black|Up! Cosmetics | Review

Posted on October 8, 2014 by queennzingha

black|Up! Cosmetics | Review
Written by NZINGHA for TheGlamSquadFiles™

I have been wanting to review this product since it was first introduced in the mid 90’s!!! black|Up Cosmetics Paris. Yes, I have been an avid follower of this product line. They were first released overseas in Paris in the mid 90’s and were doing what seemed to be well then suddenly disappeared!!! I was mortified because before I could even give them shout outs they had gone AWAL!!

I first found out about them when I was on tour with Mary J. Blige as her Makeup Artist. We had a brief stop over performance and promotion in Paris. I met a few young ladies there who introduced me to the line and told me where I could get it! And I indeed found it and purchased some foundations in the line and bought them back to the US! In fact I had used it for my own personal use and also for a few of my clients and I loved it!! Until I ran out and could no longer access the product!!!

The black|Up Cosmetics Pro Catalogue. Full Color product selections with high gloss pages. 75 pages of beauty!! Magnifique’!!

PANIC MODE 101!!! Client loves the colors you’re using…wants you to buy the product for them for their personal use…me…PRO MAKEUP ARTIST…BLANK STARE!!! WTH!!!! I can’t find them anywhere!!!! WHAT DO I TELL MY CLIENT…until now…close to 10years later! Revamped, repackaged, reformulated and rebranded…ready for action! IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT HONEY!!! YASSSSSS!!! Don’t miss this opportunity guys! I say stock up on this amazing brand designed unapologetically for Women of Color!!

Here I am in full black|Up makeup I used all the colors in one shot to get this makeup look. I use the CC Cream Foundation #04 daily(this is my Summer Tanned Skin color, my Winter color is #03,this is my normal skin toned color)

While on tour in Europe numerous times going to the best makeup shops I could barely find beautiful colors for Women of Color!!! I was highly offended!!! Then I thought really??? I mean for real people of Color are truly a minority in Europe…but not in the rest of the world so what can you expect from this market! And imagine a line for Women of Color over here would fly off the shelves simply because their beauty needs are being met!

I’m not here to apologize for my blackness or for any comments I make regarding any brand that is not inclusive of Women of Color. As far as I’m concerned I want to solely deal with brands that speak to my complexion without having to worry if I’m going to look grey, green or just chalky. I want a brand that suits my complexion and yes, there needs to be more brands worldwide for Women of Colors choosing!! NO APOLOGIES!!

Here are the colors that were sent to me and I am thrilled to say …I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS LINE!! Everything about this line I LOVE!!

Here are the eyeliners (liquid gold and orchid colored gel pencil eyeliner) and concealer

I am in absolute awe of this liquid eyeliner!! I can’t believe I’ve never had anything to compare to it EVER in my Pro Kit!!! And honey I’ve had my kit full of products that have come and gone in my 27year career!! I’ve got to order like 4 more of these!!! Long wear and waterproof for real waterproof (even with dish soap I couldn’t take it off!)

Here are the blushes in the colors 01(Fuschia Pink) and 11(Shimmery Coral).

http://www.blackupcosmetics.com/makeup/face/blush/new-blush.html

PRICE | $25.50

Here’s the black|Up CC Cream Foundation in #03 and on my hand 04

http://www.blackupcosmetics.com/cc-cream-multi-action-complexion-correcting-foundation.html
PRICE | $39.50

Here we have the glorious Complexion Enhancer/ Embellisseur de Teint (EMB03)

Here’s the black|Up Poudre Sublime (PS04)

http://www.blackupcosmetics.com/makeup/face/bronzer-1/sublime-powder-1446.html
PRICE | $36.50

Here is the Creme Poudre’ (NFC03)

http://www.blackupcosmetics.com/makeup/face/foundation/cream-to-powder-foundation-new-formula.html
PRICE | $41.00

Rich Moisturising Lipsticks

http://www.blackupcosmetics.com/makeup/lips/lipstick/new-lipstick.html
PRICE | $22.50

BONUS
So ok, listen if you are not sure of how the colors of the foundations will work on you, you can always test it out with these blister packs that have a range of 4 shades to test! Shads #04-#09 uhh and there are 16 shades to choose from that selection were just the colors they chose for me based on knowing my skin tone. AMAZING CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! What more could you ask for.

black|Up! Video Reviews

Lupita Nyong’o in Star Wars…Jehdi or Sith?

