Saga of a Fatshionista

Zakia's Morocco | Moroccan Ghassoul Clay Powder for Natural Hair!

2015-07-22T11:54:00.000-04:00

I'm really enjoying my natural hair journey. I'm learning that some products work for my hair and others don't, there are hits and misses but overall I've mastered some techniques that work for me. A new regimen that I've learned that my hair absolutely love is using a clay mask treatment. I got the chance to try out the Zakia's Morocco Moroccan Ghassoul Clay Powder and it really changed my mind about the way I treated my hair.

Ghassoul clay also known as Rhassoul clay is a natural and organic clay from deep inside the Ancient Atlas Mountains of Morocco. The clay has cleaning, detoxifying, toning and rejuvenating properties which will leave your hair and skin feeling brand new. Ghassoul is a mineral rich, light brown clay that blends extremely well with water making its application to the face, body and hair. It's also a great soothing treatment for dandruff and psoriasis.

I did my research and found out the Ghassoul clay is a great softener and moisturizer for hair. It removes products build up and toxins from the scalp, as well reducing dry hair. I decided to make a D.I.Y clay mask recipe of my own. I must say this recipe came out really good *pats self on shoulder*. To make the clay mask for my hair, I used:

Zakia's Moroccan Ghassoul Clay Powder
Water
10 drops of Peppermint Oil
3 tablespoons of Olive Oil
1 Glass Bowl (Do not use a metal bowl or metal mixing utensils)
1 hair applicator brush

Once I was done mixing all of the ingredients, I sectioned of my hair. Before I applied the mixture, I lightly misted my hair with water so my hair will have some slip when I applied the clay mask. I applied the clay mask to each section of my hair, making sure that it was completed covered. I left it on my hair for about 2 hours while I did some house work, but I recommend leaving it on for at least 30 minutes.

I washed out the clay mask and I was amazed! My hair was stretched, elongated and my curls were super defined. My hair and scalp felt amazing. I will be doing this ever month or ever other month because it rejuvenated my hair. Zakia's Morocco currently has this powder on sale for $10 here. I believe that this is an amazing treatment for natural hair and you should try it atleast once.

Have you ever tried Ghassoul Clay?

Spa day at home with Adovia's Purifying Mud Mask

2015-07-20T10:14:00.003-04:00

Reading and hearing that a product is amazing is one thing but to actually witness it for yourself is even better. I've been blown away by the amazing-ness called Adovia Purifying Mud Mask. It makes my skin feel like I've had a facial at a spa, that's how good it is.

When summer comes around, I kick my skin care routine in over drive because no one wants dull skin during the summer time or anytime for that matter. This Adovia Purifying Mud Mask unclogs pores and removes toxins from the skin, so your skin can breathe and feel rejuvenated. I love to use this when I've worn makeup back to back for a few days, it removes any excess makeup, dirt and oil; leaving my skin feeling baby soft. I've seen an improvement in my skin complexion and over healthy since using this weekly.

This mud mask is all natural, it has Dead Sea Mud which has over 26 minerals essential for skin health, Aloe Vera so that your skin is not over dried but gets a natural level of moisture and Vitamin C which helps with acne and gives your skin an even complexion.

Just know when I tell you about a product I'm giving you my complete honest opinion and this mud mask is the BUSINESS!. You can find more information about the Adovia Purifying Mud Mask here. Your skin will thank you later.

Bahamian Boho

2015-05-20T13:42:00.001-04:00

It has been so hot in The Bahamas, I'm so thankful for the rainy days. So you know hot weather brings cool clothing. One of my favorite trends for the Spring and Summer seasons is the Bohemian look. Now, Bohemian is not to be confused with Bahamian. Bohemian is hippy, carefree way of life and Bahamian is a nationality, which happens to be mine. So I decided to make this trend my own by incorporating a few Bahamian touches.

I absolute love this crochet top, I want to get it in the other colors! The geometric printed palazoo pants are perfect for this hot weather. I normally shy away from pants like these because they tend to hit me at the ankles because I'm taller than the average height but these fitted perfectly. Shout out to my aunt who gifted me with this authentic Bahamian handmade straw bag. The straw bag added a spin to this trend, because if you've ever visited the Bahamas, straw bags are one of our staples.

What do you think of the Bohemian trend?
Photography by XOEesh

THE Pole - Selfie Stick by 2Kamp

2015-05-13T15:19:00.001-04:00

My selfie game just reached a whole new level! 2 words... The Pole. I'm definitely in love but it was kind weird at first. I usually don't like to take selfies in public because it seems a bit narcissistic but who could resist a stick that extends over 2ft long. There is no more need to ask a random person the street to take a photo of you. I think one worldwide problem has been solved (lol).

The Pole by 2Kamp products is an all in one product. It's compatible will digital cameras and go pros as well as I-phones and Android phones. The spring clamp extends so that even the biggest phones can be secured. The adjustable ball head and thumb screw of mono pod locks in for multiple angle shooting with 180 degree position.For easy capture of photos there is a built in Bluetooth shutter, that can be used for IOS 4.0+ and Samsung 4.3+. There is even a option for zooming in and out for Android 4.3 and higher.What's even better is that the stick is rechargeable, I would most definitely say that it hold charge long but I wish there was an indicator to say when the battery is going to die.

