Face of the Day!!

Photo taken by Lee McDowell

Here is the FOTD featuring one of my wonderful model: Chenoa S.

In this photo I am wearing the Milani Smooth Finish Cream to Powder Foundation with Milani's Even Touch Powder lightly dusted over with a simple natural eye (no eyeshadow) lined with Milani's Liquify Black Eye Liner. I also used Milani's Baked Bronzer in Golden. For my lips I used Victoria's Secret Lip Gloss in Bananas.

I absolutely love this picture. Shout out to Chenoa for allowing me to be a part of this photoshoot and also for giving me my first opportunity in front of the camera!! Thanks girl!! 

Team Natural Hair

Hey Loves,


So I've been on my natural hair journey for over a year now. I must say, this has been a rollercoaster ride. I've definitely had my fair share of ups and downs, but I'm very happy with the results I have thus far. My main reason for going natural was the damaging effects to my hair after relaxing. I had so much breakage it was unreal. In my younger years my hair was always beautiful. It did whatever I wanted it to do, but once I got pregnant with my daughter my hair changed. It grew very long, but it was very thin and brittle. I relaxed it a few months after having my daughter and things seemed to be alright then all of a sudden it began to shed alot. It went from shedding to long strands of hair falling out. I had long hair with spots of very short hair throughout. I tried every hair strenthener and anti-breakage product out to try to get my hair back to it's normal condition to no avail.

I made the decision to go natural about three years ago. I went out and bought new hair products and a new flat iron. Whatever I thought I might need for this transition I had it. The one thing I failed to do was research...research...research. I went about nine months before I relapsed back to the "creamy crack". I start in the beginning of the year, things were going good.
A year ago today, I decided to try it again. I did alot of research...reading blogs, magazines, speaking with hair stylist, looking at different products, watching youtube videos whatever it took to educate myself. I didn't do the "Big Chop". I could never muster up enough nerve, but I did trim a few inches off of my relaxed hair monthly. I developed a regimen and I stuck with it. I suffer from very dry scalp, so alot of the products I use have emphasis on moisture. Right now the products I use are as follows:

**L'Oreal Sulfate Free Ever Strong Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner-It gently cleanses and leaves my hair feeling clean without over drying.

**T-Gel Shampoo-To help reduce flakes and buildup, also to help with itching.

**Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Smoothie-Used as a deep conditioner to help detangle and  moisturize hair.

**Sulfur 8 Fresh Hair and Scalp Conditioner-helps strengthen hair and also helps reduce dry scalp.

**Garnier Fructis Frizz Ease- Helps ease the frizz due to humidity (great for the summer).

**Carol's Daughter Hair Milk-Used as a daily moisturizer/ hair conditioner. I normally apply this before going to bed.

The products listed are good, geared more towards natural hair. I recently purchased shampoo and conditioner from a line called Shea Moisture. I've read a lot of good reviews and I'm very happy with the results. It left my hair feeling very clean, it was also very soft and alot more manageable. I'll definitely be adding them to my list.

I'm all about Team Natural...I look forward to the day when I'm completely natural. Maybe then I'll be over my HIH (Hand in Hair) stage.

Thanks for reading...see you soon!!  Smooches!!!

Milani Foundation Review

Hey loves,

I've always heard great things about Milani products, but I never used them until recently. On one of my many hauls, I purchased several Milani products including two of their foundations.

The Even Touch Powder Foundation was the first one I tried. I was initially drawn to it because it is a powder foundation. With the summer heat, cream and liquid foundations tend to clog up your pores making you sweat more and also give you a shiny look.

A few things I like about the Even Touch Powder Foundation are:

• It is oil free!!!
• Very lightweight, while providing full coverage.
• Skin does not look dry or chalky

This particular product is available in 8 tones and costs about $8.50 at your local drugstore. (CVS and Target are where I purchased my products)

The second foundation is the Smooth Finish Cream to Powder Foundation. I chose this product because I tend to use liquid foundations more. I have used several cream foundations by MAC and I want to do a comparison.

A few things I liked about the Smooth Finish Cream to Powder Foundation are:

• It's oil free.
• It blends to a matte finish, therefore there is no powder necessary (Although it is cream to powder, I was still skeptical).
• It is flawless full coverage, helps even out skin tones and I did not need concealer.

This product is available in 10 toned hues and costs about $8.50 at your local drugstore. (CVS and Target are where I purchased my products).

**I will be posting pictures of myself wearing both products, the Smooth Finish will also be featured in my very first YouTube video...woot woot!!**

Both products were packaged nicely and came with a mirror and a sponge applicator. I used my Destiny Short Handled Buffer from Coastal Scents for application.

Feel free to check out Milani's full product line. I would most definitely recommend these products to my clients.

Thanks for reading...see you all soon!! Smooches!!!

Just Having a Little Fun

I love animal prints...here is a pic of my latest experiment!!!

Supplies I used for this look...

NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk (Depotted)

Wet n Wild White Eyeliner

BH 180 Palette 2nd Edition Matte White

BH 180 Palette 2nd Edition Matte Black

MAC Groundwork Paintpot

Elf Black Liquid Liner

NYX Black Liner/Brow Pencil

NYX Jumbo Pencil in Black Bean

Ardell 118 lashes

Rhinestones

Shea Moisture

In yesterday's blog, I mentioned a product line called Shea Moisture. They have several different products for hair and skin. I was initially interested in the shampoo and conditioner. I did alot of research on these products before investing in them, which is always the case for me. I was pleased with the reviews I read. I purchased the Organic Raw Shea Butter Restorative Shampoo and Conditioner. These products are only sold in Walgreens and Target and they run about $9.99 each. Walgreens does have BOGO sales every now and then.

I washed my hair yesterday using the new products and I must say I am very pleased with the results. My hair felt clean and free of build-up. It was also easier to comb and detangle. The conditioner can be rinsed out or used as a leave-in. I chose to leave the conditioner in my hair because I feel like my hair lacks moisture. I put my hair in bantu knots to let it dry as usual and I'm loving the end result. I would definitely recommend these products to anyone for any hair type. For more information, here is the website--------->Shea Moisture

Thanks for reading!!! Smooches

Team Natural Hair

So I've been on my natural hair journey for exactly one year today. I must say, this has been a rollercoaster ride. I've definitely had my fair share of ups and downs, but I'm very happy with the results I have thus far. My main reason for going natural was the damaging effects to my hair after relaxing. I had so much breakage it was unreal. In my younger years my hair was always beautiful. It did whatever I wanted it to do, but once I got pregnant with my daughter my hair changed. It grew very long, but it was very thin and brittle. I relaxed it a few months after having my daughter and things seemed to be alright then all of a sudden it began to shed alot. It went from shedding to long strands of hair falling out. I had long hair with spots of very short hair throughout. I tried every hair strenthener and anti-breakage product out to try to get my hair back to it's normal condition to no avail.

I made the decision to go natural about two years ago. I went out and bought new hair products and a new flat iron. Whatever I thought I might need for this transition I had it. The one thing I failed to do was research...research...research. I went about nine months before I relapsed back to the "creamy crack". I start in the beginning of the year, things were going good.

A year ago today, I decided to try it again. I did alot of research...reading blogs, magazines, speaking with hair stylist, looking at different products, watching youtube videos whatever it took to educate myself. I didn't do the BC. I could never muster up enough nerve, but I did trim at least one inch off of my relaxed hair monthly. I developed a regimen and I stuck with it. I suffer from very dry scalp, so alot of the products I use have emphasis on moisture. Right now the products I use are as follows:

**L'Oreal Sulfate Free Ever Strong Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner-It gently cleanses and leave my hair without over drying.
**T-Gel Shampoo-To help reduce flakes and buildup, also help with itching.
**Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Smoothie-Used as a deep conditioner to help detangle hair and  moisturize
**Sulfur 8 Fresh Hair and Scalp Conditioner-helps strengthen hair and also helps reduce dry scalp.
**Garnier Fructis Frizz Ease- Helps ease the frizz due to humidity.
**Carol's Daughter Hair Milk-Used as a daily moisturizer/ hair conditioner. I normally apply before going to bed.

The products listed are good, but I'm looking for a new shampoo and conditioner more geared towards natural hair. I recently purchased shampoo and conditioner from a line called Shea Moisture. I've read alot of good reviews and I'm anxious to try it out and see what all the fuss is about. For more information check out their website ------> Shea Moisture!!

BEAT THE HEAT!!

Beating the heat and humidity can be tough espeically when it comes to ensuring your makeup lasts throughout the day. Here are a few tips to help maintain your "Pretty Face" during the summer months:

1. Cleanse your face daily using a mild facial cleanser. It is important to exfoliate at least once a week to remove dry, dull skin. I personally use St. Ives Apricot Scrub, I'm in love with it.  For people with normal to oily skin I recommend you use a pore refiner or reducer to help reduce excess oils in the t-zone area. The pore refiner/reducer can be found at your local drug store for under $10. The pore refiner/reducer helps give you a more smooth, refined complexion. For people with dry skin, I recommend cleansing with Aveeno's Moisturizer Bar, which can be found at your local drug store for under $5. For all skin types moisturizing is very important, it helps proctect your face from the harsh elements. For the summer, I use a light weight moisturizer with SPF 15 to help protect my face from the elements as well as to prevent sunburn.

2. Wearing heavy makeup in the heat and humidity can be very uncomfortable. I would avoid wearing cream and liquid foundations because the outdoor heat and high body temperatures can cause your makeup to melt. If you prefer wearing cream and liquid foundations, I would apply it very lightly. Another option is to wear a pressed powder. This provides a more lightweight feel with medium coverage. Also, try using a pencil concealer instead of the regular cream or stick. This might not provide you with as much coverage as a liquid or cream, but it will ensure that your makeup lasts throughout the day. I always finish up my look with Fix Plus aka Fix + by MAC.

**A FRIENDLY SKINCARE TIP** Bacteria and heat go hand in hand...try to avoid touching your face with your hands because your hands harbor soooo much bacteria. Also, keep your cell phone screen and surface clean. I'm constantly wiping my screen because after I use my phone it has makeup residue and natural oils from my face. Keeping your face clean can help prevent problem breakouts.

***DISCLAIMER*** I am not affliated nor am I being compensated by any company, product or brand mentioned in this blog. This is my personal opinion, facts I have gathered from my knowledge and research as a makeup artist. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at myprettyfacemua@gmail.com***