The Best Primer for Oily Skin

As of the other day, I was probably one of the last oily skinned makeup junkies on earth who hadn't tried using Milk of Magnesia as a foundation primer. Well I have been using it recently and OMGOSH I just can't believe this stuff actually works! I was very skeptical at first but I decided to given in since so many people of youtube were raving about it.

To show you all just what I mean I took pictures of my how my face looked throughout the day.

 


8:30am - I just finished applying my foundation concealer for the day.

9:00am - I'm getting ready to leave for work.

11:30am - On break at work. Normally, by this time my nose is so oily I have to blot away the shine but not today. I did notice my skin wasn't as matte as it was when I first applied makeup but it's such a big difference what I'm used to seeing by this time of day.

4:00pm - It's the end of the day. After work I had some errands to run and a meeting across town. The temperature outside was at least 80 degrees. But even with all I had to do today and hot temperatures my foundation looked great all day long.

 end of the day. no filter.

 If you have combination oily skin or just oily skin I HIGHLY recommend you try Milk of Magnesia as an oil control primer. 

 

 

My Skincare Regimen 2013

 It has been highly requested that I share with you all my skincare regimen and give some advice as to how I cleared up my acne and hyperpigmentation.

First off let's start with my regimen:

Morning: I usually like to wash my face at night then in the morning I just splash a little water to wake me up and use some toner ( I like using a refreshner toner). Then I'll moisturize and then apply my makeup or just sunscreen if I'm not wearing any that day.

Night: This is when I do most of the work. I start by removing any eye makeup and face makeup. Next I cleanse. This is a really important step for me and I recommend EVERYONE who wears makeup do this! If I had a lot of face makeup on that day or if my skin is really oily from the day I'll cleanse a second time. Usually by the second cleanse I'm satisfied. Another really important step, is to exfoliate. I only exfoliate 2-3 times a week. After exfoliating, I tone my skin and then apply moisturizer.

Products Used:

Equate Eye Makeup Remover

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes

Cetaphil Cleanser

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Foaming Scrub

CVS Brand Refreshner Toner

**Most of these are temporary products that will be replaced in the near future**

Beautiful Textures Curl Definer Styling Custard

As soon as I returned back to my TWA I immediately felt the urge to go out buy some new products for my new short do. This Beautiful Textures Curl Definer was the first one I picked up. Last year I tried the Beautiful Textures Curl Control Defining Pudding and found that the product worked well under gels to help soften the amount of crunch once my hair dried. So I figured this custard would probably be good for my wash n gos since I was looking for something that would define but without all the crunch and weighing down.

Texture: The texture of this product reminds me so much of homemade flaxseed gel. The slimy silky texture feels great after just co-washing because it just glides through your curls with no problem. If you're looking for a consistency that's like the ECO Styler Gels then this ain't it. It's really light.

Hold: If I were to rank this products hold I would say it all depends on how much you use. For a light hold, use just a little to lightly coat the strands. For more hold, be sure to section the hair off and fully saturate the hair and apply more if needed. I got a little crunch when I applied the product with a heavier hand.



Drying Time: I think because of this product's light weight texture it speeds up the drying time. I noticed my wash n gos dried a little faster when I used the Curl Definer.

Price: The price of course wasn't bad at all. That's one of the things I like about the Beautiful Textures products they're affordable!

Availability: I purchased mine from Sally's but I've noticed this brand popping up in Walmart, Drugstores, and my local beauty supply stores.

These are my results from using the Beautiful Textures Curl Definer

 

Overall Results: Overall, I like the product. It did what it was supposed to do. BUT I did notice after about day 2 of doing my wash n gos I had little snowflakes falling from my head...not a good look.

CurlKit Goodies

 

CurlKit was nice enough to send me another one of their CurlKits to share with you all this month. CurlKit is a monthly subscription service that allows you each month to try out new products that are pretty descent sizes.

This month the box includes:

1. CB Smoothie Hair Milk

2. Lia Naturals Shampoo Bar 

3. Bel Nouvo Conditioner

4. Luscious Locks Hair Mask

5. N-Oyl Hair & Body Oil 

6. CurlMax Shampoo & Conditioner 

7. Duafe's De'Funk <<<< I'm really excited to try this product out!

 

If you're interested in purchasing a CurlKit or any of the products mentioned you can order them by clicking here.

Flawless Foundation Routine

To some this routine may be seem like a lot but beauty is pain... or time lol. Flawless skin is what it is all about!

Products Used: 

-L.A. Girls Pro Concealer -Warm Honey

Concealer Tip: When applying your concealer or foundation under the eyes, look up to the ceiling to stretch that under eye skin so you can get into all those little cracks and crevices.

