My Hair Journey!

Hey Pretties,

about 2 years ago, i had my 1st child (Sharrie) & being a girl, i lost a lot of hair (how the fact that i had a girl relates with my hair loss is what i don't get. People say you have more hair,if its a boy). I also experienced a thicker & stubborn hair texture that hardly ever got relaxed.

So, i gave up & just cut it all off (TWICE!!!). I read all sorts on how to take care of Natural/Nappie Hair and i sincerely don't have the patience for the hair especially since the only salons that can take care of the kinky-textured hair only style it as DREADLOCKS and nothing else creative.

I must confess that i was deceived into thinking the Soft Perm kit wasn't going to destroy the natural texture of my hair, because i have naturally coarse hair & so i needed something to soften the hair and reduce my migraine attacks less, which it did. But like every good thing, after 3 months (which is the expected time for a new soft perm, i refused to have that harsh chemical in my hair).

One would think that i had learnt my lesson. I also got deceived once again many months later, i went again to texturize my hair. Now,i can't curl the hair, it is gob-smacked straight & coarser.

So,i've resolved to let it all grow out & keep to the kinky texture i had at the beginning of my journey and either dread or just invest in Kinky Curly Products & Carol's Daughter

Pls note : I am best friends with Shea Butter, which i often used with water & some olive oil, but even that leaves the scalp clogged with dirt & the hair clogged with sediments. DON'T BE DECEIVED, GOING NATURAL TAKES HARD WORK & PATIENCE.

I hope this post was helpful to anyone seeking avenues of having better hair, all natural hair needs is moisture and lots of conditioning & u'll be fine. I'll keep you posted on the progress i make.

2009

Early 2010

September 2010 (I just noticed this Top appeared Thrice,i have more clothes oo, I Promise!!)

November 2010

Late November 2010

January 2011

February 2011

March 2011 (After my Soft Perm)

 

April 2011

August 2011 (How my hair Looks Now)

xoxo
PrettyK

Product Review : Gifty's Daughter's Professional Brush Set!

Hey Pretties,

as every makeup artist knows or should know, you can't have enough brushes in your kit especially if you work frequently. So, growing an arsenal of brushes shouldn't be taken lightly. If you're based in Nigeria, like i am, its a bit of work to get good brushes at Great Prices.

For those who don't know, we have Brush-sets that are Indigenously branded  e.g TARA Orekelewa, BM Pro, Unveil, SLEEK (which isn't actually a Nigerian Brand) & of course, GIFTY's Daughter which is owned by Port-Harcourt based Makeup Artist Funke Preghafi.

I haven't met her in person, but from various chats, i must say she knows what she's doing. So after placing the order, the brushes arrived at my address 2days later via FEDEX & i must say i couldn't wait to try them.

Bag the Brushes came in

Brush Bag which doubles up as a Brush Belt (Super Cool!!)

Monogram on the Protection Flap

Back of the Brush Belt

Dual Ended and the Regular Brushes

Brushes laid out to dry after Washing

Face Brushes

Dual- Ended Brushes

L-R Blending , E/S , Brow & Liner Brushes

VERDICT

• They are absolutely terrific brushes
• They are value for your money
• i would buy them again

PROS

• There are so many brushes,about 3 powder brushes (1 of which doubles as a blush brush) ; 4 Lip Brushes & Numerous Eyeshadow brushes
• There was little shedding after the first wash, which was expected
• The Monogrammed Flap helps to keep your brushes falling out of thePouch
• The Pouch doubles as a Brush Belt which feels comfortable & sturdy when worn
• The mesh allows for tiny items like items for Touch-ups,Tweezers, Cuticle Scissors and eyelash glue to remain in plain view
• The Brushes are available in PH,Abuja & Owerri, but can be shipped nationwide
• If you're a makeup artist on a budget, they're good enough for you
• For professional makeup artists, they make good back-up brushes if not Great primary brushes
• Aesthetics are on point (They look like Professional Brushes)

CONS

• Since Funke isn't based in Lagos, the brushes take a maximum of 2 days to get to you after confirmation of payment
• The Brushes aren't for people who don't know their brushes/ aren't makeup artists

xoxo
Pretty K

DISCLAIMER: I am in no way in affiliation with any of the companies whose products i display, i bought them & i'm not been paid to review their products.

LOTD : All my Purple World!

