[DIY] Natural Moisturizer for Curly Divas

When you have curly hair, the biggest battle you have to face comes in two phases – the dryness….and then the frizz.  We spend hundreds of dollars on products targeted to help the condition of our natural hair, but sometimes, nothing works as good as mother nature herself.  While my regular maintenance routine includes a few products from our store, I never leave the house without my moisturizing touch-up spritz.  This fabulous concoction can be made in under 5 minutes and does wonders to help reshape and soften your curls while you are busy jetsetting.

Ingredients:

  • 3 parts distilled water
  • 1 part vegetable glycerin
  • 1 tablespoon of rose water
  • a few drops of essential oil

Step 1: Fill a standard size spritz bottle with 3 parts of distilled water.  Though it may be tempting, make sure you shy away from tap – the harsh impurities will neutralize the effects.

drinking distilled water 002 [DIY] Natural Moisturizer for Curly Divas

Step 2: Add 1 part vegetable glycerin into the bottle.  The moisturizing compound is made up of three hydroxl groups that will help to keep the moisture in your hair by saturating itself in the fluid.  However, the results only work when the vegetable glycerin is added to water – without the water, the glycerin will dry you out.

glycerin [DIY] Natural Moisturizer for Curly Divas

Step 3: Add 1 tablespoon of rose water into the bottle.  You can make rose water at home by soaking the petals in distilled water or purchase it at your local organic grocery store.  The rose water is what really takes the formula to the next level, helping to repair the porosity of your hair by balancing it’s pH.  If the pores are fixed, the cuticle is smooth, leaving your hair frizz-free.  While the rose water smells amazing,  you could also finish the moisture mix up with a few drops of lavender or rose essential oil.  After you have put all of the products in, shake it up and spray!

rose [DIY] Natural Moisturizer for Curly Divas

[Trends] Nude Nails for Summer

nudie [Trends] Nude Nails for Summer

Nude nails are as timeless as french manicures, and a hue that will never go out of style.  However, this Spring the ageless color has become a heavy trend, paired with a shorter nail for a romantic look.   One of the things I love best about nude nails is how versatile they are, able to work with any hair color/length, skin tone and eye color.  Check out some of our favorite nude polishes, available in-store now.

Deborah Lippmann – Fashion

Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish Fashion 967x1024 [Trends] Nude Nails for Summer

Not-so-typical taupe (creme) -  Fashion is a beautiful mix of taupe, beige and brown, creating a nude color that has a bold pop at the end.  Of course, Fashion comes backed with the Lippmann promise -  long wearing and fortified with biotin, okoume, and green tea, and are free from formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP.

Essie – Prima Ballerina

2kf20f4d6350 [Trends] Nude Nails for Summer

Be bold and beautiful at the top of the A-List with Essie Prima Ballerina Polish, a pale pink perfect for a star. Essie is the beauty industry’s leading authority on nail care and color, offering more than 200 of the hottest shades with the most memorable names. Essie’s sophisticated charm allures everyone from top nail techs and beauty editors to Madonna and Cindy Crawford.

OPI – So Many Clowns

clowns1 1024x768 [Trends] Nude Nails for Summer

Delicate yet empowering, So Many Clowns…So Little Time is an elegant choice for any occasion.  The delicate pink compliments any look, from classic to trendy or day to night – by infusing a dose of soft feminine charm.

OPI – You Don’t Know Jacques!

OPI You Dont Know Jacques [Trends] Nude Nails for Summer

“There’s a surprise factor to this shade,” L.A. nail pro Robbie Schaeffer says of this opaque gray. “Even the most skeptical women fall in love with it once they put it on.” The secret? Purple undertones and a mirror-like sheen make it flattering on pale and dark complexions alike.

 

[DIY] A Jewel Toned Smokey Eye

Jewel Tones [DIY] A Jewel Toned Smokey Eye

The smoky eye is an infamous eye makeup application that will never go out of style.  Originally done in a number of Silver, Grey and Black shades, the style has evolved to include Peach undertones, as well as an eye popping Jewel palate.  To get the look, follow these simple instructions, and if inclined, send us a photo for us to post on the blog!

Prep with Primer! To keep your smokey eye in place all night long, make sure that you begin with a no-fuss primer.  The Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer is a great choice – evening out the skin tone on your lids, while securing a barrier between the oils of your skin and your makeup.

Start with the Liner. If you are like me, your liner goes on last, after your eye shadow is completely flawless.  For the Jewel Smokey Eye, you have to begin with the liner, opting for a vibrant Purple, eye popping Green or ocean inspired Blue. Make sure that you draw the liner above your upper lash line, making it thicker in the middle.

Blend the Bottom. This is the key step to creating and shaping the perfect smokey eye.  Start with an eyeliner pencil [avoid the liquid!] and draw your line right below the lid.  The width of the line is going to be dependent on how dramatic you want to go – thicker for more drama, thin for the daytime or subtle look.  After your line is complete, smudge outwards with your finger or a small eyeliner smudge tool, like the one found in the Too Faced Smoky Eye Palette.

Finally, Apply the Shadow. Start with a lighter, highlighting base on the lid, sweeping it upwards to your brow bone.  Make sure you are maximizing coverage, as the blending of this color and the  darker color [next step] is what makes the ‘smokey eye’ actually ‘smokey’.  For the perfect Jewel toned smokey eye, opt for the stila Eye For Color Eye Palette. Inspired by the stila Color Wheel, the palette includes 13 beautiful shades, perfect for a summertime smokey eye.

Smoke it Out by Going Dark. Apply a darker shade to the lid, beginning at the lash line and blending upwards.  For perfect application, use the Japonesque Pro brush to ensure that the colors are blended perfectly, and that the line essentially disappears.  Do not go above the crease with the dark hue.

Lucy B Cosmetics Summer Make Up How-To

With summer in full swing, it’s time to adjust your beauty routine! The warmer weather and increased sun changes the surface of skin. Watch Lucy, from Lucy B Cosmetics, demonstrate how to get the perfect summer look with just a few make up products.

Lucy B Cosmetics How-To Look Gorgeous For Summer Makeup Lesson

Lucy B Cosmetics has been creating fresh, natural looks for years. Founded by Lucy Baldock-Sacchi, a British pro makeup artist, this spunky and easy-to-use make up line is perfect for any skin type and season.

Lucy B Eye Silk is a unique cream eyeshadow that can applied with the simple touch of a finger or a sponge. The Tinted Lip Balms stay for hours on lips and give a beautiful natural tint to any shade of lips.

Watch how to transform your make up look in just five minutes using Lucy B Cosmetics.