Autumnal Awesomeness: Fashion Haul

So I’ve been shopping a bit and I’ve found a few things that I’ve Fall-en in love with this season.  Autumn began on September 22th, but of course in the Mid-West we still have a tug-of-war with hot/warm days intermingled with cool/cold days so it’s around this time that my closet tends to become a complete mess.  Nonetheless, I love the feel of the cool crisp air and the sight of the leave as their colors change.  It’s also during this time;   I like to pull out a few of my sweaters and tights which allow me to smoothly transition from the Fall to Winter. 

 So during a recent visit to my local Lane Bryant this Labor Day weekend, I was really excited to participate in the holiday BOGO sale.  I picked up two ponte knit pencil skirts, one in arrowwood (mustard yellow) and the other in corsair (sea blue). I absolutely love the fit, style and texture of the skirt.  A few weeks prior, I had purchased a red pencil skirt at Target so  I didn’t hesitate when I walked in LB and saw a t-stand filled with colorfulpencil skirts.  The only difference I’ve noticed between the Target and the LB skirt is the hemline on the Target skirt has cinched hem  The Target skirt  hits right at the knees which makes the fit a bit  more flattering to my silhouette.  The price-points are affordable at about $19.99. 

The search is finally over and I’ve found a flattering peplum skirt from Ashley Stewart in classic black.  I love the fit but I’m on the fence about the material.  It has a bit of a sheen that I’m not overly excited about, but I’ll still rock it, lol.  I’m on the hunt for a trumpet skirt and can’t want to find it!

The final stop on my skirt journey ended at Macy’s.  I found 2 skirts by an unfamiliar line Tattoo Me.  I found a black tiered skirt and a coral flared skirt.  Both skirts a light material so  I’ll need to wear them both with tights. 

 Until next time, remember to Maximize your Potential.

Again and Again: Repurchased Hair Products

As a professed product junkie, I find it quite liberating when I find awesome products worth repurchasing.  I admit I like the chase of finding new products, sale items, or products that are buzzing in the hairverse and I just can’t help myself because I have to try them.  I must say I have a few staple products like EVOO, grape seed oil, raw coconut oil, H2O, and um that’s about it!  By no means am I a commitment-phob, I find that my hair changes and it like what it likes when it likes it.   With that being said, the following are a few products that I've repurchased at least twice and my coils are completely content.  I saw this a few months ago and it stood out to me.  I have a side-eye on familiar brand that suddenly launch a “natural line” that really isn’t natural but I decided to give Crème of Nature Strength and Shine Leave-in Conditioner a try when I saw it on sale at a local drug store.  I had been eyeing it for quite some time and finally took the bait.  I must say it works fairly well on my hair.  It’s very hydrating and moisturizing and has a pleasant scent.  I have noticed various sizes and prices so be sure to shop around for the best price.  The next few items are actually diamonds in the ruff.  I was shopping at my local dollar store when I came the Lusti Naturals Argan Oil Strengthening Spray, Lusti Organics Olive Oil Hair Mayonnaise, Lusti Organics Olive Oil Detangling Spray and the Hair Sheen.  The Hair Mayo came recommended by Kimberly Gray of Journey to My Roots and it worked wonders on my twist-outs and braid-outs, so when I came across the other products I decided to give them a try again and again.  I purchased this product on a whim and it is on the verge of becoming a staple dc.  When I used the Nunaat Karite’Hair Mask, my coils and curls were defined, moisturized and my hair felt weightless and the scent is heavenly.  The product is priced perfectly and the formula is spot-on.  Last but not least is the Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Shampoo and Conditioner.  I’ve tried several shampoos and conditioners but my hair loves this stuff. 

If you find a product your hair loves then hold on to it but until you do keep looking.  Until next time, remember to Maximize your Potential.    

Influenster Summer Beauty VoxBox 2012

So, it's been several weeks and I've had the pleasure to thoroughly enjoy the Influenster Summer Beauty VoxBox 2012.  My box included several brands I was familiar with and a few new brands that I was excited to try.  I've taken my time to use and re-use everything in my box and decided to share my experience with you.  The box included:  Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30, Tampax and Always Radiant Collection, Quaker Soft Baked Bar in Banana Nut Bread, Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color and lastly Sally Hansen Nails and Cuticles Hand Creme. 

My absolute favs were the Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color and the Quaker Soft Baked Bar, yummy.  The nail color did in fact create a 3-D effect on my nails.  It was cute and easy to apply.  The polish itself was creamy and the applicator brush was ok. I have a major pet peeve when it comes to watery polish and or a thinly ill-shapen applicator brush. I have noticed the price point varies depending on where you shop so look around. The Quaker Soft Baked Bar was indeed soft and a wonderful post-work out snack. It was extremely filling and the taste was so fresh, it was like homemade treat.  The packaging claims the little square of tastiness is made with real bananas and almonds.  I must admit the flavors were robust, so I'm inclined to believe the said claims. 

As for the Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30, I absolutely loved the smell of fresh coconuts infused with vanilla and the rich creamy consistency.  Another bonus, the lotion did not leave a heavy greasy film that I've noticed with similar products, but it left my skin a tad dry.  The Sally Hansen Nails and Cuticles Hand Crème did not perform well.  Out of all of its claims, I couldn't find one that actually delivered for me.  The crème did not leave my hands moisturized through hand washings, it didn't soften my hands, it didn't smooth my cuticles or condition my nails however I did enjoy the light citrus scent.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the VoxBox and had a pleasure trying all the products. Also, to receive your very own box please visit Influenster.com and please follow them on Twitter and Instagram @Influenster.

Spring Summer Skin Care

Hey Gals, Spring is in the air and Summer is fastly approaching so it is very important we protect our skin from the harmful effects of the sun.   As you age, you will notice the importance to modify your skin routine seasonally.   The following is my Spring routine to ensure I maintain my natural glow as well as the elasticity in my skin.  I have combination skin so I cleanse my face with Raw African Black Soap.  Black soap tends to leave my skin a bit dry so I followup with Witch Hazel as my toner and my new found love,  Eucerin Everyday Protection Face Lotion with SPF 30.  I’ve tried quite a few moisturizers in my day, but this little bottle of joy leaves my skin hydrated, nourished and protected from the Sun.  I ususally followup with a tinted moisturizer and setting spray for extremely warm and humid days but since the products I mentioned are buildable, you can apply a concealer and foundtion if you need more coverage.  As always, it is important to protect your skin throughout the year to combat hyper-pigmentation and sun damage.

August Favorites

As of late, I've been obsessed with a few products that have made this month amazingly pleasant. My absolute first fantastic fav is Milk of Magnesia. Yes, I have found a very unconventional use for this commonly used household medicine cabinet staple.  I have used MOM as a primer for my foundation for the past few months.  I apply it lightly with a cosmetic sponge or wedge and continue with my foundation application.  It has proven to be a lifesaver during this record high summer heat wave.  My next fav is the Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color.  I received this product from my Summer Beauty VoxBox 2012 from Influenster and fell in love.  I absolutely love the 3D effect and the application was quite simple. My next fav is the Loreal True Match Foundation.  My shade is C8 and it's nearly a perfect match.  It's a medium to full coverage foundation and it gives me a flawless finish.  The foundation isn't too heavy or oily for summer wear.  Another beauty fav is the Maybelline Super Stay 24 Color lip stain.  It comes with a highly pigmented stain and a lip balm on the opposite end of the wand.  In closing, my last favorites are non-beauty related.  First is Splash Liquid Water Enhancer Energy in Cherry Limeade.  I absolutely love drinking zero-calorie water when I have a sweet craving.  It also comes in handy around 3 o’clock for a quick pick me up at the office to get through the rest of my day. And there you have it Ladies and Gents.  Until next time as always Maximize your Potential!!