7/31/12

At Home Spa | Pedicure

Good morning my loves!

I hope everyone had a great start to their week as I did! This bright and early morning I want to talk about at home spas. Now, I am doing a series of "At Home Spa" posts, in no particular order, because I absolutely love them. They are pocket friendly, easy, fun and very relaxing to do. I've been partaking in these for some time since high school and through my experiences and time I've come across some awesome products and have some amazing tips!
Soaking my feet.
This post is focusing on the pedicure portion of the "at home spa" because I had the most amazing experience ever. If you all don't know, my mother purchased me the Avon Foot Works Beautiful Lavender 5 Piece set last week and I received over the weekend. The set included: a comfort foot soak, clay mask, two overnight creams and a pair of gel toe separators (which I lost). I was curious to know how to have the "salon experience" without dishing out the cash, so once I got these products I was all over YouTube searching for videos and I came across an amazing youtuber: glaxaydreaming. Her video really inspired me to go out and purchase a few tools, which I did after work.

The items I used include:

7/29/12

Tag | 10 Little Secrets

  1. What is one product that makes you feel like a million dollars?
    • Kind of tricky -- lace tops, cheetah/leopard print shoes and bold lipstick.
  2. What is your skincare secret?
    • OCM method and weekly spa facial
  3. What is your hair care secret?
    • No shampoo -- just conditioner. I use shampoo once a month if I feel the need to.
  4. What is your biggest diet rule?
    • Don't really have a diet rule -- I'm actually looking to gain weight, but I guess drinking Ensure Plus to maintain/gain weight.
  5. What are your workout tips?

Guest Post | Hair Oils by Aleya

Good morning my loves!

Today I am excited because I have yet another guest post blogger for you all.
Aleya from Spontaneous Chick did an amazing post on natural hair oils, so keep reading my loves, you'll enjoy it!
Natural Hair Oils
In the effort to look our best, women have always layered on tons of beauty products with all sorts of chemicals in them. Today, however, many people are moving towards more natural products that give great results without the unnecessary, and sometimes, dangerous extras. One example of this is that we are replacing hair products used to control frizz and give shine with natural hair oils. If you’ve never tried applying oil to your hair because you thought that it may look and feel greasy, you’re in for a surprise. They work wonders and often time improve the texture of your hair. Here are a few that you may want to try out.

7/27/12

Beauty Blogazons | Weekly Round Up - 7/27

  • Pinked Polish: Wanna see a fabulous Glitter Gradient look no further!!!!
  • Makeup Chronicles:Take advantage of some great deals that ULTA has on Chi Irons, Philosophy, and Bare Minerals...oh and you can save 20% on your entire order!
  • Baking Beauty:Does Maybelline's SuperStay Stain gloss really last 10 hours? Click to find out!
  • Mama Fashionista: Mama Fashionista shares some great lines from Sally Hansen that will make your nails and your wallet happy!
  • Shades Of Beauty, Inc.: PREVIEW: Dickinson's Witch Hazel Skin Care Line
  • adore-a-polish: A neat little trick to get more out of your next bath bomb purchase.
  • My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura talks about another one of her favorite products on Taupe-tastic Tuesdays. Cargo Yukon is the definition of taupe.
  • GlitterPukee: Glitterpukee reviews one of the more interestingly named hair care brands. The sexually charged name of LAID hair care uses Phero-attract technology to keep you on the top of your game and seem more attractive to men. Six pheronomes are at work but..does it work?
  • Midnight Manicures: Join Midnight Manicures as Jeanie brings you the latest collections and products through the Tweezerman Ambassador program!
  • A Little Polish: Stephanie shows off her Thirst Quenching Pink Lemonade inspried Mani, a great way to cool off this summer!
  • Beauty Product Review: Getting tired of having a messy looking Makeup/skincare area? Clean it up with some beauty do-it-yourself tricks and beautify your beauty counter!
  • A Frugal Beauty: A Frugal Beauty shows you just how BOLD the I *heart* matte palette from Wet N Wild can be in her The Bold and Beautiful Series: The Bold Look
  • Sincerely Stephanie: Wanting to get your hands on Clarins 230 but don't want to pay the price? Check out Darling Diva Polish Ringer instead!
  • Très Beau Glamour: Did you know that Piña Coladas are great way to obtain beautiful skin? Nay Denise shares a new beauty secret of hers that will give your complexion a glow, give you a boost of energy and deliver a ton of hydration.

