My Two Cents: Discussion On The Natural VS. Relaxed Debate

Relaxed VS. Natural

There is lots of discussion about natural hair versus relaxed hair and I figured that I'd add my 2 cents to this topic.

First, I would like to say that although I prefer my hair to be in its natural state, I do not believe that this makes me or my hair better or even healthier than the hair of anyone else. Healthy, beautiful hair, and even damaged hair can be found on both natural and relaxed hair.  I have seen this discussion take an ugly turn when someone decides to get on their high horse and dictate to others what they "should be" doing with their hair.  In my opinion it's not so much the state of the hair,  as it is the state of mind an individual is in when they make the choices they make.

Wearing your hair how you choose to wear it is a choice that you are entitled to, but if your decisions are based on some sort of crazy superiority complex or feelings of inferiority then you might want to take a step back and access your reasoning behind your decision for the sake of your own mental well being.  In my opinion, hair is an accessory. You should be free and feel free-minded to do whatever you want with it! Dye it, Cut it, Curl it, relax it, lock it, twist it, braid it, shave it, perm it...do whatever your little heart desires, because it is just hair and you should have way more going for you than just your hair anyways. We shouldn't allow a silly device such as "natural vs. relaxed" to divide us.

All this is to say, whatever you decide to do with your hair, allow it to come from your freedom of choice and from doing what makes your happy and nothing more.  That is all...

Are you relaxed?  Are you natural?  I would love to hear your point of view on this topic.

Fashion Fun: Leather Shorts Trend Made It To My Fashion Radar

 

Leather shorts are one fashion trend that I will definitely be following!  You know I rarely shop new, so I will be perusing some of the local bay are Thrift and Goodwill stores to find the perfect pair.  I will keep you all updated on whether or not I find some good ones!

I love these, especially the first pair.

I want her whole outfit!

I want hers too!

Makeup Look: BFTE Cosmetics One Shadow Makeup Look

Beauty From The Earth                                                                       

Beauty From The Earth Cosmetics is one of my favorites! Although BFTE carries a full line of varying cosmetic products I have been stuck on their mineralized eyeshadows! I can't get over how vibrant the colors are. They are all so true to what they look like online.  They offer both, a sample size(which comes in jars, not baggies) and a full size.  If you're new to BFTE you can try a sample size, which is a generous amount of product(for only $2).  They also have a weekly COTW (color of the week), where you get a full sized product which is regulary $6 for $2.  You just can't go wrong with this!  I have a substantial little collection that I'm building, so soon it will be time for me to venture out and try some of the other products that they offer.  On a side note, I like that the owner's are very active with their Facebook page and with their customers.  The service is very personable which is something that you don't see so often anymore.  So if you want affordable, high quality cosmetics, they are definitely worth the purchase!

This Look:
Eyes - BFTE (Addicted)
Cheeks - MAC (Ambering Rose)
Lips - MAC Superglass (Giftwrap)

This look was created with only one eyeshadow color.  The trick is to blend the color to give it more definition and depth.  I applied Addicted to the base of my eyelid and blended it upwards. I did a heavy line of black black creme liner to my upper and lower lid and smudged it a bit.  I added the blush and lipgloss and voila!  This literally took less than 10 minutes!

Makeup Stuff: The Perfect Pink Affordable Lipgloss

I'm always looking for a great pink lipgloss that isn't too light and isn't too deep of a color.  I picked this color up at Walgreens. It was on sale when I purchased it for around $4.00.  It's Shine Struck Liquid Lipcolor by L'oreal Hip called Euphoric(say that 3x fast! sheesh!) This product is just as good as my MAC products and more than half the cost of MAC.  So, if you're looking for an affordable pink lipgloss, give these a try.  I picked up a few more colors that I love, but this pink really got me!

All About Hair: Keeping Split Ends At Bay During Cold Winter Months

 

 Cold winter air can be extremely drying which can result in brittle and/or split ends.  Some people do regular trims to keep their split ends at bay, however, I do not.  I use the "seek and destroy" or also referred to as "dusting" method, which entails removing only the hairs with split ends. After blow drying my hair, I part it into 4 sections.  I check the ends of each section and snip wherever it's needed.  I do this once every couple of months. This practice along with daily moisturizing minimizes excessive split ends for me.

Daily moisturizing has been the real lifesaver. I use a leave-conditioner each day (sometimes twice a day) and then I seal my ends with shea butter or a castor oil and olive oil mix.  Keeping the ends moisturized makes them more pliable so that they are less likely to dry out and break off and/or split.  Here are a few leave-in conditioners that I use to help combat dry ends:

Knot Today

Jane Carter Solution 

Shea Moisture

Chi Keratin Mist

What are some of your favorite products you use to keep your split ends under control?

 

Fashion Dupe: Affordable Alternative To The Aldo Or Steve Madden Boot

 Both Aldo and Steve Madden has a boot that is similar to these pair that I picked up at Forever 21.  Both Aldo and Steve Madden's boots are over $100.  Forever 21 had these for $36.00.  I was so happy that I found them, because I really wanted an affordable pair of fur lined boots for the winter!  This photo isn't even doing them any justice I tell yuh! I'm still having slight camera issues and this photo makes it look as though there is glue around the base of the shoe, but there isn't. I had to do a double take to make sure. Although they are very tall (5 inches) They are quite comfortable.  They had them in black as well along with lots of other pairs of shoes that I had a hard time NOT purchasing.  I have to hold back on the spending or the only one getting gifts this year will be me!

(folded down)

Glittery DIY Manicure Just In Time For The New Year!

This glittery duo made me think of New Years.  If you're going to be out partying for NYE this is a fun look to try!

What I used:

 Milani - High Fashion

Icing - Golden Touch

So this one was easy.  Just two coats of the black and one coat of the clear gold glitter and finish with a nice clear top coat.  I love the outcome of this one.