Having the opportunity to ask Tia Dantzler some questions about makeup was quite a thrill for me. Tia shared great tips that you glam gals will be able to easily put to use and as a result not only save time, and money, but look your best from day right into evening, as well. Tia also graciously helped me update my look, and for that I am extremely grateful!

Tia Dantzler has quite an exceptional professional biography!

(Paraphrased from Tia Dantzler’s Bio) : Tia has worked with prominent individuals such as President Barak Obama on more than one occasion, and Senator Joe Lieberman, in the political arena.

In the entertainment field she has done work on Maxwell, Viola Davis, Common, Loretta Devine, Magic Johnson, Sherri Shepherd, Keke Palmer, Chandra Wilson, and Kane West. Tia’s work is most identifiable on Academy & Grammy Award-winner, Jennifer Hudson.

When it comes to the top Fashion Photographers, Tia has worked with Annie Liebovitz, Peggy Sirota, and Matthew Rolston.

Her work is also seen on most of the red carpet events including the Oscar’s, Grammy’s, BET Awards, Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and the NAACP Awards.

Tia’s work has also graced TV/Film sets, Fashion Week, National Ad Campaigns, Print, Music Videos, and Commercials.

You may visit : www.tiadantzler.com to get more updates on her work. It’s a very beautiful and informative website.

Here are my questions and Tia’s answers from the interview:

VICKI: Question #1- When I (Vicki) work on my beautiful “Global Skin toned” gals they always say they have trouble matching their skin tones, and keeping their skin looking natural. What would you recommend? Is there a particular type of foundation or other medium that is more versatile to even out a global skin tone that might be out there for them to try ?

TIA: Reply to Question #1- I would first suggest applying the foundation in thin layers, little by littler, rather than one thick unnatural layer. Another option would be to head to the cosmetic counter at your local department store to ask for assistance in picking out the perfect concealer for your skin tone. When choosing a concealer for under the eyes always go a shade lighter. When choosing a concealer for blemishes use a concealer the exact shade as your skin tone. Always set your foundation with a blot powder for long-lasting results.

VICKI: Question #2- We have our makeup cases with products for all the needs of our clients, but what would you suggest as far as the bare minimum essentials needed for a gal to carry with her on a daily basis to keep herself looking good at work, and still be able to add a bit of drama for an evening event, if needed?

TIA: Reply to Question #2- First, you always want to carry makeup wipes to clean up any smudges so you can even out your skin tone with pressed powder or a blot powder to tone down oily skin. Next, I would add some eyelashes to your outer lashes to create flirty lashes. I would then add a punch of color to your lips to finish off your night-time look.

VICKI: Question #3- What colors are trending now that the ladies could use with their basic products to update and not have to spend a fortune on all new makeup?

TIA: Reply to Question #3- I’m loving the colored eyeliners such as purple, green, or blue. These pencils help introduce some color to your eyes without breaking the bank. I love full eyelashes so I start off by spraying some Evian spray on a spoolie brush then dusting a bit of Johnson’s Baby Powder on the spoolie to coat the eyelashes, then I add two layers of my favorite mascara. This trick instantly creates full and defined eyelashes.
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Those are some great ideas, Tia! If there are any of you who are wondering what a “SPOOLIE” brush is, many major companies carry them and this is what they look like:

Here is what I asked Tia about what I might do to update my look:
Tia, I am trying to get a little “edge” to my look, and ramp it up a bit from my short simple hair style that I’ve been wearing for quite a while 🙂 I have very natural dark hair and have decided to keep the back short and just grow the sides past my jaw with with long blonde streaks framing my face.

I have a tendency to “wash out” with my fair “Cool” under toned skin, and would like to get some advice about something for my face that would complement my new (still growing) hairstyle & look. Watcha’ think Tia ? I feel so “Blah” & need a lift! Can you help me ?

Here is Tia’s reply:
I absolutely love your cut! The key to your look is balance. I would really play up your eyes by filling in your brows a bit by using brow powder for a natural look. Next, I would use soft pinks, on the eyelid. Make sure you use my mascara tip to really bring the attention to your eyes. You have amazing cheek bones so I would add a bit of bronzer on the cheeks for a hint of color. Whatever your wearing on your lips in your photo…stick with that color as it looks amazing on you! Hope this advice was helpful to you!

