Solange Cash In.......A SoMAF Passion Project

SoMAF (Some of My Artsy Friends) is multi-media collective for writers, filmmakers, designers, artisans, musicians and artists. The name SoMAF honors the lyrics of music icon, Erykah Badu, more specifically her song "Apple Tree" from her classic album, "Baduism". 

"It was a stormy, you know the kind where the lightning strikes, and I was hanging out with some of my artsy friends."
In 2014 SoMAF will unveil 8 Passion Projects, each project spearheaded by one of our tribespeople. These creative submissions will range in art form and art focus. 

 "Cash In" is our first passion project for 2014. 

"This video is a fan/love letter to Solange, Saint Records, & all of the artist of Saint Herron. It was crafted and created by the tribespeople of SoMAF, multi-media collective for writers, filmmakers, designers, artisans and artists. " + Chase Simmons, Director

Sweater Weather TAG

The Blacker The Berry...

 The blacker the berry the sweeter the truth and the truth is “mainstream” beauty is racist. I know this is a harsh and controversial term to use, but that’s what the media portrays. It’s like your skin tone is inherently ranked superior or inferior to others. We give special attention to those who are different from the majority. For example, there's always some type of campaign for “brown skin” or “dark skin” women, rarely is there a campaign for “white woman” or” light skinned” woman.  Why is it we make a big deal about a beautiful 'dark skinned' woman who makes it in the entertainment world, for example Lupita Nyong’o, the beautiful ‘dark skinned’ actress from the movie 12 Years a Slave.

Don’t get me wrong she is a beautiful woman but what about her beauty is capturing the attention of fans all around the world? Her dark black skin, the media continues to tokenize her skin tone instead of her overall beauty. It seems as though most people are not used to seeing a beauty like hers, some say it’s rare (not really, just look around, travel), it’s special (yeah but so is the next girl’s) and it’s distinct (yes, because it’s real). She is just as beautiful as a Beyonce, Ciara, or Rhianna, (who all have gotten lighter over the years by the way) so why is it such a big deal? If I were to put up a picture of Rhianna and Lupita and ask you who's prettier, who would you choose and why? Most of you wouldn't say it but you would choose Rhianna, because of her skin tone, instead you'll say "they're both pretty in their own way".  We've been brainwashed to think one beauty is better than the next. It’s almost like people can’t believe you can be dark skinned and pretty, like it’s an oxymoron.

 Growing up I used to hear “you’re pretty, for a dark skinned girl,” at the time I thought it was a compliment but now I realize it was a way to categorize my beauty. Negative feelings about your skin color can get in the way of your perception of beauty. In this nation, by way of the media, the perception of beauty is limited. Both men and woman continue to lighten their skin to mirror images in the media that are or seem to be “acceptable”.  Light skin is the superior and anything else is the inferior. I love skin, healthy skin whether it’s dark, brown, white, red or yellow.

And thats the truth.

How to do a Natural Beat face in 11 easy steps!

You can look natural and still have a Beat Face! It's all about the right amount of  concealing, highlighting and contouring.  I love a natural beat, it allows you to wear the make up instead of the make up wearing you.

Check Out my 11 easy steps to a Natural Beat:

Before: Make sure you start with a clean canvas.

 My supplies: NARS, NYX, MAC, Ben Nye, Cover Girl and Maybeline

1. Apply a Primer.  Here I'm using NARS Light Optimizing Primer, applying it to my t-zone,  and under my eyes, this is exactly where I want the light to catch.

2. Fill in your brows. Here Im using NYX Eye Brow Pencil in Chestnut.

3. Conceal your brows. Here Im using my NYX HD concealer on both the top and bottom to neaten up and highlight my brows.

4. Conceal and Highlight. Here I'm using Ben Nye tattoo cover  up palette as my concealer.

I know I look super light but I promise it will all come together.

5. Set the concealer. Here Im using MAC Sheer loose powder to set my concealer.




6.  Foundation. Im using NARS Powder foundation for medium coverage to blend out the highlighter to provide an even tone.

7. Contour. I'm using Blunt blush by MAC to add dimension to my eye lids, nose and cheeks.

         

You want to make sure you get your temples and your chin. 

Everything should flow, it should be a continuous motion, you don't want harsh lines on your face where you started and ended.

8. Black Liner. I'm using a black liner from Ben Nye to create a slight cat eye.

9. Mascara. I love my Dior but I opted for a drugstore mascara (it does the trick) Maybeline Great Lash in Black Noir.

(Excuse the pimples, we all have a set back once in a while but its perfectly normal, I did my Shal Shani Face mask twice  in 7 days after taking these pictures and it cleared my face right up, if you would like more info about the Shal Shani Volcanic Ash Clay Mask, let me know!)

10. Lip liner. Im resourceful, so I used the same NYX Chestnut brow pencil to line my lip.

11. Lips. I wanted a very nude lip so I decided to base my lip with the same concealer I used on my face (again being resourceful) and top it off with NYX Cafe Latte Gloss.

The End Result:

Behind the Scenes with Darci Daye

So when you mix sexy with naughty and a little edge, you get Darci.  This raw talent originally from New Orleans is heating up the streets of Atlanta with her sexy voice and lyrics.  I had the pleasure of working with her a few times ( check out her site: http://darcidaye.com/  Makeup by me!), and this just happens to be a time I documented it.  Her face is the perfect canvas to paint. Check out the pics.

  

2 Must Have Lip Stains For The Fall!

Some of us are afraid to try a little color on our lips, maybe because we think our lips are too big, too small or nothing seems to match our skin tone just right.  Well, no worries I found two lip stains that will work for virtually anyone! 

SEPHORA Cream Lip Stain Collection not only has bright rich shades but, they last for hours without smudging. It goes on smooth and silky, leaving you with the perfect matte lip. The two must have colors for the fall are:

 #1 Always Red, a matte bold classic red 

 #10 Everlasting Burgundy, a deep shimmery mauve

 Pair these lips with a little lip liner, a simple eye, flawless skin and you're ready for any occasion.  Trust me, this will definitely get you admirers. 

Behind the Scenes with Dr. Simone Whitmore from the Reality Show Married to Medicine

Lately, I've had the pleasure of working with some of Atlanta's Reality Tv Stars.  When I got the call about this photo shoot with Dr. Simone from the show Married to Medicine, I didn't know what to expect.  She definitely surprised me. 

Dr. Simone is a prestigious OB/GYN doctor but she truly lives up to her nickname Dr. Crunk. She was Turnt Up (for lack of a better expression) for the entire shoot, quoting rap songs from Two Chains, Future and Rick Ross just to name a few.  

This woman is truly hilarious, down to earth feisty and beautiful, I loved it!!!! Check out the pics from our shoot and make sure you stay tuned for the upcoming season of Married to Medicine!