Welcome To My Chokolate World...

Be Bold When Saying 'I Do'

2013-06-05T16:18:00.000-04:00

There's a serious beauty trend for 2013 for the bold and the beautiful. Bold and bright shades of neon coral, magenta, and vivid red are making their way to self-expressed brides. I love this look and hope that the brides I work with will be rocking this down the aisle.

Nothing makes you feel sexier than a bright bold lip. If you’re a bride looking for an edgier look on your big day, we suggest you go for it!

Yes, its a little risky because you don't want to get it all over your groom on your wedding day, so go with a color stay lipstick or a stain. Can you imagine looking at your photos for the first time, and seeing (gasp!) a smear of lipstick on your pearly whites? Or your groom looking like he just went to war with a M.A.C. makeup artist, sporting a rosy red ring around his perfect pout in all the pictures? Definitely not ideal for such an important occasion! So if you decide to wear a non-neutral hue on your blushing bridey lips, make sure to work with a professional to select the best products that will keep the color on your lips and nowhere else.

Now take a look at the gorgeous inspirations and keep these helpful hints in mind when considering a bright lip color:

Bright bold lips should be paired with more understated eye makeup. So if you're married to fake eyelashes and a dramatic smoky eye, it's best to save the vivid lipstick for another time - maybe you can save it for the reception when it's party time.
The lipstick shade you choose should complement your skin's complexion.
Don't be afraid to pull out your dress and try different makeup looks at your trial. You want be sure that this trend you are about to follow is right for you. If you normally wear bold lipstick anyway, go for it.

What do you think? Would you try this look on your Big Day?

Studio Love

2013-04-18T11:54:00.000-04:00

This most amazing thing that has happened to me so far this year is working in a studio with the most talented, professional people. The energy that our team radiates while preparing for a shoot is entertaining and the results that we produce are miraculous. Transformers. Premium makeovers - Transformations is what we call the sessions. People walk in timid but before they leave, they are comfortable in their own skin; they let their hair down - they are transformed into self-expressed beings.

Our Transformations sessions have been a success so far and we look forward to creating more memories; allowing people to develop their own identities, giving them looks that they absolutely love; and making them look and feel unbelievably beautiful.

Caitlyn

Jameela, Bride-To-Be

Energetic Jayde

Tag Team! Terion and Karen perfecting the look with right before the shoot.

Varsha

Sandy

HDMI is located in Atlanta, GA. For booking inquiries, please email mychokolatekisses@gmail.com

Kisses For Your Journey!

4 Ways to Brighten Up Your Makeup This Spring

2013-04-18T11:03:00.002-04:00

Spring is here! What better way to show off some of your favorite spring colors than expressing them with your makeup! I love wearing bright colors, however, there is a right and wrong way to wear them. Read on for the best tips and tricks on how to brighten up your makeup to get a fun, flawless spring look!

1. Colorful Lips
Don’t ignore all the fun shades of pink! Bright, bold lips are a great way to brighten up your makeup. Find the perfect shades for your skin tone and rock those perfect lips! Try adding some lip gloss to your lipstick routine and give it a little shine. Be bold! Add some subtle blue and green hues to your routine.

2. Bright Eyes
Make your eyes pop. Don’t be afraid to wear colorful eye shadows!

I am a big fan of introducing turquoise into your beauty rotation. Make your lower lash line pop!

3. Highlighting
Highlighting is a great way to brighten up your face this spring! Highlighting is an amazing way to enhance your facial features. It will help give your skin a flawless look this spring! Follow this guide brought to you by Kevin Aucoin in his popular book, Making Faces.

4. Don’t Forget The Blush!
Most women forget to add blush to their makeup routine. Adding blush will instantly awaken your look. Don’t be afraid to use brighter blushes! Lighter blushes tend to fade as you blend your makeup. So start purchasing shades that have some color to them.

Be daring enough to try some of these fashionable tips! Get out of your comfort zone of wearing neutral colors and start being bright and bold for spring!

Happy Spring!

The Tranformers

2013-02-15T10:47:00.000-05:00

Sunday was our first time working in the studio. Sandy Darrell was our first client. She's an emerging fashion stylist who has spent her early life in New Jersey, moved to Bermuda to start her family, and now currently living in Atlanta. Her style is classy and chic. We spent a total of two hours transforming her entire look.

I started off with sculpting Sandy's brows. She normally gets her brows threaded, but unfortunately I forgot my threading tools at home [grrrr...I didn't think that I would need them], so I shaped her brows by tweezing. I normally don't like to shape brows by using tweezing as my only method, but because Sandy isn't new to the pull by threading, she was a trooper with tweezing.

Before applying makeup, I used a primer. Although Sandy's skin is free and clear from blemishes and harsh lines, primer was still necessary for keeping the oil from her skin at bay to provide a smooth canvas for the foundation to stick to. I used a concoction of Iman and MAC products for concealing and for her full makeup coverage. I chose warm, gold hues for her eye shadow, since she planned on having numerous wardrobe changes. Then switch of the lip was the best move. I started off with a bold red lip for her black & cream dress. I used MAC Ruby Woo as a thick liner and added a touch of MakeUp Forever Aqua Cream in red for dimension. To complement her peachy dress, I went for a nude lip with NYX Creamy Beige. Sandy's final ensemble consisted of an all black dress complemented by a Cosmopolitan Fascinator Hairpiece, so I had to end it with a banging oink hue, Matté Sweet Pink by NYX.

Sandy's skin remained perfect throughout the shoot; with just a couple touch ups on her blush here and there, her makeup remained in tact.

It was a pleasure creating the look for Sandy that she absolutely loved. The transformation was amazing. It brought out something in Sandy that she already knew she had - self-expression and true beauty.

It's great to work with the most humble and talented artists I know. It's been a long time coming, but we're finally here - specifically at 614 N. Valley Brook Dr., Decatur, Ga. 30033.

