Archive for the ‘Music’ Category

Hey Glossies,

Recently, I was watching Conan on TBS (Just in case you didn’t know) and I saw/heard a singer named Allen Stone, from Seattle, WA, singing a soul-tinged political ditty entitled, “Unaware”.  Conan and I were both amazed at his voice.  Definitely someone worth keeping our eyes/ears on!

“Unaware”

 Mix Maven

As summer winds down, I am still clinging to my the bright summery colors… So I finally played with the L’Oreal HiP Duo (Matte) in Perky.  The colors are a mid-tone green (similar to MAC Wondergrass) and slate blue (maybe charcoal).  You know the Matte and I do not get along as a lid color, but I heart green, so had to purchase it!!

L'Oreal HiP Duo Matte Perky

L'Oreal Hip Duo Perky FOTD (w/o flash)

L'Oreal Hip Duo Perky EOTD

The green side is not that dark as it appears to be.  I used HiP Color Rich Cream Crayon in Authentic (Green) as base.  The color is forest green.  I like the Color Rich Cream Crayons because they do not budge at all!!

Products used are:

Face

• Revlon Custom Creations in Deep (#4)
• MAC Natural MSF in Medium Deep

Eyes

• MAC Matte Gel
• HiP Color Rich Cream Crayon in Authentic (Green)
• HiP Duo – Perky e/s (Both sides)
• MAC Patina e/s
• Lorac Starry-Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in Star Style – The Lightest Shade
• L’Oreal HiP Color Truth Cream Eyeliner – Black
• Barry M Kohl Pencil – Black
• Tarte lights, camera, lashes! mascara – Black

Cheek

• Revlon ColorStay Mineral Finishing Powder – Sunkiss

Lips

• NYX Barbie l/g

I think the result is cool, but I am going to try Delft and Pharoah Paint Pots to see if Perky (green side) will have a different look.

Well, I found some new music that also has me feeling perky because even though with all that craptasticness that is out there, I am glad to know there is good music still being made.

My new favorite British singer is Gary Go.  He is a melange of ColdPlay, Sting and U2. One reviewer called him a one-man ColdPlay.  His sound is broody and moody, voice mellow…Lyrically he is solid.  The song that sucked me in is ” Wonderful”:

And all your ammunition’s gone
Run out of fuel to carry on
You don’t know what you wanna do
Cause what you want does not want you
If what you want does not want you
And you’ve got no pull to pull you through

Say “I am”
Say “I am”
Say “I am wonderful”

Just amazing lyrics.

I love the quietness of “Black and White Days.”  The chorus reflects “You color my black and white days. /Color my black and white days. /You do. You color my black and white days. /Color my black and white days.”

Gary also takes on Lady Gaga.  He rearranges “Just Dance” from the high-octane dance frenzy to a reflective, haunting ballad.  I am looking forward to him having a wonderful career.

Gary Go’s cover of Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance”

If you like good music, Gary Go is a must have!!

What is perking you up these days?

Mix Maven

I had the honor and privilege of attending FACEDRAMA Cosmetics launch party.  The company’s tag line is “Where beauty is a serious matter.”  As a beauty aficionado, I agree with  that statement 100 per cent.  The event was filled with color and merriment.  The young, beautiful African dancers doubled as models, while the African drummers enticed the crowd with rhythmic force.  The Vu Lounge was decorated in pink, silver and black.

Keka Riley (L) and guest Dannielle W.

Keka Riley is the founder and creator of FACEDRAMA Cosmetics, a former model turned make-up artist. She also won Mo’Nique’s F.A.T Chance in 2006. Ms. Riley has been working as a professional make-up artist for over 8 years and wanted to create a line of cosmetics that would be extremely pigmented where a little goes a long way.  Plus, we don’t always have time to apply layer upon layer.  Her shadows are pigmented and the lip gloss are shimmery and luxurious.  FACEDRAMA Cosmetics has a full beauty line including concealers, loose pigments, lipsticks, lip liners, and eye liners. She also has an extensive foundation line with 17 shades.  Keka said that she wanted to create foundations that her family and friends could use i.e no more mixing.  The foundations are hypo-allergenic and contain Aloe and Vitamin E.

One of the many great things about FACEDRAMA Cosmetics is that Keka and her staff care about the community.  The company has partnered with Humana Organizations After School Enrichment program and Aspire Higher Girls Empowerment program. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of FACEDRAMA products will assist these organizations.  What a great idea!! You can get your beauty and philanthropy on at the same time.

