The Life of A Ladybug

Widewidths.com

Attention, all big-legged girls!

If you're like me and love the high, sexy boots, but never can seem to find any that perfectly fit your powerful size, this site is for you (and me) - www.widewidths.com.  I ordered a pair of black boots from there on 2/4 and they were here yesterday (2/6).  I've been wearing them all day today and let me tell you - they are fly, fabulous and fit like a glove.  They zipped right up over my calves with no problem - no stretching or tugging required.  And they are comfortable as all get out!  Head over there - NOW!!!

Shopping moratorium

Okay, as much as I love shopping (and I do love it!), I've decided that I'm putting myself on a shopping moratorium during the first half of the month of July.  I will not shop for anything other necessities.  No new make-up, shoes, or clothes for me for at least those two weeks.  And if that works well, it may be the whole month.  I want to prove to myself that I can do it.

Girl, you look great!

A couple weekends ago, there was a three-hour segment of Bare Escentuals on QVC.  I sat down to watch because I was doing Sarai's hair which is always an ordeal.  She's fascinated with the swirl/tap/buff of the BE, so I knew that a whole BE marathon would keep her occupied while I combed through her locks.  I have never ordered anything from QVC, but I like to watch the beauty-related broadcasts, so I know what things to put on my list for the next time I go shopping.

So, there we are, watching.  Sarai has a blush brush and her toy compact in front of her and is swirl/tap/buffing away with the ladies on the television and I am twisting her hair.  I am having no problem resisting the BE.  No problem at all.  Until the Today's Special Value comes on the screen.  I couldn't resist any longer!  Two foundations, three brushes, two eyeshadows, a blush, a lip gloss and a carry bag for $49.95!!!  I had to have it.

I tried it out last week.  I put the foundations to the side, since I already have them, these can function as back-ups.  I applied the two shadows, the blush and the lipgloss.  I like the shadows (a peach and a grey), but found that, after applying, they didn't make my lids look much different - maybe a bit more polished, but not changed much in color.  And the eye buki was really scratchy in texture, not at all soft like the regular kabuki brush.  I like the blush a lot - I had to apply a couple layers because it's lighter on my skin than in the jar, but it turned out to give me a lovely, soft coral flush to my cheeks.  However, the blush brush left something to be desired.  It was very small and skimy, if you ask me.  I tossed it aside and used my regular blush brush and I liked that a lot better.  The Buxom Lips in Bianca is a nice neutral color.

They still have some on QVC, I think.  If you're into BE, try this kit!  It's a good value.

Toya's Tip: Bend over and shake 'em! (or, If the bra fits, wear it!)

The #1 tip of fashion for us "well endowed" women is "Wear an appropriate bra!"  An appropriate bra = one that is well-fitted and well-suited for whatever outfit you're wearing.  It is never acceptable to go braless when one has a C cup or larger, in my opinion.  As one who sports a DD bra, I'm hardly ever braless, unless I'm in the shower or in the bed (sometimes I wear them to bed - LOL).

The best tip I can give you is to go get fitted!  Don't assume that you're wearing the right size bra because most women aren't.  Those back problems you've been having?  It's because you're wearing the wrong size bra!  Having a beautifully fitted bra will make you feel more secure in your garments, you'll look better in your clothes because everything will be lifted and smoothed out and it'll make your back feel better.  Most department stores offer bra fittings, I imagine.  I know for sure that Nordstrom does, because I go get fitted at least once a year to make sure that my bra size hasn't fluctuated.  An even better option is a lingerie boutique.  There is such a store here in Baltimore - it's called We Fit.  I first went to We Fit while in college when I realized I'd been having some back pain.  When I entered the store, I was accosted by two little old ladies - a Black one and a Jewish one.  They hustled me into a dressing room and instructed me to strip my top and bra off.  The old Jewish lady took one look at me and clucked.  "There's no way you're a 36 DD."  She began to measure me and I turned out to be a solid 36 DD.  When she'd gone and gotten me the right size bra, the old Black woman turned to me and said, "Alright, honey, bend over, put all your children in the cups (she called breasts "children" - hilarious) and shake 'em good to make sure they settled."  After I did that, she yanked up on the straps, adjusted them perfectly and snapped me in.  Suddenly, my breasts were high, lifted, separated and beautiful.  The heavens parted and the angels sang!

