Learning How to Sava Your Flava

Featured Guest on Bagladiesradio.com: the De-Clutter Yourself Episode!

2010-04-10T21:16:00.005-05:00

So, last weekend, I think Saturday it was, I happened to check my email and was pleasantly surprised and flattered by one of the messages I found. Lady Erin of Bag Ladies Radio wrote asking if I would be interested in being the featured guest on her internet radio show. What an unexpected honor! Of course, I hopped to it to write back yes indeed, I'd love to!

The concept of the radio show itself is great - a reality radio show with real woman having real talk. They cover all types of issues and always promise to keep it entertaining as well. While I listened in waiting for my segment to start, I got a chance to hear the station for the first time and I have to say, they live up to what they say! They were entertaining, fun, and just "real"!

I was really excited about the episode they wanted me to join in on, De-Clutter Yourself. Lady Erin had happened upon one of my articles on Bellaonline.com (Remember, I'm the Wellness Editor there.) and thought I'd be a perfect addition to the show. This particular article was about not forgetting to include rejuvenating your mind, body, and spirit in your spring cleaning plans. Well, this was one of those articles near and dear to my heart because, with my constant to-do list, I wrote this article for myself as much as I did for my readers:).

I had a blast talking with Lady Erin and listening in on the show and I definitely am looking forward to joining them again. I'm going to be listening in as much as I can now too.

When you have a chance, take a listen to the interview yourself!...I gave some great suggestions of things you can do this spring....De-Clutter Yourself (note: my segment is toward the end).

Hope you enjoy it!

Suncear and Creme Magazine have Reinspired me!

2010-03-17T23:30:00.004-06:00

Hey everyone!

Well, there's been a little bit of silence on my blog these past few months, but not because I haven't been working my mind to near exhaustion getting a LOT done :). These past two months have seen me apply to graduate school (for my ph.D.! *aghast!*), apply for a sweet scholarship that would make the life of a grad student tre' easy, and study for and ace (yes, I'm proud of my score:)) the GRE! So see, I've been busy!

BUT now I'm back:). AND I'm reinvigorated and reinspired! Let me tell you why...last week or so I was lucky enough to be contacted by Suncear, the Wellness contributor of Creme Magazine http://www.creme-magazine.com/. She was excited to have found Etniq and wanted to include me in an upcoming feature. She was mostly jazzed about it being an all-natural vegan cosmetics line with colors that cater to women of color. (I do make foundations for all women however I make sure women of color have a plethora of choices from Etniq as well.)

Suncear asked some excellent questions! Over the course of the interview, I got to talk all about my philosophy of how skincare is a way to reach people and encourage them to make holistic lifestyle changes. I talked about how my drive to create Etniq in fact has everything to do with providing people alternatives to what's currently harming them day in and day out (the makeup we wear that suffocates our skin for instance!!). I got all revved up and re-inspired to make a difference as we both found that we had similar thoughts and goals.

So! What does this mean for Etniq and you? It means, I'm recommitting myself to be a source of holistic living education as well. And I promise, I'll keep it focused (mostly;)) on your beautiful face!

As soon as the article posts, I'll post the link here! Ta Ta!

Etniq Application Instructions

2009-12-07T22:21:00.006-06:00

So how do you use Etniq anyway?

Many of you have heard or read me talking about all the cool ways you can use Etniq Minerals right? Buuuut, you're still wondering about all that. How exactly do you do all these cool things? And what are all these cool things anyway? Well lucky for us all, I put together a little list. Tutorial videos coming soon!
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Using Etniq

As a/an:

Eyeshadow
Using your favorite eyeshadow brush, apply your minerals across the base of your lid, underneath your brow bone, and even tracing your lower lid. Experiment and play! For a bolder look, dip your brush into a bit of water beforehand, blot some of the water off and then dip it into your pot. The minerals will adhere to the water and create a brighter version of your minerals on your lids. Have fun!

Eyeliner
You'll need a stiff edge, eyeliner brush. You can apply dry for a smokey line look or apply with a little bit of water (using the same technique from above) and apply a solid dark line.

