Chic Makeup Geek

In the words of my creative director @tanekeyaword...

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 17:42:58 -0500

In the words of my creative director @tanekeyaword “it’s all about perspective; seeing things before it becomes reality” who’s ready for volume II of @neonvmag #liftoff #liveinneon #neonVmag #wearegonnablowyourmind

One of my absolute favorite models is featured on the @neonvmag...

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 18:24:31 -0500

One of my absolute favorite models is featured on the @neonvmag blog today… @msmarleymar go check it out & see what makes her peculiar 😉 www.neonvmag.com/tumblrpic by @ayceebrown #neonV #peculiar #locs #naturalhair #jordans #tattoos #neonVbeauty

Happy belated birthday Basquiat!

Sun, 23 Dec 2012 10:26:39 -0500

Happy belated birthday Basquiat!

My sentiments

Sun, 23 Dec 2012 10:20:08 -0500

My sentiments

Still living in neon after the launch… This is seriously a...

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 20:35:01 -0500

Still living in neon after the launch… This is seriously a lifestyle! #knowme #liveinneon #neonvmag #cageskirt #naturalhair

Today my dreams became reality and I am literally overjoyed! I...

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 10:18:56 -0500

Today my dreams became reality and I am literally overjoyed! I am beyond blessed and so thankful for these ladies, my friends & my partners. Relationships like this don’t happen often. Get into this and lookout… @neonvmag will be shipped to you next week!!! @tanekeyaword @nyctakeovr25 @chronicpearls @fashionevryweek #knowus #neonvmag #icantbelievethisishappening #blessed #hardworkpaysoff

neonvmag: like those of you who celebrate thanksgiving, aside...

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 14:39:03 -0500

neonvmag:

like those of you who celebrate thanksgiving, aside from enjoying great food and company, this holiday always makes me think of all of the many things i have in my life to be thankful for. here are a few health and beauty products i thank sweet baby jesus for as without them, my life would not be the same!

I. arm & hammer toothpaste

those that know me, know that i have an amazing smile and i’m not being shallow, but it’s the truth! ;-) however, this smile didn’t come easily. five years of braces and a professional bleaching left me with near perfection and i maintain it with this jewel. it leaves my teeth sparkling and my mouth feels like diamonds! if god had to brush his teeth, he would use this toothpaste!

II. nair brazilian spa clay

sing with me (to the tune of beyonce’s “put a ring on it” ) “all my hairy ladies, all my hairy ladies, all my hairy ladies, all my hairy ladies if you hairy then you better put some nair on it!” i am a hairy girl and am always searching for the best method for hair removal. this brazilian spa clay is moisturizing and sensitive enough for my skin. i am super thankful for smooth legs!

III. kinky curly knot today

by no means am i a label whore when it comes to my hair products, in fact, i usually become a mixologist and create my own concoction. however, this conditioner needs no co-stars, it is a stand-alone star! i use this everyday to help detangle and moisturize my tresses. it is light, smells good and it works! therefore, i am thankful!

IV. aromatherapy sugar scrub

we all know exfoliation is a necessity. buffing away dead skin cells helps to emerge the new layer of skin as well as unclog pores. this scrub does just that, while also moisturizing your skin and leaving it super soft. it also has essential oils that help with stress relief, relaxation and energy.

V. milani eyebrow pencil

if i don’t wear any makeup, i at least put on eyebrows. it’s as if i don’t feel complete without them. i have spoken about how this drugstore-brand eyebrow pencil has been a makeup staple of mine for years! my life wouldn’t be the same without it! it’s dual sided, smooth, lasts all day and is super cheap! don’t leave the house, expressionless! make sure those eyebrows are in tact, beautes!

so there you have my V health and beauty products to be thankful for. aside from health, family, and amazing friends, this thanksgiving i was also most thankful for my neons!

stay beat boots beautes!

IV: michelle german

health & beauty director

neons photo credit: mok photography

product pic credits and links for purchse: I II III IV V

Rihanna in this pic! 😍😍 she is giving me everything!!

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 19:38:21 -0500

Rihanna in this pic! 😍😍 she is giving me everything!!

: america's most wanted

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 14:03:52 -0400

: america's most wanted:

neonvmag:

what happens when V creative peculiar women are linked with V of dc’s top influencers and a baby? a magical, ingenious energy that is so bold, andy warhol would want to document, photograph and paint us all. we would wreck havoc on the world, taking citizens as hostages! we are neon punk—XI…

@spinsertracy shows his cynical ways on this interview with @neonvmag

neonvmag: hey beautes! after two weeks of having my hair...

