BeautyXchange

5 PRETTY GIRLS WHO ROCKED THE RED CARPET

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 01:17:00 +0000

The black lace is gorgeous + the cutout back = glamour.

I LOVE this color!!

Love the patterns.

Simple yet very elegant.

Love the hair.

These were some of my favorites.

Did you have any faves?

pics courtesy of zimbio

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Personal Care Products: All-Natural or Best Alternative?

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 02:39:00 +0000

A few years ago, I remember shopping around for some beauty products and needed to restock my current deodorant at the time. I remember seeing an Arm & Hammer deodorant with a label that displayed "aluminum free" on it. Since I had never paid attention to the ingredients in my deodorant before I figured that this particular deodorant must be good. I mean, who wants to apply anything with a metal substance under their arm?? That was my thought process, so in the shopping cart it went and since then Arm & Hammer's Essentials® Solid Deodorant Unscented became my go-to deodorant of choice.

While doing a bit of research about natural deodorants I found out that there are some differences between antiperspirants and deodorants even though the terms are often used interchangeably.

1. Deodorants allow perspiration but kill the bacteria that causes odor from perspiration.

2. Antiperspirants stop perspiration from occurring.

I think most of us know of the first two points but these other two, I was not aware of.

a. Antiperspirants contain aluminum.

b. Deodorants typically do not contain aluminum. “Typically” being the operative word here.

Common sense would tell us to just use deodorants instead of antiperspirants, right? Well, here’s the problem; nowadays deodorants are manufactured to not only kill bacteria but also to stop perspiration. In other words, deodorants are now being manufactured to work just like an antiperspirant; aluminum and all. No bueno. As it turns out, most commercial deodorants and antiperspirants contain a variety of harsh chemicals that can pose a risk to our health. One of those harsh chemicals being aluminum (among other things) that can be toxic and dangerous to our health.

Since finding out that information, I tried to stick to aluminum-free deodorants, like the Arm and Hammer deodorant that I mentioned earlier. But, after using the deodorant for sometime, I happened to look at the ingredient list on the back and saw that there were some other unfavorable and questionable ingredients that I was unhappy about. Although I had always felt fresh, no weird scents, no uncomfortable product residue, or any other negative effect when I used Arm & Hammer; I was annoyed that it still had some other crappy ingredients. So, I resorted to using it until I found something that was either all natural or a better alternative.

I ended up trying TOMS of Maine but it did NOT do the job. My armpits felt slippery and waxy, plus I had those disgusting armpit stains on my shirt. I felt so uncomfortable and self-conscious the first time I used it and didn't use it again. More importantly, one of its main ingredients was propylene glycol, a petro-chemical that can cause skin irritations. No, thank you - I’ll pass.

Anyway, the journey gets better because recently while at Bed Bath and Beyond in their beauty aisles I discovered a reasonably priced “all natural” deodorant, that was hypo-allergenic, with no parabens, no phthalates, and free of aluminum called Crystal Essence. I got the Lavender and Tea Tree. I quickly turned to the back for the ingredient list to inspect:

Purified Water (good)

Natural Mineral Salts - Potassium Alum (um, say what?)

Cellulose (good)

Lavender & White Tea Essential Oils (good)

Just when I thought the coast was clear I saw a four-letter word in the ingredient list. Alum. Potassium alum to be exact. What the heck is this? I thought. Second, why is alum abbreviated? Does that make a difference? I had SO many freaking questions. So, I looked into it and found out that not all aluminum is created equal. Interesting. Yet, quite irritating if you ask me.

Apparently, the most toxic and common aluminums are: aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum chloride, aluminum hydroxybromide or aluminum zirconium. “These types of aluminum are widely used in antiperspirants and deodorants. The aluminum is taken into sweat ducts in the top layer of your skin where they act as a plug, stopping the flow of sweat to your skin’s surface. There is evidence, however, that this aluminum is absorbed into your body where it may cause serious damage”. (source)

In regards to potassium alum, here’s what I found: Potassium Alum are natural mineral salts made up of molecules that are too large to be absorbed by your skin. They form a protective layer on your skin that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. These deodorants are recommended by many cancer treatment centers. (source) This was music to my ears.