Lipgloss/Lipstick
This application is really simple as well. All you'll need is a clear lipgloss or a vitamin E clear lipstick. Dip the lipstick wand into the pot and then apply it evenly to your lips - super simple. For lipstick, you can do the same thing. In both cases, you can also mix the gloss or the vitamin E stick with the mineral powder on the side of your hand and then apply with a lip brush. It's really up to you. Explore which way gives you the application style you like best!

Nail Polish
Nail polish is probably the easiest of them all. With a clear nail polish, dip the brush into the minerals and brush onto your nails just like you would any other nail polish. The color will spread and adhere just like nail polish. Apply a second coat for a deep look or stick with one coat for a glossy effect.

Any questions? Don't hesitate to email me for an answer!

New Fall Colors!

2009-12-03T19:43:00.004-06:00

Wanted to make sure I go pictures of my two new fall colors up! Introducing Pumpkin Spice and Cranberry!

Pumpkin Spice is one of the very versatile shadow shimmers than can be used for blush, liner, lipstick or gloss, and even nail polish! Yes, tutorials are on the way;).

I created Cranberry mainly as a blush but it makes a great shadow, liner, lipstick, lip gloss, and nail polish as well.

That's one of the many things I love about minerals - how many uses you can get out of them!

Again, Tutorials and buy links to come soon!

Breathing New Life!

2009-11-19T21:55:00.005-06:00

Well wow, it's been a minute right?! Yes yes, I have been a very bad blogger. Basically what happened is what happens to us all - life, lol. But now is the time to breathe new life into this blog! There have been a lot of fun, exciting things going on with Etniq!

So let's get two quick updates out of the way!

1. I've relocated to Little Rock, AR and so Etniq's home base has moved with me:). That means Little Rock again has it's very own mineral makeup line, woohoo!

2. I've partnered up with a wonderful woman at the coolest little store here in Little Rock as the flagship store for Etniq. The name is The Green Corner Store and Shelley Green is the fab owner. Any day of the week (except Sunday) you can stop by and get to play with makeup:).

What's Next?

1. Sync Weekly
, the local cool indy newspaper is going to be interviewing me soon! When the interview is available, trust me, you'll know:).

2. I've got new fall colors to debut! Pics, tips, and fun ideas coming soon!

Ah...it's nice to be back;).

Another Everyday Makeover

2008-04-22T11:31:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! I wanted to post another makeover with Etniq. Again, I promise to remember to take before pictures in the future:). Here we used Coral Cool on the eyelids and as the lip gloss. It gave her lips such a great color! Her eyes are lined with Smoked Coals and on her cheeks is again Coral Cool! See how versatile this color is!

A Bride and A Mother of the Bride

2008-03-07T02:29:00.004-06:00

Greetings everyone! It's getting into wedding season and I wanted to show you all some of the work I've done with two recent clients. This was a mother and daughter. I've got to do better with remembering to take before shots as well, lol.

And yes, all the makeup used is Etniq;-). Aren't they gorgeous!

A Sophisticated Blue look for another Dancer

2008-02-16T02:17:00.001-06:00

Hello again everyone and welcome to the new year! This is a look I did for another dancer for a performance. We wanted to create a sophisticated yet colorful look. I think the end result came out very nice, don't you? :). This was right after her show so she's still glowing with all that performance energy!

If you have need of a makeup artist in your life, definitely give me a shout!

A Makeup Job for a Dance Performance!

2007-12-05T09:04:00.003-06:00

Look at these lovely ladies! They are the current members of a dance company here named Mambo Sabroso. I was lucky enough to be asked to do their makeup for their first show. They all look absolutely amazing right! And they did a fabulous job:).

Here is a closeup of some of the eye work.

If you're curious how I achieved this look, definitely don't be afraid to ask!

My look from the October Photoshoot

2007-11-15T01:54:00.004-06:00

Tadaa! Here is one of the snaps of me from the October photoshoot. Again, that shoot was a fantastic day. Lots of work, but we enjoyed every minute of it:). I've never considered myself a great model but it was fun to be in front of the camera and posing like a superstar, lol.

