Lead in Lipsticks?! Really, girl?!?!

Photo Courtesy of http://beautifulwithbrains.comThe trials and tribulations of womanhood ever abound. Ladies, according to the FDA over 400 lipsticks contain traces of lead.  Companies such a Revlon, Cover Girl, L'Oreal, Nars and Maybelline lead the list of lead laced cosmetic offenders. Apparently the levels of lead are very minor and not a major threat.  The FDA reported "The lead levels we found were within the limits recommeded by other public health authorities for lead in cosmetics."   However for those known to rock a lipstick everyday with consistent reapplications throughout the day should be aware that minimal exposure can add up to significant risk.  Kiss of death indeed. Presently there is no research available monitoring the impact that these traces of lead can have on health and welfare but it's definitely something to think about on your next trip to Sephora, Walgreens, CVS or wherever you shop for lipstick. And please note, it looks like highly pigmented colors top the list. Most of the liptsticks in the top 10 are reds, pinks, plums and other bright and/or rich hues.  Buyers Beware! Find the full list of lipsticks by clicking the link below.  

Find the full list of the 400 lipsticks tested by clicking here.

For more information on the FDA's Lipstick and Lead Study click here. 

P.S. I'm very pleased to report that MAC's Ruby Woo was not found on the list so... VIVA LA RUBY WOO! lol

Come on ComeBack Hair!

So those of you who follow my Youtube Channel know that I've been on a healthy hair journey for close to three years now. In that time, I've learned so much about healthy hair and what my hair needs to thrive. I'm just on the other side of a setback, but I'm very pleased to report that my hair is on the comeback.  I posted a video on my YouTube Channel earlier this week to share my brand new progress. I wanted to share that information here as well..  

See what had happened was, as of November 2010 my hair looked like this 

Needless to say I was super proud of myself.  I wanted to maintain my length so I challenged myself to rock protective styles for most of the winter, specifically from Christmas until Easter.  It was tough but I did and my hair did grow.  BUT in light of my progress I grew cocky and complacent and starting neglecting steps of my hair regimen.  Specifically the most time consuming steps,  the pre-poo and the deep conditioning with heat. As a result my hair, albeit long, was lifeless, limp and stringy.  And it looked like this. 

No bueno.  So frustrated and disappointed , I consulted with my stylist and my hair journal and we all noticed the how lazy I'd become in my hair regimen. This was probably around May 1st.  At that point I began to reintegrate extensive deep conditioning back into my regimen. Prepooing every wash and deep conditioning with heat.  I'm super pleased to report my hair is on the come back. After prepooing overnight from Friday to Saturday I headed to the Dominican's around my way for a wash and set.  After she washed me with Aphogee's Shampoo for Damaged Hair, I sat under the dryer with a moisturizing deep conditioner for about 20-25 minutes. After my roller set, I added heat protectant and had my roots blown out slightly (I'm 6wks posts) and had them pin curl my hair.  When I took my curls out the next morning, I loved my result so much that I recorded this video. I wanted to share it on the blog as well.

The moral of the story. The hair journey comes with setbacks and they do suck.  But we can learn from them and make changes to turn things around.  It's never the end of the world.  I'm sure I'll be back on track completely by the Fall and I'm excited. Keep taking care of your hair ladies ( and gents). Happy Hair Growing and stay tuned for my next update.  #PROGRESS 

Peacock Inspired Tutorial

Hey Hey Guys.  I was inspired by the one and only Josh aka Petrilude, Makeup Guru Extraordinaire.  He recently posted a peacock look as apart of the 2010 Halloween Series and it got me thinking that I could give it a go.  Ofc Course I put my own little spin on it and I wanted to share it here just in case ya'll care.  It's a bunch of different products but I've listed everything below.  Many of the products are dupe-able so no worries if you don't have exactly what I've got.  Remember there are no rules in makeup, I had fun and hope you guys enjoyed watching as well .  A Tutorial and a couple flicks are posted below.  Have a great Sunday! 

Eyes

Urban Decay Primer Potion 

Mac's Groundwork Paint Pot

Mac's Delft Paint Pot

Mac's Humid Eyeshadow

Mac's Sumptuous Olive Eyeshadow

Mac's Contrast Eyeshadow

Mac's Meet The Fleet Eyeshadow

Face Front Cosmetics Mad Money Pigment

Mac's Golden Olive Pigment

FaceFront Cosmetics Aqua Marina Pigment

Loreal Paris Lineur Intense Liquid Liner in Carbon Black 

Adell Lashes#305

Face

Mac's Studio Fix Conecealar NW40

Covergirl Transluscent Powder Honey

Mac's Bronzing Powder 

Mac's Raizin Blush

Lips

Mac's Chestnut Lip Pencil

NYX Tanned Mega Shine Lip Gloss

I Got the Blues FOTD

Hey Guys..

Today was a terrible camera day.  I did , or thought I was doing a tutorial, and when I went to watch the playback I learned that I was off camera for 98% of the time that I was filming.  This just hasn't really been my week.  But I wanted to come and post something so , Ladies and Gents I give you my very first Face of The Day (FOTD).  I gravitated toward blues this morning.. I wore black and grey to church today and I wanted to add a little punch of color.  The look was super quick and easy and got a bunch of complement, so I'm guessing it went well. Check out the flicks and the products used below. 

Eyes

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil (Milk) (Mobil Lid Base)

Urban Decay Primer Potion (Base)

Mac's Contrast Eyeshadow (Outer Third)

Mac's Deep Truth Eyeshadow (Mid Third) 

Mac's Electric Eel ( Inner Third) 

Mac's Reflects Blue Pigment (Applied Over Electric Eel)

Face Front Pow Bam Wow Pigment ( Applied Over Deep Truth)

Loreal Paris Lineur Intense Carbon Black

Loreal Telescopic Mascara in Blackest Black

Face

Mac's NW 40 Studio Fix Concealer 

Cover Girl Queen Collection Liquid Concealer in Golden Dorado

Cover Girl Transluscent Powder in Honey 

Mac's Raizin Blush (Contour) 

NYX Cinnamon Blush 

Lips 

NYX Lollipop LipGloss

Cat Eyes and Gaga Lips ( Makeup Tutorial)

Hey Hey... 

Back again with another look. I guess you can call it simple glam.  It's an exaggerated cat-eye (winged  liner) and a pale pink lip. I recorded this tutorial a couple of months back but never posted it. SMH. Isn't that terrible. Anyway the vid, a list of products and a flick or two are provided below.  It's a simple look.. great for a date or a party/club situation.  Me,  I wore it to church.. lol... Pick your pleasure.  

Tutorial 

Products Used 

Eyes

Urban Decay Primer Potion 

Mac's Saddle Eyeshadow

Mac's Brown Script Eyeshadow

Mac's Vanilla Eyeshadow

Mac's Fluidline (BlackTrack) 

Loreal Paris Lineur Intense Liquid Eyeliner (Carbon Black) 

Ardell Lashes in 305

Mac's Studio Fix Mascara 

Face

Mac's Studio Tech Concealer (NW40)

Mac's Moisture Cover Concealer (NW45) 

Presecriptives Loose Powder (Deep)

Mac's MSF ( Deep Dark) 

Lips

Mac's Chestnut Lipliner 

Mac's Viva Glam Lady Gaga Lipstick 

Mac's Pink Meringue Lipglass