So, I’m happy to say that I may have found the best alternative to an all-natural deodorant that I could find locally. It is now part of my rotation even though some dispute it’s all-natural claim because the scientific name of natural mineral salts contains the word alum. So far, Crystal Essence has been a good alternative in my quest to find an all-natural deodorant.

Some things to consider: a product that claims to be all-natural may have preservatives or other

derivatives of the stuff that you're trying to avoid. So if possible, definitely do your own research.

Do you ever find yourself looking for a natural product only to find that it’s really not all natural based on the ingredient list?

Do you compromise and just look for the next best alternative?

Do you pay attention to what you’re putting on your skin?

Let me know in the comments below, I’m curious to hear your thoughts & experiences.

Hello and Hiatus All in One :-)

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 18:30:00 +0000

Hey guys, it's been a while but I had to pop back on the scene to let you all know that I'm taking an indefinite break from The BeautyXchange. To be honest with you not only do I feel like I'm on a different journey and direction but coupled with that I am starting graduate school in a couple of weeks. So, needless to say between work, my kids, and school I'll be juggling more than usual. Of course, I can't leave without expressing how thankful I am to all of you for your readership, comments, and interactions. Not sure when/if I'll be back but until then.... Take care....Gigi

BFrend Arm Candy

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Remember friendship bracelets?

Well they're back with a nice little twist.

Check out these bracelets from BFREND.

These are so cute, playful, and girly.

Price $44.53

at BFREND

Ramblings & Instant Addiction - Instagram

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Hey Beautiful People! :)

It's been a while. I hope you all had a nice 4th of July. Though with it being smack dab in the middle of the week, it didn't allow for much as far as things to do. I spent it just kicking my feet up and spending quality time with the kids. That is all.

I've jumped aboard on another social media outlet - Instagram. Can you say addictive? and total time drainer - LOL. I swear these social media platforms are making it harder and harder for me to focus.

Here are four of my favorites: These are all people that I subscribe to anyway either through their blogs, twitter, facebook, etc.

ThisThatBeauty

Shares lots of beauty product photos.

WendysLookbook

Shares lots of outfit photos and sneak peeks.

MsVaughnTv

Shares lots of food & fashion pics.

Curlbox

Shares lots of curly girl photos.

Are any of you on Instagram? Anyone interesting that you are following?

Dax Roots Bergamot Butter

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 18:30:00 +0000

I absolutely love this stuff.

Every time I use it I get soft, defined, little to no frizz, and a nice sheen.

Basically it gives my hair life.

I don't have many staple products but I now consider this one.

I may have to take advantage of this online sale if my local beauty supply store does not have it.

For more info on Dax Roots line check out this post.

Calling All Transitioners! Three-Step Kit by Carol's Daughter

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 20:00:00 +0000

Carol's Daughter recently launched their Transitioning 1-2-3 Kit for women who want to transition from chemically relaxed hair to natural hair without undergoing the "big chop" (also known as cutting off all hair to start from scratch). The kit is supposed to help alleviate the difficulty of managing two different hair textures along transitioning process, product build-up, and scarred scalp.

The kit retails for $40

Did you transition? What helped you in the process?

What do you think of this kit?

Hair Infatuation

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Happy Friday!

A few days ago I did a quick Google search on "puffy twists" and I came across these. I love the hairstyle and I want it!! LOL. I must find someone to do this to my hair. In the meantime, I'll just keep staring at the photos. :)

via LongHairCareForum

original photos from Afrigenix

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Isabella Oliver

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:51:00 +0000

I like discovering new designers, albeit the designs are ~~not~~ ~~always~~ never wallet friendly.

Such is the case with this Isabella Oliver leather jacket.

Isn't it gorgeous?

The color and the cut are amazing.

