Hello everyone! I'm really really really happy to be able to finally post that I've finished a youtube makeup tutorial! I would love for you ladies to check it out and let me know what you think. My friends have been asking me for months to do them and I've finally gotten the courage up to get on it:).

Here is the link for the one I like the best:). Etniq: Completing the Look

I love to hear what you all think and any constructive criticism you have. I don't have the best lighting and I'm trying to figure out ways around that.

Also another thing I'd love your help on. Someone wrote a reeaaaallly negative comment on the first video I did. Goodness, it hurt SO much to read it and I'm not sure how to respond. Should I just let it go? Should I explain myself? I don't really know. It took so much courage to put that video up and then to get such a nasty comment :(. I'm trying to get over it though. That video is here Applying Etniq Foundation and Concealer.

I remember as I child always deferring to classic mothers day routine: making breakfast, waking mom up with my siblings, and bestowing gifts upon here, usually a eau de parfum she wanted. Today there are many non-toxic and beautiful fragrances around that will fulfill moms' wants and your desire to be eco-friendly.

Here is a quick guide to some natural and organic perfumes available.

Demeter Fragrance Library has a wonderful array of natural scents, luckily many on sale up to 60% off. The perfume above, Grapefruit Tea, is on sale for $24.00 (regular price $39.50).

Click here to see all their on sale perfumes.

Sephora also carries some select Demeter fragrances.

This is no offense to other cultures of women, because I believe that women are beautiful. HOWEVER, I believe that BLACK WOMEN are just BEAUTIFUL. The different shades, sizes, and how the sun just kisses our skin darkening it in smooth bliss. I am amazed! I am in awe! I am in intrigued! As much as I am fascinated by our different spectrum's, I am also disgusted at the sistas who find some fault in another sista because she is not HER stamped approval of what beauty is.

Originally posted on SheenaLaShay.com by SLY on October 20th, 2009

Your body will thank you!

I looked at a combination of the recipes I had found earlier. And decided to do a combo and see what happens. The ingredients I used were olive oil, almond oil, brown sugar, coffee, rose essential oil and patchouli essential oil. The combination seemed to create a subtle and yet intense scent. Subtle enough to enhance whatever perfume or lotion you might later put on but intense to stand on its own.

Combine half a cup of brown sugar.....
Two tablespoons of coffee grounds.....
Some olive oil....until you find the almond oil that was hiding in the pantry.........(not sure how much oil. I forgot to measure. Just mix and if it seems to dry add some more. If its too soupy...add more sugar or coffee)Add drops of the essential oil and mix well.

If something seems off...add more coffee grounds or sugar or oil...until you have the consistency and smell that you like.

And then get in the shower and rub a lavish amount on your skin all over.

http://consciouschicknyc.blogspot.com

Just like much of the country, I'm living life on a budget.  I used to love going to spas for a quick massage, the salon to get my hair did and occasionally, I would travel to a retreat for a full weekend of wellness. Well, my budget now dictates that I go no further than my apartment for beauty treatments   So, this weekend I indulged at Spa Conscious Chick.   

First up was the pre-conditioning of my hair.  Instead of looking for recipes, I created my own based on my knowledge of moisturizing properties.

Avocado
Coconut Milk
Sesame Oil 
Apple Cider Vinegar
Egg Yolk

When I discovered that body scrub is so ridiculously easy and cheap to make, I was tempted to walk into to Sephora and smack the nearest salesgirl. ($22 for some body scrub?! I don't think so).

• raw brown sugar ( NOT the "Brownulated" kind)
• white sugar (you're trying to be healthy right? So you shouldn't be eating this stuff anyway)
• 1/2 cup sweet almond oil
• 1/2 cup  grape seed oil
• spoon (or something to stir with)
• vanilla oil (or vanilla extract)
• peppermint oil
• anise oil
• spoon, tongue depressor or pop-sickle stick
• empty plastic jar (any size will do, I recycled an old body scrub container)

Did you know the acidity in cranberries works as a mild astringent and toner? Did you know that the Greeks originally considered Savory to be an aphrodisiac? Cranberry and Savory possess antiseptic properties similar to those found in oregano and thyme, and help cleanse the skin of excess oils.

1 tablespoon dried savory leaves

Crushed 1/2 cup boiling water

1/2 cup cranberries

Steep the dried savory in boiling water in a small bowl, for fifteen minutes. Strain the liquid and set it aside. Puree the cranberries in a blender, and strain the fruit from the liquid. Discard the fruit, and save the juice. Combine the savory water and the cranberry juice, soak into cotton pads, or a fine textured washcloth, and press against your face for fifteen minutes, avoiding the eye area. Remove pads or cloth and rinse with warm water.

