Post #45- coming back ‘round

Hello Love,

It’s been a while and I’ve seemed to just make it in to wish you a Happy Black History month (Black history can be celebrated every month) and to hope you had a wonderful Valentine’s Day. It’s been quite the time since I last posted here, but I’m determined to get this one out before March 2023 officially rolls around. I’ve been noticing somethings and I thought I’d share them with you and hopefully encourage you too.

For example, The 90s came back into fashion without mercy. Denim overalls, skinny penciled on eyebrows 🙄, dark lined lips (this one is a good one), mid and low-rise jeans😩, and a host of many other things.

It’s funny because when I was being raised in the 90s I thought it was all new and I can see this generation in their platform shoes walking as if it’s fresh…they’ll learn soon enough that there is nothing new under the sun, maybe just new ways of looking at the same old same old.

Luckily for lip wear it can feel fresh and new even if it’s not. Although I am a bold any colour kind of lip wear girl, I am also loving this dark lined lip and nude situation. What’s great about a dark nude like brown and a nude base is that it works glossy and matte. I remember lining my lips with a dark brown liner in middle school and then putting an exorbitant amount of lipgloss on top. It’s a little classier now, but we’re back to this great combination.

I’ve always been a lover of Matte lipsticks, especially liquid lipsticks, but gloss has been working its way back into my purses and routine. It isn’t any wonder that a lot of companies are and have been exploring colours that glide on with a satin finish but happen to be longer lasting than they were in previous years. So below are a couple pictures from the last couple of months where I discovered a few new old tricks and welcomed some glossy and satin finish for my lips.

Looks above used The Lip Bar Lip Liner and lipgloss in First Lady, MAC lipgloss in clear or a light pink gloss, Maybelline’s new Super Stay Vinyl line in Cheeky.

I don’t know if you’re like me and you are getting a chance to do leather pants and lipgloss correctly this time, but I hope you get a chance to breathe and love you for where you are at in life right now. It’s so easy to get caught up in the latest trends and find yourself barely keeping up or comparing yourself to others. Something about being in my mid thirties has freed me to be myself in a way none of those twenty something ever could. I am the size I am right now, no I don’t want broccoli ever, and yes lipgloss and leather pants are my current thing and all of this is OK. Thank God for moments clarity when we can look around and know that even though we haven’t seen this day before, it all comes back around and the future is securely in God’s hands. So find your new old thing and wear it like you mean it. 💋

Post #44- Guilty or Nah?

I was born early in the morning on this day, so it seems fitting that I use these early morning hours of my birthday to be useful once more and to reflect on some things.

I’ve been feeling guilty of late about the good things in my life ,and even some of the good things in the periphery of my life, as well as some of the good things to come. I know this sounds absolutely absurd, but maybe you’ve been where I am. You thought life would look different even though it isn’t bad or you thought certain things would always stay the same, but they haven’t. None of it is bad per se, even when it is uncomfortable, it’s also good to be challenged and yet, I’ve been feeling guilty anyway:

Guilty because I started this wonderful Lipstick blog in the middle of the pandemic to inspire and share my love of lipstick and yet this is my first post in the last few months. And if I’m honest, I don’t know how much longer I’ll pay for a website I’m not using😩

Guilty because I have this wonderful-answer-to-prayer job that allows me to develop as an artist, build new relationships, work with people, and individually. And because I love it so much, I dedicate a lot of time to it, therefore missing out on spending time with some of those closest to me.

New Job!

Guilty because I’ve been praying for a spouse, no not just a boyfriend or man friend, a spouse, yet I haven’t made as much time as is probably needed to go out on dates, and do I even remember how to do that…what would I wear?!😩

Guilty because I thought I’d get to make more music this year since I have a new producer, but grateful for the late start because I really needed that vacation in November.

Guilty because I want to spend more time in prayer and solitude because I know Jesus is the fuel to me being a better version of myself, but I’m busy with the blessings He’s given me…

So maybe after a list like this, you’re thinking, “Temeka babe, you’ll be fine” or “these are not really problems”, and you may be right. Acknowledging how we feel is a good place to make decisions based on what is and not just what something feels like it could be.

