She Wax It All Off: Brazilian Wax Tips

On last week's episode of Black-ish, Dre pointed out that Beau had a gray hair on her lady parts. This discovery made Beau get a wax. She didn't go through the appointment because her youngest daughter accompanied her and couldn't understand why you would do something painful that you really don't want to do for beauty. The sub-plot of the show was hilarious to me because I am a firm believer and proponent of waxing the "netherlands".



I have been waxing for last eight years. My journey actually started after a break-up. I wanted to be feel empowered and confident. My friend suggested I get a wax. I thought it was just a great idea. I would feel sexy and no one would know but me. It's my little secret (but I guess not so secret right now).



In the words of Reta, from Parks & Recreation, "Treat Yo Self". It's empowering to own your femininity and sexuality. Above all things, you will feel fresh, clean, and smooth for weeks.



Check out the video below for some helpful tips, tricks, and pointers to making your trip "down south" a pleasurable one.









Four Areas of Concern/ Questions

1. Pain & Discomfort
2. Exposure
3. Stream of Flow
4. How Long Will It Last?

Things to Consider

1. No Value Salons!!!
2. Cleanliness Above All!!!
3. Do it empower and feel good about yourself and no one else. 

Please leave comments and questions below. Thanks for reading and watching.

XOXO,

Kim 

"Lovie Notes"

Not Just a Makeup-nista but a Travelnista

This past week I was in DC for work before I left the city I decided to spend some time exploring the city. My neighborhood of choice-Georgetown but before G-Town I had to stop at Ben's Chili Bowl. I hopped on the Metro and made my way to chart some new territory. As a way of making it fun, I decided to take pictures of whatever I thought was interesting whether that be things, places, or people. Come along on the journey with me. 

First Stop- U Street for Ben's Chili Bowl 

Headed out on my Journey

Welcome to Georgetown- Quaint Bookstore 

Purchased at Bookstore for Airplane reading- Mindy the BFF in my head

            

Next Stop: Sprinkles Cupcakes

Key Lime & Lemon Blueberry- I still haven't eaten them

                                       

I love Hydrangea- spotted them outside a museum

Selfie outside the museum

Second Cupcake Stop of the Day

Home of DC Cupcakes on TLC 

The line was wrapped around and down the street
Word of the Street: Cupcakes don't taste that good.

The streets were lined with these beautiful flowers

Serendipity 3- Home of Frozen Hot Chocolate

I didn't stop but see you in New York in August

Jarmal, who I met at work, manages the best jewelry store
Alex and Ani, these bracelets will be birthday gifts to myself.
While there they recommended another cupcake shop. 

View of the Canal on my way
to the next Cupcake shop

3rd Cupcake Stop recommended by Jarmal

I did try this cupcake- It was
DELICIOUS- Chocolate with
Peanut Butter

Do you see the long line of treats?
I think Jarmal was right about this place.

I needed a cute phone case in my life!!!
Hey, there were having a great sale.

Then I was stopped by this lady's
shoes. I just thought her entire outfit was
fabulous and totally me. 

       

As you can see my adventure ended up being a walking tour of cupcakes which was totally unintended but that's what adventures are- unintended, unexpected happenings. The next time you are travelling try making it a game- scavenger hunt, walking tour, etc... to fully enjoy the city.

Makeup: It's Not Just For External Purposes Only

Makeup is great for masking and covering but our internal makeup is what matters most. How you feel about yourself? Do you know the status of your vital signs? Are you comfortable where you are physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually? This is the makeup that matters most. Coming from a place of vulnerability I am sharing with the world my challenges with body image and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Join me on the beginning of my internal makeup journey.

2012 Year End Review: Lessons Learned

It's definitely not Hotlanta tonight as it is cold and windy so I am taking this cold weather as an opportunity to reflect on the year that was, 2012. This year has not exactly been the best year as it has been filled with shocking loss, misguided direction, unfulfilled desires, and life or death lifestyle changes, just to name a few, but even with those challenges life is still great. I'll just call 2012 my year of growth because there were so many valuable lessons learned. To close out the year, I would like to share some of those lessons with you. This is a two part video because I couldn't fit all my lessons into just one so make sure you watch Part 1 & Part 2.

Do me a a favor as you are watching, reflect on your year, write down some of the lessons learned, and feel free to share those lessons with me. As you will hear in Part 1, I thought a lesson was just for me but it was actually a lesson I was supposed to share. You never know what someone can learn from your journey. Thanks in advance for sharing. Love you much..muah.

2012 YEAR END REVIEW PART 1

2012 YEAR END REVIEW PART 2

Makeup Therapy by Kim is Now Open for Business

Hello Makeup Therapy Followers,

I know it's been a while since my last post but things have been happening for me. In the past few months, I have gotten several requests to consult & apply makeup for special occasions. So, in response to the requests, I have started Makeup Therapy by Kim. Makeup Therapy by Kim is the real-life application of all the things I discuss in the blog. This real-life application includes:

• Lip Rx (coming early 2013)- My special, homemade lip treatment made with all natural products includes lip exfoliation & conditioner
• Basic Makeup Rx Consultation
• Basic Makeup Rx Application
• Special Occasion Makeup Rx Application
• Makeup Rx Individual/ Group Lessons
• Eyelash Rx (with strip lashes)

Contact me, Kim Walker, at makeuptherapyrx@gmail.com for more information.

