Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Hair

TBYHC 2011: Quick Hair & Makeup



Hey divas! Just thought I'd record this quick video of me doing one of my favorite go-to makeup and hair looks. The hair style featured in the vid is a simple look that I'll be rocking from time to time throughout this challenge. Hope you're all doing well and taking good care of your hair. Enjoy!



Hair products used:

-H2o
-Pure coconut oil (to keep curls moisturized)
-Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding (just a tiny amount dabbed on tendrils to keep them defined)

Makeup products used:



N.Y.C. eye shadow palette (Great for beginners!)

Eyes
-Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer
-Micabella eye shadow powder dust in Earth
-817A South Street Seaport palette by N.Y.C.
-Line Stiletto eyeliner in black by Maybelline (upper lash line)
-Smolder eye kohl by MAC (lower lash line)

Face
-Pur Mineral 4-in-1 powder foundation in Deeper
-Blot powder in dark by MAC
-Loverush blush by MAC

Lips
-Sweetie lipstick by MAC
-Star Nova lip gloss by MAC

Pics of the finished look:









Daily Devotion


Because he is worthy to be praised!

"Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." --Psalm 106:1 (NKJV)

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Hair

Transitioning Tale: Bri's Story

A lovely diva named Bri, who had a long-term relationship with lye, would like to share how she got the courage to bid farewell to the creamy crack. Below is her natural hair story as told to Protecting Your Crown & Glory.

Daily Devotion

Good morning everyone! Someone was kind enough to email me the following chart of Bible verses, and I would like to share it with all of you. The word is a sword that can be used to slay the most negative thoughts, and since our thoughts can guide our actions, let's do our best to keep things positive!

HANDY LITTLE CHART - GOD HAS A POSITIVE ANSWER:

YOU SAY
GOD SAYS
BIBLE VERSES
You say: 'It's impossible'
God says: All things are possible
Luke 18:27
You say: 'I'm too tired'
God says: I will give you rest
Matthew 11:28-30
You say: 'Nobody really loves me'
God says: I love you
John 3:16 & John 3:34
You say: 'I can't go on'
God says: My grace is sufficient
II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15
You say: 'I can't figure things out'
God says: I will direct your steps
Proverbs 3:5 - 6
You say: 'I can't do it'
God says: You can do all things
Philippians 4:13
You say: 'I'm not able'
God says: I am able
II Corinthians 9:8
You say: 'It's not worth it'
God says: It will be worth it
Roman 8:28
You say: 'I can't forgive myself'
God says: I Forgive you
I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1
You say: 'I can't manage'
God says: I will supply all your needs
Philippians 4:19
You say: 'I'm afraid'
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
II Timothy 1:7
You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
I Peter 5:7
You say: 'I'm not smart enough'
God says: I give you wisdom
Corinthians 1:30
You say: 'I feel all alone'
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
Hebrews 13:5

Celebrity Hair

The celebrity locks I'm currently admiring: Alexis Jordan. I ran across homegirl's music video the other day and was blown away by her red tresses (y'all know red/auburn is my favorite hair color!). It appears as though she wears her hair a variety of ways, be it curly, straight, or full of body. Below are some pics of her many looks:






Here's a pic of her album cover. I'm not at all familiar with her music, but you can check out her vocals on her youtube channel at Alexis Jordan.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Q and A Volume 3

Hey divas! The third installment of my Q&A series is finally here. This video is in response to some of my most frequently asked questions and fulfills a request. Enjoy!


For more info on Girl with Curls, check out her transitioning tale.

Daily Devotion


Nonbelievers aren't the only ones who lack faith and or belief in God's power, for many self professed Christians need help overcoming unbelief. Anytime we grow worrisome or anxious about our circumstances, we are ultimately doubting God's ability to work wonders in our lives.

