Tips on how to add some seasoning to your life (well at least your hair)!

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Wig here

If you know me then you know I enjoy changing up my look. As a seasoned woman variety is the spice of life and I love a lot of variety! However as a single mother of four my pocketbook doesn’t always agree with my need to change. That lead me to find inexpensive alternatives to these high cost bundles and frontals and the like and still be able to look good. I wanted to share some of the things I do to keep my look fresh but still seasoned.

First let’s talk about something real quick. As a 40 year old woman I in no way or shape want to be out here looking like a damn fool! All of my looks are fresh and fun but I am not trying to look like a 20 something (or anything else that I’m not). I don’t want to say I keep it age appropriate but in reality that is what I do. I work in a corporate environment and even though it is a relaxed office I would not feel comfortable or be taken seriously by sporting some wild hairstyle or some rainbow colors. Now if this is your thing by all means do it but as for me and my life, we will keep it real. That’s another thing… I am not against the 30 inch weaves falling down your butt, do you Boo!!! However, personally I like my hairstyles (for the most part cause I do have a moment here and there lol) to look believable not unbeweavable. I try to stick with natural colors and with textures close to my own natural hair. I am natural and one of the reasons I also wear wigs and weaves is to protect my hair and keep me from resorting back to the creamy crack.

Now that we got that out the way let’s talk about all this hair!

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TIP #1 – Research! I never ever purchase a wig without looking up a review online first. I mostly search YouTube videos by putting in the search what I am looking for. For example, if I want to wear a curly style I will search curly synthetic wig. It is important to put synthetic so those types of wigs will show at the top of the search. If you’re trying to just get a new hairstyle or maybe even try a style before purchasing or attempting a more expensive version. Synthetic is the way to go. Companies have come a long way with how these wigs now look and I promise most of them look like real hair now. I also go to Youtube because I like to see how the wig came out of the box and if any manipulation is required to make this wig look natural. I will just tell you now, you will very rarely be able to wear a wig straight out of the package. You will need a reference to make it look like you want it to. Some ladies I follow on Youtube that you can check out to get an idea of how to wear these wigs are: The Brilliant Beauty, The Hearts and Cake90, Trendy Kay, Ms MuffinisMyLovers, Her Style, NaturalJoy & OhsoFashionable805. These ladies will give full reviews on the wig, show you how it came out the box and how to wear it. Here are some full wigs I have enjoyed in the past.

TIP#2- Try a simple style. You don’t have to go big or go home when changing up your look. You can switch things up by adding a hair piece or using a half wig. When I am between hairstyles like sew ins or braids I will purchase a half wig to get me through! One of my favorites is the Outre Dominican Culy Half Wig which you can purchase here. Now I love big hair and this half wig can get very big but I tame it somewhat by wearing it in a half up/half down hairstyle. I even did a Youtube tutorial showing how I installed it on my natural hair. You can take a look here. Another simple way to make a change is to add a pony tail or braid. You can buy a drawstring ponytail from your local beauty supply for under $15 or get a pack of cheap braiding hair and make a braid. I love to use to wear the halo braid which I learned how to do by watching a simple tutorial on you guessed it, Youtube!

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TIP#3 – Have fun with your hair. Sometimes as seasoned women we take ourselves a little too seriously. It’s okay to play around and try different looks and hair and makeup is one of the easiest ways to accomplish this. Get out of your style rut and try something different. It doesn’t have to be a drastic change as I stated before but a new look can have you feeling like a million bucks. I also suggest if there is a hairstyle or hair color you have been thinking about trying try it in a temporary form first. A wig is a great way to try out a color without making a commitment or even damaging your hair.

TIP#4 – Set a budget. A little here and there can add up quickly. I try to set a budget when I am purchasing wigs and I always search the internet for the best deals. I will tell you now it is almost always cheaper to buy on a wig website instead or your local beauty supply store BUT it is even better when you’re buying in bulk you also get free shipping. I usually do my research and buy a variety of wigs (usually 2-3) at a time. Here are some of the sites I like to purchase from:

www.wigtypes.com

www.amazon.com

www.samsbeauty.com

These are reputable sights with fast shipping available and I can always find something within my budget.

Another budget friendly look you can do yourself that lasts a little longer than wigs is crochet braid styles. I love crochet styles and they have some a LONG way from the 90s when we first started wearing them. Take a look below on some of the styles I have worn.

The main thing I want you seasoned ladies to take from this post is that it is never too late to reinvent yourself and you don’t have to do something like cut your hair. You can just get a new wig and become a new you!!!

Now let me know in the comments if you would try some of these looks!