The Studio: HD Media

The Hair Stylist: Terion Montgomery

The Photographer: Steve Darrell

The Makeup Artist: MyChoKolateKisses

The Model/Stylist: J'Adore La Mode

Love & Kisses,

Karen

Date Night Makeup Ideas for Valentine's Day

2013-02-11T16:41:00.001-05:00

Valentine's Day means it's time to find the right look - everything from hair and makeup to a head-turning outfit.

Whether or not you will be spending the night with friends or someone special, here are some hair and makeup ideas that will help you find the perfect look for your night out.

If your V-day plans include getting all dolled up, sexy is def the way to go.

A sexy smoky eye a la Kim Kardashian or RiRi is the perfect sexy Valentine's Day look.

When choosing the right color for a smoky eye it's best to go with a dark color like charcoal grey or a yummy chocolate brown. Next, find your lip color. A bold lip color is too much when paired with a smoky eye so it's best to compliment them with a subtle nude lip color and a coat of clear gloss. Finish the look by sweeping your hair into a loose up-do.

Want to do a bold red? To prevent messy smears, try a long-lasting lip formula. Try Christina Aguilera's favorite, SeneGence LipSense in Blue-Red. It's an 18-hour semi-permanent lip stain.

Having a glamorous night with the girls? Then make sure to bring out the bold, bright colors and the vixen heels. For a fun and flirty night on the town try a hot pink or coral lip color. These shades are perfect if you want to make an entrance and get noticed. Don't be afraid to use bronzer. Bronzer will compliment these fun makeup colors and make your skin glow.

Pair your look with a bun or ponytail. This sleek and stylish hairstyle will accentuate your features and bring focus to your eyes and lips.

For a low key night out with friends or a night in with your beau, just keep it simple. Makeup for a night in should be soft and subtle so add pink gloss to your lips and give your cheeks color with a few swipes of blush. Don't forget to pump up the lash volume with your favorite volumizing mascara.

Happy Valentine's Day, Everyday the 14th!

Blushgram

2013-01-28T16:16:00.002-05:00

Having a Mundane Monday? Here's something to brighten up your day & make you blush. For more Makeup Monday tips, follow me on Instagram.

Kisses For Your Journey!

Exercise Your Options - Working Out With Makeup

2013-01-21T12:00:00.001-05:00

So the New Year brought about New Resolutions and Im sure yours was to get fit, right? It's always better to go au natural when working out, but some women still insist on getting glammed up before hitting the gym. Fashion aside, the question remains: Is it OK to wear makeup while working out?

Tyra Banks roughting it during her workout.

Kim K. roughing it druing her workout.

Decide here and now to excercise without makeup on. Um, who are you trying to impress? First of all, let us just say that if you're going to the gym and working up a sweat, you have a right to look as bad as you want - we are big believers in hitting the gym to work out, not to win a beauty contest. Second, you dont want to be remembered as the girl with smears, drips and splotches of makeup on her face.

Besides that, wearing makeup and sweating isn't a good combo. The reason for this is fairly simple. When we exercise, we increase the volume of blood to our skin and when we get warm, our pores open wider. Sweat can then get into the pores and clog them, and having foundation and makeup on top of that can spell d-i-s-a-s-t-e-r for our skin - causing bacteria build-up and other ugly side effects.

Ok, so, maybe you're meeting an old friend there (or hoping to meet that cute guy by the free weights), and you want to look your best. Or, perhaps you just like to look good no matter what you're doing - there's nothing wrong with that either!

Since you just can't bear to leave the house naked, we can help! Here are a few tips to help you get through your workout with a pretty face:

Concealer - just wearing a touch of concealer under your eyes will hide a lot of flaws.
Waterproof Mascara - this will save you from Raccoon eyes.
Tinted Moisturizer - while you're working out, you want to put moisture back into your skin.
Lip Gloss - using regular lipstick will only dry your lips; go with the gloss and glaze.

Whether you choose to look fashionable with or without makeup on, keep in mind that sweat, germy gym equipment and outdoor pollution can all clog your pores. So, after a good workout, be sure to give your face a good cleansing. As always, rehydrate with plenty of water as you exercise. Your skin will reward you with a nice glow and luminous appearance.

For more ways to look hot at the gym, just be fashionably fit with new gym clothes.

Happy Sweating!

So So Def's 20-Year Reunion Concert in Atlanta!

2013-01-17T15:57:00.001-05:00

On Tuesday, January 15, 2013, I was invited to be a correspondent for Celebrityitis Magazine for the So So Def Recordings Press Conference held at the Atlanta City Hall. Jermaine Dupri and So So Def recording artists announced their 20-year anniversay concert. Various past and present So So Def artists and music contributors, such as Bryan-Michael Cox, will come together on one stage for ONE NIGHT ONLY!

So So Def Recordings is the home of the most amazing platinum-selling aritsts including Jermaine Dupri, Xscape, Bow Wow, Jagged Edge and Da Brat. They will celebrate 20 years of hit-making music, along with Bone Crusher, Dem Francise Boyz, Kris Kross and many more.

Introduced by our very own, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, “Atlanta has a thriving music industry, and So So Def Recordings has been an important part of that legacy for the past two decades. This milestone is another example of why Atlanta is the entertainment capital of the Southeast. I am pleased that So So Def has called our great city home for 20 years, and I wish the company continued success for many more years to come.” Jermaine Dupri, Jagged Edge, Da Brat, Kris Kross, Dem Franchize Boyz, Bonecrusher, Xscape, Dondria stood graciously on the platform. Jermaine Dupri explained that the reunion concert will be a “rare moment in music”.

Veteran music executive Michael Mauldin took the stage and explained why this anniversary means so much to the city of Atlanta and how it contributes to history, especially in Black History Month. "So So Def Recordings will forever be recognized as a prominent leader and contributor to the music and entertainment business throughout the world and we are grateful to have done so in our home city of Atlanta, Georgia. We are proud to call Atlanta the home of So So Def,” Mauldin stated.

Mr. Dupri also took the time to acknowledge Kris Kross, not only are they pillars in the So So Def movement, they had everyone wearing their pants backwards and jumpin to "Jump" back in 1992. They will be celebrating their 21-year anniversay for the record at the concert.

