New Years Make Up Idea: Dark Smoldering Eyes, Shimmery Cheeks & Pink Lips

I'm really looking forward to getting dressed up and celebrating the many blessings 2010 has brought. I have been keeping an eye out for red carpet-worthy looks that translate well off the carpet. My favorite look right now is this sultry, yet playful look I spotted on several celebs and editorials. - What I love about it is how easy it is to pull off. The only trick is keeping a steady hand while rimming the upper and lower lashline. Everything else is a cakewalk.

I played around with this look until I found the best combination of products to pull it off! The key is keeping the face simple while really playing up the eyes and lips. I also have to give all the glory to Bobbi Browns Gel liner {in Black Ink}. This liner pops really well on us gals with darker skin tones. I am a fan of MAC's fluidline eyeliner in Blacktrack, however Bobbi Brown's formula is much darker, making it the perfect liner for an intense smokey eye. 

Another winner was using my ULTA Electro pencil in Khaki. I used it to rim my entire eye with a pop of green color. This makes the eyeliner less harsh, and more playful, sultry, and edgy. Play with different colors like shades of purple, blue, silver and even gold. -

For the pink lippy, I used Lip Tar's "Demure". A perfect fuchsia for almost every skin tone. I topped off the look with rosey-colored cheeks. Loverush and Style were my blush's of choice by MAC. 

Total Sidebar: You may notice the straight hair in these pictures! I straightened and trimmed my hair for a shoot I did, and didn't have time to film the process. I will however update in the next few days with a length update and subsequent posts about how to maintain it, as well as various styling options...and of course, a Caruso Roller-Setting Video Tutorial :-)

To get this look, you will need:
Bobby Brown Gel Eyeliner in "Black Ink"
Ulta Electro Pencil in "Khaki"
Select MAC Coverup Concealer
Lip Tar in "Demure"

Nail your smokey eyes in 6 easy steps:

1. Apply concealer on your eyelid and lower lashline. Try to pick a concealer that brightens like Select Coverup by MAC.
2. Line your upper and lower lashline with your gel eyeliner 
3. Line your waterline with any black eyeliner pencil
4. With your colored eyeshadow pencil, gently draw a line underneath the black liner near the lower lashline. 
5. Using the same colored pencil, lightly sweep pops of color on your eyelid and smudge the color over your entire lid using your finger or smudging brush
6. Add two coats of mascara to upper and lower lashes and that's it! 

Nail shimmery cheeks in 2 easy steps:

1. Apply your rose colored blush to the apples of your cheeks
2. Apply a frosty or shimmery colored blush slightly above the apple of your cheeks. This acts as a highlighter and accentuates the contouring done by the blush.

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Model Behavior: Simple Touch Up Tips To Keep Your Makeup Flawless All Day Long!

 {source} 

Headed to a few soiree's this Holiday Season? Keeping your makeup fresh all day long can be a pain for those of us that are always on the go. Here is a list of short yet useful tips that will keep your face fresh, dewy, and flawless all day long. Refresh your makeup after work, or in between parties with these simple tips and tools. 

Your touch-up bag should include:

Clean applicator sponges

Pressed powder

Q-tips

Moisturizer

Lip color

Lip liner

Lip gloss

Pearlescent eyeshadow  

Blotting tissues 

Bronzer/Highlighter

Control shine: Before applying additional powder to your face, make sure to blot excess oil on your face with the use of blotting papers. Areas to pay special attention to are the eyelids, T-zone, and chin. Out of blotting papers? Take a trip to the ladies room and use the toilet seat covers. They work quite well :-)  

Buff it out: After removing the excess oil from your skin, use a clean sponge to gently smooth your makeup using a buffing motion. This smooths out the harsh lines, creases, and other imperfections caused by sweat and oil. 

Reapply: Reapply pressed powder as needed to mattify oil prone areas of your skin. I recommend using a small fluffy brush to apply your pressed powder. Using a sponge, or puff is great for a first time application, however for a touch up, you want something that offers a lighter application. 

Eyeshadow check: Is your eyeshadow blotchy? Reapplying the color may add to your dilemma by causing additional creases and streaking. Instead, blot eyes, smooth eyeshadow with a clean sponge, then apply a tiny amount of sheer, creamy shadow [preferably a pearlescent color] all over your lid.

Under-eye check: Check under the eye for smeared eyeliner or eyeshadow. If you notice any imperfections near this area, dip a cotton swab in a dollop of moisturizer and gently remove the imperfections with your swab. Using the moisturizer helps remove the product efficiently without breaking down the foundation/concealer underneath it.

