Makeup Review: Maybeline Superstay 24 Color

WARNING!!! INTENSE, LONG LASTING COLOR!

I'm in luvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv with this lipstain/matte/gloss.  Yeah, you heard me right.  This can be used as a stain, matte lipstick or a gloss.  Rarely does a product that claims to last for several hours or not smudge, ever make good on its promise. So you must know that I was beyond surprised to find that this drugstore brand exceeded my expectations!  Not only did this stuff NOT smudge, and when I say NOT smudge, I'm talking blot my lips on a paper towel and absolutely NO product gets on the towel.  No smudging and it stayed on for the entire day and still looked good at the end of the day!  It was kind of hard to take off, even with Vaseline, but I was okay with that.

You apply a thin layer of the color side and allow it to dry, once dried you can leave it and it will look very much like a matte/stain, or you can then apply the gloss stick and give it some shine!  There's a wide range of colors and they are fairly inexpensive.  They regular price is about $8, however I purchased 3 of them on sale for roughly $5 each at Walgreens.  They are definitely worth it!  My new favorite!

This was after 7hours, after drinking and eating and no touch ups! [Eternal Sunset]

Left to Right - [Keep Up The Flame], [Eternal Sunset], [Lasting Lilac]

Nail Colors: Fun Spring Time Nails

Whenever I pop into my local Walgreens or CVS, I always check to see if Sinful Colors has come out with any new colors.  These 2 colors immediately caught my attention.  They pale yellow color is "Unicorn" and the pale green is "Innocent".  For $1.99 each, I couldn't pass them up!  They had lots of other colors, which I'll probably go back and pick up, but until then, I'll just have fun with these!

Perfect NUDE Lips: A Flattering Nude For Deep Skin Tones

I'm always searching for the "perfect" pink, red, purple!!!  Well, I finally found the perfect Nude lipgloss!  I'm sure I'll find one that's even more perfect, but for now, this is the one!!!  The brand is  Loreal Hip, Shine Struck Liquid Lipcolor (say that 3 x fast).  The color is called Reserved.  This picture is making it look a little more pink that it is. It's more of a true nude.  This color would probably look good on any skin tone, but I think it's more flattering for olive skin tones and deep skin tones.  It was on sale at Walgreens for $3.  I should have bought 2!  What your favorite nude lipstick/gloss?

Makeup Perfection: Nars Laguna Portrait Of Paradise Collection

Need I say more?  The richness and silkiness of the Laguna collection sold me at first glance.  I LOVE IT!!!  If you don't own at least one Nars product, you MUST treat yourself TODAY!  If you already own a ton of Nars products, I'm certain that you already know that you too MUST have your own piece(s) of the Laguna collection!!  Happy Narsing!!  :)  Shop at Narscosmetics.com to get your makeup fix!

All About Hair: I Want Yummy Smelling Hair!

Who doesn't want their hair to smell yummy???  I absolutely love when I catch a whiff of my hair and it smells sweet. I find myself walking a little faster or tossin' my hair to and fro, just so others can get a whiff of it too!  LOL!!

This hair perfume by Aquolina is Awesome!!  Love this stuff!!  Check out the description of the scent: Pink Sugar begins with sugary sweet notes of cotton candy, strawberry, raspberry and orange which fade to reveal sensual mid notes of lily of the valley, fig leaves, and barbe-a-papa. The scent finishes on rich, soft base notes of vanilla, amber, musk.  
How can you go wrong with that?  You can get it at ULTA for $15

You can spray a little in and it lasts all day!  If you don't like sweet scents, their are other hair fragrances on the market.  Some people even use a spritz of their own perfume or body wash.  This can be very drying if it contains alcohol, so be careful with that, or you can just make your own!


What You'll Need:                                                                                                                                                             
Your favorite carrier oil and favorite essential oil.  Examples of carrier oils: almond , olive, pecan, avocado, tea, cranberry seed, evening primrose, grapeseed, rose hip, coconut, jojoba, hazelnut, watermelon seed, etc.

