New Auburn Hair x Highlights

Finally! I got around to doing my hair. I really hated how it looked like before with the orangey cooper ombré. Every time I looked at myself in the mirror, I would get upset because of how unhealthy it became after all the failed attempts of trying to do it myself. Now that I’m a mom, day to day tasks are a lot more difficult to accomplish. The last thing I wanted to feel was annoyed at myself for not, at least, looking put together.

Since my budgets been tight, the smartest thing I did was to buy myself a Groupon voucher in May. All month long stores were fighting for attention through promos and discounts for Mother’s Day. I was diligent by reviewing and comparing prices and salons. I wanted to get the most bang for my money and to actually go to a hair salon that I felt cared for my hair or rather I could communicate effectively on what I had in mind.

Before it hit me that I could get a deal on hair services through Groupon, I was literally on the verge of going to a salon that would have done everything for the “very” low starting cost of 150$….

Ladies, that is shopping money, grocery money, and bill money lol

But overall, I loved it! Here are a few pictures to show you all the cut, color and amazing blow out (also the best back view of my baby girl).

Ps. if your thinking of changing your hair to a different color, go to the experts or your favorite salon. You’ll be doing yourself the best service!

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Sally Hanson x Romantic Gold Nails

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I’m having a very golden moment as the summer in NYC is just getting started, borderline obsessive. The most attractive part is the subdued luxe look and that hint of shine that’ll instantly grab your attention once the light hits it just right. We’re constantly using our handsthey might as well be eye catching. NYC is bound for more sun and heat in the next few months and metallic makes for a beautifully bold hue to embrace the rays we’ve lost all winter long.

I picked up the Sally Hanson Insta-Dri Go For Gold nail polish because I was inspired and it was under $5. Honestly, I had some doubts on the quality because of the price tag. But as I was testing it out, I started to really love the consistency and the color. I created minimal design which really showed me how consistent the formula truly was. I was very excited with the outcome of the design when it was all dry!

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I hope that you’ll use the design as a source of inspiration for your own nail design masterpiece. Not everything has to look perfect because beauty comes in so many different ways.

Ps. Since I’m not one to buy a lot of nail polishes, I like to reuse the ones I already have until very last drop! This whole month I’m planning to re-imagine new designs using this gold polish (and others I have in my arsenal) I CANT WAIT TO SHOW YOU!

Thanks for reading along and checking out my blog.

Have a blessed day!

 

 

Airy Natural #MOTD

I’ve got the winter blues…

It’s this time of year again that the New York City whether becomes hella unpredictable and it seems like the season just drags. And drags and drags and drags. With such extreme inconsistencies, I loathe the thought of ever moving away because I do love this city but dame it does the desire creep up on me like a sudden lightning bult to a huracine. Since its a New Yorkers life, one grows to respect (love is long gone) the hustle and bustle.

Being that in other parts of the country, it’s already sunny and beautiful with the coolest breezes to calm the heat, I decided to dab my makeup into a plushy rosie cheek springy look for a au natural vibe than a vavaboomlicious makeup of the day. I’ll save the vavaoomliciousness looks for a later date but for now, I’m lethargic and so much work and artistry shouldn’t go towards the mundane grind.

Along with my bronzer and contour, I added a bit of blush along my temples to my cheekbone. The blush has a magenta/purpley  undertone and if I wasn’t careful, this could have looked like a major 70s disco look. The KISS Falsies has a lightness about each individual hairs that adds just enough volume and length for everyday use.

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These were the tools that I used to create the makeup look. The new item that I tried was the Covergirl truBlend Contour Palette and the blend ability is good except that a little does not go a long way. So to make it really visible, you’ll definitely have to keep on adding layers to make it really pop!

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Lazy Girl Hairstyles

Nothings more special to the busiest person in the world then when that person can look rockin’ and banging without having to spend hours in front of a mirror. Every since giving birth to my baby girl, I’ve been lacking sleep, time and sometimes even motivation. Losing sleep is nothing major since college all nighters was as common as finding McDonalds in seemingly every corner. I know how to create the time, but whats really bothersome is the lack of motivation and that stings more then rubbing salt on a wound. Its definitely not depression or any other mental health issue, its just plain’ol laziness and I hope you can relate to this feeling too!

One action thats been helping me fight off my laziness and that shifts my mindset to become more positive to power through the days (since the fourth trimester feels as real as the belly bump during pregnancy) with my newborn. It involves me doing my hair and since I’m breastfeeding constantly, its essential for me to keep my hair up to avoid it from getting on my daughters face.

