Toners For Dry Skin: you might need more than one!

@bufferingbetty

We're just a little high maintenance in this dehydrated corner.

Related: Toner Review

It's funny how just a year ago I wasn't even sure of what a toner does. More accurately, I was skeptical of toners even serving any skincare benefits and not just a scam to get beauty junkies to buy more of the industry's promises of perfection in a jar. Fast forward to Summer 2018 and your favorite squishy beauty blogger has got a few toners sitting in her cabinet. 

About my skin: 
I have normal skin that leans dry If i'm not careful. The seasons play a starring role in how my skin behaves. In the winter, my skin needs a wild amount of attention. The heat in the summer makes my skin a little oily but the extra SPF I apply to my skin can dry out certain areas like my forehead and cheeks. In the fall, my skin just -ugh, perfection!!! And in the spring, we cool. 

Having a few toners is more than me just being high maintenance. No, really! My skincare has always been responsive. I look at my skin and focus on how it feels. It tells me what it needs. 

At our last Meet Pepper B present's Beauty Hour event, we had skincare expert, Niambi, teach us about natural skincare. She is the creator of Pholk Beauty formally known as Bloomsbury Square. Niambi said, "my skincare is a conversation." It was one of the night's major takeaways.  Instead of doing the just same old routine, pay attention to what your skin is asking from you. 

Soothing and Hydrating Toner:

The Esteli Coco Rosa Hydrate Toner Mist has brought some balance to my life. Toners I had been using were too potent to use daily. I like to use this toner on days when I have exfoliated my skin because it feels gentle and hydrating. I spray it on a cotton round apply it to my face to ensure that I'm getting all of the goodness all over my skin. I don't like the smell. It's slightly rosy but has a spicy note to it. I've said in the past how I don't have a great sense of smell. If you blindfolded me and put a plate of strawberries in my face, I probably guess that the scent is coconut. It's just not in my skill set. That said, there is something that is zesty and just off about the scent. But I like how my skin feels when I use this toner, so I look past it. I also use this to remove excess oils from my skin before I use an epillator for my uninvited, unnecessary, ladystache. This product also claims to be makeup setting spray or a skin refresher but I don't agree. Lastly, a tip I picked up at #BeautyHour with Niambi was using a toner before a mask to prep the skin. This toner has come handy for that too!!

And not that it really matters, but I just love the color of the bottle. Deep, jewel tone-ish shades of green bring me so much zen. 

Retexturizing Toner:

United State Balancing Tonic by Origins has been a part of my life for almost a year and I'm ready to put a ring on it. There were spectacular changes to my skin with this product. On the corners of my jaw, below my ears, I have been getting rough textured skin. It was a build up of dead skin. I didn't want to use a physical exfoliator too often because that tends to break out my skin. This balancing tonic was able to remove the dead skin without damaging my skin. I just have to use it sparingly on my nose because it's more sensitive. I cannot use this toner after sun exposure or using a physical exfoliator because my skin just doesn't like it. This is more of a winter product while the Esteli toner I can use year round. 

Honorable Mention - The Gram or YT Made Me Buy

Social media doesn't always influence my purchases. I stalk the "new" or "just in" sections of Sephora, Ulta, and Beautylish so much that I am already a quarter of the way through a product when I see my fave vloggers hauling it. Which always prompts me to think "Yuh been sleeping, gurl!" It doesn't happen often, but when it does the product is usually -eh. Hype is just hype. I grabbed the mini version of the Mario Badescu  Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater while standing in the checkout line at Ulta. It's a trap because it was only $5 so I didn't give it too much thought. Plus, I had been wanting to get a toner with rosewater. It gives excellent hydration that doesn't last. I've been using it this summer as a quick hydrater after being in the sun or to freshen up my face after the gym so I don't have to over use my moisturizer. She's not cheap. If you want a product like that, this can fill that need but don't expect sparks to fly when you use it. 

What toners are you using?

The Ace Edit - Summer 2018

By: @acevallee

Welcome to the first ever ACE EDIT! Filled with my current obsessions, my top shelf, health and mental guide and goals. A digital seasonal/monthly journey to achieve an outer and inner glow.

Summer is the season when I embrace my most natural state. I put down the blow dryer and opt for a fro or ballerina bun. I’m usually bare faced unless I’m going out on some random evening. I like to go for walks along the river and stop at bench to gather my thoughts and write out my feelings, iced matcha in hand, just taking in the season... and uncomfortable heat. 

TAN TIP: Put some Colourpop Loose Highlighter into your bottle of Suntan Oil, You will glow like a mermaid while getting bronzed.

SUMMER SKIN

Lately I just really care about protecting my skin and having it naturally glow. Have you seen Ashley Graham’s skin lately? She has been my inspiration. Clean, gleaming, healthy skin. I like to use a simple daily routine using all Glossier. Starting with Milky Jelly Cleanser, then I exfoliate  with Solution  to balance and even out my skin’s texture as well as preventing and clearing any blemishes. I step in with Priming Moisturizer RICH because I’m a dry ass bish. I finish it off with Invisible Shield. I know, it’s not waterproof but this shit doesn’t break me out which 99.9% of sunscreens do! Plus If you are using any products like Solution that contain AHA, BHA and PHA IT IS CRUCIAL THAT YOU USE SUNSCREEN.

SCRUBBA DUB DUB

I’m really obsessed with exfoliating my body and scrubbing off the layers of sunscreen and sweat from a long hot day. I love Lush’s Ocean Salt, I also scrub my face with it a couple of times a week to give that clean brightening effect. Lush’s RUB RUB RUB works great too and smells so damn divine. I tend to concentrate on the areas where my keratosis pilaris is apparent af. I do love coffee scrubs from FRANK BODY for those areas affected with KP as well, I just don’t love the way it dirties my tub. but they do WONDERS at exfoliating and healing. 

SCENTSATIONAL

Lately my scent has actually been Glossier’s Body Hero Oil Wash . I live for the neroli scent in that product, therefore making me indulge in Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino. The scent transports me from sticky, steamy NYC, to Somewhere in Northern Italy. 

MAKEUP MANUAL

Makeup has been kept very light this season. For work I’m barefaced. For the evening, if I get pulled out of my cozy bed for a glass of rosé at Sel Rose, I’d opt for NARS Tinted Moisturizer, and Concealer, FENTY Matte Match Stix to try and lightly contour to slenderize my face a bit, Marc Jacobs Bronzer, NYX Brow Pencil, Glossier Boy Brow, Glossier Dusk Cloud Paint. MAC Stripdown lip pencil paired with any of my many shimmery, clear glosses. I usually end with a wing and/or mascara but if I’m feeling it, I’d throw on some shadow and demi wispies. Of course I add some glow, Colourpop Loose Highlighters are a fave at the moment for a pretty subtle iridescence, I love the way the sun reflects off of it. 

Did you know that choosing a calming color on your nails can help with anxiety when you glance down at your nail? I find this to be accurate. My favorite color is Periwinkle, which as you know is a super calming shade of blue therefore Floss Gloss’s “95% Angel” is my go-to, signature polish. 

MANE TAME

I don’t straighten my hair unless I’m going to the salon for a trim and  undercut upkeep. It’s WAY too hot and my edges will curl up in .3 seconds. I simply wash the stress flakes away, bless you ORIBE SERENE SCALP Shampoo and Conditioner for keeping my scalp free of Frosted Flakes. I like to go in with a OUAI Trifecta of Rose Hair & Body Oil, Leave-in Conditioner and a few sprays of "Sun of a Beach" to naturally lighten up my strands to look Sunkissed, I also love to use Kristin Ess Weightless Air Dry Creme. I honestly have no patience for my hair in the summertime, so I keep it as minimal as possible. 

VITAL BEAUTY

I am someone who deals with anxiety and depression. I have my moments and with all that is happening in this country, it's not helping. I try my best to aid myself when the lows hit. I find that I must separate myself in order to RECHARGE and FOCUS on MYSELF. Sometimes we care about people so much and want to be there for them that to the point that we exhaust ourselves, sacrificing our inner peace and happiness in the process. It is absolutely vital for me to be pull myself away and take a break. I must do this because if I don’t it makes me resent people and I don’t have it in me to carry around that type of baggage. It does get lonely, especially if you’re like me and don’t have anyone to confide in and/or fear of being a burden to others. You’re on your own and you figure out ways to aid yourself during this time alone. I like to write my thoughts down and sometimes tear up the paper so I can just release all of that bullshit in my head, Keeping shit internalized is a NO for me. Small things help me out so much. Moments like  the way the sun creeps through my window and hits my sheets in the morning, make me feel good about taking on the day.