My main gal Ayesha of XOEESH in the back

I must say that I love The Pole! I've been using it when I went places such as, soca survival weekend and family events. My older family members are so fascinated by it and my friends want to buy one. I think it's a great investment and definitely something to try out. The Pole is only $25 on Amazon and the best part about it 2Kamp is a family owned business, so each selfie stick is packaged with love.

What do you think of the selfie stick?

Face Time | POP of Color!

2015-05-11T11:37:00.002-04:00

Ahhh, the cool air has official stopped... at least for me. Living in a sub-tropical climate can have it's perks like, sun and breeze as oppose to snow and negative degree temperatures in the Winter. But let me tell you, Summer hasn't even begun and it's hot. No not "it's a nice day, hot", I'm talking about "Wow! I don't want to leave the house today, hot". (lol) In all seriousness, as the temperature rise, my makeup use has decreased. Foundation is an absolute no. But I've found a perfect solution that gives me a smooth but full coverage look.

I'm only using concealer in the areas that need to be concealed and using my MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Nautral. My MSFN surprised me, because I never used it with out using a foundation first but, I love that natural glow it gives me on my semi bare skin. I recommend this concealer x MSFN combo for all my summer babes.

A week back I did a neutral eye with a pop of color. I must say I really dig these type of looks. I'm more of a neutral, gold tone eyeshadow type of girl. Don't get me wrong, I love a colorful eyelid that's blended to perfection but I love to see on other people. Check out the details of my "Minimal Makeup" look. Also, I'm here for braids for the Spring and Summer seasons.

Product Details:

Face:

MAC Select Cover Concealer -NC 50

Black Opal Concealer - Toffee

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish - Dark

Eyebrows:

Ardell Brow Powder - Dark Brown

Eyes:

City Color Cosmetics Primer

Milani 6 Color Eyeshadow Paletter - Neutral

Milani Eye Tech Liner - Aqua

No Brand Name Lashes

Lips:

Menow Liquid Lipstick in #22

Hope you like this post! What's your "Minimal Makeup" Routine for the hot seasons?

Kiss Me Organics Green Tea Matcha Powder + Mug Cake Recipe!

2015-05-07T22:02:00.001-04:00

Two things I mostly consume is, water and tea. Green Tea happens to be one of my favorite teas because it's jam packed with nutrients and antioxidants. So when I heard about Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder, I was very intrigued. I've never heard of Matcha Powder before so when I got the chance to try it, I jumped at the opportunity.

There are so many benefits of Matcha Powder, it's 100x more powerful than brewed green tea. It definitely gives you a boost of energy that can last throughout the day. It can also boost your metoblism to burn more calories. As you know, antioxidents are essential for your body as you get older, the Matcha poweder has 137x more antioxidents than a regular cup of green tea. Overall the Kiss Me Organic Matcha Powder has a vast amount of benefits that can keep your body peculating. This Green Tea Powder is also culinary grade which means it's perfect for making lattes, smoothies and even great for baking. Speaking of baking, I decided to try my own recipe for a Green Tea Mug Cake, I call it, "The Green Muddy Monster"! It was so yummy! The green tea flavour was definitely distinct but not too sweet, it was perfect. The part that makes it muddy was my homemade chocolate frosting. One word, delish!

The mug cake is a pretty easy recipe that anyone can do. Here is what you'll need:

The Green Muddy Monster

1 Large Mug or Cup (Microwave safe)

5 Tablespoons of flour

1 1/2 Tablespoons of Matcha Powder

1/5 Tablespoon of baking powder

3 Tablespoons of white granulated sugar

4 Tablespoons of Milk (I use Lactic Milk , but use your preference)

1/2 Tablespoon of vegetable oil

Steps:

1. Mix all of the dry ingredients together

2. Add the Milk and Vegetable Oil

3. Mix all of the ingredients together until it's a smooth consistency

4. Microwave in intervals of 30 seconds, continuously check if it's done.

5. Let it cool.

"I'm in love with the Cocoa" Chocolate Frosting

1 cup of Sugar

1/2 a cup of Cocoa Powder

1 cup of Powder Sugar

6 Tablespoons of softened Margarine or Butter

1/3 cup of Milk

10 drops of Vanilla Extract

Mix all of the these ingredients until you get a thick, smooth chocolatey frosting.

One last step...enjoy!

Have you tried Matcha Green Tea Powder before?

Review | Apothecary Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil

2015-05-04T12:16:00.002-04:00

Over the past few months, I've been using a variety of essential oils such as lemon, peppermint and I recently bought a bottle of Lavender essential oil. Using those oils were new for me but when I got the chance to try the Apothecary Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil, I knew the amazing benefits that it has. Tea Tree Oil has natural healing and cleansing properties, it's extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia. The Apothecary Extracts Company Tea Tree Oil is 100% pure and it is 4 ounces, such a huge bottle. Usually, you will find that usually, tea tree oil is diluted and in a smaller size.

You will be amazed by how many things Tea Tree Oil is useful for, such as, a natural acne treatment, it treats fungus, kills insects, warts and the list goes on. A couple days ago, I unknowingly stepped in an ants patch and I was bitten multiple times but later that night, I decided to rub a bit of the oil on the bits and the next morning, it was healed. Tea Tree Oil is also perfect to use in shampoos, hot oil treatments and even facial cleanser.

