Josie Maran 100% Argan Oil for the Hair

     I have very thick long hair. My hair is also very oily and I can’t go a day without washing it or else my scalp creates dandruff. I use conditioner everyday and I’ve had two people refuse to dye my hair. Crazy, right. I probably get a hair cut twice a year and I started to use a hairdryer everyday. I also use Josie Maran’s 100% Argan Oil.  I use five to six drop of Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil everyday in hair. This product is not only made for your skin but works great for your hair. I use it mostly on the ends and what’s left I use on the rest of the hair, then blow dry. My hair is left soft with not too much shine, which is what I want. I am someone who is pretty obsessed with my hair and what I put in it. A little bottle can last you a couple of months. I’ve tried the light and although it’s a good product it doesn’t give that softness as the original. Who doesn’t love soft hair!

                                                                                           

-Melissa

The Tools of the Trade

Whether you’re a beauty guru or not, the tools of the trade remain basically the same. I can’t remember at what age I started plucking my eyebrows; I assume I was in high school. I don’t have bushy eyebrows or a unibrow but they are thick. I remember in junior high I wore Cover Girl's compact foundation in a shade too light for me.  Fail. I still wore it anyway. I also remember using red lipstick; think Gwen Stefani… not anymore. Early in high school I stopped wearing makeup, later during my senior year I would wear only eyeliner.

It was after high school that I really got into makeup. I’m really lucky that I don’t have any issues with my nails but I do cut them from time to time and I reach for the nail cutter and file. I share this with you because though the years certain tools are basically a part of us. It’s important to invest in a good pair of tweezers, razor, and eye lash curler and sharpener; this could be the difference of your appearance. I find it very hard to find a good pair of tweezers. When I find one I try not to lose them because replacing them can be difficult.

If you’ve t been wearing makeup for years you know exactly what I’m talking about. I am a fan of Tweezerman but Revlon also makes good tools. In fact my favorite pair of tweezers where form Revlon, I have no idea where they’re at.

What’s you’re favorite brand of tool?

-Melissa

Jo Malone Red Roses

     I heard about Jo Malone through a YouTube video by Lilly Pebbles. At the time (last year) I was planning a trip to London and wanted to purchase anything that we didn’t have here, within reason of course. Enter Jo Malone. Words do not do justice for this brand. When I stepped in a Jo Malone counter I was overwhelmed by the scents. Sadly, I didn’t end up purchasing anything because the price was just too much when converted to US dollars. When I arrived back home, I still had Jo Malone on the brain. I noticed the brand was sold at Nordstrom and Saks.

     I like to smell the product on me before I buy it. Neither store had Jo Malone on display until they built a Nordstrom in The Woodlands (TX). I bought Red Roses and it smells just like roses. I know what your thinking. You know when you sometimes buy certain fragrances that say they smell like pear, apple etc… and they don’t last all day or they smell like the said scent for maybe a couple of hours… Not this one. This perfume is so exact that I can fell my allergies aching to sneeze. This is a rather pricey product ($60 for 30 ml; $120 for 100 ml) but a little goes a long way. I put a spritz on my wrist and my neck and the smell is just overwhelming. The scent last all day long, so there is no need to reapply. I am already saving for my next one.

-Melissa

Singles Mini Guide to Surviving Valentine’s Day

Whether you are alone because you want to or it’s just how fate has brought you, hopefully this can bring a smile to your face. I will confess, I have never had a ‘Valentine’. I know, I know but it’s not too bad…sometimes. Let’s be real other than going out with a friend and the though of people thinking you two are the most adorable lesbian couple, you can survive! You don’t have to be a shut in. I know every restaurant will be crowded with couples and a table for one may get you stares but there are things you can do for one. Besides who wants to see couple get affectionate. So here are a couple of ideas for you to do on Valentines Day or night that are just for you.

  

Spa Night- Head to Lush for bath items (or wherever you chose) and relax. While both sides are stressing about Valentine’s Day, take your time to de-stress Not only are you pampering yourself but at the same time you’re taking care of your skin.


Make an ITunes Playlist- I actually have a ‘Anti-Valentine’s Playlist’, which consist of ‘Done’ by The Band Perry, ‘Roar’ by Katy Perry, ‘Rolling in the Deep’ by Adele and ‘Stronger’ by Kelly Clarkson. Play that loud music and rock on! No one’s watching.


Takeout- I’m not telling you to avoid all places in general. If you want to join the club and eat at the restaurant, go for it! But if you want to avoid all couples and you don’t want what’s in the refrigerator, take out! No need for Taco Bell.


NETFLIX/Red-Box- Make it a movie night just stay away from the comedy. Comedy = Romance and that’s the last thing you need. Instead watch something like a drama, Sci-Fi or documentary, something you wouldn’t normally watch. If you have to watch a romance, I recommend Sleepless in Seattle.


Make Your Own Party- Invite a few single friends over (or couples) and have an Anti-Valentine’s Day Party. Be inventive and most of all have fun!

Whatever you decide to do make sure you so something that makes you happy. Take some time out because this Valentine’s it all about you!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

-Melissa

Being Dependent on Makeup

When I think of all the times I have to put some sort of makeup before I leave the house, I begin to think ‘when did I become this person’? Am I that depend on makeup? When I was in middle school I would wear Cover Girls’ compact in a shade that was too light for me. To top it off, I wore a red lipstick to ‘compliment’ it so I thought. When I was in high school all I wore was eyeliner, nothing else. My look has differently charged over the years.

I’ve notice there really isn’t a day I don’t step outside without makeup. It’s not that I don’t want to but in my head I hear a little voice that says ‘you’re going out like that?’ I have a lot of scaring under my skin that I want to hide so I usually use that as an excuse. It shouldn’t be that way. I should be more confident to step outside without it.

I decided to start wearing makeup only six days a week (Monday’s to Saturday), giving my skin a break on Sundays. I have to start somewhere. I call it baby steps to get myself from being so dependent on makeup. It also gives my skin some R&R. I should be the one who wears the makeup not the other way around

-Melissa