The 'Perfect' Nude Lip (Darker Skin Tones)

So, being a dark brown shade with yellow undertones (NC50), I have found it extremly difficult to find a nude shade to compliment my skin tone. I've brought numerous 'nude' lipsticks and lipglosses just to try them out and even asked a MUA @ MAC to match me up with one. The nude she had in mind matched my skintone rather than the beigey nude I was going for. However, I did like it and purchased it. (If your interested, it was 'Taupe' lipstick and 'Spice' lippencil)

I asked her to test Viva Glam 2 on me, as I know it is wearable on darker skin tones after endless youtubing and review reading. The MUA advised me not to get it...but I got it anyway (My money! My rules! Lol) When I got home, I did regret it as I felt it didnt suit me =\ but I've worked with it and hope this post can help you too. So first up...

You need:

A nude lipstick (I used Viva
Glam Gaga 2)

Brown Lippencil (Rimmel Lasting Finsh in Cappuccino)

Lipgloss (MAC Cremesheen in Boy Bait)

AND

Optional: Lipbrush

1) I got my nude lipstick and filled in my lips, but not to the very edge. I then press my lips together to get rid of harsh lines and blend the lipstick more seamlessly towards the edge

2) I then got the lip pencil, which should be a brown shade or one close to your skin tone and defined the shape of my lips. I then gradually brought the pencil more into my lips, going over a little bit of the lipstick, but not too much. Pat lips together, but dont slide.

3) I then put a bit of lipgloss onto my hand and used my lipbrush to apply it to my lips. This helps blend the colours out and gets rid of the 'ashy' look some nudes may give off on darker skin.

Try it out! Hope this help!


E x

Tips for Virgin Hair Care

Not claiming to be a haircare expert, I'm just sharing what works for me in the hope I can help others too.

1. Always comb the hair upwards from the tips to the roots to get rid of knots with a paddle brush or wide tooth comb. The comb is probably better as its less likely to rip out hair from the weft.

2. Wash the hair every 1-2 weeks. Virgin hair is more prone to being greasy than our own so its important to keep it clean. Try Pantene Clarifying Shampoo to strip the hair of any product but be careful not to use this too often as it could dry out the hair

3. Deep condition between washes and after washing to keep the hair soft and healthy. I use Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Conditioner and let it soak into my weave for a few hours before rinsing out with cold water.

4. Try to reduce the amount of heat your hair is exposed to by airdrying instead of blowdrying. Blowdrying will get rid of the 'natural state' look and blow the curls out of place. Instead of a curling wand or iron, try bendy rollers. If you do decide to blowdry, straighten or curl the hair, use a heat Protectant just to be safe lol. I use TRESemme Heat Defence with UV Filter.

5. Just because a product works for your own natural hair doesnt mean it will be good for the weave. Avoid greasy or heavy products as it will weigh down the hair. I use a drop of Creme of Natures Argan Oil after washing/conditioning and between washes to keep my hair shiny, frizz-free and soft.

6. Sometimes I get lazy and dont do this but you should plait your hair into one before sleeping to keep the waves/ curls intact and keep the moisture in your hair. Also get your hands on a satin scarf or cap from any shop that sells weave and sleep with that over your hair to keep moisture.

7. My final tip is do not neglect your own hair! Your weave will look better for longer if you can look after your own especially if you have leaveout! It's easier to blend if your hair is relaxed, if not try hotcombing or straightening but not too often. Keep your parting and scalp moisturised with Organic Root Simulator Dry Scalp Relief Oil. Also if you are feeling the annoyance of regrowth try Olive Oil Edge Control to keep things neat and flat.

E x

Thinking Of Buying Virgin Hair?/ How To Detect Fake Hair!

Sorry guys! This is so long overdue but I'v had so many technology issues recently =[ But anyway..

Before I bought it myself, I was extremely wary of buying from just any hair vendor. Virgin hair is a hugeeeee investment and if you make the right one it can last you years, if not you've just wasted hard earned money =\ This post is basically just to help those who are thinking about it to make a wise choice. In no way am I a haircare professional, this is just what I've found from my own experiences and research. But anyway, lets go!

• Watch Youtube Reviews. This can help you find a company to buy from and people's experiences with the hair. Obviously all hair is different and some companies send youtube 'gurus' hair, so, make your own judgements.

• If you do find a company that interests you, see if you could contact them to send you a sample. If you can get hold of one, test it with water and add heat on it to see if it returns to its natural state.

• Prices can always be a huge giveaway. If its cheaper than Remi, thats normally a clue. That's not to say you can never find bargains on virgin hair, just be wary that if it was real, the seller would try to get the best price for it. However, the same goes for when hair is clearly overpriced. It doesn't have to cost thousands to get a good weave ;)

• Virgin hair should always wave/ curl up when wet, even straight hair should have some sort of wave. Always check your virgin hair can return to its natural state :)

• We all know (well you should know lol) virgin hair is hair that has been cut off another humans head...=\ lol. So virgin hair should not smell like any beauty store hair(human/synthetic) If it does.. back away lool

• Virgin hair is also known not to tangle. But it can, the reality of life is hair does tangle. My natural hair tangles! Lol but there shouldn't be excessive tangling. However, tangling is more likely to happen with longer lengths of hair and at the back of the neck so don't be too worried if it does happen.

• As with tangling, shedding can happen but again should not be excessive! It should only be a few strands after a comb through. Try asking your vendor to seal the wefts or do it yourself to ensure the hair stays on. If you comb the weave from the tips to the roots with a wide tooth comb, this can reduce shedding too.

• If any vendor asks "what colour hair do you want?"... Run away. Lol. Virgin hair shouldn't hv colours to choose from and should be in the natural colour which is normally black/ brown or a mix of both. If you do want another color you could always dye the hair but this would means its processed and no longer virgin.

• The hair should also have a 'bounce' to it. If you watch any Indian/ Brazilian woman walk or move their head, the hair will have some motion. It shouldn't be stiff and should move in the wind when its sown in as this could mean its been processed.

Hopefully these tips do help those who are looking to buy hair. Again, i am not a pro but this is what I have found and hopefully this may help someone :)


E x