Flat Iron for Healthier Hair?

Could it be? A flat iron that's actually good for your hair? Sounds too good to be true right?!!?? That's what I thought every time if pass by the display at Ulta. Each time I left the store I had the curiosity, but always put it in the back of my mind. That is until I had to get 3 inches of hair cut off a couple of weeks ago. Mind you, I have completely virgin naturally curly hair that hardly ever straighten. The few times I did flat iron my hair this year fried my ends, even with the use of a heat protectant. As soon as I left the salon I went right to Ulta for the Cool Tools flat iron by Hot Tools professional line. The iron works by using a steam vapor that infuses argan oil directly into the hair shaft, acting as a protectant and humidity repellant preventing frizz. This iron also allows you to use up to 100 degrees less than other ceramic irons out on the market now. After 2 weeks of use I'm so pleased with this iron and have not had the issues others have had with comparable vapor irons that aren't everything they're advertised to be. I would 100% recommend this iron to anyone that wants straight hair, but is fed up with the damage other irons cause to reach the desired looks!! Until next time 

My Battle With Acne (the beginning)

My curse of acne started when I was in middle school. In high school I went back and forth to the dermatologist and got rounds of prescriptions that either a) I was allergic to or b) I was never properly instructed on correct usage. My senior year I received a chemical peel along with microdermabrasions and blue light therapy. It worked!! My face looked AMAZING!! My first year of college I was able to maintain it with a few minor stress breakouts here and there. Nothing too unfixable (yes I made that word up).

When I was off in training for the army.. It came back. As hard as our sergeants were on us one even pulled me aside in is office and was like "Randolph, you don't have to live like this. We'll make it a priority to get you whatever you need for your skin." This was kind of nice and shaming at the same time. All I could think was "wow it must be really bad if even they want to help me." :-/

I was prescribed Retin-A Micro and it was life changing. I mean, no scaring or anything. Unfortunately once I got tapered off of it my acne slowly started coming back. When I tried to use the Retin-A Micro again it didn't work.  

Since then I've tried numerous things that just flat out didn't work, or worked for a bit and stopped after a while. Of course the search will continue and I'll share what works (and what doesn't). Until next time.. Stay beautiful!!

Loyalty

So, the best person to be loyal to is yourself (aside from God of course). Instead of making a frozen blackberry margarita, like I've been thinking about since the weekend, I decided to blend up a green smoothie. This drink is surprisingly satisfying despite the look.

Beautie Tip

If you have dry skin, or want your blush to appear more natural.. use a cream or gel blush instead. Gels and creams are more transparent and tend to blend a lot more smoothly. They also go on a lot easier without the worry of rubbing your foundation off.  To apply: using your ring fingertip or cream blush brush, buff onto apples of cheeks in a circular motion blending up towards the temple area for a rosy and glowing complexion. 

 Pro Tip

To find the apples of your cheeks (or cheekbones), smile and notice the fleshy part that is lifted. And there you have it. Remember, the bigger you smile the more blush you'll be applying and vice versa. Also, apply blush and bronzer/contour with a light hand. It's a lot easier to add more if needed than to apply way too much in the beginning and have to remove everything and start all over.

Natural Beauties

Hey beauties.  I've been on my all-natural journey for 5 years now and it's been quite the journey. I've spent so much money trying to figure out which products work for me and sadly, most of the ones a bought got used a few times then tossed.  I have not yet embraced my curls so I keep my hair in extensions as a protective style or straighten it.  Mind you, heat is very damaging to the hair so imagine an excessive amount of heat to keep my hair straight.. no bueno.  I've decided to straighten my hair no more than once a week and where it in a wrap until it needs to be pulled up into a bun for the rest of the week.  Before, I could only wear it down for 2-3 days until it needed to be pulled up.  But by the grace of God :-) I've found a spectacular product that helps my maintain my hair a lot longer in between straightenings.  So I've seen a lot in black hair magazines about Motions for Natural Textures products, but never thought much about it.  If you know anything about cosmos.. you know where label whores and despise drugstore products (for the most part).  Well on my trip to Sally Beauty Supply last week I seen this product once again and decided to give it a shot (it's called Heat Styles Straight Finish Sealer btw).  I mean it was only $6 with my pro discount so what's there to lose, right?  Last Thursday after my hot oil treatment I decided to give it a try.  Fast forward to this week.. it's Wednesday night and I have NOT had to wear my hair in a bun once this WHOLE ENTIRE WEEK. This serum is AMAZING!! It's rained here everyday since Saturday and my hair is still not a frizzy mess. I'm so pleased!! I'll let you know of other great products if y'all promise to share with me the ones you love!! :D

Pantone Color of the Year

Radiant Orchid blooms with confidence and magical warmth that intrigues the eye and sparks the imagination. It is an expressive, creative and embracing purple—one that draws you in with its beguiling charm. A captivating harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid emanates great joy, love and health.

www.pantone.com

Something To Try

Today at work one of my clients had the longest, prettiest lashes!! I thought she used Latise or some other expensive growth enhancing serum, but no.. she was recommended by her sister (who's a cosmetologist) to dip a mascara wand in castor oil. Couldn't believe it! I don't even have to go out and buy it. I plan on starting a 30 day nigtly regimen with before and after pictures. Also, I've been fighting severe to mild acne off and on since middle school. I've tried so many things, but hate being prescribed meds in fear of becoming immune. My latest try is from Dr. DENNIS Gross,  his Acne Eliminating Pads. I'll also review this product as well. G'night sugars

Getting Naked :-)

So.... I'm super excited to get naked tonight.. The Naked 3 Palette that is!! I got off 2 hours ago and will literally be going right back because select stores will be releasing the palette tonight before it actually launches in stores tomorrow. So many have rumored the palette even existing for over a year, and it was actually confirmed before Thanksgiving and BAM.. we finally have it :-)

Oooh.. Make-up!!

And this, ladies and gentlemen,  is why I've become a VIB ROUGE at Sephora.. sorry bout it <not>  :-P

Mall Humor

So, I when I got off work today I was determined to get more of my Christmas shopping knocked out. Finished <woohoo!!> As I was walking back to the beauty store I'm employed at, my biggest nightmare happened (well that's an over exaggeration, but pet peeve).. I was approached by one of the Kiosk workers. These are some of the most ruthless people I've encountered. I mean, worse than car salesmen. You see, the last few years since I joined the army I've become quite humble. In high school and college I was quite the b-word, but you wouldn't guess that in a million years now (unless you try me). With that being said, it's hard for me to put my foot down and say "no." Especially when you keep saying it and they are just disregarding. So she has me come over and sits me down. I'm talkin puts her ands on my shoulders and sits me down. Then she starts removing my makeup on half my face. I can barely understand her broken English and was NOT comfortable by any means.  There was barely any shades of foundation so she chose one close to my range, which gave almost no coverage whatsoever. She was very rough while buffing the foundation into my skin and not onlt blew excess product off of the brush (which is unsanitary) but also off of my face (trifling).  She showed me how multifunctional the shadows were, and they were pretty but all I could think about was the face that I don't want any type of infection or irritation due to her non-hygienic practices. Nonetheless, she was able to sucker $40 out of me. I'm mad about my purchase the whole walk to my car. Once I turned it on  and looked in the mirror my dissatisfaction multiplied when I seen she sent me out with only one eye of shadow. Needless to say.. it's your best bet to stay away from the kiosks -_-

Holiday Madness

The holiday season would have to be my favorite time of year, but I'm definitely over it!!  I never knew how much went put into it until now that I have to do it all myself.  Not to mention I still need to be buying tickets and finishing up my gift shopping.  My first Thanks Giving dinner was a success, btw.  Also, I got everything I wanted during Black Friday, so I pretty much won.. even with only 3 hours of sleep and a 10 hour workday afterwards (merp -__-)

Beautie

Hello loves. I'm so excited, I'll have my starter freelance kit complete after Christmas!! Now for some work outside of work. I know we all have to pay our dues, so I'm perfectly fine with doing free work till I get my portfolio started and empire rolling. Until next time, have a wonderful night :-)

Getting The Ball Rolling

So, I'm not sure of exactly what clicked for me.. but it was something for sure!! I'm so motivated. I was using obstacles as excuses and of course, that got me no where. I see myself grow as an artist each day at work and the more I put off getting my own things started,  the more I end up just cheating myself. So for today I'll turn it in early because I'm super excited to wake uo and get more accomplished. Oh yes, I mustn't forget.. it's my sugar-boogers 1st b-day. Happy Birthday Lille-Belle,  mommy loves and misses you SOOOO much!!

Hello World

     Hello loves. My name is Teyonna, and I'm an up and coming beautie educator (at least I hope so, lol).  I'm in my mid 20s and have been through so much in this short amount of time in life.  I've recently made some drastic changes and would love to share my growth with you, so I hope to be well embraced by y'all.  I'm kind of a work-a-holic and wear a lot of hats.  Everything from Make-up Artist, to a Zumba instructor, to the Army (HOOAH).  With that being said.. I can relate to almost anyone, or I can at least try.