K.I.S.S Worthy: Dewy Skin

Scandelousbeauty is one of my favorite youtubers for us brown girls. She has great tutorials on applying makeup as seen from my previous entry of her work. In this video she teaches us how to get that dewy skin we oh so love on others, now we can achieve it for ourselves. Check out this fabulous video on how to achieve that natural look with a punch.

Mosquito Season: Updated

This entire summer I have been bitten by mosquitoes nearly every single day. I have tried everything under the sun (Cutter bug repellent, fly screens, etc) to prevent the critters from biting my skin and leaving those dreadful dark spots. Apparently nothing has worked......... until a few days ago.

Here are my god sent solutions that has worked wonders....for ME.

Preventing Mosquito Bites

1. Avon Skin So Soft Bath Oil: Original scent ( My Miracle oil)
At first I was being my normal skeptic self.. I didn't believe that it would work since everything else has failed me. To my surprise it has been the sole product that has kept those buggers from biting my skin. An added bonus is it softens your skin and smells ooh soo good.
As we all know everyone reacts to products differently, what works for one may not work for all. It's worth a try, many people have recommended this product, they swear by it. I'm glad I tried it...I wish I found out about this earlier.

You can find this product at your local Avon store.

OR

http://shop.avon.com/shop/product.asp?pf_id=7613&from=search&find_spec=avon%20skin%20so%20soft&camp=200818&dir_delivery=1&rep_delivery=1

http://www.amazon.com/Avon-SKIN-SOFT-Original-Bath/dp/B000818W8I

Preventing/Getting Rid of the Dark Spots

1.Avoid Scratching

I would strongly advise that you never scratch the affected area, it will definitely leave a mark on your skin if you do so. I know it's easier said than done. To prevent itching you can use a hyrocortisone cream such as cortizone 10 or a generic brand (it's cheaper and just as effective) I heard a hot shower works wonders, it brings all the histamines to the surface while in return brings relief.

2.Use Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera Gel serves as a dual remedy in this case. It contains anti-inflamatory properties which will relieve the itching as well as reduce infection. Also it has healing properties to help speed the fading process. I would suggest buying the actual plant/leaf (it's the purest form) or go to a health food store and purchase the gel (2nd best),rub it on your entire skin (or the affected area) first, then apply The Avon Skin So Soft. This will be my regimine for the rest of the summer. I'm not risking another mosquito bite....no way no how..

UPDATE : OH HELLLLZ NAWL!
I'm sorry to report that after a few weeks of using this stuff I was bitten by those dreadful creatures (as i like to call them). I thought I honestly found something that worked (the skeptic in me was right..lol)......guess not. I'm back to the drawing board....AGAIN. *sigh*

Ugh, not another pimple there!

I found this very interesting face diagram online. For anyone experiencing acne in specific areas often, this diagram may help you pinpoint the cause. For example, those with Asthma and other respiratory conditions may experience acne in the cheek area. I have witnessed this professionally with many of my patients who has Chronic pulmonary disorders. Whenever their condition is active so is their acne flare ups on their cheeks. As soon as their condition is under control their acne subsides. This diagram has definitely increased my knowledge; I now have more information on what to teach my patients. The next time you get a pimple, refer to this diagram. It may take away most of your guess work! Food for thought: No wonder most women break out in their jaw area when they are on their period...ahaaa.


For great information on how to clear Acne internally read the accompanying site.
http://www.marysherbs.com/heal/heal-acn.shtml

MY Mannequin

This is Alicia, my mannequin. She will be featured in my countless DIY (Do it Yourself) hair tutorials. I have never been to cosmectology school. I have learned most of what I know by watching youtube videos, visiting hair sites and plain ole experimentation. I do not attempt any style on my real hair unless I have tried it on hers first. She has saved me from many hair disaters.

Concealing Imperfections

I found this great video on youtube. This video demonstrates how to cover up acne marks and blemishes. I find her method to be interesting and effective. Check it out:

Body Glow

Now that it's summer we all want that Saint Tropez Glow, without actually having to go and vacation there. I always see pictures of celebrities with a nice glow to their skin, which makes me wonder what product they using to achieve this. If you look at the picture above Gabriel Union is obviously wearing some form of a bronzer that gives her that nice tan look with out stepping a foot in the sun. After much research and trial and tribulation I have actually found a way to achieve this look without spending lots of money.

Here's my routine:

1.Wash with a moisturizing body wash of your choice. I use Olay Ribbons (it has some shimmer in it)

2.Exfoliate( about 2- 3x's per week) I use St.Ives apricote scub or body brushing (I will elaborate on this on another Post)

3.Moisturize immediately while body is still damp, not wet. I use St Ives Collagen Elastin. (best lotion ever if you want smooth cellulite free skin, I swear by this suff, it works..trust!) Allow the moisturizer to sink in before moving on the next step.

4. Apply Super Sheen Bronzing Mist by Sephora. This stuff will have you glowing right away and it smells yummy. It won't make you look as if you have a fake tan, it basically enhances your complexion and gives a illuminous glow. It contains macadamia oil, aloe, vit e, honey, all the good stuff. I truly love this stuff and it's under $15.
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P140611
5.For extra added bronzy glow, I dust some Wet and Wild bronzer in Bali Bronze. I use a big foundation brush on my shoulders, chest, any where that the sun naturally hits. Or I use the Wet and Wild Face illuminator Mega Glow in toasty. (both under $4) Both Products are meant for the face, you will be suprised what it does on the body, it's actually better on my body than my face..lol. You can find these products specifically at Rite Aide. Also don't forget to drink lots of water to stay internally hydrated.

Makeup Looks I love

I am a simple girl when it comes to makeup. I personally hate foundation and anything that will make me look "made up". I love the looks on other women but it doesn't always work for me. My makeup routine is pretty simple: Self made Tinted moisturzer (SPF15 moisturizer with added bronzing cream), concealer, loose powder to set and blush (I love blush). I don't wear mascara much because my lashes are every Mac girls wish, long, lush and full, but I do use Maybeline from time to time or Clinique in the greenish gray tube (best mascara ever hands down) to give me a more dramatic look, and I can't forget the lipgloss. I love Lauren Londons makeup (pictured on left), it'simple yet nice and glowy. I couldn't resist, I had to showcase this look

There are those times that I want to spice things up and look like a glamour girl.....



The looks below are a couple of my faves; it's all about the eyes. I am no makeup maven by any means, I'm an amaetuer when it comes to that ..really. I will say I have learned a few tricks along the way, tho. One thing I've learned is, if you focus on the eyes you don't need much foundation. The looks below can be achieved by using Loreal HIP high pigment eye shadows (which are simliar to MAC but cheaper, catch the bogo sales) My favorite color right now is Loreal Hip Showy shadow. I use that shadow to achieve Eve's look.

My Body Inspirations

This summer I am on a mission to get a banged out body. Although I have a nice figure, there is always room for improvement. I would like to achieve more muscle tone and less body fat. My goal in general is to lose 2 inches all over. I will post my routine on monday. Below are the women that have me running to the gym...




Btw, I found out Beyonce's workout routine during her "Dangerously in Love" Album..I will post it soon. (If yall remember how she looked back then you will be waiting on this post...lol)

Best Beauty Book for African American women

In my opinion Essence: "Beauty basics and Beyond" is an excellent book for African American women to read for beauty tips. This book is one of my all time faves. It discusses everything from hair care to skin care to nutrition and so on. The great part about this book is that it's soley based on what works for "US". There is a plethora of information in this book. I would recommend this book to anyone who is new to makeup (the veterans can benefit too) that doesn't know exactly what colors work with their skintone and are clueless about foundations and tinted moisturizers. It also has a section to help you figure out a skine care regimine that will work for your skin type, along with many more helpful tips. It's an added bonus that it show cases all these beautiful black women. "WE" are truly gorgeous.

You can find the book on amazon.com ( Used books are starting at under $5)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/1932994076/ref=dp_olp_2

And A Bag of Chips

Black is Beautiful. Black people are beautiful. I honestly believe we do not hear that enough! Hence the media pushing the european features as the more "acceptable" form of beauty! Whether you have a wide nose, full lips, coily course hair, straight hair, pointy nose, small lips, it all equates to being beautiful. Here is a beautiful poem I found a few years ago from a local writer in brooklyn, by the name of Donald Young....



And a bag of Chips


I don't need you to validate my beauty.......

You're just working with the body you see outside.

I'll have you know; from a beautiful heart,

and much stronger mind...is where I get my pride.


I'm well aware of my beautiful eyes.......

lovely face.....and ooooh so kissable lips.


But it's my total being.......

and my love for God......

that makes me.....

All that,

and a bag of chips.

Product Review: MAC PRIMER

Mac Prep+Prime Face Protect SPF 50
A skin-protecting cream with SPF 50. Applies under makeup to prime the skin for the sun. Featherweight, fast-absorbing, oil-free, invisible. Will not affect the look, texture or long-wear integrity of your makeup. Specially formulated with oil-absorbing powder, helps prevent oil breakthrough. Provides high-level broad spectrum sun protection. Worn daily helps guard the skin against discolouration, premature aging, dryness and other effects of sun exposure. Suitable for all skins.


My Review: This Product does exactly what it claims. Normally around mid-day my face would be shiny and oily. I would have to break out the tissue to blot my skin several times within the day. Now, I rarely use a tissue. I sometimes check my skin with the back of my hand to see if I'm oily......there is no oil..YAY. It does not completely eliminate oil, although it does reduce it a great deal. I would say that I stay oil free for about 4 hours. When I do get oily it's no where near as much as before. My makeup lasts longer and looks fresh for a longer period. I used it on my sister on memorials day, which was hot BTW and she loved it. So much so, she purchased it today. I recommend this product to anyone who has oily skin and want that matte look without using harsh products to achieve it. I did not experience any irritation, it's a light weight product. The total cost was about $26, which I find to be a bit pricey for such a small tube. There is another one without SPF, it's $22 . If you purchase the Primer with SPF you don't need to use a moisturizer with SPF.

The Proof is in the Pudding

Those of you who are familiar with the show America's Next Top Model, may also be familiar with season 3 contestant runner up finalist, Yaya DaCosta. She was the contestant battling acne issues. Yaya definitely fits in my theme of how the condition of your skin is vital to great makeup. I must say it's uplifting for those of us who aren't genetically blessed with great skin to see someone in our position achieve it. Her skin has done a complete turnaround..

Here is a current photo of her skin with little to no Foundation

It's ironic that YAYA is doing skin commercials. I remember Jay Emanuel from ANTM telling her that the model agency's wouldn't hire a model with problematic skin, whether or not she's pretty. It would require too much airbrushing to get the image of clear skin in photos; airbrushing cost a lot of money. Well, who would have thunk it, Go YAYA......now that's inspiration.




And here's a photo of her at an event with makeup. Case in point: Relatively Clear smooth Skin+Makeup=Flawless makeup

Yaya says that she contributes her "transformation" to reduction in stress, drinking plenty of water, cleansing herbal teas and exercising. She wanted to clear the air, she doesn't use any oral medication ( eg; accutane ) as some may have speculated.

The Secret to Flawless Makeup

There have been countless times in the past that I have seen photos of celebrities and Models in magazines, or encountered women on the street with Fabulous makeup! The kind that make you say "Wow, her makeup looks gorgeous. I want that look". The kind that looks like they are glowing, thus you can't stop staring. After much thought, trial and error of my own makeup applications, I realized the secret to flawless makeup is not the makeup at all, it's the condition of the skin. Makeup+ Relatively clear smooth skin= Flawless makeup. There is no amount of makeup that will make problematic skin look "Flawless". Problematic skin with makeup is what I like to call "a made up mess". ( I know from experience, in the past) I believe the purpose of makeup is to cover minor imperfections and enhance our natural beauty. If your skin is not on point, neither will your makeup. I noticed that many magazines and people in general focus more on makeup application than the actual condition of the skin, the canvas. Yes, it's easier to pile on the makeup.....perfecting the skin is the hardest thing to do, yet the most important!