Category: beauty

DIY | Cucumber Face Mask

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista,

I brought the new year in with a cold and STILL when out for NYE. Which did not help my cold situation. A week later, I finally feel like myself again. My nose is no longer red and stressed out. I’m no longer coughing with a runny nose. I FEEL BETTER, thank God!

While I was sick, I went without washing my hair or applying any mask to my face. I wasn’t in the mood to and I didn’t think it was a good idea to do while sick. So, now that I am better it is time to show my skin and hair some tender, love and care. Today, I am going to share with you how to make a refreshing sheet mask for stressed skin.

You will need:

Compressed Facial Mask (from Amazon)

1 Cucumber (sliced)

Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar

Lemon Juice

Water

Using a pint sized mason jar (or gals jar), fill the jar half way with water. Add in the sliced cucumbers, apple cider vinegar and lemon juice. Sometimes, I measure out a tablespoon of each (apple cider vinegar and lemon juice) or sometimes I just pour whatever in. Only thing left to do is, LET IT SIT. You can put it in the refrigerator or leave it out on the counter. I like to let mine sit for half a day before using.

When you’re ready to make the mask, drain the cucumber slices from the solution. Leave the solution in the glass jar. You can store any excessive solution for up to 5-7 days.

The perfect thing about the compressed facial mask is all you have to do is open it and drop it into the solution. It expands on its own.

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Influenster Vox Box Review

Published on by Kadi3 Comments

Hello Passionista,

Today, I have a special #curltreat to share with you. I received another Vox Box from Influenster,that is all about CURLS and treating yourself to healthy styles.

What’s in the box?

This Vox Box includes Garnier Fructis Curl Treat Leave- in stylers: Hydrating Butter and Defining Soothie.

Y’all know I love a good hair product and these styler came just in time for the holidays. I decided to do a flexi rod set using both the Hydrating butter and Defining smoothie. I normally don’t purchase Garnier Fructis products for my hair because honestly I didn’t think it was a brand for ethnic natural hair. Now that I’ve tried these curl treats I will be purchasing these products and exploring what other good styling products Garnier Fructis has to offer my thick natural curls.

Both the Hydrating Butter and Defining Soothie formulas are thick and feels very rich. You only need to apply a little bit to each section of hair.

When styling my hair with the flexi rods, I wet my hair with a spray bottle of warm water, them added the Hydrating Butter from root to ends. Before starting to roll each section of hair with the flexi rod, I used my finger to rub the Defining smoothie and a small amount of curl gel to the ends. Once my entire head was rolled and twisted in the flexi rod, I let it air dry over night then sat under the hair drier the next morning for 20 mins (just to make sure my roots were completely dry)

Natural Hair Tip: Make sure your hair is COMPLETELY dry when doing twist out, rod or roller set before untwist or unrolling. It makes a huge different in the final look and how long it will last.

I am amazed at the finished look of this flexi rod protective style. Like I said, I never thought Garnier Frutis products were for my type of hair. There advertisements always have white women with straight hair, I don’t fit that audience so I over look the brand. I would like to see more women of color with different types and styles of hair in their advertisements.

ENTIRE LOOK FOR THE EVENING

Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for review purposes.

For PR and brand partnership or sponsoring, please email passionlockedblog@gmail.com

PinchMe Review

Published on by Kadi3 Comments

Hello Passionista,

So I’ve received yet another PINCHme Box. I think this may be my last PINCHMe box. Don’t get me wrong, I like getting free stuff to try and I love sharing my reviews with you guys. But ….. PINCHMe is too much. When I first joined PINCHMe, it was simple you complete surveys for points and you get free samples to review. Recently they’ve switched something up. You have to take more surveys to get a box now. For some reason, I don’t qualify for most of the surveys anymore. I’ll spend hours on the website filling out the same basic information just to get rejected from completing the entire survey and getting all my points. I don’t event get a box every month any more. When I do get a box it takes it forever to arrive and when it does the box is all beat up.

Sample #1: Native Deodorant

The sample size packaging is great for trial. I have it in my work bag, just in case I need a refresh during the day or if I need to freshen up after work to head straight to happy hour.

There is nothing special about this product to me. It’s just like any other deodorant minus the parabens, aluminum and phthalates. You put this deodorant on the same way you would any other deodorant. I’ve used this deodorant for the past week and had no issues of being musty. I don’t really do any hard labor activity throughout the day anyways. I think it’s slightly impressive that the formula still seems to work without the aluminum, parabens and phthalates. It makes me questions why those ingredients were ever added to hygiene and body care products in the first place. A question consumers will probably never know the truth about.

This deodorant is made without aluminum, parabens, phthalates, and talc. Honestly, I don’t know what none of these ingredients are. But I do know that “Free From” parabens and phthalates, etc. has become a industry trend for skincare and cosmetic products. Just about everything new to market have these “Free From” call outs on the packaging and all over social media.

I did find this product in Target. The regular size product is 2.65oz and costs $11.99. I don’t see myself purchasing deodorant for $11.99 when I’ve used to paying $3-$4. There is also a mini size 0.35oz for $2.99, which is the same size as the sample from PINCHme. I don’t know how long the 0.35oz will last but I like how compact it is for on the go purposes. I will continue to use my sample and I may purchase the mini in store, but I know I will not be purchasing the $11.99 product. Toms brand is not even that much.

Samples #2: Shea Moisture African Black Soap Clarifying Facial Wash & Scrub with Tamarind Extract & Tea Tree Oil

This sample came in the form of a packet for a one time use. But the regular in store product is a 1.5oz tube for $4.49 on sheamoisture.com. The sample contained enough product for a good one time use of the product.

The product is meant to be a smoothing exfoliator to help cleanses any impurities of the skin. I used a facial spatular to apply the product all over my face and neck. Then used my hands to massage in my skin in a circular and upward motion. The scent is very mild, but PLEASE do not get the product in your eye. I did and it was horrible.

I felt like my skin was softer and cleanser after use. I didn’t really need to do anything else to my face. So I used my Little Barn Coconut + Mint facial mist to set my face and start my day.

This is a product I see myself purchasing and using more that I have tried the sample. It reasonable priced and works well.

Sample #3 Sugru Moldable Glue

This is not really a product that I need or would see myself in need of. I honestly had to find something to use it on to write this review. For a handy person, this product will come in handy for around the house quick fixes. I have a white board that fell of the wall and cracked recently. I wasn’t going to throw it away but the way it broke, I could not rehang it on the wall without repairing it. I was going to just use my hot glue gun, but after I received this sample I decided to use this. The package states it take 48 hours to fully dry. I used half of the samples to repair this white board and the other half went to waist because it harden in the slightly opened samples package.

Disclaimer: I received this product from PINCHme for reviewing purposes. All of my reviews are my honest opinion whether I bought the product(s) to it was sent to me. 

For PR and brand collaborations opportunities, please email passionlockedblog@gmail.com. Be sure to follow me on instagram. 

BLOGMAS Day 22| Yes To Foaming Sheet Mask Review

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista,

I have been trying so hard to not miss a day of blogmas. And I missed a day of blogmas 🤦🏾‍♀️!!!!!! So disappointing, but I’ve been super busy this month. I’m not just being lazy and not blogging I just had an intense Friday. Maybe I’ll do a bonus blog, but for now BACK TO THE REGULAR SCHEDULED PROGRAM.

I love a good pamper day. Pampering myself is a important part of my self care. I enjoy doing a at home facial, a bath with salts and scrubs and body oil to nourish my skin.

I recently adding a new product to my at home pamper day routine. Instead of a clay mask, this time I used the Yes To Cucumbers Bubbling Paper Mask, purchased from Target. I’m not really sure I had any expectations before using this product. I was curious to see how it felt and if it really worked.

It really worked. I applied the sheet mask just like any other sheet mask. It was not foamy when I took it out of the packaging. The sheet mask was nicely soaked with the formula. I don’t even know how long it took the mask to foam up. I didn’t feel it foam up. After I applied the mask, I enjoyed my hot bath soak with bath salts and once I was out I looked in the mirror and the mask had foamed. I was concerned that maybe the foam formula pull leave my skin feeling dry after taking the mask off. To my surprise the mask felt my skin feeling really hydrated. I used my face water mist to set my face after the mask and went about the rest of my pampering.

Have you tried this Bubbling sheet mask yet?

BLOGMAS Day 20|SpaScriptions Clay Mask Review

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista

Surprisingly, I have managed to keep my skin hydrated and moisturized this winter. I haven’t had any breakouts (fingers crossed I keep this same energy). 

I was trying to define a consistent winter skincare routine for daily care, but I’ve gotten comfortable just trying a bunch of different products, as usual. SpaScriptions is a new brand I discovered in Big Lots. Owned by Global Beauty Care, SpaScriptions is meant to help repair and replenish your skin. This sample kit came with three 1.7oz size samples of masks was less than $10. 

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So far I have only used one of the mask- The Clay Mask! 

The formula is soft and thick, it easily spreads across your face. I love that the kit came with this facial spatular for application. This is a plus because I can use it for just about all of my masks. 

I appreciate the fact that the clay mask remaining soft after sitting on my face for 20 minutes. It did not harden or flake. I was able to wash the mask off with no issues and leaving no mess in the sink.

    I would love to work with this brand on a skincare or beauty campaign because I really enjoyed their product. I could see myself adding SpaScription to my lists of favorites and use their products more often. It would even be nice to explore more of the brands line to create a speciality skincare routine, since I can seem to nail a seasonal or morning / night routine.

    BLOGMAS | DIY Hair Clip Ins

    Published on by KadiLeave a comment

    Hello Passionista, 

    I’ve taken my DIY skills to a whole new level. I made some hair clip ins using 14 inch Itlian Wavy bundles by LM Tresses. 

    I’ve been wanting to do something different with my hair but I’m picky about my hair. I have so many bundles of hair from my sew in days, I thought about making a wig. As I was looking for tutorial to make the wig I came across a tutorial for clip ins. Clip ins are much easier than a wig. Plus, I’ve never wore a wig before so that would have been a gamble for me. 

    The process of making the clips ins was simpler than I thought. Since I already had the hair, I only had to purchase thread, needle and clips ins from the beauty supply store. All of this was $10 (max). 

    The Finished Product 

    BLOGMAS Day 11| CVS Make Up Remover Wipes Product Review

    Published on by KadiLeave a comment

    Hello Passionista, 

    So I was in CVS the other day ranting about the price of make up remover wipes. Honestly, brand mark up cost are outrageous and I’m over it. I like Neutrogena, but I’m also tired of Neutrogena’s price point. 

    I opted to tried a cheaper store brand version of make up remover wipes. This is a new  CVS private label brand make up remover wipe, retailed at $2.99. To my luck, when I got to the register this item was actually on sale- buy one, get one 50% off. Of course I purchased 2 packs. I will always need facial wipes. I use them everyday, multiple times a day. 

    CVS Brand Cucumber & Aloe Soothing Facial Wipes – clarifies and refreshes skin

    CVS Brand Fragrance Free Moisturizing Facial Wipes- alcohol and fragrance free

    First Impressions: 

    The packaging is cute… but for a teenager. The price is what drew my interest to purchase this project. Not the packaging! The wipe it self is thick and soft, if feels to be some good quality. It’s not a Neutrogena wipe but no complaints. The formula gentle remove make up perfectly. I used one wipe to remover a full face of make up without the towel drying out. I had no issue wiping away my eye make up either. Other than the packaging I like these wipes a lot. I;m not saying I will never buy expensive Neutrogena make up remover wipes again, but for now the CVS private brand is a great alternative. 

    The reseal label will honestly determine if I re-purchase these wipes again. My biggest pet peeve with make up remover wipes is that after a while the reseal label stops sticking or curls up and my wipes start drying out before I can finish all the wipes. I hope this product doesn’t do that. follow me on social media for updated on this review as I continue to used these wipes. 

    OOTD | Thanksgiving Day

    Published on by KadiLeave a comment

    Hello Passionista,

    Happy Turkey Day !!!!

    Head wrap- Beauty Supply Store

    Bodycon Dress- Boohoo

    Sweatshirt – made by me

    Boots- Forever 21

    Target Beauty Box | October Review

    Published on by KadiLeave a comment

    Hello Passionista!

    You all know that I love the Target Beauty Box. I don’t get them as often as I’d like cause some months I forget to go order them or when I do go to order them, they are all sold out. So, in the rare event that I do get a beauty box or 2 I be LIT!!!!!!!

    img_0409This box is all about EYES & honestly I wasn’t excited about it when I received it. Eye drops are not something I use often. But it’s useful to have them around the house if I ever need them. I don’t know what I will need eye drops for. I may just pass the sample along to one of my friends that wear contacts. So, the Lumpy Eye Drops are useless to me, but I like the packaging.

    I love the COVERGIRL brand. But I have not mastered the the art of liquid eyeliner yet. I almost hate that every beauty box comes with an eyeliner. I have so many of them now. They all get thrown in my “must try one day” basket just like that COVERGIRL Get In Line Liquid Eyeliner. I should really start practicing applying eyeliner… like a bond cat eye style. Cause I would rock just a fresh face, eyeliner and mascara everyday. I mean I do that now but my eyeliner job is very basic. Like just water line basic.

    Mascara is my favorite makeup item. Even if I don’t wear any other makeup, mascara I will apply. Unlike the eyeliners its rewarding to get a mini mascara in every beauty box… every month. I have so many different types that’ll never run out. Although COVERGIRL mascara is my top fave, this Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara Mini will come in handy. Most times the mini bottles last about a month. So every month I switch to a new sample.

    Just like I haven’t mastered the art of applying eyeliner, I don’t know how to slay my eye brows. Maybe I should take a make up class? Find a MUA that’s good at teaching. This Sonia Kashuk Essential Brush Brow & Spool is a awesome tool but I don’t know how to use it.

    I was most excited for the Acura Radically Under Eye Hydrogel Mask and then most disappointed in the product. I use a reusable gel eye mask weekly. It was my first time using a  Hydrogel Mask and it didn’t go well for me. The gels broke apart as I picking it up. So I didn’t even get to use it…. talking about mad!

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    Now this Beauty Box I can rock with… I’ve been trying different natural toothpastes this Tom’s Luminous White Toothpaste with Fluoride is a new one to try. I’ve tried one of the other Tom’s toothpastes before and different have any complaints, so I’m pretty sure I’ll love this one too. I haven’t use it yet cause I just opened a new tube of toothpaste and I don’t believe in wasting toothpaste. Use one tube at a time.

    I have been wanting to try the Love Beauty and Plant brand. I used the Love Beauty and Plant Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Shampoo & Conditioner once and now I’m in love with it. For one, it smells soon amazing. Two, my hair felt really clean. Three, after conditioning my hair feels soft and not having to detangle was a great feeling.

    I have been using the Honest Beauty Gel Cleanser from a previous beauty box. But now that I’ve tried this Bliss Makeup Melt Dry/Wet Gentle Jelly Cleanser with Rose Flower I’m interested. I like to use my facial cleanser brush when applying product to face. My gentle and my skin feels clean after use.  Although this is just a sample size I think I will get a good amount of usage out of this sample. I’ve had the Honest Beauty cleanser for a least a month or two.

    I love using cetaphil lotion on my face. It’s not harsh and it gets the job done. I actually already have the full size product. But this samples size Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion will be great for travel & much needed with the holidays coming up.

    This Olay Total Effects Whips I have received in at least 3 beauty boxes. I have only been able to use up one samples so I still have two. I love the matte finished and how creamy the formula is without leaving your face greasy.

    Okay, so do you like the Target Beauty Boxes? Do you get them every month or every once and a while? 

    Lipstick of the week

    Published on by Kadi1 Comment

    Hello Passionista

    Fall is here and it is my time of year for dark lipstick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    One thing I love is a good dark color matte lipstick, like this by Mac in the color Instigator.

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    I love the matte lipstick from Mac the formula is great, it doesn’t rub off as easy as other brands like Sephora and Milani. I do prefer matte liquid lipstick over the sticks but I still wear my sticks (cause I have a lot of them).

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