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 00:54:22 -0400

neonvmag:

hey beautes!

after two weeks of having my hair straightened (long hair, don’t care), i could not wait to wash it and get my big fro back! as a reformed product junkie, i am often intrigued by the latest, greatest product - and what it claims to be able to do for my hair. since i try to thoroughly research my hair products before jumping the gun and making a purchase, after intense research i felt cantu shea butter curling cream was worth my coins.

so i washed my hair, deep conditioned it, and let it air dry just a tad bit before digging into my new goods. i twisted my hair in 12 semi flat twists (i flat twist the root and two-strand twist the remaining).

i let my hair air dry and released the twists the next morning and here was my finished product.

overall, i must say that i enjoyed this product. my hair was not heavy at all, it had great movement and was left soft and moisturized. the smell was nice and it was not at all greasy. i will definitely use this product again and recommend it to all my beautes!

happy hair days and stay beat boots beautes!

live in neon.

IV: michelle german

health and beauty director

top picture credit to go kate shoot

My Friday night: some reading, some work & some wine…...

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 21:37:30 -0400

My Friday night: some reading, some work & some wine… #liveinneon @neonvmag (Taken with Instagram)

coming to spot near you in t-II months. have you purchased your...

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 21:01:02 -0400

coming to spot near you in t-II months. have you purchased your copy? www.neonVmag.com/subscribe (Taken with Instagram)

faith & friendship: though He fed thousands, my school of...

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 20:46:49 -0400

faith & friendship: though He fed thousands, my school of fish is few… No names needed (Taken with Instagram)

check out my love @stylemeelise beauty, style, & grace and...

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 16:09:45 -0400

check out my love @stylemeelise beauty, style, & grace and the Real Demigods talking vintage, styling and sexual freedom!

neonvmag: ...

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 15:45:20 -0400

neonvmag:

“icons re-imagined”

[fashion: @juneambrose]

which icon did you re-imagine and why?

choosing one icon proved to be harder than i expected, i went back and forth between a few historic and modern icons. ultimately, i decided on june ambrose, the celebrity stylist, designer, writer and rock mom. she’s someone that i can proudly imitate, she’s broken down many barriers and continues to excel within the fashion industry. i had the pleasure of meeting june during nyfw f/w MMXI. i remember the convo like it was yesterday: we complimented one another, chit chatted about fashion; but, the one thing i took from the convo was auntie june’s tip, “always introduce yourself by first and last name. hi i’m kimee brown.”





I. you are a rebel. name a historical event in u.s. history that you wish you could have attended and rebelled against. why?

the roaring XX’s, the era of speakeasies, prohibitions, and the revolutionary flappers. the flappers were rebels with a cause; fighting for women’s equalities, rebelling against uncomfortable corsets, dressing in clothing that revealed their bare limbs and chopping off their long hair to a bob length. many thought the flappers’ style made them look mannish; but, they were more concerned with being seen as equals, not lesser than men. the flappers did everything possible to remove the stereotype of a weak and helpless woman.



II. if you had the opportunity to reinvent the style of any female music artist, who would it be, and how would you style them?

nicki minaj, sadly she needs a wig to toe makeover. *le sigh* i’ve been a fan of the black barbie since her mixtape; so, i’ve witnessed firsthand the unraveling of the direction (or lack thereof) of her look. i would start with those horrible kool aid colored lace front wigs and introduce her to trya banks’ weave-o-logist. next, stage an intervention for her and her many personalities (sometimes you have to transform from the inside out). finally, i would tone down her “i decided to wear everything in the house except the kitchen sink” look. i’d like to see her in givenchy + versace extravagant prints mixed with neutral alexander wang tones, completing the look with finsk footwear. all very similar to her look but more appropriate.

III. if mademoiselle coco chanel came back to life and made a custom garment for you for the neonV launch party; but, you hated it and had absolutely nothing else to wear-would the rebel in you tell the legendary coco chanel that you hated her creation and alter it or would you suck it up and wear the garment anyway?

one thing about me is—i’m true to myself. if i don’t feel like doing something i won’t. point. blank. period. of course there are a few exceptions to the rule but i will make it clear that i’m not happy about it. if the legendary coco chanel custom made a garment for me that i didn’t like there’s no way in hell i would wear it. i dress how i feel and feel how i dress. i wouldn’t purposely conflict my happiness on the proudest day of my life for mademoiselle chanel or anyone else.