Here are three of my favorite go to hairstyles that are quick and easy. All you’ll really need is some hair ties and some hair pins if you feel inspired to recreate these styles during the day for a casual look. To help tame any flyaways or uncontrollable strands, water is your best friend if you finding yourself in a “no-hairspray-available-atm-situation” and if your on the go, that situation is wayyyy to common!

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bed head, work with what you got, half updo

 

 

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the center in command fishtail pony

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the twist cinnamon bun

Thank you for reading along! Let me know which hairstyle you liked the best or which one you may have tried. Have a blessed day 😘

 

Prego Skeletal Halloween x Withdrawals

The best part about Halloween is the drama that bubbles up through the creativity and energy of those ready to recreate something that was once memorable and sometimes a bit ironic. the drama that you anticipate. October has a bit of bewilderment, something  that the rest of the 11 months lack.

Well seeing how I’m only going to have this pregnant-halloween experience once or atleast not for a long time after (unless 10 years down the line fate interferes lol you know what I mean ladies) I wanted to make the best of it by dress up! I made it myself or rather customized it myself. I already had a bunch of school items laying around and needed a clever reason to put them into good use. I paired a solid black, steve-jobey, Zara turtle neck knit shirt with some Walmart pregnancy leggings (that are serious lifesavers!). Then drew out the shape of the rib cage and the skeletal fetus. Added some fabric glue and some white thread, then I was done. An awesome, inexpensive Halloween costume inspired by Pinterest! lol

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La mejor parte de Halloween es el drama que se burbujea a través de la creatividad y la energía de aquellos dispuestos a recrear algo que fue una vez memorable ya veces un poco irónico. El drama que usted anticipa. Octubre tiene un poco de desconcierto, algo que el resto de los 11 meses carecen.

Bueno, viendo cómo voy a tener esta experiencia embarazada de halloween una vez o por lo menos no por mucho tiempo después (a menos que 10 años por la línea de destino interfiere lol usted sabe lo que quiero decir señoras) Quería hacer lo mejor de él por ¡vestirse! Lo hice yo mismo o más bien lo personalizé yo mismo. Yo ya tenía un montón de artículos de la escuela por ahí y necesitaba una razón inteligente para ponerlos en buen uso. Me emparejé un sólido negro, steve-jobey, Zara tortuga cuello camisa de punto con algunas polainas de embarazo de Walmart (que son lifesavers graves!). Luego dibujó la forma de la caja torácica y el feto esquelético. Agregado un pegamento de tela y un poco de hilo blanco, entonces yo estaba hecho. ¡Un traje impresionante, barato de Halloween inspirado por Pinterest! lo

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Potters Clay Color Block

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For this nail design update, I really wanted to incorporate a autumn feel by using this clayish shade. When I saw the color, it instantly reminded me of one of the many Pantone colors for Fall 2016 that I wrote a post about a few weeks ago, which called the color Potters Clay for the russet orange undertone. This one in particular is called Brick House by Deborah Lippman lacquer. My favorite part about the Deborah Lippman lacquer is that it retains an impeccable shine without having to add layers of shine coating to finish it. Using the instagram image as inspiration, I colored blocked the Brick House with the pale white by Wet n Wild called Break The Ice, to represent the changing season! Nothing like a high and low mix to create something amazing. I hope you enjoy & let me know what you think of this design in the comments below!

Facts && Hacks About Mascara!

Recently, I’ve been wondering if theres a method of picking the right mascara… I don’t believe I’m the only one who’s asked this question before but I’m curious to know if theres a true, straight forward answer to this important beauty question.

I’ve had this longing to learn about this topic for a few weeks and it sparked from a very recent disappointing purchase of one of my all time favorite classic mascaras. One I believed would never let me down when the going got tough but, sadly, the formula felt dry on my lashes. Then, about an hour later, I started to notice mascara flakes around my eyes.

I’ve always been very weary about purchasing items influenced by ads or marketing, simply because, I can’t determine if its just hype or the real thing. Our eyes are one of the most sensitive parts our outer skin, therefore I strongly believe that what ever we decide to place on them should feel like an investment into the greater good of the health of our eyes. Below I’ve listed a few mascara insights from varies sources, so here we go:

1. Familiarity

The best way to make a better or rather more informed purchase without running the risk of losing money is by becoming intimately acquainted with your lash type. Not all things work for every person and you can thank your DNA for that!

