Eyelash Extensions

I got eyelash extensions, and I love them!  I can't believe it's taken me so long to have this done- the right way.  My eyelashes are super short.  My 3 year old son has longer eyelashes than me!  Here are how my lashes look naturally:

You can barely see them, right??

I feel like I have to wear mascara every day.  For years, I have experimented with different mascaras to make my lashes look longer and fuller.  I can get the fullness, but not the length.  Most mascaras run...or rather, I touch my eyes and/or my eyes water, so I get the raccoon look at the end of most days.

I also use false lash strips sometimes, which are good for going out sometimes, but I can't apply them every day.  Ain't nobody got time for that! It's also hard for me to get all the glue off my lashes and eyelids.

I went to a place a couple of years ago to get lash extensions and the woman did not do a good job. I thought my lashes looked a little ridiculous. They were clumpy and so fake-looking.  They burned like crazy when she was applying them, and one eye looked different than the other.  I said I wouldn't try them again unless I could afford to go to a true professional.  I have a friend who does them at an upscale salon, but her prices start at $300!  She primarily uses the mink lashes.

My other friend, Oneka, also did them at the same upscale salon, but now does them at another salon where she charges less than $50 for them.  I talked to her about how I wanted them to look natural and she promised she could hook me up.  I got the individual silk lash extensions almost two weeks ago and I love the results:

It took her about 30 minutes to apply them and I think these look very natural.  In fact, only a couple people have even noticed that I got lashes.  The important thing is that I see the difference and like them.  I feel like they really open my eyes.  I fall in love with them every time I look in a mirror.  The best part is that I don't feel like I need to wear any mascara!

They should last 2-3 weeks, and then I could either get them filled back in, or a whole new set.  Oneka said that everyone's lash cycle is different, so I just have to see how much my natural lashes shed and how much my daily activities might affect them.  I don't rub my eyes much, and I don't have allergies, so I'm hoping to keep them in for about 3 weeks at a time.  I've had a few lashes come off, but it's not noticeable.  I can still wear eye make-up (I haven't), but I have to use an oil-free remover to take them off.  I can go swimming, take a shower, and exercise with them on with no problem.  I'm definitely going to get them again!

Tiffanita's Skin Summer Must-Haves

It's hard to believe that it's already August, but summer isn't over yet!  Here are some of my favorite inexpensive summer skin products:

Dr. Bronners Peppermint Pure Castille Liquid Soap

I love this soap year-round, but it does a little something more for me in the summer. It's light, but effective, and the peppermint smell is a great wake-me-up in the morning.  I love how it tingles my skin and opens my head.  My bathroom feels like a spa! My whole family uses it. I dilute it with water to make a shampoo for me and my son.  My boyfriend likes to use it after a workout.  It's also a good mosquito repellent, so I use it before going to a cookout.  Sometimes I even dilute it for light cleaning around the house. It's made of organic oils, which is a plus.  I usually buy a 32 oz bottle so we don't run out too quickly!

32 oz bottle is about $16 and can be found at houseofbeautyworld.com

Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is great for the skin!  It's one of the few oils that penetrate and moisturize the skin.  I use it to boost my lotions.  I mix a few drops with a couple of squirts of lotion and then apply to my skin to make my skin silky smooth.  I also apply some coconut oil to my hands and feet at night to keep my cuticles and heels moist all day.  I find my coconut oil at my local grocery store for under $10.

Eyelashes

Since I don't like wearing a lot of make-up when it's hot, applying false eyelashes is my way of enhancing my eyes and face without wearing a lot of product on my face.  My favorite lashes are the Ardell Fashion Lashes in the 53 or 131 size.  My natural eyelashes are pretty short, so I just want to extend my lashes a little, not look like I have fans on my eyes! For $3-5 per pair, it's a great way to brighten up my face.

Depilatory Cream

For most areas on my body, I prefer depilatory creams over waxing.  I experience less irritation and fewer hair bumps.  I like the Surgi Cream Hair Remover for my face, and Nair for my underarms and bikini area.

Sunscreen

I shouldn't have to stress how important sunscreen is, but maybe I do. Many black people think we don't need sunscreen, but WE DO!  Sunscreen is a non-negotiable item for me at the beach because I burn easily, but it's also important to wear it every day. It's amazing how much exposure we have to the sun by just riding in a car.  I make sure I wear at least a 30 SPF, and I reapply often.  I also make sure to buy new sunscreen every summer so that I know it's still effective.

Queen Helene Aloe Vera Natural Facial Scrub

This gentle facial scrub is perfect in the summer.  I use this scrub to exfoliate and to soothe my skin after being in the sun all day.  I find that I get less skin peeling when I use this.
You can find it here for less than $4.

Bronzer

I was lucky enough to get a good tan at the beginning of the summer. I love being tanned, but that usually means that powders and foundations and blushes don't look the same on me as they do when I'm not tanned.  I love using bronzers to give my tanned face and neck an extra glow.  One of my favorites is the Milani Baked Bronzer for about $8.  I apply it with a powder brush on my face and neck, highlighting my cheeks and forehead.  Bling!

Lip Balm

Lips don't get as dry in the summer, but I still need a good lip balm to keep my lips moist and kissable.  I use a lot of different lip balms, but my favorite these past few months has been the Eos Lip Balm in Summer Fruit.  It's 95% organic, and petrolatum and paraben free.  It costs about $3 and can be found in drug stores.