MIA + New Stuff

I can't believe that I haven't updated this blog in over two months! This time I actually have a legitimate reason for doing so, and that is because I have been in school. It takes up a lot more time than I thought it would. Since I've managed to find some free time, I'll squeeze in a little post.

I haven't really been keeping up with any beauty trends, but since I am studying fashion; I've been keeping up with EVERY fashion trend possible. Although, I haven't had the time or the money to buy anything sadly I have no recent hauls or reviews. :(

I do have a secret though, a secret that only my fellow bloggers will know about. After the Thanksgiving break, I will be doing a photo shoot! The only other people that know about it, is the people participating. I was actually supposed to do it last month, but things got really hectic. Obviously, its going to be a fashion photo shoot. It is basically telling a story about redefining the standards of beauty; something that I have always been about. I'm extremely excited about it and I know that I may have to delay it because of time and working around other people's schedules. So the current set date is December 7. I hope my followers are looking forward to it!

Curly Hair Routine + Hair Update

As you all know, I've been wearing my hair curly as opposed to straightening it every time I wash it. Just a little background about my hair: I've been natural for about seven years now and only shampoo when I need to and before I do a semi permanent dye. So maybe 4 to 7 shampoos a year.

For the majority of my high school career I would straighten my hair every two sometimes three weeks. Four years of straightening does some damage on your hair, if you care about that sort of thing. So the right thing to do for me was to just screw so called "beauty" and train my hair back to health. 

My routine:

 1. Co-Wash with Infusium 23 conditioner, Aveda wheat conditioner, or Mane and Tail conditioner.

2. Coat hair in Kinky Kurly Knot Today Leave-in and Olive Oil

3. Detangle and bun hair until 80% dry

4. Lightly mist hair with spray bottle filled with water

5. Apply Cantu Curling Cream and Jamaican Locking Wax to hair

6. Divide hair however you want and braid hair making sure hair is a little over damp.

7. Put sponge rollers on ends of hair if you have heat damage.

8. Sleep and Wait until morning. 

9. Hair may still be damp, but that's okay. Separate sections and style braid out how you want.

And that's what I've been doing for the last few weeks when I don't wear my hair straight. I only straighten for special occasions and I usually bun on the second or third day.

When my hair begins to feel dry, i add castor oil to my scalp and olive oil to actual hair. 

I have to say I am loving my hair curly. I used to despise my curls, well I still don't like my NATURAL curls but manipulation works for me. My hair is starting to retain moisture again as well as length. It's back to its healthy state minus the heat damage. 

Ive also been putting a semi permanent dye over my natural color. Just a jet black color to make it look shiny. My natural color is really plain and boring looking, but with the black I feel like I look much better and brighter. My hair is almost shoulder length with the braid out and past shoulder length when straight. I should have done this much sooner and I feel bad for having neglected my hair. But now my hair has thanked me by growing thicker and longer these past few months. Finally!

 

Mini H&M Haul

I went to the mall yesterday in hopes of stopping by H&M and picking up a few what I like to call "samples." Something I've done since the end of my junior year of high school. I go to whichever store and pick up 3-10 staple items for the upcoming season. I didn't realize that I did this until last year. The "samples" usually end up being the main thing I wear for the rest of the season or I build upon those staple items and expand my seasonal wardrobe. With all that said here are my three "samples" for the fall.

Sweaters are a big must for the cooler weather. They can be layered underneath for the colder days or worn with shorts/skirts on the warmer fall days.

$14.95

Hi low hem shirts have been in season for awhile now. The possibilities are pretty endless for what you could pair this with. Although I wouldn't go with leggings or an a-line skirt.

$9.95

Always have an accessory that can tie a whole outfit up together. Ombré has also been in season lately. Since its white to black you could pair this with any solid color and probably pull off wearing this with patterns.

$4.95

Hope you enjoyed my samples for this fall! I'm going to be putting my Curly Hair regimen and a hair update next post!

Fashion, Makeup & Accessories Haul

I actually didn't think I would be posting today, but I promised a friend that I would. Yesterday, I went pre-birthday shopping with some friends and today I went again with my mom. Yes I'm still getting bday presents as an adult, hey nobody has stopped me yet! I actually got quite a few things considering it isn't my birthday just yet. Here is my Haul!

