Hair Care is Health Care

How often should I grease my scalp? Is it really necessary to see my hairdresser every two weeks? Whats better, a texturizer or a relaxer? Is mixing a relaxer at home just as good as the products used in the salon?



I bet these are all questions on top of your mind when you're in the hair care aisle at your local CVS or Walgreen's or when chatting it up with your girlfriends over lunch. As with all hygiene care, there's always myths swirling inside and outside the salon. Lucky for the F&F readers, Mrs. K of Hairs Kay, clears it up for all the sisters desiring healthy locks.




Myth: My hairdresser tells me to grease my scalp often because my scalp tends to dry up.




False: Mrs. K says that greasing your scalp clogs your pores. By eating healthy and drinking plenty of water, your hair hydrates itself without the dependency of dandruff shampoos and hair grease.





Concern: Even with the proper hydration my scalp is still dry and itchy.

Mrs K.: Dry and itchy scalp can be the result of a hormonal imbalance, stress, or medication. Birth control is considered a medication btw.



Myth: My hairdresser tells me to come to the salon for a wash every two weeks.



False: Mrs. K says reminds us that our scalp is an extension of our skin. If we bathe daily, we should be washing our hair more frequently as well. A wash every week and eating properly will keep your hair in good shape.




Concern: I am a college student, and going to the salon weekly can become expensive. However, while doing my hair on my own i use a blow dryer and a flat iron which dries my hair out. What should i do?




Mrs. K. recommends that when using heating products such as a flat iron, to use a ceramic product. Brands such as Golden Hot will only damage your hair. To avoid applying such heat to your locks, try towel drying your hair and letting it air dry naturally before flat ironing it straight. Also, try to use the same products you use in the salon so that your hair care treatment remains consistent. Every woman should know what products are being used on their hair when going to salon.


Concern: What can I do to keep my hair healthy?



Mrs K has a salon policy of no chips or soda. Drinking caffeine and eating chips have a lot of salt which contributes the build up and clogging of the pores in your scalp. By eating fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water, and using the bathroom after each meal, it allows you to have a clean beautiful scalp.



Concern: Should I untangle my hair or improve the conditions of my hair prior to my salon visit?



Mrs. K says absolutely NOT!! Brushing your hair causes discomfort because the bristles irritate your scalp. Also refrain from putting you hair in tight ponytails on the day of your appointment. Simply allow you hair enough time to breath prior to your salon visit.



Preference: Relaxer or Texturizer?


Concern: I do not go to the salon anymore because i feel it is cheaper to do it in my own home. Are there any risks doing my hair without the provision of a professional?


Mrs. K. replies absolutely!! Never do your own relaxer. There may be trace elements left in your hair after being applied. Another person has an overview of your head where they can assure that everything is properly rinsed out. It also allows them to time and monitor your hairs reaction to the chemicals. Also, with allowing someone at home to apply your relaxer do not use mixers!! Mixers are calcium based which makes the hair and scalp hard.



For more information on Mrs. K, check her out here.

For appointment and pricing inquiries:

Hair's Kay Beauty Salon, LLC.

143 Fitch Street

New Haven, CT 06515

(203) 389 - 7282

Beauty Trend Alert!!

Beyond the Fashion Phenomena gracing the runways during Fashion Week, beauty trends made their prescence on the beauty's as well.

Winged Eyeliner. . .

Do we love it?

D.I.Y: According to the pro's over at Essence.com

"Begin lining from the middle of your eye to the outer corner, and then wing up from the outer edge. Go over your creation once or twice and follow with several coats of mascara for an everlasting finish.'

Create the look with a neutral shadow such as Make Up For Ever Eyeshadow in Beige 76, $18, at Sephora.com on the lid. Next, use a soft or liquid black pencil such as MAC Cosmetics Kohl Power Eye Pencil in Feline, $14.50, at Maccosmetics.com. "

Model Makeover: The Winged Eye with a little less drama.

Model: Crystal.

"Que Lindo Mami, I Love it!"

Today's Beauty Secrets

Take it from the PRO's!

Wondering how to get that celeb look at home?

With the help of makeup artist Pat McGrath and hair stylist Guido Palau, all your wonders can be put to rest and put to the test.





Grab a pen and start taking notes, I definitely did after reading this!




1) For a strong intense eye look, wet your brush before dipping into shadow to pick up more color."


2) "To give skin a sheen that looks natural, apply cream highlighter to the brow bones, cheekbones, and the bridge of the nose using your finger."


