Celebrity Beauty Inspiration: Liya Kebede

Liya Kebede is the Ethiopian-born supermodel who has graced the covers of nearly every fashion magazine!! She is also the only black woman to ever serve as a representative for Estee Lauder Cosmetics. The definition of modern beauty and a celebrity beauty inspiration to me. Liya takes it back to the days of the real supermodels. Let's take a look of the elements of her beauty.

1. Radiant Skin

Her skin always just seem to glow. It always looks healthy. In this case, I think genetics plays a more important role than the products that she uses. Let's not get it twisted though, I am sure she invests in skincare products to preserve what she has.


2. Deep Chocolate Lip

This is an Ethiopian beauty aesthetic. She can always be seen with a deep berry colored lip. It looks really great on her. Try these colors: Bobbi Brown gloss in Chocolate, MAC Photo, Estee Lauder Black Truffle and Autumn.

3. Full Brow

We all know that a thin brow will make even a 20 year old look 40. Liya keep her brow full and groomed (notice...I did say groomed). It keeps her looking youthful.


4. Fresh Pop of Blush

Blush always seems to be expertly blended in just the right place. It isn't overpowering, but it is just enough so that it add that extra bit of youthfulness. Try Stila Convertible Color in Gerbera and Petunia.

Email me to let me know which celebrity inspires you.

Photo taken from Zac Posen's Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear show. www.style.com

The Wish List

I know its early, but I am doing my Christmas Shopping today (for myself of course). With all the stress that has been going on in my life....I need retail therapy (this day was planned anyway). I like to call this day Mona's Black Wednesday. I would rather shop in peace and avoid long lines (maybe even a sale...but when do cosmetics ever go on sale?) than to dare venture into a store on Friday. Yep, I am making my way out to Tyson's Corner to get my shop on!!! I am sooo excited!!! The weather is nice, and I feel inspired!! So What's on my list, you ask???


1. Sony Cyber Shot Digital Camera

Well, I am finally buying one!! I need this to document my work and keep you updated with all my trips to sephora, Target, and fashion shows.
www.sony.com


2. Dermablend Liquid Foundation


I use this to cover tattoes. This formulation is sooo densely pigmented that it covers tattooes,without looking thick and cakey. It is transfer resistant and waterproof...so I don't have to do too much upkeep.
www.macys.com

3. Japonseque Double Sided Palette

I need this in my life!!! I hate carrying alot of stuff with me on jobs. This helps to compact your supplies. I will store my foundations and lipsticks all in here!! Genius!!! This can be found at www.alcone.com.

4. Phyto 9 Ultra Nourishing Cream

My hair NEEDS this!!! My hair is sooooo dry!! I have natural hair and I have been eyeing this line for a while, but I was a little apprehensive because of past products that have failed me (Curly Pudding, Bumble and Bumble, Redken...the list goes on). I think that I am ready to jump back in and take a risk at falling in love...with a new hair product that is. This line contains botanical extracts, which would be a change for me and my poorly hydrated locks.
www.sephora.com


This list could go on and on....but unfornately my bank account doesn't (LOL...someday!!!). My weekend is going to be lovely!!! Shopping today, Thanksgiving tomorrow!! I can wait to prepare my Thanksgiving dinner and play with all my new purchases!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

Holiday Look: Metallic Eyes

With Thanksgiving and a boat load of other holiday parties just around the corner, it is time to gather the looks that you will be wearing!! I didn't even realize how fast the holidays were approaching, until a co-worker informed me last week that Thanksgiving was a week away. So what's hot to wear to family gatherings??? What to wear to the holiday party that your job will be hosting?? Don't worry...I have you covered. Just keep reading.

1. Metallic Eyes.

Metallic eyes are a great way to look festive during the holiday season. By metallic, I mean bronze, silver,gold, sage....basically anything with a hint of bronze, gold or silver shimmer to it. I love Bobbi Brown's new Metallics Collection. The palettes come with 3 metallic shadows that can be worn individually or combined. Be sure to pair these with liner on the top during the day and amp it up with liner in the waterline for night.


2. Smokey Eye

Well, enough said. You can't go wrong with a smokey eye. The type of smokey eye depends on the time of day. You can keep it PG during the day with a lighter color on the lid and just a tad bit of darker shadow in the crease, of course with liner on the top only.Pair with a nude lip and a warming blush or bronzer and you're set!! During the day try Bobbi Brown Best of Chocolate Collection. This palette comes with four eyeshadow shades on the bottom and four lipgloss shades on the top. You can even use the darkest shadow as your liner.


3. Red Lip

The red lip is oh so sexy. It's soooo sexy that it has to be worn alone!! Pair it with a nude eye and just a hint of blush. I think red or any color derivative of red needs some type of lip liner. The liner really helps to give that definition. As long as you find that perfect and appropiate shade of red you should be fine. My favorite lip combo for a red lip is MAC Nightmoth liner, Viva Glam I Lipstick, and the new 3-D lipgloss in Boundless (I love this gloss). Remember that you can always adjust the liner and gloss color to adjust the shade of red. Here are a couple of suggestions.

Bobbi Brown Lipcolor in Wine (name does it justice) paired with Aubergine gloss

MAC lustre lipstick in Dubonnet (red brown) with MAC Auburn Lip Liner (for fair girls) and MAC Currant Lip liner for (for Brown girls)

Lancome Juicy Tube in Cherry

Celebrity Beauty Inspiration: Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington is so gorgeous, talented (she directed Common's new video), and stylish. Her over all look is soft, classically progressive, and pretty. Skin is always radiant and bronzed to perfection. Her bone structure looks like a sculptor took a chiesel and went to work!! I love how she looks "done" but without too much of an effort. Kerry wears looks that the everyday gal can wear. She can normally be seen working the following lip/eye combos:


1. Smokey Eye/ Nude Lip/ Slightly Contoured Cheek Combo

2. Nude Eye/ Nude Lip....With a pop of color on the cheek (usually a coral or pink)

3. Silver or Bronze Eye/ Pinky Brown Semi-glossy Lip/ or Brick-red Lip (Don't you just love her lips?!?!?)


Her lips always seem to be nice and polished without a liner. This is what makes her look "classically progressive." The elements of her makeup are always current, but yet still classic.



Who is your celebrity beauty inspiration??

Must Have Product: Tinted Moisturizer

Tinted Moisturizer is such a lovely product!!! It can even out your skin tone, gives you a dewy radiant complexion, all without screaming FOUNDATION!!! Basically this product is foundation diluted with moisturizer. You can really make this at home (which is what I do!!) by taking your foundation (liquid or stick) and mixing it with moisturizer. This is an alternative to those who want to segway into wearing foundation and for those who have next to perfect skin. It gives a sheer and slightly buildable coverage. During the summer, it is a great way to create a faux "I just got back from St. Tropez" look by using a shade darker (this can also be done in the winter to keep your tan). Perfect for the already present cold months, because as it gives your skin the coverage that it needs to look flawless, it is also providing it with hydration. Although tinted moisturizers hydrate the skin, I would still recommend using a light moisturizer underneath (even for oily girls). Oil-free version work well for extremely oily girls. Let's take a look at the brands that I love!!!


1. Bobbi Brown Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15

This is my pick for those with oily skin. It will help to maintain your skin's moisture needs while giving it a glow (plus it has an SPF of 15)!!! It is oil-free so no need to worry about break outs. It comes in 8 shades. When first applying For those of us with a deeper complexion try MAC NW50.


2. Bobbi Brown Extra SPF 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm

This product is so rich!! Perfect for people with dry skin!! It evens out the skin while hydrating it to help dry skin to heal. This product is used by the Bobbi Team at fashion shows to create that healthy model glow.


3. Prescriptives Traceless Skin Responsive Tint

I remember the first time I tried this product (Level 6). I looked in the mirror and was surprised the image looking back at me had such a nice glisten!! Needless to say that I purchased this product immediately. This is perfect is you have sensitive skin. There are only 6 shades, so if you need a slightly darker or lighter color try their Virtually Fress Skin Refining Makeup. It too is very light and gives a sheer coverage. It will leave your skin looking like skin.

4. Clinique Super Moisture Makeup

I am sooo impressed by this formulation!!! It blends so well and feels so good on the skin!!! The color selections are excellent and it is perfect for those with sensitive skin. The tube packaging is so cute and modern. This is hands down one of my favorite. It is not quite a tinted moisturizer, because the coverage is buildable, but it is definitely worth a try!!