Spring Makeup Trends

As New York Fashion Week 2015 comes to a close, we are reflecting on all of the beauties’ – from models to celebrities to the folks that put it all together – wardrobes, accessories and most importantly makeup!   The makeup trends for spring 2015 will be soft pinks, pastels, wings and a pop of red for our upcoming May flowers!

Check out the pink and red lips we love and the different brands we recommend to achieve these “on fleek” looks!

Soft Pink

Here are just a few lippies you can use to recreate the soft pink looks you saw on the runway!

NYX's Lip Cream - Istanbul

Buxom's True Nude Foundation - Nude

Mac's Lusterglass - Love Nectar

Rimmel's Lasting Finish By Kate Moss - #28

A Pop of Red

Check out the red lipsticks we use to create these bold red lips!

NYX's Monte Carlo Lip Cream

Nars' Dragon Girl

MAC's Ruby Woo

Maybelline's Siren in Scarlet

Is Your Deodorant Safe?

Have you ever looked at the ingredients on the back of your deodorant?  Many of us read the ingredients on products that we eat, but rarely consider the products being absorbed into our largest organ – our skin!  Today, we want to talk about safer deodorant options. We decided to get rid of those toxic ingredients in our hygiene regiment and try a safer way to deodorize our body odor.

Antiperspirant 

Let’s chat about antiperspirant. Antiperspirant is a substance that is applied to the skin to prevent or reduce perspiration. In layman’s terms it means to stop your body or underarm area from sweating. Leading deodorant brands use aluminum to stop your body from doing something it should do naturally - sweat!   Aluminum is used in most deodorants we use every day. Some research states that aluminum might be one of the leading causes of breast cancer or Alzheimer’s. Since we aren't doctors or researchers we don’t know this to be facts, but we want to be mindful of what we and you put in/on our bodies and try to rid ourselves of those everyday toxins we can control.

Benefits

All products should be applied to clean skin. This will ensure its effectiveness.  These products aren't antiperspirants; you may still sweat but you will not have an odor. These options don’t leave a sticky, hard to clean residue behind; therefore, there’s no product build up.  They also don’t discolor the underarm area.

Deodorant Alternatives - Application

Lime

Cut the lime in half, gently squeeze and apply to your underarm area.  Then slice a thin layer off the used lime half and throw it away. This will help with the lime’s longevity. Place it in a sandwich bag or container and store it in your refrigerator. Be sure to label it to ensure no one uses the lime for cooking purposes.  We both find the lime to be very effective in controlling odor.

Jason Pure Natural Deodorant

This can be applied like your normal deodorant. It will leave a clear/white film, but it will be clear once it absorbs into the skin. We recommend this deodorant for non-active days only.

Crystal Body Deodorant Stick

Before applying, you want to wet the stone then apply to your underarms. This deodorant has no scent or color and it feels like nothing is going on your skin. This product will give you all day odor protection.

Homemade Deodorants

You only need to take a small dab with your finger and rub into your underarms.  It’s an organic homemade product compromised of coconut oils, essential oils and more.  This product lasts the entire day and leaves no residue.

If you interested in purchasing an  excellent organic homemade deodorant check out Yoga WildFlower.

YouTube Video

Watch our video to get the 411 on our natural deodorant experience and get exclusive tips and tricks you can only see on the video!

If you have any tips or tricks, please be sure to share in the comments section below.

Be Bold!

Skin Care Regimen

How are you cleaning your face?  There are so many products out there that you can use to help reduce fine lines, acne and more. Today we want to share with you a simple, affordable and most importantly, effective skin care regimen that works for our skin and most skin types.

Before the Skin Care Regimen

After the Skin Care Regimen

Here is what you will need:
• Black Soap
• Aloe Vera Gel
• Moisturizer
• Eye cream – Optional
• H20

We both prefer using organic/natural products on our skin.  We believe it often provides the best results with minimal to no damage to the skin unlike many cosmetic lines on the market.

Cleanse:

Step 1:  We first wash our face with back soap.  Once we finish washing our face, we gently pat our face dry.

