Engineering Natural Beauty

So I kinda need to graduate

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 01:08:00 -0400

This summer I’m working on finishing my Graduate Thesis and right now I’m at the final push. All my energy will be going into that for the time being. I will back to blogging in September, I know such a long time away.

Wish me luck as I finish. Enjoy the weather and the rest of summer!

Happy 4th of July

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 07:06:00 -0400

Hope everyone has a safe and fun Independence Day!

Love and Foolishness Atlanta: Episode Three Recap

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 08:28:03 -0400

Image courtesy of Vh1

So we pick up right where we left off last week with Joseline and Stevie J talking about her pregnancy. Side note: Joseline really needs a speech coach, I had to turn the closed captions on, and it’s only been two minutes into the episode. For the first time I bet Joseline is being honest with Stevie J, by telling him she going to leave him with no money after she’s through with him because he asked who’s the father of the baby.

K. Michelle returns this episode talking with a producer about her upcoming showcase.

Momma Dee also makes an appearance when Scrappy goes to his mother to talk about moving out of his and Erica’s home. Momma of course supports him as long as he doesn’t bring any woman around like Diamond. She really hates Diamond!

More foolishness after the jump.

Wow, I really like Rashida’s husband Kirk, he has a really level head on his shoulders. I think he might be the most balanced of the whole group. He understands his wife’s entitlement problem and that he may not be the best person to be handling her music career. I like that their marriage is shown as a real partnership.

In order to see if she can delay Scrappy’s move Erica decides to dress in sexy lingerie. This is the weirdest set up between Erica and Scrappy. I’m not going to lie this made me uncomfortable and I so not a prude. I just think the artificialness of it all makes me uneasy.

K.Michelle was great at her showcase and sang her heart out and all the ladies where in attendance. But unfortunately a drunken Stevie J decided to ruin Mimi’s night out with her friends by trying to demand a kiss from her. Mimi wasn’t haven’t any of his attitude especially after being told by Karlie that another woman has said she’s slept with Stevie J too. Erica finding Mimi rebuff funny decided to imitate Stevie J after he walks away, but Stevie J hears what is being said and goes back to confront her. Not finding Stevie J at all intimidating Erica stands her ground and tells him he should just go. At the end of their heated exchange, Stevie J called Erica bitch.

The morning after the club incident Mimi and Stevie J meet up to discuss his wild behavior. In her talking head Mimi says she kicked him out the bedroom last night. Again Stevie J being such a terrible liar tells Mimi that he can’t recall whether or not he slept with another woman. How can you not recall Stevie J? You’re supposed to be in a monogamous relationship Mimi should be the last person you slept with. At first I really thought that Mimi was being blind by staying with Stevie J. But after hearing some of her word choices (I don’t want to hear about you with other woman) I think she’s okay with him sneaking around as long as he’s discrete about his affair. Which in my opinion isn’t necessarily that bad, however the important part of this kind of arrangement is discretion; Stevie J is not keeping his business a secret. He’s disrespecting her by waving his indiscretions in her faceand for me that is unforgivable offense.

Next we find Joseline talking to her neighbor and friend about her pregnancy. During her talking head we find out the Stevie J saved her stripping and she owes him so much. She feels stuck between being true to herself and choosing her career.

After the commercial we find Erica talking to Scrappy as he’s packing up his things. She decided to tell him about her exchange of words with Stevie J. Scrappy is visibly upset after hearing Stevie J called Erica a bitch. He says he will be ‘politically hood correct’ when he approaches Stevie J about the incident.

K.Michelle decided to visit Ariane to talk about her showcase. After pleasantries K.Michelle informs Ariane that Karlie when to her producer and said that he’s working with the wrong artist, referring to K.Michelle. This rightfully upset K.Michelle, she invited Karlie to the showcase out of kindness and she disrespected her hostess. K.Michelle goes on a long and funny rant about how Karlie is 50 years old trying to chase down a record deal and how she looks a mess.

K.Michelle decides to meet with Jeff Robinson a well-respected music manager. K.Michelle would like for him to manage her, but unfortunately she has her negative reputation following her. I really hope that she can get second chance; she knows she made a mistake my getting involved romantically with a former executive.

