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.

Skin Product Review: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Cream Cleanser

I haven't really talked about skincare on this blog, so this is a first. I do think the condition of my skin is related to my haircare, since I'm sure hair products get on my face somehow. I'm sure my increased use of oils has had an effect on the skin on my face.

In February, I noticed that my forehead was breaking out. I've always had combination skin, but my forehead had become extremely oily. When I went to the doctor for a check-up in April, I talked to her about it, and she gave me a prescription for some cream. I can't remember the name of it, but she told me that it could dry out my skin. I used it for a couple of weeks, and it actually made my skin oilier, and caused more breakouts! I ditched the cream, and tried different facial cleansers- soaps, astringents, scrubs, etc. By the summer, the bumps started to spread to my temples and below my eyes. About a month ago, I bought some Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Cream Cleanser. For some reason, I had been hesitant about trying a cream cleanser, since my forehead was so oily. Well, I saw a difference within a week. Now, my forehead is almost completely clear! I use it in the mornings and in the evenings, even though the directions caution about using it more than once a day. I noticed that if I only used it once a day, I saw more breakouts. I also moisturize after using it with a moisturizer with salicylic acid. I'm so glad I found a product to clear up my skin. I was starting to feel like a teenager with bad skin- and I didn't even have acne as a teenager!