CVS/Walgreens:

mascara- L’oreal, Revlon, cheapest- Wet & Wild, other options, Maybelline, NYX, Milani & Rimmel
foundation- L’oreal, Revlon, Covergirl, Maybelline, Neutrogena,Black Radiance & Black Opal
eyeshadows- L’oreal HIP, Maybelline, Revlon
lipgloss & lipliner- Revlon, L’oreal, Maybelline, Neutrogena, Wet & Wild
bronzer- Milani, L’oreal, Revlon, Black Radiance, Wet & Wild,
eyeliner- Maybelline, L’oreal, Revlon, Wet & Wild
blush- Maybelline, Black Radiance, L’oreal, Revlon, NYX Cosmetics
lipstick- Revlon, Maybelline, Covergirl, Neutrogena, Wet & Wild
highlighter/shimmer- L’oreal, Revlon, Black Opal
tinted moisturizer- L’oreal

Sephora:

foundation- Makeup Forever, Clinique, Lancome, NARS
mascara- Lancome, Dior, Stila, Clinique
bronzer- Clinique, NARS, Cargo, Benefit, Smashbox
blush- NARS, Cargo, Clinique, Smashbox
lipgloss/lipstick- NARS, Lancome, Stila, Clinique, Makeup Forever, Kat Von D
eyeshadows- Urban Decay, Stila, Cargo, Makeup Forever
highlighter- Benefit( high beam, moon beam)
tinted moisturizer- Smashbox
eyeliner- Makeup Forever, Urban Decay
eyeshadow primer- Urban Decay
concealer- Clinique, Makeup Forever, Lancome
powder- Makeup Forever HD microfinish

Natural Brands for CVS & Sephora:

tinted moisturizer-Tarte
mascara- Korres, Tarte, Josie Maran, Almay
foundation- Almay, Tarte
eyeshadow- Tarte, Almay, Josie Maran
powder- Tarte
eyeliners- Tarte, Korres, Josie Maran, Almay
lipstick/lipgloss- Korres, Josie Maran, Almay
another brand to try that is organic inspired is: Sally Hansen by Carmindy, Origins and Aveda

liquid foundation-1yr
cream or powder compact- 18months
concealer- 12-18mos
powder-2yrs
blush or bronzer-2yrs
cream blush- 12-18months
powder eyeshadow-2yrs
cream eyeshadow-12-18mos
eyeliner-2yrs(pencil)
liquid eyeliner-3-6mos
mascara-3mos
lipstick-1yr
lipliner-2yrs
lipgloss-18mos

*natural cosmetics don’t last as long as regular cosmetics, because they don’t contain ingredients, that don’t help prolong shelf life
*if you can’t remember when you bought it, or it smells funny, toss it!

“Makeup Tips & Tricks” at The Cambridge Center for Adult Education (www.ccae.org)

Good makeup isn’t about covering your face with beauty products, but about learning what works best for you, and letting your inner beauty shine through. In this fun, supportive class, you’ll learn the basics of applying eyeliner, how to do a “smoky” eye, how to take a look from daytime to evening, and what the spring trends are this year. In the first half-hour the instructor will demonstrate, on a live model, easy makeup tips and tricks to enhance your beauty. Handouts and discussion will give you the knowledge and ability to navigate the beauty aisle, whether in CVS or Sephora.You’ll leave class with a personalized “Key to Beauty” just for you, with ideas to try at home. Feel free to bring in products you have questions about. Applicable to all skin tones (and men, too!) Tuition includes materials fee. Limited to 8.
Sec. 01: 1 Saturday, 2:00-3:30 pm. Apr. 3, 42 Brattle St. | $40
MKUP–01
$40.00

It feels like it’s been forever since I added some info to “Dear Beauty…” so I apologize…so here goes:

- dark eyeliner: 

 brown and black eyeliner. ” the contrast of dark eyes with feminine clothes is strong” says Pat McGrath at the Cavalli show.

- red lipstick:

choose a red lipstick with a brownish tone not a blue-based, which will bring out imperfections.

- false lashes:

when working with false lashes, using black eyeliner pencil or liquid to fill in the gaps, will make the lashes appear flawless.

- highlighter:

add shimmer/ highlighter to cheekbones, inner corners of the eyes and the lips bow. be careful with the shimmer over large pores, because it’ll only make them more noticeable.

-brown shadow:

it can be a gentle, soft effect..so try cocoa brown, golden brown, or honey brown to awaken the eyes, also with a warm or light brown eyeliner to define the eyes.

-hair accessories:

try barrettes, headbands( like the ones that Blair from “Gossip Girl” wears sometimes)..it will add some flair and sophistication.

-brow pencil:

using quick strokes to make brows appear natural if you like..but definitely try brow powder( which is my fave!)

-body cream:

using a mixture of shimmer powder with body cream or even baby oil, spread it on your arms and legs…it’s the perfect compliment to spring dresses!

I also want to share with you one of my favorite quotes from Nichiren Buddhism, which is called ” Winter always turns into Spring”:

” those who believe in the Lotus Sutra are as if in winter, but winter always turn to spring. Never, from ancient times on, has anyone heard or seen of winter turning back to autumn. Nor have we ever heard of a believer in the Lotus Sutra who turned into an ordinary person. The sutra reads, ” if there are those who hear the Law, then not a one will fail to attain Buddhahood.”

