Yes!Yes!Yes!

Finally- I have worked on lippie products for what seems like FOREVER! and they are good- prob better than a lot of stuff out there- but I wasn't completely, 100%, absolutely satisfied. well, no more! i am thrilled to say that my current, and hopefully, LAST all natural lip balm recipe- is AWESOME! (I was singing that by the way) Finally- a balm that is super emollient, non-greasy, NOT shiny (so men will like it too) stays on the lips forever- without having to re-apply 100 times a day, not too hard, but not too soft, enough wax content so it won't melt in your car (though if you leave it there in 90+ degree weather- i make no promises)....pretty much everything I wanted before I felt it was good enough to sell. And I'm soooo digging the Pink Lemonade flavor one I just made-so good!
I'm so happy I'm giving 5 away for free- to my blogger friends, and my facebook friends- 1st 5 people to chime in get one! (2 have already been claimed!) comment here or at Fortunate Face- facebook page.

Glow, Glow, Glow

hey all- it's time to Glow, Glow, Glow for the holidays- and Fortunate Face wants to help! this week, we'll be adding our Lusters to the website- a sheer, shiny gloss and matching luster dust to highlight all those gorgeous face out there! The Lusters are used to add a subtle shimmer highlight. They are sheer enough to allow skin tone to shine through, but with enough luster to catch the light and the eye! Truly gorgeous- and can be used anywhere- eyes, browbone, cheekbone, down the center of the nose, center of the forehead, top of the lip, and tip of the chin- they can be dusted onto the hair, swept over the decollete', or mixed into your favorite body lotion...the possibilities are endless. Just for the holidays I developed a limited edition gloss in a matching color- to truly help you glow for the season! They come on four color combos-Bare Luster (my personal favorite, and my addiction- for both myself, and photo shoots!), Golden Luster, Pinky Luster, and Copper Luster.

 

So Sorry!

Sorry that I haven't posted a darn thing for awhile! I have been a tad busier than i usually like- and mostly because we are in the process of trying to sell our house and move-which is like a full time job!
anyway- we did very well on the fundraiser- and made over $400 for the Rays of Hope- so thank you to all who supported this wonderful cause!
Also I launched a few weeks ago into Simply Skin on Court Street  in Westfield, Ma. Angela, the owner, is a sweet gal- and a wonderful esthetician. She offers a broad range of services including waxing, and threading, which i am anxious to try- I'm letting brows grow in a little so I can go have it done! I'll let you know how it goes! One of the things I love about her business is that you can make your appointments right online- at http://simplyskin.genbook.com/bookings/slot/reservation/30086832;jsessionid=10tek7ey5w08g.cb2?
very cool!

the other thing I love is that Angela only uses organic, and all natural products- from lines like Eminence- and, of course, Fortunate Face! My good friend Tricia Brown, also an esthetician, is now taking limited appointments at Simply Skin as well- so you should have no trouble finding an available time! you can go online or call (413) 454-5029. Tell her Karrie sent you!

Fundraiser totals!

So we were able to raise over $400 for the Rays of Hope with our Lipstick sales! Yay! and thanks to everyone who purchased a lippie in honor of this cause! I was also able to donate several listicks, as well as other Fortunate Face products toward other fundraising efforts- such as for team Kimpossible- a benefit this Friday night- in Chicopee, Ma. Here's the link http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=166491813364711 This mom of 3 is battling for the second time, and all our prayers and good wishes go out to her and her family. For anyone local attending- look out for the Fortunate Face Beauty Takeout  box- stuffed with goodies- like all three of the lipsticks, as well as eye and cheek colors that can be worn by  a multitude of skin tones- and a winter favorite- my Sheer Warmer- a translucent powder that adds just a touch of warmth to the skin to brighten a winter weary complexion. All in all- this chinese takeout box is stuffed for a total value of $159- I hope it helps raise a lot for Kim and her family!

The Making of a Lippie!

So i thought it would be interesting to show everyone what generally goes into the making of a lipstick. I have lots of pictures to post of the step by step actual forming of the lippie.

 here is the colored/mixed waxes & oils (I had already made & colored the base Andree'), along with the pigments combined- and somewhat cooled into a homogeneous mixture. you can see my 4 well metal lipstick mold, & my Pink Diamond lipstick cases.

 This is the mixture melted to a smooth consistency. A lot of pouring lipsticks is doing so at the correct temperature- neither too hot, not too cold. Also cooling them at a consistent temp- again not too fast, nor too slow. On to the next picture...

here is the mixture poured into the mold. You can see the center settles a bit, and the channel catches overflow- making pouring in a steady, consistent stream possible. (another key to well molded lippies).

