Make-up Travel Essentials: The Illinois Edition

Last week my sister and I spent some time in Illinois visiting family. The hardest thing about packing a suitcase is deciding what NOT to bring. I love my skin care and my make-up collection keeps growing, so deciding what tidbits to leave at home for a week took some real thought. So today’s post will be the makeup (and one skin care item) that were the essentials. These are the products that I took with me on my trip that were easy to use, versatile and just got the job done. 

Shisiedo Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 50+. The texture of this actually feels quite powdery, so I was able to use this as a make-up primer as well. The high SPF protection ensured that whether I was out just running errands with family, visiting Lake Michigan, or spending a day in Chicago just exploring, my skin was will protected from the sun. This served me well as a primer, which is great because it’s always nice to have products that can double up. It’s a great way to save space. 

Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15. I've been trying a TON of tinted moisturizers lately (a collective post on those soon). On this trip I had a bit of a dilemma figuring out which one to bring. The day before I left, the Chantecaille Just Skin arrived in the mail and I made my decision. I figured it was a good opportunity to give this a test drive. It's perfect for those light makeup days when I just want to even out my complexion but not look too made up. It's perfect for plane rides or running errands with my family here because it's low maintenance but still looks beautiful on the skin. The added SPF 15 is always a pleasant bonus.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation. I wanted to bring a base product on my trip that provided more coverage than a tinted moisturizer but still wouldn’t look heavy. Not only is this the most travel friendly packaging for a foundation, its pretty low maintenance as well. Because foundation dries down nicely and doesn’t make you look too dewy or to matte, you can save yourself a step and save some room in your travel bag and skip the powder. It also wears longer than the Chantecaille Just Skin, so when I knew I was going to have a longer day out and about; this was my base product of choice.

butter LONDON Cheeky Tinted Hightlighter. I actually picked this item up while I was in Illinois in the shade Pence. I love illuminating products that make my skin look like it's glowing without making me look like a greasy disco ball. This is a beautiful warm gold that isn't too brassy. I mixed this in with my foundation or tinted moisturizer for a healthy, warm glow. The packing is also sleek and very travel friendly, no leaks here.

thebalm Hot Mama Blush. This has got to be my all time favorite blush. I wanted to bring a blush that pretty much went with anything and this one always fits the bill. Plus I own this in the sample size so it takes up virtually no space in my makeup bag. Also, because this has a golden sheen, I didn't have to bring a highlighter with me. I also took Benefit's Dallas with me because it's a neutral shade that goes with almost any makeup look, but I really only reached for Hot Mama.

NYC Sunny Bronzer. This is my go-to Bronzer, so there was no doubt in my mind that I would be taking it on this trip. It's easy, quick, fuss free and almost impossible to overdo. It adds just enough warmth to the face so I don't look pasty. My makeup on this trip has pretty much been my standard makeup look, but simpler in some ways. This was a not a Kat Von D Shade & Light palette trip. I didn't need to contour the living day lights out of my face. The NYC Sunny Bronzer provides subtle definition and nothing more.

NARS Lip Gloss in Striptease. Oh NARS, you and your cheeky names. I only brought three lip glosses with me but this was the only one I wore, minus one or two days. It's easy and goes with almost everything. It's a warm, peachy nude that doesn't wash me out. The color is not extremely opaque, which makes it versatile and low-key.

These were my standout products from my trip to Illinois. When you travel, what are your most reliable products?

-Alana

run with patience.

Taken from the lovely Lauren Mim's Tumblr

After a long battle with my health this past March, I had to make the very difficult decision to slow down this weekend. Since January I've been training for a 10 mile race and I injured myself on Tuesday. It was difficult because I didn’t want to let up. Even though I have been sick, I have tried my hardest to get back in the game and not give up. I decided the morning of the race I wouldn’t run and I cried. Definitely upset me on so many levels because I worked so hard to reach this goal, but I’ve been so sick this month it’s crazy. I can’t even begin to explain how crazy it’s been. 

Oftentimes our minds and our visions are so huge and beautiful. I know mines are for sure.  But we have to stop and slow down and check in with our physical and mental health. I am so exhausted from being sick and my feet are really messed up.