For my look, I decided to blend Dragon Eyes and Smoked Coals for my lid colors. I started with a base layer of Dragon Eyes just on my lid, staying below the crease. Then I brushed Smoked Coals into the crease and let it travel a little above it. I used Midnight eyeliner/matte shadow with the foil technique (dipping an angled brush into water before dipping it into the shadow) and lined my eyes heavily top and bottom. I carried my top line out just a bit to give a simple cat eye effect. On my cheeks I used one of my favorite blushes, Amethyst and for my lips I used Drink Deep, again as a clear gloss/shadow combo. And my foundation of choice is a half/half mixture of Yoli and Bali:).

Any questions about how I did any of this, definitely ask away!

Etniq Photoshoot in my new home Raleigh, NC!

2007-10-20T00:54:00.009-05:00

I had a great time doing this photoshoot with some new friends here in Raleigh. These two lovely ladies are beautiful salsa dancers as well as beautiful women:). Our photographer was the fabulous Natalia Weedy. Make some time to check out her portfolio at her site www.nataliaweedy.com. It's simply lovely!

For Damara's look I brushed Heaven eyeliner/matte shadow over her lids and lined her eyes very lightly with Tierra eyeliner/matte shadow. Foundation wise, Damara's shade is Tippen. Her lip color was a lot of fun! We used a clear gloss and mixed it with Cotton Candy for a nice sheer pink. Very pretty, don't you think! I call this the All-American Girl look:).

For Jamila, I wanted to do a more dramatic look and decided to brush Brilliant over her lids and take the color up just slightly above her crease with Cocoa Grounds. We used Tierra to intensely line her top lid and lightly line her lower, plus gave her a slight cat-eye liner extension. Jamila's foundation is actually a blend of Kali and Yoli. On her lips is another fusion of clear lipgloss and Cocoa Grounds. On her cheeks is a light brush of Seduce blush/eye shadow combo.

I'll post my look in a very short while:).

If you want to try out any of the colors, email me about samples and be sure to check out the site! www.etniqminerals.com.

Photoshoot with Integrity Models Inc.

2007-07-20T19:49:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone! Just wanted to share one of the prints of
a shoot I did with Integrity Models Inc., a modeling agency here in Little Rock. I used 90% Etniq for the look.

Here's a breakdown:

Foundation: Classa
Eyeshadow: Slice on lower lid and Dragon Eyes on the browbone
Lipstick: Dragon Eyes with Etniq's lipstick base
Setting powder: Original Finisher
Blush: Amethyst and Coral Cool

So if you're looking for a classic look like this with a little bit of a funky flare, definitely try these colors out! If you need help choosing a foundation, just let me know - that's my fortay!

Just a note, the model was awesome to work with and the photographer was equally amazing. He had such a good eye for how to create just the right look. Just in case he ever happens by here and reads this, thanks a million! It was an honor to work with you:).

Lashe Extensions Beauty

2007-07-05T23:22:00.000-05:00

I also do lash extensions and I figured it'd be a nice treat to show you all an application in process.

Note, these aren't the kind that will last you months - these will give you "beautifully full" or "betty boop long" lashes for about 2 weeks:).

Here I'm in the process of applying the second eye. You can definitely see the difference in the look. Even though she has her own set of nice length lashes, the extensions definitely bring more attention to her eye.

Here is a close up of her eye after all the extensions have been applied.

And here she is with both eyes all done. Beautiful!

Makeup Look of the Day!

2007-07-02T23:29:00.002-05:00

Today's look is inspired by my green dress:).

It's very simple with three main players - Slice Shimmer, Smilee Blush, and Cotton Candy Shimmer for my lips.

I first applied my foundation - Yoli. I've been enjoying applying it with my favorite moisturizer these days. It's really for practical reasons - I can apply it fast without having to worry about sweating in a bathroom still full of steam from my shower:). (When applying powders, it's best to wait until the skin is dry - they adhere much better this way).

The technique - Put a few pearl size dabs of moisturizer in your hand. Tap a bit of your foundation over it. Gently shake out what doesn't cling to the moisturizer back into your foundation jar. Mix this up in your hand and then apply it to your face - just like a tinted moisturizer. For more coverage - just use more foundation. You can also go back and buff powder foundation in for spot areas after the moisturizer has absorbed into your skin a bit.

Next, I applied Slice to my eyelids. Here is a picture of the application before I blended in the upper lash line. What I want to show here is how I took the shimmer up my brow bone and arched it over without filling in the middle part of the lid area too much. This creates a nice lift effect when the eye is open.

For the upper lash line, I just blended out the pockets of pigmentation and drew them lightly up the sides of my eyes, again to give lift and definition.

For my cheeks I applied Smilee just to my apples (the place that is most noticeable when you smile).

For my lips, I took my lip gloss and dipped it into Cotton Candy. I mixed it together on the back of my hand and applied with a Q-tip.

I set everything with a light dust of Finishing Powder and I was ready to go:).

Etniq's Latest Press Release

2007-07-02T22:48:00.000-05:00

Engineer Turned Makeup Artist Creates Mineral Makeup Line for All

PDF version

Take a look and spread the word!

PRLog - Free Press Release Service

Trying Out Postreach

2007-06-30T23:11:00.000-05:00

You may notice a few extra posts that are, aghast!, not from me showing up in the near future.

I'm not being hijacked:) - I'm actually trying out a new service Postreach. It's a way to give you my wonderful readers more tidbits of information about the fashion industry - particularly things outside of the realm of makeup.

You can click on the link in any of the postreach posts to find out more about the service. I'm going to test it out for a few weeks so honestly tell me what you think - do you like it or not. I so value your feedback and if it's not wanted, it will definitely go:).

I've also added a new easy way to comment. Just click on the icon that most matches your feeling. I love feedback!

Etniq Banner Freebies

2007-06-27T21:53:00.000-05:00

If you've found this page by way of Etniq's banner, you're in luck because you also have the special CODE that makes you eligible for the freebies here!

If you don't happen to know this CODE, it's time to go surfing on the net for Etniq Banners! (clue, it's definitely on Myspace;))

Today's Freebie:
1 free matte shadow/eyeliner with every order:) (These aren't even available on the site yet!).

When you order, be sure to PUT THE CODE AND YOUR SHIMMER CHOICE INTO THE COMMENTS/NOTES BOX. Remember, ordering through GOOGLE CHECKOUT gets you freebies as well. See the online store for more details..

Not sure what to order? Why not a basic kit or a shimmer stack?

Photoshoot with the Urban Suite Ladies

2007-06-26T12:07:00.000-05:00

Last Thursday I had a most fabulous time with the Urban Suite Ladies! We'd gotten together to do a Harlem Renaissance themed photoshoot for their promotional materials for upcoming events. They found the perfect location and Thursday we were all set to go.

These are the behind the scenes photos. As soon as the professional ones are available, I will post those as well.

Doing their makeup was a blast. These ladies are so much fun to work with. Sharon the photographer had a great eye for the perfect shots and the feel that I was going for style-wise. Together I think we all did some really nice work.

If you're interested in makeup and styling services for promotional work you need done, definitely email me.

Cotton Candy - What Can You Do With It?

2007-06-20T23:48:00.000-05:00

Today I was in a bit of a hurry so I decided to give myself a bit of drama with the least amount of effort. How do you do this? Use a dramatic color as a thick eyeliner of course! I chose Cotton Candy because it has a nice shimmer effect and shows a nice pink without playing up any redness in the skin or overexposed veins around the eyes.

What I did was very simple - I took my soft angled brush, dabbed it in a bit of water and then into my shimmer pot. That got a nice amount onto my brush and then I basically just drew out my line, pulling it slightly up on the end at the top lashline. For the lower lashline I used the same angled brush with the remaining shimmer left on it.

I started with a thin line as close to underneath my lower lashes as I could possible get and built out from there. I built out because I didn't want to end up with too thick a line on the bottom. That's a sure way to end up looking unpleasantly bruised.

It's a really simple look to do and works with all the shimmers. All you need is your favorite color, an angled brush (which I will have available on the site soon!), and a bit of water.

You should try it!

Cotton Candy Shimmer

$5/month Mineral Makeup Club!

2007-06-15T15:14:00.000-05:00

Get lovely makeup like this each month for just $5/month!

A lot of people have been telling me they don't know what to try. They see a bunch of colors they like and they'd love to try a foundation for instance, but they just aren't sure what to go with.

So I've been racking my brain thinking about how to help people with this and I came up with this idea - the $5 dollar club!

For $5 a month, you'll get a new product each month from Etniq. This way you'll be able to sample almost everything and not have to spend a lot at all to do it.

Most times it will be a new shimmer, finishing powder, blush or liner but sometimes I'll throw in the latest skin care product I've created or a new makeup formulation (think built in brush foundations, cheek stains, eyeliner pencils, etc:)).

For the first 25 signups, I'm offering a free gift - an online consultation and foundation match and sample as well - all my treat. Via IM, Googletalk, Talkshoe, or email we'll set up a time to discuss your skin care concerns and I'll colormatch one of my foundations for you (or custom make one if need be) and send you a free sample.

For $5 a month you can't really go wrong..even if you don't like it (which I definitely doubt!) i'm sure you have a girlfriend, a sister, a mother, cousin or even coworker who would adore it and love you more for giving it:).
(if this button isn't working, use the one to the right in the sidebar.)
If you have any questions, feel free to email me.

Makeup Look of the Day!

2007-06-12T23:05:00.000-05:00

A lot of ladies have been asking me what to buy and the best way to apply Etniq. So to help answer some of these questions and spark your own creativity, I'm going to post makeup looks using me as the model! I'll post a few every week and let you know exactly what I used.

Here are my eyes for today:)

Over my entire lower eyelid, I used the shimmer Luminesque as a good daytime base. In the crease of my eye I used my current favorite shimmer, Cocoa Grounds, to give my deep set eyes even more definition. Then to bring them out more, I used the shadow/liner Midnight Comes:

(look out for this to be available for purchase soon!) on the outer edges of my eyes. These 3 alone brought out my eyes so much that I didn't need mascara at all.

Here's another view:

What has Leah been up to?

2007-06-05T13:41:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! Well I've had a wonderful few weeks full of unexpected travel! I just returned from a European dance tour! It was amazing. The story is here:

2007 Trans-Atlantic Latin Dance Tour.

I didn't get a real chance to promote Etniq because I was so focused on learning the choreography, however I'm hoping the impression we made was great enough to be invited back. On that trip, Etniq is coming with me;).

Check Out MUA(Makeup Artist) on Call Podcasts!

2007-05-30T19:35:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone!

I'm so very excited about this latest addition to the Etniq offerings!

Have you ever found yourself in the mirror trying to remember those great tips you read in your favorite fashion magazine or one of those fabulous makeup books on the market? While I was in the beginning stages of playing with makeup, it seemed that I never could quite remember what was suggested for my oblong shaped face and deep set eyes..dark shadow on top or in the crease..bronzer on my nose or my chin, lol.

Since I want to help all the ladies out there from having the same memory fudges as me, I'm putting together a series of MUA (Makeup Artist) on Call Podcasts through a wonderful site Talkshoe. Through the technology of podcasting, you'll now be able to download each makeup tip session (less than 15 mins) to your ipod or mp3 player and take it with you in front of the mirror! No more trying to remember what the book said!

My Channel over at Talkshoe is called Holistic Beauty Bits. In addition to the much coveted makeup tips, I'll also be sharing Holistic Beauty tips, interviews with prominent people in the field of holistic beauty, and everything else that I think will help you live a full,
well, beautiful life.

Is there something you'd like to see talked about? Post a comment or send me an email letting me know and I'll make every effort to create a show around it!

Want to listen to a podcast right now? Scroll down to the bottom of the page and you'll see my mini-player. Just click on it, listen live, or download a previous tip!

You can also visit my Channel's page here: Holistic Beauty Bits.

Enjoy!

What's the Full Moon in Saggitarius mean for you?

2007-05-25T11:22:00.000-05:00

I am a huge fan of astrology and so when ever I come across a really cool astrological article, I like to pass it on.

This article from Moonsurfing.com struck such a cord with me that I figured I might not be the only one:). I love how astrology, a science that can seem so random at times, can be so right on target at others. Read on for the article...

