The Groovy Black Chick

Reader Request - Everyday/Fast Look

noreply@blogger.com (Groovy Black Chick) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 23:52:00 +0000

Hey Chicks!

Chick Kimbria from Atlanta writes, "[Can you do] something simple for everyday/something for the busy woman?" Groovy says, but of course! If you have two eyeshadows and five minutes (foundation or even just powder, an eye pencil and mascara and some blush and lipgloss) you can achieve the look below that we'll call, "Everyday Eyes for a Five Minute Face". Enjoy!

Featured Pretty

Eyes

eyeshadow primer - Too Faced Shadow Insurance
lid & browbone - NYX in Skin
crease - Maybelline in Nutmeg
upper & lower lashline - Color Mates pencil in Black
mascara - N.Y.C. in Jet Black

Face

concealer - L'Oreal True Match in Cool Medium/Deep
foundation - CoverGirl Natural Hue in Classic Bronze
powder - CoverGirl Natural Hue Minerals in Light Bronze 1
blush - NYX in Copper

Lips

lip gloss - Emani Minerals Lip Sparklettes in Gold

YOU NEED
eyeshadow primer
nude eyeshadow
brown eyeshadow
black eyeliner
mascara

concealer, foundation & powder
copper blush

gold lip gloss

Stay Groovy!

Facebook Groove

noreply@blogger.com (Groovy Black Chick) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 20:42:00 +0000

Hey Chicks!

I'd like to extend an invitation to you all to come join the Groovy Black Chick Facebook Page. Same vibe with lots of interaction and a TON of exclusive drawings, giveaways and the like coming soon (including a random name drawing to win something cool once we get to a "magic number" of FB Groovesters. Stay tuned!).

Hope to see you there!

The Groovy Black Chick on Facebook

Stay Groovy!

Quick 'N' Groovy - This must be...Pop!

noreply@blogger.com (Groovy Black Chick) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 17:57:00 +0000

Hey Chicks!

Got a wimpy, low-pigmented eyeshadow that's not showing up? Use a white pencil underneath to make it "pop" and the color more vibrant. Apply a creamier white pencil, blend, and place your shadow over it. You'll see a noticeable difference! Works with all shadow colors.

A good choice, NYX's Jumbo Eye Pencil in "Milk", about $4.

but nearly any white pencil will do. Behold la difference:

So by all means, get your pop on, and as always

Stay Groovy!

Got a comment? Requests and comments make Groovy dance! Hit the "comments" link below and leave one, or ask a question by emailing Groovy@groovyblackchick.com

Groovy Tut - Laker Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Groovy Black Chick) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:08:00 +0000

Hey Chicks!

Little how-to on the most recently posted look. Enjoy!

Stay Groovy!

Groovy LOTD - Laker Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Groovy Black Chick) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 03:12:00 +0000

Hey Chicks!

Was feeling a wee bit 'o regional pride, so grabbed these team colors and came up with what we'll call "Laker Girl":

Featured Pretty

Eyes

eyeshadow primer - Too Faced Shadow Insurance
eyeshadow base (on lid only) - Coastal Scents gel liner in Silk White
lid inner half - L.A. Splash Eye Sparkle in Golden Beach
lid outer half & crease - Coastal Scents 78 Palette in Lavender - column 8, row 1
outer v - Make Up For Ever in #92 Purple & Coastal Scents 78 Palette in Black
browbone - Revlon ColorStay Mineral trio in Tiger Eye - lightest shade
upper lashline - Coastal Scents gel liner in True Black
lower lashline - Milani pencil in Blackened Green
Paji false eyelashes

Face

primer - Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel
concealer - Redpoint in Yellow
concealer - MAC Full Coverage in Orange
foundation - CoverGirl Natural Hue in Classic Bronze
powder - CoverGirl Natural Hue Minerals in Light Bronze 1
blush - Black Opal in Ruby Treasure

Lips

lipliner - NYX in Current
lipstick - MAC in Temptress
lip gloss - Emani Lip Sparklettes in Gold

YOU NEED
eye makeup primer
shimmery yellow eyeshadow
lavender eyeshadow
purple eyeshadow
black eyeshadow
shimmery nude highlighter
black eyeliner
eyebrow color
false eyelashes

primer, concealer, foundation & powder
red blush

purple lipliner
gold lipstick
gold lip gloss

Stay Groovy!

