BeautyXchange

Have you seen the tresses on this Pittsburgh Steelers football player, Troy Polamalu?

Ladies, what do you think of his tresses? Does it score? or Does it get a penalty?

A few weeks ago I attended a webinar that discussed skin type.  I was interested in participating because if you remember this post I was having issues with my skin (and still I am).  Of course, I soon found at the problems that I was having are mostly due to my pregnancy (and still are). So, I was definitely interested in hearing all about skin care and skin typing. 





The webinar was hosted by Leslie Baumann, a board certified dermatologists, and clinical researcher.  She's created the Baumann Skin Typing System and has a new book, The Skin Type Solution.    During the webinar, Dr. Baumann talked about the Skin Type Solutions website (www.skintypesolutions.com) where you're able to complete a questionnaire to determine your Baumann Skin Type and get customized recommendations for your skin. 

Did you know that that 80% of women are wrong about their skin type??

I took the questionaire and my skin type is DSPT which stands for Dry Sensitive Pigmented Tight.











My diagnosis was pretty much on point.  If you have issues with your skin or at least want to know what characterizes your skin type than I highly recommend taking the questionnaire here.  It's free and takes only a few minutes, plus you'll get recommendations on skin care products that will work for your skin.  

A few weeks ago I attended a webinar that discussed skin type.  I was interested in participating because if you remember this post I was having issues with my skin (and still I am).  Of course, I soon found at the problems that I was having are mostly due to my pregnancy (and still are). So, I was definitely interested in hearing all about skin care and skin typing. 


The webinar was hosted by Leslie Baumann, a board certified dermatologists, and clinical researcher.  She's created the Baumann Skin Typing System and has a new book, The Skin Type Solution.    During the webinar, Dr. Baumann talked about the Skin Type Solutions website (www.skintypesolutions.com) where you're able to complete a questionnaire to determine your Baumann Skin Type and get customized recommendations for your skin. 

Did you know that that 80% of women are wrong about their skin type??

I took the questionaire and my skin type is DSPT which stands for Dry Sensitive Pigmented Tight.





My diagnosis was pretty much on point.  If you have issues with your skin or at least want to know what characterizes your skin type than I highly recommend taking the questionnaire here.  It's free and takes only a few minutes, plus you'll get recommendations on skin care products that will work for your skin.  

For the soon-to-be hot mamas like myself- I've been preparing for my little guy and I've been looking into cute baby bags. Shopping for a baby bag is just as important to me as shopping for a car seat or stroller!  Why?  Because for me it needs to be functional, comfortable, adjustable, compartmentalized, and cute :-) Anywho, here are a few at different price points that seem to fit the bill.

If I were having a girl!! ;-)

For the soon-to-be hot mamas like myself- I've been preparing for my little guy and I've been looking into cute baby bags. Shopping for a baby bag is just as important to me as shopping for a car seat or stroller!  Why?  Because for me it needs to be functional, comfortable, adjustable, compartmentalized, and cute :-) Anywho, here are a few at different price points that seem to fit the bill.

If I were having a girl!! ;-)

Beyonce's mother has created a clothing line for women sized 2 to 20 to be sold exclusively at Walmart stores and Walmart.com.  The fashion line's price range is very affordable with most items under $20.  Check out some of the styles below.  

Hi everyone! I just wanted to take the time to say Thank You to any of you that stop by this site, read the posts, leave comments, subscribe, become a fan on Facebook, follow on Twitter, etc.  I appreciate that you do take the time to do any of the things listed.  This blog truly is an extension of myself and my love of sharing information, beauty, socialization, and so much more.  It truly is my outlet.  I hope to make this site better as I grow as a person and I hope you continue to follow.  Wishing you all the best during Thanksgiving!

I've mentioned to you ladies before that makeup is not my forte but I do know that I like my makeup to be as natural as possible with certain features to make a statement.  The look above is from Sunday night's AMAs (btw did any of you watch?) I love Christina's makeup in this photo!!  It's very natural yet her blue smokey eyes are the focal point.  I love it when the eyes are the main attraction in a makeup look.

I washed my hair this weekend with the products above, but mind you this was not the first time I used this shampoo and conditioner on my hair.  The first time I did use them was when my hair was still chemically treated with a relaxer.  I decided to revisit this line since my hair is now natural and let me tell you what a difference two textures can make.  


Experience with Relaxed Hair
For some reason, when I used the shampoo when my hair was relaxed my hair felt hard and stringy while washing.  Not sure if the protein in the shampoo combined with my chemically treated relaxed ends had anything to do with it but let's just say it was tough to manipulate my hair with it then.  


