I bought some eyeliners by the brand Prestige at a local drugstore and was very impressed.  Please watch the video for my review!

 

Let's start off this article by saying that it's hard to find hair products targeted to work for all types of hair, including ethnic.  The "normal to fine" hair aisle at the average drugstore is usually vast and extensive.  They are chock full of every variety of hair products man can make, and the brands probably use every letter in the alphabet.  Then, we have the one little shelf at the end of the aisle with the ethnic products by brands like "Dark & Lovely" and "Softsheen".  You'll find hair grease/pomade, relaxers, deep conditioners and always  some form of hair growth stimulant oil like "Doo Grow".  Needless to say, the selection seems very limited and I find it truly annoying.

That's why I was surprisingly refreshed when I first visited the Ecru New York website and realized their products aren't necessarily targeted for one hair type alone.  Everyone can dig in and obtain positive results from using their products.  A person I know who has very natural, curled up, kinky hair was the one who told me about this line.  He specified that the Protective Silk Conditioner ($22.00 USD, 8 Fl. Oz.) left his hair feeling soft and manageable for styling, whilst enhancing the curls and shine.  I, of course, could not wait to get my hands on this conditioner, and, hopefully, other products from this line.

I not only obtained the Protective Silk Conditioner, I also got the Silk Nourishing Spray ($24.00 USD, 5.1 Fl. Oz), the Silk Nectar Serum ($32.50 USD), 1.3 Fl. Oz), and the Luxe Treatment Shampoo ($22.00 USD, 8. Fl. Oz).  Collectively, these products did wonders on my hair just from the first day of use.  Please take a look at this picture I took of myself only one day after treating my hair with them.  The shine is amazing and I cannot even begin to describe how soft my hair felt.  I didn't even have to straighten it because the curls were so beautiful.  I sat under the dryer with rollers on for approximately 45 min. (my hair is currently long) and that was the outcome when the rollers came off!

My favorite product is probably the Luxe Treatment Shampoo because of how richly it foams up when I am washing my hair, and it doesn't leave my strands feeling too stripped of moisture like most shampoos do after rinsing.  My second preference has to be the Silk Nourishing Spray which is a leave-in conditioner.  I sprayed a generous amount all over my hair before doing my rollers, and I think it added onto the experience.  The Silk Nectar Serum is also good because of how lightweight it is and it smells fabulous.  It gives hair just the right amount of shine without leaving it heavy or greasy.

Oh, and if you're wondering what type of hair I have, it is naturally wavy/curly, and I've been relaxing it ever since the age of 9.  As you know, relaxed hair, or just chemically processed hair in general, should be treated with special products and extra care.  So, if you have hair like me or the person who suggested these products, I say give Ecru New York a try!

I'm known for being funky.  It might be a phase, a very long phase since it's been years, but I am all about bright colors.   Especially for the Summer and Spring!  And since it's right about that time again, I thought I'd show you all my favorite nail polish shade from BB Couture!  It's called Zuma Wave Rider and it's a pale blue.  It's loud, but it's not screaming!  I like that.  This shade would probably make great contrast with yellow, purple and hot pink shades of clothing.  If you're a girl with edge, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

BB Couture not only carry nail lacquers, they have an extensive line of additional products such as the very unique Massage Moisturizing Candles ($24.95) which are infused with healthy oils to moisturize the skin.  Their Grip Base ($10.95) polish also sounds like a must-have for the nail freaks because it helps the nail polish stay on longer all while conditioning the nails.

Their color nail polish sell for $8.95 each and I do have to say that I love how smoothly it went on my nails and it wasn't really necessary for me to apply a shine coat afterwords.  Their colors do not dry dull which is a plus if you're lazy and want to skip the finishing step!  To check out their wide range of lights, brights and darks plus other nail essentials, visit their website at www.bbnailpolish.com!

 I felt the need to create this article because I believe that all of us should always investigate, research and question what we read on the internet.  Keeping in mind that the internet is accessible to almost anyone these days, we should always go look for a "second opinion" as we would with doctors.  And maybe a third, or a fourth just to confirm.

The main reason for this piece is having seen a fellow "beauty expert" make several videos about Olive Oil being a great cleanser for the face.   She has advertised it as a great make-up remover and also claims that Olive Oil does not clog your pores.  UNTRUE!

Not only can I testify based on my own experience, but there are plenty of articles online (like this one) that can tell you the same thing:  YES, OLIVE OIL DOES CLOG PORES AND WILL POTENTIALLY CAUSE BREAKOUTS.  One can use this naturally conditioning oil maybe to remove eye make-up, and even then, it should be washed off right after.  In fact, if we're going to look at the bigger picture, I'm sure CRISCO can remove make-up as well.  Most people tend to have sensitive or acne-prone skin.  Not everyone out there is blessed with resiliently flawless skin like that "beauty expert" I mentioned.  I mean, she puts kitty litter on her face as a mask and recommends that we use a cheap battery powered toothbrush to exfoliate our faces.   I actually did try the toothbrush thing, only to regret it deeply 3 months later when I still couldn't get my face to stop flaking and feeling like sandpaper.  So needless to say, I hardly listen to any of her "unique" tips any more.  

Like everyone else, I had also heard about how great Olive Oil can be for the skin.  And in a desperate attempt to make my own skin flawless, I actually tried to use it as a make-up remover for about a week.  Big mistake.  My already existing zits flared up like crazy and new ones came popping right out.  Never again.

So, before you go following every bit of beauty advice that any self-proclaimed beauty expert gives you, DO YOUR RESEARCH.  That's what Google is for.  Hell, you can even question this very article.  Just always remember to do YOU, do what works for YOU and never go by a pretty face.  Your skin is nothing like mine, so what works for me may not work for you.  Be safe about your beauty, ya'll! : )