A Neutral Face Can Be Bold!

There's the neutral eye with a bold lip and a neutral lip with a bold eye. I'm definitely for the latter. Nothing makes the eyes stand at attention more than a nude lip and a clean, fresh face. I get my fresh face look with Mirabella Skin Tint Creme Foundation in VN (5 Neutral) and Face Atelier's nude lipstick in Wheat. The intensity is in the eyes so I add a few coats of Mirabella's Lash Essential Mascara or reach for my wispie style falsies. It's bold, fresh, and radiant all at the same time. Classic.

Two Golden Rules for Beautiful Skin

As much as I love natural hair, I equally love skin. I get mesmerized when I see a beauty with glowing, smooth skin (without makeup). How your skin ages will depend on a variety of factors such as your lifestyle, diet, environment, heredity, and personal care habits.

You're probably tired of hearing, "drink plenty of water", whenever there's a discussion of beauty or fitness. And if you're anything like me, you don't even like the taste of water. Well, I hate to do this to you but you have to drink plenty of water to keep your skin supple and youthful. That's golden rule #1.

In an effort for your skin to fight the good fight and take in nutrients and purge toxins, water is needed. Imagine a dried up river or stream. There is not enough water to keep the stream flowing. Throw something in. Now imagine how hard it is for the stream to carry that item downstream? Rivers or streams that have no water flow are unable to filter out and move the bad stuff that accumulates within it. The same concept applies to your body. Water is needed to carry the nutrients from the foods you eat through your body and to your skin cells and water is needed to purge toxins from your body through urine secretion and perspiration. Unable to purge? Your skin has no choice but to try to rid itself of those toxins in some other way.

Golden rule #2 is to eat foods rich in antioxidants. Vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E have been your best friends since childhood. Especially combined. This vitamin cocktail is a major antioxidant boost for your skin. Antioxidants, put plain and simply, help protect and repair your skin. Your skin needs protection from the sun and environment. Broccoli has the most Vitamin C compared to most vegetables and kiwi fruit leads the fruit category in Vitamin C. Leaf lettuce has the most Vitamin A compared to most vegetables with carrots close behind and cantaloupe leads the fruit category. Nuts, specifically sunflower seeds, are high in Vitamin E. Here's a link to a list of foods and their nutritional contents: Worlds Healthiest Foods Rich in Vitamin E and Nutrition Information for Raw Fruits, Vegetables and Fish.

There's so much more to consider when it comes to skin health and care but this should give you a head start.

Love,
Naumi

Natural Hair: Trend or Awakening?

African American hair is still a hot topic. Its straight hair versus kinky hair, the work place versus kinky hair, society versus kinky hair, and fist pumping natural heads vs kinky hair. The fascination with natural hair is ever growing and the market is thriving. Major companies are cashing in on the natural hair hype and entrepreneurs are pulling their share as well by launching new products.There is no doubt that there are deeply rooted connections between African American history and black hair. Join me as I discover and uncover truths about what some may call, "The Natural Hair Movement".

To be continued.

Several Tips for Hydrating Your Natural Hair

Vogue Italia Editorial Tribute to Black Beauties

When your hair loses moisture, it becomes dehydrated, dry, brittle and prone to breakage. Transitioning hair and natural hair needs moisture and hydration around the clock. Here are five ways to add moisture, maintain moisture and hydrate your strands:

Use a Moisturizing Shampoo

The goal of a moisturizing shampoo is to moisturize your hair rather than strip your hair of its natural oils the way a clarifying, gel-based shampoo can. Moisturizing shampoos are usually thicker and creamier than regular shampoos and are infused with ingredients such as aloe, fruit extracts, Shea butter, and natural oils.

Floral Sandals for Summer

Have you ever heard of Free People? As a wholesale line, the Free People brand has been cultivated into Urban Outfitters, Bulldog, Ecote, Anthropologie, and Cooperative. It's a brand and collection that embraces individuality and freedom in the clothes you wear. These floral sandals caught my attention.

Read the Free People story and check out their vintage line.

