Jem-stone

I got Kiss, I got Jem...but its just me. I like to be different...conventional is so overrated. My sister and I adventured out to Portland, Oregon for #Briqhouse Burlesque performance at a venue called Crush. It was a definite treat! We painted the town black after and between midnight and 3 a.m. I had already hit my 10,000 steps for the day. I was in sooo much pain! I had leg day the morning before I went out. I just started lifting again so I had a point to prove to myself...which apparently I found out after a night of entertainment and dancing, was less 'I am a beast' and more 'sh*t I'm getting old'... The event Burlesque show was beautiful. None of the womens' bodies were what media portrays as perfection but the way they moved celebrated a deep self love. I was inspired. While performing may not necessarily be something that I want to add to my long list of life experiences, I do want to have that level of confidence. Yes, I want to achieve a self love and confidence that is so immense I would be happy to perform practically naked on the stage of life. Give a whole new meaning to #LocStar :)  Thank you for your inspiration ladies!

Jem would have stayed in theaters full term if I'd a stared in it...js

lips: NYX Cosmetics Soft Matte Lip Cream in Monte Carlo

Kara #5 lashes (my new faves and there only $1) #ShopMissA

 Yes my secret is suppose to be out lmao

My fly sister and me! 

#30 is definitely a different ball game. I have come in to myself so much more. I am striving for improvement always but I am so much more satiated with 'me'! What I need to work on continuously is my confidence and not caring what other people might say or think. 18 years of habit is hard to break and I have only been consistently working on changing my thinking for a few years. Ne*who, please remember if you go out dancing after leg day please have a seat ...1000 of them....then look over because I'm sitting right next to you...

Downtown Portland: This guy had major swag though lmao just posted up on the tree 

My Sister and Me!!!

STAY FLUID,

LQD

Liquid Lips 4 Liquid Black

Ok, granted everyone and their granny has reviewed the liquid matte lippies out there...but it is my turn! There are so many brands out there that have liquid lipsticks it is absolutely ridiculous. However, it is my goal to try all that I can get my hands on. For those of you that know me...lipsticks are my life! I am obsessed with anything lip color! And as I confessed in a previous blog... I have somewhere upwards of 100 lipsticks, glosses, liquid lipsticks, lip crayons etc. I'm not bragging...it's sad really but there's worse addictions...right?

Ever since the Matte lipstick craze started, I have been a total convert. I have BIG lips. It was easy to convert from my old days of hair sticking to my gloss, transferring on to my coffee mugs, reapplying every two hours to practically worry-free color with true staying power and impact. Then, I was introduced to liquid lipsticks in and my world stopped! I was reborn! Kiss-proof, Eat-proof, Life-proof ! Great looking color that lasts through the day. Sold!

Now, I'd be lying if I said I didn't run into this concept before. A little over four years ago, my  boyfriend loved the look of my lips with lipstick but hated that it rubbed off on him when we were smooching. I rotated between lipstains (my fave still to this day is Revlon Just Bitten lipstain: Gothic, Midnight Mauve, Crave and Twilight) and the Maybeline 24 hour Color Stay in Downtown Brown. The latter was a two step system that literally stayed all day but the range of colors and finishes weren't excellent for my skin tone.

Now, we have so many options for matte stay all day lippies that it is hard for even me to keep track! The only downside for me is that they tend to be drying but its worth the trade. I have yet to come across a hydrating liquid lipstick but then again, I do need a roof over my head... I have one higher end liquid lipstick my Cailyn #16. I get asked about what I am wearing all the time! It is super comfortable with no transfer and I wear it with a Cyber liner from MAC which I apply first. I got it in my #weareonyx subscription box that #Jackieaina hipped me to last summer. I have never regretted purchasing it and reach for it often.

Cailyn #16 

I've been poppin' bottles lately...ok maybe just tubes of +ℂoℓouℝPop Ultra Mattes liquid lipsticks. I am super impressed by their formula and coverage. They are comfortable, long lasting, transfer-proof and the colors OHHH! I need them all! I have LAX, KAPOW, Dr. M, Mr. Jellies and Creeper. But I need more! Must have more!!!!! I have about 6 more I am trying to get my hands on right now!

Colourpop Ultra Matte in LAX

Colourpop Ultra Matte in Kapow

Just when I thought bargin liquid lippies didnt get any better I tried @nyxcosmetics soft lip cremes. WHY? WHY? #WHY? WHY? Did they do this to me! It felt like I had nothing on my lips! And the color? Amazing! They didn't last as long on my lips as it is not completely transfer proof but also didn't dry my lips out. I love that trade! Reapplying twice in a 8 hour work day to maintain amazing lips....Sold. My only critique is the shade range lacks daring colors, but still my fave at of the liquid lipsticks I have.

NYX Soft Lip Cremes in Transylvania and Copenhagen

The L.A girl Flat Matte gloss has excellent color! I bought Black Currant and was in love from first stoke with the color. My only down side to this is that it never seemed to dry all the way. I would blot my lips together and still feel a tackiness. I want to try putting powder on my lips first before I throw this one completely under the bus because the color was incredible!

LA Girl Flat Matte Lipstick in Black Current 

Okay I think that is enough reviews for this post!  I am still anxious to try Anastasia and Stila Liquid lipsticks and have a few more in my collection that I didn't include so there will be more liquid action coming your way soon!

Stay Fluid,

LQD

Missing you too!

Bad Angela! I have been away too long!!!! I have a ton of stuff going on with the building my businesses! My online store is going well. Check me out on Ebay: stores.ebay.com/LIQUIDBLACK-STYLES . I am on a few other platforms like Bonanza, Etsy and Amazon! Additionally, I gained a new Loc client! I am stoked about that! I have just been plugging away trying to build the empire that I was always meant to have. The only thing that has been consistent and non-chaotic has been my hair.

I love these Loc knots. I will do them pretty much every time I re-twist my hair now. They have stayed for going on two weeks now and they still look gorgeous but alas, *sigh* I must wash my hair so they will be gone this weekend. I found the tutorial online via Chescalocs and You tube :Chescalocs Loc Knots . It will change your life! This method works on all hair types. My co-worker tried it on her hair and she has loose natural hair and it worked great. I love the 2-n-1 style (not to mention when the curls are setting it gets all the hair off my back and some of neck which can be HIGHLY irritating in the summer months) and I love the awesome staying power of these curls. I didn't use any product besides what I was using to twist the top. At night I pile my hair on top of my head and knock out. (No...I don't usually tie my hair up with a scarf or anyhting...I know Bad Angela!)

 The style when its setting

 2nd day Curls

 Curly Bun

1 week Curls in!!!

To switch gears I would like to thank FREE THINK HER for featuring my post on their Dope site! You can find my reflection here. Its the same one that is on my blog but you really should check the site out.

Guys!!!!!!  I would REALLY appreciate, comments, questions, suggestions so I know what you guys are thinking and what you want me to talk about! I want to make sure that I am doing content that you are interested in. This Blog has a lot of topics: Life, Lifestyle, Beauty, Fashion, Business, Locs, Addiction but I can only cater to you as a reader if you tell me what you like! Thank you for sticking in there with me! You're Awesome!


Stay Fluid,

LQD

Update!!!! Bantu Knot Results and Style Idea!

As promised here is the Bantu Results! They came out more like a wave than a curl but I still love the results! Next time I will do smaller sections for the knots and do them on freshly washed hair.

Ruby Kisses Matte Lipstick in Extreme Coral!

I also came up with this style below. My curls fell because I did not wrap my hair at night (I hardly ever do...bad Angela) so this gave me a cute style to wear the next day while putting some wave back in my hair! I simply parted the section at the crown, wet each section and made five knots. I did pin them in place this time.

Eyes: Elf cosmetics Beauty Book

But that highlight though! 

Leave Comments if you want to know what it is!

The only way I know what you are interested in is if you like, comment, subscribe please! 

Stay Fluid,

LQD

Don't Call it a Come Back...

Hello My Beloved readers,

I'm posting on this gloriously sunny Spring Day to talk about my locs. I am trying a bantu knot style. I have been incorporating more 90's style elements into my look and this touches this category, natural style and afro-centric style elements. But don't call it a come back...90s style elements (whether beauty or fashion) never left in my opinion! I like the result but they turned out more like little buns than knots. I used six locs per knot and didn't need anything to secure them. It was super simple and paired with a naked eye, dark lip and huge hoops, it took me back to the 90s. I will modify them next time though so they will look more like knots!
I love styles like these because they are two in one.When I take the 'knots' down my hair will be have a nice wave. For a lazy girl like me this is wonderful! I will spend time on my make up but I am not big into complicated or time consuming hair styles. I weigh the time it takes to complete with how long the style last. This style gets meets the grade and will now be in my rotation. I will post the wave results soon!

Stay Fluid,

LQD

Lipstick: Mac Haute Couture

Princess Leah lol! 

Sweeping away 20 something

Though I probably shouldn't put this in print...I am turning 30 soon. The feeling of impending doom is encroaching and the struggle my friend...is real. I am battling constantly over what the hell have I been doing for the past 30 years. Especially with a close scrutiny on my disastrous 20's. The two proudest accomplishments that hail from that decade are my son and my degree...Unfortunately, that list should be longer for 10  years.

I don't know what it is that bother's me with turning 30. I have always struggled with self esteem but I don't necessarily equate 30 with loss of beauty or being old. I have seen beautiful women of all ages. My body and skin are changing and well maybe the fear stems from the unknown. Most likely its the lack of material things, accomplishments, and guilt of being so far behind in life that I struggle with. The knowledge that I could have done so much more in my 20's is likely what burdens me. However, this reflection only makes me more determined to get it right this decade.

On the bright side, I have really learned a lot of lessons. I have come to know myself and what I want to become. In many ways, I am just getting started. I can now set realistically high goals and achieve them. My struggles and personality faults are definitely obvious to me and that gives me the knowledge to grow. Essentially, I know who I am and who I am going to be. I know this year especially is going to be a turning point for me! My  success is slated for 2015. I am almost excited to turn 30...but I do mean ALMOST.

One of the things that I am doing to highlight my change in age is readdressing my all to massive wardrobe! This is a positive thing (as I am keeping a positive outlook on all things this year)! I am going through my wardrobe piece by piece to see if I can make an outfit that says "me now" with it! If I can't then that item is up for donation or sale. Obviously, I am going to be using my creative juices in order to not have to part with my beloveds; but everything won't make the cut. I was proud of what I put together today! I've had this brocade jacket forever and hadn't worn it but I get to keep it because of what I came up with for an outfit...I hope you enjoy. I encourage you to comment and ask questions!


Stay Fluid,

LQD

I look like Speedy Gonzales!!! 

Lips:

J.CAT Beauty Wonder paint in Much Mucher (Love!)

Addictive Tastes

It is been way too long since I have been with you guys and I have a secret to reveal! I have an addictive personality...I want to reveal my addictions to you, my successes, failures, hopes and fears. I've always wanted to help people but honestly this is more for me than it is for you. I hid in shame of what I am, what I have done, might do and might become but no more. My hope is that I will shine a light for someone. I pray that by me writing these truths that someone out there will not feel alone, discouraged or hopeless. That maybe by putting fingers to keys I will save someone from going through what I have gone through. My goal is to be candid about my experiences and my addictions. I do not wish for this post to be a autobiography but just want to let my readers no that this is not just about style or beauty but about life... The clothes I wear and the face that I paint may express what I want to portray to the world but are those depictions accurate or am I just playing dress up?

So anyways...

Lets start light....

The first addiction I will share is make-up but more specifically lipstick. I am completely and ridiculously addicted to lipstick. I don't know when it started actually but I can tell you this its not going anywhere. When I first started wearing lipstick regularly I gravitated toward maroons, fuchsias and of course vampy...namely...Cyber from MAC (the latter by the way is one of three lipsticks I've actually used up and replaced). Three gallons of gas or two and a lipstick from a limited edition launch from Rite Aid? Well, that's just a silly question! Over the course of last year I spent over $1000 dollars at Rite Aid alone and I'd venture to say a good 80% of those purchases were beauty related....that's a fifth of my wages for last year. I don't know what it is but I just had to have my pretties. Doesn't matter finish, color I just had to get my Pokeball out.  I buy in to trend after trend and still trying to be different at the same time which just leads to collecting entire launches of colletions. My addiction only worsened when I discovered red lipstick. First, it was about finding the perfect red for dark skin, then it was about the different undertones of the red lipstick...The nail on the proverbial coffin? Why doesn't Maybeline Red Revival or Revlon Gothic lipstain look bright, beautiful and true red on me as it does on my fair skinned women? What would give me that classic red lip? I tried countless lipsticks different brands and they always turned orange red. For years I would not wear orange-red lipstick because I was so annoyed by the fact that Lady Danger looked so beautifully delicious on my Caucasian counterparts and turned into a orange Fanta on my lips.
My first red love was by Givenchy Illicit Rasberry $36 dollars or about and WAY out of my budget but Zoe Saladana wore it to some ritzy gala somewhere as reported by one of my beauty magazines (an addiction I just recently overcame) and it looked beautifully red on her complexion. It was perfection (for the time) and I loved it. After which I continued to search for truer brighter reds. I wanted nothing to do with the orange reds or brown reds that were forced down brown skinned women's throats. Sometimes I think I am always trying to stand out to be different. I want to prove that I can wear any color lipstick that my skin tone does not limit my options. There it is, the deeper implication... a glance at one of my unfortunately may issues. Needless to say my I have several shades that are the same color even if they are from different brands. Last time I counted I had over 20 red shades alone. I haven't worn close to three quarters of my lipsticks but still I buy more...BTW YOUTUBE your not helping! My YOUTUBE gurus are fellow junkies who lead the way to my best high possible. All in All, it is not a necessarily bad thing to by lipstick. Yet, truthfully my addiction is clear. Imagine if I added up all the money I spent on the lip products I have and put that into a College fund for my five year old son (which he does not have) or a retirement plan for myself (which I do not have)...Oh well, at least I have killer red lips....

