Blog Posts - Be Simply Stunning Beauty Blog

Be Simply Stunning Beauty Blog

Be Simply Stunning Goes PINK!!!!

10/24/2014

PHOTOGRAPHER: Lorenzo Smith
MUA: Joyua Gibson (Be Simply Stunning)
MODEL: Simone

This shoot was a lot of fun! I enjoyed everyone on set. Anytime I am able to do a shoot that can raise awareness to any cause I'M ALL FOR IT. Can't wait for you all to see the body paint that my girl Ciara The Painter drapped on the beautiful Simone....... Stay tuned!

Have you had a mammogram or done a self breast exam this year?

Younique Amazing 3D Fiber Lashes, I'm sold!

10/17/2014

Let's discuss the fact that I heard about this product months ago but didn't want to be the typical "jump on the bandwagon because celebrities are endorsing it" type of chick. So I stayed my distance.........UNTIL....... I was contacted by one of my lovey Instagram followers, Nadi (@BeautyInspiredNaturally) to try it out and let her know what I thought. She was so wonderful and kind to send me of course the infamous Younque Amazing 3D Fiber Lash set as well as some Younique eyeshadow pigments. I will review the pigments on a later post but lets get into the Fiber Lash set. This stuff is definitely a winner in my book. Although I don't wear false lashes daily, I AM a lash girl! On weekends I am "BeLashed" but with this product I don't have to wear lashes as frequently anymore. Let's talk about how you use the product.......
There are two components to this set, you have the Transplanting Gel and you have the Natural Fibers. I tried applying the products 2 different ways on two different days and found the second application was much better for me.
Day 1: I applied my go-to mascara that I use on a regular basis to my lashes first. I allowed that to dry, then I placed a coat of the Transplanting gel on my lashes. After about 2 secs I then applied the Natural fibers to my eyelashes just as if I was putting on mascara. I started to see some difference. I was impressed by not as much as I expected to. Did I do something wrong, is all I thought!!! I noticed that my eyes felt like stuff was in it. This was not the deal for me. But I didn't give up. Nadi told me to watch the videos to get a few application techniques but nooooo I just had to be grown and do it my way. EPIC FAIL. LOL!
Day2: I was determined to get this thing right! This time around I watch the technique video and applied the products just the way the young lady did and Boy Oh Boy! was I impressed!! I did not use my regular mascara this time around, I just applied the Transplanting Gel to my lashes, then the natural fibers and the transplanting gel again. I loved the results so much that I did another coat of fibers just for a little more volume and sealing it again with the Transplanting Gel. I promise you this stuff made my lashes look like I had on Mink Extensions. Thank you Nadi aka @BeautyInspiredNaturally I'm hooked, I'm sold and you have a customer in me!!!!! To purchase some of these truly AMAZING products please visit my new supplier Nadi at www.BeautyInspiredNaturally.com.

Best in Beauty ATL

10/17/2014

I had the pleasure of attending an amazing beauty event here in Atlanta called the "Best In Beauty Atlanta". Sponsors Kontrol Magazine, Jazmine's House and Luxury Direct Hair brought some of the city out to honor some true go getters in the Atlanta beauty industry. The event was hosted by the beautiful R&B Atlanta Diva "LaTavia" (@IamLatavia) formerly of Destiny Child. The honorees for the evening were Master Stylist Dani (@_danified), Hairstylist/Entrepreneur/Owner of SnobLife Studio Ming Lee (@IamMingLee), Celebrity Makeup Artist Day Hill (@DayHillMUA), Lash Specialist/Entrepeneuer/Owner of MissConceited Inc. Shaunell Robinson (@MissConceited) and Celebrity Hairstylist/ Owner of HairRockCafe Mykeil Michelle (@KellzATLStylist).

