Category: Skin Care

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Spring Into A New HUE!

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After this long, cold winter all I can think about is pretty Spring colors.Panotone’s color of the year Ultra Violet is a good place to start. The Ultra Violet choice is the epitome of Spring so that is where I will begin. I have started pulling all of my purple/lilac/lavender hued make up products from my huge make up bin. I trash the old and make lists of the new products that I want to acquire.

I am thinking of using this ultra violet hue in my hair. I love changing my hair color but it is important to use products that don’t stress my hair. I have been consistent with protein treatments and creamy conditioners this winter and my hair is looking and feeling great. I do this to prep for the color changes that I will inevitably make over the summer months. There are a ton of semi-permanent (ok, not a ton) hair options that I am looking at with interest. Manic Panic is my go-to vibrant, semi-permanent color. Bright hair make me feel alive and on trend. Why not use hair color to express your personality? I was surprised to see that one of my favorite lines LimeCrime has a rainbow of hair colors for the brave ones to choose from. Seriously, there are 25 colors to chose from….so be bold try a lavender hue in your hair!

Let Your SKIN Flower!

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The winter months are an excellent time to prep your skin for the Spring/Summer show that begins in April. Lucky me received a PURE facial steamer for Christmas so I started with that. Disclaimer: I don’t claim to be an expert at ANYTHING! What I am is an amazing researcher! I had no idea what to do with this steamer so I hit up Google and read a few articles. What I learned is that steaming my skin improves cell vitality and oxygen absorption for a healthier younger looking complexion. It also significantly improves absorption of beauty creams and promotes drainage of sinuses and airways for overall improved well being.  So I steam my face about once a week. 61lNBTX0v1L._SX522_It may seem too much but I have had a rough winter so it works for me. After six weeks I can see and feel the difference. I steam before I hit the shower and use my normal facial cleanser, a rose water spray toner and the Fresh black tea overnight mask that I received in my Ipsy box.

 

Next Up…Top Ten Make Up Must Haves!

I’d love your feedback! What is your skin and hair routine?

Comment below.

 

 

 

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Most women have to adjust their hair products when the seasons change. I am no different! When the temperature rises I want to feel free. I let go of all things heavy. My morning beauty routine gets shorter and products get lighter. Natural curls and minimal makeup become the norm. I tackled summer make up early on and @MilkMakeup images-2quickly became my go-to. Milk Makeup allows my natural skin to shine through and takes minutes to apply with your fingers. Tap tap tap and off you go in all of your natural glory! Next…the hair! I wear my natural kinky, curls in the summer and it takes as much work as my winter hair. After a much needed haircut I knew I was in for a hair adventure. I had to find summer hair products that would allow me to co-wash, define my thirsty curls, springy coils and stubbornly unidentifiable nape all before I run out the door for work.

The first leg of my journey to me on trip back to the products I used when I first went natural over four years ago. The combinations just weren’t right and I was stuck with heavy, clumpy hair full of white hair product. I tried all of my old go-to products and none of them gave me the look I wanted. So, off to the blogs I went, I had to figure out what products would and the amounts I needed to use. Kinky Curly is a great product and can make a comeback as my runner up product. 81osU7w-iGL._SX522_Light gels and the leave-in conditioner gave my hair slip and made the detangling process easy. Nice product but I needed a product that would elongate and the curls in the crown and front of my hair….(different textures…who knew!) I also wanted a fresh, clean scent……then the lightbulb went off in my product addled brain.! Miss Jessie’s!

 

My Amazon order arrived today and off I went to do a test run. I am very satisfied and hope my hair is as happy as I am! First, I applied Super Sweetback Treatment deep, daily conditioning treatment that made my hair softer almost instantly….so far so good. Next, I applied a quarter-sized dollop of the Baby Buttercreme moisturizing leave-in creme to seal in the moisture. Finally, I styled my hair with Curly Meringue curling custard 51bGwgaFJTL._AC_UL246_SR190,246_using the shingling method check out the Curly Nikki website if you need to know more about different styling techniques for natural hair. After a few minutes of gently raking my fingers through my strands I was done. The final step was to give my hair a few good shakes to make sure my curls were defined. I gave my hair a few minutes to settle and went back for a closer look. Meh, my nape and sides are not taking to any of the normal products and will only be tamed by Eco-styler gel so I applied it to my shorter nape and sides. Eco Styler gel works without fail and will hold my hair in place with no problems.

