My Current Foundation Routine: Clinique Stay Matte Foundation

I have really been enjoying my Clinique Stay Matte Foundation. I picked this foundation up about a year ago from Sephora and I always seem to come back to it no matter what else I try! I think this foundation will be a staple in my collection because the formula is so light weight, yet it gives such a flawless finish! I don't have much to cover, but the spots that I do have get covered effectively with this foundation. I am in the color 28-Clove and the color is seamless! It just melts into my skin! I also purchased the Clinique Stay Matte powder around the same time and it works well with the foundation. My color in the Powder is 20-Stay Nutmeg. I have not received any breakouts wearing this foundation, that's probably because Clinique is a Skin care focused brand so there are not too many chemicals in this that harm the skin. I apply this foundation with a damp beauty blender and that seems to be the most effective way for me because it gives a sheer yet build able coverage. It just looks and feels like skin. The other thing I like about this foundation and Powder is that they are only $23 each. It may seem a little high, but compared to other higher end foundations from MAC, Makeup Forever and Nars, this is a much better deal. It will also last you a long time, if you are like me and don't use it every single day. So for my combination and oily skin ladies, this is certainly worth a try if you are looking for a new foundation!

Clinique Stay Matte (28 Clove)

Clinique Stay Matte (20-Stay Nutmeg)

Preparing Natural Hair for Protective Styles

The colder months bring frigid temperatures which can bring on dry, brittle hair. Most naturals, including myself, opt for protective styles such as braids, weaves, wigs or  updos. I recently decided to rock my U-Part wig to protect my hair and give my hair some much needed rest. Here are a few tips on how I prepare my natural hair for protective styling.

First, I deep condition on Dry hair using Elasta QP's DPR conditioner, next I shampoo with my Creme of Nature Argan Oil Sulfate Free shampoo followed by my conditioner at the moment which is Garnier Fructis Nourish & Shine Conditioner. I towel dry and then apply my leave in, Creme of Nature Strength & Shine Leave in Conditioner, along with a heat protectant, Organix ever straight Brazilian keratin therapy flat iron spray. I section my hair into about 6-8 sections and then I blow-dry each section on cool to medium heat. When I finish each section, I apply the As I am Double Butter Cream and my oil mixture and then proceed with styling/preparing my hair! That's it!

Leave in Conditioner

Heat Protectant

Moisturizer

Oil Mixture

Andis Blow Dryer

When protective styling, it is very important that you take the time to moisturize properly to avoid knots and tangles. It is also imperative to make sure you moisturize and care for your hair in the protective style, especially when it comes to weaves and wigs.  What are some of your favorite protective styles and how do you prep your hair?

Nailtiques Formula 2- My Holy Grail Nail Treatment

I have been using Nailtiques for a full year now and my nails have been thriving! I was never one that had super long or healthy nails but honey, this stuff has done my nails some good! Nailtiques Formula 2 is a nail protein that was formulated for peeling, weak and thin nails. The proteins help bond any splitting you may have and the other ingredients nourish and strengthen the nails. I purchased the Formula 2 at my local ULTA for around $17.00, however ULTA always has monthly coupons for $3.50 to $5.00 off if you receive the emails or monthly catalogs! They also sell smaller bottles for $5 and $9. In my eyes, this nail treatment is totally worth it because my nails have never looked better, not to mention they have never been so long and healthy! Just look at the results I've gotten.

How to apply: Wash your hands and make sure you remove all dirt and oil. Apply one-two coats of the nail treatment daily. As your nails improve, mine took about a week, decrease the application to weekly. This is how I used it and the results speak for themselves! Ladies, I seriously suggest you invest in this product if you have weak nails like I did!