Well beauty is beauty regardless, but I am seriously considering getting a sew-in very soon. Also, I’ve been without a relaxer all year, until 3 weeks ago when I put a super relaxer in my hair. I feel like lately I’ve been wanting to fall into the general standards of beauty: long hair, makeup, no glasses.
I’m not quite sure what has brought this about and hopefully I’ll change my mind soon. Focusing on all of that takes money and time, which I have neither of both.
I need to get back in the habit of using what I have and looking beautiful without spending a lot of cash. That’s why I started this blog to begin with. I think I became discouraged because blogging takes a lot. But if I use this blog just to be accountable to myself I think it will work out better.
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10 Best Budget Beauty Tips
Yesterday I received an email from totalbeauty.com sharing their 10 best budget beauty tips. I’ve tried most of the tips and they really work! Check out the link below…
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I need my hair back!
All summer I was rockin’ two strand twist extensions and while convenient, they have had a huge effect on my hair. I went to the African shop a few weeks ago to get them removed and I literally cried in the chair. The woman was raking a fine tooth comb through my hair! Then had the nerve to ask if I was ok!
I put a relaxer in my hair a week later and tonight was my first wash after the relaxer. My hair is not as soft as it used to be. I used to be able to blow dry it and have it move freely. Tonight when I blow dried it, it was stiff. I wrapped it up and will flat iron in the morning, but I am really concerned about getting my healthy hair back. I nursed it to health once before and I am confident I can do it again.
What worked before?
- Using KeraCare shampoo and conditioner
- Pre-poo with Aphogee two minute reconstructor
- Blow dry and flat iron weekly
- Using a heat protectant
What did not work:
- Rollersetting each week
Tonight’s routine:
- Pre-Poo with Aphogee two minute reconstructor
- Shampoo with Optimum Care shampoo sample
- Condition with CD Black Vanilla Hair Smoothie
- Phyto Leave-In, Rusk Smoother Leave In, Generic PM Super Skinny serum
- Blow dry, then apply ORS Hair Fertilizer to scalp and lightly to hair
- Wrap hair and apply Mizani Shyne
The ORS Hair Fertilizer is actually a pretty good product so far. I received two samples of it and have had no problems. It is not heavy or greasy. It does not leave any buildup on my hair or does it leave a funky smell. I might have to keep this item in mind once I am done with my other hair moisturizers. 
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Shaving 101 – The Cheap Way
Since before spring came along, I’ve seen plenty of posts regarding shaving your legs and what is the best razor. The post is to simply say all that is not necessary! The method and materials I present to you today have been used by me for over a year and I’ve consistently gotten legs smoother than using any expensive razor! Everytime I do this my bf cannot keep his hands off my legs! It works that great!
First of all – the tools: 
Suave Naturals Hair Conditioner (any scent you like) $1-2 depending on size
Single blade disposable razors (brand does not matter, double blade works okay as well) $1-3 depending on count and brand
Exfoliator of your choice (a homemade sugar scrub works wonders – recipe coming soon – although now I’m using Ojon Tawaka Ball)
Now the method:
I always shave at the end of my shower although I have no particular reason as to why I do so. You may exfoliate either right before or after you shave. I have done both with equally great results. I tend to exfoliate last most of the time. With that said:
- Apply a quarter size of conditioner to one of your legs. I just apply it so that the leg is covered. It may not look like a lot, but a little goes a long way. I have big legs, so you slimmer ladies could probably fare with a nickel size amount.
- Wet your razor and shave your leg, one area at a time. You do not want to go over one section over and over again because it can dry your skin. Some may argue that you cannot see which section is done with conditioner as well as you can with shaving gel or cream. Once you get started, you can definitely tell, so no need to worry.
- Rub your leg to smooth out any remaining conditioner. You will more than likely have a little bit of conditioner left on your leg after the first shave. I spread this around my legs and it’s like I’m applying the conditioner all over again.
- Shave your leg again with the razor. This is when you get any hair that you did not get the first time around. Spreading the conditioner around helps to protect your skin so it won’t get dry.
- Rinse and repeat #1-4 on other leg.
- Exfoliate. Exfoliating really helps to make the leg smooth. Anything that has a grainy texture will work.
- Dry off and enjoy your super smooth legs! Moisturize if necessary.
Depending on the type of scrub you use, you may not have to moisturize. My homemade scrub of olive oil and sugar always takes care of that for me. Also remember that this is shaving, so you will have to do this every other day. After you get done the first time, the other times are a breeze!
Why do I love this method?
- Smooth legs! Do I really need to say more?
- Cheap. The products will last for MONTHS at a time. Some, like the conditioner, will last for even a year. How is that for economical?
- Quick. Smooth legs in 5 minutes or less!
If anyone out there decides to try it please let me know how it works for you!
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New Coastal Scents Brush Sets
Coastal Scents is my new favorite makeup company and they are constantly releasing new products that are perfect for the budget beauty shopper. The sets below contain 15 brushes and are in a faux snakeskin case of red or magenta. There’s also a purple metallic case. The brushes that are included are:
- Large powder brush – 7 3/4″
- Smaller powder brush – 7.5″
- Angle Blush – 7.5″
- Foundation Taklon – 7 1/4″
- Doe Foot Shadow – 7″
- Large Shadow/blender – 7 1/4″
- Medium Oval Shadow – 7″
- White Taklon Flat Detail – 7 1/4 “
- Brow / Lash Comb – 7.5″
- Synthetic Lip Brush – 7.5″
- Synthetic Medium Detail Eyes – 7″
- Taklon Angle Liner – 7″
- Small Oval Eye Detail -7″
- Lash Fan Applicater – 7″
- Round Crease Brush – 7″
Here are the pics, directly from the Coastal Scents website:
Black Deluxe Reptile Brush Set $39.95
Magenta Dexluxe Reptile Brush Set $39.95
Metallic Plum Brush Set $29.95
ETA: The Plum set actually has different brushes included:
- Large Powder – 7″
- Angle Blush Define – 6 3/4″
- Foundation Taklon – 6 3/4″
- Brow Comb – 7 1/4″
- Lash Spoolie – 7″
- Large Shadow – 7″
- Medium Shadow – 7″
- Round Crease Eye – 7″
- Taklon Angle Liner – 6 3/4″
- Small Firm Detail Eye – 6 1/2″
- Flat Square Taklon Detail – 6 1/2″
- Fine Liner – 6 1/2″
I’ve never tried Coastal Scents brushes but I have heard that they are very good. They are definitely a good value for those just starting out and are much cheaper than my Mary Kay Brush Set that I purchased years ago.
Check out these new sets for yourself at www.coastalscents.com!
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90s Challenge Entry
I’m attempting another challenge and I hope I’ve got it right this time! Coup de Coeur is hosting a 90s challenge, posing a tribute to your favorite 90s singer or group. I am a lover of all things 90s and sometimes I wish the 90s were still here, especially when it comes to music. One of my favorite groups of all time has to be En Vogue. They represented class and sophistication, and when I grew up I wanted to be just like them!
En Vogue
The look is very neutral with focus on the lips. Looking through photos tonight has shown me that red lips were very popular among groups back then. Here is my attempt!
I tried to keep it as simple as possible. Here is what I used:
Face:
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer
MAC studio tech NC50
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener
MAC Select Cover Up NC50
MAC blot powder dark
Eyes:
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Mary Kay Copper Beach and Cinnabar Eyeshadows
Loreal Telescopic Mascara, Blackest Black
Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner in Onyx
Smashbox Brow Tech Wax and Powder in brunette
Cheeks – Nars Orgasm
Lips – Mary Kay Neutral liner and Apple Berry lipstick
Even though I do not like my brows filled in, I did so for this look. Hope you like it!
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Smashbox Try Me Set
Smashbox Try Me Set
I’ve always wanted to try Smashbox products but never knew where to begin. I ran into the try me set at Sephora and decided it would be perfect for me to try. The set has a variety of products and here is what I think of each…
Photo Finish Foundation Primer…I love how my foundation just glides on after applying this. The sample is pretty large (0.3 oz.) and you only need a pump for application. For me, this really doesn’t help my foundation last longer. They do have a light version of the primer and I’m thinking about trying that. I remember seeing a small tube for sale at Sephora. I would also like to try Monistat Chafing Gel as a primer, but I cannot find it anywhere! So, if I like the light version I may purchase the full size product.
Cream Eyeliner…I have been wearing this stuff out! I love how smooth it is and I think I now prefer this to regular eyeliners. My “Caviar” eyeliner is completely gone, so now I have to play with the other colors. Even though I like this a lot, for $22 dollars I’m definitely willing to try other brands first that are more affordable.
Brow Tech Powder and Wax…All I have to say is that I think I look very scary and unnatural with my eyebrows filled in and don’t plan on doing it again anytime soon.
Me with Filled in Eyebrows
Lip Enhancing Gloss (clear)…I think that this is an excellent gloss to use on top of lipstick. The shine is extremely high, so it looks like your lips are just greasy when worn alone. I’m a strong believer that you can find a quality lip gloss at a store like Walgreen’s so for $18 Smashbox can keep this item.
Photo Op Under Eye Brightener…This is actually a very good product and really made a difference in my appearance. It adds a nice healthy glow without looking fake or the lighter version of raccoon eyes. My under eye circles are not that bad, so I can do without this for now. It’s nice to know about it in case I do need it one day.
Double-Ended Eye Liner & Brow Brush #9 and #12…I’m really glad a got a quality brush out of this set! The #9 made applying the cream eyeliner very easy. The #12 did a good job of applying the brow powder and I can definitely see it to blend out colors as well. Both brushes cost $20 each, so I’ll definitely say I got a great deal with this one!
Instructional DVD…Watching the clip online helped me learn more about this set than the DVD did.
Overall thoughts…I feel that this set is excellent if you are wanting to try the Smashbox brand but are concerned about the cost. The items are a very good size and you may find something that really works for you. Great value!
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Sephora by O.P.I
The nail salon that I frequently visit uses almost all O.P.I polishes exclusively and I have absolutely fallen in love with “Windy City Pretty”. I tried to take a picture of it at the nail salon and it was too blurry. I did happen to take a picture of it on my feet, but I don’t think I would feel comfortable with the world looking at my stubby toes!
Back to the subject…so while at Sephora I was browsing the Sephora by O.P.I line and found a color very similar to my new favorite. This new color is slightly lighter than “Windy City Pretty” and is called “Casting Call”.
"Casting Call" Sephora by O.P.I
This polish applies very smoothly. Even when I thought it would be streaky, it would come together for a perfect finish within seconds. I love how this color complements my skin tone and the quality makes me want to experiment with other colors.
For $9.00 a bottle and application like this, I will definitely purchase again…depending on longevity (currently experimenting with this!)
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Tags: nail polish, O.P.I, sephora
Another Makeup Challenge
Since I never completed the first makeup challenge, I decided to do another that I saw tonight at makeupgeek.com. I spent tonight attempting to make a video of me creating the look (so far, the video is a huge FAIL). Once I was done I really liked it, so I took some pics and went back online to compare the look. Here is the look I need to replicate:
via makeupgeek.com
excuse the breakouts on my face! working on that.
And this is what I created: 
Instead of purple and green in the original photo, I used pink and turquoise…oopsie! I did like the look and I haven’t done the cat eye look in so long (since high school). All of the eye colors are from my coastal scents palette. Even though I think it is cute, I’m going to give it another try before I submit the look for the challenge. Hopefully I can get a little closer next time.
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Acrylics are gone!
Since I’ve had my new job (since August 2008), I have had my nails done faithfully. Every two weeks I will go up to the nail salon and get my full set or fill in, pedicure, and eyebrow waxing. Well all of this is definitely not helping my budget or future goals, so over the weekend I had my acrylics taken off. I hated to go to the salon and get it done because they always try to push you to get acrylics. Two weeks before I had them taken off, I went to get it done and they talked me into taking off my full set and getting a fresh one done ($35!!!). This time I would not budge. I got my nails taken off and received a manicure.
Now that I’m on this new adventure of no acrylic nails, I am on a mission to grow healthy nails while staying true to my budget. That means all polishes and manicures (and pedicures soon) will be done by me. Right now I’ve been using Nail-Tek daily to help strengthen my nails. I’ve heard that I have to stick to applying it everyday for two weeks, so of course I’ll have to say if it really makes a difference. Then, to my luck, Clumps of Mascara has posted a tutorial to doing your manicure at home! I can’t wait to try it this weekend!
This video has been around for a while but it is so funny because it’s so true…
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