“the most courageous act is still to think for yourself.” -chanel

IV. i see that you are in support of the kim-ye, and think that he has “upgraded her wardrobe.” however, many of her fans are upset and feel as if she has “lost her sense of self.” how do you feel about changing the way you dress for a man?

allow me to clarify, i support kim-ye because of my affinity for kanye west. that’s no shade towards kim k but she’s that type that will conform to whatever her man likes. you will never hear hate from me regarding that because she’s dated/married some fairly rich guys and continues to collect coins so bloop to the haters. regarding her style the “kim k style” needed to end, as women we’re supposed to get better with time so it’s simply her time to upgrade herve leger bodycon dresses to a sophisticated stephane rolland piece.

  V: kimee brown

[the neonV collective describes V in one word]

I: kimee is rebellious.

II: kimee is unfiltered.

III: kimee is XVIth bar.

IV: kimee is twin.

photo sources:

“june ambrose”

“kimee as june ambrose”

photography: kea dupree I: tanekeya word [concept + creative direction], II: stephanie n. mills [brand ambassador [clothing in shoot is in collab w/barneys]] III: carmela wingfield [hair], IV: michelle german [makeup], V: kimee brown [fashion direction]

pre-order a copy or subscription to the print magazine: www.neonVmag.com/subscribe

neonvmag: ...

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 15:45:07 -0400

neonvmag:

“icons re-imagined”

[accessories, music + travel: iris apfel]

which icon did you re-imagine and why?

iris apfel was sort of chosen for me, and she is actually a very fitting icon for me to portray. iris is a well respected o.g. in the fashion game and we both share an affinity for over the top accessories that tell a story. her overall style is very fascinating; i love a print that does not beg for attention and the simplicity of classic pieces that are overstated. you can tell that iris’s sense of style is truly innate, and that is one of the things i admire about her.

I. if you could enter an adventurous fictional storyline from your childhood or adolescence, what story would it be and which character would you play? why?

wow, this is such a crazy question to me! i don’t know if i would make up my own storyline or remix an existing storyline. my adventurous storyline would be a mix of “pepperann,” “hey arnold,” and “jimmy neutron.” the character’s name would be harper, and she would be a little alien ballet dancer with supersmart powers that grew up in the hood of mars. when harper isn’t practicing to emile waldteufel’s “cinderella of the chimes,” she is conjuring up ways to stop the countless invasions from earth, and working to make mars a more sustainable planet.

II. based on your travels and/or what you know or think to be true of any city/country around the world (excluding the u.s.), what city would you say represents your personality?

the most unlikely cities explored. not paris, but aix en provence; not berlin, but cologne. these cities have just as much vitality and are just as vibrant as the well-known cities. much like my personality—once curiosity is sparked when exploring these cities, intrigue follows. if you get to know me well enough, you will be able to explore the vibrant and lively sides of my personality as well as the uncharted peculiar pieces of what makes me—me.

IV. you have a passion for traveling and often cannot go too long without hopping on a plane. if you were given the ultimatum: eat meat or stop traveling, would you make the switch? why?

i struggled with this question, and as much as i hate that i would have to choose, i would rather travel. there is nothing in this world like exploring the world. experiencing new places and people is what inspires me. plus, everything tastes better with hot sauce on it.

V. what’s the hottest bar you’ve ever written?

this one—because it’s off the top of the dome and each bar is better than my last. lol!

‘if you don’t get it/ catch up to this realness/serving you hoes catnip for breakfast/ so don’t get it twisted/when you see my neons/living it!

-okay that was uber corny! is that even a bar? envision that on a II chainz beat and my sis, V, picking up where i left off - my XVIth bar! the whole thing would be dope. ha!

III: carmela wingfield

[the neonV collective describes III in one word]

I: carmela is awkwardly-adventurous.

II. carmela is free-spirited.

IV: carmela is a rapper.

V: carmela is a trapstar.

photosource:

“iris apfel”

“carmela as iris apfel”

photography: kea dupree I: tanekeya word [concept + creative direction], II: stephanie n. mills [brand ambassador [clothing in shoot is in collab w/barneys]] III: carmela wingfield [hair], IV: michelle german [makeup], V: kimee brown [fashion direction]

pre-order a copy or subscription to the print magazine: www.neonVmag.com/subscribe

editor in chief as diana ross @TraceeEllisRoss check out your...

