NOTD: Zoya Minka

This is 3 coats.
Base: Nail Tek Hydration Therapy II (1 coat)
Top: Poshe'

I ended up filing my length down 3 times in the past 2 days. I wanted to keep the length, but since I am growing out old peelies, I didn't want those weak spots on the tips of my nails. I'd rather have healthy shorter nails than weaker longer ones.

I do like this nude color. Kinda messy on the tips since I shortened the length. But I think it's nice for no-brainer manis or palate cleansing.  Reminds me of OPI Sand in my Suit, but it's actually much lighter.

xoxo

NOTD: Zoya Jo

I needed to wear a medium blue (my current mood...). This is two coats. I'm getting some length now but I've got quite a bit of damage to grow out. So I'm stuck filing down a little length every week for a few weeks. But geez! Look at that color. Who cares about length, right? Preeeetty.

xoxo,
A.

Braid-outs: My New Year's Resolution

Hey guys!

As the title states, I have made a personal NY resolution to do more braid-outs, which is my most hated hair style. I hate them basically because I haven't figured out how to make them look good on me. I see them on other people and catch hair envy real quick, lol. My hair is weird--the tight curl pattern makes for a good styling base, but my overall density and weight of my hair is all over the place so I have to tweak styles to hide that. So it is always a production to style my hair. Yes, having FINE HAIR is a joy *rolls eyes* lol.

But anyway, I want to start liking braid-outs because I like the pattern they create and they stretch the hair out more than twists (on me).

Here's a pic of the braids I put in

That part down the back of my head is the bane of my existence lol...

Products used:
ABBA Pure Gentle shampoo
Paul Mitchell Super-charged Moisturizer (sat under the dryer for 25 min or so)
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Kukui Nut oil

Results:

I was super-duper lazy so I kept the braids in for 2 days. I had such a hard time unraveling these darn things!! I think I braid too fast because I always have these small strands get tangled up when I take the braids down. They twirl around inside braid so it's a PITA when they come down. So it's frizzy before I even get to separating them. I coated my hands with the kukui nut oil prior to separating...I needed to separate them pretty much completely to fill in the parts (that back center part esp!!) but I like that it's shiny and soft.

All in all, I am okay with the results. I will keep practicing.

If anyone has any tips for a successful braid-out, feel free to share. Also how long do you keep it in before you re-do it? Night-time maintenance?

xoxo,
A.

All You Need is Moisture

Hi guys!

I wanted to come on and write about somewhat of a light bulb moment I had recently.  I mentioned a couple of posts ago about how lazy I have been with my hair, nails, and especially my skin.  There is no other excuse for that, besides feeling too unmotivated to really go through the whole she-bang (due to life stuff).  But I realized that even when I slack off in any area, the one thing that keeps me from having to start completely over? Moisturizing.

[Source]

Moisturizing is the key to life, I believe.  If your skin is acting out of whack, itching or flaking, breaking out, etc. No matter if it's dry or oily--moisturizing will fix it. Skin is often temperamental due to dehydration.  If your cuticles look like you are about to grow another finger lol--moisturizing will keep it at bay (and can prevent nail breaks). If your hair looks like "whoshotJohn" and a little bit more, guess what? A moisturizing treatment will usually fix that too.

And let's not forget what 8-10 glasses of water each day can do for just about every aspect of life/body...

So when you are frustrated, or unsure how to fix a beauty issue...stop. Don't go and buy a ton of treatments and then try to make them all work at once. Just moisturize for a few days and then you'll see where you need to go from there.

Hope this helps someone

xoxo

NOTD: OPI Golden Rules!

My first NOTD of the New Year! Trying out a color I have had for years and have never worn.  Mainly because I was under the impression that gold would look tacky on me. I never wear gold jewelry for this reason. But with this polish I can eat my words a little haha

Base coat: Nubar Foundation (trying this out for the 1st time, too)
OPI Golden Rules! (2 coats)
Poshe topcoat (1)

This is a soft-gold color, with a little bit of a green undertone so it's not too yellow-gold.  That is what makes it work on my skin, being that I have those exact undertones. Love this one, definite undercover stunner. Now let's just see how long it lasts on my nails (currently growing out some peelies)...

xoxo

Twisty-turvy snapshot

Here are just a few pics on my twisting attempts. I have decided that this is my favorite way to wear my hair besides the wash n go. I didn't want to admit it to myself because I used to do these so much back in the day, but they really "work" for me.