Me- with no makeup, wearing my mask, gloves, and apron- so, looking pretty stylish (I didn't even comb my hair) waiting for the lippies to cool.

scrape off the extra...

prepared lipstick containers. Even though the cup size of my mold, and the cup size of the lipstick cases are the same 12.1- they still don't fit tightly- therefore I have to "butter" the inside of the case w/ some of the lipstick to get them to adhere. ( frankly the extra step kind of annoys me, but oh well...)

anyway- on with the show!

 the molded lipsticks w/ top portion removed.

 the lipstick case fitting guide in place.

case inserted onto lippie.

There it is- isn't it pretty!

Finished lipsticks in the color Andree'

now get yours at www.fortunatefaceminerals.com and support breast cancer research, as well as, men & women from my local community with all kinds of services provided free of charge when undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and other cancer treatments, through the Rays of Hope foundation. 

I'm doing my part- 100% of every lipstick sold goes directly to this charity- I am donating the cost of ALL materials/supplies, and, of course, the labor involved; but it can't be a success without YOU!

Fortunate Face to be featured in the Saturday Republican (newspaper)

http://fortunatefaceminerals.com/Lips.html

My new Webgal Rocks! She got this up on my site in a day- not as great looking as she & I would like, but we're working on that... we just wanted it  to function to make it much easier for everyone to actually purchase a lipstick!
 The fundraising effort will be extended until November 7th- to leave time after the article regarding this promotion, runs in the paper. Lastly- I decided that 100% of all proceeds will go directly to The Rays of Hope- it will be donated in my Company's Name (Fortunate Face) through the Team T sponsorship.
A big thank you to everyone who has already purchased a lipstick, or in some cases all 3! Thank you!

Fundraising for Breast Cancer

http://fortunateface.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html

 in reference to my previous post about Fortunate Face Mineral's current fundraising effort on behalf of the Rays of Hope. 

The Paypal option for this is very simple. You will message me your Lip product order, with your name and email address. I enter these into my account. You will be alerted by email to log in to paypal, and make payment with your paypal account, a bank transfer (checking account), or credit card. I will be notified of payment received & your order will be processed. 

Preservative of Choice!

http://swiftcraftymonkey.blogspot.com/2010/09/tinosan-sdc-preservative-and-deodorant.html

This is the preservative of choice for all my products requiring a preservation system. (Green Tea & Aloe Hydrating & setting Mist, as well as my newest Fortunate Face Age Defy Serum- on site soon! I combine this with Potassium Sorbate (a food grade preservative) for a broad spectrum protection. I have had wonderful success with these products and do like that they are more natural. Yes, they are processed for purity- as are any and every mineral & plant based ingredient I use- otherwise all of us would would be expiring of heavy metal toxicity like the ladies of the 17th century french court- who's arsenic & lead laden face powder cause them to drop like flies! So thank you FDA- you got one right!
What I like about this preservation system, as opposed to others- is that is is not a formaldehyde former like some- (yes I said Formaldehyde- like your biology dissection in 10th grade), it is also not a paraben- which has been linked (but not yet proven- though there is a doctor currently devoted to this study) to be present in a very large quantities in breast cancer tumors. Another- phenoxynethanol- the most commonly used preservative in natural products, has also had some questionable links to central Nervous System disorders- There are several well-known natural based product companies that have stopped using this in their products. (my philosophy is why chance it- when there are seemingly better alternatives)
When all is said and done- all a company can do is choose, with careful research, the best of all possible options available to them, and one which fits the philosophy of their company & needs of their products. The one main thing I will say- is if you use a product with water, liquid extracts, listed anywhere on the label,  &, if said label, also doesn't list a preservative anywhere- run- don't walk away from that product!

Lip products

well- we've made some progress and sold a few lip products- i am hapy to say that fortunate face minerals will donate ALL of the Sale (except tax for ma residents) to The Rays of Hope foundation! yay! See previous post for all the details-

My new webdesigner as got my site under construction - so unfortunately we're gonna have to do this the hard way- I can accept payment through paypal- for any purchase of these products- just contact me (all comments go right to my email) or through facebook, or info@fortunatefaceminerals.com to let me know what you'd like. Naturally, I will need name, full shipping address and such-

