FENTY FEVER

Probably one of the most anticipated launches of 2017!!! When word got out that Rihanna was coming out with a makeup line...HYSTERIA!

I fell into the celebrity hype a few times, (purchased Kylie cosmetics *COUGH COUGH*).  After being disappointed, I decided to give the famous makeup a rest.  Peeping the Fenty Beauty news on Instagram, I instantly forgot about my decision to stop buying celebrity brands.  

Rihanna leaked a highlighter that was pure gold.  And soon after, foundation shades.  SEVERAL FOUNDATION SHADES.  It was the fact that a brand new makeup line was launching with 40 shades, that people were going through the roof with excitement.  Cool undertones, olive undertones, warm undertones, all the undertones! Rihanna made sure to hit every part of the skin shade spectrum-- from the palest to the darkest. And low and behold, the majority of deeper shades are sold out in most Sephora stores.  Not only in her Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Foundation, but in her Matchstix Foundation line as well.  I bought a couple of things 😅 and here is a full blown first impressions 👇🏾

Fenty Beauty Info 👉🏾 1:22
Unboxing starts at 👉🏾 3:57
Match Stix Swatches 👉🏾 7:24
Highlighter Swatches 👉🏾 13:32
Gloss Swatch 👉🏾 15:39
Primer Demo 👉🏾 16:25
Soft Focus Foundation Demo 👉🏾 17:20
Match Stix Demo 👉🏾 19:33
Highlighter Demo 👉🏾 24:55
Match Stix as foundation demo 👉🏾 28:13
How the soft matte looks after 4 hours 👉🏾 31:32

I played with the products for a week or so, and figured out how to get the best results from them.  I purchased a second shade, because I thought #360 was too olive on its own.  The yellow undertone from #330 balanced it out, and I didn't look as green.  I also combined "Metal Moon" and "Trophy Wife", which gave me a more user friendly highlight for everyday.  "Trophy Wife" on its own with my skin tone made me look like I was in a trophy case! Check out how I apply Fenty Beauty 2nd time around 

THERAPY FOR A MAKE-UP-HOLIC

The first time I saw an Anti-Haul video, I felt guilty.  I felt guilty for buying a ton of makeup.  Not only that, but falling for the overly tempting advertisements!

The beauty industry has turned into a multi-billion dollar monster, and it's not going to step on the breaks anytime soon.  Instagram posts, brand trips, and YouTube videos galore add to the overwhelming exposure of beauty products.  The email headers have become quite hilarious, "THIS will definitely sell out!", "You won't want to miss this sale!", "LIMITED EDITION!" Are you kidding me?! These brands want you to give them all your money. They don't care if you're in crazy credit card debt, because you know why? YOU HAVE TO HAVE IT!

I'll be the first to admit that I am a cosmetic whore.  I could open my own little beauty boutique. After seeing anti-haul vids, I finally realized that the spending needs to slow down.  I thank the beautiful Kimberly Clark for starting this trend, and shedding light on consumerism.

It's tough as an aspiring beauty blogger.  I can't buy every new product that launches.  I do, however, want to help viewers decide if they want to buy something or not.  I'm going to meet myself halfway, and film with products that I already have.  Kimberly inspired me to start my own Anti-Haul series!  Click below to see my most recent video 👇🏾

IS CURL KEEPER A KEEPER?

You don't know how many times I saw this product circulating around the curl community.  It won best product awards on Naturallycurly.com, and I was curious as to why.  The texture was watery, but transformed frizz into slick spirals...HOW?!

In a previous video, I tested Curl Keeper's Styling Cream and Gel.  I was pleased with the cream's texture--it was smooth and detangled my hair in a flash! It made finger raking a breeze.  The gel, however...WOOF! It left a rough texture on my hair, and the flake factor was terribly high.  My coils did not feel soft, and I wanted to wash it out the minute it dried.  You can see the video here 👇🏾

I discovered that I did not, in fact, purchase the Original formula.  Apparently, that was the one that everyone was raving about.  I traveled back to Ricky's NYC, and purchased a bottle of this magic elixir.  I am pleased to say that the Original formula worked out much better than the gel.  I feel that my hair could've used more moisture, and I applied Curl Keeper's Styling Cream first. See my demo and results here 👇🏾

DO YOU HAVE WRIST ISSUES?

Many of my students express their frustration with wrist pain.  Often times we assume that traditional exercises like planks and push-ups shouldn't be the reason for it.  The reality is that our lifestyles are very device heavy-- using our phones and typing for long periods of time on keyboards can wreak havoc on our wrist structure.  When we go into flexion heavy positions such as planks without warming up, it can cause discomfort.  

In this video, I break down several mobility and flexibility exercises for the wrists that can be used as a warm-up, as well as routine for daily pain relief.  Take a look 

ROSE GOLD, AGAIN!?

IT'S BEEN TOO LONG! I am terribly sorry for abandoning my vlog updates! I am trying to better manage my time, and write more often.  The latest and greatest is brought to you by my most recent purchase of the new BECCAxChrissy collab palette.  Funny--a few days after I received this in the mail, I watched a YouTube video on how Becca is slick and recycles shades. GO FIGURE!

I am happy I bought the palette to swatch and compare.  The shades do show up similar to previous ones released.

I forgot to mention my purchase of the individual Sunlit Bronzers also from Becca.  I picked up Bronzed Bondi and Ipanema Sun.  Might I also add that I have Becca Sunchaser Palette--I KNOW I'M THE WORSTGAHHHHH.  Out of all the shades, both "Ipanema Sun" and "Ipanema Sunset" have been my favorite so far. "Ipanema Sun" takes on a beautiful brown undertone that serves as a great contour shade.  I layer it on top of another bronzer, and it delivers seamless definition without looking muddy or powdery.  "Malibu Soleil" was an extremely seductive name and I HAD TO see how the shade looked on my skin.  MEH! It shows up, but I don't think it will do much when I am tan.

Above I swatched the blush and highlighter shades from Sunchaser, Chrissy, and Afterglow palettes.  I unfortunately left out "Wild Honey".  Even though "Hibiscus Bloom" shows up more vibrant than "Apricot Bloom", I prefer how the apricot shade looks on my skin.  As for the highlighter shades, the only new Shimmering Skin Perfector highlight is "Beach Nectar", which takes on a peachy golden tone.  It serves as a beautiful blush topper, and I'm sure will show up lovely as a more highlight shade when I'm tan.  HOWEVER--I'm on the fence about keeping this palette given all the hype surrounding it, and it being hailed as this new palette when several of the shades are similar to those released in the past.  We shall see! I am definitely keeping my "Ipanema Sun" and Sunchaser palette.  This might be on the return list! For a full review, check out YouTube video below!

THE NYX STORE OPENED!!!

Now granted, I am a little late with this announcement! I believe it was 10/28 the NYX store opened and I was not ready for the overwhelming temptation to buy EVERYTHING! The most I saw of NYX at one time was at Ricky's NYC.  I never bothered to visit their website because I didn't want to take chances buying the wrong foundation shade, blah blah.  The minute I walked in, I was surrounded by a whole spectrum of products that I didn't know existed! It was so much fun to swatch everything in real life and experience NYX first hand.  I picked up a couple of things 😅 and thought to film a tutorial with my new goodies! If you wanna see how I got this look, then c click below!

BACK TO SCHOOL!

Oh gone are the days where acing a test was the only worry I HAD, HA!  Now it's all student loans and credit card bills, BUT THAT'S ANOTHER POST!

I want to address that one does not have to wear makeup to school--this is if you're a makeup lover, and "I like to go glam on the daily."  And that you want to do that FOR YOU!  This is not "how to impress your piers." I could care less if you wear or not wear makeup--it's all fun!

I wanted to do an all-in-one, combining back to school, glasses, and fall colors! Here's one of my go-to looks when wearing glasses, and what I think will also work well for school!

To see whole video on how I got this look, click below!

NIKKIETUTORIALS X TOO FACED

I HAVE TO BE HONEST! At first I was very excited to get the palette--I've watched Nikkie for a long time and looked forward to trying her collab.  It's one of those things that you create excuses for a product that's not great, and you forgive it anyway.  I tried it a couple of times and there are only three colors I love.  I have no idea what's involved with creating makeup, and I could only imagine how tough it is.  Considering the quality of Too Faced eyeshadows, I thought these formulas fell short.  I love the gold, turquoise, and purple.  The Chocolate Soleil Bronzer is too light and gray for my skin tone, the highlighter is watered down, and the blushes are more shimmer than pigment.  It was hard to admit--if maybe 10 of the 13 pans applied well, it would be easier to keep it.  But 3 out of the 13 worked for me.  Oh well--maybe Nikkie will end up creating her own makeup line!  I was lenient in the video, as it was a first impressions more or less.  The more I played with it, the more I realized it could better.  Watch below!

