My top 5 favorite concealers

Lately, I've been getting questions about the best concealer to use for undereye circles, so yesterday I decided to put up a post about my favorites.


1.)Yves St. Laurent Beauty- Touche Eclat $40
2.)Make Up For Ever- Full Cover $30
3.)Benefit- Erase Paste $26
4.)Make Up For Ever- Lift Concealer $22
5.)Smashbox- Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer $18


There you have it; my top 5 favorite concealers!
I love these, because they cover the gamut of skintones, so there is something for everyone from the palest alabaster to the deepest ebony.

my beloved OCC Skin!!

I just have to post one more time about how amazing I think OCC skin is! 

Pictures from a recent shoot will soon follow.

Boycotting Glasses Shop and their horrid customer service practices (or lack thereof)

I really hate being kept in the dark about pertinent matters, especially when I'm spending my hard-earned cash!

A couple of weeks ago, I ordered a pair of eyeglasses from a new place- Glasses Shop, that had the geeky Clark Kents I'd been looking all over for. Great price $25.90 for the frames (prescription was free) and another $4.95 for the anti-reflective coating. Okay.. cool.. I'm geeked, because my blind ass was about to see again (after breaking my glasses). I wait and I wait and I wait and I wait for a confirmation email and a tracking number. NADA!

Now, I'm a firm believer in "you get what you pay for", but I was super geeked about getting these particular frames. Le sigh..

I try to call the number listed on their site. NOPE!!! Nothing doin'!

I'm starting to panic a bit, because they have my little bit of change and now I don't know what's going on.

I fanned the company on FaceBook and the owner (or someone) of the company sent a thank you note. I responded with questions about my order. He told me that they did get my order.

Uh.. I know that! I need a tracking number, man! Then.. more silence. Since I'm dealing with a lot, I figured I wouldn't stress about it for another week.

Well, here we are at that another week. I have sent messages and messages and then decided to use the "live chat" feature. "Susan" is my CSR and obviously not very skilled with their system, because it took her 10 minutes to look up my order number and then to come back to tell me that my package was shipped and I should "maybe get it in 2 days". Uh.. okay, cool. what's my tracking number and who is the courier?

DEAD SILENCE.

Out of 5 stars, 1 being horrid and 5 being exceptional, this company and their reps get a big fat goose egg!!

What scent are you wearing??

I always get asked that question and since I'm a bit loyal, it's always the same answer (give or take, depending on the day). Fracas by Robert Piguet has been one of my long time staples for so many reasons- tuberose & gardenia being a couple major ones for me.
I've never been a huge fan of floral fragrances, but those two florals rock my socks!

My other staples are Petite Cherie by Annick Goutal- a lovely, clean peachy smell, but still sexy. Perfect for when I'm working on set. Doesn't overpower even the most sensitive of noses.








Prada!! If I had to choose a singular signature scent, it would be this one.

I fell in love with this one when the house of Prada for launched it.

Revisiting Orange Lips

Okay.. the hot thing this summer (pun intended!) is orange and orange/red lips.

I LOVE orange and don't really wait for trends to dictate what I wear; my mood and skintone dictate that!

I look amazing in orange and when I find something that flatter me and makes me feel great, I stick with it.

My fave oranges are:

Capucine lip lacquer by Nars: A true orange gloss with a tiny bit of shimmer. Dreamy!

Meltdown lipstick by MAC: Orange with a bit of coral shimmer. Amazing on tan skin!

So Chaud lipstick by MAC- a beautiful red-orange shade

Phasing out The Face Designer

The time has come to put away The Face Designer. I've been that for awhile and wrestled with the decision to just let it go. It simply made more sense to brand my own name and merge my makeup artistry with my future photography business and that brings me to the Sonya Tisdel brand.

Yeah, yeah.. I know I should've done it a lonnnnnnng time ago, but someone called me The Face Designer and it stuck with me. The phasing out began last week and should be complete by the middle of this week.

www.SonyaTisdel.com is currently live. 

Check it out and let me know your thoughts. 

It's still a work in progress, but so far, I love it!

Coastal Scents Lip Palette

Happy Thursday!

I ordered this from Coastal Scents couple of days ago after hearing so many raves about the company. 

