New Additions are Great

I had a good time this evening. I was hanging out with my mother and we always have a good time. Today I took her to Sephora for the first time. It's not her bag, but she really dug the perfume section. We picked up the perfect gift for my grandmother, and I grabbed two items for myself as well. I won't put up a pick of my grandma's gift just in case there is a leak, but here's what I got.
This is Philosophy's Hope in a Tinted Moisturizer. I tried it out about a week ago and fell in love with it. This retails for $38 USD, but it's well worth it. No foundation needed when you use this stuff. It's amazing.I also picked up the Stila seasonal blush "Make Me Blush". It was so sweet that I just couldn't resist. I'm not too much into the Valentine's Day hype, but I love hearts, gold, and Stila cosmetics. This retails for $14 USD.
Our last stop was Wal-Mart. I couldn't resist the last purchase. It's the "Honey" perfume from Mariah Carey's Lollipop Bling Collection. It smells amazing. It's bright and lovely like a spring day. I will get the others in the next few weeks, but this one was the closest to my personal taste. It retails for $19 USD.

Rainbow Dazzling :)

I haven't had a lot of time to post lately. I'm so sorry all. This is my final semester of college, so I'm pushing things into overdrive.

One thing I have been maintaining fairly well, and occasionally are my nails. This is my design from last week. I couldn't figure out which color to use, so I just used them all. They were bright, fun, and I got lots of compliments. Perhaps, when I finally do get time, I will do a video tutorial on how to replicate some of my designs.

I Can Feel My Scalp

After approximately three months, I'm relaxed. I always say that I will not stretch again and then...Well, I do it again. LOL. It's been good for my hair though. It's so thick and strong. Length is increasing, but the thickness is my goal right now. And I'm definitely achieving that with no issues.

I will be posting pics tomorrow most likely, but I'm just glad to have gotten it done. I refuse to wear my hair down in this weather (brrrr!), so I just keep rockin my buns. Maybe I'll flat iron it because I need to trim and check length. HHG everybody! :)

Tumeric :)

The other I was talking with a friend of mine about natural remedies for the skin. For the record my friend is Indian and Bangladeshi. At any rate, I raise questions about spices and so on. Eventually we got on the subject of turmeric which is a base spice in many dishes from India and Bangladesh. Apparently it has quite a few benefits for the skin. However, it's a messy affair dealing with turmeric because it can stain, permanently. Not the skin of course, but clothes, counter tops, and any other surface that may be porous.

So you all know me. I had to get in the kitchen and try out a homemade turmeric mask. My goal was to brighten my skin up a little. The winter makes me dull and a little patchy because of the shorter days and less sunlight. I also have reddish undertones in my skin that don't go well with my winter makeup.

Here's what I used:

1/4 tsp Turmeric
1/2 tbsp Plain yogurt
1/2 tbsp Honey
1 tsp Lemon juice
1/4-1/2 tsp Pearl powder
1 tsp Mashed papaya

You'll also need:

small bowl
spoon
plastic gloves
facial exfoliating sponge
face wash

NOTE: Do not wear any clothes, shoes, socks or use any towels that you would wear outside the home. You will stain them in this process because it is inevitable. Also, wear plastic gloves to prevent staining of the fingers and protect any fabric around you that would accidentally be stained.

Mix the items together and apply over the face with the plastic spoon. Unused portions can be stored in the fridge for two days max, but try to use it all if you can. Let the mixture sit on the skin for approximately 15 minutes. Rinse completely with warm water. Moisten the exfoliating sponge and add your face wash. Gently wash the face at least twice to remove any leftover residue from the mask. Rinse again thoroughly, pat the face dry and tone use toner. Moisturize, and you're done.

The turmeric will give the skin a slight tint, but most of that will be washed away. Your skin should feel very smooth and glow as if you have been kissed by the sun. :)

Let me tell you. It's a messy affair but well worth it.

Jade Face Massager Revisited

A few months ago, I got several shipments in from overseas. One of those items in my many shipments was a jade face massager. Even then I wasn't sure if I was really going to use it. I just knew it was pretty. But I am using it. I love it. There are tips for using this tool though. Plus, the secret to it's skin rejuvenation has recently been revealed to me through my many trial and error experiences.

Tip #1: Get that baby cold!

This is the most important tip for me. You see, the jade is predominantly nonporous. So whatever temperature you put it at, it will stay until another temperature is introduced. I know, it's confusing. I will simplify. The cold, smooth surface is good for closing pores which makes the skin feel smoother. After a good exfoliating or some steaming, I must roll the jade over my face. The smoothness of the stone paired with that cold sensation feels great! Trust me.

Tip #2: Roll it UP

When using a face massager, it is crucial to roll it in an upward motion. We want to defy gravity. Rolling in a downward motion will only increase your chances for sagging and wrinkles. The combination of the solid structure of the roller and the smooth surface prove themselves to be viable in defeating the early signs of age. Remember, we are training the skin.

Tip #3: Don't Crack Me

If ever your roller has serious damage, don't try to fix it. Any adhesive you use will just destroy the surface of the roller. Any chips, cuts, or dings could also cause a nasty scar on your face. (Ouchie and yowzers!) Keep your jade roller protected and safe from breakage in a bag or box that is padded. Replacing them (if you can't find a dealer selling them for a low price) can be pricey, so take good care of it.

Tip #4: Keep it Clean

Do not use your massager on a dirty face. It will only spread bacteria and cause breakouts. Use it only after the face it thoroughly cleansed and moisturized. To keep your massager clean, use a mild body soap or even baby soap to remove any debris. Remember to dry it well to prevent rusting of metal casings.

I hope this was inspirational and informational for all of you that either own a jade face massager, would like to have one, or never even even heard about it. :)

Love Your Hands

I forgot I even owned this stuff! But I'm glad that I remembered. This is the best moisturizer I've used on my hands since the weather started getting cold and dry. It's the best so far really. This is Bask Heavenly Silk Daily Skin Nourishing Moisturizer Anti-Aging Firming Lotion. It is my weapon of choice against dry, rough hands this frosty season.

I purchased this small sized bottle at Beauty Brands a few months back at that "Girls Night Out" event. I love this lotion. I can only wonder what it will do for the rest of my skin. I'm pretty sure it will make the rest of me feel like cashmere just like it does my hands. I can't wait to get my hands on a larger bottle later on today. :)

I Wanna Be a YouTuber!

Michelle Phan, who is an absolute YouTube sensation, is holding a shoe designing contest. And to enter, you must design a shoe on ShoeOfPrey.com and submit a video response. I normally don't do this sort of thing, but I went ahead and entered. I suggest the rest of you all out there try it. Here's her video detailing what you will win and how to enter:


Here is my entry. I call it the "Krissy". I put information regarding my design in the description box. :)