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Is Your Lipstick Safe?

By Melissa · Comments (1)

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

According to the latest study by the FDA, 400 lipsticks were found to have traces of lead. Cosmetic giants, such as, Maybelline, CoverGirl and L’Oreal were ranked amongst the top 10 with lead content.

Officials said the findings aren’t a safety concern. “We do not consider the lead levels we found in the lipsticks to be a safety concern,” the FDA said in its online comments. “The lead levels we found are within the limits recommended by other public health authorities for lead in cosmetics.”

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics thinks otherwise. “They’ve spent the past five years looking at what are the levels of lead in lipstick, but they haven’t done any kind of health impact study to look at what are the exposures women are getting from lipstick,” according to Stacy Malkan, of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. “Lead builds in the body over time, and lead-containing lipstick applied several times a day, every day, can add up to significant exposure levels,” Mark Mitchell, co-chairman of the Environmental Health Task Force for the National Medical Association, said in the group’s statement.

Click here for a full list of lipsticks tested by the FDA

I do know about you, but this kind of creeps me out. Usually if I like the color of the lipstick, along with the added benefits (hydration and long wear) I’m getting it, but I guess I have to be more mindful. What are your thoughts? Should the FDA do more?

Comments (1)

Categories : Lip, News

Tags : 400 lipsticks, Auto Draft, FDA study, hair, Is Your Lipstick Safe, lead in lipstick, Lip, lipstick, lipstick tested, News

Mad About Co-Washing

By Melissa · Comments (3)

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

I have a confession to make….after four long months of trying to transition to natural hair, I’m back on the creamy crack. It’s been a little over two weeks and I actually have to say, I have no regrets about going back. I have A LOT of hair and trying to maintain it while it’s doing two completely different things (one part straight and the other kinky) was becoming overwhelming for me. I think next time if and when I decide to go natural, I’ll just do the “big chop”, but that definitely won’t be anytime soon.

Usually when my hair is relaxed, I notice a feeling of dryness and of course, the frigid weather of winter, doesn’t help. So this past weekend, I used a method called co-washing to increase the moisture level in my hair. Co-washing is using conditioner, instead of shampoo to wash your.

I washed my hair with Ojon’s Damage Reverse Restorative Conditioner (read: Ojon’s :: Best of Damage Reserve Kit Review). I then followed up with Shea Moisture’s Organic Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque. I let the masque sit for about 30m minutes then rinsed it out. After blowing it dry, I applied a heat protective spray and flat ironed it.

My hair feels amazingly smooth, soft and full of body, just as it would had I gone to the salon. So with that said, I’m going to add co-washing to my hair routine at least twice a month. Another thing I’m changing in my routine is pinning up my hair at night instead of wrapping it. I know I said I would stop wrapping it (read: It’s A Wrap), but somehow I got back into that bad habit. Hopefully, I’ll stick to pinning.

Comments (3)

Categories : Beauty Tips, Hair, Review

Tags : Auto Draft, Beauty Tips, Co-washing, conditioner, Cowashing, hair, Mad About Co-Washing, ojon, ojon damage reserve, raw shea butter deep treatment masque, Review, shampoo, shea moisture, wrap, wrapping hair

I Love Curls, Curls, Curls, Curls

By Melissa · Comments (3)

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

“I like the way you’ve let your hair go curly,” he finally said. “Suits your personality. Lots of energy, not much control, sexy as hell,” Joe Morelli to Stephanie Plum” — Janet Evanovich

Looking at the recent pictures of Rihanna’s curly do, inspired me to want to go back to curls (Read I Want My Hair Back). Curls are so fun, flirty and carefree! No flat iron, no brush, no comb and most importantly, no fuss! With my late starts in the mornings, it’s a perfect get up and go do.

So, I did it! On Friday, I endured an hour under the dryer and nearly three hours at the salon for flexi curls. Some may choose a less hectic approach and use curling irons instead, but, in my experience, using flexi rods, make my curls last longer. Afterwards, I simply applied light oil for shine.

I know many aren’t fans of flexi curls, my mom is one of them. If you want to try a curly hairstyle and want a more loose curl, try either rolling setting your hair or using a 1 1/2-inch curling iron.

Comments (3)

Categories : Celebs, Hair

Tags : Auto Draft, Beach Hair, celeb, Celebs, Curls, Flexi curls, hair, I Love Curls, I Love Curls, Curls, Curls, Curls, Rihanna Curls, roller set

Feature Friday :: Braxton Family Values

By Melissa · Comments (3)

Friday, January 27th, 2012

Last season, I was really disappointed in the Braxton sisters hair and makeup choices (read Braxton Family Makeup Faux Pas). From the bad wigs, to the excessive amounts of blush, it all just seemed too over the top, and with divas like Toni and Tamar, I expected so much more.

Well, I finally peeped an episode of this season’s Braxton Family Values . I was happy to see some improvement with the sisters. It seems as though they learned a lot from last season — better wigs/weave, and they even toned down the heavy makeup, just a little. The award for most improved has to go to both with Towanda and Traci. Those two have come a LONG way.