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The Moon is Full at 10º of Sagittarius
Thursday May 31st at 6:04 PM PDT / 1:05 AM GMT (6/01)

Celebrate life! A most optimistic fiery Blue Moon is on the rise urging you to think big and expand your horizons. Of course... there's a cosmic catch. I called it a Blue Moon because it's the 2nd Full Moon this month... and like the first one, this one also brings you to a crossroads.

At the time of the New Moon in earthy fertile Taurus, you planted intentions to manifest a beautiful quality of life. This Full Moon's light reveals those undermining beliefs and programs that keep tripping you up.

Intense pressure to release old patterns comes from a four-way face-off in mutable signs... meaning change is mandatory and new directions must be explored. This is a set-up that can push buttons and promote stress, but also help you turn a corner or two and really move you forward.

Be willing to question everything, listen to other's viewpoints, and discover what's true for you now.

Giant Jupiter sits right next to the Moon expanding whatever you focus on. If you find conversations turning into heated arguments... ask yourself what you're defending so zealously. You're probably being shown a belief... or old programming... whose time is done.

The Sagittarius Full Moon opposed by the Gemini Sun tells you that your ability to manifest the reality you desire depends on your beliefs and the way you focus the power of your mind. The lunar nodes, or destiny points, in Virgo and Pisces, fill out the face-off telling you to leave over thinking and criticism behind and move forward with more compassion and trust.

This energy can indeed be restless, intolerant and nerve-wracking, so be sure to work your journal. A previous opportunity to make a big leap out of your old box of beliefs occurred six months ago on December 20th. Look back in your journal to the New Moon in Sagittarius when you worked with the bigger picture and reclaimed the power of belief, optimism and conscious positive affirmation in your life. You had a BIG opportunity to change your perspective then... and now you can see how effective you've been.

Speaking of that bigger picture... this Full Moon also serves as a wake-up call regarding the reoccurring Virgo/Pisces eclipse pattern that kicked off the need for a new order in your life last September... again in March... and coming up again a third time in August and early September. By Fall, you should be on your way to establishing a new more inspired order in your life.

Look back in your lunar journal to those eclipse times if you need to reacquaint yourself with that daily well-rounded practical routine you created and committed to, because it's the key to staying healthy, grounded, and connected to spirit as you bring your bigger picture down to earth.

Sagittarius is symbolized by the centaur... a mythological creature that's half man and half horse. The man is an archer aiming his arrow toward a higher truth and the horse represents the need to ground your lofty aspirations and care for your physical body. If you've gotten off track... recommit and reflect on the beliefs and habits that keep trying to throw you off.

Focusing and staying grounded could be major challenges and yet they're oh-so-important for you to keep that magnetic mojo of yours working and expand your intentions for abundance. By the way, the Sun in Gemini rules writing, so writing in your journal is exceptionally powerful and enlightening now. If you're working with this month's Taurus Lunar Journal, then you have the tools you need.

I know that I've laid out a somewhat stressful scenario, but I really want you to remember that Sagittarius is actually the feel-good Moon of the zodiac... optimistic, joyful, expansive, generous... and this one's especially filled with BIG possibilities and opportunities for real change. Sagittarius is the seeker who always finds the silver lining... it's Oprah's Moon! So watch for those aha! moments and remember to breathe fully and often.

Ask yourself where you haven't been honest with yourself or others and where it's time for old illusions to die. Even though this is a pushy enervating Full Moon with revelations and insights flying fast and furiously, these changes can be easy IF you'll take time to assimilate all the information coming in both externally and intuitively and are gentle with yourself.

Wherever these energies are showing up in your birth chart indicates real change and BIG opportunities. You can find out exactly what this means for you and use this energy powerfully with a personal reading.

Something bigger than you... your destiny... is calling you to get out of your own way, because the planet needs your optimism... your unique viewpoint (that bigger picture of yours)... and your inspiring contribution.

Remember that life is the ultimate adventure and a continual blessing. It's time for you to explore, discover, walk your truth and live your gratitude in each present moment.

There's really nowhere to get to, because you're both the journey and the destination.