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 16:34:21 -0400

editor in chief as diana ross @TraceeEllisRoss check out your mom as we deem her an icon

neonvmag:

“icons re-imagined”

[lifestyle + awakenings: diana ross]

which icon did you re-imagine and why?

i re-imagined diana ross. a woman of many talents, she is truly in a lane of her own, who in my opinion, has assisted in setting the standard of what it means to be a multi-dimensional female artist of grace, impeccable style, with a killer smile to top it off. a mother, actress, model, top-selling music artist—ms. ross is often not given the credit and homage that she deserves in american media for her contribution in film, fashion, and music, but, with or without it she stands among the best that have ever done it. i salute ms. ross for representing the beauty of african american women that has transcended her generation and beyond.

I. you are a lover of inspirational quotes. if you wrote a book of quotes, what would be the title and why?

“can i get a’ amen!

a peek-a-boo view of snm - through quotes”

III. you are so outgoing and fearless, is there anything that intimidates you?

the pressure of success—by the definition of the others, can be intimidating at times. i have always set extremely high standards for myself and my life; but, when you are expected to be your best for others all of the time…it can be overwhelming. american society teaches us that you are only as good, as your last big thing.

IV. you have an enormous captivating personality that is destined for greatness. ;-) if you had the option to loose your mojo (personality) in order to gain fame and fortune, would you make the switch? why?

i am blushing at this question, and thank you for your loving compliment! owning the fact that i have been blessed with a big personality, i would never sacrifice who i am for anything—including fame and fortune. i believe that we have all been put on this earth to fulfill a bigger purpose, in which god has given each of us characteristics and talents that contribute to our fulfilling that purpose. fame and fortune are not worth me giving “me” up. besides, i’ll have both in due time, and cannot authentically acquire either of the two by being anything other than myself.

V. what are you most passionate about?

living a god-fearing and fulfilling life that makes me happy—on my terms. this drives my very being, my moves and my thoughts. embracing the power to be “full” and “thankful” in all things.

II: stephanie n. mills

[the neonV collective describes II in one word]

I: stephanie is radiant.

III: stephanie is motivation.

IV: stephanie is “passionate” lol!!

V: stephanie is brightness.

photo sources:

“diana ross”

“stephanie as diana ross”

photography: kea dupree I: tanekeya word [concept + creative direction], II: stephanie n. mills [brand ambassador [clothing in shoot is in collab w/barneys]] III: carmela wingfield [hair], IV: michelle german [makeup], V: kimee brown [fashion direction]

pre-order a copy or subscription to the print magazine: www.neonVmag.com/subscribe

my I: @tanekeyaword as basquiat neonvmag: ...

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 16:31:51 -0400

my I: @tanekeyaword as basquiat

neonvmag:

“icons re-imagined”

[art, literature + culture: jean-michel basquiat]

which icon did you re-imagine and why?

i re-imagined the art icon jean-michel basquiat. he is the creative ghost that haunts me as a scholar. one of the reasons, besides “the cosby show,” that i began my journey on the post-huxtable theory, is because of his trajectory in the art world and the implications it had in the u.s. artworld on “black art” versus art, and the question that arose on african american/black american culture and social-identity. albeit, the art world still lags behind on this subject almost XXX years later, and the african american/black american community is still discussing the social context of their identity in the u.s. basquiat, was an afro-futurist and very ahead of his time; as well, he was a genius who unapologetic-ally challenged society’s views of theblack body and the spaces the black body could occupy in u.s. culture. check out my open-letter/essay to him here.

II. if you could live the life (as you know it) of any visual artist from the MCMLXXX’s or early MCMXC’s, who would it be and why?

this is a very tricky question as a large majority of the visual artists during those time frames had personal lives that i morally disagree with. if i only focused on the artistic side of the life of andy warhol—i would live his life. he was basically the center of the u.s. artworld and mentored/discovered various creatives. i would also love to see the behind-the-scenes of the factory and peek into the lives of some of my favorite pop people of the MCMLXXX’s such as basquiat, grace, keith, etc, while exploring the vibrant nyc art scene during that time.

III. of these three options-a library, central park, or walmart, which would be the ideal place, to you, to engage in public sexual intercourse?

wow, what a question! the girls, the neonV collective, are probably getting a kick out of this public question being asked of me. i am by no means a “prude” yet, i am what most would consider a “very private” person and certainly a germaphobe; so, let me answer this the best way i can. if someone must have sexual intercourse in a public place then i would suggest the following: depending on the library, the carpet has been trampled over for many years with the dirty soles of thousands of pairs of shoes. each book in the stacks has been touched by just as many hands and dusting is never the first of a library’s concerns. central park is an awesome place to hang out; but, there are bugs and rodents and trash left behind by many. walmart is just disgusting…how did it make the list?