The concert will have a series of events, including a private VIP dinner, a star-studded Anniversary party and a pre-concert reception. A 20-song (the irony) “Best of So So Def” compilation CD is also in the works for a June release.

The concert is slated for Saturday, February 23rd at the Fox Theater. Concert tickets go on sale Saturday, January 19th and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.

I had the pleasure of meeting some of my fave artists from the 90's and the early Millennium. Take a look!

"Attenchuuuuun!" -Bonecrusher

"So let's take a ride with the Brat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat on that ass" -Da Brat

Lookin' good & smellin' good, Jagged Edge

Super Producer, B. Cox

"It's S-O-S-O-D-E-F dynamite!" - Jermaine Dupri

YOU DONT WANT TO MISS THIS - GET YOUR TICKETS!

Happy Reminiscing!

-Kisses

Are you addicted to celebrity news? Well, you've got the "itis"! Indulge! www.celebrityitis.net for events and celebrity buzz!

"Celebrity Indulgence At Its Best"

Hello Winter!

2012-12-21T11:46:00.003-05:00

Brrrrrrr...Fight dry winter skin. Since your skin produces less oil in the winter due to the absence of sunlight and heat, you’re left with dry skin. There is less humidity in winter air, which causes any moisture you may have to evaporate right off of your skin.

Here are some usesful tips to ensure your skin looks healthy and radiant in frigid weather.

Tip #1: Exfoliate

Take the extra step - it’s worth it! It’s important to exfoliate during the winter because dry skin will clog your pores resulting in breakouts. Some scrub cleansers can be harsh on dry skin, so try baking soda.

Tip #2: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

You need a heavy moisturizer this season. Have no fear! You can go back to your beloved oil-free moisturizer in the summertime, but you need a heavier moisturizer infused with humectants to draw water from the atmosphere into your skin. Hydrate with honey! See the benefits of honey here. Not convinced? Try Organic, Cold Pressed Coconut Oil paired with Pure MSM Cream - your skin will look instantly plumper and firmer.

Tip #3: Avoid Harsh Acne Products

Avoid alcohol-based products in the winter. They can be too drying and can backfire by intensifying redness in your already sensitive skin. Reduce the dryness. Buy a product made with witch hazel rather than alcohol to avoid stripping the skin. If you have a breakout, use Tea Tree Oil. That pimple will be zapped overnight!

Tip #4: Bring the Humidity in Doors

Invest in a humidifier. Air is naturally drier in the winter and since we spend most of our time in doors during this season and getting dried out by heating systems. So humidifiers are a must.

Happy First Day of Winter!

Engagement Season Is Here!

2012-12-06T17:23:00.001-05:00

Makeup by MyChoKolateKisses Makeup Artistry

'Tis the season! Did you know that it’s officially “engagement season"? Did you know that 1/3 of couples do get engaged from November to February? Maybe it’s the family gatherings. Maybe it's the family portraits. Maybe because it's getting cold outside. Whatever it is, there is something in the air that makes this the season for engagements.

According to The Wedding Report, December is the most popular month for engagements. There are many reasons why the holidays have grown to become the most popular time for engagements; family is in town, everyone can be involved, everyone is in the holiday spirit, love is simply in the air…um, and sales LOL.

The holidays are a perfect time to propose, which is why it is the most popular time of year to pop the question.

If you are considering MyChoKolateKisses as your Makeup Artist, give us a call at 770-820-5927 or shoot us an email mychokolatekiss@gmail.com – don’t be shy.

Happy Holidays! Kisses!

Last minute touch ups before Stephanie walks down the aisle!

Last minute touch ups before Fatima walks down the aisle!

Visit www.mychokolatekisses.com for Karen's portfolio.

Types of Beards - Grow The Right Style For You

2012-11-20T15:17:00.001-05:00

November is slowly ending and your beard should be growing like crazy. Now what? What kind of beard should you shape it into? Puzzled about where to start? Find the style that suits you. Here are some beard styles that you may want to follow.

Anchor
A chin beard that is grown long into a point and styled with an accompanying mustache to resemble the shape of a ship's anchor.

Anchor Beard worn by Zac Efron

Balbo
A wide chin beard that covers the chin as well as a small area beyond it, accompanied by a separated mustache.

Balbo Beard worn by Johnny Depp

Chin Curtain

A longer beard grown only along the lower portion of the face, covering the chin and following the jawline.

Chin Curtain worn by Abraham Lincoln

Circle Beard

Facial hair consisting of a chin beard and mustache connected by hair along the sides of one's mouth, thus forming a circle. Also called a "door knocker." Sometimes referred to as a "goatee," though technically the goatee refers only to hair growing on the chin area, not the mustache.

Circle Beard worn by Kanye West

Full Beard

A beard characterized by coverage on all areas of the face: upper lip, chin, sides, and sideburns. A full beard can have either a styled or integrated mustache, and can be clipped close or grown long. There are many possible variations of the full beard.

Full Beard as seen on Duck Dynasty

Garibaldi

A wide, full beard with a rounded bottom and integrated mustache.

Garbardi Beard worn by Rick Ross

Goatee

A beard formed by hair grown only on the chin area.

Goatee worn by P. Diddy

Hollywoodian

A beard with integrated mustache that is worn on the lower part of the chin and jaw area, without connecting sideburns.

Hollywoodian Beard worn by Leonardo DiCaprio

Soul Patch

A small tuft of hair under the lower lip. Also called a "royale" or a "flavor saver."

Soul Patch Beard worn by Mario Vanpeebles

Spade

A large, long beard, connected by sideburns, without a mustache. Also called a "Shenandoah."

Spade Beard worn by Freeway

Van Dyck

A goatee accompanied by a mustache; usually the two are not connected.

Van Dyck Beard worn by Colonel Sanders

Whats your favorite beard style??

Happy Growing,

Kisses!

November is National Beard Month

2012-11-06T14:49:00.000-05:00

It's cold outside so I expect to see more grizzly faces this season.

