NEW FIND!

Over the weekend I went on a pro-product shopping spree with mother and picked this little product up based solely on the smell...Earthly Body Marrakesh X Leave-In Treatment and Detangler

They have 3 different fragrances, but I got the original...I can't even explain how good it smells if you are like me and like more exotic scents.

The important thing is that on Saturday I used it instead of a straightening/smoother serum and not only did my hair last all night, but it cut my styling time by at least 1/3.

Today I used the same amount, but let my hair air dry natural...totally soft bouncy curls.

I'm in LOVE!

You brush your teeth...don't forget your lips...


Weird?  Maybe a little.  But honestly, who just walks around with gross chapped lips?!

So I saw this today:

In my opinion, not the best method.

I combine sugar and cheap lip balm (or vaseline).  Apply to my lips and then brush them with a cheap toothbrush (like the shitty ones my dentist gives me fo' free).  Then I buff off with a wash cloth and apply a more hydrating lip balm.

I almost always do this if I decide to wear lipstick because ashy lips are triflin with lipstick on top.  Smooth lips look fuller and more supple (sidebar: I love the word supple).

If you are interested in trying an amazing product that I have used for years, look into Mary Kay Satin Lips Set, it's a lip mask and balm set...your lips are so smooth after using this product that they feel like what I would imagine a wet dolphin covered in baby oil would feel like.

Welp, that is all.

Fake Lashes...Don't Hate, Appreciate!

I'm a huge fan of fake lashes, when they're done RIGHT.  First things first...I'd say a good 90% of celebs, whether in print or on screen are wearing fake lashes.  The more makeup you wear, the more important it is to have luscious lashes.

It seems to me that there is a craze right now with having semi-permanent lash extensions and lash strips done.  Now, I'm not a fan for one reason...you look like a complete lunatic walking around with these epic thick lashes when you have ABSOLUTELY NO OTHER MAKEUP ON!

I have 4 major problems with eyelash application:

TOO HEAVY

TOO SPARSE

POOR PLACEMENT

TOO MUCH LASH, NOT ENOUGH MAKEUP

Lashes come in sooo many shapes and sizes - from full strip and demis to individual - synthetics, natural hair blends, feather and animal hair.  I tend to use synthetics (usually shinier and don't need mascara) or naturals (very light and comfortable)

Quick Tip: When using lashes, if you plan on reusing them (most are marketed as reusable) you CANNOT use mascara on them.  When you wash and dry them they lose their structure (even expensive ones).


I have splurged on MAC lashes, but in my opinion, it's not totally worth it.  I will say that their lashes are slightly more reusable and they have a great synthetic that I like. 7Lash works on just about anyone and the design makes it easy to trim to create a whispy outer corner and perfectly fit a full lash line. I also really like 2Lash because it's design creates volume and length without being overly heavy.

My primary brand is Ardell...they have a huge selection and you can get them at Ulta, CVS, Target, Sally's...really almost any place that sells cosmetics.  They have an awesome tool on their site for choosing the right lashes for your eye shape: Try On Lashes!  I stick to demi invisiband lashes for the most part.  Lashes that have a full black lash band are much heavier and more difficult to apply because they are less pliable.  If you already have great lashes and just want to add some drama, go with individuals or accent lashes to add volume or apply to the outer corners to created a winged look, like this:

Eyelash glue?  Duo Lash is widely popular and one of the best.  I recently switch from the white to clear kind to the dark tone.  The dark tone doesn't interfere with eyeliner as much.

Quick Tips: More glue doesn't mean better hold.  Apply a thin line of glue to lashes and let dry until tacky, this will allow them to adhere quickly without sliding around or pulling away from your lid.  To make sure they are even, adhere in the middle first and then work outwards.

Well that's my 2 cents.  Lastly, I'd like at add...totally wore these bad boys to the Boyz II Men concert a few months ago...they were so epic, I didn't even need mascara...and I somehow managed not to look lazy eyed!

Beach Hairsss...you know...cuz it's summatime

Ok, so here's the thing...I always tend to think that this whole "beach hair" look was only for blondes with long hair, but I actually sported it yesterday and got a few compliments.  There are plenty of products on the market.  Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray is one of the most highly reviewed, but it's $24 for 4oz.  Ummm no thanks.

Here's how you can make your own!

You want to start with a spray bottle (trigger sprayer works better than a pump because you get a more even, heavier mist)...one like this is perfect:

1 CUP of HOT WATER: If you plan on keeping your concoction for a while you'll want to use distilled water to prevent it from mildewing...or use tap water and just make a small batch that you know you are going to use up pretty quickly.

2-3 TBS of FINELY GROUND SEA SALT: I found mine at the grocery store.

1/2 TSP of HAIR GEL: You'll want to use something that is more of a light hold, thick hair gels for super hold don't dissolve that well and make you're hair extra crunchy on top of the salt.

1/2 TSP of CONDITIONER: I just used a cheap coconut scented one for full beachy effect!

**A few drops of essential oil for smell goodiness is optional

Quick Tip: Skip the conditioner and hair gel altogether next time and just use a TSP of coconut oil!

Place all ingredients in your bottle (I added water last to make sure it was hot enough to dissolve all the ingredients) and shake, shake it, shake it, shake it like a Polaroid picture.

That's it...it's super easy and cheap!

On that note, I am actually leaving for the beach (beachy hair spray in hand) and have a kabillion things to do, so this will be the only blog for this week...shhhh shhhh there there, I'll be back next week!