The Oil Cleansing Method Part 1

So, I've been reading around the web about The Oil Cleansing Method (OCM). And though I know it is not new I am interested in trying the routine.

I've been using Purpose skin cleanser since I have sensitive skin and use acne medication, but I feel that it doesn't remove makeup very well and the OCM kills two birds with one stone, gently removing makeup while cleansing and breaking down the "bad" oils naturally produced by my skin that cause the acne in the first place.

This blog post is to mark the beginning of my OCM journey which will start tonight before I go to bed. I've read around that the main oils used are usually castor oil as a carrier and an additional oil specialized toward skin type. I'm going to start with what I have in the house which is olive oil as my carrier oil, and a few drops of tea tree and vitamin E (olive oil for moisture, tea tree for acne, and vitamin E for dark spot reduction). I am starting with very dry, acne prone skin, which scars easily. I'll be applying a palmful of my chosen oils to my dry skin and massaging in, then applying a warm/hot wet washcloth to my face and allowing it to cool 2 to 3 times before wiping the excess oil away. I'll then go to bed, and in the morning rinse my face, apply my acne medication, and start my regular routine.

If you have tried this and/or have any tips for how I can me more successful or other oils to try, please comment below. Hopefully, I'll be updating in a few weeks to tell you all how wonderful the OCM is and how great my skin looks!

How Do I Do It: Straight Hair Edition!

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for... I'm going to share with you, how I get my unruly curly hair straight enough to live with!

I get asked every day how I get my hair so straight and honestly, my boss answered the question best today by saying, "She flat irons the pee out of it."  Now, that's very true.  However, there are some special tools and products that I use along the way, that without, I'd never get the desired results.  So today, I plan to share with you the secrets behind my straightened hair.

To start, some background.  I am bi-racial, therefore I have extremely coarse curls, and a TON of hair.  Even though it's short it takes some effort to get my hair to cooperate.  The products that I mention in this post may be to heavy for finer, less dense hair types but I am more than happy to share alternatives if anyone is interested. I'll put a star by the products I use that have lighter options.  Like this "*".

To begin I shampoo and condition with Pureology since all of their products have anti-fade technology and I do color my hair (gasp!  It's true!).  Currently I'm using the Essential Repair Shampoo and the Super Smooth Condition.  Since my hair is slightly damaged from prior lightening I do a Redken Cat treatment in between shampooing and conditioning.

After the "cleansing mode", I towel dry my hair and apply Pureology's Miracle Filler (a plant protein based reconstructing spray that helps to rebuild hair from the inside out), Pureology Super Smooth Relaxing Serum*, and Redken Power Tame 16*.  I then blow dry my hair to about 80% dry using my fingers.  Once 80% dry I use a Denman brush to smooth my hair using the roundness of my head to act almost like a giant roller, basically I'm smoothing my hair down while drying it.

This next part is extremely important!  I ALWAYS section off my hair using some kind of clip so that the flat iron is only going over a small, 1/4-1/2" section.  Not sectioning brought me years of frustration with my hair.  This is the secret behind getting an entire head of smooth hair!  I personally start from the front (because I like to see instant results) and work my way to the back of my head.  Once completely flat ironed, I spray in a bit of Redken Real Control Mineral Elixir* to add shine and fight frizz, and use Pureology Anti-breakage Twist* to obtain a piecey look.  If I'm going for a smoothed down controlled look I use Reken Forceful 23 hairspray, or if I want a more relaxed run-your-hands-through-it look I go for Redken Fashion Work 12 hairspray.

I recently purchased a new flat-iron since my last once bit the dust.  My new iron is a Bio-Ionic Free Style.  The body of it is very similar to the CHI which I now use at work, but I think it is more lightweight, and it DEFINITELY gets my hair smoother.  I'm very impressed with this flat-iron and I definitely recommend it.  It heats up very quickly, and has a temperature control.  I kind of want to go back and get a second one, but I know that's just my excitement talking and I can only use one iron at once... Remember: when using any kind of heated tool on your hair, always use a heat protector, The Pureology Super Smooth Relaxing Serum that I use has a heat protector in it, as well as the whole Super Smooth line, but if you use other products that do not, please be sure to add one to your regimen.

I know that there are a lot of curly and wavy people out there that struggle with straightening their hair and fight frizz and unruliness on a regular basis.  I want to let you know that you are not alone.  I think it is very important to embrace our natural curliness, but I understand that sometimes you just want your hair to behave.  If you have any questions at all please feel free to leave a comment or message me at facebook.com/lindanunesbeauty  I'll do my very best to get back to you with any tips that I can help you with.  Believe me, I understand.

How do I do it?

