Are you an obsessed makeup junkie?

Nine times out of ten, I cannot leave the mall without stopping at a cosmetic counter. I find myself purchasing tons of makeup products…most of them I need; the rest is just because. However, most women don’t realize that there is an expiration date on those shimmer eye-shadows, voluminous mascara’s and glittery bronzers. Even though it’s not stated on the back of your product, it exist!

From the moment you open your products the life and effectiveness decreases and bacteria starts to grow. So how do you know what to keep and what to throw away?!?   It’s very simple, and I have some helpful tips to get you started!!!

* First and foremost, always store your makeup in a dry, cool area, and make sure the products are always sealed.

* Always use clean brushes, and avoid using unclean hands to apply your makeup. Depending on what type of brush you have; natural-bristled or synthetic they should be cleaned on a weekly or monthly basis with a makeup brush cleaner or warm water and mild soap such as Johnson & Johnson’s shampoo. Once they are clean, lay them flat on a towel to air dry. Makeup sponges should be disposed after using.

* Lastly, if your product has changed colors or has an odor toss it…it’s not worth catching an infection!

EXPIRATION DATES DO EXIST

* Liquid/Cream Foundations – 3 to 6 months

*Concealer – 6 to 8 months

* Powders, pressed powder, eye shadows, blush  - 1 year

* Mascara – 3 months

* Lip gloss/Lipstick – 1 year

* Eye/Lip pencils – 1 year (if you keep them sharpened on a weekly basis to prevent bacteria, they can last you longer than a year)

* Facial Cleansers and moisturizer – 6 months

* Facial toner – 1 year

* All natural cosmetics, body washes, etc – 6 months

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Breathe Under Water

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Interview

-      Tell me a little about Niiamar. (Please explain your vision, what motivates you and your definition of style) My passion for simply creating beautiful fashion for all women is my vice… femininity, nostalgia with modern sensibility is the NIIAMAR style.

 -      When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer? I was 16 years old, and at the time, a student at The Douglas Anderson School of the Performing Arts. Singing, Dancing, and Sketching were my things. I was in love with, and very much involved in the arts. I knew it was my destiny to be involved in the arts but I didn’t quite know my niche, and Yureka! It hit me: I would design fashion. I credit God; it was absolutely divine.

 -      What was the first article of clothing you ever designed? I have designed so many over the years it’s hard to say, though, I believe it was a very simple frock for a charity auction for Hands on Atlanta. I was a kid, maybe, 21.

 -      What separates Niiamar from other designers? I have the ‘Midas’ touch, and I understand how to make women feel and look beautiful. I live and breathe fashion; if you don’t live your passion you won’t be any good and might as well find something else to do.

 -      In addition to receiving numerous awards and recognition for your outstanding work, are there any other accomplishments you would like to achieve as a designer? I would love to be a member of the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designer of America), and ultimately go on to show the collections, Haute Couture, in Paris, France and be the first Black American Haute Couture Designer. Of course, this is easier said than done, but ‘watch my smoke,’ as my late maternal grandmother would say.  It will happen, and of course I’d like to dress some of the women that I adore: Whitney Houston, Patti Labelle, Lady Michelle Obama. The thought makes me SCREAM! A good thing I might add.

 -      You currently play dual roles as haute couture designer as well as costume designer. Please describe how you balance those roles and your approach or challenges you may face designing for both. “Prior planning prevents piss poor performance.” You must learn to manage your time and delegate. I have learned to do both – plan and manage time, so it works just fine. Not easy at times, but it works!

 -      Besides Valentino and CocoChanel are there any other designers that have inspired you in your career? The work of Valentino is most inspiring to my work and me.  I also adore and have a great deal of respect for the works of Kevan Hall, Patrick Kelly, Celine, and Oscar de la Renta. Classic style!

 -      What would you like readers to know about Niiamar? I am passionate about what I do; this thing called being a fashion designer is what I love. Every collection is a piece of me and I work to make it beautiful – nothing but the best. I also like birds and the beach and enjoy dinner parties for close friends. I do the cooking.

 -      What can we expect from Niiamar in the future? You can expect to see the line growing with regional and national retail placements, more collaborations, as well as a docu/reality webisode series, and of course more fashion. Perhaps, even adding men’s wear for the guys.

 -      How can readers find out more about your collection and other upcoming events? You can visit www.niiamar.com for press, present and past collections, trunk shows, and sales. You can also follow me on Twitter, @NiiamarCouture, and like my Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/Niiamar for news and updates.

Designer Niiamar

“TIGER STRIPED SILK ORGANZA BOLERO JACKET W/OSTRICH FEATHER DETAIL TRIMMING SILK ORGANZA SKIRT W/OSTRICH FEATHER TIERS.”

“BURGUNDY SEQUIN LACE AND SILK CHIFFON EVENING GOWN“

Every season they just get better and better. If you’ve been locked in a closet for months then you’re missing out. Color blocking is a big trend that will last for a few seasons. Just like BCBG they used the color blocking technique very well. Mixing Aztec prints with silk blends created a flowing silhouette that’s sure to compliment several shapes. I noticed a lot of colors within the “green family.” Lots of citrine, lime and green were splashed with a little yellow and white. Maxi dresses are still in season so don’t get rid of them just yet. However flowing silks and chiffon materials will last you seasons to come.

Click on the link below to view the Spring 2012 BCBG Max Azria live stream.

http://embed.bproductions.com/bcbg/sd.php#ooid=5rMWJzMjqEe8sUf-7KW2Et7kZUzMoqan

I’m just excited to get back into blogging…needed a mental break but I have some catching up to do. Trends this fall are in one word description “Vivacious!”

Stay tuned….

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