Review: Valana Minerals (Update/Edit at the end)

My Valana Minerals (VM) order arrived today.

This is the first post I'm doing that will have lots of pictures....You've been warned.

So, a little about VM:

• Mineral foundations, shadows, lipsticks, etc.
• Made specifically for women of color
• 20+ foundation colors

Erin of MakeUp Fiend suggested I try it out. I want to move away from liquid foundation, MAC SFF specifically, because I know it's contributing to my breakouts. My addiction stems from the outstanding coverage MAC provides. I tried Bare Escentuals (or Bare Minerals) in the past. I didn't appreciate (yes, I was kind of offended) by the ONE "black girl" color option provided by the company (at the time...don't know if they've stepped their game up or not). It was ashy looking and provided very light coverage of my dark spots and problem areas. In other words, it was a "no-go."

I've been wary of mineral make-up since then but was a little impressed by how well VM was demonstrated to cover spots (see the left side of the photo gallery under "concealor"). Honestly, the color selection and this picture sold me on trying it out.

So...let's get to the review. I purchased 3 samples--Gentle Amber, Amber Blaze and Mahogany Fire. I chose my colors by looking at pictures from the photo gallery and by using the foundation descriptions. I suggest doing a combination of both to choose probable matches.

I received the following in the mail:

<-------packaging

<------color chart with other information

<--------actual size of the three samples. 5 grams of foundation in 3 stackable jars

Skepticism set in when I swatched my hand...see why below:

I thought I'd missed the mark on the foundation colors by a mile. I picked three different shades to avoid this! *side note* The foundation looks very shimmery in the container but looks less shimmery on the skin.

***Tangent/FYI***

I love make-up vlogs and blogs. I'm subbed to several. Something I've noticed is that none...and I do mean, NONE of the girls really have "problem" skin and most of the "oily" girls aren't "oily". Most of the women I sub to on Youtube have near perfect skin. I'm not sure why any of them bother with foundation at all.

With that being said, I'm going to go out on a limb and post a picture of myself on the www of my face with no make-up. I'm doing it for all the women like me, who appreciate these women, but just can't relate. Shouts out to the sistas with jacked up complexions! Everyone else proceed at your own risk and #dontjudgeme (Yes, I'm talking to you!!!!).

Below are two before pictures.

As you can see, I have extreme problems with hyperpigmention due to my never ending battle with acne. These pictures are of both sides of my face with absolutely no make-up on. I would put these pictures side by side but Blogger won't let me! GRRRR....moving on.

I washed my face with the Mary Kay face wash I purchased about a month ago. Not because it's so wonderful, but because I spent good money on it. I followed the directions on the sheet to apply moisturizer and allow it to fully absorb into the skin. I then chose the color I thought best matched my face (Gentle Amber) and went to work. I covered my problem areas by using my Posh brush because the "bristles" are soft and compact. It seemed perfect for applying the minerals as a concealor.

Here are the afters:

I'm not going to lie. I am impressed by the coverage. It's better than the Make Up Forever HD Foundation coverage and honestly the same as the MAC SFF coverage I get on a lazy application day. Not bad for mineral make-up. Not bad for make-up at all when you have as much to hide as me. I was a bit nervous about potential shine problems (every oily girls enemy) so I applied a little MAC Blot in Dark over it with the MAC 150 brush.

And the front.

Review wouldn't be complete without outside pictures...

Below is a picture of me outside on a completely different day wearing MAC SFF NC50 so you can see the difference.

Lastly, here is a picture of me at the end of the day with approximately 6 hours of wear. ***sidenote*** I'm sick, so I look tired and...yeah...just look at the make up.

Final thoughts:

Overall, I'd say give it a try. I give it a B-. I like it and plan to use it at least 3 times a week to give my skin a break from MAC SFF. I hope I see some changes in my breakout cycle. Unlike MUFE, my face didn't look like I'd painted it with orange, oily clay after wearing it for 30 minutes. We visited a friend and I expected my face to look like an oil slick by the end of the visit (as it does with MUFE and MAC) and it didn't. I was really impressed by this. I'm not saying it cut down on all the oil, but my skin definitely wasn't as oily.

