Blog Archive

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

When the natural finds product nirvana.........

My last post was about make up, so today I want to talk about hair…. My hair, my natural hair!
My hair texture has changed quite a bit over the past ten years or so and may even still be changing which means that I try out and use a bunch of different products on it to keep it healthy and styled…….or as styled as I can get it. Recently though (maybe the past 5 months or so), I have been consistently using these two products and they have become my faves; Shea Moisture organic yucca & aloe thickening growth milk and Shea Moisture raw shea butter extra moisture detangler.
 
 
How do I use them? After my wash/cowash/conditioning process I use the growth milk as my leave in and then the detangler replaces what I would consider my curl cream…….they work beautifully to create defined curls that are soft to the touch and that typically last about 3 days or so. The only problem I have is a bit of white product buildup until its completely dry. I have gone through the growth cream and most of the detangler and have not been able to find either in my new neighborhood so I grabbed a couple of things from Target the other day; Miss Jessies leave in condish and her jelly soft curls and tried those.

Let me say this, the leave in condish is awesome!!! Smells like a dream and was easy enough to work through my hair without too much white residue (if any). I did not love the jelly soft curls because it left my curls a bit crunchy……great definition but still slightly crunchy. So on day 2 to counter the crunch I sprayed my hair with some conditioner water and then added the leave in condish again and the Shea Moisture detangler on top instead of the jelly soft curls cream.
 
 



See crunchy above.......



 
Honeeeeeeeeeey!!!!!! It was like magic! I got the definition I wanted AND my curls were super soft. Day 3 I got at the hair with some Eden body works moisturizer and a shower cap while I showered and got dressed for work…………..again the magic! Day 4 looked even better with the same process…..moisturizer, cap and shower steam. Day 5 I was like oh well I need to wash and start over but nope!! Took a chance with the moisturizer, cap and shower trick and guess what? The hair fluffed back up, soft, curly (less defined obviously but still great) and shiny even.
 







 
The problem that I now face is not wanting to surrender this wash and go but the hair needs to be cleaned……days of buildup and just plain old dirt BUT I will let you all know how the next wash and go turns out with this same process!! Still feeling like I won the hair product game this past week lol!!

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Lifestyle Blog?? We'll see but its still me - SolesUp Baby


What a busy time I have had these past few months! Time and changes mean that the blog has got to be dynamic and shift its focus a bit…..so in the coming months SolesUp will be more than just personal style! We are now a lifestyle blog……..whatever that means…more topics, more pictures & more fashion!
So here’s my first foray into new things…….. I tried new makeup!!! That’s a big step for me!
I have been for the past few years, using Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse foundation in dark…… the dark is however too dark for me but I tend to try to blend it out with a lighter powder etc……blah blah blah. In any event, on one of my numerous trips to Target (Le Tar-Jay) I stumbled upon the L’Oreal Paris True Match make up………they were out of my Maybelline dark which I buy in bulk (don’t ask). I had been told by a friend that my makeup was just too dark and so I impulsively decided to try the True Match in N7/Classic Tan.
 
 
Let me just say that this thing is a dream…………the color matches my in between skin tone perfectly AND is lightweight!! The coverage is pretty sheer but I can layer it for extra coverage where needed and since it is sooooooo lightweight I don’t feel like I am wearing a ton of makeup. Now I have oily skin and the thing I love about this foundation is that it does not melt…..a phenomena common to women with oily skin where it appears that the makeup on your face is melting away……..it stays put even with minimal primer and anything layered on top also stays put. I did notice a bit of absorption but it does not promote itself as a long wear foundation so I was okay with that….it’s a drugstore priced brand and worth every penny……give it a try let me know what you think!!!
 
 

Now if I can just find a comparable powder, hit me up with comments and suggestions please.......talk to you guys soon!!
Breathe! Its required for living!!

 

Friday, November 7, 2014

She's all smiles!!

Hey guys!! I know, its been a while but never fear, Fani is here and getting ready to be around a bit more because the holidays are coming and I am here to help.....my favorite sales, best deals for the holidays and just more of me getting dressed up and sharing outfits with you guys!! 

No fashion today but just wanted to share my joy with you all......No matter how bad things seem a little warmth and a great big smile can transform a day in a moment so here are a few of my favorite smile moments!! Enjoy.....smooches!