Beautiful Skin is In!

You know I can't hold out on my fellow Curlies. I've started a new skin care routine and I'm noticing IMMEDIATE  results! Christine over at Temptalia.com interviewed Renee Rouleau, an esthetician who warns against over-exfoliating facial skin with the Clarisonic. Instead, she suggests alternating weeks of chemical and physical exfoliation, and using adequate moisturizer. Click here for the full interview.

Here's what I've been using for my dry skin. Make sure you choose products for your skin type.

Week 1
Cleanse with Philosophy Purity Made Simple
Exfoliate with Philosophy Microdlivery Peel (day 1)
Apply Reviva Labs Glycolic Acid facial toner (vitacost.com)
Moisturize with Philosophy Hope in a Jar Dry, Sensitive skin

Week 2
Cleanse using Oil-Cleanse Method
Exfoliate with Honey Olive Oil Sugar scrub, 2-3x/week  (3 TB Olive Oil, 2 TB Honey, 1/2 C sugar)
Moisturize with Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew serum and
Philosophy Hope in a Jar

My skin is so clear, virtually pore-less. My face looks healthy and glowing. Old acne scars are fading and I don't need to wear foundation, just a bit of concealer. I am sticking with this routine, and I hope it works for you if you give it a try. Always remember to eat well, drink water, exercise and rest. Vitamins can also be a great supplement. Leave a comment and let us know what works for your skin!

Jiggaboos and Wanna-Bees

I love Chris Rock for making this movie, exploring the topic of "good hair" in our community, and owning up to the fact that there is still self-hatred and ignorance among us. I hope this film is an eye opener, and that women see themselves in this film.

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaake Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuup!"- Spike Lee's "School Daze"

Beauty Insider #4

Summer's in full effect, which means mini skirts and shaving. For a silky, smooth shave, try this tip: use an exfoliating body scrub on legs BEFORE you shave. You'll remove dead skin, and prepare legs for a smoother shave. Definitely use a hydrating shave cream, and follow up with your fave moisturizer afterwards.

Beauty Insider #3

Use a brush cleaner to spot clean make up brushes daily. Transfer the cleaner to a small 4 oz. spray bottle. When you're done applying makeup, spray a little bit on a paper towel, and a little on the brush. Wipe the brushes clean using swiping motions on the towel. I usually do this before bed and my brushes are ready to use in the morning. I deep clean brushes 2x month with baby shampoo and water.

Beauty Insider #2

Keep a Beauty journal. There is so much information out there- on blogs, message boards and magazines. It helps to jot down notes, products to try, sites to remember, and keep everything in one place. This has helped me a lot. Buy one that's super cute and small enough to throw in your purse.

Beauty Insider #1

To really make your eye shadow POP!, apply white eyeliner pencil all over lid and blend. Using an e/s brush, Pack color onto lid using patting (not sweeping) motions. Build color to desired intensity. Blend harsh lines with a clean blending brush.