“It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

--Mark 9:22-24 (NIV)

Makeup

L'Oreal Hip Duo: Flare



I created today's look using earth tone colors by L'Oreal. I started by applying the tan color (left) from the Flare duo all over my lower lid. I followed that up by applying the orange color (right) to my crease:



To define my outer v, I applied the dark brown color from the Brazen duo:


For the highlight, I used Bone by Ulta:



Pics of the finished look:




All products used:

Eyes
-Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer
-L'Oreal Hip Duo in Flare
-L'Oreal Hip Duo in Brazen
-Bone eye shadow by Ulta
-Line Stiletto eyeliner in black by Maybelline (upper lash line)
-Smolder eye kohl by MAC (lower lash line)

Face
-Pur Mineral 4-in-1 powder foundation in Deeper
-Blot powder in dark by MAC
-Peachtwist blush by MAC
-Golden bronzer by Icing

Lips
-#568 Mega Slicks Lip Gloss by Wet n Wild

Monday, March 7, 2011

Hair

TBYHC 2011: DPrincess28's Hair Care Log

Hey divas! I figured I'd share with you what I've done thus far in order to kick off this fabulous challenge, which, by the way, I'm so thrilled that many of you have decided to join me on. Okay, so...let's get started!

I flat ironed my hair on Friday, February 25, and rocked the straight look for a week:

FYI, I haven't trimmed my hair since I cut it in December (for details, see Hair Cut 12.10.10), and don't plan on doing so until this challenge wraps in June.

On Thursday, March 3rd, I saturated my hair with EVOO as I was preparing for bed:

Once I got my hair nice and oily, I then put it up in a loose ponytail and tied a plastic grocery bag around my head (I ran out of processing caps, so this was the next best thing!):


I placed my satin bonnet on top and went to bed:

The next morning, I woke up (thank God!) and shampooed my hair with a sulfate-free cleanser. Afterwards, I applied Aphogee's 2 Minute Reconstructor treatment to my hair, because I haven't done a protein treatment in a while. This challenge calls for two deep conditioning treatments each month, and I believe that protein should be used following heat styling, as it can serve to strengthen the hair. Plus, I already did a moisturizing deep conditioning treatment prior to heat styling, so I needed some protein to balance things out.

Instead of simply applying the deep conditioner while I was in the shower, I instead waited until after I exited the shower to apply it. I combed the conditioner through from root to tip with my wide-toothed shower comb:

This was done on slightly towel dried hair because the hair can absorb more of the conditioner when it's not already saturated with water. Next up is a pic of what my hair looked like after I saturated it with the conditoner. I applied it to the hair in sections, which is why you see that funky part going down the middle:

After sitting under my hooded dryer for ten minutes on medium heat, I rinsed the condish out with cold water. Afterwards, I applied some sulfate-free moisturizing conditioner, and rinsed it out immediately. Here I am with squeaky clean, deep conditioned locks:

*Hi*

After my hair was clean, it was ready to be styled, so I decided to apply some of the Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding I recently purchased and featured in my latest Product Haul. This is what my natural curls looked like after my hair was completely air dried with the product:


As you can see, my curls were a little frizzy, but hey, they always look better in subsequent days. To refresh my curls on day two, I simply spritzed my hair with H2O and added some of the pure Coconut Oil that was also featured in my latest Product Haul, and went on about my bizness. By day three, I felt that my curls needed a little boost, so I allowed my hair to get wet in the shower, and further spritzed my curls with H2O upon exiting the shower. Afterwards, I applied more of the Curly Pudding (I didn't apply nearly as much as I had on the first day. In fact, I didn't even part through my hair like I did on day one, and simply used my fingers to scrunch and pull on parts that I felt needed more definition). Here's what my hair ended up looking like once dry on day 3:

I love how elongated my curls are! I will continue to rock my natural curls for the rest of this week, and then come wash day, I plan to try out a different heat-free style, such as a braidout or twists. I'm not yet sure what I'm gonna do, but I'll definitely keep y'all posted.

What have you ladies done to kick off this challenge?

XOXO,

DPrincess28

Daily Devotion


Because it's hard to change our ways on our own...

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." --Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)

Makeup

My Mini MAC Haul


I hit up the MAC counter this weekend and picked up a few things. From left to right, we have:
  • Dazzleglass lip gloss in Date Night
  • Dazzleglass lip gloss in Funtabulous (my fav)
  • Peachtwist powder blush
  • Lustreglass lip gloss in Star Nova
Here's what the lip glosses look like. They provide sheer coverage, which makes them great for layering over lipstick:

Date Night


Funtabulous


Star Nova


And here's what the blush looks like:


I can't wait to try it out. Expect to see more of these in upcoming tuts!

Nails

March Mani/Pedi

Since I had the baby, I've barely had time to devote to simple luxuries, like getting my nails done. Yesterday my girlfriends and I met up after church for manis and pedis, and when I tell you my feet feel like butta...


I mean, my feet feel like butta! Mommas everywhere need to take time out for themselves. Why not? We deserve it!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Hair

"Take Back Your Hair" Challenge: 2011 Edition

In 2009, many of you joined me in participating in the "Take Back Your Hair" Challenge. Great results were achieved in just three short months, as we saw either an improvement in the health of our hair, added length, or both. Well, I feel inspired to do the challenge again. In fact, I'm starting today. Will you join me?

The rules are the same, but if you need to refresh your memory, get the deets (written in pink) here: "Take Back Your Hair" Challenge.

P.S. If you wish to particpate, don't feel pressured to start today. Just be sure to track your official start and end date. You don't have to straighten your hair to check length if that's what you wish to achieve (thickness and or an improvement in health--no splits, breakage, etc.--may be your goal), as stretching out your curls will suffice.

Good luck divas!

XOXO,

DPrincess28

P.P.S. In case you missed the video, here it is:


Daily Devotion


Forgive because God forgives, and love because God loves.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." --Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)

Hair & Makeup

Product Haul

I thought I'd share some of the beauty products I purchased over the last few days...

First up is this lovely box I got at Ross. I'm not sure what I'm going to put in it yet, but I was thinking of adding it to my vanity and using it to store some makeup. I love the design of it and the fact that it has a definition of faith on the front. Check it out:


Next up is the new paddle brush I got from Burlington Coat Factory. I love paddle brushes because they do such a great job of detangling the hair without ripping it out:

The next few items are hair care products I've been wanting to get for a while now. I've seen several ads, particularly in Essence magazine, for Soft Sheen Carson's curly hair products. Their Mango Oil & Cupuacu Butter Feather Whipped Curl Cream is the product I was most interested in, but when I went to my local beauty supply store, the Mango Oil & Cupuacu Butter Whip Coil Cream was all they had available:

This product claims to be great at conditioning and defining "kinky curls," while providing "just the right amount of hold for twists, braid-outs and TWA's." I've been looking for a product that's heavier than my Bronner Bros. Oil Moisturizer Hair Lotion, as it's great for moisturizing my ends when my hair is straight, but doesn't seem to be heavy enough to moisturize and set braid-outs. Since this product claims to be great for braid-outs, I figured I'd give it a try. As you can see from this next pic, the consistency is creamy, and the product doesn't appear to be heavy or thick like grease:


Once I test it out, I'll let you know how well it performed. And for those of you who are concerned about ingredients, you'll be pleased to know that this product is alcohol, mineral oil, paraben and petrolatum free! This 6.1 oz container set me back $8.99.

The next product on the list is...


If you read my Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding Is... post, then you know that the 2oz sample I tried was only enough for an initial impression review, and I therefore wanted to see how my hair would respond to this product if I used it for a longer period of time. Although I'm excited to give it another go, I wasn't too happy about forking over $38.00 for this 16oz jar. Just 'cause it's at Target doesn't mean that you can get it for Target prices!

The last product on the list is actually one that I purchased for my son. I've been using EVOO on his hair and scalp since he was born, and thought I'd try some coconut oil instead. I bought this jar of pure coconut oil from my local health food store:

This 14 oz jar cost $11.49. The oil is in solid form, and the directions say to place the jar in warm water to liquefy. Yet, I simply removed a chunk, rubbed it between the palm of my hands, and it melted instantly! I've already put some on his hair, but will need more time to see if it does a better job than the EVOO at keeping his scalp from itching. As of right now, he's a curly head like his mama, but you know how baby hair is. I won't be able to say for sure what his texture is until he's a little older.

That's it for my beauty haul! I'm sure you'll see updates on these items later...



Makeup

Pinky Brown



If you haven't noticed by now, I love pink. I wear pink on my lips 90% of the time. This look, which I call "Pinky Brown," features a splash of pink on my eyes and bright pink lips:





Products used:

Eyes
-Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer
-Sparks eye shadow by Ulta (lid)
-C-159 Blossom by Prestige (lash line and outer V)
-Dramatic Lashes by ELF

Face
-Pur Mineral 4-in-1 powder foundation in Deeper
-Blot powder in dark by MAC
-Concealer in Bronze 1 by Mary Kay (under eyes and above apples of cheeks as highlight)
-Blushing Rose powder blush by ELF

Lips
-Plaza Punch by N.Y.C.