A Soft Coral Eye Tutorial

Hello Lovelies!

So a few posts back we showed you a haul of some new make up purchases that Teneasha had made, and of course we were just itching to try out some new looks. Here's a youtube tutorial featuring the make up look that was shown in the photo from the haul post. It's a soft coral and golden eye look, primarily focusing on Going Bananas by MAC and #5 by Make Up Forever, which is a great peachy hue. It goes great for this spring/summer limbo season that we are in, and what's even better is that it's versatile enough to be worn for different occassions. Hope you enjoy, and feel free to leave any questions and/or comments.

Products Used:

Bobbi Brown Oil Free Liquid Foundation in Golden 6
Bobbi Brown Loose Powder in Brown 4
Urban Decay Primer Potion
MAC Select Cover Up in NC35
MAC e/s Going Bananas
MAC e/s Fab 'n' Flashy
Make Up Forever in #5
MAC e/s Swiss Chocolate
MAC e/s Soft Brown
MAC Fluidline in Black Track
MAC Pro Lash Mascara
Stila Gloss in Brown Sugar

Thanks for watching...and don't forget to keep it blue!

A Bluetiful Contribution

Hello Bluetiful Ones,

When initially brainstorming the concept of Virtuous Blue, Teneasha and I both new that we wanted a site that did more than just showcase products, trends, and temporal things. We understood that beauty was bigger than that. Beauty is deep and goes far beyond just what the eyes can see; It also consists of what we feel.

As stated within the tagged post, VB experienced a little set back recently due to events that neither Teneasha or myself could control. The past few weeks have been very tumultuous due to my father passing away, being admitted to the hospital, and buckling under stress due to juggling school, work, and trying to be superwoman. There have been moments when I wanted to give up, but I can honestly say that I am still here today due to the love and support of those around me. It has been the courage of women like my mother, Teneasha, and close friends/family that has shown me what true beauty is all about.

I would like to use this post to formally thank those who have contributed to my true beauty, and to also encourage others in midst of their hardships. Just as there is beauty in a flower, that same beauty can be found in dirt, mud, and rain, for without them, the flower would not exist. The same applies to you. Just as there is beauty in your appearance, laughter, and happiness...there is also beauty in your pain, tears, and struggles. We are the people we are today because of the experiences that we have gone through.

Don't forget to embrace ALL of the beauty in you, and take the time out to spread that same beauty to others as well. Just a simple smile, hug, or compliment could be the difference that changes some one's life for the better. For indeed, it is a gratifying experience to transform a woman through the artistry of make up or a fly outfit. However, it is truly divine to contribute to the transformation of a woman through mental, emotional, and spiritual upliftment. You can wash off the make up and you can take off the clothes, but you can't eliminate the strength that you obtain.

"Count on Me" By Whitney Houston & CeCe Winans. Circa 1996

SOMEONE NEEDS TO HAVE IT: Textured Bliss

Hey Lovelies,

Check out this bag!!!

Textured Bliss Price: $24.00

This is just the coolest vintage navy blue textured clutch bag by Desiree. This purse has a great old school 80s feel to it. It's part new wave, part bohemian and we love the originality! An optional shoulder strap makes this purse versatile as both a shoulder bag, as well as a chic little clutch. The cool buckle also helps in making this a one of a kind a heavy hitter in the accessories department. The color certainly isn't the only reason why this purse is BLUE!

Length: 9"
Width: 12"
Tag: Desiree
Condition: Excellent!

Get it at: http://www.theurbancollection.com/

Taggy time

Hello Lovelies,

We would like to formally apologize for the brief intermission. So much has transpired in our private lives within the past week or so, but thank you for being patient with us. We definately have some great things in store for Virtuous Blue within the near future, so stay tuned!

Ok...so the ladies of Virtuous Blue have been tagged! Yay! The last time someone attempted to "tag" us was back in elementary school while playing 'Hide And Go Seek'. So needless to say, we're a little excited. And for it to be from great bloggers like Yummy, Mischo, and Anti-Hair Slave, we can't help but do cartwheels (well...not really, but we did cartwheels in spirit hehe). Ok, without further ado, here's the info...

Kenya's Beauty Secrets:

My Foundation: A mixture of Black Radiance Matte Souffle Oil Absorbing Make UP in Almond souffle and chocolate souffle (I'm a bit of a mad scientist when it comes to make up lol). Mixing foundations just tends to work best as a match for my complexion. My Mascara: Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black My Blush: I like to mix and blend eye shadows to create a unique blush hue (once again, the scientist at work) My Eye Shadow: Wet & Wild Sand Castle pallette. Those colors go with EVERTYTHING (and easy on the pockets too)
My Day Cream: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion SPF 15 w/ Alpha Hydroxy My Lipstick: I tend to turn my lip liners into "lipsticks". It just works lol
My Beauty Product Brand: some of this & some of that (did I mention i'm a mad scientist when it comes to make up? lol)
My Essential Beauty Product: Foundation. Even on my "natural" days, I can't go without it
My Favorite Makeup Product: lip gloss. An elixir for all possessors of big "soup coolers"
My Perfume: hmm...lately it's been that good ole Dove
My Nails: evenly filed nails give a neat look...with or without polish
My Feet: weekly foot scrub. Crusty heels aren't a good look
My Hands: Vaseline deep conditioning lotion with Cocoa butter (great for the hands as well)
Three Products to bring on a deserted island: Vaseline (what can you NOT do with this product?), body/face cleanser, and sunblock
Woman I admire for their beauty: Every woman that sacrificed so that I may have the opportunities that I have today.
Woman with the Best Sense of Style: That's hard...I like a lil bit of everything: the elegance of Tracee Ellis Ross, the funkiness of Kelis, the authenticity of India.Arie, the sophistication of Sarah Jessica Parker, and the chicness of Rihanna.
My Ultimate Dream: To give life. Not just through child birth, but through my words, deeds, and actions. Life is powerful
How Do I Define Womanhood: Wise enough to acknowledge your growth, but humble enough to know you aren't done yet. The possession of love, strength, courage, and wisdom.
My Favorite Fashion Publication: Suede Magazine (R.I.P.)

Kenya's 6 quirky facts:

1. I used to play the violin when I was younger.
2. When I was little I couldn't fall asleep without rubbing a doll's hair, or my own. To this day I still rub my hair subconsciously when i'm bored. Something about the softness soothes me
3. I find it incredibly difficult to sleep at night, but I can sleep with no problem during the day. I think I might be a vampire lol.

4. I have a habit of correcting people. Whether it's grammar, facts, or just the lyrics to a song...I show my friends no mercy when I think their wrong (the rhyming wasn't intentional lol). Teneasha just hates it lol.
5. I don't know how to swim. I can hold my breathe for a really long time tho...does that count?
6. I'm deathly afraid of horror movies, yet I continue to watch them anyway (then have the nerve to wonder why I can't sleep at night lol).

Teneasha's Beauty Secrets

My Foundation: Bobbi Brown Oil Free Liquid Foundation in Golden 6 and Loose Powder in Basic Brown 4 My Mascara: MAC Prolash in Pitchblack (it gives me the length I wasn't naturally blessed with) My Blush: Nars Gilda on a Natural Day, Nars Outlaw on a Glamorous Day
My Eye Shadow: MAC Amberlights and Woodwinked, 2 basic colors but a necessity for everyone My Day Cream: Cetaphil Moisturizer with SPF My Lipstick: Since I've turned 23 I dibble and dabble in colors and I LOVE Dubonnet (a nice deep red) My Beauty Product Brand: 90% of my collection is MAC but I love Makeup Forever
My Essential Beauty Product: Chapstick or Lip Conditioner, chapped lips is not a good look My Favorite Makeup Product: Pigments, mixed with the right things you can do your eyes, cheeks, and lips with the same pigment (Try it with MAC pigment in Melon) My Perfume: Marc Jacobs Daisy...duh
My Nails: Clean, shaped, and filed with a nice clear coat of polish.
My Feet: MOISTURIZED, a nightly regimen of Cocoa Butter keeps my feet soft
My Hands: hmm...nothing special just Aveeno
Three Products to bring on a deserted island: Aquafresh Extreme Clean, Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, and I'm gonna steal from Kenya and say Vaseline
Woman I admire for their beauty: The list could go on forever , currently I'm loving Michelle Obama, an educated woman of color that keeps it BLUE...gotta love it!!!
Woman with the Best Sense of Style: Like Kenya there are many women who's style I admire for various reasons, but Tracee Ellis Ross is the only one who that I could see myself rocking their total look for all occassions. I love mixing colors an patterns and that woman does it well, don't even get me started on the curls. My Ultimate Dream: To inspire and to motivate, I'm a firm believer that the ups and downs of life shape our personality but more importantly they are a testament that you can survive things because someone else went through it and survived.
My Favorite Fashion Publication: Elle