Floating Lotus $19.50

So my first gift is from MAC and its a Cremesheen Glass called Floating Lotus. The lady at the counter said that it was the new season of Cremesheens and that it will be a permanent part of their collection. That is a good thing, because every lipgloss from MAC that I really like always gets discontinued or is limited edition.

Plaid Bralette $12.80

This gift is from Forever 21 and its a bralette or a cropped bustier top. I actually don't have one of these and I have wanted one for awhile. I really don't know what I'm going to wear it with yet, but I was thinking maybe a white button down shirt or even a white sheer top.

Macadamia Deep Repair Masque $15

This isn't really a gift, but it is is something that I have wanted to try for a long long time. My mom and I share hair products so this is also hers. I have heard many good reviews on this product and I've need a masque/deep conditioner for awhile. They did have a bigger jar, but I wanted to sample it first.

Gold Deposit $29

Back to MAC, I have wanted to use this highlighter and/or bronzer for REALLY long time. I never did, because I thought drugstore brands were just as good; boy was I wrong. I know it actually is a bronzer, but in the store I put it on as a highlighter and actually liked it better. I'll probably use it as a highlighter in the winter and a bronzer in the spring/summer. It is extremely pigmented and it doesn't smell like fish. The bronzer that looks exactly like this from Coastal Scents smells like fish, I have no idea why and that is why I'm glad i got this one.

Earrings $8

Next stop was the store I Am that sells the cutest accessories for a pretty good price. I bought these to match my dress for when I go out for my birthday on Friday and Saturday. I will post an OOTN and FOTN also.

Scarf $5.99

Since I've been wearing my hair curly lately, but have also been swimming and going the beach its probably a good idea that I wear something to protect my hair right? Well not only that, but tying your hair up is a cute hairstyle. I guess that's another post that I have to attend to huh?

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation $42

Pretty much the second I got an email from Sephora about this foundation I wanted it immediately. It is expensive but anything Illamasqua is worth it. I mean just trying it on my inner wrist felt nice. Its matte and will probably end up being my HG of foundations! When it was on my wrist, it didn't feel sticky or slide around like MUFE HD Foundation does. I have a gut feeling I will like this foundation.

Wispy & Flutter $8 each

Eyelashes are a must for this weekend! Point blank. I take my birthday pretty seriously, well I take everyone's birthday pretty seriously actually.

Sheer Top $29.50

Last gift was this sheer top from Garage. I can't wait to wear this out!! I love sheer tops and this one I feel can be worn with pretty much anything since its a solid color. Depending on my plans this weekend I might actually wear this.

At the Coffee Shop

So this is my Face of the Day. You can't really see my eyes that well but my face for once has a dewy finish. I used my usual UD Face Primer, Nars Tinted Moisturizer, and I changed my powder to L'oreal True Blend pressed powder. On my eyes I have a matte brown and matte gold and coastal scents eyeliner. This is the look I've been doing for the last few weeks.

That is all hope you enjoyed my haul.

Update

So again it's been months since I've posted. Its been pretty busy still. I decided to apply for school and I've been fairly busy with the applications and transcripts and so on. I went through the same process as I had to when I applied for college in high school. Usually transfer students have it a little bit easier so I thought. I did get accepted, so I am pretty excited about that. I will be a college student at The Art Institute for Fashion and Retail Management. I'm really excited because they don't focus on general ed classes. I actually get to jump into my major right away, which to me makes a whole lot more sense than traditional colleges.

Other than school, I created a polyvore account to put together outfits; kind of like a stylist would. I don't have many outfits yet but as I log on more and become more committed to it, I will eventually have tons of outfits.

My username on polyvore is skinnycurves, so if you have one too then go follow me please! I also have a Youtube account, I only have a couple of videos because I honestly don't know what to talk about! I have to get used to talking to a camera as if I'm talking to an audience. For now I might just have slideshows of some of the outfits I wear when I do get creative.My YouTube account name is also skinnycurves so feel free to subscribe if you'd like. 

That's really all for now. I'll try to post more often but that is not a promise.

http://www.polyvore.com/birthday_outfit/set?id=55595722
Check out my latest polyvore creation.

SUMMER!!

Wow I have been so MIA lately! Not on purpose of course, I've just been busy enjoying my summer! There is no possible way I can tell you exactly what I have been doing so far. Well I could but now wouldn't that be boring. So instead, I'll post some pictures! 

Is that a pole? Yes it is, I have been taking pole dancing classes. Don't knock it until you try it, I have some amazing upper body strength and some pretty nice abs because of it. And spinning around the pole is one of the most amazing feelings ever; its a real sense of accomplishment. 

 Sitting by the pool and wearing cute protective hairstyles. This was the beginning of summer, still spring actually. White pants? Yes, be sure to wear the right undies! 

 Eating Elevation Burger! Apparently everything is 100% organic and the fries are cooked in olive oil. Its probably one of the best burgers I've ever had; almost as good as In 'N Out. 

Hanging out in the city. That's always fun right? Check out my Tribal shorts; they were purchased from Charlotte Russe. I'll be doing a post on them pretty soon! 

Daisy Dukes, Bikini on top! Um sitting poolside on the first day of summer! It was about 100 degrees that day. So about those nice abs I was talking about. Yep these are the results of a six week pole dancing course. I can't imagine how I'll look once I'm a level 7 pole dancer.

And of course, giving my hair a break from the flat iron. Curly hair don't care baby! This is the result of a first day twist out. Also going easy on the makeup, just something neutral.

So that's pretty much what my spring/summer has consisted of SO FAR. Just really out on the town, taking a lot of time for myself. I also am applying to school this fall, just waiting for that acceptance letter. Its been pretty exciting, some dull moments but hey I can't complain.

Haul + Reviews

Wow, so its been awhile since my last post. I have been pretty busy with tons of things. I've been planning my vacation this summer and out with friends that I haven't seen in months. Its been pretty great these last few weeks.

While all of that was going on, I did purchase some beauty products and received some gifts from my mother. So this post will be a quick little haul and short reviews, since I have used the products quite a bit.

$31

The first purchase was Urban Decay's Complexion Primer Potion - Pore Perfecter. I've been using it for about two weeks now and it actually does minimize pores and make your skin look velvety smooth. It actually doesn't get rid of pores or anything, but while it is on it sort of does look like it. The consistency is smooth and easy to apply on your face. It does come out white, although that doesn't really matter since you'll be putting foundation over it. I really like this product and remember "A little goes a long way." 

$7.95

Ever since I've found Coastal Scents, I can't stop buying makeup off of there. This is the Camo Quad in Dark. I've given up my MAC concealer for this stuff. Its a creamy consistency that stays put and does not dare slide off. It's pretty much the equivalent of the Makeup Forever sculpting kits to be honest. On days when I don't want to wear too much makeup, I just wear this concealer and some pressed powder. I use the medium dark shade the most on my hyperpigmentation and under my eyes I mix the lighter brown and medium dark shade together. When I want to get all fancy, I use the darkest shade to contour and sculpt my face; which I don't do often. I love this stuff and I think it is my Holy Grail concealer as of now.

$4.95

Also from Coastal Scents is their pressed powder foundation. I use it as a pressed powder to set my makeup though and I do not use too much. I actually haven't ran into any bad pressed powders, I'd say this is the equivalent to my Cover Girl pressed powder. It pretty much does the job, I really can't complain.

$4.95. on sale right now $2.95

Yet another purchase from Coastal Scents; this is their liquid eyeliner in Jet. Its one of the blackest eyeliners I've seen and the application is really easy. I normally poke my eye with these types of wands but not this one. I had to switch from my Almay black eyeliner because whenever I would apply, it would burn my eyelid. I have about five different black eyeliners that I use, this being the main one. I love love love it!

These are the gifts that my mom got me from Lush. I am so in love with Lush products and these are pretty great. I'll start with the soap. I've used it only twice and I really like the way it smells. I don't like the way it feels though. Whenever I lather it on my face, it feels extremely dry. Although the results are pretty freaking amazing. I was having pimple problems one day and used this, the next day my face was clear.

