M.A.C names Riri the newest Viva Glam spokesperson

Viva Glam is one of the most iconic MAC products. Since 1994, sales of Viva Glam lipsticks have raised over $250 million for HIV/AIDS programs. MAC writes of its Viva Glam lipstick and MAC AIDS Fund, “It all started with VIVA GLAM lipstick; the bullet in passionate red that was the shot heard round the world, the first lipstick created to directly confront and raise money and awareness for AIDS at a time when the pandemic dramatically affected the fashion makeup communities, and was great stigmatized as a gay disease. With 100 percent of the proceeds of every VIVA GLAM product going directly to men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS, it was an unprecedented move.The original spokesperson was none other than RuPaul, and over the years artists such as Elton John, Debbie Harry, Eve, Boy George, Chloë Sevigny, Cyndi Lauper, Pamela Anderson, Fergie and kd Lang.and Lady Gaga have all lent their names to the charitable cause. The most recent spokespeople include Ricky Martin and Nicki Minaj. Next in line: Minaj’s friend and MAC collaborator Rihanna. To continue reading, click the link http://www.phatgirlfresh.com/#!health-and-beauty/c1pz

Phat Girl Friday......... Elise Micomyiza

Well as you all know today is Phat Girl Friday.  Although I have had a trying week and a busy day, here I am.  I have to tell you, initially I was going to write and feature someone else but evidently God had other plans.  Now I don’t claim to be the Holiest person but I know and love God.  I know that he has shown me far more favor then I deserve.  Last night was no different.  I received an email from a young lady named Elise Micomyiza, and after reading the message, I was in tears but empowered all at the same time.  I wasn't sure what she wanted me to do with it or why she had chosen to share it with me but I am grateful.  I have long known exactly what my assignment from God was, and every day, my desire is to operate in that.  Which is why is automatically knew that Elise’s story needed to be shared.  There are people (not just plus size women) who need to read this.  Trials, triumph, courage and love for other; all things that make Elise Micomyiza……… PHAT GIRL FRESH

My name is Elise Micomyiza born 24 may 1990 in Africa in a small country Rwanda which is in central Africa and known for the 1994 genocide. My dad was a bus driver and owned garage and my mother was a veterinary and a business woman.  I lost my parents/brother and sister during the 1994 war Hutus against Tutsi...I was the only survivor in my family.  After the genocide I lived with my aunt who adopted several children that had the same situation...  Growing up wasn't easy after the war, I had to do everything by myself I never fitted any were even though I was adopted I felt lonely. But I always had a smile and time to make other laugh and be happy. As young I was interested a lot in everything that was entertaining.  at home when my adoptive parents weren't there I was there entertaining visitors making them laugh I always had jokes, my mom always called me to entertain people; neighbors knew me, everyone thought I deserved to work on TV. When I went in high school we moved in Madagascar a big island very beautiful lovely and nice people, 2009 I decided that I had to come here in Canada and fulfill my dreams, I never really knew what I wanted I only knew it would be entertaining whatever I would do...I worked for Rogers in Montreal then moved to Ottawa where I was working for a Canadian designer Nelly.  When I started to work for her I figured that I did want to work in fashion industry I had tried casting for L’Oreal but didn't work out until I applied for the weight is over and I was lucky enough to model at mambo restaurant in Ontario when they organized a fashion show 2013 and met Stephanie the designer of sexy plus who invited me to Toronto a very nice lady down to earth and I was amazed working with her.  So then I decided to register at Richard Robinson where am attending haute couture 3 year diploma to become a designer....in the future am looking forward to become a famous model/designer/actress...I believe life is short, there is a reason I survived and lost my family and the reason why am still here, so I don't live to regret I live to make a difference and to encourage everyone around the world that there is always a reason for everything.  To view more pictures of  Elise Micomyiza click the following link, http://www.phatgirlfresh.com/#!fashionably-fresh/cnec

BUILDING A BRAND

  THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING!!!  DESIGNING, STYLING AND WRITING ALL WITH THE GOAL OF ENCOURAGING AND EMPOWERING OTHERS.  I AM WORKING TOWARDS BUILDING A BRAND BASED ON THE DREAMS AND REALITIES OF MYSELF AND OTHER WOMEN LIKE ME.  THE GOAL IS TO EXHIBIT THE BEAUTY AND STYLE THAT FULL FIGURED WOMEN/GIRLS ARE EQUIP WITH.  TO ENCOURAGE WOMEN NOT TO BE DEFINED BY THERE WEIGHT OR CONFINED TO THE BOX THE SOCIETY PLACES US IN.  TO TRANSFORM THE BASHFUL INTO BOLD AND BUILD CONFIDENCE WHERE SELF ESTEEM IS LOW.  I WANT TO DESIGN AND STYLE THE CLOTHING THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES.  I WANT TO MOTIVATE CURVY DIVAS TO LIVE SO LOUD THAT PEOPLE NEED EARPLUGS TO BE IN OUR PRESENCE.  IF I NEVER SELL ANOTHER ARTICLE OF CLOTHING, OR SEW ANOTHER STITCH, MY SOUL WILL REJOICE IF I HELP OTHERS TO LOVE THEMSELVES.  YES, I WANT TO BUILD A BRAND, I WANT P.H.A.T GIRL FRESH TO BE A PHRASE SPOKE IN EVERY HOUSEHOLD BUT MORE THAN THAT, I WANT TO REBUILD THE PLUS SIZE COMMUNITY...........

P.H.A.T GIRL FRIDAY!!! Introducing Miss Tessenie Mowatt-Mason

What's up you guys, it is officially P.H.A.T GIRL FRIDAY!!! You made it through all the hustle and bustle of the work week and now it is time for a little rest and relaxation.  Don't hesitate to love on yourself a little bit because you deserve it.  Even if you have to work, make time for you.  A little me time goes a long way. 

I know that you have seen my numerous post about the P.H.A.T GIRL CLIQUE. We already have a great number of women from different walks of life who are committed to the cause.  My goal is to spotlight different members of the P.H.A.T GIRL CLIQUE every P.H.A.T GIRL FRIDAY, in an effort to introduce them to you and the rest of the world.  This week it brings me great pleasure to present to you, Tessenie Mowatt-Mason.

Tessenie is a 25 year old  aspiring plus size model who was born December 31, 1986 in Jamaica. She attended  Mount Alvernia High School where she graduated and transitioned to Northern Caribbean University where she received a Bachelors in Business Administration.  She moved to Canada one year ago in order to further her education, in post graduate business.  Although Tessenie always wanted to be a model, she says she was told, "you have a pretty face but you are too fat."  Which is a famous insulting phrase that most full figured girls/women are quoted. Tessenie who begin modeling 4 months ago stated,  "I was so excited to learn about plus size modeling and the opportunities that existed."  After all the discouraging words, Tessenie received her big  break in July 2012 when she was chosen to walk for 7 out of 8 designers at the International Fuller Woman Expo. From that point, her career took off.  She was booked for the same show in Detroit (Sept 2012), LS 1426 Fashion Week (Nov 2012) and Curvaceous Styles Gala (local Canadian designer)when speaking about her life as a model, Tessenie humbly states,  "In my very short career, I must say I have been afforded some awesome opportunities which allowed me to network with some very powerful women in plus fashion."  her goal is to continue working hard to make her mark in the lives of women and the fashion industry by being a woman's advocate and a plus size supermodel. 

Tessenie is a wonderful young lady and I am looking forward to watching this beautiful flower continue to blossom.  It is so obvious that she is determined not only to be her best but to enrich the lives of others.  When she saw my post about joining the P.H.A.T GIRL CLIQUE, Tessenie immediately contacted me.  She didn't hesitate to comply with what I was asking and for that, I have a lot of love and appreciation for her. Her humble spirit, positive attitude and eagerness to be of service to others is the reason that I asked her to be a member of the P.H.A.T GIRL CLIQUE ADVISORY BOARD. For all of you who question your existence and why God made you the way he did, take notes from this Jamaican beauty; "I truly believe I was blessed with my curves and I want to help women like me wear their curves with confidence. Love and own your body, you only get one shot!"

CONTACT INFO:
 www.facebook.com/TessMikayla
www.twitter.com/TessenieM or @TessenieM

THE INFAMOUS MAKE-UP MATTER

I am a huge believer that looking good and feeling good go hand in hand.  Self love always starts with self although things like hair, clothes and even make-up heighten a person's confidence.  I love all of these things but make-up is my obsession!!!  I like a number of brands; some high end, some department store brands, some drugstore brands, even brands that are carried in the beauty supply stores.  If it looks good I will try it and if I like it I will buy it consistently.  That is the way I have always been, I have never been a slave to brand names.  I have style..... and style is what allows us to create our own looks no matter what product or merchandise we use.