Remember in the first season, Towanda was always rocking the two ponytails and/or micro minis and frosty eye shadow. Well, with season 2, Towanda has stepped it up with curly locs and opted for more warm and neutral tones.

Traci was all over the place during the first season. She was another fan of frosty eye shadow and her wigs just weren’t up-to-par as a professional cosmetologist. During this season, almost like an inconsistent boyfriend, sometimes she gets it right and the other times, well, she doesn’t.

All of the sisters looked fabulous during Toni’s induction to the Georgia Hall of Fame. Take a look at the episode:

What do you think?

Comments (3)

Categories : Beauty, Celebs, Commentary, video

Tags : Auto Draft, Beauty, blush, Braxton Family Values, Celebs, Commentary, Feature Friday ::, Feature Friday :: Braxton Family Values, hair, Tamar, Toni Braxton, video

Michelle Obama in Barbara Tfank at the State of the Union

By Melissa · Comments (2)

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

First Lady, Michelle Obama looked absolutely stunning in a sapphire blue dress, by designer Barbara Tfank for the State of the Union address and as expected, the First Lady’s hair and makeup was flawless and chic as well.

If you can remember, during the Obama’s visit to Buckingham Palace last May, Mrs. Obama rocked a floral print dress from Tfank’s resort collection and in 2010, she donned an emerald green cocktail dress by the designer to an award ceremony.

Tfank begun her career as a costume designer and launched her clothing line at Barneys New York in 2001, forging a new modern opulence with a line of beautiful brocade cocktail coats and colorful, classically-shaped dresses in extraordinary textiles.

Check out more of Barbara Tfank’s Collection at http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2010RTW-BTFANK

Comments (2)

Categories : Celebs, Fashion

Tags : Auto Draft, Barbar Tfank, Celebs, Fashion, hair, Michelle Obama, Michelle Obama in Barbara Tfank at the State of the Union, State of the Union

Let Me Know It’s Real :: Should Digitally Manipulated Photos Be Banned?

By Melissa · Comments (0)

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

The webosphere has been up and arms about Beyonce’s new album promotional ad, that apparently has her looking lighter than her usual skin tone . The new ad is a photo that’s being used to re-promote her “4″ album. In the photo, Beyonce is wearing a crochet bodysuit, with red lipstick, laying on a leopard print throw and looking pale.

Though studio lightening could be partial blame, this isn’t the first time white-washing has been a scandal for Beyonce. Back in 2008, the cosmetic company L’Oreal was under fire for digitally lightening Beyonce’s skin on advertisements.

Digitally lightening isn’t the only issue under scrutiny for the cosmetic giant. Just last year, L’Oreal was forced to pull Lancome ads featuring Julia Roberts and Christy Turlington, because critics claimed the images were overly airbrushed.

With so much emphasis on anti-aging and looking attractive, digital manipulation has become the norm, and only it intensifies the issue of perfection with women. Girls want perfect hair like Gwen Stefani and women want flawless skin like Andy MacDowell, just as they see in the ads.

Check out this spoof on photo manipulation

As a consumer and product junkie, I know that ads play a crucial part in the promotion and success of a product. When I see a mascara ad that promises length and volume, or my favorite celeb on a skincare ad promoting clear skin, I’ll admit, I’m on the bandwagon. I’m also willing to admit, I get pissed when the product doesn’t live up to the hype of what is advertised.

Should consumers start to hold advertisers accountable for their misleading ads?

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Categories : Celebs

Tags : anti-aging, Auto Draft, beyonce, celeb, Celebs, Digital Manipulation, hair, Jesse Rosten, Julia Roberts Lancome, Let Me Know It's Real :: Should Digitally Manipulated Photos Be Banned?, Lightening, lipstick, MAC, skincare, Vimeo, white washing

2012 Golden Globe Red Carpet Favorites

By Melissa · Comments (0)

Monday, January 16th, 2012

Award shows are always fun to watch, yes to witness the winners, but most importantly to see who’s wearing what on the red carpet. From the hair, to the makeup to the gown, this year’s Golden Globe Awards there were many winners on the red carpet.

Angelina Jolie was my favorite for the night. She looked absolutely stunning in a body-hugging white Atelier Versace gown with a accent of red at the top, which perfectly matched her lips. Her makeup and hair were classic! Black winged eye, red lipstick and bun.

Reese Witherspoon went nude with her makeup selection, but there was nothing bland about the red mermaid style Zac Posen dress she rocked.

Claire Danes went modern in a black and white, J. Mendel dress. Loved the open back and her bold eye and lip color.

Nicole Richie banged it with a silver Julien Macdonald dress. Loved the black eyeliner and the hair!

At 47 years old, Elle Macpherson, killed it in this cream corset with a tulle underskirt gown by Zac Posen.

Kate Beckinsale was literally glowing in a strapless Roberto Cavilli gown.

As expected, Sofia Vergara showed off all her curves in a blue Vera Wang mermaid style dress.

I have to admit, I wasn’t crazy about Zooey Deschanel’s hair or dress selection, but I LOVED her tuxedo nails.

Who were your favorites?

Comments (0)

Categories : Celebs, Commentary, Event

Tags : 2012 Golden Globe Red Carpet Favorites, angelina jolie, Auto Draft, Celebs, Claire Danes, Commentary, Elle Macpherson, Event, glow, hair, Kate Beckinsale, lipstick, MAC, Nicole Richie, Reese Witherspoon, Sofia Vergara, Tuxedo nails, Zooey Deschanel

Feature Friday :: Favorite Videos of the Week

By Melissa · Comments (0)

Friday, January 13th, 2012

Each and every Friday, I’ll be featuring some of my favorite Youtube videos of the week. Hopefully they’ll be as informal, if not, hilarious to you as they are to me. Oh, and while you’re on Youtube, don’t forget to subscribe to my channel!

It’s finally feeling like winter, time to bundle up! If you’re a scarf person like myself, but want try something new, check out this video from Wendy’s Look Book on 25 Ways to Wear a Scarf.

I’m sure you’ve watched one of the “Sh*t Girls Say” videos on Youtube. The videos have gone literally viral, with a new one popping up almost everyday. One of my favorites is the “Sh*t Natural Girls Say” video . I’m sure most can relate

My favorite makeup girl, Michelle Phan, posted a new video on how to combat puffy eyes with cucumber juice. Inexpensive and simple! Check it out:

Don’t be a stranger, let us know what are some of your favorite Youtube videos of the week.

Comments (0)

Categories : Beauty Tips, Eyes, Fashion, Hair, social networking, Uncategorized, video

Tags : Auto Draft, Beauty Tips, cucumber juice, Eyes, Fashion, Feature Friday :: Favorite Videos of the Week, hair, Michelle Phan, puffy eyes, Shit Girls Say, social networking, Uncategorized, video, ways to wear a scarf, Wendy's Look Book, Youtube

Relax Don’t be Tryna Perm Us Up, We Already Straight

By Melissa · Comments (4)

Wednesday, January 4th, 2012

I’m four months post relaxer and I’m trying to be patient as my hair transitions without cutting it off or going back to the creamy crack. I took the advice of Celebrity Stylist, Nadia Vassell (Interview with Celebrity Hairstylist Nadia Vassell) and tried out Mizani’s Thermasmooth Shampoo, Conditioner, Thermasmooth system, the SmoothGuard and the ShineExtend. My hair didn’t feel as hydrated as I had expected, but it felt extremely soft. Pair those products up with oil (coconut, argan, Moroccan, etc.), a good flat iron and Design Essential’s Sleek Edge Control and you’ll be straight!

Comments (4)

Categories : Beauty Tips, Hair

Tags : Auto Draft, Beauty Tips, celeb, conditioner, Design Essential Sleek Edge Control, hair, Interview with Celebrity Hairstylist Nadia Vassell, mizani thermasmooth, Nadia Vassell, natural transition, Relax Don't be Tryna Perm Us Up, We Already Straight, relaxer, relaxer transition, shampoo

Face Going HAM :: My Dermo Visit Recap

By Melissa · Comments (2)

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

Over a month ago, I explained how I scheduled an appointment with a dermatologist because my acne was getting out of control (Connect the Dots). I booked an appointment with Dr. Agnes Chang from the Integrated Dermatology of K Street. I had to wait a whole month until I could get in to see Dr. Chang, but according to her ratings on ZocDoc.com, evidently, she was worth the wait.

Based on my experience with most doctors, I expected that Dr. Chang would simply ask me what was wrong and she’d just prescribe me medication and tell me to be on my way. She exceeded my expectations. When she walked in, she was glammed out — forget the lab coat, she rocked a faux fur trimmed sweater, hair shiny and wavy, makeup neutral yet radiant and a fresh gray polished manicure.

She was very attentive, engaging and proactive. She asked about my skincare concerns and questions about products I have been using, allergies, etc. She then examined my face and told me, “Melissa, we’re going to get your skin cleared up!”. That’s all I needed to hear to feel optimistic.

She prescribed me with antibiotics that I must take once a day and Atralin, a gel that I apply to the problem areas at bedtime each night. She informed me that changes won’t happen over night, that it may take some time, but with consistency, it will clear up.

I have a follow up appointment with Dr. Chang at the end of the month. I have to bring the products that I have been using to this visit. Along with the meds, I’ve decided to cut back on the sweets and drink more water. Hopefully things should improve by next visit.. Either way I’ll keep you guys posted.

Comments (2)

Categories : Face, skincare, wellness

Tags : adult acne, agnes chang, atralin, Auto Draft, dermatologist, Face, Face Going HAM :: My Dermo Visit Recap, fresh, hair, skincare, wellness, zocdoc