Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and I know many women are making big plans to spend it with that special someone.  My sweetie and I usually give each other homemade gifts that help us creatively express our admiration for one another.

I wanted that creativity to carry over into the makeup look that I will be wearing that special day so I am going to wear a bold, hot pink, makeup look that is sure to turn heads.  Here is my take on Valentine’s Day makeup.

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Tools

• Short Shader Brush
• Fluffy Shader Brush
• Tapered Blending Brush
• Small Pencil Brush
• Angled Blush Brush

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Eyes

• Urban Decay Primer Potion
• MAC Paint Pot- Half Wild
• MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural- Deep Dark
• MAC Eyeshadow- Passionate
• MAC Pigment- Fuschia
• Wet ‘n’ Wild Eyeshadow- Black
• Make Up Forever Eyeshadow- #92
• MAC Eyeshadow- Chrome Yellow
• Kat Von D Liquid Eyeliner- Puro Amor
• Milani Liquif’Eye Metallic Eye Liner Pencil- Black
• Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash

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Cheeks

• NARS Blush- Albatross
• NARS Blush- Taos

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Lips

• MAC Lip Liner- Cork
• MAC Sheen Supreme Lip Stick- Bare Again
• NARS Lip Gloss- Albatross

Tutorial

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What are your Valentine’s Day makeup plans?  Leave a comment and lets discuss.

This preview, shot by Russell James, depicts Lima gracefully perched in clingy prints, and chunky wooden jewelry.  I love how she struts to the beat of the drums in Karan’s gorgeous earth-tone gowns.

This clip gave me so much life, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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What do you think about Donna Karan’s Spring 2012 collection?  Leave a comment and lets discuss.

I ordered this camera because I wanted to increase the quality of my photos and videos, and just could not resist the thought that I may have been bitten by the photography bug.  I want to do more entries into this here “Fashion Diary” and needed a camera that would catch the charming details of my many different outfits.

Telling you this camera is awesome is not doing it any justice at all. It is everything I dreamed of and more!  The pictures it creates, even with the kit lens are so clear and the video, crisp.  I have had it less then 2 weeks now and have already purchased a different lens, an extra battery, and a gorgeous camera bag.

After reading the extra thick manual, I manage to shoot a photo or two and put together this latest entry into my fashion diary.  I think now is a good time to finally take those photography classes.

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Vest  | ASOS

Shirt | Urban Outfitters

Bag | Louis Vuitton

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Jeans | True Religion

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Scarf & Ring | Aldo Accessories

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Earrings | Thrifted

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Boots | Carlos Santana

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Can you sense the joy I have with this new camera?  Leave a comment and lets discuss.

Some time ago, a good friend of mine was spending the weekend and she stated, “Lets go get ingredients to make hot chocolate and stay in.”

Her face was beaming with excitement while mine with confusion.  Not once in my life did I ever imagine that hot chocolate came in any other form then the powdered version that is sold on grocery shelves.  ”Homemade hot chocolate?” I responded. “Yes, you need to try it.  I promise you your life will never be the same.”…And that it wasn’t.

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and I am a firm believer that the best gifts come from the heart…not the wallet.  Taking the time to create something that is readily available in pre-packaged boxes is an amazing way to show someone you love them.  Here is a simple  way to show your sweetie that he is worth your effort.

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Tools

• Short Shader Brush (MAC 214)
• Tapered Blending Brush (MAC 226)
• Fluffy Blending Brush (MAC 222)
• Shader Brush (MAC 242)
• Pencil Brush (MAC 219)
• Small Angle Brush (MAC 263)
• Angled Contour/Blush Brush (MAC 168)

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Eyes

• Urban Decay Primer Potion
• MAC Paint Pot- Pure Creation
• MAC Eyeshadow- Pure Candy & Soft Brown
• Make Up For Ever Eyeshadow- #92 & #70
• Urban Decay Naked Palette- Smog
• NYX Eyeliner- Sapphire

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Cheeks

• NARS Blush- Taos

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Lips

• MAC Lip Liner- Chestnut
• MAC Lip Stick- Velvet Teddy
• NARS Lip Gloss- Albatross

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Tutorial

What do you think of this makeup look?  Leave a comment and lets discuss.

All items may be purchased by simply clicking the links.

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1. LORAC 3D Liquid Lustre Drops $16.00

This long-wearing liquid lustre adds shimmer to your already fabulous makeup looks.  Tap a couple of drops onto your cheeks or eyes for an extra 3-dimensional shine.

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2. L’Occitane 100% Pure Shea Butter $36.00

Keep dry skin at bay, and make 2012 the Year of the Shea.  African Shea Butter is the ultimate moisturizer that can be used on the face, body, hair and feet.

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3. Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, $18.00

This dramatic black eyeliner by tattoo artist, Kat Von D, is one of the best out there.  It is easy to apply, gives a matte-black finish, and is long-lasting.

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4.  Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder, $49.00

This luxurious bronzing powder is definitely a splurge, but I have yet to hear one negative comment about it. I will hopefully suck it up and get my hands on it sometime this year.

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5.  Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil, $14.00-$48.00

This eco-friendly oil is rich in essential fatty acids, and Vitamin E which makes it the perfect face serum.

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What beauty products will you like to try this year?  Leave a comment and lets discuss.

Just when you thought one woman could not get any busier, this wife, mother, actress, socialite, and producer is now adding “Beauty Guru” to her long list of titles.

La La Vazquez, probably most known for her appearances on major TV networks like MTV, and VH1, and for her marriage to NBA star, Carmelo Anthony, is launching a new line of cosmetics to debut in Febuary 2012.  She plans to offer a full selection of foundation shades, lip gloss, lip stick, blush and eyeshadow colors.

It is not uncommon for women of color to have a difficult time finding cosmetics that compliment our skin. Thankfully,  La La plans to focus her line to match all ethnic skin tones.

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I have always found La La particularly beautiful with seamless and flawless makeup, so you can sense my excitement over this new development.  I am always on the lookout for new cosmetics to try and am very excited to see what La La’s line has to offer IT Girls everywhere.  I will be sure to do a thorough review once I get my hands on some of these highly anticipated products.

Do you plan to purchase products from La La Vazquez’s new makeup line?  Leave a comment and let’s discuss.

We are all, at one point or another, bound to receive a less then desirable gift in our lifetime. Here are a few tips on how to handle unwanted gifts with grace and respect.

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DO…

• Thank the gift giver graciously by sending a thank you card.
• Donate the gift to charity. Your gift may come as a blessing to those in need.
• Return the gift to the store if a gift receipt is provided.
• Participate in an online gift swap or host a gift swapping party.
• Wait at least a month before disposing of the gift.

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DO NOT…

• Publicly voice your displeasure with the gift in person, on Facebook, Twitter, or otherwise.
• Regift to a friend or family member.
• Hold on to the gift out of guilt or obligation.

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What are your plans for your unwanted Christmas gifts?  Leave a comment and lets discuss.

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Dress| French Connection

Clutch| Forever 21

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Ring| Forever 21

Earrings| Aldo Accessories

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Booties| Bakers Shoes (I removed all of the white jewels)

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Nails| Illamasqua- Phallic

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What are your style plans for the new year?  Leave a comment and lets discuss.

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Sanaa Lathan

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Victoria Beckham

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Joan Smalls

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Kelly Rowland

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Chanel Iman

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Christina Milian

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Beyonce Knowles

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Who is on your celebrity best dressed list?  Leave a comment and lets discuss.