If your curious to know what might your lash type be, here are four of the most common lashes;mascara-lash-types

Follow the link below for specific tips about each of these lash types; http://www.eonline.com/news/632094/tricks-to-lengthen-short-sparse-or-straight-eyelash-types

2. Different wands for unique results!

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  • Small wands are typically better for small eyelashes because the bristles can grab each lash with more control and touch up corners easily.
  • Long, comb like bristles that are evenly spaced are often used for separating, defining and lengthen lashes, but it doesn’t do much to add volume.
  • For maximum volume, many wands are large and round with densely packed bristles that grab and coat each lash.
  • If you want a more precise application, its best to use a wand with bristles that have different lengths so it’ll grab each lash individually.
  • Rubber wands with moderately spaced bristles are perfect for a more natural look!

3. Formula & Texture

According to Cindy Lin, Albea’s Director of Product Development, Beauty Solutions in NYC, mascara formulas haven’t changed much the past 50 years. They’re  basically a combination of;

  • Wax: which is best known for its volume, separating, and blackest black capabilities. Hard waxes — found in low-quality and expired mascaras — can stiffen your lashes and cause breakage.
  • Pigments: the most recent innovation was made in 2004 when the FDA approved a carbon-black pigment, which gives users the darkest, blackest lashes possible
  • Film Formers: film-forming agents are groups of chemicals that leave a pliable, cohesive and continuous covering over the hair or the skin when applied to their surface

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Most mascaras you’ll see in stores are oil-and-wax-based, which are the easiest to find because their the most traditional. “When it comes to formula claims, if you see “contains vitamin this, vitamin that,” argan oil, botanical extracts, etc., it’s usually just promotional and at low percentages—the bulk of the formula is still the basic wax-pigment combo,” says Cindy Lin.

4. Mastering Layers

Makeup artist often use the art of layering to make mascara last longer while also making it easier to remove at the end of the day. The trick is to use a waterproof mascara on top of your regular formula. You’ll first need to apply your normal mascara and then finish it with a single coat of a waterproof formula. The convenience of waterproof mascaras (besides the very obvious) is that it holds curled lashes beautifully and keeps mascara from smearing throughout the day. But because it’s so difficult to remove, another trick is to put on one coat of a regular mascara and then a clear coat afterwards so it’ll create the same long lasting effect!

5. Innovation is NOT easy

Launching  a breakthrough mascara formula isn’t easy. A beauty necessity like mascara can take years to produce because of the different channels of research & development, testing, FDA approvals, patents, etc. It’s actually easier and cheaper for companies to create a breakthrough brush and patent that, then creating a new breakthrough formula. The combined effort of three important components working together is what creates the magic: the brush, the wiper (this part is found at the tip of the tube and controls how much formula is left on the wand), and the formula.

When I jumped into the research, I was expecting to find a straight, cut throat answer with a bit of digging to validate the statements. All the articles I read answered one question but then it would lead me to another question. The conclusions a bit bitter sweet one because there’s no clear answer to towards buying decisions. Like mascaras, it’s a combination of what you’ll like and what would work best. It’s back to trial & error and just in time for the holiday season!

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Thanks for reading along and I hope this article has helped you or given you some more insight. Let me know in the comments what your thoughts are of these facts or hacks of mascara! lol

 

references:
http://www.refinery29.com/eyelash-products-guide#slide
https://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/eyelash-care/lash-care-faqs/how-to-curl-stubbornly-straight-eyelashes.html
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/makeup/a34064/mascara-tips-facts-history/
http://mentalfloss.com/article/68932/10-facts-about-mascara-help-you-lash-out
https://intothegloss.com/2013/09/best-mascara-2013-expert-tips/

WTF x Hair?!

WTF IS IT SO HARD TO GET IT RIGHT?

I feel like I can never get it right and the only time that I’ve actually felt at ease with a hair style was when I took my ol’ clippers and did the job myself. I only committed to the task because I was too broke at the time to get something professionally done.

When its time for me to get a new cut or a trim, I end up trying out a new hair dresser. I’d usually never go back to the same person twice simply because I’d leave their chair unsatisfied about either the service or their technique. It seems like an endless cycle of disappointment with empty pocket books and its been going on for far too long now, I’m truly aiming to commit now.