GROOVY Tut - Blossom

noreply@blogger.com (Groovy Black Chick) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:52:00 +0000

Hey Chicks!

Follow-up tut to yesterday's look "Blossom". Enjoy!

Stay Groovy!

Groovy LOTD - Blossom

noreply@blogger.com (Groovy Black Chick) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Hey Chicks!

Feelin' floral! We'll call this "Blossom":

Featured Pretty

Eyes

eyeshadow primer - MAC Paint Pot in Groundwork
lid inner half - Milani Runway Eyes Glamorous Gems Palette - Yellow
lid outer half - Maybelline in Antique Jade
crease - Coastal Scents 88 Palette in Green - column 4, row 8
outer v - Coastal Scents 88 Palette in Black - column 11, row 8
above crease - Coastal Scents 88 Palette in Orange - column 9, row 5 & Pink - column 8, row 6
browbone - CoverGirl Natural Hues foundation in Amber Glow & Coastal Scents 78 Palette in Light Pink - column 7, row 1
tear duct - Coastal Scents 78 Palette in Light Pink - column 7, row 1
upper lashline - Coastal Scents gel liner in True Black
lower lashline - Milani pencil in Blackened Green
mascara - L'Oreal Lash Out in Blackest Black

Face

primer - Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel
concealer - MAC Full Coverage in Orange
foundation - CoverGirl Natural Hue in Classic Bronze
powder - CoverGirl Natural Hue Minerals in Light Bronze 1
blush - Beauty Treats in Pink/Rose

Lips

lipstick - MAC in Viva Glam V

YOU NEED
eye makeup primer
shimmery yellow eyeshadow
emerald green eyeshadow
dark green eyeshadow
black eyeshadow
orange and pink eyeshadows (or one rosy/carnation pink eyeshadow)
soft pink highlighter
black eyeliner
green/black eyeliner (or combine a black and a green)
eyebrow color
black mascara

primer, concealer, foundation & powder
rosy pink blush

rosy pink lipstick

Tutorial coming soon!

Stay Groovy!

GROOVY LOTD - Black Diamond

noreply@blogger.com (Groovy Black Chick) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Hey Chicks!

Think disco ball! Glitter! Sparkly stuff like that! If you're in a dazzle 'em kinda mood, this may be the look to go with it. We'll call this "Black Diamond" (full tutorial on how to create it in the post right below):

Featured Pretty

Eyes

eyeshadow primer - MAC Paint Pot in Groundwork
lid base - Coastal Scents gel liner in True Black
lid - Coastal Scents 88 Palette in Black - column 11, row 8
crease - MAC in Honey Lust
browbone - MAC in Bamboo
upper lashline - Jordana liquid liner in Black
lower lashline - Sephora glitter eyeliner in Gold
waterline - L'Oreal Voluminous liner in Black
mascara - L'Oreal Lash Out in Blackest Black

Face

primer - Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel
concealer - Redpoint in yellow
foundation - MAC Full Coverage in Orange
foundation - CoverGirl Natural Hue in Classic Bronze
powder - CoverGirl Natural Hue Minerals in Light Bronze 1
blush - NYX in Copper

Lips

lipliner - NYX in Y2K
lipliner - Jordana jumbo pencil in Brown
lipstick - MAC in Siss
lip gloss - Maybelline in Nude Flash

YOU NEED
eye makeup primer
black eyeshadow base
black eyeshadow
very shimmery gold eyeshadow
nude highlighter shadow
black eyeliner
gold glitter
eyebrow color
black mascara

primer, concealer, foundation & powder
warm blush

brown lipliner
nude lipstick
pearly white lip gloss

Stay Groovy!