These products work for all types of curly hair so give your hair a summer makeover!

 

 

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31pbDuzjSlL._AC_US218_I love to talk about natural beauty and health but I truly believe that beauty starts from the inside out. You can buy the best make up and beauty products but nothing can replace WATER! I can’t stress hydration enough! Flipping through an old copy of Instyle magazine while waiting for my yearly dental cleaning made me think about how much water I drink and how it effects my beauty routine. Drinking enough water each and every day can be the answer to your biggest beauty problems (we’re talking dull skin, brittle nails, and even thinning hair. Here are a few reasons to drink for beauty and health.

Water Makes Your Skin Glow
41zylMI+JyL._AC_US218_Water helps your body flush out toxins more efficiently, leaving your skin looking fresh and more radiant as a result. Drink an 8oz glass in the morning before brushing to get kickstart your liver and kidneys from a long night of sleep. I also keep a bottle on my nightstand to give my body a chance to rejuvenate during the night.

It Makes Nails Stronger
Brittle nails that constantly break and peel can be a sign of dehydration. By sipping on more water on a daily basis, you’ll promote nail growth and prevent dry, flaky cuticles.

It Fights Aging

A gallon a day won’t magically erase fine lines and wrinkles. But by staying hydrated, you can maintain your skin’s natural elasticity and suppleness. Water consumption combined with a dedicated beauty routine can keep those lines and wrinkles at bay.

It Clears Acne
Another beautiful part about washing away toxins is that it can prevent acne flare ups and other common skin issues. Try squeezing a fresh lemon or a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into a cup of hot water and drinking it first thing in the morning.

If it is hard for you to drink the recommended amount every day try different methods. I have carried the infusion water bottle and experimented with different combinations of fruit and herbs. Pinterest has hundreds of pages devoted to fruit and herb infused water.

Here are a few ideas to motivate you to drink water

The S’ip by S’well bottle is a perfect compliment to a hot summer day.

  • Keeps your drinks cold for 24 hours, hot for 12
  • Double-walled to eliminate condensation so bottle won’t sweat on your hands or in your bag
  • Food-grade, 18/8 stainless steel is BPA free and sensibly tested for healthy hydration
  • Vacuum insulated to keep liquids and carbonated beverages fresh
  • Holds 15 oz of your favorite beverage

Amazon has a large selection of fruit infuser water bottles in a variety of colors because we all want our accessories to rock!

Make water a part of your daily routine and the benefits will shock you.

 

 

 

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imgres-1I am ready to shed heavy winter make up. My last post was all about prepping the skin and finding your perfect lash look. The next step is to find new fresh products to add to my beauty routine.  I love indie brands so I look to them for Spring ideas that will compliment my natural style and take 5 minutes or less to apply in the morning. My go-to beauty products have to fit my lifestyle and let my skin breathe. If they fit into a cute clutch and are multi-functional I am a happy girl! I think I have found my new beauty savior in @Milk


I received a sample Milk’s Sunshine Skin Tint and was instantly hooked. The preservative-free tinted moisturizer went on smooth and gave me even coverage. It dried to a dewy finish without looking oily or feeling heavy. milk-makeup-sunshine-skin-tintMy next step was to check out the website and peruse the other products. The Milk website is FUN! Lots of videos that show you exactly how to use the products. The Looks section and the Us section explain the brand’s philosophy and makes you feel like you are a part of a social movement. Love love love that!

 

milk-makeup-00Milk Make Up’s creators believe that it’s not just about how you create your look; it’s what you do in it that matters. Live Your Look takes self-expression to the next level, showing how our physical choices reflect who we are underneath and unify us all on our paths to self-discovery. 