11/20/2011 set

11/20/2011 set

12/3/2011 set

12/3/2011 set

Right now I am using Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Butter Cream, Avocado butter, and FOTE Aloe Vera gel to do my twists. Since the December set, I decided I will continue to twist on blown dry hair (tension method). Doing this keeps the length stretched for a longer time and makes twisting go faster. (The November twists were done on damp hair.)

Seriously...when I calculated the time it took for me to re-do my wash n go every few days and compared it to how much time it took me to put the twists in, it was a no-brainer--twists all the time.  Ironically after I took this set down around Christmas (and since then b/c I haven't done them again yet), my wash n go takes less time and lasts longer, lol. So I don't know which I like best at this point. I'll probably switch back and forth between the two styles often--still haven't perfected the braid out yet *sigh*

xoxo

Happy New Year!!

[Source]

Hey what's up! Hope you all are having an amazing 2012 thus far. I know I am very eager to see what this New Year will bring. After such a challenging 2011, I am definitely game for some fun and smiling and all around good vibes.

I didn't really keep up with the blog last year due to so many challenges that came my way. I was so depressed and discouraged, the last thing I wanted was to come on here and try to be cheery.  My relationships with family and friends, the direction of my career and education path, my natural hair journey and overall physical well-being were all just taking a hit.  But I am still here, ready for whatever is coming next.

I have to be honest though, the idea of a blog is still so weird to me, despite having this one for a few years now. As I said in my last post, I am more introverted and immediate when it comes to my thoughts--I will journal tons of things before they'll ever make it to this blog.  All kinds of theories, discoveries, etc.

So that said, I think I am going to try to get more of that on here and share it with you...But first let's get caught up from last year.

Natural Hair Struggles/Realizations:
Ok, so I finally got a trim late October/early November.  The first one since I BC'd in February. And what a surprise, she only trimmed off about 1/2". I just knew I would need more off, but I didn't so I was happy. But...*dum dum dum* my hair was not happy with me. Don't get me wrong, it was healthy and in good shape, but having a trim just knocked my routine over. I'd just gotten used to how it was hanging and laying and to have a trim was a styling shock--even though shape of the hair was much better, it wasn't responding to my styling techniques.

Anyways, I had such a hard time styling that I just gave up and started twisting.  At first I did some medium-large twists and tried those for a few days, then the next set I made them smaller and wore those.  Trying to figure out what would work for me since I have fine hair and some sections are less dense than others. So after a little bit of practice and strategy, I figured out how small to make them and to part them at an angle. It took me 6 hours!! I was so happy with them, I left them in for 3 weeks--and didn't wash them at all. So not like me, lol, but I didn't even care.

Oddly enough, once I finally took the twists out and clarified my hair and scalp something serious, I just threw some random products in there (no planning at all) and my hair turned out GREAT and I got 3, 4, and even 5 day hair, which never, ever happened before.

I plan on putting some twists back in again this coming weekend. I want to leave them in for at least 2 weeks, but no more than 3.  I think my hair (and my sanity) do well with this, so yeah.

There is one particular blog that has really helped me stay motivated when I was frustrated with my hair: Naturally Obsessed. I was so inspired by her hair; I wanted to set better goals for myself, but at the same time keep it simple, since that's really all my hair requires...

Nail Care Reconciliation:
During the summer and fall seasons when I was trying to figure out what hair styles and products were working for me and what could I stick with, I ended up seriously neglecting my nails.  Rinsing and conditioning everyday is ok for my hair, but absolutely devastating for my nails. I naturally have thinner, weaker nails that are peelie-prone so keeping them water-logged is the worse thing I could do.  So when I had my hair in twists, I was able to reconcile them and figure out a game plan. Now my nails are my 2nd highest beauty priority (after skin; hair is #3...or 4 lol). So look for NOTDs more often from me :)

Here's the blog that helped me figure out how to get my nail situation in order: LoodieLoodieLoodie

Skin Care/Makeup...aka BlahBlahBlah lol:
I have been so lazy with the skin care, it's really quite sad.  Luckily the products I use allow my skin to bounce back, but the problem is that I haven't been consistent enough for it to matter (being depressed can do that). So since I have been slacking on that, I haven't been wearing makeup, as that would just make matter worse.  So while that is a work in progress, I doubt I will be doing any FOTDs, maybe EOTDs here and there since I've changed the way I do my eye makeup...again lol.

So hopefully this year will bring exciting revelations and lessons to learn and share! Or at least some funny stories :p

xoxo

It's been a while...

Hi people! Long time, no post.
I honestly wasn't sure when I would do another blog post, as to be honest, I wasn't really in a good space to keep up the blog. So many changes have happened in my life, I can't even tell you. Life is really something, lol.

But I haven't stopped writing or being interested in beauty, I just haven't been posting what I've had to say for others to read.  I do need to get some of my hair update photos up, though. My hair has grown a little bit--not as much as I was hoping, but I'm more health obsessed than length obsessed so it's all good.

So I'll be updating in a couple of days (I have an assignment for school I need to finish first) and then I'll get all caught up on here.

For those readers who still follow me, I really appreciate it. I hope that I can share more of what I've learned over the months I've been away with you. I think I may want to take this blog into a bit of a different direction as far as what I post...but we'll see.

See you in a bit!

xoxo

My Current Product Staples List (as of 5/21/11)

These are the current products I find myself reaching for on any given day to maintain and style my hair.  Because I have so many products in my stash, it's been challenging to try out some of those others because these have worked so well for me that I don't want to chance having a "bad" hair day. But how will I know if I don't experiment, right? Lol. Without further delay, here are my current "go-to" products:

Product Staples List (as of 5/21/11)

Shampoo (I'm only shampooing 1-2x/week)

MOP Hydrating Shampoo

Kenra Moisturizing Shampoo

Rinse-out Conditioner (daily)

Kenra Moisturizing Conditioner

MOP Hydrating Conditioner

Nature's Gate Aloe Vera Conditioner

Leave-in Conditoner

MOP Leave-in

Paul Mitchell The Conditioner

L'anza Daily Leave-in

Deep Treatments (protein weekly, moisture as needed)

Joico K-pak Reconstructor

Joico K-pak Intense Hydrator

Paul Mitchell Super Strong Treatment

Kenra Nourishing Masque

Paul Mitchell Super-Charged Moisturizer

Gels

Joico Joigel Medium

Redken Soft Spin

Fantasia IC

Styling Lotion

Joico Joilotion

Paul Mitchell Round Trip

Moisturizers (as needed)

Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Butter Cream

Pomades (as needed)

Qhemet Biologics Tea Tree & Grapeseed Therapeutic Pomade

Qhemet Biologics Amla Oil Nourishing Pomade

Also, I have a few curl creams that I've been using, but none have really made my day so there aren't any listed yet. I think I won't really like them until the weather cools down a bit. With living in such a humid climate and having fine non-porous hair, it doesn't really benefit me to have a butter based cream as a styling product...

Will update list as needed.

xoxo,

A.

My Thoughts: Natural Hair, The 2nd Time Around

When I went natural in 2001, I was 18 years old, and didn't really have any hang ups about hair. I relaxed, colored/bleached, braided, weaved my hair all the time. I liked long hair, but I think because I was so all over the place, I never allowed my hair to grow long, or even thought about it like that--plus I loved cutting my hair short. Whenever I wanted longer lengths, I'd just wear braids for a time.

I did a big chop after 8 weeks post, right before graduating from high school. To all my friends, it was a HUGE deal, lol. They came with me and took pictures because I was "so brave" :-)  Natural hair care communities on the internet had just gotten started (the discussion forums, and trying out new styles, etc) so really there weren't the resources back then that there are now for people to look in to. So I did whatever with my hair, lol.