I am a member of a Facebook group called Makeup Matters, and I love it.  I have met so many people and learned so many things. The group has enlightened me about a lot of products and procedures.  It is a group of makeup lover who don't mind sharing(tips, information and products).  Last week when I checked into the group, I read a post that left me pissed off.  Someone had read and posted a thread in which Tyme The Infamous(popular makeup artist) was basically speaking  against using dupes(drugstore brand makeup).  She was saying that they are a waste of time.  She went on to say that you may as well spend the extra money to purchase department store brands such as M.A.C.

 The fact is many of the individuals in the group are just as talented as Tyme and that talent is visible using some of the same brands (dupes) that Tyme thinks isn't worth it.  Hell, personally I love Wet and Wild lip colors and I happen to know that a great number of the women in the group do too.  Personally I don't even consider them dupes.  They are what they are!!!!  Dollhouse Pink is just that, Wet and Wild was not trying to make an exact copy of  M.A.C. Saint Germaine because if they were the price point would be a lot higher.  Drugstore brands are not only for the poor woman who want to be almost as cute as the woman wearing NARS, it is for the fashion forward diva who enjoys makeup, looking good and refuses to be a slave to brands. 

The thing that angered me was not that she said it but that we all know she wasn't keeping it real.  Most of the ladies in the group are able to reminiscence on a time when her reviews included drugstore brands too.  More than anything it bothers me when keeping it real goes wrong, which is exactly what happened.  Just because you have gained fame and recognition, don't forget where you came from.  There was defiantly a time in your life, maybe when you were a humble girl in Denver,Co.  that you used Wet and Wild, Covergirl and other drugstore brands.  Now don't get me wrong, this is not an attempt to make light of Tyme's talent or the fact that she has over 72,000 subscribers and get more than 4 million views a year.  I just think that it is important to never allow fame to consume you, never forget your past and and never allow yourself to be define by anything other than your actions.  I really don't think that she was able to see the flaws in what she was saying.  The fact is many of Tyme's subscribers wear drugstore brand makeup and are fine with it.  It is not cool to let fame turn you into a bitch.  It is in no way cute to think that you can talk down on people because you have elevated.  Get it together sister, a lot of us love you and your work but can do without all of the extra bullshit because we can smell it a mile away. 

Electric blue eyeliner from NYX on the bottoms lip...with NYX eyeshadow base in white in the middle...lined my top lip with purple rain lipliner. And used the purple and the blue from my coastal scents creative me palette

Purple rain lipliner is from NYX.  LOOK CREATED AND MODELED BY:  Kim Concrete Rose Jone(Facebook.com/KimJLuvMakeup and instagram @KimJLuv)

Eyes: BH Cosmetics 88 matte palate
Lips: NK Lavender Tint
Cheeks: BH Cosmetics 10 color palate.  LOOK CREATED AND MODELED BY: Kawambee Dorsey (https://www.facebook.com/makeupbykawambeed)

Eyebrows:Bh cosmetic 180pallet brown
Concealer under brows: ruby kisses HD concealer in MED
Eyeshadows: BH Cosmetics
Top eyeliner: NYX liquid liner in blue
Bottom liner: NYX black eyeliner pencil and Bh cosmetic eyeshadow
Under eye concealer: Mary Kay foundation in color 300
Highlighter under eyes: ruby kisses HD powder banana
Lipstick: NK cosmetics (beauty supply brand) color lavender tint
Blush: plum rich Loreal.  LOOK CREATED MODELED BY:  Dani AnnaNicole Smith (@danianna_baby on IG)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BEAUTIFUL YOU

It really saddens me that some of the most beautiful people second guess themselves because of others.  Just because others see you differently doesn't make you any less fabulous.  Society is set up to make us feel as though we have to be perfect but no one is.  No one will ever be blessed enough to be excepted fully by everyone.  No matter who you please, in spite of who embraces your talent and beauty, there will be someone who has an issue.  Since this is our reality, why not cut the middle men(women) out and opt to just be happy on your own terms.  Except the reality of your existence and be as fabulous as God intended for you to be.