Apothecary did a great job of producing a top grade Tea Tree Oil and at a reasonable price as well. Every bottle of Tea Tree Oil comes with a FREE eBook 50+ Uses for Tea Tree Oil. So many uses, that it will blow your mind.

Menow Long Lasting Lip Glosses (Liquid Lipsticks) with Lip Swatches

2015-04-23T09:58:00.001-04:00

The liquid lipstick craze is real! Every makeup company is carrying a line of their own liquid lipsticks, I even heard MAC is about to release their collection, but we all know the prices can get a bit outrageous at times. Being a "Baller on a Budget" , I found an inexpensive version of liquid lipsticks; the Menow Long Lasting Lipgloss. Now, I know it says lipgloss but these are far from it. The Menow Long Lasting Lipgloss name is kind of true, it is super long lasting but it's definitely not a lipgloss. The formula goes on creamy like a gloss but drys matte in seconds.

I'm surprised of the quality of these liquid lipsticks because they were only $1.20. For that price, they are incredible but like any product they have their pros and cons. The thing that I LOVE about all them is that they are long lasting and that's a fact. I could easily say that when I wore these they stayed of my lips for over 10 hours and when it was time to be taken off, that was a task. I discovered to completely take it off, a oil based makeup remover has to be used. I used my MAC Eye Makeup remover and that did the job easily. Another thing that I like about these lipsticks, is that they do not take long to dry; some dried faster than others but overall they dried in good time.

The Menow Long Lasting Lipgloss comes in over 30 different shades, from pinks to nudes. I decided to only get 10 because if they were horrible, it wouldn't be a lost. I must say when choosing colors, be careful because their are a lot of look a-likes with in the color options. My favorite colors out of the batch would be #27, #25, #22 and #33.

Top Row, Left to Right - #27, #25, #36

Middle Row, Left to Right - #5, #22, #08

Bottom Row, Left to Right- #32, #33, #30

Pros:
Long lasting
Very pigmented
Non-Transferable
Water Proof
Affordable

Cons:
Hard to remove
Tad bit sticky with first application

Overall, these are really good liquid lipsticks considering the price of them. The only thing that wasn't fun about these is that, they are really hard to take off ,if you don't know what to use and they also took a month to arrive, yes! a month. Other than that these are a must have. I bought them from the Ebay seller etrackonline. If you're looking for a cheaper version of the higher end liquid lipsticks the Menow Long Lasting Lipglosses are for you!

Thanks for reading!

Review | Dessange Paris Oleo Miracle Collection

2015-04-09T09:13:00.000-04:00

Since I've made the decision to be natural...once again, I've tried so many different shampoos, conditioners and oils. Some have been hits and misses but I think I've found a hit, Hit, HIT! Being an Influenster member, I got the chance to try the Dessange Paris Oleo Miracle Collection. The Oleo Miracle Collection has some unique oils such as, Argan (my fave), Camellia and Pracaxi. I must say that no other shampoo or conditioner have came close to the Oleo Miracle.

The Oleo Miracle Collection consists of the Replenishing Shampoo, the Replenishing Conditioner and the Replenishing Oil. The Replenishing Shampoo is probably the first shampoo that I've tried that actually feels like it's cleaning my hair but also adding moisture to it, at the same time. Usually, shampoos strip the hair strands of their natural oils but the Oleo Miracle Replenishing does the opposite. I followed up with the Replenishing Conditioner which automatically turns the hair into bouncy, soft ringlets. With this conditioner it makes the hair more manageable and easy to detangle. The product is easy to move around and it doesn't take much. The scent is intoxicating and it's one of the many reason why I'm going to purchase. The fragrance of the Argan, Camellia and Pracaxi oil is the perfect.

For my curly kinky girls, this entire collection is perfect for our hair, it definitely defined my curls. After shampooing and conditioning my hair, I used the Replenishing Oil. With the mixture of oils, this oil is not heavy at all. It glides over the hair and keeps it moisturize for up to 4 days with out reapplying. If you have dry, brittle, and heat damaged hair, the Oleo Miracle Collection is perfect for you. I think I've found my new
"wash day" products!

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Organic Dandelion Root Tea with Hibiscus and Cinnamon

2015-04-09T08:14:00.003-04:00

Hi, I'm Shade' and I'm addicted to tea. Really, I am. If you're Bahamian or from the Caribbean you were a tea drinker from a child because tea is an essential part of starting off the day. I think I take it to the extreme because, I can drink 3 or more cups a day, even on the hottest days! I got the chance to try out the Organic Dandelion Root Tea from Kiss Me Organics. It's amazing to see some of the benefits that some flowers and plants have that we just take for granted.

The Organic Dandelion Root Tea has a few benefits that are beneficial to our health, such as, promoting a healthier digestion and detoxing the liver and the kidneys. It also has vitamins A, C, D and B-complex plus Iron, Potassium and Zinc. It can also boots a weak immune system. This tea also has some other natural ingredients such as hibiscus and cinnamon powder. The hibiscus not only enhances the aroma but as well as the taste. Hibiscus have been known to regulate high blood pressure. The cinnamon adds an extra kicks but assists with reducing bad cholesterol and regulating blood sugar.