Groovy Tut - Black Diamond

noreply@blogger.com (Groovy Black Chick) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:02:00 +0000

Hey Chicks!

Here's a tutorial on a new look we'll call "Black Diamond". This one's a sparkly, shimmery glitzy evening-type look, should you wanna get your groove on on the dancefloor somewhere! Full photos and product listing here. Enjoy!

Stay Groovy!

Groovy LOTD - Mermaid

noreply@blogger.com (Groovy Black Chick) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Hey Chicks!

Feeling summer and the sea. Here's some fun green and blue which we'll call "Mermaid":

Featured Pretty

Eyes

lid - NYX Ultra Pearl in Lime Pearl
crease - MAC in Black Tied
above crease - MAC in Contrast and Coastal Scents 88 Palette in Blue/Grey
browbone - Coastal Scents 88 Palette in White
upper lashline - Coastal Scents gel liner in True Black
lower lashline - L'Oreal Voluminous liner in Black
mascara - L'Oreal Lash Out in Blackest Black
false eyelashes - Salon Perfect #21

Face

primer - Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel
concealer - Redpoint in yellow
foundation - MAC Full Coverage in Orange
foundation - CoverGirl Natural Hue in Classic Bronze
powder - CoverGirl Natural Hue Minerals in Light Bronze 1
blush - La Femme in Golden Sunset

Lips

lipstick - MAC in Tantress

YOU NEED
eye makeup primer
metallic green eyeshadow
black eyeshadow (or black pencil) for cutting the crease
dark blue eyeshadow
blue/grey eyeshadow
white highlighter shadow
black eyeliner
eyebrow color
black mascara
false eyelashes

primer, concealer, foundation & powder
warm blush

gold lipstick

Subscribe to Groovy's YouTube Channel!

Stay Groovy!

Groovy LOTD - Fiyah

noreply@blogger.com (Groovy Black Chick) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Hey Chicks!

Hotter than July! Here's a vibrant look for summer we'll call "Fiyah":

Featured Pretty

Eyes

eyeshadow base - MAC Paint Pot in Groundwork
lid base - NYX pencil in Pumpkin
lid - Make Up For Ever in Tangerine
crease - Smashbox in Torch
above crease - L.A. Splash Eye Sparkle in Golden Beach
browbone - Coastal Scents 88 Palette in White - column 1, row 2
upper lashline - Jordana Fabuliner in Black
lower lashline - Sephora pencil in Electro Night and Coastal Scents 88 Palette in Blue - column 6, row 6
eyebrows - Styli-Style pencil in Black Brown & Ardell powder in Mink Brown
false eyelashes - Salon Perfect #21
mascara -L'Oreal Extra Volume Collagen in Black

Face

primer - Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel
concealer - Redpoint in yellow
foundation - MAC Full Coverage in Orange
foundation - CoverGirl Natural Hue in Classic Bronze
powder - CoverGirl Natural Hue Minerals in Light Bronze 1
blush - La Femme in Golden Sunset

Lips

lip liner - Jordana in Brown
lip liner - NYX in Pumpkin
lip gloss - Prestige Vinyl Wear in Alloy

YOU NEED
eye makeup primer
orange pencil as a lid base
bright orange eyeshadow
medium orange eyeshadow
yellow eyeshadow
white highlighter shadow
black eyeliner
sapphire blue eyeliner and/or eyeshadow
eyebrow color
black mascara

primer, concealer, foundation & powder
warm blush

brown lipliner
orange lipliner
golden orange lip gloss

Subscribe to Groovy's YouTube Channel!

Stay Groovy!

Groovy Tut - Goldeneye

noreply@blogger.com (Groovy Black Chick) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:24:00 +0000

Hey Chicks!

Here's a tutorial on a blast from the past, "Goldeneye", which is a soft gold look. The original look and list of products used can be found here. Note: in the tutorial, I switched out the brown in the crease from MAC's Folie to Maybelline's Nutmeg. But any nice brown shade will do. Hope you enjoy!

Stay Groovy!

Groovy LOTD - Purple Reign

noreply@blogger.com (Groovy Black Chick) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Hey Chicks!

Here's something for when you're feeling royal! We'll call this "Purple Reign":

Featured Pretty

Eyes

primer - Too Faced Shadow Insurance
middle of lid - MAC Naked Lunch
inner/outer corners of lid, crease & lower lashline - Make Up For Ever #92
above crease - MAC Creme De Violet
browbone - MAC Ivoire
upper lashline - Coastal Scents gel liner in True Black
lower lashline - Jordana liner in Tahitian Blue
eyebrows - Styli-Style pencil in Black Brown & Ardell powder in Mink Brown
mascara -L'Oreal Extra Volume Collagen in Black
false eyelashes - Salon Perfect #21

Face

primer - Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel
concealer - Redpoint in yellow
foundation - MAC Full Coverage in Orange
foundation - CoverGirl Natural Hue in Classic Bronze
powder - CoverGirl Natural Hue Minerals in Light Bronze 1
blush - Beauty Treats in Pink/Rose

Lips

lipliner - Jordana in Deep Purple
lip gloss - Revlon Colorstay in sparkly/clear top coat side of Ultimate Wine duo

YOU NEED
eye makeup primer
shimmery pink eyeshadow
deep purple eyeshadow
medium purple/violet eyeshadow
nude highlighter shadow
black eyeliner
blue eyeliner
eyebrow color
black mascara
false eyelashes

primer, concealer, foundation & powder
pink/rose blush

fuchsia lipliner
sparkly/clear lip gloss

Subscribe to Groovy's YouTube Channel!

Stay Groovy!

Groovy LOTD - 4th Of July Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Groovy Black Chick) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 04:43:00 +0000

HEY CHICKS!

Didja miss me? (if that's not a resounding yes, don't answer; Groovy is a sensitive soul...). Well, whether ya did or ya ain't, I'm baaaack (say it like the kid from Poltergeist).

So then! I played around with various combinations of red, white and blue (six to be exact) until I was exhausted. Hit upon this one that I think is dramatic yet wearable. So if you wanna go groovy at the barbecue this Saturday, this may be for you. We'll call this "4th of July Fun":

Featured Pretty

Eyes

eyeshadow base - MAC Paint Pot in Groundwork
lid base - CoverGirl pencil in Navy
lid and lower lashline - NYX Ultra Pearl in Turquoise Pearl
crease - Coastal Scents 78 Palette in Red - column 5, row 5
browbone - Coastal Scents 78 Palette in Shimmery White
upper lashline - Coastal Scents gel liner in True Black
lower lashline - NYC pencil in Black
eyebrows - Styli-Style pencil in Black Brown & Ardell powder in Mink Brown
mascara -L'Oreal Extra Volume Collagen in Black
false eyelashes - Salon Perfect #21

Face

primer - Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel
concealer - Redpoint in yellow
foundation - MAC Full Coverage in Orange
foundation - CoverGirl Natural Hue in Classic Bronze
powder - CoverGirl Natural Hue Minerals in Light Bronze 1
blush - Black Opal in Ruby Treasure

Lips

lipgloss - Revlon in Cupid's Kiss

YOU NEED
eye makeup primer
navy lid base
metallic blue eyeshadow
red eyeshadow
shimmery white highlighter shadow
black eyeliner
eyebrow color
black mascara
false eyelashes

primer, concealer, foundation & powder
red blush

red lip gloss

Subscribe to Groovy's YouTube Channel!

Stay Groovy!

Getting Back In The Groove!

noreply@blogger.com (Groovy Black Chick) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:44:00 +0000

Updates!

Stay Tuned and Stay Groovy!

