Thursday, December 24, 2015

Tutorial Natural Hair | Winter Wash and Go Maintenance


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Hey guys! You asked for a tutorial for my winter wash and go maintenance, so here it is! I cover everything from overnight prep to refreshing the hair for moisture retention. It's been working wonders for me. Enjoy the tips! Ladon


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NATURAL BEAUTY MADE EASY | Tartelette In Bloom

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Hey guys! While picking up a few gifts at Ulta, I innocently...ok...in truth a made a beeline to check out Tarte's Tartlette in Bloom eye shadow palette the other day and OMGGGGGG!

This palette is every bit as gorgeous as you've heard!  I LOVE how blendable  the shadows are! They glide on and perfectly accentuate your natural beauty!

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Tartlette in Bloom includes a wonderful mix of true matte and shimmering shadows in warm and neutral hues. I have slightly hooded eyes and prefer to use mattes in my crease and a bit of shimmer by my tear ducts and on the brow bone.  Because the colors coordinate so beautifully with one another and blend so easily, this palette is all I need to create a variety of natural and more intense looks.

THE BEST PART? Each of the 12 deliciously warm hues included in the palette are perfect for women of color!  A must have!
Grab your palette here ---> Tartlette in Bloom

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Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Beauty Beat | Winter Skin Care Routine

Many of you have asked about my morning and evening skin care routine. While a vlog is coming soon - I thought share some of the nuts and bolts of my routine to maintain glowing, healthy and vibrant skin during the winter months.

Now don't get it twisted! I have dull skin days, occasional breakouts and everything else that comes along with having oily skin. The important thing to remember is that all of this is normal. However, if you develop a solid skin care regiment and stay consistent with it, your skin will take less time to recover and will quickly rebound from skin dullness associated with your monthly cycle and blemishes that pop up every so often.

AVOIDING SUNKEN EYES/DARK CIRCLES:
We know that it's necessary to increase our water intake during the winter months to counteract effects of bitter cold and dry air circulating indoors, but did you know that drinking a glass before bed helps you stay hydrated over night?  YEP!

The average person sleeps between 6-8 hours each night. Drinking a glass of water before bed helps you to stay hydrated, helps your organs to function properly AND helps you to sleep more soundly. Each of these benefits lessens the likely hood of waking with sunken eyes or dark circles - SO DRINK UP!
Note: don't worry about bathroom runs over night. When your body is properly hydrated, you'll find that you won't have to go 'til morning!

Bye-Bye Flaky Dull Skin:
Exfoliate. Exfoliate. Exfoliate. The best way to remove old dull skin and reveal your most beautiful
and healthy skin during the winter months is to exfoliate regularly. One of the greatest benefits of this process is gradual lightening of hyperpigmentation!  YES! Say bye-bye to old acne or blemish scars.

My two secret weapons? Clarisonic Mia2 and Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser. For MANY YEARS I manually exfoliated my skin with a facial brush or scrub. The problem with facial scrubs is the particles can irritate the skin - especially if you have break-outs. So I like the Mario Badescu cleanser because its glycolic acid gently exfoliates the skin as you cleanse lightening break-out scaring and uneven skin tone. The Clarisonic Mia 2 is probably the single BEST investment I made in my skin this year. Its invigorating brush deep cleanses my pores in a way I could never replicate manually and greatly improved the texture and suppleness of my skin.

Fight Fine Lines and Dry Skin: 
After washing my face I still use 5 drops of Rosehip Seed Oil as a skin serum (benefits of Rosehip Seed Oil) but I swapped out my Juice Beauty Moisturizer (a summer favorite) for Dr. Brandt's Xtend Your Youth Skin Cream which is parabean and sulfate free!  Moisturizers I've used in the past seemed to give up mid-day during our harsh Chicago winters, but Xtend Your Youth's  unique blend of antioxidants keep my skin soft and hydrated all day long. It's worth every penny! :)

Some winter beauty tips I follow:


  • Start the day with at least 2 glasses of water; infuse with lemon for a tasty change.
  • Gently wipe away make up each night. During the winter months, I prefer to use coconut oil.  For eye makeup, I prefer BareMinerals Waterproof Eye Make-up Remover or Tarte Fresh Eyes Waterproof Make-up Remover
  • Wash and exfoliate at night...even if I'm feeling lazy.
  • Avoid trying new skin care or make-up products during your monthly cycle because hormones keep on changing during that time and any new product might cause breakouts, scars, and blemishes.
  • Eat plenty of fruits and veggies every single day. You're worth it!
Welp, those are the nuts and bolt of my skin care routine for winter.  I will share my favorite make-up products and DIY's for lips and facial very soon!