Posted on June 4, 2014 by queennzingha

Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

Okay so I’m corny and a Star Wars junkie, I could watch them all over and over again…seriously! So now you put one of my favorite actors in a Star Wars film?!? I’m done!! Lupita Nyong’o in Star Wars? Yaaaasssssss!

I loved Natalie Portman as Queen Amadala! Loved makeup and hair all day all the way on her character accept for Hayden Christianson’s hair as Anakin Skywalker that weave was a disaster (sorry I have to tell the truth)!

So anyway, not even the Hollywood Reporter has given a hint as to Lupita’s latest role but I have a guesstimate of who I think she’ll play and trust me its not a Jehdi! Some dumb report said she would be playing a Jedhi and not just a Jehdi but a supposed descendant of Obi Wan Kenobi…I think that’s just terrible!

Ok, here goes my guess: I think she’ll be playing…

Asajj Ventress

Yes, a villainess! Ok for my Star Wars junkies who can really relate and know their galaxy characters…here goes…

Asajj studied under Dooku during the Clone Wars. Although she was only a Sith apprentice, her powers quickly drew a lot of attention. A lot of which came from Palpatine who ordered Dooku to destroy his apprentice (which he failed to do). Asajj struck back at Dooku with two Nightsisters, but was unsuccessful in her assassination plot. Asajj wiped the floor with Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan on more than one occasion. Before Palpatine thought she posed a threat to him, he was impressed with her lightsaber skills.
“The child’s skills with a lightsaber are most impressive. You have found a promising disciple, my apprentice. She shall serve us well.” ~Palpatine

I like the direction JJ Abrams is going in with this cast and if my guesstimating is correct he won’t have Lupita as some wimpy character with no gut. I like his quick cut film edit style that keeps you on the edge for Sci-Fi films. Yet he manages to tell a good story in the midst.

This role will not be a passive one…no sir! This one will call for some serious physical dexterity which I think Lupita is ready for. I’m sure shell have to train in combat and some martial arts and most assuredly fencing. It will be a vast difference in character from what we saw in her role as Pasty in 12Years.

Time to move away from those visuals to a new visual for her as an actress.

I could be all wrong about this one but Mmmm I dunno, I could be right. Any feedback what do you all think?

http://m.hollywoodreporter.com/v/HeatVision/GwendolineChristieJo

*Artist Spotlight | Janice & Denise Tunnell

Posted on May 26, 2014 by queennzingha

Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

An online beauty conversation with Muas and Beauty Experts Denise & Janice Tunnell. Our goal is to inspire and educate one conversation at a time. We bring the Beauty Industry to you every Sunday night at 9pm EST. …read more

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/beautytalkwithillusions#ixzz34lBJMtIB

*Artist Spotlight | Pat McGrath

Posted on May 26, 2014 by queennzingha

Kenig + Alcone…Beauty Curators…a beauty ingenues heaven

Posted on April 16, 2014 by queennzingha

Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

It was just an ordinary day for me on my way home from work. I happened to be walking towards 14th Street up 6th Avenue (in NYC). And I stopped by a window and saw beauty items. I originally wanted to go to Ricky’s that night for a special product I always use. This place would be a detour for me on the way.

The boutique like store was closed! I knocked on the window for the attention of what looked like a sales person. We spoke through the closed glass door, I asked if they carried the item I was originally going to Ricky’s for. I thought perhaps they may have it. He said wait hold on let me look. He looked and said “No, but you may find that at Ricky’s it’s just up 14th Street.”

