Fashion & Beauty Ethos: Makeup Brushes 101 + How To Clean Brushes >> Video

I love everything about each look - It makes me want to experiment with color [source]

The key to achieving a flawless face is attributed in part to the tools you use. If you're in the market for new tools and don't know where to begin, read on for the deets. To keep it simple, we are only going to cover what I deem the essentials; the brushes every fashionista should have in her makeup arsenal.  

Eyes Brushes & Applicators by M·A·C
Brushes & Applicators by M·A·C

MAC 150 Brush: THE best brush for sweeping on loose or pressed powder, and barely there mineral makeup. In addition, the density of the 150 brush allows you to "buff" the product on to the skin versus just depositing it there which in turn yields more of a natural finish. 

MAC 217 Brush: A favorite amongst most beauty gurus, this brush helps blend out the harsh lines during your eyeshadow application which makes more for of a soft gradient effect. This is a must have for those that wear more than one color on their lid. Smokey eye gurus will find this brush indispensable!

MAC 239 Brush: MAC's 239 brush is amazing at picking up and packing on the color, making this the go-to brush for intense and matte looks respectively. It's also the must-have tool for defining the outer corner of the eyes and precise crease work. 

MAC 242 Brush: Definitely a multi-purpose brush; reach for this dense/stiff brush if you have a small lid space [it's great for packing on color] or want to apply emollients such as an eyeshadow base, cream shadows or concealer [my personal fave].

MAC 219 Brush: Another indispensable multi-purpose brush; you can use this for precisely sweeping color under the lashline, defining the outer-v portion of your lids, as well as precise crease work. 

MAC 187 Brush: This is a recent acquisition to my makeup arsenal, and it is steadily becoming the go-to brush for applying liquid foundation, blush and bronzer. Definitely recessionista friendly considering the 187 serves 3+ functions [use it as a blush brush, foundation applicator, highlighter and powder brush]. This brush is wonderful for creating a flawless airbrushed-like finish when used as a foundation applicator. If you are looking for an all purpose facial brush, this is your gem!

How to clean your makeup brushes:

It is imperative that you deep clean your makeup brushes regularly; as they harbor dirt, excess oils, dead skin, and bacteria. Skipping deep cleaning sessions could lead to breakouts, infections and also diminish the performance of your brush. 

Here are my recommendations:

• Facial Brushes: Deep clean every 2-3 days
• Eye Shadow Brushes: Deep clean once weekly
• Eyeliner Brushes: Deep clean after each use

You Will Need:

• Shampoo 
• Conditioner
• Tea Tree Oil
• Brush Cleanser
• Small Bowl
• Clean Towel

Add a few squirts of shampoo in a shallow bowl, with a few drops of Tea Tree Oil. The shampoo gently cleanses the oils, dirt and product, while the Tea Tree Oil acts as a natural anti-bacterial agent, gently killing any bacteria present in your brushes. 

In a circular motion begin to rub your brush in the shampoo + Tea Tree Oil mixture until the brush is clean. 

Carefully rinse your brush in lukewarm water, taking care not to get water in the ferrule area of the brush [as demonstrated in the video]. Water can loosen the glue causing the brush to shed excessively, and even corrode the metal area of the brush. Rinse well until the water runs clear, and is free from bubbles. 

Once you have thoroughly removed all traces of shampoo, add some conditioner to your makeup brushes and allow to sit for about 1-2 minutes. This maintains the softness of your brushes. You don't want stiff dry brushes rubbing against your skin! 

Rinse well following the same rules; until water runs clear making sure not to get water into the ferrule portion of your makeup brushes

Reshape your brushes back into their original state and allow brushes to dry overnight on an absorbent clean cloth. 

How to clean brushes between use?

My favorite product is Parian Spirit. It is absolutely amazing. The brush dries completely in about 3 minutes, and is ready for the next application. It removes all traces of oil, dirt, makeup and disinfects as well. You can find this brush cleanser at your local professional makeup store. 

Because of the cost of this product, I only use it during makeup applications when I need to quickly cleanse a brush. 

MAC Brushes A Little Too Steep For Your Budget? Try These Comparable Recessionista-Friendly Options:

Essence Of Beauty Brushes

Sigma Makeup Brushes

Sonia Kashuk Brushes

ELF Makeup Brushes

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All About Hair: Quick Tip | Detangling + Shampoo Routine >> Video

Maintaining healthy hair begins with developing a sound regimen. Equally important is the proper handling of your hair during styling sessions [which can often be overlooked]. You must take great care in every aspect of your routine in order to ensure the most length retention coupled with the optimal overall health.

Here are the benefits of detangling prior to shampooing:

• Hair is easier to manage during styling sessions
• Speeds up styling time, as there are minimal to no tangles after shampooing + conditioning
• Ideal method to help transitioners reduce stress, tangles and matting during styling/detangling sessions
• Reduces excess stress and loss of elasticity due to wet combing

To demonstrate, I filmed this video which outlines my detangling & shampoo routine. Here's what's covered in this tutorial:

Lightly spritz hair with water+conditioner mix: Add two cups of water to about 3 heaping tablespoons of conditioner. This preps the hair for detangling by imparting softness and increasing manageability. Spritz the hair just until damp.

Divide hair into four sections: It's best to work with natural and transitioning hair in sections to minimize breakage and decrease chances of splits, tangles, matting, and knots. Shampooing in sections also helps ensure the hair has been cleansed thoroughly and is free from product buildup. 

Detangle with a seamless comb: Detangling hair while soaking wet may cause breakage and unnecessary hair loss, as it is important to remember that this is the time your hair is in it's most fragile state. I recommend detangling prior to shampooing on damp hair with a seamless comb as demonstrated in this video. A seamless comb is ideal as there is nothing for the hair to "catch" and "snag" on, which keeps the ends of your hair happy and free of splits [given the rest of your regimen is sound]. 

Start at the ends of your hair and work your way up to prevent stress and damage from detangling. 

Shampoo hair in sections: In short, shampooing hair in sections helps to keep the hair more manageable and free of tangles. It also ensures that your hair will be thoroughly cleansed given that you are working with smaller sections.  - Another useful tip is shampooing your hair in front of the mirror since it makes cleansing hard to reach areas a bit easier.

Massage scalp with fingertips: Gently massage your scalp using your fingertips in a circular motion. Using your fingertips instead of your fingernails is important to remember as not to damage the cuticle.

Check hair for buildup: Part sections of hair and check the roots for product buildup. If you notice film and/or residue, apply additional shampoo to the area and cleanse well. 

Rinse with cool water:    One of the most important steps in shampooing hair is to rinse with cold water to seal the cuticle. If the cuticles are left open, hair may appear dull, and be prone to excess tangles in addition to frizz.

Products Used In This Video:

Shampoo: Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo

Conditioner: Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose
Comb: Jilbere Shower Comb [Sally's Beauty]
Bottle: Round Spray Bottle [Sally's Beauty]

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Fashion & Beauty Ethos: 2-Min Scarf Tutorial >> Video

[by request: the music I used for the video can be found here]

A big thank you to everyone who complimented me on my head-wrap I wore in this post!! I simply used an old scarf I purchased from Forever 21, and began to wrap until I found a style I liked. The scarf is roughly 3 yards and I find that it is the perfect length to achieve this look. You can also use scraps of fabric as well! I'm thinking this would be hot utilizing African Wax Prints! 

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New YouTube Video: The Aqua Eyes Tutorial

Whoo. The things I had to go through while filming this video! You may notice the lighting changes several times throughout the video, as I got the bright idea to play with different lighting setups while filming :-|

As requested, here is the tutorial for the look I was wearing at the Forever 21 launch. Instead of doing those pre-historic pictorials, I decided to step into the new millennium and film a makeup vid. This is my first make up tutorial, so cut me some slack y'all! I will make a few more this weekend, along with some hair video's; hopefully that will give me the practice I need to polish it up a bit!

Products Used:

Stila Eyeshadow Quad - Kajiki
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Smashbox Limitless Eyeliner - Onyx
Mac Mascara - Fibre Rich Lash
239, 217, 224, & Flat Angle Brush
Mac Select Cover-Up Concealer
Ulta Lip Liner - Flesh
Nars Blush - Taj Mahal
Nars Lip Gloss - Giza
Makeup Forever Face & Body Makeup - #44

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Friday Link Love

Check out a natural hair and beauty expo in your area [GO]

Updates on The Oil Cleansing Method [which is something I do nightly] [GO]

I am in love with Zavi's hair! Check out this article which also offers a "vintage updo" tutorial [GO]

I just love Jeneen and her smart sense of style [GO]

Having healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp; check out this article for those who aren't afraid of mixing their own concoctions! [GO]

Lately I have been hearing a lot of buzz about Coastal Scents Palettes; although I admittedly haven't purchased one as of yet. Check out this review on the 42 Double Stack Shimmer Palette! [GO]

Quick Tip #2 My Pre Poo Routine

[This YT vid was filmed in HD; however the vid is still processing, so quality kind of sucks for now]

I always talk about doing anything and everything related to your hair in sections. It is much easier that way. Whether natural [keeps those coils from tangling/snapping], or transitioning [keeps the hair from matting/breaking] you will definitely start to notice a difference in length retention once you utilize this technique.

I detangle in sections!
I shampoo in sections!
I condition in sections!

This quick tip video just gives a basic over-view on how I do my pre-poo routine. I switch back and forth between the mixture demonstrated in my video, and the one from this post [there is also a pretty snazzy ayurvedic recipe]; I do the latter when I have more time. 

Here's a overview on how adding a pre-poo step in your regimen can be beneficial to your hair;

Simply put, using shampoo [especially shampoo's formulated with sulfates] strips the hair of it's natural oils [sebum]. Sebum is very important because it plays a vital role in protecting the protein structure of the hair. Doing a Pre-Poo/Pre-Shampoo Treatment preps the hair by adding moisture, therefore minimizing [in most cases eliminating] the harsh effects of shampoo. 

I used the following products in my video:
Vatika Coconut Oil [this stuff is AMAZING; actually it is better than amazing]
Navratna Oil [This is an Indian Oil I purchased from Pioneer Cash & Carry in Artesia Ca; You can sub your favorite oil if you can't find this one]
Lustrasilk Shea & Mango Butter Conditioner

You may also notice I lightly detangle AFTER adding the oil:
I find it best if I detangle my hair with some type of lubricant; as it acts somewhat like a protectant. I also like to lightly detangle while my hair is dry; it makes the detangling process much smoother later [as you know your hair is at is most fragile point when wet; get those major kinks out while dry, and it should be smooth sailing after your wash].

Quick Tip Video; Xtreme Deep Conditioning Method

I wanted to film a series of "quick tips" to touch on certain elements of my hair regimen. So here is the first installment.

Let me first mention that I only do this Xtreme Deep Conditioning method after a Henna Treatment, OR Sebastian 2+1 Treatment [2 parts moisture, 1 part protein] only. If this treatment is done too often, it can cause your hair to be over-moisturized. This treatment should not under any circumstances take the place of your normal deep conditioning regimen.

I found out about this deep conditioning method growing up as a salon baby; as I would witness stylists create "special ad-ons" which would run anywhere from $15-30 per session. These are usually treatments that are marketed towards repairing severely damaged hair. Most of these procedures you can do in your own home, this is one of them.

They actually sell "2+1 irons" for this purpose, however you can use flat irons covered in foil as demonstrated in my video. - This treatment does not straighten the hair, or loosen the curl pattern.

To Deep Condition: 
I start off with a clean, old plug-in flat iron [mine was about $25.00]
Cover the flat iron w/clean foil
Apply conditioner liberally throughout sectioned hair
"Flat iron" each section on the lowest setting [mine is usually set to 250]
After flat ironing each section; let sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with cold water to seal moisture, and close the cuticle.


Benefits:
Steam/heat is used to open the cuticles, allowing hair to fully absorb the vitamins and nutrients in your conditioner.
Rinsing in cold water helps seal moisture deep into the hair shaft
Reduces deep conditioning time
Imparts an incredible amount of sheen and softness

Precautions:
As mentioned in the video, this treatment should be done in monthly intervals [6-8 weeks is my schedule]
Flat iron should be on the lowest setting, and covered in foil

Henna Gloss: The Tutorial

[quality may be a little crappy, as the video is still processing]

Hey guys, so I finally got around to editing and uploading this video. This is how I do my Henna Gloss applications every 6 weeks [I apply on dry hair]. I also follow up with an Indigo application for the deep blue black color, but I could not find any ANYWHERE! So I resorted to ordering some online :-/

I will do an updated video once my indigo arrives, but until then, I hope some of you find this tutorial useful!

Why Henna?

• Help stop/curb breakage
• Makes hair stronger
• Thickens strands
• Temporarily loosens curl patterns for some [enhances curl patterns in others]  
• Reduces dandruff
• Imparts shine, and makes hair incredibly silky

Here are a few tips for getting the best out of your Henna application;

• Make sure you have enough Henna to completely cover your entire head. I have very thick hair, so I use two boxes of Henna which equals 200g [Each box is 100g].

• I do not add Lemon Juice to my mixture [it is too drying for my hair], if I want to expedite the color release process, I put my covered bowl inside of a heating pad [on low] for about 3-4 hours. 

• Don't add oil to the mix BEFORE the color has released; it is purported that doing so may hinder the dye release process. 

• If you have RELAXED hair, please use Body Quality Henna only. If you aren't sure your Henna is BAQ, don't use it. Instead, order from a source [source two] you trust!

• I use conditioners in my mix, it makes the Henna mix "smoother" and easier to rinse out. 

• Do not try to comb the Henna through your strands when applying it to your hair. You want to manipulate the hair as little as possible. 

• When rinsing out the Henna, allow the the pressure of the water to gently rinse out the henna, again, you want to manipulate the hair as little as possible.

• To combat the drying effects, use a SULFATE FREE shampoo to rinse out the Henna, or even a moisturizing shampoo. I use Keracare Hydrating Shampoo in their Sulfate Free formula. 

• Make sure you rinse out the Henna thoroughly. If there are remnants of Henna left in your hair, it may appear dull, and will often feel very dry [I know, I have experienced this].

I use the following brands [and I love them might I add]:
Dulhan
Mumtaz [Body Art Quality]
Nupur
Supreme
Jamila [Body Art Quality]
Karishma

My mix consists of:
200G Henna [two boxes]
1/2 Cup Hello Hydration Conditioner
1 Cup Lustrasilk Mango & Shea Butter Conditioner
1/2 Cup of Brahmi Oil added to mixture before applying the Henna on my hair.

If you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section so that I can answer them for everyone!

Eco Styler Wash & Go Tutorial

[the vid is still processing so quality will SUCK for a while]

The jury is still out on whether or not I like this tutorial, so I may do another one in the future. You will notice I did not use a leave-in, and that is because it really makes it hard for my hair to curl. I have "curl pattern issues", it has the potential to get curly, but only after some serious cooing, and coddling. For some strange reason my hair in it's uber natural state has the texture of a light blowout, I have never had much of a curl pattern. 

To keep the hair soft after using tons of gel, I added 2 tablespoons of Olive Oil to my water bottle. This helps keep my hair soft, and give it a little sheen as well! As you can see in the finished product, my hair doesn't really get super big with Eco Styler, but I am still satisfied with the results. This by far has been the best product for bringing out my inner curly. I am now able to get second-day hair, and during the second day it has been known to puff up twice it's size. I do have to "reactivate" it with a little water for it to behave, but it only takes about 5 minutes. I just saturate my hair with water, shake, and let the curls find each other. That's it, no finger styling for me. When I finger style, it is OVER. lol

Enjoy!!!! 

Regular Braidout Tutorial

So here is yet another video! I plan on dropping a few more this week to make up for lost time :-)

When I am not pressed for time, I usually like to do this style because it lasts much longer than my trusty "8 braid-braidout". To maintain this style for a week or more, I usually stuff my hair underneath a satin bonnet, and fluff/fingerstyle in the morning.

This is a great style for anyone who is transitioning out of a relaxer, and even those that are looking for heat-free styling alternatives. If your hair is straight at the ends, you can always use rollers [flexi rods on the ends worked better for me], or even pin curl the braids to add even more curls. 

I decided to use Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding this time around because I wanted a product that offered a bit more hold. If you start with a product like Miss Jessie's, you shouldn't have to worry about re-braiding nightly. I have tried this same style with butters and whipped creams, and my hair just didn't last!

The key to achieving the perfect braidout is more or less your technique/products vs your hair length in my opinion. Here are a few tips I have learned along the way:

- Start on hair that is completely CLEAN, and thoroughly CONDITIONED! - Residue/Buildup on the hair can cause hair to be dull and lifeless. You really want to start off with a clean palette when attempting this style so that your hair will have body, and shine. The softer your hair is [from the conditioner], the smoother the end result will be.

- For more definition, and longer wear-ability: Leave the braids in until completely dry! If you take the braids down before drying your hair thoroughly, you may experience major "poofage".

- Use a leave-in conditioner under products like gels, and puddings: This will eliminate the "crunch factor" that some of these products leave behind.

- Wear a satin bonnet while in the shower! This will help keep the definition, and also keep your hair from "frizzing out".

- Use a creamy leave-in: This can simply be a matter of preference, but I prefer these when I am doing my braidouts, over the thinner conditioners. My hair is extremely coarse, so I need something that is rich and creamy to help soften up my hair a bit if I plan to wear it in it's natural state.

New Braidout Video!

Oh boy. It took me about F I V E HOURS to wrap my brain around uploading HD videos to youtube. I have seriously been at this since 8:30AM this morning. However it's up now, and all is well! The video is still processing, so it may take it moment for it to be available in true HD.

Here lately I have been experimenting with different braidout techniques. Out of pure laziness one day, I did about 8 braids instead of my normal 15-20, and I liked the outcome. Using 8 braids as opposed to 20 makes for a bigger, wavier, less defined look [on my hair at least], and my braiding time is only 10 minutes to boot!

The only drawback for me is that this style only really lasts about 2-3 days before I need to re-braid it at night vs the style I can don for a week or more using 15-20 braids. 

It's been a minute since I did a YouTube video, so I have a few more coming your way in the near future [Henna Tut, & Wash & Go w/Eco Styler Tut]! I hope you enjoy!

To achieve this look, I used the following products:
Leave-In Conditioner - Sebastian Potion #9
Styler - Oyin's Shine & Define
Secondary Styler - Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream
Moisturizer - Oyin's Juices & Berries
Oil - Afroveda Citrus Sunsilk Hair Oil