No Is A Complete Sentence

/

“‘No’ is a complete sentence” is probably the smartest concept/quote I have heard in a very long time. Have you ever thought of it that way? Why is it always so difficult for us to say a simple “No” and not have to follow it with an explanation or an excuse?

Whether we are asked to go out of our way, do a favor for someone or take part in something that is out of our comfort, I believe it’s human nature to always feel obligated to shy away from saying no. We either become vulnerable and take on the task, or uncomfortably say no in different ways, which usually come in the form of excuses or explanations. I personally feel as if “no” is the beginning of a sentence or the ending, because I need to complete it with a reason. However, when you really think about the depth of the answer “No” it truly should be considered a full sentence, without the guilt.

How many times have you had someone ask you, “will you do me a favor” and before answering yes, a million possibilities cross your mind. “Could it be something I don’t want to do? How can I say no even if I don’t want to partake in the task?” It’s almost as if we have been programmed to always answer in the affirmative unless we have a really good reason. Answering in the negative becomes even more difficult when the person asking us is a friend or a family member. We think by saying no we are being a bad friend, etc., and yet the concept does hold some truth to it. It is so common to expect a “yes” from people, that when they turn us down, a sense of resentment and annoyance fills us, as if how dare them reject us. This is a social norm that needs to change for not only those saying no, but those waiting to hear a yes.

Too much of our personal time is wasted, taking on tasks and “yes’s'“ we really did not want to agree to, just so we can make everyone happy. I often find myself in situations, beating myself up for saying “yes” where I should have said “no”, but I am slowly learning to change. Of course this does not apply to everyone and those who are comfortable saying a simple “no” are praise worthy in my eyes. That is where I strive to be. To be comfortable enough refusing a request I don’t like, without having to explain myself. What are your thoughts? Do you ever feel like this or are you one of the brave ones who has no problem turning things down with a firm “No”? I would love to hear your opinions in my comments.

Life Updates

/

I know I have been MIA, but it isn’t because I’ve been lazy or forgot about you or my blog. It is simply because I have been starting a lot of new things this year and I am adjusting to starting this new method of work. I am trying to start my Youtube Channel, which already has two published videos. I have completed my Glam Room and finally created a video showing you around my workspace.

Balancing a personal life, two kids, learning how to edit, working with clients, on shoots, etc, the beginning of the year has definitely been keeping me on my toes. It is only the 16th, but feels like mid year. To say the least, I am really excited to start this year and see the amazing things God has in store for me. I have never been one to say “new year, new me” or speak of my “new year resolutions” because I don’t believe in those cliches. I believe everyday is a new chance and a new day to start something you want, or continue to better yourself in what you are already doing. This new year is a continuation of the journey I embarked on a few years ago, and I only intend on growing and bettering myself in my career and personal life. Each of us should have that motivation on a daily basis, regardless of what day of the week or what month it is.

Furthermore, I was planning my kids’ baptism the past few months and we celebrated my son’s first birthday on the same day. It was a magical day to say the least, and although we had a beautiful time, I was glad it was finally over. The planning took so much time and energy that all I was able to do was work and dedicate any other free time I had, to my event coordination. Sometimes, it feels like when we plan to do things, other things keep popping up that stall us from moving forward with our own plans. For the past two years, some of these moments have occurred in my life and instead of complaining, I have learned that life will always throw surprises and unexpected events along our path. These do not have to necessarily be negative events, but simply life changes we did not anticipate. One very important lesson that I have learned however, is that time is a precious thing and it is not promised and is not refundable. Work is very important to me and I love what I do. I will always have passion and the drive, and will always strive to do my best. Along with that, I also know how important it is for me to be present as a mother and a wife, which I choose to make my number one priority.

I won’t say “my new year’s resolution is…” but I will say my number one priority this year will remain being the best wife and mother I can be. The rest will follow, and time with my family is something that nothing else can ever replace. I will TRY my BEST to upload my blogs, videos on youtube and be consistent on my Instagram page, and I would love to be more interactive with you all. With that said, I will also be sharing more personal moments to make my relationship with you more intimate. If you have any suggestions on my page, blogs, youtube, personal moments, etc., I would love for your input in the comments section!

What's In My Kit?

