Beauty Faves

 I decided that it was time I share of my frequent beauty faves with you all. I have not really gave you all many beauty posts but I would like to starting sharing more since it is one of my favorite things to indulge in .

So my makeup routine everyday is usually the same. Last year I began breaking out which I had never suffered with any skin problems or acne but it came out of the blue and has been a challenge to combat ever since. I have started to become more knowledgeable of my skin and changing products frequently is one thing that I really do not do unless I think it may be of some help to me.  Revlon Colorstay is my absolute favorite drugstore foundation. It is medium to full coverage and feels very lightweight. It is inexpensive and lasts for a while. One con to this foundation is that it does not come with a pump. 

 MAC Pro LongwearConcealer is one product that I do not like to go without. I wear NC50 (I think) and usually apply it with my finger and then use my beauty blender to blend it very well. On those mornings where my eyes are puffy and my circles are see through I need this. 

 I stumbled across Milani Baked Blush at Target one day after just seeing a Youtuber applying it and I had to give it a try. It is more of a golden bronzer to me and I apply it over my MAC pink blush for a more highlighted look to my cheeks. 

 Now Now!! I can't forget about my Mineralize Skin Finish that I apply after my foundation. Because I have oily skin I use this as a finisher to keep me from shining and staying matte all day. I use the shade deep. 

What are some of your Beauty Faves??? 

Lipstick & Love, XOXO

Lipstick 1.4: Career Life

Well Hello Weekend! Mine did not officially began until the clock striked 12 and I left those office doors. 

So I have almost closed the chapter from my current job that I have worked at for 3 1/2 years, but I began a new journey as soon as those doors close in less than one week. 

Sometimes we become so comfortable in our job role that we take our time to seek other opportunities because of the unknown. But when it is our time to go where we can go grow and find new meaning nothing can stop it. Think of when a flower is watered, it begans to bloom with all of the proper nurturing. 

So what I want to say is that when you feel like your time is up somewhere, take that leap of faith to sought out what will contribute to your success. Every opportunity is a stepping stone to the next level in your life. Go where you will be appreciated and not where you are tolerated. If it is for you, remember nothing or no one can stop it. 

Don't dim your light because others are insecure. Walk into a room and own it! You have a purpose, you are destined. When people see that you are moving forward they will be intimidated, they will speak down about you and they will pass their judgement but remember that's why they are still sitting in that same seat. 

With Lipstick, Laughter & Love XOXO 

Beautiful Soul

Dear Beautiful Soul,

You feel they don't recognize your beauty and efforts deep beyond the surface of the beautiful face you display each and everyday. You have waited time and time again for the okay of others, letting them validate your life, the check mark that states okay  you can move forward with what you want to do. Where does your own confidence lie? One day you're up the next day you're down. Mind on overload, heart overblown. Telling yourself each day that it's okay, just brighten up don't let them see your weakness although you know you have become weaker than before, in reality you may not realize how STRONG you really are.

That luggage of worries that is weighing you down up underneath that no one sees, start letting it drown and drift into the ocean. If it no longer means you any good, if it's not adding to you it is subtracting LET IT GO... They tell you that you're beautiful but most times you don't believe it because all you can see is your flaws. You are so hard on yourself young thing, it's okay you are doing your best STOP IT. Just keep going after what you want. There is ENOUGH in the world for you, so don't think that it will pass you away.

That faith of a mustard seed, are you using it to move those mountains?? Know that sometimes the hardest battles are given to the toughest soldiers. Lace up those boots, throw on your camos and denim and apply your red lipstick... YOU ARE BUILT FOR THIS!!!

There is so much more in store for you, JUST WATCH WHAT IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN NEXT!!!

P.S. This is for the woman who is going through anything right now! Just believe in yourself, command whatever you don't want in your life to leave, it can no longer live in you, and go out and conquer all that you have inside of you!!

Lipstick & Love, XOXO

Lipstick: Forbes Billionaires

Happy Hump Day... I'm in a great mood and I hope that you are too, if not Smile Beautiful today is only as amazing as you want it to be.

