Tuesday, January 28, 2014 0 comments

My secret to a great manicure

 As a mom it is near impossible to give yourself a great manicure. As soon as you get that last coat of polish your instantly regreting this decision. You remember the laundry needs to be folded, dishes need to be put away, "Why isn't this drying faster!". You can still give yourself a salon manicure without the cost and the smudges by taking a 30 minute break and focusing on yourself (it's ok, the laundry can wait).

First get your tools ready. You will need:

Nail Polish Remover and Cotton Balls
Nail Clippers
Nail File
Cuticle Remover
Orange Stick (Cuticle Pusher)
Cuticle Clippers
Nail Buffer
Polish of your choice
Hand Moisturizer
Cuticle Cream

1. Using Nail Polish Remover, remove all previous nail polish and oils.
2. Clip nails to desired length then file edges. I prefer short nails.
3. Using Cuticle Remover, apply along cuticle and let set for 1 minute. Then using an orange stick, push cuticles back. Any extra cuticle can be removed using clippers. Wash Hands.
4. Using the Nail Buffer buff nails until they are nice and smooth. I think this is the secret weapon to a fake gel manicure!

5. Now paint your nails. You may ask, "Where's the base coat?"...and my answer is, "Aint nobody got time for that!" I used two coats of Sinful Colors in Tempest, one coat of Sally Hansen Crackle in Fractured Foil, then two coats of Wet n Wild matte top coat. I still don't know how I feel about the matte top coat, but I'm really trying to like it.

6. Finish your manicure by applying cuticle cream and moisturizer. I reapply cuticle cream every morning and night. Now sit back, enjoy a glass of wine, and try to resist the urge to touch anything for 10 minutes. Let the countdown begin!
Wednesday, January 22, 2014 0 comments

My hair product routine

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My hair product routine

Do you hate taking a shower knowing the amount of time it's going to take you to style your hair? Do you have to take a break half way through blow drying to rest? I do! I have spent the last 15 years of my life going against what God gave me. I have naturally curly hair and lots of it. As I have gotten older though, I have noticed hair loss and less volume. Though years of trying products I can tell you that you get what you pay for. I was using Garnier Fructis Length and Strength shampoo and conditioner. My hair was to the middle of my back when I noticed how badly it looked. The strands were split and damaged due to blow drying, straightening, and dying. I honestly thought that I just had "bad hair". I then got 7 inches cut off and started doing my research. I have noticably starting losing strands around my hair line. I wanted a shampoo that was going to work at the scalp to strengthen hair and create a smooth cuticle. I then wanted a conditioner that would smooth the hair and help with shine. I luckily found this duo at ULTA and have loved it ever since. Yes, these are two seperate brands but together they create soft supple hair with no residue. Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo (ULTA $15) and Redken All Soft conditioner (ULTA $15). These products lasted me 2.5 months. You do have to use the shampoo for about a month before your hair will get used to it. At first you will not see a lather and you may experience some dandruff while your scalp adjusts...stick with it! You will love your hair after 1 month. I then wrap my hair in a towel for around 10 minutes just to get some moisture out. I brush my hair with a large paddle brush and flip my head up side down while applying these next products. (Flipping your head upside down will prevent you from applying product to your scalp which will prevent volume) First I apply a small dime size amount of got 2b Oil-licious. I found mine at Walgreens for about $7. Then I use a quarter size amount of the Redken Blown Away 09. This will prevent heat damage. Then I apply the Pureology Super Smooth Serum. All curly girls should use this when straightening! It smooths hair and creates shine. After straightening with a large round brush I will put my hair in curlers. I use Remington Hot Curlers (20 peice set)...LOVE these hot rollers!!! After taking the rollers out (I leave mine in for 15 minutes) spray an oil on your hair such as Orgaix. After setting the curls where you want them spray TRESeme freeze hold Level 5 onto your hair. Your curls should last all day!
 
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