As much as it hurts that I couldn’t cross that finish line today, I had to be fair to my body. God literally was telling me to “slow down Tonyette” and I stopped to listen. 

Even though I didn’t race, I went to support my director, asst. director, co-advisers, and our program’s alum/family support. I was blown away by how people ran faster when we (me + two other advisers) cheered on people. We stood at one of the many hills and at the 7.5 mile mark. Many of my co-workers told us that we gave them the push to keep going to the end. How amazingis that?! Wow - truly powerful. I was reminded that not only is it important to run a race (whether it is an actual race or reaching a goal), but it is important to support and cheer on those in our circles.  I am so proud of my co-workers and I am beaming with joy! Today was a great day and I am so grateful I was given the opportunity to watch them run the race set before them<3 

This has been my memory verse for training and definitely for the past two years after being challenged in so many ways spiritually. 

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:1-2

Stay lifted. Every goal and dream will come to past - you just have to grow with the challenges and be patient with yourself <3

xoxoxo,

Tonyette

#JusticeforMartese: Enough is Enough

I was sitting in my office this afternoon when an e-mail from Tonyette landed in my inbox and it was not good news.

She sent me a letter written by Black students of the University of Virginia, addressed to the University regarding Third-Year African American student, Martese Johnson. Martese, an Honor Student and member of Kappa Alpha Psi, was beaten by officers after being refused entry into Trinity Irish Pub with a Fake ID. Martese had to receive 10 stitches due to the head injury he endured and even as students pleaded with police to stop their attack on Johnson, the police threatened to arrest the students if they did not step aside. (See the article on the Cavalier Daily here.)

Photo Credit

Once again, we see that the punishment exceeds the crime. What justifies getting beaten to a bloody pulp for a fake ID? Out of all the students at the University of Virginia and nationwide that have a fake ID, officers decided to attack Martese. Let me pose a blunt question to you: If Martese were not a black male, would officers have attacked him like this? Out of all the underage, frat boy alcohol consumption that occurs, not just at the University of Virginia, but across the nation, police target Martese.

Let me detour very quickly and talk about police from the female perspective. As I was discussing with Tonyette, women are also subject to harassment. I am an African American female, but I am wary of police for a different reason. On too many occasions have I seen police paying too much attention to me and burning holes in the side of my face, when they should be paying attention to their surroundings. My sister and I were in Chicago this past weekend. Security called after us, attempting to flirt. The way they were looking at us was enough to make me want to jump in the shower and cleanse myself. Excuse me sir, but instead of checking us out you need to be checking out the surroundings to ensure the safety of the public instead of molesting my sister and me with your eyes. Have some dignity and pride. You are in a position of authority, stop abusing it.

Our black men are getting beaten and killed and women have to endure catcalling and harassment. Yes, I acknowledge that humanity gives way to the unfortunate, ugly and imperfect side of human nature. But enough is enough. Police need to be held accountable for their actions. We shouldn’t have to be wary of law enforcement. And students shouldn’t have to plead to the University to stand up for one of our own. I spent four invaluable years at UVA and I’m wearing the Cavalier proudly on my chest as I type this and because of this I say, to UVA and the Charlottesville community we’ve got to do better!

This is not what our ancestors fought for. Our black brothers and sisters did not endure tear gas, brutal beatings and lynchings to see their descendents suffer. Our black brothers and sisters should not have to go to one of the top universities in the country and be treated as second-class citizens. I say again, enough is enough. When are we going to stand up as a nation and stop speaking on racial injustice, brutality and discrimination using “safe” political terms and beating around the bush and call it out for what it is? This is wrong and yes, this is racial. Plain and simple.

It’s time we take heed to the lyrics of UVA’s good ole song, “Let’s all hold hands and give a yell…” Let us yell it until we can’t yell it any more! Enough is enough! Injustice is injustice. Black lives matter.

#JusticeforMartese

- Alana 

Soulful Happenings: DChillin

Hi Everyone!

It's Tonyette here:) Just want to stop by and share one of my moments that I would define as a soulful happening.