I need play with the other colors to see if i can get a better match, but the Gentle Amber was pretty close, reiterating the fact that the photos and foundation color descriptions can give you a pretty accurate read of which samples to order. I also need to play around with application because I think I can get slightly better coverage. The thing I loved best about it was it washes off very easily. I had no film or extra make up packed in my pores. Great! Great! Great!

I only had two real issues with my Valana Minerals make up:

• 
  
  The slight shimmer of the foundation. It's most noticeable in the sunlight.
• 
  
  My face also itched a bit for the first 30 minutes of wear.

Have you used Valana Minerals? What was your take?

Hope this review was helpful.

Love!

EDIT (6/15/10)

Okay, I realized the itchiing was coming from one of my brushes, not from Valana...didn't use a brush (made liquid foundation) yesterday and there was no itching.

I might be noticing some skin changes but it's really too early to tell. I can say I haven't had as many new pimples, blackheads or whiteheads (which usually develop daily wearing MAC) since Saturday night. The only difference is that I've worn Valana for the past three days. I can also say that Valana didn't seem to exascerbate the two "issues" I was already dealing with (see the pictures).

Lastly, I woke up with no oiliness this morning, again....I think there is a connection between the fact that VM washes off CLEAN. We'll see....I'll update in about a month. Three days without a breakout is kinda ground breaking though. Hmmmmmm.

UPDATE (11/24/10)

Hey mineral makeup enthusiasts!

Just want to make good on the update I was supposed to do in July. *haha* I've been using Valana for 5 months now. I eventually ordered went with Mahogany Fire instead of Gentle Amber. I've purchased two full sized jars/containers since then. 

Final synopsis:

I was originally very satisfied with the coverage but am growing to dislike the look of it on my face. It could be my switch from Gentle Amber to Mahogany Fire. Additionally, I have to admit that the foundation has the best coverage for my severe hyperpigmentation when mixed with moisturizer (a suggested method of application given in the directions, "tinted moisturizer"). Only problem is that most moisturizers, even Neutrogena's Oil Free with SPF 35, exacerbate my skin issues. Also, the oiliness is back! I wake in the morning to sheets of oil on my face...so much for that change. 

In short, I'm stopping by the MAC counter this weekend. LOL...The purpose is to NOT break out. That was my original quest. I might as well go back to MAC if I'm going to have breakouts. I'll use Valana from time to time to give my skin a rest...

In all fairness, Valerie provides GREAT customer service and there are many who have had lasting results with this product. I say TRY it out...just my own experiences.

Love.

Thangs on my mind.

1. I need to do my hair.
2. Speaking of hair, look at hers.
3. On the hunt for new blogs and Youtube subs. *yawn*
4. Might hit up the Atlanta Food Rave. Shout out to Tony doing his thing in the A.
5. Spoke to JP about the open mic thing. Wheels are turning.
6. Can't believe I've made it to day 12 (or is it 13) of P90X. Bring it! I'm on a stretch or rest day...I'll post pictures at day 30 if....they are worth posting.
7. Bobby's home in about a month. My Mani Bear turns 6 in June. My little Dre turns....ummm 2, LOL in July and the 2 year anniversary will be here before I know it.
8. I want a tattoo. On my wrist. #dontjudgeme
9. Trip Lee's new song. Ummm....well...very poppy. Not feeling the autotune/vocoder on Jai's voice. Hope the whole album doesn't go in the same direction as the last TRUTH album (poppy/futuristic/epic sounding). I instantly heard the sample, thought of another song that sampled the tune and did a little research. It's the first part of Pachelbel's Canon in D, transposed to a different key...I tend to hate obvious samples. All that said, Trip is a good rapper. I know the lyrics will get the job done in the end.
10. Saw Iron Man 2 and Date Night. Both were pretty good for what they are. Iron Man 2=A-, Date Night=B-.
11. I wonder if I should pretend to be 16, enroll in a high school in the midwest and get a scholarship to Stanford, Columbia or Yale or something. I'm sure I'd make straight As, knowing what I know now.
12. I ate a single scoop waffle cone from Brusters the other day and hated myself for it. For the record, that wasn't a doggon single...more like a triple. I'm sure they gave me too much. And on top of that, I was a 1lb heavier the next day. #fail
13. Proud of one of my graduating seniors. She applied for a full time position with the American Cancer Society making pretty decent money. Of the four applicants interviewed, she was the only one with actual experience. The other folks had business degrees but zero sales, management or fund-raising experience. She's a criminal justice major. Read 'em and weep!
14. Another one of my kids left a frantic message on my voicemail talking about needing advice. I call him back and it's about a job decision. AWWWWW. So glad he'd even ask me my thoughts on the situation. I'm pretty sure my kids are what keep me going. The best thing about my job is them.
15. Snagged this from E. Money's FB status replies. Get demotivated! Look at the "Blogging" tagline. SO funny...and for me...SOOOOO true.
16. *exits*

Why Did I Get Married Too? Movie Review

Okay...anyone who knows me, knows my issues with Tyler Perry movies and plays. To sum it up, he doesn't respect his fanbase. Maybe one day I will go through all the ways he's made this evident in both his plays and movies but, today is not that day.

I know some will say, "Glo, it doesn't matter what you think. You're still lining his pockets by seeing these movies." My response: Yeah...you're right. I'm usually dragged to see these mediocre "movies" by relatives during family gatherings. There are the other occasions when I've been at someone's house and a TP movie was popped in for entertainment. The Why Did I Get Married movies are the only movies I viewed voluntarily.

Many people understand that his movies really aren't all that great. Why do poeple continue to support him? Well....He's a major Hollywood player because he did an excellent job building his fanbase and perfecting his brand BEFORE he even began making movies. I can't knock his hustle in this area--he's a marketing genius. Another factor we must not ignore is his casting and plots. Where else can you see an all black casts from all walks of life. Poor, rich, married, single...Answer...nowhere. Tyler Perry is the man in the black community. People will continue to support him no matter what he puts out. People like his personal story. He truly went from rags to riches by putting in MAJOR work.

So..to the point.

How is Why Did I Get Married Too? wack? Let me count the ways.

1.  TP continues to struggle with the difference between directing films and plays. This is evident with some of the shot selections and dialogue (VERY evident when all the couples are arriving at the beach house).
2. Bad acting throughout. Louis Gossett's accent...Kids in the beginning of the movie...Michael Jai White...
3. "Angela" is funny in some ways and NOT funny in others. Some of her behavior is so over the top that it's unbelievable. For example, "Marcus" would have been fired after that stunt she pulled on his job.
4. The husbands talking on the beach was discouraging. I mean...all the complaining about the wives was too much.
5. I NEVER need to see Tyler Perry without a shirt on. Bad idea jeans...
6. Why did we borrow a sub-plot from Soul Food again?
7. Cicely Tyson's lace front
8. Bad keying/green screening (fireworks scene)
9. The last scene with "Patty", "Gavin" and the queen in a cake. I was so confused over this...
10. "Patty" going beserk over $800,000. I mean...you still get to keep $400,000. And YES, he does deserve half.
11. What was wrong with "Gavin" and "Patty" anyway? Why are we NEVER told.
12. The last 5 minutes...

Overall, I give it a "D." Get it from Redbox or soem other DVD vending machine when it comes out on video. Don't keep allowing TP to churn out these super crappy movies. I know he's employing people who would otherwise starve (Malik Yoba) BUT make him give you a quality product. It's not the absolute worst movie I've ever seen. Stuart Saves His Family won that award many years ago. It has its okay moments. I just can't stand to give it over a D because it just seems like he's not even trying at this point. I guess I can't blame him though...

Yahoo reviewer, Jason Barrett puts it the best, saying:

How long is Tyler Perry going to do this? I know that he has a legion of loyal followers that anticipate what he is going to put out next. But this is one example of how the anticipation of a product is actually better than the product itself.

Why Did I Get Married Too was all over the place. The storyline was grossly undeveloped, the acting was uninspired with Jill Scott and Tasha Smith as exceptions, the main characters were presented like caricatures of real people. The dynamic that existed between Patricia and Gavin was laughable. People in the theater were laughing at moments that should have been riveting.

