The Sweet Scent I'm Loving this Summer

From a young age, I always loved perfume and basically anything that smelled good. I grew up admiring my mother's favorite perfumes collection as her signature scents consisted of Dior J'Adore, Elizabeth Arden Sunflowers, or Dolce & Gabanna Light Blue. And yes I was definitely sneaking a spritz or shower in one her perfumes. My faves in her collection are J'Adore, a scent full of richness and Sunflowers, a strong fresh scent both having floral notes but very different at the same time.

Over the years I  have learned a lot about the different notes that make up a perfume, and the fact that I am sometimes attracted to scents with musk or jasmine notes. I definitely still gravitate towards the strong fresh and floral scents but lately, I have become fond of the warm and spicy scents for summer. Scents that have hints of vanilla, amber, and musk usually fall into the warm and spicy category which explains why I have been loving Commodity's Gold perfume.

I love this scent because of how it makes me feel edible as if I have been perfectly glazed in sweetness. The richness of Commodity's Gold definitely holds up to its name inspired by, of course, the most luxurious metal, with notes of molten amber, vanilla, creamy musk, and sandalwood.

Commodity's premium and luxurious unisex fragrances are inspired by artisans around the world to give a different experience through each scent while also being vegan and cruelty-free, which makes me so much happier to love their product.

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IMAN Cosmetics x Proud Mary Movie Makeup Look

I hope you all are ready to show off your beauty with the newest products added to the IMAN Cosmetics Line! I have teamed up with IMAN Cosmetics to create this daring makeup look inspired by the movie Proud Mary, starring Taraji P. Henson premiering January 12th, which IMAN Cosmetics is the official makeup partner. So, keep scrolling to find out more about this makeup look.

I created this makeup look with the mind of the adventurous and fearless woman that IMAN Cosmetics represents. The bold and sultry teal eyes complimented with the IMAN Cosmetics new matte lipstick in shade Naked Truth is perfect for a night out. I also used the Concealing Foundation in Shade Clay 1 and Concealing Foundation Stick in Shade Clay 2 which allowed me to celebrate my skin tone. I really love that the foundations perfectly match my skin tone and conceal my blemishes for a flawless look.

With 5 brilliant NEW nude matte lipstick shades, IMAN Cosmetics makes it easy to achieve that high impact nude lip look. As mentioned before I'm wearing the shade Naked Truth and it perfectly compliments my skin tone leaving a non-drying conditioned feel to my lips so that I can wear it all day long.

In addition to the matte lipsticks, I can continue to make a statement with the IMAN Cosmetics luxury highlighters. I applied the gold digger highlighter to create that lustrous and sculpted glow we all love. The highlighters are so versatile that they can be used anywhere on your face for that extra shine!

IMAN Cosmetics has created a line of makeup products that allows any woman to celebrate their skin tone and be fierce while doing so. You can join the conversation by following #MelaninArmy. 

Here is a detailed look at how I created this makeup look using IMAN Cosmetics!

**This post is sponsored by IMAN Cosmetics, all opinions are my own.**
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The Sensational Dark Lip Color I'm Loving for Spring

This post is sponsored by Maybelline. All opinions expressed are my own.

Who says that you have to wear bright pastel colors for Spring? I love going against the "rules" and it's way more fun doing the unexpected! And by unexpected I mean, wearing the darkest of purple lip colors for Spring. Forget the dainty nudes and blushes or the bright reds, I'm aiming for that wow factor with Maybelline's newest line of lip liners and lipsticks. The Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liners glide on so smooth and really adds definition to any lip color. I'm wearing the Maybelline Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner in Plum Passion and the Maybelline Lipsticks in shades Berry Bossy and Midnight Blue. I absolutely love this trio of colors together as the Midnight Blue lipstick is such a powerful shade alone but when paired with the Berry Bossy it adds that extra pop. Talk about a sensational lip look!

Maybelline has a beautiful range of The Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liners perfect for any look you want to achieve. Don't forget to check them out on the Maybelline website!

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I Dared to Go Nude with Maybelline

Whether you’re feeling for a backstage smoky eye or sultry and shimmery The 24Karat Nudes Palette is perfect for creating that show stopping look! I love that all 12 shades have a very silky texture which is ideal for easy blending. Also, the high pigmentation is foolproof for customizing any look from subtle to bold. In this eye look I used the iridescent purple, shimmery black and golden shade to create this smoky and sultry look. The purple is such a pure shade that it adds the right amount color to bring your eyes to life. And of course the shimmery black is where all the sultriness comes into play finished with the golden shade for that 24Karat striking effect.