Teneasha's 6 quirky facts:

1. I hate tomatoes, but I love salsa, marinara sauce, ketchup, and most things made from tomatoes.

2. I studied Spanish for 5 years and have only mastered saying Hello (Hola...lol)

3. I buy things just to have the option to use them.

4. I hate fluff, maybe its the business background but my attention span can only handle the facts...(can u tell by my straight to the point responses to this tag...hehe)

5. I pride myself on being a makeup artist but I can't apply liquid liner to save my life, well I can but it takes me like 30 minutes.

6. I have movies or CD's of the season, where I watch/listen to them over and over for a period of time and I never get tired of it. Currently I'm watching Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls, and Listening to Raheem Devaugh The Love Behind the Melody.

YOU'RE IT!: Habitual Beauty, askmewhats, It'sAWoman'sWorld, observationmode, miss pretty, fashion devotee, shoppingKharma, and BeautyIsWithin.

Since we put both surveys in one post (beauty secrets or quirky facts), we're going to switch up the rules a lil bit and allow you all to choose to do whichever one, or ever both if you please. And if you've already been tagged or just not feeling the whole tagging thing, feel free to disregard. Hope you enjoy...and don't forget to keep it BLUE!

VIrtual Makeover

Hey Lovelies,

When I'm bored or can't sleep in the middle of the night I tend to surf the net, not a glamorous method to fill time, but it works for me. While searching for new and exciting things to share with you I ran into iVilliage. iVilliage is not a beauty focused site but they have an extensive "Beauty & Style" section.

Then I saw it (dramatic music)...Makeover-o-Matic...I clicked the button...and to my surprise there was an interface equipped for virtual makeovers. After a few clicks of the mouse "night time Teneasha" turned into "semi-glamorous. borderline 'too urban...hehe' Teneasha" Check it out:

As you can see this is not a makeover to be taken seriously. Kenya and I were crackin up as I virtually changed my hair, makeup, and accessories.

What you need:

1. A computer (with Internet...lol)
2. A basic head shot (they also provide options of model head shots if you don't want to upload your own)
3. Free time
4. A sense of humor

Makeover options:

• Hair style/Hair color
• Makeup (eyeshadow, blush, lipliner/lipcolor)
• Eye color
• Teeth whitening
• Eyewear
• Headwear

If you have time to do it email the before and after to us at virtuousblue@gmail.com and we'll post the best makeovers.

Keep it BLUE!!!

Makeup Haul

Hey Bluetiful Ones!!!

Do you keep a makeup wish list? I do. After a very hectic semester, I decided to treat myself to a few items on my wish list and thought it was a perfect opportunity to make my first youtube video. This video highlights my recent purchases.

our blue cents: MAC is a very popular and high quality brand (and definately one of our FAVS!), however, cosmetics don't start and end with MAC. If you haven't done so already, take a tour of your local drug store's cosmetic department or Sephora and discover the benefits of other brands. You can't go wrong with variety. Feel free to share your favorite non-MAC product with us.



Here's the video....

Sneak Peak:

After completing my video, I couldn't resist doing my makeup. I created this light spring look, with a tutorial to come. I even added my very own pair or NSS earrings to complete the look.

As always, keep it BLUE!!!

NATIONAL SOCIETY OF SOUL

Greetings Lovelies!!!

Howard University is known as the capstone of Black Education. Holding true to its name, HU has afforded us the opportunity to meet so many talented and creative entrepreneurs, movers & shakers, fashionistas, and future success stories. Today we're pleased to introduce you to NATIONAL SOCIETY OF SOUL (NSS) and Ms. Ladybug ,Shantelle Brumfield, the owner.