There to support my girl Jaz, founder of Jazmine's House "The Psychology of Style", the evening was full of great networking, picture taking and women supporting women! To be there for women who have been grinding for years and finally being acknowledged was such a pleasure for me. Some of these women started working at other peoples salons and have now opened up there own spots. I have seen so much growth in these women just through social media, it's so inspiring! @EnchantedPR made this event a go and she was sooo very sweet! Spotted in the building was the amazing songstress/R&B Atlanta Diva Meelah (@ItsMeelah) formerly of the girl group 702 supporting her girl Latavia.

Reasons I try my best to attend as many events as possible is because you never know who you may run into that can aid in helping you get to the next level in your career. Your Network determines your Networth!! It was so fun finally connecting with one of the honorees that I have been watching from a distance for some years now, Ms Day Hill. This women is sooooo amazing with a makeup brush, its crazy. I wont get too much into who she is. I'll just tell you to stay tuned for that "Be Inspired" interview!!!!!!!

FSO2014

10/17/2014

Well, we did it again. Another successful event for the LashBrat crew. This time Founder "Lash" and her lash brat crew consisting of myself (Joyua), Teasa, Shan and Jas took over Atlanta Radio Station V103's 23rd Annual For Sister's Only. This was the 2nd pop up event for the crew and it was a blast. We got to meet so many new Lash Brats. I applied lashes free of charge for customers who bought any of the bundle deal we offered and trust me they were buying them up. But who can resist the wonderful Mink and Faux lashes from Lash Brat? Easy sales! Order yours today at www.LashBrat.com

Fall Lips

9/28/2014

LA Splash released their Limited Edition OUTLAW Palette on September 22, 2014. The collection was created by Celeb MUA Anubis aka @AnubisMakeup. The palette is only available online at www.LASplashcosmetics.com and there is only a limited supply. Although I have not had my chance to grab this palette, I will be definitely grabbing it this week, if I am one of the lucky ones to get one of the limited supplies. Gotta get my fall looks ready!!!!

It's All About FALL

9/28/2014

It's Fall now, so it's time to step into the Fall Makeup Trends. The staff over at Bazaar compiled a list of The Hottest Fall Makeup Trends of 2014. I'm not a fan of them all but its always good to stay up to date with the trends and then put your own spin to them. So here are a few of the trends they listed. You let me know if you do or will be rocking any........ (A lot of these looks are RUNWAY looks, so use wisdom when trying to try the looks out on a day to day basis).

Color Theory
Fall colors are burgundy's, deep purples, grays, burnt oranges and dark blues etc. This smoked out look on the Anna Sui model gave this Fall smokey eye trend every bit of life!

Metallic Touches
Be careful with this trend. This can go very wrong or very right!!!

Altuzarra was a designer who happen to

Lash Out
Yesssssss, "Lashes are a girl's bestfriend" (Don't try to steal my slogan!!) Lashes have become the new must have. You can have on no makeup but if you have some banging lashes and the brows are on "fleek" (I just learned that word last night, Haaahaaa) then you are good to go!

Check out those Lash Brat lashes for the BEST mink lashes out!

Glow Getter
One of my personal favorites. I'm all about the glow baby. Simplicity goes a long way in my book!

Line Dance
I love me some eyeliner, but I urge you all to not walk around looking gothic unless its for a Halloween party.

This Tom Ford model gave us just enough liner without going overboard.

Bare Minimum
Sometimes all you need are the bare minimums, so when Bazaar stated this as one of the Fall trends I said to myself "Right on"

60's Inspired
I was surprised to see this as one of the picks, but being all the others vintage trends are rolling around, I can see why it was.

Be Inspired!

9/19/2014

I have had the pleasure of meeting some awesome men in the last few months. Since this is the Male Edition Week for Be Simply Stunning Beauty Blog, I thought I'd introduce you all to one. I truly believe that God ordained our connection. Since the day I met him we have continued to encourage one another and make sure each other is continuing to push for greatness and nothing less. He is one of the DOPEST barbers in Atlanta. I want you all to meet Step and I pray that you BE INSPIRED by this interview!