Hope this helps!
L

Monday, November 30, 2015

CRAZY HAIR GROWTH | CROCHET BRAID UPDATE

I can't believe how much my hair has grown over the past week! Looks
like I'll have to take my crochets down but first I thought I'd show you
how the style has held up since installing last week.

Love, L


Eh

Saturday, November 28, 2015

5 Minute Makeup for Naturally Glowing Skin

❤ BareMinerals

BareMinerals is a makeup minimalist's friend! When I only have 5 minutes to get out the door or just want an easy breezy look, bareMinerals is my go-to brand. Today I used the Skin Brightening Primer which leaves the skin feeling satiny smooth,  the TouchUp Veil for beautiful glowing skin and swept a bit of Warmth over my checks and forehead. 

Their products really compliment a good #skincare care regimen! 

Friday, November 27, 2015

Founder Of Lingerie Line For Black Women Crowned Entrepreneur Of The Year

Founder of lingerie line for black women crowned Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year

Posted on November 26, 2015 by THEYOUNGEMPIRE

FASHION ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR: Ade Hassan

THE FOUNDER of a nude lingerie line for black women has been named fashion entrepreneur of the year at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2015.

“Happy Thanksgiving to all our US lovelies,” Ade Hassan, founder of Nubian Skin, wrote on the company’s Instagram profile today (Nov 26). “Feeling incredibly grateful today.”

After only one year in business, Ade’s brainchild has been endorsed by the likes of Scandal star Kerry Washington and is stocked in five stores in the UK, two in Portugal and 21 stores in the US. It is also sold through nine websites online.

The 31-year-old got the idea for Nubian Skin while sitting at her desk at her former job, which she described as a “corporate environment”.

“Lingerie is the foundation of every woman’s wardrobe. Being able to have something that matches your skin tone helps you express yourself, and it makes you feel more comfortable in your skin – which is something that every woman should be able to feel,” Ade told XO Necole.

For Ade, it was the frustration of not finding lingerie and hosiery that matched her complexion that helped her discover that there was more to life than underwear that didn’t match her skin.

“I was working in a very corporate environment before Nubian Skin and there was always frustrations of either not finding panty hose that’s my colour or wearing shirts that were quite sheer, but not wanting to always wear a black camisole underneath,” Ade told XoNecole. “Or when you are in a business meeting and your strap is showing or you can tell that you have red bra under a white top; I didn’t want that, I wanted nude, but shops didn’t have my colour.”


AWARD-WINNING: Nubian Skin lingerie line

She explained: “I remember sitting at a desk and the idea just popped into my head, and I said ‘why don’t you just make it?’ So I sent a text to my friend and told her I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up and that was the beginning of my journey.”

She launched Nubian Skin, a self-funded venture, in October 2014, with her savings and financial help from family and friends, and her business has gone from strength to strength since.

“One of the things that we are very conscious of is growing at a healthy pace and not running before we can walk. Ideally, yes, in several years I would love, love, love to have a Nubian Skin flagship shop, but for the time being I want to really make sure we get the product right, and that we are getting what people want,” she told the p

See original article here:  http://theyoungempire.com/2015/11/26/founder-of-lingerie-line-for-black-women-crowned-fashion-entrepreneur-of-the-year/

Thursday, November 26, 2015

#1 Black Friday Steals & Deals - 30% Off + Free Shipping

Who's down with saving money? If you LOVE finding high quality products at the best possible price you'll want to follow this blog series now!

This is my 1st post in a series of blogs where I'll provide Black Friday and holiday shopping deals, EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODES, Black Friday & Cyber Monday shopping tips and holiday gift guides. So buckle in and get ready to save!

Beauty Deal:
30% OFF + FREE SHIPPING
FOLLICLEANSE STORE-WIDE SALE includes all hair strengthening shampoos, conditioners and vitamin suppliments

When:
NOW - CYBER MONDAY
Starts today through Monday 11/30/2015

Details:
30% OFF + FREE SHIPPING - use coupon code TURKEY at checkout. Shop all Follicleanse hair products here:
http://goo.gl/B4Bfxt.