I totally agreed with Tia’s assessment of what I needed to do to balance my look. What fantastic tips that I had never thought of doing before!

I proceeded to fill-in my brows with a shade of color that was a better match for my hair color. I used a pink eyeshadow on my eye lid, and absolutely loved the look. I got my spoolie brush out and used the Johnson’s Baby powder technique, and was totally impressed at the volume I was able to get with my eyelashes. I then used a bronzer on my cheeks, and couldn’t believe how natural it enhanced the contour of my face. It was a perfect solution! I blended my two favorite soft pink lip colors to create the same color as Tia suggested, and I was really happy with the subtle change from “Blah” to a more youthful glowing updated look! Thank you so much Tia…

Here is a picture of my new look!

If you would like more of Tia’s tips please visit:
http://the beauty elixir.com

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Lashes aren’t just for special occasions any more, and Salon Perfect lashes are so “light weight”, flexible, and easy to apply that it might just be easier to put on a pair of eyelashes instead of your traditional mascara when you head out to work in the morning.

They have a multitude of eyelash styles from extremely natural, mid range, and a bit more dramatic for evening or a dressy night out on the town.

I started wearing false eyelashes on stage in the theater when I was fifteen years old, and always loved the way they enhanced my eyes. There is no comparison to what I wore back then as nice as these soft,lovely lashes from Salon Perfect ! On the pictures below I decided to do a very natural lash and as you can see they just add that finishing touch to my eyes, and are perfect for any daytime or casual look. They are very easy to apply as they contour so nicely to your eye. Once on, they actually feel lighter than the mascara I use. I generally forget that I’m even wearing them!

For me, they really save a lot of morning prep time. Even if I’d choose not to wear a lot of makeup, I’d never leave the house without defining my eyes. A lash like the one I’m wearing gives a real boost to my own lashes yet still looks so natural.

Here are the lashes that I’m wearing in the picture below.
Did you notice that they are one of the PRESS ON “Self Adhesive” sets that are pre-glued? You just put them on and you’re ready to go! (The kit comes with 2 additional adhesive strips.)

You can find out more about all of the Salon Perfect lashes when you visit their website at: www.salonperfectlashes.com

Salon Perfect lashes are available exclusively at a WAL-MART store near you.

I wanted to show you a very lovely younger model who is an on the go Mom with two little girls and likes a natural look with minimal makeup. Stacy is my daughter-in-law, and was really excited to try something different without going overboard!

That’s why I like the Salon Perfect lashes. We chose more of a “Glam” lash, but as you will see on Stacy’s pictures, she still has a soft look, and the lashes just enhance her eyes without being over done. She was delighted with the look and felt very comfortable wearing the eyelashes. In fact, she mentioned that she didn’t even feel like she was wearing false eyelashes at all!

Here are the lashes that I put on Stacy and her pictures are below:

Notice this is the “Starter Kit” which was just perfect for Stacy. It comes with glue, and a handy applicator that makes you a “pro” at putting on your lashes even if you’ve never worn lashes before!

Stacy looks like “The girl next door” with a very soft natural look and a modern fashionable appearance to her eyes that will get her a lot of complements.

Salon Perfect gets a 5-star review for their easy to wear versatile styles of lashes for any occasion…

In closing, here is the link to a video from the Salon Perfect website that will show you how easy it is to put on your new Salon Perfect Eyelashes:
http://www.salonperfect.com/howto/1/

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Cosmetic Icon, Flori Roberts, has been a trailblazer in the Cosmetic Field and is not only widely known for creating the first line of cosmetics for African American women, but also developing the corrective makeup Dermablend helping so many regain confidence covering flaws through camouflage. Her newest advanced corrective line is called Smart Cover Cosmetics.

Flori’s latest endeavor is an easy to use product called Red X Stick. Are you troubled with Rosacea? Do you have problems with too much red in your skin, menopausal problems that cause patches of discoloration on your skin, or do you use some of the injectables like Juviderm or Botox that can often cause some bruising?

I believe we can all relate to the frustration of redness at one time or another, and now Red X Stick is here to help.

Having a very translucent skin I can really relate to issues with redness, and also using injectables, I too, have had to deal with bruising. This little portable stick will help you out and is very emollient and blends quite easily. It eliminates the red and allows you to confidently put on your makeup and not worry about breakthrough redness.

