My LipStick is REDDER than youRs...

      Red lipstick will forever be linked with having extreme SEX APPEAL... well at least for me that's what it signifies.  It just screams femininity and siren to me.  It took me some time to find just the right shade of red.  It's a shade that looks good on every skin tone no matter what race you are. In fact I've been wearing it for almost 2 years & people stop me and ask me, "What brand of red is that?" I think it's so HAUTE! It's REVLON's "Fire." It's a lipstick and gloss in one. Take a look at the picture of me wearing it below.

That's me holding my favorite lipstick by REVLON.  It's called
"FIRE." You can purchase it at a CVS pharmacy near you.

My FavoRite Foundation EveR!

    I am a makeup artist which means I have come into contact with an array of cosmetic products and skin-types.  I am very picky when it comes to what I apply to my skin.  You ask why? One, I have sensitive skin & two, my skin is a bit on the oily side.  If you have oily skin like me I highly recommend "Clinique's Stay-Matte Foundation.
Here's a list of benefits:

• Controls OIL & SHINE
• Excellent coverage without looking overdone
• Easy to apply
• Works great in humid weather 
• Skin is able to still breathe
• Very, VERY lightweight that it feels like you're wearing NOTHING at all.
• Great for acne prone skin, in fact it improves it.
• Allergy tested
• 100% Fragrance FREE
• Looks and feels absolutely NATURAL.  
• And it is affordable 

     If you are confused as to what color you are, go to a CLINIQUE counter and a trained professional would be sure to assist you.  Out of all the foundations I've ever used, this brand has always been my favorite.

This is my foundation. My color is 25 Spice (D-N)

RaiNa & Black Opal Cosmetics at New York Fashion Week 2012

   I was invited by Black Opal Cosmetics to attend the Samantha Black Fashion showcase on September 12th, 2012.  It was held at New York's famous Limelight Marketplace . My dreams became a reality, I was invited and put on the RSVP list for NYFW (New York Fashion Week).  I got to sit among some of the fashion and music business big wigs.  I ran into some of my role models, Ty Hunter, Michaela Angela Davis, Keyshia Dior, upcoming singer Elle Varner, Lola Monroe, and ran into my high school classmate Hot 97's own Kay Foxx!  Singer Tiarra Mari, Swizz Beatz & Winter Gordon were there as well as many fashion industry insiders. Check out my youtube video & some pictures from the event.

     

When I arrived look who was standing outside? My high school (Professional Performing Arts School) classmates
Ricardo & Hot97's Kay Foxx. 

 

I walked thru the door and to my immediate right was one of my role models,
Michaela Angela Davis!

    

Keyshia Dior!! I took this pic of her before finding my seat. I really
admire her brand. She is the brand, and I wear her lipstick, Ka'oir in Dior.



   Low and behold, I get to meet my hair guru iDOL..... Mr. Ty Hunter. He is Beyoncè's hairstylist.                           He is so HUMBLE and I want to be just like him when I grow up.  I aim to be respected in the field of cosmetology as he is.

Check out my business page for more pictures. The Glamour BOX & click on this link to view my YOUTUBE video
RaiNa attends "Black Opal Cosmetics" presents Samantha Black



   

                         

My day with Joseline Hernandez's Hairstylist

Osasere Cynthia & Myself (RaiNa)

  On Friday August 31, 2012 I met and worked with Osasere Cynthia.  She is Joseline Hernandez's hairstylist on VH1's "Love and Hip Hop Atlanta." She creates all of Joseline's long hairstyles and she travels with her when she performs around the country on her tour dates.  I was apart of the 7th annual Nigerian Entertainment Awards hosted in New York City, which honors entertiners from her native country and also showcased some of their native clothing designers fabulous designs.  There were also some African models from Ford modeling agency that graced the catwalk with their poise and beauty.  We started off our day with lunch and then headed to the set to do hair for 40+ models.  The hair team consisted of Osasere, myself and 5 other professional hairstylist.  Here are some pictures and even some behind the scenes Youtube videos of my day.

On top: Obiaze, Ebonè &ME (RaiNa)*

Myself & Terrance 

2hair creations done by ME for the fashion show

My work is done: IT''S SHOWTIME
check out more pics from the day at http://www/facebook.com/RainasGlamourBOX

SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL : http://www.youtube.com/user/TheGlamourBOXinc

PoetiC JustiCe: The BraiDs are Back!

          I often reminisce about the 1990's because it was then that I had experienced some of the best times of my life.  I was always a stylish child and turning 13 in 1993 only added to it.  After seeing Josie,   one of the "Fly Girls" from the sketch comedy series "In Living Color," my friend Tanya and I decided that we wanted them too.  We just thought Josie was too beautiful and so were those braids.  Yes, she had them before Janet wore them in "Poetic Justice."  When "Poetic Justice" came out they were dubbed "The Janet Jackson" braids.  It's 2012 and they have made a comeback thanks to a true fashionista, Ms. Solange Knowles! I absolutely adore her and her style.  Many women are reluctant to wear the long box braids, but not me.  I wear them proudly!  I love the 90's and I am glad that along with the braids, Doc Martens , neon colors (nails/spandex)*and cut off shorts have made a comeback. Now if we can just work on 90's music making a comeback that would make this woman VERY happy.   Check me out below in my rendition of the braids that I did myself.

Me (RaiNa) sitting on the stoop in Queens =) I love my 90's braids &
my boots! The 90's totally rock!

BriDaL TriBe ShOe PaRty

Favors by Dorinda on facebook

     Hey guys and dolls, I wanted to give you an update on what I've been doing since I got back to NYC.  I've recently joined a bridal agency by the name of BRIDAL TRIBE and I am so excited.  I will be a featured make-up artist (MUA) & hairstylist for the company that was started up by Cynthia Williamston.  I'm so excited because I just love what I do and I love making women feel absolutely beautiful, especially on their wedding day.  They also have an online magazine BRIDAL TRIBE MAGAZINE , and Facebook fan page as well, check both of the links out and see what we are all about. Saturday, July 15th 2012 Bridal Tribe held its first "Shoe Party" in Harlem at Astor Rowe's Place in Harlem, aka Harlem World to most New Yorkers. I networked with other entrepreneurs in the beauty and design business.  It was great being around so many beautiful women with ambition and drive.  Here's a look at some pictures from that night.

Cynthia Williamston on your left & Me (RaiNa) on the left in the
blue blazer)*

Some of the festivities from the SHOE party.

CLICK here BRIDAL TRIBE ALBUM to see more pics from the event. =)

BLoNde Ambition: BLoNde HaiR & The PooL

 If you are rocking BLONDE HAIR/HIGHLIGHTS & you plan on swimming in the pool this summer, make sure you invest in a good CLARIFYING SHAMPOO! The chlorine in the water WILL turn your golden locks MEAN GREEN<<--- (screams)* Try the shampoos pictured below! (KENRA Clarifying shampoo)* & (PAUL MITCHELL Clarifying Shampoo)* You can purchase them at TARGET / JCPenny Hair Salon, Trade Secret & SMART STYLE in Walmart! For relaxed/ curly/kinky or double processed or Permed (curly perm)* hair please follow it up with a moisture shampoo & moisture treatment. ~RaiNa The Glamour BOX™®

Blonde Ambition 

HeaLthY Scalp SoLutioNs: Proper Shampoo Technique

 


                 When you are receiving a shampoo service make sure the stylist/shampoo assistant is NOT scratching your scalp. Do NOT scratch the scalp with your nails when your scalp itches. Yeah it feels good but it is NOT good. Doing so causes a break in the skin & can introduce bacteria & disease and HAIR LOSS/BALDING. Use the pads of your fingers because they are less abrasive.  The same thing goes for styling utensils such as  combs, do not dig your scalp with them.  Remember a healthy scalp is an environment that promotes healthy hair. ~RaiNa The Glamour BOX ®

OpitimiZe the heaLth of YOUR haiR!!

     When you go to a salon that sells professional, industry standard products you will notice that EVERY shampoo of the SAME brand has a conditioner.  There is a reason for it, the shampoo and conditioner of the SAME brand is called a SYSTEM.  Always use a SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER SYSTEM.  I can't stress this enough. Ladies you will not get optimal results if you use one brand of "X" shampoo & then grab a bottle of  brand "B" conditioner. They MUST be the same brand. It works like the body's SYSTEM, one part cannot work properly without the other. Here are a few of my favorite brands I think you should try. ~RaiNa The Glamour BOX® 


Shampoo/Conditioner systems I LOVE:

• Phyto Organics NeXXus Theratin & Humectin
• Matrix's Biolage Hydrating Shampoo
• Chi Infra Shampoo & Infra Treatment
• Motions (regular) & Motions Marula Shampoo/Conditioner

SuMmer 2012 hair TREND! Ombre MY haiR

Monica does it RIGHT

   I'm pretty sure that some of you are wondering what is an OMBRE.  The concept of it is to make your hair look as if it has been kissed by the sun or that your hair is fading from dark at the roots to lighter at the ends.  The change is supposed to look gradual with no line of demarcation in sight.  The Ombre procedure can be applied to RaiNa's Glamour LOX for those who don't want to put pressure or damage their own locks.  CONSULT with a LICENSED COSMETOLOGIST TO DO THIS.  They can help you maintain it and teach you how to take care of your color-treated hair properly. While I believe that hair coloring is an art itself there is still a right and wrong way to do it. I'm going to show you OMBRE done the right way & OMBRE done the wrong way. Check out my pictures below.