I am in love with spaces - the architecture, layout, interior design, and the purpose. I am in love  with spaces that connect people and help people grow. I would definitely consider our Nation's Capital to be one of those cities that thrive in creating those spaces. I was truly inspired last weekend as I walked around DC and took in the many places to eat, shop, learn, relax.....the list can go on. 

Over that weekend I had an opportunity to relax in a few spaces that inspired me. 

I had a very late dinner at Busboys and Poets , but the atmosphere was definitely very vibrant at 11PM. I smiled as I watched people eat their dinners from comfy chairs, engage in intense debates over coffee, or type and read from a small corner. The food was delicious and unique and the bookstore is packed with a billion books I wanted to purchased. Tears almost formed in my eyes as I surveyed the "Education" section. True future educator over hereeee :) 

My sister shot a candid of me :)

Busboys and Poets is a community where racial and cultural connections are consciously uplifted...a place to take a deliberate pause and feed your mind, body and soul...a space for art, culture and politics to intentionally collide...we believe that by creating such a space we can inspire social change and begin to transform our community and the world

In addition to eating - my family and I walked around downtown. We visited the Smithsonian American Art Museum  and I was soooo in awe of the paintings, portraits, and sculptures. I haven't been to a museum in a while and this was truly a treat. My sister took another dope candid lol and I snapped a few photos of the architecture!

This is the picture of the ceiling of the courtyard in the museum. THIS.WAS.BEAUTIFUL. It was like spring in this space and people did not have on coats. This was great and I would love to come here and read one day. 


My family and I also visited Madame Tussand's Wax Museum and it was GREEEAAAT. I can't even begin to explain how real every figure looked. In the beginning of the exhibit - we took a journey through history and saw all of the presidents. It was super eerie at first, but so great to finally be able to have a representation of history. I've always loved history and this just really illuminated many of the events I've learned.  I am glad my sister decided to book this tour for us! 

We were so excited to finally "meet" the Obamas hahahaha. 

On Sunday, I was blessed with the opportunity to attend National Community Church . I found out about this church after reading The Circle Maker.  The writer , Mark Batterson founded this church about 16 years ago and many of the its origins are deeply rooted in divine intervention and miracles. I was sooo inspired and I was so grateful to attend church at one of its locations.  The service was held at the historic Lincoln Theatre and I was once again blown away with the architecture. I walked away full of hope because I witnessed a church service that is truly  product of God's power and craaaazy miracles. It was so great! 

You know  I had coffee LOL. I went to a few cool spots including the Corner Bakery

That's all for now :) Basically, I looooove DC. The traffic is terrifying BUT the spaces make up for it lol. 

BTW,

It IS better for our environment.....Okay...Okay AND it's cooler ! hahhaha. I bought this at a cool Vegan spot called Native Foods Cafe' :)

xoxo,

Tonyette

February 2015 Favorites

I don’t understand where February went. Wasn’t it just Christmas? Wasn’t it just New Year’s Eve when I was sitting on the couch bumming it out in my flannel pajamas, a blue clay mask on my face and reading Cold Mountain, while my parents watched a jazz concert on PBS? Cool people stay in on New Year’s Eve by the way…

Even though I’m in severe denial about how quickly time is passing, February was a month of great beauty finds for me. This is a lengthy post, so grab some tea, sit back and relax.  

I tried two foundations this month. The Becca Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation is a beautiful product. I have the shade Olive and it is a perfect match for my skin tone. This is a medium coverage foundation that as the name implies, has a satin finish. This works well with my oily skin, blends likes a dream, and wears wonderfully. In fact it looks better the longer I have it on. When I have a long day, this is the base I grab for. If you are looking for a foundation that gives you flawless skin without looking cakey and too made up, look no further. The second foundation is the L’oreal True Match in the shade W6 Sun Beige. I resisted buying this for a while, even though there is a ton of hype around this foundation. I finally caved and purchased it at the end of January. I’ve been missing out. This is a fantastic foundation at an even better price. It’s medium coverage, doesn’t lean too dewy or too matte and wears well. It lasts for hours on the skin and like the Becca Radiant Skin, I’ll reach for this when I know I’m going to have at least a 10 hour day. I like the Becca a little more than the True Match, but you can’t beat the price of the L’oreal; $8 compared to the Radiant Skin’s $42.