So far, I love this palette. I haven't tried it on a shoot, yet, but that should happen late next week. I'll be back with photos!

The colors are highly pigmented and didn't wash off too easily with hot water, soap and elbow grease in the shower. That's a good sign to me. I look forward to seeing how well they photograph.

I will definitely be back later in the week with a more in depth review of this palette.

The Difference

www.Bridal-Studio.com

Many times I'm asked what makes me different from most makeup artists.

Simply put; I SPOIL my brides. It's their special day, which means it's about THEM and not about me.

I tend to go the extra mile to make sure their day is as stress-free as possible. That means custom mixed colors and a free gift or two for the bride.

If you know of anyone in Chicago, Indiana, Michigan & Wisconsin who is planning a wedding, please feel free to pass along my info!

New Website

Just a bit of an announcement: New Website coming soon.

www.SonyaTisdel.com

This site will replace www.TheFace-Designer.com, since I will be phasing that company out and will then concentrate on building my photography business (with a side order of makeup).

The site should be finished in a couple of days and will grow into bigger and better things for me.

Thank you guys for all of your support.

I appreciate you.

C. Bentley Novelty Handbags... to die for!!

I recently came across the most beautiful clutches(pictured above).. beautiful, buttery soft leather.. bamboo.. coconut shells... well, you get the picture. Simply beautiful and beautifully handmade. What can I say? They're... BEAUTIFUL!!

If you're in Houston, there are several stores that have them in stock or you can contact Candy via her FaceBook.com page ( http://www.facebook.com/pages/C-Bentley-Novelty-Handbags/334516704879?ref=ss ) place your orders. The bags are made by hand and each one is different.

Here are Ms. Bentley's own words:


Interest in making handbags:  I come from a long line of crafters.  With our family, we are notorious for honoring a birthday, an anniversary, a graduation, a birth, or any celebration with a gift that we’ve made using our craft.  So, for me, I have been making handbags as a special, unique gift to friends for about 10 years, mainly birthdays.  Every time one of my girlfriend’s would unwrap her gift, others would say, “Girl, you need to go into business with these bags!”   Last October, I decided to dive into my talent.  In November 2009, I launched my line and have been amazed at the demand.  In these four months, my bags have been in fashion shows, placed in two boutiques, and been a special feature at private-sale parties (like tea parties, women’s club events, Ladies’ Night gatherings, customer appreciation events, etc.).
I love using all kinds of materials in the detail of my handbags:  bamboo, feathers, leather, glass, coconut, and wooden pieces.  I tend to stick to Earth tones.  
(Sonya, I make a lot of my own clothes, hats, and home accessories, but I do it out of necessity.  LOL  I am tall and curvy, and I refuse to pay for expensive curtains, pillows, wall art, etc. when I can just make them for pennies.  Not sure if you wanted to share that…) Now, why wouldn't I share that?! I'm all about trying to showcase exceptional talent and Ms. Bentley obviously has plenty of it!!
Where to find a C. Bentley Novelty Handbag:  My handbags are in two local boutiques in Houston.  For now, I am responding to requests on my fanpage on Facebook and private parties.  Website and Twitter coming soon!  
Prices:  Depending on the detail, my bags start at $140 and can run to $530.

My new logo!!

Okay... If you KNOW me, you know that I've been driving you nuts about finding a logo for my bridal business. It's been 2 lonnnnng years and I still hadn't found anyone that was rocking my socks. I don't know why, because I'm a simple girl.

Fast forward to 2010: I find someone on Etsy.com who has amazing work, so I order up a package. she contacts me later that day with her standard questionnaire. My style is simple: Mid-century modern and Hollywood Regency. Clean lines with a smidge of frou-frou for interest.

She (Kellie) sent my proofs yesterday and POW! I have a logo that I love (well, after a couple of revisions), but still... she's (Kellie) a genius and I will be working with her(Kellie) again for my photography logo in the near future.

Below is my loverly logo. Yay, me!

Kellie Williams is a great graphic desiger. You should also check her out if you need invitations.

www.kgraphicart.com

www.everlastinginvites.com

Indie Wed Vendor- Float Paperie

My latest thing is letterpress. I could spend hours running my fingers over a perfect letterpressed card. Many times, I've been let down, because the imprint was too shallow for my tastes. The disappointment has ended with Float Paperie. I love the paper stock and the color selections. I love how the letters look AND feel. I'm smiling as I look at the cute little card. 