7/25/12

Tag | Get Your Freak On

I decided to do this tag on my blog instead of making a video on it -- I may still do a video after I move, but here we go!
  1. What's a nickname only your family calls you?
    • My family calls me Na-Na.
  2. What's a weird habit of yours?
    • I bit the side of my cheeks. I'm not too sure why I do, but I developed that habit around the 9th or 10th grade.
  3. Do you have any weird phobias?
    • I'm afraid of all insects and bugs - butterflies, lady bugs, ants, spiders -- all of them. Why? When I was about 5 or 6 years old, went down south to SC for a family reunion and I stepped in a red ant "farm" or pile and they tore my leg up. I went to the Bronx Zoo to the Butterfly house and no one told me that the butterflies would fly all around us and land on us -- so I dislike them all, but they are PRETTY from afar.
  4. What's a song you secretly LOVE to blast & belt out when you're alone?
    • I'm not really sure, but lately it's been a couple such as "Lazy Love" by Ne-Yo, "Tattoo" by Natasha Mosley and "Put It Down" by Brandy.
  5. What's one of your biggest pet peeves?
    • People that eat/chew with their mouth open -- it urks me !!!!!!!
  6. What's one of your nervous habits?

Get Ready For Fall | Boyish Shapes

As you all now, I started a series in which I give tips on getting ready for fall for all body shapes. The previous post I did was on Curvy (hourglass) shapes so this post is going to be about Boyish body shapes. As stated in first post, these are just some tips on what to start looking for and thinking about as clothing is available for the Fall.

Some celebrities that you can look to as a "guide" include: Charlize Theron, Gwen Stefani and Eva Longoria.

The main tip that I can give to you boyish shaped darlings is this: create curves with smart and super trendy design details such as peplum hems, color-blocking, drapes and much more.
Charlize Theron creating curves with fabulous dresses.
For Dress
  • Try dresses with waist and side panels to give the illusion of an hourglass figure.
  • Dress with an a-line skirt and pleats adds to your hips.
  • Bodycon dresses will look amazing and really show the slight curves you have by building "more" curves.
  • Dresses that cinch your middle helps to carve out a waist

Guest Post | Makeup For Glasses by Jessie

Hello my loves!

Today I'm doing something a bit different from the usual posts I do. I decided to have a...
Her name is Jessie and she is a very sweet young lady. She is the writer of La Jolie Folie which is an amazing blog about beauty my loves, so go check her out and support! Without further rambling, here she is:
Hello beauties! My name is Jessie from La Jolie Folie. Today I'm writing a guest post for Nay Denise on makeup for glasses.

As a glasses wearer, sometimes I can get discouraged with coming up with makeup looks to wear under my glasses. I have been researching and doing my own experimenting to come up with new looks I can wear with my frames.
One thing I noticed is that the lenses, on your glasses, can distort the actual size of your eye, and the eye area is partly hidden by your frames, so it's important to bring back the attention to your beautiful eyes. I do this by using shimmer eyeshadows, light concealer under my eyes, and color! I find it's much easier to pull off bright colors when wearing glasses because the frames take away from the initial distraction.

7/23/12

Get Ready For Fall | Curvy Shapes

Hello my loves!

Today is going to be the start of my fall series for body shapes! I decided to do this series because Fall is slowly approaching and we can all start buying pieces that can be worn for the Fall. I decided to start out with curvy body shapes. These are just some tips on what to start looking for and thinking about as clothing is available for the Fall.

Some celebrities that you can look to as a "guide" include: Kim Kardashian, Beyonce and Christina Hendricks.

The main tip that I can give to you curvy divas is this: look for pieces that show off your natural hourglass in jewel tones and timeless neutrals such as belted sheaths, fitted blazers and cinched tops.
Kim Kardashian. Photo credit.
For Tops:
  • Think fitted; not tight. You don't want to be overdoing the "view" of your chest.

