An Oldy but a Goody + New Mascara!

I've been wearing my modern looking afro, sometimes referred to as a curly fro. I used to wear this often and I suppose I forgot about it..now it's floated back into my life.

 I also have a new love. I'm not sure why I never thought to try out Physicians Formula's organic wear mascara but I absolutely love it! It lengthens and it doesn't take eons to get off and those are the most important things in a mascara. This company also doesn't test on our furry friends, which is a deal breaker for me when it comes to makeup/body products.

Going backwards a bit...I made a video a long time ago that showed how I get it to have this curly fro look and texture. My hair today is in need of a wash so it didn't set properly. It's also much longer so it doesn't necessarily have the same amount of volume as when it was a little shorter. But that's alright.. this is perhaps my best curly fro to date in the video. Check it out below if you wanna give it a try!

~The Retro Natural

The Classic Red Lip

Mia wanted me to do a tutorial so this is for you Miss Mia! :) Here's a quick pictorial on how I get my red lip. It's pretty simple, I'm not big on too many steps, I get bored somewhat quickly and start skipping so rather than do 9 steps and then skip 2 or 3, I just have a few steps, moisturize, line, fill in.

Start with moisturizing those lips! I find that when I apply lip liner to bare lips, it doesn't apply as smoothly and my lips are - duh!- super dry.  I'm using Alba Botanica's lip balm - tastes like passion fruit!

Then grab your lip liner. I use Arbonne's lip liner in Cherry.

 I do this half smile when applying the liner so it goes on smoothly. Lips should be taught but not too taught. Don't do a half smile anywhere else though, people will know it's fake!

I fill in my lips because my lipstick seems to last longer. Some people only line the outer area...do what works for ya!

 

Then I used my raggedy lip brush (not pictured because it's so raggedy) and apply a layer of lip color. My lipstick is Urban Decay's Revolution. I like Arbonne's Bravo a bit better though.   I've been using Urban Decay's lipstick for the last few months and while I like the color a lot, it's a bit too shiny for me. I apply a thin layer so it doesn't shine too much.  I prefer Arbonne's Bravo but it's brighter and usually better suited for Summer or Spring.

That's it! Simple eh?

I usually apply lipstick twice, once in the morning and after I've eaten lunch because most of it comes off and I'm not the least bit concerned with makeup when it's chow time!  Sometimes I'll want to have a fresh set of lips after work especially if I have somewhere to go show them off. Do you have any tips for the red lipstick wearers out there? I'm sure they'll be greatly appreciated!

~The Retro Natural

Make Up 101 - Every Bit Counts!

If you're using the new Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals Matte like I am, this is a little gift from the makeup goddesses ;)

Get the last bit out of your container by turning it over - you should probably close it first ;) - and using something like a metal letter opener to pry off the bottom. I had no idea it actually came off! I'm running low..can you tell how desperate I am?! hahah..time to go get some more!

My bareMinerals Matte, I'm considering trying Valana Minerals though, they have tons of shades for brown skinned gals out there..it can be really tough to find a great mineral make up that matches your tone. 

Have anyone of you tried Valana yet?

Anywho, back on topic...so there's a little lip you can use to pry off the bottom. 

I seriously can't believe the MacGyver in me didn't figure this out until after purchasing my second pot of make up!

Ah, my make up container is open and I'm not worrying about not having enough make up to last me til my order comes in the mail, yes!

That'll show that makeup pot! Get your full money's worth, riiiight?

~The Retro Natural

Layered Curls and Shadow

I've been rolling my hair as I have here and today I tried to go for a layered curls look. I like it so I better take a snapshot of it or else I'll forget! :)

I also took the advice of Imogen and tried some shadow to play up my eyes. I didn't want to overdo it so it's pretty minimal but I think it adds some mesmerizing mystique! Thanks for suggesting that! I've got a bit of studying to do before attempting some of the vintage eye looks, they look like they may take a bit of practice. But I'm up for a challenge so it should be fun!

~The Retro Natural

Getting the Retro Look: My Makeup Must-Haves

I really like makeup, but I can't say that I go gaga over it and buy the whole store. I definitely could (given copious amounts of money and no daily agenda) but I've weened myself off having a bunch of various eyeshadows, liners, lipsticks, etc. I do really well with a minimal palette of supplies.  Getting a retro look involves a few must-haves: Red lips, defined brows, matte makeup, and black liquid liner. Here are a few products that I always use when prettying up in the mornings.

I've used Bare Minerals for years now and I just recently found out that they carry a matte foundation. I've tried it and I like it more than the old "deep" foundation I used in the past. I don't use concealer, I mix my golden deep matte with an unscented moisturizer and use it where it's needed most (usually the forehead and cheeks) and then put a layer of powder form foundation on top. Works out very nicely!

I will always love my Bravo but in the past few weeks I've been using Razzberry, an unfortunately discontinued color, and I like it well enough.  I plan to try out a color from Urban Decay because that means I can walk in (into my local Sephora, that is) and walk out - instead of ordering online and having to wait. I hate waiting for makeup in the mail!

For my brows, the brow wax is thick enough to stay put for the day but it tends to be a smidge too light so I often use a black eyeliner pencil in addition to the wax to create a darker brown color. 

For that cute cat eye look, you can use whatever black liquid liner you prefer.  I currently have one from E.L.F. that I don't like that much because the marker-like tip gets fuzzy.  I plan to try Arbonne's liquid liner, they specifically state that it has a non fray tip! These are just my more important staple products.

What products do you absolutely need for achieving your retro look?? 


~The Retro Natural