I feel a special kind of love for bloggers who started around the same time as I. Anyone just starting out can tell you, “bloggin’ ain’t easy”. So, on my daily round of blogs, I am always excited to see certain bloggers hanging in there! Janel from Levels of Beauty describes herself as eclectic and that’s exactly what keeps me coming back to her site. Janel fills you in on her latest beauty finds and her site will soon expand to coverage of the arts (literature, theatre and dance per Janel). Get to know more about Janel, one of my favorite beauty bloggers…

MM: Your purse is stolen. What beauty item will you replace first?

JANEL: I actually don’t carry beauty items in my purse as I work retail and usually don’t have enough time off the floor to touch up my face!! The only thing that I carry in my purse is Carmex lip balm and 1-2 lipsticks that I am wearing that day, just in case I get a chance to touch up the lips. If my lips feel cracked and dry, then I feel that my entire face is lacking… I may occasionally blot my face with a tissue, if I am fortunate enough to think about it!

MM: What high-end beauty product are you saving your pennies for?

JANEL: I most definitely LOVE MAC eye shadows, but I definitely afford to purchase them as an every day thing so I save up my “mulah” to treat myself every once in a while!

MM: What one hair product can you not live without?

JANEL: Believe it or not, I don’t use a lot of hair care products. I began dreadlocs in January of this year, and have been able to cut out a lot of the products that I previously used–i.e.: heat protectant sprays, setting lotions/gels, holding spritzs, etc. since my dreadlocs are still in the formative stages, I am currently not using heavy condtioners or heavy hair oils. But, I will tell you that one of the most important products that I’ve been using on my hair with great success is jojoba oil. Sometimes I will mix it with extra virgin olive oil to help seal in moisture after rinsing/washing my hair. They both impart a really nice sheen to my hair without being too heavy or oily.

MM: What color polish is on your toes right now?

JANEL: I used to be a ballet dancer, so I don’t consider my feet to be one of my more attractive features, although I do know dancers that have worse-looking feet than mine. As a consequence, I don’t routinely use nail polish on my toes; in fact, I try to hide my toes in closed in shoes as much as possible (smile)!

MM: What was your inspiration to blog?

JANEL: I initially started my blog and my YouTube videos to help my family and close friends keep up with what I was doing and letting them read about/see the changes in my hair and makeup. It still amazes me that others “tune in” to see what I have to say–just like I’m a real celebrity! It’s really been fun for me and hopefully at least a little educational for those that keep up with me.

Thank you Janel!

Simply-Minerals is one of my top favorite mineral companies. By keeping their prices affordable and by offering free shipping in the US (international is very reasonably priced), I will be a customer for life! Simply-Mineral’s products are 100% vegan and I love that they list the ingredients to each product/color on their site.

I have ordered 2 of their lovely eyeshadows (China Jade and Hilite Green) and they really are quite impressive. 1 teaspoon is packaged in a 10gram sifter jar. I’ve had mine for a few months now and have barely made a dent in them! Simply-Minerals also offers foundations, concealers, blushes and finishing powders.

Simply-Minerals multi-use colors come in 48 shades and are $4.99 each. Shipping is free within the Continental US. First Class International shipping is also provided at a reasonable flat-rate.

Some beauty products make you act shamelessly. And by that, I mean this:

Me, Monday, 10:30am-5pm: (Throwing feet up on desk) “Hey…hey…look at my toes”.

This was hollered at anyone walking by. NOT appropriate behavior for a doctor’s office, mind you. So what had me so willing to have the office gawking at my feet? My new Revlon polish in Midnight Affair! Blue-black polish is all the rage this fall and I’ve already seen a few lovely Chicago ladies sporting this on fingers and toes.

Revlon’s Midnight Affair is a deep navy with shimmery, black undertones. This inky, blue polish will look great on any skin tone and covers nails with smooth, even color. Revlon polishes provide long wear at affordable drugstore prices!

Conserving space becomes an issue when you’re an eyeshadow hoarder like me! Sally Beauty Supply has packed 4 shimmery shades into one mini-sized compact. These velvety-smooth shadows come in a variety of 6 quads (Moolah shown above). Surprisingly pigmented, these shadows blend well for neutral or bold looks. Collect them all!

Sally Girl Quad Eyeshadows retail for $0.99 ($0.89 with Sally Card).

Makeup Masala is giving away 2 quads to 5 lucky readers! Leave a comment stating your favorite color and why. Winners will be chosen Thursday, 9-11 at 10:00pm CST. Readers from all countries are invited to participate! (The 5 winners will receive 2 Sally Girl Eyeshadow Quads each; colors chosen at random).

Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipstick by Rimmel delivers on its promise by providing super- long wear with full-coverage color. Available in 30 shades (Fudge Brownie is my favorite), there’s a color to flatter everyone!

Comparable to higher-end brands, this lipstick glides on smoothly and softens lips on contact. The colors stay fresh through eating, drinking and a few smooches too!

Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipstick by Rimmel averages $5 or less at most retailers. For a limited time Walgreens has a special promotional pack, which comes with a duo of this lipstick and a free Exaggerate Automatic Lip Liner in matching shades.

My Minerals Bath and Body has now extended its line to include skin care! These new products are filled with good-for-your-skin ingredients. Alpha hydroxy acid, pumpkin and honey help to renew and moisturize skin naturally.

My favorite product in this line is the AHA Creme Cleanser. Although it lightly exfoliates as it cleanses, it doesn’t irritate skin and won’t clash with other acne or anti-aging products in your regimen. After cleansing, face is left feeling soft and refreshed.

Makeup Masala readers can enjoy 10% off of their orders. Email your order to Lisa, the company’s owner, at: Lisa@mineralbathandbody.com. Just mention “Makeup Masala Review” in your subject line!

For many women of color, choosing flattering makeup shades can be a daunting process. Anjela from Blaq Vixen Beauty has taken on the task of finding the best colors to suit all women of color. Great photos and well-written content keep me checking this site daily! Get to know more about Anjela, one of my favorite beauty bloggers…

MM: Your purse is stolen. What beauty item will you replace first?

ANJELA: My Maybelline Shiny-Licious Lip Gloss in Sugar Plum. I’m smitten with it!

MM: What high-end beauty product are you saving your pennies for?

ANJELA: I would have to say Urban Decay Potion Primer, lol! That’s not the only one but my focus right now is primers.

MM: What one hair product can you not live without?

ANJELA: Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Nourishing Sheen Spray. Many products are phased out of my hair regimen but this spray has stood the test of time!

MM: What color polish is on your toes right now?

ANJELA: OPI’s Pompeii Purple. Definitely a pretty color!

MM: What was your inspiration to blog?

ANJELA: Well, I was subscribed to many of the popular beauty blogs and while I enjoyed the posts, I really wanted to see someone like me (a makeup newbie) blog about beauty and their experiences with finding products that either worked for women of color or were just better left on the shelves. So, I started Blaq Vixen Beauty for that girl who wants to expand her knowledge and makeup collection. It’s basically my online cosmetic diary in which my main focus is to educate and entertain.

Thank you Anjela!