Now the Tea Tree Water Toner is just as amazing. I have been using it for about a week and a half now and it gives me a nice glow.  I use it every time I wash my face and it just leave my face feeling even more clean. Lush products never cease to amaze me!

So that is my beauty haul, I hope you all enjoyed it and the reviews too. I do recommend these products btw.

FOTD

Today was May Day! It was also a very beautiful day and I decided to do a colorful Face of the Day. I got a few compliments on it too. 

So this is the looks. I always just focus on my eyes and its purple, lilac, plum, and a light pink. I really love how it makes my brown eyes pop. I hardly ever put anything in my lower lash line unless it is a bright color. I just really liked the way it turned out and I feel like my makeup skills are improving.  The eyes have Coastal Scents, Too Faced, Urban Decay and Drugstore products on them.

INSTAGRAM PIC. Follow me @chelsiiohkay_

Face:

Urban Decay Pore Perfecting Primer Potion (Sample)

Makeup Forever HD Foundation in 175

MAC Select Cover up in NW45

Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil

Coastal Scents Sunless Body Art in Dark

Eyes: 

Tufted Suede on Brow Bone

Vintage Violet and Fresh Linen on Lid

Midnight on Inner V

Vibrant Plum and Umber Bronze on Crease

UD 24/7 Pencil in Ransom on Lower Lash Line

UD 24/7 Pencil in Perversion on Water Line

Almay Black Liquid Liner

Too Faced Lashgasm Mascara

Lips:

Covergirl Lip Liner in Beloved

Rosebud Salve

In other news, I called the Makeup Academy that I will be attending in September and made an appointment to see what I will be learning while attending. I'm really excited about that. Also last night I did my moms makeup and gave her some tips. She has very distinct eyes and I told her that she should wear crease colors to make her eyes pop more. This morning she took my advice and did exactly that. I think I might be a pretty good Makeup Artist once I obtain my license :)

Fashion Haul

On Saturday I made a trip to the mall and went on a little spree. I thought I would like to share what I bought there. I stopped by H&M, Garage, and Claire's. I was on a mission, so I power shopped and did it all in under 30 minutes. That's really an accomplishment for me! 

So the first stop was Garage. I'm not sure if Garage is nationwide, but basically its a store where its supposed to be a teenage girl's room in a garage where she is always playing loud music. Its always loud in there, but I love their clothes so I spend no more than 10 minutes in this store. 

The first thing I got were these Khaki shorts. I've been wanting some of these for awhile and I'm glad I got a chance to get some finally! 

 More bandeaus! I feel like you can never have too many of these. 

Did you hear that Aztec prints were in? Well I just love this style. Its a semi sheer top that goes great with one of the bandeau's I got! Pair these with those khaki shorts and you got yourself a nice cute summery outfit. 

The next stop was H&M and this was actually my first time shopping there. I usually shop online and as you know H&M currently doesn't have an online store. But I thought hey why not since I think all their items are cute. 

This is the first thing I got was a body con dress. I actually don't have a body con dress, so I picked this one up. It looks really good on too, thankfully. It has a zipper in the back, one of these days I'll have an OOTN with this dress! 

 The next item was another Aztec print shirt. Again this could be paired with the Khaki shorts. Or even some pink or white shorts. I just love the big arm holes! 

Then the last two from H&M are these black biker shorts and a white shirt with a butterfly on it. I matched these two together because its very 80's. A lot of the things we wear now are definitely 80's inspired actually. This is just so cute and not to mention REALLY comfortable! I wonder if they were this comfortable in the 80's? 

And the last stop was Claire's, one of my favorite accessory stores. 

I got earrings, because I LOVE earrings. The first thing is an ear cuff, which I have NO idea how to wear just yet, but I"ll see what looks good. The next thing is owl earrings. I normally think owls are really creepy looking, but these are just adorable looking. Then I got the set of cartilage and hoop earrings. And that's really it. That's my haul, I hope you guys enjoyed it!