At the end of the episode we get Joseline telling Mimi she’s pregnant by Stevie. Again I really get the feeling Mimi knows what Stevie is up too. She tells Joseline “I know what I’m dealing with when it comes to Stevie. I’m not a fool, I know what I got.” I don’t think it gets any clearer than that. Mimi is angrier about the disrespect than the cheating (to each their own?). Joseline texts Stevie to come to the restaurant after Mimi makes the request. When he gets there he’s holding Mimi old pregnancy test. Like Mimi said, “I don’t know why any man would carry around the next bitch’s pregnancy test in their poket.” Where they do that at?! After the conversation dissolves into a messy he/she said Mimi leaves Stevie J and Joseline to talk amongst themselves. After she leaves Stevie J, in his talking head, says that he’s going to handle his business with Joseline. To late homie, if you were handling your business Joseline wouldn’t be pregnant.

The argument escalates and they move outside. Once outside Joseline tells Stevie J that she’s done with his rules and him controlling her life. Also that he can threaten her all he wants, but he’s not going to make her go back to the strip club. At the end Stevie J tries to act tough and say that Joseline isn’t done speaking to him for a long time and to watch how she speaks to him. He finishes by telling her she look nice. Dude WTF!!!!! Ugh just go crawl into a hole Stevie J, scum nothing but scum.

In the preview for next week’s episode we see the altercation between Stevie J and Scrappy. I cannot wait! See you for next week’s installment of Love and Foolishness.

Thesis Deadline

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 08:15:56 -0400

Hi everyone, I just wanted to let you know that I have a major thesis deadline this week and all my energy needs to be focused on that. I’ll post once more before the weekend. Then its back to the regularly scheduled program!

Thank you for being so understanding.

Love and Foolishness Atlanta: Episode Two Recap

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 08:25:47 -0400

Image courtesy of Vh1

I don’t even know where to begin with this episode. It’s only the second one and the ratchetness level has already reached critical limits.

This episode begins with Ariane and Mimi discussing Mimi’s fight with Stevie J over Joseline. In her talking head Ariane knows that Mimi isn’t gonna leave Stevie J but wants to be a good friend and support her during this time. She even suggests that Mimi should leave Stevie J and I agree since he’s running around Atlanta with his side chick on a national tv show.

Next we are introduced to the last cast member Rasheeda, she’s a “female underground hip hop entertainer.” I respect the fact that she went independent as an artist, I’m not going to listen to her music, but I respect the hustle. (So off topic but I really need to acknowledge this: why is Kirk’s Adam’s apple so prominent?) Kirk and Rasheeda discuss some stuff that has to do with her album, blah blah no one cares.

Read more of the foolishness after the jump!

Karlie (who I love) is still trying to get Stevie J to produce a record for her and decided to go to his studio to talk to him. But instead of Stevie she runs into Joseline who is still upset about Karlie talking about her and Stevie to Mimi. Being honest Karlie calls her on her affair with Stevie and says “If you don’t want anyone to know be more careful.” But Joseline wants to play dumb and act like no one can see what’s going on between them but Karlie isn’t buying her mess. Joseline lets Karlie know that she won’t be working with Stevie until her say so. First of all Joseline who the hell are you? You are just one artist how do you have a say anything else Stevie J does? Also you only call your father or you man/lover/or anyone else you’re sleeping with daddy. So please child.

With his tail between his legs Stevie J tries to apologize to Mimi at her job. First of all I have never seen such a terrible and mediocre apology in my life and this man can’t lie for s#@%. Not feeling up for his apology Mimi asks him if he’s ever slept with Joseline and he can barely reply “no” cause of his laughing and smiling. Apparently suggesting she can have 10% of his business is his way of saying he’s sorry. Which is terrible because 10% of nothing is nothing cause I have yet to see Joseline sing/act/dance/rap or whatever it is she’s suppose to be doing as an “artist”.

We move on to a scene with Rasheeda and Kirk talking about doing a music video and her putting all her effort into her current project. Then another scene with Erica and her mother talking about her relationship with Lil Scrappy and their own relationship.

After the commerical break we return to Mimi and Stevie J having dinner. After sitting down Mimi presents Stevie J with paperwork asking for 20% ownership. The look on Stevie J’s face when he realizes that she’s not kidding and that the documents before him are actually legal contracts is priceless!

You mad?

But I do have to comment, Mimi it’s okay for him to cheat as long as the money is good? Then Stevie J sings her a song and for whatever reason this delusional chick decides that everything is okay between them.