November is National Beard [Growing] Month. Join the challenge! Okay, so you may initial start off with a sloppy look, but hang in there. You'll get over it. You'll be grateful for your patience at the end in exchange for a bunch of beard 4 weeks later!

I asked my BF to join the challenge. Stay tuned to see the transformation. Photo taken 11.05.12

Start here:

Schedule your plan to coincide with your vacation to stay away from friends, family and coworkers. This can get ugly. If you must, keep your beard tapered once a week.

Give your face a final clean shave to remove trapped dirt and make way for succeeding hair to grow evenly.

Want to grow a beard even faster? Try these!

Eucalyptus Oil - It stimulates blood flow around the hair follicle to promote hair growth.

Rogaine - (don't laugh) Even without FDA approval, many people used the “hair stimulant” property of the anti-hypertensive drug to induce hair growth. Be cautious when trying any drugs that aren't FDA approved for facial hair. If these products are consumed too much over time or rubbed in extra amounts, they can cause serious damage to the skin. It even induces severe side effects like a lapse in your blood pressure. So be careful in choosing a product to grow a beard.

VitaBeard - Specially formulated to aid beard growth, this dietary supplement which contains B-complex, Silica, MSM and other vitamins, is not only reported to promote facial hair growth but also alleviate the "itchy beard syndrome".

Biotin - This should sound familiar if you're a naturalista reading this. Taking one capsule daily can increase metabolic reaction to strengthen hair root.

Will you join the challenge?

Happy Growing!

Here Comes Honey, Boo Boo!

2012-10-22T14:39:00.001-04:00

Honey, the natural amber-colored sweetener that lends a moistness and rich flavor to cakes and cookies, provides many benefits to the body in a few different ways. I guess we all know that honey is great for healing sore throats, coughs and general cold symptoms, but did you know that the vitamins, minerals and amino acids found in honey make it a wonderful chemical-free skincare product?

One tablespoon of honey a day can do wonders to your body and soul. Although honey is pretty high in calories, when consumed with hot water, it can work as a good weight loss agent by burning the fat stored in our body. Honey raises our protective antioxidant levels which will help in removing these free radicals and build the immunity of the body. Honey's natural antioxidant and anti-fungal properties help disinfect and speed the repair of wounds, damaged tissue and burns, protect the skin from the damage of the sun's rays, supports the skin's ability to rejuvenate and refresh depleted skin; leaving it feeling silky soft, supple and a reduction of wrinkles.

Photo courtesy of The New Zealand Honey Shop

Honey as a wound dressing can help promote healing and prevent infection due to its natural antimicrobial properties. The sugars interact with water in a way that microorganisms cannot develop. When the sweetener comes in contact with wounds, hydrogen peroxide is produced. The creation of the hydrogen peroxide can provide antibacterial benefits to ulcerated areas, which speeds healing and prevents infections.

Honey's ability to absorb impurities from the pores on the skin and retain moisture make it an ideal part of a dry skin regimen. Using a honey-based facial mask is beneficial to areas of skin that tend to become dry or itchy because it lends moisture to those areas. People have oily skin can also benefit from honey. The sweetener can help your skin retain moisture and elasticity without drying it out, as some conventional facial washes do. With the wide-ranging of natural skin care recipes, there's no wonder that you can find a huge number of honey products in the market for hair care, baby care, skin care for sunscreen, hand lotions, facial scrubs and moisturizers. Honey is the key ingredient in a lot of cosmetics because it helps keep the skin hydrated and fresh and prevents drying.

There are two primary things to keep in mind when purchasing honey for nutritional purposes. First, dark colored honey, is generally thought to contain higher levels of antioxidants than the lighter colored varieties. Second, raw or unprocessed honey contains the widest variety of health-supportive substances.

Stay Sweet, Honey!

Kisses!

Skin Care Tips For Men With Beards

2012-10-08T11:30:00.000-04:00

Taking care of your skin is vital during the growth period of your beard. Oily skin, dry skin and everything in between… we all have one or the other, and it changes from season to season.

Depending on the weather conditions, your facial skin is TTG [trained to go] to protect itself. Your face reacts differently when exposed to different elements. In dryer climates your skin may feel a bit drier, stiffer and tighter [we'll blame that on the these colder, darker months], where in more humid climates the opposite reaction may be more common. So how do you care for your skin underneath if there is a beard in the way? Many of you think that there’s no need since it’s covered by hair, right? Wrong! This skin is just as important as the rest of your face. Here’s how you should be taking care of it this season.

Exfoliating is very important. It rids the face of dead skin cells while allowing the younger skin cells to reach the surface. This helps to keep the skin looking and feeling young and healthy!
For bearded men with normal to oily skin, it is even more important to make sure that a facial exfoliation regimen is implemented at least once a week. That's it - just once a week. A careful focus on the bearded area will help to remove dead skin and oils that can build-up and create skin irritation and cause "the scratchy beard syndrome" and for others, acne.
For the guys with the challenge of dry skin, exfoliation is still important. Also, make sure that your beard is not only shampooed but conditioned. This is very important for health of the beard, and the skin underneath. Shampoo and condition your beard every 2-3 days.
For all skin types, implementing a moisturizer will help to balance the skin of the oily beard and provide relief with an extra boost of moisture for the drier bearded gentleman. If you fall off the wagon during this dry season, it will take 10-14 days to add moisture back to your skin.

Growing a beard can be an easy way to freshen up your look this season. Keep it fresh. Until next time....stay tuned for more tips on how to care for your beard.

Give Your Face A Rest - Grow A Beard

2012-10-08T11:23:00.001-04:00

Let the fall season begin! Fall is definitely my favorite time of the year. Not only I do I love the wardrobe shift, there’s something about a beard complimenting a man’s scarf and pea coat. It totally works.

Tom Ford Autumn-Winter 2012/2013 Campaign

Growing a beard this season won’t be such a pain because you get the chance to give up the woes of shaving on a daily basis. Giving your face a rest has its advantages on your skin too. Growing a beard gives your skin the chance to start over. Many men struggle with ingrown hairs, razor bumps and burns. By the time spring comes back around, you will restore your skin back to its natural state.

Before you commit to growing your beard…oops, I know commitment is a scary word. Its okay, you just have to pick up a few products and stick to a regimen. Treat your facial hair the same as you would the hair on your head.

Follow these steps:

Use shampoos and conditioners on your beard 2-3 times a week
Exfoliate once a week
Use Tea Tree Oil for ingrown hairs

Easy enough, right?

For those of you who struggle with growing your beard, you can always invest in a Beardo.

UFC Fighter Tyson Griffin wearing his Beardo. Photo courtesy of Beardo.

Is That A Squirrel In Your Makeup Bag?

2012-09-20T22:30:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I was over here I am feeling like I lost a bff a couple weeks ago. I misplaced my personal makeup bag [OR someone stole it because it hasn't popped up YET!] with at least 10 of my favorite items, including the BEST makeup brush that I've ever owned. This eco-friendly brush set was gifted to me by one of my best buds. The bristles were amazingly soft, so soft that it actually feels like squirrel. Yes, I've pet a squirrel before, but I cant say that I've ever rubbed a squirrel's hindquarters on my face. Awkward moment... Anyway, for my #mondaymakeupmadness tip on 9/17/12, I posted "Have a some faves in your makeup bag? Double up in case your makeup bag is lost, stolen or misplaced". It was definitely a sad day in paradise. I wasn't worried about the makeup, that can be replaced.

The brushes were perfect for me and that's what made me upset. I wasn't sure that I would find another set to fall in love with. Funny enough [well, not so funny] I took pics a week before "the case of my missing makeup bag" because I intended on blogging about these brushes.

Well, this brings me to my post tonight... There are so many brushes out there, are you using the right one for you? Cosmetic brushes are essential tools for all makeup users - amateurs and pros alike. They come in many brands, types and two major categories: man-made aka synthetic and natural aka animal hair. Is there a squirrel in your makeup bag? Some companies may tell you that their natural-hair brushes are 100%. They buy from manufacturers in other countries and therefore, they don't know firsthand how the animals were treated. I'm not sure if I like the idea of using animals for the purpose of using their fur for makeup brushes anyway. Because I didn't know where to find the previous brush set, I went to Ulta to purchase a 5 brush set by Eco Tools. They are super soft and they came with an Alicia Silverstone cosmetic bag made with cotton & hemp blend!

Anyway, enough about my opinions. Here are the facts.

Natural Brushes

What they’re made of: Often made with real hair from animals, like squirrels, goats, horses, minks, sables, badgers, mongooses or a combination of multiple animals’ hair. So, if you oppose using animal products or are concerned about ethical animal treatment, you might not want to choose this option.

Pros:

• Soft, more natural finish to your makeup

• Easy application of powder cosmetics, like loose powder, powder blush or powder eye shadows

• Even distribution of makeup pigments, which prevents streaks, blotchiness or a caked on appearance Cons:

• If you have an allergy to some animal hair or fur, you might not want a natural makeup brush

• Natural brushes aren’t good for applying cream-based makeup. This can result in a cakey, sticky finish

• Natural brushes are often more expensive than synthetic brushes

Synthetic Brushes

What they’re made of: Typically have bristles made of taklon or nylon. They don’t use natural hair or fur from animals.

Pros:

• They’re ideal for deep, rich colors or dramatic makeup looks

• They offer precise application in small, defined areas, such as your lips, lashline or on specific blemishes

• They have a lower price tag than natural brushes

• They’re ideal for cream-based concealer, foundation or lipstick

Cons:

• They can become cakey and goopy with makeup

• Their bristles harden with time, which can make your makeup application more difficult and uncomfortable

Whichever bristles you chose to work with, make sure you care for them properly to extend the life. Stay tuned for a post on how to care for your brushes. That's all for now! Kisses!

MyChoKolateKisses Makeup Artistry Backstage at Bronner Bros. Int'l. Hair...

2012-09-17T21:23:00.000-04:00

I was honored to be a part of the nation's most leading African American hair and skin care companies. The show comes to the Georgia World Congress Center twice a year. People of different backgrounds, cultures, shades and preferences had one thing in common - hair. This year, the Bronner Brothers International Hair Show celebrated it 65 years serving the hair and beauty industry with its products and giving us the best show. It is considered to be the world’s largest beauty and trade show of its kind, the event will includes a comedy show, church service and a legendary “Barber Battle.”

So here I am backstage at the hair show. Three days of creative hairstyles, makeup and wardrobe.

Here's a #picstitch of some photos that were taken backstage. Makeup done by yours truly :)

If you love Chokolate, Click. Like. Fall in Love & Share with a Friend!

Until next time,

Kisses!

Skin Magicians

2012-08-23T17:00:00.005-04:00

For a model, a good skin care routine should not only be personal, it is important for a career move. Get your complexion ready for close-ups with these photo-ready tips, tricks and crisis solutions.

Flaky, patchy skin and acne are not a girl's bff, especially when you are a model. Okay...so, computer programs can work its magic on pimples and baggy eyes, but there's no program in the world creative enough to generate real healthy, radiant, even-toned skin. Everyone isn't lucky enough to be born with radiant skin. Some of us have to work at it but it can be achieved with proper skin care. Models who lack proper skin care regimes present a number of obstacles for makeup artists. Not only are we faced with the usual challenges of creating gorgeous makeup applications that will last and not melt under hot lights, we also have to ensure that our work doesn't show up blighted on a beautiful model who has unflattering skin.

The makeup artists who specialize in photo shoots and fashions shows have a few tricks up their sleeves for presenting neglected skin to make it look its absolute best. Their biggest tips are no secret - just your normal back-to-basics tips that are very effective and easy to promote healthy, flawless skin.

Below are a few tips to get your skin photo-ready:

Cleanse - Your face collects all kinds of particles. Besides the particles in the air, your face is also exposed to chemical substances found in makeup. Since your face takes up a lot different facial beatings everyday, let's ensure that we keep it youthful and glowing. Cleansing is one of the best ways we can keep your skin as healthy as it can be and is one of the most important processes your face must go through everyday.