The original brand store in NYC called Ricky’s

I thought to myself how sweet of him to stop to talk to me even as they are closing up the shop. I asked what time they’d be open again tomorrow so I could be sure to come back. I turned on my heels and found my way over to Ricky’s for my products.

I returned again the next day again after work but a bit earlier. Again looking through the clean clear glass windows of this beauty boutique I could see what seemed to be an endless wall of hair goodies and supplies. Well, you’ve already reeled me in! As I walked in the door to this sleek airy and modern space to my left was what looked like an electric chair. I didn’t bother to examine it because I was pulled in by what I saw…PRODUCTS!!! Turns out that that “electric chair” is the original hair perm machine used in the 1930’s. A magical, historical and vintage find!

As a beauty Artist you find yourself always on the lookout for the next best thing that will become the “SECRET WEAPON” in your makeup kit. And sometimes the “SECRET WEAPON” is… a place. I always want to be surprised by the latest and greatest new thing on the market that will wind up becoming legendary and something my clients (celebrity & non celebrity alike) will absolutely love.

When I was deep into the store a most stunningly handsome man asked if he could help me. In my usual frank and nautily witty way I replied “Mmm you don’t even know!”, “What’s this place?…it’s new. I’ve not seen this store here before. And it says outside Kenig + Alcone? I know about Alcone I’m a big supporter of Alcone are they the owners of this store?”

He said yes. And began to tell me of the merging of my two favourite brand stores. OMG!! I’m in love!! Truly an amazing find I thought. And funny just the night before I came here looking for products I usually find at Ricky’s!!! The irony of it!! Well, just then the same young man who spoke to me through the glass just the night before came barreling down the steps.

He said “I remember you. How are you? Where you able to find your products? My name is Ray. Ray Holt.” I loved him instantly! He took me for a tour upstairs as I told him my specialty is makeup. He asked if I knew Ricky then. I said “Ricky who?”, he said “Ricky Kenig. The owner of this store and the founder of the original Ricky’s beauty supply.” Me “WHAT?!?!” Wait a minute, Ricky’s beauty supply and Alcone merged? GENIUS!!!! Who knew! No I don’t know Ricky.”

Ray, “Surprising, everybody knows Ricky.” I guess Ray was right everybody does know Ricky if they’ve been in his store but do I know him personally,…no. “He knows everyone in the beauty industry you had to have met him.” “I should know him, his store has been my go to all throughout my career! Guess, if you think about it,… you can say I know him and he knows me.”

Well, upstairs was a virtual smorgasbord of beauty and makeup items a beauty ingenues heaven!!! There were two young MUA’s up there browsing like myself. We wound up chatting all four of us.

This time I had to run because I was going to my next job but I wanted to meet Ray and browse the store. I would return again and upon my next visit after sending several clients to pick up items at the store, I walk in and there’s a handsome distinguished gentleman who greeted me at the door he said “Hi! Welcome to the store, I’m Ricky (with a firm handshake).”

I’m now floored by all the irony surrounding Ricky and myself today. I finally after years of supporting his other stores get to meet him today…, genius serendipity and not accidental! We spoke for at least an hour and a half ( such an amazing man, with the warmest heart and incredible brand knowledge). Please look for upcoming classes from yours truly at Kenig + Alcone Boutique.

After doing a bit of homework after my meeting the charming, stylish and enigmatic Ricky, I found out that Ricky’s was not his first beauty supply shop but “LOVE” Beauty Supply during the 80’s was! I lived for Love’s back then at the the beginning of my budding makeup career out of HS. My how we both have grown, I thought. Not only is Ricky a man with a Midas touch for beauty stores he’s got a creative talent for making things happen. Ricky Kenig is the originator of the fashion runway worlds choice hair clips and matte hair pins only found at Kenig + Alcone and created by Ricky Kenig himself.