thebalm Cindy Lou-Manizer. I’ve lusted after this product since it was release almost two years ago. After finally getting my paws on Cindy’s champagne counterpart Mary Lou-Manizer and loving it, it was time to get Cindy. Cindy Lou-Manizer is a soft, warm pink highlighter. It isn’t as shimmery, pigmented and intense as the Mary Lou-Manizer, so it’s perfect for those days when I’m not trying to have my cheekbones to resemble high beams. It pairs well with my mid-toned mauve-pink blushes like NYX Mocha and Laura Geller’s baked blush in Sateen Subtle Berry.

Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in 01 Rose Shimmer. This is another hyped up product I resisted for a while. I just didn’t believe a lip gloss/lip balm hybrid could really be. That. Good. And even after I got this, I wasn’t initially blown away. When I first tried this I was like, “Okay, it’s just a lip balm that smells nice and barely adds any color to my lips.” Duh Alana, that’s the point! This gives the lips a beautiful sheen that isn’t too glossy. It’s moisturizing and just enhances the lips. It’s supposed to be understated, plus it smells lovely, like vanilla. The texture is smooth, creamy, not too thick and not too thin. There is a very subtle shimmer, but it is so subtle it doesn’t translate to the lips at all. In fact, it took me weeks to see that there was shimmer in this product. I have used this product everyday this month. It stays in my handbag and I grab this whenever I need to moisturize my lips throughout the day.

NYX Butter Gloss in Crème Brulee. This is a beautiful gloss. It’s creamy, nicely pigmented, smells of vanilla and melts into the lips. Crème Brulee is a milky pink-nude shade. I’ve been wearing this alone when I’m in the mood for a paler nude lip and I’ve also been layering this over MAC’s Cremesheen lipstick in Peach Blossom. Those two are a match made in heaven. If you’re a fan of soft nude-pink lips, this is your combo. Go do yourself a favor and put these two on your face.

Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara (non-waterproof). It was time for me to put the L’oreal Miss Manga mascara down and give another mascara a chance. I decided on the Maybelline Mega Plush because I liked the color of the packaging. Once I tired it out, I decided that I also like the product. That’s always a bonus. I favor length over volume in a mascara and this gives me great length. I have really long lashes anyway, so I can generally make any mascara work, but this one is quite nice. It doesn’t make my lashes as long as Miss Manga, but I sill like it. It doesn’t smudge on me, even though it’s not waterproof and people have asked me if I’m wearing false lashes, even my parents. Dear Parental Units: No, I am not wearing false lashes. They scare me. No glue is going anywhere near my eyeballs.

I acquired two more Real Techniques brushes this past month. I’ve been eyeballing the Expert Face Brush for a while now and I’ve really been enjoying it when I use it to apply foundations that tend have a more fluid texture. I really like it with the Becca Radiant Skin, L’oreal True Match and the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua. Because this is a denser brush, I can really get precise application and it blends foundation in flawlessly. I’ve also been putting the Stippling Brush to good use. I strayed away from concealer this month (except underneath my eyes, because the hereditary dark circle struggle is real). I’ve been using the stippling brush to apply more foundation where I think I need it, mainly on my cheeks and it covers up any hyper-pigmentation flawlessly without looking cakey.  

Fresh Umbrian Clay Face Lotion. I was in the market for a moisturizer to use in the morning. I stumbled across this Fresh one that was formulated with oily skin in mind. It claims to control oils while gently hydrating and toning the complexion. I really, really like this stuff. It really does keep my face less oily and I find that I don’t need to blot my face as often throughout the day.  I also like how it smells, like cucumbers and citrus with a hint of floral. I have a back up.