MY SELF CARE TIPS

JOURNALING - Write those thoughts down! Release that negativity lingering in your mind, causing you to overthink.

BULLET JOURNALING - I find that organization and planning calms my anxiety. 

SUMMER READING LIST - Getting lost in a fictional story distracts you from your own, like a tiny escape from reality. 

BINGE ON A SHOW - There's nothing wrong with binging on entertainment once in a while. May I recommend GLOW? 

MAKE A SOOTHING SUMMER PLAYLIST - Believe it or not, Music has healing powers!

GO FOR A POWER WALK - A physical way to release those lingering thoughts on overdrive. 

AT HOME SPA - Pair a face mask with that journaling, reading or bingeworthy show. 

CALM APP - I recommend this to everyone. I have used mine everyday for the past few years. The sound of rain brings me peace.

LIGHT A CANDLE - I find this to be such a soothing luxury. My favorite candle is ASH from BOY SMELLS. 

*Professional Help - Sometimes you reach a point where being there for yourself just isn’t enough and THAT IS OKAY. There is nothing wrong with seeking help from a professional. I’ve done it a few times and I feel so much better afterwards. 

Take care of yourself. Until Next time...

Glossy Skin, Glossy Lips, Glossy Life

Beauty Horoscope: Cancer 2018

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Cancer, your eyes reveal your emotions to a fault. As much as you would like to conceal what your heart feels and the clapbacks forming in your head -don’t. When someone looks at you, let them feel all that you do by framing your eyes in unabashed color. Your intuitive nature will come alive and get those around you to open up. Focus the color on the brow line to either play up or manipulate your shape.

Top Beauty Picks For Cancer

The Look: Colorful Brow Bone

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Skincare

Sephora Collection
Cleansing & Exfoliating Wipes

Robi Luxury Skin Care
Face Mask {mango, coconut & pink clay}

Origins
Clear Improvement™ Charcoal Honey Mask to Purify and Nourish

Saturday Skin
Waterfall Glacier Water Cream

Supergoop!
But First, Sunscreen Kit
 

Moonshine Suds
Rainbow Crystal Soaps

Fragrance

Ghost
Deep Night

Beauty

Lancome
Idole Blush Stick

Missha
M BB Boomer – BB Boosting Cream

Too Faced
Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer

YSL
Yconic Purple Couture Palette
 

Sephora Collection
PRO Fan Shadow Brush #25

Natasha Denona
Super Glow

Nails: Ruby

Lynnderella
Red Multi Glitter Nail Polish—Ruby Red Ruby

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Butter LONDON
Nail Lacquer - Ruby Murray

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OPI
Infinite Shine - Relentless Ruby

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Art For Cancer

Cancer by Rosa Kammermeier

Chola Mermaid by shugmonkey

Within Reach by Kenna Reid

Info on cancer  from here
All photos are credited to original source.

Last Year's B.Scope: Cancer

Previous Zodiac: Gemini

Basic Skincare Guide: Men Summer 2018

@bufferingbetty

Clean up + Glow up

A friend asked for skin care advice focusing on the basics with extra attention paid to protection from sun exposure + and clearing blackheads.

The actual message I sent him on facebook with an apology because I don't think he knew what he was getting himself into when he asked for 'basic' skin care advice.

You: male, normal skin, late 20s, morning shower person, more likely to shop at the drugstore or stores like Target + Walmart
Job: outside most of the day
Concerns: clearing blackheads, sun protection
Skin care Knowledge:slim to none

Will not spend more than 2 minutes on skin care

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Since his skin gets a lot of sun exposure, skin care is important for making sure he is comfortable with how his skin looks and feels. 

Key Skin Care Steps:

Exfoliate
Cleanse
Hydrate
Protect
Lip balm 

Brands to check out:

These brands are gentle and great for sensitive skin. Usually no harsh perfumes
-Aveeno (the positively radiant line is my favorite)
-Simple

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Exfoliate:

It gets off all the dead skin and helps clear out blocked pores that have whiteheads and blackheads. Try to do it for 5-10 seconds on each part of your face: each cheek, forehead, nose + chin. Exfoliators with a sand like grit work best. Larger particles just sort of scratch your skin and will cause irritation after sun exposure. This should be done twice a week but never more than 3x a in a week. Over exfoliating your skin will cause breakouts.

Aveeno® Positively Radiant® Skin Brightening Daily Scrub
**don’t use it daily. Ignore the rules. 2x a wk! Or every 3-4 days. 

Cleanse:  

If there is one thing you do know, it's how to wash your face. If you feel like you have oily skin, use a gel cleanser. Dry skin, use a cream cleanser. If you're skin feels sort of tight + itchy after you’ve washed it, you have dry skin. Because you spend a lot of time in the sun, look for something gentle. Usually cleansing once a day is fine unless you are super sweaty or fell in the dirt. 

Simple Moisturizing Facial Wash

Hydrate:

Even if you have a hydrating cleanser, still apply even a light moisturizer. It is your new BFF. We are not teenagers anymore. When you're rounding 30, it's time to start the 'preservation process.' If you've met people who are about your age but you could've sworn they had at least a decade on you, it's because they did not hydrate. Sure, there are hereditary factors to how we age, but we all have hereditary factors. Some of us just manage them a little better. 

Aveeno® Smart Essentials™ Daily Nourishing Moisturizer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

* Tip with sunblock: SPF, while incredibly necessary, it can be drying for your skin over time. If you are using a sunblock and notice your skin is looking flaky, mix your sunblock with your moisturizer, about half and half, so you get the best of both worlds. 

Protect:

Do. Not. Neglect. This. Step. You will age like milk in the sun. Even if you don’t see a burn, you are burning your skin. Don’t forget your ears, neck, and hands. . 

Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Lotion - SPF 50
I use baby stuff all the time, doesn't matter that you're grown

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sunscreen Broad Spectrum 70
Mix with moisturizer

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum
(Mix with moisturizer)

Lip Balm:

Again, we ain't 22 no more. Your lips will age just as fast as the skin under our eyes. Use anything without petroleum. While it feels good and does work, it also stops your skin’s natural moisture production. Only use it to heal the skin, not for daily use. 

Kiss My Face Sport Lip Balm SPF 30

Avoid:

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2-in-1 products: I say this because tons of products marketed toward males have this ‘nifty’ little feature that is good for no one. If you wanted to get a cleanse + exfoliate type of product to just use daily, you would just be doing more harm than good for your skin. Since you get sun everyday + facial hair grooming (however often you do it), treat your skin as if it were sensitive even if you don't see any redness or inflammation. Separate products are better so you can balance how often you are doing each step. 

Pore strips + peeling masks: products like the Biore strips or peeling masks that remove blackheads are good in a situation if you are going to an event and want to style on the crowd with a fresh face. But overuse (daily or even weekly) will just make the pores on your face larger over time. Which will just make blackheads and whiteheads more visible. 

Foaming anything: products that foam have a lot of alcohol so it just dries out the skin overtime. I don't even understand why they're made. 

It's OK to

Ignore some directions: I’m thinking about exfoliators again because people tend to over do it. Even if a product says it is ok for daily use, it is not. It’s too much! Very harsh on your skin especially after the sun. 

More Skin Care on Meetpepper.com

You feeling fancy + want to add a night time routine? 

Cleanse - if you cleanse at night, you don't have to cleanse in the morning unless you’re like feeling kinda sweaty. 

Hydrate - same as day time

Eye cream- Again, we ain't 22 no more. You can also mix this with your SPF and wear it during the day. 

Burt's Bees® Eye Cream for Sensitive Skin

Extra Extra fancy + want to take a product with you during the day in case you feel sweaty + gross?

Cleansing wipes: 
Any micellar water cleansing wipes are great because you don't have to wash it off. Feels great to remove any sweat and dirt. Most of them are makeup removing wipes. But many people just use them after a work out. 

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes

Hydrate
Put some of your moisturizer in a little travel tube or jar. 

Protect

Reapply as needed!

Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Body Mist

Final Touches

Hydrate + Soothe

Exactly what your skin needs after sun exposure. You can use hydrating sheet masks multiple times a week. It gives your skin instant results. They aren't lasting results but they do help and don't cause damage over prolonged use.

Tony Moly I'm Real Aloe Sheet Mask
Put this in the refridgorator for 15 minutes before use for the ultimate experice. 

Over night treatment

You got pimples that killing your vibe? These can help and are available at Ulta. If you overuse either of them, your skin will get dry and flaky. 

Mario Badescu Plastic Bottle Drying Lotion
Dont shake it. Take a q-tip and dip it in the sediment and put in on the pimple over night. Dries out the gross stuff so it heals faster

End of Day Treatment:

Not every day. An end of day treatment can be something that preps the skin for the week ahead.

Origins Travel Size Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask 
If you feel a pimple beneath the skin, this mask works to bring it out. It doesn't cause breakouts but it will bring the excess bacteria to the surface and form a pimple. It is good to use a few days before a special event to help make a pimple heal more quickly. It can be used over a specific pimple or all over the face. Use it about once a week on your nose and chin, or where ever you get blackheads and whiteheads, to clear your skin. Put a warm wet  towel over your skin for a few minutes to open up the pores then apply the mask. Once it is dry, use a warm wet towel again to remove it. 

Now GO + get shmexy

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Tell me all about your skin care routine
 

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Looking Good & Doing Good Just Got Easier - With Kayla

Written by @oohkayla

I think it is safe to say SUMMER IS HERE! Well at least not blistering freezing weather is here. Summer is not only time for fun but also time to protect yourself from head to toe, at this point almost everyone is aware that we need to take care of our skin and possibly go about using more natural products. But what about our hair?

Enter Love Beauty & Planet stage left! According to the brand’s site the company was founded on the idea that “looking good and doing good should go hand in hand.” Each product is made with the mentality of making you and the planet better. Love Beauty & Planet is currently available in drugstores making it very accessible to the average person selling body and hair products.

I received the opportunity to try their Murumuru Butter & Rose Blooming Strength & Shine. The mask comes in a simple 100% recycled material pouch with 1.5oz. I have used the mask multiple times and still have a lot of product left. The directions suggest using after shampooing, leave on for 2 minutes and rinse. You are also advised to avoid your roots- why? Because including your roots could lead to your scalp getting greasy and dirty sooner than it needs to- & nobody got time for that.

Personally, I haven’t been able to find a lot of “natural products” that work for my hair. This mask is cruelty free, vegan, no parabens & more- which led me to believe that it wasn’t going to work at all! However, after several uses I do like this hair mask. The subtle rose sent is amazing and although I don’t know a lot about Murumuru Butter I do believe it is helping to hydrate my hair. I am currently in the process of helping my hair get back on track- years of coloring and heat has done some real damage to my strands. 

After using this mask, I do find my hair is drying with less frizz and just overall looks healthier. I have a dry scalp and so most if my shampoos do an excellent job cleaning my scalp but then drying for the rest of it. I would recommend giving this brand a try. 

If you are considering trying natural hair products this is a great place to start, it won’t break the bank and you are still doing good even if you don’t wind up liking the product. I stand behind looking good and doing good at the same time. Having my hair look great while reducing my carbon footprint sounds like a win win to me.

B. Scopes June 2018

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

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Aries

Soap & Glory
rm-A-Gooden Smoothing Serum

Sephora Collection
Bulls Eye Lash Applicator

PÜR
Chrome Glaze High-Shine Lip Gloss

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Taurus

Duke Cannon Supply Co
Travel Size Ice Cold After Shave Balm

MAC
Patrickstarrr Summer Powder

Bronx Colors
Matte Lip Tint

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Gemini

I Heart Revolution
Dragons Dare Lipstick

Bee Dumpling Cosmetics
Bright Yellow Vegan Matte Eyeshadow

Yllo Beauty
Turmeric Facial Mask

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Cancer

MD'S Pick
Lux Gold Nutrient Treatment Peel-Off Modeling Mask

B. by Banila
Cheer Water Cheek

SOO AE
Purifying Charcoal Cleansing Water

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Leo

Body Merry
Day to Night Eye Gel

The Balm
Hot Mama Shadow/Blush

Body Merry
Hyaluronic Dew Serum

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Virgo

Supergoop!
Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

Dope Naturally
Beet Bliss

Kopari Beauty
Coconut Crush Scrub

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Libra

Leaders
Daily Wonders Breakup With Your Ex-Skin Cells Mask

Babe Australia
Verbena Gypsy Body Souffle

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics
Lip Tar

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Scorpio

Danielle Creations
24K Gold Series Anti-Aging Peel Off Mask for Face and Neck

Hero Cosmetics
Mighty Patch

Schimdt's
Coconut Pineapple Natural Deodorant – Sensitive Skin Formula

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Sagittarius

Missha
Time Revolution Immortal Youth Blue Essence

Blue Mer
All-In-One Vital Facial Mask

Touch in Sol
Metallist Liquid Foil & Glitter Shadow Duo

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Capricorn

Lime Crime
Pop On Nails

Sigma Beauty
Power Stick

Girlactik
Luminous Face Powder

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Aquarius

Peripera
Juice Time Strawberry Mask Sheet

Banila Co
Clean It Zero

Sachajaun
Volume Cream

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PISCES

Tonymoly
The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Essence

Duwop
Lip Venom Plumping Gloss

Honey Belle
Green Tea Cucumber Loofah Soap

All photos are credited or sourced

Beauty Horoscope: Gemini 2018

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

Gemini, your element of Air gives you the ability to float into any social group with ease. You radiate a positive energy that lifts the spirits of people all around you. The Gemini twins are known for the imaginative nature. This dotted makeup look is the breezy and creative soundtrack to your Summer. Also, applying such an intricate design will give you the control you desire. 

Top Beauty Picks For 

The Look: Dots

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Skincare

Bloomsbury Square
Balance Face Micro-scrub with Clarifying Matcha

COSRX
Propolis Light Ampule

Yllo Beauty
Turmeric Facial Mask

Harper + Ari
Exfoliating Sugar Cubes – Rosé

Kiel's
Iris Extract Activating Treatment Essence

Oh K!
Gold Foil Sheet Mask

Fragrance

Jo Malone London
Tropical Cherimoya Cologne

Beauty

The Face Shop
Marble Beam Blush

NARS
Orgasm Afterglow Lip Balm

Nudestix
Boho Babes Kit

I Heart Revolution
Dragons Dare Lipstick

L'Oreal 
True Match Super-Blendable Multi-Use Concealer

Bee Dumpling Cosmetics
Bright Yellow Vegan Matte Eyeshadow

Nails: Moonstone

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Art For Gemini

Gemini by Renáta Bajkó

A couple as a sign Gemini Ink and aquarelle by VanyFair

Battle vs. Acceptance by Meegan Estelle Arts

Happy Birthday, Kayla!!!

LAZY GIRL BODY-CARE WITH KAYLA!

FIND OUT WHICH RADIANCE PEEL KAYLA RATES 5 STARS!

FIND OUT WHAT MASK TAKES KAYLA BACK TO HER CHILDHOOD!

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Info on from
All photos are credited to original source.

Last Year's Gemini Horoscope

Previous Zodiac: Taurus

Sephora Play Round Up: March, April, + May

@bufferingbetty

March. April. May.
It's play time

Sephora Play: March

Sephora Collection
Matte Perfection Powder Foundation

This is a beautiful powder for those of us with dry skin. It doesn't emphasize dryness. 

Sephora Collection
Triple Action Cleansing Water

Briogeo
Blossom & Bloom™ Ginseng + Biotin Volumizing Spray

Burberry
My Burberry Blush

Hard Pass

Lancome
Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara

I either love a mascara or I hate a mascara. This is one of my least favorite mascaras ever. The wand has an innovative, curve + hook shape. I might have liked it more if this was a rubber wand. However the bristles are too large for my eyes. The formula is so wet! It's barley thicker than water. Hot mess. No thanks.

Add It To Your Cart

Coola
Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30

Summer skin in a bottle! My skin felt and looked hydrated. Juicy like a peach!