Tone - Toners close and tightening pores. Since you probably wash your face with warm water, which opens the pores to cleanse them, toner helps to close them back up. It prepares the face for a smooth makeup application.

Moisturize - Normal cleansing can strip your skin of its natural oils and leave it feeling dry and flaky. A good moisturizer is essential no matter what type of skin you have. Try a light, oil-free moisturzier for oily skin. Use cream moisturizers for dry skin and apply it twice a day. Water-based moisturizers work best for combination skin types. Use a high spf during the summer and double up pn moisturizer during winter months.

Exfoliate Once a Week - Exfoliation is an excellent part of maintaining healthy, balanced skin. It prevents the skin from becoming clogged and congested. It keeps your skin looking fresh and glowing. Look for products with natural ingredients.

Get a Facial - When was the last time you treated yourself to a facial? Facials are not only a great way to relax, they give your face a deep cleaning, promoting circulation and stimulating a nice glow to your complexion.

Keep Your Climate Under Control - To ensure that your skin is hydrated, besides drinking plenty of water, invest in a humidifier. It locks in the moisture and prevents the skin from drying out. When the skin is dehydrated, lines become more visable.

Remove Makeup Before Going To Sleep. It is not okay to leave your makeup on overnight. Any makeup left on overnight clogs the pores, forms comedones and results in skin that looks and feels bumpy. Acne is not your bff. The dirt and oil stains your pillow cases and leaves behind all kinds of bacteria.

Care For Your Skin - Get back to the basics with a simple cleansing regime - cleanse, tone, moisturize. Prepare your skin for beautiful photos. You worked hard bookng the event so make sure your skin is as beautiful as it can be - naturally.

Although makeup artists are talented at finding the right foundation to fit your skin; colors that compliment your beauty; concealer to hide unevened tones; we can't magically fix what is going on inside. Beauty is definitely skin deep because it starts from within. You know the saying "you are what you eat" - this not only relates to weight, but to how your skin reacts to what you consume. The foods that we eat are processed, full of sugar and all kinds of synthetic substances. It influences hormone levels and effects the skins overall look. Eating fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of water keeps your skin fresh and beautiful.

When it comes to skin care, some people just don't realize what affects the weather, pollution and diets have on their skin. Plenty of water and a balanced diet can help some, but a good skin care routine is essential to healthy, fresh and vibrant looking skin for everyone.

Happy Cleansing!

Super Sunday

2012-07-15T22:40:00.000-04:00

Im baaaack! It's been a hectic season for me, doing what I absolutely LOVE -bridal makeup! Pictures coming soon. Anyway, I received a great offer from my friends over at Sugar Lips Apparel! My favorite was the Sunday Striped Dress. The fit is amazing. The breathable cotton was so comfortable to wear on a hot summer day. It was so appropriate to wear today, Sunday of course, with a splash of any color. I chose orange. I put on my favorite scarf [fit for the perfect bad hair day] and my new favorite shoes. I think I had a citrus overdose when I added Morange by MAC - totally appropriate for the summer tho. I think orange is my new favorite color.

I totally love animal prints. I try to incorporate the prints every chance
I get. It's the the fruits of the jungle. This is my rendition of Journey to Brasil and Im loving it.

For more info, visit www.sugarlipsapparel.com to update your wardrobe with for the summer.

Happy Shopping!

-Kisses!

Get Zapped!

2012-06-06T17:25:00.001-04:00

For those of you who get tired of the hair on your chin and want to hang up the razors and retire the waxing kits, laser hair removal is a practical and efficient way to reduce the density of hair growth on the body and certain parts of the face. Oh, wait...or is it just me? I’ve had this problem for as long as I could remember looking at my Aunt's face and wondering why in the world is she walk around with hair on her chin; just shave it off!. One day it happened to me. Thick hairs turned into dark spots. I’ve gone to the dermatologist for prescription creams that didn’t work. I shaved. I waxed. I plucked at home. I plucked in the car at red lights on my way to work [that was the best light]. You would never catch me without tweezers in my makeup bag. The hairs were easy, the dark spots was the hard part. Unitl one day I decided to try a laser treatment. I told my sister, who has the same problem [yeah it definitely runs in the family], about my decision. We discussed the hazards and pain that we might encounter. I did some research and discovered that laser hair removal would not only remove the thick hairs from my chinny-chin-chin, but would also minimize my dark spots that the plucking left behind. I thought to give it a try but the procedure was pretty costly.

My worries went away when I saw a Groupon for laser hair removal a few months ago and jumped at the opportunity to finally get rid of the unwanted hair that I’ve been cursed with. I went for a consult at the office that offered the discount. I sat in the waiting room for 30 minutes only to find out that they did not have the proper laser equipment to remove hair for darker skin. WHAT?! Why didnt they tell me this over the phone? I guess it wouldn't be proper to ask what tone I was over the phone. I was a little discourage until I was referred to a specialist who was more equipped with working with darker skin types and who had the YAG lasers [AND who would honor my Groupon, of course].

How Laser Hair Removal Works. The process entails delivering a laser beam to a cluster of hair follicles to heat them and put them in the resting stage of growth. ZAP!

Hazards to Dark Skin Tones. People with fair skin and dark hair generally get the best results from the treatment. Those with darker skin tones can also get good results from this type of treatment. However, the Hair Removal Journal notes that treating dark skin can be challenging.

Lasers target the melanin [which is pigment] in the hair follicle. The problem for those with darker skin is that the melanin in the skin "steals" the light that should be absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle, says Hair Removal Journal. This makes it more likely that the skin will blister as a result of treatment. People with tanned and dark skin aren't excluded from the procedure, but dermatologists and techinicians who perform the treatments must exercise extreme care.

Laser Types. Three devices that may be used when treating dark skin tones are alexandrite, diode and YAG lasers. Lasers with longest light wavelength are used to treat those with very dark skin, as the light can still be absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicles without harming the skin.