FACEDRAMA Cosmetics Singles and Palettes

I sampled the eye shadows and lip gloss and the colors are quite pigmented. In the pics below, I only swiped once to get each swatch.  For the matte lovers, the eye shadows will not disappoint. The colors are soft and blendable.  I think if you do not like matte, you will quickly become a convert.  I am impressed with the quality of the products.  A single shadow is $18 and the palette is $52.  Definitely worth price since some of the money will be re-invested into the community.

FACEDRAMA Cosmetics Palette Swatches

FACEDRAMA Palette

FACEDRAMA Soft Brown Smokey Eye Look

FACEDRAMA Shimmery Green Smokey Eye Look

On a personal note, Keka Riley is an amazing person.  She brings everyone in and makes them feel like they have been friends forever. She also highlighted another Beauty Maven, Felicia of ThisThatBeauty Blog, who has developed a line of make-up brushes. What is quite evident is that her staff adores her.  The care that the FACEDRAMA Cosmetics staff takes with the products, let’s me know that they also care about the customer and her needs.

FACEDRAMA Cosmetics staff

Please, please, please check out this line, you will be pleased.

Keep it Glossy,

Mix Maven

I love watching MTV’s (me watching is a rarity these days) Randy Jackson Presents American’s Best Dance Crew (Dang that is a long A$$ name . (Sidebar: this is the only competition show I watch… No Idol, no America’s Got Talent, No So You Think You Can Dance et al.) As of now, I do not have any favorite dance crews, but I am not feeling Fanny Pak.  I do think SoReal Cru is pretty good and the Detroit Crew was also good (yay for the deaf dancer.)  I am looking forward to the rest of the 2nd season.

I enjoyed hearing the heartfelt back stories of the dancers and the crews.  I wish all of them best and I hope they can parlay this show into something very successful.

Which dance crew is your fave?

I love me some Maroon 5.  Last summer I was rocking this album on a, seemingly, endless loop, so I was excited to hear about the release of the  Deluxe CD/DVD of “It Won’t Soon Before Long”  I loved this album because of the 80s elements, sexy lyrics and soft ballads.

I love the idea of Maroon 5 and Rihanna partnering in the song, “If I Never See Your Face Again”.  I did not even realize that Maroon 5 did a remix (kinda) with Rihanna. (Sidebar: I have been super, duper busy lately, rendering me unconscious to popular cultural happenings.)  I will say that Rihanna does not sound half-bad and her style and makeup (FLAWLESS!!!)   Adam Levine is definitely a looker, which adds to the mystique of the band.   Dangit, I am still PO’ed I missed them in concert last year.  And the upcoming tour date to my area is not even convenient.  Damn you, somebody! LOL No one to really blame.

I will be picking up the Deluxe CD coming out July 8, 2008.

Maroon 5 (and Rihanna) “If I Never See Your Face Again”

Keep Cool,

Mix Maven

Hope everyone is having a great Friday and looking forward to the weekend.

I hope that everyone got something from the MAC Family and Friends and the Cherry Culture sales.  I noticed that many retailers have been offering Family and Friends sales for the last couple of weeks. I am sure the government  stimulus checks had a lot to do with the sales.

As you know, I love British soul music.  I have been reintroduced to another singer, Jamie Lidell.  This dude has a wonderful voice.  I am too sad that Amy is cracked out right now and not living up to her full potential, so I was pleased when I saw him again on Late Night With Conan O’Brien.   The song, “Another Day” is so refreshing and wonderful.  Every time, I hear it I feel good.  I saw him for the first time on Jools Holland show on the FUSE network last year singing “Multiply.”

Please check out my new favorite song, “Another Day” from the JIM album.

Have a totally awesome weekend,

Mix Maven

Hey Pumps and Glossy Ones,

I have been kinda under the weather, so please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. Nothing major (Don’t worry too much!)

Here are some of my favorite gospel songs. I like these songs because they give me the extra hope and faith I need to make it through the day, that “Yes I can” feeling.

Ricky Dillard & The New G – “The Light” I like this song because it reminds that even when we do not realize it (at times) , God is always with us. The song has a great melody. This choir is quite hip and incorporates a lot of current dance moves. (I am surprised that they did not “Walk It Out.”

Marvin Sapp – “Never Would Have A Made It” Marvin Sapp is a powerful singer. His songs tug at the heartstrings and engage the listeners to reflect on the goodness of God. He is one of my all-time favorites singers.

DeWayne Woods – “Let Go and Let God” I love, love, love this song. When we are stressing about the cares of the world, we need let go and let God have his way. A great testimony.

What are some of your favorite gospel/inspirational songs?