I hope you enjoy this

I felt so very emotional as I watched the inauguration of our 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. I felt so excited, like I was watching a relative of mine. I feel a deep sense of hope  and change and a connection, that I believe the whole nation is feeling as well. We are all cheering for him, and we will need to continue to support him over the next four years, and be the change that we seek.

I basically cried on and off all day, because I’m so happy and proud of this amazing movement and for our nation.  To have M.L.K.’s birthday and then Obama being sworn in the next day..it was a magical/historical moment for us all.. I’m so inspired by both of these amazing men and what this movement means and how much progress we have made as a people. Obama is inspiring all of us for the better, for a better nation.. a better world. I feel so empowered to do more, to be of service with the youth and the community. 

Like Will.i.am’s song says” It’s a New Day”…. all of our dreams can actually come true and that we should never be defeated and always know that all things are possible!

Martin Luther King to Barack Obama……..The Dream Realized

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda.

To lead a life in which we are inspired and can inspire others, our hearts have to be alive; they have to be filled with passion and enthusiasm. To achieve that, as President Toda also said, we need the courage to “live true to ourselves.” And to live true to ourselves, we need the strength of mind not to be swayed by our environment or be obsessed with vanity and superficial appearances. Rather than borrowing from or imitating others, we need the conviction to be able to think for ourselves and to take action from our own sense of responsibility.

the key to beauty is.. the essence of you..it’s the inner beauty…that radiates thru…

Scenes of jubilation broke out among Democratic supporters as the US TV networks just after 11.00pm (ET:4.00 GMT) declared that the inexperienced but inspirational Democratic candidate had won, after a momentous day that saw voters turn out in huge numbers.

Victory in the end came as easily as the polls had predicted. With key states falling his way, Obama’s achievement was comparable to the transformational victories of Roosevelt in 1932 and Reagan in 1980.

John McCain brought the momentous presidential election campaign to an end when he phoned Obama to concede the White House race.

Obama, accompanied to the podium in his home town of Chicago by his wife Michelle and his two daughters, alluded to the historic nature of his victory.

He said: “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

“He added: “It’s been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.

“He praised McCain as a “brave and selfless leader” and also began preparing America for tough economic conditions he will inherit.

Picking up a refrain from his campaign, Obama described America as a sum greater than its parts.”We have never been a collection of individuals, a collection of red states and blue states,” Obama said. “We are and will always the be the United States of America.

“Because of what we did on this day, change has come to America.”In an allusion to the enormous challenges that face a new administration, Obama said: “The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.”

For those abroad, Obama said “a new dawn of American leadership is at hand” and for America’s enemies he said: “To those who will seek to tear the world down, we will defeat you.”

Obama spoke moments after John McCain made a gracious concession speech in front of his supporters in Phoenix, Arizona, said: “We have come to the end of a long journey. The American people have spoken and they have spoken clearly.”

As an African- American woman, to see Barack Obama become our first African- American president this is truly an amazing and historal moment!!!! Words can’t express how happy I am!! I’m so excited and overwhelmed with emotion.

I’ve been teaching my young nieces to say Obama’s name, they’re too young to realize what’s going on right now ( Kiyomi will be 2yrs old in a few wks, and Kayden is 1 yr old) But, I know as they grow up, they will learn about how amazing he is. I’m hoping it will even inspire them, to want to become the first African- American woman president!!!!

It’s a new day for a new change for our nation…..

I truly believe that all things are possible!!!!!

We did it!! Obama y’all!!!!!!!

Kei

So….I hope you’re still enjoying the new makeup trends from last month, but here’s a basic guideline for choosing the best eyeshadow for you:

* Blue eyes:

Deep/intense browns, taupes,also try purple eyeliner or mascara

* Green & Hazel eyes:

Golden/ bronze browns, taupes, deep/ intense purples and lilac eye liner or mascara

* Gray eyes:

Charcoal-gray,soft browns and purples

* Brown & Dark Brown eyes:

you can wear whatever you want!!

….. So it’s that time again…. Fall, my favorite season… and with the new season brings change and new makeup trends!! which I’m über-excited about!!!!

Lips:

Darkness-

eggplant, chocolate-red, deep berries, plums, caramels, cranberries, black cherry

Eyes:

I Heart Gray-

Charcoal gray, silver gray, smoky gray, pewter, shimmering shadows. You can apply a charcoal gray eyeliner to the lash line , blend and start smoking it out!!! It’s a pretty quick and easy gray smoky eye!

“Pop” eyes-

alot of vivid greens, blues(like :teal, electric blue) pinks, purples, anything to make the eyes pop! Bold liner, very thick and dramatic is definitely in for the season!!!!

Just a side note:

If you’re gonna have a bold, dark lip, go with a neutral eyeshadow, and vice versa if you’re gonna go with a smoky or vivid eye color, use a nude or clear lipgloss.

Signing off for now……. enjoy making yourself into a fall beauty