Love Ricki

A little Consideration

Dress: here (Currently 50% off )

I am going to make this post short and sweet. As a mother of four I do thoroughly enjoy Mother’s Day. I even bought this dress specifically to celebrate the holiday but as I have become more seasoned and experienced life changes I now understand that Mother’s Day can be a hurtful holiday for some. Of course celebrate the mothers in your life or your own motherhood but keep in mind our sisters who may be experiencing a not so good time. As we approach Mother’s Day I want us to remember these things.

Illustration is by Marie Andrews via Instagram

Also, be sure to remember to be sensitive to those who may have lost the people that celebrated them as mothers (i.e. spouse).

Just remember even if it means nothing to you, it may mean everything to them.

Love Ricki

Skin is In

Skin is in so show some! On your face I mean! Talking about my skincare routine and products I use and love on the blog today.

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Happy Monday ladies!!! Now I’m down for showing a little leg and maybe even a little cleavage here and there but the skin I’m referring to in this post is in our face! As I’ve grown older (and wiser and better I might add lol) I have paid more attention to taking better care of my skin. I love make up and how it makes me look and feel BUT 93.7265% of the time I am make up free. I am a busy woman with a family, work, and other activities so make up is not a priority when I’m trying to just make it out the door! And that especially applies on Monday! So I want to share some of the things I use in my skincare routine today.

Ladies as we age it is sooooooo important that we take care of our skin. Our skin has been through so much as our bodies have changed throughout the years. We’ve had acne, sun exposure, dietary changes and we maybhave had medical issues involving medications that can cause changes in our skin. I will tell you the absolute first step to great skin is drinking water. Period. Water helps hydrate our bodies and our skin which leads to a brighter appearance, less breakouts and plumper skin (think less wrinkles). So get you about 8 glasses a day. I guarantee you this will work!

Secondly we must clean our skin. Everyday twice a day I use a cleanser on my skin whether I wear make up or not. It’s important because just think about all the things you come in contact with daily whether it’s in the air or something you may handle with your hands and then touch your face. The cleansers I recommend are Clean and Clear Morning Burst face wash and Avon Anew Clean Cleansing Foam (shop my Avon e-store here). I like the Clean and Clear in the a.m. because it does include little beads that wake up your skin and I use the Avon at night because it thoroughly removes away all the dirt and grime from the day.

 

In addition to cleansing daily, if I wear make up I makes sure to remove makeup with Garnier Micellar Water. This stuff works! I use the one with the teal top which is formulated for eye make up removal. I just saturate a cotton pad and wipe away my makeup. I also use it to clean my lashes and then spray with alcohol to disinfect. I would definitely recommend this product especially if you are a make up lover like me.

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I always follow up cleansing my skin with a moisturizer.  I have combination skin and even though I tend to get oily especially in the summer I still moisturize because your skin needs that hydration. You will actually cause your skin to produce more oil if you do not apply moisturizer because it is trying to make up for the moisture it needs. A smooth moisturized face also helps apply your foundation and concealer more smoothly. I use the Avon Anew AHA refining cream. I love this moisturizer because it’s thick and a little goes along way. I follow up my moisturizer whether I wear makeup or a little drop of the Avon MagiX Face perfector because it contains SPF. I only use a little because it personally does not keep me matte but I love the protection it gives against the sun.

 

I have always had acne and as an adult I still have break outs especially around my time of the month. Because of my acne and the fact I pick at my breakouts (Don’t do it!) I have hyperpigmenation and acne scarring. To help fade my dark marks I use Ambi Fade cream. This stuff is old school but it works! BUT you must use it consistently, preferably twice a day. I also try to use it as soon as a dark mark appears and normally I sew it fading in a few weeks. It does also contain sunscreen to prevent dark marks from getting darker.

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Finally once a week I make sure to exfoliate. It is very important to deep clean your skin and pores and scrub away dead skin cells. This will give you a brighter appearance and for your cleansers and moisturizers to penetrate your skin more deeply. When we age the skin cells our body makes slows down so exfoliation aids in producing new ones. I use Clean and Clear Deep Action Exfoliating scrub and I normally cleanse in the shower using a cleansing brush. The one I have is from Oil of Olay which is on its last leg but Avon makes one which is on sale for $24.99 which I plan on purchasing. The power brush really helps get deep and my skin feels so good after using it.

 

Now I am a reformed product junkie so I’ve tried alot of products over the years but I have narrowed my routine down to these steps and products and I really feel my skin has improved as I’ve gotten older. Some things like the Ambi are tried and true and some things are new like the Micellar water but will remain a staple. If you have skin issues I always suggest doing your research and visiting a dermatologist. So what are your skin care secrets? I would love to know so please share in the comments below!

 

Love Ricki

Ricki Loves Lashes

AirBrush_20170630092522I have put myself on a blogging schedule in an attempt to bring more content to the blog. I absolutely love blogging and I am grateful to God to finally have found my purpose and passion but it still can be work and being organized helps. I am going to bring you more posts talking about all things beauty particularly for us women in our 30s and 40s. So on Monday I will dedicate my post to make up, hair, skin and anything that makes us feel pretty (on the inside and outside) so I hope you look forward to these posts.