The price - not so much.

leather jacket.

the color on this jumpsuit is popping.

paired with the leather jacket takes it up another notch.

very chic.

Isabella Oliver

jumpsuit $159

leather jacket $625

The Coiffure Project

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:30:00 +0000

The Coiffure Project - a book of natural hair portraits.

all images via TYP

Happy Mother's Day!!

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Sat, 12 May 2012 20:56:00 +0000

(x)

Hi! I just wanted to stop in and wish all of you out there that have Mom duties a Happy Mother's Day. As a mom myself I am pretty certain that we have the hardest job on the planet. I know for me it's a constant struggle to balance work, home, kids, blog, business, etc etc..... and don't even get me to talking about the enormous amount of guilt we Mother's often deal with when trying to prioritize our workload and still try to make "playtime" with the kiddies. But despite the challenges, the smiles, the hugs, the kisses, and those funny innocent comments make it all worth it.

Hope you enjoy your Mother's Day!!

Dairyface

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Thu, 03 May 2012 03:30:00 +0000

I love the concept of the Dairyface line of products. Yogurt based skincare - genius.

According to their site, women have been using dairy as part of their beauty regimen since....forever.

The line consists of five facial refreshers that retail for $19.95.

The beauty junkie in me is tempted to place an order......very soon.

Radical Self Love

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Wed, 02 May 2012 20:21:00 +0000

I know it's been some time since the last post but I wanted to come by and share this video that I recently watched. I thought the message was pretty universal and that many of us would find value from it. Hope you enjoy.

If you have trouble viewing the video, here's the link.

Talk to you soon. :)

Holy {Simple} Matrimony

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Recently I read that wedding season is approaching and I couldn’t help but think back to when I got married (almost seven years ago). I’ve since realized that less is more and that there is beauty in simplicity. These bridal dresses from Whitney Deal are the epitome of simple yet understated and elegant.

For more, in the bridal collection, visit Whitney Deal

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

How to Incorporate the Color Tangerine into Makeup and Clothes
Tangerine, or "tangerine tango," has been dubbed the color of the year for 2012 by the Pantone Color Institute. Now, you might be thinking that orange is an overwhelming, hard to pull off color, but tangerine actually complements most skin tones. Tangerine is a vibrant red-orange that adds warmth to the complexion, making it a perfect choice for spring and summer. Students studying design will know that this shade of orange adds a pop of color, bringing interest and freshness to any design.

Incorporating tangerine into your makeup is a good way to ease into this trend. If you're timid about wearing tangerine, start off by wearing a tangerine nail polish. Try it on your toes to give your look an easy, tropical vibe or wear it on your fingernails if you are a bit more daring. Essie's bright Capri nail varnish is a hot orange color that works on any skin tone. If you have an olive skin tone, Essie's Tart Deco will complement your skin with its coral-tangerine color. If you're looking for a really bright pop of orange, OPI Totally Tangerine might be more your style. Applying tangerine to your cheeks or lips is another easy way to try out this trend. A tangerine-colored blush acts like a mix between blush and bronzer, giving a warm glow to your face. Apply it to your cheekbones while keeping the rest of your makeup light to make the most of this product. Tangerine lip color tends to compliment most skin tones. If you have a lighter complexion, try a gloss to add an easy sheen of orange. Darker-skinned ladies will benefit more from the brightness of a matte tangerine lipstick.

Tangerine is also a great color to add to your spring and summer wardrobe. Celebs like Cameron Diaz, Beyonce and Vanessa Hudgens have already rocked the burnt orange hue on the red carpet. Be sure to keep your skin tone in mind when picking out a tangerine piece for your outfit. Light and olive skin tones will benefit from the warmth of a tangerine with a pinker, coral tone. If you have darker skin, a bright or deep tangerine color will give your skin a warm glow. Tangerine shoes and handbags are also a good way to add some pop to your outfit and rock the trend. If you're interested in learning more about trends and use of color, check out www.DesignDegrees.org to learn more about how designers create.
Sources 
bcliving (2012)
“US Weekly” (2012)

BoHo Braids & Beyond

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Last time we were talking about Spring trends in terms of wardrobes, but how are you wearing your hair this Spring? Have your hairstyles changed to reflect the season? Or is your ability to create creative hairstyles at an all time low? I'm guilty - as there are times when my hair styles lack creativity.