Call for an appointment. You won't be disappointed.

Float Paperie

4765 North Lincoln Ave, #208

Chicago 60625

312.339.3433

Indie Wed Vendor- Style Unveiled

If you're a bride with a funky side and find that most wedding planners are trying to fit your square peg into their round hole, I think you should visit Style Unveiled. Select your city(Chicago, L.A., San Francisco or Portland) and then start finding the vendors who suit your needs. Log in now to snag your Swag Bag http://www.chicagostyleunveiled.com/swagbag/

Indie Wed Vendor- Daniel Sklaar, owner of Fine & Raw chocolate

Unfortunately, I'm seriously allergic to chocolate and I didn't get to sample the yumminess, but my Mister swears by it. He actually went back and bought a couple of bars of Lucuma & Vanilla. At least he doesn't eat it in my presence. *sigh*.. 

Daniel is a sweetheart and if you have any questions, he is thorough in his answers and willing to help in any way possible. The bonus for me is all of his packaging is post consumer recycled! Yay for green vendors!!

Indie Wed Vendor- Ododo Originals

What else can I say, but... beautiful, handcrafted accessories. This is another place to go if you're looking for something truly original and handmade, yet elegant.

Indie Wed Vendors- Agnes B. Miles, owner of Love Lulu Mae

If you love romantic headpieces with a vintage vibe, you will adore Love Lulu Mae. I fell in love with the pieces and wanted to take them ALL with me! My picks are below, but she has soooo much more for you to love.

Indie Wed Vendors- Mary Kate McKenna, Photographer

A few weeks ago, I attended Indie Wed and came across some amazing people who had great things to offer for brides.

I've included my faves below.

Mary Kate McKenna was an absolute doll. 

Her work is fabulous, ladies.

Happy (late) New Year!

Happy New Year, darlings!

It's a new year and time for me to get my butt in gear.

I'm working on something big for both The Face Designer and for The Bridal Studio.

Stay tuned!

Kimberly Coleman Salon- Grand Opening 12/05/09!!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5

Doors Open at 6:30pm

Join us for the official grand opening of

The Kimberly Coleman Salon and Day Spa.

Signature Looks Require a Signature Team.

Kim and the Signature Stylists can't wait to see you at this exclusive event:

Ribbon cutting cermony with 3rd Ward Chicago Alderman Pat Dowell

Enjoy a special performance by Jive Records Recording Artist KENTRELL

Raffles for services and products plus special room rate savings at the South Loop Hotel

Grand Opening Attendees can Prebook Salon Services that night at 20% Savings.*

This event will be held at the SL 26 Restaurant inside the South Loop Hotel.

11 West 26th Street

Chicago, Illinois 60616

For more information and to RSVP: 312.949.9080

info@kimberlycolemansalon.com

FREE ADMISSION

*20% Savings on salon services booked through 12/20/09.

Save 20%* Great Hair, Great You, Great Deals

Save on hair, nails and spa services with our Signature Team through 12/20/09. Mention "Great Hair, Great You" when booking your appointment.

Kimberly Coleman Salon and Day Spa · 11 West 26th Street · Chicago · 312.949.0980

*Certain exclusions may apply.

Odds and ends

Last night, I was rummaging through my kits and came across more than a few items that I must have to survive!!
If I haven't named it, I can most definitely get by without.

1.) OCC Skin Airbrush  foundations- these foundations are AMAZING!

2.)OCC mini blush & contour series

Colours: Hush, Gush, Crush, Rush, Lush, Peach

Lush is my "go to" colour. It's the one I reach for the most for all skintones.

3.)Make Up For Ever- Flash Colour Palette

One word: LOVE!!!

This little baby has gotten out of many jams.

I use mine for everything, from lipstick to eyeshadow base.

4.) Make Up For Ever- HD Microfinish Powder

Fantabulous finish. Flawless.