3) "Lips lose some of their natural color with age. Nude lipstick gives them a boost and compliments dark eye makeup"

& Palau says. . .

"If your roots are oily, pat a small amount of baby powder on them and brush through!"

Today's Beauty Secret

Vaseline is a miracle drug!

"Vaseline is your best friend. Vaseline is a great, cheap eye makeup remover. It's also great for fixing chapped, scaly lips. Slather on a bunch of Vaseline, then use a toothbrush to massage lips. Wipe the excess off on a tissue. Your lips will be smooth and soft." - Julyne Derrick

Also,

My personal favorite use.

When you spend the night out and do not have your makeup essentials to do the works, what's in your handbag will do just fine. Take out the MAC khol liner I recommended ya. By simply tracing your bottom lid and lining the top lid, youre almost there. Next, dab your hand in vaseline and lightly smear it on your eye lids above the liner. It gives off the shimmery/ glossy look a creme or matte shadow would. Next take the same finger and rub it across your lashes. It also makes the lashes stand out and makes them appear longer. Trust me, it works. Plus, its cheap, quick, and easy. - Yours truly.

Want a Trip To Paris. . .

. . .Via 'vos lèvres' (your lips) ?

"Juicy Tubes transports you to Paris, where can-can dancers light up the stage at the Moulin Rouge"

Well, Today must be yours, as well as mine, lucky day! Lancôme has just released their limited edition Rose Fishnets Juicy Tubes colour. At $18 a pop, you can get a glimpse of a french maid fantasy come true by getting your lips on this must-have lip love. The gloss is pink with a hint of gold shimmer, just my taste. Not to mention, the bottle is decked out in sexy black fishnet and a elegant lace pattern. Oo-La-La! This beauty enticement is sold exclusively at Sephora and the Lancôme site. So, don't hesitate to make a purchase because the next beauty buff won't. Especially not yours truly. Talk about a french kiss ; ).

Eliminating the EXTRA Baggage!

All too often women tote around the over sized yet fashionable big black handbag. You know you have yours. I admit I can't leave the house without my black Juicy Couture Day Dreamer Velour Tote. Like most, it's generally congested (yes, congested) with multiples of one product, old receipts, crumbs, change, and hair pins. Sound similar to your daily disaster? When it's time to check out at the register it takes minutes on top of minutes to scramble through it looking for your debit card or the exact change, or even worse, finding your subway card when you hear the train pulling up to the platform. To all my bag ladies, this is holding you up and slowing you down. As an on-the-go girl things have to be at better access than it's been thus far and I'm here to help solve the baggage blockage with a bundle of necessities. Note: Need only one of each. Refill when necessary, not just to swallow space. So without further or do, for the excessive clutter mayhem I give you 'a girls guide to light weight toting'.

The Essentials:

1. Hand Lotion - With all outings, washing your hands is a must and they will get dry following the bathroom visit. (Aveda Hand Lotion is a great product). 2. Mints - After/Prior to dinner a tooth brush is not accessible and gum will only make you hungrier. Pop one of these in. 3. Hand Sanitizer - After riding the subway, being outside, and shaking people's hands your hands are congested with germs, so just to be on the safe side use a dab. 4. Sidekick LX -or any cellular device. A girl can't function without her connection to her besties. 5. Debit Cards- Depending on where you're headed carrying around a wad of money can be all too dangerous. Keep it quick and easy with at debit in hand. 6. Dove Cool Essentials Deodorant - Definitely the best deodorant around (let me just put that out there). Raising your arm on the subway or while dancing crazily would not possible, better yet comfortable, for you or those surrounding you without sweat guard. 7. Feminine Wipes - You never know when the dinner can lead to a night cap. After dancing and sweating the night away, hygiene may not be on point. Take a quick steal to the bathroom and freshen up (Try Summer's Eve Cleansing Cloths). 8. Mirror - Looking your best is of high importance. You don't want lunch stuck in your teeth now do you ladies? 9. Lip gloss - Is yours poppin'? Have the right gloss from the splurge worthy ones to the drugstore favorites. Only one is necessary and just to be a little lenient having a chap stick or lip balm as backup is acceptable seeing as reapplying gloss at 2am is a sticky situation. Also guys for some reason cant get with the gloss.( Try L'Oreal Colour Juice) 10. Eye Pencil - As the evening hours start to roll around, your day time makeup is just that day wear. To add a little edge have a pencil at hand. Also when it starts to run and smudge beneath the eye giving you the 'black eye' appeal, it's a vivid warning to retrace the lower lid ( I adore MAC Kohl Liner). 11. Cash- Ladies, if you're on a date be on the safe side and have enough to cover your meal in case you have to walk out on a cheap brotha' and leave him to wash the dishes in the back. You're way too fly. Also in case of an emergency cab trip or dead phone battery have singles and change. 12. Body Spray - After the perfume wears off, reapplying the fragrance can be a bit too strong and ultimately lure in the unwanted nightlife bugs. Body Spray is light and feminine (I love Pearberry from Bath&Body Works). 12. Wallet - Lastly, have a wallet. With your I.D's, Cash, and Debit needed don't let them float around and add to the unwanted clutter. Do a little organization within organization by having a wallet handy (My favorite are from Nine West. The Zebra Print is my next steal!).

