Browsing Category: Beauty

Skin Cleansing Balms 101

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Apparently, skin cleansing balms are the next big thing in skin care and I’ve become curious to find and try out for myself. Cleansing balms are really geared toward people with very dry skin and need extra moisture in ever step of their skincare regimen, including the cleansing step. Balms add moisture instead of stripping, unlike a lot cleansers. So, if dry skin is a problem for you, then you might want to add a balm to your skincare regimen.

If you are like me and want to try this latest trend, but don’t know where to start, here are some of the more popular lines on the market that fit various needs.

  • No 7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Balm, $8.49, Ulta – Like with any trend, beauty or fashion, it’s not necessarily the smartest thing to buy the most expensive product on the market, Sometimes, it’s best to work your way up. So, this cleansing balm from No 7 might the first stepping stone for many of you.
  • REN Rosa Centifolia No.1 Purity Cleansing Balm, $48, Sephora – If you have sensitive skin and are looking for a balm that is gentle, but thorough, the balm by REN is perfect. It gentle removes make-up, even that diabolical waterproof mascara without stripping or aggravating your skin.
  • Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, $28.50, Clinique – If you aren’t too keen on the REN price point, Clinique who is also known for their 100% hypo-allergenic products has an alternative that’s non-greasy, non-drying and great for ALL skin types.
  • Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, $60, TimeToSpa.com – Elemis makes a cleansing balm that contains collagen and other anti-aging ingredients. So, if anti-aging is something you’re concerned about, as do I, then you might want to try this one from Elemis.
  • Cleanser 27 Cleansing Balm, $80, Dermstore.com – When it comes to cleansing balms, this is one of the creme de la creme on the market, So, if you have the deep pockets to start at the top, then you could start with this one from M.E SkinLab. Not only does this one gently cleanses, but it also acts as an exfoliator and moisturizer. You have to love a fab 2-fer,

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Darker Times Ahead

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The transition to blonde was fun while it lasted, but last weekend I decided to go back to my natural dark brown. The main reason I reverted back was to help my hair get back strong and long. Fortunately, from past experience, I knew how important it is to take care of blonde/lighter hair and was very diligent about proper nourishment and maintenance. However, the maintenance became too much and I didn’t like the feel and texture of my hair. So, I’m back to brown and upped my hair care products game, because I’m back to trying to get my hair the healthiest, strongest, and best moisturized state I can get it in. So, here are a list of products that I’m using and abusing to get to the latter state.

  •  S-Curl No Drip Curl Activator, $3.99, Walgreens – Although this is very 80s jherri curl. but this stuff is the TRUTH for thick, curly hair. This is definitely my holy grail when I need a detangler and moisturizer all-in-one for my super thick and curly hair.
  • Deva Curl Heaven in Hair Moisture Treatment, $24.95, Ulta – This is a little pricey, but its utter perfection in the form of this moisturizing treatment. If you have dry, curly hair, then this might be right up your alley.
  • 100 Percent Pure Argan Oil, $48, Sephora – Don’t let the price scare you, because a little goes a long way for a long time. I apply a drop to my hands and rub it on the ends of my hair, especially at night to help moisturize my hair overnight.
  • Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Treatment, $39.95, Ulta – Speaking of products that go along way, this is another one. Like the argan oil, I only need one drop and I apply it to clean and dripping wet hair. It help define my natural curls without the oily heaviness or residue.
  • DevaCurl No-Poo, $18.95, Ulta – I’m a huge advocate for the no-poo/co-washing of natural and/or curly hair, which is cleansing your hair with conditioner. There are plenty of companies that manufacture and sell co-washing products, including this one from DevaCurl, which is lovely.

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Detox Fix

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One of the things I’ve been embracing more of is no-make-up days. Yes, bad skin prone/ make-up addicted me has been daringly going out in public without a drop of make-up. Well, maybe a few swipes of mascara, but that’s almost a daily necessity as brushing my teeth.

Anyway, the only times I feel super confident to go out bare face is when I feel and know that my skin has been properly cleansed, toned, moisturized, and treated (if need). Pretty much, detoxed to the fullest. So, I got instantly anxious to whip out my card and order this Skin Cleanse Volume 2 (There’s a Volume 1?) from Sephora.

This sample collection includes nine of Sephora’s best products for you to get fresh, clean, and perfect skin and includes exfoliators, masks, mattifier, peels, cleanser, eye gel, BB cream, and pore refiner. Everything, plus it’s only $45.

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Dress Up Your Nails With Scotch Tape

Nail polish has always been a fun way for girls to express themselves. You know, hot pink if you’re the “fun” one, red if you’re a “flirt,” and black if you’re “deep.”

As of late, there has been much more than just colors that you can put on your nails to show off your personality. One of the first products to really launch this new nail art phenom was the Ciate Caviar nails, which truly give your nails a festive, textured look – just don’t plan on having the caviar stay on while you’re sleeping. Then the nail sticker prints starting popping up, followed my different kinds of top coats (matte, fur, shiny, etc…), and pens – they make nail polish pens for those ambidextrous or daring enough to get super detailed on your tiny palette.

But, as we know, some of these products can really burn a hole in our pockets, less of a hole than shoes, but it definitely adds up!  One of the most cost efficient and easiest ways to dress up your nails is with scotch tape, and chances are you have some laying around your house! Using the straight edge as a guide for lines, and cutting them into shapes, makes for a perfect stencil. We’ve rounded up some stunning DIY nails below to give a try!

mattemani

This one is one of my favorites – with the different finishes, and using scotch tape as a guide for the french tip – it’s easy and classic!

triangles

These triangles were created using two pieces of scotch tape over a (dry) nude polish, and painting a black coat in the empty space.

waves

So this one will cost you a little bit more money because you’ll have to buy those wavy scissors. This is a lot easier than it looks! Just cut strips of tape with your new fancy scissors, place them on your nails, paint an accent color, and peel!

crazynails

Another easier than it looks scotch tape manicure. Paint nails, let dry, cut tape in spike pattern, place on nails, paint another color on top, peel and add top coat of choice!

Stay Stylish!

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