Sephora Play: April

Buxom
Full-On™ Lip Polish

Kiehl's
Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate 12.5% Vitamin C

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
Ferulic + Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Peel

VERB (not pictured)
Hydrating Shampoo + Condistion

Hard Pass

Becca
Backlight Priming Filter Face Primer

I fear the beauty community is ready with torches and pitch forks about this one. This Becca primer has become a staple for so many beauty bloggers. As excited as i was to try this product, it was a major let down. I just felt like it make my skin look ashy and also like I had been punched in the face with glitter. 

Give It A Second Look

Make Up For Ever
Ultra HD Perfector Skin Tint Foundation SPF 25

This itty bitty sample gave me 4 full applications and I liked it! It is the exact light-medium coverage I want to wear all summer long. The shade was a little dark but I was able to make it work. It's a product that I would enjoy having but I'm not running to go but it. 

Sephora Play: May

Victor & Rolf
Flowerbomb

Becca
Shimmering Skin Perfector® Pressed Highlighter

Kat Von D
Tattoo Liner

Sephora Collection
Mud Mask Purifying & Mattifying

Return To Sender

Benefit Cosmetics
The POREfessional Face Primer

Save it. You can't convince me to give this product another look. I've had this sample a few times. I've excavated every ml of product in search of the tressure that makes Porefessional such a top-rated primer. The last squeeze of each tube left me dry and unsatisfied. I'm swiping left, blocking, and reporting this primer. 

Always Have It On Hand

Bumble and Bumble
Thickening Spray

From my favorite hair brand, comes my secret weapon to hair so large it too can block the dazzle of a President Obama smile. I've had the full size of this Thickening Spray. Spraying this product on my roots gives the illusion that I am of average height and not a 4 foot 10 inch toasted marshmallow. If you have thin hair, get it. If you have hair so long that it weighs down your roots, get it. It is amazing!!! 

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Give me all of the samples!

Sephora Play Unboxing!

@bufferingbetty

The Subscription Box that is NEVER disappointing

I thought I would be over this box by now, but it's just not true! Each month, I am still excited to find that black and white box in the mail! Though, I could do without repeat items. Just saying. 

The first item in my Sephora Play box (from February but shhhh) was this Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Colour. This was a repeat item that I wasn't too broken up about. It is actually a smooth and creamy shadow stick. 

The shade was a shimmery, pale rose gold. I'm not much into rose gold on it's own for makeup -I know! It's such a favorite shade for people but it just is too medium of a color for me. I need more POP! The shade of this shadow stick gave a nice back drop to the colors I wanted to use. 

Laura Mercier
Caviar Stick Eye Colour

Caviar Stick Eye Colour gives my makeup longevity. I have watery eyes, because I;m a cry baby, so my eye makeup has a pretty short shelf life. The shadow stick also gave some oomph to these not so great eyeshadows.

Next was the Sephora Collection Rouge Matte Lipstick in Rebel Chic. I was shocked by how pigmented the lipstick was AND by how smooth it went across my lips. Not a skip. Not a tug. My lips felt like velvet. 

I also felt this color was a reflection of my soul.

Sephora Collection
Rouge Matte Lipstick in Rebel Chic

Finding this skin care item in my  Sephora Play box made me feel like I had won the game of ‘was the box worth it?’ Ugh, such a gem! It’s every beauty box subscriber’s fantasy to open their mail to find a product they’ve been yearning to try. For me, that product has been the Farmacy Green Clean Meltaway Cleansing Balm with Echinacea GreenEnvy. Despite it’s comically long name, the product has been on my Sephora Loves list for ages. I didn’t know if I would love it but that list serves as a “ooo grl, you gotta try this’ list. 

A full size of this makeup removing balm has already been purchased and added to my cabinet. It melts away makeup like it was never even there. Mascara can be such a  brat. So many makeup removers leave mascara on my lashes. This Farmacy product dissolves it! There is a video of an actress from The Lion King on Broadway removing her stage makeup with this balm. It is the reason I wanted to try this product. It did not disappoint.

Farmacy
Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm with Echinacea GreenEnvy™

Remaining Products

Out of all of the six samples that were featured in my Sephora Play subscription box (*whispers* from February), the only disappointing product was the Belif Eye Bomb. Firstly, it was a repeat product. Secondly, I didn’t like it the first time I had gotten it. That is the only aspect of the Play box that I would like changed: subscribers can review the items as to potentially adjust what our future boxes could contain.

Chloe
Chloé Eau de Parfum

Freash
Sugar Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15

Belif
Moisturizing Eye Bomb

The Fresh lip balm is bomb but it is also expensive. So I was glad to have it as a sample. And the perfume was: eh. A little sweet, a little not much to it. Still, I was more than happy with this box and continued my subscription!

What subscription box should I try next?

Lazy Girl Body-care with Kayla!

Written By Kayla M

I am lazy! There I said it…. Admitting you have a problem is the first step right? As much as I love lathering my face in every moisturizer and mask I can get my hands on I have a hard time-doing that with the rest of my body. All the lotion commercials make it seem so glamorous and therapeutic to apply lotion after a shower-I however disagree completely.  But then the universe heard my dry skin prayers & I found the perfect lazy girl body product and my world changed. I came to possess the Moroccan Oil Shower Milk and Lush Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner.

The Morroccan Oil Shower Milk appeared, and I thought yass!! However, that feeling was extremely short lived. The product is described as “an argan oil infused milk that gently cleanses and hydrates.” The shower milk is essentially a creamier body wash than what is usually found in store, but it didn’t hydrate to the point where lotion isn’t needed. I truthfully didn’t find it to do much of anything. Although I find 6.7oz of product for $32 reasonable, I can’t justify any amount if the product doesn’t work for me.

I was disappointed and desperate for a lazy girl remedy. I remembered a sample of a Lush product from a couple of years ago. I was told to rub it on my skin while in the shower and rinse- then the heavens opened, and I cried joyous tears. It wasn’t until recently that I gave in and decided to just purchase the product for myself and I regret not having it in my life sooner. Lush’s Ro’s Argan was the answer, the jar contains 7.9oz of glorious rose scented body conditioner for $35.95. Besides being lazy I am also beyond paranoid about “smelling good” and up until Ro’s Argan appeared I was use to body washes and lotions having a great scent but not a lasting scent and most definitely not a scent that I could personally smell on myself.

I can smell Ro’s Argan on my skin all day!! But mostly importantly almost immediately after you rinse the product off you can feel how smooth, silky and hydrated your skin feels. The simplicity of the ingredients, the ease of the process and the effectiveness of the product makes me believe in miracles.Lush’s product is truly amazing-. A natural, animal friendly, good smelling, reasonably priced, product that actually works! Who knew that could exist.

I recommend anyone and everyone to try this, it is a terrific addition to your skincare routine. Remember your skin is your largest organ, I often find myself thinking it is okay to go H.A.M. with my facial skincare and then ignore the rest of my body’s skincare needs. Lush Cosmetic’s Ro’s Argan body conditioner has allowed me to begin a serious selfcare affair from head to toe.

Easy Hairstyles For Spring 2018 Using A Rotating Curling Iron

@bufferingbetty

Hair so cute. Air so Breezy. Vibes so Spring.

Put a little Spring in your hair by adding
bouncy curls to your locks all season long. 

It's time to pack away all of your Winter hats so that your hair can breathe in fresh looks. I'll tell you how I created these four easy Spring hairstyles. Read to the end of this post for a review of the Spinstyle Pro rotating curling iron from Salon Tech. 

Lazy Blow Out

This one is for all my frizzy-haired-beauties trying to thrive in the humid seasons. It's my saving grace for when I haven't spent time prepping my hair. Or, I've spent too much time on my makeup and left myself only 5 minutes for hair. The heat from the curling iron smooths the frizz while giving my hair some shape and body so I don't look like Rubeus Hagrid. After tying my hair into a high ponytail, working from left to right, I grabbed a section of hair to begin curling it. I made sure that the sections weren't too thin because it would have made the curls too defined giving a completely different look. Once all of the section of my ponytail had been curled, I let down my hair and delicately ran the tips of my fingers through my hair to break up the curls. 

Video Tutorial Here

As a final touch, I sometimes like to smooth some of the frizziness framing my face. I sprayed a soft touch hairspray on to a comb. Instead of pushing the teeth through my hair, I flipped the comb to face the teeth upward so they would glide down my hair shaft. For some added va-va-volume, you can use dry shampoo or any texture powder to the roots of your hair. 