However, I am inspired to create some boho chic braids. They are pretty simple yet they create a nice change to an every day look. Instead of a pulling your hair straight back into a bun or ponytail, try adding this type of braid to your style.

Need some help with creating a simple boho braid?

Check out this short tutorial from a professional hairstylist.

How to create boho chic braids

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"Don't Sweat the Small Stuff"

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Yesterday, I was in a bit of a funk. I let something so trivial derail my mood. Don't you hate when that happens? Or does it only happen to me? Anyway, I realized that I shouldn't "sweat the small stuff". These editorial photos did cheer me up a bit though. Beauty and self-confidence really do go hand in hand if you ask me. When you don't look your best, you don't feel your best. These ladies on the other hand are serving something fierce.

Hope you all have a great day and remember don't sweat the small stuff.

images via beautyisdiverse

Spring Fragrance: Neroli Jasmine

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:01:00 +0000

I picked up this little fragrance from the Body Shop while on a layover at Baltimore airport. The scent is fresh, floral, and really fabulous. If you're looking for a scent that's not too over the top but still makes a statement, definitely check it out. Added bonus: The body lotion was a free gift with my purchase.

Price of eau de toilette fragrance $17; body lotion $12

How to Save on Six Spring Trends

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:15:00 +0000

The first official day of spring has finally arrived, creating the desire to overhaul our wardrobes with the latest looks. Sadly, most of us don't have celebrity-sized bank accounts to accompany our star-worthy fashion sense. But that doesn't mean we have to miss out on the latest trends. Consider the following ways to update your spring wardrobe without falling into debt.

1. Pastels
Just in time for Easter, pastels are making a name for themselves on New York runways. Embracing this trend requires the purchase of one versatile piece - like a blazer or pencil skirt - to be paired with other basics already available in your wardrobe. Channel your inner Chanel and pair pastel pink with black accessories, or keep it light with nude accents.

2. Colorful Denim
Leftover from fall, the colorful denim trend is spreading faster than wildfire and offers a refreshing pop of color to any outfit. Since this look is definitely a fad, avoid spending too much on your first (or third) pair by shopping inexpensive retailers like Kohl's. Shop online for even more inventory and savings, and look for Kohl's free shipping codes from reeShipping.org to dodge delivery costs.

3. Color Blocking
Color blocking is one of the easier trends to embrace and offers an opportunity to incorporate other trends. For example, you can pair bright denim pants with a neon shirt or blouse to easily achieve the look. Bisect the top from the bottom with a neutral belt -- think black, navy or white -- and accessorize with equally neutral jewelry.

4. Tangerine Tango
I'm enamored by the color orange and publicly display my affection with a bright leather purse I purchased a couple years ago. Tangerine Tango has a decidedly redder hue but can be incorporated easily with accessories. You can also find inexpensive tees or blouses to embrace the official color of 2012 without going overboard. If you want to balance the brightness, pair with white or gray. If you're more daring, go for hot pink or teal.

5. Metallic

Shiny dresses are great for the red carpet -- Jennifer Lawrence is clearly a fan -- but avoid this trend during the nine-to-five. Depending on your workplace environment, you might pull off metallic pants with a white blouse and black blazer. Alternatively, embrace the trend with footwear and find shiny heels for work and metallic, strappy espadrilles for weekends. Endless.com offers a great selection of well-priced foot candy, and free shipping both ways allows you to return whatever doesn't fit.