Check out one of my first client's before & after shots:

    

 

Trend Report: Fall 2012 Makeup Trends

I have pulled the Top 10 Fall Makeup Trends from Allure Magazine. In the video, you will see that I have four trends having at the same time.

1. Black Cherry Lips
2. Groomed Eye Brows
3. Picture Perfect/ Flawless Face
4. Black Cherry/ Wine Colored Nails

These trends do not need a tutorial to accompany them, although, I do have a video on eye brows which was posted earlier this year. You can reference that video if you would like to learn more on groomed brows. 

Check out the video and as always leave your comments.

New Happenings...

The Makeup Therapy Blog/Vlog is catalog of the personal expressions that I want to share with the world, in hopes, that it will be informative and entertaining. In addition to makeup tutorials,  I am adding two more segments to the blog:

1. The Trend Report
2. Random Musings

The Trend Report is my take on current fashion trends. I, by no means, would consider myself a fashionista, even though, my 8 year niece says I am her fashionista (kids are so cute). I've already posted my first Trend Report on Stackable Bracelets. More to follow as we continue on through Fall onto Winter. Feel free to share the trends you love with me. 

Random Musings is exactly what is sounds like; it's my random thoughts about love, life, and all things random. In talking to my girlfriends, I realize I have opinions about almost everything. Sometimes they agree and sometimes they don't but one thing is for sure my random musings spark conversation. I have posted below my first two random musings: Transformation and Commitment. 

As always leave your thoughts and comments. 

Random Musing: Transformation 

Random Musing: Commitment

Trend Report One: Stackable Bead Bracelets

As a part of the blog, I am adding a new segment called The Trend Report. The Trend Report will cover the latest fashion and cosmetic trends that give me life. Welcome to the first report!

The best way to bring an outfit to life is to accessorize it with beautiful and meaningful pieces. Currently, I am wearing stackable beaded bracelets with charms to be on trend while highlighting my personality. Let me be clear, I don't mean plastic beads we used to wear in the 80's with our jelly shoes. I mean, beaded bracelets made with wooden or semi- precious stones or crystals adorned with charms. 

Celebs, men & women alike, are on trend and are wearing their beads all over the place. From our FLOTUS, Michelle Obama, to Hip Hop Mogul, Jay Z, to Country/Pop singer, Taylor Swift, these beaded bracelets are all the rave. 

 

Every time I wear my bracelets I get tons of compliments, which, ultimately leads to the question, "Where did you get those?" Well, I get my bracelets from one of my favorite jewelry designers (yes, I sound fancy because I have a jewelry designer..lol), Jennifer Highsmith (see picture below), of Lucy Pearl Designs. Her beaded bracelets are high quality, fun, functional, and priced just right. You can check her designs out on either Facebook  or the Lucy Pearl Designs website. 

Jennifer Highmith of Lucy Pearl Designs

Perfect Face in 5 Minutes

I ran into a Makeup Therapy follower yesterday and she mentioned how much she enjoyed the videos. During our conversation, I asked her for tutorial suggestions. One of those suggestions was a complete makeup look in 5 minutes for busy, working women or women who are just getting started in makeup. As you can see, I honored her request for the perfect face in 5 minutes.

You can easily accomplish this look or a similar look in 5 minutes. Trust me; this can be done!!!!

Disclaimer- This video is longer than 5 minutes because I am so entertaining. However, this look will definitely take you approximately 5 minutes.

Caviar Inspired Nails for My 33rd Birthday: Part 3 Nails

As promised, here is my nail art tutorial. For my birthday outfit, I wanted to try the Caviar nail trend brought to us by Ciate (a UK company). The technique is essential micro beads on top of a nail color. If you are into sparkles; this is the trend for you. It's a fancier alternative to glitter.

Below is a picture of my nails (that night). The tutorial is a variation of how my nails actually looked on my birthday. Enjoy!!!

33rd Birthday Celebration

Hey Everyone,

I'm back! Thanks for being so patient during my little hiatus from the blog. The first tutorial after my break is my birthday celebration with videos on my adornment, eye makeup, and nail art.

Below are my video tutorials. Right now I have only posted two with one more on the way. Stay Tuned!

VIDEO ONE: Adornment

VIDEO TWO: Eye Tutorial

The Michael Jackson Immortal Cirque du Soleil

This has been one of the best weekends of my LIFE!! I saw one of my favorite performers last night, Jill Scott. Today, I experienced the IMMORTAL; an experience that is hard to put into words but I will try.

Just in case you have never seen a Cirque du Soleil show; let me explain. Think about a human acrobatic dance set to music with the most elaborate costumes (there are no animals). It's a mix of the best ballet and gymnastics you have ever seen in your life. This one was like no other because there was a live band, comprised of those who were to perform on the "This Is It" Tour and MJ choreography all set to MJ songs (see clip MJ Immortal Tour Clip).

For the longest time, I had been waiting for the Michael Jackson Immortal Cirque du Soleil Tour to come to Atlanta and it did this weekend. I debated for a while because of the ticket prices but the show was worth every cent. Within the first 15 minutes of the show, I thought I was going cry and I did in Act Two. I mean, I danced, sang, and cried (just in case you didn't know I'm a bit of a cry baby). My spirit was uplifted.

Michael Jackson's music, dance moves, and spirit will always be immortal. It was amazing to see people of every age, shape, ability level, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation come together in the spirit of love and harmony.

I now have a greater understanding and appreciation for his musical genius but also for his spirit. The message Michael wanted to share with all of us is LOVE. Love transcends...

Blessed/ Living My Life Like It's Golden Makeup Look

I'm so BLESSED and so excited about going to the Jill Scott Block Party Tonight. I wanted my look to evoke joy, happiness, and fun. Enjoy this post!

Like Junkies Find Drugs; I Find Starbucks & Spas

This week I was in Chicago for work. Upon travelling to work, I was dreading the trip not because of the people or the work but more so for the extremely long work hours. If any of you work 12-15 hour days; then you know the toll this can take on your body. 

Day one the stress took its toll. I had so much tension in my neck and left side of my body I was not sure if I was going to be able to sit up straight by the end of the day. My first saving grace was the Starbucks located at the bottom of my hotel. The second saving grace was access to the club level so I could make my own tea for free all day, everyday. My third saving grace was finding a place to relax, DQ Luxury Reflexology Massage & Relaxation Retreat, located two blocks south of my hotel.

In retrospect, I suppose it isn't hard finding a Starbucks since one is located on almost every corner in most major cities. However, finding a spa or a place to relax when you are away from home can be more challenging. Somehow, though, I managed to find a place to lay back; wrap up in a blanket; zone out to relaxation music; watch some guided imagery; and get my head, head, and feet rubbed all at the same time. 

Like junkies find drugs; I find Starbucks and spas to take me away from the stress & madness around me take me to my happy place. 

Dedication to Robin Roberts: A Positively Beautiful Day

In honor of Robin Roberts, the mentor/role model/big sister/aunt/family member, in my head. I decided to do a vlog to encourage myself and others to make today and everyday a positively beautiful day. Enjoy!

MT Tutorial 3: Eyeliner & Mascara

The last step to a complete eye look is the liner & mascara. Your look is not complete without them! Here are the tools & instructions need for this look.





1. Choose an intensity level for your look (i.e. simple, dramatic, etc...). For dramatic looks, use a liquid or gel liner. For simpler looks use a pencil.
2. Always apply liner starting from the base on of your lash line to the edge of the hair follicle. 
4. Pull eye lid, make it taut!
5. Apply liner in three parts: middle, outer, and inner. Start with the middle, then outer, then inner especially when using a liquid or gel liner.
6. For mascara, start at the base of the lash line and in a wiggling up motion apply mascara. 
7. Close your eye and then apply mascara using a rolling motion from the lash line to 
the end.
8. Apply mascara & liner to lower lid, if you want.

MT Tutorial 2: Basic Eye Look with Neutral Colors

Ever wonder how to do a basic eye look? Well, this is the video for you- a basic, neutral eye using a 3 color palette. Thanks for watching. Enjoy!

Instructions:

1. Find a great neutral color palette for you. A palette means there is more than one color and they are in the same color family.

2. Prime your eyes with an eye makeup primer. I used Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion.

3. Use a great brush. I love the MAC 217 Blending Brush.

4. Apply the middle/ in between color to your eyelid.

5. Apply the darker color to your crease. The crease is where your eye folds when you close your eye.

6. Apply the light color under the arch of your brow.

7. Make sure you are blending along the way. To blend means to use a back and forth swiping/ windshield wiper motion to mix colors so there they flow seamlessly into each other.

MT Tutorial 1: Eyebrow Explosion

Welcome to my first tutorial- Eyebrow Explosion. This is a basic tutorial on defining & shaping your eyebrow. Enjoy!




For those that want to know how to do a basic eyebrow look. Here are the instructions below:
1. Give your brow definition and shape by waxing, threading, tweezing, etc...
2. Use a brow brush to clean them up by using an upward and out brushing motion.
3. Use a concealer to trace and outline of your brow shape above and under your brow.
4. Use an angle brush and apply eyebrow powder using the same upward & out motion.
5. Set your brows using a brow sculpter gel. Again, make sure you are applying it using a upward & out motion.

Go Get It: Dreams, Vision, Purpose

Welcome back to Vlog #3: This vlog is dedicated to going to get your dreams and making them a reality. My face looks so crazy in this freeze frame below but trust me it's an uplifting blog. Enjoy!

Have You Reached Your Mental Capacity?

Do you ever get to the point where you have reached your mental capacity? What do you do to unwind, retreat from life? Feeling the need to recharge this is for you...