New Lip Routine + More

Lately I've been really, I guess you could say annoyed with any lip products that isn't chap stick or lip balm. Any lip gloss that I purchase is too sticky and has a gross consistency or smells bad etc. The only gloss that I do wear is the Toki Doki Prisma Gloss in Rocketeer, but sadly they discontinued that color. Lipstick is just not my thing at all and finding a color that looks good on me is a pain; not to mention kind of drying. So what is a girl to do when she runs into this predicament? Well if you haven't gotten the memo, lip liner is not only just to line your lips. It can also be used as a lip color and even last longer than lipstick and lip gloss. Yes you still have to find a color, but for some odd reasons its not as overwhelming as going through the many different shades of lipstick. 

I purchased this Wet n Wild lip liner at the drugstore and the name of it is Brandywine. I can't really explain the color, but its the color of red wine but with a hint of pink. Its almost a flesh color on my lips but a shade darker. I just apply this and put a little bit of rosebud salve over it to give it a glossy finish. 

Its not very noticeable because it is quite subtle. I love that it is just a hint of color on my lips. I have been trying to do this technique for awhile, but I really wanted to find a color that was nice and not super loud. I do want to try a plum or burgundy liner for a more bold look. Any suggestions on good lip liners? 

A few days ago I ordered a contour kit off of Drugstore.com by E.L.F. I only got a nice cheap one, because I have never contoured before and honestly I have no idea what I'm doing.

I think the bronzing powder is my exact skin tone, so it might not really contour anything but I think the blush will come in handy. Once I learn how to figure out this whole contouring thing, I'm going to purchase the Smashbox kit; it comes with a highlighter too. Its also on my wishlist along with the Nars Tinted Moisturizer. So we'll see how this goes, I can't wait.

Hair Update + FOTD

I haven't talked about hair in a month, so why not a little update on my hair. I dyed it last month a medium light brown. About a week after the dye job, I clipped about two inches off because my ends were a bit damaged. My roots have started growing out about half an inch and they are kind of a pain, but I'm going to deal with it because I really am trying to grow out my hair. Right now its a little past shoulder length and my goal is bra strap length. Its going to take awhile, but that's okay. 

Also two days ago, I noticed that my edges were a bit on the damaged side. My mom suggested that I cut straight or blunt bangs so that my edges weren't exposed. 

I have always been reluctant on cutting my bangs like this, just because of what people have always said. Sometimes you shouldn't listen to people's opinions, because I should have done this a LONG time ago. I really like the way that it shapes my face and brings more attention to my eyes. When my edges aren't showing, my hair looks 10x healthier too! 

Shirt from Forever 21

 Sorry for the infamous bathroom pictures, but today was extremely gloomy and rainy; this was the best lighting. I have no eye makeup on in these either, which is something I rarely go without. I felt like I needed a change from my regular hair style. I mean just a little change such as clipping my bangs has given me the biggest boost of confidence.

Now on to Face of the Day. 

So this was actually my FOTD on Friday, but I still wanted to post it anyway. Friday was a really sunny day and I wanted to make my eyes pop but look natural at the same time. So my lid is just a dark matte brown from my Matte Eye Palette and my crease is a vibrant plum from my Coastal Scents Palette. My lower lash line is UD 24/7 Pencil Liner in Ransom and my water line is UD Pencil in Perversion. My lash line is topped up with Almay Liquid Liner in Black and my lashes are curled with Lashgasm from Too Faced. 

So that's all, I really don't have any news coming up, but if and when I do I will be sure to post it!

Clothing Haul

So I finally got around to doing the haul that I promised about three posts ago. I had a little extra time on my hands and the weather was fairly decent to take pictures in my horribly lit room. What I really need is either a full length mirror or a legit photographer that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Anyways, now on to the haul.

I purchased this shirt from Papaya and I think it is extremely cute! I really love the back, because it actually opens sort of like a flap. It was kind of unexpected when I tried it on, but its actually pretty cool.

Next is this polka dot crop top from Forever 21 that I couldn't resist ordering. At first, I thought it was just a really cute sports bra or camisole like top, but it has no support whatsoever. You actually wear it with a bra and it completely covers it, so that's good. This is the type of top I would wear going out with maybe a vest, flannel or even a denim jacket to dress down the polka dots.