Groovy LOTD - Metallica

noreply@blogger.com (Groovy Black Chick) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:25:00 +0000

Hey Chicks!

Okay true, I am still officially "hiatus-ing", however, you can take the Chick off the blog, but you can't take the makeup brush out of the Chick's hand. Or something.

Basically, I was playing with the pretty and here's a quick drive-by for ya! We'll call this Metallica:

Featured Pretty

Eyes

primer - Too Faced Shadow Insurance
lid base - Brandon pencil in Gold
lid - NYX in Golden
crease - MAC in Folie
outer v & crease - Larenim in Witches Brew
outer v - Coastal Scents 88 Palette in Black - column 11, row 8
browbone - NYX in Nude
upper lashline - Coastal Scents gel liner in True Black
lower lashline - NYX pencil in Satin Blue and Coastal Scents 88 Palette in Teal - column 4, row 5
eyebrows - Styli-Style pencil in Black Brown & Ardell powder in Mink Brown
mascara -L'Oreal Extra Volume Collagen in Black

Face

primer - Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel
concealer - Redpoint in yellow
foundation - CoverGirl Natural Hue in Classic Bronze
powder - CoverGirl Natural Hue Minerals in Light Bronze 1
blush - Make Up For Ever in Orange

Lips

lipstick - Jordana in Matte Honey

YOU NEED
eye makeup primer
gold pencil as a lid base
gold eyeshadow
brown eyeshadow
bronze eyeshadow
black eyeshadow
nude highlighter shadow
black eyeliner
teal eyeliner and/or eyeshadow
eyebrow color
black mascara

primer, concealer, foundation & powder
orange (or warm) blush

neutral lipstick

Hope you enjoy, see you again soon and as always

Stay Groovy!

A Gap in the Groove

noreply@blogger.com (Groovy Black Chick) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:54:00 +0000

Hey Chicks!

In case you haven't noticed, Groovy's been on just a skoshe of a break from blathering I mean blogging about the Pretty these days. Alas, it was meant to be a minute and has turned into something longer than that. So I thought I might give an official holler to let all you lovelies know that personal matters are pulling the Groovester toward a small hiatus. This isn't forever! Gosh no; I have too much to ramble about, too many products to review and too many ideas to share and Pretty to promote for that. I'll be back (say it like Arnold).

For the record, I have email addys for all you Chicks who subscribed to the former Groovy Black Chick newsletter, as well as contact info for any Chick who's emailed me in the past, and will definitely send a heads up to all of you when I report back for duty. If you'd like to be added to that notification list, please drop me a line at Groovy@groovyblackchick.com and I'll be sure to include you.

So 'til then, everybody stay pretty, keep playing with the Pretty and of course and as always,

Stay Groovy! (holler atcha soon!)

Groovy LOTD - St. Patrick's Peepers

noreply@blogger.com (Groovy Black Chick) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 02:20:00 +0000

Hey Chicks!

I'm late with this! My bad; if I didn't catch you in time for the full day tomorrow, perhaps soon enough for drinks after work! So here's a bit 'o the pretty for all you Groovy Irish Chicks (like the O'Bamas, snort) or any Chick who doesn't want to get pinched tomorrow! We'll call this St. Patrick's Peepers:

Featured Pretty

Eyes

primer - Too Faced Shadow Insurance
all eyeshadows from Coastal Scents 88 Palette except where otherwise specified)
lid: Green - column 3, row 5
outer v & crease: Green - column 3, row 8
outer v: Black - column 11, row 8
browbone: White - column 1, row 2
inner corner/tear duct - Coastal Scents 78 Palette - Shimmery White
upper lashline - NYC pencil in Black
lower lashline - Milani Black Magic pencil in Blackened Green
eyebrows - Styli-Style pencil in Black Brown & Ardell powder in Mink Brown
false eyelashes - Salon Perfect in #110
mascara -L'Oreal Telescopic in Black