Essential Tool: Hair Bungee

If you were to use a regular hair tie, you run the risk of ruining the curls you just spent time creating. The hair bungee is better because it just wraps around the base of your ponytail without having to slide down your hair shaft. 

BinaryABC Ponytail Hooks Holder Bungee Bands

Amped Up Waves

To get these mod-70s  frizzy waves, I began by dividing my hair in two. I pinned up the left side and curled the right in rows working from the nape of my neck to my hairline. Each row consisted of 3-4 curls depending on my hair density in each row. For more volume, I alternated the direction of the curls by row. That’s to say that if the row by my neck was curled to the right, that I would then curl the next row going to the left. That was easy with the Spinstyle Pro because it automatically curls in both directions.

Video Tutorial Here
 

To allow the curl to set properly, after curling each individual section, I rolled the curl in on itself by following the curl shape while my hair was still warm.  I pinned each warm, rolled curl to my head then covered my hair with a hefty amount of hair spray and let them set for about 15 minutes, After I removed the pins, I gently brushed through my hair to begin styling it. I also teased the roots and some of the waves for volume.Adding funky pins to each wave dip can be a really cute way to make this look feel more fashionable.

Essential Tool: Soft Touch, Lasting Hold Hair Spray

My hair tends to not hold styling very well. Still, I never use a strong hold hairspray because crunchy hair is gross. For my hair to have that fluffy, wavey look, a light hairspray is best. My hair won’t fall flat under the weight of the spray. Plus, you can still run your fingers through my hair -but *sings* ‘don’t touch my hair.’

Amika Touchable Hair Spray

Top Knot

Yup. They’re still in and aren’t leaving any time soon. I first sectioned off the part of my hair that I wanted in the top knot. I have thin hair on top of my head. So my bun isn’t a little bun-lette or oddly wide, I section off hair starting  from my hairline to a little past my crown. Then I curled my hair with the same alternating pattern as I did with the frizzy waves. To keep most of the bounce towards the ends of my hair, I curled the ends slightly tighter than I did the rest of the hair shaft. To do this, just wrap your hair more tightly around the curling iron on the ends, about 4 times. Then more loosely as you get towards the middle of your hair shaft. It adds body without giving a tight curl. This added wide dimension towards the ends. Exactly what I wanted! This made the whole look more interesting rather than just the knot atop of my head.

Video Tutorial Here

For the top knot itself, once I tied off the ponytail. I sectioned the hair in two, vertically. The right section of my hair was curled to the right. And the left side went left. Rather than just gathering up all the hair into a cute messy bun or a classic sock bun, I wanted the bun to look more styled. I warped the right curl going to the right side beginning behind the base of the ponytail unraveling the curl with each loop around my head without incorporating the left curl at all. After the right curl was pinned in place, I grabbed the left curl and wrapped it going to the left beginning behind the base of the ponytail while unraveling the curl. This created a neat, swirling bun with dimension and volume. 

Essential Tool: Decor

The last touch was my chic diy hair pin. I placed it in a way that it felt like it was peeking out from one of the swirls in the bun. The reflective gold pin was exactly what this look needed. 

ASOS Pack of 4 Mixed Floral Hair Clips

Deep Side Part + Curls

Edgy. Girly, Attention getting. Check, check, check; sign me up! The most time consuming look but totally worth it. The key to this look is how you section your hair. I began by giving myself a deep side part. So that the hair behind my part could give volume to my crown, I sectioned off the hair framing my face to curl later and pinned the two section of my part. I began curling my hair behind the part working from the back of my head up to the crown. I sprayed each section of my hair with a soft touch hairspray before I curled it. I sectioned my in small parts and tightly wrapped my hair around the barrel of the curling iron as many times as I could. This would make my curls very tight and thin.

Video Tutorial Here

The smaller section of my part was going to be slicked back above my ear and have cute pins so the curls did not need to be as tight as the rest of them. I curled that hair in the same way that I curled my hair in the top knot: tight on the ends and looser as you went up the shaft. For the hair on the other side of my part, I began by sectioning the hair into much smaller, vertical sections working from my ear to the parting line. This gave me more control of how the curls would frame my face. As the sections got closer to the parting line, the more lax I was with the hair closest to the roots. If the roots of the curls in the center my face on my hairline were as tight as the rest of them, I would have had hair falling in my face all. damn. day. Annoying! 

Goody Folding Brush & Comb

Essential Tool: Teasing and Sectioning Comb

This hair goes from child star, Shirley Temple, curls to, Broad City star, Ilana Wexler, doesn’t go to prom because of the aggressive amounts of teasing. A dual ended brush + comb is your bow and arrow in the Quarter Quell. You don’t want to waste time looking for this or that brush. 

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Once all of my hair was curled, I had a snack because I needed to recharge after all of the curling. I'm so glad the Spinstyle Pro does most of the curling for you otherwise this blog post would be ‘1 Easy Spring Hairstyle.’ Then I ran my fingers through all of the tightly wound curls to break them up. I also individually separated some of the curls to make sure there weren’t any super clumpy ones. I wanted VO-L-UME in my hair so I then teased my crown and fluffed all of the curls to max capacity without destroy in the shape. Finally I add some more diy pins to my hair and felt oh-so-divine!

Spinstyle Pro Review

My hair is so frizzy that it could take me 10 minutes to locate a bobby pin I might've used in an attempt to tame the mane. Because of the frizz factor, just the idea of testing a rotating curling iron in my hair gave me heart palpitations. What if it snapped my hair? What if it got stuck? Would I then be forced to get a pixie cut? I don't have the head for hair that short!

Related: Smooth n' Shine Hair Polisher Review

The Real Question is: Am I Bald Now?

The obvious pro to the Spinstyle Pro is the rotating barrel. Just slide your hair through the prongs that guide your hair on to curly, swirly, precious-ness. The fact that it spins in both directions amazes me. The temperature settings are easy to see and the on-off-switch isn’t hidden or placed where you might accidentally turn it off mid-curl.

One con that I immediately noted was that the barrel is kind of short. I felt like I didn’t have enough play space on the barrel to get what I needed.

I don’t believe that the Spinstyle Pro is beginner friendly. I could see, for example, a parent buying this for their child thinking that this could help teach their young one to learn to curl their hair. The kid is going to have curls but the hardest part in learning to do your hair is learning to style your hair. Because of the shape of the barrel and the prongs that guide the hair onto it, what you get with each curl is just a barrel curl. However loose or tight it’s a barrel curl. You can do a million different things with barrel curls but if you’re new to doing your hair, that can be hard to figure out. Barrel curls are also kind of dated so if you don’t know how to manipulated the curls to get what you want, your look might also turn out kind of dated. This may not necessarily be a downside but it will take more practice then I think people will initially realize.

That being said, I still think that the Spinstyle Pro is a nifty hair gadget. If you know your hair and you know how to style it, this rotating curling iron make doing your hair go faster and easier.

Answer: I still have all of my hair. Plus, I'm extra-extra cute.

B. Scopes May 2018

Taurus (April 20 - May 21)

FULL  TAURUS B. SCOPES ⇀

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Gemini

Jo Malone London
Plum Blossom Cologne

Violet Voss
Like A Boss - PRO Eyeshadow Palette

Ralph Lauren
Romance Deodorant

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Cancer

Stila
Glitter & Glow Highlighter

Boscia
Tsubaki™ Jelly Ball Cleanser

Amika
Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Conditioner

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Leo

Milk Makeup
Gold Foil Face Gloss

Wander Beauty
Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks

Artist Couture
Artist Couture x Jackie Aina Diamond Glow Powder Highlighter

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Virgo

Too Faced
Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush

Ilia
Essential Shadow Palette Luna

Farsali
Jelly Beam Illuminator

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Libra

Tom Ford
Eye Color Quad

Khiel's
Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment

John Varvatos
Oud

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Scorpio

Dr. Roebuck's
Icebergs Hydrating Mask

Dior
Capture Youth Redness Soother Age-Delay Anti-Redness Soothing Serum

Tarte
H2O Lip Gloss - Rainforest of the Sea™ Collection

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Sagittarius

First Aid Beauty
Hello FAB 3 in 1 Superfruit Color Correcting Cushion

Tarte
Tight & Bright Clay Multi-Mask

Deborah Lippmann
Iconic Treatment-enriched Nail Polish

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Capricorn

Bobbi Brown
Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm

Tom Ford
Angled Brow Brush

Kat Von D
Brow Struck Dimension Powder

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Aquarius

Lipstick Queen
Blue By You Metallic Lipstick

Storybook Cosmetics
Mean Girls Burn Book Storybook Palette

Urban Decay
Double Team Special Effect Colored Mascara

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Pisces

MAC
Girls Risk Taker

Scinic
Dual Rubber Soothing Wrapping Mask

Algenist
ELEVATE Advanced Retinol Serum

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Aries

Tom Ford
Sheer Cheek Duo

Amika
Vandal Volume Powder Spray

NYX
The Reds Pro Lip Cream Palette

All photos are credited or sourced

Beauty Horoscope: Taurus 2018

Taurus (April 20 - May 21)

Taurus, you commit yourself to no rules. In fact, you intentionally break them. It is a rebellion that is far from juvenile. With beauty, you have the true understanding that there are no laws that can bind the hands of a beauty enthusiast. You are always visionary.  But you only have the resolve to achieve when you're in the mood to do so. Runway graffiti makeup looks can capture the capricious nature of a Taurean. Cohesive patterns paired with aimless strips and blobs of color suggests a chaotic mind. They confuse chaos with confidence and authentic self awareness.

