Black is BEAUTIFUL! Now Let's See Some More of it!

Picture Credit: Wikipedia.org

This is an issue that is very much talked about amongst the black community; the lack of "black" faces in mainstream media. I'm just going to shed my feelings on the subject with this post:

Now, I read a lot of magazines and watch a lot of entertainment media and being a person who is interested in fashion and beauty, I like to see what these media outlets have to say on the subjects. But the problem is that there isn't much representation from the darker skinned population. It has always bothered me to some degree that in mainstream media, the only black females you see are lighter skinned or mixed raced like Beyonce and Halle Berry. Being a slightly darker skinned woman, its frustrating not to have that image to look to and aspire to.

I mean, there are a few places that try...like for example, right now on my bed is the July issue of People Style Watch magazine with Gabrielle Union on the cover. Seeing her, a fellow darker skinned and very beautiful woman, on the cover of a (dare I say) predominately Anglo based magazine makes me happy. But why can't we have MORE of that? Do we have to always go to the same few magazines that celebrate and showcase black faces? (i.e. Ebony, Essense...) I don't think we should have to. I think there should be a little representation of EVERYBODY in mainstream media. And don't even get me started on television! Thinking of all the television shows that I like (I won't name them right now....), there is very little diversity in the casts. I'm not racist and I don't watch television counting the black people but its just something I noticed and feel should be changed a bit.

Like I said, there really have been legitimate attempts and I'm not trying to harshly criticize any one institution or whatever. This is my feelings and my opinions that I felt should be shared. If you agree or disagree, let me know! Speak your mind in the comments below!

And as always, Thanks for Reading!

My Favorite Things: Makeup Edition

I'm about to get real girly on ya'll right now!

1. Eye Shadow Palettes

I love eyeshadow palettes period but my favorite one has to be the 88 Neutral Eyeshadow palette from Coastal Scents (or BH Cosmetics, they're pretty much the same thing.) When I put on make up in the mornings, I pick this up, pretty much every day. It never fails, the colors are pigmented and the price is cheap too! Between $20-$25 (Its cheaper at BH Cosmetics btw!)


2. Sugar Lip Polish from Fresh

This has saved my life! Ok, I tend to be a little exaggerated lol. But not only does this stuff work wonders for my always peely lips but it tastes good too! Not that you should eat it though but if it just happens to meet with your tongue, its not the worst thing in the world to be tasting. Price: $22.50 from Sephora


3. Translucent Touch-Up Powder (from Sephora)

My face, especially in the t-zone area gets so oily throughout the day all year around so when that happens, I take this jammy out with my trusty little Kabuki brush and get rid of all that unflattering shine. And contrary to popular belief, it doesn't make you look ashy if you're darker skinned like me. The one I use is from Sephora for 18 bucks but any translucent powder should do the trick but beware of the ones that actually make you ashy (like the N.Y.C. brand sold in drugstores...NEVER AGAIN)


4. Cargo Lipstick in "Eve Pinky"

This was a Christmas gift from my bestie and the boldest lipstick I own which is why I love it so. All my other lip colors are pretty neutral but this one pops. When I put it on, I definitely feel a bit "Nicki Minaj-ish" and then I break out in my own rendition of "Super Bass"...ok not really but yea the lipstick is cool. Now, I bought it from Sephora but I think the color has been discontinued....sorry! But here are some other selections at Cargo's website. And also a picture of me wearing the lipstick on my Tumblr!


5. Caramex

Ok so this one isn't as glamorous as the others but definitely necessary! Caramex is, in my opinion, better than Blistex and chapstick and just about any other lip balm out there! I think I like it so much but it leaves your lips tingling so you know for sure its working. I use it to prime my lips before lipstick application which is especially important for matte lipsticks. I have two in my purse and one spare one at home...yes that's how obsessed I am! Caramex is sold in drugstores in tubes, pots and as a twist up chapstick. There's also cherry flavor!

Thanks for reading! If there's any favorite products you like and think I should try, leave your suggestions in the comments below!

Pain = Beauty

Today I went to get my nails done with my two best friends and as you can see, they came out pretty nice.  Sounds like a good time right?  Well it would be if I didn't have to endure the pain that comes along with getting acrylic tips!  They file your nails raw, clip your skin, burn you with acrylic powder and then cut you with those electric nail files until you bleed and get burned some more by the nail polish seeping into your open wounds!!!
Now maybe this doesn't happen in upscale places on fifth avenue or in those nicer neighborhoods downtown but I can't afford those fancy places :-/ Lol I'm a full time student with a part time job!  So I guess I gotta deal with the pain if I want the beauty!  

Lesson for the day, pain = beauty but I'm sure you already knew that :-)