Melissa's Beauty Bar

Beauty Blunders

2012-03-02T00:57:00.000-08:00

After my extended hiatus from posting I am back and going to talk about a few Beauty Blunders that I see often and others that make me cringe. For the most part some of these Beauty Blunders have been committed by everyone at some time or another. This is part one of a two part post.

Over Plucked
Whether you have done this or not everyone has seen someone with over plucked brows. It always looks weird because usually they have them thinly shaped into a unnatural looking shape. Not all of them are in odd shapes, just very thin than what they should be. I've heard some people say they have always had very thin brows (although I have never seen someone born with them) or the rest admit to over plucking them. Only once have I had over plucked brows and that was the only time that someone else has ever done my eyebrows for me. I allowed my aunt (who has extremely plucked brows) to do my eyebrows and they came out pretty thin, especially to what I was used to. Luckily my brows don't give too much of a fuss about growing back. Anyways to make sure my brows don't stay thin or what not I like to pluck my brows only and also alternate times when I will let my brows grow fully out. I don't have full thick brows but I do let them grow out to its natural state and then just clean up the area around them. It's just my way of making sure they don't get accustomed to being over tweezed or anything. And here is a picture documenting my thinnest brows.

(No idea whats with the book and picture taking)

Snowy Liner
Thankfully I have been smart enough not to make this error, but I have known others that have done it. Okay so White eyeliner is all well and dandy for the waterline and maybe the inner corner to act as a highlight, but that's about it in terms of everyday makeup. I just don't understand why anyone thinks its okay to draw a medium-thick line on the lashline. It's not like a black liner that makes sense, its white! I've seen so many women do this and in varying skintones, it just never works. I've noticed the women who do this usually don't wear mascara or any other makeup for that matter, they think some white eyeliner is suffice.

(The first was for the runway, but really how many people can actually wear this and make it work?)

Faux Pas Lashes
I wish I could find a picture that represents this but describing it will have to do. Okay so I have seen this more times than I can count and I always end up shaking my head when I see it. Women who wear unnaturally thick and long lashes. Now I only shake my head when they are usually sans any real makeup but have on these crazy lashes. They think that we the public will be fooled to think they are their actual lashes. The lashes are very thick and black and shiny since they are fake and they place them always very close to the lashline if not on it. Also usually you get to see the glue peeking out as well. I understand having thin, short lashes since I have them myself but wearing thick lashes isn't going to make it appear natural. As an example of the types of lashes that are used here is a picture of Ardell Lashes called Tyra.

(The lashes are either this thickness or thicker)

Over Bronzed
This is another one many people have probably seen as well. There's such a thing as giving yourself what appears to be a sunkissed look or even slightly bronzed skin, but its another thing to pack it on all over. I've never bothered using bronzer since I am tan but I did have a moment when I looked unnaturally tanned. I allowed one of the girls at mac to convince me that a NW45 (I believe, it was in the 40 family) was my shade in foundation, when it was definitely the wrong tone. To begin with the foundation had to much of a red undertone which my skin doesn't and it made me look like I had a bad fake tan. Luckily I figured it out after using it the one time and started learning how to pick out a foundation that worked with my skintone (best one so far has been Face Atelier). I do have pictures documenting that unfortunate moment so when I locate them I shall put up a photo for reference, in the meantime here's a picture.

Bountiful Blush- Blushing Plenty
Oh how many have fallen victim to the excessive use of blush. I've done it once or twice, being distracted or in poor light and applying too much but I know its not a good look. On the other hand there are some women who don't seem to think that using a lot of blush is a beauty blunder. If your cheeks are looking like clowns then it's time to put down your brush. I believe blush should look somewhat natural not painted on like a clown would wear it.

(She happens to do a lot of Beauty Blunders, Blush just being one of them)

(The way her makeup's packed on she reminds me of a ventriloquist dummy)

The Ursula
Everyone starting out with makeup and some others that like the look have made this blunder. It basically means only using one eyeshadow and managing to extend it either up until it meets the brows or far out the sides or both. I've done it unfortunately and then later on was able to realize what I was doing wrong and correct it. I know some females like to apply eyeshadow up into their brows and think its a suitable look but in general outside of some dramatic looks I don't view them as very wearable. When I see this happen I always think of Ursula from the little mermaid and how very dark and dramatic her makeup looked, but not in a good way. So here's a photo of me doing the Ursula if you will.

(Technique I'm speaking of just in a color that doesn't stand out too much)

Spider Lashes
I have seen plenty of people committing this beauty blunder but not a whole lot and thankfully. I've actually encountered a lot of elderly women who fall prey to the spider lashes, the Ursula and bountiful blush. Anyhow the person puts on several coats of mascara to make the lashes pop and sometimes will wear falsies as well. The end result usually ends up with them having really dark clumpy lashes that seem to crawl away from the eyes. I just don't find this flattering.

(Kim is very fond of spider lashes)

Dirty Contours- Chocolate Outlines
I see more and more people that end up making this horrible mistake. Contouring is meant to help shade certain parts of you face so that other parts pop. By no means is it meant to look like you have a dirty face or as if you are outlining certain areas of your face. Yet some females don't seem to know how to contour without going overboard. It's almost similar to the blush where they don't realize they've put too much on. I've seen noses with noticeable lines running down the side, or cheeks that look like they were passed over with a chocolate bar. Whatever the case learning how to contour and highlight subtly is something everyone should focus on. I've fallen victim a few times in the beginning to over contouring my nose but now I've found a light touch goes a long way.

(This falls under excessive highlighting also)

(Her cheeks and nose look dirty)

The Reversed Raccoon
I feel ever since Kim Kardashian has become more famous there are more girls and women out there committing the Reversed Raccoon. Basically the person has highlighted their eye area way too much in a noticeable way that contrasts with the rest of their face. As in the picture above with Monique she actually didn't do the Reversed Raccoon but she did highlight way too much. Anyway the end result ends up looking like they forgot to wipe away their setting powder.

(Her makeup artist should be scolded)

(To be fair this isn't the completed look but honestly some people end up looking like this anyway)

Badly Blended
Everyone who has dabbled in makeup has done this, and I mean EVERYONE. When you are first starting off its all about trial and error and there is no one out there makeup artist or not that hasn't done this. Somewhat connected to The Ursula its basically applying eyeshadow/s and not blending them, so you are left with a lot of shadow. Besides beginners I have encountered some individuals who have been doing their own makeup for years and still have not learned how important blending is. An example of my ignorance of blending is shown below.

(Well.. I tried I guess. Anyway I did do another Beauty Blunder which I will cover in part 2 of this topic)

Overdone Brows
Oh how I lament thee! This always sets my head to shaking in a slow manner. I have no idea where this trend or look came from but so many women do it. I'm sure you may have or do it yourself or you have just seen others do it. It's one thing to fill in your brows to look fuller yet natural its a whole other thing to draw them in cartoon style. Going heavy on the brow pencil or whatever it may be gives the brows this harsh look. I've seen the sharpie thin ones, to the thick caterpillars. I've overdone it on the brows a couple of times but thankfully only when I have been at home messing around with makeup.

(Dark and thick)

(The sharpie)

(I also don't get this style either)

(Her's are naturally that dark)

So these are just a few of the many Beauty Blunders out there, I will be doing another post with more of them later on. Hopefully you enjoyed this post :)

Facial Toners

2012-01-23T14:32:00.000-08:00

In the beauty community there are debates as to whether or not you do need a toner, it is up to you to decide if its right for you. Nonetheless I am going to discuss some options if you were looking for some more natural and/or organic options for facial toners and explain a bit about it.

The purpose of a toner is to restore the skin's natural ph balance, as well as shrink/close your pores and cleanse the skin. Depending on where you live your water can have a ph balance as high as 9.5, while our skin has a ph balance of 5.5. It takes somewhere around half an hour after washing for your skin's ph balance to return to normal when disturbed.

Toners are most often used after one has cleansed/washed the face then after it dries a moisturizer is applied. There are a number of ways to apply it depending on the kind of toner you use. Most importantly one must be mindful of the type of toner that you are using, taking note of ones skin type. Different toners are effective for oily and combo skin versus dry or sensitive skin. Some facial toners are sold with alcohol, so if you have sensitive or dry skin it wouldn't be the best option for you. The alcohol will only dry out your skin further so picking a non alcoholic toner that's milder would be better. A toner with alcohol would work well with oily combination skin because it will help remove any excess oil, but one must be mindful that if used too often your skin will only produce more oil. For that reason maybe using a facial toner every so often is an option.

Using a toner before applying a moisturizer can be beneficial as it will help with absorption since a toner acts as a humectant (which works to retain moisture). It can be used as a way to further cleanse your face from any lingering makeup or dirt or to treat some acne spots.

If you were interested in some natural toners here are a few options:

Cucumbers are a good option for tightening pores as well as refreshing the skin. Simply grate a cucumber and apply the juice to your face then after about 10 minutes rinse it off. This is a good option for normal skin.

Rose water is another option as a toner, it is effective in tightening pores and cleansing skin as well as others. Simply apply in circular motions with a cotton ball. This is a good option for any skin type.