/

As makeup artists, we always tend to carry more products than we actually use and way more than we actually need, even on the busiest weekend. I am one of those artists who keeps condensing my kit. Let’s face it, I don’t need 5 different neutral palettes and 15 other palettes that have similar colors and colors like hot pinks and yellows that are rarely used. Unless I am going to a photoshoot, most of my clients tend to ask for warm tones, browns, blacks and shimmers. Now, minus the one time I actually took out all my colored palettes from my kit and that same day a client asked for a green smokey eye lol. Mind you, I did have a palette with a green in there she loved, (lucked out) but nevertheless, I learned to keep a full on colorful palette in my kit JUST IN CASE.

With that said, if you were to dig through my kit on any given day, you would find these items every single time, because they are my absolute must haves to do a full face glam. Here is the list and what I love about each product:

  1. EMBRYOLISSE MOISTURIZER- for all skin types. Isn’t oily or greasy, and has a built in primer inside. Holds foundation great.

  2. SOFT OCHRE EYE PRIMER (MAC)- perfect for many skin tones (not too yellow and not pink) holds perfectly and doesn’t make eyeshadow look patchy.

  3. BLACK BEAUTY BLENDER- for some reason I find the black one to be the most durable and soft one out of all the colors. Any other sponge, although I can say I have tried more than I can count, can beat the beauty blender for me.

  4. ESTEE LAUDER DOUBLE WEAR FOUNDATION- simply nothing can compare.

  5. TARTE SHAPE TAPE CONCEALER-coverage is just amazing.

  6. TOO FACED CHOCOLATE SOLEIL BRONZER- Not too orange, not too dark and it is buildable.

  7. LAURA GELLER GILDED HONEY HIGHLIGHT- Literally perfect for almost all skin tones. Not too yellow, not white, just perfect!

  8. BIG BLUSH BOOK (TARTE)- has every shade I use from peachy, to pinks to bronze.

  9. ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS BROW PRO PALETTE- lasts years and has all the combos to get the perfect color for anyone’s brows. Customizable for sure.

  10. MAKEUP FOREVER AQUA BLACK GEL LINER- waterproof and super black. Dries quickly.

  11. MAC COSMETICS SHADOW IN “KID”- my go to transition color for any eye look i’m creating (perfect for all skin tones, even if not used as transition color)

  12. FENTY BEAUTY “STUNNA” RED LIP PAINT- never came across a red that looks AMAZING ON ALL SKIN TONES, until this.

  13. BH COSMETICS BRUSH IN 125, ITS MY RAYRAY COLLECTION #4 (my faves) but literally all their other brushes are in my kit- quality is amazing and prices are pocket friendly.

  14. MORPHE BRUSHES IN Y17, M411-only brushes Im able to use for eyeshadow blending (shapes are perfect).

  15. BH COSMETICS DESERT OASIS PALETE - simply perfect for my warm tones and shimmers.

  16. MORPHE AND JACLYN HILL PALETTE- has the perfect range of browns I tend to use for my clients along with a few bright shades.

  17. FERAL COSMETICS - LIQUID LIPSTICKS- BEACH BUM, MUAVE ALONG, SKINTIGHT, SAY I DO, ROSE ALL DAY, BUTT NAKED (lasts hours, compliments most skin tones, formula is AMAZING and not drying, smells amazing).

  18. DOSE OF COLORS- TRUFFLE, SAND, BARE WITH ME- formula is amazing and lasts hours. Colors suit most skin tones, not drying).

  19. LASHES (UNIVERSAL NUMBERS) 203, 217, 415, RDW, WISPIES, INDIVIDUALS IN XS, SMALL, SHORT, MEDIUM AND LONG.

This is a basic list of all the things I always have in my kit that I actually use. If I were to empty out my case and only leave these things, not including setting spray, lash glue and a few other important glam elements, I could create any look I desired. It is not to say other items are not important for creating a flawless face, but these particulars in my kit are truly irreplaceable in my eyes. Other items not mentioned are items I switch up often, and like to experiment with different brands. Also, not to say that these are the ONLY items I ever use, because this list covers my trusty products for a hit every time when it comes to glamming my clients. On the other hand, I always love to try new products and tend to use different products on myself, because all makeup is FUN and each brand offers something different and unique.