After that head shaking moment we find Kirk trying to find Rasheeda since she’s two hours late for her own video. When she does arrive her excuse is that she needed to pick up the last of the clothes for the video since she doesn’t have a stylist. Rasheeda you’re not on a major labor and you’re not a star with a bunch of money. Stop feeling entitled to all those luxuries, sit down and record and your strip club music.

Karlie and Mimi decide to catch up and Karlie apologizes for causing all that commotion at K.Michelle’s birthday party. Mimi brushes it off and they get to talking about the real dirt. I don’t really know what else a woman can do when someone tells you that your man is f%&*ing another woman. But apparently Mimi thinks that it’s okay to just nod your head along and agree. (where they do that at?) But I do love Karlie’s segue into wanting to work with Stevie J. That woman does not miss a beat. I don’t know if she’s purposely stirring up drama, but I can tell you that she’s definitely up to something.

Next we move to Stevie J and Joseline talking about her missing her “fairy god-mother”and she’s late. Hey Joseline if you’re not messing with your manager then why are you telling him you might be pregnant? As if right on queue Mimi walks in to let Joseline know that she is now a partner and Stevie J will be working with Karlie. You can see the contempt so clearly written on her face.

After we see Scrappy and Erica talk about their relationship and that he wants to move into his own place.

Feeling indignant Joseline (who some how knew when and where Karlie is working out 0_o) decided to let Karlie know how she really feels about her working with Stevie J. Karlie doesn’t feel phased by the confrontation and Joseline ends up walking away.

During the last scenes of the show we see Joseline walking into the studio bathroom(?) to take a pregnancy test. Can I just comment on how dramatic this is, she does the slow walk to the building and then to the bathroom to take a pregnancy test. Why are the camera’s in the toilet with her? I’m a smart viewer I would have gotten the meaning, I didn’t need to see that woman pee on stick.

Joseline takes the pregnancy test to Stevie J who subtly suggest she get an abortion (classy guy) cause she’s got photo shoots. He also wonders why she’s taking the pregnancy test to him. Could it be cause she trusts him or he’s the only person she feels can turn too or could it be the fact that for the last six months they’ve been sleeping together and he’s the father.

I just can’t with this show! It’s highly scripted but it’s a train wreck I can’t stop myself from watching. Tune in next week for more foolishness!

Sometimes You Stumble On Something

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 08:28:36 -0400

This is my second summer being natural and I had yet to find a perfect summer routine. I have my winter regimen down but I am still experimenting with what will work now that it’s warmer. I figured out that I need to start deep conditioning (DC) twice weekly to keep it moisturized since I’m wearing it out almost everyday. However until this weekend I was still struggling to find the right oil to seal my hair. I normally use butters during the winter but they weigh my hair down to much during the summer. I’ve tried coconut oil, olive oil, and castor oil with minimum success.

However this weekend I need to go out with friends and needed to style my hair quickly. I decided to skip using an oil so that my hair could dry faster. What I ended up with was great results. My hair was still moisturized and wasn’t weighed down by the oil. I’m super excited I finally have a daily summer routine that works and gives me great hair.

Have you stumbled on something that works for your hair?

Trying Something New

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 18:11:47 -0400

I’ve been using Castor oil as a part of my Deep Conditioning (DC) for over a year and in that time my hair has gotten significantly thicker. But this is the only way I use it Wanting to try something different, I decided to use Castor oil to seal my latest flat-twist out. I think I got pretty decent results.

I used Carols Daughter’s Hair Milk, Curls Control Paste, and Castor oil to seal.

The Control Paste was just applied to my roots to reduce frizz. I used a nickel size amount of Castor oil to the length of my hair.

Enjoy the weekend everyone, I know I will! :)

Everything Ain't For Everybody

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 08:25:29 -0400

One of the first things you realize when starting your natural hair journey, is that the whole process is trial and error in hopes of finding your Holy Grail (HG) products and methods. The next thing you’ll realize is that no two natural/transitioning heads are alike so many of the things you read about on blogs and see on YouTube will in fact not work for your hair. Below is a list of things that I have tried all in the name of achieving beautiful hair.

Making my own Products

Food as Deep Conditioner
I have tried an assortment of food as DC: bananas, mangoes, eggs, mayonnaise, etc. I would say that the lack of success on this one is my fault. I didn’t realize that the food needs to be pureed to smooth consistency so it can be easily washed out of hair. Even though I was left with moisturized hair, I’m super lazy with my hair products so the time to make and mix all the stuff together takes to much time for me. I really envy the mixtresess who make their own hair care products, I hope to buy your product line one day.

Flax seed Gel
I decided to make this after watching Naptural85’s video. I made it once and used it once to not so stellar results. Again I don’t think I have a natural talent for DIY.

Shea Butter Mix
Another failed attempt. I have watched YouTube video after YouTube video and my mixes don’t come out the same and they also didn’t work well. Again due to my lack of skills.

But I accept that this isn’t my calling and I am more than willing to pay for wonderfully made products.

Curlformers
This has to be my worst purchase yet. They cost over $80 including shipping and I used them a grand total of: once. They are not easy or convenient to sleep in and I don’t want to spend a whole day waiting for them to dry. So if anyone out there has an alternative way to use them I would really appreciate it.

Product Reviews and the Lie I always tell Myself

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 08:28:02 -0400

WARNING: This post may trigger Product Junkie relapse

Every time I walk into a large retailer I lie to myself. I say, “I’m just going to look in the hair aisle, I won’t by anything.” This time I lied to myself in Target. Here I am walking down the hair care aisle and what do I see at the end a sign for natural hair care. As I walk closer, I can’t believe what I’m seeing, I walk faster thinking my eyes have deceived me. But no they are not the Target in my podunk town is finally carrying Shea Moisture Hair Products and in that moment I know that the hair gods have smiled upon me.

I have wanted to try Shea Moisture hair products since I first heard of them last summer. The line has been available through Target online since last year. But the Target in my podunk town just got the hair care products recently and I was so excited to see them! (I’ve only been natural for 18 months but in the beginning of my journey not many stores carried hair care products for natural hair. Or the products they did carry contained: silicones, alcohols, parabens, mineral oil, etc. So I love that many stores are starting to carry more brands with better ingredients.) I decided to pick up Coconut Hibiscus Curl and Style Milk, Deep Treatment Masque(review coming later), and since I was indulging my Product Junkism (PJism) I also purchased Curls Passion Fruit Curl Control Paste.

I was expecting great things from the Style Milk and was left feeling indifferent. It left my hair moisturized and soft and It doesn’t have much hold but I don’t look for that much in my leave in stylers. This also smells lovely its more floral scented with a slight hint of coconut. The Style Milk has a good thick consistency and a dime size amount on medium twists I found works best. I just don’t think that it’s better than Purabody Naturals Murumuru Moisture Milk or Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk. So I would purchase it again, but I don’t think it’s going to be apart of my regular routine.

Now the Curls Control Paste did surprise me and I couldn’t be happier. I’m a sucker for anything that can promise to make my hair shiny. When I saw this on the shelf above Shea Moisture I was immediately intrigued and after quick glance at the ingredients this product found its way into my cart. The pictures below can show you how much shine this product added to my hair.

The product has a very strong caramel smell in the jar but didn’t notice any smell once it was in my hair. This product is not a gel so it doesn’t have a strong hold but it does define curls and can tame frizz and fly away hairs. It has a thicker consistency then gel it’s more like an old school pomade. This will definitely be helping me add shine to my Wash n’ Go’s this summer.

Hope you’re out enjoying the weather!

Love and Foolishness Atlanta: Episode One Recap

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 08:24:01 -0400

Image courtesy of Vh1

The season premiere of Love and Hip Hop:Atlanta started with long-term couple Stevie J and Mimi Faust driving to the suburbs of Atlanta. Stevie J is taking Mimi to new house he just bought for her and their daughter. However Mimi isn’t falling for all the smoke and mirrors. She knows that by having her out in the suburbs it will be easier for Stevie J to indulge his other “side projects” back in Atlanta. When called on his bs, he gets mad at Mimi. Stevie J have every right to be upset, it must really suck when your plans to juggle your mistress and long-term partner seems to not be working.

We next transition to on and off couple Lil’ Scrappy and Erica Dixon and singer K. Michelle. Erica and Lil’ Scrappy are trying to salvage their relationship once Lil’ Scrappy came back after leaving Erica for local Atlanta rapper Diamond. This story line doesn’t seem all that interesting and neither does K.Michelle’s. I really hope K.Michelle’s role on the show doesn’t go the way of Reece from the last season of Love and Hip Hop.