I'm loving the Organic Dandelion Root Tea, it has sweet taste of the dandelion and hibiscus at first taste and then, the zest of the cinnamon hits your taste buds at the end, very delicious. One cup is jammed pack with so much nutrition and it has 0 calories. Not only that, it's also vegan. If you're about promoting a healthier or you're just a tea lover like my self this tea is for you!

This post is powered by Brandbacker. All opinions are my own.

White on White

2015-04-04T14:01:00.000-04:00

“Women think of all colors except the absence of color. I have said that black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony.” - Coco Chanel

The chilly breeze is gone now and all that's left is heat. Last weekend, I had a club social with my fellow classmates and friends. To sum last Saturday in once word... eventful. The evening didn't goes as planned but it was fun. Great food and good people is the perfect mix. I invited my A1, Ayesha for a added fun and my go to photographer. I decided to wear ALL white that night because it was so hot! I was praying for a little bit of breeze and I got more than what I bargained for. It when from the heat of the Sahara dessert, to a Class A hurricane (lol). The rain ended our night but it was a plus. I'm just going to check the weather report before I choose to wear all white again.

Blouse: Local Store | Pants: Burlington Coat Factory | Sandals: Go Jane | Bag: BagInc | Necklace: Choies

Thanks for reading, have a great weekend!

Review | InstaNatural Peppermint and Lemon Essential Oil

2015-04-03T10:30:00.000-04:00

As I learn more about natural hair care, I'm learning about different oils and their purposes. When I got the chance to try the InstaNatural Peppermint and Lemon Essential Oils, I was very excited. If you read my blog frequently, you would know that I am a big supporter of InstaNatural's products because, they're awesome! InstaNatural is is a leading online and global distributor of more than a dozen nature inspired beauty and cosmetics products. Their products are one of the top sellers on Amazon and can also be found in salons, spas and stores in the U.S, and internationally as well.

The Peppermint and Lemon Essential Oils are both multipurpose. The Peppermint Essential Oil energizes and refreshes the body and mind. This steam-distilled oil is extracted from dried or fresh leaves from the Mentha Piperita herb, giving it a sharp, menthol fragrance. This oil give off a strong minty fresh aroma. I decided to use this oil for two purposes, for room fragrance and a hair treatment. For the room fragrance, I mixed the peppermint oil with a cotton scented oil in a tea light pot and in no time, their was a refreshing aroma in the air. I was excited to use the Peppermint oil for my hair treatment the most. I did a little research and I made my very own hot oil treatment, which consisted of, Argan Oil, Olive Oil, Shea Butter and Peppermint Oil. Peppermint oil is known for having hair restorative properties that aids in hair growth. I must say that it was one of the best hot oil treatments I've ever had and it's a bi-weekly routine for me now.

The Lemon Oil can be used for the same purposes as the Peppermint Oil but I used it for my skin. Lemon Oil is perfect for skincare. The scent alone makes it great but its astringent and purifying properties also make it a great aid to help cleanse and tone the skin, while delivering a boost of Vitamin C antioxidant benefits. Before bed every night for about 3 weeks, I would soak a cotton ball with water and add 4-5 drops of lemon oil and dab the spot with it. The spot has lighten drastically. The biggest thing I've learned about both of the oils, is that, they must be diluted when using them for anything; especially on skin.

I'm learning about other ways to use these oils because there are so many things one can use them for. I would recommend both of these oils to anyone who is interested in purchasing essential oils.

This post is powered by Brandbacker, all opinions are my own.

Review | Eu Natural Vibrance Pure Hair Vitamins for Growth

2015-03-04T19:22:00.001-05:00

When I first began my natural journey, I was all about wanting long hair, and just that. As I did more research and began learning more about my hair, my only concern now is having healthy hair. February made it a year that I took the plunge and did the "Big Chop". Now, that my hair is fully healthy and thriving, I decided to try hair growth pills. Now I've always been skeptical about hair growth pills because, yes, you can see results with growth but I always had the question "what does it do to you internally?".

I discovered Eu Natural Vibrance Pure Hair Vitamins for Hair Growth and it didn't catch my eyes until I did my research, and I found that this are all natural. When I say all natural, I mean, these are vegetarian capsules that are filled with vitamins, minerals, and herbs. Now, there is a difference between pills and capsules. These vitamins are capsules and they are fillers and binders free, which is a big sigh of relief. What's even better, Eu Natural supports money back guarantee and these hair Vitamins are a 30 days supply.

I began taking the vitamins yesterday. I take two capsules before a meal with 20 ounces of water, the instructions says 8 ounces but I usually just drink a full 20 oz. So far, It's normal. I won't see any real results until the end of the month, in which I will up date you guys and give you a full report.

Before I started yesterday I did measure my hair, I did a trim before I started. The back is 5.5", the left and right side is 6", the middle is 6.2 inches and the front is 5". Wish me luck!

Have you ever tried Eu Natural or any hair growth vitamins? Have you entered my M.A.C Giveaway?

XX, Shade'

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Review | Pura d'or Hair and Body Care

2015-03-02T13:09:00.001-05:00

I'm always on the look out for new hair care products so when I got the opportunity to review a few products from Pura d'or, I was excited!

Pura d'or is an organic hair and body care company. Their products are strictly grown from trees and not in the labs, they also do not test on animals. I must say that I've never really tried organic hair products... until now. Their most popular products are the Argan Oil Premium Shampoo, the Argan Oil Premium Organic Conditoner and their Argan Oil. Pura d'or is rated #1 on Amazon for the Shampoo and Conditioner.

The Pura d'or Argan Oil Premium Organic Conditioner is smooth, a thick consistency and very easy to disperse through hair. I have thick course hair, so I was worried if I would have to use a lot of product like I always do, so my hair can be fully covered but with this conditioner it was easy. This conditioner is Lavender Vanilla scented, and let me tell you, the scent is intoxicating. The hair didn't really shine after using this but it was more manageable. When I read the ingredients label, I was shocked that it was so little ingredients and they were all organic and natural.

The Pura d'or Premium Organic Shampoo is definitely one of a kind. This shampoo is not a regular shampoo, it has hair loss prevention properties. The Premium Organic Shampoo contains 12 DHT Blockers which can stop premature hair loss, thinning hair, receding hair lines and excessive shedding. I have naturally thick hair and I do not suffer from thin hair or premature hair loss and even a receding hair line but my hair can shed a tad bit too much for my liking. When I used this shampoo I noticed that my shedding reduce drastically which made me very happy. It also lathers very well , which I like because I hate it when a shampoo has low lather.

Last but not least, the Pura d'or Argan Oil. I have a collection of Argan Oils and some are better than the others. I used this Argan in my Hot Oil Treatment along with some other oils and I was happy with the results, I had softer shinier hair. I also used this oil on my face and it reduced a little bump I had, which amazed me because some oils tend too break out my face. It also moisturizes with out giving a greasy appearance. This is going to be my new holy grail product.

Have you ever tried Pura d'or products?

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M.A.C Lipstick Giveaway (5 winners)

2015-03-02T10:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday! Hope y'all had a great weekend, I sure enjoyed myself. Well, March is here and if you don't know; March is the month that I started my blog... 5 years ago! Wow, it has been a long five years and the blog has grown tremendously. I look back on old blog posts and cringe at all the errors I made but looking back made me realize that I love doing this and it's hobby, an escape from when I need a break from reality... if you know what I mean. I want to thank all of you who have been with me from the beginning and the newbies. Y'all are the best! As you know, I love giveaways, especially when I'm giving away to you guys. So, to kick of my blogiversary month, I'm going to be giving away 5 M.A.C lipsticks. Yes! You read correctly and a lucky grand prize winner will be receiving something extra. Want a chance to win? Well, just enter using the rafflecopter app and be sure to follow all the rules!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!

Review and Demo | Paula Dorf Perfect Color

2015-03-01T12:14:00.002-05:00

There are times when I don't want to use a lot of products to create a look, so when I found that the Paula Dorf Perfect Color stick is a multi-tasker, I was excited to try it.

The company describes the Perfect Color stick as a "versatile multi-tasker performs triple results: for eyes, lips and cheeks. Light and creamy in flattering shades. Convenient and portable for on the go application."

I got the Perfect Color in Ecstasy and I must agree that the formula is very creamy, easy to apply and blend. At first I was taken back by the color because as a WOC some shades are unflattering on darker skin tones, so when I tried it, I loved it. I even decided to try it on my friend Ayesha from XOEesh and it came out beautifully on her.

Ecstasy is subtle pink color with slight shimmer, not glittery, which I love. Paula Dorf Perfect Color can be used not only as a blush but as a eyeshadow and lip color as well. For my women who are on the go and need that product that can be used all over, Perfect Color is perfect for you. Perfect Color comes in 5 different shades that can compliment any skin tone. Use ECSTASY at the checkout to receive a free gift.

Products Used:

Face:

BH Cosmetics Foundation in Mocha

MAC MSFN in Dark

L.A Pro Concealer in Toffee

E.L.F Mineral Primer

Paula Dorf Perfect Color in Ecstasy

Ardell Brow Powder in Dark Brown

Eyes:

120 Eyeshadow Palette

Gold Pigment

Milani Liquid Liner in Black

Lips:

L.A Colors Lip Liner in Deepest Purple

MAC Lipstick in Talk That Talk

Milani Lipstick in Black Cherry

Paula Dorf is giving away a makeup kit full of some of their favorite products, worth $125! You have the chance to win by entering below.

Have you ever tried Paula Dorf products? If so comment below and tell me your fave.

Blogger Style | Samantha

2015-02-10T11:39:00.005-05:00

"Blogger Style" of the Week goes to Samantha from Essex, United Kingdom. She has a flare for denim and peplum tops, and knows how to rock them well.

If your style had a slogan, what would it be and why?

Hmm that’s a tough one. I would have to say ‘If I like it, I’ll wear it’ because I dress for me and not to please other people.

Who or what inspires your style?

I get most of my inspiration from other bloggers because I feel like I can relate more to their style compared to celebrities. I also get inspiration from Instagram. The other day I was just thinking to myself that I may have a problem. I am addicted to taking screenshots (lol). There are so many stylish people on Instagram and I always find myself saving pictures of looks that I like, using them as inspiration and then recreating the outfits to fit my style. I literally have hundreds of screenshots on my phone (lol).

What are some of your fashion obsessions?

At the moment it’s coats. I’ve been trying to build up a small collection of statement coats in different styles and colours.

What item(s) in your wardrobe you cannot live without?

My peplum tops without a doubt and denim shirts. I’ve got quite a small collection of both.

What do you think of plus size fashion compared to 10 years ago?

