BeautyXchange

Friday, April 15, 2011

Eco-Chic Beauty Items in time for Earth Day

Isn't it a shame that Earth Day doesn't get as much recognition as some of the other holidays.  Especially since its intent is to bring awareness and appreciation to our Earth's environment.  





With global warming increasing, the ozone layer depleting, and a plethora of other environmental factors affecting the Earth's sustainability you would think Earth Day would be more mainstream.  

In any event, for those of you that are more eco-conscious when it comes to beauty products, here are two eco-friendly products that caught my attention:

Eco Hair Dryer

Just like microwaves, blow dryers give off radiation – aimed straight at your head day after day! The Eco Blow Dryer is one cutting-edge, earth-and health-friendly alternative. The ceramic heating element uses half the energy of a traditional blow dryer with coil heating and emits significantly less electromagnetic radiation. Plus, it actually dries faster and produces negative ions that leave your hair looking glossy and frizz-free. 

Eco-Chic SCOTCH NATURALS Nail Polish

Scotch Naturals is a new line of nail polishes with both style and safety in mind. They come in offbeat colors and are made with water-based and non-toxic materials.

Check out www.gifts.com for more eco-friendly, eco-chic beauty items.

Are you an eco-chic or eco-conscious beauty girl?

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Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Hair's My Natural Beauty: Carmen

Welcome to another edition of Hair's My Natural Beauty - a series of informative/inspiring/insightful Natural Hair interviews showcasing the various textures of natural hair.  This week's Natural Hair beauty is...

Carmen

from

North Carolina

How would you describe your hair?

My hair is very curly with multiple textures ranging from the 4 to 3 caterigories. It's resilient meaning it refuses to do anything than what it wants to do. With relaxers my hair found a way to curl up and even in locs it still curls up.

How long have you been natural?

My last relaxer was in the fall of 2003, so at the time of this article some seven years.

What prompted you to "go natural"?

I've been natural before this final time and decided I liked my natural hair better. It's fluffier, prettier, and easier.

What is the main difference for you between having natural hair vs chemically

relaxed hair?

For me it's the freedom of not worrying about my hair. I don't have to take precautions to keep my hair straight. Relaxing and then flat ironing or curling it to keep it straight. I was scared to sweat it out and wrapping it at night got in the way. Plus, my hair is healthier!

What hair styles are you fond of using to style your natural hair?
The chunky afro after no-pooing and just letting my hair clump was the
best.  As it got longer, I wore alot of buns and puffs.

Do you accessorize your hair?  What accessories do you use?

I make hair accessories ~ Tomoka's Twists!  I use items from my Twist
and Happy lines the most.


What hair products  work best for your hair?  Why?
Anything without SLS as far as shampoo.  Since having locs I really
don't use much, no condition, leave-ins, moisturizers.  I do like
Bobeam shampoo bars and Paul Mitchell's Awapuhi Mist, water and
essential oils.


What is your hair regimen? How often do you wash/co-wash?
I shampoo my hair roughly once a week or less and retighten my
loose locs.  Easy right!


What resources helped you along your natural hair journey?
I'm a Certified Sisterlocks Consultant so that class has helped me
tremendously.  I also like The Knotty Truth, Curly Like Me,
Nappturality, Brunsli, Afrobella, and all the ladies who blog
and vlog.


Hair's my natural beauty because......
God made it!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Step Into Spring - Ruthie Davis Shoes

http://www.ruthiedavis.com/

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A rose is still a rose....

I recently had a chance to use the rosewater that I purchased a few months ago but instead of using it for my skin - it's original purpose; I ended up using it for my hair.

Here's how:

In a spray bottle I  mixed - 

1 oz of rose water

1 tsp sweet almond oil

1 tsp olive oil 

Pretty simple. ;-)

Shake well & voila! An instant moisturizer.

I really liked the way it made my hair feel - very soft!  

Rosewater when used for haircare is a natural moisturizer that restores elasicity to the hair, and conditions.  

There are so many benefits and uses for rosewater but so far I've only used it as a hair moisturizer.  I plan on using it in other ways too. I'll keep you posted.  