We return from the commercial break to find Mimi discussing Stevie J’s house purchase with her good friend Ariane. Ariane being the good friend she is tells Mimi that she needs to leave him and she deserves better. Ariane begins to break down and cry to her friend about upset she is over Mimi’s relationship. How many of us can relate to Ariane in this situation? Seeing a friend consumed by a toxic relationship and feeling helpless at getting them to truly see the situation. In her talking head Mimi says she believes Stevie J when he says he wants his family. Sorry Mimi but actions speak louder than words and so far his words are worth s#*@.

Speaking of Stevie J, we are now introduced to the lovely Joseline Hernandez, the “artist” he is currently managing. Also what kind of mix is her accent, is it Southern? Latin? I say put artist in quotes because I doubt that he’s only managing her career with their not so subtle banter of why her body is in good shape. Or it could be Joseline’s talking head where she states, “[Stevie] don’t just want to f@#% on me…it’s not about the sex…it’s not about Stevie getting in my pants. I want Stevie forever…He f@#%’s my brain.” O_o Excuse me?! How do you have your side chick claiming you on national tv. At least Big Poppa had the sense to not show up on the Real Housewives of Atlanta.

Next Momma Dee, Lil’ Scrappy’s mother, is introduced and her language is colorful to say the least. But just when I thought we had another throw away story line, we find out that MommaDee used to be a drug dealer to help support her two kids. (Note to self don’t mess with MommaDee). Lil’ Scrappy has come over to his mother’s house to talk about his relationship with Erica. Specifically how she doesn’t want to be affectionate with him, after he cheated her on several times and eventually left her for another woman. No Scrappy I don’t know why she wouldn’t want to be closer to you? (I’ve always wondered, do people not take into account their own actions. All it would take is a little bit of self-reflection and he would understand he has to earn her trust back.) We also get to know how she feels about Scrappy’s ex Diamond. According to MommaDee, “[Diamond] didn’t need a record deal; she needed a making care deal the way it was stinking.” I don’t even know what that means.

After the second commercial break K.Michelle is meeting friend to catch-up. We find out that her ex-boyfriend/manager physically abused her and stole over two million dollars. We move on to Momma Dee and Erica discussing her current relationship with Scrappy. Erica feels offended when Momma Dee suggests that she’s not showing him enough love. The two get in a brief argument about Erica not knowing how to give affection because she wasn’t raised by her mother. I’m glad Erica stood up for herself and let Momma Dee knows she will not be intimidated. I have to be honest I could barely understand what Momma Dee was saying or what she meant. It seems like Momma Dee may have a few screws loose.

Mimi decides that she needs to talk to Stevie J about whether or not he wants to joins her and their daughter in the new home. He’s able to work his magic and gets Mimi to temporarily drop the subject.

Karlie Redd is the next cast member introduced; she is singer/rapper looking to work with Stevie J. For some reason Joseline is at the business lunch wearing what I can only describe as a bathing suit cover up.

The episode ends with K. Michelle’s birthday party. The women are mingling and having a good time. Karlie begins to talk Joseline and her man Stevie J. Mimi and Ariane are quick to correct Karlie. She responds that during her lunch yesterday the two looked like they were more than business partners. Soon after this revelation Stevie J and Joseline walk in and Mimi is livid. (Btw what is Joseline wearing? She looks like she’s trying to merge several different styles into one nonsensical outfit) Stevie J, Mimi, Joseline, Ariane, and Karlie have a conversation to get to the bottom of the situation. Karlie says that she saw Joseline and Stevie J kissing. Fed up with the he said/she said Ariane takes Mimi outside of the club (In her talking head Ariane says that Mimi should have punched. I’m not one to condone violence, but in this case I agree.) Stevie J goes after her, pissing of Joseline who throws her drink at him. He returns back to Joseline who tells him, “You better act like you f@#%ing know!” (She has got him so whipped!)

Apparently not liking the attitude Joseline is now showing him, Stevie J throws a drink at drink at her, ruining her god awful fur. Deciding he would rather be with Joseline for the time being Stevie gets into his car with her. Seeing this, Mimi walks over and opens the back door. Once he’s been caught Stevie J says that he was looking for Mimi. Not falling for his mess Mimi confronts Stevie J and tells him that she’s done being in limbo with him. Instead of focusing on Mimi, he decided to take a call from Joseline and go to the studio with her; leaving Mimi in the parking lot.

The lack of disrespect Stevie J shows Mimi is disgusting. How do you parade your side chick in front of camera’s this way on the same show your long-term girlfriend and mother of your child is on? I just can’t, he and Joseline both deserve each other. For the first time in the history of watching this show, I actually wanted Mimi to act like she had no sense. Stevie J totally deserves it, he is definitely trying to play Mimi for a fool. The only thing worse is that Mimi is letting him. I really hope at some point in the season Mimi officially tells this dude to go kick rocks.

Black Hair and Politics

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 08:22:49 -0400

I was over on XOJane the other day reading a post about natural hair and black beauty culture. In the comments section one reader asked, if the current natural hair movement is happening with little attachment to anything overtly political is that making it easier for more people to participate and would that kind of political attachment change it in any significant way.

First of all black hair in America is political, whether we want it to be or not. We all know the rhetoric that hair relaxers and other straightening tools/methods are a way for black women to achieve Eurocentric ideals of beauty. Also they are trying to deny their true selves. Whereas natural hair is more defiant, “real”, and “more black”. (MAJOR side eye to all of that!)

So unfortunately there are going to be some women who will make hair choices based on these ideas. I have a friend who told me one of the reasons she doesn’t want to go natural is she doesn’t want to seem more militant. (I personally think she would look fantastic.) The greater political implications within the black community and in this country will always be a factor. But on the smaller every day scale of how we each live our lives, I don’t think they play a big role in the hair choices of many woman of color.

When reading transition stories most woman want to go natural for health reasons, to better their self-esteem, and general curiosity to name few. I went natural because I was tired of damaging my hair with a flat iron. I’m glad that the current natural hair movement has no specific political attachments. Especially in today’s political climate it’s very easy to isolate people. I think that it’s wonderful that so many of us are choosing to wear our hair in whatever manner we see fit.

What I've Been Up To...

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 19:42:36 -0400

Hey everyone, sorry for the lack of posts these past two days. I had a huge deadline I needed to meet to for my thesis. Thanks for being understanding, and enjoy the warm weather!

June Glam Bag

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 08:16:01 -0400

Yesterday my June MyGlam Bag arrived!

MyGlam is monthly beauty subscription service created my Michelle Phan and several other beauty vloggers. “Each month, subscribers will receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using. All for only $10 a month.”-MyGlam About Page.

I have been receiving the bags since February 2012 and so far I’ve been enjoying my experience. Some of the items I have received are eyeliner, lipstick, face wash, moisturizer, eyeshadow, make-up brushes etc.

This month I recieved: Nyx Liptick(Orange Soda), Living Proof Styling Cream, Marbella Permanent Eyeliner, and Philosophy Moisturizer.

Glitter!!!!

I don’t know if I’ll be keeping the Nyx Lipstick it’s a really bad color for me.

But after some Googling I found another blogger who made it work for her. So I might give the lipstick another try.

I was excited to use the eye liner after seeing it’s pigmentation when I swatched it on my hand.

However it took two applications to get it show properly on my eyes.

The Marbella Eyeliner is more of a stain then a traditional liquid eyeliner. However once it dries it seems to stay put, but it can be easily removed with a make up remover. I don’t think this will replace my favorite eyeliner but I will definitely make it apart of my routine.

I can’t wait to try the Style Cream next time I do my hair and the moisturizer. I will let you know how that turns out, Happy Tuesday!

Clean Your Ugly F$&%ing Face

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 08:27:00 -0400

I hope all of you are washing your face and taking of your makeup regularly. Don’t get me started on convenience or time cause at a minimum you can always use make-up wipes, they fit in your purse! I take skin very seriously. The same way I have a great hair regimen down I have a great skin care regimen.

Make-up Removal:

Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser- I love this cleanser. It’s really gentle and does a great job of getting rid of make-up without being harsh on the skin.

3Lab Perfect Cleansing Foam-I got this in my March MyGlam bag and it’s fantastic. Just like the Neutrogena it’s very gentle. But it also has acne fighting ingredients.

Equate Cleaning Towelettes-These towelettes get my makeup off quickly. When I wear a full face it takes 2 towelettes. But at these prices that doesn’t matter.

Acne Fighting

St. Ives Blemish and Blackhead Apricot Scrub-I scrub my fave every 3-4 days because I go to the gym so often. I love the smell of this product. It works really well at being able to get all the dirt, sweat, and other nastiness throughout the day.

Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash-This product is great at getting rid of my acne. However this product is really harsh on your skin. This might not be the greatest choice if you have sensitive skin

Clean and Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment- I use this for when I get zits to get rid of them quickly. This product can be extremely drying if not used properly. But it get the job done.

And don’t forget to moisturize! What does your face care routing look like?

My Wish List

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 08:19:01 -0400

An unlimited hair budget is the wish of many. As a certified Product Junkie, I have to reign in my design to buy every new hair product/item. But that doesn’t mean a girl can’t dream! Below is a list of some the products I would love purchase, but instead prefer being able to eat.

Ouidad Curl Quencher Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream $26
I don’t use silicone in my hair, but I can be tempted by a good review. But at $26 for only 5 ounces. I can wait till my wallet can take such a hit.

Original Moxie Hair Bling High Gloss $16 (3oz)
I love shiny hair and according to the forums this product does it in spades. However the price tag makes me hesitant to purchase.

Hair Therapy Wrap Thermal Turban $21.95
Shelli of Hairscapades reviewed the wrap. I love to deep condition my hair and pre-poo with oil. So I feel like this could really help with my hair. This one I’m actually thinking of purchasing.

What is on your wish list? Have a great weekend :)

My Current Regimen

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 08:30:00 -0400

Having a good regimen is an important aspect to having healthy hair. Your regimen should give you the perfect balance of moisture and protein. Below you’ll find my current regimen and the purpose of each step.

Clarify
I shampoo every 4-6 weeks (Now that it’s summer that number is much closer to 4 weeks) with Ion Clarifying Shampoo. This shampoo helps to cleanse my hair and scalp for product build up and sweat.

Deep Condition/Co-wash
I deep condition/co-wash once a week using Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition( I have previously lamented over the loss of my beloved product to silicone.) with Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, and Honey.This is to keep my hair moisturized and silky soft.

Stylers
I rotate between using Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk and PuraBody Naturals Murumuru Moisture Milk as my leave-in stylers. These help to keep my hair moisturized and define my curls.

Sealers
Olive Oil or Coconut Oil to seal in moisture and add softness.

Protein
Henna once a month and Aphogee Intensive 2 Minute Keratin Reconstructor 2 weeks later. Both add strength to my hair

I just love having my regimen down like this! Products come and go all the time, but the over all structure stays the same.

If you have any questions about regimen building feel free to ask. Happy Thursday!

Shoes: A TJMaxx Haul

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 08:29:58 -0400

With summer swiftly approaching, I wanted to clean out my closet for the upcoming season. While looking through my shoes I realized I needed sandals badly. However I knew I didn’t want to spend to much on the sandals. This is because I run my shoes into the ground. At the end of every summer the sandals bought at the beginning of the season are ruined.

TJ Maxx was my solution for finding affordable shoes. I was lucky and was able to find 3 pairs of shoes for under $55.

I’m most likely going to try and buy one or two more pairs in a bright color. It is summer after all!

Where do you go to find affordable shoes?

Inner Beauty: Kasher in the Rye Review

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 08:21:30 -0400

We all know that beauty is more than skin deep. We must also take care of our inner selves the way we do out outer selves. One of my favorite way of taking care of my mind is by reading. I love reading, always have since I was a little kid. One of the books that I recently finished reading was Kasher in the Rye:The True Tale of a White Boy from Oakland Who Became a Drug Addict, Criminal, Mental Patient, and Then Turned 16. It’s the memoir about what growing up in Oakland in the late 80’s and early 90’s was like for Moshe Kasher, a young Jewish boy.

The book starts out with Kasher discussing his difficult childhood in Oakland. What it was like to be a minority in an urban neighborhood. He started befriending other troubled youth at his school and soon found himself experimenting with drugs at the young age of 12. He indulged his every whim and made every effort to be under the influence of some sort of mind altering substance. As Kasher spiraled downward he jumped from schools, to rehabilitation centers and one harrowing trip to the psychiatric ward.

This is an amazing read. Kasher is extremely funny and knows how to captivate his reader with his prose. I felt his joys and frustrations. This isn’t a light beach read, but it can definitely add depth toany reading list.

Overall: Pick it up ASAP

What do you have on summer reading list?

Concert Style: Hair

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 08:28:19 -0400

For the concert I decided to wear a flat twist out. To achieve this look I flat-twisted my hair hair into 5 sections that went horizontally across my head.

I used PuraBody Naturals Cupuacu Hair Butter and Murumuru Moisture Milk to achieve this look.

How do you achieve your favorite look?

All my beauty products

Wed, 30 May 2012 16:29:39 -0400

All my beauty products