Egg whites are another good idea for a toner as they temporarily tighten the skin and help deliver any other ingredients to your skin easily. As the egg mask tightens any oil in the skin is sucked up with it making it great at removing excess oil. Simply wash it off afterwards and you are set. Adding another ingredient to your egg mask also is an option simply use one that will be beneficial for your skin. For instance Egg and honey, honey soothes irritated skin and softens it. Or Egg and Avocado, avocado penetrates into your pores nourishing and softening your skin. This is a good option for any skin type unless you have an egg allergy, also be mindful that any other ingredient you mix with the egg will not irritate your face. You can apply a bit of egg to the crook of your elbow to test if your face might be sensitive to the egg.

Strawberries are another great option they clean the skin and tighten pores. They contain natural acids that penetrate deep into your pores and clean out any dirt or impurities. This is a good option for oily or acne prone skin.

So as I stated previously using a toner is simply up to an individual. Some people are not for toners as they believe that it dries out the skin or creates more oil production. My advise is to always keep in mind your skin type when picking out a toner and if it is not a natural toner be mindful of the ingredients.

Hopefully this helped shed some light on facial toners.

Dry Feet

2012-01-15T06:54:00.000-08:00

Do you suffer from dry feet? Have you tried different ways to make them smooth and soft but just haven't had any luck? Well I am going to give you some ideas to remedy your situation.

Dry feet come about for a variety of reasons and most people would have dealt with it at some point in their lifetime in different severity's. Dry feet can be a problem for both men and women as well as all ages. The causes of dry feet vary from improper footwear, standing for long periods of time, to your age or some diseases and skin conditions.
I think taking care of your feet should be an integral part of your beauty routine no matter if it is summer or winter time. That can mean that maybe you go somewhere to have them taken care for you or you just do them yourself at home. I'm for the occasional pampering myself and having someone else do my feet but in general I like to take care of them myself.

If you have dry, rough skin then one of the things you are going to want to invest in is something to scrape off dead skin, an example of that is a pumice stone. You can find one with a handle or just the stone itself and they are usually sold in any beauty supply store.

The texture of the stone makes it perfect for an exfoliant and is effective at removing dry, flaking skin and even calluses. The ideal time to use the pumice stone is on dry feet, before soaking. Gripping the pumice run it along the problem areas of the foot, sort of like a shoe shining movement, until you get off most of the dry skin. If you have only a slight problem with dry skin then maybe after one usage it will be enough, but if not several uses will work to remove the problem.

Another alternative to the pumice stone is, the ped egg. It works similar to the pumice stone in that it helps scrape off the dry skin. It has some small metal blades similar to a grater and it isn't dangerous to use. The metal may seem a little daunting and in fact the first time I tried it was scared that I would cut myself, but I didn't. So long as you aren't so rough and vigorous with the scraping you will only remove the problem areas. What's great about the ped egg is that it has a cover that you can put on it when not in use but when in use it acts as a holding cell for all the skin that you scraped off. So in that sense you get to see how much dry skin you have taken off.

Alright so after you have used something to exfoliate your skin is when you can soak it in some hot-warm water. You can use regular water to soak it or add some other things into the water for added effect. Some suggestions are:

Adding some chopped parsley to a soak has the benefit of its antibacterial effect and also helps boost circulation. It also is good for any cuts or scrapes.

Tea Tree Oil is another option as it effectively fights fungal infections. So if you have any toe or foot infections a soak with some of this oil might be what you are looking for.

Another option is rosewater and glycerin. 100% natural Rosewater has antibacterial, healing, soothing and antispetic properties. Glycerin has antimicrobial, humectant (promotes retention of moisture), moisturizing properties as well as reduces irritation, bruising and swelling. So adding one or both to a foot bath has its benefits.

Apple cider vinegar is a very popular remedy for killing fungus and reducing inflammation. It is a strong astringent and has antifungal properties.The acidity of vinegar helps restore ph balance of nails and helps sooth any discomfort felt by a fungus infection.

So after exfoliating and soaking your feet the next thing you are going to want to do is moisturize your feet. You can use different things to do this, there are lotions and creams out there targeted for feet.

The most important ingredient to look for in creams or anything designed for your feet is, alpha hydroxy acid. Alpha Hydroxy acid is designed to break the bonds that hold dry, damaged skin cells together. Once these bonds are broken then healthy, youthful skin can shine through.

A natural solution to making feet softer is, banana pulp. Banana's have natural moisturizing properties, and it's rich in vitamin and minerals that help promote healthy hair and skin. It is a storehouse of natural oils and potassium which makes it a perfect emollient (designed to make the external layers of the skin softer). Mashing a banana and using the pulp you can apply it to the affected areas and leave on for about 15-20 minutes. Then just rinse it off.

Another option to moisturize your dry feet might be to use petroleum jelly or shortening. The natural oils in vegetable shortening or oil have great soothing and healing properties for dry cracked feet. You can apply a generous layer on feet and cover with thick socks or even plastic bags or saran wrap. Leave it on overnight and you can wash it off in the morning. Petroleum Jelly is an oil based emollient (it repels water) making it a long lasting lubricant to smooth and protect rough, dry skin.You can apply the jelly like you would the shortening except you don't have to wash it off.

*Emollients help replace lipids by filing in gaps in between skin cells, resulting in soft, hydrated skin.

*Lipids are organic molecules that are insoluble (cannot be dissolved) in water.

Another option is Shea butter as a way to supply moisture to dry skin. Shea butter melts at body temperature, which makes it absorb quickly into the skin. Shea Butter is a natural moisturizer that is known to be the richest emollient in the world. It contains many vitamins and nutrients that do different things like soothe inflammation, relax muscles, aid in cell renewal and retain moisture. Apply a thick layer to feet after exfoliating and soaking, then slip on some thick socks and let it absorb overnight. By the morning your feet should feel much more soft and supple than previously.

These are my tips and suggestions on getting your feet from dry to soft. Of course the dryer your feet are the more you should do these steps to ensure better results. Maintaining good foot care is the first step to reducing problems down the road. I suggest to follow these tips even if you don't suffer from dry feet often or at all, just to prevent any dry feet later.

Hopefully you found this informative, and just give it a try!

Moisturizers

2012-01-12T06:19:00.000-08:00

I wanted to do a post about something that has become very important to me, moisturizers. Moisturizing your skin is important no matter what skin type or age you may be. Moisturizing helps replenish your skins fatty substances and natural lipids as well as protect sensitive skin, improve your tone and texture and even mask some imperfections. Not to mention moisturizing can help slow down the aging process in terms of wrinkles.

The best way to apply your moisturizer is after washing your face, that is when your skin is rehydrated and in the best state to lock in moisture.Make sure not to completely dry your face, allow some moisture to stay on your skin as that best helps lock in moisture.

Depending on how often you wash your face you should moisturize it after each wash. For example If you don't wear any makeup and can go two days without washing your face then moisturize every two days. I like to apply it at night that way it absorbs into my skin while I'm sleeping and my body is at work repairing itself. By the time the morning comes my skin would have already absorbed my moisturizer and I can just put on my makeup atop it.

If you use any kind of medications for acne or anything like that place that on the affected areas first and then apply the moisturizer atop it.

Now the most natural moisturizer I use is Extra Virgin Olive oil, its inexpensive and always on hand in my home. I take some of the olive oil from my kitchen and fill up a bottle or container with it. Then when I have washed my face I massage the Extra Virgin Olive oil in circular motions into my skin. It hasn't made my skin break out (I have combo skin) and actually continuously wearing it has helped keep any new acne at bay. As well as having the added benefit of improving my skin tone and acting like a makeup primer of sorts.

Another natural oil that can be used as a moisturizer is Macadamia Oil, it penetrates the skin and hydrates it quickly. Also its oil is very similar to the oil produced by the skin to protect it, it's called sebum. Just like the Extra Virgin Olive Oil you can massage this into your skin after it's been washed.

Next natural oil good for moisturizing is Shea Butter, which is a solid fatty oil. It contains vegetable fats that are beneficial in promoting circulation and cell regeneration. It's great for rejuvenating troubled or aging skin as well as being a natural sun protectant. Just like the other oils massage it into your skin after showering and it would be best to apply before bed or during the evening.

There are other natural alternatives to moisturizers but I'll touch more on them in another post in detail. Also these are the more widely available ones recognizable to most. Of course you can use store bought moisturizers if you'd like, I only want to give you natural options. I believe that using products with little or singular ingredients is healthier than one loaded with a lot of them. Women in various parts of the world have used some of the more simpler things and ended up with great results without having to break the bank. The more natural and organic you go in picking your products the less chance you have of irritation also.

So hopefully this was informative and helped someone!

Casual OOTD

2012-01-12T04:37:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't really posted since the New Year started, I've been giving myself a bit of a break really. Anyway I wanted to update this blog so in the meantime here's a OOTD. The outfit is very casual, I tend to go for more of a relaxed look like this during the week and dress up when I'm going somewhere more fancy or what not. I'll have another OOTD up later to show you what I like to wear for a girls night out.

Enough Rambling here's my outfit for shopping and the like

I did an OOTD video which I will link so you can see my makeup and accessories a bit better.

