The Reluctant Natural

noreply@blogger.com (The Reluctant Natural) — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 01:28:00 +0000

Birchbox vs. Ipsy

April Showdown

Hello Lovelies! It's been quite some time since I've posted, but I wanted to share my thoughts on two of the most popular subscription beauty boxes. As a brown girl on a teacher's salary, I am always concerned about wasting money on products that don't work for me- especially hair products.

April's Birchbox:

Top row:

(Left to right)

Number 4 Hydrating Shampoo - Yeah, I didn't even try this

Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine Cologne Absolue - I actually liked this scent. I'm not usually attracted to fruity smells, but it was mature and refreshing.

Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator - This stuff - I love! This cleanser is pleasantly gritty. The sample is large enough to get 2-3 weeks of use if I use it 2-3 times a week. I've used it 3 times, and I can already see my skin brightening. I will definitely purchase this.

Obliphica Treatment Hair Serum - Well, I can't really say too much about this product. I only used it once on dry hair to tame some flyaways. It was heavy, but in a good way for my coarse hair.

Bottom:

POP Beauty Eyeshadow Palette - Cute. I would need to use a primer to get the full effect of the colors. But considering, the palette came in a $10 box, it's great.

April's Ipsy Glambag:

Left to Right (kinda):

Essence Cosmetics Lash Princess Mascara - O.M.G. This mascara is awesome. It lenghtens and curls like Benefit Rollerlash and it doesn't clump AT ALL and it's only like $5!

theBalm Nude Dude Eyeshadow Single - I got FIT, which is a shimmery copper. The pigment is great and it's long-lasting.

Starlooks Satin Finish Lipgloss - I am a fan of thicker glosses and this one has a great consistency and pleasant smell. The color just looks like my lips with a little shimmer.

Jor'el Parker Femina Eau de Toilette - Very sweet and strong. I wouldn't purchase it.

THEORIE Argan Oil Ultimate Hair Reform Serum - Haven't actually tried it...

For the month of April, Ipsy wins! The full-size mascara and eye shadow single have become a part of my every day look. I got more bang for my buck, and there was only 1 hair product.

White Hot Winter Looks

noreply@blogger.com (The Reluctant Natural) — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 15:13:00 +0000

For many, many, many years, I refused to wear white pants after day. Now, I realize the error of my ways and fully embrace ALL color pants in ALL seasons. I am currently without a photog, but I did want to share some of my favorite winter looks from across the internet.

I love this look from Dwelling and Telling because it's cozy and classy at the same time. The camel cardigan and pearls are perfect.

This look that I randomly came across on Pinterest screams, "I'm too chic-y for my shirt!" Crisp and classic!

This found on Mark D. Sikes look is giving me life! It's like monochromatic, but not! People are often afraid that their shades of whites and blacks don't match. The ivory on white is like a subtle revolution.

I am totally inspired now! How do you guys rock your white in winter?

Indian Summer in American Garb

noreply@blogger.com (The Reluctant Natural) — Sun, 29 Sep 2013 21:29:00 +0000

This outfit was inspired by my desire to get a little more wear out of my summer wardrobe. I did get a little chilly as the sun went down, but the bonfire kept me warm. My friend took this picture thinking that she would catch me off guard. It turned out kind of cute! Hahaha!

Deets: Cardigan- Gap(old), Shirt - The Limited via Marshalls, Shorts- Cynthia Rowley via Marshalls, Necklace- Charming Charlie

Take 5

noreply@blogger.com (The Reluctant Natural) — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 02:35:00 +0000

I have been dying to do this post since the beginning of the summer! Waiting around for a photographer wasn't working out, so I went ahead and selfied it out!

Firstly, this navy and white striped dress is from Forever 21. It was only $24.99 and I have definitely gotten my money's worth! So here's the rundown:
1. Necklace - Forever 21, Shoes - Jack Rogers (My summer standby)
2.Scarf -Marshalls, Shoes- J Simps, Belt - Target
3.Blazer - J Crew, Scarf - "Borrowed" from my grandma, Boots - Steve Madden (super old)
4. Blazer - Vince Camuto, Belt- Target, Shoes- J Simps
5. My favorite! Whistle Necklace - J Crew, Denim shirt - Old Navy, Gold Sperrys- Nordstrom

Southwestern Peekaboo

noreply@blogger.com (The Reluctant Natural) — Sun, 01 Sep 2013 17:00:00 +0000

I found this dress at Marshall's for the low low! $24.99 in the juniors department! I was hesitant to show my tummy, but the cut was very flattering!
Other deets- Earrings and shoes are from fabrik in Carytown
Hair- Wash and go in the back using Shea Moisture products and flat twist out in the front where it won't freaking curl!

Summer Nights in RVA

noreply@blogger.com (The Reluctant Natural) — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 02:33:00 +0000

This past week, one of my BFFs and I decided to go out every night. Here is a quick review:

Monday
Buddy's karaoke night: Super fun, mixed age and race crowd, you could tell that most of the patrons were "regulars"
Tuesday
Sullivan's and Baja Bean: Very chill at Sully's, most of the people there were from the SCOR teams; The porch at Baja was pretty full, mostly younger crowd
Wednesday
Capital Ale Downtown, Tobacco Company: A bit slow at Cap Ale; Tobacco was fun though it was an older (Like 40+) crowd, the bartender was hilarious!
Thursday
Sullivan's: Sully's is pretty much always packed on Thursdays, the music was good, crowd was great and the bartenders were awesome
Friday
VMFA Happy Hour, Bar Louie,Toast, Metro, Buddy's: This was my first time at the VMFA Happy Hour and Holy Cheap Stella! I loved it! Bar Louie is so big that the crowd looked sparse. We only stayed at Bar Louie for about 30 minutes. We walked in and out of Toast because it was pretty dead at 11pm. Metro, on the other hand, was TOO packed and we felt old. We headed to Buddy's and chilled there for the rest of the night. I love how random the crowd at Buddy's can be.
Saturday
Balliceax: It was Body Talk night and the DJ's were bumpin' old school R&B and funk. I had a great time dancing!

The Girl in the Yellow Dress

noreply@blogger.com (The Reluctant Natural) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 16:54:00 +0000

For about two weeks now I have been rockin' my God given kinks and coils out of curiosity and frugality. I started out with a flat twist out that turned into a semi-cute puff ball. When planning my look for my friend's wedding, I had to decide if I was going to blow it out or keep it kinky. I saw a bunch of cute natural styles on Pinterest, so I decided to try one out. It wasn't a total epic fail.

Here are the deets for the total look: Hair clips - Forever 21, Earrings - Francesca's, Dress - Ivy and Blu, Shoes - J Crew (old), Clutch- TJ Maxx (old)

Up close pic of the 'do

And here's what I used on my face - Make up Forever HD foundation N177, Bare Minerals translucent powder, MAC Light-light powder Golden Nectar, MAC blush Format, MAC Lipstick Morange, MAC lipliner Redd, MAC eyebrow crayon Spiked, Wet n Wild Mega Liner liquid liner Black, L'oreal Telescopic mascara Blackest Black

Jammin' at the reception! Photo by Ashley of http://www.v-a-photography.com/

Why be natural?

noreply@blogger.com (The Reluctant Natural) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:45:00 +0000

"So, why have natural hair if you're just going to straighten it?"
Because, I want to.

This should be a sufficient answer for people that want to know why I don't part with the flat iron. It's 2013, I live in the United States, I make my own money and I can do what I want. Point blank.

Am I denying my heritage and ancestry but taming my kinks and coils?
Am I attempting to conform to the majority's ideals of physical beauty?
Am I filled with with self-hatred?
NO! I'm really just kind of lazy...

It's so easy to go to the salon, get it blown out, and keep it moving. Every so often, I catch a glimpse of my kinks and coils right before my stylist blasts me with her magical blow dryer. At those moments, I am curious to try all the different curly styles and twist outs and bantu knots that I see on YouTube. But, alas, that's so much effort!