So Forbes is a website that we are all too familiar with, it gives out financial and business information. Some of our favorite people grace their magazine and make their top lists year after year. Forbes is such an inspiring website for me, I read about others and I mentally take notes on vital sources so that I can apply it to my life. If they can do it, I can do it too! Everything requires hard work and passion, nothing is a get by task. Although some have obtained their currency and title through inheritance they still have to put forth the effort to keep the company afloat.

So 2014 has swept in new BILLIONAIRES *scratches head and thinks of a master plan*

Sandra Ortega net worth is $6.1 Billion and her source is retail, Zara. Now what women doesn't love Zara. It is one of the most popular retail websites and stores that I know of, great quality clothes and prices.


Folorunsho Alakija is Nigeria's first female billionaire who worked in banks, and studied fashion design before her powerful relationships transitioned into the oil company. She is worth $2.5 billion.


Aerin Lauder is a billionaire from her grandmother's cosmetics firm, Estee Lauder. The New York socialite also has her own lifestyle empire as well. She is worth $1.15 billion.


These are only a few whom made the list, but what do you see they all have in common? They are women who are making their mark in this world in their business endeavors. We women have came along way, have accomplished a lot, and our out showing others that anything is possible. Just go for it!!

I am excited about my future success, back to the drawing board I go to finish out my business plans.

With Love, Laughter, and Lipstick XOXO 

Images and Data via Forbes

Lipstick Liner: Chats

It's been a long Tuesday with these past days of bad weather and you know the daily twists and turns we endure each day. But I'm not going to complain because I made it through the day maybe a little bumps and bruises not in the figurative speech but heyyy I can still lay in a warm bed and rest. In life we have to be grateful and see the good in everything even when it doesn't seem like it. Because many people may be going through worst and would trade places with you and I in a heartbeat. 

Today I took a step and decided to make light of a situation that lingered for months. Just a few words to someone and a weight was lifted off of my chest. I have held grudges, stopped talking to individuals and things of that nature but it takes too much energy to water a negative situation than to just make light of it and then let it be. Actually when I think of it I took many steps to just smile and speak with individuals that I haven't spoke too starting with my Saturday outing. 

Sometimes when we are transitioning in our lives, when we are stepping into a new journey we don't even realize that the steps necessary to move forward takes looking back and fixing things before proceeding. It's like a hot air ballon you won't float to the top with a lot of baggage weighing the ride down. Your attitude determines your elevation. 

Dear Old Me,

There is a new me that has opened the door to new beginnings. 

Sincerely, 

You can't live here any longer. 

With Love, Lipstick & Laughter, XOXO 

My Lipstick Chronicles

 

Well Hello, Monday. We meet again. It's been awhile since my last post but I have been busy with my work and personal life. So I got great news and I'm taking a leap of faith into a new job role and I'm both very nervous and equally excited. I've realized that you have to take yourself out of your comfort zone and be uncomfortable at times in order to grow. While they say the grass isn't greener on the other side, we won't know until we shift ourselves to see. 

Life is a juggle, a struggle but it has beauty and lessons in each of those. We have to be willing to let go of our comfortable ways. Each day, each mistake is an opportunity to become better. Faith of a mustard seed is all you need. Sometimes we feel we need more confirmation from others or we need this and that when it all could be so simple at times. Believe in you!! 

Honestly, I slack more often than I should and one of my goals has been to push myself even when I don't feel like doing something. I'm trying to be consistent in so many areas of my life because I know it's very beneficial to me. I have been trying on the weekends to get out of bed and make it up when I do so that I don't become confined and have a lazy weekend. What are some steps you take to jump start your days or weekends off? 

This weekend I went to a friends housewarming party and I must say that I enjoyed myself. I hardly get out or hang with friends donut felt good to do so. 

 

What goals do you have in mind this week? I wish you all love, laughter, and lipstick!! 

XOXO,

Erica 

Sunday Stress & Steam

The weekend has come to an end and all I've wanted to do today was ease my mind from overload and try to relax after a 30 minute run + 30 min workout and tacos. Doesn't really go together eh? Don't worry I'm still pushing towards clean eating and fitness. I really do need to slack up on giving in to my every craving. 

Anyway.... 

So I decided to take a nice steaming bath with my stress relief bath and body soap and Epsom salt. To put the Icing on the caking I definitely added my home & gardens candle. Relaxation after any long day or heavy mind can help with peaceful moments and just a little me time. 

As you all know I've been trying to combat my skin problems. I've always had really great skin but in 2013 it began to break out due to various reasons and I'm still experiencing problems. So I decided to try the at home facial steamer which consists of boiling water in a pot and adding your favorite oil. Once water has boiled move the pot to an area where you can place your face over it in a safe way for about 5, 2 minute sessions and then rinse with cool water and add moisturizer. I must admit that my face seemed refreshed and smoother afterwards. I will be trying this every Sunday and letting you all know the results. I have not been able to go to the spa lately and get my facials which seems to help out a lot. 

What products do you use or methods do you take to maintain healthy skin or combat problematic areas? What about easing your mind, anything you do to relieve stress? 

I hope that you all have a great start to an awesome week and a relaxing Sunday. 

Lipstick & Love, XOXO 

Lets Talk: Your Space

As I'm sitting here I decided that I should do a post on what I'm thinking of right now before it goes away and I go on about my day. Have you ever thought about how we let others and situations create feelings into our own personal space? We can walk into a room full of individuals and our mood can change so quickly whether it's of happy feelings or bad vibes. 

But when I sit and gather my thoughts I realize that we are the only people that can control what affects us and how we react to it. Already having preconceived notions makes it play out in the physical. Everything is centered around our thoughts, and how we have self control over them. 

Your space is very important to you or to say the least is should be. It is a place where it all comes together, where you gather yourself, where you do whatever it is that is needed for you. When we lets things and people enter into our space we have to be careful of what kind of energy they will bring into it and it goes for yourself as well; when you enter into others space you have to mindful of the energy that you bring. 

Lipstick & Love, XOXO 

Working Woman Wednesday #WomanCrush

We made it to the middle of the week so let's toast to that. I know that when Wednesday comes around the weekend is almost near which still doesn't stop any show of working or doing what needs to be done. But the weekend calls for a little more relaxation and unstructured times.

Working Woman/ Woman Crush/ Empowerment

 So this week I dedicate my Woman Crush Wednesday which in better terms should be Working Woman Crush Wednesday to Lupita Nyong'o. She has came on the big screen as an emerging actress and won over many hearts with her sincere and genuine personality, fashion ensembles, and bold but beautiful short hairstyles. 

Lupita is of Mexican and Kenyan descent and was born in Mexico. She is an actress and starred in the film 12 years a Slave. She has won numerous awards even taking home an Academy Award as best actress in a supporting role. Her speech of letting other young women of darker color know that they are beautiful was moving and empowering. 

She is my Wednesday Woman Crush!! 

Who is yours this week? Leave your comments below 

Lipstick & Love, XOXO

Let's Talk: Law of Attraction

 

I'm so not focused today, well I am but I'm not. You get my jist right??? I've been busy trying to get things in order for new levels of success in my life and although it's a lot of work I don't mind it at all. I'm ready for the fruition, I'm ready for progress and challenges. I am ready to attract everything that the universe gives to me. One of my daily brewed teas that I love to drink is called Yogi  which comes with inspirational messages attached to the bag. I've gotten two that states Let things come to you and in regards to that my mantra for 2014 (that I actually got from Myleik of Curl box) is "Need Nothing, Attract Everything" Ironic right?

I've become an avid reader again and lately I've been reading two books, Russell Simmons Rich book and also the Secret. I watched The Secret on Netflix some time ago and to say the least it was very intriguing. The thoughts, the power, the attraction that we have in our life is something that many people don't even realize that they have. Everything is based on the law of attraction, and we can have whatever it is that our heart desires if we ASK, BELIEVE, and RECEIVE. It is really that simple. The thoughts that we have manifests what we bring into our life. 

Go ahead and imagine yourself having that million dollar bank account, that house with the green lawn, your dream job, your figure 8 shape, whatever it is... Align yourself and your thoughts with the universe, and watch what happens... 

I can't tell you all how excited I am for everything to unfold in my life, I am getting my thoughts in order, myself in position to receive so much in the next few days, months and years to come. I AM READY!! 

ARE YOU? 

Lipstick & Love, XOXO