natural makeup was the choice of many designers, very small amounts of eyeliner, with rose pink cheeks and rosy pink lips a minimalist appearance almost tomboyish. For fall this a perfect look as it can be easily achieved - a little bit of powder, a small amount of mascara and an almost neutral/pink lipstick, that matches the color of your lips.

Sidenote: If you find that your upper lip may be darker or that you have dark lips - due to pigmentation reasons put a little foundation over lips and then add desired lip color, this will make your face look uniformed.

Punchy

To liven up that minimalist appearance, wear bright colored lipsticks. The usage of bright eyeshadows and lips were used by many designers...but they were more of an accent. A punchy lip will complement an otherwise natural and neutral appearance.

Rodarte

Just like clothes, hair and makeup - nail polish was just as important during fashion week. Natural nail colors for the models were selected by many designers...although others were a bit edgier and chose colors like white or an ombre finish.

Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey is in heavy rotation on my playlist, I just love her style. Her look is hipster style mixed with 60's sex symbols styles which kinda reminds me of Brigitte Bardot and the 60’s/70’s vibe was strong at fashion week. Minimalist makeup wasn't the only looks models were sporting, amazing eyeshadow colors were also seen on the catwalk, Red and Cobalt blue eyeshadows are just gorg.

In continuing with the 60’s/70’s vibe, cool accessories and even the shape of the eyeshadow application itself, was very evident.

Glasses with oversize circle retro frames, were seen on the runways and these are the perfect balance of sophistication and fun.

While cat tails eyeshadows with bold colors curling up at the edges, was also seen along with a very simple cat tails eyeliner. Makeup artists simply took the eyeliner past the edge of the eye with two simple small lines. 60's style is hot, no?

A "beautiful mess" was a phenomenon I've noticed on the runways, which was being applied to makeup.

Smudged eyeliners gave a "just woke up" sexy look, without looking disheveled.

Looking relaxed and uncomplicated is pretty easy to achieve and the "beautiful mess" trend was especially noticeable with hair too. Many models had parts of their hair that were quite smooth in certain places but also a little edgier and loose in the back. Sideparts with flyaways, low ponytails, windswept hair, and messy “poofs” were seen alot.

Are you face-ty enough to try these trends?

Have fun!

Look out for lipstick trends tomorrow.

xxo

Leather Lovin'

Angela Simmons: NYFW 2012

Hey everyone! New York is being filled with fashion worms, who are biting the fresh taste of fashion out of the fashion apple.
Fashion week is on and I'm in love with leather right now which I think will be bigger this fall. My wishlist:

Hands down must have! would pair with pointy heels too

And some of my inspiration from celebutantes at fashion week:

Alexandra Burke's studded jacket


Gabi Union's motorcycle jacket

Joan Small's slit skirt

Iman's cutaway leather dress

Alicia Key's white look with a streak of black

Angela Simmonds all white casual chic look, really like those stiletto boots!

Angela Simmons high waist skirt

Angela Simmons wrap dress

Celeb Designer news for the fashion babies:

Katie Holmes actress now turned designer, made a quiet debut at NYFW alongside her design partner Jeanne Yang. The pieces I think, were clean, sharp and well-fitted, achieving what the designers said was "easy, timeless pieces that could carry from day to night". Unfortunately, with a price range that reaches as much as $1,920 for a leather cape, they should consider making the everyday look more special to make that mark.

So have you seen any trend from NYFW you will be catching unto and what is your fall must haves?

Have a great midweek!

xxo

Are you gonna BB?

Hey damas, let's talk BB creams - the term which actually stands for "Beauty Balm" or "Blemish Balm"; has become a craze especially in the US. It started off as being sold mainly in the Asian markets but is now being introduced to the western market on an increasingly rapid level. The formulation of this product, was created with the intent to be a multi-tasking product, to replace - foundation, moisturizer, primer, serum and sunblock. Tried it a few times and it was very lightweight but I preferred wearing it around the evening hours when it was a bit cooler.

Secret Weapon apart from Mascara or even False Lashes? Perhaps

If you are not one who is thrilled by sheer coverage, this product may not be for you, it also leaves you looking dewy after a few hours of wear. Although BB cremes may be worn as foundation, they really are somewhat like tinted moisturizers. They can however be worn under powder, over a serum, moisturizer or as a regular foundation. Often mineral-based in coverage it was built with the intention, to both cover and treat blemishes such as acne, sun spots and age spots. It also has anti-wrinkle, anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. Korean actresses call this their secret weapon, and its heavily endorsed by celebrities there. When western formulas (foundations) were too heavy for their taste, this was the option that was held in high regard. If you are fan of Asian films, you will see that - porcelain and healthy looking skin is heavily prized.