Tyler Perry creates scenarios and then he decides that he doesn't need to explore them, it feels like he ties up loose ends just to finish the script. Also, he is the king of bad endings. How many Tyler Perry movies have you seen that ended horribly? The ending to this movie is no exception. I sat there watching Why Did I Get Married Too feeling duped, like how long does he think that he can get away with doing the same kind of movie over and over again? I respect Tyler Perry's creative talent, but I think he needs to study his craft a little more, because pretty soon the bottom is gonna fall out. This movie was disappointing.

 Smh...

Caffeine is a drug plus digression

I'm supposed to be doing "water only" again this month and have already fallen off the wagon. I had at least 3 Cokes and a grande caramel frappe on from Friday to Saturday. I arrived at work and the coffee in the kitchen was calling my name but I overcame the urge. My head has been hurting since noon. I finally typed "caffeine" in Google search and little helper thingy gave me several entries for caffeine, including "caffeine withdrawal". I click on it and read the short article and comments. Can you figure out the major symptom? Crazy headaches....*sigh*. I didn't realize my headaches from the first "water only" go round in January were due to withdrawal symptoms. I can't believe my body literally NEEDS a Coke.  

1. This weekend was dope. Fun hanging out with mom and Shantel. Saw the Ohio Players, Mint Condition, Cameo and Charlie Wilson. I'm now sold on live bands...and Stokely Williams is a beast.  "See Mint Condition in concert." CHECK!
2. Live it. Love it. J.Nicole.
3. I've decided against blogging on the P4CM shirts. Content with being united in the essentials.
4. Jehovah's Witnesses came to my door on Friday. I was excited they finally visited (Kingdom Hall is 5 minutes from my house). The discussion began fine but then one of the women got upset with me and decided to end the visit. I was really surprised because I can honestly say that I was VERY respectful (NICE even). *sad*
5. It's so funny to see people go through the "cage stage," especially folks who weren't buying it in the past.
6. Doing well staying away from the message boards.
7. Spent all day at the Gray's yesterday. Home away from home.
8. Lions and Liars=dope. Favorites so far are Me, Myself and I, Revolutionary Died and Oh Well. His first album was about 2-2.5 stars out of 5. I'd give this one a 4. The We Can Be More song and video have major crossover appeal.
9. Finally going to start Strange Fruit this week. Borrowed it from the library in December.
10. Do not spend your money on a ticket for Clash of the Titans. Supreme let down. We went to the midnight viewing on Thursday/Friday. BOOOOOO!
11. Speaking of movies, finally watched Stomp the Yard last night. No comment.
12. We're still talking about moview, right? Repo Men was...hmmm....worth RENTING. See it during matinee hours if you have to see it in theaters. Cool twist, but there was no chemistry between Forrest Whitaker and Jude Law. Forrest tried but I wasn't convinced.
13. Go Butler! Boooo Duke!

Before going into the concert venue. This is a picture of a picture....haha

Love!

And anotha one....

I know I already posted today, but I need to ramble before I go home.

1. Warren preached his first sermon exhorted the brethren on Sunday from Matthew 7:13-23. It's a real distinction according to the Book of Church Order. LOL...leave it to the PCA.
2. My dad stopped into town on Saturday. Greatness!
3. Saw Avatar. It was aight...yes...just aight.
4. Officially 32 days drinking water only as this day closes out. Only 8 more to go. *pats myself on the back*
5. Today begins "no fried foods" for a month or so...
6. Had a really good time hanging out at the Barnes's house on Saturday night.
7. Had a great time fellowshipping with the Bradford's, J. Porter and K. Greene on Sunday afternoon. Encouraging.
8. Listening to What Kind of Man Would I Be as I type this...still a great song.
9. I feel like I may pick up the pen again. Itching to hit an open mic night.
10. Friends are hard to come by. Nuture the relationships you have...
11. Warren finally mated Judah today. I'm so sad :-(
12. Our electricity bill was $203. In a "fight the powers that be" moment, we turned our heat off about 3 or 4 days ago...this morning it was 49 degrees in our house. What on earth were we thinking? Hope the savings are worth it.
13. God is sovereign.