Every day that has followed, I have done the "bend over and shake 'em" method of putting on my bra.  And I suggest you do the same.

So, this week's Tips are: Go get fitted and Bend over and shake 'em!

Comments4aCure: Wrap-up

I want to thank all of you so much for how you've contributed to Comments4aCure!  Your support has been so appreciated and I love you all for it!  In total, I received 58 comments during the time period and I am so thankful.  In your honor and in remembrance of my FIL, in thanksgiving for my aunt's health, and in prayer for the healing of my aunt and all those who are battling cancer, I will be donating $100 to Sisters Network, Inc.

You all rock so hard for caring about this cause.

If you want to continue to help, please donate to the ChipIn widget located on the righthand sidebar of my blog.  All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society.  Also, don't forget about the upcoming eBay auction.  It starts this coming Sunday, June 10th at 12 noon.  Here's a slideshow to look at all the stuff: http://www.slide.com/r/ko6f7PlD1D8C0RZVvDcAOGrK7MQwlaoj?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url

Goodie Bag #1: 58 items total / starting bid: $100

item product highlights:

1 Pure Pashmina Black Shawl

Tarte Cosmetics Collection (18 items)

Kenzo Perfume Set (3)

China Glaze Nail Polishes & Treatment Products (6)

Zoya Gift Bag (8)

Goodie Bag #2: 88 items total / starting bid: $200

item product highlights:

Du Wop Cosmetics (5)

SkinActives Skincare (7)

Bourjois Paris Makeup (16) ($250 value)

Alterna Hair Care (4)

Max Factor Cosmetics (13)

1 Narrow Wet/Dry 1" Straightening Iron

Goodie Bag #3: 9 items / 5 sets / starting bid: $20

Nubar Nail Polish Collections (2) +Manicure Set

Comments4aCure: eBay auction update!

Elke, our wonderful founder, just sent us an e-mail listing all the products that will be up for sale in our eBay auction!  You won't believe the huge amounts of fabulous stuff.  Please place your bid, starting 12 noon on this coming Sunday, June 10th.  Whoever gets these goodie bags is a very fortunate woman (or man)!

Nubar 2 Nail Collections + 1 Travel Manicure Set: x5 available

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230139712907

starting bid: $20

1 Manicure Travel Kit: includes

1 Cucumber Cuticle Oil

1 Cuti Cure

1 Nu-Nail

1 Plastic Cuticle Pusher

1 Two sided sanitizable nail file

1 4” Cuticle Nipper ¼ jaw

1 Summer Breeze Lacquer Collection

includes 7 nail polishes

1 Trousseau Collection

includes 7 nail polishes

Gigantic Goodie Bag #1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230139106723

starting bid: $100

IN THIS AUCTION:

GOODIE BAG  #1

So Cosmetics

1 2.5 fl. oz So Sinful body fragrance

1 .67 fl. oz 1 So Wild eau de toilette

1 1.7 fl. oz So Desirable eau de toilette

1 1.7 fl. oz So Kiss Me eau de toilette7uhn

1 3 pack Spa Towells body moisturizing towelettes

the Original body lotion towelettes

1 Dermacia Foundation Set

includes 1 instructional tips dvd

2 brushes

2 breathable toners

1 breathable moisture

1 Medium Kit spf 15 breathable foundation in #5 Ebony/Tawny

Hottiedots!

The perfect way to add a beauty mark.

One in “Chocolate Kiss”

One in “Toasted Kiss”

Retail $4.95 each

1 Pure Pashmina Black Shawl

Size 36x80

1 Sassy Tails Hair Accessory for tweens and teens.

2 (1 black, 1 white)  The Ultimate Shoe Lace.