I think years ago there was this sort of disconnect between brands and fashion for plus size women. It’s only in the recent years that brands have now come to the realization that plus size women are into fashion too and have started creating stylish clothes for plus size women. There’s a lot more choice and variety nowadays.

Any favourite Bloggers?
Ooh yeah the list is so long but just to name a few: Soraya of Style is My Thing, Shirley B. Eniang of Shirley's Wardrobe, Fisayo Longe of Mirror Me, Melissa’s Wardrobe, Karla’s Closet and Nadia Aboulhosn.

Why did your start 'Lil' Miss Buttercup'?

I’ve always been into fashion. It’s something that I’ve always loved and hopefully will have a career in one day but my style hasn’t always been on point. I cringe at some of the outfits I put together lol. I came across Shirley’s (Shirley B Eniang) YouTube channel and her blog and that just opened me up to this whole world of blogging I didn’t know about. I liked the idea of dressing up and putting outfits together so I decided to start my own blog as a fun way to document my style.

Heels or Flats?

Hmm both. I wish I could wear heels all day long but unfortunately I can’t so I always have a pair of flats in my bag.

What is your favourite lipstick of the moment?

Red Carpet Red by Charlotte Tilbury. It’s just the perfect red! It’s matte but velvety so it’s not as drying on the lips and that’s what I love about it.

What is one thing your readers would be surprised to hear about you?

I am very shy! It might not seem like it since I’m always in front of the camera. I’m always amazed at bloggers who take pictures in the middle of a busy street or in a crowded place like how do they do that?! That’s something I want to work on...being more confident and care free.

You can find more of Samantha's style on her Blog, Facebook, and Instagram.

Review | One Direction Makeup Kits

2015-02-09T15:00:00.001-05:00

I'm certainly a lover of the One Direction band but I'm loving their makeup kits. The band has released more makeup kits with a variety of items such as lip glosses, nail polish with glitter and mascara. These kits are a must have and I'm excited that I got the chance to review them.

The first kit is the Rock Me Nail Kit. This set includes three nail polishes, Happily, Moments and Diana. The consistency of these nail polishes is medium, to get full coverage you would have to apply three coats. Happily is a Royal Blue color , Moments is a Hot Pink color and Diana is a holographic glitter polish that can be applied over other colors or can be used just by itself. The polishes also came with three glitter pots that be used for nail designs, my favorite glitter was Star which is a UV holographic glitter ( I wish this can be used on the eyes). What I love most about this kit is that it is UV reactive, meaning the colors are going to be glowing under UV lights.

The Electro Glam Mascara Set features three mascaras in Why Don't We Go There, Story of My Life and Does He Know?. These bold colored mascaras are the best at giving your lashes and every your hair a pop of color. I must say the colors are very pigmented and the coverage is very build able. Why Don't we go there is a Cobalt blue color, Story of My Life is canary yellow and Does he Know? is a hot pink. My niece had a great time trying these on as well as my self. These mascaras add a bit of fun to any makeup look.

I must say that I'm loving the bold colors in this kit as well the UV reactive colors. Like the Rock Me Nail Kit the Liquilights Glow Glosses are UV reactive as well. This lipgloss set has three colors, Kiss You, Taken and Through the Dark. These lipglosses are tinted sparkly colors. It has gritty texture when being applied but after a while that goes away. The glosses can be worn alone or over lipsticks. I rather use them over lipsticks when I'm looking for little sparkle on my lips.I also love the flexible and soft applicators of the glosses.

From Left to Right - Through the Dark, Taken and Kiss You.

Makeup by One Direction will are in stores now! You can find them at, Macy's, Dillards, Boscov's, Stage Stores, Beauty Brands and Lord & Taylor.

Have you tried this kit as yet?

Natural Hair Must Haves

2015-02-05T07:57:00.001-05:00

February makes it a year since I took the plunge and decided to do the BIG CHOP. That was such a nerve wrecking decision that I made but I'm glad I did it. When going natural everyone and their "grammy" (grandmother) has an opinion about going natural but no one ever says how to actually style your hair or which products to use, when it's all said and done you're left all alone. With trial and error, I found my holy grail products that hasn't fail me yet. My go-to style is a wash 'n' go. I choose this style mostly because, 1. I'm a master at it, 2. It's very convenient and 3. It's always turns out good. As my hair gets longer I will be experimenting with other styles but for now, the wash 'n' go is my best friend. So here is a list of my 'Natural Hair Must Haves'.

1. Wide-Teeth Comb

This is a must to have! I know a lot of naturals to not use combs to detangle but for me, once my hair is wet and it is sectioned it's easier for me. The wide-teeth comb is also good because it does put stress on the hair when combing compared to a small-teeth comb.

2. Aunt Jackie's 'In Control'

When I found this, I think I did a holy praise dance in the store. Aunt Jackie's 'In Control' deep conditioner is probably one of the best, if not the best. It controls frizz, defines curls and let's not talk about how moisturizing it is. The smell alone is intoxicating. It always has my hair smelling berry-licious. This will always and forever be my favorite deep conditioner.

3. One and Only Argan Oil

I remember when I started to use this I began to break out on my forehead but after a while I stuck with it and it stopped. I initially use this argan oil on my weave but I noticed when I used it on my natural hair, my hair would not frizz, at all. No frizz? Yes, and that's why it's a must have for me. It's also very moisturizing and it doesn't need to be applied everyday.

4. White Rain Hydrating Extra Hold Gel

Sometimes mistakes lead to the best things. When I got this gel, it was purchased by accident; so I decided to try it and viola, AMAZING! Everyone has that one gel that they swear by and bible this gel is bomb! Not only does it has great hold but it doesn't leave my hair crunchy and flaky. It's definitely the best and it's only $2!

5. Satin Cap

Is an intro really need? We all know who the real MVP is.

6. InstaNatural Pure Argan Oil

When I'm not using my One and Only, I'm using my InstaNatural Argan Oil. This oil is different from the other one. It has a different consistency and smell. I use this more on my scalp for hot oil treatments and pre-poo's. It's really great at keep my hair moisturized.

7. InstaNatural Argan Oil Hair Mask

Last but definitely not least. This is a new player in the game. This deep conditioner is giving Aunt Jackie's a run for her money. They are doing the same thing but I get different results from them. I love this deep conditioner because I use less of it to cover my hair which is a major plus when your spending over $10 on a product and it's going to last more than three washes.

What are your hair must haves?

Review | SnapMade

2015-01-31T16:17:00.003-05:00

When Snapmade.com gave me the chance to try some items from their site, I hopped at the chance. SnapMade is an online company that customers can create and customize their own products, as well as personalize gifts. You can choose from a large variety of items such as t-shirts, pillows, i-phone cases, candles, pet items and much more.

I could have chosen to customize any product that I wanted on the website but I choose to customize a t shirt and a black long sleeve shirt. It took me a little while to really decide what I wanted. SnapMade offered a lot of different designs as well as words and fonts that anyone can choose from. You can either design your items from the front or the back or even both, if that's what you choose. I chose to deign only the front of my shirts. I personalized the shirts with designs that I found just browsing the internet. I do advise that if you choose this option, make sure that the background of the image is transparent. For the short sleeve t shirt I decided on a 'Celfie Paris' design and for the Long Sleeve T-Shirt, I chose a tribal YSL logo.

Overall, I was surprised with the quality of the shirts, as well as the quality of the deigns.I got my shirt in a size XL fitted, it fits pretty well. I will be doing a separate post of how I styled both of the shirts, so you can look of for that. What I like most about SnapMade is that, their items are priced reasonably and they have a great amount of designs you can choose from to customize anything you want. The items impressed me so much, I will definitely be customizing shirts for my graduation.

SnapMade also did an awesome job with the shipping time frame, being that the shirt was customized; it took less than two weeks to arrive from the order date. Which is very impressive. SnapMade currently has a deal if you buy one, you get the other 50% off using the code VALENTINE50. This is great for all the couples out there and for my single people... with pets as well (lol).

Have a great weekend and have you shopped SnapMade before?

Review | InstaNatural Argan Oil Hair Mask

2015-01-23T18:10:00.001-05:00

Since I went natural...again, I've been trying a variety of new products on my hair. Some of them are misses and then we have those that are just magical; and I have found a new magical product, InstaNatural's Argan Oil Hair Mask! The InstaNatural team was kind enough to send me a few products from their line and today I'm going to tell you about their Argan Oil Hair Mask.

If you know anything about my hair routine, it's that it is hugely based on Argan Oil. Argan Oil is the HOLY grail staple of my hair routine. When I read that this hair mask has Argan Oil and other rich oils such as Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil and Avocado Oil, I was sold. InstaNatural's Argan Oil Hair Mask is a deep conditioning treatment that was designed to help restore dry and damaged strands into soft, shiny, healthy hair. Besides having rich oils in their ingredients its also has Japanese Green Tea and Vitamin B5. Not only does this hair mask deep conditions it also helps to strengthen hair and serves to protect against heat damage.

Before I applied the hair mask to my hair, I did what I would normally do. I detangled, shampooed and applied the hair mask to my hair. The directions said that it can be left on for 5 to 15 minutes but I decided to let it stay on for a few hours. Let me tell y'all now; my hair softer than melted butter (lol who says this?) and the curls were poppin' or as the young kids say "It was on FLEEK"! It definitely enhances the hair texture. Below are pictures of my hair freshly washed after the deep conditioning. This hair mask definitely penetrates the hair strands and gives it internal moisture. What I love most about this product is that I don't feel the need to add too much because it's smooth and a little goes a long way. With my other deep conditioner I would find my self having to use almost half a jar because it didn't feel like the product was moving through my hair but with the Argan Oil Hair Mask, the product moves around and gets the job done. My only con about this product is that it has a strong orange lemony ( it's a word) smell but that's just me, I got over it after a while... the scent grew on me.

I continued with my regular steps for my wash-n-go and I applied a moisturizer, my InstaNatural Pure Argan Oil and a gel for a hold and you know the rest...the curls were POPPIN'! This Hair Mask is going into the inventory to be restocked because I can' t get enough of it.

Thanks for reading and have you ever tried this hair mask? What are your favorite deep conditioners?