Then, I topped off my shadow with the Maybelline New York Master Precise Liquid Ink Pen Eye Liner. This eyeliner is optimal for mastering that perfect wing—in which I tend to always struggle with. If I could avoid using eyeliner I usually would, but not this time! The pen made it very easy for me to precisely achieve eyeliner goals and the ink is super saturated and not too shiny or dull.

Lastly, I completed this bold eye look with the new Maybelline New York Colossal Big Shot Express mascara. This mascara has been my favorite so far! The way the bristles on the brush pick up the perfect amount of mascara makes it the best for getting the most defined lashes. I love that there is no need for falsies when using the Colossal Big Shot Mascara and there's no clumping—win, win!!

So, if you're ready to step out with that backstage inspired bold and sultry look you have to get with the wave and try out all three of these show-stopping Maybelline products, especially the 24Karat Nudes Palette. Already got your hands on the palette? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below on how you dared to go nude!

This post is sponsored by Maybelline. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Why I Dyed My Hair Pink

My hair has been through so many phases but dying it pink is by far the most drastic phase. For starters, I have always wanted to dye my hair pink but I was kind of afraid to actually do it. I was also very unsure of how the color would look on me with all the possibilities of looking like a troll doll under the Brooklyn Bridge. Nevertheless, I went ahead and dyed my hair pink anyway. 

I will say that dying my hair pink is one step to a long journey of a very colorful life and I'm not mad at that. Dying my hair pink really meant to me that I could be fearless in doing whatever I want to pursue. I can feel comfortable about being my unique, true self. Not many people get to feel that way about themselves and I want to be the person that sets an example for those people. It's really all about having the confidence to do whatever really feels right. 

Lately, I have been feeling like I'm morphing into this person that just wants to break free and demolish all standards of how a woman should present herself. I don't want to be stuck in this box where I have to look a certain way to please people. I don't intend to be an eyesore and I don't intend to be eye candy either. I'm really just trying to enjoy life how I want and not be concerned with the opinions of others. 

All in all, dying my hair pink is just another way of expressing myself and it's what partially defines a true

Neon Style Fox.

**Shoutout to Ashley (@alstyling) for hooking me up with this bomb ass pink color. I freaking love it!!! ♥

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What Defines True Beauty?

The topic of beauty has been very questionable these days with the movements of natural hair, body positivity, makeup, and so much more, but really what defines true beauty? Of course, there are so many different opinions on that question  and all opinions are totally valid. So here are my thoughts on the definition of true beauty.

From a young age, I always knew I had some type of beautiful thing about me but there were always those reminders that made me feel ugly. Growing up was tough because I was always the last to get everything that other girls were getting (if you know what I mean). It definitely became harder to know how to appreciate myself because I never felt pretty enough or just enough in general.

Then I started to get acne and that really shut down all kinds of confidence I had left. Having to deal with acne at that time was like the end of the world because the only solution there was, was Proactiv and that shit did not work. And to top it off, I wasn't educated on how to deal with acne so I became really frustrated with myself and started to really hate life.

Fast forwarding to now, I unfortunately still suffer from acne and I have gotten better at controlling it, thankfully. But this post is about how I define true beauty. For me, true beauty means having confidence within yourself and really getting to know who you are inside and out. It's about being yourself and being happy with yourself. If you can appreciate who you are as a person then you have discovered your true beauty.

I don't think anyone can 100% know who they are or discover their true beauty but every bit counts and that's all that matters. There's no time to worry about perfection. Perfection is beyond us and it's not realistic. Strive for what makes you happy enough to get you through the day.

*sidenote: these photos were taken by me with a little filter & no skin retouching*

I'm always asked what message I want to put out into the world and my answer is always CONFIDENCE IS KEY. Having the confidence to be yourself is such a beautiful thing. People will notice your confidence and they will see that you are a beautiful person When you exude confidence it transfers to other people and that's how powerful you can be with just a little bit of confidence.

Today I have learned how to confidently be myself and not worry about being perfect or what other people think, I am confident that I have true beauty. I hope that this post can help you gain confidence and find your true beauty. Just remember, be yourself.

What do you think defines true beauty?

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B E A U T Y: Irresistible Me Hair Extensions

-Irresistible Me Silky Chocolate Brown (#2)-

So most of you know that I am always sporting an afro and rarely ever straighten my hair. Well, today I present to you a very unexpected and different look...long tresses.

Thanks to Irresistible Me I was able to achieve this lengthy look with their 100% Remy Human Hair Clip-in Extensions. Being that I dyed my hair right before receiving this hair, I decided to curl my hair with the extensions to blend my ends since they are a little on the lighter side. But I was able to get most of my hair tucked in between the strands of the extensions to kind of hide my lighter ends.

When the clip-in extensions first arrived I was a little intimidated because I've only worn extensions once in my life. The package came in this very minimal black box and inside the hair was perfectly sealed in a plastic bag. The plastic bag is actually 2-sided and has one side for sample hair which gave me the chance to test the hair before opening the full side.

The kind of hair that I chose was 22 inches long and reached all the way down to my butt! Now that's definitely something that I'm not used to. The feel of the hair is also very silky and smooth. Irresistible Me has different types of hair for different needs. I got the Silky Touch as it's great for beginners, like myself and super easy to style and manipulate. You can learn more about the different types of hair here.

If you're looking for some longer and fuller locks definitely give Irresistible Me a try. The hair is super high quality and very versatile. 

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B E A U T Y: An Easy Way to Cleaner Pores

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BioreFizz #CollectiveBias

Although I have seen some progress in the look and feel of my skin I kind of been neglecting the deep cleaning steps in my skincare routine. But timing, couldn't have been better with the debut of the NEW Bioré Baking Soda Cleansing Scrub and NEW Bioré Baking Soda Pore Cleanser. H-H-Hello, cleaner pores!!

The Bioré Baking Soda Cleansing Scrub and Baking Soda Pore Cleanser feature the natural cleansing ingredient and exfoliator-Baking Soda. Both products are great for combination skin and your pores will thank you later when they feel clean, soft, and smooth. 

The Baking Soda Cleansing Scrub is a concentrated powder scrub that penetrates your pores to dissolve deep oil and unwanted dirt. In addition, it gently exfoliates dry and flaky skin without over-scrubbing or irritating your skin.

The Powder Scrub is actually a first for the skincare market yet super effective and easy to use.

To activate the Scrub all you need is some H2O aka water. Once activated you can feel the Baking Soda Fizz! And depending on the amount of exfoliation you need you can customize the Baking Soda Cleansing Scrub levels up or down by the amount of water you add.

 The feeling of the FIZZ is honestly the fun part about the Baking Soda Cleansing Scrub.

After a nice exfoliation with the Baking Soda Cleansing Scrub, I then continued my routine with the Baking Soda Pore Cleanser. The Pore Cleanser is just as easy to use and it's perfect for daily cleansing. Featuring a dual-action baking soda formula it also dissolves trapped oil and dirt while gently exfoliating. 

With the help of both the Baking Soda Cleansing Scrub and Baking Soda Pore Cleanser, my skin feels smoother, softer and most importantly CLEAN! 

You can find your new weapon to fight for clean pores in the Beauty aisle at your local Target under the Complexion Care section. And don't worry if you have oily skin vs. combination skin Bioré's Charcoal Products are a perfect alternative.

Join the conversation to cleaner pores #BioreFizz

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B E A U T Y: Bantu Knot Out | It Didn't Come Out Right

I thought I had this in the bag but clearly not. I haven't done Bantu knots on my hair in a very long time and I wanted to give it a try again. Typically I would do this style on dry hair but it was wash day and a regular twist out was not on my agenda. Doing Bantu knots on wet hair was where the problem started. Bantu knots on wet hair means hours of drying, like overnight hours of drying. But in my mind, I'm thinking I could just go get my nails done, do my makeup, pick out an outfit, lollygag for a little bit and my hair would be dry. Ha, no. 

Here's the end result. -_- I was really hoping to get some bouncy curls and lots of volume. Nope, instead I got poodle fluff. Before I took the knots out I went for my blowdryer thinking that would do my hair some justice but I just made my hair more frizzy. *sigh* Being that I was going to dinner I had to come up with some kind of solution to the hot mess on my head. Bobby pins to the rescue! Yep, I just pinned the front of my hair down to make it look like somewhat decent. So if you're in a hair rut just use bobby pins, or not. 

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B E A U T Y: 5 Reasons Why I Went Natural

I have been natural for almost 2 years now and it's been the best thing for my hair. Flashback to 2007-2008 was when I went natural for the first time, but it just seemed so much harder to maintain so I resorted to a relaxer again. Today I have learned so much more about my hair and have found what works for me. But I wanted to share the reasons why I went natural and why you should too.