Well, in closing, I’ll say this…Kenig + Alcone is certainly no kitschy novelty store but a sleek, modern boutique with an almost millennium apocathary feel. It’s for the more mature polished consumer who knows about Pro Makeup and Hair brands. NY’s answer to LA’s Frends and Naime’s (I dare say Kenig + Alcone will give the West Coast brands a run for their money!). Not to mention you can find just about all of your beauty needs that a Sephora cannot fill. Specialty beauty items never seen before and only used by Celebrity Pro Makeup Artists and Hair Designers. The items as only Ricky Kenig and Alcone can deliver. BRAVO Kenig + Alcone, BRAVO 👏👏👏👏

KENIG & ALCONE LLC 538 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10011 (917) 261-2640 10am-8pm

Why we 💗 Lupita | Lancôme’s Latest Spokesmodel

Posted on April 8, 2014 by queennzingha

Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

Nairobi’s rose and now America’s darling. Lady Lupita Nyong’o has taken our breaths away in all of her visual forms from us seeing her as her character Patsey in “12 Years A Slave” to her glorious self on the covers of magazines and in every tweet, post or comment. Even when you thought it wasn’t going to happen she was still winning!

Oh and can we say her name correctly please, especially after she’s been on several talk shows showing you how to say her last name not “GO” but “O”softly, smoothly and rhythmically.

I’m hearing people say she just came out of nowhere and stole our hearts. Well, I’m here to tell you she didn’t just come out of nowhere (no one just comes out of nowhere, everyone has a place of origin, a beginning before we met them)…she came from Kenya, Africa born in 1983 to Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o a Kenyan politician.

Her father is the Secretary-General of the Orange Democratic Movement is currently serving as the Senator for Kisumu County

Lady Lupita has a degree from Hampshire College in film and theater studies and her Masters of Fine Arts from Yale University. She has written and directed a documentary film called “In My Genes” stories of life for the albinos population currently living in Africa. She’s also directed a music video that was nominated by MTV Africa in 2009.

Lady Lupita is one of the few actors who has won an Academy Award for their debut performance in a feature film. Lupita was chosen as one of the faces for Miu Miu’s Spring campaign. She has won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actress and numerous other awards.

And yes Lady Lupita is *THE FIRST AFRICAN* Actress TO WIN an Oscar.

Ralph Lauren cape dress | Lupita the fashionable

http://youtu.be/bjwYJ11RDcA

Lupita Nyong’o is the newest face of French beauty brand Lancôme

“I am truly honored to join the Maison Lancôme, a brand with such a prestigious history that I have always loved. I am particularly proud to represent its unique vision for women and the idea that beauty should not be dictated, but should instead be an expression of a woman’s freedom to be herself,” Nyong’o said in a statement released by the French beauty house.

“I had to give a speech about beauty right before the Oscars,” she told WWD, “and for me, beauty is a compassion for yourself and those around you. And I think that in focusing on that, the light inside illuminates the beauty outside. The idea that Lancôme now has a few actor ambassadors is significant because actors are not just faces, they are spirits that people enjoy and relate to more than in an aesthetic way. We have the privilege of standing for something other than just looks.”

The ads will start running in September 2014.

The Wonders of Vaseline Review

Posted on April 3, 2014 by queennzingha

Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

THE HISTORY OF VASELINE’s ORIGIN

Robert Chesebrough, a British industrial chemist, was laboriously working to clarify kerosene from sperm whales. Whales and their body oils and even fluids in the early 1800’s helps to create balms, salves, creams, and various distilled oils.

In 1859, oil rig workers, reportedly found a substance that built up on the machinery, resulting in frequent mechanical malfunctions. They called it ” black rod wax”. The men who worked on those oil rigs used the remnant as ointment for their bruises and wounds. Chesebrough got wind of this unrefined ointment and then traveled to the United States to visit this Pennsylvanian rig. He found that the black rod wax could be distilled to form a light-colored gel.

Read more about the history of Vaseline. Love discovering something new to me but historical in its time.http://www.damninteresting.com/story-of-vaseline/
Mr Chesebrough obviously knew early on about marketing and eventually becoming a brand! Check out these ads over the years

Obviously from its really early days

This ad looks like it may have come in the 30’s-40’s

This display looks like its from the 40’s or 50’s

PACKAGE DESIGN OVER THE YEARS

And now the packaging for Vaseline has this great new flip top and has 4 different scents ; original, baby, coco butter and aloe. Really cool! Love it and love the colours added to the newer scents labeling.

Vaseline internationally. Kinda sad that its played into the obsession of skin lightening in India. I don’t see anything wrong with being brown! Guess its age old in the African American community we have always had lightening/whitening creams too.

I personally love the gels because I’ve got really dry skin and it just guzzles moisturizers as if it were nothing. Although it leaves the skin soft but you can see visible dryness, so love, love, love the gels. I also use them for glossy makeup looks. I keep a little squeeze bottle of it for my Pro Makeup Kit. Yeah!

Here’s that special “glo” you get from Vaseline in a fashion look. Really beautiful. Women used to wear Vaseline for eyeshadow in the 20-30’s all the time. It was used with black coal chips to make mascara (hence how Mabelline got its start).

In fact I learned that eye technique from my Grandmum who used Vaseline for 99 years (literally she died just before reaching 100). She used it as a night moisturizer(every night) and in all those years even at 99 she had minimal amount of wrinkles on her skin all over body.

Special packaging just for men. I guess it’s necessary because let’s face it men like packaging too. And in this era of designer this and that men like to see cool packaging on their shelves too, oh and have good skin as well.

My least favourite product from Unilevers Vaseline brand are these sprays. HATE EM’!!!! And they’re relatively new however, I do not expect to see these on the market next year. The product gets everywhere but directly where it’s supposed to go…ON THE BODY GUY’s, ON THE BODY!! Not on my floors so I can skid on them accidentally as I’m walking by!

The lip balm packaging now is so vast for Vaseline and has over the years added Color and flavours to the brand. I think it’s great!

Of course the “millennials” love anything with bling to it (I’m a bit guilty of it too) so here’s a LIL’ bling thing for those that like a lil’ sparkle with their lip product

The Incredible Artwork of Jason Mercier

Posted on March 29, 2014 by queennzingha

Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

“Jason Mecier, a San Francisco-based artist creates portraits of celebs using everything from bits of discarded jewellery to empty deodorant cans and bubble-gum wrappers. He has spent 15 years carefully collecting rubbish and using it for his masterful modern artwork. Artist Jason Mecier says that many celebrities have bought the work they inspired. Each one of his creations takes at least 50 hours of his time.”

~ James Pond CEO & Founder of Pondly.com
http://www.pondly.com/

http://www.jasonmecier.com/

My first introduction to the work of Jason Mercier was in 1997 with his work featured in the now defunct Suede Magazine. Suede was a hip trendy African American Women’s magazine to which I’d loaned some of my Makeup services to and had hopes of joining their staff as Beauty Contributor or even Editor at that time.

I’d gone up to the office and saw this future spread they were about to do that was all about celebrity makeup, so I thought. Well these ladies have all been in my makeup chair at some point so I thought they’d request me to do makeup for the shoot. the roster of ladies were Rosario Dawson, Missy Elliot, Ashanti and Mariah Carey.

Well, I never got a call for this amazing shoot! Why? Because it never happened!! I was in shock,… well I thought to myself, at least 2 of the ladies were on promo tours and one was working on a film with Will Smith. So I figured thats why the photo shoot was deaded.

When I finally saw the layout it was indeed the 4 ladies and there was makeup but, it was their portraits done in collage style with makeup products as the paint for their portraits!!!

