So I've always been fascinated by the world of makeup....no secret there. And there lies the common misconception that makeup makes you beautiful. Makeup is supposed to enhance what's already there. Well in order for that to happen you must take care of your skin. Many of us get up every morning and wash our face and in many cases before bedtime as well. Which seems like that would be enough, right? Well that's partially correct.... If you're not using the correct products designed for your skin type you could be doing yourself more harm than good. So now you may be wondering how do you find out if your using products designed for your skin type....that's where I come in.
I recently decided to return to school to embark on a new career. That's right I'm back in school...I'm currently enrolled as a full time student to become a licensed professional esthetician. My program consists of eight months in which I must complete 600 instructional hours which is a combination of theory and practicals. During my time in school I will learn about how to give consultations, cleansing and the analysis of the skin. I will also learn how to give manual facials/treatments also machine and electrical facials as well. As well as body and back treatments. Makeup and hair removal as part of my program as well.
Check out my video that talks about my first week of class:
So I recently decided to attend a "Quench Your Thirst" juicing class. But wait Curly Cubamincan I've seen pictures of your juice creations on Facebook and Instagram so why would you waste your time going to a class? Although I'm not new to juicing...I'm still very open minded to learning more about juicing and the health benefits it has to offer. The class was held inside of JuiceBar Juices located off Holland road in the Holland Windsor Crossing Shopping Center in Virginia Beach, VA. Sister Vickie Thompson was so informative and she shared a little bit about herself and how juicing has proven to benefit her greatly. To start off she's been juicing for 25 years! I've still got my juicing training wheels in comparsion to a juicing veteran like her. She spoke about chlorophyll and it's benefits and I even had the opportunity to sample it. I learned about the differences between centrifugal and masticating juicers, which I found to be helpful information since I was somewhat unsure of the difference myself. We sampled all of the four recipes that were part of the demonstration. I'll share them with you later. So I'm going to give you a rundown of what I learned about the two...each has its own set of pros and cons. Since I own a centrifugal juicer (Jack LaLanne) that's the one I will discuss first. This information helped to further my understanding of what type of juicer I owned.
Centrifugal Juicers:
Centrifugal juicers are juicers that separate the juice from the pulp by spinning the produce at a high speed.
The chutes on this type of juicer are generally larger so you're not as committed to prepping.
These juicers tend to oxidize and slightly warm the juice so some nutritional value is lost in the process.
Relatively noisey.
Juices produced by this type of juicer should be consumed within 24 hours.
This juicer is great if you need your juice quickly.
Breville Juicer
Masticating Juicers:
Masticating juicers basically mimic what your teeth do, which is grinding the produce to separate the juice from the pulp.
The chutes are generally smaller which does not allow the same amount of oxidation as a centrifugal juicer. Smaller chute also means you will have to set aside time to prep your fruits and veggies.
These juicers take longer to produce juice which is due to the method the juicer uses to extract the juice (grinding action), which yields more juice and less pulp
Juices produced by this type of juicer can be consumed within 48 hours
Quieter than centrifugal juicers.
More efficient at juicing green leafy veggies such as spinach, kale, parsley, cilantro, etc.
Omega 8006
Sister Vickie also provided the class with information regarding the difference between juicing and blending. Juicing separates the juice from the fiber and blending blends all ingredients together. Therefore the rate of digestion from juice varied from that of a green smoothie. She taught us that with juicing there is an instant infusion of minerals and phytonutrients to your bloodstream. Juicing is gentle on your digestive system. And finallywhen juicing you remove the fiber so you can pack more veggies in juice than a smoothie. Smoothies support digestive health which in turn aids in elimination. Smoothies are bulkier so they satisfy hunger and sustain energy over times. And lastly smoothies balance your blood sugar.
Here are some tips I picked up...I found them helpful so I'm sharing them with you:
Layer your produce...fruit, veggie, fruit, veggie...helps to blend the flavors together prior to stirring or straining.
Certain fruits and veggies yield more juice when juiced at room temprature versus straight from the fridge.
If you don't plan to consume your juice immediately you can add citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and oranges to act as natural preservatives
When blending put your soft produce at the bottom of the blender first.
So if you live in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia and happen to be in Virginia Beach stop by JuiceBar Juices. Here's a few photos of what is now one of my favorite places to stop by.
These recipes that I'm about to share are not ones I created myself. I was surprised I liked the recipe that contained ginger and the recipe that contained beets. First things first I am NOT a fan of beets by far. And second off I tried ginger and wasn't really feeling it. Juicing is all about trying new combinations...some you'll love, some you could take it or leave it, and of course some you just flat out do not care for. If you try the, let me know how it turned out...like it? Love it? Hate it?
Hob Kob Juice:
3 pears
1 head of celery
1 inch ginger
Limeade Quench:
2 apples
2 cucumbers
1 peeled lime
cilantro 1/4th of a bunch
(Sorry I didn't catch a photo before tossing it back, lol)
Green Acres:
2 apples
1 cucumber
1 beet
1 bunch of kale
1/2 head of celery
The "Down Dog" Smoothie:
1 small banana (or 1/2 large) frozen and chopped
3/4 cup fresh or frozen pineapple
1 1/2 cups spinach or romaine
1 stalk celery, chopped
a few chlorella tablets (optional)
1 scoop any protein powder of choice; hemp would be great in this smoothie
1 1/4- 1 1/2 cups coconut water
For more information on Sister Vickie please visit her website at www.nuturingbodynsoles.com or give her a call at 757-560-2001. The entire class/demo was made possible by Sister Vickie of 2 MoRaw Sistahs and JuiceBar Juices.
So, yeah see what had happened was....well if you're gonna listen then...lol. I know, I know it's been forever since I've done any blogging or videos. I'm back and I will give notice should I decide to take another hiatus. However I was recently ill...like sicker than sick...like had me wondering for a minute. But I'm finally back to myself, woohoo! Now I've had plenty of time to review the January Ipsy bag. I must say this bag was different than any of the others that I received in the past. Honestly the first thing I noticed was...no makeup. Hhhhmmm...now since it's months later I didn't bother to go back and shoot a video. So you know my flow...let's get to my thoughts
Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter
* Unfamilar brand, first time trying anything from this product line
* 2.5 oz size, retails for $7 (available at website listed below and also check your local Target)
* I would venture to say the consistency is more like that of a lotion.
* Free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil and petrolatum (can't go wrong there)
* Overall Impression: I love the smell of this product. I'm definitely into citrus scents and I happen to enjoy the actual fruit itself so this was hit with me. Now I'm not a fan of uber thick lotions, cream, etc. however this was more like a lotion to me rather than a butter, which is another reason to love it. It absorbs easily. I use this as a hand lotion since my skin is typically to sensitive to tolerate scented lotion. The size that came with this shipment is the perfect size for your handbag. I would actually like to repurchase this and possibly try other variations from this company.
*http://www.pacificaperfume.com/
Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil
* Semi-familar brand, first time trying anything from this product line
* Trial size, (various sizes are available for purchase at the website listed below, you may also purchase this item at authorized retailers such as Sephora)
* Dropper style dispensers makes dispenssing the product easy and cuts down on wasting the product
* Unscented
* Multiple uses such as a moisturizer for face and body, nail treatment for cuticles, and a bath oil
* Overall Impression: I have been wanting to try Argan oil and just didn't get around to it until I received this in this shipment. I tried using it on my face and it worked well under my daily moisturzier. Majority of the time I used it to unravel my twists to prevent frizz. I liked the fact that it absorbs and doesn't just sit on top of my hair. The dropper style dispenser is a plus...I hate it when it feels like you can't control how the product is dispensed because that can lead to product being wasted. I definitely wouldn't mind repurchasing this product.
* http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com/
SOHO Crease Brush
* Unfamilar brand, first time trying a brush from this line
* Full handled brush, from the Get A Grip Line, retails for $8.99 (available for purchase at the website listed below. Also may be purchased at major retailers such as CVS/pharmacy, Harmon Discount Health and Beauty, Walgreens, and Walmart)
* Overall Impression: I liked the brush and would definitely recommend it for several reasons. The price is perfect for the quality of the bristles. The bristles are very soft and pick up color. It makes blending your crease easy overall. Also the brush tapers into a slight point which makes getting deep into the crease easy while blending colors out. And finally the grip of the handle makes gripping the handle comfortable. I'm actually tempted to try more from their line.
* http://www.sohobeauty.com/
Nailtini Nail Lacquer Frappe
* Familiar brand, second time receiving in Ipsy shipment
* Full sized, full size retails for for $13 (available at website listed below, select US retailers, and US salons)
* Typical packaging (box included)
* From the Straight Up Color Lacquer collection
* Sheer pale pink
* Overall Impression: Personally I didn't care for the color up front. In fact I had to play with it for it to grow on me. In fact I ended applying between two to three coats. After that it still looked too plain for my personal taste so I ended up applying Set in Stone by Essie for extra flair. I like the Nailtini line of lacquers however this is a color I would not have picked out.
Two coats of polish didn't give me the color payoff I was looking for.
Eh...three coats later I decided I would definitely have to add some flair.
Looks better with a little sliver glitter polish.
Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play Voluminizing Hairspray
Surprise! No review here because I did not use the product. I'm not the ingredients police but I know for a fact there are ingredients in this that I would not use. And besides I have enough volume naturally.
My overall thoughts on this bag was...eh. For $10 I can't complain...three out of five isn't bad.
Three Ipsy bags in and I'm still loving it. Now this month they provided subcribers with products that can make some great holiday looks. I'm definitely digging the makeup bag they provided. The quality seems a little nicer than the other bags I have received so far. If you didn't catch my video check it out and let's get into my thoughts on this month's bag.
Check out the goodies!
Mirabella Prime for face and eyes
*Unfamiliar brand, first time trying anything from this product line
*Full size, retails for $29 (available at website listed below)
*Gel consistency
*Overall Impression: I was initially surprised by the gel consistency of the primer. However I noticed an immediate difference in the coverage of my powder alone. I tend to wear just a light to medium coverage powder on a typical day. I used MAC Mineralized Skinfinish with this primer for my first time around...it was a light day for makeup that particular day and I received a compliment that same day. I was told that I had a glow and was asked if I changed the brand of makeup I use. Other times I opted to wear liquid foundation combined with powder the primer definitely made a difference. Now typically I skip primer...that's just my personal preference, but this product has somewhat changed how I view primer. I just might purchase this product
*Very familiar brand, I absolutely love their eyeshadows!
*Travel sized, full and travel size available at website listed below, you may also purchase this item at authorized retailers such as Sephora and Ulta.
*Very soft consistency
*Jet black
*Doesn't pull or tug at skin
*Smudges/blends easily
*Overall Impression: As usual Urban Decay delivers. This pencil may replace my all time favorite. It literally does what it says its going to do which is glide across your skin. Smudges easily with your favorite pencil style brush. The first usage won me over literally.
*Semi familiar, first lip product from this product line
*Full size, retails for $14 (available at website listed below)
*Typical sponge tip applicator
*True red
*Overall Impression: I tried wearing this poduct two different ways...and the conclusion I arrived at is....this absolutely needs to be paired with a matching lipstick and liner. Now I'm kinda funny when it comes to wearing red lip products...it's a hit or miss for me. I just couldn't get into wearing it alone. However when I paired it with MAC's MAC Red lipstick and Rimmel's Red Diva lip liner it got real, lol.
*Familiar brand
*Full size, retails for $3 (available at website listed below, also authorized retailers such as PacSun and Ulta)
*Blends easily, can build intensity by layering
*Comes off easily with makeup remover
*Overall Impression: I like the loose pearl eyeshadows by NYX. For one they are much more afforadable than a lot of other brands on the market. I also like the fact the opening is not huge...ever spilled a MAC pigment? You'll shed a tear or two over that one, lol.
*http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/
Here's a swatch of Black Pearl
Mai Couture Highlighter Papier- St Barts
*Unfamiliar brand, never heard of it prior ro receiving it in my Ipsy bag
*Trial size, however this is quite a bit for it to not be a full size, retails for $28 (available at the website listed below, I also decided to include the where to buy list since there are mutiple retailers and other websites that carry this product line http://www.maicouture.com/pages/where-to-buy)
*Easier to use if you use a brush rather than applying the sheet directly to your face
*Overall Impression: I think this was a more than enough trial size in terms of the amount of sheets received...especially considering the cost of the full sized product. I found it easier to apply this product by using a stiff face brush...just rub the brush against the sheet. Great product, but I used it sparingly.
I'm back again reviewing November's Ipsy bag. Now I'm still a newbie to the Ipsy subscription but all in all I think I'm going to continue this subscription. I like the fact that the bag is different every month, sometimes you want to coordinate...all the way down to the cosmetics pouch in your handbag, lol. If you didn't catch my video for Novemeber's bag check it out and let's get straight into my thoughts.
Here's everything from the November Ipsy bag:
Starlet Cosmetics- black eye liner pencil
*Unfamiliar brand, first time trying it for myself
*Brand states to be paraben & talc free
*Full sized, can be purchased for $11 at the website listed below
*Soft and creamy makes for easy application
*Smudges easily for smoky eyes
*Found easy to remove (I used H2O eye makeup remover)
*Overall Impression: I think this is a great everyday use type of pencil. Doesn't tug at my skin as I drag it across my eyelid. Smudges easily with a pencil brush. I like that it has a soft and creamy consistency. The color payoff is decent. I also like the idea that this brand is paraben and talc free. The price is affordable and is a great quality pencil overall.
*Unfamiliar brand, first time trying it for myself
*Full sized, full size retails for for $13 (available at website listed below, select US retailers, and US salons)
*Typical packaging (box included)
*From the Speakeasy Lacquer collection
*Gold & teal tinsels within a rose-gold microglitter
*Overall Impression: I like this polish/lacquer for the unique combination of tinsels and microglitter. I definitely plan to use this whenever I want a unique glittery look. (The polish I paired it with was Dress Me Up by China Glaze)
*www.tinibeauty.com
Chella Eyebrow Defining Gel
*Unfamiliar brand, first time trying for myself
*Trial sized, full size retails for $18 (available at website listed below)
*Masara wand type applicator
*Dries without flaking (product is clear)
*Overall Impression: Product does exactly its designed to do. Tames brows with no effort. Great product to use prior to filling in brows. A little pricey for my personal taste and I'm not one of those people who feels like they absolutely must apply eyebrow gels.
*www.chella.com
Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss- Daredevil
*Familiar brand, however this is my first time trying it for myself
*Trial sized, full size retails for $18 (available at website listed, and authorized retailers)
*Typical sponge tip applicator
*Overall Impression: When worn alone it gives a high shine finish with a nice hint of color. However it compliments lipsticks from the same color family. The price is in the middle, believe me there are tubes of lipgloss that sell for $30 or more. I plan to use to with lipstick every time I wear it. Personally if I purchase lipgloss for color I want to see it without having to layer it on.
*I tried it alone, which provided a high shine finish with very subtle color payoff. I also paired it with Frosti lipstick by MAC and Current lip pencil by MAC.
*http://www.bareescentuals.com/
The Balm Cosmetics: Meet Matt(e). Matte Eyeshadow- Matt Batali
*Semi familiar brand
*I would consider this a single full sized eyeshadow. (Available at the website listed below, however I noticed it only seems to be available as part of a palette)
*Deep color payoff, which is a bonus.
*So far I've only used this as an eyebrow filler and more than likely that's the only way I plan to use.
*Overall Impression: Hands down I like it! The rich color payoff works perfectly for the purpose I use it for which is filling in my eyebrows. Pairs nicely with the Chella eyebrow defining gel.
Overall I liked everything from this month's bag. I can't say I like one thing more than the other because I was able to incorporate everything into a look at some point. Well may be I like the Matt Batali matte eyeshadow the most because I can use it everyday. Can't wait to see what December has to offer.
***DISCLAIMER: All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not sponsored nor paid for my thoughts and opinions (by Ipsy). All content from this post are those of the author. Please do not take information from this blog without the expressed permission of the owner. I don't mind sharing just be sure to reference this blog. Thank you!***
**Also please pardon the tardiness of this review...me and Blogger have NOT been getting along lately, lol
So I jumped on the Ipsy (formerly My GlamBag) bandwagon after saying I would not join another subsccription service...um yeah. See what had happened was...lol. Now if you haven't heard of Ipsy before here's a little breakdown of what this subscription actually includes a cosmetics bag, deluxe samples, and full sized beauty products...all for $10 a month. This is my first beauty subscription service and so far I have been pleased.I was intially impressed by the deep pink foil outer packaging. I also like the fact that it's a small package that can fit inside a typical mailbox, so no worrying about it being left out in the open should you not be home at the time of delivery. This has allowed me to try brands that I had no idea existed. If you didn't check out my unboxing video check it out here:
Let's get into what's inside:
The first thing I want to say is I really liked the cosmetics bag that my item arrived in, very cute. ;)
The Balm- What's Your Type? The Bodybuilder Mascara:
*This was an unfamiliar brand for me, so this would be my first time trying it.
*Trial sized, full sized product retails for $19 (available at website listed below)
*no additional packaging (such as a box)
*I found this mascara to be very black, which is a plus for me because I love true black macara, the blacker the better. ;)
*This mascara is specially formulated with Vitamin E, Panthenol, and Bamboo.
*I paired this with Smashbox Lash Primer
*Overall Impression: This mascara does exactly what it claims it will do...it doesn't clump, doesn't flake (yeah for those of us who wear contacts!), and you can see how highly pigmented it is immediately. The price isn't so bad, trust me I've seen mascaras that were quite pricey. The packaging was simple. From what I researched this brand is only available online...
*Familiar brand, this is the second item I've tried from this manufacturer, however this is my first beauty product.
*Trial sized, the same size retails for $12 (available at website listed below)
*Claims to restore softness and shine
*Light & non greasy, smells sweet.
*Personally I found getting the product out of the bottle difficult, the plastic was not flexible
*Overall Impression: This oil smells good, however the price alone would deter me from purchasing. Personally the price for the amount of product just doesn't do it for me, but that's just me. Also the packaging made dispensing the product difficult, yet another reason for me to not purchase. I do NOT care for products that require brain surgery for me to get the product out of the bottle. Now it lives up to the claims of providing softness and shine for your hair. Now as for the ingredients...well let's just say those ingredients aren't on my favs list. This product is fairly easy to get your hands on, it can be purchased at Sephora and the manufacturer's website.
*Familiar brand, however this is my first time trying it for myself
*Trial sized quad, individual shadows average $1.99 (available at website listed below)
*The quad I received included the following colors: Jewel Green, Dark Golden Olive, and Bright Yellow.
Higly pigmented, high colour payoff, soft (a little too soft for my personal taste), applies easily, blends easily
*Manufacturer could make better trial packaging (flimsy), damages easily.
*Overall Impression: I would purchase from this manufacturer, although I prefer eyeshadow that isn't quite so soft. I like the fact that it does not take much eyeshadow to get great colour payoff. I would consider this to be a fairly affordable brand. I didn't care for how flimsy the trial packaging was so hopefully their typical packaging is much more sturdy. From what I researched this brand can only be purchased via the manufacturer website.
*Unfamiliar brand, first time hearing of it and trying it.
*Full sized, full size retails for between $28.08 - $35.10 (Depends on if you're in their VIP program and is available at the website listed below)
*I received Bomb 4, which is from the pink stain family.
Looks totally different without a camera flash
Now with the flash I like the color more...;/
Infinity Lip applicator...almost like a pinched applicator
*Just right consistency for a lip product, applies easily and smooth.
*Mirenesse promises to deliver lip color that is gloss, stain, and lacquer all in one. They also promise to deliver highly pigmented color that's smudgeproof. They also use a unique applicator (Infinity Lip)
*Typical packaging, came with offers for other products they carry. The applicator as mentioned earlier is unique and made applying the product easy.
*Overall Impression: I definitely like the way the product feels as you apply it. I defintitely like the fact that it doesn't feel tackey or gooey like a lot of other products I've tried. In fact I noticed it actually felt moisturizing. It stays on for a decent amount of time without losing shine. The price is a little pricey for my personal taste, but you can't complain when the lip product costs more than your subscription fee ;). I would have liked it more if the color was more to my personal taste. It does look different depending on the lighting as you can tell from the swatch on my inner arm versus the full face photo.
*Unfamiliar brand, first time hearing about it and trying it for myself
*Full sized, full size retails for $14 (available at website listed below)
*Typical packaging (box included)
*Large felt tip marker like applicator
*Must angle yourself for thinner application
*Doesn't rub off easily
*Applies smoothly
*Overall Impression: I personally plan to use this product on a nearly daily basis, however the tip is much larger than I personally prefer. If you prefer a larger tip this should work well for you. I like the fact it's a felt tip because it allows for smooth application. You basically use it like a marker.
All in all I think I will continue my Ipsy subscription. It provides an opportunity to try new brands without breaking the bank. Let me know what your thoughts on this month's bag in the comments below. Stay tuned for my review of the November Ipsy bag. Hasta luego....
***DISCLAIMER: All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not sponsored nor paid for my thoughts and opinions (by Ipsy). All content from this post are those of the author. Please do not take information from this blog without the expressed permission of the owner. I don't mind sharing just be sure to reference this blog. Thank you!***
I was invited to be a part of a traveling event known as Shop the Aisle Blogger Style at Walmart with Alexis Felder aka Lexi with the Curls. Fellow bloggers Jadison03, NaturallyCreole, and NaturallyGlam were in the house as well. You may be wondering what exactly Shop the Aisle is...its a series of in store experiences dedicated to bring consumers in the aisle to learn more about caring for natural hair using products available at retailers. Attendants checked in and were directed to the hair care aisle where Lexi with the Curls gave hair care tips and product recommendations. Many naturals don't know that Walmart, yes Walmart, carries some of their favorite natural brands such as Shea Moisture, Talian Waajid, and Eden Bodyworks. After taking notes and purchasing their products attendants stopped by the table to pick up their goodie bag. Now let me tell you these goodie bags were no joke, in fact they were the largest goodie bags I've ever seen. I enjoyed hanging out with my fellower bloggers, Charlette High (the representaive for the event) and featured guest Lexi with the Curls. Afterwards everyone (except Lexi, she had a flight to catch) went to dinner and we had fun just chatting it up. Be sure to check out my video to see everything that was in the goodie bags.