I decided to start a series of blogs based on questions I get asked all the time about my personal beauty routines.  Like I've said before, I'm not perfect by any means, but I really hope some of my tips can help you with your looks!

My first "How do I do it?" is going to be on long lasting lip color.  I rarely wear lip color during the day, but I never go out without it at night.  I'm in love with bright lips and I've been asked how I get my lip color to last all night even when I'm eating or drinking.

Firstly:  I try my very best to take good care of my lips.  I exfoliate with a toothbrush every now and then, but I've found that keeping a really good moisture barrier on my lips at night really prevents peeling, chapping, and other reasons you may need to exfoliate.  I am a HUGE fan of Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm!!!  To me it has the best smell on the planet and it works amazingly.  I don't like to carry it with me because dipping my finger into a lip balm pot while in public and not having ample opportunity to make sure my hands are freshly cleaned really grosses me out.  But since it's my favorite, I had to find another use for it and nighttime is the best time for me since I know my hands are clean after my nightly skin routine (more to come on that later).  I slather some on before going to sleep and wake up to moisturized smooth lips.  If you do not like mint you can try the rose version, or you can use Original Badger balm.  Just be sure to try to use something all natural since what you put on your skin absorbs into your body.  Also, I recommend using something in a scent that is soothing to you since you will be falling asleep with it on your face.  It may be hard to fall asleep with an unpleasant smell near your nose.


Second:  Choose the right prep!  Your lips must be smooth and moist for any long lasting lip routine to work, however, if they are too oily, your lip color will either not go on as concentrated as you like, or it will slide right off.  My favorite option for this is the Avon Lip Plumping Conditioner.  I apply it when I apply my moisturizer to my face before I start my makeup routine so that it can sit and soak in and my lips are prepped by the time I get to them, which is always last for me.  The conditioner is not like a balm in that it is not greasy or oily at all, it almost feels like applying a cream lipstick that has no color and actually sinks into your lips.

Lastly:  Matte lasts longer.  I know some seasons super shiny is in and gloss is where it's at, but keep in mind that oils soak in and slide off, and some petroleum based glosses can even chap your lips more.  Now, don't get me wrong, there are some long lasting glosses out there, but I have never experienced anything more long lasting than a classic matte lip color.  I personally use lip liner alone, which shocks some people, but it works great for me. It's the best way to get bold, bright color concentration that lasts all evening.  Sometimes I use an eye shadow with shimmer in it to dab on the middle of my lip and create some dimension, but mostly just plain pencil is what does it.  I really like the Tarte lipsurgence Lip Crayon in the matte collection, but my less costly go-to is NYX lip liner in any color you can get your hands on!  It's wonderful!

If you enjoy reading my how-tos feel free to leave a comment below so that I know what you like and continue writing them.  Also feel free to make suggestions for posts you'd like to see in the future.

Keep it Classic People!

Tonight I tried Essie nail polish called Fifth Avenue. Their website describes it as a "creamy red-orange blend" but I do not see any orange in it. However, it is a nice red. I am personally not a fan of wearing reds, but I thought I'd try this one on for size. I do think it would look good on other people who are more into rocking the brights. It's very traditional in that it would go well with any skin tone, and I can picture it worn with a black and white outfit with a nude lip and super smokey eye. If there were still ads like the vintage Revlon or L'Oreal advertisements I've seen from back in the day when they only had two or three nail polishes in their line, this would be the red. Not too cool, or too warm, just basic, pretty, and classic.

I plan to wear it until it chips, but I don't know if I'll use it alone again. I may use it as an accent color if I do silver or navy nails for the winter months... And it just hit me, this color would be a GREAT holiday party color if you're not into the ultra dark shades for the colder seasons. Or! Add some glitter over the top and take it all the way to your New Year's Eve celebration.

So, I must confess. I am a recovered nail polish addict. I used to keep a ridiculous amount of nail polishes. When I was younger, I was allowed to polish my nails before I was allowed to wear makeup, so I think I came home from Wal-Mart with a new $1 color of polish that I talked my mom into getting for me at least every couple of weeks. While some girls wanted Caboodles for their hair bows and accessories, I envied them for their polish storage capabilities. I slightly outgrew my childish interest in polish, and then (dun dun dunnn), I went to nail tech school. Which wouldn't have been so bad, but I worked for Sally Beauty Supply at the same time I was in school, and managed to convince myself that my kit was not perfect without EVERY shade I could get my hands on. It was frustrating in the last couple of years when I realized that many of those polishes had never been used or had gone bad and were tossed out. So now, I have a small Rubbermaid container that I use to hold select polishes that I know I will use. Even when I am dying to try a new color, I usually hold out and see if I think about it again once I am not in the store/salon, and if I do, and I think it will never be wasted, I then go back and buy it.