I'm a huge Follicleanse supporter! As you can see from my picture below, Follicleanse has helped me reach hair growth goals and made my fine hair fuller and healthier! It's a holy grail product & a part of my hair care regiment!

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Crochet Braid Update #1: Setting My Hair At Night

Crochet Braids, Day 3:

I've been pineappling my crochets at night by pulling then high on my head, then loosely securing them with a ponytail holder.  Because the back and sides are laid down (and my own hair) I tie a satin scarf around the stuffers and front to keep them neat.

In the morning I shake and go. I'm surprised by how easy this style is to maintain. Maybe I will crochet my whole head next time lol! 

What's your nighttime crochet maintenance routine?

CHARMING CHARLIE'S $10 EVENT!

If you like deals as much as I do check out Charming Charlie today!

They're having a $10 event! You'll find stocking stuffers like $10 scarves, gloves and winter accessories.  And their tops and sweaters are $10 off! 

I picked up a pink top (pictured below)  and burgundy sweater. Both were just $10 bucks!  I also picked up 2 necklace and earrings sets for $2.99 and $3.99 respectively!  Check out out -> https://goo.gl/DYwdjt
#giftideas

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Budget Beauty | Best Foundations under $13

I'm obsesses with finding quality products at a great price! That's why I had to share these amazing budget friendly foundations! These foundations have been formulated to provide long lasting coverage and won't cost you a mint! Check them out!

1. REVLON COLORSTAY MAKEUP FOR COMBO/OILY SKIN

$12.99

Foundation smoothes on evenly for a flawless look. ColorStay Makeup with SoftFlex SPF 6 for Combination/Oily Skin by Revlon features SoftFlex technology that will not rub off with normal wear. Oil-free formula looks fresh, feels natural and controls excess oil. (1.0 fl. oz.) Create flawless coverage for up to 16 hours of wear using ColorStay Makeup with SoftFlex SPF 6 for Combination/Oily Skin by Revlon.

2. L'ORÉAL INFALLIBLE PRO-MATTE 24HR FOUNDATION

$12.99

L'Oreal Makeup Designer Paris presents Infallible Pro-Matte 24HR Foundation, air-light texture with a demi-matte finish. For the 1st time, a super gliding mattifying formula with a high water content for maximum comfort that lasts. Contains Shine Defy Blotting Spheres that act like blotting paper to mimic makeup artist gesture, instantly absorbing sweat and oil without disturbing color pigments. Medium coverage. (1.0 fl. oz.) L'Oreal Makeup Designer Paris presents Infallible Pro-Matte 24HR Foundation, air-light texture with a demi-matte finish. For the 1st time, a super gliding mattifying formula with a high water content for maximum comfort that lasts.

3. MAYBELLINE FIT ME MATTE + PORELESS FOUNDATION

$7.99

Fit Me! Matte + Poreless from Maybelline New York goes beyond skin tone matching to fit the unique texture issues of normal to oily skin for the ultimate natural skin fit. While some foundations can exaggerate pores and oily skin, only Maybelline's pore-minimizing foundation contains their genius blurring micro-powders that erase pores and absorb oil for a naturally matte and poreless-looking finish. Dermatologist and allergy tested. Does not clog pores. Oil-free. (1.0 fl. oz.) Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation from Maybelline New York contains their genius blurring micro-powders that erase pores and absorb oil for a naturally matte and poreless-looking finish.

4. L'ORÉAL TRUE MATCH SUPER BLENDABLE MAKEUP

$9.99

Formulated with True Match Technology so you can control coverage and fine-tune it. Ultra-pure formula contains no oils, fragrances, or pore-clogging fillers, so all you see is beautiful, radiant, flawless skin. With Vitamins A and C, wheat germ and grapefruit extract to keep your skin nourished, protected and healthy. (1.0 fl. oz.) True Match Super Blendable Makeup by L'Oreal matches your skin's tone and texture and coordinates perfectly with True Match Powder, Blush, and Concealer.

5. MAYBELLINE FIT ME DEWY + SMOOTH FOUNDATION

$7.99

Maybelline's Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation is face makeup that fits you. No oils, no waxes, no nonsense. Natural coverage that leaves skin the way it was meant to be: fresh, breathing, natural.

Let new know which product you like! I'd love to hear about your results!

Later!  L


NoLyeNap's Easy GLUTEN-FREE Veggie Soup!

Hey guys! If you're looking for quick and easy gluten free vegetarian meal that is clean and the family will love, check out my 13 bean soup recipe. I always get lots of comments and questions whenever I post pictures of it so I thought I'd share the recipe in full with you here!

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
Beans ( package of 13 bean soup or call from a variety of beans you already possess)

14 oz of diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
1/2 onion
1 bell pepper
1/2 stalk of celery
1 cup carrots
3 cups gluten free vegetable  (chicken or beef broth for a non-vegetarian option)
3 cups of water
2 cups spinach
2 tbs garlic
8 bay leaves
1 tbs turmeric
Basil and thyme (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Chili powder

Prep beans using quick cook method or soak beans overnight. Rinse beans. Combine beans, salt, pepper, bay leaves, turmeric, garlic, rosemary, basil, thyme, water and broth on stock pot and simmer. Sautee onion, bell pepper and celery till soften. Add them to stock pot. Stir and diced tomatoes and carrots. Let simmer for 1 hour. Add spinach. Simmer for 30 minutes or until beans are soft. Enjoy!

OMG! IT'S BACK IN STOCK! Hair & Make-up Lover's Dream!

OMG!! Who else could use one of these? 

I love this! The Smart Sink Tray, is a heat resistant tray that adds extra counter space in bathrooms!

I have a small bathroom with limited counter space, so this tray allows me to spread my products out without having then fall into the sink.  I think it's also great for college students. I'm gifting these to my mentees for use in dorm bathrooms. The Smart Sink Tray is placed on top of the sink. When in use the tray can remain on the sink when running water (e.g. washing hands, brushing teeth), when finished, it can be lifted off the sink, and folded for easy storage. Perfection!  :)
What do you think? Thumbs up or down? Leave a comment below.

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Argan Oil - My Hair and Skin Serum + 40% Discount Code

Hi guys! I recently clarified my hair without stripping it (YESSS!) or causing dryness by using Follicleanse OS and Argan oil! Don't worry - I'll share the details later today.



You guys know how much I love multi-purpose products! So, in the mean time, I thought I'd share with you the many ways I use Argan oil as a beauty serum for my face, hair, nails and body!



UPDATE: Green Esthetics found our channel this morning and shared an exclusive 40% off discount code (GREEN40) for Nolyenapturallyme subscribers!  Yay!!!  It's good for 40% off ALL products on their site. Check the video details for info.  



 

Friday, October 16, 2015

HAIR GROWTH & THICKENING | FINE HAIR REGIMENT RESULTS

LONGER - THICKER - CURLIER - HEALTHIER HAIR
I've been using the Follicleanse system (40% off discount code below) for 8 weeks and absolutely love my results!  My hair is significantly fuller, healthier and I'm retaining my length!  BONUS: I can now wear styles I had given up on as a fine haired girl.  LOVE IT!!  Try it! You won't be disappointed!

I use Follicleanse DS Conditioner and Shampoo and am starting the supplements as well.   DISCOUNT CODE: FC40  

FOLLICLEANSE WEBSITE: http://www.folliaff.com/click.track?CID=309163&AFID=361101&ADID=1427890&SID=

GET HELP FOR FINE HAIR + 40% OFF DISCOUNT CODE!

NOLYENAP GOES TO WASHINGTON | Travel Vlog

Since you guys enjoyed the pictures I shared of my Sedona trip, I thought I would also share these photos from a trip I took back in June to Washington DC. This brief pictorial contains pictures from our White House Tour, walking the mall, the Martin Luther King memorial, the location where the National Council of Negro Women was founded and a tour of the Museum of portraiture. Don't worry! I heard you guys loud and clear, so all future trips will be in vlog format. That means I will incorporate pictures along with live video. Love you guys! Enjoy!

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Dark Sultry Lips Are On Trend For Fall! #CrueltyFree #ultabeauty

Lipstick
Milani Matte Glam
(Cruelty Free Products)
 OMGoodness! Have you seen the latest Fall mattes from NYX and Milani? They're forcing me to get a little vampy this season!

I purchased Milani's Matte Glam lippie about a month ago and absolutely love it! While it's a matte, it doesn't leave your lips looking or feeling dry.

BONUS: It glides on smoothly and is long lasting! Check out the palette here and tell me your favorite color!


photo credit @ultabeauty instagram
NYX's Siren Matte lipstick is giving me all types of fever! It's super pigmented an velvety smooth. Since they're buy 2 get 1 FREE, I'm going to stock up on a few of their pure reds and neutrals this week. Click here to pick up a few! SAVE an extra $3.50 by using coupon code: 308310 at check out through 10/03/2015!

TIP: The key to pulling off a bold or sultry lip lies in keeping your eyes and cheeks simple and using a velvety matte formula.

Get a little vampy and tag me in your pics! I'd love to see them!  As always, <3 L

Monday, August 10, 2015

How To Thicken Fine Natural Hair



I've tested it and can finally share my thoughts and results in this quick video.  I hope this helps those with thinning or fine hair or anyone desiring more body and fullness!


HAIR THICKENING PRODUCTS I'M USING:

  • Follicleanse Shampoo & conditioner: http://www.follicleanse.com?acc=26 
    ** Use this link for a lifetime discount
    (I think it's ok for me to share it with you - If not enjoy anyway!) 
  • Renewalize 100% Pure Organic Castor Oil (link coming soon!) 


Becca Cosmetics | Shadow & Light Brow Contour Mousse



I abosultely love the Becca Cosmetics Brow Contour for my thin brows!  I'm able to fill in the gaps, and it does a great job of thickening look of the individual hairs. I also have oily skin and love the fact that it stays put regardless of whether I wear a primer or not.  Plus it's cruelty free!  :)  Win-Win!

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Defined Wash and Go Tutorial + MELT DOWN!!!

Hey guys!  Have you had wash and go fails?  ME TOO!  Wash and go's on natural curly, coily or kinky hair can be challenging.  But don't give up!  Many times, you see our wash and go successes, but that doesn't mean it didn't take time to master our techniques.


In this video I'm sharing my updated technique.  My results change based upon which product combinations I use, but this is my summer wash and go process.  Two of my summer wash and go musts are:



1. Oil rinsing. It helps to keep my hair moisturized and lessens the likelyhood of single strand knots.

2. Using extra gel.  I add extra gel along my nape and throughout my hair during the summer months to assist with managing high dews.  Eco Styler with Argan oil, Kinky Curly Curling Custard, Curl Junkie Pattern Pusha gels are my favorite for high dews.  The extra product helps to hold the style over multiple days while also minimizing kinks because the shedding hair typically stays clumped (rather than getting caught in your curls, coils and kinks) until you get ready to detangle or do a dry wash and go like this one (click here).  

I hope this video helps!  Remember, practice makes perfect.  Take your time.  Try new things. And remember...it's only hair!
 

Friday, July 3, 2015

High Dews Boo! Best Gel For Humidity

FINE NATURAL HAIR: Defined Flat Twist Out

I created this style using Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner, ORS Loc and Twist Gel and Quemet Biologics Burdock Root Butter Cream.  Love love loved the results! 




2 Heads One Style - Flat Twist Out On Natural Hair



Yesterday we shared the results of a flat twist out on fine natural hair (Click here to watch: https://youtu.be/O---RmHQnPk)
Today, Miora shows the results of a flat twist out using slightly
different products on dense, tightly coiled natural hair. ENJOY!






Wednesday, April 8, 2015

MY ROOM DECOR: DIY, HOMEGOODS & THRIFTED FINDS



(VIDEO BELOW)
I'm in full purging and decorating mode. After moving my dresser to a different location I put together this 9 Cube Storage piece I purchased from Bed Bath And Beyond using my 20% discount of course.  I was able to put this piece together in about an hour and love the results.  It's very sturdy and well worth the full price.  After putting it together I decided to decorate it using some of my discount, thrift and sale finds.  Not sure I'll leave the storage piece styled this way, but wanted to share the results with you.


How did I do?  Oh - details regarding the re-purposed, DIY, Clearance and Sale items below!  Thanks for watching!

Tuesday, January 6, 2015