The Budget Beauty - Episode 15

The Hair Steamer

I went natural January 1, 2012.  My biggest issue with my hair was the fact that it was dry.  It was so dry that it made crunchy sounds.  That led me on a journey to find products that would solve this and would be healthy for my hair.  I had heard about hair steamers from a colleague of mine several years ago.  I asked how did her clients like it.  She stated that they loved it.  I went on a search for a hair steamer but it got put on the back burner. 

A year or so ago, my cousin, Vasha, told us that she had gotten a hair steamer and was raving about it.  Again, I went on the hunt for one and yet again it got put on the back burner.  So after watching many youtube videos and reading such great reviews about hair steamers, I decided to buy myself one as a Christmas present. 

I purchased it...use it..LOVE IT!!!  I think the hair steamer was the turning point in my healthy hair care regimen.  I started back using conditioners that worked for me in the past.  The first was Nexxus Humectress and Humecta-Sil by Nairobi.  Two great products that I love dearly.  Also, I try to use natural shampoos that are sulfate, paraben and mineral oil free.

Benefits of the Hair Steamer:

Increased scalp circulation, which aids hair growth,

Deep conditioners penetrate hair faster and 5 times better,

Reduces dryness and breakage,

Reduces Tangles,

Makes the hair softer and reduces tangling.

The Budget Beauty - Episode 14

My Favorite Bronzers/Illuminizors

I personally do not use bronzers on myself.  I have however, used them on a client during a photo shoot.  She was Caucasian.  She was the first Caucasian whose makeup I had ever done.  I now understand why bronzers are used. 

I had always heard that Bronzers give you that “sun kissed” look.  Looking in the mirror, I was already sun kissed and did not need it.  So, I never bothered to purchase any. 

One day while shopping in my local Wal-Mart, I happened upon Bronzers from a company called “Hard Candy” and decided to purchase 3 of them.  I had also heard about the Queen Collection Bronzers.  Wal-Mart was out of those.  I actually got them to use on my Ebony clients.  But they can be used on anyone.

To make a long story short, I used them on her and she look amazing!  The bronzer seemed to make her come alive.  That is the best way that I can described it. I am so happy I decided to get them.  Now to get the “Queen Collection” of bronzers what are recommended by Mr. Sam Fine himself!

1.  Hard Candy - Tropics

2.  Hard Candy - Tiki

3.  Hard Candy - Hula Hula

I do however like Illuminators!  I use Tiki as one and Giella, I Am Glam for the other.  I also use Estee Lauder's limited edition illuminator in Topaz Chameleon but not on my face.  Only in my décolleté area.

1.  Giella - I am Glam

2.  Estee Lauder Topaz Chemeleon

I have a few other products that I use but these are the major ones!

The Budget Beauty - Episode 13

My Favorite Blushes

The majority of my favorite blushes are from a company known as Milani.  However, I do own 1 high end blush.  It is the NARS blush in the color Orgasm.  I also own 1 of what I consider a mid range priced blush from the company “The Balm” and it’s the color “Hot Mama”!  I actually prefer Hot Mama over Orgasm.

The Milani blushes are Sunset Beach (discontinued), Luminous (discontinued), , Luminoso, Tarra Sole and Mai Tai (discontinued).  Mai Tai is said to be a dupe for MAC’s Bite of an Apple.  I have 2 blushes from Sally Hansen in Cherub and Poppy.  One Black Radiance blush in the color Warm Berry.  I also have 1 blush from NYX in the color Terra Cotta and one CoverGirl Cheekers blush in the color Golden Pink which is supposed to be a dupe for the MAC’s Razin.  

However, I do want to purchase 2 more Milani blushes.  They are in the colors Corallina and Bellissimo Bronze!

The Budget Beauty - Episode 12

Beautiful Blushes That Were Given Away On My FaceBook Page!!  Closed

I purchased some wonderful, discontinued blushes from ebay.  I got Milani's blushes in "Mai Tai", "Sunset Beach" and "Luminois".  I also purchased a Sally Hansen blush in "Poppy"  I hosted a giveaway on my Facebook page for my friends and family.  I had 2 blushes in Luminous and Poppy to give away.  I also held a drawing for 1 Sunset Beach. 

This first color is Sally Hansen's "Poppy".  It's a mid tone or gray based Mauve/Pink blush with some gold shimmer.  Complments all skin tones.

This next blush color is Milani's Luminous #08.  Billed as a dupe for Nars Orgasm, it's a Peachy-Pink blush with golden shimmer.  It leaves a beautiful golden glow on your cheeks!

The last blush color is Milani's Sunset Beach #07.  This blush is described as a "Mat Burnt-Peach".  This color is gorgeous on brown skin!



The Budget Beauty - Episode 11

To Use or Not To Use, Eyeshadow Primers

I was asked how do I make my eyeshadow pop. My response was that I use an eyeshadow primer. Eyeshadow primers can do several things. First is that they can create a "blank" canvas so that you can see exactly what you are doing. Another thing is that they give your eyeshadow something to hold on to. This will make your shadow last longer. They stop your eyeshadow from creasing throughout the day and they can make your shadow color more vibrant or deepen it. It all depends on the color of the base for primer that you use.

In order to get the best color payoff from your shadows, always use a patting motion when applying your shadows to the eye lid area.  Never use a brushing or sweeping motion.  Save that for the blending.

Below is a short video on how to make your own primer as well as a picture demonstrating the differences.

From Top To Bottom

No Primer

Store Purchased Primer

Home Made Primer

White Cream Product (NYX - Milk)

Black Cream Product (NYX - Black Bean)

The Budget Beauty Episode 2

The Canvas

First, like an artist getting ready to paint a masterpiece, we must first prep the canvas.  To do this, we must start with a fresh, clean face.  Follow your normal skin cleansing routine.  Now, let’s add a twist.  If you don’t already, be prepared to exfoliate your skin.  There are a lot of products on the market that will do this.  Here a natural alternative to store bought products.

Lemon Sugar Scrub

1 T Sugar

Juice of ½ lemon

Place the sugar in your hand or bowl.  Add enough lemon juice to form a paste.  Apply to face in upward circular motions.  Make sure to pay special attention to areas around the nose.  Be very careful and DO NOT get this in your eyes.  Let the product work for you.  You do not want to scrub so hard that you irritate your skin.  Rinse well with warm water.  Your skin should fell soft and smooth.  Now, apply your favorite moisturizer.

My favorite moisturizer is Neutrogena Oil-free Moisture for sensitive skin.

Sugar granules are slightly small and less abrasive to the skin.  Sugar is also a natural humectant which means it attracts moisture.  This is why sugar is used for this and not salt.

Lemons are also great for the skin and server as both a toner and astringent.  The fruit’s acids loosen the “glue” between dead skin cells, and the cells fall away, leaving your face very smooth and soft.  Lemons also have a bleaching effect.  Do not use the scrub and go into direct sunlight without protection.

The Lips

Exfoliating your lips not only helps the skin hold more moisture and prevent chapping, it also makes your lips silky smooth and kissable and helps your lipstick stay on better.  Here’s a great all natural scrub for your lips.

Honey Lemon Lip Scrub 

1T Sugar

Honey

Place the sugar in a container.  Add the honey 1 teaspoon at a time until you get a consistency you like.  If you like, you may add a couple drops of olive oil or lemon essential oil.  Get a small amount of scrub on your finger.  Put it on your lips and rub in a circular motion.  Once you have completed this process, rinse your lips with warm water; apply your favorite lip moisturizer, lip balm or just plain petroleum jelly. 

Store your product in an airtight container.

The Budget Beauty - Episode 10

Skin care for the MEN!!!

What Is the Skin Made of?

The skin is the largest organ in the body, comprising about 15% of the body weight.  The total skin surface of an adult ranges from 12 to 20 square feet. In terms of chemical composition, the skin is about 70% water, 25% protein and 2% lipids. The remainder includes trace minerals, nucleic acids, glycosoaminoglycans, proteoglycans and numerous other chemicals.

The skin consists of three main layers: epidermis, dermis and subcaneous tissue.

Although men traditionally spend less time caring for their skin than women do, they spend more time damaging their skin through outdoor activities and hazardous work conditions. This is why I want to offers tips on skin care products that are not necessarily only for men but for women also.  For this article, I will include a product line that is dermatologist recommeneded.   

I want to introduce you to CeraVe.  I purchased and have been using this product for about a month and I really like it.  They have a FB page and you can go to the web site and get a coupon.



Guys, it’s not too late to adopt a healthy skin routine.  CeraVe can help you.  I got mine at Walmart.

http://cerave.com/purchase-cerave/print-a-cerave-coupon/