FUNKY JUNKIE

I'm happy to announce that this girl is an official Funky Junkie! I've wanted to try their products for years, and never got around to ordering them.  I reached out and they were gracious enough to send me some gems! Thank you again to the team at UFD! I still have to get used to applying the Curly Magic--It's like discovering the right amount of product for how I want my hair to look like.  Too much yields wet-looking noodles, and too little lets the frizz come through.  My favorite by far is their Glossy finishing oil--the BEST scent ever! Take a look below for a full review of all 5 products!

ALTERNATIVE SMOKE

Have you ever had the urge to pull out a smoky eye during the day? There's a temptation to be a little more glamorous, the but the dreaded raccoon eye puts us off.  You can smoke out the eyes without using black or brown! There are several ways you can incorporate color and still create a beautiful eye look without the mess.  Click below to see how I applied this look!

Curl Enhancement at its Finest!

"Naturally Curly's Editor's Choice 2015" "Curl Box Winner 2015" Allure's Reader's Choice 2015" 

These are the medallions you are met with once you land on the product page.  It is currently sold out on Shea Moisture's website, and I can understand why!

When I first tired their Curl Enhancing Smoothie, my hair was extremely damaged from color.  I was in denial, and thought how can color be so harmful? It takes a toll--and I didn't understand the structural integrity of my hair.  When I used the smoothie, I wasn't crazy about the results as I felt it didn't provide enough hold.  Fast forward 2/3 years later, where I completely grew out the color.  I the great feedback for the smoothie didn't stop, and I decided to give it another try.  

First off, I was BLOWN AWAY!  I was not expecting the cream to give my hair the spiral power it did.  I was thrilled and confused at the same time--why didn't it work like this years ago? That's when I decided to I finally take porosity test, and I discovered the reason behind my success.

I have low-porous hair, which means that it repels moisture.  My hair cuticle lays flat, and the stubborn scales won't let moisture in! The Curl Enhancing Smoothie is chock full of humectants like glycerin, that attract moisture.  Because my hair is super dry,  not only does the cream moisturize, but it defines and cuts down the frizz.  When my hair was colored, it was highly porous from damage. The cuticle had tons of holes and lifted scales, which made it difficult for moisture to stay in or out!  Sealing ingredients performed best, and that probably explains why I favored gels over creams at the time. Here are some close-ups from applying the smoothie on the first day--

Do you see those corkscrews?! Unbelievable! The best thing--it only costs $12.99 for 12 ounces! That is beyond economical, and you can slap on however much you want with the upmost peace of mind! 

I applied in huge sections, as I like the keep my wash n' go's fast! As moisturizing as the formula is, it does not leave a greasy film.  My hair looks shiny, bouncy, and it's soft! I am beyond pleased with this product, and I will happily continue using it!

For a full review and short demo, view below!

Find Your Cheekbones!

A little contouring ain't hurt nobody! It seems that anything contour related strings right back to Kim Kardashian--when in fact this method dates back way before her t.v. fame.  Cream Contouring enhances the features on your face.  It is a helpful technique to know in order to create a beautiful complexion.  I found using super creamy formulas with a kabuki brush yields the best results.  Some use a beauty blender, and I didn't have the best luck.  Every time I pushed the product in, it spread too low and I ended up with a contour beard--NO GOOD! Now that I have the hang of it, I'm doing it everyday, haha! It's like when I nailed winged liner for the first time--super intense eyes on the daily!  Contouring is definitely unnecessary for the everyday.  I choose to contour because it's fun, and I'm thrilled that I finally discovered my knack for it.  If you wanna know how I slap on these peaks and valleys, then watch below!

The Fitness Runway

Can I tell you how much I love clothes? I was on a fashion rampage after reading Nina Garcia's "One Hundred"-- a book of Nina's must haves for any woman's closet.  I was hooked! The shoes, the bags, the crisp white button down!  I was clueless in high school about fashion.  I saw my classmates sport the iconic Vuitton Speedy, and couldn't for the life of me understand the fuss! Funny--on our reunion, the majority happily displayed their Chanel shoulder bags.  Vuitton was put on the shelf, haha!  Once I started teaching group fitness full-time, I realized that my designer clothes were also being put on the back burner.  Sure, I had those rare opportunities to look nice and not wear leggings.  Those occurrences didn't happen enough to justify unforgivable purchases.  

How can I live out my love of clothes while working in the fitness industry?  Apparently, a majority of designers are also wondering the same--everyone and their mom is now designing activewear. Going to the gym is no longer just to use the squat rack, but to show off your latest sports bra.  There are some die hards that only reserve their best beat-up shirt and sweats for gym visits.  The rest are spending hard earned dollars on leggings $150 and up!

I was definitely a victim of "Can't Stop Buying All The Leggings" disease--and it didn't help that my profession justified unnecessary purchases.  Amidst my ever growing collection of lycra, I began to develop a sense of style.  I figured if I was constantly covered in sweat-wicking technology, that I might as well put some thought into my daily ensemble! Soon, I began to plan my outfits, haha! I wouldn't pair a tank with any leggings--I would consider, the pattern, the texture...the story! I am proud to announce that I discovered a union of fashion and fitness.  And I live and breath it everyday.  Hear's to matching everything from bandana to Birkenstocks!

Is it Bliss?

The CURLS line is one of my earlier encounters with natural hair products.  Each bottle was filled with a special formula that promised frizz-free curls.  Too good to be true?  I didn't have the best luck with their gel formulas-- I thought them to be sticky with very little hold.  Then a subscriber suggested I try their Blueberry Bliss line.  I was not keeping up with strained myself and only purchased the gel.  They also had a leave-in, which I am very curious about.  The general feedback on the gel is dryness--which at first you don't realize.  Upon applying, there was slip to finger rake without snagging, and my hair dried shiny.  

After a day, I think that's when I started to notice the dryness.  I didn't mention this in the video, as I needed to give it another round.  If anything, I place it in the category of first day products.  If you want your hair to look bomb right after applying product, then the Blueberry Bliss Gel does the trick. I feel it loses power after the first day.  I'm looking to try the gel with the leave-in to see if that combo yields more moisture.  STAY TUNED! Full review linked below--

How Super is Super?

Any product that claims to do it all has to be worth a shot! I love DevaCurl's curl loving ways and wanted to learn how to care for my hair in the best possible way.  I did visit Devachan a couple of years ago--they cut my hair dry and styled with loads of conditioner and gel.  I thought the cut was ok--I felt it didn't stand up to my expectations of a curl loving haven salon.  And like all curls that look like they just left the salon, mine were on the noodley side.  They put on SO MUCH "ONE CONDITION".  I get it--I tons of hair that needs moisture, and the conditioner will help with tangles and styling.  There was so much product in my hair, that when I touched it, snowflakes abound! No thank you!  

Fast forward to when I saw Supercream was coming soon--YAY! You mean I don't have to apply a half bottle of conditioner??? I can use ONE product to define and moisturize??? I'M IN! They also came out with "Decadence"--their new No-poo and One Condition formulas made for us tightly curled naturals!  I have to admit, I am a hardcore gel user.  I probably use too much and need to give my hair a break once in a while! First off--Supercream is a solid product.  It defines with medium hold and conditions well.  The scent is a flowery-coconut scent that does not overwhelm.  It sets without feeling greasy and has a shorter dry time than a gel would.  Here is what my hair looks on the first day 75% dry--

Here are some first day close-ups!

I looked forward to how it would hold up after a night on my satin pillow case! Here's a day after--

I really like Supercream an all-in-one product--on days when I feel like not applying 1000 products, this is a nice alternative.  I get it--it's still a cream, and you won't get tons of hold.  I think it gives just enough for descent 2nd day hair.  More importantly, it does moisturize and nourish.  Even with little curl definition,  Supercream will still provide healthy corkscrews and spirals! 

MISS JESSIE JUJU

UPDATE: Ironclad Application 6/30/16

Today was a great test for this gel--LET ME TELL YOU!

I had a photo shoot in the afternoon and decided to do a fresh wash n' go for it. I forgot to bring a comb (fired from life) and left a good amount of the leave-in condish to ensure smooth finger combing whilst styling. I did an abridged version of my usual wash n' go routine where I combed through the crown of my hair instead of sectioning it.   I did, however, pay extra attention to the front and sides of my hair. I pulled out and finger curling some of my prominent frizzies that live on my hairline border (step children curls, as some would call them, HA!) I used some paper towel to squeeze out excess product, so I wasn't a dripping mop top. I let it air dry for a good 30 min-45 and decided to take yoga with a friend I haven't seen in awhile! It was hot in there, AND because my hair was still drying, I kept it down. It survived! My curl definition was intact and frizzies were kept at bay! I couldn't believe it. And since it's quick drying and not sticky, the gel felt comfortable on during the class. WIN! And it was perf by the time I arrived on set. I pulled up in a poof, but loved my little coils on the edge that hung on strong during the sweat fest earlier. It was a great discovery to know that I have a gel that survives sweaty classes and will still hold my hair together after.  PLUS!

I remember being fascinated by Miss Jessie's website and all their transformation photos--I don't think I ever saw a product that changes hair without chemicals like Curly Pudding did!  I immediately needed to find out what and how I could get my hands on it.  At the time, I was in a awkward length stage and didn't have anything that would "stretch my kinks into curls." I didn't think is was possible! I made an appt at their salon, and although liked what the pudding did, I was not impressed by the cut.  Maybe my eye wasn't as trained, but I really think my hair was uneven.  And no matter how I styled it, it definitely felt shorter on one side.  I never went in for another cut,  BUT I did continue using their products.  The merinque and pudding formulas I thought to be great as first day products, and fell apart on the next.  Too much product residue for me to leave that stuff on for more than one day.  

My view of Miss Jessie's was changed when their tube formulas launched--WHAT?!  Custards?! Gels?! FROM MISS JESSIE'S?!?! They were such a cream/pudding brand, that to see them come out with other formulas was a pleasant surprise.  They came out with a shampoo, conditioner, leave-in, custard, lotions...I had to try.  The first was their Coily Custard which I think to be on the sticky side, and offers great definition on the first day of application.  Then I tried their Jelly Soft Curls, which is their gel out of the line.  I love this product--it's almost (I feel) like a better version of Eco Styler.  Lighter perhaps, but with the hold and less goop factor.  I also appreciate its light scent that disappears when applied.  Here is a closeup of my hair 75% dried--

SO. SHINY! I love how it feels, especially when I apply their Leave-In Condish before--a great detangler that provides slip and moisture for any styler that goes on after.  LOVE LOVE LOVE! Second day hair survives, as they're is still curl definition from the day before.  I prefer this over their Coily Custard, but I won't dismiss it as a total fail.  It's a great GREAT wash n' go product, in that it glides through easily and dries without a cast.  Second day hair could be poofy, but waddya gunna do!  I look forward to any new products Miss Jessie's comes out with--even if it's not for me, it will still be worth a shot.  

SOFT SMOKE

I know--in the midst of a billion smokey eye tutorials, here's little ole' me showing my version, ha!  I know the beauty scene is overly saturated with ultra glam Instagram posts.  I don't care!  I love makeup--I love the fun in it, the variety, and how it's for everyone. AND how we all have a variation that can be added to the mix!  I can never have enough eyeshadow palettes or highlighters--bring em' on!  I really love this look because it's primarily shadow, and adding a pair of great lashes adds an extra pop of lush!  I have many looks in mind, and I can't wait to get them on here.  Enjoy! If there are any looks you want to see, let me know! I had to divide my tutorial into two parts, because I talk too much.  I am getting better at editing and saying less! I LOVE MAKEUP! WHOOP WHOOP!

BRING ON THE BRIOGEO!

Despite the crazy amount of curly hair products out there, my excitement still shoots through the roof when I discover a new product! I found this gel in Sephora, and the label "silicone gel" intrigued me.  I'm always searching for un-conventional formulas that promise crunch free, shiny coils.  And let me tell you--this formula is not your regular gel!  Briogeo has serum-like qualities while still providing hold.  It has a sticky texture and a fresh scent.  Although it did not dry crunchy, I thought it to be stiff when it dried.  My hair dried in a curly fro, so there was shrinkage. I have 3c/4a hair, and if I want my hair to stretch, the formula has to be on the hardcore side.  I also observed the lack of shine.  My hair was shiny after it air dried, and the next day it looked fairly dull.  Below you see how it look 100% dried on the first day--

Here are Close-ups--

On the next day, my hair was more of a curly fro--

Although it shrank a bit, I still love the fro' shape and how it maintained some spring.  I wish my hair felt softer--the strange texture made it feel like I applied a paste to my hair.  When washing it out, I felt like I still had to go in with suds.  Even without silicones, the product clings on, and using only conditioner I felt wasn't going to cut it.  All in all, I would use again to obtain a curly fro style--I loved how my coils sprang and although it didn't feel the softest, I would use it again.  I applied with Kinky Curly's Knot Today, but they their own defining creme which I would love to try.  Once I get my hands on it, I'll post photos of how that combo looks!

For a full review, click on YouTube video below!