Origins Plantscription Face Oil.  I like this face oil so much that if I were to describe to you in person my love for it, I would just make incoherent noises. My skin drinks this oil up. I use three drops at night and one drop in the morning and my skin is more radiant, bright, even, smooth, soft and more youthful. Granted, I am in my 20s, so my skin is already youthful, but it’s still improved the texture of my skin. My skin has the texture of my 17 year old self and that almost 7 year gap makes a difference. If you’re into facial oils, you may want to look into this gem by Origins.

Those are all my monthly favorites for the month of February. This was definitely a long post, but I hope you enjoyed it. I like taking the time to write these more lengthy posts, there is something satisfying about it.

What were your favorite products from this past month?

-      Alana

Winter-Proof: Products for Dry Winter Hands

February may be over and the first day of Spring may be three and a half weeks away, but you wouldn’t know it due to the amount of snowfall and below zero temperatures we’ve been experiencing across the States. I live in an area that typically doesn’t see much snowfall, but we got hit with substantial amounts of the white stuff two weeks in a row.

The cold, dry winter weather was really starting to take its toll on my hands and cuticles. Even though I was constantly applying hand cream throughout the day, especially after washing my hands, by the end of the day my hands were so dry it was almost painful. And my cuticles! My cuticles looked like they’ve never come across a moisturizer! They were dry, peeling and borderline unsightly. I needed products that would really penetrate my skin and keep my hands from getting dried out as quickly, especially since I wash my hands a lot.

These four products together have really done a number on my hands. My cuticles are pristine and nourished and my hands don’t get nearly as dry throughout the entire day. My hands have NEVER been this soft before. I kid you not; my skin feels at least a few years younger.

LUSH Helping Hands Hand Cream. I went looking for a product for nighttime use before bed and settled on this. This cream is thick and rather greasy, but that’s what I was looking for and because this is a thicker cream, a little goes a long way. I don’t mind heavier products at night because I’m usually just lounging in bed reading and don’t mind if I get a few fingerprints on things. I use a generous pea-sized amount and really take the time to massage this in. It doesn’t have much of a scent, but I faintly detect the scent of donuts (wishful thinking…). When I wake up in the morning my hands are unnaturally soft and moisturized, even after a few washes. I credit this hand cream for keeping my hands nourished throughout the entire day. This may be the best hand cream I’ve come across thus far.

Christian Dior Abricot Nail Cream. This is another new product to me. I stumbled across it on the Internet and became curious. It has a plethora of rave reviews, so I figured, why not? I was looking for a product that would save my cuticles and this sounded like it would do the job. I was previously using the Qtica Intense Cuticle Repair Balm, but it wasn’t doing the job for me. I was applying it as a night treatment for my cuticles, but I still felt like my cuticles were lacking something. I like the Qtica Cuticle Balm, but my cuticles needed something more. The Dior Abricot Cream is my “something more.” It’s thick, gooey and emollient. It will make your hands feel greasy, which is why it’s instructed for nighttime use. The first couple of nights I used this, I woke up and my cuticles looked good, but the more I use this, the better my cuticles look and remain. They don’t dry out as badly and I found that when it’s time for my next manicure, I don’t have to work so hard to get my cuticles back in tip-top shape. This combined with Helping Hands is a dynamite duo. Two things to keep in mind about the Abricot Cream: It smells so weird to me. I don’t care for the scent; like fake apricots and something akin to earwax. However, I’m so pleased with the results I could care less. Also, this product does contain mineral oil, which some people are completely against. This doesn’t really bother me because again, I’m getting the results I want.

Crabtree & Evelyn Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Cream. This is a great product. It’s lightweight, doesn’t feel greasy on the skin, absorbs quickly and moisturizes well. This is the product I use during the day. I was using it at night, but it wasn’t heavy enough. This comes in a variety of scents, so almost everyone will find something they like. I keep one tube by my bed, one tube in my handbag, and a spare in my drawer of goodies. This is one of the better hand creams I’ve tried, though it comes with a hefty price tag. A 3.5-ounce tube retails for $20. However, keep your eyes peeled at TJ Maxx. I was able to find my tubes there for $7 each. Whenever I see them at TJ Maxx in a scent I like, I snatch them up!

Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream. This is a staple product for me. I started using this in 2011 and when I run out, I purchase another. It smells lovely, like tart, fresh lemons. It has more of a balm-like texture than that of a cream. This is lightweight and non-greasy, so it’s great for daytime use. I use this with the Crabtree & Evelyn hand cream and keep it in my handbag to keep my cuticles hydrated, especially throughout the workday. When I apply this immediately after washing my hands, it prevents my cuticles from getting dry beyond repair and you don’t need to use a lot of product either, so one tin should last you a while. For $5-6 a tin, it’s a quality product to incorporate into your hand and nail care routine.

What are your favorite products to keep your hands, nails and cuticles in prime condition during the brutal winter months?

- Alana

What's in My Bag

Hi lovely people <3

So happy to be back and I want to do the famous "What's In My Bag?" challenge that I've seen throughout YouTube and Instagram. 

So this is my tote bag that carries a billion things. LOL. When I bought this I was definitely thinking it could carry a lot of books. I LOVE huge bags and I hadn't came across many like this one until I saw this one last summer on blogs, Pinterest, Instagram. It is Madewell (J.Crew's sister store) "Transport Tote".Due to its price, I was definitely reluctant to purchase the bag, but I've saw a lot of great reviews of it. I finally broke down in late October and purchased this baby and I love it. Actually - I am attached to this bag yall. I haven't stopped carrying it since I purchased it. The leather is gorgeous and it's sturdy...beautiful...timeless...a staple piece....amazing. Okay...I am obsessed. 

Positioned on the left side of my bag is my "wallet" lol but it's a clutch.It is the Madewell Medium Pouch Clutch in English Saddle ! I've worn this by itself and it has a cool pocket for change and slots for cards and it's roomy. It's super pretty and it's all leather as well. I've had this since I bought the bag and it's super sturdy.  

I have a crazy love for notebooks and planners (Thanks to Alana and her organizational skills lol and to my  memory which isn't as great as it was in college. I have to write down everything these days smmmh. Signs of age ha). The White planner is by Moleskine and it's apart of the Peanuts tribute collection and Peppermint Patty graces the cover of mines. I purchased this in late December via Ebay for a great price. Alana also has a Moleskine planner that she purchased from Amazon. This is my first one and I love it so far. 

Next to the planner is my journal! I journal everyday and that mint green notebook keeps my thoughts, prayers, and breakthroughs in writing. 

To the right of the journal is my pocket-sized Bible! I purchased it at a Lifeway Christian Store. It is super cute and in the shape of a wallet and you can actually secure it in the front so that it doesn't fall open. 

Next to my Bible, is my iPad Air! I love the iPad and I can throw it in my bag when I don't need my to lug my Mac around the world. FYI - I am not a techno whiz but it definitely takes WAAAY better quality photos. 

I am currently reading Love Does by Bob Goff - one of my friends mentioned that this book changed his life and I love it so far! I will have to do a book review on this one for sure. The book talks about the fact that love is lived out and is an action word. Whew. It's awesome!

Direct your attention the bottom and you will see Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter and my Pacifica  Color Quench Lip Tint in Blood Orange - I looove this set and I bought it with a roll-on perfume at Marshall's for 8 dollars. The lip tint leaves a beautiful creamy color that moisturizes the lip! 

Beside the Lip Tint is the 

Sephora Cream Lip Stain in True Red and I LOVE THIS STUFF. It goes on as a cream and dries matte and it's so rich and it just adds color to all of my outfits. Definitely worth the money for sure!!!

My Lancome Pink Safari Eyeshadow Palette just happened to be in my bag. My mom bought this for me two summers ago and I love it because it has a good balance of neutral tones! 

In the little pink box are NYX Tea Tree Blotting Papers and I purchased this last week at Target for like 2.50 (steeeaaaaaal) and I like them so far

Annnnd of course I have my keys, a Pilot pen (can't leave home without it) and my Kleenex Pocket Tissues touched behind my Eyeshadow palette (because I apparently have year round allergies now and I have to blow my nose smh)

I hope you all enjoy! Please share your bags and items on your social media and definitely let us know by using the hashtag #allbasescovered

xoxo,

Tonyette