Have you used rosewater?  

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 $25 Sephora giftcard Winner is Amber H.
Congrats!
Please email me.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Show off those Sexy Shapely Silky Legs

Are your legs ready to make their debut for the warm summer days that are around the corner? 

During the winter months they've been hidden under long pants, leggings, jeans, etc  but it's time to get those legs ready in time for those cute short summer dresses that you and I will be wearing ;-)  

So here's the game plan:

Shape & Tone - How? by doing lunges and/or heel raises.  Lunges will work all the muscles in your legs while heel raises focus more on the calves and who doesn't want sexy calves? ;)  How many you do is up to you but the more the better of course. 

Condition - How? By exfoliating a couple of times a week with a body scrub or simply sugar. Sugar happens to be a natural exfoliant - mix a few tablespoons with olive oil then rub into your legs to remove dead skin cells then rinse.

Smooth & Silky - How? By waxing or shaving and keeping them moisturized. Pretty straightforward. 

Color/Glow - How? Tanning or using a bronzer/self tanner. For us cocoa & caramel skin toned ladies try Gelee de Soleil Browning Oil with SPF 15 by Carol's Daughter for that golden bronzed look.

How do you prep your legs for the summer?

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Wednesday, April 6, 2011

"Nice Stems" by OPI - Summer 2011 Nail Polish Collection

Spring is in the air and Summer is right around the corner.  During both these seasons manis & pedis become top priority on my to do list and with so many colors to choose from how can I resist. 

Enter OPI with their new Summer collection inspired by flowers appropriately called "Nice Stems".  The collection features 4 fabulous florals to brighten your nails. 

They are: 

Play the Peonies, Come to Poppy, I Lily Love You, and Be a Dahlia won't You? 

Catchy names wouldn't you say? Too cute.  

The hues in the collection cater to the pink family. They range from soft to shimmery to glittery and uber sparkly.  

The great thing about pink polishes is that they compliment any skin tone. Plus they are so ultra feminine for us girly girls ;-)

Looking forward to getting my nails done with any of the four in this bunch.

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Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Reb'l Fleur - A Fragrance by Rihanna

“This fragrance is about my passion for individuality - being expressive and empowering, yes, but also emotional and intriguing. I promise you Reb’l Fleur will not be easily forgotten.” -Rihanna

I've been wearing this fragrance for close to a month now and I must admit I am overly impressed with the scent.  If I had to describe it these are the adjectives that come to mind:

sexy

seductive

sweet

sensual

sophisticated

sultry

As Rihanna mentions in her quote above, this scent is definitely memorable. 

When I wear Reb'l Fleur the scent lingers all day. {I actually tested it a few times}

 It also makes a statement but not an overpowering one.  

I really really adore this fragrance.  

When I first heard that Rihanna launched a fragrance, I honestly didn't know what to expect from it.  One thought that did cross my mind though, was that it probably would be one of those gimmicky, commercial, alcohol scented perfumes.  Boy, was I wrong.

When I first took a whiff of the perfume, it instantly reminded me of the classic French perfumes that many of the women in my family wear.

Reb'l Fleur definitely rises against many of the current celebrity fragrances out on the market

This fragrance is a keeper & when it runs out I will happily restock. 

Let me know if any of you have tried it.

If you haven't definitely do so.

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Monday, April 4, 2011

Interview with Skincare Expert - Seven Brown

I recently had the opportunity to talk skin care with Seven Brown, an internationally known and renowned skin care expert.  She's definitely an influence in the skin care industry.  She's worked with major brands and industry leaders, such as Oil of Olay and Sam Fine Beauty.  She currently is the advanced educator at Atelier Esthétique Institute of Esthetics, Beauty Director of Bleu Magazine, and soon to be author of a book dedicated to expert advice and information on skincare.  





Check out our interview here: where she discusses tips on treating normal to oily acneic skin, nutrition as it relates to skincare, etc

Did you find this chat informative?

Let me know.

Questions for Seven? Check her out at

http://www.sevenbrown.com/

http://twitter.com/sevenbrown

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