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.