Dope Find: Lucienne Francois Custom Blend Cosmetics

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Have you ever bought a lip color, used that baby all the way up, and then return to the store to purchase it again just to find out that it’s been discontinued? I HATE when that happens! Why does it seem like all the good colors get discontinued?

Well I found a super dope solution to that and more! Lucienne Francois is a talented business woman who specializes in Custom Blend Cosmetics. You’ve seen me rock one of her custom blend blue lipsticks in this Threads of the Day post

I wanted something new and fun for the summer, and decided to go for a pop of blue and soft lilac lipstick to jazz up my summer makeup.

And it doesn’t stop at lipsticks, she can make anything you need, including custom or replicated nail polish, lip gloss, foundation, bronzer and eye shadow. 

I love how pigmented the lipstick is and the nail polish could definitely pass for a dupe of an OPI shade. Here is a close up of the custom blue lipstick.

Fun right?!

And here’s a close up of the custom lilac with the lilac lipgloss applied on top!

This color is trending for Spring and Summer and is a fresh alternative to wearing pink. I only applied two coats of the lipstick and have no liner underneath.

The next time you run out of your favorite shade of anything and find that it’s been discontinued or even if you want to create your own custom color, check out Lucienne Francois Custom Blend Cosmetics at LucienneFrncs92@gmail.com !

Threads of the Day: Keep It Chic

“Fashion fades, only style remains the same.” - Coco Chanel

I love high end labels … I mean really what girl doesn’t? But realistically my closet is more than a few pieces short of being lined with names like Philip Lim, Givenchy, and Balenciaga. ::le sigh::

So, let me clue you in on a secret about the above ensemble I put together. If you really have style then you could make a $10 look like a million bucks! It’s all about mixing high and low price points to look chic and on-trend.

And let’s not forget about the magic of thrifting! I love scoring finds from the thrift store because it’s pretty much a guarantee that no one else will have it. As long as you mix a thrift item in with something modern and of-the-moment, you won’t have any worries of looking like your sporting a costume.

Thread List:

High waist trousers: Thrifted
Crop Top: American Apparel
Heels: Zara
Bag: Forever21
Sunnies: Anna Dello Russo for H&M (I don’t wear them often because they are a little heavy and give me a headache lol)
Belt: BCBG
Necklace: My grandmother’s
Lipstick: Ka’oir in “Sex”  

Always remember that you can still have major sex appeal and keep things classy at the same time! Crop tops are really big this season. Try pairing it with a full skirt, high waist jeans/shorts, or chic trousers like I did. I will definitely be pairing my crop top with a short suit set this summer!

As far as your makeup goes, I chose to rock a dark sultry lip and keep the rest of my makeup clean and simple. It’s all about making a statement. Pick one thing and rock it with confidence!


Target Done Brewed Up A Beauty Box

Good lawd! There’s a subscription box for everyone, everything, and at every price point nowadays! Guess who joined the club? Tarjay hehe (anyone else say it like that?).

Spied over on the Target Facebook fan page, they released news of their first edition “Beauty Box by Target”. 

Try on and try out some of our beauty faves. The Beauty Box by Target boasts beauty, skin care and nail care brands you already know, and a few that may be completely new to you. Shipping is included, plus each order includes a special offer to keep you looking fab while staying on budget. Orders ship in 4–6 weeks.

But wait for it …. guess how much this subscription service will cost you?

::drumroll:: … $5!!! 

Now, personally I’m on a beauty/hair box overload and as much as I love me some Tarjay…I doubt I’ll be signing up for a box. While this is the best deal I’ve seen so far on subscription boxes, they probably should have done this when the whole beauty box deal first bloomed on the scene. Buuuttt I do peruse the makeup aisles often so maybe I’ll sign up for a just a month…stop judging me.

Hey, who knows. We all fall victim of entering target with the intention of just picking up some toothpaste, and leave with a new shirt, a coffee pot, and big screen TV lol. Maybe you’ll end up signing up for a box on your way out (Mother’s Day gift anyone?). For those who are interested, click here and order your little hearts out :)

So, who’s jumping on the Target beauty box bandwagon? Are you over the whole beauty box services yet?