I started my treatment at Cosmetic Laser Specialists in Dunwoody in late March. My appointments are only once a month and I must say that I am excited about my results so far. Although the hairs weren't visible, I went for my third treatment last week. I was in and out in about 10 minutes; even after I asked the technician to spend a little time zapping a little at my sideburns, free of charge. ;)

Here's an oooold pic I found without makeup and a most recent pic. Dark spot are fading away...

Give laser hair removal a try. I'm glad I did. Now I'm thinking about other unwanted hair I plan to remove. Let me know what you think!

Happy Zapping!

Kisses!

Bumble Bee

2012-05-07T17:43:00.001-04:00

Hi there, MCK here! MCK has been busy like a bumble bee this Spring with many shoots and events. Here's a sneak peak of the new photos that will be posted on MCK's website. PrimeTime Magazine Fashion Show/Power Shoot:

Bridal Shoot with Empress Holley:

Street Shoot with Sachete:

Beauty Shoot with PrimeTime Magazine:

Stay tuned for more updates. In the meantime, be sure to follow MyChoKolateKisses on Twitter @choklatekisses for new updates on Makeup Monday Madness for tips starting TODAY, Monday, May 7, 2012. You'll be glad you did :) Thats all for now! Kisses!

Makeup During Pollen Season

2012-03-20T16:20:00.000-04:00

Spring is here! The sun is shining bright [and so are your toes and finger nails], the flowers are blooming, the bees are buzzing...so you know what that means?! It's also pollen season. This past weekend, Atlanta's pollen count hit a record high with over 8,000 pollen particles in the air - and still counting. YIKES! If you're anything like me, your eyes are watering like crazy right now. It's pretty annoying when you want to look your best and rock your new makeup for the season.

It's really not the best idea to wear too much makeup because you'll end up wiping off anyway. But if you insist, here's a technique that I think you'll be happy to try. First, of course, prime your lids. Then, for the browbone and lid, use a concealer as a highlight and/or shadows close to your skin tone. Next, put a bright pop of color in the crease and blend upwards into the browbone color so there are no harsh lines. Use a waterproof eyeliner if you want, but definitely go for the waterproof mascara. Your coated lashes will be sure to keep the pollen from falling into your eyes.

If you have severe allergies and you find yourself rubbing your eyes all the time, just make your lips pop and your cheeks rosey. Until you can really show your beautiful face in public again, keep your hands clean, keep them out of your face, and medicate!

Happy First Day of Spring!

Kisses!

Lip Service - Miss. Lead

2012-03-07T15:22:00.000-05:00

It’s bold. It’s beautiful. It makes a statement. Whether you wear a bold red or a modest nude, lipstick has always been a staple in a girl's makeup bag. Well, recent studies show that there may be some dangers lurking in your makeup bag.

A new study of lead in lipstick conducted by the FDA reveals that the level of lead in lipstick is actually worse than previously reported. The new study found lead in 400 lipsticks tested by the agency, at widely varying levels of up to 7.19 parts per million [ppm] which is more than twice the levels reported in a previous FDA study in 2009.

Severe levels of exposure to lead have been linked to miscarriages, infertility and learning disabilities in children. “Lead is a proven neurotoxin that can cause learning, language and behavioral problems such as lowered IQ, reduced school performance and increased aggression. Pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure, because lead easily crosses the placenta and enters the fetal brain where it can interfere with normal development,” according to Sean Palfrey, MD, a professor of pediatrics and public health at Boston University and the medical director of Boston's Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. “Since recent science suggests that there is truly no safe lead exposure for children and pregnant women, it is disturbing that manufacturers are allowed to continue to sell lead-containing lipsticks."

The FDA claims that all dyes used in cosmetics have to be examined for safety and although some of the coloring agents used in cosmetics are approved contain lead, it is present in such a small amount that there are no severe effects from it. Each of the approved dyes has its own set of specifications that must be adhered to. For example, F&C Red #6 cannot contain more than 20ppm of lead. According to the top 10 most lead-contaminating brands list, just about all of the colors are pinks and reds, which contain Red #6.

Psssh, so are you telling me that my favorite go-to red that I wear on the weekend might not be a good choice? Perhaps.

Lead is still an element that is dangerous to humans. Although the recent studies revealed that there are no safe levels of lead exposure, applying lipstick may not necessarily cause cancer, but one should probably make an effort to avoid contact with lead. Period. Lead builds up in the body over time and I guess lipstick that contains lead applied to your lips every day can probably add some significant levels of exposure.

Here is a list of the Top 10 lipsticks that were tested and found high levels of lead:

1. Maybelline’s Color Sensation in Pink Petal. (Lead content: 7.19 ppm)
2. L’Oreal Colour Riche in Volcanic. (Lead content: 7.00 ppm)
3. NARS Semi-Matte in Red Lizard. (Lead content: 4.93 ppm)
4. Cover Girl Queen Collection Vibrant Hues Color in Ruby Remix (Lead content: 4.92 ppm)
5. NARS Semi-Matte in Funny Face. (Lead content: 4.89)
6. L’Oreal Colour Rich in Tickled Pink. (Lead content: 4.45)
7. L’Oreal Intensely Moisturizing Lipcolor in Heroic. (Lead content: 4.41)
8. Cover Girl Continuous Color in Warm Brick. (Lead content: 4.28)
9. Maybelline Color Sensational in Mauve Me. (Lead content: 4.23)
10. Stargazer lipstick in shade “c.” (Lead content: 4.12)

Because lead is a contaminant not listed on lipstick ingredient labels, it's damn near impossible for consumers to avoid it. Hey, don't let that dissuade you from doing something though:
- E-mail, call or write to the companies that make your favorite lipstick shades and tell them that lead-free products are important to you.
- Write to L’Oreal to demand the company get the lead out of its products.

Although I love when my lips are poppin', I don't wear lipstick every day so its not a major concern for me. I'm no doctor, but I don’t think that it’s a major cause for concern...well, unless you’re eating it!

Until next time,

Kisses!

How Long Have You Had That?

2011-11-16T11:04:00.000-05:00

Hey Divas! Wondering what the shelf life is for all of that makeup in your junk drawer? We all know that you have a pile of makeup in your junk drawer that you will get to "one day". In other words - you will never use it, maybe because you don't know how or the makeup consultant "forced" you into buying it and you're too embarrassed to return it.