This place I’m in isn’t a bad place..honestly, I think it’s mostly just adulting that makes these things difficult. Being in this place allows me to first, acknowledge my feelings and two, to count my blessings and then to choose which one to focus on. So let’s re-write the list:

I got to develop my love of lipstick and lip wear in the middle of the pandemic with an inspirational lipstick blog and even though I don’t know what’s next as the lipstick blogger, I know I’ve inspired someone to #Wearitlikeyoumeanit.

I’ve been working at my new job as a worship Pastor for a year and a half and I have a great team of people I get to work with to ensure music and the arts are incorporated into every service allowing others to shine while developing my own skills.

I’ve spent a lot more time praying for a spouse and being honest with some of my closest friends and loved ones about this process. I’ve also met more men this year who are just good guys and have even become friends offering a perspective I couldn’t always find before. And in the mean time, I get to work on me and do single people things happily. Have you tried traveling solo or with your besties…It’s glorious!

I had the opportunity to perform unreleased songs and to join other artists on their journey of musical artistry and have gotten a chance to improve my vocal health while working on the schedule for studio time…progress!

As I’ve become more and more occupied with the everyday responsibilities, I’ve become more aware of my need for Jesus and my need to trust His will for my life. I was blessed to join other worship pastors and teams on a 3-day retreat that really added value to my soul and poured water into an almost dry place, refreshing me greatly. What a blessing!

Look, I don’t know what shade of lipstick you’ve been using lately as your go-to. I’ve been pretty nude and plain but every so often I pull out a red (thank you Christmas events) and a purple something (because any shade of purple always looks good on any skin any time) and choose to count my blessings. I choose to delight myself in the Lord and thank him for the very good things in my life.

I know that life as it is happening right now for us won’t always be this way. Things change, people grow up or move on, we grow in knowledge and wisdom (hopefully 🤞🏾) and we learn to do hard things well, like wear green or purple or red on a rainy Autumn day. So here’s to us, wherever we are on the journey and wherever we think we want to go or should be by now. We’re alive and we’re still dreaming…YAY us! Happy My birthday to you, Love! Now go write your list and wear that lipstick like you mean it!

Post #43-Propa Beauty Haul- Lipstick Day 2022!

Imagine my excitement when the Female and Black owned brand Propa Beauty asked me if I would like to receive their lipstick collection! I was thrilled! I loved Fighter, a deep smooth brown I picked up a while back, but the whole collection…YES PLEASE!!!

Propa Beauty is a brand that just spells out classy determination and chutzpah! They started creating colours and launched during the pandemic and it already looks like a successful company in my opinion, but what do I know. Their product just is that good and the sales are amazing even for us international shipping types.

Propa focuses on the right nudes and colours with undertones that compliment each skin tone as well as your undertones. Did I mention that their lippies are paraben free and vegan?! They all glide on easily and feel like they’re hydrating your lips. I had to search them as soon as I got them. Usually when I do a shoot, my lips are tired from the application and wipe off afterwards, but not soon this time. I could have tried a hundred more. I fell in love 19 times with this brand. I am so impressed especially for the price point. And let’s not forget the packaging. Just like a nicely presented plate of food indicates that the food on the plate will taste good, packaging of any make up product kind of makes me think this will look good on me. Not make me look good…honey you already look good, but this product also looks good on me. Well done, Propa Beauty because you did that 19 times over! so let’s have a look!

Finesse is a nude that I can see wearing alone or to lighten the centre of anything with an ombré look. Like all of the other colours in the collection this lippie is buildable. But as we know, if I’m wearing it, I’m wearing it like I mean it. Fully coloured and loving it.

How yummy is this wonderful brown?!😍 Focused by Propa Beauty

Profits is a gorgeous nude with some spunk! I love it.

Clo$er might be one of my faves with its subtle plum tones. I’m so excited for Winter with this one. Absolutely gorgeous!
Empower feels just like it’s named. This is a notice-me-kind-of nude that is just beautiful.

Victress is my perfect skin match. I love a perfect nude. Come on somebody!

Limitless is the burnt orange I have been looking for! It’s the perfect compliment to my skin and is just a good idea. Thank you Propa!
Ooh this colour, Made It, brings me so much joy! How beautiful for Summer. This and the glow of my melanin had me singing!
Her Magic is wonderful! There’s that hint of plum again and I. Am. Here. For. It👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Driven looks so inspirational and builds so easily for full coverage without feeling like you’re weighed down. Sis, get it!
I usually avoid red when I’m wearing pink eyes and a green eyeshadow accent 🤦🏽‍♀️ but Unstoppable makes me feel just that. Love this!
Fighter is the colour that led me to notice and follow and recommend Propa Beauty. Love this deep chocolate compliment to melanin in any shade.
Prowess tricked me with its label but I wonder if it would read with a more red undertone on someone whose lips were the same shade My palette is two toned.
Moxie is the pink of the collection and it is a delicate soft beautiful addition to any outfit. Mama is excited about this one too haha!
Prime Time , a soft mauve red. Excellent even with pink hair.
Dream It is a fierce red that every lip-wearer needs in their make up bag. This one could easily become a staple.
Dynamite is a fun orange-red lipstick. So good.
Audacious is a wonderful berry lip that made me go hmmmm when I put it on. What a hit!

Overall I am thrilled to wear these. No guess for the rest of the summer I am so ready to support brands like Propa Beauty because they make quality affordable and enjoyable. We’ll done. Hey babe, don’t forget to get all of the sales today for Lipstick Day. Propa has half off right now. Whichever brand or colour you choose honey, wear it like you mean it. See you soon!

Check them out here and be sure to read their story because just like their lippies, it’s a beauthttps://www.propabeauty.com

Post #42-Into The Woods

Hi There! A lot has been going on since we last spoke and you know what?…that’s OK. I won’t apologize for different rhythms or new life experiences. This life is a journey. I thought I’d share a planned and much needed detour with you.

At one point it seemed as though I was wearing more lipstick during the pandemic but when I got my new job, I had to wear a mask more often and slowly the amount of lipstick I wore dwindled down. I’m saying this with faith and hope, we’re coming out of this thing and masks are optional just about everywhere which means I can choose to adorn my lips again without fear of smudge and outfit ruin.

In May my bestie, Jilly and I went on a Long weekend trip up north and did some city girl style hiking. She had real hiking boots, I had sneakers, we both have a fear of bugs, and a hotel reservation because camping is a lot, lol. But into the woods we went nonetheless. Side note: I’m so happy to see and be some of the Black people who are doing things that “we” wouldn’t “normally” do or even be interested in. Going up north with a cooler bag and some clothes whilst surrounded by greenery is a beautiful option to the city landscapes and noise pollution that is second nature to most of us. A change in scenery can do a soul good!

And of course I never go outside naked, so I carried a lighter version of my make bag with some drug store and black owned beauty products and decided to try out a few brands and or colours I hadn’t before with God’s creation for the background. Check it out!

Pictures above feature in order NARS, Too Faced, Thread It, Pat McGrath, Propa Beauty, and Mented!

I hope I can inspire you to go way outside and try your go to lippies in a different space. Take in God’s natural cathedral and breathe in some fresh-non-covid-and-fear-infused-air.

I’ll see you soon from somewhere on this beautiful planet but even if it’s from my office, the woods, or downtown near some skyscraper, I’ll be wearing lippies like I mean it.

Post #40-Happy Black History Month!

Happy New Year! Yes, I know I’m late, but I decided to pause or selah for the month of January. I just needed to reset and think without the prompts and distractions of social media. BUT I never stopped thinking about how we can celebrate a whole new Black History Month. I think 2022 will be the year where I stop and intentionally feel all the things. I will celebrate and rejoice. I will stop and consider. I will comfort others who have comforted me, I will intentionally see and celebrate, so let’s start with the month of February.

As you probably know by now I love me some black owned and female owned lippies. Well, ColouredRaine was having a sale and I was feeling sad about our recent lockdowns so it just made sense that I show support. Besides working from home again meant that I could wear more lipstick without the threat of a mask-hello!

I also got a lip balm and a lipstick from PAT McGRATH and the MOTHERSHIP because why not?! and then I remembered a beautiful Montreal, Canadian brand NAGI with it’s own velvety cream liquid lipsticks…So yes, I splurged a bit, but this was my way of celebrating a month that usually forces people to only look at the struggle of slavery days instead of the Black Excellence in the many realms of society where Black people are getting it right. That being said, I decided to share with a few people over the holidays so they can learn about this Black Excellence too. Let’s have a look at my new loves!

I ordered 9 ColouredRaine Matte Liquid Lipsticks (and I think they’re still having a ridiculous sale. get yours!) I gave 2 away and Mama tried some too. What I love about ColouredRaine anything is the presence of pigment and quality. I always feel like what you see is the colour you get regardless of your skin colour. Talk about equality! Here’s a look at the 7 I still have. Thank you, ColouredRaine, I’ll be back!

Kiss Me– A Wonderful Royal purple with Blue undertones that pop even with blue hair. This reminded me of TheLipBar‘s Crown Me so I’m still feeling so royal, because as we know I can never have too much purple on my lips.

MUAH– is metallic, soft and matte! 🤯 I’m always surprised when I wear a metallic matte by this brand because how did they get it to sparkle and stay in one place. This colour is also so soft and pretty that I’m sure it would also be great as topper on a darker shade. I’m in love.

Bachelorette– This lippie had me feeling myself. What a wonderful bold and yet subdued nude! There’s just enough pink undertone in this to make it pop and highlight the melanin in my skin. This one will definitely need replacing soon.

Caramel– This one was educational. I’ve never in all of my lip-wearing life found a matte colour that was my exact skin colour, like my shoulder’s colour on my lips. Well, I found it. I like it but I think I will use it in ombre situations because it will work as a great base coat. It looked absolutely wonderful on Mama where it pops against her golden skin.

Soul- Is a purple grey wonder that made my inner self smile deep into my tones. This one reminded me of Visionary from the Superstay Matte Ink collection by Maybelline. As it dried, it was a deep grey with purple tones that still complimented my skin. Love this!

Truffle Raine- Is a wonderful Chocolatey gift to my lips. The pop of colour against my mocha brown skin looks like it was made for my yellow under tones with it’s own yellow undertones. I know my besties would consider this a safe fun one. Not too bright, but how could we not notice-type of lippie.

Roulette- This colour is like the end of a musical work with themes completing this section of the lippie haul. It’s purple again, but not. It is giving me a deep red-is wine colour underneath that is more evident before it dries and yet as the colour dries, you can see the beautiful plum effect. How could I not be happy with a lippie like this?! Simply wonderful!

Next up is this wonderful lipstick by the incomparable Pat McGrath. It is from the LuxeTrance collection in the colour Sedition 422. What I love about this colour is how easy and full it applies to my lips. And it’s moisturizing in a way I can’t understand. This is a mix of a satin and matte in textures, but is pigmented enough with this deep rich red that there will still be enough colour left on your lips that reapplying will only be done because you can and not because you’ll need too. Anything The Mothership is making is good for me.

Last but certainly not least are these two Velvet liquid lipsticks that go on like a wonderful cream and dry to a velvet texture that hugs you lips fully. There are a few more lippies in this collection that NAGI offers and I’m happy to say that I will add these to the general collection in the make up drawer.

Validate is a deep pink burgundy wonder that looks more pink when first applied and dries wondrously to compete with any red you may have.

Betty Boo Is the red you didn’t know you needed and it’s Canadian! You’re welcome. I wore this throughout a chicken dinner and a family meeting and I was full and feeling wonderful.

Well, I hope you’ve enjoyed my little journey through this Black Owned lippie haul. How are you celebrating this month? What colour are you wearing inside, outside, or on zoom? I wish you a wonderful time of exploration into all that the Black Community at large has blessed the world with. It is all a gift from above.

Happy Black History Month from my lips to yours. #wearitlikeyoumeanit 💋

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