Face

primer - Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel
concealer - Redpoint in yellow
foundation - Revlon ColorStay in Caramel
powder - Black Opal in Cappuccino
blush - La Femme in Golden Sunset

Lips

lipliner - NYX in Brown
lipliner - Jordana Elegant Lipstick pencil in Brown
lipstick - Jordana in Matte Honey
lip gloss - MAC Lipglass in Orange Descence

YOU NEED
eye makeup primer
apple green eyeshadow
dark green eyeshadow
black eyeshadow
shimmery white eyeshadow
white highlighter shadow
black eyeliner
greenish-black eyeliner (or green and black liners combined)
eyebrow color
false lashes
black mascara

primer, concealer, foundation & powder
warm or neutral blush

brown lipliner
auburn lipliner
neutral lipstick
peach lip gloss

Go get your fun on and as always,

Stay Groovy!

Want to request a tutorial on how to do this look? Got a comment? Requests and comments make Groovy dance! Hit the "comments" link below and leave one, or ask a question by emailing Groovy@groovyblackchick.com

Groovy Tut - Alpha Kappa Alpha (Pink & Green Eye)

noreply@blogger.com (Groovy Black Chick) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:21:00 +0000

Hey Chicks!

I admit it. I'm a futzer.

A picture frame straightener. A bit of a nit-picker. Don't be surprised if you look up one day and every single look here has been revised because something about any one of them bugged me! Thus, the revised Alpha Kappa Alpha - Inspired Look here:

Click the link above for the full look and product listing.

[Sorry, it was driving me mad. And I'm a Delta, so how's that for finnicky! ;-)]

And per reader request, here's the tutorial. Hope you enjoy!

Stay Groovy!

Groovy's G-Hits

noreply@blogger.com (Groovy Black Chick) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Hey Chicks!

Posting a little something that's a grab bag of looks scattered about the blog. It's accompanied by a ditty I'm drawn to, for some reason ;-). Hope it makes ya whistle and wanna go play with some Pretty!

Stay Groovy!

Like what you saw? Comments make Groovy dance! Hit the "comments" link below and leave one, or ask a question or make a request by emailing Groovy@groovyblackchick.com

Groovy LOTD - Oranges 'n Lemons

noreply@blogger.com (Groovy Black Chick) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 04:06:00 +0000

Hey Chicks!

Ignoring the gray weather -- or perhaps because of it -- here's a look featuring some color. Nothin like makeup to brighten up the atmosphere! We'll call this "Oranges 'n Lemons".

(No, you're not going nuts, the pic above does feature false eyelashes, while the others don't. Same look, different day. Just sayin...)

FEATURED PRETTY

Eyes

primer - Too Faced Shadow Insurance
lid - Coastal Scents Yellow (88 Palette from column 2, row 2)
outer v & crease - NYX pencil in Pumpkin
outer v, crease & lower lashline - Coastal Scents Orange (88 Palette from column 9, row 5)
browbone - MAC Naked Lunch
upper lashline - L'Oreal Voluminous eyeliner in Black
waterline - Styli-Style pencil in Black Brown
eyebrows - Jesse's Girl pencil in Dark Brown and Styli-Style pencil in Black Brown
mascara - Aziza in Black
false eyelashes - Red Cherry in 747xs

Face

primer - Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel
concealer - L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable in Cool Medium Deep
foundation - Revlon ColorStay in Caramel
powder - Black Opal in Cappuccino
blush - Make Up For Ever in Orange #18

Lips

lipliner - NYX in Brown
lipliner - NYX in Pumpkin
lip gloss - MAC Lipglass in Orange Descence

YOU NEED
eye makeup primer
yellow eyeshadow
orange eyeshadow
highlighter shadow
black eyeliner
black brown eyeliner
eyebrow color
black mascara
false eyelashes (optional)

primer, concealer, foundation & powder
orange blush

brown lipliner
orange lipliner
soft orange lip gloss

Stay Groovy!

