It's been a while

I have been M.I.A for months. Totally neglecting my baby! Now that's it's spring, I'm inspired all over again. There is nothing like sunshine and warm weather to have a girl in a good mood and want to update. I plan on bringing you guys some tips that will be useful to many. If anyone wants me to touch on a specific topic, whether it be skin care, weight issues, anything, please leave a comment and I will try my best to find the solution.

Upcoming topics:

Dark underarms
Back/chest acne
how to lose weight and keep it off
Instant manicure
Natural Chemical peel
The usual product reviews and many more. All for my dope sistahs. Stay tuned ladies....

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.