The Lace that Stays in Place™

Tarte Cosmetics -

A Collection of their Best Sellers

by Tarte Cosmetics

3 Tarte Cheek Stains in tickled . tipsy . flushed

3 Borba Inside Out lip glosses in apple a day . am . liquid sunshine

1 Lights, Camera, Lashes 3 in 1 mascara in Black

1 Rest Assured

1 Clean Slate Face Primer

1 Eye Shadow in bathtub gin

1 mouth off spf 15 lip balm

1 spf 15 moisturizing lipsheer 24.7 in champagne brunch

1 frxtion all natural sugar exfoliator & lip balm

1 Little Blot Book

1 The Toolbox brow know how in medium

1 Rock Royalty bronzer/highlighter/brush palette

1 Glam – to – Go

1 Perfect Eye lash Curler

KENZO Parfums -

1 1.7 fl oz  eau pour l'ete FlowerbyKenzo

1 50 ml eau de parfum KenzoAmour

1 30 ml eau de parfum KenzoAmour

China Glaze Nail Polishes & Treatment Products

by China Glaze

via Michelle at All Lacquered Up

1 Nail Collection in Surf

1 Strong Adhesion Base Coat

1 Patent Leather Top Coat

1 Calcium Gel Fortifier

1 Orange Cuticle Oil

1 4 oz Spa Caviar Green Tea Hand Creme

Skin MD Natural – 1 4oz  bottle

Shielding Lotion

by 21st Century Formulations

Head & Shoulders

1 14.2 fl. oz Citrus Breeze Shampoo . hydrating formula

Herbal Essences

1 6 fl. oz Body Envy Weightless Volumizing Gel in white nector/pink coral flower

1 8 fl. oz Dangerously Straight Pin Straight Hairspray in honeyed pear/silk

Clairol Herbal Essences

1 Bold 'N Brilliant Permanent Hair color in Star Light/Light Blonde

1 ZOYA gift bag. (not pictured)

Everything you need for perfect manicures and pedicures.

Contents:

1 Zoya Professional Nail Lacquer Gift Pack

Jute bag with wrapped items includes 1 each of:

Zoya Color Lock System (includes instructions)

Zipper bag containing

Zoya Remove +

Zoya Anchor – base coat

Zoya Armor – topcoat

Zoya Hurry Up – speed dry drops

Zoya Smitten Collection Sampler – 6 shades

Zoya Candy Collection Sampler – 6 shades

From Bespoke Labs

1 Dual Voltage 110/220 V . 1200 Watt Collapsible handle T3 Overnight Dryer

Gigantic Goodie Bag #2

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230139698810

starting bid: $100

IN THIS AUCTION:

1 3 pack Spa Towells body moisturizing towelettes

the Original body lotion towelettes

DuWop Cosmetics - a few new Summer products

by DuWop Cosmetics, Melanie Peralta - DuWop PR

duwop.com

1 duet eye shadow

1 blush booster

1 real lipstick

1 gloss infused

1 smoothset powder primer

Hottiedots!

The perfect way to add a beauty mark.

One in “Chocolate Kiss”

One in “Toasted Kiss”

Retail $4.95 each

Srina Green Tea Set

Includes green tea packets, and a multi fuction tea pot.

2 Sassy Tails Hair Accessory for tweens and teen.

2 Black . The Ultimate Shoe Lace.

The Lace that Stays in Place™

SkinActives Products

by Derek Thurston, Skin Actives Scientific

1 1 fl. oz Celestite Spriz

1 1 fl. oz Marine Nutrient Serum

1 1.8 oz Anti-Age Cream

1 0.5 oz Bright-I Cream

1 0.5 oz ELS Base Serum

1 0.34 oz Liquid Rainbow Lip Treatment

1 1 fl. oz. Marine Nutrient Cream

$250 worth of Bourjois Paris makeup

by Bourjois Paris

a baggie full of: blushes, eye shadows, lipstick, lip gloss and more.....

KENZO Parfums -

1 1.7 fl. oz eau de parfum FlowerbyKenzo in Oriental

1 1.7 fl. oz eau de parfum FlowerbyKenzo

1 100 ml eau de parfum in KenzoAmour

Alterna Hair Care Items

by Alterna Hair Care

1 8.5 fl. oz Hemp Repair Shampoo

1 8.5 fl. oz Hemp Repair Conditioner

1 8.5 fl. oz Life Volumizing Spray Gel

1 15.5 oz Caviar Working Hair Spray

China Glaze Nail Polishes & Treatment Products

by China Glaze

via Michelle at All Lacquered Up

1 Nail Collection in Blush

1 Nail Strengthener & Growth Formula

1 Strong Adhesion Base Coat

1 Ridge Filler

1 First & Last

1 Fast Freeze Quick Dry

1 4 oz Spa Caviar Hand Creme

Green Tea

1 Ardell Fashion Lashes and Eye Lash Adhesive in dark tone

1 Healthy Hoof Intensive Protein Treatment for nails and cuticles

Skin MD Natural - 1 4 oz. bottle

Shielding Lotion

by 21st Century Formulations

MAX Factor

Volume Couture Mascara

7 MAX Factor MAXalicious lip glosses in

    -- Stood Him Up

    -- Too Much Wine

    -- Secret Rendezvous

    -- Two To Tango

    -- First Kiss

    -- Spring Fling

    -- Table For Two

5 MAX Factor Exotics Collection Eye Shadows in

    -- Serengeti

    -- Rainforest

    -- African Violet

    -- Ravenous

    -- Tigress

Head & Shoulders

1 14.2 fl. oz Restoring Shine Shampoo . hydrating formula

Herbal Essences

1 8 fl. oz Body Envy Volumizing Hairspray in white nectarine/pink coral flower

1 6 oz Totally Twisted Curl Scrunching Gel in french lavender twist/jade extracts

Clairol Herbal Essences

1 Highlights Hair color in Rich Copper

Clairol Hydrience

1 Permanent Hair color in Burgundy

1 ZOYA gift bag. (not pictured)

Everything you need for perfect manicures and pedicures.

Contents:

1 Zoya Professional Nail Lacquer Gift Pack

Jute bag with wrapped items includes 1 each of:

Zoya Color Lock System (includes instructions)

Zipper bag containing

Zoya Remove +

Zoya Anchor  basecoat

Zoya Armor  topcoat

Zoya Hurry Up  speed dry drops

Zoya Smitten Collection Sampler  6 shades

Zoya Candy Collection Sampler  6 shades

From Bespoke Labs

1 Narrow Duality Wet or Dry 1inch Iron

The Opera Collection Clutch from Bo's Art/Los Angeles

A beautiful silver clutch bag.

Flirt Squeeze Super Shiny Lipgloss 4 piece

in Nectar Fizz . Mighty Aphrodite . Cherries Jubilee . Radical Raspberry

Comments4aCure: eBay auction!

We're also raising money through an eBay auction - a huge goodie bag full of beauty items!  The auction starts at 12 PM on June 10th.  Click the link below to take a peek:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230139106723

Mother's Day Gift Ideas (courtesy of Sephora)

Mother's Day is almost upon us and, as a mom and a beauty junkie, I wanted to give you a few ideas for Mother's Day gifties - Sephora style!  (All gift suggestions can be found in Sephora stores or on www.sephora.com.)

For the frequent traveler mom:

NARS Artist Palette.  If you know a mom who travels quite a bit (that would be me), this palette is a great gift.  It's sleek and thin enough to not add much bulk to your travel bag.  It has a mirror and contains ten of NARS' top-selling shades - four neutral shadows that can be sheerly pretty for day or smoked-out for night, two shades of the Multiple - one for highlighting and one for adding color to the cheeks, and four fabulous lipsticks. 

For the mom who can't afford an island vacation, but wants to feel like she's been on one anyway:

Carol's Daughter A Mango Melange Moment.  Includes a shea souffle, cleansing gel, perfume spray and a loofah.  All the body products are scented with Carol's Daughter's amazingly tropical Mango Melange scent.  This scent is one of my favorites and never fails to make me feel all island girl-y!