Face Time | Autumn Hues

2015-01-20T17:31:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!!!!! Can you still say that two weeks after New Year's Day? None the less, I am so happy that we all made to the new year and you know that old saying "New Year, new me." well in this case I actually mean it. You are gonna see posts every week from me this year. I know that's a hard commitment but for you guys, it's a commitment I have to keep. Starting off the new year right, Saga of a Fatshionista got a blog face lift, I hope you like the new look of the blog; it's about time SOAF got a new layout. Also, I know that the Face Time series was a hit last year, so I decided to start of the new year with it. I decided to go for natural brown look. Even though Autumn is long gone, I love the colors of that season. So I hope you enjoy this look and if you have any requests for the next Face Time post, just shoot me a tweet @Its_shadae on twitter or you can email me at askme.soaf@hotmail.com! Hope you enjoy!

Product Details

Face:

Ardell Brow Defining Powder- Dark Brown

L.A Girl Pro Concealer - Toffee

No Name Concealer Palette

ELF Mineral Face Primer

MAC Studio Fix Fluid - NC45

BH Cosmetics Foundation- Mocha

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural- Dark

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish - Gold Deposit

ELF Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder- St. Lucia

Nyx Stay Matte Not Flat Powder Foundation - Nutmeg

ELF Makeup Mist and Set

Eyes:

BH Comsetics 120 Palette

Lumiere Bar Pigment - Bronzed Shimmer

MAC Paint Pot - Indianwood

Lime Crime Candyed Eye Primer

Milani Eye Tech Bold Liquid Liner - Black

Lips:

Carmex

Medium Brown Lipliner

Milani Color Statement Lip Liner- Cocoa

Thanks for reading!

Elevate your gift giving karma

2014-11-05T10:18:00.000-05:00

Giving gifts is a true art. It involves serious meditation on what you want to say and how you want to say it. It’s similar to song writing or poetry in that way. Anyone can give a gift and anyone can write a song, but to do either well, and in a memorable fashion is actually very hard. What separates the art of gift giving from all other arts is that if you do it well, others will make a similar effort to do right by you in turn. By doing your gift giving homework and showing how thoughtful you can be you will increase your gift giving karma. It’s great for everyone involved! The most important part of gift giving isn’t the amount of money your spend, it’s all about the sentiment that goes along with it. That’s why the meditation beforehand can be so helpful. I like to really think of what my “gift victim” is like. What he or she needs, rather than what he or she wants. Though the following ideas might not be right for your special someone, I’ll let you know why they might be.

A Rolex

Yes, they’re expensive. Sometimes wildly so. However, a Rolex watch is a thoughtful and perfect gift for that overachiever in your life. It represents ambition and a thirst to always improve. It’s not just a watch or a stunning accessory, it is one of those things that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. When you wear a Rolex, your self-image is immediately elevated and the result is heightened confidence and a laser focused productivity. It’s perfect for that law school graduate, or your friend who has landed that highly coveted job. It’s even a perfect way to let someone know that you are proud of them and that you believe that they can accomplish anything they put their mind to. If you’re interested in perusing the infinitely classy selection of Rolex watches, go online to either The Watch Buyers Group and get ready to make someone’s day.

An Art Project

Sometimes you just can’t figure the perfect gift for someone. Even after a lengthy meditation, the answers and ideas refuse to come. I understand this obstacle and when I arrive at it, I always decide the same thing. Creating something from your own imagination is a uniquely passionate way to tell someone that you care about them. It shows that you’ve put serious time and thought and effort into making something meaningful, and it’s also fun. Next time you’re having trouble, think about either taking pen to paper or brush to canvas and see what you can come up with!

Home Cookin’

The way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach. You’ve heard this before, and it’s absolutely true! Sometimes what your friend or family member needs more than anything is for you to express yourself in the kitchen. The nice thing about that is that you get to profit off of your own gift giving!

This is a sponsored post.

Bahamian Goddess

2014-10-20T09:26:00.001-04:00

Have you ever found a dress that fits so perfectly, that you want to wear it over and over again? Well I did! I received this black maxi dress from eShakti that was customized specifically for me. Eshakti is an online women's fashion apparel company offering sizes 0-36W and custom clothing.

I must admit, I was a bit skeptical about getting a custom made dress online, mainly being that I've had pieces made before in person and some never got it right; but Eshakti hit the nail on the head. The material is so rich, I've never had a maxi dress that was thick and flowy at the same time. The best thing about this dress is the pockets. POCKETS! Best idea yet. I got the dress an inch longer because I love when a dress lightly sweeps the ground.

I received so many compliments about this dress and especially about the fit. Many Bahamians are use to going to a tailor or seamstress to get their clothes made but having an option to purchase custom clothing online blew their minds. I'm currently eying a few items on the Eshakti site, the end of the month can't come soon enough.

Dress: c/o eShakti | Headpiece: Ebay | Bracelet: Local Store | Lipstick: MAC Riri Nude

Have you ever shopped Eshakti? Use SAGAOFAFATSHIONISTA to receive 10% off your purchase!

Photography By A. Latoya Charlton

This vs. That | The MAC Lipstick Dupe List

2014-10-11T18:42:00.002-04:00

This post has been a longtime coming. Everyone wants a good dupe whether it's clothing, shoes, jewelry and even makeup. I have made a list of some of my favorite MAC lipsticks that are dupe worthy. I even got to put a couple of Limited Edition lippies in there, particularly the ones that people ask about and it breaks my heart to tell them it's not in stores. So here you are, my lipstick dupe list!

Do you have any MAC dupes? Would you like to see a part 2?