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I’d remember seeing the smiles on the hair stylists face as they’d hand me their big mirror to check out the back view of my head. I’d be all smiles also, at first glance, for the sheer fact that the deed was done and I knew I no longer had to worry about my damaged ends. Then as I’d linger on the reflection, I’d start to wander into the “what if’s”. What if I tried something else? What if this hair stylist took the extra step to suggest something that’s trendy? Do they even know whats flattering to my face shape (which is by far the most important)? I have a round face and I’ve come to accept that it won’t change no matter the workout techniques or diets and sadly, the haircut options for round faces aren’t so exciting.

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In the end, I know it all comes down to confidence! How happy are you with what yo mama gave you, right? Its just frustrating to seek someone to entrust with the task of determining the changes of your future looks. If we’re taking that initiative to enhance our day to day life by wanting an amazing hair cut, then shouldn’t it be easy to just pick a person to be like a personal hair magician.

I know, this is more of a rant then a real research analysis lol but this is all coming from the experience of going to a new hair salon around my new apartment. I usually don’t go to predominantly Dominican hair salons, but I wanted to test it out regardless. I showed the hair stylist a beautiful Pinterest picture of the type of cut I wanted and she promised me she’ll try her best…

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The haircut she gave me feels like it’s missing a few steps (truth be told, I think she was on her way out to lunch and wanted to just squeeze me in beforehand). The fundamentals seem right with just a few missed chopped off strands. When she handed me the mirror to check out the back, like the many hair dressers before her, I immediately became distracted by my hideous copperish highlights. Like wow, that really looks like a middle schooler did my hair and they might as well have (don’t DIY  highlights ladies, thats what I tried to do 😖). Overall, the back looked fine and at first, I was genuinely excited about the front look with a new set of bangs. I started seeing the potential and all the ways to play  with them.

But the weeks to follow, I lost the pleasure of having them and mostly because the weather become so unbearably hot. As I caught glimpses of myself inside store mirrors or walking by storefronts, I’d started noticing how much of a mom I was starting to look like with this type of hair cut style. Theres nothing wrong with being a mom, I just felt older then what I am and if I wasn’t rocking a mom look, I looked like I was wearing a 15th century wig… so my current situation isn’t so flattering.

So currently  I’m on the hunt again for another hair salon with a hair stylist that I can truly commit to and feel comfortable being honest with. Thats all a girls asking for 😇. Wish me luck lol

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*illustrations found on pinterest*

Metallic Foil Stripe x Nails Update

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Before I decided to try this design, I wasn’t aware that the stripes are called nail foil and if your looking for the ultra thin ones, just add stripe to the end of that google search. Their not expensive but before I purchased it, I decided to experiment with supplies I already had available at home. To improvise, I used aluminum foil to cut into really thin stripes and for glue, I depended on the polish to get a little dry and tacky. The tackiness made it like glue which made the foil stripes stick with only a few layers of coating. Then lastly, sealed with a clear top coat…

These are the finished results! Enjoy and let me know what you think of this design!

 

 

Contour Palette & New Glasses!

Its been a while since my last blog post and I’m really not proud of that. But theres been a few changes in my life and the pivoting point was sometime towards the end of May. For example, I’m officially a college grad (after 4 stressful years, I thought I’d never see the day come).

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Most recently though, I got a new pair of glasses. I tried to familiarized myself with the types of frames that would suit my face shape before I stepped into the store. By the time I went into my local lenses store, I was so excited and overwhelmed by all the different options that I just attempted to try everything.. what can I say, I couldn’t help myself! red-glasses-

The ones shown in collage above are the new glasses. The frames are half red/magenta and half black.

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The ones in this collage are my old ones. Sometimes I would feel like an executive in these or a moody librarian… it just depended on the day lol.

#MOTD

So in honor of the new frames, I decided to also experiment with my everyday makeup. A makeup look that would be bold enough to pop! For the main focus, I contoured my face using the Wet n Wild Contouring Palette in Dulce De Leche (which soooooo happens to be done of my favorite deserts). As I was applying the contour and highlighter, I was very impressed by how easily I could blend the shades. Yet I wasn’t thrilled at how light the contour appeared on my face especially if your aim is to add drama using it!

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A dramatic wing, a few racing stripes and a small dot…

 

I enjoyed using the Contour Palette by Wet n Wild, it was a fun way to discover my angles and what works vs. what didn’t. Would I repurchase the kit again? Probably not.

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Thank you so much for reading along and checking out the post! Please let me know what you think of the glasses and if you enjoyed this post. Have a blessed day ✌️