Makeup Removal

I just had a young lady contact me to ask me the best way to remove makeup after a long night of partying; something that wouldn't require lots of steps and make her say "forget it". For years, I've been removing makeup with baby wipes. Initially, I started using Mustela wipes, but wanted to buy them by the case, so I started purchasing the ones made by Pampers for newborns.
I now have little packets of wipes everywhere and use them for everything. Keep some on your nightstand to wipe off that glittery eyeshadow and mascara that looked so amazing at the holiday party. Keep some in your handbag to do a quick change of lip color.
Since these are super gentle, they won't sting your eyes or dry out your skin. And they're a great price to boot! Perfect for a frugalista like me.

Sonya's Favorites of the Week: Juicy Orange

Lately, I've been toying with the color orange. I'm drawn to the color for the simple fact that it's just .... beautiful.
Coupled with the fact that it looks amazing on every skintone; from the deepest Ebony to the palest Alabaster.
I've listed some of my favorite products in my favorite color.

*Tip: if your skin is fairer, look for orange tones that lean towards the pink end of the spectrum. Darker skintones should definitely go for colors with more orange in them.

Lips
Black Opal lipstick- Tropica
Nars Lip Laquer- Capucine
Covergirl lip gloss- Peaches n Gleam

Cheeks
Nars Blush- Orgasm
Nars Blush- Taj Mahal

My home (office) away from home- My Soul Cafe`

If you're anything like me, you have a short attention span and find it difficult to get all of your admin stuff complete if you're working from your home office. Yeah, yeah.. I know what you're thinking: what's the purpose of having a home office if you can't work in it?
Well, in my defense, I'm still remodeling my office/studio and the chaos wears me OUT.
But.. I digress.

If you live on the southeast side of Chicago and you're tired of the treks to the northside for coffeehouses with wifi, great coffee and tasty goodies, look no further than My Soul Cafe. They're located at 7201 S. Exchange.

The owner, Stitch, has an amazing personality and makes you feel very welcome here. Elishevah is also amazing and friendly. The coffee is amazing and the pastries are yummy, as well.
Today, I'm having dark roast coffee with a slice of Bella's Russian poundcake. *pictured below*

I love the decor of this place- Stitch designed the look himself and actually did a great job at making it warm, yet modern.

If you're on that side of town and want something other than chains, definitely give them a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed. I'm a bit of a coffee snob and had declared to ONLY drink Peet's. That lasted for as long as I lived in L.A. When I got to Chicago, I found out there may only be ONE Peet's Coffee and it's on North Avenue!!! *gasp!*


My friend and fellow makeup artist Krystyn J also had their amazing chocolate cake with a tall glass of ice cold milk. I'm jealous!

My favorite buys for $10 or less!

Once a week, I will list my favorite buys for $10 or less.


This week it's Sonia Kashuk's Liquid Tint in 'Peony' at Target stores for $9.99

My fave blush!

Happy Saturday, everyone!!

Just in the last couple of days, I've probably had no less than 6 people ask me what cheek colour I'm wearing. While I love my Nars 'Orgasm' and 'Taj Mahal',  I am completely married to my Yves St. Laurent Blushing Powder in #28(pictured above)  and #34 (a peachy/coral-y colour that looks fantastic on all skintones).

So, there you have it; my fave blush!

Check out one of the best hairstylists in L.A.

If you're in the L.A. area and need a hairstylist, go to Debbie LoRay's at 13317 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423  or simply call and book your appointment at 818-990-0990
The girl is amazing with color and cuts! Her new spot is warm and inviting and you're sure to be a repeat customer.
Some of her work is below. Give her a call.

Photoshoot with Lynnette Astaire

Last week, I was part of an amazing photoshoot with Lynnette Astaire. For those of you not familiar with Lynnette, please get familiar!

This is a photo of everyone, that I jacked from Destiny's site.

Makeup, hair and grooming was done be me, natch.

Styling was by Erica Chatman and Destiny Love Jones.

Brandon, Chelsea, Destiny & Floyd

Below are some shots I took with my crackberry camera.

The beautiful Destiny. Check out her blog- http://www.destinylovejones.blogspot.com/

..and these are the amazing shoes that Destiny was wearing.

She told me that they're made from recycled rubber. The shoes are hot, y'all!

This is the lovely Chelsea- She works at RSVP here in Chicago.

This was a great shoot and I can't wait to get the images back.