1. Natural=Healthy

Having natural hair is so much healthier for my hair. I never worry about heat damage, extreme breakage, or the need to use harsh chemicals. Keeping up with my curls also mean that I am constantly taking care of my hair. I have to make sure that it's always moisturized which is a big deal for curly hair. Plus my hair grows a lot faster than when I was relaxing it. 

2. No Chemicals Needed

No relaxer no problem! Not having to go through sessions of relaxing my hair at the salon is such a relief. I always hated relaxing my hair mainly because I knew it was bad for my hair. And when it was time for a touch-up my scalp would itch so much because it was always dry (from relaxing) which would cause burning.I'm telling the worse feeling EVER!  

3. Curls, curls, curls

Must I say more?! But really it's great that I can embrace my curls and love my natural hair. I am at a point in my life that I can't go too long without having a some sort of curl. Having curly hair is like my new security blanket, so I'm super attached to my curls. 

4. Wallet Friendly

Now that I stopped going to the salon to get my hair relaxed I am able to save so much more money. With natural hair, I rarely buy products because for me the products that I do have last for a pretty decent amount of time. In addition, I don't always have to use store bought products because I can make my own hair products using natural ingredients that are already in my home. 

5. Endless Styling

There are so many ways that I can't style my hair because it is natural. I rarely straighten my hair but when I do, it gives me a new and fresh look. I also really like doing twist outs for that volumized textured look.  It's like having the best of both worlds.

Are you a curly girl, if so what made you go natural? And if you've always been natural what do you love about your curls? Share your story in the comments below.

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B E A U T Y: Olive Eyes & Brown Lip Fall Makeup Look

-H&M Olive Shadow|Colour Pop Cosmetics Limbo-

Inspired by my olive bomber in my last post I wanted to do a look that had a very warm feel. Olive and brown is a great color combo for the fall season. When applying the shadow my initial impression totally exceeded my expectations because the colors are surprisingly very pigmented. And don't get me started on how inexpensive they are!

Now if you guys sit and watch YouTube makeup tutorials like I do then you would know about the popular Colour Pop Cosmetics Ultra Matte Lip. This color is probably one of my favorites because I love a deep brown lip that adds boldness to a makeup look. I actually stocked up on a few other shades, but I will share those later. Also, this is another inexpensive buy that is such great quality.  

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B E A U T Y: Introducing The Wink by Clinique

Welcoming Clinique's newest site The Wink! A space of the best inspiration to feel beautiful, be empowered and finding your true confident self. The Wink is not just another beauty site it's also about discovering amazing people, places, and products. It's about having a beautiful lifestyle. You can find inspiration just about anywhere, but your true beauty lies within yourself and Clinique's The Wink will inspire you to discover what that really means.

With such an easy navigable site The Wink covers topics from DIY and crafts (my favorite), beauty how-to's, and a super organized Index that is a glossary highlighting the beauty terms, ingredients, beauty trends and more that are part of the Clinique culture.

Thanks to The Wink I learned that inner beauty comes in disguises...like nutritious popsicles. After reading the Pretty Easy: Beauty Boosting Ice Pops article I discovered that there is always a solution to every problem like not having time to make smoothies every day. For instance, I'm either at school, working, stuck on a train, or trying to catch up on sleep all in one day which leaves no time for whipping up a healthy and nutritional smoothie. My hectic schedule makes it is very hard for me to get my daily dosage of good nutrients. But then there are amazing people like Sophie Milrom who founded EatPops saving people like me time and money when trying to stay healthy on the inside. I have to say little discoveries can lead to bigger opportunities. You can read more about Sophie's journey and what inspired her to think big on The Wink.

Another discovery, this time for finding beauty on the outside involves Clinique's Chubby Lash Fattening Mascara. Now just about every makeup and beauty lover knows how important it is to have that go-to mascara. Having that mascara that the does the job and actually achieves the look you're trying to go for makes it a holy grail product.

For me, I like to have very dramatic eyelashes with added volume. When applying mascara I typically start out with a first coat then giving time for it to slightly dry and then adding a bazillion more coats until I have the full effect of volumized lashes. Using the Chubby Lash mascara is perfect for building up layers making it easy to achieve that bold look.

;)

*This post is sponsored by Clinique. All words & opinions are my own.*
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