Hey Pretties,

so, it was a bright and sunny day & as usual, i was inspired to create a look with an intent to look Gothic, but with a lot more color. This wasn't a look i accomplished with MAC's "All of My Purple Life" Lip glass, but what better name to call the Look since it was inspired by the Color Purple(No,not the Movie Either).

FOR MY FACE:

- Mary Kay Medium Coverage Foundation in 600 
- MAC Moisture Select Cover Concealer in NC42(a teeny bit)
- Milani Mineral Powder in Medium, Topped with MAC Blot Powder in Dark
- Black Opal Blush in RAISIN & Black Radiance Sheer Blush in (Plum Sorbet)CA8303
- Black Radiance Mosaic Bronzer in (Golden Shimmer) 99621 on the bulb of my nose, cheekbone & as my brow highlight.

FOR MY BROWS :

-  Eversheen Eyeliner Pencil in Brown & Brown-Black 
- BM Pro Brush on Brow in AUBURN

FOR MY EYES : 

- Inner 3rd of the eye : MAC Cranberry e/s
- Outer 3rds of the eye : Casabella Mink & e/s
- Crease : Black Radiance Plum Sorbet Blush (i can use anything i want to,i hope you know that better about me by now)

FOR MY LIPS :


- Jordana EASYLINER For Eyes in Denim Blue & Purple Fusion
- Black Up Tube Lipgloss in GT 15


So, i hope this proves helpful to someone out there.


xoxo
Pretty K

DISCLAIMER: I am in no way in affiliation with any of the companies whose products i display,use or review. I bought them & i'm not been paid to review their products.

Product Review : MAC Brush Cleaner

Hey Pretties,


so as i shared some days back,i got my MAC Brush Cleaner amidst other items i ordered and my excitement was short-lived,because i thought it contained some alcohol which would mean the brushes dry faster than expected.

According to MAC :  This one product will clean, disinfect and condition the brush fibers so that brushes will last longer. It is convenient to use and is specifically designed to extend the life of high quality brushes. Brush Cleanser leaves your brushes smelling fresh and clean, and helps shorten their drying time.

Asides that,its a fantastic brush cleaner,compared to Makeup Studio's Brush Cleaner which i purchase at Casabella (at the Palms,Lekki). It leaves my brushes clean and smelling fresh,which is a plus for me.


Pros
- It smells nice and leaves my brushes smelling fresh
- Packaging as always is simple,yet great
- Is eligible for Back to MAC (a great plus)
- And the price is very reasonable ($13), considering how much i buy Casabella's own

Cons
- Not been able to spritz the cleaner,means that you may have spills especially during travel, so i decant some into my contact lens solution container
- You may use more product when cleaning powder brushes, so i stick to cleaning lip, eyeshadow and eyeliner brushes

So, i hope this review was helpful

xoxo
Pretty K

DISCLAIMER: I am in no way in affiliation with any of the companies whose products i display, i bought them with my own money & i'm not been paid to review their products.

My MAC Haul!

Hey Pretties,

so after waiting a while for some friends to get me some MAC products (in a bid to avoid buying fake versions from shady sources), they finally arrived. Why MAC you would ask.Well, MAC is a favourite amongst most makeup artists amidst other Huge Brands like Bobbi Brown, Makeup For Ever, Inglot, Illamasqua et al and is a brand created for makeup Artists by makeup artists.

Anyway, to purchase Mac products here (asides Studio Tech & Studio Fix,lol) may not be affordable to everyone who comes across it and and as a makeup artist, having a working budget is key, otherwise, you'll end up spending more than what you intended.

Face products & Lipsticks

Eyeshadows (sorry,i've used some already)

Gel - Liner

These products are products i have researched, craved, products that have the most reviews and of course uses. I got myself :

- Fix +
- Strobe Cream
- Brush Cleaner
- Prep & Prime Finishing Powder
- Matte Lipsticks
- Frost, Veluxe Pearl, Mineralize and Matte Eyeshadows
- Fluidline Gel- Liner

I'll dedicate individual reviews to all these products & must i add, they cost a fortune.

Here's a link to a post i once made on how to spot fake mac products : Fake Mac Products

xoxo
Pretty K

Pretty Makeover - GOLDIE for Exquisite Magazine!

 Hey Pretties,

a few months back, i was opportuned to meet & work on the Very Talented Artiste ''Oluwabimpe Susan Harvey'' ( Better known as GOLDIE ) . She was the Cover for Exquisite Magazine's Issue 42, earlier this year ( who i do a lot of freelance work with )

Trust me to do a little research before working on any client & from my findings, i knew Goldie likes Looks that aren't wearable for everyday. She loves Avant-Garde looks which include the use of Over-the-top costumes & Very Quirky & Outrageous Fashion Lashes .

Goldie in Full Avant-Garde Mode (No, i'm not responsible for this Look)

Her music also isn't the regular kind of Naija (Nigerian) music & neither is her sense of style which has made people coin her as Nigeria's 'Lady Gaga'. Not sure if she likes that comparison, but at least you get what i mean ;)


 Jawo's Video  (click here to watch Jawo ft Jwon)


You Know It ( ft ELDEE)

Nothing Has Changed  

Don't Touch 

Obviously, i love her creativity & drive, hence, the links to her videos above & in person, she's very pleasant. So Goldie baby,This one's for you.

So, since people don't know her for Sexy or Sultry makeup, i decided that was the look to go for. The lashes i used were very simple. I hope you like the Pictures below.

The Magazine Cover

Tho her lips look red, it was actually a Tangy color

Here, i went for a Bronzed look adding warmth to her face & body

Some pink eyes & lips

xoxo
Pretty K

Sam Oh Sam!

Hey Pretties,

Ain't he Fine (Sorry Mr Fash!)

not everyone knows who Sam Fine is, but i do. He's known for his commendable & impeccable work on Top Black African American Models, Celebrities & Entertainers such as Supermodel Iman, Mary J Blige, Tyra Banks, Brandy, Jennifer Hudson, RuPaul, Vanessa Williams, M'onique & Queen Latifah, to mention but a few.

He is highly sought after & though he isn't a fan of Loud colors ( which i'm very sure he would do a swell job with) , he does the Most Fantastic Natural Looks on the Face of the Earth. Talented is an understatement when commending his artistry. He has created a standard & isn't afraid to share his wealth of knowledge & experience with all and sundry even on Social Networking Sites.

I've been an avid fan since i first learnt about him a few years back & i must confess, his artistry has influenced mine for the better. His work & experience have been shared in his Book - FINE BEAUTY & his Make up DVD - The Basics of Beauty ( which i both own,by the way ;))

Sam's 1st Makeup Book

Sam's 1st & Highly Publicized DVD

If you have heard the name - FASHION FAIR ( Our mums were ardent fans of the brand ) who have provided makeup for Black women for over 38 years , you will know why what i'm about to say is huge news all over the Makeup World.

Recently, he was appointed the Creative Director of Fashion Fair Cosmetics & will be revamping the Line. His Debut Collection '' Sam Fine For Fashion Fair '' should be launched in Early 2012.

An icon in the Makeup World, he is someone who should be understudied. If you happen to stop by any of the Countries where he constantly visits, be sure to be a part of his Workshops , Seminars & Masterclasses.

Sam, all the very best & we look forward to the New Fashion Fair Collection.

Best Wishes
Pretty K

An Award in view!

Hey Pretties,

how have you all been? Seriously, blogging is serious work especially if you happen to have a quirky sense of humour like me or feel you have little or nothing tangle to sure(I know someone who would frown heavily at that opinion).

Wanted to share some good news with you.

I recently was nominated for the ELOY (Exquisite Lady of the Year) AWARDS in the Category of Makeup Artist of the Year.

The criteria  for the award focuses on the character of the individual, her ability, achievements & how her work impacts the Nigerian society.

Each nominee has a record of :

Direct Leadership : responsible for duties of others in a business environment. The Leadership ability to affect human behaviour & accomplish a mission. Must be capable of influencing others to achieve set goals.

Indirect Leadership : she has earned teh respect of others due to past or current achievements.

Service : has helped colleagues & associates to grow, develop & achieve goals & given assistance to the community.

Commitment : shows a level of dedication to her goals & ability to achieve them.

Achievement : shows evidence of growth in her business or profession.

Integrity : must act according to values, beliefs & principles that shape the future for the better. Actions of Integrity.

Character : meeting her responsibilities & being a good Nigerian ( I pay my taxes,lol)

I'm elated to know that these are qualities i possess & being nominated is a huge honour.

Pls vote for me by texting ' Eloy Sit Pretty Inc. (Kunbi) ' to 35070. The more votes you send, the better my chances of winning. (Texts cost =N=100, it's only fair to let you know)


Thanks in advance for voting for me


xoxo
Pretty K

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