From the best real estate in drug stores to Sephora, BB creams are suddenly everywhere. If you haven't tried it yet, you will not have a problem finding one in the market.

Found these videos, watch them and determine if you may just be willing to try.

Random Note:

There are seemingly endless options, that my iPhone allows me to afford. And yes
Nomophobia is on the rise! What is Nomophobia? you ask - It’s the fear of being separated from your phone…and 66% of people suffer from it. So do you have this? Anyhow I can speak for myself when I tell my phone allows me to be productive, do some mindless doodling and have entertainment at my fingertips...But how many times have you heard someone squeal "there's an app for that?!", to me that is music to my ears, because it simply means discovering something new. So L'Oreal had released an app that would allow or should I say help you to find your true match shade. Don't have an iPhone? Try testing here. I have been playing around with this app for some time and am impressed with its setup. Once you have downloaded the app, you will be asked a series of focused questions to help determine your undertone.

Once you have found your shade, use the store locator feature to see which stores carry your shade. You can also get other product recommendations based on your unique shade!

Have a beautiful day!

xxo

Alas! Summer is ova shuga

Hello dears, yes, I'm still alive and yes all is well :). This post has been made easier, because something monumental went on. Will divulge later on in the post. Apart from really wanting to just chill this summer. Whereas no attending to the bloggie, no vlogs, tweeted a lil bit more than I'm use to, to which end feeling a tad bit guilty and my instagram account is not that exciting with stories; I was happily busy with work and being a teacher this summer - to some great group of girls.

Me and the damas (iphone pic)

Enjoyed being lazy in bed some days and speaking of being in bed; one of my personal projects this past summer was researching and seeking ideas for redecorating. Houzz, Bhg, HGTV, Home made simple, Elle, Apartment therapy, Design sponge, Eddie Ross, Home Goods, and Remodelista have been my favourite go to sites. As for blogs, Thrifty decor chick, The nester, Perfectly imperfect and too much more to lists. These array of sites along with TV shows such as the The nate show, definately will be simplifying my home improvement desires and DIY projects.

My eyes have seen the Glory - as I'm sure, so did you love:


Usain Bolt for Puma

So for those who are not from Jamaica, August 6th Jamaica celebrated 50 years of Independence, and we had alot to be proud about!. As this was a momentous celebration!. We have influenced the world and made a mark in the fields of academics, art, athletics, food, music, religion and much more. Apart from commemorating 50 years of freedom, the world saw the sanguine Usain Bolt, leave London Olympics a perfect 3 for 3 - three events, three victories - just the way he departed Beijing four years ago. The timing could not have been better, for Jamaica 50 celebrations. Yohan Blake, cutie pie Warren Weir, the adorable Shelly-Ann Fraser and Veronica Campbell Brown, all did well in their feat. All in all, the athletes that represented did great. What a way to transition into Independence celebrations? And a great excuse for me to drink Red stripe beer! the national beer of sorts. I'm really a Guinness type a gal, but was being patriotic ;).

Image via The Jamaica Gleaner (circa 2012)

The national stadium (Kingston), was filled with thousands from home and from within the diaspora, for Jamaica 50 celebrations, led by Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller. Also South African President Jacob Zuma, Nation of Islam minister Louis Farrakhan and former US Secretary of State Colin Powell also got into the party spirit. People were pretty jubilant and decor that represent the Jamaican flag colours was all over the place. From shops to lamps posts to even rooftops, all were decked out.

A lil paper trail:

Makeup by yours truly (iphone pics)

Over the summer got booked for quite a few weddings, and a few of them got featured in the Jamaica Observer's bridal magazine. Luckily for one of the gigs, the wedding coordinator advised me, that my work was featured in one of the issues. Thanks Barb' ;).

The month of September is a new year for me, and had wanted to start celebrations by attending Fashion Night Out (FNO) but had to miss out due to my schedule. Planning to celebrate like a Queen though, like Cleopatra perhaps? Anyhow, went home in time to see tidbits of the MTV VMA Awards, but was so tired I couldn't even watch a fly pitch on the wall.

A few of my fave looks for the evening were: