BeautyXchange

I recently saw these designs and I was blown away.  They are from the Chianu International Fashion collection.  The design house was created by a Nigerian-American designer, Chidima Anusiem.  After browsing their online collection, I've determined that I have to have one of these in my life! :-)  

I came across a great article about home facials that I wanted to share with you. Of course, to see the article in it's entirety visit, Woman's Day magazine online.  These home facials are made using ingredients that you would typically find in your kitchen pantry or cupboard.
 
1. Papaya - To Brighten

Cut a slice of ripe papaya and remove the seeds and pulp (save the pulp for a snack later—it’s great for digestion). Rub the inside of the papaya peel on your cleansed face, focusing on lines around the mouth and eyes, crow’s feet, thinning temples, neck and hands. Let it dry for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse with tepid water. This mask can be done twice a week. “The enzymes in papaya exfoliate, repair sun damage, diminish age spots and smooth skin. Your skin will look brighter, with a more polished finish,” says Macan-Graves.

2. Oatmeal - To Exfoliate

Combine 1 tsp honey and 1 tsp olive oil. Separately, prepare a packet of plain oatmeal, using less water than called for so it forms a thick paste. Next, add the honey and olive oil mixture to the cooked oatmeal. Apply as a scrub, gently rubbing it in small circles over your skin, avoiding the eye area. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry. This mask can be done twice weekly. “The oatmeal in this scrub exfoliates, while the honey and olive oil moisturize,” says Argenti.

3. Olive Oil - To Cleanse

“Believe it or not, I love to cleanse with oil,” says Argenti. For this facial, she combines 1 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt with 2 tsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp lemon oil (not to be confused with lemon juice; lemon oil is an essential oil that can be found at health food stores). The mixture should be a little bit runny but not easily poured out. Massage it over skin, then immediately wipe it off with a washcloth soaked in tepid water. This can be done daily. “You want to use good-quality oil and you’ll be surprised at how clean your skin will feel,” says Argenti. “You don’t need a harsher product, even for skin with acne. Just be careful around the eye area…[the mixture] tends to be very sticky.”

4. Lemon Juice - To Lift & Tighten

Combine 2 Tbsp plain yogurt with 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (the juice of one lemon) and apply to your cleansed face and neck. Let it dry for 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll feel the mask tighten on your face and neck, which creates a lifting and firming effect. Leave it on longer (up to one hour) for even more face-lifting effects. Once done, rinse with tepid water followed by a cool rinse. This mask can be done two to three times a week or whenever you need a face lift. “This instant face-lifting mask helps fade age-spots, acne scars and even helps keep blemishes and acne in check. It also gets rid of uneven-looking skin tone,” says Macan-Graves.

5. Tea - To Tone

This toning eye treatment helps to “de-puff, relax, refresh and energize your skin,” says Argenti. “It’s much more cooling than the traditional cucumber slices.” After cleansing your skin, brew a cup of chamomile or green tea and allow it to cool. Then soak two clean, round makeup sponges in the tea and squeeze out any excess liquid. Place one on each of your eyes for 15 minutes. Do this daily. “You need to use an alcohol-free toner on your skin to cleanse and tighten pores. Alcohol is very detrimental, and tea works just as well,” adds Argenti.

6. Honey & Apple Cider Vinegar - To Soothe

Combine 2 Tbsp honey with 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Apply to your clean face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water followed by a cool rinse. This can be done three times a week. “This mask heals, moisturizes and balances the pH of the skin,” says Macan-Graves. “Honey is a humectant and natural antibiotic that heals and moisturizes. Apple cider vinegar helps balance the pH of skin and soothes damaged skin.”

7. Fennel & Oatmeal - To Moisturize

Macan-Graves recommends oatmeal and fennel to help moisturize dry skin. Grind 1 Tbsp oatmeal in a blender and set aside. Add 1 Tbsp fennel seeds to 1/2 cup boiling water to make a tea. Allow the seeds to steep for 10 minutes; strain the seeds and discard. Let it cool down to room temperature and then combine 1 Tbsp of the fennel tea with 1 Tbsp ground oatmeal and 1 Tbsp honey. Apply the mixture to your clean face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water followed by a cool rinse. This mask can be done twice weekly.

8. Sour Cream - To Brighten

Combine 2 Tbsp sour cream with 2 Tbsp honey and 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Apply to your cleansed face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water followed by a cool (not cold) rinse. This mask can be done twice a week. “This mask heals, exfoliates, brightens and moisturizes skin. It refines pores, fades acne marks and prevents blemishes from coming up,” says Macan-Graves.

I think I'll try #6! What about you? Do you have any do-it-yourself facials that you'd like to share? Don't be shy - share your tips.

A while back, the awesome, Jessie Adore also a featured Friday Fashionista shared some tips on decorating an apartment or home on a budget, some home essentials, and some sources of inspiration.  So without further delay, here are Jessie's tips:

Home Decor on A Budget 

Jessie says: There are affordable alternatives to everything, and affordable isn't synonymous  with cheap looking or tacky when executed correctly. I always say its more important to know what you're looking for than where to look. I would suggest figuring out what your style is... Hollywood Regency, Mid-Century Modern, French Country, or whatever it may be. Pinpoint your style's various characteristics and look for pieces that reflect that. You can buy reasonably priced furniture and accents anywhere from ebay to discount stores like Mashalls or department stores like Macy's when they have sales. I tend to frequent flea markets and thrift stores for one of a kind pieces.

Home Essentials

Jessie says: It is essential to focus on what makes a dwelling place comfortable. Number one is your bed. Since 1/3 of the average human's life is spent asleep, investing in a good mattress is number one. Plush pillows and comfy linens follow, along with aromatic air fresheners that suit your taste. If you have nothing else in your apartment, have a good bed. I would say good lighting is also essential.

Home Decor Resources

Jessie says: Apartment Therapy, Peacock Feathers, and Design Sponge

What are some of your inspirations for decorating a home? Any tips? 

Hey Ladies! Just wanted to let you all know (if you don't already) that Creme of Nature has a new line of products with Argan Oil.  

Argan Oil is rich in Vitamin E, Omega-6, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants and has great restorative properties. It is excellent for adding intense shine, and hydrating and conditioning, making it one of the hottest ingredients in the beauty industry.  It is a hydrating and shine-intense “liquid gold” from Morocco. 

The line consists of the following 5 products:



1) Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment Pack, that strengthens, deeply infuses moisture, and prevents hair breakage





2) Creme of Nature Argan Oil Gloss & Shine Polisher, to instantly impart radiant shine, seal in moisture, control frizz and leave hair silky smooth





3) Creme of Nature Argan Oil Foaming Wrap, a unique shine-enhancing foam that nourishes hair, and provides long-lasting hold while giving it a soft, silky feel





4) Creme of Nature Argan Oil Gloss & Shine Mist, a weightless mist that instantly shines, conditions and controls frizz and flyaways





5) Creme of Nature Argan Oil Replenishing Sheen Spray, a high-gloss sheen with advanced moisturizing properties and a light-weight, soft finish





Have you seen these at your local beauty supply?  or better yet have you tried them yet?  

Yesterday, I celebrated my fifth wedding anniversary and as always during this time, I like to go through  my wedding photos and reminisce.  My wedding day is the only time that I've ever worn a full face of makeup - and I wish I could do it more often.  I don't know much about makeup at all to be honest.  I just know the bare basics - which isn't saying much.  On a day to day basis I just use a lip gloss and that's about it.  If I'm going to something fancy or more formal, I'll apply mascara, lip liner, gloss and a bit of foundation or concealer.  





For my wedding day makeup, I only had two requests 1) I wanted it to look as natural as possible and 2) I wanted false eyelashes. LOL Number 2 was very important to me for some reason, I wanted my eyes to be more of the focal point I guess.  My makeup artist was fantastic by the way -  shout out to Lenny Hamilton!  









During these summer months weddings are pretty popular.  If I had to give some simple tips to a soon to be bride, they would be:





1) Have your makeup as light and natural as possible especially if you're getting married on a hot summer day like I did.





2) If possible, hire a makeup artist - it's just one less thing you have to worry about.





3) Waterproof mascara will be your friend. This saved me from looking like a raccoon when I had to shed some tears and I shed quite a few.





4) About six weeks before your wedding, start a skin care regimen (if you don't have one already) that includes facials.





5) Have someone outside of your bridal party carry your lipstick for you in case you need to reapply.





Bonus - Wear you're hair in a stylish yet humidity and frizz friendly style.  My initial intention back then was to wear my hair out but decided against it because I didn't want to deal with the heat, humidity, or perspiration ruining my hair that day.





What's your bridal makeup or beauty advice?

Laila Ali has a new title to add under her boxing belt - that of cosmetics entrepreneur.  I last mentioned Laila here but it had more to do with her physique than her beauty regimen, well now with her new beauty endeavor she's set to introduce products for skin and hair, as well as fragrances.  Apparently the products will be earth-friendly, non-toxic, and high quality.

The  line includes the following:

Laila Ali Professional Hair Care Products:  Shampoos, conditioners, curl-defining gels and more. Prices: $10-$18.

Laila Ali Derm Essentials Skin Care Products: A simple-to-use line that includes age-defying cream, eye cream, tone equalizer, body lotion, daily wash and moisturizer. Prices: $10-$18.

Laila by Laila Ali: A clean crisp women’s fragrance that blends citron and apple over jasmine, bluebells, rose, green bamboo and amber musk. Price: $39-$49.

Looking forward to checking out Laila's line when it hits the shelves. 

BIO: 

I’m a first generation born American from New Jersey, my family being from Jamaica.  I spend my many of my days trekking between New Jersey and New York for both work and personal reasons.  I’m not only a blogger but I spend my 9-5 working in the showroom of a contemporary brand I would rather not divulge. I’m a lover of all things creative and expressive, my personal art of choice has always been fashion where I’m able to marry my creative and technical interests into one career.

A great pair of jeans that can be dressed up or down.  Fit is important!

A classic white oxford shirt that can be worn in the office with a pair of great slacks, with a pair of denim cut offs, or with a body con skirt for a date. 

A statement necklace is a great way to pack a punch for what could be a boring look.

An awesome pair of pumps is a must.  Every woman should own a pair of shoes/pumps they feel sexy in and can walk confidently.

A little black dress will take you ANYWHERE across seasons.

beauty PERSONIFIED: 

Beauty to me is a total acceptance of oneself.  Once you can reach a level of satisfaction, confidence and pleasure with who you truly are, then you are beautiful! 

Check out Misha at thefabchick.com

The main ingredients are natural vanilla, almond milk, and dove orchid.  According to LUSH:  

almond milk:  is wonderful for calming irritated skin. 

vanilla water:  helps the skin to retain its moisture naturally.

dove orchid:  skin soothing properties.





Overall, I'm pretty impressed with this cream, I didn't have high hopes when I first purchased but it's proven to me otherwise.