Stay Fluid,

LQD

Christmas Red Ruby Kisses Matte Lipstick in Kiss Red $3 (beauty supply stores)

Scandalous lipstick from NYX Cosmetics Wicked Lippie Collection. $6

Ruby Kisses Matte Lipstick in Plum Wine $3

OCC Lip Tar (my fave blue) $18

I easily have 150+ lipsticks and glosses. I stopped counting because it got depressing...

Yes, my fair skinned friend, you can touch my hair...

So this post was inspired by my BEST friend. We met in and grew together during the latter half of my 8 years in Spokane, WA. No, eastern Washington is not known for its diversity. In fact, my alma mater, Gonzaga probably contained half of Spokane's minority population and the schools diversity ratio was 1%...Newho, She has been a witness to the many requests to touch my hair and/or skin. She didn't believe me how calm I was when people would approach me and ask to caress my locs or rub down my skin. My answer was always "sure." Now, I am not  including predators or people who may have been a detriment to my health if they had touched me... We were always out at a nice bar or club. I was usually the only black girl there, yes I was the Chuck-e-Cheese coin.
The reason I sad yes to their odd request is because it mainly stems out of curiosity and ignorance. While, I have little tolerance for ignorance, I want to be the change I want to see. Curiosity, is a good sign! It means that they want to seek knowledge and get out of their ignorance! I let people touch me or my hair in hopes that maybe it will help educate them. It never bothered me that people were ignorant and believed stereotypes as absolutes because they had no other information to go on; it is more the hatred that is required for racism that bothers me. Now, we can get into ignorance as a choice but I talking about blatant white hoods type choice here! It also bothers me when people have questions but don't ask them. How do you learn if you don't ask? But with the responses I have seen others give, I can see why they are hesitant. Just be encouraged! You can always ask me! And while I don't and can't speak for all black people you can learn more about ANGELA whose skin happens to be brown...

Stay Fluid,

LQD

Flower Power Sparkle

I am in love with pipe cleaner curls! We had a week long romance! This is one of the beautiful examples of how I styled my hair with a hat and with a flower. They were super easy but time consuming to do! I'm rocking "A girl about town" from MAC lipstick with the sparkle hat and I felt sooo casual chic with this hair style plus a button plaid shirt, cuffed relax fit jeans and heels! With the flower I just did lips and lashes but the hair still fab! Its a quickie blog today but I still love ya'll the same! The next post will be a picture of the results if I can find them... Questions! Comments? Please I love them!!!

Stay Fluid,

LQD

Orange Pipe Dreams

It seems that I have been gone longer than I thought! I have been going through it, but I thank GOD that he has pulled me through and got to a place where I can focus on living a great life! I will elaborate more as time but for now lets get on with the post!!!!

A major Spring beauty trend is orange lips! All shades of orange are trendy for spring! My choice?  Revlon lipstick named Coral! Now I had this lipstick before I caught on to the trend (you'd be hard pressed to find a color I don't own!) But now I am just more solidified in its beauty!!! I love the look almost dare I say more than my red lip....For those who dont know I own about 10 red lippies and had to break myself of wearing red lips everyday... That being said, I am so excited for a Spring of orange lips you cant even imagine! It is probably my favorite Spring beauty trend. Other trends I ran across where blue shadows, kohl-rimmed eyes, deep side parts, and neon bright shadows (to name a few). Afraid of orange? FEAR NOT! There is a shade that is flattering to everyone and if you comment below I will help you find your perfect shade!!! Now my only warning is that my Revlon shade does cause my teeth to look a little yellow so ladies stay up on your whitening game!

The next thing that I have to blog about is my pipe cleaner curls!!!! I have done them twice and though slightly time consuming the results are amazing. These pictures are of me before I take them out. I wear them in this style for a few days. When I take them out I have gorgeous ringlets that fall over time but last two weeks! Pipe cleaners are super cheap and can be picked up at the dollar store, Walmart or any craft store! But be sure you get ones that are close to your hair c


olor! My special behind got bright multi-colored ones from the dollar store the first time and well I looked like a clown. If you want to learn how to do pipe cleaner curls comment below or check out chescalocs on you-tube!!!

Stay Fluid,



LQD