VB had the esteemed honor of being in the presence of the one and only Shantelle to pick her brain and soak up some of her creative juices. Check out the conversation. It inspired us and we hope that you gain some motivation to get on your grind and make your dreams a reality as well. As women, encouraging one another is a trait that we consider to be VERY blue.

What made you decide to start your own business?
In order to answer this question we must take a journey back down memory lane to my childhood. When I was about 3 years old, I began collecting loose change from my father’s pockets, which then lead to me completing my brother’s household chores at $5 to $10 per week. Eventually, I would go out with my older brother Mike on his newspaper route and get pulled behind in this red wagon, while making a quarter per paper I handed to him. Finally, when I turned nine years old I started my first business of cleaning older folks' homes. Now, when it comes to National Society of Soul it was a predestined decision. My life’s blueprint reads ENTREPRENEUR all over it.

When did you start NSS?
During my freshmen year at Howard University I began crocheting hat and scarf sets for students. I was a Biology/Chemistry dual major on the excelled track designed for Pre-Professional Health Career. Needless to say, I had absolutely no time, but I made time to build business. Later, at Howard's Homecoming in 2003, my homegirl Miss India “BEBE” Jackson, inspired me to submit pieces into the fashion showcase, which featured Serena Williams' line and Nelly’s Apple Bottom Jean line. That event was a prime opportunity to prove myself to my fellow student body, friends, and respected alum.

How has the business been going?
Well, about four months ago I took a huge step out on faith to leave my job as a Cancer Research Scientist to pursue design full-time and things have been great. I've been featured in Howard's Homecoming Fashion Show 2003, Howard's RESFEST 2003, New Faces Fashion Show May 2007, DC Fashion Week 2008, LA Fashion Week 2008, Howard's Black Arts Festival 2008, a XXL Magazine Jan/Feb 2008 photoshoot featuring female hip hop star Remy Ma, Jersey Woman Magazine, and more to come. Along with Remy Ma, NSS has also achieved product placement with the following celebrities: Mya, Erykah Badu, and Lauren London. And more recently, myself and five other designers are opening DC’s first designer showroom; offering fashion, art, and music in one location.

1. Remy Ma rockin some NSS originals in XXL (feb. 2008)

2. A pair from the "Heart" collection featured in XXL

How did NSS become so prominent in your life?
I began crocheting during my freshmen year of high school as a hobby. I use to spend a lot of time around my grandmother and her women’s club, which sparked my interest in learning how to crochet, cross-stitch, quilt, and sew. I received one-on-one training from my grandmother’s friend Cora, who taught me how to make hats, blankets, and scarves. But, it was during spring break of my sophomore year of high school that my craft of crocheting was perfected. My aunt Evelyn taught me to read patterns and position my hands properly, while executing quality product. And the rest is history. For me, design provides stress relief and relaxation, making it very easy to forget about life’s drama.

Do you remember your first sale? Describe how it felt.
Yes, I was in high school back in California at Benicia High School. One of my classmates, Heidi, was an incredible sketch artist who loved cats. I made her a purple and teal tam. It felt so good seeing my product being worn by another individual, and receiving the praise from follow classmates and teachers was a priceless experience.





How does NSS impact the community?
I believe fashion is a direct reflection of an individual’s soul. My sense of fashion evolved from my love of life, music, and natural beauty. The clothing that one puts on their body helps to project their soul to the world. NSS provides creativity and individuality. When someone wears an NSS original they feel like one-of-a-kind, the way God designed them.

Do you have any advice for new entrepreneurs?
“Plan your work and work your plan!!” Its easy to spend mounds of time planning every detail, when in actuality your business comes to life through action. As you take action, adjustments will be made to your plan to make it more efficient and effective. Think of it as the art of war ". . .one battle is lost, but new combat tactics are established.” “DON’T BE AFRAID. . .fear is the door between you and your success!”

How can our readers contact you or get their own pair of NSS originals?
http://www.nationalsocietyofsoul.com/
http://www.nationalsocietyofsoul.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/nationalsocietyofsoul

DEKKA Showroom
1338 U Street NW, 2nd Floor
Washington, DC

VB thanks Shantelle and NATIONAL SOCIETY OF SOUL for helping us keep it BLUE!!!