Recipe | Piña Colada for Beautiful Skin

Photo credit.
Did you know that a Piña Colada is good to drink to keep beautiful skin? If you find your skin breaking out, getting blotchy or looking discolored than this is a great drink for you.

According to my research, a Piña Colada has a ton of delectable ingredients that have skin soothing benefits. It can give “hydration, an Omega buzz that ups detoxification, boosts blood circulation, and raises energy levels & medium-chain fatty acids that make the complexion glow.” This drink mixed with almond and avocados can also help you lose weight, lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

This drink – whether virgin or not – is not only tasty, but healthy as well. I can personally agree with the above because I have been drinking Piña Coladas for as long as I can remember and I always seem to have a good amount of energy, weight is always low and my complexion definitely does glow.

7/22/12

Hair | Twist Out Trail #1 Results

Hello my loves,

Hope you all are having a wonderful Sunday; I know I am! I'm home relaxing and it just dawned on me to do this post! Yesterday, I decided to try doing the two strand twist on my hair while it was wet so that I could pull off the twist out style. Read here for more on that post. Here's a quick picture from the final twists:
This morning, before going to church I took the twist out and had to finish taking the rest out in the cab. When I got to church to look in the mirror I was by far amazed! My twist out was to perfection and I was extremely happy.

7/21/12

Hair | Twist Out Trail #1

Hello my loves,
So today I decided to wash my hair (because it was PAST due) and twist my hair because I wanted to try a twist out hairstyle for tomorrow. I have never done a full blown twist out my hair -- wet or dry -- but I decided to go full blown for tomorrow. The only real tools that are used are:
  • Wide tooth comb
  • Bobby pins
I popped open my Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Total Care Nourishing shampoo and daily conditioner. I will say that these bad boys are VERY moisturizing and bought my hair back to life! These do just as they are supposed to my hair and scalp-- nourish the scalp for strong beautiful hair. Most shampoos and conditioners I can't really massage into my scalp because they leave my scalp dry and itchy, but not these. They made my scalp feel amazing and moisturized. I didn't even feel like moisturizing my scalp (even though I will tomorrow) because it felt amazing on my hair. I can't wait to finish this Project 10 Pan/ 5 Bottles so I can buy me a few bottles of these. I used cold water on the last rinse.

After washing my hair, I decided a DC (deep condition) was in order. I used my Smooth n Shine Polishing Nourishing Deep Recovery Conditioner with Olive & Tea Tree Oil. It's a weightless DC that revives the hair and because I have been slacking on my hair I needed any and every product to bring it back to life. I applied this throughout my hair and placed a black plastic bag on my hair for about 2-3 hours and then rinsed it out while massaging my scalp and hair. On the last rinse I used cold water.
PS: It smells amazing!

7/20/12

Beauty Blogazons | Weekly Round Up - 7/20

Sincerely Stephanie:
Ever heard of a jelly gradient sandwich? Check out how Sincerely Stephanie combines these two techniques!

Beauty Thesis:
Love + is an appropriate name for this gorgeous red (!?) eye shadow. Beauty Thesis shares the good, the bad and the awesome!

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog:
Laura is hosting a GIVEAWAY! 3 lucky readers will win the Smashbox Softbox Palette!

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog:
Lola from Lola's Secret Beauty Blog is all starry-eyed about the new Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Twilight Night Shimmer Ink because it is so gorgeous and complex!

Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom:
The beautiful jellies of the Zoya Gloss collection are spotlighted on Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom.

Mani Curiously:
Check out E's yummy swatches & review of the NEW Zoya Fall Collection, Gloss!

Geniabeme Beauty Blog: 

7/19/12

Eye & Lip Matches

Today I wanted to give some inspiration to you ladies that have difficulty pairing your eye makeup with your lip color. I have thought of 4 combinations that can be achieved on an every day basis; especially for these summer days.

Combination #1: Lined Eyes & Pale Pink/Peach Lips.
Don't feel like putting on a ton of makeup huh? Try a basic neutral eye with your lashline and waterline lined with no cat eye topped with a nice pale pink or peach lip. You still get that pop of color on the lips without being overboard and you still look put together. This combination works because it's a sultry look. Rhianna knows how to make it work well:
 

Combination #2: Shimmery Eyes & Nude Lips.