Breast Cancer Awareness

Fortunate Face Minerals is proud to introduce some new products to it's line, 3 limited edition lipsticks & 2 lip balms. These 5 products will only be available until October 16th, and all proceeds from the sale  will go directly to the Rays of Hope Foundation, in Springfield, Ma.
 I am proud to sponsor this effort In honor of my mother, Mary who passed of breast cancer in October  2001, & my sister-in-law Dianne, also from breast cancer February of 1997, my mother -in-law Andree',  May 1975 at only 36 years old.
Each women was in a different stage of life- Andree' was a young mother of four- leaving my husband, her youngest, at only 5 years of age. Dianne, too was a wife & mother leaving her husband Tom, & only son, Andre (named after his grandmother) only 4.  My mother, Mary, was a mother & grandmother when she too, lost her battle with breast cancer.
Each loss changed our lives in profound, and meaningful ways. These circumstances also play a large role in determining our future actions. This brings me to my final honoree.
Last August my Brother-in-law Tom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Yes, Andree's eldest son. Dianne's widowed Husband. Father to son-Andre' and new husband to Laurie- who also lost  husband Ron, father to her 5 children, from cancer.
And yes, I said BREAST cancer.
An avid baseball player- Tom merely thought he was sore from a game, he never expected this outcome. Fortunately Tom saw a doctor immediately an caught his cancer early. Read his story here: http://www.masslive.com/tomshea/index.ssf/2010/07/rays_of_hope_light_the_way_for.html
This prompted his brothers, Glenn, and my husband, Sean to also be tested for the BRACA genetic markers. All three siblings are positive.
This story seems depressing, so much loss and sadness, but there IS good to come from all this. Tom proves that finding out early CAN save your life. His surgery and recovery were easier because he took immediate action. My husband, all siblings, and their children, can be tested, & take measures to prevent, and find early treatment for any cancer diagnosis. They can be survivors, rather than victims.
In that context Tom agreed to be a spokesperson for The Rays Of Hope, an organization I am well familiar with.
When my mother was undergoing her 5 years of treatment, the Rays of Hope provided services and comforts to her experience. Not only do they raise money for ongoing research, the rest of the funding goes directly to the patients and families struggling with cancer. My mother received everything from a simple lunch or hand and foot massage during 6 hours of chemotherapy, to counseling services, exercise & dietary programs. There are grief counseling for families who have suffered loss, and much more. These offer more than, the often nebulous hope of,  "a cure someday" which we ALL still pray fervently for, but also practical, real world help to patients and families embroiled in the quagmire of cancer. From the first year since her diagnosis, when my mother asked my brothers, father, and I to walk with her in the Rays of Hope walk, to her last, when we all pushed her  the 2 mile distance in her wheelchair, we, as team Mother's Little Helpers found tremendous support in raising whatever funds we could.  I was both touched, and grateful to experience the love with which ALL my wonderful in-laws enthusiastically joined the walk and fundraising efforts. They even started the Andree' S. Welch Memorial golf tournament, in it's 9th year, Which will be held this year October 16th at Tekoa Country Club in Westfield, Ma. with all proceeds going to the Rays of Hope foundation.
https://foundation.baystatehealth.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=289
In conclusion I will be taking orders for Custom colored Lipsticks in a cute pink Diamond case. The three colors are Dianne, a creamy neutral pink/brown that would have looked beautiful on my sister-in-law with her blond hair, and minimalist makeup look. Andree' is a richer plum/berry pink- a sheer cream that will enhance darker haired, deeper complected gals like my 100% French mother-in-law. Lastly, is Mary- a peachy pink with light shimmer- reminiscent, but modernized, of a color I watched my Irish mother wear since I was a small girl. Lipsticks are $15 each (tax will apply for Ma residents, and $1 shipping for others), with about $10 going directly to the Rays of Hope.

From top to bottom: Dianne, Andree', & Mary

Next are two Shea Butter lip balms- the first, Tom, with natural scent of oranges- perfect for any guy, and Hopeful a berry scented balm. These can be pre-ordered by contacting me here, through facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fortunate-Face-Minerals/448973240105?ref=ts, or email : info@fortunatefaceminerals.com.

Pink Diamond Case with "Mary"

Lip Balms in Tom & Hopeful

UGH!

Have I mentioned how much I hate computers and anything having to do with them? Have I?

Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010

http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h5786ih.txt.pdf


I wish the legislation was fair to the small business owner, and actually addressed the true issues in regulating the safety of cosmetic manufacturing- rather than simply another burdensome law that not only overlooks the concerns of the boutique companies, but actually harms them. I am all for safe, fair, sensible legislation, but that never seems to be the case, but rather just a vehicle for the large companies to drive smaller companies out of business- to take back the billions+ market share that we have garnered.

http://www.indiebusinessblog.com/2010/07/21/the-safe-cosmetics-act-of-2010-has-been-introduced/

I signed and you can too!
I wholeheartedly agree that safe cosmetics are a priority, but not at the expense of the small, handcrafted business community. new legislation must take into account the concerns of the small business. Sweeping legislation that treat small, individually owned personal care companies on the same plane as larger, multi billion dollar a year corporations will make little change except to drive all smaller companies out of business. Support free enterprise, the building of local communities, and the right of the individual to pursue the classic idea of the American Dream. this is my direct quote form the petition!

