Bare Face Series: Bentonite Clay

While spending time with my buddy Bethany, I was introduced to the healing properties of Bentonite Clay. Her roommate instructed us to mix the clay with water, spread on our face and not talk for 15 minutes. Of course, we had a case of the giggles and couldn't stop laughing. Two minutes later, my face began tightening up and it became hard to smile. 20 minutes later, I washed the grey mask off my skin and my skin felt like butter. I experienced a little bit of redness near my nostrils; but, the next morning my skin was so bright. I was hooked! A friend of mine bought my Bentonite from Amazon for $7.99. It can also be purchased at Whole Foods.

A Night with MAC Pink Nouveau

Just did a back to MAC and decided to pick up Pink Nouveau. How do you like?

Lash Dip :: Eyelashes for Days

So yesterday I was reading my twitter feed (follow me on twitter @jamayamoore self-promotion plug )*hee hee* but I saw something called Lash Dip on someones timeline. They were mentioning training for the product in a few cities (NY, Vegas, Chicago). I'm a training/certification junkie and once my Google wheels start churning, I won't stop until I get some answers.

After a few minutes of snooping, I discovered that Lash Dip is a phenomenal new lash product which works as a semi-permanent mascara which enhances lashes and stays on for up to 6 weeks. Say who, say what...yep you heard me right 42 DAYS! It is a coating which en-capsules your lashes with a durable, deep black solution. According to the website, the formula is formaldehyde and aniline free.

I find it interesting that Lash Dip can be used in conjunction with eyelash extensions; which, is an awesome up-sell for any lash stylist. If you are a die hard lash fanatic,  I think Lash Dip may be for you.

Cost: $200-300
http://www.lashdip.com

Bare Face Series: Simple Skin Care

Ok, so I'm kinda obsessed with clear skin. Lately, I've been leaving out the house bare faced and I'm loving it! I just added a few items to my skin care routine and they're already making a difference.

During my client consultations and appointments, I always inquire about their skin care routine. I've been flabbergasted by the number of people who wash their face with soap or just plain water (which is rinsing not cleaning). To counter that, I'm impressed by the number of clients who visit the dermatologist on a regular basis.

I believe that we are becoming increasingly aware of our skin; but, many of us lead such busy lives that it often falls by the wayside. Also, many people have not been properly educated on how to care for their skin.

Today will start my weekly skin care series, focusing on simple products/techniques that will help your skin flourish. Most products can be found at Target, Walmart, Amazon, Whole Foods or your local farmer's market. Don't worry they're budget friendly and trust me, your skin will thank you afterwards.

The Makeup Show NYC 2011

This past weekend, I trekked to NYC to join my industry comrades at The Makeup Show. I must say that this year, I really enjoyed just being in the ambiance and company of some talented and creative folks.

In my past life, I was a major shopaholic. I would literally O.D. at any makeup trade show, store or event. I've been much tighter with my wallet since I made the transition to full-time freelancer. I only bought the essential items that I've been lusting for.

I stayed up late Monday night, condensing my ENTIRE kit into the large Eve Pearl clear bag. Surprisingly, I have extra space in the bag :) I have a lot of products that are great multi-taskers so I need to free my mind and let go some of the other crap. I said farewell to all my MAC palettes and transferred all my eye shadows & blushes to my *new* Makeup Forever magnetic palettes. I am so proud of myself! I might have a sale for some of my products that I decided to take out my kit.

Here's what I bought:

8 Yaby eye shadows
Eve Pearl Clear Bag
4 Makeup Forever empty magnetic palettes
3 Cover FX concealers
OCC Airbrush Foundation (10 shades)

I didn't take any pictures this year. I was so in the zone getting my networking on. I felt more relaxed this year. I guess I was in deep thought, planning my next steps and letting all the inspiration flow through me. I really feel like this is the place where I belong in life. Makeup is has been a way for me to connect to my inner beliefs and channel it to others. It's such a fulfilling job and it's just begun!

My Natural Hair Regime: It Ain't as Easy as it Seems

I'm in love with my hair...


On October 29, 2010 I resigned from my job and cut all my hair off. Kinda drastic huh? Big changes yield bigger results. So let's cut to the chase...

So it’s been 5 months since I did the big chop and I must say that I’m really happy! I've been chemical free since May 2007 (only semi-permanent hair color). I've been blessed with hair that will stay straight within 2 centimeters of heat so transitioning was really easy. In 2009, I realized that I wanted to embrace my natural curls so I started getting weaved up thanks to the lovely team at Jehan's :) 

The weaving world is kinda similar to the natural hair world in the sense that its so many intricacies and details. There are so many products, recommendations and techniques. It can be quite an overload if you're not prepared. You have to do some major research before embarking on either journey. Luckily, one of my bff's was contemplating her big chop for about a year and did some extensive research so I asked her for recommendations.

So when I finally got the cut, I went to my regular hair stylist who also colored my hair... side note: I had some color already from when I took down my weave but it was highlighted so my stylist made the color even.

Any who, my hair felt & looked amazing afterwards! 

I don't know my curl type/pattern, I just know that my hair loves lots of moisture. For the 1st 3 months, I wore a lot of wash & go's and used my Kinky Curly leave in. Around late January I started experimenting with twist outs. I started getting lazy and stopped sleeping with my satin bonnet and noticed some breakage close to my nape area. So my hairstylist cut me back down on Valentine's Day. I coulda cried because I felt naked without my hair. 

I went on the hair forums and noticed that alot of women were using Mega-Tek which is a protein based hair stimulant mostly used on horses. Yea, u heard me HORSES. So I mix the Mega-Tek with my Jamaican Castor Oil and apply it directly to my scalp. It makes my hair really moist so I double strand twist my hair and go to bed. Sometimes, I'll keep my twists in for about 3-4 days before I take them out. But the results are always awesome and unique. 

Every 2-3 weeks, I've been using a clay mask on my hair and I noticed that my hair has been softer, curls more defined. 

Here are the products I bought/use on my hair:

Target 

Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Shampoo $9.99 

Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Conditioner $9.99

Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave in Conditioner $11.99

Miss Jessie's Curly Meringue $28 (I didn't like the residue and crunchy feel...stopped using)

Curl Mart

JessieCurl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment $16.95

Amazon

Jamaican Black Castor Oil $12.00

Mega Tek $27.40

Random

Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter $10 (bought used)

Rhassoul Clay $10

Cassia Clay $10

Apologies for the long post, but taking care of natural hair is a JOB and shouldn't be considered lightly. I thought it was a joke and see what happened to me (breakage & a new hair cut). It takes some research and investment because products aren't cheap. I love my curls and wouldn't change them for the world!

Blog Talk Radio

I try to listen to my favorite shows on Blog Talk Radio but sometimes I can't. Luckily, they have on-demand listening and podcasts so I never miss out on the action. 

30 Days to 100%

I just had a magnificent conference call with two of my industry besties, about Crystal Wright's workbook, 30 Days to 100%. To be honest, I've seen Crystal's name on programs for the Makeup Show's but I never sat in one of her seminars because

Vision Board

I just finished my 2011 vision board! I'm gonna toot my own hoot and say that it's absolutely phenomenal!!!

Here's a brief interpetation of what my board represents: