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Long-lasting Summer Makeup Essentials

Long-lasting Summer Makeup Essentials

Can you believe that summer is almost here? We have a little over a month until the official first day of summer. But if you live in the south like me, then you’ve already experienced some days in the high 90s! Which tells me that summer in Texas will be a hard one to get through.

Even though I’m not necessarily excited about the heat, I am excited about the dewy, fresh, and lightweight makeup looks. I no longer have to worry about my skin looking dry and piling on the moisturizing products like in the winter. I now have to worry about stopping my makeup from sliding off my face and figuring out how to look dewy without looking like a sweaty mess. The key for me is mixing matte and dewy products. These long-lasting summer makeup essentials give the perfect, effortless look.

 

Long-lasting Summer Makeup Essentials

 

Fenty Soft Matte Primer – This has become one of my favorite primers of all time. It mattifies the skin without leaving it dull or dry looking. It’s incredibly lightweight on the skin and doesn’t make the skin cakey. I’ve tried this primer out in both humid and dry climates and it works perfectly in both. And it blurs the skin as a bonus.

 

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 – I’m not a huge foundation fan because it can feel heavy on the skin during the hotter months. When I finally discovered tinted moisturizers, I fell in love. This one by LM is the best that I’ve experienced. Before finding this one, I used the Maybelline tinted moisturizer until it discontinued the darker shades. LM carries 20 different shades, which is abnormal for a tinted moisturizer. It has a dewy finish without leaving a shiny look. The coverage is just enough to give that “no makeup” makeup look. It’s the perfect product to even out the skin, but don’t expect too much coverage.

 

Lancome Dual Finish Powder Foundation – I originally purchased this powder to wear on my wedding day. And I’ve used it ever since. I use it over my tinted moisturizer for additional coverage and on its own for an airbrushed look. It controls oils and increases the wear time in a humid/ hot climate. You can apply it with a damp sponge for more coverage, but I prefer to use it dry.

 

NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray – I love this setting spray because it makes the skin matte, but doesn’t give it a flat, one-dimensional  look. The spray comes out fine and even without soaking the face. It does have a scent, but it’s not intense or unbearable. I don’t have oily skin, so I’m not sure if it will work to control natural oils. I use it to tone down the dewiness.

 

L’oreal Infallible Liquid Lipstick – If you’re looking for a long-lasting matte liquid lipstick, this is the one. This lipstick does not move no matter what you do. I have to scrub it off with an oil-based product. They go on so smooth and doesn’t settle into the lines of the lips. I believe that they have around 24 different shades. Some of them do have strong smells, so be cautious if that’s not your thing.

 

Lipcote Lipstick Top Coat – I found this product while traveling in London. I never heard of a lipstick top coat before. But I must say that this product is fantastic. You apply it over any lip products to make it last longer. You can also apply it slightly around your lips to prevent feathering. I no longer have to worry about my lipstick looking crazy after drinking something or being out all day.

Best Products for an At-home Gel Manicure

Best Products for an At-home Gel Manicure

 

I’ve been doing my nails at home for a while now. One day I just decided that spending close to $100 on my nails every two weeks had to stop. So after going to the nail salon faithfully since I was 15, I decided to learn to do them myself. Since starting this DIY journey, I was able to figure out how to get my manicure to last and which products work the best for me. It all came with trial and error, but these are still the products that I use to this day. Let me know what are your best products for an at-home gel manicure as well.

 

This post contains links to Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. To learn more, go to my Disclosure page.

 

 

BEST PRODUCTS FOR AN AT-HOME GEL MANICURE

 

 

 

 

Manicure Set

Perfect for cleaning up the nail beds and cuticle

 

SHOP

 

Primer

Acts as gel anchor to your natural nail

 

SHOP

 

 

Polish Remover Clips

Put these around your acetone soaked cotton balls instead of foil wraps 

 

SHOP

 

100/180 Grit Nail Files

Shaping, Filing, and taking away shine from nail bed before applying polish

 

SHOP

 

 

Gel UV LED Nail Lamp

To cure your gel nail polish

 

SHOP

 

 Gel Nail Polish Set 

Set of six neutral colors 

 

SHOP

 

 

Rhinestones 

Different shaped rhinestones for nail art including the glue and a brush to apply 

 

SHOP

 

Base, Matte, & Top Coat

Use the base before applying any polish & Matte & Top Coat after polish depending on the look

 

SHOP

 

Now that you have all your products, check out this post:

How to get a perfect gel manicure at home 

 

 

5 Natural Hair Lessons I’ve Learned

5 Natural Hair Lessons I’ve Learned

I remember the exact day that I decided to stop getting relaxers and embrace my curls. It was during spring break of 2013, I had planned a trip to Disney World and decided that that would be my last relaxer. And I haven’t looked back since. It was the best decision that I ever made for myself. My scalp was extremely unhealthy, and my hair was lifeless. I knew that I needed to change.

I hadn’t seen what my curls looked like since I was eight and was super excited to experience them again. Knowing that it would be hard for me to get through the tiny winy Afro stage, I started my journey by wearing wigs and braids. I then started wearing my hair out and fell in love with how versatile my hair was. Now, I can’t imagine going back to relaxers. Falling in love with my curls has given me way more confidence.

Over the last seven years, I’ve learned so much about embracing my natural hair and want to share 5 natural hair lessons I’ve learned with you all!

 

 

While you’re here, also check out:

Best hair products for curly hair 

 


 

5 Natural Hair Lessons I’ve Learned

 

 

Patience Is A Virtue

I learned very quickly that my haircare routine would be completely different than my relaxed hair. Not only would it be different, but it would take time to figure out what works and doesn’t work. I’ve tried almost every natural hair brand out there before I found products that I love. And the same products that worked in the beginning no longer work on my hair now.

Another tip is I always pick a day when I have nothing planned to do for my wash day. Having a specific wash day stops me from rushing my wash day routine. I take my time washing, detangling, deep conditioning, and styling my hair. I put on all the shows I missed during the week and went through the entire process. My wash day no longer feels like a task. I’m doing it while I’m doing something I was already going to do.

 

Moisture is Key

I thought that I had the worst curl pattern ever when I first started wearing my hair out. I had no curl pattern at all, and the frizz was unbelievable. I thought it was the products I was using, which was partially right. I was using the right products in the wrong way. I hadn’t figured out how to retain moisture yet. Once I figured it out, my hair changed for the better. My hair has so much bounce, and my styles last at least a week now.

The first thing I started doing was I stopped rinsing out my hair with cold water. Why seal my strands before applying all my moisturizing products? This was a game-changer. And I am focusing on deep conditioning as well. I also wash my hair once a week because water equals moisture.

 

Deep Conditioner is Different From Conditioner

I’ve been in a crunch where I’ve tried to use products, not for their intended purpose. At times it works, but I have had it backfire on me. I take my deep conditioners seriously. Its the one thing that makes my thick hair manageable. I find products that are specifically marketed as deep conditioners. They make my hair feel completely different, especially in combination with heat.

 

You’re Not Her

What works for her curls will not always work for your curls. Your curls are not her curls. There are different textures, densities, and curl patterns! Everyone thinks that they will have these loose, spiral curls when they stop getting relaxers. And when they don’t, they immediately become sad and frustrated with the curls that they have. People see Youtubers slap some gel on their hair and go and can’t figure out why it didn’t work for me. Just like they took the time out to figure out what’s best for their hair, you should as well. And while you’re on your journey, do not compare your length, curl pattern or density to your curly hair sister. It’s not fair to you.

 

You’re not a professional

I know my limits, and when it comes to my hair, I have a lot of them. I know when I need to consult a professional to deal with specific tasks. I tried trimming my ends myself in the first few years, and it didn’t work. I soon found a stylist that cuts my ends regularly. I also never flat iron my hair. I don’t have the energy or will to do it myself. And I know for a fact that I would give myself heat damage.

 

What are some lessons that you’ve learned while being on your natural hair journey?

 

 

 

SAVE FOR LATER

 

Essential Skin-Care Products For Breakouts

Essential Skin-Care Products For Breakouts

After implementing my hydrating skin-care routine, my skin has been on the up and up. Even though I’ve gotten my dryness under control, I’m still dealing with the occasional breakout. I believe that my breakouts are situational. My breakouts tend to increase while traveling a lot, during increased stress, and of course, around that time of the month. I know when my skin is going to give me issues based on my current lifestyle. I keep my essential products around for these moments when they arise. Since I know that we all have those moments, I’m going to share with you my essential skin-care products for breakouts. 

 

Also, check out:

Hydrating Skin-Care Products To Combat Dry Skin

Why I Stopped Using Coconut Oil In My Skin-Care Routine

How To Get Rid Of Dry-Chapped Lips

 

 

This post contains links to Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. To learn more, go to my Disclosure page.


 

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

I’ve tried a lot of spot treatments in the past, and this one is by far the best. I apply it at the very moment I feel the “a pimples coming tingle.” If I catch it too late them, I use it directly over the pimple, and its usually gone the next morning. It does contain salicylic acid and calamine.

 

Mario Badescu Drying Mask

I only use this mask once a week when I’m experiencing multiple breakouts. I wouldn’t recommend using this all over your face because it is powerful. And beware it does have a strong, in your face smell. If you have dehydrated skin, I would skip this product.

 

Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion

The buffering lotion is a spot treatment for those deeper, more stubborn breakouts. I rarely get those, but when I do, this is my go-to product. I can usually see the difference the day after I applied it, and then it’s gone the 2nd day. My husband suffers from more of the under the skin breakouts. I purchased this for him as well, and it’s been a life-changer.

 

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash

At one point, I swore by the Trader Joe’s Teat Tree Face Wash until I realized that it contained coconut oil (Here’s why I no longer use coconut oil on my skin). I went on a search for a new facial cleanser that contained tea tree oil and came across this one by the body shop. It helps with my breakouts without drying out my skin. I no longer have to pile the moisturizer on after washing my face, which can also cause more breakouts.

 

These four products have yet to let me down. What are your essential Skin-Care Products For Breakouts? Or do you just allow them to go away on their own?

 

 

SAVE FOR LATER

 

8 Must-Try Winter Nail Colors

8 Must-Try Winter Nail Colors

Deciding on a new nail polish color is almost as hard as answering the what do you want to eat question. I always struggle with picking a new nail color. I usually end up caving and picking something simple that isn’t taking too many risks. So I’ve compiled a list of 8 Must-try winter nail colors that you should try next time you’re in the mood to change it up. This list goes from simple nude colors to a beautiful black holographic polish. Something for everyone!

 

 

Also check out:

Tips for a long-lasting gel manicure

 

 

This post contains affiliate links. When you click on a link within this post and make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This is at no additional cost to you.

 


 

8 Must-Try Winter Nail Colors

 

 

WINTER NAIL POLISH COLORS WINTER NAIL POLISH COLORS

China Glaze

Heart Of Africa

Burgundy

SHOP

OPI

Good Girl Gone Bad

Plum

SHOP

WINTER NAIL POLISH COLORS

Zoya

Nyssa

Light Brown

SHOP

Cirque Colors

Bowery

Burnt Orange

SHOP

ILNP

Cityscape

 Black Holographic 

SHOP

ILNP

Salem

Black Green Shimmer

SHOP

ZOYA

Elphie

Green Glitter

SHOP

OPI

Chills Are Multiplying

Dark Blue

SHOP

 

SAVE FOR LATER

Five Hydrating Skin Care Products To Combat Dry Skin

Five Hydrating Skin Care Products To Combat Dry Skin

 

 

Winter is coming! and with the colder weather comes dry skin!

It took me years to figure out that I have combination skin. I’m usually oily in my t-zone and dry everywhere else. For the longest time, it seemed as if I couldn’t get my dry skin in order. I was consistently trying new products which were causing more issues and my dry skin still prevailed.

I’m not the type of person that only uses high-end skincare. If it works, it works, and I’ve found a lot of good drug store products. After some trial and error, I’m happy to finally have my staple hydrating skin care products. I either use these products on a daily bases or when my skin is in desperate need of some moisture.

Also check out my skin care routine for dry skin!

 

 

Hydrating Skin Care Products

 

Botanics Hydration Burst Micellar Facial Cleanser($7.99)
claims to hydrates and moisturizes skin while gently removing excess oils, dirt and makeup. I’ve noticed that it does all of this while giving me a subtle glow. I don’t wear makeup on a daily bases, but when I do I use this to remove my makeup before continuing my skincare routine. It works just as good as other micellar waters, but it has the added benefit of being hydrating to the skin.

 

Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser For Normal To Dry Skin ($11.99-14.99)
is a gentle daily cleanser that removes residue makeup and dirt without leaving the skin feeling stripped and dry. It’s also fragrance-free! It does have a lotion texture and doesn’t foam when rubbed in, which I had to get used to. I’m all for any cleanser that leaves my skin feeling moisturized and smooth immediately after rinsing off.

 

Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser

 

Mario Badescu Witch Hazel & Rosewater Toner($14)
I use this product on the days that I don’t wear makeup. It removes any remaining dirt while replenishing my skin and adding extra moisture. The toner soothes my skin especially after I exfoliate. It does have a scent to it, so be cautious if you have sensitive skin.

 

The Body Shop Aloe Soothing Night Cream($22)
This is currently my favorite night cream. It absorbs into your skin quickly without leaving your skin feeling oily. It is a night cream so it does have a thicker consistency. I have not had it clog my pores nor seen an increase in blackheads since I started using it.