I know that people see me as this strong, confident, beautiful intelligent woman(well that what I have been told).  However, I have not always been this way.  I went through a period in which I thought I was ugly, fat and unworthy of any thing great.  I felt as though I had no purpose. I literally had to learn to love myself.  I had to come to terms with the reality of my existence.  I had to stand face to face with myself.  I know that sounds easy but it is not.  In no way is it easy to dissect yourself, but that is exactly what I did.  I opened myself up and extracted both the good and the bad and then analyzed it.  Some of the things that I thought were bad were good, and some of the things I thought were good were bad.  Of course the good needed no adjusting but the bad had to be reckoned with.  Why was I  mean?  Why was I a fighter?  Why was I depressed?  Why was I sad? What I came up with was probably the same thing many of you would come up with if you did the same.... It is not you that has made you second guess yourself, it is society.  

Society has made us believe so many lies and these lies ultimately tear us down.  You know what I mean..........  if you aren't a size 3 you are fat, and if you are fat you are worthless.  If you don't look a certain way, you are ugly or if you don't have certain material items you are irrelevant. However, as I said before, these are all lies!!!  You don't have to conform to be beautiful, all you have to do is BE.

Stop letting others make you feel like your not whatever it is that you know you are.  If you know that you are a beautiful, intelligent person, be that person.  Be bold about who you are and what you possess.
If you aren't proud, appreciative or in tune with who are, you can't live...... You just exist.  Life is so much happier when you live out loud.  Society my have its standards but when you say to the world; this is me, I make no apologies or excuses for who I am, I love that person that I see in the mirror and I am not going away, the world had two options. The first option is to see you for who you are and love you.  The second is remain ignorant and closed minded and respect you. 

So with all of that being said, in spite of your imperfections....... YOU BETTA WERK!!!  Stut as if you are a peacock!! Let the world know, I am here, I am beautiful and I refuse to be denied!!! 

P.H.A.T GIRL FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!

ALRIGHT , ALRIGHT, ALRIIIGHT(in my Kevin Hart's daddy voice)!!!!!!!!!!  It is another P.H.A.T GIRL FRIDAY!!!!!  SO GET CRUNK WIT IT, GET LOOSE WIT IT......... BUT PLEASE DON'T LET BRUCE BRUCE HIT IT!!!  I KNOW THAT THE WEEK HAS BEEN HECTIC AS USUAL, BUT YOU MADE IT WITH YOUR  BEAUTIFUL SELVES.  AND YOU KNOW THAT IT IS TIME TO UNWIND, KICK BACK AND ENJOY.  I KNOW THAT YOU HAVE KIDS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT REQUIRE YOUR ATTENTION BUT TAKE A LITTLE TIME FOR YOU.  IF YOU AREN'T HAPPY AND ON TOP OF YOUR GAME, YOU ARE NO GOOD FOR ANYONE ELSE.  OR AS I LIKE TO SAY, "IF MAMA AINT HAPPY, AINT NOBODY HAPPY".  THE FIRST LAW OF NATURE IS SELF AND IT IS ALRIGHT TO BE SELFISH SOME TIMES.  IT MAY NOT BE ANYTHING MAJOR, BUT DO SOMETHING NICE FOR YOURSELF, SOMETHING THAT BRINGS YOU HAPPINESS.

CHILD LET ME TELL, I LEARNED A LONG TIME AGO TO CELEBRATE ME!!!  IF I DON'T LOVE ME.... NOBODY ELSE WILL.  YOU GOT TO TREAT YOURSELF OR YOU WILL CHEAT YOURSELF, AND YOU CAN QUOTE ME ON THAT ONE.  THE WAY YOU TREAT YOURSELF, IS THE WAY THAT OTHERS WILL TREAT YOU.  IF A MAN KNOWS THAT YOU ARE HIGH MAINTENANCE AND YOU SPOIL YOURSELF, HE WILL FEEL COMPELLED TO DO THE SAME.  NO FOOL BRINGS WHITE ZINFANDEL TO A CRISTAL PARTY.  I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT MONETARY ONLY, I AM TALKING ABOUT TIME, BACK RUBS, FOOT MESSAGES, BUBBLE BATHS AND SO ON. 

SO LADIES PLEASE, WHAT EVER YOU DO OR DON'T DO, MAKE SURE YOU STEAL A PERSONAL MOMENT FOR YOURSELF.  SPORT THAT PRETTY LITTLE SMILE THAT THE WORLD NEEDS TO SEE.  AND BE BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE!!!