7/18/12

Happy Hump Day!

Good morning my loves,

Just wanted to say that today & tomorrow are very busy days for me, so I will try to comment and follow back everyone as soon as I'm able to. I'm momentarily rushing to get out the door, but I definitely wanted to keep you all updated so no one thinks I'm ignoring them.

I'm going to try work on a few posts tonight for tomorrow and also do a FOTD for today and tomorrow just to have something up while I'm "m.i.a" for a bit.

Have a GREAT Wednesday!

7/17/12

Fashion Tip | 5 Tips to Flatter Your Figure

Ever wonder how you could flatter your figure and make it work in the most amazing way? Well, here I have come up with five tips to help you make the most of what your body type is whether it's boyish, apple, pear, hourglass and so forth.

Tip #1 - Consider the fabric.
  • Structured materials like wool or cotton create smooth looks that are more forgiving of any bumps or bulges.
  • Pieces anywhere between one and two percent Lycra will shape your figure without being too tight.
  • Clingy fabrics like lightweight silk or chiffon are great if you want to show off your body, but do be careful; they can also highlight those "problem" areas that you want to conceal.
Tip #2 - Find your BEST fit.
  • Body-skimming looks are the most flattering for all body types. Skip pieces that are too tight or require a lot of tugging and adjusting.

7/16/12

Review | Wet n Wild Mega Last Lip Colors

Today’s review is on the ever so lovely Wet n Wild Mega Last Lip Colors. Off that back, I will say that I was a fan of their Silk Finish lipsticks back when I was in middle & jr high school (and still now-a-days).
I have 15 out of the 26 available shades in this collection ranging from nude to coral to purple to hot pink.

What Wet N Wild says:
Lips take center stage! This 4-hour, longwearing lip color leaves a semi-matte, crème finish in one stroke. Glides on easily with rich, velvety color that doesn’t cake, feather, or bleed. Made with hydrating skin-care ingredients: Hyaluronic Microspheres provide extraordinary adhesion to lips, an exclusive polymer complex offers cushion-like feel and texture, and natural marine plant extracts Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamins A & E help smooth lips.

Size: .11oz | Price: $1.99 USD (drugstore)

- Available in 26 shades
- Matte finish
- Vitamin A & E to make lips smoother

My Thoughts:

Summertime Fine.

Want to find ways to enhance your appearance this summer for an amazing look? With these time-saving techniques and fun-fix tips for skin, makeup, hair and nails, you will look absolutely stunning.

Skin Loving
As everyone knows or at least should know…the key to amazing makeup is amazing skin. Skin care is a must before any makeup application. The first tip is exfoliating your skin GENTLY! Sloughing off dead cells is the key to a luminous complexion and flawless skin. Remember not to overdo the exfoliation; too much of a good thing is a bad thing, and no matter what your skin, do not use harsh exfoliants.

Use creamy exfoliaters instead and apply them in the shower when your skin is warm and damp for best results. Moisturizing your skin is the next step. Use a moisturizer that works well for your skin and has SPF in it to protect your skin from any heat, sun rays or harsh lights. You don’t want to dry out your skin after washing and/or exfoliating it. Make sure the moisturizer gives the right amount of hydration and protection.

For those with blackheads, whiteheads or pimples…DO NOT POP THEM! They can leave red or dark spots on your face. Just treat them with the right products for a great result.

If you want to do something to wake your skin up try something cold like a cold towel or chilled cucumber slices. If you have redness use a little bit of green concealer to cancel it out. If you have dark circles under your eyes, use a eye brightening concealer or a concealer that is one to two shades lighter than you to waken up your eye area. Another great tip for flawless skin and less dark circles is sleep! Getting adequate rest is your weapon to maintaining a gorgeous complexion. Why? The skin heals itself overnight, so getting enough sleep will result in more luminous skin and brighter eyes. This advice comes from dermatologist Dr. Amy Wechsler.
Makeup
For those divas that do not use false lashes, but want the effect of them try doubling up on mascara for extra luscious lashes. They will be the sexiest ever. Apply one coat of a thickening mascara and then use a volumizing and/or lengthening mascara. Using both mascaras to your lashes makes them look fuller and makes the eyes pop more.