Revive lip-color: You can revive faded lip color by adding a bit of gloss. For a complete overhaul, remove lip color and liner completely and moisturize your lips for about 1-2 minutes with your favorite moisturizer. This keeps your lips supple, soft, and smooth for the next lip color application.

Highlight: To add warmth and dimension to your face [which gives a more natural look], add a bit of bronzer, shimmery blush, or your favorite highlighting product. Using a soft dusting motion, lightly sweep color on the following areas: the tops of your cheeks, the bridge of your nose, and your chin.

 

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Update On Lo's Hair!! + How To Get Your Stylist To Take Better Care Of Your Hair!

Many of you may remember my partner in crime Lo! And those that may not know her by name may remember seeing her thick, black, curly mane on my blog! After almost two years of not pressing her hair, Lo decided to pay a trip to a stylist to get her hair done a few weeks ago to change up her mojo!

Almost two years ago, she big chopped and rocked a tiny TWA under wigs until she started wearing her hair in twist-outs as pictured above.

A few weeks ago, she decided to go straight for the winter!

Over dinner, we discussed how difficult it is finding a stylist that not only caters to natural hair, but also specializes in healthy hair care. Many stylists are thoroughly trained on how to properly execute a style to satisfy their patrons, but often techniques like blow-drying, pressing, and the use of styling aids are done without the health of your hair in mind. - It is for this reason that it is important to not only monitor the habits of your stylist, but talk to them about your goals, expectations, and hair regimen before going through with the service. 

Here are some important things to look out for and discuss when choosing a stylist:

Does your stylist "scratch" or "massage" your scalp when shampooing: Scratching the hair can weaken the bond between the hair and follicle which could later lead to hair loss. Massaging or rubbing the scalp is a healthier, more effective alternative. 

Bring your own products: If you notice your hair is drier than usual, or your scalp is dry and flaky after a service, it could be from your stylists shampoo or conditioner; opt instead to bring your own. 

Pack your own microfiber towel:  Cotton terry towels can wreak havoc on all hair types and textures, so it is important to use a microfiber towel when towel drying your hair. Microfiber towels absorb more moisture and also help cut down on frizz, eliminate split ends and damaged follicles [from towel drying]. If your salon doesn't carry microfiber towels, bring one with you!

Towel dry thoroughly: Towel drying thoroughly means less time spent blow-drying. Less time blow drying means less heat which equals happy hair. Make sure your stylist gently squeezes your hair with a towel versus rubbing hair; as rubbing can cause split ends, breakage and follicular damage.

Avoid mechanical damage: You can avoid split ends, single strand knots, breakage, and eliminate fly-aways by speaking to your stylist about the manner in which they detangle your hair. Don't be afraid to speak up, it's your hair, and you are paying for the service. Be leery of a stylist that isn't attentive to your needs. Remember to express the following to your stylist:

• Hair should be detangled in small sections using a wide tooth, seamless comb [bring your own if you have to] 

• Hair should never be detangled while it is soaking wet, as that is when your hair is in it's most fragile state. Instead make sure hair is towel dried thoroughly. 

• Stylist should lubricate hair with either a light leave-in or serum to help the comb better glide through the hair. 

• Stylist should hold the hair closest to the roots whilst detangling to help reduce the amount of tension placed on the follicles.  

• Hair should always be detangled from the bottom up.

Proper blow drying techniques: Highly textured, kinky hair should never be blow-dried on high heat. However many stylist may choose to do so to get the hair as straight as possible prior to pressing. While it may make the hair easier to manipulate when pressing, it can dry the hair out, and make the hair overly porous. Overly porous hair will have a hard time retaining moisture, and breakage/split ends can occur. - Also keep an eye out for how close the blow-dryer is to your scalp/hair; a healthy distance is between 6-8 inches. If you notice your scalp is tight, flaky and dry after blow-drying, the stylist either had the blow dryer too close, too hot, or a combination of both. 

Go easy on the spritz's and serums: Yes hair spray may help keep every hair in place, but they can also be very drying on the hair due to the alcohol content. Spraying each section of hair before pressing or curling it with hair spray that contains alcohol can be a recipe for disaster [breakage, split ends]. Excessive use of serums can also shorten the time span of your hairstyle. Hair that is weighed down with serums gets stiffer and dirtier quicker than hair with minimal product. - If you want to minimize the amount of time you see a stylist monthly, make sure to talk to them about going easy on the styling aids. 

Heat control: This is a biggie. How much heat is your stylist using? Unfortunately it is impossible to know how hot the pressing comb is before the stylist presses your hair. You can however take note of these signs that may indicate the incorrect temperature: 

• You start to notice areas of hair that don't revert, or the ends of your hair may appear straight when your hair is wet. 

• You start to notice thinning, usually it appears first around the area that frames your face [bangs, and sides of your hair]

• Hair may also be dry and brittle to the touch [keep in mind that brittle hair can also be a result of improper blow drying techniques, and the excessive use of styling aids containing alcohol.

Make sure the pressing combs are cleaned regularly: Pressing combs that are cleaned thoroughly give you a straighter, sleeker press, and are actually less damaging than combs that are loaded with buildup. If you notice your hair has a weird smell after a service, chances are the combs were not cleaned prior to using them [I typically clean my combs after each use, which completely eliminates that "pressed hair smell"].

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Fashion & Beauty Ethos: Fur Vests; Love It Or Leave It?

 [source]

After having heinous faux fur vest experience at one of my favorite stores, I was against the whole fur vest movement. Looking back on it, I think I over-styled the outfit. My hair was too big [I really felt like a lion with the hair and the vest], and the outfit too busy for a piece that commands that much attention. 

However after seeing it on a few people, worn different ways, I think I am better equipped to revisit the trend. What I love about fur vests is that it really can up the ante on skinny jeans and a tee, flowy bohemian maxi dreses, and even slouchy boyfriend jeans and a plain white hubby beater. 

For more of a funky look you can wear one open with a flirty skirt and a long sleeve shirt. Or you can belt it, throw on some leggings, boots, and a plain long sleeve shirt for a chic, yet effortless look. I definitely recommend taking cues from Kelly by keeping the pieces simple, and the patterns to a minimum because you really want the vest to take center stage. 

Again I love how Ciara kept the silhouette clean by belting the vest and opting for a monochromatic color palette. For more of stylized, edgy look, you can leave the vest open and throw on some leather driving gloves, or 5-finger half gloves like these at Patricia Fields:

$48 - Patricia Fields

Arlenis wears her fur vest with military inspired pants, and buckle boots which gives this look a chic, utilitarian feel.

Fur Coats at Piperlime
Fur Coats by Kensie

The good thing about this trend is that it is accessible on every budget. The vests pictured above are all under $89, however you can find them even cheaper at the stores mentioned below! - Remember if you pick up one of these to keep the silhouette clean, accessories & hair simple, and the color play to a minimum to help you nail the look!
$18-$35
Forever 21 
H&M 

$65-85
Zara 
Bebe
Anthropologie 

Are you feeling the Fur Vest trend?

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All About Hair: Why Dandruff Shampoo's Could Cause Hair Loss

 [source]

Healthy hair starts at the scalp. If you're having issues with an itchy, flaky, dry scalp; chances are you may have also experienced breakage [from lack of moisture], thinning [from buildup of dead skin] and lack of luster and body. - This post is meant to stress the importance of picking and choosing healthy hair care treatments as some commercial products can exacerbate these issues. 

While there are many commercial products I love, there are some that only camouflage certain issues, while causing problems in other areas. Take dandruff shampoo's for example, dandruff shampoo's do not actually correct the underlying root of dandruff. Dandruff shampoo's simply mask the issues with scalp inflammation by creating a film over the scalp thereby giving the illusion the dandruff issue was corrected. There are several problems with this; (1) that "film" on your scalp acts as a barrier from air, and moisture which makes the perfect breeding ground for more bacteria. More bacteria means more dandruff. This is why many complain that their symptoms worsen after using dandruff shampoos. The (2nd) issue is that using these products could cause hair thinning/breakage because of the buildup of dead skin cells present which clogs the hair follicle and acts as a thick barrier preventing nourishment and moisture from reaching the scalp. 

Another culprit in dandruff shampoo's are the SLES [sulfates]. These are the surfactants used to strip the hair of bacteria and excess sebum. Pityrosporum Ovale [the fungus that causes dandruff] thrives off of overactive sebaceous glands; and this is why many dandruff shampoo's are formulated with harsh sulfates. The theory is that the issue with dandruff will be corrected by stripping the hair of excess oil and creating a film over the scalp preventing flakes from falling. Unfortunately though, the sulfates dry the scalp out to the point that your glands produce more sebum as a result of the imbalance. This results in a constant cycle of drying out the hair which may temporarily stop dandruff, then the reoccurance of dandruff, and possibly hair loss/breakage. 

Choosing an effective hair care regimen starts by properly diagnosing hair care issues, and prescribing an effective solution. Here are some additional causes of dry, itchy scalp [not related to the overproduction of sebum]: 

Hair care products: Some products contain alcohols or other harsh chemicals that are drying to the scalp. Many times the issue can be corrected by discontinuing use. 

Heat: Are you blow-drying too close to your scalp? Is your pressing comb or flat iron too hot? All of the above can cause itching and flaking of the scalp. 

Product Buildup: Product buildup can cause a film over the scalp trapping bacteria and dead skin cells which can eventually lead to scalp inflammation, hair loss and or breakage. Clarify your hair with a gentle cleanser or Apple Cider treatment to see if issues are corrected.

Finally, if your dandruff is related to the overproduction of sebum; here are a few effective alternatives for helping correct chronic scalp issues without the nasty side-effects:

 

Ion Scalp Exfoliating Treatment: This inexpensive product [$2.99] can be found at your local Sally's Beauty Supply. It is formulated to help remove dead skin cells, excess sebum and relieve issues associated with skin inflammation.

Phyto Scalp Elixir: This is a blend of essential oils mixed in a carrier oil base [corn oil]. While I do like this product, those that are handy in the kitchen can whip up their own mix using the same essential oils but in a better carrier oil like Jojoba. - With all of that being said [lol] this product can relieve scalp issues associated with skin inflammation and encourage healthy hair growth.

Jane Carter, Scalp Nourishing Serum: My favorite product for protecting and nourishing the scalp. This all natural product is formulated with essential oils that delivers nutrients deep into the cortex whilst promoting healthy hair growth. Not only does it nourish and promote growth, it also corrects chronic scalp issues naturally.

Tip: Use this product around the nape and hairline to promote growth to those areas.

John Masters Organics Deep Scalp Follicle Treatment: Another highly recommended product, this treatment can correct excess sebum production, protect your scalp from free radicals, promote growth, and correct chronic scalp issues.

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Instant Funk: Note To Self...

 Must play around with large scarves. Not only is this look adorable, but it protects the hair during the winter too. 

Attempt different styling techniques for bigger, curlier hair 

Must find long sleeve mini dresses for winter. Such a chic look 

Tackle my fear of updo's and go for it! 

Peruse the local thrift shops until I find a Shearling bomber similar to this one.

Pull out my asymmetrical tops & structural blazers

Experiment with scarves and turbans

Find the perfect parachute pants and a comfy grandpa sweater

Invest in some serious leopard pumps

Take a trip to Urban Outfitters to find some oxfords and chic over-sized shirts

Pick up a studded bag or two..

Photo Sources, [1], [2], [3]


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Fashion & Beauty Ethos: DIY Chic Tribal Mani

Everywhere I turn, I find design speckled with tribal undertones. So I decided to do my nails in a tribal inspired mani this past weekend, and it was extremely easy! In keeping with the theme the past few weeks, I decided to use a toothpick for the line details and it was a breeze. 

You Will Need:

Two Shades of Nail Lacquer; O.P.I - "The It Color" [yellow] & O.P.I "Over The Taupe" [taupe color]

Black Nail Polish: I used Rimmel in "Black Satin"

Toothpicks for nail design 

Top Coat: I tried out Seche Vite, so far so good ladies!

Base Coat: I used Essie Protein Base Coat 

Apply a base coat

Paint a little more than half your nail bed with two coats of your main color

Paint the remainder of your nail with two coats of your secondary color 

Draw a line down the middle of your nails with your toothpick dipped in black nail polish [be careful not to drag the toothpick as it may scrape the polish; instead lightly dot it creating a solid line]

Draw several lines near the top portion of your nail bed

 Draw more lines as illustrated in the photo above

Now draw dots down the nail bed using a new toothpick and black nail polish

Repeat the steps above on each nail, then seal with a top coat

Enjoy your new nails!

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Product Review: My Anita Grant Haul!!

About a month ago, the gracious staff over at Hairrogant [the US supplier of Anita Grant] offered to send me some Anita Grant products. Of course I obliged. I have heard many rave reviews on Anita's goodies, and I wanted to try them out for myself! I received a package of Whipped Butter [which I haven't tried yet], Creamy Cafe Latte, Organic Sapote Castor Hair Oil & Anita Grant's infamous Rhassoul Deep Conditioning Spa Mud. 

Rhassoul Deep Conditioning Spa Mud

$12.50 - 3 Cubes

Product Claims:

Our Rhassoul Deep Condishes contains Unrefined Black Cocoa Butter & natural Soya based Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) which helps to guard scalp & hair from free radical damage. When hot liquid is added to our Rhassoul Deep Condishes, it swells & increases its surface area like a highly porous sponge.  Attracting & trapping toxins into these open porous spaces so that when it comes time to rinse the Rhassoul Deep Condish from your hair the toxins are eliminated and you're left with detoxified fluffy soft tresses.

My review:

 This was the consistency of my mixture

Because my hair is so thick, I decided to use two cubes. I poured about 2 ounces of hot water over two cubes and mixed it with a fork until it was a creamy consistency. I then applied the mixture to freshly shampooed hair and covered it with a plastic cap for about 45 minutes without heat. I then rinsed out the mixture with lukewarm water and the result was ridiculously soft, shiny hair. If I had to rate the softness factor on a scale from 1-10 it would definitely get a ten. No doubt about it. - I also loved that it left my hair full of body and so soft that I could actually comb through my hair using my fingers without it snagging on any knots.

Who should use it: 

If you are struggling with chronic dry strands, or you just want to treat your hair to an ultra hydrating deep conditioning treat, try this out! 

Would I actually purchase this?

Most definitely! This is something that I plan on using twice a month. I love that it is natural and and that it detoxifies and hydrates my hair without leaving it feeling coated or stripped. 

My hair with the treatment

This was how shiny my hair was after rinsing out the conditioning cubes!

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Organic Sapote Castor Hair Oil 

$27.00 - 3.38ounces

Product Claims: 

All of Anita Grant's Castor Hair Oils are rich in texture but light enough to be used every day to seal in moisture, protect & restore vitality to your curls. - Product also helps eliminate issues with dermatitis, helps repair damaged and over-processed hair, and also promotes hair growth. 

My review:

I used this oil on wet hair to seal in the moisture after applying my leave-in conditioner. I only used about a dime size portion on each section of hair [my hair was sectioned in four big braids; two in the front, and two in the back] and I blow-dried my hair on warm until it was slightly damp; braiding each section as I was done with it. 

My hair after blow-drying and removing braids. Still very shiny, soft and bouncy!

The Sapote Castor Hair Oil made my hair easier to manage whilst blow-drying and also kept my strands very soft and full of body. - I love that this product is light enough to be used for heat styling and hydrating enough to actually deliver moisture to highly textured hair like mine. 

Who should use it?

If you are looking for an oil to seal in the moisture, aid in heat styling, or looking for a product to use as a hot oil treatment, this is definitely for you. 

Would I actually buy this product?

Yes. I definitely plan on purchasing this product when my bottle runs out. I love the ingredients, and I love how my hair felt after using this product. - I must admit I was a little leery of this product because I am not really a fan of Castor Oil, but this is much lighter and penetrates my hair much better than Castor Oil. 

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Creamy Cafe Latte

$13 - 3.5 ounces

Product Claims: 

Pure Brazilian Coffee Oil stimulates the follicles while the wholesome goodness of Organic Virgin Coconut oil, nourishes your skin and naturally curly hair. Decadent Organic, Unrefined Fair Trade Black Cocoa Butter from Ghana conditions from top to toe, and the vitamin enriched - velvety suppleness of Australian Macadamia Nut Oil lovingly caresses you everywhere. All engulfed in an abundance of delicious natural & organic skin and curly hair care loving ingredients...mmm-mmm-goodness! 

Product Review:

I think I have found the Holy Grail of butters. Some of you that read my blog may know that I am not really a fan of hair butters. It seems as though they always sit on my hair, and coat the strands rather than soften and nourish them. - 

So fast forward to the review: After each section of my hair dried thoroughly, I decided to cornrow my hair for a light, fluffy braid out. I took down my braids and used the Creamy Cafe Latte on each section as I braided it. Applying the Cafe Latte made cornrowing a breeze [something I absolutely hate doing on my natural hair], and gave my hair tons of sheen and softness.  - I think for me this is the Mecca of hair butters because it definitely made a difference in how easy it was to work with, and how soft and bouncy it left my hair. The sheen was also a definite plus.

I am feeling very "Cleo" from Set It Off in this pic. - I cornrowed my hair using Creamy Cafe Latte, it made my hair soft and manageable, and very shiny!

I don't know how it does for curl definition, as I used this on a dry braid out in which I only left the braids in for a few hours. 

Would I actually purchase this product?

Most definitely! I plan on purchasing a few more jars in the near future for myself and for friends. 

Overall I was very impressed with the performance and quality of Anita Grants products. Most of the ingredients are natural and perform well on highly textured hair! 

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I did not purchase this product. This product was sent to me for review by Hairrogant courtesy of Anita Grant. In order to maintain the integrity of MTM, all samples sent by PR are for consideration only. This allows me to share with you products that work well for me and are worth spreading the word about. If you would like to read my entire policy regarding product reviews, please read the Editorial Policy by clicking {here}.

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