IV. you have a huge affinity for certain collections: be@r bricks, moleskins, vintage lion jewelry, etc. if you had to get rid of all your collections except one, which would you choose to keep? why?

i am a niche collector versus a hoarder so, the act of making me choose is simply wrong! it would be a very close call between my art collection and my book collection, these are the two collections i would much rather not live without. so, down to the wire, i would keep my book collection because i covet first edition art books when i can; unfortunately, it would have to serve as the art collection too—although, they are not one and the same.

V. art supply or book store and why?

geesh, this is unfair…lol! i would have to choose the art supplies store because they also carry books. yet, if i had to choose just one the world and you girls would hate me because i would go mad.

I: tanekeya word

[the neonV collective describes I in one word]

II: tanekeya is passionate.

III: tanekeya is majestic.

IV: tanekeya is dope-a-licious.

V: tanekeya is futuristic.

photo sources:

jean-michel basquiat

by andy warhol ©MCMLXXXII the andy warhol foundation for the visual arts, inc.

“tanekeya as basquiat”

photography: kea dupree I: tanekeya word [concept + creative direction], II: stephanie n. mills [brand ambassador [clothing in shoot is in collab w/barneys]] III: carmela wingfield [hair], IV: michelle german [makeup], V: kimee brown [fashion direction]

pre-order a copy or subscription to the print magazine: www.neonVmag.com/subscribe

neonvmag: ...

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 23:27:36 -0400

neonvmag:

  ”icons re-imagined”

[health + beauty: @thealexbox]

which icon did you re-imagine and why?

i chose alex box as my icon because she is one of the best, and i have literally been in lust with each one of her creations over the years. you know, when you think about any great artist that has sustained their success over the years they have to re-invent their product. you have to keep your audience intrigued, and alex box does just that. she leaves me feeling like a kid during christmas; thrilled about the gifts that i just received and knowing that next year will be even better! to top it all off, she is the creative director for illamsqua, and they are inspired by the alternative scenes and cultures… and that is pretty peculiar to me!

I: one of your guilty pleasures is watching “rupaul’s drag race.” if you were a contestant, what would be your name and what song would you lip-sync and perform to stay in the race? why?

oh that’s easy! you know, i’m in charge of the “girls” so, i already have a drag name. i’m “mahogany destruction,” baby! this mahogany skin stays beat, and when i walk into a room i slay the girls and rip it up honey! *snaps* lol! i would lip sync for my life to jonte “bitch you betta.” click here to listen

II: if you were given an open invitation to spend a week with ru paul or madonna, who would you hang with and why? what is the one thing that you would absolutely have to do with them before the week is over?

man, i love ru; but, it would have to be madonna. madonna is an icon! no shade, but ru would choose madonna! we would have to rewind to MCMLXXXV during her “blond ambtion tour,” and would have to do drugs and perform “like a virgin” and “vogue” together before the week is over!

III: you have just won a contest and the prize is having the opportunity to work alongside alex box. the only catch is that you have to stay in a confined space that is occupied with V big ass roaches and you have to kill all V by yourself in order to win your prize, would you forego your prize or kill the roaches?

oh. my. gosh. *gulps* i could only wish that i would be able to win this contest! i seriously think that if i was put in a confined space with V roaches i would pass out! i am so serious! the fear i have for bugs only god can help me conquer! true story: when i was a litte girl, i used to pray that god would protect me from all things that had IV or more legs - so bye bye prize!

V: as the beauty editor and lover of all things beat boots, what are your thoughts on #teamnomakeup?

baby, i am not at all for #teamnomakeup. i am team: draw your eyebrows and throw on some concealer. we’re grown!

  IV: michelle german

[the neonV collective describes IV in one word]

I: michelle is glamorous.

II: michelle is refreshing.

III: michelle is my soundboard.

V: michelle is my twin.

photo sources:

“alex box”

“michelle as alex box”

photography: kea dupree I: tanekeya word [concept + creative direction], II: stephanie n. mills [brand ambassador [clothing in shoot is in collab w/barneys]] III: carmela wingfield [hair], IV: michelle german [makeup], V: kimee brown [fashion direction]

this week on the blog: “icons re-imagined” health...

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 12:32:09 -0400

this week on the blog: “icons re-imagined”
health & beauty director @chicmakeupgeek as @thealexbox www.neonvmag.tumblr.com #neonvmag #neonvbeauty #alexbox #icons reimagined (Taken with Instagram)