In case you didn't know, beauty products do have a shelf life, however, chances are the makeup you were compelled to buy years ago has long expired, Honey. Here's a quick guide on the shelf lives of typical beauty products, listed in alphabetical order [something like that]. Please keep in mind that these are estimates, no matter what your know-it-all girlfriend will tell you, it's unlikely you'll go blind from using that 2 year old mascara.

Brushes - Wash every 2-3 months in a mild detergent or Tea Tree Shampoo.
(Sponges Wash weekly and discard monthly.)

Concealer - Up to 12 months.

Cream & gel cleansers - 1 year.

Eyeshadow - Will last up to 3 years. Tip From Kisses: A dark eyeshadow can be used as eyeliner [or a brow filler]. I swear by it. All you need is a super-flat eyeliner brush for this: Get the brush a little damp and dab in dark eyeshadow (black, brown or deep jewel-tones work great). Wiggle the brush into your lash line focusing on the space between your lashes, then sweep the color just above your lash line. For the brows, grab an angled definer brush, brown eyeshadow and start filling.

Pencil Eye Liner - Should be sharpened after each use. It can last up to 3 years.

Lip Liner - Up to 3 years. Tip From Kisses: Skip the push-up lip liners. They're expensive, tend to break and you never really know how much you have left until you run out – which really sucks, especially when you’re putting it on in the car on your way to a date. Oh, that’s never happened to you before? Either way, there’s no need to spend money on push-up lip liners, stick with the pencil.

Foundation - ABC[YI] - Always Be Checking Your Ingredients. Yes, I made that up. Anyway, a water-based foundation will last up to 12 months, oil-based will last up to 18 months. You may find you need two different shades of foundation each year: One for summer when your skin is naturally darker and one for winter when you're lighter. Tip From Kisses: If your water-based foundation dries out before it's expiration date, simply add a few drops of alcohol-free toner and shake it like a polaroid picture. No need to add anything to oil-based foundations since they contain oil - they will tend to separate. Just like my favorite jar of Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter - "oil separation is natural, just stir and refrigerate." UGH, I really hate when that happens but a nice shake and stir gets everything right back in place.

Powder - 2 years.

Lipstick - Some experts say 1-2 years. Others say up to 4 years. What everyone agrees on is that if it smells sour, just throw it out, it's spoiled. Tip From Kisses: If you store lipstick in the refrigerator, it will last longer – just like everything else.

Mascara - Using 2 year old mascara will cause blindness. Juuuust kidding. This product expires the fastest though. Throw it out after 4 months. Tip From From Kisses: Be easy on the pumping. There's really no point in doing that in the first place. Everything you need is on the wand as soon as you take it out. Pumping in and out causes the mascara to dry quicker and forces bateria into the wand. Swirl the brush as you pull it out. If it starts to get cakey, try dipping the tube in boiling water for about 15 seconds. It will make the makeup gooey again and may even kill some bacteria.

Nail Polish - Up to 12 months, depending on the quality and how many times you take it on a plane (we all know the cap always unscrews on a flight. Don't believe me? Try putting it in your purse they next time you fly. You'll have a purse full of a fumey mess!).

Rule of thumb, if it looks like this:

TOSS IT! Really, how long have I had this?

Okay, so I was doing a little seasonal cleaning. I found a container full of nail polish I hardly ever used. I decided to go through it after catching up on Monday night's episode of Gossip Girl.

The rule of thumb for everything during major cleaning – when in doubt...chile, just throw it out! Besides, there's always the "next best thing" out there ready for your purchase.

Until next time, happy tossing!

Elements of Success!

2011-11-10T11:53:00.003-05:00

Success is an inside job.
"Being relaxed, at peace with yourself, confident, emotionally neutral, loose, and free-floating - these are the keys to successful performance in almost everything you do." - Dr. Wayne Dyer

The Elements of Fashion Photo Shoot Party in collaboration with HGreaves Photography Bodies of the Year Calendar Launch was a HUGE success! The high energy kept everyone going and Jerel "Goofy Jokes" Ledger kept everyone laughing. DJ KracBaby did his thing on the 1's and 2's while everyone danced to the beat of their own drum.

Here are some sneak pics of the models Mickayla Johnson and Thida Penn in action:

The amazing model that twists and bends himself to make things work: Terrell Wright and the lovely Mickayla Johnson in action.

Here are some pics of me working in the process:

The Clarke Sisters [myself and my big sisters]. We had to show our love for the camera too!

Special thanks to all of the designers that contributed their pieces in the event. Thanks to all of the vendors that came out and thanks to you who made your presence known. This event would NOT have been as successful as it was without you. If you missed us this year, no worries, we're not going anywhere. :)

Stay tuned for more details on Elements of Fashion Part 2! Next year, same time, same place. Follow The Ladies of Sweet Chic Meet on Twitter for more details to upcoming events with our amazing affiliates!

Talents on Display:

Details - For creative and unique event planning!
Girl About Town - Fashion-forward, trendy styling and she's a seamstress!
MyChoKolateKisses - For unique makeup for any special occassion. Your face, my canvas!
Legacy Apparel - For beautiful gowns with a touch of class!
Lipstick Killers - For everyday wear fashion clothing for BBW!
Ben Almonor's Designs - For unique clothing for the curvaceous woman!
Hgreaves Photography - For high energy photos. Click. Flash. Pose.
Unforgettable Occasions by Design - For exotic fashion jewelry!
Leveled Living - Great tips for living healthy from the inside out!
Sweet Love Affair - For delectable cupcakes made with LOVE. You'll be sure to fall in love with these sweet treats!
Jerel "Goofy Jokes" Ledger - He will make your stomach hurt!
Sushi King Clothing, Inc. - For unique fashion jewelry created by hand.
MyMeApparel - For ready to wear fashion.
Alec Roeser - For music for the soul.
Hair 2 Please - For unique hairstyles.
Tightworks - For on-the-go hair & makeup at any event.