Soft Curls, Lots of Body

I absolutely hate stiff hair....hate it. Hair is supposed to move and be full of life! I love soft curls (bumps, really) with lots of body. My go to tool? The In Styler. It's a rotating barrel with attached brush that distributes heat evenly across stands and smooths hair for a soft, silky, bouncy curl/bump. I've been using it for about 4 years and I love it! It retails for$99.99, can be purchased from Target, and comes in two barrel sizes. What's your favorite tool to achieve soft curls with lots of body?

Rachel

Rin's Top 4 FAVE lip colors!

So, a couple of months ago, I posted a video with my top 4 fave lip colors! So, my favorites are MAC Ruby Woo, MAC Candy Yum Yum, Wet & Wild 908 C, Rimmel London, Kate Moss 04. The MAC lipsticks are $15. Kate Moss is about $6 and Wet & Wild is only $2!!!  I would say my absolute FAVORITE is Wet & Wild 908 C and its the least expensive! I like it because I feel like I can wear it everyday. I can wear it with a formal outfit or just a casual outfit as well. It is a very versatile color that can be used all seasons! So, which one is your favorite?! Enjoy the video and tell me what you think! -Rin

Wet & Wild 908 C

MAC Candy Yum Yum

Kate Moss Rimmel London 04

MAC Ruby Woo 

Favorite Blushes

The other day I posted about how to find the perfect blush. Now, I'll share with you some of my favorite blushes both high end and low end. These are some of my go to blushes that I pull for the most often.

1. Nars, $26: Exhibit A (vibrant brick red) and Taj Mahal (beautiful orange with specks of gold)
2. Makeup Forever, $20: Tangerine #18 (bold, bright matte orange)
3. Wet n Wild, $3 (all colors)
4. Maybelline Limited Edition, $7: Orange Crush (orange with gold flecks throughout)
5. NYX, $5: all color

New twist to a twist out!!!

Hey guys! This time with my twist out, I decided to do something a little different. I used milkshake straws to put on the ends of my twist out! I twisted my hair normally, but instead I put straws on the end to give more curl and definition! Not to mention, the straws were only $1 from Rite Aid! Can't beat that! What do you think? I like it! :) -Rin

Change Your Hair Without the Risk

For years, I wore the exact same hairstyle. I always wanted to try new looks, but was always afraid of the commitment of a cut or color change. I tried sew-ins  and although it was a nice way to experiment, it was expensive and restrictive, especially when you needed to scratch your scalp. Lol. The alternative that allows for more flexibility, scalp accessibility and versatility? Clip-ins. They're exactly what they sound like....hair with clips on them. Part your hair, clip in at the root and apply throughout. They come in MANY textures, colors and lengths and range in prices. I absolutely LOVE them. I'd take clip ins ANY day over sew-ins. Great and comparable alternative and cheaper! Check out the pic below of my hair evolution.

1. My hair
2. Sew-in
3. Clip-ins

Twists using Dark & Lovely's NEW coil moisturizing souffle'

Tonight after washing and conditioning my hair, I decided to twist it using Dark & Lovely's Au Naturale Coil Moisturizing Souffle'! It worked really on my twists! The souffle' has very smooth consistency and upon application, it softens the hair. In regards to smell, it does not have a strong scent. It actually has a faint mango smell which is attributed to the mango oil in the product. I also really liked that it did not leave my hair crunchy, my hair is still soft to touch. I look forward to my twist out to see the definition of the twists! Don't worry, I will be sure to update you all!!! So, stay tuned! To learn more about Dark and Lovely's NEW natural hair line, click here Dark & Lovely Au Naturale
-Rin

Blushes

Blushes are absolutely one of my makeup faves. In fact, it's safe to say, I'm a blush addict. However, all blushes are not created equal. When looking for a good blush, you want great pigmentation. In other words, you shouldn't have to swirl the brush in the blush 15 times to finally be able to see some color. You also want a smooth consistency for flawless blending. As far as colors, there are endless options, so it really just depends on your skin tone. I will say, however, that for women with deeper skin tones, you have more versatility. The brighter and bolder the color in the package, the better! It's all about applying with a light hand. You're be surprised the bushes you could wear that you never thought you could. Experiment and have fun....it's makeup!