-Maybelline Super Stay Foundation- Caramel

-MAC Studio Finish Concealer- NC 42

-Ruby Kisses Powder Foundation

-MAC Mineralized Skinfinish Natural-Dark

Foundation Tip: After you have applied your foundation and powders, if you feel like your skin looks too matte spray a finishing spray like MAC Fix+ or ELF's Mist and Set to add a life back into your skin!

-Ben Nye Foundation Cream Foundation

-MAC Blush-Blunt

 

4 Things to Consider Before Getting a Tapered TWA

After having my tapered fro' for a month the most important thing I've learned was that the short do was actually kinda high maintenance. Most days I would have to co-wash, style, and then blow dry my hair for at least 15-20 mins. 15 to 20 mins may not seem like a lot to some but imagine having to do that every day and to blow dry for such a long time my hair still wouldn't be dry.... yeah! I also experienced some growth within the month which meant I would have to get frequent cuts. This cut has it's pros and cons but the biggest pro is that it's such a fly natural hairstyle. So I have put together my top 4 tips to consider before tapering your short do.

1.Know how short you want your cut.

If you want to keep some length all over your hair, know that you may not be able to really see the tapered cut as well and your hair may just end up looking like a regular teeny weeny afro. Look online for inspiration.

2.Go to a PROFESSIONAL!

I can't stress this enough. Going to someone that is not only a professional but knows how to cut hair AND natural hair at that is essential in getting the job done right the first time for this cut. Sometimes doing it yourself or getting a friend to do it may leave your uneven or even worse damaged because of how they cut the hair.



3.Be prepared to go back for more.

It wasn't until I cut my hair into the tapered twa that I really was able to see just how fast my hair grows. I had my cut for less than a month and I had areas of my head that were growing out like a Chia pet commercial.



 

4. Keep in mind your curl patterns.

If you're someone like me that likes to wear your hair curly then this tip is for you. I have several curl patterns in my hair, the back is WAY tighter and kinkier than the front, so when I styled my hair and even getting it cut I had to keep in mind that that back portion of my head would shirk up a lot more than the front once dry.

HAIR UPDATE! Life After the Big Chop #2

 



 

Maggie cut my hair

Twistout Fail!

I have tried several times to do a twistout with my new cut and it never comes out how I want it.

One of the many things I love about the cut is that it shows more of face which allows me to wear more bold lipsticks.

 

Tapered TWA Styling

Products Used:

-SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

-Curls Curl Souffle

-Kimble Hair Care Bounce Back Curl

Design Essentials Hydrience Argan Moisturizing Crème

Last year I posted a video and an Instagram picture on the Design Essentials Natural Defining Creme Gel results. Immediately after I saw the results I was impressed by the amount of shine and definition that the pudding like product gave my hair. So I wanted to share their newest product with you all who are looking for a new moisturizer. Design Essentials just released it's new Hydrience Argan Moisturizing Crème which I'm really excited to try because of all the benefits it claims to offer.

Antioxidant: Hair ages too! Argan oil contains vitamin E, a well-known antioxidant which fights natural damage occurring from environmental stressors to the hair at the cellular level.

Hair Repair:  Whether from over processing with chemicals or excessive heat through the use of styling tools, using products infused with Argan oil over time will help reverse damage to the hair by strengthening and mending split ends.

Soften Up:  As a natural oil, Argan penetrates the hair to soften strands and improve elasticity.

Protect Yourself: Using an Argan oil hairdress or moisturizer will protect hair from thermal and environmental damage by creating a barrier around the hair.

Strength in Numbers: Weakened hair benefits from products designed to gradually add strength to strands. Argan oil fortifies the hair by strengthening the protein bonding structures of the hair

Ban Breakage: If hair is weakened from sharp combs, brushes or hair tools, Argan oil helps to moisturize the hair, thus lessening tangles, snags and breakage.  

Fight Fading:  When hair is color treated, UV rays, stripping shampoos and heat from styling tools can dull once-vibrant color. Argan oil helps prevent fading by protecting the hair, as well as providing light-reflecting shine to enhance color.

Healing Balm: Not just for hair, Argan is beneficial to the skin as well. Argan oil contains Vitamin F, a key component which stimulates skin and hair growth.

Shine Bright: Adding natural sheen and gloss, Argan oil gives natural sheen. When combined with other natural moisturizers, like Olive, Jojoba and Coconut oils - all of which are found in Design Essentials® Hydrience Argan Moisturizing Créme-- hair will have maximum gloss

 Manage Your Mane: Tangles and flyaways block your style profile. Using a lightweight hairdress with Argan oil increases manageability for combing, brushing and for achieving bouncy styles.