GENIUS!!!

I was rendered speechless and utterly and completely amazed at this new brand of “Makeup Artist”. No way could I even compete with this work…in fact no Makeup Artist that were my peers could!! This was another skill set none of us had reached it truly was ART!

I began to follow Jason’s work and I have to say each and every piece I’m floored by. I AM A FAN.period.com…Lololol! Just look at these pieces in Jelly Beans

These in licorice

The Comedians

Musicians and their VICES…

The Game Changers…

No Better Drag Than These Dolls…

Actresses and their VICES…

Anyone who argues that this is not Art is a cerebral jerk!! Art is objective, subjective to its viewer. As for the celebrity aspect of the artwork makes it even more interesting that the portrait actually has their personal items in it.

It’s what I’d say is the “new” Pop Art. Pop Art is short for popular art. What’s popular to this generation. Warhol was Pop Art for his generation…his art was reflective of the culture and colors of his era…it’s was psychedelic, psychotropic and bright, multiples.

So what is one mans garbage is another mans treasure!

Here’s more from my FAVORITE Artist…check it out.

I just smiled when I saw George Lopez’ reaction to his portrait.
http://youtu.be/EuLmUd9C_jk

TARTE Cosmetics Review

Posted on March 28, 2014 by queennzingha

TARTE Cosmetics review…
Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

It all started for me when I used my FAVORITE product from Tarte called “The Little Blot Book”. This was my go to item while working live on set. It gave me the finish of an HD powder long before HD powders were popular.

Yes, it was a bit light and, you did have to add a bit of color to it but, boy it kept my Actors dry and smooth especially the ones you know will perspire and that the makeup will move.

I always highly recommended it to other Artists to make this well worthwhile purchase just to have it in their Pro Kits. I recall going through at least 3 books while working on Spider-Man 3

Recently while at work one of my lovely clients walked in bearing gifts from Tarte!! I was in shock and felt as if I’d gotten an Oscar or something. It was just the thought and presentation that warmed my heart.

Honestly I’d totally given up on Tarte after they pulled my Blot Book off the shelves but this surprise gifting has had me take a second look at the overall brand and the inner workings of the actual products. Can I say “My how things have changed! For the better! Better?”

The bearer of my gifts placed all of the products in Tartes signature purple shopping bag and then had this beautiful nylon fuschia cosmetic bag to go with all the products.

The first items amongst a host of items were these stunning makeup brushes…no matter how many brushes you may have you always can use more!! Each brush is different and has different purposes. And for me dual sided brushes are always winners,especially when I’m on set and want to cut down on carrying my whole brush roll (hate that!). I’m all about being compact, smart , organised and efficient.

The bamboo wood handles on these brushes lend a superb aesthetic and uniqueness that is now apparently becoming Tarte’s signature look. For a while it seemed to me that Tarte didn’t have its own unique voice amongst the sea of beauty brands…what made it special or even a “go-to” brand.

After spotting and pulling out my brushes I was overwhelmed by a sea of products in this awesome packaging. They’d redesigned the packaging!! Wow! I’m truly impressed!

All women like products that look good on the shelf and so Tarte is winning on looks but the true test for me as Pro working Makeup Artist is the actual product. For a real working Artist packaging is nice but it don’t pay the rent, the product and its ability to work does.

So, lets take a look at what’s happening with the 3 things I look for in a product:
1) Color Payoff
2) Pigmentation
3) Longwear

Usefulness and smart packaging…yes!

All in one Foundations and BB Primer’s great idea huh?

Swatches for the BB Primer and Foundcealer

I have to be honest I’m never a fan of bronzers. I don’t fancy people walking around looking like Oompah Loompahs…can you say scary and hilarious at the same time?! Now the average person is not successful at actually applying bronzers. Lets see about this one from Tarte.

It’s got a bit of shine to it but not too overbearing. Shine is always great for a nighttime look and in my opinion but, a no-no for older women.