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/oppose-hr-5786-safe-cosmetics-act-of-2010/

Featured Indie!

I belong to a group called the Indie beauty network. Among other things, it provides a place where small, independent crafters of personal care, and home items can form a community to share information, find reasonable insurance, and even band to fight unfair legislation such as the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010- which as it reads now, will put most all small, boutique personal care formulators out of business with it's onerous, and prohibitively expensive regulations. Big companies are pushing rigorously for these legislations- as they would not impact their businesses, but would drive smaller companies out of the marketplace. More on this later- as I have an entire post dedicated to this topic that I am editing for clarity, as well as fact, and must finishing reading the legislation in it's entirety so as to provide the most accurate opinion possible.
On a positive note- I, and my company, Fortunate Face Minerals, was chosen last week (when I was on vacation) as the weekly featured Indie. Donna Maria Coles, the director of the network, as well as chief bulldog, in representing Indies' interests in this proposed legislation- was kind enough to send me facebook link- so I may share it with all of you!
http://www.facebook.com/l/73a8b;bit.ly/bir33e"

Makeup Adjustment

Now, I'm not advocating full on tanning! As someone who works in the beauty industry I have seen over and over the results of over exposure to the sun- everything from roughened skin texture, breakouts, burnt, peeling skin, blisters, scarring, brown age spots, freckling, dryness, patchiness, just to name a few. Unfortunately a lot of those were on my OWN Skin this past week.
I had the unfortunate experience of being on antibiotics the week of my annual vacation to Cape Cod. Despite constant applications of spf 50, spending the bulk of my first few days under an umbrella, and often covered with towels- I received MORE than my fair share of sun exposure. The lotion, even a mild on caused my face to breakout, plus my skin was sooooo sensitive even the heat from the sunny beautiful days made my skin feel like it was being slowly peeled off my body!
Thankfully I was able to end the medication early enough to enjoy the rest of my vacation- but I still bear the results right on my skin. Not only did my nose burn, and peel, but the textured roughened considerably- creating a thicker horny layer (yes, that is what it is called) that need more than just manual exfoliation- such as a face scrub. I used a mild alpha hydroxy skin peel to remove the worst of the outer surface damaged skin cells. I also manually exfoliate GENTLY the sensitive skin to remove dead cells daily. I skip the creamy wax and oil based moisturizer ecept in the under eye area, and instead use my Age Defy Serum am and pm. I am also drinking plenty of water to rehydrate my skin, but alas the damage has already been done- and only time and great care will help reduce, and hopefully mildly repair some of the damage.
Now, the one positive of the sun exposure, is that I really look natural with a tan thanks to some Italian heritage. I tend to tan, very easily, I just usually choose not to in order to protect my skin, avoid increasing my risk of skin cancer, and to reduce the appearance of age spots, lines, wrinkles and other obvious signs of aging skin. ok. public service announcement done- i know many of you DO tan- and will need to adjust your makeup accordingly- and not just your routine- but most often your entire makeup wardrobe!
With this vacation I have deepened about 4 shades of depth in color- and now adjust my makeup accordingly. I am usually  Medium Dark Warm in my line- I had moved into Dark Warm (one shade deeper)

Medium Dark Warm

Dark Warm

Light Honey

Since the middle of my vacation I started adding deeper color to my regular foundation in small increments to  match my skin. I used Light honey from the WOC series. With the depth my skin is now I use 50% Medium Dark Warm and 50% Light Honey to adjust for my current skin tone. I will decrease the amounts daily as my skin fades to a more natural color. The warm series is a golden based tone meant for anyone who can and does tan before they would burn. The Neutral series is more beige- and usually works best for those who CAN tan if they try, but may burn first, or who have to tan carefully by limiting sun exposure and lots of sunscreen. My Cool series are for those who burn, and burn easily- with pinker undertones. The beauty of makeup tin this powdered form is that it is easily blended to adjust to your changing skin's needs! here is a picture of me now- with very little makeup on- but still using my custom blended foundation.

