Category: beauty

What’s in my Make Up Bag?

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hi Passionista

Let’s talk make up!!!

I don’t wear full face make up everyday, simple because I’m lazy. I don’t have the time. And I don’t need it. I like a fresh moisturized face. But I can’t lie mascara and lipstick is a daily must. I like to look in the mirror and see my lashes flourishing and my lips kissable ALWAYS.

On a good day, if I decide to do my makeup, it’s normally something light that is done in the car on my way to wherever I’m going. These are the products I must have handy.

Make Up Bag from Ipsy

Foundation Stick

I discovered the color correcting foundation stick in ULTA about a year ago and have been using it every since. 90% of the time I am doing my makeup in the car while in traffic. Foundation in the form of a stick is convenient for the purpose of doing your make up on the go, quick touch ups, and less mess. This product has replaced my MAC photo finish liquid foundation. I can’t remember the last time I’ve used liquid foundation and a foundation brush to apply to my face. It’s all about Foundation Sticks and Beauty Blenders now!

Purchased at ULTA ($15.99)

Foundation Mineral Powder

Cover Girl foundation is the first makeup brand I ever used. I started using it at 16 (i s h) years old. I remember spending so much time in CVS debating about what color I am. I spent all my little money on the wrong shades. I’m so glad I know my colors now and how to shop for drug store make up. This mineral powder lasts me at least 6 months to a year. I love how light weight it is and it doesn’t clog your pores. I mostly wear it on top of my liquid/ creamy foundation but, I can wear it without a liquid or creamy foundation and get the same results.

Purchased at CVS ($9.49)

Lip Liner Pencil

MAC lip pencils are my absolute favorite. They are easy to sharpen, easy to apply, long lasting. Not only does my lips stay perfectly lined all day, but the pencils last for what seems like forever. I’ve had my current pencils for at least 2 years. Now, I’m not sure if you’re suppose to stop using make-up after a certain amount of time, but I plan on using these pencils until they run out no matter how long it takes. My go-to shades are chestnut and night moth. I’m a nude lip girl and the chestnut liner literally looks good with everything.

Purchase at MAC cosmetics ($18.00)

Mascara

My favorite part about doing my make up is the mascara application process. I like to take my time and paint my lashes. I will spend 20 to 30 minutes brushing over and shaping my lashes. I will wear just about any brand of mascara. My only requirement in mascara is that it’s waterproof. I am a cry baby and my eye just water from time to time and the last thing I need is running mascara all my life. I am currently using the ULTA Beauty Limitless Lashes Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara.

Purchased at ULTA ($10.50)

Eye Shadow

I am still learning how to apply eye shadow and blend colors together. YouTube is really helping my learn (Tip: watch the GlamTwinz make up tutorials). Now that I’m getting better at it when I have time to play in colors I like to try different techniques and style to explore what looks really good on me and what I should stay away from. I have so many eye make up palettes, but for everyday on the go make up looks I love the small 3 color compacts by Cover Girl. They are the best size to fit in a make up bag. I love how super pigmented most of them are. My favorite shades are the nudes and anything shimmery in gold or bronze. I like to just coat the bottom half of my lid for a natural look.

Purchased at Target ($5.00)

Highlighter

I am head over hills in love with the Fenty Beauty Shimmer stick. I love how convenient it is. I can literally roll it on my face and use my fingers to blot it in. Even without foundation on, it give my skin this natural glow that works wonders for my cheek bones.

Purchase at Sephora ($25.00)

Liquid Lip Stick

Liquid Lip stick is the best make up invention on the market. I mean I love a lipstick that I only have to apply once a day. If it can’t stay looking kissable through eating and drinking throughout the day I don’t want anything to do with it. Maybe 2 summers ago, I fell in love with the MAC line of liquid lipstick, they are like lip tinted glue. It literally states on all day. I have also found the NYX brand to be very good quality at a low price.

Purchases at MAC cosmetics ($22.00)

Make Up Brushes

You can never have too many make up brushes. I have at least 3 of each type of brush. I don’t wash my brushes often so I like to have a clean set on deck at all times. E.L.F brand brushes are hands down my faves. I’ve received a few other brands in beauty boxes or as gifts but nothing compares to the price and quality of E.L.F brushes. I like to keep 4 brush handy at all times. 1 fluffy powder or blush brush and 3 different eye brushes.

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Skincare | The Unprepared Pimple

Published on by Kadi3 Comments

Hi Passionista!

This past weekend I took some time off to spend time with my girls on a Cabin Trip. The weather was just right for a cozy cabin affair. But just when I thought I was about to have a stress free weekend of fun with my girls, a PIMPLE came trying to ruin my fun. I rarely get pimples. So…. Of course, the 1 blue moon I get a pimple I am away from home and all my skincare products. But I was not about to let a lil red dot pimple stress me out or ruin my fun.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE A PIMPLE AND NO SKINCARE PRODUCTS?

Honestly, the only skin care products I packed was my Honest Beauty Gel Cleanser and O’Lay Daily Moisturizer. My skin has been clean and clear for the most part of the season. I haven’t experienced any harsh breakouts or anything. So, only packed the basics for skincare. I had to raid my friends cosmetic bags for products I could use to really deep clean my face and treat this pimple.

I was able to borrow a face scrub (Aveeno Positively Radiant daily Scrub), a facial cleanser (Cetaphil Daily Face Cleanser) and toothpaste was baking soda.

I used the Cetaphil to clean my face. The Honest Beauty Gel Cleanser I packed is gentle and mild, I don’t think it was enough to get the job of removing excess (Natural) oils and sweat from face. The Cetaphil formula is a bit stronger and is meant to cleanse your skin of oils without drying your skin out. Next, I used the Aveeno scrub to gentle scrub all the dirty out of my pores to prevent more pimples from surfacing. Finally, I placed a dot of toothpaste with baking soda on the pimple and left my face alone for the rest of the day.

The best thing you can do to your face when you have a pimple is keep it clean and keep your hands off you face. By the end of the weekend the pimple was all dried out and disappeared leaving no dark spot.

Hair | Rice Water for Natural Hair Update

Published on by Kadi3 Comments

Hi Passionista-

Okay, so! I have another rice water update. I’ve used rice water about 3 times now and I can say I have seen results.

3 Weeks of dirty hair with product build up


All the shedding from washing & detangling

How I make my Rice Water

I use regular store brand white rice. I pour about 2 cups of rice into a strainer and rinse the rice with water, to get off the factory dust off of it. Then, I use a Mason Jar (pint size) and fill the bottom with rice. Next, I fill the jar with water. To mask the horrible smell rice water can produce, I use essential oil. This time I used Jojoba & Sweet Almond Oil. Lastly, seal the lid on the jar tightly, letting it soak for at least 24 hours.

One thing I hate about washing my hair is the shedding. Normally, I will have large clumps of hair all over my shower, shrink and stuck in my brush after washing and detangle my hair. It gives me anxiety, thinking about how much of my hair is falling out and my drains getting clogged with clumps of hair, etc. But the instant result of using rice water is LESS SHEDDING.

After washing, this is what my hair looks like with no product in it …

I have not been tracking my hair length to see if it is growing. But I want to start so here are my first length check photos

For this wash day, I used the OGX Nourishing coconut milk shampoo and condition, and the Hask Keratin Protein Smoothing Deep Conditioner

If you have tired Rice Water before share your thoughts and opinions with me. If you are think about trying rice water, ask me questions.

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.

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.