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

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