Weight loss and randomness.

I’ve vowed, once again, to lose weight. I hope to lose 20 lbs and/or 5 inches in the waist by the end of March. I’m currently pushing a size 10. I want to get back into my MANY pairs of size 6 slacks and jeans. No one EVER could have told me that I'd weigh 160. People TRIED to tell me, CURSE me rather. I remember some of my female relatives looking at my size 4 frame when I was about 20 or 21 with smirks on their faces. "You'll gain weight, JUST LIKE US...I was your size back in the day." CURSES! I started gaining weight about a year or so after I took this job. I distinctly remember my first trip to Express to buy a few pairs of Editors in size 8 when my regular sizes started fitting to snug. Grrr...I will beat this thing...lol...for real.

In the mean time, weight is melting off of Warren, who in the last 2 or 3 months has gone from 250 to the mid 230s, with minimal effort. A few pick up games here and there and buddy has basically lost the weight on accident. He's joined a men's league so I'm sure his wasboard abs will be back by summer. I, on the other hand have to fight for every pound. Yeesh.

Anyway, I’ve been pretty much drinking water and eating fish, rice and veggies since the Sunday after Thanksgiving. So then, my “starting” weight was 163. I’m down to 160 and hope to be down about 5 more pounds by the end of January. I joined a gym to use the cardio machines and to take a BodyFlow class. I hope to update my progress on here but that never really goes well.

Rant over...list time.

1. I can add my class in 2 days.
2. Only spent about $37.00 on grocery in the past two weeks. Would have been okay had we not purchased fast food 3 or 4 times between Friday and Sunday. Phooey. Keep us on track Dave Ramsey.
3. I’ve been told I have hypoxia (eye) do to over wearing my contacts. Guess I have to break down and buy some more glasses.
4. Saw Brothers. Worth the look. 
5. Going to Colorado in a week. Happy to visit but I hate cold weather.
6. Wondering what's up with this blog for more reasons than one.
7. About to run to the library to load up on books and inspiration for Spring training. *jiggy*
8. Reading The Great Gatsby. So far so good. I enjoyed the CONCEPT in school, but I'm sure I'll enjoy it much more as an adult. Checked out a book of Fitzgerald short stories a few months back. WONDERFUL.
9. Tried to make it through Waiting for Godot and became utterly bored. Won't finish it. I won't say it's overrated. I will say it's "not my cup of tea."
10. I want to re-read Their Eyes Were Watching God in January or February. We'll see.
11. Success Rice is the bomb.
12. Speaking of rice, I had eggs and rice for breakfast and then eggs, rice and Treet for lunch. Talk about WOW.
13. Pastor only preached on ONE verse this past Sunday, but boy oh boy did he preach. "If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come!" 1 Corinthians 16:22. Read 1 Corinthians 15 and all four gospels for context.

Random Happenings and Thoughts since the last post

1. Either I'm crazy or furloughs are dope. I feel so rested and energized. Much needed.
2. Finally bought the Financial Peace Planner to go along with the book I bought about two years ago. We're doing some things right and some things wrong. Time to get down to business.
3. Saw my great grandmother. She looks great. What a blessing to have a grandmother who is 69 and a great grandmother who is only 85! I'm nearly 30 and my GG is still alive and in her right mind. Crazy.
4. Bobby will be back in Afghanistan by next week. *sigh*
5. The avoidance game is over...or maybe.
6. Goosby is sick, which means I'll be sick by next week. The.worst.
7. December 16 will be here before I know it. Let the journey begin.
8. The visitor squatter is gone. *applause*
9. Interviews continue next week...*laughcry*
10. Love hearing from my old callers. I'm so proud of (some) them. lol...
11. I think it's safe to say that I'm finally over HCR. Good feeling.
12. I would pay top dollar to see Mint Condition in concert. I mean, TOP dollar.
13. Saw Precious and New Moon. Precious=A, but brace yourself. New Moon=C, at best.