{Makeup} Artist of Functionality: Palette Re-organization

All right, so after only a few days since I downsized a few of my palettes, I got really tired of the small palettes just laying around everywhere...they were homeless. I kept loosing them so I had to come up witha solution and quick.

I had this DVD rack that I never used so thought maybe it will work. It did, but I decided to go shopping around for some other type of rack instead. After 2 days w/ no luck I had an epiphany...why the hell am I looking to spend more money when I have something that works already. So I quit my search on a late night got really motivated to make this thing work.

Side Note: I'm realizing this with makeup too. You know MAC Stars n Rockets...I have a L'Oreal HIP & Wet n Wild shadow that are the exact same thing. I noticed the Wet n Wild one back in January, but after having palettes everywhere I noticed a L'Oreal hip dupe too. This is more motivation for me to restrict my spending on eye shadows at the least.

Anyways...check out how I made a DVD rack work...

LOL...oh yeah and it was like 3 AM so I had to be a little country and use a nail file. I have sand paper in the garage, but its cold outside.

QOTD:
Q: Do you ever get on the path of doing something and can't stop until its done (regardless of what time of night/day it is)?
A: Yes. I decided to start this project at like 2 am. Didn't take long but I got a job to go to in the morning. LOL

{Makeup} Artist of Functionality: E/S Palette

So over the course of the last week, I've been seriously playing around in my collection of make-up stuff. So in my efforts to refamiliarize myself w/ my products I decided that it was time to "reorg". The saying, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" is something I never believe. I literally have to reorg (aka create a mess) every 3-4 months. I'm so SERIOUS. If its not my bedroom, its the living room, or the bathroom. But something has to change in my living space constantly, including my beauty studio.

So my makeup studio / vanity area is well organized. It took me a few months to get it to the point where I was content. I'm still happy with the space, but its some of the internal organization in the those cuby holes that I'm looking to make more efficient. So last week I decided to do a project with my brush belt & traincase. I successfully accomplished my brush belt mission. However my traincase mission is a different story.

I purchased the traincase b/c I was starting to do makeup "on location" and at the time I didn't have a good way of transporting my makeup. So I invested in a medium sized traincase. The traincase that I have...I really really dig it. At the same time of the purchase I decided that I needed to do an overhaul of my eye shadow collection into a more organized and easily accesible solution. So I purchased several 28-well e/s palette. When I buy anything I have to research my investment. I looked up the measurements (as listed on the product sites) for both the traincase and the e/s palettes. I determined the the 28-well palette would fit perfectly into the traincase and noticed a few product specs that I would have to work around. I got the palettes first and it took me an entire weekend to depot, arrange, and magentize the eye shadows & palette. However upon the arrival of the traincase I was shocked when the palettes didn't fit!!! Well more like pissed !!! The dimensions on the traincase site were only estimates...the measurement for the section where I would store the palette was approx. 1/2" off and the 28-well palettes didn't fit the way I wanted them to. I was crushed...for me everything has to have some dual functinality...the palettes work GREAT for my personal studio but not for the on-the-go studio (my traincase). So I did some assesments...used the palettes for about 6 months and realized...i was at the last strike, among a few other things here's what bother me the most:

STRIKE 1: the palette wasn't magnetic (and it would require a lot of work to add new e/s to it)
STRIKE 2: my depotted (non-magnetized) shadows weren't secure enough (even after putting some magents on the back and underneath the palette well
STRIKE 3: it didn't fit in the traincase

So 3 strikes you're out. I contemplated purchasing a larger traincase to accomadate the palettes since I had already done the leg work, but I couldn't justify buying a $100+ traincase. So the next option was to switch up my e/s palette game...and this meant downsizing.

So my friend (EbonyEssynce) got me a new palette for Xmas, and it was perfect...thanks friend :-). Its a magnetized 12-well palette (also 15-well available, but I don't believe its magnetized). So after I get back home I tried this compact palette in my traincase...and its PERFECT....just absolutely PERFECT. It sort of fit into my palette stand, but not not as good as the 28-well. So I was like...time to switch it up. So I ordered 4 more of the same palette and started to reorg my eyeshadows. Which is the mess shown below.

However in doing this, I realized how ineffective the magnet tape was that I used on my depotted MAC e/s and I also realized that these palettes are too wide for my palette rack (shown in the picture on the left). The extra thickness of the palette is due to the magnet packaged inside.