The Body Shop Aloe Soothing Night Cream

 

Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb Sheet Mask($3.99)
My favorite mask to travel with because its both soothing and helps with my dry, dull skin. It does have a scent, but it’s not a strong smell(to me). It does contain hyaluronic acid, so I like to seal in the moisture with a night cream and spray my face with water before applying the mask.

 

What are your go-t0 hydrating skin care products?

 

 

 

 

SAVE FOR LATER

Tips For A Perfect DIY Gel Manicure

Tips For A Perfect DIY Gel Manicure

If I can do it myself and save some money, I’m all for it. That’s why I started doing my nails at home. It took me a few tries to finally perfect it and get it to last a full two weeks without it chipping. Now I can use the extra $30 every two weeks to buy unplanned things at Target! Here are some of the tips and tricks that I’ve learned through trial and error and some research on how to get the perfect DIY gel manicure.

 

 

Tips For A Perfect DIY Gel Manicure

 

Sunscreen

Applying sunscreen is my number one tip for whether you do your nails or get them done at a salon. Wearing sunscreen will protect your hands from the UV light used to cure the gel nail polish. Before I start, I slather my hands in broad-spectrum sunscreen and leave it on until my manicure is complete.

 

Do Not Wash Your Hands.

Washing your hands can leave oils from the soap on the surface of your nail. The water and the oils can cause the gel not to adhere to your nails and cause lifting. Dry manicures are the way to go!

 

Focus On Your Prep

The prep is more important than applying the gel polish. If your prep is not correct, it will cause chipping or the gel polish completely pilling off. Do not smooth your nails. The shine on your nails needs to be buffed off with something course. The gel polish needs something to adhere to. But make sure you do it lightly not to compromise the integrity of your nails. Make sure to push back your cuticles and clean all the dead skin off your nail plate. Again, that can cause lifting. Here is my favorite Youtube video that demonstrates the proper way to prep the nail.

 

Sanitize

Before you start applying anything to your nails, make sure to sanitize your nails. I spray some alcohol and let it dry before continuing.

 

Primer and Dehydrator

I always apply a dehydrator first to remove any surface oils. I then use a protein primer. This Protein Bond primer completely changed how long my gel manicure lasts. It helps the gel polish adhere to the natural nail. It’s amazing.

 

Base Coat, Polish, Top Coat

In that order. And make sure you apply thin, even coats! It prevents the polish from running to the cuticle or over the side of the nails. It also ensures that the polish is cured all the way through.

 

 

Cuticle Oil

Make sure to use a cuticle oil without petroleum or mineral oil. Those type of oils can cause lifting. Use a natural oil instead. I prefer jojoba oil.

 

Lastly,

Don’t forget to cap the tips and edges. Again this prevents chipping!

 

Hopefully, this helps you get the perfect at-home gel manicure and start putting that money towards more important things, like target shopping sprees.

What are some of your tips and tricks for doing your nails at home?

 

Also, check out:

Best products to use for a gel manicure 

 

 

 

 

* I am not a nail tech. I’m just someone that loves doing my nails at home. Do your own research before trying any of my tips.

Why I Stopped Using Coconut Oil In My Skin Care Routine

Why I Stopped Using Coconut Oil In My Skin Care Routine

In the last few years, coconut oil has been advertised as a cure-all. It’s said to be useful for creating shiny, healthy hair and a must for perfect, glowing skin. Just like everyone else, I started using coconut oil for everything. I would seal my hair with coconut oil, use it to remove my makeup, and as my everyday skin moisturizer. Slowly but surely I started to realize that it wasn’t everything it was cracked up to be. 

 

Also check out:

Drugstore Face Masks

Best Sunscreen For Your Face 

Get Rid of Dry, Chapped Lips 

 

Why I Stopped Using Coconut Oil In My Skin Care Routine

 

Soon after I started incorporating coconut oil in my skincare routine, I started developing acne and a lot of blackheads. I’ve never had an issue with acne or blackheads before this. I also developed perioral dermatitis. I couldn’t figure out what was causing it. The only thing new in my routine was coconut oil. So I stopped using it cold turkey. Once I stopped, my skin issues slowly went away. Yes, I still get the occasional breakout, but nothing as bad as before.

 

After some research, I found out why it was causing me so many problems.

 

 

Coconut Oil Properties That Don’t Make It Ideal For Skin Care

Rich in Saturated Fats

Not Ideal for Oily Skin

Comedogenic(Potential to block pores causing blackheads and breakouts)

Can Aggravate Acne

Thicker Oil making it harder to absorb into skin

Potential to trap bacteria and dead skin under the skin

 

For My Hair 

I didn’t only eliminate coconut oil from my skin care routine, I stopped putting it in my hair as well. It can cause the same problems on your scalp as it does on your face. And when I would sweat it would run down to my forehead.