Denim Jewelry Stole the Show at Nappiology Fro Fest 2012

Ear Pleasure Indulge

Handcrafted Wearable Art by CC

Customization Available!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/earpleasureindulge

Hello ladies and gents! If you've read "Have the Denim Blues?" and "Denim Can Be Reborn", you know that I've been on the hunt for all things denim. I attended the Nappiology Fro Fest on June 16, 2012 and I enjoyed strolling past each vendor booth to capture a glimpse of unique hair products, accessories, and fashion jewelry. One booth stood out to me more than others because many of the items were made of... you guessed it! Denim! What I loved most was the fact that they were unique handcrafted fabric pieces. I already have a design in mind for a customized pair of earrings. It only takes one piece to make a statement. If you want to reach out to CC (that's her in the picture above), check her out on Etsy.

Natural Hair: Self-Discovery, Trend, or Revolution?

Natural hair is picking up momentum in the news, on the runway, and in communities nationwide. The Huffington Post, MSNBC, New York Times, Essence, and BET have posted articles and held round table discussions on natural hair and its impact on black women in the U.S. Natural hair care brands and products are launching in droves as natural hair gains popularity. Miss Jessie's, Jane Carter Solution, Shea Moisture, and Uncle Funky's Daughter are just a few power brands in the spotlight. Natural hair enthusiasts are popping up all over social media networks such as YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter capturing and sharing their experiences with natural hair. Some call it a journey; others say it's a revolution or a movement. Yet, others treat it as a trend or fad that's bound to pass as do the seasons.

Denim Can Be Reborn

Johanne Mills Pyrite and Citrine Detail Denim Hoop Earrings, Source: Elle

M. Haskell Brass Chain Detail Denim Bangle, Source: Elle

 

Trussardi Patchwork Denim Bag, Source: soFemininie.co.uk

Zoe Chicco Gold Plated Denim Cuff

Similar to lace, denim can be reborn. Reborn into a handbag, a shoe, or an accessory. If you have an undeniable passion for denim, try a denim clutch or a denim shoe to add some excitement to your wardrobe and turn boring into fab.

Have the Denim Blues?

Armani Jeans Denim Frill Denim Jacket, Dolce & Gabbana Large Denim Shopping Bag

It's almost impossible to get bored with denim. After all, its a staple piece in wardrobes around the globe. Who doesn't loves the ease, comfort and versatility of this fashion icon? Although many pairs of denim jeans from light to dark and whiskered to ripped line my closet, I always tend to gravitate towards the same three pair; the once in a lifetime pair that fit my curves and small frame perfectly and are the perfect length for heels.

With as much energy and time invested in finding the perfect fit, its surprising that even the perfect fit can become a little dull over time. So I set my sights on discovering and falling in love with denim all over again.

Quick Tip for Transitioning Hair and Working Out

Exquisite Tresses on Twitter asked, "Do you have any tips for transitioning hair and working out?" This is a common question as naturals and those transitioning to natural hair lean towards becoming more fit and healthy. Shrinkage and sweating out your twist out are legitimate concerns.

Sporty Afros, whose mission is to establish a social platform for fitness and effective hair care for black women, may offer a number of effective tips and I recommend checking them out at http://www.sportyafros.com. Before you pay them a visit, here is the best tip I can give for maintaining transitioning hair and working out:

As a 19 month transitioner, my tip is simple. Combine your hair care routine with your workout schedule. It may take some rearrangement of your calendar and daily activities, and you may need to beat the sun out of bed but this in my opinion is the best way to make fitness and natural hair work for you.

Take a Front Row Seat for the ABC's of Skin Care

If you've been wondering how to capture healthy flawless skin, come to school and take a front row seat for the ABC's of skin care.

A-Admire: Admire your skin and most of all admire yourself because flawless skin is possible

B-Balance: Balance health and fitness with your skin care for optimal results / Learn about pH balance and how it affects your skin

C-Cleanse: Cleanse your skin at least twice per day and twice each time; creamy cleanser for dry skin and gel cleanser for oily skin

Skin Care Series: What's Your Skin Type?

Knowing your skin type is the second step in your path to beautifully flawless skin. The first step is understanding the skin's function and why healthy skin is important. Although the foundation of the quality of your skin is genetically predetermined, your skin type will determine what products you'll use and which services your skin can handle. If you use the wrong products, your skin will quickly object. If the wrong services are rendered your skin will react negatively.

It is also important to note that skin types are different from skin conditions. Your skin type is what you are born with and is directly related to your pore size. Your pore size basically determines the amount of oil secreted. A skin condition is caused by external influences such as beauty products, weather, environment, stress, medications, hormones, and age. Your skin condition can be mistaken as your skin type so it is important to know the difference.

The five basic skin types are:

1. Normal: Not dry nor oily within 2 hours of cleansing
2. Normal to Dry: Dry, flaky, tight skin after cleansing
3. Normal to Oily: Oily within 2 hours of cleansing
4. Combination: oily usually in the t-zone (center of face from forehead to nose) area within 2 hours of cleansing and dry in the cheeks
5. Sensitive Skin: Irritated skin after cleansing

Skin conditions can include:

1. Sensitive skin
2. Dry/dehydrated skin (can be mistaken as dry skin type)
3. Aging skin
4. Acne (can also be considered a skin type due to genetic factors)
5. Eczema
6. Psoriasis
7. Rosacea
8. Dermatitis

Skin types and skin conditions can be interrelated but knowing and understanding your skin type is the first step to proper skin care. In future posts I will discuss each skin type.

Shimmer Me All Over!

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks $39
These Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks are gorgeous! What I love about Shimmer Brick powder is that it's versatile; you can use it alone on your cheeks for a subtle glow, over your favorite blush, for a wash of shimmer on your lids, or even a light sweep along your decolletage. It's a subtle hint of long lasting color.

My favorite Shimmer Brick is Beige. At $39 per compact you may be looking for an alternative. Try Physician Formula Strips. Get them for $10.97 at Walmart. Take a look in my beauty closet!

The Natural Hair Diet: 10 Delicious Foods Called the Natural Hair Power-Foods

Deep condition, moisturize, hydrate! Those are important steps in retaining length and nurturing strong, healthy natural hair. But when it comes to healthy hair, its more than what you put in it. It's what you put into your body that is the foundation upon which your hair is grown. The Natural Hair Diet revolves around 10 delicious foods called the Natural Hair Power-Foods.

Hair needs nutrients to thrive and achieve optimum growth and optimum health. The Natural Hair Power-Foods include the best sources of vitamins, protein, omega 3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. These include Biotin, Vitamin B-12, Niacin aka Vitamin B3, and Vitamins C, E, D, and A. You can base entire meals around these 10 power-foods but all you need to do is incorporate them into your meals or eat them as snacks between meals. An overall balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins will keep hair healthy.

Ballet Flats are Hugging Feet All Over the World

For the longest time I refused to wear ballet flats as I watched them line the shelves of shoe and apparel stores. Besides the fact that flats are foreign to my "been wearing heels since high school" feet, they seemed like a fad that would disappear quickly once the gimmick was over. Now that I'm on my feet sometimes 12 to 14 hours a day, transitioning from work to school and from school to events, my feet are in desperate need of a break. 

One of the recent events I attended as a volunteer was the DIFFA fashion event and silent auction. To prepare for a long evening, I headed over to H&M and found a nice pair of dressy black open toe ballet flats because I refuse to wear closed toe flats, and a small clutch with a wrist handle to carry my girly essentials. Although I didn't have to put them to use that night, it was the anticipated feeling of relief that kept me at a steady pace as the night edged on. I have since worn them to work several times and my days have been less tiring and my feet much happier.

I won't be boxing up my heels anytime soon but my feet definitely deserve a little TLC from time to time and another pair of ballet flats may be in my future. TOMS is now offering a line of ballet flats to their ever popular collection of shoes, which support their One for One Movement. For every pair of TOMS shoes purchased, a pair is given to a child in need in developing countries around the world.

Xoxo,

Naumi