PROS
Magnetized (the magnet is so strong that I bet TSA can't even make the shadows budge)
Compact size fits in my traincase
It has a little slot so you can easily remove your shadows
Easier to travel with (due to its magnetic and compact nature)
Doesn't take up much space on my vanity or the make-up bar/shelf

CONS
12-wells per palette (I have 75+ e/s, so that means I would have to buy more as well as figure out what to do w/ my existing 28-well palettes)
Doesn't fit into the rack I use in my vanity station

So I'm sort of at a dilemma here. The pros definitely outweigh the cons, but I need to find a nice stackable storage solution. So now I'm off to do some searching, I'm hoping that I can just buy something that works, otherwise I'll have to pull out my DIY hat and construct what I need.

QOTD:
Q: How do you store your e/s? Palettes? Drawer?
A: I have depotted e/s that I store in a palette and I keep them arranged in this DVD rack for easy access.

Side Note: While reorging my e/s I pulled out some amazing colors that I seriously neglect and made me realize that I don't need anymore e/s for a while. So I'll be doing more w/ my neglected e/s.

Creasing Conundrum: Illasmasqua & NYX

So randomly before bed one night I decided to play around w/ the Illamasqua Liquid Metal that I bought last year while vacationing w/ family in San Francisco. Now the few times I used it I was unsuccessful. It would crease horribly on me. The same is true w/ the NYX Jumbo E/S pencils. So while keeping in touch w/ my stash so I don't have to spend any cash (on new products) I decided to play around w/ these two products since the both are creasing conundrums. As you can see I used them in a not so everyday look sort of way.

Products Used...
NYX Jumbo E/S Pencil (Black Bean)
Illamasqua Liquid Metal (Enrapture)
Nicole Miller Foundation (Golden)
Wet n Wild L/S (Pure Sky)
Extreme Collection Lashes (Extravagant)
Ulta E/S (Galaxy)
NYX Blush (Copper)

Side Note: I'm playing around w/ mobile posting, so hopefully I won't have to edit it to much and I'll upload better pictures later.

QOTD:
Q: Do you have any NYX Jumbo E/S pencils? Like 'em, love 'em or hate 'em? Do you get good results when using them? Any tips or tricks to share?
A: At first I hated them, but I'm sort of undecided.

This look also prompted me to figure out why I don't care for the NYX Jumbo E/S pencils...more about that later.

{Makeup} Artist of Functionality: Brush Belt as Brush Wrap

So I've been working on my excessiveness with make-up and anything associated with it. Tools, traincases, storage solutions...if its in the name of makeup, then I want it. But my wants come with a high price tag. And I want a lot, so I'm scaling back and learning to work with and manipulate the things that I have into the things that I want.

Q: Does the saying "less is more" work for makeup (i.e products, tools, etc) and not just for applying it?




QOTD:
Q: What in your collection (product, tool, etc) are you able to use multiples ways? How?
A: I use my brush belt/apron when doing makeup for others. When I don't feel like wearing it as a belt, I hang it on the back of the chair for quick access to brushes. If I'm at home doing makeup I will place it on a plate holder (thingy) and it serves as a brush stand. So I'm learning to get my moneys worth out of this thing. I really wanted to get a brush wrap, but in 2010...I couldn't justify the purchase.

Beauty Solution: Storage Dupe

Remember my Makeup Organization post last week. Well I'm here today to introduce an alternative. A more feasible and easily attainable option. Checkout Mainstays Modular Storage units available at Walmart. I spotted it when I was walking through Walmart. Note to self...go in Walmart only for what you need. When I saw the display my jaw just dropped, I had to drive the distance to get my storage solution as well as paying a pretty penny. I'm not whining, I'm just saying. I looked at everything this solution had to offer and was impressed...its pretty comprable to the one that I have, w/ a little more flexibility. Check it out...


I'm always looking for a way to improve my space so I had to go check it out (even though I don' t need anything). This storage actually has more flexibility than the unit that I purchased from IKEA. You can stack it up as high, low, or wide as you need. It has more insert styles (drawer, doors, & shelf options) avaiable. It comes in black and white with matching inserts. The unit I has comes with contrasting drawer inserts (which I really dislike). Anways if you're interested in a similar storage option to my My Office.Vanity.Studio.Lounge, then check this solution out.

I have no idea of the quality, or how strudy this modular furniture is...I'm just introducing alternative. Since I like to continuously improve my space I bought one of the shelf inserts for displaying stuff, but it doesn't fit :-(

QOTD:
Q: How have you improved your vanity areas recently?
A: I bought new trays from Bed, Bath & Beyond to hold my pigments better.

Makeup Organization: My Office.Vanity.Studio.Lounge

Inspired by MakeupCrazies "How I store my face altering gems" post.

I am probably the most unorganized organization junkie around. I feel like I can always improve my space by making sure everything has a proper storage place, and by proper I mean it has to both look good and be functional. I'm like that w/ everything…coats, purses, all my tech gadgets, my office space, etc. So you know this look-good:do-good ratio carries over into the place where I spend significant quality time at…my vanity area.

I've had several organzation schemes since I relocated with my job after college, and they just didn't rub my organizational mojo the right way. The small plastic containers w/ drawers work and are easily attainable, but it was hard to organize everything in there the way I wanted and anyone could see through it...I like to hide my mess. The gray plastic storage container was one of the better containers (in terms of organization). It had 21 cubby holes so you could segregate products and everything wasn't as visible…but it was a little industrial for this room...and I out grew it.

So I tried some other common storage options but to no avail I had to move on. Most of my previous storage attempts were reasonably priced (so I thought), but after buying multiple plastic storage things the cost adds up. But I realized that I needed a better quality storage solution that fit my need and personal aesthics. My Dad's motto is quality over quantity..."be patient and just save your money and get the quality stuff". So I did...thanks Dad...I finally listened.


So here it is...a little of this and a little of that amounamounts to all of this...

This picture is a room sketch that I actually brought to life…with a little too much influence from HGTV's Candice Olsen. Shockingly, the room turned out the way I envisioned/sketched it (minus a few visible cords, hair products, etc.). So I'm really proud to show this room off, but I never thought I would create a post about it…b/c I'm a crazy DIY-er.

So allow me to breakdown the Office.Vanity.Studio.Lounge. This is my multifunctional office, vanity, production set, makeup studio, lounge, phone booth, hair station, etc. I do pretty much everything in this room. With this project I realized that I could survive in a studio apartment. Here's the overall space:


NOTE: Jump down to the vanity section if you only care about makeup.


Office. Its an office because its a desk that I converted. I have a desktop computer, personal laptop, and a work laptop. So when I'm doing personal work, sorority work, community work, or working from home I'm doing it here. This explains the million wires that I have not yet concealed. I also store any necessary documents of adulthood (i.e. health/vehicle/renters insurance)


Lounge. Added the funton for my lazy days. Its also used when my family comes in town to visit or when friends come over to talk about makeup or fitness stuff or anything really. I also added some motivational pictures on the wall to keep me inspired for makeup, hair, and health.

Production Set. This is where I record the few videos I have. Actually I record quite a few videos but never feel like they are worth publishing or I don't feel like editing. The director's lights above the desk definintely help with lighting on my web cam and digital camera. NOTE: The directors lights have dimmers so that I can adjust the lighting for daytime or nightime videos or seeing how my makeup looks in the various settings. I actually have gauze (bandage) over the lights to help filter/soften the light helps the colors to show better and prevents my forehead and cheeks from shining in glory...LOL.


Vanity. This is what I use this space for the most and it absolutely works. This space was set up with me in mind…and I'm the only person that sits here. When I first procured the desk/shelf thingy I wasn’t too elated about the contrasting color sheme, but its functional so I let it slide. What is it...a a shelf that has cubi holes that has a desk latched on to i. The shelf has inserts that convert the cubby holes to cabinets or drawers which helps me conceal all my goods. I had to assemble EVERYTHING, it was quite time consuming, but I enjoyed it. I'm a very hands on person, so it didn't bother me.

	Contains... Office supply stand small mirror webcam digital camera Pens/Pencils Lighted/double-sided mirror desk cover My laptop(s) Large mirror Light Control Magnetic board Brushes (MAC) Notes Directors lights Fingernail Tools Fingernail Polish(s) Lipstick Lipgloss Lip Liner Lip Pencils Pressed E/S Loose Pigments Small E/S Palettes Eye shadow Base Makeup Remover Q-Tips Everyday Tools Foundation Blush/MSF Carmex Mascara Surplus Personal documents Beauty Books Brushes Makeup Primers Brush Cleaner Beauty Books Eye Liner Beauty Inspirations Makeup Traincase Glitter Liner Large E/S Palettes Blush Palette Printer Printer Paper External Hard Drive Speakers / Subwoofer External Monitor Miscellaneous Stuff Wigs

Studio. I set up another section in the room to dedicate to hair and makeup. I definitely don't do hair, but my friend does. I'll invite friends over and this is where I try out my make-up skills on others. Some good, some not so good, but I'm learning. So I have my brushes, lights, mirrors, magnetic board, and squiggly full length mirrors (for visual interest) and to check myself out from across the room.