By Spaindex.com

Find more of these great tips at http://www.truzion.com/naturalessentials

Greetings Ladies,

It's been a long time since I have written anything well this is going to be short and sweet. I had to take a break in all my endeavors and well I have finally come full circle. I have my natural products back up and posted at alkenion.etsy.com and my doula business at www.womanislife.com for those in the Triangle/Triad in NC.

Peace and Blessings.

Mel

Passport To Paradise
For those who want to Live Good, Feel Good, and Smell Good.
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Because some days are just more exhausting than others.

Welcome to your paradise. Open it up. Passport To Paradise is a money saving booklet by Smell Goods! Get over $100 in savings!

Not only are you living good, feeling good, and smelling good. Your purchase is helping grass-root organizations that empower girls, young ladies, and teens. With every purchase, we will donate $1 to a grass-root organization.

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Warm Greetings To All,

I just got started on a road map to freedom and I would like you to take a look at what has been given to me to share with the world!

Please share this with whoever you think may be interested. I plan to retire in the next 3-5 years, If The Lord Says The Same!

I'm looking to create a dynamic network with others so that we can build this together. With that in mind I am very excited to share with you this information.

This company is celebrating 25 Years & 20 months of consecutive, record breaking growth! They did $1.25 Billion In sales in 2008 alone! This Exclusive New Revolutionary Device Called The "Galvanic Spa" has been nick named The "Winkle Iron". It takes away fine lines and wrinkles in about 10 minutes! Instant gratification! This is unique because it addresses aging in a different way by targeting the sources of aging! The information below will answer about 98% of your questions. I look forward to working with you soon! Feel free to give me a call!

Check Out These Links

ns-spa.com

Then Call 480-289-7000 (Listen to both options 1 & 2)

http://www.ageloc.com/us-en/index.shtml

Trilogy is a New Zealand-based product line that was founded in 2002 by two sisters Sara Gibbs and Catherine deGroot. The essential component of all of the products in this line is Rose Hip oil. Rose Hip oil can help with: scars (for example acne scars), dry eczema, skin burns, rehydration of skin, the repairing of damaged skin cells, the reduction of wrinkles, and the drying of aging skin.

The Trilogy philosophy is “maximum effect on your skin, minimum effect on our environment.” These products can be found at www.truzion.com/naturalessentials.

Coffee grounds are full of antioxidants that protect your body from the free radicals that damage cells. Coffee grounds can also attack cellulite creating a smoother appearance to your skin. It is also a great exfoliate. Try Juara's coffee scrub product.

Juara combines the ancient tradition of Indonesian beauty rituals with modern science to ensure and enhance the skin's natural balance while conveying the calming experience of an ancient beauty ritual to indulge the senses. Visit for more information and products.

http://www.truzion.com/naturalessentials

As I age (or get younger as I like to say lol) I realized that my skin has changed. My teenage years were acne-free (thank god for that), but I am plagued with adult acne recently. Not just acne, but black heads, I have thought about going to a dermatologist, but I am rather skeptical about the treatments they might suggest. I have spent many waking hours browsing on sites for the right cream and the right scrub.I have tried Proactive, which worked wonderfully by the way, but I needed something more natural. My philosophy, if I have the difficulty in pronouncing the ingredients, then I probably shouldn't be using it on my skin.It was only recently I realized that every individual skin regiment is different and I need to learn my skin and try things that will work for me. I now know that I can make my own homemade cream and scrub, so I absolutely refuse to buy the store products.

WHAT IS COCOA-MA'SHEA? I THOUGHT YOU MIGHT ASKED THAT QUESTION. WELL, COCOA-MA'SHEA IS A BUTTER THAT I MADE ONE DAY.

I JUST GOT ALL MY INVENTORY IN AND I DECIDED TO WHIP UP SOMETHING DIFFERENT. AFTER I MADE THIS PRODUCT, I GAVE THREE OF MY FRIENDS SAMPLE JARS AND TOLD THEM TO GIVE ME THEIR FEEDBACK.

WELL THOSE THREE FRIENDS TOOK IT TO THEIR JOBS AND LET RELATIVES KNOW ABOUT THIS BUTTER CALLED COCOA-MA'SHEA. THE FEEDBACK WAS UNBELIEVABLE.

THE NEXT DAY I RECIEVED 10 REQUEST OF COCOA-MA'SHEA FROM ONE PERSON AND 7 FROM OTHER PEOPLE. BEFORE THE WEEK WAS OVER I MUST'VE SHIPPED OUT 50 JARS OF COCOA-MA'SHEA.

WOW! I NEVER KNEW THAT THE 1 PRODUCT THAT WAS JUST A TRY OUT ENDED UP BEING A HIT!