Reader Mail: Natural-looking concealer

noreply@blogger.com (Groovy Black Chick) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:54:00 +0000

Hey Chicks!

Chick Lois from Washington, D.C. writes:

I have never been a makeup person other than lipstick (which I usually forget to re-apply :-)) but in the last few years, I have needed to wear concealer due to very dark circles around my eyes that are a result of allergies. I need suggestions on the best concealers and how to apply to look as natural as possible.

Well Lois, I'll tell ya.

Finding a good concealer to cover un-grooviness is easy enough. Finding one that both covers and looks natural, is a bit more of a challenge. But do-able!

If you don't plan on wearing foundation and the whole nine yards, but still want to conceal undereye circles, the trick is to use a product that doesn't drastically alter the color of the skin you're covering, and will blend out well. So avoid the hardcore cover-ups, and yellow-toned concealers designed to provide a blank canvas, on top of which you're meant to place foundation etc. Following are some product suggestions:

A foundation that doubles as a concealer

MAC Full Coverage Foundation, while designed to use on your entire face, provides opaque coverage, so its concealing abilities are excellent (as a matter of fact, it's basically the same formula as MAC's Studio Finish Concealer but more emollient and thus easier to blend). Note: you won't find this product at a MAC counter in a department store. Head to a free-standing MAC store or a MAC PRO store -- where it'll be available exclusively in the future -- to purchase. About $28

Black Opal True Color Creme Stick Foundation comes in a stick form that's easily portable for touch-ups. It's another foundation that works great as a concealer, and should provide enough shades to match skin well. I've used it and am impressed with it as a concealer. However, if you have oily skin, you may find yourself having to re-apply it a few times throughout the day. About $9

A creamy liquid formula concealer

L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Concealer. The name kind of says it all! Its shades are well-matched to the skin, and super blendable. This is a personal fave which I essentially use every time I apply makeup. With its brush -- not sponge tip -- applicator, it glides on so easily and provides good, lasting coverage. Unlike a lot of liquid concealers which go on thick and "tacky" (as in texture, not level of class!) making them hard to blend, this product blends extremely well and is creamy enough to wear alone. The only potential drawback I can see, is the darkest shade, Cool Medium/Deep, may not be deep enough for Dark Chocolate Chicks, which bugs. I'd definitely give it a try to see. About $9

With a sponge or your finger, pat on the cream and stick concealers using a "stippling" motion. You can apply the stick directly to your undereye for even more coverage, and then pat and blend. Gently blend the edges out so there are no harsh lines.

One small note: even though you may not want to use a lot of products, the use of a powder to "set" concealer is nearly unavoidable. Without it, your concealer will most likely thin and fade much more quickly than with it. So do consider employing a pressed powder that matches your skin tone, or a translucent one like Cornsilk, which won't add color, but will provide the setting properties you need.

Now ole Groovy herself has not just bags, but an entire set of luggage in dark circles under her eyes, so behold the basta...scuse me, dastardly circles-be-gone process:

Hope that helps, and as always,

Stay Groovy!

Recession-Proof Pretty: How to Stay Cute During a Recession Vol. 2

noreply@blogger.com (Groovy Black Chick) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Hey Chicks!

Let's be real: these days, people's paper ($$) ain't right.

At best, it's in jeopardy due to the economic climate, and much too precious to waste. And while there are few things more ecstasy- inducing than a nice haul of pricey, prestige Pretty, the truth is, sometimes the things you want, don't jibe with what you can (or should) spend on at a given time. Boo.

Now yours Groovy is a prestige brand makeup -- how you say? "Whore" is such an unsavory word. Let's say -- enthusiast, as much as the next Chick. But I have to tell ya: you can call me cheap (g'head, do it), but I'm much less inclined to fork over 20 bucks for an eyeshadow these days. It is what it is.