I think the best example would be to show you a before and after picture, and I’m just delighted that Ms.Flori Roberts has been kind enough to send a before and after picture of herself after an injection of Juviderm.

Thank you so much Flori 🙂 The results are extremely incredible!

I have some darkness in the inner corner of my eye area by my nose, and find that just a touch of the Red X Stick blended in that area eliminates the darkness. I then apply one of the Smart Cover concealers over the top of the “Red X” and it eliminates the problem. My eyes are brighter and look wider apart without the darkness.

You can find out more about the Red X Stick and other fine products from SmartCover, along with a lot of before and after pictures, by going to : www.smartcover.com

There are so many events during the Holiday Season with New Years Eve right around the corner. Smart Cover has some great kits that are not only nice for gift giving, but wonderful to have for your own collection.

It’s so nice to have kits like the ones I’ll be showing you to achieve certain looks and be able to create a flawless look each time you apply your makeup, whether it be for a natural daytime look, an evening outing with friends, or an elegant holiday or New Year’s Eve gala.

This is “The Flawless Kit to Go” : These products will have you out the door in minutes, with a nice finished healthy flawless look. You’ll receive:
• A “Perfect Touch Camouflage Cream” to take care of dark circles and any imperfections to even out your skin.
• A Smart Cover “Finishing Touch Powder and Brush” to dust on your face to achieve a “no shine” look for that nice “last all day” finish. (The powder is one shade and is a user friendly neutral color.)
• A “Two in One Glow stick” that you can use on your lips and cheeks for a nice healthy color that is fresh and gives you a very finished yet natural look!
The Flawless Face to Go Kit is a “Must Have” for every Glam Gal who wants to look great and travel light! Price: $29.50 in a travel case!

For beautiful lips here is the “Anti-Aging Pick Up Sticks Collection”:
•The Lip Pumice Stick exfoliates the lips to create smooth lips that look and feel so good.
•The Tea Tree Oil Softening Stick: (quote) Tea tree oil helps heal and lubricates the tender lip area while chamomile and safflower extracts impart a soothing texture.) Apply this over your freshly exfoliated lips for hydrated healthy lips.
•The Lip Anti-Feathering Stick is applied around the lip area to help keep the lips from feathering. It really helps any lines you may have around your lips look less obvious.
•The Lip Plumper Stick is applied to the lips before you apply your lipstick. With your fingertips, rub the plumper into your lips until it is absorbed.
•The final step is The Two-in-One Glow Stick. This multitasking stick will add a glow to your lips and cheeks that is soft and very youthful looking. Price: $24.95!

There are even more kits on the website listed above, and you can also purchase the Smart Cover products individually as well!

From dark circles to birthmarks, tattoos, to red skin, and so much more, Smart Cover will not only do the job quickly, but you’re skin will always maintain a natural health look!

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What a perfect gift pack for the Holidays from Joico. Everyone wants beautiful hair and that’s just what Joico has put together in two Luxe Holiday Duos .

The first Luxe Holiday Duo contains the Smooth Cure Cleanser and Conditioner.

The Smooth Cure Cleanser (Quote) is a sulfate-free shampoo that gently cleanses while reducing frizz, leaving hair dramatically softer, smoother and more manageable.

The Smooth Cure Conditioner (Quote) is an Ultra moisturizing, sulfate-free conditioner that reduces frizz leaving hair dramatically soft, smooth, and more manageable.

Hair looks and feels amazing with Smooth Cure and your FREE bonus is a K-PAK Revitaluxe! (Quote) NEW K-PAK RevitaLuxe is the FIRST of its kind: a luxury hair treatment clinically proven to INSTANTLY correct years of damage and protect against future damage.

The second Luxe Holiday Duo has the K-PAK Color Therapy Cleanser and Conditioner for damaged color treated hair. These two products will keep hair looking it’s best, and, once again, you’ll also receive the K-PAK REVITALUXE bonus gift!

(Quote) The Color Therapy Products:
» Double the life of haircolor’s vibrancy
» Repairs and strengthens damaged hair
» Reduces breakage by 65% after just one use
» Instantly increases shine by nearly 50%

All you need to do is go to : http://joico.com/salon
Here you can locate a salon near you to purchase one or both of these Luxe Holiday Duos.

I’ve been using K-Pak on a regular basis and the volume and shine of my hair is exceptional. I also have some wave to my color treated hair and really appreciate the benefits that are available in both of these Luxe Holiday Duos.

Everyone admires a beautiful head of hair, and this is a gift that anyone will appreciate, and enjoy. They come in a festive package that’s all set to wrap and give anyone on your gift list. Joico has made your gift shopping easy with the beautiful Luxe Holiday Duos !

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This is the perfect time of year to get into a “nostagic” mood and take a trip back in time with Amy Barickman. (Quote) Named one of America’s most creative women entrepreneurs by Country Living Magazine, Amy has made frequent guest appearances on television, including HGTV’s “The Carol Duvall Show, “America Sews” and “Sewing with Nancy” on PBS. She is frequently featured in national lifestyle magazines and industry periodicals. Her business websites and personal blog resonate with the thousands of creative spirits who follow her work and buy her books.”

This book has captured my heart, and every time I sit down to read a chapter (which is presented as a month of the year with pertinent topics and ideas for the month), it’s an amazing learning adventure. VINTAGE NOTIONS , as Amy states, (Quote) ” I was inspired by the wisdom of Mary Brooks Picken, a pioneer in the domestic arts and international authority on dressmaking and fashion.”

Mary Brooks Picken was born in 1886. Sewing and design was meant to be her forte from an early age on. Married at a young age Mary’s home life actually guided her on her way to become, (Quote) “the first american authority on home arts and founder of the Women’s Institute of Domestic Arts in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Her school founded in 1916 also offered correspondence courses teaching women everything from “cooking, fashion design, beauty, and homemaking.” I found it so fascinating that the school actually enrolled near 300,000 women from around the world. Keep in mind, we’re talking about the early 1900’s. I can only imagine what a wonderful opportunity these women must have felt at that time when they didn’t even have voting privileges.

VINTAGE NOTIONS is truly an “inspirational guide” for readers of all ages. It offers so many ideas, about everything from beauty recipes, thoughts about growing old gracefully, meal planning, lingerie, picnics, wonderful costumes for Halloween, and yes…. even gratitude, and that’s just to name a few.

This book presents all of the wonderful teachings that have been passed along through generations, and are perfect to keep the tradition alive by sharing with our families. It is a beautifully written and illustrated book, that will be treasured in any home.

So take break, turn off your cell phones, no texting, or any 21st Century distractions! This is one of those times where you’ll want to savor the moment and treat yourself, maybe a group of close friends, or a daughter or granddaughter to an experience that I promise will be memorable.

Since we’re in the Holiday Season, here’s a preview of a page from VINTAGE NOTIONS called December Clothing 1925… Enjoy!
December_HolidayClothing

Find out more about VINTAGE NOTIONS , Amy Barickman, read some more book pages, see a video, and purchase this book by visiting:
www.amybarickman.com

One (1) lucky winner will receive a personally autographed copy of Amy Barickman’s book, VINTAGE NOTIONS by sending an e-mail to lisa@itsaglamthing.com with Vintage Notions in the subject line. Good Luck!

What a perfect treat to get for yourself, and what a thoughtful Holiday gift for a friend!

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Tis the season to start thinking of little “Stocking Stuffers”

Bath and Body Works is the perfect place to find just what you’re looking for when it comes to yummy Liplicious Lip Glosses that will put a “Smile” on anyones’s face who receives them !

The “All I Want Collection” includes:
• Snickerdoodle
•Cranberry Kiss
•Peppermint Hug
•Gingerbread Giggle
•Candied Smile

The glosses are sheer, shiney and contain Vitamin E and Jojoba oils. You can purchase them in the festive boxed set, or separately!

You may visit a Bath and Body Store near you to purchase these “Liplicious” glosses, or shop right online to buy the “All I Want Collection” at:
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12152174

Make sure you also take a moment to browse through the Bath and Body “Holiday Shop”, where you’ll find a number of terrific ideas for your “Gift List”, as well, at:
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=12168399&cp=4090262&cm_mmc=Google-_-Paid%20Search-_-Brand%20-%20Tier1%20-%20Core%20Terms%20USA_Sitelinks-_-SitelinksVisit%20the%20Holiday%20Shop%20Dummy_Exact

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