Also Coconut oil becomes solid in colder temperatures, so obviously it would do the same thing in my hair. And no one wants to walk around with hard, stiff hair. 

I do still use it to coat my hair before going swimming, in both the pool and ocean. Gives it a little extra protection. 

 

 

Now I didn’t completely get rid of it in my life. Instead of using it topically, I tend to cook with it. It does have a lot of excellent benefits, such as its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. 

 

What do I use instead? 

 

Since I stopped including coconut oil in my hair, I now use Argan Oil! It’s fantastic and leaves my hair incredibly soft. AGADIR Argan Oil Treatment is my favorite Argan oil at the moment. 

 

Now my holy grail skin oil is Rose-Hip Oil! I do not go a day without applying this oil at the end of my skincare routine. I have one that I keep at home and one that I keep in my travel bag. Rose-hip oil does everything that they claim coconut oil is supposed to do! It moisturizes and brightens my skin. It’s my key to having radiant skin! trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil is my favorite brand. 

 

 

 

Best Sunscreen For Your Face

Best Sunscreen For Your Face

For a very long time, I didn’t know I needed an SPF in my skin care routine. I would only apply sunscreen to my body when I knew I was going to be outside for a extended period of time. The left over sunscreen on my hands would then be applied to my face. I know, I know, I should be ashamed.

Once I learned the importance of having an SPF specifically for your face I began the search for the perfect product. Now I wear SPF no matter the season or weather. Its a staple in my skin care routine. During my journey , I tested at least ten different SPF and narrowed it down to my top 3 best sunscreen for your face!

 

Also Check Out:

How To Get Rid Of Dry Lips

Best Drugstore Face Masks

 

 

These are the things that I look for in an SPF:

  1. SPF 30 or Above
  2. Broad Spectrum
  3. Doesn’t Break Me Out
  4. Ability To Wear Without Makeup (Doesn’t Leave A Purple Tint To The Skin)
  5. Added Benefit( Ex. Hydrating)

 

 

Best Sunscreen For Your Face 

 

Neutrogena Age Shield Face 

SPF 110

Water Resistant for 80 mins

Anti-Aging Protection

Shop

 

 

Aveeno Active Naturals

SPF 50

Sweat & Water Resistant for 80 mins

Hydrating

Shop

 

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration

SPF 30

Water Resistant for 12 hours

Moisturizing, Won’t Clog Pores, & Weightless

Shop

 

What sunscreen do you use for your face? I’m always looking for new recommendations!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lip Care: How To Get Rid of Dry, Chapped Lips

Lip Care: How To Get Rid of Dry, Chapped Lips

 

 

Spring is finally here! Now is the time to put away those dark purple and red lipsticks and bring out your bright, vibrant colors. Hold on! Before you do that,  we need to get rid of the dry winter lips that we all suffer from. If you know me, you know that I cannot think straight if I have dry lips. I have to always have something moisturizing on my lips at all times. I have chap stick on my side table, in my car, on my computer desk, and another one in my purse. So lip care is something I’m super passionate about. I’m going to give you my tips and tricks on how to get super smooth moisturized lips. 

 

Also check out these related posts

Skin Care Routine 

Best Hair Care Products For Curly Hair

*This Post contains some affiliate links

Lip Care: How To Get Rid of Dry, Chapped Lips

 

Steam 

I always start by placing a hot washcloth on my lips for a couple of minutes to loosen up any dry, dead skin. This makes the removal process a lot easier. 

 

 

Exfoliate 

My next step is to use a good lip scrub to remove that layer of dead skin. I have a few favorites ,but the Raw Sugar Scrub is the one I love the most. It does its job of removing the skin while also leaving my lips super soft. 

 

Shop

 

Scrub 

Without washing the lip scrub off, I take my lip exfoliating scrubber and go over my lips one more time. This ensures that all the dead skin is off and gone. 

 

Shop

 

 

Lip Mask 

I end my lip care routine with a thick lip mask. I love the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask.  It soothing and adds the moisture back into my lips. That’s why I usually go with an overnight mask. My lips feel brand new in the morning. 

Shop

 

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Welcome to Demi Joie! I’m Demetress, a lifestyle blogger that loves to talk about fashion, skincare, traveling, and sometimes rambling on and on about life! Thank you for visiting my blog! ♡

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Bonita❤️ Bonita❤️
Just checking in to say that I survived the Texas Just checking in to say that I survived the Texas ice storm ✌🏾 and it's 72° today😩
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