Examples of essential oils: cinnamon, ginger, juniper berry, lavender, lemon, lime, mandarin, myrrh, peppermint, rose vanilla, etc,

Essential oils can irritate your skin if not used properly.  The following is a good rule of thumb to follow if you're going to try this:

A safe and effective dilution for most aromatherapy applications is 2% (2 drops of essential oil per 100 drops of carrier oil). There is no need to go beyond a 3% dilution for any purpose. Using more of an oil will not get you better results; in fact, it may cause adverse effects. Some oils, such as lavender, are sedating in low dilutions and stimulating in high dilutions. A 1% dilution should be used on children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with health concerns. 

When making blends for the first time, start with no more than two or three oils at a time. The more complicated blends require a bit more knowledge because the oils have synergistic effects (meaning that the combination of oils have properties greater than the um of the individual oils).

• 1% dilution: 5-6 drops essential oil per ounce of carrier oil
• 2% dilution: 7-14 drops essential oil per ounce of carrier oil
• 3% dilution: 15-18 drops essential oil per ounce of carrier oil

10 drops	1/10 tsp	1/60 oz.	1/8 dram	1/2 ml
12.5 drops	1/8 tsp	1/48 oz.	1/6 dram	5/8 ml
25 drops	1/4 tsp	1/24 oz.	1/3 dram	1 1/4 ml
50 drops	1/2 tsp	1/12 oz.	2/3 dram	2 1/2 ml
100 drops	1 tsp	1/6 oz.	1 1/3 dram	about 5 ml
150 drops	1 1/2 tsp	1/4 oz.	2 drams	13.5 ml
300 drops	3 tsp	1/2 oz.	4 drams	about 15 ml
600 drops	6 tsp	1 oz.	8 drams	about 30 ml
24 tsp	8 Tbs	4 oz.	1/2 cup	1/4 pint
48 tsp	16 Tbs	8 oz.	1 cup	1/2 pint
96 tsp	32 Tbs	16 oz.	2 cups	1 pint

All About Hair: My New Remedy For Dry Brittle Ends

I always like to have 3 faves of each product that I use.  Especially hair products!  You never know when one might get discontinued or not in stock.  One of my new faves for sealing my ends after moisturizing is Lanolin!  One of my closest friends/hairdresser recommended that I give it a try.  Boy was she right!  I put a little moisturizer on my ends and followed it up with some lanolin (100% pure lanolin) and in the morning my ends felt sooooooooooooooo soft!  This stuff is super thick and is a bit greasy, which is why I only apply it to my ends and I only use a little.  If you use a very small amount, you might be able to get away with using it on curly hair.  If  you have straight hair, I wouldn't recommend it.  Like I said, it is very greasy and may way your hair down.   It may not be for everyone, but I think it's definitely worth giving it a try.  You can purchase it online at Amazon, or give your neighborhood Target a try.  I found a small tube (my friend's suggestions) at Target in the nursing mother's section.  It cost me about $10.00 for a 2 or 3 ounce tube. Although it's a little pricey, I have a feeling that the stuff will last forever!  Here's some info I found on the net regarding lanolin.

What is lanolin?                                                                                                                                    
Lanolin is a very greasy material produced by the sebaceous glands of sheep. It acts as an excellent moisturizer for skin and hair and also functions as an effective water barrier.  In its natural state, lanolin contains about 25-30% water by weight. When applied to skin or hair, it is very effective at penetrating the surface and enhancing moisture retention. Lanolin is also beneficial because it continues to absorb moisture from the air, and can thus act as a humectant for the skin or hair.

Is it safe?                                                                                                                                              
Some people are allergic to lanolin, especially if it is not purified enough, and some people prefer to avoid animal products (although sheep are not killed to have their wool collected).

Can I use it on my skin?                                                                                                                       
It is often a key ingredient in chapsticks, creams, shaving lotions, and skin moisturizers. It is often used medically to soothe rashes, minor burns and abrasions. In these cases, it is very purified; less-refined lanolin can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Zoya Nail Polish and Nail Treatments

ZOYA

If you are not familiar with ZOYA nail polish, then you are missing out!  I am a new convert to this brand. First off, it boasts, toxin free, long lasting nail colors. There are so many fab colors to choose from!  Now, the color doesn't seem to last any longer than any other brand that I've tried, but I still love it to pieces.  To be fair I rarely use a topcoat like I should, so that could be the reason that it doesn't last much longer. The prices are comparable to any other name brand polish, however, they also have really awesome sales.  I just recently purchased 3 bottles for free (except for shipping) and before that, there was a BOGO sale.  

