Temple of Glam

You know the song "Thin Line Between Love and Hate"? What about the Martin Lawrence movie with the same title? Well, the point of it all is the hot-like-fire passion you have for something can go terribly, terribly wrong...and quickly. Kinda' like liquid liners.

Since I have yet to find a kohl pencil that gives me my deepest, darkest lines, I typically stick to my liquid ones. I was just rockin' with a cheapo liq-liner that stayed on forever BUT either because of my "trembly" morning hands or its applicator, coated my lashes.

Enter Hourglass Script Precision Liquid Liner ($32). You guys, I bought this one and haven't looked back. Its super-fine tip allows the thinnest, close-to-lashes coverage ever and you can easily manipulate it into a thicker mod-ish situation. So yeah, I'm loving it; oy let's hope it stays that way.

Here's a scene from the film featuring one of my favorite Hollywood beauties, Lynn Whitfield. Yep, that's a knife. Intense.

Not too long ago I was channel surfing and landed on The Mo'Nique Show. Wu-Tang Clan's Raekwon and Ghostface Killah were lovingly talking about Ol' Dirty Bastard (aka Dirt McGirt). I visualized the "Shimmy, Shimmy Ya" video. Just the thought of "Big Baby Jesus" in his baggy drawerz can cheer me up any day.

Remember when I went to the Flirt! Cosmetics party a little while ago? In case you don't, I attended the fete for Heather Morris, their new spokesperson. I was also sworn to secrecy about the new products, but since they launched last month, I'm free to talk about them! I'll start with the mascara.

All That Lash Mascara ($14) gives me more length than volume, no clumps, and no weird spider lashes either. I will say that when I do want extra volume, which is pretty much every day, I use one coat of this and a second coat of my volume mascara du jour. Oh, All That Lash washes off easily with warm water! Trust me, Old Dirt' Dog no liar.

Recently inspired by two of my newly single friends participating in online dating, I thought I'd compose a little sumthin for all my single ladies. Here are five products you can use as soon as you realize the dude is a dandy or a dud.

Peppermint Oil ($9.95)
If he's a luvah: Place a dot on your tongue making the proceeding convo...you guessed it...like a breath of fresh air.
If he's a loser: I'm not recommending you put some in a rude boy's eyes, because you know, I'd never suggest something like that.

Face Highlighter ($25)
If he's a luvah: Apply it to the bridge of your nose and cheekbones for a healthy shimmer.
If he's a loser: Well,if you put enough of this on the corners of your eyes, you can fake conjunctivitis.

Hair Serum/Gloss ($30)
If he's a luvah: Get touchable-looking hair and mask split ends if you haven't seen your salon since it saw you.
If he's a loser: Two words...faux drool

Lip Color ($22)
If he's a luvah: Though the my-lip-gloss-is-poppin look is cool, take the sex appeal down a thousand: blot liberally.
If he's a loser: Coral is the hotter-than-hot color of the season. Why not smear it on your teeth? Take that, Mr. Big Ego.

Volumizing Mascara ($14)
If he's a luvah:Let your lashes go wild as he tells you a fascinating story.
If he's a loser: Give yourself a makeshift moustache. Right there at the table.

Honorable Mention:
Though I am beyond over the ironic, oversized geeky glasses look, they could come in handy if he turns out to be a toolbag. Sport these Aviator Readers ($10) to distract him from your perpetual eye rolling.

A few of you have asked, "yo what's up with the posts?" Is there a Shaunequa Jr. on the way? Moving to Zimbabwe? Joining the Rockettes? As much as I want to tell you I'm the proud new member of the New York chapter of the Human Tail Society, I can't lie: I'm just a lazy mo-fo.

But I wasn't so busy doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING; I did find a new product. I read one piece on the magical properties of Emu Oil and (the impetuous little minx that I am) went right over to Westerly and copped a bottle. It's supposed to be an anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, hell it's probably a crime-fighting, sea-parting, walk-on-water oil.

Oh my poor forsaken coconut oil had to take a backseat. Sorry, yo. I've been using Emu Oil for just about a week.

It's supposed to be an incredible under-eye moisturizer and it keeps even my dry hands (sorta) supple. I’ll say this my alter ego, the Queen of Glow, thinks it’s a bit much for the face--especially because it’s so warm now. Oh, and its appearance makes it a little difficult to forget its origins.

Whenever makeup artists discuss the one facial feature we must enhance, it always seems to be the eyes. Yes, the eyes are the windows to the soul, but eyes are also the windows to a drunken night out, an all-night baby-feeding session, and many other events that we'd rather not let show up on our faces in the a.m. Even before reaching for your trusted concealer, try giving a great mascara a try. The right mascara will open up your eyes so you'll appear to be awake (or coherent).

