MAKEUP MONDAY: Green/Gold EOTD

For this Makeup Monday post I decided to try a green and gold eye shadow look that would not be too overwhelming.

It's really simple, let's get started.

First I prime my eyes of course. As you all know I do not use regular eye shadow primer I just use my Cinema Touch foundation.

Yes it looks crazy know but it gets better.

Next I take a gold color from my Italia Deluxe Color Chart and I apply that to my lid and also to my inner corners.

Next I take a green color from that same palette and apply it to my crease and also create a strong cat eye with it. Also I apply it under my water line.

Then I take my Starlooks eye liner pencil and line my water line. Also I take my liquid eyeliner and line my lid and create a cat eye along the green eye shadow.

Finally I just take my Boots 97 mascara and apply a million coats of it.

I apologize for the crazy look in my eyes.

I got a lot of great comments for this look and I was really happy with it and if you guys try it out tweet me/instagram a picture and use the hashtag #ebonyjaymakeupmonday.

What do you guys think of this look? Let me know in the comments!

Be safe and I will see you in my next post!

       

REVIEW: La Fresh Makeup Wipes

I was approached by the La Fresh Group to review a few of their products and I was so excited that they sent so many for me to try.

First off, let's find out a little bit about the company.

What they do:


La Fresh makes a difference in people’s lives through its performance, convenience and conscientiousness.

Our products are designed with exceptional ingredients and packaged to deliver chic style with less substance making the world better, brighter and more beautiful for all of us.

What they promise: 

To offer every human [and friend of human] the freshest experience possible
To make great products with great design at a great value
To fulfill the need for modern-day convenience
To treat every resource like a precious commodity
To deliver better products with better design at a better value for a better world

Let's get started.

Photo Courtesy of http://lafreshgroup.com

 The first product that I received was the oil-free makeup remover wipes.

I am a big fan of makeup removing wipes because sometimes I do not feel like washing my face but I want to remove my makeup.

I was really happy with these wipes. I have sensitive skin and some wipes tend to make my skin burn, these did not. They do not have a weird smell like some wipes I have tried before.

I do not wear waterproof makeup so I can't say whether they work well with it but I can say that these wipes removed most of my makeup. I found myself using two wipes to completely remove it.

Photo Courtesy of http://lafreshgroup.com

Next is the facial cleansing wipes.

The great thing about these wipes is the ingredients which includes: Aloe vera, cucumber, chamomile, marshmallow & tea plant botanical extracts.

I feel that these wipes did work as a facial cleanser, however, I did find myself using two wipes in order to get my face clean.

For some reason these wipes did make my skin burn a tiny bit. Nowhere near excruciating but there was a tingle.

Photo Courtesy of http://lafreshgroup.com

 Another product they sent me was the waterproof makeup remover wipes.

As I stated before I do not wear waterproof makeup but my mother does. I had her use the wipes to remove her makeup.

The wipes worked to remover her makeup, however, she did have to rub for a bit of time before it was completely removed.

On the upside she only had to use one wipe as opposed to the two that I usually use.

My mother also has sensitive and the wipes did not irritate her skin in any way.

Photo Courtesy of http://lafreshgroup.com

The last product they sent me was the oil free facial cleansing wipes.

The facial cleansing wipes have some really great ingredients including: Papaya, pineapple, cucumber, marshmallow, oat, aloe, chamomile extracts, and Vitamin C & Vitamin E

They also have a very pleasant smell which I love.

Surprisingly, where the other facial cleansing wipes made my skin tingle these did not.

Also these are the only wipes that I received that I did not feel like I had to use more than one wipe.

Let's recap:

Pros:
Amazing ingredients
Nice smell
Travel size
Good for sensitive skin
Works for waterproof makeup
Good price

Cons:
May have to use more than one wipe

Overall I really like these makeup wipes and I think that La Fresh Group is doing a fantastic job with their products!

I will most likely purchase the oil-free cleansing wipes as they were my favorite product of the bunch.

Have you tried/would like to try La Fresh Group's products? Let me know in the comments!

Be safe and I will see you in my next post!

        

HEY CURLY GIRLS, LETS TALK: Tips On Growing Out Long Hair

Growing out your hair can be long and painful, especially if you have been trying for a period of time with no tangible results. 

Here I am going to give you a few tips that, while it may not make the journey easier, will help ease a bit of the anxiety some of you may be feeling.

So let's get started.

1. Keep your hair moisturized. Specifically the ends of your hair.

Dry hair will not retain length, it is that simple. Your hair grows from the roots always but if your ends are not receiving proper treatment they will break off. That is what gives the illusion of hair that never grows.

Leave in conditioners are great as a moisturizer for your hair or you can also use your normal conditioner like I do.

Shea Moisture has a really good moisturizing line for curly hair.

Deep conditioning is a big part of this. It is what is going to give your hair that extra boost of moisture that it needs. Once a month is fine for a deep conditioning but some prefer to do it once or even twice a week.

Click here to read my post on deep conditioning!

Click here to see my favorites DIY deep conditioners!

2. Hair growth starts with a healthy scalp.

I wrote about co-washing in my last curly girl post and this is all fine a dandy if that is how you choose to cleanse your hair. However, product build up can occur if your hair is not being cleansed with shampoo once in a while. Build up of products can keep you hair from growing as fast. Once a month you should do a deep cleanse to prevent build up.

Also scalp massages are great for your scalp. Not only do they feel great but they also promote hair growth.

Click here to read my post on co-washing!

3. Avoid using heat. If you must, be smart about it.

Heat is the number one cause of damaged hair, it can also keep your hair from retaining it's length. My suggestion is that if you want your hair to grow, stop using heat all together. That is the best way to see results.

There are plenty of ways to straighten and curl your hair without using heat.

Obviously that does not work for everyone and that is okay. If you do use heat on your hair remember to always use a heat protectant. This will cut back on some of the damage by taking most of the heat. 

Use good quality tools, this does not mean the most expensive tool. Read some reviews on the heat tools that you want before settling on one. That way you know what you are getting into before you buy it.

Consider cutting out your flat iron. An alternative is using a blow dryer and a round brush to straighten your hair. Since it is not getting smashed between two hot plates it is not as damaging.

Click here to watch how I straighten my hair!

4. When you wash you hair, wash only the roots.

Shampoos and some conditioners can be drying to hair, so it is important that you only wash the roots of hair because that is the dirtiest part.

Don't worry, when you wash the shampoo out it will run through the length of your hair and it will get clean.

5. Use protective hairstyles.

Some people get really confused about what I mean when I say that.

A protective hairstyle is basically any style that keeps your ends from being exposed to the elements.

Buns, braids and twists are some really good examples.

You do not have to do this all the time but when it is extremely cold it is a good idea to put your ends away so that they do not dry out.

Protective hairstyles are especially useful in winter.

Click here to read my post on protective hairstyles!

6. Use oils.

Oils are very beneficial to hair in terms of moisture. There are specific oils that penetrate the hair shaft and moisturize your hair from the inside.

Click here to read my post on oils!

7. Be patient.

Your hair is not going to grow overnight and it is going to take time before you get it to the length that you want it. However, if you take care of your hair you will get there.

Well guys that is it for this post!

What are your tips for growing long hair? Let me know in the comments below.

Be safe and I will see you in my next post!

Follow to stay up to date!

        

TAG TUESDAY: TMI Tag

1: What are you wearing? 

My boyfriend's t shirt and some leggings

2: Ever been in love? 

Yes

3: Ever had a terrible breakup? 

Yes

4: How tall are you?

5' 5"

5: How much do you weigh? 

170 pounds I think

6: Any tattoos? 

Absolutely not!

7: Any piercings? 

Yes my ears and soon my belly button

8: OTP?

Rose and Dimitri

9: Favorite Show? 

Castle

10: Favorite bands? 

Paramore and The Band Perry

11: Something you miss? 

Having no responsibility

12: Favorite song? 

Right now Explosions by Ellie Goulding

13: How old are you? 

20

14: Zodiac sign? 

Virgo

15: Quality you look for in a partner? 

Imagination

16: Favorite Quote? 

"You're only as strong as your weaknesses" - Unknown

17: Favorite actor? 

Gabrielle Union

18: Favorite color? 

Pink

19: Loud music or soft? 

Loud

20: Where do you go when you’re sad? 

To my car

21: How long does it take you to shower? 

Depends on what I need to get done. Just a regular wash n rinse then 15 mins. If I need to wash my hair, shave, and deep condition then maybe an hour.

22: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? 

30 mins top

23: Ever been in a physical fight? 

No

24: Turn on?

Vanilla, the smell of it

25: Turn off? 

Stupidity

26: The reason I joined Blogger? 

I wanted a way to put my thoughts and ideas out into the universe (:

27: Fears? 

Spiders, the dark

28: Last thing that made you cry? 

My headache

29: Last time you said you loved someone? 

This morning

30: Meaning behind your Blogger Name? 

It's my name but instead of putting my full middle name which is Joscelynn I just shortened it to Jay

31: Last book you read? 

The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

32: The book you’re currently reading? 

I'm not reading a book at the moment

33: Last show you watched? 

Castle

34: Last person you talked to? 

My bofriend

35: The relationship between you and the person you last texted? 

He is a friend of my ex fiance

36: Favorite food? 

Hot Pockets (: Sausage, egg and cheese!

37: Place you want to visit? 

The UK

38: Last place you were? 

School

39: Do you have a crush? 

If you count my boyfriend

40: Last time you kissed someone? 

Like 30 mins ago

41: Last time you were insulted? 

Yesterday afternoon

42: Favourite flavour of sweet? 

Um chocolate? Lol

43: What instruments do you play? 

Guitar, piano, banjo, drums, ukelele

44: Favourite piece of jewellery? 

I don't really wear jewelry

45: Last sport you played? 

Dance

46: Last song you sang? 

Knock You Down by Keri Hilson

47: Favourite chat up line? 

I don't know what a chat up line is

48: Have you ever used it? 

I don't think so

49: Last time you hung out with anyone? 

It's been while, I'd have to say my birthday last year

50: Who should answer these questions next? 

Everyone reading this! (:

TMZ Trashes Mexican American and Community College in Racist Rant

I am a beauty blogger, that is what I do. However, I am also a journalist and a student.

In my journalism class this morning my teacher, Toni Albertson, brought this video to my attention.

http://www.tmz.com/videos/0_e1qrp3f6/

In this video, a nationally syndicated T.V. news and entertainment show, TMZ, not only humiliates and bullies a Mexican-American girl but also trashes her community college education.

On Tuesday March, 18, TMZ spoke to Beatriz Cazares about winning Miss Mexico. After asking Cazares how she felt about her win they went on to comment on the fact that she does not have an accent. Cazares was born and raised in the United States but her parents are from Mexico. Not having an accent does not make her any less Mexican.

Cazares also attended Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC). Members of the show laughed and asked if she had even graduated. They took it further by asking if it was a four year and stating that "only seven people graduated" from the institution.

In reality, 4,427 students graduated from Mt. SAC last year alone.

Making a racist comment about a girl poor, innocent girl, who is proud of her recent success as a Mexican-American, is one thing but discrediting not only her education but also a nationally ranked institution is pathetic. 

TMZ has a history of racism most notably with members of the Kardashian klan.  TMZ is known for commenting on both Khloe and Kim's relationships with African Ameican men. 

This reign of racism and bullying must end on all fronts. Is it okay for TMZ to act this way because it is known that they are not a credible source? No it is not.

Join the movement to stop racism on TMZ. Tweet your thoughts about the video to @TMZ, @Mountiewire and @MtSAC using the hashtags #ShameOnUTMZ, #SACTMZ and #TMZBullies.

TAG TUESDAY: Get To Know Me Tag

Hello friends! I am back with another Tag Tuesday post and this is going to be the Get To Know Me Tag.

I am really excited to do this tag because I want me readers to know a little bit more about me (:

So lets get started!

1. Are you named after anyone? 

Kind of. My dad's initials are EJ so he wanted all of his kids initials to be like his. My sisters name is Erica Jasmine and mine is Ebony Joscelynn. So yes and no. 

2. When was the last time you cried? 

A few days ago. I had a really bad headache. 

3. Do you have kids? 

No 

4. If you were another person, would you be a friend of yourself? 

No I wouldn't. I think I would intimidate me

5. Do you use sarcasm a lot? 

Yes, it is my native tongue

6. Will you ever bungee-jump? 

Absolutely not, I don't have a death wish

7. What’s your favorite cereal? 

Right now? Lucky charms but I am also partial to Coco Puffs

8. What’s the first thing you notice about people?

Their hair

9. What is your eye color? 

Dark brown

10. Scary movie or happy endings? 

Happy endings. I am a huge chicken I can't stand scary movies!

11. Favorite smells? 

Gasoline. Pine. Cream of Wheat. 

12. Summer or winter? 

Summer! Duh (:

13. Computer or television? 

Computer

14. What’s the furthest you’ve ever been from home? 

Arizona. Never gone much further than that. 

15. Do you have any special talents? 

Sing. Dance. Play guitar and piano. Write. 

16. Where were you born? 

Pasadena, CA

17. What are your hobbies? 

Writing and reading. I know I'm boring -_-

18. Do you have any pets?

Soon I will (: I'm getting a corn snake named cake. 

19. Favorite movie? 

Jeez right now? The Hunger Games Catching Fire

20. Do you have any siblings?

Ya! Eight sisters and a god brother somewhere 

21. What do you want to be when you grow up? 

A journalist (:

I tag everyone who is reading this! (:

Well guys that is it for this post!

Be safe and I will see you in my next post!

Lets be friends!!

http://glipho.com/ebonyjaybeauty

https://www.facebook.com/ebonyjaybeautymyway

http://pinterest.com/mynameisebonyj/

http://ebonyjaybeauty.tumblr.com/

https://twitter.com/EbonyJayBeauty

http://www.youtube.com/user/Ebonyjaybeauty

MAKEUP MONDAY: My Favorite Foundations

Hey beauty lovers! This Makeup Monday post is going to be a little different.

I am going to be showing you my favorite foundations. 

So let's get started. 

My third favorite foundation is the Covergirl Whipped Cream Foundation. 

Pros:

Decent price

Can be layered for full coverage

Good amount of product

Consistency requires using less product

Cons:

Not full coverage unless layered

Doesn't match skin tone

Click here to see my full review.

You can see my video review here. 

My second favorite foundation is Urban Decay's Naked Skin Foundation. 

Pros:

Covers imperfections

Great packaging (Has a pump)

Is not heavy on the face

Cons:

Pretty pricey

Not full coverage

Thin consistency 

Not a wide variety of shades 

Click here to read my full review. 

Finally my absolute favorite foundation is the Maybelline Fit Me Liquid and Stick Foundation. 

Pros: 

Matches skin tone

Wide variety of shades

Great price

Full coverage 

Good amount of product 

Cons:

I'll let you know when I find some. 

Here is my full review for this product. 

There is also a video review here. 

Well guys that is it for this post. 

What are some of your favorite foundations? Let me know in the comments. 

Be safe and I will see you in y next post.