BSS: Step, you are our very first Male of the Be Inspired portion of our Beauty Blog. We appreciate you for taking the time to talk to us ladies and to now draw us some male viewers. Thank you!!

StepTheBarber: Thank you for having me, I'm honored to have the invitation extended to me, and to be the "first male" is definitely icing on the cake.. I love being associated with positive causes I appreciate the opportunity to be apart of the BSS movement.

BSS: We want to simply ask you a few questions just to see what the "Luxury Lifestyle" is about and find out what the journey has been for you developing this brand.

StepTheBarber: (laughs) Ok, ok. I see you've done your homework. Luxury Lifestyle always sounds better to me when other people say it. Feedback from supporters help guide my movements. When people hash tag "Luxury Lifestyle" after they post a haircut picture on social media or they say it after they pay me, it shows that they believe in the brand as well as the man.

BSS: Tell us briefly who is Step the Barber?

StepTheBarber: Starting with my name, "The Barber" is obviously my job title but often times people ask where "Step" comes from. Step is actually short for Stephan (Stef*on) which is my first name. As far who I am on a professional level, when you see me, you see my entire business. I have every job title that larger companies hire different people to do from the president to the janitor. I'm my own Secretary, accountant, I do my own Public Relations and advertising and so much more. To be honest with you, Stepthebarber is also defined by who the people say I am (laughs). You could replace "TheBarber" with "TheLifeCoach", "TheComedian", "TheHealthConsultant" and many others. I think in this business, it's about more than haircuts and money, people want to connect with their barber and when they can, it provides comfort. Without comfort, you can't have Luxury.

BSS: What was the inspiration behind you branding your work as the "Luxury Lifestyle"?

StepTheBarber: By definition, luxury is the state of great comfort and extravagant living and of course a lifestyle is the way in which a person lives. Luxury shouldn't just be limited to the type of clothing you buy or the type of car to drive. When my clients come to see me, they are receiving an one of a kind, tailor made experience. The client is the center of attention, not me. I never want to become larger than my clients or my work because when that happens, it's impossible to live up to the hype. My brand is built off my work ethic but it is affirmed by the people. I honestly believe that it's because of these business practices that Step The Barber is becoming a household name.

BSS: For a male or female who wants to be a barber and doesn't know how to achieve those goals, what 3 tips can you give them?

StepTheBarber: First and probably the most important, FALL IN LOVE WITH THE GAME!!! Don't do it for money, fame, or accolades. In order for the greats like Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Picasso, Beethoven, etc to become who we know them as, they had to fall in love with what they do long before the "rewards" came. Secondly, RESPECT YOUR BUSINESS. This one can be broken down so many different ways but to keep it simple, respect your clients and their time, honor your commitments (appointments). Personal issues should never become an issue in your business unless absolutely unavoidable. Thirdly, accept critiques from your clients, remember you're providing a service and they're your boss.

BSS: Who's hair have you had the pleasure of grooming, that it even shocked you that you were actually grooming them?

StepTheBarber: I might tell my age on this one but when I was in high school, Ja Rule was on top of the rap game. (Laughs). So at 13, 14, 15, I'm seeing Ja all over BET, MTV, and VH1. Now fast forward to 2014. I wake up one morning and turn on the news, I saw that Ja was on the air here in Atlanta promoting his movie, "I'm In Love With A Church Girl". The news goes off, I finished getting dressed and head to work. As I'm riding down I-20 my phone rings and it's Ja Rule on the line telling me that he saw my Instagram and there was no way anyone else was going to cut him while he was here. Long story made short, it was definitely memorable. I've cut celebrities that are more active in today's media but the way whole thing played out was pretty cool.

BSS: Should we expect more things to come from the "Luxury Lifestyle" brand?