Experience with Natural Hair
Totally different story when using the shampoo to wash my natural hair this past weekend.  While washing my natural (chemical-free) hair, I had absolutely no problem working the shampoo through my kinky texture.  My hair felt soft, moisturized, and supple.  I kid you not.  For a minute, I had to pick up the shampoo bottle and make sure I was still using the same product.

Has that ever happened to you?  When you use a product and you have a different outcome depending on the current state of your hair at a particular time?

Anywho, what first prompted me to pick these up way back in the beginning of the year was the price of $6.99 and the fact that they were certified organic, and have no sulfates or other harsh chemicals.  (By the way - I bought these at Bed Bath & Beyond - I love their beauty section!!)

The conditioner was just as good at moisturizing my hair as the shampoo.  It's fairly thick, white, and creamy - I massaged it through my hair and combed out any tangles with no problems.  I left it in my hair for about 3 minutes but next time I think I'll use it for longer as a deep conditioning treatment - just for any added benefits.

Overall
I really like this particular shampoo and conditioner.  I haven't tried the others in the RenPure lineup but these I would repurchase and probably will.  You can't beat the price and the quality of ingredients.

Last year I was on a serious health routine, but that came to halt for some reason and I'm determined to get back on it in the new year.  One thing for sure is I definitely want to get back into incorporating coconut water into my health regimen. My brand of preference is Zico Natural because it's 100% pure coconut water and it tastes better than the Goya one that I've tried.


Coconut water, found inside the green coconut, is a boon of nature to the human kind. It is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, carbohydrates, antioxidants, enzymes and other phytonutrients. 


Beauty Tidbit: Coconut water is beneficial to skincare.  For example, it's known to be a great skin moisturizer.  Try mixing it with your body lotion or check out Sephora for a natural coconut water moisturizer by Dr. Nicholas Perricone here.

One of the oldest system of medicine, Ayurveda has today occupied an important place in beauty care and treatment. Using varied herbs and herbal formulations, Ayurvedic beauty treatment is completely natural and gives the best results. Not only the natural herbs play an important role in internal health and well-being but also on external beauty and health. With herbal beauty treatment, the body and soul becomes complete and this is evident in your overall appearance. The beauty therapy of Ayurveda has shown its popularity among its users.


One of the most important reasons for the increasing use of Ayurveda in beauty and skin care is that this system can clearly bring out a clear, glowing skin together with happiness and relaxation which otherwise cannot be achieved by cosmetics. It lays emphasis on internal beauty.


Today the market is flooded with a wide range of beauty products, ointments, lotions , soaps, facepacks made using ayuvedic herbs which can bring a complete makeover of the skin, making it glow with radiance, removing dark spots and blemishes from your skin.


The beauty care of Ayurveda deals with overall well being of the body, increasing hair growth, improving eye sight, hands and foot care. The best part is that the herbs remove all the toxic wastes from the body, making you feel fresh and happy. There is a sense of mental peace and tranquility.


Aloe vera: The gel of this plant is very useful for skin and hair care.


Neem (Margosa): A natural anti-parasitic and detoxification herb, it is used for skin ailments.


Turmeric: Turmeric paste applied all over the face give a glowing skin.


Hibiscus: You can make a shampoo using the flower and leaves. Powder them and mixed with water. This has amazing cleansing properties.


Henna: A well known herb increasing hair growth and maintaining hair health.

1. Take equal proportions of cucumber juice, lime juice and rose water. After washing your face, apply this mixture on your face and keep it overnight. Next morning, rinse it off. This helps to give clear complexion.

2. Take a small quantity of raw milk. Add and put a pinch of salt with few drops of lime juice. This is a natural cleansing lotion. Use it regularly to clean the deep pores of the skin.


3. Take a small quantity of tomato juice. Add lemon juice. Mix it properly and apply it on your face. This makes the skin soft and glowing.


4. Mix turmeric powder, wheat flour of equal amounts with sesame oil. Apply it on legs and hands for some time and then wash it off. This helps in removing unwanted hair.


5. Apply orange juice on face. It makes the face soft and smooth.


6. Mint juice when applied regularly removes stains.


Article Source Author: Rupunkel
            

Google has launched a new website - www.boutiques.com that lets you find specific looks that you are in search of - think of it as your online personal stylist.  Click here to check it out!

Ever wonder what the benefits of using essential oils for your hair are - check these out: 





1.Coconut Oil – Used from the time of our Grandmothers, it is still the most effective oil for hair. The main work of coconut oil is to calm the scalp and thus, treat the hair of all the harsh effects of pollution and sun rays. A slightly heated coconut oil is best for head massage. Hair dye's are also harsh on hair due to the presence of chemicals and applying of coconut oil treats it effectively.





2.Castor Oil – Castor oil is the best solution to dry scalp. It works as a moisturiser and enhances hair growth and treats thinning hair. It is best to leave castor oil on the scalp overnight and rinse the scalp with shampoo in the morning. If this procedure is followed once a week, within a months time you will notice hair growth and change in the quality of your hair.





3.Jojoba Oil - Jojoba oil can be applied by people of any skin type. This oil is famous for it's treatment capabilities of hair breakage, split ends, hair loss and dry hair. 





4.Peppermint Oil – For healthy hair, it is very important to have the correct blood flow in the scalp. Peppermint oil does the needful to enhance the blood flow, which ensure enough oxygen and thus hair growth. 





5.Lemon Oil – Lemon oil is specifically for oily hair. This oil is a good treatment for dandruff, lice and scalp infections. This oil can be applied once in a week and should be kept for an hour before being washed with a mild shampoo.





6.Tea Tree Oil – If you are the one who complains of greasy hair, then Tea Three oil is what you need. This oil, controls the oil production of the scalp and at the same time moisturises the hair. This is also a good treatment for dandruff. Few drops of Tea Tree Oil with Olive oil is a good combination for healthy hair. 





7.Olive Oil – Olive oil is the best oil for treating drying of hair due to excess exposure to sun rays. This oil nourishes the hair and helps it to regain the lost nutrition. It is best to apply the oil and then warp the hair up with a towel for half an hour before washing your hair with a mild shampoo. 





8.Almond Oil - Almond oil is high in Omega 6 fat and other essential fatty acids, which strengthens and revitalises hair growth. A massage with almond oil twice a week can ensure hair growth.      Source

The holidays are around the corner, so I'll be highlighting deals and steals for your shopping pleasure.  :-)


The above limited edition gift bag could be yours FREE if you spend $100 at Beauty.com starting November 15th.

Stuffed with 13 beauty samples, the zippered pouch is decked out in a peek-a-boo lace overlay, black patent piping, and handy internal pockets perfectly sized for lip gloss, blotting papers, or any touch-up essentials for a night on the town.

Each bag arrives filled with 13 samples from some of the top brands in prestige beauty:




























Beauty.com, Inc. is a leading online destination for prestige beauty products. The web store provides a highly personalized shopping experience and offers more than 200 brands from widely recognized to niche, hard-to-find products. Beauty.com is wholly owned by drugstore.com, inc.

Details
**Free shipping on orders over $50. Valid for shipment to continental U.S. addresses only, includes PO Box and APO/FPO addresses.

*Offer expires 11/13/2010 3:00 AM ET. Folica.com reserves the right to modify or terminate this promotion and its terms & conditions without notice. Offer cannot be combined with other offers or promotions. Excludes CHI appliances.


Questions? Folica.com guarantees our merchandise to be authentic and new, and stands behind all of our merchandise with our 30 Day Return Policy. Folica.com honors manufacturer warranties for appliances, see our Warranty Replacement Policy. For more information, please contact Customer Service.

You'd be suprpised how many of our grandmas, great-grandmas and the other "elder" women in our families maintained and preserved their sexy without all the expensive potions and lotions that are mass marketed today. Most of their beauty regimens revolved around things that were in the kitchen, which were cost friendly and free from harmful ingredients or negative side affects. I must admit though there are some beauty rituals I've heard from my grandma that I had to pass on because they were just too disgusting -LOL whether it promised a great outcome.

I'll share one my grandma's beauty secrets for glowing skin - GRAPEFRUIT. Not only does she recommend eating them, and drinking its juice, but she actually recommends using the ‘meat’ of the grapefruit to cleanse your face.




The sugar acts as an exfoliant, the olive oil as a moisturizer, and the grapefruit as an astringent.  If you have sensitive skin or cuts on your skin this may sting. 

Benefits of Grapefruit for Sensitive Skin *

Grapefruit is an excellent natural antioxidant. It is not only a key ingredient in many wellness and weight loss diets, but also good for skin exfoliation. Grapefruit is rich in citric acid, as it loosens dead skin cells thus exfoliating dry skin. The main cosmetic advantage of grapefruit lies in its content of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), but this may also be also a downside when it comes to sensitive skin.

People that have sensitive skin should be twice as careful about recipes with grapefruit as an ingredient, as it can have a drying or irritating effect. Although most people will find that they can use grapefruit with good results, always try the mixture before buying the cream or lotion.

 
Did your grandma or other elder woman ever share beauty regimens or recipes with you? What were some of them?

In this series, I'll share with you mommy related information that I find useful and may be you will too!





First up:  the website Mommy Tracked

Called "popular and edgy" by the Wall Street Journal, Mommy Tracked is a multi-tasking website for modern moms that stands out from the crowd of parenting sites. Always fresh, funny, informative and entertaining, but never judgmental, Mommy Tracked strives to provide time-crunched, over-extended and multitasked-out moms a much needed and well deserved escape from the chaos of modern motherhood.

I don't remember how I discovered this website, but I do remember it was about a couple of years ago or shortly after my first son was born.  When I first discovered it, I pretty much surfed it for some hours trying to devour any and all information I could (after all I was a first time mom at the time).  I don't frequent it as much as back then put every once in a while I still refer to it especially for the Quick Survival Tips, Working Mom Interviews, and Work Your Way features.

This week I decided to paint my nails a bright neon color despite the fact that we're a month into Fall.  Typically, I prefer brighter/lighter colors for my manicures and darker colors for my pedicures regardless of the season.  This China Glaze Purple Panic really grabbed my attention when I first spotted it.  It definitely is an attention getter and you'll constantly look at your nails.  The only critique is that after applying two coats the finish was more matte than I cared for it to be so I applied a top coat to give it more of a shine.  

This isn't the best pic - due to poor lighting :-( but you get the idea :-)

After a year and some change of transitioning from relaxed to natural, I took the plunge last weekend and chopped off the remainder of the straight ends - "the big chop" if you will.
So, I'm happy to say that I am 100% natural. Yay me!! Although it is taking me a bit to get used to only 4 inches of hair but I am motivated. I've gotten some encouragement from some ladies on twitter (shout out to FlyOnaDime and AmberJAdams) as well as some friends who are already natural.

Keep in mind I didn't use this product as it was intended - check out the product description.


Jane Carter Wrap & Roll 

Wrap & Roll is the best soft mousse, setting and wrapping product available on the market today. It dries clean and soft without leaving any residue. Great for dry color-treated or damaged hair, the natural glycerides, essential oils and moisturizers leave your hair soft and shiny. Cut dryer time in half by applying Wrap & Roll liberally to wet hair, then wrap/set and dry as usual or let it dry naturally.

My Experience: I didn't use this on wet hair, my hair was dry. I only used a little bit on each section for the twist and the hold was light but effective. The next morning my hair was indeed soft with no residue as the product claims. However, I wish the shine factor kicked in for me as I didn't experience any shine which could be attributed to not using this on freshly washed hair. Who knows...I'll definitley use it again to test the shine factor.

The Ingredients: Deionized Water, Anthemis Noblis Flower (Camomile), Symphytum Officinal Leaf (Comfrey), Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail), Urtica Dioica (Nettle), Rosemarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf, Humulus Lupulus (Hops), Lawsonia Inermis (Henna), Certified Organic Essential Oils: Lemon, Grapefruit, Coco-Sultaine, Glycerine, Glyceryl caprylate, methylisothiazolinone (preservative)

No complaints from me regarding the ingredients as this products is all natural and contains some great plants & essential oils.

Cost: Honestly I don't recall how much I paid for it at Earth Fare. But the Jane Carter website has the retail price marked at $9.00.


Will I use/buy it again? Yes. But, I think this 8 oz bottle will last me a little while.

Have I used anything else from the Jane Carter line? I want to say back in the day I used the Nourish & Shine but I have no recollection of whether I liked it or not.

Will you try anything else from the line? I've got my eye on the new Curl Defining Cream.

Isabel Toledo is a NY based designer that made her mark designing for Anne Klein; if her name still doesn't ring a bell - take a look at this photo.  Do you remember Mrs. O's outfit on inauguration day? Yep, that was designed by Toledo.

Hey there beauties! I've been a bit inconsistent with posting and I won't bore you with why...though I would like to thank those of you who come by, read, and comment.  Thank you for following via Facebook, Twitter, and/or Google Connect as well.  I appreciate you!


So there is one beauty product out there that I always here a lot about but have yet to try - African Black Soap.  I'm sure many of you have heard of it too.  I don't know much about it but the little that I do know is that this soap has its origins in Ghana.  It actually goes by the name Alata Samina (I've also heard it referred as Dudu Osun as well).   




Apparently this soap has many skin care benefits; especially if your skin is acne prone, oily, blemished, irritated, has eczema, etc.


It's important to note that there are many African Black Soaps that claim to be the real deal but are not.  The authentic soap itself is not even black it's brown in color.  


Also, the traditional black soap is made up of a blend of plantain skins, palm kernels,  tree bark, coconut oil, and raw shea butter.  


I plan to try this soap sometime soon and I already have a vendor, Shea Radiance in mind, as they sell quality organic and natural products as well as work directly with men and women in Africa at Fair Trade.