Rachel

Denman Brush, a brand not a type!

To all my natural girls:
I'm sure you can be frustrated by tangled natural hair. You know after you wash and condition, and you're just ready to style. No, no, no, you must detangle FIRST! It is very critical for the protection of your hair. With that said, I have tried several brushes and combs to detangle, however I have yet to find the most efficient and natural friendly brush. I have heard a lot of people refer to the Denmen brush. Therefore, I have been searching everywhere from Wal-mart to Target to Sally's for this brush, until I realized it was not a type of brush I was looking for; it was a BRAND. I know some of you already knew this, but this was a revelation for me!! These brushes can be on found at the following link: http://www.denmanbrushus.com/
I cannot wait to order mine and report to you whether it was worth the purchase. Fortunately, they are not very expensive. So, wish me luck, I am trying a new brush for detangling!!!
-Rin

Black Radiance Lipsticks

I was in Walgreens the other day and noticed these beautiful lipsticks next to the Iman and Wet n Wild displays. They were new lipsticks by Black Radiance. This is not a brand I see everywhere, but I do know it's sold at Walgreens and Rite Aid. These lipsticks retail for only $2!!! That's why I LOVE drugstore brands. You can experiment without the big monetary risk. Sure, I splurge on high end brands in occasion, but honestly, the quality is just as comparable with brands like Wet n Wild, and now, Black Radiance....as far a lipsticks go. $15 or $2? That's a no brainer. :) The colors are beautiful, the formula smooth, the pigment bold, and the value unbeatable. Check out the three that I picked up. So far, I'm loving them!

Rachel

(Pictured from left to right)

#5112, #5114, #5117

Lovin' overalls this Summer Season!!!

So, I know when you think overalls, you think of being 5 years old on the playground! Lol! But, ladies, believe it or not, they are back in style, especially overall shorts!! I just bought a pair from Goodwill for only $5 to try and emulate the pic below from Pintrest! What do you girls think, all over it?! Or they can stay in the 90's?!

BB Creams

BB creams ate all the rage! BB creams, or beauty bands, are needn't to offer multiple benefits for your skin in a makeup form; skin care and makeup in one. Claims such as hydrating, blurring imperfections, smoothing skin appearance, evening skin tone are some of the main claims of a BB cream. These can be found from just about every brand. However, unfortunately, not many brands offer these in darker shades. But I've found one that has been an absolute staple in my makeup collection and I love it! It's Maybelline's BB cream and it is sheer coverage, definitely evens out my skin tone, hydrates and leaves my skin with a beautiful dewy and fresh finish. This is a great alternative to foundation, which is a good option during the summer months. But, if you prefer more coverage, it serves as a great primer for your foundation as well. It retails for about $7 and can be found pretty much anywhere. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Rachel

From mini twist to twist out!!!!

So, I rocked my mini twists for a week, but it was time to take them out! It took me about three hours to put in my twists but only 20 minutes to remove them! Exciting!!! I love how versatile my natural hair is! What do you think of my twist out? Yay or nay?!

Take Heed Ladies: Heat Damage is Alive and Well

What's up to all the natural hair ladies out there! I'm one of the seemingly few ladies out here that still relaxes their hair, but I am always listening and learning new things about the natural hair journey. Everything from homemade products, protective styles, twist outs, Bantu knots, curling puddings, super expensive, but supposedly tried and true products, and of course, using NO HEAT or MINIMAL HEAT. FOR ALL LADIES (yes, all ladies), be very aware and careful of the amount of heat you put on your hair. But specifically my natural girls, beware of the impact it can have on your hair and natural curl pattern. Everyone is different, but it's better to be cautious than sorry. Check out what happened to this young lady below. How have you combated heat damage in the past or how are you currently combating heat damage? Share your tips and tricks! 

Rachel

Flexi rod FAIL saved by Eden Body Works!!!!

One time for Eden Body Works, Coconut Shea Control Edge Glaze!!!! I washed and conditioned my hair and afterwards I rolled my hair with flexi rods. However, the following morning, when I removed the rods, my hair was not looking good! When I say not looking good, I mean a HOT MESS! Fortunately, I decided to salvage my hair by using Eden Body Works Control Edge Glaze and make a mohawk. Can you see how smooth my edges are? Laid, right? I like to think so! :) This glaze is only $8.99! Click here to purchase http://www.edenbodyworks.com/

Favorite Setting Powders

Properly applying your makeup requires patience, precision and time. The last thing you want is for your makeup to rub off or fade. Using a setting powder helps to keep your makeup in place and increase the longevity of the makeup. However, I've found that some can look cakey and dry, settle into fine lines, and detract from your look. There are several powders that I like, but only one that I LOVE! It's E.L.F. Cosmetics color correcting powder. It's not designed or marketed to set makeup, but performs wonderfully and I've found it also helps minimize makeup rubbing off. It retails for $3, is compact, leaves a smooth finish, is translucent (colorless), and sets makeup beautifully! Do you have a favorite setting powder? Do tell! :)

Rachel

Shhh....I have a secret!!!!!

So, Did you figure it out from the photo above? My name is Carrin and I have facial hair, there I said it! Whew, that was a load off my chest! This topic is often taboo amongst women, it is rarely discussed. For me, I'm simply embarrassed and rather not talk about it. However, it is important for us women to help each other out even if it makes us uncomfortable and/or vulnerable.  As a result, I am here to help! :)

So, the top 5 ways to remove facial hair from worst to BEST in my opinion.   

#5- Shave, shaving should be your last resort, it is horrible for your skin, and does not cut hair at the root.

#4- Wax, waxing works temporarily, however it does not benefit long term and can irritate your skin.

#3, Thread, threading works, but only for about three weeks before the hair grows and it is also quite painful.

#2- Epilator, a device to remove hair. It also can hurt, however it removes the hairs from the root, which is vital to hair removing. In terms of price, they can range anywhere from $20 to $100!

#1, Laser hair removal- the procedure that will remove hair via lasers. It will take multiple sessions, usually between five and six and it is definitely the most expensive, but it is WORTH IT! It's about $500-$1000. But, the hair will be gone FOREVER!!! One day, I plan to do laser hair removal!!! :) 

I hope these tips help! Let me know if you would like to join the club, Facial Hair Anonymous! ;)

-Rin

Skin Care Splurge: Clarisonic, Worth the Money?

Hey y'all! A few weeks back, I posted a, skincare routine blog post and mentioned my Clarisonic. It's been all the rage for a few years now, and after doing my research, and watching/listening to tons of reviews via YouTube, I decided to purchase one. They retail for about $150 and claim to remove makeup, dirt and oil significantly more than washing without. I would probably agree with that. They also say it's gentle enough to use twice a day. I TOTALLY disagree. Even with the delicate brush (the one I use),  it's too harsh and actually tends to promote breakouts and irritation. At least for me. Great exfoliating tool? Yes. Great cleansing tool? When used sparingly and occasionally. Overall skincare holy grail? No. This is a nice luxury skincare tool to own, but it's not a must have as far as I'm concerned.

Final Grade: B-/C

Rachel

Vaseline Cocoa Butter Body Oil

Do you like for your skin to feel silky smooth? I mean, who doesn't! The Vaseline Cocoa Butter Body Oil is absolutely amazing! First off, it smells incredible! I don't know if it's just me but when I think of the smell of cocoa butter, it's not so great. However, this body oil changes the game for sure! This oil moisturizes your skin all day and it uses pure cocoa butter. It also  uses Brazilian nut and almond oils. There is no no need to reapply. Your skin has a definite glow after use! So, use it after a shower in the morning or night, and your skin will be soft as a baby's bottom! You can buy this product at your local drugstore or Walmart. At Walmart, it is only $5.34! Check it out and tell me what you think! I give it an A+! -Rin

Girly Nails

I am a girl's girl and love everything feminine and pretty; that includes pink nails! Pink is probably my go to polish and I have everything from deep to pastel shades of pink. The latest I just picked up is an Essie polish called Boom, Boom, Room and is the perfect cotton candy pink. It's especially pretty on my toes! What's your favorite nail polish shade you gravitate towards?

Rachel

Mini Twist Out by Rin

After being inspired by Naptural 85 (pictured,left) and her MANY mini twist outs, I figured I would try to conquer the mini twist out as well! Four hours later, I am happy with my results. I washed and conditioned my hair and then detangled. After detangling, I split my hair into four sections and used Shea Moisture's Raw Shea Butter Leave-in conditioner. Once the conditioner saturated my hair, I used Shea Moisture's curling smoothie on each piece of hair that I twisted. I hope this style last at least two weeks!
      What do you think of my results? Yay or Nay?

Jennifer Lopez Highlighted, Glowy Cheeks

Ever noticed that "lit from within" glow that Jennifer Lopez always has? Well, that can be achieved with a shimmery highlighting color. Choose a beautiful gold/champagne powder (blush, eyeshadow, or highlighting powder will do), and brush on the top of your cheeks for a beautiful shimmer that looks absolutely stunning, especially when the light hits your skin. This is a quick and easy way to give your skin that coveted glow!

Rachel

Rin's FIRST Wash and Go!!!

So, today I decided to BRAVE my natural hair fear, the dreaded wash and go! I have been natural for almost two years. However, I have yet to have the courage to rock a wash and go! I just felt my curls, coils, kinks, whatever you wanna call them did not have enough definition. Well, after thinking long and hard, I decided to give it a go! What do you think? I have to say, I might just do it again. To be honest, I did not wash, I just conditioned after my shower with Shea Moisture's Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner. After conditioning, I sectioned my hair in four parts and detangled with my shower comb. Once detangled, I first used Miss Jessie's Jelly Soft Curls gel on each section followed Eco Styler gel with olive oil. I am happy with my results and I have to say I am learning to love my hair more and more each day! :) Tell me, should I do it again? -Rin

Bold Eyes Anyone?

My favorite feature to emphasize is my eyes. I  love anything that makes my eyes pop! The product I probably run out of the most, is eyeliner. I've been using L'Oreal's  Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner. It's a really good everyday eyeliner and I'd recommend it to anyone! But, I just picked up a new eyeliner by Tarte Cosmetics and it is such an awesome product! It's soft, glides on silky  smooth, is the MOST intense black eyeliner pencil I've ever used, STAYS ALL DAY, is waterproof and has a built in smudger to help create the perfect smokey eye. I can't say enough  great things about this product and I look forward to putting it to the test when I hit the beach in a couple of days. Keep you guys posted!

Rachel

Tarte Cosmetics Skinny Smolder Eyes Eyeliner Pencil
Purchased @ Sephora for $19

MAXI DRESSES

In my opinion, maxi dresses are a girls best friend, next to diamonds of course! They are light, comfortable, and make an easy and quick outfit. I recently purchased the cutest and comfortable maxi dress from Target. To be honest, I payed a little more than I normally would on a dress. The dress was $29.99, however I now feel it was definitely worth it! My dress is black and white with stripes. It is slim fitting and hugs any curves you may have, which in my case isn't much! LOL. Anyway, check out the video below to see me rocking the dress Memorial Day weekend.

4th of July

The 4th of July is right around the corner and there's no better chance to rock RED, white and blue...especially RED! I just picked up a new lipstick from MAC called Lady Danger. It's this GORGEOUS red orange color and goes on like butter with a beautiful matte finish. However, it is very bright, but totally worth the attention this color will inevitably draw! I'm very pleased with this purchase and looking forward to rocking it! What's your favorite red lipstick?

Rachel

Eden Body Works All Natural Shampoo & Conditioner

I know, I know, you can't afford to add another product to your pile. However, I challenge you to change your mind! My new FAVORITE shampoo and conditioner is Eden Body Works Peppermint Tea Tree Oil. It is absolutely amazing and it's all NATURAL! It is so refreshing! You know when you eat a piece of peppermint flavored gum or candy, it refreshes your mouth, well imagine that with your scalp! Not to mention, both products are sulfate and paraben FREE! The conditioner is also incredibly moisturizing and softens your hair upon application.

All Natural Shampoo

This shampoo and conditioner can be found at your local Walmart for only $8.47/each. Trust me, it's worth the purchase! Click here to check it out Eden Body Works -Rin

All Natural Conditioner