Mix Maven

Happy Friday Glossy Ones,

You know how we do it on Fridays…

FRIDAY FREAK

Ray J. is back with “Sexy Can I.” Gotta give it to Ray – he has been coming out with jams in recent times (“One Wish,” “What I Need“). While T-Pain caught flack for commenting on Ray’s “meat,” we have to agree with T-Pain 100%! LOL! Ray can get it at minute 2:45, getting his D’Angelo on! Yum!

FRIDAY FLASHBACK

Speaking D’Angelo, let’s go back and peep one of my fave videos of all time for very obvious reasons. Whenever I watch “How Does It Feel,” I have this overwhelming feeling of wanting to bump the camera down! Big ups to D’Angelo for giving us Ladies some eye candy!

I heard this on a Russ Parr “Wrong Song” mix last week and wow, it took me back. Here’s Oaktown 357 with “Juicy.” If you want to see it in color, click here.

SEXY SHOE PICK

Decisions, decisions!

You will be killing them softly in these Jessica Simpsons. The “Jacie” has the shine, the style and the 4.5 inch stilleto heel to turn heads. I couldn’t decide which color is the hottest – tell us which color you would rock! I would definitely invest in the black pair, but the other two colors are simply dazzling. I would love to see Jess do a chain of shoe stores.

SWIM SUIT SEASON

Are you longing for summer like I am? This has got to the be coldest and longest winter ever! SIDEBAR – If you haven’t read “The Coldest Winter Ever” by Sister Soulja, please believe it is a great read. An urban tale of life’s ups and downs, I could not put it down when I read it a few years ago. Ok, sorry, back to the matter at hand….I plan on dragging Mix and Sen to the beach as soon as it gets hot. Here is a darling ensemble I plan on getting from Old Navy:

How cute! Green is my fave color, so I’m too thrilled! LOL!

Or step out on the beach like a Top Model in this tank with matching bottom – that’s Dani from ANTM btw. I love it paired with the bracelets.

Think you don’t have the body for a swim suit? Then get a plain one piece suit and pair it with a cute cover up – it will look like you have on a dress:

I love breezy black and white prints for the summer.

How cute is this one!

I would wear this one as a cover up and later on, pair it with some jeans. Old Navy has cover ups that go up to a size 3X. No need to be ashamed to go to the beach this year Ladies – you do you!

AEROBIC STRIP TEASE

If you have been with us from the beginning, you know Sensual Element’s first post was about Carmen Electra’s strip tease. Here is a clip of the routine that you can use for exercise and for turning things up with your lover.

10 SEX CRAVINGS ALL GUYS HAVE from Cosmopolitan.com

Hey Glossy Ones,

We realized that it has been awhile since we share our current favorite songs. Here we go!

“…In This Club” by Usher is number one on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts this week and Joyful Radiance can’t get enough of it. We are just patiently waiting to see how hot the official video will be.

Joy also loves how Lil Kim freaks the “Sensual Seduction”remix with Snoop Dogg.

Mix Maven loves the whimsical tune by Mariah Carey, “Touch My Body.” The song reminds her of Mariah circa 1995 (and that is a good thing!!)

An oldie, but goodie, Mix picks Janet Jackson’s “20 Foreplay.”In the video, she is channeling Dorothy Dandridge. The song is sweet and sexy, which is Ms. Jackson’s persona.

Speaking of Janet, Sensual Element loves the dance groove of “Feeback.”

Sen also loves “American Boy”by Estelle featuring Kanye West.

Sen just couldn’t leave out Raheem DeVaughn’s “Customer.”

I am not sure what is in the water in the United Kingdom, but the Pond is churning out Soul (RnB) singers faster than Motown. You have:

• Corinne Bailey Rae
• Terri Walker
• Amy Winehouse
• Lemar
• James Morrison
• even Natasha Bedingfield.

Well, let me add Duffy to that list. She is a 23 year old* Welsh soul singer-songwriter. Duffy has been racking up number 1s on the UK charts. Many people are comparing her with Amy Winehouse, but they do not sound the same to me. (No one confuses Aretha Franklin with Mavis Staple!)

She sounds like she has been under the tutelage of Aretha Franklin (that is a lot of tutelage) and the Stax Records catalog. Her voice sounds like she has been honing the soul. She sings deeply, yet effortlessly.

It would be nice to see more young American artists singing in the Soul tradition. Unfortunately, these singers are not as popular as they should be. The music industry must realize the reason why sales are down because it keeps on pumping out mediocrity.

Anyway, check out Duffy, tell me what you think of her style and sound.

Mercy

Cover of The First Cut is the Deepest

* If she is 23, I am 21 and a half.

Listen Up,

Mix Maven