Top Beauty Picks For 

The Look: De La Graffiti

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Skincare

Uma
Pure Calm Wellness Oil

Mamonde
Calendula Flower Lab Essence Sheet Mask

Ginger Blossom Boutiq (ETSY)
Juicy Rhubarb Lotion Tube

Korres
Pomegranate AHA & Enzymes Resurfacing Mask

Frank Body
Original Coffee Scrub

V76
Beard Oil

Fragrance

Prada
Candy Sugar Pop

Beauty

Hue Noir
True Hues Flawless Matte Foundation

Fenty Beauty
Body Lava Body Luminizer

Too Cool For School
Jelly Blusher

Becca
Shimmering Skin Perfector® Pressed Highlighter - Dreamsicle

Kat Von D
24-Hour Super Brow Long-Wear Pomade

Smashbox
Vlada Photo Finish Petal Metal Primer

Nails: Mosaics

Zoya
Darcy

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Floss Gloss
Lean

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LAW Beauty Essentials
Leave A Text

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Art For 

España by Eric Boufarhat

sign ladies by _MantraPop

Taurus by Stoboelle

Info on  Taurus from here
All photos are credited to original source.

Last Year's Taurus B. Scope

Previous Zodiac: Aries

I Tried Oil Pulling For The First Time

@bufferingbetty

Gross mouthfeel. Sparkling Results?

Oil pulling is an old healthcare remedy from India where you take a tablespoon of oil and swish it around in your mouth for about 20 minutes and then spit it out. It is believed to be useful for things line whitening teeth to helping fix all of your health woes. The practice became trendy a few years ago when some celebs began to swear this 'new' thing had changed their life. There are articles pro and against oil pulling. Some argue it is a waste of time that does no harm or good, while others say it improves overall mouth health thus improving overall health. What I'm here to tell you is my results were!

Maple Holistics specializes in providing products for those who want to know what exactly what ingredients they are using. Their fractionated coconut oil seemed perfect for trying out oil pulling. Fractionated means that the coconut oil will remain an oil. 

I brushed my teeth before oil pulling. Ok, let's be real, the thought swishing around oil in my mouth for 20 minutes sounded like it would the most horrible way to start any day. From everything I had found, you should oil pull on an empty stomach. My guess is just in case the mouthfeel really gets to you. Truthfully, it might. There isn't a taste to the oil but it's the texture that'll get ya, Thick and heavy. UGH!!!

Moving the oil around on my gums was easy to get used to after a few minutes. I always have a dry tongue. I thought that if I swirled *blech* the oil on my tongue *blech* it would help. But the second I felt the oil on my tongue, I was ready to cut the 20 minutes short and move on. 

The worst part about oil pulling is that as you swish the oil around your mouth, the thicker the oil gets. As the minutes crawl by, you feel a thick and foamy slug forming in your mouth. All you can focus on is not letting the oil get too close to the back of your mouth so you accidentally swallow anything. Ugh, the thought of that makes my whole body clench in disgust. 

Oh the moment of release. So soothing it was to know that it is finally over. The once clear oil is now a vulgar shade of milky white. I followed up with brushing my teeth. I noticed that my mouth didn't feel as dry as usual that day. I was pleased with that. 

Would I try oil pulling again? 

Yes, and I have! It took me about a week to give it another try remembering the nauseating slug that formed in my mouth, but I did do it but this time in the shower. If you occupy your mind, you won't focus so much on the feeling in your mouth. I don't know if I would make this a permanent addition to my oral care. When I have oil pulled, maybe it is just in my head, but I feel like the spit in my mouth is super thick and I end up spitting all day. 

And, of course, there are more satisfying ways to use coconut oil. 

The lipstick I am wearing is from Beauty Bakerie. If you've worn one, you know how hard they are to remove without attacking your lips. This oil broke it down quickly and easily. 

How do you use natural ingredients in your beauty routine? 

B. Scopes April 2018

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

FULL ARIES B. SCOPES ⇀

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Taurus

Pat McGrath Labs
MatteTrance™ Lipstick

Fenty Beauty
Fairy Bomb Glittering Pom Pom

Stellar
Starlust Holographic Highlight Palette

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Gemini

Too Faced
Rainbow Strobe Highlighter

Tarte
Aquacealer Concealer

Hush
Prism Airbrush Spray

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Cancer

Versace
Dylan Blue Pour Femme

Tarte
Minutes to Mermaid Brush Set

Dermadoctor
Kakadu C™ High Potency Evening Oil

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Leo

Neogen Dermalogy
Day-Light Protection Sun Screen SPF 50 PA+++

Kiel's Since 1951
Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Anthony
Facial Scrub

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Virgo

John Varvatos
Artisan Pure

Make Up For Ever
Ultra HD Soft Light Liquid Highlighter

IGK
Thirsty Girl Coconut Milk Leave-In Conditioner

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Libra

Wet n Wild
Photo Focus Dewy Face Primer

Derma E
Radiance Toner

Teami Blends
Green Tea Facial Scrub

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Scorpio

Pacifica
Rose Water Makeup Removing Wipes

Mamonde
Calming Hydro Sleeping Mask

Frederick Benjamin
Sleek Water Pomade

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Sagittarius

Sephora Collection
Hydrating Mist

Kate Somerville
Cold Cream Moisturizing Cleanser + Makeup Remover

Tom Ford
Café Rose

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Capricorn

Edible Beauty
Gold Rush Eye Balm

Sephora Collection
Easy Smoky Eye

BareMinerals
BAREPRO® 16-Hr Full Coverage Concealer

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Aquarius

L'Occitane
Almond Smoothing and Beautifying Supple Skin Oil

YSL
Forever Light Creator CC Primer

Tata Harper
Volumizing Lip & Cheek Tint

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Pisces

Laura Mercier
Almond Coconut Honey Bath

Smashbox
Cali Contour Palette

Urban Decay
UD Pro Contour Shapeshifter Brush

All photos are credited or sourced

Beauty Horoscope: Aries

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

An Aries is not phased by competition. Being the first sign on the zodiac calendar, why would they. An Aries sets trends. That look from the runway everyone is talking about but not wearing, Aries beauty lovers are already practicing. This fire sign is just waiting for the right event to debut what is 'their' new look. Festival season is here. Using stick-on embellishments to your looks are exactly what no one is doing but absolutely lusting for. Gems, pearls, stickers, eye safe confetti and more with take a fresh-faced Spring look to another level. 

Top Beauty Picks For Aries

The Look: Stuck Like Glue

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Skincare

Herbal Moon Apothecary (Etsy)
Honey & Hemp Organic Face Wash

Sara Happ
The Lip Slip

Sheamoisture
Coconut & Hibiscus Bath Sugar Cubes

Skinceuticals
Discoloration Defense

Juice Beauty
Instant Eye Lift Algae Mask

Andalou Naturals
Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask

Fragrance

Rag & Bone
Neroli Eau de Parfum

Beauty

Flower Beauty
Light Illusion Full Coverage Concealer

Sigma
3DHD Blender

Trish McEvoy
The Power Of Makeup® Planner Collection Roma

Bite Beauty
Astrology by Bite Limited Edition Amuse Bouche Lipstick - Aries

NARS
Wanted Cheek Palette Vol II

Sunday Riley
The Influencer Clean Long Wear Foundation

Nails: Flash of Heat

Zoya
Cam

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LAW Beauty Essentials
A Milli Karat Gold

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Smith + Cult
Suburban Warrior

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Art For Aries

Smoke Face by Nayers

Welcome Aries by Carolyn Bierman

Gilded Fire Moon by SilverFoxGoldenHare

Info on Aries from here
All photos are credited to original source.