Today I want to share my love for lashes. I am apart of the big eyes club (I get it from my mama ha!) and I was constantly teased about my eyes growing up. I was always called fish eyes growing up and but it’s funny the things you were insecure about when you were younger you embrace as you age! Hunny I love these big eyes now! I love wearing eyeshadow and playing up my eyes with winged eyeliner and as the title of this post tells you I love lashes! Now the love for lashes grew though because I will not lie to you it was a struggle learning to put these suckers on! When I first started really wearing make up (like a full face) I was well into my 30s so my patience for certain techniques was thin and putting on lashes were one of them. I mean it was messy, it was irritating and it was frustrating. I watched so many tutorials and tried so many kinds but was unsuccessful. I honestly gave up. But finally I realized if it was something I wanted to incorporate in my make up look I was going to have to have patience and PRACTICE. If I can give you my #1 tip for applying lashes is practice. It is not something most of us will get on the first try. It is what it is and if you realize that you will win the battle and learn how to put them on. And with the other tips I share hopefully you won’t take as long as I did!

My tips for Lash application:

  • Make sure your lashes fit your eyes. You need to take them out the package bend them up and then put them against your eyes. It is okay to trim them if need be!
  • Find a glue that YOU like and that you can tolerate. I use DUO glue that goes on white but dries clear. However it is latex based so if you are allergic to latex, DUO also makes a brush on version which is latex free and has vitamins. Now this is my opinion because I know people who use it (and theirs looks good) but I DO NOT USE HAIR BOND glue. It is not made for lashes and I have seen some terrible eye irritations due to wearing it. Also when you are a beginner you do not want that sticky smelly glue all over your eyes! I know people do this so they don’t have to reapply everyday but I would rather do that then have pink eye, I’m just saying!
  • Apply a thin layer of glue but make sure you apply enough at the ends. These are the places you need the glue to stick the most. Nothing worst then having an eyelash hanging off.
  • After you apply the glue, give it 30 seconds to a minute to dry before trying to apply them. I usually apply my glue to my lashes and then let them dry while applying my mascara or highlight. If you apply the lashes right after putting on the glue they will not stick. This is not hot glue lol and it needs time to get tacky so they will stick.
  • Use tweezers when applying as a beginner. Once you become a pro you can do what you want but tweezers give you the control you need to get a good application.
  • When applying, place your lashes on your lash line in the center of your eye. Then take your tweezers and apply the lashes to the end and corners of your eye.  Check out Maria Antoinette on YouTube, she has a helpful, detailed video on applying lashes for beginners. I’ll also make sure to share it on my FB page so make sure to like Ricki Loves on Facebook! (Shameless plug!)
  • I just recently learned to not try to put my lashes all the way to my inner corner. For me this doesn’t work. My eyes would water and they would never stick. Now I pull them further away from the inner corner and I promise it still looks good!
  • After you have applied your lashes, take your finger and press the lashes against the lash line. This will help them stick closer to your lash line and look more believable.
  • If you don’t have them close enough to your lash line, that’s okay! Use eyeliner to bridge the gap! No one will even know!
  • Apply a thin coat of mascara to blend the lashes with your natural ones. This helps them to look more realistic.
  • Finally like I said before practice and have patience! You will get it down. And when you do you may even feel naked without them!

Now below I have shared pics of my favorite lashes with links cause I love ya’ll. They are all from the drugstore or beauty supply (no fans though ladies! PLEASE!) and very affordable. I have honestly never tried mink lashes and maybe I will in the future but for now these are my go to. I also would suggest starting with these because the bands are thinner, easier to work with and look better when you are just learning how to apply them. I also get the most bang for my buck because I do reuse them by cleaning them after I take them off with Micellar Water, tweezers, and I spray them with alcohol to disinfect. Most times I can get anywhere from 5-10 wears or more out of a pair!

Here is a great pair to start with: Half lashes. These are so easy to apply and add just enough flair to your own lashes. Just make sure you use mascara to blend them with your natural ones.

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Ardell Accents

These are the normal everyday lashes I enjoy wearing:

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Broadway lashes Whispies
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Salon Perfect demi whispies
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L.A. Colors
Natural-False-eyelashes
Beauty Supply 747

 

Here are my favs if you have a larger eye like me or you want some drama!

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Kiss 11 lashes
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My favorites, give them a try!

I hope you give wearing lashes a try. They are not for everyone but it doesn’t hurt to try a new look or technique and shake up your normal routine. If you are a lash lover like me, which ones are your favorites and what tips do you have to make application easier? Let me know in the comments!

Love Ricki