NOTE: This part of my room reminds me of the space that makeupcrazie configured...go check it out her organization here.


I had planned on making a video but the room doesn't have very good ambiant lighting during the evenings when I get off work. So maybe I'll try to make a video on the weekend and mayb do a video of it later on.

This was sort of pricey to do, but honestly I've made my money back because I haven't misplaced any products, its highly effective in the mornings (or before going out), everything is organized, and if my collection grow I still have 10 cubby holes of space, and I'm happy. The most expensive piece was my vanity station, the makeup studio shelfy thingy was probably the least expensive.

So hopefully this post didn't bore you and has possible made you think of organizing (or re-organizing) your own personal space. I would say that this could be set-up for just about anything. I'm very content with the space and find myself just in this room for no reason...usually staring out the window at folks in the park.

QOTD:
Q: How is your makeup organized?
A: Concealed and oraginzed in a large desk/shelf combination

Q: Would you like to see other organization alternatives at reasonable prices (i.e. bedroom, batroom)
A: I'll post if anyone is interested

Random: My Piercings (follow the eyes)

So I've been thinking of what my next tattoo will be. I know where I'm going to put it...just haven't figured out what yet. Lately I've been having this need to get the "next" thing. Since I could figure out the tattoo situation I decided...piercing. I've thought about it before but have written it off so many times. However randomly I decided...to go for it. So yesterday I did !!! A friend of mines has been talking about going to a shop but...much talk and no action so I just went for it on my own...with encouragement from a friend from back home...thanks buddy...and an old college friend...thanks nina!!!


I'm a very informative decision maker. So random for me, is actually going through with it. In fact I've been actively looking into piercings since about October 2009. I talked to my little cousin over the holidays about piercings b/c she's got a ton. I also visited 4 local tattoo/piercing places to ask questions, blogs, forums, and even stopped random people at the grocery store and gym to ask questions...LOL. So I knew what I was getting into. Anyways...once I finally decided where to get it...there was nothing more to do but do it.

Here are a few shots of the piercings (yes plural) in progress.


I originally wanted a tattoo in my cleavage area and I still sort of do...but I'm pleased with my current body alteration. The shop and guy were highly recommended. And I was happy that this was the place I went to. Because he knew what the hell he was doing and entertained my million questions. Cool dude.



So this is it. I was pleased with the artists, his shop (oh so clean), his customer service, and he was funny as hell.

Before

After

NOTE: That first picture I look swollen.

When you're happy with the service you get your return to patronize the business. That I will definintely do. I look through so many of his portfolios and I will be getting my next tattoo there instead of heading out of town.

Ironically my mom called right when I was about to get their piercing...HEHEHE. And I told her I was about to get a piercing...and she said "uhmm...WHY?". My response was "Why not, I'll call you back...I'm going in." I called her afterwards to give her the scoop and I can only imagine the face and thoughts she had when I told her where and sent pictures. But she's cool w/ it...and plush I"m grown as hell. LOL.

You don't have like it b/c I love it !!!
Anyone else have any piercings? Are they as addictive as tattoos?

QOTD:
Q: What's the latest random thing that you've done lately.
A: Piercing (2 microdermal anchors)

Picturing the Past

Do you ever hate when people bring up old stuff. I'm one of those people...my short term memory is horrible, but long term memory is on point. I did a previous Picturing the Past post with the thought that I would keep it going. Well 8 months later here's another picture. I'm going to try to keep it going for real this time. Maybe I'll pull out the archives once a month.


This picture is from April/May 2008. I look a little fuzzy w/ pink bronzed cheecks and fuzzy eye brows...LOL. I honestly think I was going to the gym or coming from it. I think this was a haircut that I like and wore for the summer...so my last style before I started transitioning out of chemically straightened hair. This picture was right around the prime time of me going exercise crazy...which is usually during the winter months (opposite the norm). Where I live winter goes right up until April/May...ain't that just sad. I'm not sure how much more of this I'll be able to take, but I'm 3 years in. Well anyway I saw this picture and instantly thought about taking my ass to the gym.