Last Year's
Aries B. Scope

Previous Zodiac: Pisces

As Is: The MPB Team Celebrates Women's History Month

These are not Before and After photos
Because I am myself regardless of the presence of lipstick
These are here and now photos
Because my mind is always present

These are not Natural versus Glam looks
Because there is nothing more glamorous than my bare smile
And applying mascara  comes naturally
I have got bigger battles started for me

I am told that I don’t need to wear makeup
While a woman next to me is told that with some blush, her eyes will really pop
The woman next to her is told she wears too much makeup
Neither of us is enough

We always seem to be too much
Yet never enough

Painted lips
Flushed cheeks
Contoured Jaw
Have never made me

I still look cute, tho.
And
I never asked you. 

-Danyelle Valentin (@bufferingbetty)
 

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Pepper B. 
Believes that she "came out for the womb" with a smokey eye. Leo with an Excessive Smoky Eye.

Pepper on Instagram

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My name is Pepper B! Beauty is like an accessory for me. I use makeup as an outlet to spice up the day but it doesn’t make my day. I thrive on having good skin so my favorite part of the day is taking my accessory off and wearing Bare Skin. I work in the beauty industry and it is very visual so I use makeup to polish up my look. I do believe that taking care of your skin allows you to have a better makeup application. I love myself with makeup but I love myself without makeup even more.  

“Without us there is no universe. People are drawn to chaos and controversy. They are afraid to put us in power because everything we touch we set on fire! We are resilient, trailblazers and life creators. The true definition of beauty & the beast. There is no recipe we just serve! I can try to define what it feels like to be a women but there aren’t enough words” 
- Pepper B 

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Deanna
Mantra: Follow your passion as this will make your dreams become reality! Giving you the most informational product review you'd ever want.

Deanna on Instagram

"Everything has beauty but not everyone sees it"

"The things you wear don't make you beautiful: they accentuate the beauty that is already there"

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Kayla
If it's skincare, she cares. Teaching all of the skincare DIYs

Kayla on Instagram

“Phenomenal woman, that’s me”- Maya Angelou

“I am a woman. I am clothes in strength & dignity & pride.” I first began to like “beauty” when I saw photos of my mom and aunts with amazing bright colors on their eyes- what I then learned was called eyeshadow lol. I loved how I had these beautiful women in my life & they could use these products to emphasize that and tell a whole new story of themselves. 

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Amanda
Awkward Tomboy Glow Queen Channeling Brooke Shields Circa Blue Lagoon

Amanda on Instagram

Red lipstick is my secret super power. It will help me conquer the world one day.I am very passionate about body confidence. 'Magic Makeover' is something I would do with my Mother (who I would call my Warrior Queen) who lost her battle 4 years ago [to cancer]. Making her feel beautiful would lighten up her day and I would love to make all of the warrior queens feel that way.

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Danyelle
Doesn't send nudes. Lives in fuchsia lipstick + blush. Loves how her makeup looks but probably can't recreate it.

Danyelle on Instagram

After all those years as a woman hearing 'not thin enough, not pretty enough, not smart enough, not this enough, not that enough,' almost overnight I woke up one morning and thought I am enough" - Anna Quindlen

"If you retain nothing else, always remember the most important rule of beauty, which is: who cares?" - Tina Fey

The beauty industry has given more than I could ask for from lipstick. It has nothing to do with actually wearing makeup, though, of course, I love to indulge. I have found a side of myself that I knew was there but never gave room to flourish. If you ever have looked at a beauty blog and thought of it as vapid -first, of all, goodbye. But truly you don't understand the time and effort that went into a product  reveiw. The amount of research that goes into an informative post. Beneath it all is passion and a vulnerability that must be admired. To end Women's History Month, just remember that everyone watching you will have an opinion. None of them will matter more than your own. 

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Taylor
Boho Chic, Party Girl, + Sparkle. Knows what formula is definitely an all-nighter.

Taylor on Instagram

Bloom Where You're Planted with Niambi C. The Creator of Bloomsbury Sq

Article Written By Pepper. B 

Niambi C

Bloomsbury Sq takes its name from my favorite urban sanctuary in bustling London. As a student there, I learned how to balance the constant bustle of city life with the simple pleasures of eating a wholesome lunch on a garden bench, getting grounded with a barefoot walk in the grass, or just enjoying the seasons change one bloom at a time. Although I was far from home, the lush green and exuberant patches of flowers reminded me of the countless afternoons I whiled away plucking fresh fresh fruit and mint sprigs in my grandmother's yard back home in Kentucky. Bliss!

After moving to Paris I continued to work and travel. Wherever I found myself be it in Iran, Egypt, Italy, or my weekly wanderings in Paris, the first thing that I always did was to head to open air markets and ateliers to restore. After living in Europe for 12 years fresh food became my go-to, apothecaries became my pharmacy, and connections with others my calling.

When I moved back to The States I brought back with me a true appreciation for urban gardens. The garden's simple and pure beauty inspires me to bring the luxury of nature to you with wholesome and nutritive oils, decadent butters, and fragrant botanicals. No need for synthetic ingredients, artificial foaming agents, or preservatives. Instead, I delight in making products that let Nature do what it does best: nurture the body and mind.  Source: Here

How did you start curating skincare ?

I actually started making body balms when I was a grad student in London because I was homesick and it reminded me of my hometown in KY. When I later moved to Paris with my husband my friends began to ask me to make small pots of balm for them. They had to convince me to accept payment! When I moved back to the US I ran DIY Spa socials for a couple of years. But when I started looking at the toxic ingredients that women were putting on their skin, I decided to create a line that was fresh, safe, and convenient for busy urban women.

What 3 tips should one know when looking to improve their skincare routine using your products?  Especially if you are new to natural skincare, try products one at a time so that you can really understand what is working for your skin. 

Have fun exploring ingredients. I love cold-pressed oil as moisturizers! Skip the hype and make sure to find the right oil for YOUR skin needs.  For example, we love the idea of coconut oil, but for most of us with combination / oily skin it congests the pores.  Lighten up your Spring hydration with non-clogging oils like hempseed or grapeseed.

Exfoliate weekly. When your skin looks dull and tired exfoliating gives an instant glow.  My favorite is unbleached kaolin clay because its super fine and gentle enough on sensitive skin.

What is the most challenging part about owning a small business ? Perfectionism is a hard ism to overcome because I was raised to think that is the goal. But I’ve gradually shifted into thinking of my business as a conversation.  My customers are not shy about feedback and each iteration of my product line reflects our connection. 

Who is your muse ? Oh, I have so many. But at the core it’s my grandmother, Susie Mae. She was a country girl from Alabama who loved to garden, loved to laugh and do for others. She had this mirrored tray to display her cherished beauty essentials. A trio of rose crystal perfume bottles, Ponds cold cream, an apothecary jar of cotton balls, and her poppy red lipstick. Everywhere else in her house was communal. This space was just for her. It felt sacred. 

You’re a huge fan of podcast. What are the last 3 podcast in your playlist ? Just 3? Oy! Ok, so “Yes Girl” is my current binge . Hosted by staffers at Essence Magazine. It’s always celebrating Black Girl Magic. Black Girl Pod. It’s unapologetic, soulful, personal, unfiltered and a party all at once. Beauty is Your Business. My weekly masterclass from industry leaders. Can I sneak in a 4th?  Therapy for Black Girls. When I closed my shop last year I got quiet and began to face some hard facts about the limiting thoughts I tend to replay in my mind. This podcast helped me to remember who I am.

What are some of your favorite natural ingredients that are multipurpose ? Hempseed oil. (Kentucky hempseed oil cold-pressed in my hometown to be exact. Lol) Rose Geranium essential oil and hydrosol.  Moringa Green Tea (powdered and oil). Hibiscus. I think of hibiscus as my floral muse. 

What's the last album you listened to in its entirety ? Emily King!

If you had any other career what would it be ? Cultural event planner. Who doesn’t love a good festival?

You are a mom how do you get your children involved in your business ? I don’t really. My kids actually need me to unplug, focus on them and just love on them. If anything I think they get me out of my head. I’m pretty introspective and growing a brand requires me to be out of my comfort zone. So, like when my  biz was recently featured in Essence, I showed them the issue. They were proud for a minute and then asked me what we were having for breakfast. Ha! It’s important to remember that Bloomsbury Sq is what I have created, not who I am. 

What are 3 items you can’t leave home without? 

My phone. My passport cuz I don’t drive and it’s my ID. Lol. My fresh ginger double dip balm. It solves most of my emergencies from head to heel.

What’s your skin regime like, Do you have any hidden skincare tricks ? 

I’ve exclusively used B Sq on my face for about two years so that I can truly experience our line. And also finesse the products when I need to. My fave beauty hack is that I use our clay-based micro-scrubs instead of face washes to cleanse my skin every few days. I just sprinkle some powder in my palm, drizzle with water and gently massage into my skin. No one knows that I’m a 44 year old sleep-starved mom of 2. 

As I said earlier I am also so obsessed with hibiscus and hemp. It’s like the new friend who’s name you’re always trying to drop into a conversation because she’s so fab. Y’all, please don’t come for me but the thought of acid skin peels kinda freaks me out because I have sensitive skin and I get dark marks easily. So, I created a night oil called the H2 Oil with Hibiscus x Hemp that offers far gentler flower acids for gradual brightening.  I’ve been testing it for 6 months and I Am Obsessed. It’s transformed the tone and supple feel of my skin. I’ve rediscovered mirror time. 

If you had to describe Bloomsbury SQ in 3 words what would they be ? 

"Modern folk beauty"

If you could leave a message for women behind what would it be ?  Get in sync with the season you’re in, physically and emotionally. 

The Scrub That Polishes My Past

Written by Twist_It_Tea

Photo by Taylor Adami

When I’m stressed, it’s literally written across my face.  I see the isolated blemishes on my cheeks as the previous week’s battle wounds.  I don’t stress that often, so when I do get a few blemishes popping up I swear I can almost pinpoint them to the exact reason why.  Instead of recounting my stressful moments, I’ve been recounting all that I’m grateful for, which definitely includes Cane + Austin Retexture Scrub.  As advertised it has 10% Glycolic Acid, which helps with removing dead skin cells and the reducing inflammation.  It also has 0.5% Salicylic Acid to help prevent new acne and removes black and white heads. I personally love how well rounded this product is and that I can depend on it to not only prevent more blemishes, to clear up current ones, but also reduce the hyper pigmentation that lingers like the ghosts of my stressful past. This scrub polishes my past clean and turns my face into a fresh canvas.  I use this product sparingly in the colder season, meaning less than 10 times a month and my skin is still noticeably softer and brighter.  My pores have gone down in size and I am keeping my blemishes under control while helping with the discoloration.

Cane + Austin also created a lovely and easy to use formula, if you read the directions.  There were far too many reviews mentioning this product as a face wash and it led me to believe that they had no idea how to properly use the scrub.  I have made the mistake of applying the formula to a wet face and realized how lack luster the results were. I apply the milky and grainy gel formula on a dry face/body, and massage the exfoliants into my skin and then I let it sit for 5-10 minutes.  I like the light scent of citrus and the tingly feeling I get when I know it’s time to rinse it off.  There are so many tiny exfoliants that it get’s hard to rinse it all completely from your face but the end result is totally worth the extra effort. My skin is so smooth and feels crispy clean and refreshed. The chemical peel gives it the perfect boost to really shake off the old to make room for the new.  The natural glow is beaming when I wake up the next morning. You would think the opposite but my skin feels and looks nourished. A little extra moisturizer never hurt anyone, espeically if you have dry skin.

Every day I am making the effort to be content with my flaws (and repeat the above mantra) and each day is a new lesson and challenge. I love being able to rely on Cane + Austin’s Retexture Scrub to give me the extra confidence when I’m having a bad skin week (or month).  When I see my skin flare up, I know it's time to slow it down and become centered again - self care helps in that department. 

Laying the LAW One Vegan Polish at a Time with Tanisha Lawrence

My name is Tanisha Lawrence. Born and raised in Brooklyn NY, also of Jamaican decent. I started my company approximately 3 years ago; LAW Beauty Essentials. My company is based Brooklyn NYC. Before I started my own company I've always landed great jobs with Fortune 500 companies. I would always do my very best in all roles and positions, however I was never completely satisfied. I knew if I dedicated the same hard work and energy into something of my own I would be happier. I began thinking what kind of business could I open. I've always been obsessed with nail polish, and although in the beginning it was just a thought, I started researching what it would take to own my own polish line. After countless emails and phone calls I finally found my manufacturer and opened my own line of nail polish. I would like to describe Law beauty essentials as a contemporary line of nail polish. Stylish, informative, and personable. A feel good brand. I've always used nail polish as a vessel to express my self and I wanted to do the same for others. 

How did you start curating nail polish ? I started curating nail polish after convincing myself it is possible. The more I started researching owning my own line, the more I started learning about all the different possibilities. My world began revolving around this idea. From finding the manufacturer, discussing colors with the chemist, choosing my bottles, caps and brush, with every new person I spoke to I asked for a referral to take me to the next step. Before I knew it I had everything in place. 

What is your personal highlight owning Law Beauty Essentials ? 

My own personal highlight of owning LAW Beauty Essentials is seeing others speak highly of my business. Sometimes when I am doubtful within myself, I remember someone once told me, “I only wear LAWS top coat, and when I forget to bring it to the salon I’m very upset” those personal/real endorsements keeps me going. 

What is the most challenging part about owning a small business ? 

I believe the most challenging part of owning a small business is that you you need to be well rounded. You have to oversee all aspects of your business. It’s a lot to learn and it takes time. Understanding your taxes, your profits and lost, knowing your target audience, getting in touch with them, remaining consistent. All of these things and much more is what drives your business and if overseen correctly, makes you successful. 

Where do you see law beauty essentials in 1 year ? 5 years ? 

In one year, I see LAW with a larger clientele, more colors added and in more boutiques, spas. In five years I see LAW Beauty Essentials in more states, larger chain/department stores. I would also like to reach customers internationally. 

Who is your muse ? Solange. She has a style so unique. I love how endearing she is with her clothing and hair styles. I think it makes safe to say it even influences the icon Beyoncé. 

Who is your favorite Manicurist ? Right now I do not have a favorite manicurist because I’ve been visiting several salons trying to find one fit for me. 

Do you have any advice on nail care ?

My advice on nail care would be to get them done minimum every 2 weeks professionally if you don’t do them yourself. Currently I’m using acrylic and I make sure they are filled every 2 weeks and I usually take take them off completely every two months. The removal process is a pain but when not taken off incorrectly it can cause major damage to your nails which you do not want. 

What is your favorite nail salon and why ? My favorite salons are black owned salons. They are very welcoming to my brand. They, much like myself, understand the competition is great and customer service will will over the client.

What is your favorite nail style ? My favorite nail style is coffin shape and negative space designs. I love the illusions on the nails. It’s chic and edgy yet minimal and simple.

What's the last album you listened to in its entirety ? Last album I listened to entirely would be Kendrick Lamar DAMN

If you had any other career what would it be ? Any other career would be party planning! But lucky for me as a small business owner, while trying to save, I plan my own parties so I get a little bit of both worlds. 

What is your go to manicure color & why ? 

Go to manicure color is pink. It’s not “seasonal” you can wear it anytime. 

What’s your skin regime like, Whats your favorite skincare line? 

For the past 4 years I’ve been using the 3 step process by Clinique. I find when taking care of your skin you have to find what works for you over time. I like the face they have different options for different skin types. Sometimes my body goes through phases so I like I can switch it up within the same brand. 

I use the soap, then the toner, then the moisturizer. Very easy and simple. When things happens, such and random breakouts it discoloration, I use different serums after the moisturizer. 

What are 5 products in your make-up bag: 

Q-tips Nail polish Oil blotters Mirror Bacticin 

If you could leave a message for women behind what would it be ? "If I could leave a message behind for women it would be to own who you are unapologetically. I’m still working on that but if I was able to master that at 100% I would be in a different place. "