Tarte is known for their longwear blush stains and these Color options are also now a staple in their collection. After trying them they definitely have longwear however the pigments on range are still a bit sketchy. Great for Caucasian women but for women of deeper tones they still need work.

Shadows

Eyeliner and Brow Gel

More…

Okay, so after trying it all…my overall feeling is ….this brand is still carving it’s niche out. The packaging is awesome. The product itself needs more work.

The clay in the foundation is great for people who have oily skin and large pores. The foundation, BB Primer, the Foundcealer all are rather dry and have a tendency to lack warmth in color leaving the coverage a bit cold and flat. However I would use the line as an overall primer because it does leave the skin smooth and the natural body oils don’t readily push through.

After applying the makeup (which was easy and smooth). The surface of my skin was beautiful and clear. I always allow for time with makeup for it to “marinate” and become one with the skin but,…IT NEVER HAPPENED!

I however after several hours (12 to be exact) still looked smooth (to Tarte’s benefit, and it is truly amazing how long it actually stayed on) yet GRAY (I ultimately cheated later by blotting it down with rosewater and adding a touch more color from another brand.)!! And simply too light for my skintone.

Now if the Foundcealer & BB Primer were a half shade darker and a bit more red, it would be perfect. The BB Primer is great as a tinted moisturizer and is great for those who have good clear skin and are looking to do a “no makeup, makeup look”. If you have darkness under the eyes I would recommend still using a concealer.

I will also say bravo to the loose Smooth Operator powder that comes at the base of the twist off top of the cream concealer. It’s perfect and I wouldn’t change it at all. Though it’s pure white (and may seem scary…like Twilight vampire scary) in the container trust me it’s truly a lightener for dark circles yet transparent (can’t explain it but honey it works at setting that concealer).

The products color range are very safe and non obtrusive. Really you can’t go wrong with their rage of colors if you are someone who is a bit frightened by bright playful colors.

I will give another nod to the retractable black eyeliner that did not move for 12 hours and did not need refreshing AT ALL during those 12 hours…AMAZING!! No running or smudging AT ALL!!! The retractable eyeliner pencil I definitely recommend you purchasing.

The foundations would be great for Caucasian skin tones, yet again, still lack warmth in the undertones so, you might want to mix it with a warmer foundation just for perfect color.

I will say the Foundcealer and the BB 12 hour primer does what it says and stays on for hours and the coverage is good and smooth. Buuuuttt…

Unfortunately the darkest colored foundations (deep) are still not full range and tend to look flat and ashy for women of color. I found I needed to add more Color to my face so, I wound up using another brands finishing pressed powder.

Overall Tarte has mastered packaging! Awesome packaging and great conceptual ideas for the functionality. Yay Tarte!!!👏👏👏👍👍👍

Yet, honestly,…the actual products need work. :|The colors lack Luster and come across as flat and safe.🎨My initial introduction to the product was by way of The Little Blot Book and, even then the powder was a bit patchy and needed revamping and needed a color safer for darker skin tones.

After speaking with a group of African American and Caribbean women the general consensus is…”Ya gotta mix it with something else for sure.”, or “I just gave it away. Who does this work for?”, or just a flat out “Nahhhh!”.

In closing…you can do it Tarte…work it out! I want you guys to win!

The Glam Squad Files…

Memoirs from the VIP Makeup Kit

Category Archives: Black Beauty

black|Up! Cosmetics | Review

Lupita Nyong’o in Star Wars…Jehdi or Sith?

*Artist Spotlight | Janice & Denise Tunnell

*Artist Spotlight | Pat McGrath

Kenig + Alcone…Beauty Curators…a beauty ingenues heaven

Why we 💗 Lupita | Lancôme’s Latest Spokesmodel

The Wonders of Vaseline Review

The Incredible Artwork of Jason Mercier

TARTE Cosmetics Review