Benefits:  “Black soap has a long history of helping to treat eczema, freckles, dark spots, and fine lines. Among it's list of uses black soap is one of the best acne products on the market. Being a gentle soap, it won't irritate sensitive skin, also making it a good option for babies or the elderly. Black soap's deep cleansing properties are great for clearing up oily skin stopping acne from forming. Shea butter and other botanicals will help dry out and heal current blemishes leaving your skin radiant in no time.” (Source: http://africaimports.com/black_soap_article.asp)

Heal:

Step 2:  Then we take a dab of aloe vera gel and gently rub the gel into our skin. When applied to the skin, aloe has a cooling effect and helps to heal blemishes, cuts and scars.

Benefit:  “Aloe vera is a cactus plant that belongs to the Liliaceae family. It grows in dry climates such as those found in parts of Africa and India and has been used medicinally for centuries. Various studies have been conducted to examine the benefits of the aloe vera plant and it was found out that aloe vera does in fact have several properties that are effective in treating a variety of skin conditions, from flaky or dry skin, cosmetic ailments, hair and scalp problems to many more. Tt is also said to be useful in treating wounds and burns, minor skin infections, eczema and more.”
(Source: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7654/the-benefits-of-using-aloe-vera-for-skin-care-and-more.html)

Moisturize:

Step 3:  Once you've applied your aloe you will apply your moisturizer.  Moisturizer selections will vary from person to person based on your skin type.   You may want to apply eye cream at this point if you suffer from puffy eyes or feel that the skin underneath your eye is dry.

Hydrate:

Step 4:  Lastly, you want to make sure you are drinking eight glasses of water every day.  This will ensure your skin is always looking its best!

Watch the below video to see the exact products we use and more special tips and tricks!

Be Bold!

Feng Shui Naturals Hair & Skin Care Line Review

We had the pleasure of visiting Brownstone Natural Hair & Barber Studio’s LoctoberFest on Monday, October 27!  The event was filled with deeply-discounted hair services, complimentary breakfast and lunch, handmade jewelry and excellent customer service.  

Upon arrival, we were greeted by courteous Brownstone stylists who were ready and willing to cater to our needs.  Shortly after, we met with Brownstone owners Jamal and Abenee Timazee –husband and wife partners - to discuss the event and their Feng Shui Naturals  hair and skin care line.  The energy, enthusiasm and services provided at Brownstone are just a few reasons why we recommend you check out this salon, but today we want to primarily discuss the Philadelphia born product line – Feng Shui Naturals.

The Product

Feng Shui Naturals was created in April 2004 in response to a client complaining about his itchy, inflamed scalp.  Abenee, a driven and compassionate stylist, began thinking and formulating natural combinations that could potentially provide relief for her client. She came up with the product now known as “Feng Shui Hair & Scalp Serum.” When asked how the Feng Shui methodology translates to her hair and skin care line, Abenee responded, “Feng Shui represents balance.  Many reasons we suffer from ailments like hair loss, itchy scalp and other skin conditions is because our body is creating more or less of different hormones that may adversely affect us.  The Feng Shui Naturals line tries to balance out some of these things.  Every product in the line contains traditional Feng Shui elements like water, fire and more.”

Currently, the Feng Shui Naturals line consists of 11 products, including hand wash, body scrub, moisturizers and more.  Many of the products were developed based on the needs and request of Abenee’s clients.  All of the products are organic and handmade with a shelf life of 2 to 5 years, depending on the product. But Abenee is so confident of her product’s natural goodness, she adds, “If you ate my products you would not get sick!”

The job of an entrepreneur never end, as as Abenee spends her evenings making each product from scratch.  With every product she prides herself on providing quality and continuum. As a result of her hard work and attention to detail three out of the 11 Feng Shui products landed a spot on the shelves of seven Whole Foods Market stores in the region.

It was a two-year wait and vigorous application process but, “when you really focus on something, it will take off,” says Abenee.    The next time you’re at a Whole Foods Market, check out Feng Shui Naturals:  Feng Shui, Bambo and Ubiquity!   You may even have the opportunity to meet the jovial owner and founder of the line at your local store, as she regularly gives out samples and explains all of the amazing benefits of the products to customers.

The Review

We had the opportunity to try out two products, Energy body scrub and Harmony hand and body moisturizer from the Feng Shui Naturals line.  Here are our thoughts on the products.

Energy:  All-In-One Moisturizing, Exfoliating Body Scrub

Egypt:  As soon as I opened the bag I was in love!  The smell of the body scrub is delightful.  The scent lingers for most of the day without being overpowering.  My lips tend to get very dry and brittle due to my lipstick, so I decided to try the moisturizing and exfoliating scrub on my lips.  After gently scrubbing and rinsing, the dry skin was removed and my lips felt soft and supple again!

Toya:  I love the smell of both products. I used the scrub on dry areas of my skin right before my shower. It's a gentle yet effective body scrub. This scrub didn't irritate or leave my skin feeling dry. I also love that this product contains all natural ingredients.  The body scrub is the right texture, not too oily or  grainy – it’s just the right consistency!

Harmony:  Hand and Body Moisturizer

Egypt:  I used the moisturizer on my hands.  The smell of the product is light and gender neutral.  I didn't really love the texture of the moisturizer.  It’s a bit hard, but after melting it slightly, by simply sitting it under warm water, it applied perfectly.

Toya:  I use the hand and body cream for both my body and hair. I like to use this product right after the shower while my skin is still wet – it glides on with ease.  My skin is moisturized and soft all day. This product isn't sticky or greasy.  It absorbs into the skin well. I also used this product to do a twist out and got great results. I didn't have a problem using this in my hair, since it's a natural product. I wet my hair with a little water and applied a small amount of product (a little goes a long way). I love how this product made my hair feel soft and manageable. The next morning I took my hair out using no extra product. It wasn't heavy and weighted down by product and provided great definition.

Visit Brownstone:

Brownstone Natural Hair & Barber Studio
1729 South Street
Philadelphia PA 19146
215-545-2555

Brownstone Facebook
Brownstone Instagram

Feng Shui Naturals Website
Feng Shui Naturals Twitter
Feng Shui Naturals Instagram

Eyeliner WING 101

Don’t you just love this look?  Interested in learning the easiest way to accomplish it?  Here’s a quick and easy way to create a wing until you have mastered your own eyeliner stroke!

For weeks I tried to nail down this look.  I managed to always nail one eye but couldn't achieve the same look on the opposite eye.  I watched tutorial after tutorial and practiced a million and one techniques using a pencil, cream liner pencil, liquid liner and gel eyeliner with a brush but after trial and error and some research, I found a sure way to perfect a wing.

The things you will need:

• Tape

• Eyeliner – I recommend using a eyeliner brush and gel eyeliner 

Recommendation:

Put both pieces of tape on first and make sure the tape is angled identically.  This will help ensure your wings look the same on both eyes.

Finished Product

Watch our YouTube video for step-by-step instructions.

Be Bold!

Drugstore Glam Look – NYC Palette Review

Are you a beginner at applying makeup?  Do you want to try different types of makeup and looks before spending the big bucks?  Do you enjoy makeup?  Do you consider yourself a “wannabe” makeup artist?  Do you want to try a trending color without spending an arm and a leg first? If you find yourself saying yes to any of these questions, you've come to the right place!

We love makeup like many woman, but purchasing high-end products isn't always feasible when you're on a budget!  Now I will admit, purchasing eye shadow at the drugstore can be tricky.  There are brands that are carried by drugstores that are really cheap and not made well, but the only way you will discover the good from the bad is through trial and error.   The positive things about trial and error at CVS is that products can range anywhere from $1.00 – 12.00, so you aren't breaking the bank during your makeup exploration experience.

NYC Cosmetics’s IndividualEyes 942 Smokey Blues Eye Shadow Palette 

I decided to try out NYC Cosmetics’s IndividualEyes 942 Smokey Blues.  Although the packaging recommends this palette for blue eyes I decided to purchase it anyway.  If you see colors that you think are beautiful, just try them. You never know how they will look on your skin.  These colors came out beautifully - the palette was well worth the $4.50.

Note:  I did use brushes to apply the eye shadow.  We don’t recommend using the applicators that come with your drugstore products; invest in some good brushes.  They will last you a very long time.

