HAIRCARE

HER OWN SKIN’S TOP 5 BEAUTY TRENDS FOR 2017

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I can hardly believe that we’ve entered into the year 2017. 2016 sped by in a flash and I’m not sure that I can say last year was completely amazing. There were some rough periods; celebrity deaths and a tumultuous election. Here’s what I kept consistent: An optimistic outlook on it all and a ton of favorite beauty practices. With that said, I’m projecting my beauty trends for 2017. I think you’ll like them and I hope you’ll join me…

1. MOISTURIZING WITH OIL: Listen! I’ve been saying this over and over again. The health of my skin has never been better than when I started using argon oil on my face and neck at night. In fact click on my November Obsession for a favorite of mine. For a little guidance, check out my current night routine where I show you step-by-step, how to incorporate an oil into your skin love at night!

2. NAIL DESIGNS: A few coats of one color on your nails is so 2016! This year, go for something fun. Lines, dots, squares painted on your nails give you the perfect manicure with a twist. I’m not talking about the flower that you put on your 5-year-old nieces pointer finger when you drag her with you to the salon. Think minimal and chic. In fact, for a little inspo, take a look at my NAIL OBSESSION board on pinterest to grab some sure to please ideas.


3. BUSHY BROWS: Am I the only one into the bushy brow? I haven’t tweezed, waxed or threaded my brows in over 2 years. They’re not entirely bushy, but they are full. I can dig it. I encourage you to be a less concerned about having the absolute perfect arched brow. At the most, give them a good brow brush and call it a day. 2017 is about low maintenance beauty. We can do it!

4. LITTLE-TO-NO MAKEUP: This one might be a challenge. It is for me at least. I’m normally a full face everyday. I don’t wear a lot, but I do WEAR! Yet still, there have been days when my eyelash extensions and a lip are enough. Something about glowing in your natural beauty is amazing. A really nice touch is just using your favorite tinted moisturizer. Take a look at mine here. 2017 is a year where I plan to do more with less.

5. NO-HEAT HAIRSTYLES: I’ve been rocking a perm rod set for about a week now. I’m so in love with this look. To think that you can make bouncy beautiful curls without a curling iron gives me life. A non-damaging look is always a win.

That didn’t hurt, right? You have 5 beauty trends that I’m raving about to tap into this year. You don’t have to take my word for it, but when you come across a stunning, bushy-browed, curly flawless-skinned gem walking down your street, come back and tell me that you love me.

xo IKA

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PACK THE PERFECT BEACH BAG!

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It’s beach time guys! If you haven’t made the trip yet, I’m sure it’s coming soon. I’m all about preparation and the Beach is no exception. The Blazing hot sun, sand in between my toes and the potential for dehydration will not get me! I’ve got plenty for it all!

SUNSCREEN: Did you think I was going to start with something else? Well you thought wrong. This is my number one, always. I make countless mention of using sunscreen all year round, but at the BEACH you better come correct! You can use one of my favorites from Aveeno. Anything less than SPF 30 doesn’t count in my opinion. Protected skin stays healthy. Do yourself a favor and keep it in the beach bag, the handbag, the weekend bag; EVERY BAG!

SPECS: Sunglasses provide protection to your eyes. The eyes are sensitive. Not only do they keep your eyes safe but you also look bad ass. The bigger the better. Sometimes it’s all about the look too, let’s be honest.

LIP CARE: Last months obsession was the Aquaphor Lip Therapy Treatment. Guess what, there’s a version with SPF. Hello! Enough said.

AGUA: A cooler filled with bottles of water is a must. Staying hydrated while you’re out in the sun is crucial! The sun rays will get you dehydrated so quickly. Always remember to replenish. The way I keep the water flowing is to infuse it with strawberries, cucumber, lemon or my favorite, mint!

FRUITS: At the beach I like to have my Summer favorites like, grapes, watermelon, pineapple. Washing and pre-cutting in advance makes life easy and helps keep the day low-hassle.

SUMMER READING: A few hours at the beach make for great reading time. If a novel doesn’t interest you, try short stories or write in a journal. My new must have and awesome gift for friends is Kiss The Sky: Reflections of Becoming your Best Self by Carline Dumerlin-Folks. It’s a journal as well as a reference point that is sure to keep you motivated.

There it is. No big deal. You don’t need many things but you DO need a few essentials to make your trip to the sand fun and worthwhile. These are just to name a few; all in addition to your flip flops, beach chair, towel and bucket of fried chicken lol. What things do you feel you can’t go to the beach without?

xo IKA

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MARCH 2016 OBSESSION

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One of the pleasures of being a beauty blogger is to be given the opportunity to try out a ton of up and coming products. It’s also great to be able to help and support small businesses! Thank you Every Strand for introducing me to one of the best hair masques I’ve ever used!

everyday strand pic

Every Strand Earthy Hair Essentials sent me this Shea and Coconut Oil Deep Moisture Hair Masque. It is heavenly. The fragrance alone will have me coming back for more. I’m adding this to my hair collection and I don’t see it going away any time soon. What I especially loved was the way it made it easy to detangle my type 4 hair. That’s a huge deal for my tresses.

If you haven’t tried it yet, GO NOW! You won’t regret it.

XO IKA

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TOP RESULTS IN LITTLE TIME: WASH & GO!

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GUYS! This past weekend was intense. I had so much going on and so little time. I was feeling like my hair needed a boost of something different so I went for the wash and go. Let me start by saying, I don’t do this method often. Actually I’ve only done it once and while it was ok, I knew that there was something that I didn’t quite grasp.

I figured it out in two easy steps. I can’t even believe how simple it was! And the best part, it took me a total of 1.5 hours from start to finish and $4.50! No need for a “wash day” 😉
WASH AND GO POST
Plain and simple, I cowshed with VO5 Coconut Conditioner. Guys, first of all this conditioner was $1.49. Like really? And to be honest I think I’ve seen it cheaper in some places. Second of all, my hair was SO SOFT AND TANGLE FREE after running this conditioner through it. It felt better than some of my expensive brands; and I have quite a few. Why have I been spending so much money? Just like every time I wash, I sectioned my hair into about 4 parts. When my hair was nicely cleaned and conditioned, I simply ran the Xtreme Professional Wet Line Styling Gel through each section. Btw, it was $2.99 (Should have bought 10 of them 🙂 ). I was generous with this because I wanted the style to really hold. I sat under the dryer for about 20 minutes since I was in a rush. I prefer no heat so had there been time I would have let it air dry like I normally do.

THAT’S IT! I mean, I think I’ve wasted some time in the past. lol
This will be my quick, in-a-hurry go to style, go forward. When time permits I certainly treat my hair with a little more tlc. I deep condition (before I wash) and most people use leave in conditioner. I’m still up in the air about that step but it’s up to you.

Share with me some of the ways you get top results in a little time. It’s perfect for someone like me who is always on the run. I’m out there finding the best products for all of you! That takes time my friends! 😉

xo IKA

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