As Mahatma Gandhi put it... "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." So take a risk... believe in yourself and a universe of unlimited possibilities.

Your beliefs are so important. Because ultimately, you don't really manifest what you want... you manifest what you believe.

With Lots of Love and Many Full Moon Blessings,
Claudia

Claudia Thompson, lunar astrologer, is co-creator of Moonsurfing.com which publishes a free E-Zine twice monthly at the New and Full Moon. Moonsurfing also publishes a down-loadable Monthly Lunar Journal, a phase-by-phase guide to living in tune with the current energies of the Moon. http://www.moonsurfing.com

The Winner of the Etniq Minerals Starter Kit is...

2007-05-20T22:27:00.000-05:00

Sharon Nation!

At last nights event, everyone who filled out an information card was entered into a drawing for one of my starter kits. Sharon is the lucky winner:).

What's in a starter kit you ask?

A mineral shimmer eyeshadow (This can be used as blush, lipgloss, lipstick, nail polish, and eyeliner too!)
A mineral blush and
A mineral bronzer

Congratulations Sharon!

Would you like to win some makeup too? Sign up for Etniq's newsletter and you'll be entered. I draw a new name every two weeks:)!

A Woman's Worth: Women in the Arts Celebration

2007-05-20T21:04:00.000-05:00

Wow is all I can say! Last night I had a really wonderful time at an event here in Little Rock that I just happenned to find out about. I went there to perform a bit of poetry and to showcase Etniq. Thanks and Kudos go out to Katy at ASN (Arkansas Sustainability Network) for telling me about it!

The event I went to was a celebration of women in the arts and as such, featured women poets, artists, and songtresses who each shared their work with a warmly receptive crowd. It was hosted and organized by the Urban Hang Suite Ladies, a group that apparently holds it down culturewise here in LR.

The vibe was amazing - nurturing, warm, supportive sisterhood. Even the men in the house contributed to the sense of appreciation and celebration of womenfolk. I got the chance to read a few of my poems (I haven't read at a poetry cipher in a long time so that was a nice treat), talked with a lot of women about the beauty of mineral makeup, and overally just enjoyed being with such lovely people.

I really had NO idea that I'd find something like this in my beloved Little Rock and I was so happy to have not missed it. Below are some of the photos I took. I wish I could have gotten a snap of every single performer - they were all so dynamic, passionate, and talented!

Apparently, there is a poetry nite every Friday at Mediums Art Gallery here. I'm definitely going to check it out!

Five Beauty Foods to Know

2007-05-15T17:02:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! Here's an article I wrote a few months back about my five favorite beauty foods. It truly makes a difference what you eat! If that's the case, why not eat good food that's good for you too;). Enjoy!

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There are many wonderful foods that we can eat to keep our skin beautiful. In particular, our diet can be a huge help if our skin isn’t quite as beautiful and clear as we want it to be. I’m one for eating well and so I’ve included below some of my favorite “super” foods that do wonders for your complexion as well as your health overall. I promise you that if you start incorporating these foods into your diet on a regular, daily basis within a month you’ll notice the difference! Remember it takes about 28 days for new skin cells to surface – why not make sure they are new, healthier cells.

Some of my favorite “beauty foods” are below:

1. Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the many great antioxidants. Antioxidants counter free radicals and lessen their deterioration of the skin’s vital components like collagen and elastin. Blueberries also contain anthocyanosides, compounds that slow the effects of aging on the organs – including skin, your largest organ. Blueberries are considered a powerful “wonder” food. Eat them as much as you can!

2. Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of my favorite oils. Topically it’s a wonderful moisturizer and conditioner for your skin and your hair. Internally, it’s rich in Vitamin E, which is well known for protecting skin cells from UV damage as well as safeguarding against free radicals.

3. Yogurt
Yogurt has many nourishing qualities for your skin. For instance, it contains a high amount of zinc, which helps immensely to clear blemishes. Zinc is an important part of the body’s defense mechanisms and so increased amounts in the diet help the body to fight off blemish and breakout causing bacteria.

4. Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil provides essential fatty acids (EFAs) to the diet. EFAs are a crucial part of bodily functions and structures and are a fundamental part of the membranes of all cells, including skin cells. Because skin cells have such a high turnover rate, it is extremely important to make sure that EFA-containing foods are a constant part of your diet.

5. White Tea/Green Tea
Green tea is very widely known these days as a great antioxidant and overall health improver. It’s come to my attention also that white tea may have even more beneficial effects than green on acneic skin in particular. Apparently this stems from the antibacterial qualities in tea, which are higher in the white variety. In any case, even if for the antioxidant properties alone, green and white tea are great additions to your everyday consumption.

Come to the Natural Skin Care and Makeup Makeover Party! This Saturday!

2007-04-26T16:57:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone!

I want to invite you all to my makeup party this weekend! Read below for more information:). Feel free to spread the word!

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APRIL 28th, 5pm – Natural Cosmetics and Makeover Party. Is there such a thing as fun, versatile makeup that is actually good for your skin? Yes there is! Even with sensitive skin, makeup can still be for you. Come and learn about a mineral makeup line that brings out your natural beauty while improving your skin in the process. Leah Patterson, a makeup artist and holistic skin care specialist, will teach you about caring for your skin holistically plus the "need to know" basics on how to create beautiful day-to-evening looks for the workweek and the weekend. She'll be showcasing her own specialty cosmetics line, Etniq as well. Get ready for an evening of holistic makeover heaven! Please RSVP with a message here on myspace. *The first 10 to RSVP will receive a free makeover!*

When: April 28th @ 5pm
For: A Mineral Makeup and Natural Skin Care Party
Where: Arkansas Sustainable Network Center (209 South Victory, Little Rock, AR 72201 - Downtown LR)

Want a Free Makeover?

2007-04-20T16:54:00.000-05:00

Hello ladies (and gents too, read on below:))!

I'm currently looking for models to grow my portfolio. Etniq minerals look great on everyone and I've been blessed to work with all different complexions and ethnicities. However most of that work was in fashion shoes and stage performances, hence no tell-tale pictures!

So if you'd like to have a free makeover and you don't see yourself represented in the current pictures I have online, please do send me a note!

And check out the previous post to find out how you can get a free makeover this weekend!

Smooches;)!

Leah

Judging the Miss Teen Little Rock Pageant

2007-04-16T14:33:00.000-05:00

On April 6th and 7th this year I was very fortunate to be a judge for the Miss Teen Little Rock Pageant!

This was an amazing event. The girls ranged in age from 10 to 19 and represented Little Rock well as the best and brightest! It was so difficult choosing the winners - they were all so beautiful and had such promise.

The organization National Incorporated really impressed me with their mission and dedication to creating a memorable experience for all the young ladies. I was very flattered to be asked to be a part indeed!

This was the first pageant I've ever judge and the experience was extremely rewarding. I'm definitely looking forward to doing it again. I sat on the judges panel with a handful of great representatives from the Beauty Industry here in Little Rock. That was a great treat in and of itself!

Here are a few of the pictures from the event. Enjoy!

Why I created Etniq Mineral Cosmetics

2007-04-14T16:59:00.000-05:00

Etniq Mineral Cosmetics was born out of my desire for effortlessly unique, playful beauty coupled with a focus on healthy, radiantly beautiful skin.

I'd seen the fun and funky lines but none of them seemed to have the care I had about harmful and unnecessary ingredients. I love playing up my beauty but I didn't want to sacrifice my belief in natural, holistic living to do so.

I'd seen the mineral lines as well and yes they cared about your skin but in these, I couldn't find that true sense of funky uniqueness. I couldn't find a line with colors and shades that expressed who I am, that unleashed the inner model within me!

So I decided to create my own.

Etniq is the perfect blend of unique, fun and funky sophistication.

The colors and shades are for all women from the vanilla bombshells to the darkest velveteen chocolate misses out there. If your color doesn't exist yet in my collection, I'll custom make it for you. that's how dedicated I am to you!

Mineral makeup is the answer for us all. You've just got to let me prove it to you ;-).

Mine is a mineral makeup line that combines fun and funky with total sophistication and never forgets that true beauty begins with a beautiful canvas. The preservation of your healthy glowing skin will always be my first concern.