 

images-2I wanted to test out these products right away so I watched reviews on YouTube and found them pretty lacking so I had to buy the sample and test it out at home. The Blur stick that promised to blur my pores and make me feel like I was not wearing make up at all! I

found a Milk Makeup sample kit that includes all of the best sellers and went at it like a BOSS! The Blur stick is basically a tinted primer and made my skin look matte and minimized my pores with a few swipes across my t-zone. Some reviewers feel as if it tugs at your skin and looks clumpy but I took the time to apply the Cooling Water stick first so my skin was nicely hydrated. milk-x-uo-32The combined products made my skin look great all day. I tried the bronzer and it gave me just enough color to counteract the matte look of the Blur stick. The Lip Color is smooth and creamy with full coverage. It looks fresh without the glossy look that I am trying to avoid.  I stuck with the skin products because I want to sort out the base of my Spring look before jumping into the Milk pool with both feet.Milk Makeup has a full range of productsAs I said before I love it and can not WAIT to buy more. Check them out on Instagram @milkmakeup 

Amazon.com has a great selection of @Milk products!

 

 

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Adulting is…Developing your Signature Style! Every woman needs to know what her IT factor is…that thing about her that garners compliments from everyone from the stranger in the elevator to the guy you have your eye on. It could be shiny hair, that budget-busting lipstick or that mesmerizing scent that drives the masses wild.

images-2A woman with a signature style exudes confidence. She knows exactly who she is and has embraced her inner goddess with efficiency and style. Do you know what that thing is about you? Women today are driven by style influences. We change our hair, make up and wardrobes that reflect the trends of the day. A woman with a signature scent oozes confidence. Your signature scent becomes a part of your identity and for most of us it doesn’t change. How do you choose that scent? The first step is to know what image you want to convey. How do you do that? Know your tastes. Are you drawn to natural scents? Vanilla, jasmine or musk based scents? When you know your favorite top note it is easier to experiment with scent. A few tips to help you in your sensory journey…… Find a scent that gives you confidence and makes you feel good.

images-1Your signature scent is your way of expressing yourself in a non-visual manner. Make finding a scent a part of your personal life journey. Experiment with different scents…ask your friends what they are wearing if you find it appealing. Preferences change over time and through the seasons and your scent should change as you move through life. A scent that you love in your twenties can become nauseating in your thirties or forties. Don’t worry….it was a moment in time. A time you can leave in your past. Summer scents that are perfect with your favorite tank tops, shorts and maxi dresses may not be enough to compete with autumn changes. And if you can Subscription boxes take all the hard work out of finding a signature scent. A Google search led me to a list of that will guide you and allow you to experiment for a monthly fee.

Subscription services have exploded in the last few years and provide everything from clothing, wine, food, beauty and hair products. Try a few scents and gift the rejects to your girlfriends! There are different options in the subscription box world here are a few that have had great success.

imgres-1What it is: Scentbird

Who it’s for: The curious woman who wants a fabulous scent for different occasions.

What do you do? Take a scent quiz and choose from a selection.

How much> $14.95 am month

 

What it is: Pinrose

Who it’s for: The artistic woman How it works: The Scent Profiler quiz uses synesthesia and asks questions about your perfume experience level, style, favorite colors and music to determine your three best bets from the brand’s line of 10 perfumes. You can order single-use scent wipes called Petal Packs, or a full-size vial.

The cost: $7 for a sample starter kit that includes a single-use satchet of each perfume; $20 for a Petal Pack of 25; $50 for 1 oz.

What it is: Olfactif

Who it’s for: The woman that sets the trends

How it works: At the beginning of each month, Olfactif sends you a curated collection of three niche fragrance samples (each one large enough to last for a month) along with an $18 credit toward a full-size fragrance of your choice. For the rest of the month, the site is updated with interviews with the perfumers and interesting backstories on the hard-to-find scents.

The cost: $18.00 per month with options

 

images-1What it is: Commodity

Who it’s for: The minimalist that believe less is more. How it works: Try a range of specialty fragrances through their Fitting Kit

The cost: $9 for a Fitting Kit, $108 for 100 ml bottle

Don’t limit yourself! Try the florals, the musks and all the others. Find the scent that lift your mood and makes you feel put together and ready to take on the world. Hint: My signature scent is Coco Mademoiselle and I have a secret smile for every compliment!

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It’s time to change your skin care routine. Fall is in full swing! The leaves are changing and the nights are getting cooler. Why not change your skin care routine! You’ve given your wardrobe a makeover do the same for your skin! It is important to hydrate your skin from the inside out with the most basic of beauty treatments…water! Don’t skimp on your water intake! Water is good for your internal system all year round and hydrated skin glows.A great way to achieve that super soft, glowy look is adding a facial oil to your night routine. Learn what works for your skin and you can maximize moisture!

Here is a breakdown of facial oils and the skin type they work for!

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Dry Skin Loves Coconut Oil! Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer and provides maximum hydration to dry, parched skin. Coconut oil has healthy, fatty acids that make dry skin glow. If you have dry skin, apply coconut oil to your face after washing and drying it lightly with a towel. Use a small amount since the oil spreads well. Take just ¼ teaspoon oil in the palm of one hand rub it with the other. Apply it on the face with both palms, gently massaging it in. Wait for 5-10 minutes for the oil to absorb into the skin, and wipe away any excess with a soft cotton towel. A thin layer is all you need to prevent moisture loss through evaporation from the skin surface.

If you have oily skin don’t avoid this wonder oil you can still make use of the moisturizing effect of this oil. For oily skin, apply warm coconut oil liberally on the face and neck after washing with a mild soap. Leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash with warm water and dry with a soft towel. Repeat this for several days to condition your skin. You may experience an initial flare up of acne, but you can ignore it unless it is too severe. Your skin would eventually reduce sebum secretion. Gentle on the skin coconut oil is a great make up remover.

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Avocado oil soothes sensitive skin and cleanses deep without irritating skin further. If you suffer from eczema or rosacea this oil is for you! You can apply avocado oil to your face in the same way you would any other moisturizer – with a cotton wool pad or very clean fingers. Make sure your face is washed well and preferably still damp to spread the oil easily.

It is important to look for cold pressed avocado oil if you’re interested in the potential skin restorative properties, rather than just the moisturizing effects. The minimal refinement of cold pressed avocado oil preserves more of the important plant sterols, chlorophyll, vitamin E and other antioxidants.

 

pomegranate-oil

 

Pomegranate seed oil stimulates “keratinocytes”, major cells found in the outer layer of the skin. This helps to reverse skin damage, revive skin and reveal a more youthful appearance. Pomegranate seed oil also contains a unique polyunsaturated oil called “punicic acid”, an omega 5 fatty acid, which has strong anti-inflammatory properties. The oil fends off free radicals to keep skin aging at bay. Spend the summer in the sun? This amazing oil also provides protection against sun damage. Like most essential oil, pomegranate seed oil penetrates deeply into the skin, creating lasting and healthy moisture. The oil absorbs deeply into the skin without leaving any greasy residue behind. The oil is perfect for all skin types, including oily and acne prone skin. The oil is used in products meant for oily skin, to control acne breakout, reduce scarring and soothe minor irritation.

Let me know what works for you!

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Want your Instagram photos to pop! Be adventurous with your look. It is fun and easy to try new products. I love the way mink lashes look if applied properly. The key is to apply them properly no one wants to look like a cartoon character or the newest Internet meme! A Natural lash look can enhance your natural beauty. The ZivaLash collection features lush mink lashes that are light as a feather and easy to apply. Shave time off your beauty routine and a glamour to your look by following these easy steps.

DO 

  • Start with clean hands
  • The best time to apply mink lashes is following full makeup application, which will avoid eye shadow particles on the lash
  • Trim the lash to frame your lids
  • Apply DUO eyelash adhesive to the outer seam of the eyelash strip.  Allow the glue to dry for a minute before applying .  Do  not overdo it…a little goes a long way
  • Place the lash along your natural lash line
  • To remove mink lashes gently pinch on the end if they don’t loosen easily use a drop of makeup remover 

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Don’t

  • Don’t be cheap with eyelash adhesive. There are horror stories on the ‘Net of people using hair bonding glue to apply strip lashes
  • If you use the wrong adhesive you run the risk of losing your own lashes and eye damage
  • Wear your eyelashes overnight, you risk messing up the shape. 
  • Use an eyelash adhesive that is only for eyelashes

 Lashes are just as diverse as any other fashion, makeup or hair accessory. The ZivaLash Collection has an option that is perfect for practically every personality, style and occasion so don’t be afraid to try something new! Feeling a little extra flirty? Choose a longer lash. Want to be bold and dramatic, choose one with feathers! Lashes are the perfect way to express yourself and can be a creative conversation starter. Be sure to choose the right look for the right occasion, bat your lashes and get ready to be the beauty of the beholder.

 

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