write-up and review

My lovely friend Liz wrote a review of Fortunate Face Minerals. she didn't tell me she was writing it, so it was a bit of a surprise to me, a very pleasant one! The only clarification I wish to add- is that I do not like to ever reverse engineer another company's products- especially since I do not ever wish someone to do that to me. I do not own even one OCC product- including Lip Tars. I do however, have an understanding of what OCC puts in this product simply by nature of hearing about them and seeing them at trade shows, etc. They do contain products- such as dyes, peppermint oil, etc- that I simply don't or won't use- so again- not a reverse engineer- but rather a natural product that I created with natural & organic oils, and pigments that I approve of, as well as the addition of non-petroleum waxes- like beeswax, and plant waxes, to create a better staying power, creaminess, etc- so that the product will not bleed off the lips immediately- like Lip Tars are known to do.
Again- thanks Liz for all the wonderful things said about Fortunate Face Minerals!
http://www.lizwashermakeup.com/2010/05/fortunate-face-minerals/

new post & blog link!

Well i'm sorry that i have been such a horrible poster, I have been running like the old proverbial chicken! I created a second blog- to concentrate more on my work as an actual makeup artist- I really live (professionally) in two worlds- that are related, but truly function very differently. in one I am a makeup artist, always pushing to meet new photographers, models, stylists, etc- and hustling to create new gorgeous pictures- using my creativity to create-in this world- I constantly struggle to "make a name, build a reputation" because in that industry who you know, and whether or not they know you, is paramount to getting work, especially paid work! And let me tell you, the hustle is a full time job!
the other world is the world of a cosmetics line formulator & business woman, I was able to take my passion for cosmetics and turn it into a business that not only works wonders in front of a camera- but on the average woman as well! nothing gets me more excited than to dream up a color- make it, and have it turn out exactly as I had envisioned! (after a lot of trial and error, mind you!). 
I also am so happy to teach women the "tricks of the trade" Silly model, makeup is for women! that's my motto- if a model looks awesome- A LOT went into making that happen- and good makeup, good brushes & tools, and the RIGHT skills and anyone can turn themselves out BETTER than they ever dreamed!
So i encluded a link to my new makeup artist blog, but I'll tease you with a photo from my last shoot- The lovely model Elpha- who came all the way from NY, Photographer Stephanie Pierce (awesome!) and of course, moi- doing hair & makeup, enjoy!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

SO...........VERY.............TIRED.......... WILL...........POST .............SOMETHING............INTERESTING..............SOON...........

The Fortunate Face

Ever wondered HOW exactly I came up with the name Fortunate Face Minerals?
I knew how important the name of a company is, both to me, as the owner and creator, and to the success of my company.
I truly wanted to let women everywhere know just what to expect from my line of cosmetics. To express the philosophy of my company, which is, "To create outstanding makeup, from the fewest and finest ingredients possible. We believe that makeup should never be harmful, but rather work with your skin to be both beautiful, and beneficial."
 Secondly, since I don't wholesale my products, but actually create each and every one of them, my business is not just a business, but a very personal experience, one I take seriously, but am also intensely passionate about. This is more than just a way to earn a living.
I am extremely grateful to be able to do what I do. Nothing gives me more satisfaction that helping a women feel beautiful, to see in her, the beauty that even she, herself, often overlooks, and be able to show that to the world.
I also love to see a color that inspires me, and then go into my "lab" and MAKE IT!- and use non-synthetic ingredients to accomplish it.
Besides than that, I deeply love working with professional models and photographers, to collaborate, using all of our skills and creativity, to create art; while at the same time, often using the makeup that I've made- now immortalized in gorgeous photographs.
How amazingly fulfilling these thing are, and I recognize each of them as gifts that I have been given.
And that, dear readers, is where the name comes from. The compilation of these three things-
I am so Fortunate to do something that I love and am passionate about.
I am Fortunate, & I know I am blessed.
YOU and your Face are Fortunate because I pledge to you that I truly work to find, and use, only ingredients that are both purposeful and natural, but also those that perform beautifully. Never will I include an ingredient in my makeup- just to say I have it in there, it must serve a beneficial purpose.
I CARE about every aspect of this makeup brand, and you are Fortunate because I do.

Yup, I'm feelin' it!

I'm wearing Saucy, cause I'm feelin; it!

Contest Winner is......

Liz- with Saucy! I just LOVE this name for a cranberry colored blush- makes me think of yummy cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving time! For about half a minute I thought of naming it Cranberry Saucy buuuuuuut- cutesy is SO not my thing! So Saucy it is! 

All of you who entered some fantastic names- keep an eye out for posting of new products- because I am definitely going to be using some of these! If I do, comment here or on Facebook- and you'll get that color- free!