Sam Fine and Romero Jennings' Favorite MAC Products

While de-cluttering cleaning my room the other day, I happened to find one of my old MAC Pro Masterclass workbooks. It included a Q & A with select makeup artists who give workshops for the company. I'm thinking that this book is from the Sam Fine masterclass in Harlem circa 2007. If you're interested in taking a MAC Pro masterclass, check out this link. You'll need to have a MAC Pro card to access this part of the website. Many MAC stores and counters offer classes to people who aren't makeup artists, as well as private lessons. Just inquire with an artist.

Another of my favorite artists, Senior Artist Romero Jennings, also has a great list of goodies. This list is loaded with a fantastic selection for a universal lip palette.

Now remember, this is an old book, and some of the products aren't even available anymore.  In fact, they might have found better substitutions than what is listed. Also, this doesn't mean that their kits are only comprised of MAC products. However, I figured it would be fun to share. Don't forget that these are suggestions, and if you do or do not happen to have these items, your kit can still be fabulous!

Don't forget to follow Sam Fine and Romero Jennings on twitter! You never know when they are going to drop little bombs of beauty knowledge (which happens often).

Sam Fine Tells Us How to Achieve the Perfect Smoky Eye Using CoverGirl Queen

The king of black beauty is at it again with longtime client Vanessa L. Williams. If you have his DVD, the Basics of Beauty, it is likely that you've already been applying his tricks to your own routine. Sam tells us exactly how he created the look above.

I always begin by dabbing concealer directly underneath the eye, nearest the lower lashes to highlight and remove any redness/discoloration around the eye area. Then, I used COVERGIRL Queen Collection Natural Hue Compact Foundation with a sponge applicator to unify varied tones and create a flawless canvas. To add dimension and luminosity, I brushed Queen Collection Natural Hue Mineral Bronzer along the outer perimeter of the forehead and cheeks. 

For the eyes, I selected COVERGIRL Smoky ShadowBlast in Onyx Smoke. I began by using the pearl opalescent shade on the browbone, then surrounding the eye in the deep gray shade and tapped gently to blend together for a seamless, smoky effect. I also used COVERGIRL Liquiline Blast Eyeliner in Black Fire to line the inner rim of the eye for added drama. And lastly, I finished this look with a few coats ofCOVERGIRL LashBlast Fusion Water Resistant Mascara on both upper and lower lashes!

I always begin by lining the mouth with a shade that's close to my clients skin tone. I don't simply outline the mouth; I bring liner into the mouth, towards the center, so liner and lipstick "marry" seamlessly.  Afterwards, I use a lipbrush to apply lipstick for an even, satiny finish. For Vanessa, I applied QueenCollection Lasting Lip Pencil in Coffee and finished off the look with Queen Collection Lip Color in Nude Attitude.

Remember, a smoky eye is supposed to be a little messy... It's not a look that has to be perfect. Oftentimes, I'll begin makeup by applying eyeshadow, clean around the eye area with a cotton swab, and then begin to apply concealer and foundation. This is an especially great trick if you're going for a dark, dramatic eye like the one I've applied to Vanessa!  Also, I always leave my clients with the two things they'll need to touch-up during the night - Pressed Powder... and of course, lipstick!

The Relaxed Days...

Sometimes, I miss being relaxed. Rarely actually. I'm not one of those natural girls that preaches her nappturality or is spiritually attached to it. My hair was just weak and brittle during my bone-straight days, so I tried a different approach. Even with my natural hair, I'll probably wear it blown out and flat-ironed. My hair began to flourish as I learned some tricks of my girls at the LHCF. I tried a few, and these are what helped bring my hair back to life! Here's some new info and a compilation of previous posts.

Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo was my favorite hair cleanser. It seemed to wash my hair without stripping it, which I loved. I always felt like my hair was genuinely clean when using it, which I did once or twice a week.

Mmmmm. Mizani Moisturfuse Conditioner. I forgot how much I adore this stuff. I'm in love with My Keracare Humecto, and I adore this stuff as well. This is by far the creamiest conditioner that I have ever come in contact with. Just the feel of it on your hands reminds me of an uber expensive body cream. The second that it touches your hair, your can feel how moisturized your tresses instantly become. Yep, its a bit expensive. But it's soooo well worth it. If you have any signs of dry hair, this is the first conditioner that I would recommend.

Now, If you want to put out a few more dollars, this Keracare Essential Oils for the Hair is the TRUTH. The moment you see and smell this stuff, you know that it is salon quality. The shine is unbelievable, and I can almost bet that no matter how damaged your hair might be, this will make it look like a million bucks. You will find nothing but sunflower seed, peanut, castor, coconut, jojoba, sesame, aloe vera, almond, and olive oil goodness in this bottle. This does contain to things that I have never heard of, propylparaben and BHA, as well as perfume. But, I don't care! I use this stuff sparingly, because it is expensive. I still use my Surge Lotion Motion #9 when I'm feeling cheap. I highly recommend you order online at Irby's.

They have outstanding prices! $9.99 for 4oz and $15.99 for 8 oz.

I also loved deep-conditioning my hair. Often times, I always used olive oil. This tried and true beauty trick is a winner! I'd drench my hair in oil, put on a shower cap, and handle my business. After a half-hour minimum, my hair was penetrated with moisture. Any brand will do, just go to the supermarket and pick up a bottle! Or, go ahead and mix some with your favorite conditioner for a custom made treatment.

I didn't have relaxed hair when this came out, but I know both naturals and relaxed sistas that use it and have miraculous results!

Whoever says that your hair can't grow fast is very wrong. I am so thrilled to have found Boundless Tressed Growth Serum!!! I bought this after reading tons of threads on my favorite discussion board, Long Hair Care Forum. I noticed a frantic thread titled "Naturallady...I need odorless MTG!!!!" For those of you that don't know, MTG is an oil that helps your hair grow. It was origionally made for people, but marketed for horses. Let's not forget it smells like bacon. Hmmm. Anyway, this odorless MTG reportedly made your hair grow quick, and didn't have a smell! I had to buy it. It only took me a week and a half to see noticable results. That is insane! I have a full hairline again!!! I am soooooo happy! My hair is softer and less coarse! The best part...a bottle is only $12!!!! So if you want long, flowing, thick, healthy hair, check this out!!!

Make your hair grow NOW...Check out Boundless Tresses Here!!!

I really, really wanted to try this. Our friends at Phyto created the Phytospecific Phytorelaxer. It's about time that someone realized they could make oodles of money for creating this! The site says "Phytospecific Phytorelaxer Index 2 is a gentle formula for straightening and smoothing normal, thick, and coarse hair. Egg and soy complex gently straighten even resistant hair and is very mild on the scalp. Does not contain Lye." Phytorelaxer=WAY less damage. There is also the Index 1 relaxer for fine/delicate hair. I believe I read that Oprah uses this on her hair, don't quote me though.

Until next time, Stay Scandalous!