I MAKE BODY BUTTERS IN ALL SCENTS, BUT IT'S ALWAYS NICE TO HAVE A NATURAL BUTTER (WITHOUT SCENT) IN THE MIX.

NOW I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THE TIME TO INTRODUCE A NEW BUTTER AND SHE'S THE RELATIVE TO COCOA-MA'SHEA....HERE SHE IS THE ONE AND ONLY

"COCOA-MA'SOY"!!!!

IF YOU LOVED COCOA-MA'SHEA, YOU'LL LOVE MISS COCOA-MA'SOY!

Check me out: www.rosalynsbathandbody.com

Some people may ask what it is, well let's just say it's like buying two different scents but in one jar.

I love creating and mixing different things to come up with something new for my customers. So far I have six orders of this body butter and to top it off I just made it two days ago. That was fast getting it out there to my faithful customers.

The Double Body Butter comes in these scents so far:

Mango&Papaya
Cantulope & Melon
Vanilla & Brown Sugar

More scents will be added soon, keep an eye out for it.

They don't call me "The Mixtress" for nothing! ;)

Peace YMIB Family, Soooo, excited to Be a Mark Rep. Please check out my on line store chocked full of urban chic fashion, accessories and make-up that won't put a dent in your wallet. If you want to absolutely "Disgusting" for the Spring. Check us out @ http://nsanders.mymarkstore.com/

Nickesha the "One and Only" Houston Diva, bringing you from drab to fab in 1.5 seconds. So, get to click en and be made "Anew".

Your, Sister in Fashion

http://nsanders.mymarkstore.com/

Diva Nickesha
((((Mu ah)))

I love skincare products, especially All Natural and Organic. One day I found out that Lemon is a Excellent Skincare Product. I read that it helps remove blemishes, skin discolorations and eliminate odor. It great for hair, and body.

I just began a simple Lemon Regimen. Daily. After I wash my face, I rub a slice of lemon on my face. The first day..the tingling was almost unbearable but I rode it out..I leave it on for about 5-10minutes then I rinse it off, pat dry and moisturize..My face feels a lot smoother and I feel like my complexion may be improving..

Its been about 1 week so far and I haven't noticed any fading of blemishes but I feel a difference when I touch my face.

Also, I rub a slice of lemon under my armpits..Yeah I know sounds gross or a little too much info but it acts as an extra odor fighting boost to my organic/herbal deodorant. Hey, the herbal deodorant is not as long lasting and as the more commercial ones out there so I appreciate the extra protection..

I just wanted to share the info because we all run into people that need a little Lemon in their Lives!!

Follow me now on Examiner.com as I comb the streets of the Washington DC area in search of styles, trends on the streets and in local boutiques. Looking for city secrets, local favorites, fashion events and new shop till you drop spots. As the Newest contributor to Examiner.com I am your DC Neighborhood Style Examiner.

http://www.examiner.com/x-9860-DC-Neighborhood-Style-Examiner

If you have a Fashion event in the D.C. area, please contact me through my Examiner page.

Markeysha
DC Neighborhood Style Examiner

I may be late, but WOW! Iman Cosmetics is SOOO under-rated!!! So I've been a M.A.C. girl for all of my college years...but I was never completely satisfied with their foundations, always trying a different one to see if "maybe this one will work better." I mean, afterall, it IS M.A.C.! It's expensive as hell and the hype is insane. I have oily, acne prone skin and I can't just be foolin around with anything! (Even though I'm probably the world's biggest make up junkie) So a few months ago I purchased Iman's book "Iman, the Beauty of Color"...and I was really impressed by her break down of make up and what women of color should be looking for in foundations, color, etc.

So I set out to get me some and couldn't find it ANYWHERE! Luckily, last week while visiting my bf in D.C., I found some in Target! Then Walgreens.
And today, in Lexington, KY I found it in Ulta (a Sephora-like store that I didn't even know existed).

Let me tell you, my face has never looked so beautiful. My oily skin doesn't ruin my makeup and doesn't look super shiney. The colors are PERFECT! The lipglosses are AMAZING!

I had to go all out and act a fool in there bc the prices are so reasonable!

I was talking with a group of mommies last Sunday, and inevitably, as it goes with brown mommies everywhere, we got to the subject of hair; more specifically, our daughters' lovely heads. The facial expressions, evidenced remnants of trauma, were priceless! We doled out our tips and vented about our haphazard approaches, and pulled out our smartphones to jot down valuable information about conditioners, hydration therapy, and resisting the urge to perm. I made a mental note to talk to the only person I would put in the category of being my "hair stylist", Shelley. She is BADDD when it comes to styling natural hair! I mean, the woman is Funky with a capital "F"! She has graced my e-page today with her knowledge of all thing hair, so get set to "File", "Print" lovely ladies, cuz the sistah's got Tips Galore!