StepTheBarber: Always. The world is constantly moving so if you're stationary, you're actually moving backwards. I'm not some fly by night barber that got lucky and ended up where I am. It took hard work and consistency and I've had to constantly reinvent myself. I'm always exploring different avenues and business ventures (my own salon, a line of products, etc) so believe me, you'll see me. LUXURY LIFESTYLE

As you can see Step is one person that you need to know! If you are ever in the Atlanta area and need a cut contact him so you can be apart of the Luxury Lifestyle. Don't Sleep, he got NOW!!!!!!!!!
Follow him on all social media sites to stay in the loop of what he has going on.

Take Care of Your Face Men!

9/19/2014

TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN MEN!!!!

Men, the ladies love when your are well groomed. So here's a few tips to make sure you are living up to that.

1. Find a Good Cleanser for your skin type. (A good cleanser will help deep clean and remove debris in the pores that can lead to blemishes.

2. Wash your face at least twice a day. (Morning and before heading to sleep- Use cool or lukewarm water)

3. Exfoliate every few days. (Exfoliating leaves skin brighter and healthier. It also helps prepare your face for shaving by softening the hairs and skin, making for a smoother, closer shave with fewer nicks and less irritation.)

4. Use a daily moisturizer (Use one that's best for your skin type- Making sure to moisturize around your eyes)-
The skin there is more apt to start sagging over time, and using cream will keep it looking fresh.

5. Keep those lips moisturized (Nothing worse than dry, chapped lips)

6. Invest in a good razor (If you know of good ones Fellas, leave a comment and share your findings with others.)

For The Beard Gang!!!

9/19/2014

All the fellas are talking about "It's Beard Gang Season" .... Well what are you doing to make sure things stay right in that area. A product that has been around for years, is the exact product that I have come to know as a quality go-to for anyone with highly textured hair or as the men say "apart of the BEARD GANG".

Sulfur8 is a range of hair care products consisting of shampoos, conditioners and hair oils. It heals and relives itchy scalp, while conditioning to aid in hair growth. Sulfur8 ingredients include 2% active sulfur, inactive lanolin, petrolatum, mineral oil and menthol.

Tips for usage of Sulfur8 from Step The Barber of Atlanta are: "Use Sulfur8 hair lotion for scalp and beard daily. Thoroughly shampoo your hair and face using a rubber shampoo brush or a medium bristle brush no more than 1 hour prior to your haircut." He also recommends the guys taking a Biotin vitamin as directed, everyday!!!!!

Let's see who is really about that Beard Gang life!

Makeup Look Product Breakdown

9/12/2014

This look was simple yet captivating. Felt so pretty I had to say, "Wait, before I go, let me take a SELFIE!!!" LOL I switched a few brands this time around but still got a beautiful finish. The look was inspired by the look Erica Pinkett wore on the LHHATL Reunion, that you can reference to under a previous post on the blog titled Stunning Looks of the Week.

Products used for this SIMPLY STUNNING look include:

Foundation: Make Up Forever in N177
Concealer: MAC StudioFinish Concealer in NC45
Brows: Ruby Kisses Auto Pencil in Blk/Brn and Anatasia Beverly Hills Brow Dipbrow Pomade in Chocolate
Powders: MAC Mineralize SkinFinish in Deep Dark, MAC Sheer Loose Powder in NC45 to set concealer and Ben Nye Banana Powder for highlight
Bronzer: MAC Mineralize SkinFinish in Sun Powder
Eyes: Costal Scents eyeshadow in Black on lid with a splash of purple sparkle eyeshadow, purple sparkle and a magenta pink along lower lash line
Contour: Black Radiance Pressed Powder in Rich Mahogany
Lips: Maybelline Color Whisper in Oh La Lilac
Lashes: Lash Brat Lashes "Sasha"

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Joyua Gibson

Professional Freelance Beauty Enhancer based in Atlanta, GA. Joyua Gibson's ability to naturally enhance faces has been her staple and why she is called upon by clients from the Midwest down to the South. See more of her Bio in "The Artist" section..

Mecola Hunte

Former online boutique owner and lover of all things trendy, Mecola Hunte is an NYC influenced fashion and style contributor based in Atlanta GA, and self proclaimed enthusiast of all things "FLY"!

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