Also if you'd like to follow me on twitter or add me on fb the links are here:
https://twitter.com/#!/MeliBee123
https://www.facebook.com/MelissaBMakeup

Unwind and Pamper

2011-12-31T07:16:00.000-08:00

Maybe you've had a hectic schedule this holiday season or you just want to unwind, well I am going to give you some tips on what I do. Most of this might seem oh so simple but sometimes we forget that we have to take some time and take care of someone very important, ourselves. It can become so easy to get caught up in the everyday workings of others lives and all of life's stressors, which is why unwinding is perfect. I fall victim to this often and find myself increasingly stressed and tense, to help combat some of that I set aside some time for myself when I can. Sometime's that means a couple of minutes and other times that means hours just to myself. Whatever it may be here are some tips:

1. Set some time apart
This is perhaps the most important step because carving out a bit of time within the day that is reserved only for you is essential. Even if you can't do it regularly or if you only have a little bit of time, a little goes a long way. Just taking a small respite is beneficial to your mental, physical and emotional well being. Stress can take such a toll on you that it might take some time to notice it's ill effects. So taking a little time to be in your own space alone and quiet is key. A little goes a long way.

2. Soak in the Sun
Does that mean go tanning on the beach? Not necessarily. Just going outside for a couple of minutes and soaking in some sunshine is enough to help reduce stress. Not to mention you get a natural dose of Vitamin D which helps support your immune system. Just find somewhere to stand or sit or even go on a stroll and completely focus your attention on the suns rays and how you feel. Don't dwell on what's bad or wrong in the world just let the warmth of the sun rays envelop you. If you do this, you will find your mood much improved and some of the stress would have ebbed off.

3. Slow down, live in the Now
This ties in with the previous to as well as the rest. If you have managed to carve out some time for yourself remember to slow down. Sometimes we get so caught up in being fast paced that when we have spare time we want to continue to be on the go. I always noticed how my mental state changes when I'm on holiday elsewhere and when I'm home. Taking your time to do something will help reduce any stress and improve your quality of life. Only think of the task at hand and even then don't study it, just take note of everything within stride. If you are taking a couple of minutes to yourself and happen to be outside sit down somewhere, slow down. Think of nothing but what is present at that moment, shut off all inner dialogue. Savor the feeling of sunlight on your face or take note of your surroundings. Once you learn to slow yourself down and focus on only the immediately present you will feel happier. Noticing the beauty in the small things will bring joy into your life.

4. Laugh
The saying " Laughter is the best medicine", never rang truer. Something so simple as laughing can help you unwind immensely. Read some jokes, watch a funny movie or scene, anything that will get a smile on your face. Laughing increases your intake of oxygen which stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles and helps release endorphin's. You can relieve tension, increase heart rate and lower blood pressure. If I don't have anything on hand that makes me laugh then I look for something that will make me smile. It tends to be animals for me or simply watching the wonderment of babies. On average adults don't laugh as much as children do and if we did more I think we would feel marginally better.

4. Listen to Music
Again something that sounds obvious but maybe might be something you overlook. Music is very therapeutic and can arose different emotions in you. Of course the idea is to become relaxed but the type of music is subjective. I prefer classical music as a way to unwind but I understand some people would not agree. Basically classical music or music that elicits a mellow, calm, complacent mood in you is what you want to hear. I chose classical because it is music without any words, so I can think and then after awhile just get swept away by the melodious sounds. Put on some soft music during your "me" time and using the other steps let your thoughts adrift. Also putting on some earphones and cutting out all the sounds from around you helps greatly.

5. Avoid Confrontations
There's nothing worse than having your mood dampened by a confrontation, so during this time avoid it. Make sure that when you carve out that time for yourself you let others know to not be disturbed. If you can't and there's a possibility to be disturbed just remember not to take it to heart. Disengage as best as you can from the confrontation and make a note to deal with it later or not at all. Find a place where you can avoid the most amount of distractions or confrontations. Even if you only have a short amount of time and are around a lot of people trying to rope you into something or other, disengage and walk it off. Go for a walk, find a bench, a bathroom, an empty room, whatever and disengage. If you only have precious moments to yourself treat them with care and ensure that you get the most out of it as you can.

6. Breathe and Hydrate
Breathe. Regulating your breathing is something to keep in mind. Taking in full deep even breaths will do wonders for any tenseness you may feel. In conjunction with the other steps you will be on your way to relaxation. Breathing right like laughing is beneficial to your health. Also another thing to keep in mind is to stay Hydrated. Very often one might go prolonged periods without drinking anything and if you are pampering yourself I always like to drink water during. If a glass of wine is what helps you relax then so be it.

7. Massage
It could be that you are getting a massage or giving yourself one but either way its very therapeutic. Whenever I'm stressed and I'm pampering myself I like to get a massage. More often than not I am giving myself my own massage but knowing pressure points help. Following the other steps I take my time when I have a me day, so if I'm putting some lotion on I take advantage and give myself a massage simultaneously. The process of a massage forces you to slow down and enjoy the moment which is ideal for unwinding. Nothing feels better than massaging all those kinks and worries away.

8. Watch or read your favorite movie or book
While you are taking this time to slow down and be present, what better way than to indulge in watching that favorite movie of yours or reading that new book you own. I love to unwind by popping in my favorite feel good movies and reading books that make me content. You focus on what's happening in the movie or book and eventually get so engrossed that all that anger or stress you had earlier fades into the background. If I'm watching a movie I like putting in movies that aren't too serious, I don't want to elicit a big range of emotions only simple ones. If you keep the movie light-hearted without any complicated themes that may mimic real life it's easy to get lost and disassociate a bit. It keeps you smiling and feeling good which is what you want during this time. Same goes for reading, I tend to pick up a random romance novel and just read it for enjoyment. So pick something up that will elicit only positive emotions from you.

9. Enjoy a Hobby
If you aren't interested in watching a movie or reading then maybe a hobby is the thing for you. Engaging in an activity that gives you pleasure will enhance your life. It can even be something as mundane as counting buildings, so long as it's monotonous and fun. You feel good when you are doing something you enjoy, so why not do that when you have a respite. If it brings a smile to your face or a laugh and thoroughly relaxes you, do it. Focus entirely on the task at hand and in the enjoyment that it brings.

10. Nap
Sometimes within our hectic stressful lives, our sleep is short changed often. If you can get a bit of time to recoup why not take that time to nap. You will feel more refreshed and less tense afterwards and will have gotten some much needed sleep. Even taking little five minute naps can do a lot for your energy level and mood, it can be almost as good as ice cold water to the face. Don't feel guilty about using your time to sleep, this is the time you can be selfish and do what you want.

11. To Cook or Not
This is something that I've recently found to relax me, it ties in with what I've already said previously. Although I don't eat out much sometimes cooking can become repetitive and unenjoyable. If you always eat out maybe cooking some comfort food might be relaxing. Taking your time to cook and enjoy what you are doing will not only enhance the pleasure of the food but also the experience. It can be a great time to listen to some music and just let your thoughts wander. If I do cook to unwind I chose to make meals that although I do not make often I do know how to make, that way making a mistake is less likely. I chose to make food that will leave me feeling content.
If cooking isn't your idea of winding down then maybe eating out is. Ordering some takeout or maybe going to a restaurant is your idea of relaxing. I've done this also and it's a nice change. Allowing yourself the right to chose whatever meal without any guilt involved is the key. If you don't want to go crazy with the allowances then maybe a mixture of cooking your meal and buying dessert is something you'd like. Basically during this time I allow myself to indulge in what I actually want. That doesn't mean go crazy and become gluttonous but just letting yourself have a little of life's pleasures. It's a way to treat myself and feel good.

12. Pamper Yourself
Remember that you are worth it. The whole idea of taking some time out for yourself is to take care of the most important person, you. This is the time that you can feel selfish and not feel badly for it. You can pamper yourself in different ways. Maybe there's this movie that you have been wanting to see but haven't or couldn't, go see it. Or maybe you have been wanting to go shopping but haven't been able to, go shop. You don't have to spend an insane amount of money, it's all in moderation and within reason. That movie you wanted to go see maybe they have early viewings for cheap if money is an issue. Or how about all those things you wanted but can't afford to buy, well get one thing. Just look for coupons or check the things on clearance and treat yourself to one thing. It could be a new book, to a new nail polish, whatever it is let yourself have something.
If you allow yourself to get a reward or treat you will feel better, it may sound materialistic a bit but it's true. There's nothing wrong with buying yourself something that will make you happy. Let yourself say yes to something you want after saying no every other day. Remember that you deserve to be happy and feel good, you do not need to rely on others to do it when you can take steps towards it.

13. Beautify Yourself
Take time to make yourself feel beautiful. When you feel good inside it radiates outwards and that is what we want for ourselves. While you take this time out for yourself, do something that makes you feel beautiful, whatever it might be. What makes one feel beautiful is different for so many people so that is up to you to figure out. There are times that I feel most beautiful without makeup and wearing sweat pants, a big shirt and a pullover. Other times I feel most beautiful when I have my hair, nails and makeup nicely done and wearing a nice outfit. Just make sure you feel comfortable.
Take this time out to do maintenance grooming if it's fallen to the way side or just pampering yourself. You can give yourself a mani/pedi or maybe go to a salon and get your hair done. It doesn't matter so long as you are doing something that makes you feel beautiful. There's nothing better than treating yourself to a beauty filled day after not feeling so great about yourself. It's a pick me up and while it can sound superficial there's nothing wrong with wanting to feel and look good. Remember that you are doing these things for yourself to make yourself feel good. It is for no ones benefit but your own although it can be.
If you never dress up then maybe take this time to get all decked out and go somewhere even if its just to run errands. Feeling beautiful will affect your mood greatly and even how other interact with you.

14. Positivity
Lastly, think Positive. Throughout all these steps the biggest is your state of mind. Although negative thoughts might intrude into your special time try to push them away. Focus on the Now and think of the positives that are in the moment rather than all the negative that wants to consume you. It might be hard sometimes but refusing to allow any negative thoughts to seep into your present consciousness will allow you to destress. Remember, everything that was bothering and pressing on you before will still be there after you've had your time to yourself. Constantly remind yourself that it will be there after you are done taking a time out, so deal with it later.

So these are some of my tips to Unwind and Pamper yourself no matter where you may be. The point of this post is to stress that everyone needs a time out and maximizing the allotted time is important. You have to realize that taking care of yourself is essential and just as important as anything else that might be pressing on your mind. At least when you do take time to take care of number one, you, everything else happening in your life will seem so much smaller even if only for a short time. Taking the time to recharge your batteries will do so much for your mental, emotional and physical well being. You can do a lot without having to go on holiday, unwinding is something you should be capable of doing anywhere.

Hope this helped even if some was a little commonsense. Try it out and enjoy a happier, calmer you!

Even Skin tone

2011-12-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

Are you trying to even out your skin tone?

Ok so I have been trying something new for the past month or so for my skin. Originally it started out as a trial for acne and moisturizing my skin but it unexpectedly had another benefit. I don't know if its worked on the acne but I do have to say that I don't get any new breakouts if I use it. Okay so the product that I have been using is...Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It works as a great moisturizer and it seems to have improved my skin tone.

I've always had a pretty even skin tone and no acne but the last couple of years both have been a problem. Also I was never really consistent with using a moisturizer on my face because they could get a bit pricey. I had noticed this summer just how discolored and uneven my skin tone looked and it bothered me but I didn't know what I could do about correcting it other than getting a tan.

Anyway I decided to try olive oil as a moisturizer after hearing that it was good for helping the elasticity in your skin. I was curious and because it was such a natural product I decided to try it. I wash my face thoroughly, apply some ointment on any acne and then massage the olive oil into my face. To be fair my skin is fairly soft and I always get compliments from people commenting on how soft my hands or whatever feel. So it's not that I needed to moisturize due to dry skin but let me tell you after using olive oil my skin felt even softer. It takes some time to soak into the skin it can be like 2hrs for it to absorb into my face (which is why I like to do it after showering at night). After it absorbs into your skin it leaves it feeling soft and there's no lingering greasiness or anything. I especially love that its affordable and simple, there are no extra ingredients, just the one.

So after continued usage I started to notice that although it didn't get rid of acne there didn't seem to be any new breakouts either which was nice. I did skip the olive oil for a couple of days and did breakout but I think it's because the olive oil acted as a great barrier to any pollutants or dirt. Also my skin tone looked much more even than it did originally, where I wasn't able to determine what shade was my true shade I now have only one. I'm still going to continue usage but wanted to talk about this now.

I'd say give this a whirl if you are interested in a more even complexion or if you just want a cheap moisturizer.

OOTN: Birthday Edition

2011-12-25T00:59:00.000-08:00

Here's another OOTD but this one is a little bit different because it's my birthday outfit. I love getting dressed up for my birthday and going out and normally plan my outfit months before.

The dress is from H&M I bought it on Black Friday. The shoes are a couple of years old and they are from the brand Nina.

I wore a simple gold bangle that I've had for years

Earrings are from Macy's I bought them last Christmas

Necklace is also from Macys and was bought last Christmas. The stone of the earrings and the necklace is a citrine color

I spaced at getting a good picture but this is the clearest I got it

Faux Fur Trim is from H&M and I bought it on Black Friday

Coat is a couple of years old and it's also from H&M

I didn't get a good picture of my bag but its a suede brown clutch with some glittery details and this was a present from Aldo's a couple of years old.

I will be uploading a Birthday Get Ready with me video soon.

Choosing Your Perfect Red Lipstick

2011-12-24T23:23:00.000-08:00

Have you always wanted to wear a red lip but didn't know how to pick one? Do you wear red lipstick but don't know if it's the right shade for you? Well I'm going to give you some tips to help you find the right red shade for you.

A red lip is bold and sensuous, it screams stop and look at me. It's something every woman should kijnjn at some point. I'll admit it took me a bit of time to figure out my right shade but knowing some fundamentals helps you in this endeavor.

One red lipstick isn't universal. Within red lipsticks there are underlying tones that help determine what color works best for you.

To start when picking the right shade of red lipstick you should have an understanding of undertones and which are flattering for you. If you don't know about undertones you can refer back to a previous post that helps in figuring it out.

My rule of thumb in picking out a red lipstick that's flattering is choosing one that will flatter my skintone and make my teeth appear whiter. You don't even have to put on the lipstick but holding it up against your teeth is enough to see if it is flattering for you. A lipstick in a wrong shade will pick up any kind of yellow or discoloration you have in your teeth while the right one will make them look brighter and whiter.

Lipsticks fall either into cool or warm categories. Cool toned lipsticks will have blue based shades in them. If you fall under the cool category in foundations and even hair colors then lipsticks within the same range are for you. Examples of Cool toned reds are shades of cranberry, or wine. Examples of warm toned reds are brick red, burnt red or scarlet.

A red lipstick that flatters mostly everyone would be a pure red but finding that shade can be a little difficult. To determine if it is a true pure red there should not be any blue or orange tints to it.

So the most important step in figuring out which red is the red for you is knowing what type of undertone you have in your skin. Figuring that out helps eliminate a lot of the guess work and narrows down the choices.

Here's a link to the Figuring out your undertone post, for reference:
http://melissasbeautybar.blogspot.com/2011/11/finding-your-undertone.html

Hope this helped you in your lipstick hunt.

HoliSeries: Look 5

2011-12-24T21:25:00.000-08:00

Ok so to wrap up my holiday series looks I ended with a gold makeup look. I absolutely love wearing gold eye shadows for the holidays and I knew that I needed to include a look in this series. So this look was inspired by Kim Kardashian, I love how dramatic the liner is and of course the statement red lip. Here's the photo that I got my inspiration from.

The flash washes the colors a bit but tutorial will be up soon. Also I chose a pinkish red lipstick as opposed to the shade Kim has only because it was the most flattering for me. Post on Picking a red lipstick will also be up soon.

Tutorial is up here:

HoliSeries: Look 4

2011-12-16T17:22:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share the next look in my Holiday Series. It was inspired by Ciara, if you don't know who she is she's an American Singer. I changed it up with sharp edges but still with the same colors. Here is the look I was inspired by.

If you want to check out the tutorial:

OOTD: Purple Passions

2011-12-12T19:36:00.000-08:00

So this is another OOTD but difference is that I will be putting up a Get ready with me video that corresponds to this look. I love the color purple but I don't wear it as often as I'd like so I decided to wear it this day. What was funny is that I saw more than 10 people during the night wearing the exact same shade as I was. I don't know if there was something in the air or whatever that attracted people to wear this color.

Anyhow in the meantime here are some quick pictures I got in before leaving.

Want to watch a Get Ready With Me video? Check it out here:

Split Ends

2011-12-11T09:45:00.000-08:00

This post is related to tips in minimizing split ends. I am a sufferer of these unsightly things because I do like to heat style my hair especially in winter. There's nothing more bothersome than nice hair everywhere but the tips that look dry and damaged.

My first tip for reducing split ends is Minimize the amount of hot styling tools you use. Constantly using hot styling tools on your hair will cause damage to your ends. It fry's and breaks your ends. The easiest way to stop the amount of split ends will be to stop using so much heat on them.

2nd Tip is related to the first as well, use a heat protectant. If you must heat style your hair then it is EXTREMELY important to protect your hair beforehand. Using a heat protectant at least creates a slight barrier to coat your hair so that the heat will not be directly applied to the hair follicles.

3rd Tip, get regular trims. This is also very important to do for your hair. Trimming the ends every couple of months will get rid of any breakage you may have and so stop it from moving up the hair shaft and getting worse. Years ago I did not follow this at all but I have learned that it is important if I want healthy hair that grows. It might seem like the last thing you want to do is cut off those precious few inches if you are trying to grow your hair out, but you must. Trims about every month to 3 months is going to help keep your hair healthy. At the beginning of my hair journey it hurt me to cut any inch off but I'm glad I did consistently.

4th Tip, reduce the amount you comb your hair. Constantly brushing out your hair especially when you start from the roots will cause breakage. If you must detangle your hair start from the ends then slowly and gently work your way up to the crown. Naturally your hair looses hair every day but if you are constantly combing it you can break knots and cause split ends higher in the hair shaft. Also it's best to use a paddle brush or a wide toothed comb.
If you have curly hair it's best to skip combing your hair in general. When washing my hair with conditioner I gently finger comb my curls and that is the only time I comb through my curls. Combing dry curly hair causes frizz and since curly hair tangles you are more likely to break some hair while brushing.

5th Tip, use cold water. When washing your hair with warm water you are opening the hair shaft so to close it and lock in moisture you should also rinse it with cold water afterwards. This is something that I always do when I wash my hair. It reduces frizziness and because it's closed it isn't as delicate which will reduce breaking.

6th Tip, add moisture to your hair. Your hair is dead keratin so the problem some people may face is dry hair, there's nothing more important than making sure your hair is properly hydrated. Person's with curly hair tend to have the thirstiest hair which is why using a moisturizer is important. Anyone can benefit from moisturizing their ends with serums or olive oil (whatever you choose) especially if you heat style it often. It won't get rid of the split ends if you don't cut them but they will help make them more hydrated and a bit stronger.

*Another thing that I have also heard helps split ends (but I have not used myself) is English tea. You are supposed to soak the ends in it and it helps repair it.

Hopefully these tips were informative, give them a try and take the necessary steps to healthier hair.

HoliSeries: Look 3

2011-12-10T09:05:00.000-08:00

So this HoliSeries Look is inspired by the beautiful Cyrine Abdelnour. If you do not know who Cyrine is, she is a lebanese singer, actress model. I was instantly drawn to this photo as it seemed a little different to pair a red lip with a blue smokey eye. Nonetheless I love the look it's different yet still Holiday appropriate.

Tutorial for this look is here:

HoliSeries: Look 2

2011-12-05T16:55:00.000-08:00

As part of my new series on youtube I will be doing several looks for the holiday season all inspired by different people. This look is number two in the series and it is inspired by the beautiful and talented Haifa Wehbe. If you do not know who Haifa Wehbe is, she is a Lebanese Egyptian singer.
The picture I got my inspiration is included as well as mine and the video to my tutorial on it. The flash makes my makeup look lighter but it definitely is darker than it shows. Still it's such a pretty look. Very feminine and soft definitely one that I will be wearing often.

I didn't want to pair it with a darker lip only because I already did a similar color for the first look but it would still look pretty with it. I really like Haifa's hair here as well, I will be trying out her hairstyle soon.

Video on this look here:

HoliSeries Look 1

2011-12-05T16:48:00.000-08:00

So I am starting a new series on youtube that deals with makeup looks for the holidays. Each look is inspired by a different person and are different looks in themselves. To kick off the series I started with an artist that I like, Atiye Deniz. If you don't know who she is, she is a Turkish singer. Here is the picture I was inspired by and my look.

I love her purple lipstick in this picture, I am definitely going to get one similar. Also how gorgeous is her hair in this pic?

Tutorial is here:

DIY Earring Holder

2011-12-05T16:15:00.000-08:00

Even though I already put up a video on youtube I decided to make a blog post on it as well. Its a DIY Project to make an earring holder for your wall. Super simple and cheap you probably wont have one of the items but will have everything else. You will need:

Stapler

Scissors

Push Pins/ Tacks

Cardboard/Shoe Box Panel

Tape

Burlap

The only thing you will most likely have to buy will be the burlap, which you can find at any fabric store. It's inexpensive.

Step one: Cut out the cardboard to the size that you want the earring holder to be

Step two: Cut the burlap to fit the size of the cardboard you cut

Step three: Put tape double-sided on the side of the cardboard that the burlap will lay on

Step four: Put the burlap on top of the side of the cardboard with the tape on it

Step five: To secure the burlap further staple all around the box to pin the burlap to the cardboard.

Step six: Put the Earring holder wherever on the wall you wish and pin it in place with some push pins/tacks.

And you are done!

I am going to get a picture frame to put around the earring holder that way it has a nice border. As you can see I also pinned my hair flowers to it which helps keep them out the way.

If you want to check out my video you can see it here:

OOTD: Laid back Stripes

2011-12-03T06:22:00.000-08:00

I decided to start doing an OOTD (Outfit of the Day). This is my first one it's a very relaxed look for like running errands. It wasn't too cold out and I recently found my trench coat so decided to wear it. I taped an OOTD video and while filming realized that all the clothes outside of the shoes and scarf are from Old Navy. The coat is a couple of years old as is the bag. The boatneck shirt was bought earlier this year as were the shoes. The navy blue jeggings were bought last year. Accessories are also old and gifted so I don't know where they were bought.

Finding your Undertone

2011-11-30T05:47:00.000-08:00

Figuring out what is your undertone is important in picking out the right foundation, lipstick and even hairdye. No one has the same coloring and coupled with the undertones of your skin what works for someone else might not work for you.

Your undertone are the colors that lie underneath your skin, while your skin color can change your undertone is always the same. Your undertone can either be cool,warm or neutral. Knowledge of the color wheel and where the colors are on the spectrum helps a bit.

There are several ways that people suggest for you to figure out your right color, some being more effective than others. I am only going to talk about what helped me figure it all out.

1. Figure out what colors look best on you. This perplexed me at first because It wasn't something that I really thought of and then when I did think of it I only came up with colors I liked not ones that necessarily flattered me. Think about the colors that you get complimented on from clothes to makeup.

2. Do you have any redness in your skin? Do you have blue or green veins visible? Is your skin tone sallow,yellow or pink? Taking these kind of things into account are also important as they help indicate towards your coloring. Blueish colored veins tend to fall under the cool category, while green veins fall under the warm and if you can't really see vein color you are neutral. Pale, pink, ebony and dark red coloring end up falling into the cool category while warm yellows, pale peachy and golden colors tend to fall under warm. If you fall neither wholly into one category then you are neutral. Corals and reds like apricot,orange, tawny and brown red are flattering to neutral and warm but fall more so on the neutral side.

To see vein color look at the underside of your wrist in natural daylight to see veins. If you want to find it by looking at your face make sure you are in natural daylight with no makeup on. Also pulling hair back and draping a white towel around shoulders is a good way to see what your undertone is. You will be able to see your undertone with a neutral background.

3. What shade of red lipstick makes your teeth appear whiter? One shade of red isn't universally flattering, you have to pick the right shade for your coloring and it so happens that this can help you figure it out. Cool Red lipsticks with a blue undertone flatter Cool skin tones the best and make teeth appear whiter. Where as warm red lipsticks with orange, yellow or golden hues will make Warm skin tones teeth appear brighter. Wearing a lipstick shade that isn't flattering to your undertone will wash you out and accentuate any discoloration in the teeth.

Hair

If you want to find your undertone a good way is to figure out what your hair undertone is. I struggled with figuring out what my undertone was for quite awhile. I now know what it is and so what colors work best for me and you can also.

Once you know what your undertone is, picking a hair color to flatter you will not be a problem again. Luckily on most hair dye boxes you can find the words cool, warm or neutral which helps make it easier. If you are looking to go blond for instance and have a cool undertone your best bet would be to try champagne or Ash blondes colors. While if you have a warm undertone your best bet is to try golden or honey blonde colors. If neutral you are lucky enough to try either or and still have it flatter you.

Want to try a red color? Brighter reds have a blue undertone which suits cool undertones best. A darker warmer red is best for the warm undertones. Neutrals can experiment with either one.

Having the wrong shade of hair dye is a sure way to wash you out, so picking the right one is very important in looking your best.

Hopefully this gave you a little insight into figuring out your undertone and that you understand how important it is to find yours.

My way of Growing out my hair

2011-11-25T10:51:00.000-08:00

This post is just going to be about what methods I took to grow out my hair. Results weren't overnight, it was a gradual process. My hair was up to about chin length when curly and has gone to about end of shoulder blade length when curly. At the time that I started my hair growth journey, it was heat damaged due to hair dying, heating tools and negligence of hair protecting products.There were other factors as well like not taking better care of hydrating and applying the correct products for my hair.

Scroll to end to see pictures of my hair journey.

To start off my hair is curly, over the years the curls have become looser than when I was younger but still curly. Curly hair naturally is very fine and generally dry. Frizziness is a common occurence and learning to deal with my hair texture is always a work in progress. I was ignorant to certain basic facts about curly hair and ignored most of what I did know about it. My hair type would be classified as a 3b.

So I started my hair growth journey after getting tired of having my hair shoulder length for years and never seeing much growth. Because of all the damage that I had done to my hair it wouldn't grow past my shoulders. I decided I needed to evaluate what I was doing and change things if I wanted my hair to grow again. These are the things I did to do that.

1st. Reduce or completely eliminate usage of hot tools. Consistent usage of hair dryers, curling irons or flat irons will damage hair. If you cant live without using heat on your hair then reducing the amount of times you use it is just as good. I wasn't much good at blow drying my hair so instead I would use a flat iron, problem is I used it on wet hair with no protection. I would hear the sizzle as I ran the iron through my strands and thought it was a good thing because it was straightening my hair. While it did straighten my hair it also made it dry, gave me split ends and damaged my curl pattern. On my journey I knew I was going to have to cut out using the flat iron. I barely brought out the iron to do my hair in the beginning and when I did I made sure to have a heat protectant and have hair already be dry.

2nd. Stop or reduce how much you dye your hair. This was something like an addiciton for me, I loved to dye my hair. It was fun being able to change the color but I was doing it too often. I knew that in order for me to grow out my hair I would have to stop putting damaging chemicals in it. Not to mention I was using cheap dye that did nothing to moisturize it at all. So I made a promise to dye my hair if needed at most only once a year or not at all. This was a major factor in getting my hair back to what it should be.

3rd. Regular hair trims. I normally got pretty regular cuts, if not in a salon then I would do them myself. At the start of my hair journey I went to the salon around every 3 months to get a cut but got frustrated when they would cut what little growth I did achieve. Eventually I switched to cutting it myself because the salons I was going to were too scissor happy and trimming more than my split ends. I did try another upscale salon later on in my journey and there was the first time I did get a haircut where they trimmed my ends, maintaing my length without chopping it off for the heck of it. So now I cut my own hair because I trust myself to cut it more than other people. When I started my journey I had layers all over and even though I stressed how I was growing my hair out into one length the stylists would always recut my layers. By cutting it my self I've grown my hair out to almost one length (the bangs grow slower).

4th. Know your products and eliminate any bad ones. I had read an article early in my hair journey about curly hair and products. One that I eliminated was shampoo, the ones I would use had sulfate and only dried out my hair which I didn't want. A lot of products have sulfate in them which dry out hair and are what cause the foaming in things like shampoo. I never liked using shampoo so decided to cut it out and only use conditioner on my hair. About once or twice a month I would use a dandruff shampoo to clean my hair if I had too much product build up.

5th. Hydrate your hair- It's important to put moisture back into your hair, so for this I used olive oil spray as a way to quench my thirsty hair.

6th. Dry your hair properly. You learn somewhere along the way from emulating and being taught that using a towel to dry your hair is best, when in fact it isn't. I stopped doing this awhile ago because all it does is cause breakage and frizz. Instead of drying my hair with a towel, I squeeze out as much water as I can after washing my hair and then use something like a cotton shirt to pat dry it. This way it isn't causing breakage and the shirt absorbs alot of the water. Then I let it air dry.

6b. Manage frizz. This is just an added step that I thought was important because no one likes frizz. There are several ways I have eliminated frizz and thankfully don't suffer from it anymore unless I'm fidgetting with my hair. First thing I do is when washing my hair I never pile it atop my head and mush all over, that causes tangles which I don't want because then you get breakage. Rather I massage my hair and loosely gather the ends to the top. The second thing I do is detangle my hair when I condition it, having curly hair I almost never comb it because it tangle so easy so this is the only time I do it. I have used a wide toothed comb to detangle but most often than not I use my fingers making sure to comb carefully through hair. After I have completely washed out the conditioner I wet my hair all over with cold water and then wring out excess water. Since I wash my hair with medium heat water it opens up my hair shafts but with that comes frizz hair, so wetting my hair with cold water closes the shaft locking in moisture thereby reducing frizziness. The next thing I do is to make sure I wring out as much water I can from my hair before pat drying it with a cotton t-shirt. I make sure to air dry it even if I do place product in my hair while wet I leave it alone making sure not to touch it even after it dries. Running your fingers through your hair is a sure fire way to get frizz.

7th. Use minimal amounts of products.I eliminated gels and other products I would normally use to keep my curls in place. The only products that would go into my hair for styling were olive oil, heat protection and lotion. And on occassion a bit of hairspray but that wasn't very often. I had read an article also in the beginning of my journey about the effects of wetting dry hair and it turned me onto lotion as a hair product. The author stated that it would be better to use lotion to smoothe hair rather than water that would only dry and frizz it out. I started using that trick before giving up all my hair products and then decided to strictly only use that. It held my curls in place better and didn't give me that hard scrunchy feeling or look. I was always a stickler for using products that would keep my curls in place and this did the trick. At first of course my hair wasn't so managable but after continued usage my hair finally behaved. During that adjustment period I just became creative with styling in order to compensate for lack of products. It doesn't leave a greasy feeling and instead leaves my hair feeling soft and frizz free.

8th. Work with your texture. It's improtant to know how to deal with your hair texture no matter what it is. For most of my curly haired life I have always tried to work against my hair and failed miserably. Getting knowledgeable about your own hair type and texture is important to maximize the health of your hair. Doing what might work for another hair type might not necessarily work for you, but adjusting it to your hair type can. That's something that I'm still learning but feel have come a long way with, learning through my mistakes what works and doesn't.

Here are photos that show the difference in growth as I started, I chose to show straight hair because you can get a better idea of how long it has grown. CLICK ON PICTURE TO SEE ALL OF THE PICTURES

So as you can see there is a marked difference from when I started to now, in terms of hair growth. I followed my hair growth tips as much as possible and even though the growth wasn't overnight it grew. I was stuck for about 2 1/2 years with my hair up to the length of my neck and it wouldn't grow, so to have it to the length it is now has taken a lot of patience and perseverance.

Now currently my hair is around 2-3 inches shorter than the last photo because my ends were to dry. I used my flat iron a lot more this year and for the first time I bleached it (so bad for the hair), so for the last month and until the end of the year I have stopped using heat on my hair. I want it to grow further and I am going to take it easy on my hair again. I'm still learning more about my hair and I want it to get to its up most healthiest and long as well. My goal for the next year is to hopefully get it to grow to around my waist and try to get it thicker.

So you can try what I tried and possibly have the same results, I have no idea because I don't know of anyone besides myself who did what I did. I think most of what I did was pretty basic hair care knowledge that should apply to everyone, like reducing heat damage. I just wanted to share my hair journey, hopefully you got at least a little something out of it. Hope this helps!

Video about this post here:

Managing Frizz

2011-11-12T04:44:00.000-08:00

So this post is about managing frizz and what steps I take to do that. I hardly ever get frizz anymore and it normally only comes about from me constantly touching my hair. If you want to eliminate frizz then maybe some of these tips will help you.

First thing I do is when washing my hair I never pile it atop my head and mush all over, that causes tangles which I don't want because then you get breakage. Rather I massage my hair and loosely gather the ends to the top.

The second thing I do is detangle my hair when I condition it, having curly hair I almost never comb it because it tangles so easy so this is the only time I do it. I have used a wide toothed comb to detangle but most often than not I use my fingers making sure to comb carefully through hair. Take out the knots now instead of when it's drying which will cause frizz.

After I have completely washed out the conditioner I wet my hair all over with cold water and then wring out excess water. Since I wash my hair with medium heat water it opens up my hair shafts but with that comes frizzy hair, so wetting my hair with cold water closes the shaft locking in moisture thereby reducing frizziness. When I skip the cold water step I see a marked difference in my hair being frizzy.

The next thing I do is to make sure I wring out as much water I can from my hair before pat drying it with a cotton t-shirt. A towel will cause your hair to stick to it especially if you're brusquely rubbing it around your head. Using a cotton t'shirt will absorb most of the water and the patting will do it gently without causing frizz or breakage.

I make sure to air dry it even if I do place product in my hair while wet I leave it alone making sure not to touch it even after it dries. Running your fingers (or comb) through your hair while drying is a sure fire way to get frizz. While freshly out the shower just style it how you would like it to dry and then DON'T touch it.

If you put in product when hair is dry and not wet then scrunch it in hair (if wavy/curly) or pat it (if straight) in.

At first my hair took some time to adjust to this new regimen but now it's the only one I do. It works all year round in the cold, humidity etc. The only thing that makes my hair frizzy now it my own hands fidgeting at it. So long as I get that in control, I have manageable frizz free hair even in the summer with nasty humidity. Give one or all of these a try and see if it makes the difference.

Quick Astringents

2011-11-11T23:27:00.000-08:00

I wanted to talk about astringents and give you some easy tips on making your own. Astringents are good for shrinking pores and tightening the skin. You would apply it after you have cleaned and cleansed the skin. I've always been a fan of astringents using them sparingly, not everyday but often enough. When you do use it often, spending the money to replenish it might be a problem for some. Prices range anywhere from $4 and higher.

Here are a couple of natural alternatives to making your own astringents that really don't cost much at all.

So the first tip is just plain cold water.

The astringent property of cold water is very refreshing. If you don't want to splash water on your face then wrapping a washcloth with some ice cubes might be an alternative for you. Gently pat it over your face for some time.

Second tip is some lemon juice and cold water.

Lemon juice has amazing multiple purposes and being an astringent is one of them. It helps disinfect and tone the skin. Dilute it with some cold water and pat onto your face. Make sure not to use lemon juice and tan out in the sun as it may cause irritation.

My 3rd tip is using some Apple cider Vinegar.

Like lemon, apple cider vinegar is an old true and tried astringent. It helps in cleansing and toning your skin. Mix it with some water and you have yourself a homemade astringent.

By no means are these the only astringents you can do at home, there's the option of witch hazel, peaches or even rose water. These are just examples of some simple things you can do without having to spend a big amount of money.

Color Correcting

2011-11-06T12:08:00.000-08:00

To get an even skintone and hide problem areas, I believe color correcting is very beneficial. I always color correct, and I'm the better for it. If you suffer from acne marks or just discoloration then this is something you should consider.
My skintone isn't even, with certain places being red and others having scarring. To eliminate visibility I make sure to use the correct colors to camoflauge my problem areas.
Color correcting works by using the opposite of certain colors to cancel it out. So for instance if you suffer from redness on the skin you would choose a green color corrector. They are opposite each other and so neutralize each other.

Here is a quick guide to finding the correct color correcter for your needs;

Green cancels Red
Helps hide rosacea, broken capillaries

Yellow cancels out Black, Blue or Purple
Helps hide dark circles, spots or bruises

Purple cancels out Yellow
Helps even out complexion if it is too yellow or sallow

Peach cancels out Ruddiness
Helps brighten up lack luster complexion that looks too dull

Even with this simple guideline you could break it down further but this is sufficient for a general sense. I prefer cream corrector's for spots that way you can go in and cover it completely with concealer. I mix in a color corrector with my foundation and then go in individually to cover any other blemishes.

Give color correcting a chance and see how much of a difference it will do for your complexion as opposed to going without.

If you are interested in some brands that have color corrector's here are a few; L'oreal, Smashbox, Graftobian

Handling Stress

2011-11-06T03:38:00.000-08:00

Stress is a part of everyday life, the causes vary from person to person. How you deal with it is an important aspect in your quality of life. I'm sure you've heard suggestions like meditating or yoga, but those aren't what I do. I just want to give you some tips that maybe you might not have thought of, but they definitely are effective for me. I find myself a lot of times feeling stressed without an obvious reason why. We don't realize how much stress we carry around subconsciously until we react to it. When ever I feel stressed these are the things that I do that help completely eliminate or mildly relieve it.

Relief 1: Music

Music can affect our moods in so many different ways, we use it to express our different emotions also. When I'm stressed I want to listen to something that is soothing to relax my nerves. I opt to listen to classical music, the kind depends on my mood though. In general I like to put on some new age classical music that is predominantly piano based. I concentrate on the music at first then after while I drift off and end up getting lost in my thoughts. I've also just put it on and after awhile of it being background music my thoughts will shift from being anxious ones to calm ones. In a matter of minutes I always feel better and much more calmer. I use this to also help me concentrate.
Studies have shown that music from the Baroque period is very effective at relaxing you. Music from that period causes the heart beat and pulse rate to relax to the beat of the music, the mind id able to concentrate and the body becomes relaxed and alert. It has also been shown to decrease blood pressure and enhance the ability to learn.

Remedy 2: Vocalizing

I call this vocalizing because you are making sounds with your throat but not speaking per se. For this I try to find a comfortable position and somewhere that I won't be disturbed. I've done it while outside in crowds just quieter.
So its similar to the chant OM except that I say Ah. I sit still and just continuously say a long Ah for as long as my breath holds of course. I repeat that over and over,mindlessly doing it and trying to relax all the while. After a time you will find that you become relaxed and most of your stress has been alleviated.
The vibrations are what eventually calm you down together with the effort of concentrating on relaxing. Sometimes you just need to scream or let it out rather than stifle it in, so this is my way of doing that without actually screaming. Its much more soothing. I sometimes change the pitch and frequency to create more or less vibrations. The point is to stimulate the vocal chords and creating a vibration from the throat to the chest.
Tibetan monks do something similar known as Overtone singing or known as Throat Singing. I first heard of it in one of my speech classes and realized that I was doing something similar. That resonance that you hear when they sing is more or less what you feel when you say Ah.

If you are interested in some classical musicians here are some that I listen to; Yiruma, Enya, Josh Brickman, Ashram, Beethoven, Bach, Mendel etc.

Another remedy that normally works is having some chocolate. If I'm feeling very stressed and overwhelmed taking a bite out of a regular chocolate bar makes me feel better. It's better than having my favorite comfort food.

So next time you are feeling that staggering weight give one of my tips a try and watch your stress be washed away for the time being.

Sore Throat

2011-11-06T02:24:00.000-08:00

Since it's starting to get progressively colder I figured I would do a post on something that afflicts a lot of people, sore throats. As we transition from warm weather to cold we sometimes tend to forget to cover up well. I have always been a sufferer of sore throats for as long as I can remember and have found ways to minimize them.
One important thing I always keep in mind is to either carry a scarf or a hat and at best both. You lose the most body heat from your head which is why a hat is important. If you forget a hat or don't want to wear one for vanity reasons then always be sure to take a scarf. Cold air escapes easily when your clothing isn't insulated and keeping your body heat. Without a scarf you walk around with an open space that lets air out. Also you can wrap a scarf around your head and neck if its long enough which will help some at keeping out the cold air. For that reason I love to wear pashmina scarves, they're long and a good thickness, I always try to have one handy.

Now if you do happen to get a sore throat then these are some of the things that I do to prevent it from getting worse. It's always effective, natural and easy.

Remedy 1: You will need; lime juice

I always have a bottle of lime juice in my pantry but if you don't then squeezing out the juice of lime is just as good.

Make sure to gargle the juice so that it coats the back of the throat, then spit it out and gargle some cold water if you want. You can gargle and then swallow the lime juice also, it will coat your throat more and its natural so not harmful to you.

Remedy 2: You will need; salt and water

Mixing equal parts salt and water you are going to gargle it for about a minute making sure it coats the back of your throat. After just spit and rinse your mouth with some water if you want to get rid of the taste. If you want to swallow instead of spitting it out that's your choice, it definitely is a strong taste. I've only done it a handful of times when my throat has felt and looked pretty bad.

Remedy 3: You need, lime juice,water and salt

This one is just a mix of the first two remedies and its just as effective as both individually. You can gargle or swallow the mixture either way it works.

Remedy 4: You will need Listerine and water

This is another remedy that I've used a couple of times, it's been effective but I prefer the other remedies better. Nonetheless if you don't mind it then this is a good short term remedy. I like to add a little bit of water to slightly thin out the listerine. I gargle it for about a minute or two and then spit it out. I have swallowed a tiny bit of listerine itself but in general I don't like doing it.

So here are my tips on getting rid of a sore throat, I always use these whenever I feel the slightest discomfort in my throat. It's always been very effective and by using this in conjunction with proper attire doctors visits are remarkably reduced. I rarely make doctors visits for throat infections anymore and its a godsend being able to deal with it.

Makeup Removers

2011-11-05T01:07:00.000-07:00

I wanted to talk a little about Makeup Removers and what I'm really loving. So if you wear makeup you obviously remove it either with soaps,wipes or other facial products. There are so many different products out on the market that are meant to remove makeup, most aren't that efficient at doing so. I always wear liquid foundation plus moisturizers and powder to set it, so there's alot of product on my face. When I go to wash it off many products that I have used aren't successful at removing much of my liquid foundation. I will have patches of skin that still have a lot of makeup and then have to wash and scrub my face with more facial products. I have tried different products to remove makeup and I have finally found one that I am absolutely in love with.

I bought Almay's facial soap for combination/oily skin. The first time I tried it I couldn't believe how well it got rid of my makeup, so I kept trying it out. Now, this is the only thing I use to wash the makeup off my face, its that good. I don't have many products that are my absolute favorites but this one is definitely on the list. After rubbing in the soap to my skin I instantly see my makeup start coming off. Also sometimes to make sure I get everything I use a little exfoliant pad to scrub at my skin. My skin feels really clean afterwards, I love it.

Another product I use for makeup removal are makeup wipes. I try not to use them very often, usually only reserved for when I'm too tired to wash my face. Makeup wipes usually last quite awhile for me because of that reason. The one that I'm currently using and bought at the same time as my Almay soap is a product called Absolute Makeup Cleansing tissues.

I know I definitely didn't pay more than $3 for this but I can't remember how much exactly. It comes in different scents, the one I have is rose scented. The rose scent is pretty strong but different compared to the soap or baby powdered ones out there. So far I have no complaints about the product, I haven't had any reactions to it. Initially I was worried about getting something scented for my face but it hasn't affected it, but then again I don't use it daily. I had never heard of this brand before, usually I opt for well known brands but I decided to give it a try. One thing I have to say is that there are so many wipes inside, Its a pretty thick pack for the money you pay for, which is nice.

Here's a tip on makeup removal; use some lotion. If you want to remove your eye makeup really quick then dab some lotion onto your lids, rub it in and then wipe off with some tissues. Its quick, easy and inexpensive. I wouldn't recommend using lotion to remove facial makeup because it will leave your face feeling sticky and heavy.

Another tip is to use a little bit of olive oil to wipe away your eye makeup. Too much and it will be too greasy, so just remember a little goes a long way.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T01:09:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share one of my Halloween Makeup looks, I was a...ZOMBIE! This was my first time attempting to do a zombie look and I think it came out pretty decent. I am most definitely not a zombie fan, I avoid movies, shows anything to do with thinking about them. I was asked whether I could do a zombie look and so decided that I would attempt it. It was actually fairly easy to do this look, but I'm definitely going to do another zombie look in the future. So check it out:

Dead girl

2011-10-27T17:27:00.000-07:00

Figured I would share a dead girl look I did a couple of months ago. I was going to a monster or masquarade themed party and stumped I wracked my brain for a costume idea. Not being in the mood to walk out in full costume in the summertime I settled on a dead look. I would get to wear my regular clothes and only had to make myself appear dead. The walking dead are monsters so I figured it was a win. Paling out my skin and drawing in dark shadows I started forming a story to go along with my character.

She was a girl on her way out when she was a victim of a random act of violence. Unbeknownst to anyone she was choked from behind with a chord on an empty subway platform. Poor girl wasn't discovered for some time but by then she had become one of the living dead and it was too late to help her. She would forever wander the subway systems at night looking for a sign of her killer.

I'm satisfied with the results

My First Bullet Wound!

2011-10-27T17:08:00.000-07:00

So I got asked if I could do a zombie look and it got me reading up on the body after death. In general I hate zombies and have never felt a desire to dress up as one. I avoid zombie movies and shows if I can. I didn't have the products I wanted to achieve a zombie look so I decided I would make myself look dead. Doing a little research I figured out what I wanted to portray, Algor Mortis.

Algor Mortis is basically when the blood pools to the lowest part of the body. An example would be if the body is laying on its back then that's where it will go. It turns this reddish fresh burn looking color then above that is a lightish-medium purple with a tinge of black then on top of that (think of it as in levels) its the pale regular color. I even looked at real pictures so that I could see for myself what it looked like. They were definitely graphic to say the least, not for the faint of heart.

Anyway I just wanted to give it a try using some makeup, it took a lot of blending that in the end I got tired and left it as is. When I do time consuming looks I normally surf youtube and watch videos, it just so happened I watched a lot of sfx videos. One of the videos was about filming bullet wounds and it inspired me to try it.

I only wanted to try it on half my face

I improvised with the bullet wound on my forehead and used a

cotton ball dipped in some color. It looked like muscle or tendon

in person, pretty cool.

It looks so sickly but this isn't a glamours look.

Yet there's something beautiful about something that's really ugly :)

So before I started on my face I did a wound on my wrist with nothing particular in my mind.

I don't even know what it looks like exactly.

Soft skin

2011-10-25T14:55:00.000-07:00

Do you suffer from dry skin? Or are you just interested in finding ways to make your skin even softer?

Well here's a tip for you, exfoliate. I'm sure you've heard it before but it is an important part to making skin softer. Exfoliating allows for you to get rid of all the dirt and dead skin that accumulates over time, you'll be surprised just how much. There's no need to spend money going to spa's or buying pricey instruments, you may just have what you need at home.

I have never really exfoliated my entire body all that much until I went to a hammam in Morocco and realized how beneficial it is. The only things used on me there were a towel,henna,half an orange and some organic soap. The ingredients were just so simple and my skin afterwards felt amazing and baby soft. So here are my suggestions on getting a similar result.

I would suggest getting an exfoliating mitt, similar to this one.

You can get them where ever they sell bath products, I bought one from

Target

You can buy a ready made exfoliating scrub or make one at home.

Target,The Body Shop and stores that sell bath products sell scrubs in

different scents

A moisturizing bar of soap would also be best. You

can find natural ones at shops like The Body Shop.

Firstly you should do a superficial wash using your soap to get rid of any dirt that is on the skin. This is going to take some time, so make sure you it. After the superficial wash you want to take the scrub that you bought or made and work it into the skin (focusing on one body part at a time). Taking your scrubbing mittens or towel which ever you use, you are going to roughly scrub your skin. Make sure you scrub every inch you can, you want to scrub away all the dead skin and dirt. You make the determination as to what is a good pressure for scrubbing. *The most painful places to scrub are normally the armpits and the chest area. The back is also hard to scrub by yourself so you can ask someone for help or do the best you can on your own. After scrubbing all over you should wash away all the scrub and dirt on your skin. Afterwards taking your moisturizing lotion gently wash all over, rinse and you are done.

You should feel a noticeable difference in your skin, it will feel soft and clean. I wouldn't suggest doing this everyday but about once a week or every two weeks should be fine. Also do not vigorously scrub your face as it is sensitive, it should be treated slightly different.

If you want to exfoliate your face I would suggest getting an exfoliating pad or cloth for your face.

They sell these also where there are bath products sold.

Rather than vigorously scrubbing at your face with even pressure in circular motions buff away dirt and dry skin with an exfoliator for the face. You can make your own with some sugar and water or purchase one. After buffing away the dead skin, apply a moisturizer to keep skin soft and hydrated.

Do it your self Scrub

Ingredients: Pure baking soda, water

1. Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water into a paste
2. Apply in a circular motion before rinsing

Texture is very important, the grains act as an exfoliant which uncovers fresh skin underneath.

Do it your self Scrub

Ingredients: Sugar (can be brown or white), water, milk (optional), kosher salt (can be subbed instead of sugar), Lemon/Orange/Lime juice (optional it works as an astringent)

1. Mix sugar(salt) and water together into a rough paste that has the consistency of something like wet sand
2. You can add in the optional fresh juices from the fruit as well
3. Apply in a circular motion
4. Rinse

Wake up!

2011-10-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

Do you suffer from midday slumps, where all you want to do is sleep?

Here is a tip to help wake you up when you start feeling that slump. Step into the sunlight. Exposing yourself to direct light halts the process of sleepiness. From about 1pm to 3 pm your bodys' core temperature drops,which starts the production of melatonin which signals the body to sleep. So, something so simple as a walk or standing outside in the sun for a couple of minutes will do the trick. You will feel more awake and will be able to postpone your sleepiness.

Can't go outside to get some sunshine?

Another cool (literally) tip is to smell or taste Peppermint. I know whenever I smell anything peppermint it instantly makes my eyes widen and stand to attention. Smelling or tasting it stimulates the trigeminal nerve which is connected to the part of the brain that induces wakefulness.

Next time you feel the afternoon slump try one of these two out!

Rid yourself of Menstrual Pain

2011-10-22T18:33:00.000-07:00

Do you suffer from painful cramps that are won't go away unless you pop some pills? Many women and girls suffer from pms symptoms that vary in intensity and some can be so painful that it often is hard to cope with. This is a tip on how to deal with the pain that often accompanies your monthly visitor.

So I suffer from painful periods, where the first three days are the hardest to cope with. It has been suggested that I take pills a week before my period is set to come and it will eliminate the pain. I don't tend to remember to do that and I do not like to take pills to deal with my pain unless it's completely unberable or I am somewhere that I have no choice. So the natural way that I deal with it is by applying heat.

Now you don't have to go out and by yourself a heating pad because you have the tools right in your home to make your own. All you need are three things, a sock,microwave and rice. I would suggest using a long sock for this since you can fill it with more and it is easier to tie.

So taking a sock fill it up with as much rice as you'd like, it should be full enough to cover a good amount of the area you will be applying it to. I use about 3 cups for my own sock. *You can place the rice in a plastic bag and then put it in the sock if you do not want to have it in the sock. This works the same either way.*

Next tie the sock in a not and place it in the microwave for about 3 minutes. When you take out the sock it will initially be very hot but you want it to be hot because if it will stay hot longer. Normally it is too hot to place straight on the area that I'm getting cramps so I lay a towel or a blanket over myself and then place the sock on top of it. After a couple of minutes you will find that it has cooled down and you can just place it right on the area without a buffer.

Now you should stay sit or lay down and relax as the heat seeps through your pores and relaxes your muscles. I have had my cramps get a little more painful but that is only because they are working against the heat. Eventually you will find that the pain goes away when you start to feel the pain a couple of hours later all you need to do is put the sock back into the microwave to heat up and place it back on the area.

This method is seriously a life saver when I don't want to take anything, its natural and very effective. Another thing you can do for cramps, is rub lavender oil on the affected area and it should rid you of menstrual pain. Then there is the opposite and applying cold pressure is said to help some females.

Next time you get even a smidgen of pain just remember there is a simple easy way to rid yourself of it.

*If your period is heavier and more painful than normal I would suggest seeing a health care professional to rule out anything serious.

Staying Cool

2011-10-22T18:05:00.000-07:00

So even though summer is over I still think its useful to know how to stay cool all year round. Some individuals sweat easily others not at all and so on. One important tip that I always try to keep in mind is this- Keeping your neck cool helps regulate your body's overall temperature.

I am one of those individuals that tends to sweat very easily no matter what the weather is like outside. My core body temperature tends to get high quite often and when it does no amount of fanning will immediately help. What does immediately refresh and cool me down is applying something cold or cool at the base of my neck. Almost instantly I feel a dramatic change in my core body temperature. When you get flustered and hot most often than not your reflex is to fan yourself, then after that doesn't work you try to find something that will cool you off. Rather than looking for a fan or air conditioner or even a piece of paper, find something cold to place on the back of your neck. I guarantee that you will be glad that you tried it out. Even dampening some paper towels and placing them on your neck will give you faster relief quicker than anything else. If you have a water bottle even better, just place it there for a couple of seconds and you will feel better.

I tend to always go through this whenever I straighten my hair which is counterproductive if I am sweating and it becomes puffy. The second I start feeling hot I look for something cold and after a couple of minutes will find that the sweating stops. No one wants to walk around all sweaty, so give my tip a try.

Here are some other ideas for staying cool:

Capsaicin, the chemical that gives hot peppers their kick, increases your body temperature, which in turn causes you to sweat, then cool down.

Drinking cold water in extreme heat adjusts body temperature, It increases circulation and may even boost metabolic function, refreshing you from the inside out. So sprinkle some chili powder on some fruits or go visit a Mexican or Indian Restaurant.

If you eat fruit to cool down then you might want to consider this:

Melons are the perfect hot-weather food, they hydrate without bloating and fill you up without making you feel heavy.