Big Business 1587: Business Woman Files

Today I would like to officially, unofficially introduce myself into the Big Business 1587. You might say that it's sort of cliche' or arrogant to salute myself into the Business Woman Files. But, if I don't believe in me, then who will?



I thought over and over as to who should be next, and something kept saying YOU, ERICA! So let's jump right in. I am a 28 year old Medical Instructor, Mommy, Blogger, and so much more. I am just an average woman like anyone else. No, I'm not the most successful or very well known nationally but I push myself everyday to become a better me.



I work hard and don't settle for mediocrity because that's no fun right? I'm pushing it to the limits because that's what life is about. It's pushing yourself each and everyday for your true purpose even when you are frustrated, even when you are doubting yourself, and even when you just don't feel like you can.

I've lost myself, I've found myself and I'm still soul searching for who I am really destined to be each day.... Believe me you, I don't look like what I've been through or Who I've been before.

I'm a woman who loves her little family, loves to laugh, I'm funny and I can be a total BRAT at times. I love Makeup, Fashion, Inspiring and just everything about being a Woman. It's who I am!



I am not defined by what I have or do not have. I can't be defined by other's opinions. I am merely on a journey of Purpose and Power and I won't stop until I am fulfilled.

Through this blog |THEE LIPSTICK CANVAS| I want to inspire many women, provide tips whether it's lifestyle, beauty, fashion and so forth. It's a place to come and create our own dreams and chat over the latest. So I hope that although you are seeing the beginning stages of my passion that you will ride with me the entire way.

Love & Lipstick ~ Erica

Beauty: Cosmetics Shopping

It's the season where we don't want to be clogged down with a cake face because the weather is just too hot for all of that. Don't you agree? I've been spending money on trying to find the best beauty products not only for the spring/summer but for my acne prone sensitive skin as well. 

So, let's start from the beginning. Throughout my entire life up until maybe a year and a half ago I've had great skin, and then one day the pimples came, kept coming and never went away. It was due to hormonal factors out of my control. I began suffering from acne prone skin and I wondered if makeup was even a necessity any longer; although it's left me with scars and hyperoigmentation. I started to choose to wear the bare minimum and take frequent breaks in between. What I have learned is that taking really great care of your skin with lots of water and more natural cleansing products helps tremendously. I also found out something you probably will look at this post and say "DUH! We knew that already" but DIET plays such a huge part in healthy skin #totalblonde right? 

Okay enough ranting and raving about my skin issues, lol. 

I've always wanted to try IMAN Cosmetics but every target that I frequently shop at do not carry the line. So, I went to a store maybe 20 minutes away from my area and wallah, let's say TOTAL HEAVEN! Not only did this target sell Iman, but Black Radiance and Shea Moisture Cosmetics. So I decided not to go crazy but indulge a little in makeup products for my skin complexion. See, that's a total plus again to find a cosmetic line that caters to my skin tone. 

I decided to try Shea Moistures foundation, blush and toner. I played in each of these products once I got home to see if I liked them or needed to return them. Don't judge me, lol. I spend unnecessary money on products that go to waste a lot of times.  I've told myself that I can't keep a routine such as that up. Let's just say I love them all. The foundation states sheer but it's a medium to full coverage and I bought the shade in Mahdi Mocha (I think)... I'm more than 95.5% that I'll be wearing it daily. The toner feels very refreshing and the blush is perfect for my newly tanned skin. 

I've heard it's always hard to find a BB Cream for us so I decided to give Iman's a try. It provided just an even layer over my skin but I think that I need to play in it just a little more. The foundation stick was amazing but too dark. I purchased the shade Earth 3 and when I got home and downloaded the app I was Clay. So I'm trying to decide if I want to return them for the correct shade or use the stick as a contour stick. 

I won't go on and on but I recommend you give the products a try for yourself. I'll bring you all a update later on how they held up throughout the day and many more specs. Let me know what cosmetics line works well for you! 

Lipstick & Love...Erica 

#NYFW Continues: Tracy Reese

Tracy Reese shown above is the designer for the collection. She is one of the few black female designers. Tracey stated that "runway diversity is only part of the problem with fashion, but it is also behind the scenes as well". She is known for having a diverse runway. Statistics state that only 6% of Fashion Week Models are black.

It is a very uncomfortable thing to think of when you hardly see faces of color gracing the runways for such designer brands, but you always see young black women and men spending their cash on high priced fashion accessories, clothing, and shoes in every picture posted on social sites. It is frustrating to know that women of color have so much talent when it comes to all aspects of fashion such as designing, styling, and more but can't break out into those fields because of their skin type. Models have spoken out on this situation, and some designers have tried to add more brown girls to their lineups.

Do you think this stereotype will ever be broken?? Do you believe that the designers really embrace us or just put us in their shows just so they will not get a bad rep??

On to a more positive note... Check out some of her pieces on the runway!



What do you think about diversity, Are you loving these unique pieces ??

Lipstick & Love, XOXO

via Style, via abcnews

Testing..1..2..3: Natural Hair

Testing, Testing. *Pats Mic* ... So for the past week and a half I have been wearing my natural hair out. I decided that it was time to give my 18", 20", 22" u part wig a break. Haha. I must admit that I am an avid lover of personality pieces but my hair underneath was in dying need of fresh air. Every year I usually cut my hair or try a different style. Since coming from my Cassie inspired shave cut it was time to embrace my natural hair that was growing underneath. 

When I first unleashed the natural last week I can say I wasn't a fan of it at all but it felt good letting my real hair out. I headed over to Sally's and brought some products including Eden's Tea Tree and Peppermint Oil, Eco Styler Gel, Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque, and Curls Jelly to began with. I decided to try Bantu knots and immediately loved the style. 

It is amazing to see our natural coils and curls. I must say that I will be a transitioner because there is still permed hair that will need to change over. Growing up with natural hair wasn't anything we looked at as the beauty in a woman of color but now individuals inspire many with their big fros, curly hair, and protective styles such as braids and Havana twists. 

What makes you feel beautiful as a natural, and why did you decide to stop using all those harsh chemicals? I would love to hear your comments below. 

Lipstick & Love, XOXO 

Photo Credit: All photos are owned by me! :) 

Lipstick presents MY BROWN CANVAS

MY BROWN CANVAS is a segment dedicated to WOMEN OF COLOR. MBC embraces and educates our beauty, through our skin and hair. It is our inspiration to ourselves! Whether it's our love for makeup or none, our natural tresses or flowing extensions. MBC educates on products and routines that is for all types and tones. Women that Empower Others would be contributors to My Brown Canvas. 

Thee Lipstick Canvas is a lifestyle blog, or in my mind a site that is dedicated to the powerful, empowering woman. As women we like to take pride in ourselves, the way we dress, how our hair is styled, and the education and ambitious goals that we stand behind. 

As a lover of makeup, and extension installs I want to embrace our skin and hair. I am now wearing my natural hair and it is still a learning process. There are so many makeup artists and hair vendors on social networking nowadays, and it is amazing to see their work but let's find out what routines and products, what tips and advice that we all can use when it's time to remove all of that and show our healthy skin and healthy hair. 

I hope that this section of my site can grow beyond what I can ever imagine because it will be very beneficial. It will be great to see makeup for women of color, products that are directed to brown girls, and individuals who set out to inspire others through their talents and careers. 

Please email me, and I will be contacting others to contribute to this segment on the site. Have any ideas? Do not hesitate to leave them in the comment area.

Lipstick & Love, XOXO