I've also always been an OPI fan because I feel that OPI polishes in combination with their top and base coat stay on my nails longer than any other polishes I've tried. However, I am venturing into Essie and love many of their shades. I didn't have luck with the first Essie polish I purchased (Mint Candy Apple) staying on my nails for more than 24 hours, so I bought the Essie base and top coat to go with it... Still no luck but I'm not giving up! I'll give a few more colors a try before I call it a lost cause.

The main reason why I am reviewing this is because Essie is teaming up with Redken right now and giving away a free bottle of this polish to clients who visit their Redken Salon (Like Regency Salon if you live in my area), and then go to their salon's facebook page, click the "salon" link under the picture on the left, and write a review of their experience. You will have to enter your address and information when the Redken link prompts you, but once you have reviewed your salon you will receive this polish in the mail from Redken! I'm all about a great deal so definitely check it out, and give your stylist a shout out while you're on there!

On The Road Again

I'm on my way home from Atlanta now. My trip was amazing, and the class I took this morning was great. I learned a lot about Pureology products and a new finishing technique that I can't wait to bring back to the salon.

Before I left town I did a little shopping at the Perimeter Mall. This mall was great! I purchased some new things that I will blog about soon, one of which was a leopard print faux fur coat that I intend to wear like crazy this winter (I'm so excited about that)! I know you can't wait to take a look at that baby!

So now, the painful part will be getting home and unloading all of my traveling stuff and purchases. However, I can't wait to get my doggies from "puppy camp."

I hope everyone is having a great start to your week! Have a happy car nap if you're traveling (not driving) like me!

Hello From Atlanta!

I would say HOTlanta but the weather is so beautiful here this weekend. I'm here to attend a Pureologist Certification course tomorrow, which will hopefully be the first step in me becoming a Pureology educator.

If you don't know much about Pureolgy I definitely recommend looking them up or asking me questions. But the reason I'm here is because I can honestly say that I love the way their products work (I have never been disappointed with them in my hair or my clients'), and they are a company that I can say I truly 100% back. Pureology's products are all 100% vegan and are made with organic botanicals. Their goals are to nourish hair in luxurious products, while also giving their customers tools with which they can cleanse and style without harming their color treated hair. On top of all that, the company was started in an effort to create products that have no cancer causing agents, and are gentle enough for cancer patients to use.

As you can see, there are many reasons for me to be excited to learn from Pureology, everything from it's scent to it's causes are wonderful and inspiring.

However, since my class is not until tomorrow morning, I am going to be spending the rest of my day here in Atlanta shopping and enjoying the wonderful sights there are to see here in town!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful and safe weekend!

It's All About the Feet!

At the end of the day, while I sit here and write this I can't help but think back on the days when I cared more about appearance than comfort or health.  The end of the day was always a painful time when  I would  sit and look at my sore swollen feet.  I spent many years on my feet at jobs or in school where I would wear the "cutest" shoes I could find, and I suffered for it.  Thank goodness I finally broke down and invested in a great fitting, comfortable pair of shoes for this summer that have never hurt my feet, and may have even improved my standing posture.

I have been wearing Birkenstock's since July of this year (2011) and have not looked back.  I literally ONLY wear these shoes no matter where I am going or coming from.  I know that they may not be the most fashionable shoe in the world, but I try to make up for the appearance in my clothing and accessories.  It's way worth it.  The specific pair I wear are the Birkenstock Gizeh.  I chose those since they are the closest to the classic flip-flop style that is always a staple during the summer.  I wear them in the silver color, but they also come in a really nice bronze that I would rock too!

Now, I'm not saying that a Birkenstock is the shoe for everyone.  What works for me doesn't have to work for you.  However, I do highly recommend going to a specialist (I just went to The Walking Company in my local mall) who can look at your gait and your foot and assess what kind of shoe you might need.  I cannot stress enough the importance of taking care of your feet, which leads to your legs, back, and so on.  You never get another pair of feet, and chronic pain can have a negative effect on your life, especially your career if you are in a standing profession.

So, at this point you may be asking yourself, "How does she stand wearing the same shoes every day?"  It's really not that bad since I picked a color and style that go with pretty much everything I wear, but I do dress up my shoes a bit to keep it exciting.  I have sewn bows onto clips, and bought fabric flowers on pins meant to be pinned to clothing, but easily pinned to shoes to add some flair to my sandals.  I also try to keep my toenails polished for a put together look.

Now, I don't know what shoes I will move on to when the weather is too cold for sandals.  I hope to find something just as well fitting and comfortable as my current pair, but the Birkenstock shoes are a little to rough looking for my taste.  I may do some research on the clogs and try out a pair.  If you have any suggestions, feel free to comment below!

Thanks again for reading, and always be sure to take care of yourself and put your health and safety first!