Taming the Mane, provided by Shelley of Naturi Beauty Concepts

"Her hair is so thick". "I just don't have time to deal with all that hair!"
"I need a style that can last till next week!" "I have to get her up extra early just to deal with her hair!" "She's so tender-headed!"

Palm Oil Soap
We have recently added 100% Palm Oil soap to the Smell Goods' line! This soap is superb for defending your skin against free radicals, wrinkles, and aging! It is also very nourishing for the entire body!

Specialty Bar Soap _ King Bar Soap_Chai
Fight grime and nourish your skin! The Specialty, King, and Chai soaps are now blended with unrefined cocoa butter, kosher glycerin (vegetable), vegetable oils, and soybean protein.

Buy More and Save

A new savings program has been put into place just for you! Now the more soap you purchase the more you save! Visit any of the soap pages and get updated on how to save.

We welcome you to join us every Wednesday for the buy 2 get 1 free promotion! Purchase 2 of our Signature fragrance oil blends (same size) and receive 1 free (equal size)! Type the name of your free fragrance in the comment box at checkout.

We will see you there!

Itiel,smellgoodslady
Smell Goods '98™

greetings sistren!

as you can see from my blogs
i have been in a state of flux for quite some time
as such

i've been feeling a bit off my center and not really taking proper care of myself
but today...

i did my feet (tho i may have been a bit overzealous with the buffer)
my pedicure is two different shades of blue

i washed and twisted my locs
and then i styled them up into a mohawk that i've been envisioning for the last couplea weeks

i put my loc jewelry in my hair

i did a facial

i shaped and buffed my fingernails

and put on actual rings...

i didn't go anywhere...but i feel MUCH yummier!

*****SHAMELESS PLUG*****

and if YOU need some loc jewelry www.myspace.com/selewa_wearable_art

I have a beauty blog by the name of Blaq Vixen Beauty. Check it out if you are a woman of color who is new to makeup! :)


Then there is Fab Blaq Beauties on Ning. This network is for my fellow beauty bloggers of color to create profiles, get to know other beauty bloggers and network. If you have a beauty blog, sign up! :)

Now that summer is upon us, it's very easy to find plants all around. I've noted some great ones below that can be used to keep holistically beautiful.

I love crafting body care products in the summer particularly because you find yourself so much closer to nature. You're able to go right out to your yard, the community garden, or into the nearest forest-y area (with a trust field guide of course!) and find the plants that will help you the most.

Here are 5 favorites of mine that are very common in gardens and kitchens alike:):

Calendula A healing herb for rough or problem skin

Ginger An warming herb that gently purifies as it stimulates (Not usually found in the garden or out and about, but I had to include it since it's so easy to find and so great for the body)

Lavender A gentle cleanser and tonic for all skin types

Peppermint An astringent which clears the complexion

Rosemary An invigorating antiseptic which boosts circulation and deep cleansing

There are tons of ways to use these beauties:). Below are 2 of my own personal recipes (from the classes I teach) that are very easy and quick to make. Enjoy!

Cosmetics and perfumes have been popular since the dawn of civilization. Yet in these days and times a certain standard for beauty has been set, a set image and style. If you don’t fit into that category of beauty, then you are considered ugly. This is why so many Nubians put on too much make up and Perm (which is not really permanent so you have to keep getting it done over and over again) or relax your kingly crown (9 ether hair).

You put on fake nails, fake eyelashes and even alter the structure of your faces by cosmetically or surgically thinning your nose and lips to make yourselves over in the image other than self and kind.

"Black is beautiful.."
We sing it, chant it, and wear it on our shirts but have we really accepted it as a universal truth. When we have discussions about self esteem and self image we address the women we see on television, magazines, and the women we stereotypically say are "Ghetto." But what of the women who African centered? Has her identification with African culture elevated her self esteem and image to a place where she has no insecurities? Or, are we using just superficial scales to determine if one holds them self in high esteem (i.e. natural hair, the way one clothes them self, etc).Here is the real question if you hated yourself for the majority of your life can a book, movie, and so forth really heal the scars of insecurity.

Greetings ymib fam!

Summer here, with all those cute strappy tops and dresses, I wanted to ask you ladies how you keep your underarms looking and feeling soft and healthy...

The reason I ask is because it seems to be a topic that comes up a lot in black websites and forums - especially on how to keep this sensitive area even toned (as many womben experience dark areas in their underarms)....

So what do you d to keep your underarms beautiful?

I'm only ever use natural deodrants now, exfoliating and adding moisture to this area wth shea butter every night as a break from deo - it really has made a huge difference to even out my skin tone in this area.

I would also love to hear if hair removal makes a difference to you?

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