6. Bold Prints

As if neon and color-blocking weren't bold enough this season, runways everywhere featured bold prints with nods to art deco and the great outdoors. Since this look will likely go the way of last season's Navajo-inspired patterns, opt for one or two pieces that you can pair with basics from your closet. Shop discount retailers like TJMaxx and Ross to find this trend on the cheap.

photos: 1 2 3 4 5 6

~~~

This post was written and submitted by Kendal Perez, a frugal fashionista and bargain shopper who helps fellow shopaholics find hassle-free ways to save money. For savings tips and more information, visit Kendal at HassleFreeSavings.com.

"Find Your Shade" ~ There's an App for That!

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 20:45:00 +0000

According to the following, IMAN Cosmetics will soon introduce a smart phone app to help women of color "find their shade". The QR (quick-response) code will allow consumers to scan the package and immediately select their personalized shades of foundation or powder, as well as other complimentary IMAN products that match their skin tone.

The goal is to take the guess-work out of shopping for color cosmetics.

While Iman Cosmetics is not the first beauty company to join the wave of QR codes, they're confident the tool will be helpful to women of color.

Are you a fan of IMAN Cosmetics?

Do you think this will eliminate some of the guess work in shopping their shades of foundation/powder?

Sweet Idea - Automatic Cupcake Machine

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:45:00 +0000

A machine that automatically dispenses cupcakes for the win! I love this idea.

The bright pink cupcake ATM houses Sprinkles cupcakes in eight flavors for those late night sugar cravings :)

Just select, swipe, and eat.

They come packaged like this

sources 1, 2

Kanye West Fall 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:15:00 +0000

I admire Kanye West. I find that he is driven, talented, and ambitious. You all know he has a pretty distinguished sense of style as well. When I saw photos from his recent fashion show for his Fall 2012 collection, I couldn't help but share. I imagine there's a lot that goes into creating a collection not just in terms of the fashion but hair, makeup, accessories as well. Everything about this show screamed glam, luxury, and fabulousness.

What about you? Do you love or loathe what you see?

To see more pics from his collection check out Beauty is Diverse

Message in a Bottle - Argan Oil

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:00:00 +0000

I've had that little bottle sitting in my stash since last year and decided to use it a couple of days ago since I had washed and blow-dried my hair, and ran the flat iron through it as well. It's funny I was willing to go and purchase an argan oil product when it dawned on me that I had something already. I didn't have high expectations prior to using it but I was pleasantly surprised. First thing, it smells amazing. Second, my hair felt smoother to the touch. Last, but not least, it minimized the frizz dramatically. I'm a happy camper.

Don't you love when a product proves you wrong.

PShiiit Nails

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 21:00:00 +0000

It takes a lot of patience to paint my nails, let alone attempt any intricate designs. Instead I admire those that nail it (pun intended) themselves. PShiiit nails happens to be a nail blog full of nail colors and art inspiration.

source

Do you have any nail blogs that you check out for inpiration?

all images via pshiiit.com

Beauty in Words: Don't Live a Half Life

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:35:00 +0000

Hope you all had a nice weekend. I've been in a reflective mood as of late, especially with my aunt passing this past weekend. I stumbled upon a poem and thought I'd share. Have a great week.

source

Do not love half lovers
Do not entertain half friends
Do not indulge in works of the half talented
Do not live half a life and do not die a half death
If you choose silence, then be silent
When you speak, do so until you are finished
Do not silence yourself to say something
And do not speak to be silent
If you accept, then express it bluntly
Do not mask it
If you refuse then be clear about it
for an ambiguous refusal
is but a weak acceptance
Do not accept half a solution
Do not believe half truths
Do not dream half a dream
Do not fantasize about half hopes
Half a drink will not quench your thirst
Half a meal will not satiate your hunger
Half the way will get you no where
Half an idea will bear you no results
Your other half is not the one you love
It is you in another time yet in the same space
It is you when you are not
Half a life is a life you didn't live,
A word you have not said
A smile you postponed
A love you have not had
A friendship you did not know
To reach and not arrive
Work and not work
Attend only to be absent
What makes you a stranger to them closest to you
and they strangers to you
The half is a mere moment of inability
but you are able for you are not half a being
You are a whole that exists
to live a life not half a life

Gibran Khalil Gibran