For the beauty junkie mom:

Sephora's Summer Blockbuster Palette.  This palette is a scaled-down version of the one that flew off the shelves at the end of last year, only to be seen making the rounds of eBay for astronomical prices.  24 eyeshadows, 24 lipglosses, five cheek colors, one translucent shimmer powder, two shadow applicators, a blush brush, and a lip brush.  What else could you need?

For the animal activist mom:

Smashbox Palettes for PETA.  100 percent vegan eyeshadows that have never been tested on animals.  Comes in two breathtaking trios: Earth Mother (on the left), which is the neutral set and In the Wild, which contains brighter, springier shades.

Stay tuned here!  I'll have upcoming posts with more Mother's Day gift ideas!

Free E.L.F. Gloss!

If you go to E.L.F. Cosmetics online and order more than $15 of products, you can get a free Super Glossy Lip Shine by entering "Gloss" in the coupon box when you checkout.

I've been impressed with E.L.F. Cosmetics so far.  I've ordered some products and will be trying them out soon and letting you know what I think.

You know what I hate? Overzealous make-up artists!

As most of you know, I am a freelance make-up artist.  Primarily, I do make-up for weddings and other special events.  Though I am an "artist" and do think of make-up as my medium, when I do make-up for a bride and her attendants or for a girl going to her prom or just for a woman who wants a new daytime look, I am performing a service.  Therefore, while I could go "all out", try the newest trend, make the women look like geisha, etc., I don't.  My job at that time is to adhere to the wishes of the client.  Now, no, I won't make someone look like Boo Boo the Fool just because she thinks (God forbid!) that Proenza Pink would look good on her, even though she has a beautiful chocolate skintone and I know that she'll look like she's been eating pink-powdered donuts.  If I believe a look will be unflattering, I do suggest alternatives and many a client has thanked me for doing so.  But if, for instance, a bride says to me (like one recently did), "I don't wear make-up on a daily basis.  I'm a very minimalist girl.  On my wedding day, I don't want to look 'made up'.  I want to look fresh, pretty, natural and totally 'like myself'", then what should I do?  I should honor that request!

What irks me are make-up artists who make it their business to tell you what's right for you.  As much as I love make-up (and God knows I do), I recognize and acknowledge that not everyone in the world shares my undying passion.  It is not my job to force my love of paint on everyone.  In fact, I have found that a vast majority of women look fresher and prettier without much make-up.  I include myself in that number.  Adding too much color to one's face can look garish and add 10 to 20 years, if one is not proficient in application or just too heavy-handed.  What looks great in an editorial advertisement would look like hell-suit-for-murder if it were walking down the street toward you in broad daylight.

I get that when you go to the MAC store or when you visit a make-up counter in a department store like Nordstrom or hit your local Sephora, the MUAs or the sales staff push product on you because it affects them money-wise ... they're trying to make commission.  But that's why I chose not to work in a store or at a counter.  I don't feel right having to push product or to use only a specific product line.  I am a MAChead, no denying, but I wouldn't want to have to live without Laura Mercier or Stila or NARS or Kimora Lee Simmons (the make-up, not the woman ... shudder) or BECCA or Bare Escentuals or L'Oreal or Revlon or mark or  ... you get the point.  I'm still reeling at my friend who left a MAC store with $500 worth of products, brushes and a small traincase ... on a daily basis, this woman only wears tinted lip balm and a bit of gel blush!  Why in the world would she ever need $500 worth of stuff, let alone something to keep it in???  Yes, the 12 shades of eye make-up she was wearing looked beautiful ... that's because they were applied by a professional in a store lighted like a runway!  She would never be able to recreate that look and she'd have to hit the streets in it ... she'd look like a French hooker at best if she tried that mess!  I made her return it all, posthaste.  WTH???

Y'all.  Don't fall for the hype.  Before you go to the counter or the store, know what you're looking for.  If what you need is an everyday look, suitable for office and weekend, say so.  And stick to your guns.  Don't allow yourself to be talked into all manner of primers, serums, brushes, applicators, sealants and whatnot when you know you don't need them.  Please don't make me have to walk up to you on the street and ask you if you've been the victim of assault with a deadly blush brush.