QOTD:
Q: Do you ever look back at old pictures and think I need to get back to that person (i.e. hair, makeup, shape, or overall happiness)
A: Yes, this picture (or this time frame) was the point where I was feeling good. Then I had to have my ACL replaced (about a 1 year full recovery, but i didn't wait that long)...a small setback but can't make excuses anymore.

Beauty (+1) Resolutions for 2010

All right so I've finally sat down and came up with all of my resolutions for 2010. I'm a huge resolution junkie and I try to get all of my friends to set resolutions too. I'm pretty good about accomplishing my personal resolutions, but not so good at motivating my friends to create resolutions. So here I'll only summarize my beauty resolutions for 2010.
NOTE: Maybe I'll publish this list and revisit it every quarter to see what strides I have made with each.

My 2010 Beauty Resolutions

SHOP MY STASH

BE MORE ADVENTUROUS W/ PERSONAL MAKEUP

5 MINUTE FACE

MAKE-UP ARTIST EXPERIENCE

PRODUCT AWARENESS

IMPROVE NATURAL FACE / SKIN CARE

Now these are just the resolutions, there are things (mini-resolutions) associated with each that I have 12 months to accomplish.

Lastly, I have one hair resolution that's a pretty big deal and very challenging for me. I mainly talk about make-up related items but this is probably one of my biggest non-makeup related resolution and I thought I'd share. This is about my hair and some of the mini-resolutions associated with it...

BECOME A FULL-TIME NATURAL
- Improve styling
- Understanding products (not buying too many)
- Finding a hair care professional
- Keep hair hydrated and moisturized
- Improve the luster/shine of hair
- Deep condition weekly
- Sleep on satin or silk bonnet/pillowcase
- Take more care/time when detangling
- Improving twisting, braiding, corn rowing, flat twisting techniques

Here's my little mantra for this resolutions...

Elevate confidence in myself, understanding of my hair, knowledge of my decision, awareness of my environment, reality of perceptions, and plan for the journey of wearing my hair in its natural state 90% of the time without fear! of what close friends, strangers, family, and co-workers think, or anyone.

I'm a sometimey natural hair girl and only a select few people have seen my hair, but there are more folks who have not, for instace people at work, people at the gym (in the afternoons), close work friends, etc. I really gotta work on this one.

So these are some of the things I want to accomplish this year. It probably sounds like a lot, but ya'll this is only 1/3 of my resolutions...LOL. I also have videos/blogs on my list as well. So hopefully you'll see/hear more of me in 2010.

Good luck in 2010 !!!

QOTD:
Q: Do you have resolutions? How many do you make? Do you have one that you really want to accomplish A: Yes, 22+, my hair resolution.

High End Hiatus: Sally Girl (PURPLE)

New Series...in order to accomplish one of my beauty resolutions, I plan on doing an entire look w/o using any higher end products. Most of the products will be drugstore or beauty supply store purchased products, however I may at times use some internet puchased brands. Brands that I'll be using include (but are not limited to): Ulta, Sephora Brand, Wet n Wild, Revlon, Maybelline, Prestige, NYX, etc.

First up here's a look that I did use all Sally Girl products. I purchased a ton of Sally Girl e/s recently as I decided to give them as Xmas gifts. But with giving there was also "getting". I had to get some more for myself. I actually really like these shadows. After seeing a look done by Shades of Sabrena I had to go try them out. I've been hooked ever since.



NOTE: Please excuse my hair, I was playing around w/ stretching my coils and got bored and started playing in makeup...LOL.

Products Used
Eyes. Sally Girl Purple Passion, Midnight, Taupe
Lips. Jordana mauve/pinkish l/g (from Walgreen)
Face. None...b/c this was randomly done at 11 PM, after I had taken my make-up off for the day.

I did a similar look using MAC and MUFE. Personally the Sally Girl Purple Passion e/s was killing the matte purple I used from MAC. It didn't take nearly as much effort to build up this color as it did with the MAC e/s. However this e/s shadow is a lot powdery and if its not set with something you will lose the intensity. On the higher end look I used the MUFE #92 for the deep purple and that was a better color. However the looks came out quite the same. The Sally Girl look was a little more intense though.

QOTD:
Q: How often do you use budget-friendly products in your beauty routine?
A: Mascara (daily), Eye liner (1-2 times per week), Eye Shadow (weekly if that), Foundation (1-2 per month), lip stick/gloss (1-2 times per week), Nail Polish (weekly)

NOTE: Are there any particular brands/products you'd like to see me use. It may be more than likely that I have the product already or could easily acquire it.