If you're looking for a new brand of nail polish or nail treatments, I would definitely recommend giving ZOYA a try.   

Product Review: Jane Carter Solutions Hair Care Products

Jane Carter Solution

I never even heard of Jane Carter Solution products until I attended Felicia Leatherwood's online Natural Haircare Workshop. Felicia couldn't say enough good things about this product line so I thought I'd give it a try.  Because my hair is really dry, I am always trying to find the next best conditioning product that will leave my hair moisturized without feeling oily. I've found it!!! I purchased the Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner and the Nourish & Shine, both at Target.  I have been using the leave-in daily, mainly on my ends and I have been using the Nourish and Shine to seal my ends and also with blow drying.  My hair has never felt so silky soft!  The natural healthy shine it gives my hair is an added bonus!  I will definitely be giving some of the other products on this line a try, because I am thoroughly impressed with the 2 that I've been using. 

Pros

• All natural ingredients
• No parabens
• Light and clean fragrance 
• Affordable
• Can be found at Target
• Products can be purchased in a "regimen" bundle

Cons

• I didn't find out about this sooner

If you've tried any of the Jane Carter products, please let me know what products you've tried and what you think about this line.

Product Review: Reviewing Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave In Detangler

Kinky Curly Knot Today

I was hearing so much about the Kinky Curly line that I had to give there products a try.  I opted to try one of the less expensive items, which was the Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave In Detangler ($12.00).  Detangling my hair isn't a real issue, so I purchased the product to use it as leave in conditioner.  I am extremely pleased with this product.  My hair is extremely dry and needs daily moisturizing.  I am able to use this product daily without my hair feeling oily or heavy. I use it mostly on my ends because they tend to be extremely dry.  This product keep my ends feeling soft and silky.  This have become one of my staples and has been put into heavy rotation.  I also use it for twist and braid outs and I get wonderful results.

I have heard wonderful things about other products from this line.  In the near future I may be giving some of the other products a try to see if they are as impressive as this one.

Have you tried any of the Kinky Curly products?  If so, which ones and what is your opinion of them?

Skincare: Home RemediesTo Treat Acne During Winter Months

Is the winter air causing your acne to flare up?  The constant change in climate from being in the dry air of our heated homes and then outside in the cold air can aggravate the skin of those that are prone to acne.  Here are few money saving home remedies that you can try.

Whip Out The Humidifier/Vaporizer

Using a humidifier for a couple of hours each day can increase the moisture content in the air and help to keep your skin hydrated.

Change Your Cleanser

Some cleansers can be very drying, especially if they contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.   Try using a milder cleanser.  Neutrogena, Dove and one of my favorites, Aveeno, have mildly formulated cleansers that are gentle but still effective with for treatment and prevention of breakouts.

Cut Back On The Astringents

Astringents are great for removing excess oils.  When used excessively, they can over-dry your skin.  They are meant to be used sparsely and ideally, you should be using them on the affected area only.   Due to it's drying properties, try to use your astringent every other day.  Try alternating with witch hazel. which can be found at almost any local drugstore, Target or Walmart.

Moisturize Moisturize Moisturize

I know you probably think that moisturizing means to add oil to your skin which is what got you into this problem in the first place.  The truth is, all skin types need to moisturizing on a regular bases.  There are plenty of oil free moisturizers on the market and you will have to experiment with a few to see what works for you. Again,  I will have to recommend the Aveeno brand.  I have extremely sensitive skin.  I use my Aveeno moisturizer twice a day every single day and I have no reaction to it.  In fact, my skin is in better condition that it has been in years.

Drink Plenty Of Water And Exercise

I know you probably hear this all the time, but it really is true. Drinking water and green tea can help you to cleanse toxic impurities from your skin. A healthy exercise regimens that produces some sweat isn't a bad idea either.  When you sweat you get rid of impurities as well.

