TheMakeupDivas Web Community

This web sight takes the participant from ordinary to outstanding. The Makeup Divas, or MUD, at www.themakeupdivas.com, brings the glamorous gender together in one fascinating forum. Subjects range from the obvious, makeup, to a wide range of subjects other than that of mascara and perfume.

According to Wikipedia.com, "diva" was originally used to describe a woman of rare, outstanding talent. The Italian word 'divina', means the feminine root of "divine", which, also derived from the Latin form of the word divus/diva, meaning "divine one." I found this to be true after the first visit. These gals are down to earth and full of enthusiasm for the things they love.

MUD is free to join and register. Members can log on and discuss things that interest them most. Or everything. Divas of all ages come in and enjoy discussing the latest trends in fashion, or frustrations! One hilarious thread is the one about ladies high waisted pants possibly coming back into style. Members are allowed to post photos or artwork to enhance their opinions. This all makes for a very interesting forum. Ladies from all walks of life have become members. The diversity in the group also flavors the myriad of discussions.

Another facet involves discussions of celebrity news. From "Red Carpet blunders" to "who's preggars now", too numerous to mention are the never-ending list of threads that make this web site such an evolving club. Quicker than the blink of an eye, if you want to know the latest in celebrity lifestyle and fashion in the news, this is the place to be. But better than reading about the news feeds, is the ability to discuss these topics with friends you make along the way.

Skin care and healthy living round out the topics. This community of women shares product tips and tricks. Healthy living topics range from dieting, exercise and keeping in shape. The members keep each other motivated and a certain sense of healthy competition exists to keep everyone on track.

Discussions can cover a wide range of topcs, and it doesn't have to involve makeup. Try the Chatterbox section. Pick from a long list of daily subjects and run with it. Nobody really has an agenda, but everyone has an opinion and the coolest thing is, that everyone respects each other and the whole experience is not only enlightening, but also clean. The comradery here is open and fair, and very rare. I've visited many forums that give you that certain, "vibe" that something is amiss. Many other sites allow haters and moderators just don't seem to care. But here at MUD, you'll find that warm fuzzy feeling you crave. You won't find the usual bickering that often goes unchecked in many forums. It just won't be tolerated. The group keeps its discussions light and fun.

I grabbed an interview the busy, multi-talented top Diva herself, the owner of MUD, Melissa "Mel" Philipp.

LD: "What do you find is most rewarding thing about running a forum of this nature?" M: "What I find the most rewarding is the many new friendships I make. It's also about conversing with others who have the same passion about beauty products, etc."

LD: "How long has Makeup Divas (MUD) been up?" M: "Gee, it's been almost two years now. March 19, 2006, we started off on Proboards, at www.proboards.com. It is a free message board software program. I own and administrate a beauty website as well as write a beauty blog. I never in a million years thought I would be running a website and writing a blog." You can find that blog at themakeupdivas.blogspot.com/

LD: "What inspired you to form this web sight in the first place?" M: "I am a stay at home mother of two teenagers. I also home school which is a fulltime job in itself. It all came about by chance almost two years ago. A few online friends and I needed a home where we could discuss our love and passion for makeup. With no experience whatsoever, my daughter, who is the artistic one, and I, put together a free Proboards website, and TADA...The Makeup Divas was born! After spending almost a year on the free board, we decided that it was time to move out on our own and become independent. On December 26, 2007, The Makeup Divas celebrated its one-year anniversary at being in their new home!"

If you are interested in cosmetics, healthy living, being fit, looking your best and creating honest, friendly relationships with other women, MUD is the place to be. Log on to www.themakeupdivas.com and register. This web site is a well-oiled machine, quick loading with great, uncluttered graphics, emoticon add-ons, and lots of friendly faces. Mel also has a great Myspace page at www.myspace.com/makeupdivas. She lives in Florida with her husband and two teen children.