Feeling the Winter Blahs

I am sooo friggin' tired as of late. I have been going to bed every night at around 9pm. I do believe in the "early to bed, early to rise" saying, but it isn't helping. Sure I get up at 6am, but by 2pm I am ready to crash. I need a pick me up, like a visit to a salon to get a conditioning treatment and scalp massage, while getting a pedi/mani (I can't tell you how long those dogs have been neglected..lol). Time to have a self-maintenance night, that usually boost my energy. Yesterday, I met up with friends to go see the new Carol's Daughter freestanding store in Wheaton Mall and was yelled at by my friend, because of the neglect for my hair. So I think it is time for a long "self-maintenance night". This is where I give myself a pedicure while sitting under my borrowed hairdryer conditioning my parched tresses. I have been wearing my hair back in a bun this whole week (maybe 2 weeks). I saw a avocado and banana recipe for a hair conditioner online, so I think I may try this.

All Hail The Queen!!!

Queen Latifah's new collection of makeup with covergirl is absolutely and surprisingly fabulous!! Yesterday, after a visit to Wheaton Mall to see the new Carol's Daughter store, I made my way to Target. I had been curious about the line so decided to try the Queen Collection Liquid Makeup in Sheer Espresso. Not only was the match perfect (no ugly red undertones like some brands), but it felt like water on my skin. It didn't dry down to an overly matte finish like some foundations intended for women of color. It actually gives a semi-matte finish, but without the matte feel. It really does give continuous hydration. If you need a little extra coverage, just apply one layer (wait for it to dry) and then another. It offers a decent range of coverage (a little goes a long way). This is perfect for the summer and winter months. During the winter, just be sure to moisturize your skin before application. During the summer this really could replace your tinted moisturizer. I would suggest just applying a light gel moisturizer and then apply this. At a price of $6.49, it is worth a try. It comes in 12 shades, so there is a match for everyone!! It is available at just about any drugstore (CVS, Walgreens, Target). For those of you in DC, I love the new CVS right by the U-Street Metro.

Also, another great foundation find is the Chanel Vitalumiere Satin Smoothing Fluid Spf 15. This product feels like butta' on the skin. The way it glides and smoothes the skin's surface is astonishing!! Perfect for those looking for coverage, hydration, and something to smooth out the little tell-tell signs of aging. It leaves the skin looking flawless and radiant ( I sound like I'm reading off the bottle...lol). I tried it this weekend in Chestnut (a deep caramel color), and I was hooked!! This "satin smoothing fluid" (to call it a foundation is an insult) is good for skin that is suffering from a case of the winter blahs. There is a slight drawback for those of us with deeper complexions (very minor if you know how to blend and mix), there isn't a shade past Beyonce. However, I still LOVE the "satin smoothing fluid." How did I ever live without you?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONET

I just wanted to give a big 25th B-DAY shout out to a great friend.

HOLD your glasses up:

Here's to MONET!!!
The friend that you can call at 3am and cry when your hurt. The girl that has the biggest heart in the world!!!

I wish you much success and happiness in life, girl!!! You deserve it!!!

LOVE YOU!!!!

Not Another One!!!

I am a firm believer in there is no such thing as "Bad hair" or "Bad Skin" but ladies after this weekend I think I may have to take the latter back. I had a photoshoot for a magazine Monday, and when I saw this model's skin I really wondered if she had just managed to sneak in. I don't know how she could possibly be signed to an agency with skin like that. There was acne, acne, hyperpigmentation, and more acne. It was everywhere (really everywhere...I even saw it behind her ears)!!! I have gotten into the habit of airbrushing, and I don't like to pack foundation on. So of course, I just covered up the acne and evened out her skin. I'm no dermatologist, but my skin is even and free of breakouts. Here is some advice for those of you looking for a good skincare regimen:

1. Drink Water and eat healthier. We are what we eat.

2. Get good skincare products. It doesn't have to be Uber-expensive. Just something that will hydrate and cleanse (without stripping) your skin. I'm not a fan of the acne systems because they tend to be drying, but hey if it works. Just be sure to moisturize. I would also recommend trying just plain ole' Aloe fresh from the stem.

3. See a Dermatologist. If you have purchased every cleanser and acne system out there, go see a board certified dermatologist. They can prescribe medication that will help.

Spring Beauty Trends...The Rundown

For the spring, fresh, flawless, beautiful skin is in!! I am so excited about the new collections coming out!! Natural beauty is back in a big way!!! It's all about choosing colors that are naturally present in the skin to give it a natural enhancement. The summer normally brings on the heat and dewiness, but this year the skin will be more of a semi-matte (think less oil-glands in overdrive and more of clean, fresh and slightly powdered).

I've also seen alot of bright eyeshaow like lilac, blue-green, yellow, even orange. The key to mastering this look is to keep it soft and simple. This brings back the days of just being girl. Pick one color and stick to it...liner is optional. But please try to keep the liner on the upper lid!! Must have shadow is Rimmel London's Colour Rush Trio Eyeshadow in Fever (a brillant trio of lilac colored shadows). For those of you looking for more color try MaxFactor EyeTrio in African Violet (highly pigmented shades of baby blue, yellow, and violet).

Matte Pink lips- Say good-bye to the days of glossy hot pink lips (thank God!! some people were just abusing this). Matte lips are making a comeback. If you already own a hotpink lipstick that has a slight shine to it, just add a little translucent powder to matte the color.

Glossy Coral lips- Instead of doing a full on coral lip, glossy coral lips give you the intense coral color without being too serious. This is a color that looks good on everyone. If you can't find the perfect shade, layer a bright orange gloss over a sheer coat of your favorite redlipstick. Try Dior Addict 347 Orange Raphia

Rosy Cheeks- Bobbi Brown's New Pink Raspbery collection has a color that work for everyone. Pink brings a pop of youthfulness to the face that we can all use from time to time.

Liner- Liner has made a huge comeback for spring. It gives our eyes that definition
we need for night. Pair it with a matte pink lip.

Gold shadow- Gold is always in during this time of year. It helps to give skin that exotic sunkissed look. Dab it on in the inner corner of the eye

Full,Groomed Brows- A Fuller Brows can reverse the clock by a couple of years. This trend has been on the comeback for atleast a year. But notice, the key word her is groomed.


All Photos taken from www.style.com