- The following is my personal skin regimen.  I sometimes use different products and change it up a bit, but this is my basic routine.  This may or may not work for you, but it gives you an idea of something you can try.

Night

Wash with Ambi cleanser bar

While my face is still damp I apply Aveeno Daily moisturizer

Morning

Wash face using a face towel and warm water 

Apply Aveeno Daily moisturizer

If  I notice that my skin is unusually oil, I use Clean and Clear astringent.  I exfoliate weekly using my regular cleanser with a facial buffing pad and I do a clay mud mask using Aztec Betonite clay once a week (when I remember).

*Tip: Adopt a regular cleansing regimen with minimal products.  Healthy skin isn't about lathering on tons of products to get the benefits of it's promises. It's really about paying attention to your skin and finding out what is the cause behind your breakouts and treating the problem. Find out what triggers your acne. Whether it be stress, diet, air pollutants, hormonal or climate changes, and try to mitigate what's triggering it.  If you're at your wit's end with your acne and nothing seems to work, contact your doctor or dermatologist for help.

Product Review: Shea Moisture-Natural Organic Haircare

Shea Moisture is a certified natural organic company that carries haircare and skincare product.  I often look for natural and/or organic products to care for my hair, so when I saw this line in Target and read its list of ingredients, I wanted to give it a try.

First off I would like to say that prior to using the products I read the company's background information online, and after reading, I was even more eager to try their products. This company started from very humble beginnings and they appear to take extreme care in the making of their products and the customers that use it.  I purchased the Raw Shea Butter Moisturizing Shampoo, Raw Shea Restorative Trauma Mask, Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Hold Smoothie, Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Conditioning Milk and the Coconut & Hibiscus Hold & Shine Moisture Mist.

The first thing I noticed is the scent of the product.  They smell like cocoa-coconut goodness!  If you do not like a fragrant product, this is not for you, however, I happen to love fragrant hair products, especially natural scents such as this.  The first product I used was the shampoo.  The shampoo felt extremely luxurious and lathered quite a bit with just a small amount.  It only took one wash to get my hair clean and tit left my hair feeling as though I had conditioned it.  My hair felt really soft and silky.  I love this product so much that I have now added it to my weekly regimen.

The Trauma Mask was next on my list.  I wasn't that crazy over this product.  I tried to do a deep condition with it and I didn't like the way it made my hair feel.  To be fair, my hair was in braids for quite a bit of time prior to using this product and therefore my hair wasn't well conditioned and that could have contributed to its poor performance. I will have to give it another chance  in order to give it a fair assessment.

I hadn't tried any curl puddings or creams prior to trying their Curl and Hold Smoothie, so I don't have anything to reference it to, however, I liked this product a lot.  A lot goes a long ways so you don't have to use much and it really does define your curls!  I found that it does leave behind a bit of a film on the hair.  This doesn't bother me so much.  I just had to experiment a little to figure out what amount works best for my hair.  I use this for my twist and braid-outs and sometimes just as a leave-in conditioner.

Three down and Two to go!  I tried using the Curl and Style Milk for a wash-n-go and I didn't have much success, however, using it for a twist or braid-out worked really well. The Curl and Hold Smoothie is really thick almost like pudding, where this product is more like the consistency of lotion.  I do really like this product but I tend to lean toward a more thick product to control my hair, so I prefer the Curl Smoothie, however I use this product as a leave-in conditioner more than a styler.

Last but not least is the Shine Spray.  I love the Shine Spray!  It's very light, non-greasy and I can use it whenever I wanna give my hair a little shine and moisture.  I use a little in the morning before leaving for work and if I happen to be going out for drinks or dinner, I spray a little more on before I leave out the door and my hair never feels weighed down or greasy.

Overall, I would give Shea Moisture a 4 out of 5 and this is only for the products that I've used.  They have several more products that I haven't tried yet, but I most likely will.  I expected the products to cost more than the $9.99 each, I paid for them at Target, but I'm not complaining!  I definitely recommend giving them a try.  If you've already tried Shea Moisture, let me know what you think?

For more info on this company, check out their website here.