It's a Mix of Vanity and Being Haitian

Those words are not mine, they are Stephanie Lilavois.'  And she's right.  See I left my house this morning sans earrings.  Sans.  I usually leave 2 pairs of earrings in the bathroom after I wash my face so I can throw them in and be on my way.  I don't know what I was on this morning but I left my earrings at home, which means I definitely went to the store and got some.  When I was a young girl I hated earrings, and dresses, and shoes.  My mom was/is a very fancy woman, and when I would leave the house without any earrings in, she would say you look like a boy put some earrings on. Disclaimer: My mother is from Haiti, where in her time there was no discourse on patriarchy, gender roles, or the like.  Me talking about her words is not an endorsement of them. Thanks.  That being said, I'm so indoctrinated by her words that I have to have earrings on or I feel like a bum.  It's remarkable how are parents words can impact us, even when we try our hardest to forget them.  I remember being a kid thinking I'll never be like my mom and I can tell you I'm probably more like my mom than she is.  Mothers' Day is coming up and while I probably won't get to see her this year, I know I can put on earrings and think about her.

(Note: I took this picture before I realized I didn't have on earrings.  I didn't put them on until I left the store)

Giving you some red for your Friday with Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Bloodline

When Someone Makes You Smile

When someone puts a smile on your face, it's amazing.  I'm sure there's science out there about serotonin and synapses and alladat on how being complimented or some ish makes your brain feel good.  Whatever, when someone makes you smile it's because they noticed something in you and wanted to bring it out.  Audrey Hepburn says "happy girls are the prettiest" and I really believe that to be true.  And I'll say my happiest smiles come from small acts of kindness, whether from a friend, a stranger, or someone unexpected.  Black women are BEAUTIFUL when we smile, so I hope someone takes the time out to make you turn that frown upside down.

Smiling in the sun in Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Raisin Rage

I told Tiffany to smile and she did! She's wearing MAC Matte Lipstick in Lady Danger

Favorites week is nigh! What are some of your favorite lipsticks?? Send them to me and a description why it's your favorite at blackgurlzboldlips@gmail.com

I Can't Do Lunch I'm Going to the Dry Cleaners

Chuckle chuckle laugh laugh.  This was something I actually said last night.  It's a shame when you have to start being a jerkface but such is life.  In any event, the sun is back out today before it rains tomorrow and I have new lipstick to show you all.  Because it's such a sunny day I wanted to pick a lipstick and makeup look that was light but also cheery.  Perfect for not going to lunch and heading to the dry cleaners.   

I finally had time to take a picture with this shade on.  Today I have on MAC Matte Lipstick in Damn Glamorous with MAC Lip Pencil in Nightingale.

Why I like it: 

I really like this pink like shade because as you all know I have warm undertones.  As such, pinks that has red in them go really well with my undertone. Combined with my sun-kissed caramel color skin tone it works really well together.  I used a liner because it is kind of bright for the office.  Honestly it is. But Nightingale is still bright enough to keep the color bright and not bring it down too much. 

Face Fancy

It's safe to say that I wear makeup every day.  And I'm sure I've said it lots of times but I don't do it because I'm afraid of my actually face.  Aside the paleness when I wake up I'm quite alright with my natural face.  I wear makeup cause I like to be face fancy.  Makeup is the necklace, the earrings, the blazer, the shoes that set off your outfit.  For me, it lets me let the world know "I'm here."  Embrace your natural beauty,  but take time once in a while to be face fancy. 

This is a new lipstick I bought on while on a date because I'm ludicrous but he supported me :) It's Clinique Pop Lipstick in Berry Pop.

Nadine is killing it in this wrap tho like for real and in NYX Cosmetics Extra Creamy Round Lipstick in Chic Red

Nadine also shared her thoughts on her lipstick choices (which is definitely an appreciated idea for the blog)  "I like it because of the bold color that I can wear for a special occasion or to jazz up a casual look. This lippie also has a creamy texture and moisturizing effect on my lips. Lipstick was also really inexpensive."

Black Gurl Fabulous

I'm sure you all have figured out by now that I love makeup.  However, what grinds my gears is that Black women, essentially all women of color, are left out.  We're left out of magazines, we're left off of the store shelves, some brands only offer hi-yella, mulatto, and Sudanese as color options and it really pisses me off.  It almost says to me "we're not interested in your money or making you look good."  And if we are going to sip the real T it says "I don't understand Black skin and I'm not going to try to." Honestly, some lines have 8 different versions of ginger and can't give me a decent sun-kissed caramel.  Anyway I say this to say despite being marginalized, ignored, whitewashed, pigeon-holed, and pretty much told our colors are too complicated to be dealt with, Black gurl you are beautiful.  You're not just the sassy friend, or the "assertive" co-worker, or the nagging gf, or the loud customer on the phone.  You are bold, you are strong, you are important, you are everything.  So continue to be Black Gurl Fabulous!  

Did a little bit of layering today with MAC Amplified Creme Lipstick in Fusion Pink lined with MAC Lip Pencil in Nightmoth

Kat elicited a YASSSSSS from me in MAC Heroine Matte Lipstick and MAC Lip Pencil in Nightmoth

Danielle was a peach for posing for me in Flat Out Fabulous by MAC lined with what I suspect is MAC Currant or MAC Vino

Barbara somehow managed to be both incognito and eye-catching at the same time in MAC Pro Wear LipGlass in Ready or Not and Black Opal Precision Lip Definer in French Roast

 

Renee was dressed up for the ball with Bite Beauty Cashmere Lip Cream in Burgundy

Ashley is serving it up in Brilliant Fuschia by Nicka K New York Lipstick

 

Thank you to the wonderful ladies that have sent in photos! Please send me your favorite lipstick looks at blackgurlzboldlips@gmail.com!