And for 4 years, my hair looked the same--no different from my relaxed hair except for it was curly. It was still "blah", so I continued to braid, weave, color, experiment just like I did with my relaxed hair. I didn't do any of the regular care maintenance things that I do now (though I did study the Ouidad method for a time).  In fact, it wasn't until I relaxed my hair again in 2005 that I began to invest the time on the forums and develop a regimen. And realized that if I wanted to make my hair look a certain way, I had to do the necessary work and stay consistent.  Then in 2009-2010, I realized that while all my efforts and dedication into caring for my hair was working and I was on the right track, for my situation there was one factor that was undermining my whole plan: relaxers.  I learned about hair texture, porosity, etc and determined that if I was really going to maximize my hair's potential I had to go back to natural.  So I transitioned for a little over a year (to gather more research on my hair's 'tendencies' lol) and here we are today, entering my 3rd month natural. And off to a much better start that I was the last time.

So, all that to say, I learned a lot about basic hair care by caring for relaxed hair, although that's kind of weird to me, lol.  I think it should have been the other way around, but oh well :)  Anyhoo, going into natural hair now is a walk in the park because of the [informational] baseline that I have to work with. I don't even post on forums anymore or really share in the bandwagon discussions nowadays because to me there is just no need. I am still a PJ, though--that'll never change haha. But I do look at products very differently now that I have been into hair science for over 5 years. And to me, curl type does not matter at all. I remember when I was really "forum-active", all the time board members would straight up say that they would not take the advice of someone who had 3c hair because their own curls were 4a or 4b,c, whatever, but that's just dumb.  Nowadays, I use the same kinds of products that a type 3, or even a 2 would use! What matters now (and should have always been the priority) is hair texture, porosity, density and elasticity.  But mainly texture and porosity.

By Texture, I mean the size of the individual strands of hair (fine, medium, coarse), and sometimes [but not always] the feel of of the strands (silky v. wiry).  This determines what kind of products you should be using and how frequently you use protein (if at all).

By Porosity, I mean how well your hair receives and retains moisture (and how your curl pattern shapes up). Your hair's ability to retain moisture can tell a lot about the integrity of the strand when the texture cannot.  This is vastly important if you are throwing chemicals (color and/or relaxers) into the mix.

IMO, if these factors aren't at the top of your checklist when trying out products or just handling your hair in general, then you aren't even in the game.  While it's fun and interesting to watch other people's YT videos about shingling, banding, twists/twist-outs, bentonite clay treatments, etc., I personally just cannot be bothered with all of that.  Back in the day I spent 4 years doing twists on my hair and it didn't do anything positive or negative to my hair--it was just a style. Now had I focused on the basics of hair science and hair care prior to making certain styling decisions, maybe things would've gone differently (and I probably wouldn't have even gone back to relaxers!! *Real Talk*)...

So to anyone out there looking to step their hair science game up, I highly recommend you start researching texture and porosity.  Also, a good starting off place would be Live Curly, Live Free .  I am not affiliated with this site in any way, I just value the info and am passing it along :)  Even without that, the general internet has tons of valuable information to provide those who really want to learn. Once you learn it, you'll see how simple it is, without all the over-production of some of these new marketed systems and techniques out there.  Save yourself some mental energy (and...maybe some cash lol), y'know?

Peace!

xoxo

Hair Update: 2 months post

Hey peeps! More hair update pics, Month 2. I am really enjoying the whole wash n go thing.  I've been continually trimming straight ends and rinsing and conditioning daily...And my curls keep getting curlier! Loves it.

I get quite a bit of shrinkage, but not quite as much as I remember getting when I went natural the first time, though that was years ago so it's hard to really think back. The nape area and sides have bigger curls (about 3c, I'd say) and finer/silkier there, so there is some heat damage, but I'm not too concerned with it. The rest of my hair is quite kinky (4a) and shrinks a ton, so I while I try to air dry most of the time now, I do still like to stretch the length with my blowdryer when it's dry, for more volume and shape.