Well FaceTime doesn't take very good quality pictures, but as you can see this is a sheer top. It is also purchased from Forever 21. I'm actually kind of stumped on what to wear with this top, although I know I wouldn't wear this bandeau with it. I'm honestly not sure what I should wear with this, but I'm sure I'll figure it out.

I guess I found something to go with the sheer top, which is a possibility. Anyhow, this is my first pair of white pants ever! I've just never been one to wear white pants for some reason. These are from Papaya also.

These are just some colorful lace bandeaus. Pretty self explanatory. It gets extremely hot where I live and bras aren't exactly that breathable. When it gets hot, out comes the big arm holes and the thin fabric. What do you think of bandeau fashion?

Last but not least, some nautical inspired high waisted shorts. I really couldn't resist this Forever 21 purchase. I was kind of disappointed, because they didn't fit around my waist, which is a problem I typically run into with high waisted anything. Since the fabric is somewhat stretchy, I just threw it in the wash and shrunk them a bit. Now they fit perfectly. :) The only thing is, a button fell off in the washer; good thing I know how to sew. So that is my haul that I've promised weeks ago.

In other news my Sigma blush brush came in the mail today and just like I thought, it applies foundation flawlessly!

I think the reason I don't have as many followers as I would like is because, I haven't promoted myself just yet and I write A LOT! I've realized that the way some bloggers blog, they post one picture and a little blurb about their day and that's all. I don't really believe that is blogging, but I think I might minimize my posts just a little bit and put more pictures and less words. We'll see how that goes.

My Glam + More

So its been awhile since I have posted and that is because I have been busy with some family time. Lately I have been spending lots of time with my mom and every Saturday the rest of my immediate family have started trying new things around the DC area (that's where I live). This latest Saturday, we went to a parade/festival. The Cherry Blossom Parade/Festival to be exact. Around here, its really a big deal to attend the events in the area. I was disappointed in the parade though, only because there were so many gaps in between the floats and not to mention there are no more Cherry Blossoms. Other than that I got some pretty good pictures of some of the more uniformed floats.
I know I said that this next post would be a fashion haul, but I've been a tad sidetracked to take pictures of what I purchased. So for now I'll talk more about makeup! I promise next time will be fashion!

The first purchase was the MyGlam Bag April edition. It came with a lot more than I expected.  As you can see, it came with an eyeshadow and eyeliner brush, the UD 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil, DermStore Lip Quench, and the All-Belle Eyelashes. If you're interested in the MyGlam Bag then go to MyGlam and check it out. You might have to wait a month or two before you actually get your first bag, because they have a limited supply so subscribe ASAP.
The eyelashes are what I'm most impressed about, they're handmade in Tawain and extremely soft. I haven't worn them yet because they're super dramatic. Also, the DermStore Lip Quench is amazing! Its been so dry here and whenever I put it on my lips are so moist! I absolutely adore it, I must buy some more.

The second purchase is the Sigma Blending Brush. So I have no idea where I have been without this. I already have a blending brush, but not like this. It actually blends out the color without much effort. Its pretty amazing.

The third purchase, I actually got awhile ago from this QVC offer of Tarte products. I just never did review it or anything. I use it to apply my foundation, but its a blush brush right? Yes it is. I'm sure many of you guys have heard of this method of applying foundation, but if not then here it is. I ran across a beauty guru Michelle Phan who at first I thought was just a Youtube guru. She is actually much more than that though. Shes a very successful Makeup extraordinaire, if you ask me. Anyway she put up a video on her Youtube Channel about her current foundation routine. She uses a blush brush, that actually in my opinion works a whole lot better than a painter foundation brush. It gives full coverage and a more flawless look and you use less foundation. The only thing is that this brush sheds quite a lot, so I end up with brush hairs all over my face by the time I'm done. I purchased a Sigma Blush Brush on Amazon and should be here in a few days.
So next post I promise PROMISE, will be a fashion haul and no makeup!
Oh and aren't my picture much more vivid, well thats because I got an iPhone! The camera is just amazing and I'm so happy to have it.