The Extra Essentials:

Yes, there are a few exceptions:

1. Condoms - Especially for college students and the single sass. Having your own condoms guarantees safety. Your body is a temple and by no means do you want pregnancy, STD's, or HIV to intrude upon it. As my cousin wisely told me prior to entering the college world 'you never know when something's going to pop off'. Safe Sex 2. Keys - Getting locked out after drinking, partying, and sore feet, the last thing you want is to be stranded on the front porch or lawn. 3. Ipod - Music is my life and without it, the long bus rides from school and the paper marathons wouldn't be possible. I understand if your tunes are tugging at your leg and must accompany every trip. 4. Medication - From birth control, to allergy pills, over-the-counter and more serious medications, your health is number one. 5. Tampons/Pads/Panty Liners - Aunt Flo came for a visit at the worst time possible? Let's not leave the room with a grand exit. Better safe than sorry girls.

** For tips on how to clean your already worn out handbag check out Staci's blog at Handbag Report. Tell her I sent ya ; )

Whats in your bag? : )

Today's Beauty Secret

As much as we 'Queens' royally crown the phrase 'Beauty Sleep', some forms of pillow action can ultimately sabotage your skin.

According to Soren White, NYC Dermatologist,:

"It sounds crazy, but the pressure on your skin from lying on one side night after night can cause permanent creases. Try to sleep on your back instead or switch to silk pillow cases, which don't pull or tug your skin that much"

Also, Little pillow creases are better for you overall than not getting sufficient rest, since our skin renews itself at night - Sapna Westley

Source : September issue of Cosmopolitan

Diddy Crowns Today's Kings

"I Am King is a statement about all men [...] We are all descendents of royalty”

After the kickoff of his reality series 'I want to work for Diddy' to his new Sean John Underwear Model announcement, Nelly, you can only expect great results from all of Diddy's endeavors. Wondering what's next for the HNIC?A new and royally improved men's scent crowned 'I am King'. WWD announced that the scent is set to release exclusively in December at Macy's before going global the following February. With such high expectations in the volume of sales, the scent is forecasted to make over $100,000,000 globally in its premiere year alone. Wow. Wait, I take that back. It's Diddy were talking about. He is the 'King', so it's only fitting he creates a scent that suits his persona.

Diddy believes in determining your own destiny.

"If I say, 'I am not going to succeed, I'm a loser,' then that's what I am going to be. If we say we're kings and we say we're queens, that's what we're going to be. It has nothing to do with being arrogant."

According to nymag.com:

The print and TV campaign for I Am King portray Combs as a mogul in a suit, cavorting around Monaco and Saint-Tropez with models Bar Refaeli and Ana Paula, on jet skis around the French Riviera, lounging aboard his palatial yacht and playing the tables inside the Casino de Paris in Monte Carlo.

Sounds like a great Christmas gift for the Kings in your lives ladies. What better way to spoil them than to spoil them royally? ; )

Sources: nymag & wwd

Lavishing Lashes

September 08' is when The Drama Begins.



















Just when I was fascinated by Kim K's lashes, Shu Uemura opened my eyes to a whole new dramatic world of falsies. While taking false lashes to a new direction, the collection is reaching new heights in craft and creativity with their upcoming Tokyo Lash Bar 2008 collection. Teaming up with Victor & Rolf, two fashion giants in the ever changing fashion community, they are set to release this unbelievably extravagant collection of false eyes lashes in September 2008. Is anyone else fascinated by these high fashion lashes? I'm speechless. In about one month I will be $95 short in my wallet because I am getting my hands on at least one pair. Between Halloween and a Masquerade ball, I will find an event to display them.


Check out their official site.

Official site descriptions of the products:

False Eyelashes Rhombus Couture Inspired by both fashion and form, this upper and lower luxe brown set with sparkling gold rhombus pieces adds dramatic flare to any make-up look.

False Eyelashes Wing Couture
Beautiful, artistic and intricate, these lashes are delicate black and light as a wing. Handcrafted one by one to form graduating layers of scales, they are the ultimate luxury of "beauty fashion" accessories.

False Eyelashes Rhombus Couture Inspired by both fashion and form, this upper and lower luxe brown set with sparkling gold rhombus pieces adds dramatic flare to any make-up look.

photo courtesy of spoiledpretty.

O.P.I & Chanel Nailed it!

With the fall rolling around, darker and richer colors are trading places with the vibrant bright neon spring/summer collections. With up and coming collections from both O.P.I and Chanel, you have the option of spoiling yourself all year round.

Get your hands on a bottle of this. . .

Chanel continues its stampede in must-have nail lacquer colors as their 'Gold Fiction' hits stores. With an 18-karat gold appeal, selling at $30 a bottle, I'm curious to try this new polish out. It's said to be a big deal and I'm anxious to find out if it lives up to it's pricey tag. I'm always up to challenge the hype. Are you?

Or this. . .

O.P.I is also on the ball, dishing out collections and colors that has every blog scrambling to get the story posted. The latest:

Nylon Magazine has announced that O.P.I will launch a Fall lacquer collection inspired by the original cast of Beverly Hills, 90210, set to launch in conjunction with the Fall series premiere of '90210'. With six shades confirmed to hit stores, one can only imagine what creative puns they'll come up with to suit the character roles of these crazy stars. While I highly doubt the new series will ever live up to it's original predecessor, I am excited for the lacquer launch.

Also sneak a peak at their deliciously dark collection with hues such as "Espresso your style!", "Lincoln Park after Dark" "Black Onyx" and "Lincoln Park at Midnight". With dark shades marking today's hottest nail trend, the drama continues with O.P.I's rich and luscious colors. O.P.I continuously aims to please and has yet to let me down!

Haven't tried O.P.I products?

Using their O.P.I Studio, you have the ability to choice from five skin tones and eight collections: The Classics, Brights, Soft Shades, Designer Series, Australia Collection, Russian, Mod About Brights and the India Collection. With the shades and skin tones you can virtually try out the colors before making a purchase or heading to the nail salon. Personally, I am so indecisive when it comes to narrowing down colors and choosing just one at the salon. So if you're like me, be prepared ahead of time and try out all the collections via their website.

Loving the Lashes

Luckily, I was gifted with long lashes. A little mascara, just about any brand from the local drugstore to cosmetic counters, with a couple of sweeps of the wand and I'm off to bat my lashes and shyly accept compliments. However, batting your lashes becomes quite the dread for many women who are falling short in the lashes depot. Well, don't fret Ladies, in 2008, there's a quick fix for just about everything (and this one is much less pricier than plastic surgery). Desperately needing falsies to make your eyes pop? Who better to submit a recommendation and personal testimony than Ms. Kim K.??

Side note:
This dress is Fab! Smh, talk about a celeb style crush. I'm blushing.

Recently on her blog, she showed off her new lashes from MAC.

Her blog reads:

My makeup artist Stephen tried new lashes on me for Jimmy
Kimmel. They are Mac No. 35. I am loving them! I do not wear fake lashes
daily, but they are great for photo shoots, special events and TV stuff! When I
answered questions before about fake lashes, I mentioned I wore a company called Red Cherry, which I still love, but these new MAC ones I really am into! I
also have read comments where some of you have said I claimed to never wear fake lashes. I never said that, so please go back and re-read my answer...

Question: Kim....You, your mom and your sisters eyelashes are ALWAYS
beautiful. I wanted to know what brand you use or where do you guys get them
done?

Answer: We wear a company called Red Cherry, but Khloe never wears
them. Kourtney, my mom and I only wear them out at night to events or parties.
We have very long eye lashes to start with and the trick is to use two different
kinds of mascara and really take your time putting it on!

Get your own Ladies!

So maybe I couldn't find a picture of MAC No. 35, but here's MAC Lash 37 which is said to have the most dramatic length. And get this. . .they're only 12 bucks!

Quite the investment I might add. Well, that's just if you ask me. Some girls go on a frenzy for clothes and shoes, I swipe my debit at Sephora and MAC!

Short Hair vs Long Hair

VS.

With the summer heat in full affect and many ladies wavering between their decision to go ahead and be bold with a new cut or stick to their lengthy locks, there are still some ladies who are staying true to their length and keeping up with their long coif. As the avid Essence reader I am, I was looking over their piece (yes, again!) on Gabrielle Union's rejuvenated confidence and fierce new cut. One comment she made was"I can already tell that people take you a little bit more seriously when they're not distracted by long curly locks". My question to you Ladies is: Does a shorter, more mature look portray confidence, professionalism, and sophistication more so than a long flowing mane? Or, is there simply no correlation none-what-so-ever?

Beauty Junkie Housekeeping

With so many new product reviews being posted across the board on numerous blogging sites, as you begin to splurge on new product purchases, your personal cosmetics counter becomes overkill and begins to appear more and more like junk rather than key essentials. For the on-the-go girl or the stay at home beauty buff, its always necessary to do a little seasonal housekeeping. Its time to get the lip gloss, eye shadows and brushes in order, to allow your next beauty routine to go a little smoother and quicker. It also helps with repurchasing the same products and organizing what you have in terms of what's usable, what is garbage, and what needs to be refilled. To help out with the beauty housekeeping I've perused through different cosmetic counters and sites and found a couple of make-up bags and cases that will do the trick.

MAC Brush Roll

The MAC Brush Roll, equipped with an easy-fastening closure, specifically serves the purpose of keeping all of your cosmetic brushes intact and ready to use. To preserve the bristles and keep the brushes lasting longer, tuck them away in the brush roll. With a well-organized set of brushes, with one sweep you are good to go.

Jacquard MAC Rectangular Travel Case

This small silhouette can be used to keep all of your daily make-up necessities neat and compact when placed in your everyday tote. Often times, carrying such large bags adds on to the excessive junk that women carry on a daily basis. While your I.D and bank card may be shuffled around, try to keep your brushes and liners intact by stashing them away in this small travel case.

Sephora Brush Belt

Sephora's Make-up Artist Brush Belt is a must have for all Beauty Buff's and cosmetologists. The belt set comes with fifteen deluxe brushes that will make your next appointment prepared and professional. The belt set is not only very organized but also comfortable, accessible, adjustable and fashionable.

**

Sephora Luxury Chocolate Croc Print Train Case

This chic train case is used for organizing and storing all of your makeup toiletries and essentials. With adjustable trays and a detachable shoulder strap, this case allows you to travel with cleanliness in style.

**

Sephora Safari Collection

A chocolate brown and teal-colored cosmetic bag collection inspired by the Safari. With this Zebra print tote collection, you will transport your make-up fabulously. Includes: long handle tote, hanging bag, large handle bag, clutch bag, triangle bag, pencil case, and clear makeup bag.

**

Yazmo.com Pink Make-up Traveling Suitcase

Yazmo's Pro Rolling Pink Makeup Case is decked out in special edition pink alligator skin with steel corners. This large traveling case is filled with endless trays and compartments. With locks and wheels for mobility, the suitcase suits the heavy duty on-the-go make-up connoisseur. Finding it hard to pack light? Why try to cram everything in when you can bring it all in one highly fashionable travel case of it's own.

Kim Kardashian's New Perfume Launch

Yesterday, Kim Kardashian announced plans of launching her own perfume business to her fans on her official blog. Set to be in stores May 2009, Kim has chosen to launch her perfume with the assistance of New Wave Fragrances, fashion designer Scott Oshry, and Caroline Sabas to create a scent that uniquely represents this chic fashionista. As of now, the scent is in the development stage and will be available for sale in stores in the U.S., Germany,England, Australia, and Japan.

Check out her blog for more details!

Short & Sweet: Summer Hairstyle

With the fashionable bob hairstyle catching the eye of women of all ages alike, many find themselves running into a dead end when its time for a touch-up or roller set. When you unfortunately find yourself low on funds or far from a hairdresser, the panic kicks in. It becomes a disaster when the newly cut hair is too short to pull back into a decent ponytail and too long to slick back with gel. Then what? Living in NY for the summer, I have run into this same dreadful problem myself. In an attempt to find a solution, I have been perusing through numerous sites and photos online. I have found one simple and sweet style, that fashionably suits those with a shorter cut. I spotted the style on Miss Eva Diva. As sighted on the red carpet as well as Pre-BET Awards events, she adorably sports a braided crown. The braid tightly begins in the back by her nape, and continues along the front as the braid loosens. The look is perfect for a day out and about, and can even be dressed up for an elegant evening as Eva displays it here.

Any other summer styles for those with shorter length? Leave suggestions ; )

The Four Faces of Fabulous

Alright Ladies ( and Gents if you're just curious), I have given you the latest hairstyle, now it is time for the four faces of fabulous! In my opinion, there are four main looks that can be achieved and displayed fabulously. And they are as follows:





1) Subtle Eye, Dark Lips
What better example than the fashionista Rhianna. As we all have just spotted her on BET's red carpet Tuesday night, what stood out most about her makeup was her dark vixen-like matte lipstick, complimented by a burgundy lip line. As for her eyes, she rocked little to no color. With a simple black liner lining her lid and a few simple strokes of mascara, Rhianna looks fierce. Now it's your turn, give it a try.









For the eyes:

Mascara - M.A.C Mascara X

Liner - M.A.C Eye Pencil in Ebony

** As with Rhianna's look here, her eyes give off a shimmer/sheer look as if a creme based eye shadow is used. By all means, MAC has some of the best around. If you're on a budget here's my secret: Vaseline! Dab your finger in and take out just a little and smudge it across your lid. It definitely does the trick and gives off that glossy look.

For the lips:

Lipstick - MAC Lipstick in Dark Side or Odyssey



2) Subtle Eye, Soft Lip

Looks like Rhianna is Two for Two. With this pic, you can clearly see how much this star has grown and matured into a young woman. Going for a more subtle day time look? This is definitely the look you should be aiming for. For the eyes, a sleek black eyeliner and mascara will get you one step closer. As for the lips, a light sheer gloss will create a nude/skin tone lip color.










For the eyes:

Liner - MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder

Mascara - MAC Pro Lash in Coal Black

Shadow - MAC Cream Colour Base in Shell

For the lips:

Gloss - Tinted Lip Glass in Viva Glam V (it looks a little dark online, but trust me its a soft neutral pink gloss)

Cheeks:

Blush - MAC Powder Blush in Raizin


3) Dark Eye, Soft Lip








Who can rock this look flawlessly better than Kim Kardashian?? As with most pics, here her eyes are skillfully defined with black liner and has an edge to them. With heavy black liner on both lids and lengthening/thickening Mascara, her eyes truly make a statement and pop out at you fiercely.



P.S This is my Favorite!!







For the eyes:

Liner - Both MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack and MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder

Mascara - MAC Plush Lash in Plushblack

Shadow - MAC Eyeshadow in Knight Divine

For the lips:

Gloss - L'Oreal Colour Juice in Bubble Gum


4) Vibrant Eye, Bright Lip



With the release of her video "Tambourine", Eve definitely nailed the color spectrum. With vibrant colors in shadow and gloss, a trend was re-birthed. This look absolutely suits the nightlife girl, the adventurous girl and the glamour girl. If your outfit fails to be on point, this fresh summer look is guaranteed to have heads turning as you strut by.




For the eyes:

Liner - Both MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack for the top lid and MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder for the bottom lid.

Mascara - MAC Zoom Lash in Zoom Black

Shadow - MAC Eyeshadow in Electric Eel

For the lips:

Gloss - MAC Slimshine Lipstick in Tropical Glow

Cheeks:

Blush - MAC Powder Blush in Raizin



**Give it a trial run Ladies. Tell me if the looks suit you. With makeup, it's always fun to try out new colors and products before sticking with your favorites. As for me, you can clearly see through my recommendations that I'm a MAC customer. MAC has yet to fail me with it's products. With the right tools and the right colors, you can achieve any look. So pick up the products and tell me if the looks are a go or a no-go for you.

Start the summer off with the right Foundation!

Its summer time Ladies! After a long winter of dry and irritated skin, it is time to get back on the scene with last summer’s moisture and glow. With the right blend of foundation and bronzer your skin is guaranteed to feel pampered and refreshed all over again with a more radiant glow. To do the trick: I recommend M.A.C Cosmetics Select Moistureblend SPF 15. The compact, equipped with a complimentary sponge for application, is both creamy and extremely lightweight allowing you to go about your day looking and feeling flawless. To suppress the dull and dry skin winter nightmare, it strengthens your skin with a moisturized and conditioned finish to help build back that healthy silky feel. With 17 different colors and textures you’re guaranteed to find the perfect match in skin tone and skin type. To compliment your new smooth skin, their bronzing powder in Redefined Golden gives off a natural sheer highlight, accenting and enhancing your skin tone. If you like to avoid products that cause your skin to feel heavy and piled with layers of coverage and make-up, I definitely recommend both products. With such a luminous glow, you’ll have your friends questioning who the new man is. Tell them M.A.C. did the trick!

Hair Styling Trendsetter

Looking for a new summer hair-do? Who better to turn to than the sleek and chic fashionista Rihanna. Previously, the bobbed beauty set trends and turned heads with her jet black asymmetric bob. Every girl (including myself) had a magazine clipping or downloaded picture in hand at the hair salon waiting to receive a carbon copy of the styling genius's new cut. Now, with her third album in stores, Good Girl Gone Bad, this Good Girl has gone Grown. With many fans and celebrities alike adopting the bob and adding their own edge to it, Rihanna, being the cutting-edge and versatile woman that she is, kicked her album off with a newer,chic-er and shorter cut. Strutting a jet black, long sweeping bang, flipped with layers, I must say she's a doll. Her style is once again, a hit, and possibly the next clipping that I myself may bring to my hairdresser. Perfect for the on-the-go, daring, and versatile young woman seeking a sleek and chic mature change for the summer (or fall). While fashion is said to be a clear cut representation of a unique and creative personality, similarly, hair styles also serve as individualism and self-expression. Her stylist, Urusula Stephen, states:

"I wanted to give her something manageable, but i didn't want to go too masculine. i wanted to give her a cut that was girly and playful"

*Well take a bow Mr.Stephen. Job Well Done! Ladies, if you're daring, seeking a change, and a boss that can work the side sweep and slicked down nape. . . GO For It! Because you know Miss Elise definitely will. ;)

To raise your self-esteem, it starts with lips that shine!

Before leaving the house, I have to triple check that I have multiple lip glosses in my purse for back up. As the girly girl that I am, having the right lip gloss is a must and it takes tons of testers in the cosmetics department before finding the right one. After testing out L’Oreal Paris Colour Juice in the butterscotch drop 850 hue, Lancome Paris Juicy Tubes Smoothies, and tons more in local drug stores I figured that in order to find the right gloss I would have to pay the price. So versus looking for a bargain, I began looking for the right buy. As I ventured out to familiarize myself with the area surrounding my new summer home in Brooklyn Heights, I stumbled across Montague St. It kind of resembles Newbury Street back home (Boston) but with less high-end stores (I’m sure those are all located on 5th avenue). To my relief, they had a M.A.C store. As a major beauty buff and frequent cosmetics buyer, M.A.C is my ultimate favorite. Check out their site. The latest in trends, colors, and seasons are always refreshing and the artists are always up for Q&A. Upon exiting the M.A.C store, my goal was reached. I not only found the right gloss but for a reasonable price as well. The hue is Viva Glam V by M.A.C. It’s an everyday neutural flirty summer color with a slight shimmer (which looks great in the sun I might add). To top it off, it lasts hours and its only $14.50! If you’re not on a budget, I would also recommend their Tinted Lip Glass in Spite. I definitely will not need a back up for this buy!

Hello, Yello!

After attempting to liven up my less than bareable new summer home, a bright idea turned to a disaster for my newly painted manicure. My nice subtle pink polish had chipped and scratched on all ten fingers and resembled the artwork of my little cousin playing dress up. In such a rush to catch my flight back to the city from a quick home sweet home getaway, getting a manicure was impossible. When kissing my friends goodbye one of my besties slipped a bottle of O.P.I Need Sunglasses? nail lacquer into my messy purse. The color looked exceptional with her skin color, but as for mine, not so much. Or at least so I thought. With not much of a selection, I decided to give the no-go yellow nail polish a go. Surprisingly enough, I received so many compliments on the color at work, on the subway, and the elevators. I overheard two girls chitchatting while I was holding the pole on the 2 train and one commented “I love her nail color. It’s yellow, but not too yellow. It works for the summer”. Satisfied with my yellow polish trial-run, I got back to my room and added another coat! Try it out ladies! Toying around with colors can sometimes work in your favor. Besides it’s summer. Bright colors are always fun. Say farewell to the safe French manicure and hello to yellow!