Natural Hair, Skin, & Style Questions Answered From Readers

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Hey guys! Thanks for tuning in and asking for advice! I’m more than happy to help and I thought it would be easier to answer some of your questions from this week all together. So, here it goes!

“Hi doll! Do you use heat rollers?”

No maam.

“Hi I totally love your hair it’s so beautiful I been natural for 5 years now but would straighten it often, which resulted it to have heat damage since then I haven’t applied any heat to my hair. I’ve been getting so bored of my natural hair colour that I really want to get it highlighted similar to your hair colour or have my entire hair dyed black which one would be the best decision for my hair?” 

Thank youuu! Well I don’t know what you or your hair looks like to give you a proper suggestion lol, but I say if you prefer to wear your hair straight, then dye it black. I did a black rinse on my hair for years and it gave my hair a lot of recovery time to be nice, shiny, and healthy. I’m also totally down for color (obviously lol), so start with some subtle highlights and say no to heat for a while. It’s also really important to go to a stylist that takes extra good care of your hair whether colored or not! Deep conditioners and leave-in conditioners should be your best friend when wearing it natural (one my favorites lines for conditions is Mixed Chicks). Good luck! 

“You are so gorgeous I love your haircut so beautiful ! I want to know what products do you use for your beautiful flawless skin ?” 

Why thank ya lovely :) See this post and this post and this post for what I faithfully use to take my makeup off err day. 

“Hi!! What’s your ethnicity?” 

Hi! I’m African American :) 

“What would you suggest wearing to your bestfriend’s college graduation? The ceremony will be outdoors, in low 70 to high 80 degree weather.” 

I would go for a nice easy breezy sundress and strappy sandals and take a cardigan or scarf in case it’s a little chilly. Always better to be safe than sorry. I would also do a pair of high waist trousers and a chic blouse and heels. Simple and effortless is always the best way to go. For some affordable options, check out Forever21, Zara, H&M, or TJ Maxx :)

“Hey Gorgeous! I am 23 with oily/acne prone skin. Do you have any suggestions for a good oil free moisturizer to apply under my foundation?”

Hey there gorgeous :) I’ve been using Olay Complete Moisturizer with spf 15 and Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with spf 15 for years and it’s never done me wrong. Check out this post and this post on how to get maximum usage out of your moisturizer. I have combination/oily skin so they should work for you too! 

“I’m so in love with your hair! It looks so healthy. Which products do you use and how often ? Do you sleep with a cap or something or do you leave it like that ? Xx”

Ahhhh, I use so many products! lol But some products that I’m loyal to is Mixed Chicks leave-in conditioner. I use it all over after I wash my hair and I use it to refresh my hair in the back and on the sides pretty much every day. For the top of my hair I switch it up and do a two-strand twist every other night using either Dark & Lovely Au Naturale 10-in-1 Gelée, Twisted Sista Curl Activator, or Dr. Miracle Curl Care Strong Hold Gel. For moisture I’ve been using Carol’s Daughter Monoi Split End Sealer (after I wash my hair), and I’ll mix in Elasta QP’s Olive Oil & Mango Butter Moisturizer with one of the styling products I mentioned. For shine, I use a little Paul Mitchell Skinny Serum as I take my two strand twist out every day. Yes, that was a lot lol. 

“Hello McKenzie! I’m new to your blog, tried to find your everyday makeup routine/products but no luck. I would say you and I are around the same complextion. I was wondering if you would share with me your products for your daily makeup routine. Thanks in advance! Shakira”

Hi Shakira, I’ll do an updated post on that for you ;) 

“Hi, I would like to know about your professional color. Is the blonde in the front growing out or did you purposely highlight the front? I am taking your blog to the salon with me (ha!) so I can give my stylist some ideas of what I want. Please let me know. Thanks! BrownFace” 

Hi BrownFace :) Because I’ve colored my hair so much, a lot of the look is from the grown out process and I just add to it (that’s why it turns into custom color). Recently I had the tips highlighted a little more to give me more blonde. 

**I’ll do this more often for you guys so I can try to get everyone’s questions answered! Don’t be scurred to send pics so I can see exactly what you’re talking about ;) (I have to do these awkward watermarks now because of picture theft! You understand lol)