Moisture to the Max:  Natural oils add and help to seal moisture into the hair. Some may find using oils by themselves too heavy, so a lightweight product containing Argan oil helps to deliver the benefits of moisture without sticky or greasy residue

Check out this demo to see how it's used:

Pamper Me Party

Hi ladies,

I would like to invite you all to our 1st Pamper Me Party!!! We will be doing hair, nails, and makeup. There will also be hair and makeup demonstrations to help you look your best for any occasion. This event is for EVERYONE, no matter what your hair texture is come on out.



Services done by:

Hair: Maggie Lewis (The Lather Lounge)

Makeup: Cristin Jefferson and Charlene Kongolo

Nails: Azia B Nails

 

When: May 19, 2013 4-6pm

Where: The Lather Lounge 2902 B. Hillsborough Rd., Durham, NC.

There is no entry fee unless you would like a service done. 

 

If you have any questions please contact me at cristigold@gmail.com

 

Updated Product List

Here's a list of the products I am currently using. There's a lot of oldies and a couple of newbies added :)

Conditioner:

• Herbal Essence Honey I'm Strong Conditioner


• Aussie Moist Conditioner

Shampoo:

• Curls Creamy Curl Cleanser


• Herbal Essence Honey I'm Strong Shampoo

Moisturizer:

• Sheamoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie


• Jane Cater Solution Nourish and Shine


• Koils by Nature Hair and Body Butter

Gel/Stylers:

• Eco Styler Argan Oil


• Silk Elements Straight Edges


• Design Essentials Curl Stretching Cream

Oils:

• Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Heat Protectants:

• GVP Silk Remedy


• Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray

Deep Conditioners/Treatments:

• Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment


• Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment


• Organic Root Simulator Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner

 

Classic/ Bridal Makeup

I can not tell you all how much I love a good winged liner, lashes, and red lip. It's such a classic look that you just can't go wrong with. Not to mention it's great for any occasion!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0IPy--Rbp0&lc=f6b5qlrncG1R2AzU4o5bdV10ANjIcBf_U9cHAX642HI
Face:

-Makeup Forever HD Foundation in #177 (contour)

-Mac Studio Finish Concealer in NC 42

-MAC Mineralized Skinfinish in Dark

-MAC Blunt

-MAC Darkly My Dear Blush (limited edition)

Eyes:

-MAC eyeshadows: Ricepaper, Arena, Embark, Folie

-Coastal Scents e/s M24

-Wet n Wild Gel Liner in Black

-Loreal Voluminous Mascara

Lips:

-Wild n Crazy Lipliner in

-Wet n Wild lipstick in Purty Persimmon

-No name dollar store berry colored lipliner

 

Glitter Party Eyes!!!

Last tutorial of the YEAR!!! Check it out below.

PS:For some reason the glitter wasn't picking up as sparkly as it was in person ;(

 

Products used:

Face:

-MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NC45 and NC42

-MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Dark

-Makeup Forever HD Foundation in #177

-Ben Nye Banana Powder

Cheeks:

-MAC Blunt Blush

-NYX Pinky Blush

 

Eyes:

-Sephora Pantone Palette

-Smashbox Studio Eye Pop Palette

-MAC eyeshadows: Scene and Saddle

-Maybelline Color Tattoo in Silver Strike

-NYX Glitter Mania in Disco Ball

Lips in Video:

-Nikka K lipstick in Beach Fuschia

-MAC Lipstick in Petals and Peacocks

-NYX Lipliner in Magenta

Lips in Photos:

-NYX l/l in Magenta

-NYX l/l in Dolly Pink

-Revlon Matte l/s in Stormy Pink

-Revlon Lipgloss in Pink Pop

Gunmetal Eyes

 

I recently picked up one of the new and now permanent pressed pigments from MAC called Enlightment. It's a really pretty silver glittery shadow. So the day after buying it I had to wear it work with a dark gunmetal smokey eye. So here are the products I used:

 

Face:

-Studio Sculpt Foundation in NW43

-Mineralize Skinfinish in Dark

-Studio Finish Concealer in NC42 (highlight) and NC45 (above brows)

Cheeks:

-Iman Sheer Finish Bronzing Powder in Clay

-MAC Mineralize Blush in Love Joy

Eyes:

-MAC Ricepaper e/s

-MAC Saddle e/s

-MAC Embark e/s

-Sephora Patone Palette

-Smashbox Studio Pop Eye  Palette

-MAC Enlightment Pressed Pigment

-Salon Perfect Demi Wispies Lashes

Lips:

-NYX Lipstick in Honey

-Revlon Lipgloss (I don't know the name but it's the clear one with glitter in it)

Skincare FAQs!

In a couple of my most recent videos I have mentioned several times that I have been trying to clear up my skin for the past year or so. As I look back at where my skin was four years ago and where it is now I am extremely happy and satisfied with my skin! Some of you may know I am in school for esthetics right now and I have to say I have learned so much already about the importance of taking care of your skin. I also want to recognize a fellow Youtuber named Foxynerd101, who's videos have helped me get started on the clear skin journey.

How did you clear up your skin?

-I started by just starting a skincare regimen. Then I changed my eating habits, I started working out more, and I started drinking A LOT MORE WATER!!!!

When did you start to see results?

-Once I started my skincare regimen I started to see results pretty quickly, in terms of fewer breakouts and then the fading of the hyper-pigmentation on my face. In 2012, I feel I have seen my skin clear up even more because I started to drink a lot of water this year and I also changed my lifestyle.

What products do you use?

-Makeup Remover: Neutrogena Makeup Remover wipes or Walmart Brand Makeup Remover Wipes

-Facial Wash: Clean and Clear Essentials Foaming Facial Cleanser

-Scrub: St. Ives Apricot Scrub

-Toner: Witch Hazel

-Moisturizer: Ponds Dry Skin Cream (Night), Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion (Day)

What is your skincare regimen now?

-If I'm wearing a full face of makeup, I will remove it first with a makeup remover wipe. Then I apply my cleanser. To really remove dirt, oil, makeup and it also kinda exfoliates my skin a bit I use my Sally's facial brush. Depending on the day, next I'll apply a scrub. Then my toner and next depending on the time of day I'll either apply my nighttime or daytime moisturizer. I also have incorporated my PMD, click here to  see my review, so I use that probably once or twice a month.

Are you still using the PMD?

-Yes, I am still using the PMD. I still stand by my review of the device. Once again, I'm going to say be careful when using it because I had two or three scars from where I guess I held the device on for too long.

If you all have anymore questions, please feel free to ask them.

My Foundation+Concealer Shades

MAC:

-Studio Sculpt Foundaiton-NW 43

-Studio Finish Concealer- NC 45 (actual shade) & NC 30 (used for dramatic highlight)

-Mineralized Skin Finish- Dark

Black Opal:

-True Color Cream to Powder Foundation- Rich Caramel (used to highlight)

-True Color Stick Foundation- Truly Topaz

-Flawless Color Concealer- Toast (used as subtle highlight)

-Cover and Clear- Honey

Maybelline:

-Dream Liquid Mousse- Dark 2

Makeup Forever

-HD Foundation-#177 (summertime foundation)

Revlon:

-Colorstay Foundation- Caramel

 

My Top 5 Blushes Swatches

Here are the swatches for my top 5 favorite blushes. If you haven't already seen the video, be sure to watch it because give advice on what colors work best for certain skin tones.

1st Impressions of the Perfect Results Curl and Twist Definer

I dare you to try saying the name of this product 3 times really fast. Go!



I picked this product up the other day at my local beauty supply store for $8.99. Don't you just love it when hair products cost $10 and less :) So far I'm really in love with this product and I think I may have found the PERFECT STYLER!

 

What's great about this product:

-It's only $8.99

-Doesn't flake

-Has a nice hold but my hair remains soft after it dries

-Defines curls immediately and you don't need a lot

-The scent is light

-And it does what it says...Winner!!!

 

The consistency of this product is thick and a mix between a gel and a pudding. So far I've only used it for my twist outs and I LOVE how they have turned out. I imagine if I were to use this for my wash n go I would only be able to get one day out of it (them curls would be on point though lol) because the hold is medium.

 

Josephine Baker/ Flapper Girl Look

Products Used:

Brows:

-Glue Stick

-Mehron Tattoo Cover Wheel

-Milani Face Powder

Face:

-Ben Nye Banana Powder

-Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse (dark 2)

-Black Opal True Color Creme to Powder Foundation (rich caramel)

-Iman Blotting Powder (medium)

-Ben Nye Cream Foundation

-MAC Blunt Blush

-MAC Darkly My Dear Blush

Eyes:

-88 Neutral Palette from Coastal Scents

-NYX Jumbo Pencil (black bean)

-Ben Nye Eyeliner Pencil (black)

-Salon Perfect Demi Wispies Lashes

 

Props:

-Feather/Flower Clip (Party City)

-Cigarette Holder (Party City)

-Dress and shoes (Target)

-Pearl earrings and necklace (mom's closet)

Watch the Transformation Product List

 

Hair:

-Koils by Nature Heavenly Delight Hair and Body Butter

Face:

-Mehron Celebre HD Pro Foundation (Dark 1)

-Black Opal Stick Foundation (Truly Topaz)

-Ben Nye Banana Powder

-MAC Blunt Blush

-MAC Sweet As Cocoa Blush

Eyes:

-Ben Nye Eyeliner (Brown Black )

-MAC Corduroy Eyeshadow (as used on brows)

-CoverGirl Lash Blast

Lips:

-NYX Lipgloss ( Red Tint)

-Revlon Matte Lipstick (Stormy Pink)

 

In case you missed it, here's the video on how I did my hair: