PB Hair: Big Chop Update

Since cutting my hair, roughly about a week and half ago, I have received mixed reactions. Some people find it 'sexy', others find it 'bold and daring' and love my courage to do such a move and others, well let's just say, they need more time. For me, it has been such a liberating process. For years, I have had a love and hate relationship with my hair. One day it's long, the next its short. You just never know with me. But with this hair-cut,  I feel the relaxer chains have finally been broken off and I am no longer confined to a 6 to 8 week touch-up schedule and I absolutely love it!

  

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some pictures of me prior to the 'BC'. Top: me with hair extensions. Bottom: taken in 2005 w/ relaxed long hair! 

As expected, there has been some drawbacks. I have not been able to style it much. I have been mostly wearing my hair in a curly fro. My main concern has been moisture. So I have been really focused on finding products that fit the bill. But I have been researching styling options and thanks to Youtube-r Nikkimae2003, I have some great ones lined up. So stay tuned for that. :)!!! I still have a few relaxed ends that I need removed, but I don't want to take the risk of removing it myself because they are mostly in the back. But you never know with me.

I have established a 2 to 3 day routine for washing and conditioning my hair. For daily use I use TreSemme Flawless Curls shampoo and conditioner. As a weekly treatment, I use Proclaim Argan Oil Intense Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner along with Proclaim Argan Oil Natural 7 Oil as a hot oil treatment. Which does wonders on my dry thick hair! For styling, I use Kinky Curly Knot Today leave-in conditioner and Styling Custard, to help with curl definition. I also use Pure Shine Curls Lotion. To help with the frizz, I use John Freida Collection Frizz-Ease Hair Serum  and TreSemme No Frizz Shine Spray. And at night, I sleep with a sating cap to protect from breakage. So far, all have been effective. But I know with the upcoming summer months, I'm going to have to do better than that!

But no worries, I've ordered some new products from Carol's Daughter (Hair Milk and Tui leave-in and hair smoothie) and Karen's Beautiful Body (Luscious Locks Hair mask) to help with the coming humidity. Can't wait! I have been really happy with the 'BC'. I don't regret my decision one bit. To me hair is just another accesorry. It will grow back! With that said, I can't wait for my hair to grow so I can explore more styling options. But until then, I am having lots of fun my short curly hair!


Oh! I forgot to mention, I have noticed some heat damage on the front left side of my hair. Which is really aggrevating, b/c that side doesn't curl as much as I would like. So I am constantly streching out the right side to see if I can get it to match the left. Hopefully that grows out soon. Lol.

Later, Bombshells!

How To Rock A Bright Bold Lip

Bright, bold lips are in! It has been popping up everywhere! Be it red, bright pink or even orange, these colors are a great, fun and fresh way to experiment with color and it will also help to jump start your Spring/Summer season.

Here are some helpful tips to help achieve the perfect bright pout:

First things first, you gotta have confidence. This look is not for the shy ladies out there. You have to exude confidence or risk the color wearing YOU.
 

Preparation is essential. Peeling, dry, cracked lips will show through your the color—which is a DON’T—so its important to exfoliate weekly and condition your lips daily to help achieve supple lips and obtain a great color pay-off.  

Bombshell Tip:
A good exfoliator to use is Victoria's Secret Lip Scrub.

Make your lips the star of the show by keeping the rest of your makeup understated. Keep in mind, wearing bright colors draw attention to any imperfection to your face, to its important to have a flawless face and keep eyes defined and neutral.

Prime your lips prior to applying any lip product so the color has something to adhere to.

Line your lips. Choose a liner close to your lipstick color—doing so will help intensify the color and will help the color last longer.

Bombshell Tip:

After lining and applying your lipstick, line outer rim of your lips with concealer (make sure to blend), to achieve a crisp and flawless application.  It will also help with any bleeding.

No rushing! This is extremely important. when wearing a bright lip, everything is magnified, so take your time with the application process to guarantee a mistake-proof lip.   



on my lips: MAC Magenta Liner w/ Girl About Town

Hope you found those tips helpful! Which colors will you be rocking this Spring/Summer? 

Later, Bombshells! 

*photos courtesy of Google.com

MUL: "Classic Natural"

The 'natural eye' is one of the most sought after looks due to the fact it is universally flattering. I wanted to take a break from the usual 'intense' looks so i went for this simple and effortless look. This is using my looonnng forgotten Too Faced Natural Eye Kit. This kit is perfect for newbies! It contains 3 step-by-step instruction cards that teaches 3 different 'natural eye' looks that can be worn anywhere from work, school or a night-out depending on your personal taste. You can even wear the shadows alone.

For this look, I went for the 'Classic' version.



Face:

• Urban Decay Complexion Brightening Primer Potion
• MAC Studio Fix Concealor
• Revlon Colorstay Foundation- "Caramel"
• MAC Blot Powder- "Dark"
• MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder NC43
• MAC Shimmer Sheertone Blush- "Sweet As Cocoa" cheeks
• UD De Slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray

Brows:

• MAC Eye Brow Pencil- "Stud"
• E.L.F Eyebrow Kit
• Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara

 Eyes:

• Urban Decay Shadow Primer Potion
• NYX JEP- "Milk" secondary base
• Too Faced Natural Eye Kit- "Silk Teddy" highlight
• Too Faced Natural Eye Kit- "Push Up" lid
• Too Faced Natural Eye Kit-"Erotica" crease
• Too Faced Natural Eye Kit- "Sexpresso" used to set eyeliner
• Maybelline Define-A-Line- "Ebony Black" upper lash line
• DuraLash by Ardell- "Flare Medium Lashes"
• Maybelline The Falsies Volum'  Express Waterproof- "Black Drama"

Lips:

• MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15

Bombshell Tip:

When sporting this look ditch the eyeliner on your lower lash line and use individual lashes instead of strip lashes, for a better blend and 'natural' looking lashes!

Later, Bombshells!

Top 5 MAC Lip Colors

When it comes to lipstick, I am a MAC gurl hands down! I think MAC has some of the best shades on the market and I love the fact that alot of their colors cater to the 'sistas'. Here are 5 of my favorite MAC lip colors.

1. Pink Nouveau

This is my favorite lip color by MAC. It is fun, fresh and really pops against my skin tone. It is the perfect pink. It's pigmented and it deposits just the right amount of color. It doesn't settle into the lines of my lips. It applies smoothly. It can be transformed into various shades of pink depending on which gloss you use. Right now, I like to wear it with either MAC Gaga Lipglass or Sephora Pin-Up lipgloss.  It is such a chameleon. Depending on your skin tone it can take on a whole new look. A must!

2. Ruby Woo

I searched for the perfect red for a long time before I discovered this. I usually wear this with a lip liner to get that crisp look. I can do retro. I can do glam with this color. And it's one of those shades that are universally flattering and it stays put. I also love the fact it's matte especially when I do those 'retro/old hollywood' looks.

3. Viva Glam V

This was my first MAC lipstick purchase. It was the best money that I ever spent! This goes with EVERYTHING! It is nice without being over-the-top. It is flattering and great for on the go. I really like the shimmer aspect of it. Right now, I like to pair it with Viva Glam II for a whole new look.

4. Candy Yum Yum

This is part of MAC 'Quite Cute' collection. This is sold out everywhere. I was actually lucky to have even gotten my hands on it. It is a neon-shocking pink which I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! It is intense! I like to call this Pink Nouveau's daring and sassy younger sister. Lol! This is must have and a great staple for the summer.

5. Up The Amp

This also compliments without being over bearing. The color is rich and vibrant. The perfect shade of lavender. I love the way it brighten my face. I like to pair this with MAC Magenta Lip Liner for a deep fuchsia color. Absolutely beautiful.

I will continue to buy these colors for as long as MAC carries them! I love that each are diverse and add a certain element to whatever look you are sporting.

So what are some of your favorite lip colors?

Later, Bombshells!

MUL: "Exotic Flower II"

I am my biggest critic! This look is a prime example of that. The original version to this look, was a bit mediocre from my standpoint. Upon review of it, I felt it lacked the 'exotic' aspect and the colors were a bit off. So instead of scrutinizing over it, I re-created it!!! Lol! This version, I feel showcases color and drama, just like the inspiration.

Face:

• Urban Decay Complexion Brightening Primer Potion
• MAC Studio Fix Concealor
• Revlon Colorstay Foundation- "Caramel"
• MAC Blot Powder- "Dark"
• MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder NC43
• VS Makeup Wild Things Baked Mineral Bronxing Powder- "Sun Goddess"
• UD De Slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray

Brows:

• MAC Eye Brow Pencil- "Stud"
• E.L.F Eyebrow Kit
• Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara

 Eyes:

• Urban Decay Shadow Primer Potion
• Urban Decay Shadow Primer Potion- "Eden" secondary base
• BHC 1st Edition 120 Palette
• BHC 2nd Edition 120 Palette
• Magnolia Makeup Pigment- "Tanza" & "108" mixed together to create violet hue on brow bone area
• MAC Paintpot-"Bare Study" lid/used to cut crease
• Magnolia Makeup Pigment- "Green Tea" inner tear-duct and lid
• NYX JEP- "Rocky Mountain Green" lower lash line
• NYX Studio Liquid Liner- "Extreme Blue" upper lash line
• Forever 21 Love & Beauty Fashion Lashes
• Rimmel London Glam' Eyes Day 2 Night Mascara- "Extreme Black"

Lips:

• Blistex
• MAC Lipstick- "Viva Glam II"
• MAC Lipstick- "Viva Glam V"



120 1st Edition Palette



120 2nd Edition Palette





Dare to wear?

Later, Bombshells!

MUL: "Date Nite"

It was "Date Nite" for me and the hubby. We went to check out Fast Five! (Which in my opinion, is one of the best movies out right now and possibly the best of the series.)

Face:

• Urban Decay Complexion Brightening Primer Potion
• MAC Studio Fix Concealor
• Revlon Colorstay Foundation- "Caramel"
• MAC Blot Powder- "Dark"
• MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder NC43
• MAC Sheertone Blush- "Breath of Plum"
• UD De Slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray

Brows:

• MAC Eye Brow Pencil- "Stud"
• E.L.F Eyebrow Kit
• Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara

 Eyes:

• Urban Decay Shadow Primer Potion
• NYX JEP- "Milk" secondary base
• NYX Eyeshadow- "True Taupe" browbone area
• BHC 2nd Edition 120 Palette
• L'oreal HIP Color Truth Cream Liner- "Eggplant" upper and lower lash line
• L'oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara

Lips:

• Blistex
• MAC Amplified Lipstick- "Up The Amp"

 

 

It was great ending to a great day!

Later, Bombshells!

The Icing On the Deal

I love me a great deal! And this deal was so great, I couldn't help but share....The Icing, has some of the steepest prices when it comes to fashion jewelry. The other day, they were having a redline sale and I ended up walking away with 5 pairs of earrings and a scarf--total value 76.50--and paid under $13.00!!!!

You do the math! Where they do that at? Needless to say I was beyond excited! 

With all my extra money (lol!) I was able to pick up a few items from Forever 21 and Marshalls! These are the type of savings I live for.



Later, Bombshells!