Fashion | Treading Peplums


Lately there has been a tremendous amount of influence on today’s fashion from the vintage styles way back when. From high-waisted shorts and pants to corsets to peplums. If you’ve been skimming the pages of a fashion magazines or been attending fashion shows, you will have probably noticed the insinuating amount of peplum silhouettes that are arising for this spring and summer season.

In case you are not too sure about what a peplum is here is some quick background information on it:
A peplum has two distinct and almost separate definitions. In its early origins, Greek, it was simply the word for a tunic. During the 19th century the term was used for a short overskirt that was usually attached to a fitted jacket. To go a little further I’ll give you the Oxford definition of a peplum: “a short flared, gathered, or pleated strip of fabric attached at the waist of a woman’s jacket, dress, or blouse to create a hanging frill or flounce.” This in essence gives a woman a new level and feel of femininity.

The modern peplum became a popular design in women’s suiting in the 1930s and 40s before playing a key role in Christian Dior’s “New Look” silhouette which defined the 50s style. As I could give more detail on the eras, design and use of peplums I’ll jump back to our present day as of spring 2012.

If you were able to watch or attend any of the fashion shows during Fashion Week, you would have noticed that a lot of designers have made use of the peplum silhouette in their designs. From designers such as Jason Wu to Alexander McQueen, the peplum silhouette is a quickly becoming the “it” trend.

7/15/12

Skin Care | Improve Your Acne

Hello my loves,

I've been asked a lot about how someone can improve on their acne. I honestly can't really tell you exact products to use because I've never had acne like that. What I can do is tell you ways that I avoided acne and how I did clear up the few pimples and bumps that I've had on my face.

When I ever I do breakout -- from not cleaning face thoroughly or not taking my makeup off (I have my days) -- it's normally the forehead area and my cheeks.

Now, there are tons of videos on YouTube and other bloggers that have a post like this, but I still wanted to come on and share my personal tips that I have helped me get rid of my breakouts as well as how I keep acne from "happening".

Basic tips:

  1. If you wear makeup, it is important for you thoroughly remove before you wash your face. Makeup build can clog your pores and break you out quicker than you think.
  2. Use a cleanser that is either sensitive or works specifically against acne. A cleaner that works against acne will really go deep within your skin to pull out debris and unclog pores. Cleaning your face at least twice in the morning and twice at night will help improve your acne.
  3. Facial scrubs are key for makeup users. Stick to scrubs that prevent acne and have salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a common over-the-counter acne treatment. It has the ability to really penetrate the follicle and encourage the shedding of dead skin cells from within the follicle. It reduces the number of pore blockage/breakouts on the skin and it helps keep the pores clear of cellular debris. If you're not really understanding -- salicylic acid basically goes deep within the skin to prevent your pores from being clogged and debris from settling in your skin which is the cause of acne/breakouts.
  4. Toners are great because they take out any remaining impurities from your skin that your facial wash or scrub could not get to. They shrink your pores making your face fill tighter, returns your skin back to its normal pH balance, remove & control oil, soothes irritation and locks in moisture -- or at least the one I use does. I personally find a need to tone after every wash, so twice a day I tone my face. Especially before bed!
  5. Moisturizers are key because they allow your face to feel smooth and soft -- try finding a moisturizer that works for sensitive skin or even has salicylic acid in it.
  6. Sun-care products are key for all! SPF 30+ is good to have!

Other tips:

  • Drink lots of water
  • Don't wear makeup too often -- allow your skin to breathe at least once or twice a week.
  • Take multi-vitamins.
  • Wash your hands or sanitize before touching your face.
  • Change your pillow case twice a week.
  • Take your makeup off as soon as you know your day is done to allow your face to breathe
If you're really trying to combat acne -- your best friend will become: salicylic acid. Read any product (ingredients and what it does) before purchasing it and never purchase something because of the hype. It may not work for your skin.


Hope these tips have helped you out!

Tag | Skin Care & Makeup

Here's yet another tag my loves
Old picture from 2011.
This tag focuses on skin care and makeup so the questions are related.