I've been using Flirt It Curl Mascara ($14) for the past week and unlike other curved wands, this one truly kinks my straight lashes up a notch. And when coupled with an eyelash curler, you'll bat away last night's exhaustion faster than you can...you guessed it...blink an eye!

Sometimes a "Valentine's Day gift set" is merely last season's holiday gift set with a behearted bow. C'mon girls, don't tell me you haven't noticed! But this Stila Valentine's Day Set ($34) is so not a regurgitated holiday gift set — the Cherry Crush Lip and Cheek Stain mimics the hue that adorns your cheeks when your beau is around. It also resembles the rouge de rage when that same beau drives you bonkers!

Add a slamming highlighter, eye shadow and mascara (the only product in the set I have YET to try) and you're all set! Get it? Set. That one was cute...admit it.

I was lucky enough to ask celebrity makeup artist, Carlene K, some of your questions. In fact, she gave me so much great info, I needed to split the interview into two posts!

Tomorrow part two will include: The new lipstick trend, how she made Nicole Scherzinger look so dern gorge, and what you aren't doing daily that is mucking up your beauty game. Until then feast your eyes on this:

Q: What's the best way to apply mascara?
A: With mascara, the best way to apply it is to apply it (top lashes) all the way around the lash. Most people apply it in an upward motion which is only coating half the lash. Wrapping the lash all the way around makes them look much thicker and longer.

Ladies (and you three Gentlemen -- whad up?!), I must admit I've had a case of "The Mondays" yeah, like all week. Maybe it's because my heart is breaking for Haiti. Maybe I need a hug. Or maybe it's the Rum Raisin Haagen Daaz withdrawal. Regardless, several times this week I wanted to pound on a wall, desk, or co-worker and shout, "I just can't TAKE it anymore!" And then it occurred to me.

I saw a painfully appropriate (and adorable) product for my current emotional state. I Can't Take It Anymore Heart-Shaped Gel Packs ($14) are really cute and can potentially soothe the weary soul (and puffy eyes). They are also plush so they won't leave a mark if I hurl 'em at someone.

On a more loving, peaceful, and less hyperbolic note, they are truly kinda' perfect for Valentine's Day. Temple of Glam readers will receive 15% OFF all products when you use promo code: Templeofglam. The offer ends this Wednesday, 1/27.

Happy Friday, Ya'll! We made it to the weekend.

Image courtesy of: DailyMail.Co.UK

I have alluded to my glam and punk rock love before.  I'm all over mixing edgy thrift store finds with feminine pieces and hitting them off with a shot of New Jack Swing (yup, yup). Hey, the look's not for everybody. The difficult thing is letting this translate to my beauty. When it comes  to doing the sparkle, I usually just don't. 

But then I got new-for-spring 2010, Urban Decay Stardust Eye Shadow in Diamond Dog ($20).  I tried it out last night and of course was faced with resistance. My lashes fluttered to fight off the glistening, iridescent  color. I reprimanded  them, "Look, this collection is named after Ziggy Stardust. Now show some respect!" They did. The color deposit is right up my alley: sheer shimmer, but add water and you'll get bold, glittery color- perfect for when Body Language asks me to go on tour with them. Until then, at least I have my eye shadow.

Here's a moment of romantic disclosure. I am positively mad about Tony Bennett when he's crooning "The Way You Look Tonight". In fact every time I hear it, I close my eyes tightly and pretend I am the lady he is singing about. Is this getting weird for ya yet? No? Well then I'll just have to try harder next time!

On New Year's Eve, we all want to be the apple of someone's eye, right before they go in for the big smooch. How fantastical would it be if right before you plant your pucker on a special someone (or total stranger), your love-struck lashes were aflutter with the subtle shimmer supplied by Cover Girl LashBlast Luxe ($7.99). I tried out Black Cabernet, which is a nice color for fair as well as dark lashes. I'm a little obsessed with the Black Emerald though. If anyone has used that one, let me know what you think!

A couple of days ago, my friends and I were reliving our favorite "Clueless" scenes. What does that have to do with liquid liners? If ANYONE had the most incredible "eye game" it was Brittany Murphy. I don't think I've seen more expressive, gorgeous eyes. And you know she knew how to work 'em.

If you've never seen "Sidewalks of New York", do so as soon as you can. You have not seen a more sensitive and honest portrayal of a young, relatively naive woman in New York City. OK on to the best liquid liners of the year:

The Real-Deal-Hollyfield Waterproof
I applied Makeup Forever Waterproof Eyeliner ($22) early in the day, had a facial, and no lie, this joint was still in place! My pencil liner? N'Sync-Gone.

The Precise Pen
Need a quickie fake tattoo? Perfectly placed beauty mark? Look to Kat Von D Tattoo Liner ($18) to give you the sickest lines ever.

The New Hue
Every so often, I go CRAZY and rock a blue mascara or purple liner, but after like a day, I  return to black. Avon Eyewriter in Deep Violet ($7.50) is a perfect departure from the expected.


The Too-Dope-to-Keep-on-Your-Dresser Liner
Leave it to Dior  to make a liquid liner (Dior Style Liner $31) so chic, it is honestly a disservice to keep this silver and black bad boy at home.

Today is a verrrrry special day. On this day many, many years ago, my loving parents took an anxious trip to the hospital, huffed, puffed, pushed, and welcomed me to the world.

In honor of my birthday, I'm giving a crazy cool gift to one Temple of Glam Facebook fan: Shirley Johnson...congratulations! Email shaunequa@templeofglam.com  and I'll send your gift! If you're not already a fan, become one here so you are in the Temple of Glam mix!

Maybe you want to get extra pretty for my special day. Ok maybe not. Well I got a few smokey eye tips from Makeup Artist, Rick DiCecca. The smokey eye is kinda perfect for your "Mean Girls" rendition of "Jingle Bell Rock". Just sayin...

And Now...The Ultimate Smokey Eye:
1) Wait! Don't put on your concealer or foundation until you've finished your smokey eye. That way, if there is any trace of liner or shadow, your concealer will ensure a bright eye.

2) Prep: Use a moisturizer under eyes and makeup primer from lashline to brow.

3) Using an eyeshadow quad like the NEW Estee Lauder Black Smoke Signature Eye Quad ($35): Apply a highlighter to your brow arch and inner eye corners. Then apply a deeper grey shade (like #3 in the quad) to your lid.

4) Apply  a super dark, matte black eye liner (I'm fond of a cheapie like Wet n Wild for $.99) using short, deliberate strokes to upper and lower lashes. Think of this as your smoke-a-licious base. So get in there...smudge away!

5) Blend a dark grey (like #4 in the Estee Lauder quad) or black (like MAC eye shadow in Carbon $14.50) along lower and upper lashes.

6) Finally apply a dramatic mascara. I personally think DiorShow Black Out Mascara ($24) is perfect for smokey eyes.

Um, what does it mean when you dream you're "Turtle" from "Entourage"? Maybe it means I'm destined to drive Adrien Grenier around LA. Hey, as far as destiny goes, that ain't so bad! If you happen to interpret dreams, holler. Well, unless it means I have some kind of Shakespearean tragedy on the horizon. I'd rather not know.

Moving on...if you are anything like me, you just don't do festive outerwear. I do have a pair of Santa socks that I love to wear under my most chic outfits. It's like my dirty little secret: I kinda love Christmas. So much I'm considering taking my nudie makeup to the noel level with Bare Minerals Extreme Glimmers ($32).

The set includes an eye makeup primer that can mattify even the oiliest lids. In case you were wondering, my peepers get that prize. It also has a cute little brush. And the colors? Slices of shimmering heaven! There is a nice deposit of color complemented by a spunky glimmer.

This is one of those perfect treats for yourself; it also makes an adorable stocking stuffer if you're in the mood to share.

At 5 o'clock this morning I found myself up (I know, right?!) and walking around Harlem. I gotta say. I saw some really crazy crap at that hour including a guy carrying a huge cactus and a gypsy cab crawling next to me as I walked down the street. Thanks for the escort, homie.

Um, as I nervously quickened my pace, I began to think of pretty thoughts...pink thoughts...pretty in pink thoughts if you will. I thought of Duckie's white shoes boppin' around Iona's record store, jammin to Otis Redding. I thought of Blaine ("that's a major appliance. That's not a name!"). And of course Andie. Was I the only one who felt Iona's prom dress was gorge as it was? I mean lace collar...really Andie?!

Another reason I was thinking pinking (sorry) was because it's Breast Cancer Awareness month. That means, among many other important things we can do to show our support, we can buy beauty products where a portion of the proceeds will go to the cause. A couple of my faves:

Jeepers Creepers How'd You Curl Them Peepers: Sephora Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Eyelash Curler $16. So girly-chic I could use it all day (temperamental lashes permitting). I so-so love to use this curler because it grips my lashes and honestly makes me feel like I'm actually doing something good. And btw, it makes my lashes look phenom! One dollar from every sale goes to Breast Cancer Awareness.

I Just Want Your Extra Time and Your Lips (Glossed): Purple Lab Sealed With A Cure $18.50
This universally flattering color is infused with immune system-boosting echinacea, antioxidants, and vanilla (a natural anti-depressant) and it is super moisturizing. It was created with breast cancer survivors in mind. For instance, chemotherapy can dry out the lips. A portion of the proceeds will go to The Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.