Finished product

I achieved my entire look with all drugstore products.  Not bad if I say so myself!

Face:

Primer:  NYX’s Studio Perfect Photo Loving Primer
Foundation:   Revlon’s Nearly Naked, 250 Caramel
Powder:  Revlon’s Nearly Naked Pressed Powder, Deep 050
Concealer:  Maybelline Fit Concealer, 35 Deep
Highlight:   Physicians Formula’s Shimmer Strips Vegas Strip /Light Bronzer
Blush:   Milani’s Baked Blush 02 Rose D'oro

Eyes:

Eyeshadow:  NYC’s IndividualEyes 942 Smokey Blues 
Mascara:   NYC’s Big Bold Ultra Volumizing Mascara Black
Brows:  NYC’s Browser Brush-On Brow Kit, 876A Brunette

Lips:

Liner:   Wet n’ Wild’s Brow Liner Pencil, 651 Black
Lipstick:  NYX’s Matte Lipstick, Sweet Pink  & Perfect Red

Watch our Youtube video tutorial to see exactly how I accomplished this look!

Be Bold!

The Diva Cup Review

I woke up this morning feeling rather sluggish.  My head was hurting a bit, my stomach was in knots, people were getting on my nerves just a little bit more than usual and my breast felt like watermelons, but I carried on.  I got up, got dressed and left for work.  When I arrived I looked at my calendar and there was the reminder – period due tomorrow!  UGH.

Don’t you just dread all that comes along with your monthly cycle with the one exception – thank goodness I’m not pregnant (lol).  So do we – so we felt it was our duty to inform you of a product, The Diva Cup, that can make this monthly 5-7 day experience 50% better!

When did you start using the diva cup?

Toya:  I started using the diva cup in the summer of 2012.

Egypt:  The first time was probably in 2007 or 2008.  I tried it – long story short it was a disaster so I gave up on it.  Seven years later, I decided to give it another whirl and I absolutely love it.  So I’ve been officially using it for 3 months.

Why did you start using the cup?

Toya:  I knew about this product for a couple of years before I actually used it. A few of my friends recommended the product, but I would not budge. My exact words were, “Nope, not doing it." While out with my husband, I had an accident and at that very moment I knew it was time to try something new.  Super tampons with panty liners were no longer working for me.

Egypt:  Friends of mine had been raving about the product so I said, “why not."  I’m always looking for ways to cut costs, and pads and tampons are dreadful!

How long have you been using it?

Toya:  I’ve been using the diva cup for 2 years.

Egypt:  I’ve been using my diva cup for 3 months.

Where did you purchase it and for how much?

Toya:  I’m on my second diva cup and both were purchased from vitacost.com. I paid $26.00 for the first cup and $30.00 for the second cup.

Egypt:  I purchased my first cup at Wholefoods for $40.00.  Through some unforeseen events I lost the first cup and had to repurchase.  I purchased the second cup on Amazon for $30.00.

How do you like the product?

Toya:  There are so many reasons to love the diva cup. I can use it for a year. It’s environmentally friendly. This product has shortened the length of my cycle. It’s also very comfortable and doesn’t need to be removed for up to 12-hours.

Egypt:  I love this product for all the same reasons Toya named.  To be frank, you feel less gross throughout the day with this product.

Have you tried any other menstrual cups?

Toya:  I haven’t tried any other products but I am open to trying others.

Egypt:  I haven’t tried any other menstrual cups either.

How do you insert the cup?

Toya:  I like to be nude before I put the cup in or at least have my pants and panties completely off. This way I’m not restricted and can open my legs wide. I usually sit on the toilet while inserting the cup. I start out folding the cup, I use my thumb and index finger to insert. I don’t push it straight up like a tampon but instead I push it back. Then I wait to feel it pop open.  Once it pops open I know it’s in correctly. If for some reason I don’t feel it pop, I will remove and repeat.

Egypt:  I will also insert the diva cup without any pants and undergarments on.  You need to be able to open up wide and your underclothing can be very restrictive.  I will rinse out the cup one last time before inserting.  You want to make sure your cup is sterilized before inserting.  While sitting in a seated position, normally on my tub, I will hold open the labia (aka vagina lips) with one hand and insert my folded cup with the other hand.  I hold the labia open because it allows for smooth entry and cuts down on irritation if you have to reinsert a few times before getting it in correctly.   It is important that you push back and not up – remember this is not a tampon.  Inserting the diva cup while sitting will help ensure that you are putting the cup in the correct way.

How do you remove the cup?

Toya:  I remove it while sitting on the toilet. I take my right hand, then I use my thumb and index finger and I go in a take it out. I then dump it in the toilet (the waste). If I’m home I clean it well with my soap of choice and rinse well with warm water. Now if I’m out and have to dump I just rinse it well if I’m in a stall with a sink. If I can’t rinse and need to remove I just dump and reinsert.

Egypt:  Before removing I make sure I wash my hands with non-scented soap, you want to avoid using anything that could potentially interrupt your normal PH-balance.  After washing my hands, I will remove my pants and undergarments and get into a squatted position making sure my butt is just about touching my heels.  I then insert my pointer finger inside my vagina.  I will go up as far as I can, the goal is to get as close to the top of the diva cup as possible, and push the side of the Diva Cup in towards the other side of the cup.  This will break the suction and allow you to easily remove
the Diva Cup.  This step is optional – try this if you are having issues removing.  After breaking the suction I will remove my pointer finger and bare down, as if I were moving my bowels.  While baring down I will then take my two fingers (thumb and pointer) and grab the stem and gently pull down until I have a good grip on the cup.  I will then pull the cup out and dump (the waste) in the toilet, rinse with warm water and mild unscented soap and reinsert.

What challenges have you faced using the product?

Toya:  I didn't have many challenges. The one challenge I did struggle with was putting it in properly. I could not get it to open, so the first couple of days using the Diva Cup I had lots of leakage. But once I got the technique down I had no issues.  

Egypt:  I had several issues removing the Diva Cup.  For the life of me I just couldn't pull it out unless it was completely full and leaking.  After reading a million reviews I learned that you must break the suction in order to successfully pull the Diva Cup out.  It definitely took two full cycles for me to get it down, but in the third month it was a breeze.

How do you clean the Diva Cup?

Toya:  To sterilize the cup after I’m done, I clean the cup well with soap. Place it in to a glass jar and pour in boiling hot water.

Egypt:  Similar to Toya, I also clean my cup with warm water and a mild soap.  Afterwards I put my cup into my designated Diva Cup mason jar and add a little bit of mild soap and boiling hot water into the jar.  I let the cup sit in the water for 10-minutes.  I then remove, dry and place in my Diva Cup pouch and store in my undergarment drawer until next month.

Pads & Tampons VS. Menstrual Cups

Tampons aren't your friend: fibers can be caught in the vaginal canal, “over-absorb’ precious vaginal fluids, and dry out the mucous membrane.

Pads aren't much better:  they create a stifling, moist environment – ground zero for yeast infections, bacteria and odor.

Menstrual cups are your periods’ super heroine (and here to protect you):  it doesn't disrupt the vagina’s lubricating ability, or interfere with the natural process of shedding menstrual blood, dead cells and bacteria. The upside?  There have been no reported cased of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) in connection with the use of menstrual cups.  (Source:  Lunette)

Any helpful tips you would like to share with beginners?

• You must be very comfortable with you lower region to successfully use this product.  
• Make sure to be relaxed when inserting and removing.  
• Don’t panic.  If the cup isn't coming out just go sit down, watch a movie and try again later.  It will come out.  
• Use a pad or panty liner the first few months. This will ensure you don’t have any unforeseen accidents in public.
• Read the reviews on Vitacost and/or Amazon. The reviews were very helpful when we started out. 
• In the directions it tells you to turn your diva cup in a circular motion to ensure its properly suctioned. This can be difficult and awkward.  We recommend skipping this step.  Just insert and listen or feel for the “pop” and you’ll know its inserted correctly.
• Lastly, don’t give up! It will take a couple of cycles to nail your technique, but once you get it down you won’t ever want to go back to traditional methods.

Watch our video on the Diva Cup.  We will show you how it works and share funny stories of our first experiences with the cup.

Note:  Click here for more information on the Diva Cup