  1. How often do you wash your face? Twice a day - morning & night.
  2. Your skin type? Normal.
  3. Which facial cleanser do you use? I use Clean & Clear Morning Burst line; scrub wise St. Ives & Queen Helene brand.
  4. Do you use facial peels? Yes!
  5. Which peeling product do you use? Montagne Jeunesse -- European brand.
  6. Which moisturizer do you use? Currently, a mixture of Clean & Clear Finishes Mattifying Moisturizer & Walgreens Ultimate Healing Lotion.
  7. Do you have freckles? No.
  8. Do you use an eye cream? Yes.
  9. Do you have acne problems? No.
  10. Do you use SPF? Yes.
  11. Foundation? Sometimes.
  12. Concealer? Yes.
  13. Do you know your skin tone? Yes -- it's olive or medium.
  14. What do you think about the false lashes? I like them, just not for every day use.
  15. What do you think about the rule of changing mascara every 3 months? It's a smart rule!
  16. Your mascara? Currently between Maybelline Lash Stiletto (red & black tube) and Rimmel London The Max Volume (pink & green tube).
  17. Sephora or MAC? Sephora.
  18. Which makeup tool do you use mostly? Tool -- I guess the sharpener.
  19. Do you use eye shadow base? Yes.
  20. Base for face? Yes.
  21. What is your favourite eye shadow? Currently, been loving my 88 warm palette from Coastal Scents.
  22. Which one is your favourite: liquid or dry eyeliners? Liquid!
  23. Have you ever had a mascara accident? No.
  24. What do you think about pigment eye shadows? Love them.
  25. What about mineral make up? I like mineral finishing powders, bronzers and blushes -- not really the eyeshadows.
  26. What is your favourite lipstick? Maybelline ColorSensational in Fuchsia Fever.
  27. Lipgloss? Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss Coral Reef and Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss in Papaya (both coral shades).
  28. Your favourite blush? Jordana Blush Powder in Blushing Rose.
  29. Do you buy make up from Ebay? No.
  30. What do you think about drugstore products? The only kind of makeup I really buy -- it's affordable, last a long time for me and have some great dupes to high end makeup.
  31. Have you ever considered taking a make up lesson? Yes, but I never have.
  32. Are you clumsy in putting make up? No.
  33. What's the worst make up disaster for you? I never really had any myself, but one that I see on other people is unblended makeup whether it's foundation, eyeshadow, blush or lipstick.
  34. Do you like bright ot natural colors? I'm a bright girl, but currently been loving natural shades.
  35. Which celebrities' makeup is your favorite? Kim K & J.Lo's glow; Rihanna and her bold lipstick; LaLa Vasquez, Katy Perry and I can't really think of any others at the moment.
  36. What would be your one and only make up material to use life long if you had to choose one? Lipstick!
  37. Do you ever go out without make up? Yes. It's been a lot more often than before. I guess being a freelance makeup artist and doing shoots every weekend has made me "sick" of wearing makeup lol.
  38. What do you think about your look without make up? I love it <3
  39. Which cosmetic brand do you think is the best? Four way tie between Revlon, Maybelline, CoverGirl (Queen) and Wet n Wild -- amazing blushes, shadows and lipsticks for all but foundation wise Revlon, Maybelline & L'Oreal.
  40. What do you think about make up in general? I love makeup because it's a form of art. It's a way for me to express myself and just make someone feel pretty, happy or whatever the emotion may be.
I tag anyone who hasn't done this tag already!

7/1/12

Skin Care | At Home Facial

Hey my loves,

Back for another post (yes, my third post today) and this one is on at home spa facials. I am a firm believer in doing an at home weekly spa every Monday or Friday to either bring in or end your hard week of work. It's away to relax, get some "me time" and cater to your own needs as well.
{+}
I normally do a full at home spa from head to toe -- hair, facial, body, nails, feet and a massage -- to just get myself ready for the week (normally on Mondays). Here's a quick easy way to do an at home spa facial without spending loads of cash on products.


There are a few items that you need to fully see this through and they are:
  • cleanser
  • exfoliator (facial scrub)
  • face mask
  • toner
  • moisturizer
  • eye cream (optional)
  • towel or wash cloth
  • bowl with warm water or bathroom with shower on hot
  • patience
Now once you have your items follow these steps to achieve a nice at home spa facial....

MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected