Tag: featured

Get Your Glow On | Aveeno Positively Radiant |Product Review

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista- 

My blogging journey has been unique and I have enjoyed it all. I’ve learned a lot, shared a lot, and still have a lot to learn. One thing I’ve been working towards is getting recognized by brands and gaining partnerships with brands I use to create quality beauty, skincare, and hair content. I’ve always enjoyed the maintenance of being a women. The innovative products on the market makes life easier to keep up with yourself. My preferences change just as much as the industry trends, so I am able to always try new products and brands to see how they work for my body type/ skin type/ hair type and give my opinions and tips. 

I recently received my first brand box from one of my favorite brands…. Aveeno! They reached out to me after I posted a skincare blog post that included one of my favorite Aveeno products, and sent me some Positively Radiant products. I’m super excited share these glow getter products with you. 

 

GET YOUR GLOW ON

Aveeno Positively Radiant Micellar Gel Cleanser Makeup Remover

This gel cleanser draws out your skin’s dulling impurities while removing makeup, dirt, and oils from your skin. I have been using it every day for about 2 weeks now. Before bed, I wash my face and apply a generous amount of the micellar gel cleanser all over my face. The gel formula is easy to rub into face with hands and it lathers really good with just a little bit of product. The Aveeno scent is light and fresh, I appreciate the gentle scent without having in harsh fragrance chemicals in the formula. After massaging into my face for a few minutes, I use a face towel and cold water to wipe product off.

My favorite thing about this product is that it washes away make up, dirt and oils to cleanser skin for a positively radiant glow. I appreciate the finger pump bottle for a clean dispensing of the formula. This is a 5.1 fl.oz. product that I feel will last at least 3 months if used at least 3 times a week.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Max Glow Infusion Drops

The infusion drops are meant to even tone & textures leaving your skin with a dewy glow. The product claims to give a 48 hour moisturization for a lit- from- within glow. I love that it only takes a drop or two to massage into you face and your skin feels flawless. I’ve used a drop every morning after washing my face with cold water. It has been taking the place of my daily moisturizer cream and last all day long. I’m not a big fan of the drops being in a small tube, I think a bottle with a dropper would be better. It would make it easier to get all of the product on your face without any waste.

Beauty Tip:

Was you have with cold water to prevent wrinkles and saggy skin.



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Blue Agave Cooling Mask |Product Review

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista!

I am loving this new cooling mask by Biore. It is a whipped nourishing detox mask with blue agave and baking soda. The natural baking soda has the ability to give your pores a really deep cleaning. The blue agave conditions the skin. The formula combination works to eliminate impurities under the surface of your skin. It lifts dirty and unclogged pores. The whipped formula texture is fluffy and allows for a smooth application to your face. It really has a cooling and pore-tingling affect to it. I felt it as soon as I started applying it to my face.

One of my favorite things about this mask is that it’s blue. The color really sparked my interest which was why I purchased it. I don’t think I’ve ever purchase a Biore product before, so this was a first for me.

With the cooling affect of the formula, I thought it would be nice to add some steam while I letting the product sit for 5 minutes or more. I used my facial steamer from Amazon. The steam mixed with the cooling feeling of the mask made my experience feel like I was at the spa.

Pros

Non-Greasy, smells good, and very moisturizing

Cons

Messy and leaves skin red after use

If you have not already, please click here to leave a testimonial for my #SephoraSquad application.

*This post contains affiliate links and I may receive commission from the purchase/ booking made through this link at no cost to you.

Pamper Routine

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista

I love pampering myself. But, honestly its been a while since I’ve had a pamper day. Normally I’d pick a Saturday out of the month to sleep in, make myself a fancy breakfast and give my body the pamper works it needs. 2019 has been a busy year. I’ve been busy planning and connecting with other entrepreneurs that I haven’t had a pamper day all year. Last night I decided to relax and try some new pampering products.

My pamper routine always involves food and a hot bath. Last night I had dinner from Olive Garden (one of my favorite restaurants). My hot bath was accompanied by a Jingle Bell peppermint bath bomb, ULTA Beauty coconut shower whip and Dead Sea Himalayan Salt Scrub and a Bath & Body Work (black tie) candle.


The new additions to my pamper routine are these moisturizing gloves and socks I picked at Big Lots for $1 each. Yes! That’s right Big Lots, I freaking love that store. The mositurizing gloves and socks by Epielle Beauty are meant to relieve and soften dry skin with sunflower seed + avocado oil. They feel absolutely amazing. I put both the gloves and socks on, then just kicked up my feet and relaxed for about an hour. I was super shocked about how soft and hydrated my hands and feet felt afterwards. These are 5 star quality product for only a buck.

As you can imagine, if I haven’t had time to pamper myself this year I also haven’t had time for a pedicure. So my feet were a little rough, but after letting them sit in the moisturizing socks the gel formulated with sunflower seed oil, avocado oil and vitamin E left my feet feeling silky and cool.

Nothing feels better than a cooling hydration facial sheet mask to instantly replenish my stressed skin. This is a Daylogic (Rite Aid store brand) sheet mask.

Before I wrap up this blog, I applied to be a part of the Sephora Squad 2019. If you have a few seconds to spare, please click here to leave a testimony about my blog. This will be an opportunity for me to create more creative beauty content.I appreciate all the support and love.

Passionista Bianca White | DIY Suitcase Pet Bed

Published on by Kadi4 Comments

Happy Friday Passionista

Introducing Bianca White as the newest Passionista. I met her about a year ago at a mentoring event we were both volunteering for. We started chatting and I found out we have a few things in common … she is a DIYer like me. While I like to DIY event decor and gifts, Bianca specializes in Home Decor, Martha Stewart like designs. I’ve followed her since we met and she is always putting together some dope decor, including this Suitcase Pet Bed.

Passionista Bianca White

Two years ago I made a super cute suitcase pet bed for my son (my dog), but he never slept it in because apparently it sat up too high for his liking. Today I swapped out the wooden legs for short furniture feet and took off the top shell to make it easier for him to get in & out of. I think he’s a lot happier with it now and plus it looks really cute in my dining room area. 🙂

Things you’ll need:

Take off The Top

1.  Open the suitcase and use a screwdriver to loosen the screws from hinges that hold the top and bottom of the suitcase together. Once the screws are completely loose, separate the pieces and keep the bottom part to use for the bed. It depends on your suitcase, but in my case the hinges came loose pretty easy and I was able to pull them out with pliers. 

Drill Holes

2. Turn the suitcase bottom up and drill a into each of the four corners. Make sure the holes are not placed near the edges to ensure the feet will fully sit underneath the suitcase once it’s flipped over.

Screw in Feet

3. Screw the furniture feet into each of the drilled holes. In some cases washers or lag bolts are needed to hold the feet in place, but in my case they were pretty secure without having to use either. I suggest using the feet I found from Home Depot or some that are similar. 

Flip it

4. Flip the suitcase back over so that it’s standing on the feet. Check to make sure it’s not wobbly and that the screws are not sticking too far out where they will bother your pet.

Place the cushion

5.  Last but not least, add in a cute cushion/pillow and add in a cute dog. Done!

See more from Bianca White, click here.

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.

January Favorites

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hi Passionista!

As we say good bye to January and Hello February, I want to share some of the products I have been obsessed with this month.

Kinga Facial Steamer

I was blessed with this amazing facial steamer as a Christmas gift. I was watching a favorites video from the Glam Twinz on youtube and they recommended this facial steamers. I put it on my Amazon wishlist and one of my besties bought it for me. I ABSOLUTELY love it. I use it about once a week when I do a clay or detoxifying mask. It’s simple to use and works wonders on your face. It truly gives me an at home spa experience. The steamer has a small water tank. It only take a few seconds to start steaming once you turn it on and it run strong for at least 15-20 minutes.

Juvia’s Nubian 2 Eye Palette

For New Year’s I was looking for a new eye shadow palette to attempt to do my own make up for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. I discovered the Juvia brand in ULTA when I went in for my lash appointment. I was shocked at how pigmented the color are for such a low price. This palette was only $20. I’m normally not big on bold eye colors, especially when I;m doing my make up myself. But… New Year, New Me! I thought I’d try something new and I loved it.

Yes To Cucumber Cooling Roller

I discovered this new to market Yes To product in Target. It has a metal cooling rolling ball that allows you to roll the product on your face cool and calm sensitive skin. I have been using this product daily. It a great way to end the day and get rid of all the grit and grime from everyday activity. I appreciate hands -free/ mess -free beauty products. With this product I don’t have to use my hands to put the product on my face. I love that because I try to keep my hand off my face as must as possible. 

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream

This is my new favorite lotion. I normally use body oil to moisturize my skin daily. But I am loving how lightweight and hydrating this gel cream lotion is. It it packed with hyaluronic acid which is basically water- and nourishing for your skin. Keep the Skin hydrated!

Michael Kors Wonderlust Perfume

I received a the sample size (.34 fl oz )perfume as a christmas gift. I am impressed with the scent and how strong and long lasting it is. Before receiving this as a gift, I’d never used it before or knew what it smelled like. But I was looking for a new mature perfume to use. I normally don’t buy expensive perfumes or designer perfumes. I’m more of a Victoria Secret/ Bath and Body works girl. But I will add this full size bottle to my “need to purchase” list. I love how the scent lingers and last all day.

Year 3

Published on by Kadi2 Comments

Hello Passionista!

Today is a very special day… It’s my blogaversary !!!!

Three years ago, I stopped talking about my desires to be a blogger and actually became one. This journey has not always been easy but I am grateful for every moment. There has been some moments when I felt like blogging was not for me. I felt like my blog was not getting the response it needed in order for me to consider myself a blogger. But I continue to push through my mini anxiety attacks and focused on my desire to use this as a creative space to share with others.

Why did I start Passion Locked?

I have always been an opinionated and talkative girl. Sometime its a blessing, sometimes its a curse. For years I followed different blogs like Lauren Conrad and A Belle in Brooklyn and they gave me the desire to one day start my own blog. But I felt like I needed to be older and more established before I could start a blog. At the top of 2016, I made a goal to stop talking about what I want and go after each and every thing I want for myself. So, Passion Locked was created… I have always been a creative person, full of opinions, and big ideas. I wanted to create a space where I can share all of my creativity with the world. Passion Locked is my vault of creativity- everything from skincare and beauty (product) reviews, tips and routines to the DIY projects I share. It is my desire to use my creative space to connect with others just like me and build a community of ” Passionistas”

5 tips to starting a Blog

Now that I have been working on this passion project of mine for a few years, I’d like to offer some tips to anyone thinking about starting a blog.

  1. Don’t Second Guest Yourself. Just Do It!
  2. Set Content Calendars to follow each month
  3. Stay true to why you started
  4. Collaboration over Competition
  5. Keep it FUN!

What’s in store for Passion Locked?

I am just getting warmed up y’all. So, I hope you keep tuning in every week for new content. I want to grow Passion Locked into a creative brand as an offset to other business ventures I wish to pursue in Marketing, Brand Management and Event Planning. I’d also like to collaborate with more blogger and Passionista’s for passion projects, features and guest posts.

Thank you to all my subscribers and supporters for being apart of this journey with me!!!

Skincare | The Unprepared Pimple

Published on by Kadi1 Comment

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.

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

2018 Reflection & 2019 Goals

Published on by Kadi2 Comments

Hello Passionista,

2018 was a good year! So much happened. So much to be proud of. So much to be grateful for. So much meaning to life. I’ve completed yet another chapter of my journey, and so have you.

2018 I actually did some traveling. I walked the wall of the Old City in Jerusalem. I prayer at the western wall. I walked the Via Dolorosa. It’s still surreal to me. That’s something I never in a million years thought I’d do in my lifetime. It wasn’t even something that I planned, it just happened and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity. I also went to Paris…. FRANCE!!!! Although it was only for a short period of time, I saw Paris. I stood in front of The Eiffel Tower!

BEYCHELLA happened this year. I stayed up until 2am just to watch Queen B slay the stage for BEYCHELLA. The first BLACK FEMALE headline for COACHELLA (ain’t that a 🤬).

My girls and I survived a road trip to Washington DC for a music festival, in my brand new ride. I can’t believe it’s almost been a year since I bought my 1st car on my own.

I continued to improve my blogging skills and event planning skills to grow my business. I booked several successful events; gender revealing, baby showers, parties, and weddings. I pray for more increase in 2019.

I turned 27 years old, I’ve had to reflect on a lot things in my life that I need to work on. I’ve accepted a lot of things and I’ve made a vow to myself to change certain things. I’ve made a promise to never compromise who I am for someone else and keep my dreams alive by never giving up no matter what obstacles I may face. I’m a one women show!

  1. 2019 Goals

I want to continue providing creative content 3x a week. My goal is to be better prepared and plan out materials. I strive to have each month’s content planned out at least 2 weeks before the month begins.

I want to work with brands for brand ambassadors or sponsorship opportunities. My goals is to stay consistent and market my content through my social media channels to attract brands lookin for ambassadors or paid sponsorship programs. If I can work with at least 3 brands in 2019 that will help me take my brand to the next level.

I want to monetize my blog and brand. My goal is to make $1k per quarter as a additional stream of income for sponsorships, events, custom decor and gift, as well as starting a shop on my blog. I tried using Etsy before but I was just to complicated for me. I strongly thinking about upgrading my WordPress plan.