Hair Update: 1 month post cut

Ok, so it's been one month since I chopped the relaxed ends and have been fully natural.  Things have been going very well, maybe better than the last time I was natural.  I feel that using salon quality products this time is a major factor, especially as far as moisture levels in the hair are concerned.  I have been doing a "wash & wear" or "wash & go" routine, and it's been working well for me.

Here's what I've been doing: Twice a week (every 3-4 days) I shampoo with Kenra Moisturizing shampoo, then condition with Kenra Moisturizing conditioner (love this!). On the days I don't shampoo, I just rinse my hair and scalp with water and then condition the hair with Kenra conditioner. I don't "co-wash" or mess with my scalp any other time except on shampoo days; I just don't see rubbing conditioner into my scalp as being useful. I also deep condition every or every other weekend, alternating protein reconstructor treatment** (Joico K-pak) and moisture deep treatment (Paul Mitchell Super-charged Moisturizer, Joico Moisture Recovery Treatment Balm, Kenra Nourishing Masque, etc).

**Even though my hair is natural now, I want to continue to ensure the strands stay in good condition, considering I did blow dry and flat iron every week for over a year prior to cutting...

To style, I choose from a variety of products, but my faves are: Joico Curl Definer Creme, Redken Curl Wise, Joico Joigel Medium, Hair Rules Curly Whip.  Each of these produce consistent results. After applying product to very wet hair, I airdry-- or if I don't have time, I diffuse dry--and then stretch curls with the blowdryer for more curl length and volume. Depending on the product and if I need it, I'll layer a leave-in conditioner (like Paul Mitchell The Conditioner, L'anza Daily Leave-in, or MOP Leave-in Conditioner) underneath the styling products, but most of the time I don't.

At night, I sleep in a satin bonnet, on a satin pillowcase :)

I can't wait for my hair to get longer so that I can get my hair in a ponytail. I can make a "puff", but I want a real ponytail :-) Patience is a virtue, though. So I'm enjoying the journey.

Here are some pics I've taken so far...

 

As I continue to rinse and condition daily, I've noticed the hair is getting curlier, which is awesome. It helps me cut off more straight ends as I find them.

NOTD: Passion in the Pacific, crackled

I am so glad I gave in to the rebooted crackle trend...this polish is bad-ass

China Glaze Passion in the Pacific with Black Mesh Crackle Glaze on top

Yeah, I am fighting the urge to put Black Mesh atop every other polish I own. I also bought the pink one, and I think I'm going back to Sally's to get the grey one, too. It's a mad-house. A maaad-house!!! LOL.

FOTD: Nars Bronze Eyes

Going out to lunch today. Went for a golden coral look. Thanks for looking :-)

Face
Laura Mercier primer
Px foundation Stick
Becca foundation stick
Becca Concealer, MAC Select Moisturecover
MAC MSF Natural Medium Dark
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Topaz
MAC Blush: Gingerly, Peaches, Pinch Me
Cargo Bronzer Dark

Eyes
Nars Primer
Nars Eyeshadow Duo: Key Largo, Cordura
Nars Eyeshadow Abyssinia
Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil Zero
Maybelline Full n Soft mascara

Lips
Nars Morocco lip pencil
Nars Outsider lipstick

NOTD: Essie Demure Vixen

Ok, I believe I am getting on my own nerves with the 3rd Essie NOTD in a row (Essie tends to chip on me crazy), but this color is too cute to not post.

Hmm, how do I describe this one? Sheer lilac-grey-mauve with iridescent shimmer. Yeah, that'll work. This is 3 coats with a coat of Barielle Camo underneath so "sheer" means "SHEER" lol.

<3

Hair Update: Transition Over!!

Um...yeah, I went to wash my hair after that twistout and it was so ugh...LOL! So I thought why not. Glad I did it, cuz I missed my curls/coils. Being that I did this in my bathroom by myself (!) I still have some more straight/relaxed pieces to cut off but overall it turned out just fine :) I transitioned a total of 15 months I think.

