Why Not? Bantu Knot!




Bigen Semi-Perm
Hair Color

 

Today is Friday, and It's all about my hair! I have been through so many changes with my hair, I'm shocked I am not bald...lol! Literally, all colors, short to medium length, damaged, all sort of treatments and surprisingly; my hair is long and healthy at this point. However, I find myself not doing anything to it, but the same ole thing, straight and hot-curled, naturally curly, or my favorite, a pony tail.*Yawn*. I truly try my best to treat my hair healthier than past experiences by minimizing heat, relaxers, and dyes. I rarely hot curl; I decided to go natural and as for dyes I use: Bigen Semi-Perm Hair Color in Oriental Black.



Bantu Knots



All that to say this, I need to do something creative with my hair! Long hair hairstyles can become redundant and quite honest, boring. So I did some research on Natural Hair Hairstyles, and I came across something called "Bantu Knots." When I first saw it, I was like, okay 1993 again..lol! We all know that fads come around full circle, right? But to my surprise, it wasn't what I thought. These bantu Knots stem from out of Africa, and are very interesting, because of the creativity and variety of  different styles.

        



Bantu Knot Out



While on my hairstyle quest, I also saw something called Bantu Knots out. Love<3 at first sight! I really like what I saw, just what I have been looking for,something different, natural, and healthy! It's time to experiment! There was no way for me to tell how to do it, but the pictures are self explanatory. The first thing I had to do was wash my hair with Garnier Fructis shampoo and conditioner. I then combed out, I did not towel try completely because I wanted the hair saturated with water. I then added IC Aloe Recontructor, Profectiv Mega Growth Break Free, daily leave-in strengthener, Argon Oil, and 30,000 I.U Vitamin E oil. I know it sounds like a ton of products but *remember* healthy hair requires taking care of it! Depending on the person, if you prefer for the hair to be stiff or soft, mousse or hair spray can be applied; I prefer for the bantu knots to be soft. After my hair care regimen, I got to twisting! I must say, very simple. I twisted the hair from the root half way, then started to twist into a circle until I reached the ends. I tucked each end inside the knot. Try to twist as tight as you can, so the wave/curl results can turn out correct. For a  hair full of FABULOUS twist and curls, make small. If You want big waves, make the twist bigger. I chose to part my hair in four, two bantu knots on each side. When finish twisting put on a scarf/hair wrap of choice, and let air dry.

Results of Bantu Knots Out

The finish results depends on you! Play in it, style as you please, fluff out, what ever need to be done. I think this is a great way to do something different, without getting rods, roller sets, pin curls, sitting under a dryer, and most of all SPENDING MONEY!!! There are so many ways to style hair, being creative is the key! I would not have imagined this was going to be the finish look, so beautiful! To think about it, it's two hairstyles in one. I am going out this weekend, and I am going to post pictures of My look. I am still in the drying process(my hair takes 4ever to dry)..lol! Give it try and tell me what you think!;D

                                                   This weekend's post 

Bantu Knot out results

   

                                       

           Be Beautiful!          Be Fabulous!          Be Fierce!

It's Here; Nars Sheer Lipstick Review & Swatches!!

  I know I promised to do a review on Nars Lipsticks and Swatches, but I just would not be able to do it!Okay, Just kidding! I decided to do all swatches with an extra lipgloss swatch, in the Orgasm and Hustler lipgloss duo. All of the Nars products I ordered lived up to its great expectation of Nars reputation.

  What I Truly love most of all is the different finishes they(Nars) offer in the lipstick selection. Sheer, Satin,   and Semi-matte. The sheer finish is described according to Nars Cosmetics "its long lasting color pigments have been suspended in a translucent formula to provide a sheer, natural tint." I am truly a lipstick fiend, but what I love most of all about Nars sheer lipsticks is, most can be worn all the time with any thing, with/without a full face of mk-up. Majority of the time, I do not wear  foundation, but I will not leave the house without a tube of lipstick and lipgloss;I need help..lol!

Honestly, with the sheer formula, it can worn dressed up or dressed down. Ex. T-shirt  and a pair of jeans, Literally or black dress and heels, Formal!
  For the people who say," I thought she(Profechanel) shops on the bargain, and others who are thinking," $24 for a tube of lipstick, shhh your crazy." I could understand, but if you look for discount codes online, some places will offer some sort of discount break. First, I did my online coupon search for Nars Cosmetics. I just so happen to come across a coupon that was being offered for 30% off. So my total before the coupon was over $100, but I paid only $84 for the three lipsticks and the lipgloss duo, That was a bargain!
 Enough with the rambling, get to the review and swatches!
 

                                                       NARS SHEER LIPSTICKS




Very Sleek Packaging

  The packaging is very sleek but simple and  has a rubber grip feel. The Nars packaging is quite smaller than most lipstick brands. That brings to my attention, the actual size of the lipstick is also smaller than most. For one, I would say for the price its a little shorter; for the life of me, I cannot understand it! I would say for the quality it's nothing to complain about. It is very long lasting, but here is a tip: do not layer with lipgloss, because it will not last as long. I wore w/o lipgloss and I realized without lipgloss I was able to wear for about 3 hrs without re-applying. Remember; this is the sheer formula so a few applications will also improve longevity.



                  



 

 








Senorita

Out of  the three, I really love Senorita. Its a slight pinkish-mauve color, and really fits nice with my skin-tone. This color is very natural, actually Senorita would be flattering on any skin tone. If you're looking for a lipstick that's not too pigmented, this is a great starter. If you really like this color but, the cost of it is too high, I will post dupes for all the Nars lipsticks soon.  






 

Beautiful Liar

 I would consider Beautiful Liar to be like a burnt orange color with

slight shimmers of gold flex. I really would not wear this color alone because I think it calls for a more dramatic look. I would say, green smokey e/s, reminiscent of the Carribean, or a girl's night out in Miami. I will post a complete face-look for the Nars Beautiful Liar Lipstick.



Sexual Healing

Okay, Sexual Healing; by the name alone it calls for attention. This lipstick I would say is a pale pink with a frost finish. To be quite honest, I love the name, but the look is not my taste, tooo frosty. If you like a frost finish then this is a nice color. I would say, someone lighter than I can pull this look off pretty well. I will probably use this for a highlighter, for brows or cheek bones. Oh yes, I will show you how to use make-up that you thought you could'nt use, or didnt like  the purpose of what it was bought for,  for a variety of things. Make-up can be used in so many different ways. 







Beautiful Liar Swatch



 



Sexual Healing Swatch





Senorita



Last but not least of my review and swatches, is the lipgloss duo in Orgasm/Hustler. I really like this lipgloss.The consistency is a little thick, but not too gooey. Some lipglosses are just so sticky that it really can be irritating to wear. Have you ever noticed, when wearing sticky gooey lipgloss, your lips feel like they are sticking together, yuck, not attractive. Not, Nars! The Orgasm color is peach with gold flex, soo pretty. The Hustler color is a brown with a pink-ish undertone. Both colors are very natural and subtle, I would definitely recommend to my BFF'S!




Orgasm/Hustler Lipgloss Duo















Orgasm





Hustler



****NOTE****

Not all color shades will be the same, I  have dark pigmented lips so these are how the lipstick show on MY lips.

I WILL POST DUPES FOR THESE SWATCHES SOON!

FOR MY FRUGAL BFF'S

Dollar Tree & Dollar General Make-up Finds?

Okay, so yesterday I spoke about how Dollar Tree and Dollar General has such great make-up for less. Well I took a lil trip to find out for myself and Dollar Tree was the first stop. I knew exactly what I wanted, so I headed straight to the beauty isle. What I saw was alot of NYC products, very limited Sally Hansen  products as well as Maybelline and L'oreal; Not much to choose from in the these particular brands. I guess  Most people know the inventory schedule, and like what I did, they went crazy due to the price! I was slightly disappointed, but I made the trip worth while with the products I did find.

1.Sally Hansen-Nail Enamel Duo/Fizz It

2.N.Y.C- City Duet Eyeshadow/Tribeca

3.L.A Colors- All in One Shade Stick/

4.Revlon- Vital Radiance/Cocoa Light

5.N.Y.C- Ultra Moist Lipwear/Berry

6.AzizaII- Lipstick & Nail Polish Duo/? Lipstick looks like Mac's Font Lit

7.L'oreal- Color Fresco Eyeliner/Citron

8.Sally Hansen-Smiling Brightening Lip Treatment/Brilliant

9.Sally Hansen-Moist & Matte Liquid Lip Color/Shantung

Now as for my Dollar General purchases, I really could not find what I wanted. Most of the time, the cosmetic section is bare:(.They do carry very limited ELF products, However, the brushes are what I really go for, it's better than ordering online and paying the shipping of $6.95 for a $1 brush. But that's besides the point. I went in there to buy another blending brush(which they never have) and my eyes gazed across an eyeshadow palette. So I picked it up out of curiousity, and it actually looks really interesting. The palettte is called "Hot Looks" Glamifeye Shadows 36 color eyehadows.This eyeshadow palette is amazing! The texture is velvet soft and the colors are vibrant. The cost of this palette was only $3.....WOW! I could not believe it!!I also purchased the L.A Looks 5 palette in Darling, for $1.50 another "liked" purchase.

This was just some random things I wanted to buy and swatch, to give an example of low end products that may be decent quality. All make-up does not have to be expensive, in order to be worthy, although, everything inexpensive may not be worth buying. My review of these products are listed below:

Sally Hansen Nail Enamel  Duo/Fizz It
This is a great buy especially for the price.Two nail polishes one clear coat,one color Pearlish for $1. Would buy again, would recommend!

N.Y.C City Duet Eyeshadow/ Tribeca
The price is great for two eyeshadows, but the color payoff is not that great*Reminder just $1* would not but again, will not recommend!

L.A Colors Shade Stick
The shade stick is up in the air, it's an all in one lip, eye, and blush stick. In this particular brand, it is a miss for me on this one. Maybe, for an e/s but as for a llip color or blush a big NO! Too Metallic for a blush honestly! I would not buy again, would not recommend!

Revlon Vital Radiance/ Cocoa Light
This a mousse consistency, very creamy. If you are not fond of this, then maybe this is not for you! I actually think it's  pretty good, based on it's a Revlon product. I would say that if you have oily lids then def a primer would be needed. The color is brown, pay off is pretty good though. I would buy again, and will recommend!

N.Y.C Ultra Moist Lipwear/ Berry
I actually Luv<3 Luv<3 Luv<3 this color! The color payoff is rich and creamy, I would say it has satin frost finish.It sort of in the purple color family, with a hint of mauve. It actually surprised me, I didnt expect it to feel moisturizing. I would "def" buy again and will recommend!

AzizaII
I thought this was a pretty good deal for Aziza product. A lipstick and nail color for just a buck! The lipstick is a light pigment, nail polish is sort of a pastel yellow(Really Pretty).I would buy again(another color) and would recommend!

L'oreal Fresco Eyeliner
First, let me start by saying "do not like the color" but the products is ok. The pencil glides on fairly smooth, color pay off is vibrant but on the creamy side. If your not fond of creamy eyeliners then this product is not the one. I would buy again but in another color, I also would recommend!

Sally Hansen Smile Brightening Lip Treatment/Brilliant
I truly like this product, not because it supposedly brightens your smile*side eye* but the color is beautiful. I would consider this color to be a plumish/fushia color. Very high gloss, just gorgeous! This is one of my favs, and for the price, I wish Dollar Tree had more, the one I bought was the last one =(..I guess people go there and snatch it up; I cant blame them. I cant wait to see what other colors Dollar Tree carries. I would def buy this product again and again, I would recommend to stack up!

Sally Hansen Moist and Matte Lip Color/Shantung

This product is amazing, I really under estimated what this product was about! The color is in the coral family, more of a peachy base. It has a slight shimmer to it, but it's def a matte finish. It can be used w/o a lipgloss or maybe some lip balm. For the price of a $1, you cant beat it! The only problem; I only found one! So upset, I literally looked through every product to find another one, but NO luck. This is one of those kind  of lip products that are a "must have". I need to find out Dollar Tree inventory, so I can be first on the line for this item, or delivery day..lol!

Here are the Swatches for the Hot Looks! E/S Palette

The lighting is not good.

Next up! Nars sheer lipsticks Review and Swatches in Beautiful Liar, Sexual Healing and Senorita. Nars is a high end brand retailed at $24, I know what your thinking, too high for a tube of lipstick. Well check out the review and swatches to see why Nars has such a great Rep!

Well, today is the first day I am officially blogging, and I just had to start off with some great news about  great make-up deals. First, Dollar Tree has awesome make-up in their stores( depending on where you live). They carry Maybelline, Loreal, LA Colours, and a few other brands. All Products are only $1, and U can find great products. Most of the cosmetics are sold for a $1, because a majority of the products are discontinued. Another place that I  found to be my BFF, is Ross. I love this store, Ross has high end clothes in there for about 80% of the retail price. Where have I been? Living under a rock I guess. I went  there browsing around and I stumbled upon a pair of BCBG Jeggings in Black. The perfect pair of pants to wear with a pair of booties, but anyway, the retail price was $88.00, but ross price was $29.99.Wow! I had to get!! However, it wasnt the clothes that really had me all warm inside, it was actually the cosmetic section. I found a 120 eyeshadow palette (Giovanni) that was only $7.99. The colors are very pigmented and bright, I will post pics for them soon. Ross also had  some E.L.F products, and shair care products. This store is great for a person who loves<3 to shop on a budget, or is a Bargain Betty kinda girl.

Coming soon, swatches of NYX round lipsticks!! At every 50 followers I will have free giveaways of make-up, hair care, nail care products, and jewelry. They will be randomly chosen, in order to be fair. To all my followers *thank you* for the support; Live Beautiful, Remain Fabulous and Stay Fierce!!! Beauty Fantasy Fullfilled...B.F.F