SO! What's it mean? It means I'm committed to finding and using affordable products and showing looks that include them. My motto always has been "Be Cute, Buy Smart" -- hey, it's right in the logo! -- but that's especially so now. And with that, here's a new feature called:

Recession-Proof Pretty

I'll be recommending products that are both well-performing and budget-friendly. With few exceptions, all products mentioned will be $10 or less. With zero exceptions, all of them will be under $15. And I can personally vouch for them because I use them all.

So this is for all you Chicks who, like me, wanna keep your look up and not break the bank while doing it. Cool? Groovy! First up, foundation.

I often get the feeling a lot of Chicks think if they're not using a prestige brand foundation, it means they're not sophisticated about makeup. Pfft. Let me defer to Guru Sam Fine *bows down* about that. Here's a nice little look he achieved...

...using in his words, "my favorite cream stick foundation from Black Opal ." Cost? About 9 bucks. I rest my case.

Now of course Sam Fine is some kind of Michelangelo with a makeup brush. However, he can also use anything he wants, and chooses this drugstore brand. Perhaps he's on to something? If it works and it looks good, use it. These next two products fit that bill.

Revlon ColorStay Makeup
Don't sleep on what a great product this is Chicks! In makeup circles I've heard it's performance compared to MAC's Studio Fix Fluid, only of course for a much more palatable price, and I wholly agree. It's a weightless liquid formula that offers medium to full coverage. It comes in 20 shades, and the undertones for Chocolate Chicks are quite nice. There's an oil-controlling version for combo/oily skin and a moisture-balancing one for normal/dry skin. Revlon claims it lasts for 16 hours, and while I haven't stayed up long enough to attest to that, I can say it lasts all day. I really do love it and it has yet to let me down. Price: about $12

CoverGirl Queen Collection Natural Hue Compact Foundation
It's like a pleasant rediscovery every time I put it on. I really am so impressed by this product, and frankly, I wish CG did more to promote it. It's an oil-absorbing cream formula that glides on effortlessly and provides ample and buildable coverage. The shade I use (Classic Bronze) is an impeccable match for my skin, and there are 12 shades to choose from, from Rich Sand to True Ebony. Buy it, try it, love it. I can't put it any plainer than that! Price: under $10

I hope the introductory post of this new feature has been helpful, and that you'll think of the more affordable options when it comes time to re-stock. Happy saving and as always,

Stay Groovy!

Like what you read? Comments make Groovy dance! Hit the "comments" link below and leave one, or ask a question or make a request by emailing Groovy@groovyblackchick.com

Computer problems bite.

noreply@blogger.com (Groovy Black Chick) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 18:25:00 +0000

Hey Chicks!

BAH!

So, sometime in the middle of last week, there I was, ready to post the first of a few topics I'd been kicking around -- well actually, I had just put the finishing touches of resizing etc. etc. etc. on a look I'd been working on for weeks -- and BOOM! Computer dies. Mind you, this was the second computer death in the family in two weeks. The first had been my actual laptop, this second one occurred while I was using my son's (who will never forgive me. Okay so I bribed him with cake and he became a little more understanding but...). You know how frustrating that is?

Anyway, just popped in to apologize for leaving Chicks hanging for a full week, to let you know we're upping our laptop game around here, and I'll be back posting away shortly, to reveal a nifty new feature, answer a TON of email and hopefully with that look (which by the way had come out pretty awesome, if I do say so myself. 'Scuse me...

ggrrrrrrrRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!)

Okay, I'm fine.

Will holla atcha ASAP!

Stay Groovy!
(and computer problem-free for heaven's sake)

Groovy Tut - Sigma Gamma Rho (Smoky Blue Eye)

noreply@blogger.com (Groovy Black Chick) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 07:07:00 +0000

Hey Chicks!

By request, here's the tutorial on the Sigma Gamma Rho/Smoky Blue eye look here. Hope you like!

A special shout out to Marilyn MonRHO and the Sigma Gamma Rhos (and all the Greek ladies!) at the Onolympus Alumni board for being so sweet :-).

Stay Groovy!