<3

FOTD: Teal Smoky Eyes

This look was done last week or so. My BFF (a guy!) actually asked me to do it one day. He kept saying "Green and Purple...Do eeeet!!" Appalled at the color choices...I compromised and put Cool Heat and Graphology together. Graphology is sort of purple-y, lol.

Here's the look:

 

What I used:
Laura Mercier Primer
Becca Luminous Skin Color [Tobacco]
Becca Stick Foundation, Concealer [Syrup]
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector [Topaz]
Nars Loose Powder [Jamaica]
MAC Blush [Gingerly]

Eyes
UDPP
MAC eyeshadows: Cool Heat, Graphology, Soft Brown, Shroom
MAC Smolder Eye Kohl
MAC Photogravure technakohl
L'Oreal Voluminous mascara [Carbon Black]

Brows: MAC Spiked

Lips
Nars lipstick [Dolce Vita]
Nars lipgloss [Stolen Kisses]

Holla <3

FOTD: Rihanna Inspired

I may be a bit late to the party, but that doesn't bother me, lol. I love Rihanna's video "What's My Name" and I finally attempted the lavender eyeshadow look she's wearing there. Just something different to try...And I have the colors so why not? :)

Here's a reference pic:

And here's my attempt at the look (my camera is of course not the best but here goes}:

What I used:
Face
Laura Mercier Primer
Prescriptives Anywear Foundation Stick [Antelope]
Becca Concealer [Syrup]
MAC Select Moisturecover [NW40]
Laura Mercier Translucent Powder/MAC Select Pressed Powder [NC45]
Cargo Bronzer [Dark]
Nars Albatross
Nars Blush [Desire]

Eyes
UDPP
MAC eyeshadows: Beautiful Iris, Digit, Parfait Amour, Shroom
MUFE #92
MAC Smolder Eye Kohl
Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion

Brows: MAC Spiked

Lips
Rimmel Lip Pencil [Addiction]
MAC Lipglass [She Loves Candy - Hello Kitty Collex]

If I try this again, I'll try a lipstick underneath...I'm thinking Pink Nouveau...hmmm. And more eye liner...

Take care <3

NOTD: Essie Midnight Cami

When I got this polish last year, it was intended to be an alternative to Chanel's Blue Satin...I think it works quite well in that role :) Oh and also good for those days when you want a dark mysterious yet chic color, but don't want to wear black.

Essie Midnight Cami

Two coats. This basically applied itself, too :)

<3,

A.

NOTDs: OPI It's Totally Fort Worth It & Essie Coat Azure

Hi gentle readers :)

Just posting a couple of NOTDs instead of doing some class work, lol. Team Procrastination--I am Captain haha.

Here is OPI It's Totally Fort Worth It, from the Spring 2011 Texas Collection

Silver shot through with pink shimmer. Love! If I were to design a nail polish to reflect my personality it would be very similar to this color, except it would be darker--like a charcoal grey shimmer with tiny pink shimmers shot through it. Looking like candy paint on a car. Yeah :) But this is just fine. And the wear on this was great, about 5 days or so. This was 3 coats, so it's pretty sheer. I wish you could see the shimmers better...

And next is my current mani: Essie Coat Azure, also for Spring 2011.

I had to cut my nails down AGAIN! *haz a sad* I don't know what the problem is but my left thumb nail is acting like it's on drugs or something. And I don't want all the other nails to be dramatically longer so I have to keep them kind of short till it (and my right index finger) gets on the ball and grows out normally...I want no peelies or tears this spring and summer season, that is an order! Lol, like they have ears. Anyhoo, this is 2 coats and the wear could be way better; it began peeling the day after I applied it (currently on Day 3), so I will be changing either tonight or tomorrow (depends on how much classwork I complete, right?)...But it's such a gorgeous light-medium blue (think a cousin of Essie's Lapiz of Luxury) that I'll deal.

Okay, I gotta get back to my work, peeps :) I hope to get some more makeup related posts up soon.

Ta-ta for now <3