The WRONG way:

I love you Ashley Simpson but those extremely
dark roots are a NO NO!

I'm pretty sure somebody will probably hate me for this. I love you Ciara, but it's just too much...............

                                   

Have fun with it=) I love this

OMBRE the RIGHT way =)

KeKe Palmer nailed the OMBRE down! Sun-kissed to perfection.
And there is ONE more...SCROLL down =)

Aaaaah PERFECTION! 

Working out & ShampooiNg your HaiR

     Every woman wants to look good and feel great.  So we try and eat healthy and have a regular workout regimen.  The dilemma is that many of us want to look good but we want our hair to look good too.  We all know that shampooing your hair everyday will damage your tresses and cause excessive dryness no matter what hair type you have or what race you are.  When you're exercising you're sweating and it's the salts from your hair that can break your hair shaft down.  I know you want to make sure that does not happen, so I'm here to let you know how to avoid that problem so you can continue to workout and have healthy hair.

• Invest in a dry shampoo (removes odor/bacteria and residue with suds)*
• Invest in a product that acts as an anti-humectant 
• Instead of shampooing your hair after EVERY workout co-wash instead. That means to rinse your hair with water, towel blot it and then apply conditioner to it and then rinse it with cool water. (NO SHAMPOOING)* You are rising the sweat away, not your hair's natural oils. This does not have to be done every time you workout. 

Take a blow dryer and blow your roots dry and then when your hair is 90% dry apply a serum to smooth your hair from the FRIZZIES. 


Here are some products that I suggest you try:

IC Hair Polisher Heat Protector Straightening Serum

http://www.sallybeauty.com/straightening-serum/SBS-425992,default,pd.html

Big Sexy Hair
www.sleekhair.com

BIOSILK SILK THERAPY(can be found at JCPenny hair salons)
www.target.com
www.amazon.com/beauty

You can find this at your local beauty supply store.

http://www.sallybeauty.com/straightening-serum/SBS-425992,default,pd.html

ReLease The GreAse!!

Contrary to “POPULAR BELIEF” hair grease is the enemy to having a healthy scalp. A healthy scalp is the breeding ground for HEALTHY HAIR STRANDS. All hair grease does is clog your scalp, inhibit hair growth & promote scalp fungus & disease because most greases are petroleum based! Think about it, you use petroleum base for your scalp before applying your relaxer as a protectant from becoming irritated from the caustic chemical. Instead use natural OILS such as ORGANIC COCONUT OIL & GRAPE SEED OIL which can be found in your local CVS or HEALTH FOOD store. They PENETRATE the scalp instead of SITTING on top of it. And most of all DRINK water! It’s the number ONE moisturizer.

RaiNa's Fashion Pet PeeVes.......

   I've always been a fashionable type of person.  I'm all about freedom of expression when it comes to fashion because there is a difference between it and STYLE!  Style is personal, it's something that is all yours so OWN IT! And while you're owning it please don't break the basic laws of decency (LOL). Here are a couple of things that absolutely ANNOY me, and I'm pretty sure some of you can relate. You don't have to spend a lot of money to look good. A polished appearance goes a LONG WAY =)

• Chipped nail polish on hands and feet...ugh YUCK!---------> Just remove the nail polish PLEASE!! Oh my goodness! 

• Wearing bras with maxi dresses/tank tops or tube tops... STOP doing that ladies. I wish Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne and Marilyn Monroe would come back and tap you on the shoulder when they see you walking down the street like that... Just TRAGIC!! --->  ----------> 

Purchase a strapless bra ladies!!! 

• Visible Panty LINES!!! Stop thee insanity ladies.......please I am begging you. 

Victoria's Secret has a plethora of pretty panties with the TECHNOLOGY to prevent this

• Here is a video to help you AVOID this problem.  You may not agree with the entire video, but trust me it will help in some way.  

ModeL BooTcaMp 2012

Me demonstrating how to exfoliate the face gently.
The Glamour BOX

                                 
















    I was asked to be the official "Beauty Advisor" for the first annual "Model Bootcamp" for The Reneè Agency in Jackson, Ms.  The Reneè Agency is an upcoming modeling agency located in Jackson, Ms. and is headed by Chanelle Reneè (model/graphic artist/model coordinator/web designer,etc).  I was ever so grateful for the opportunity to teach these aspiring and upcoming models the keys to healthy skin and the "Do's and Don'ts" of a model go-see pertaining to make-up application. Here are a few pictures from the event.

I am demonstrating how to apply foundation
for a go-see. To apply foundation lightly use
a make-up wedge.
The Glamour BOX

I am overseeing the "go-see" makeup
application challenge.
The Glamour BOX


STAY TUNED FOR MORE SCENES FROM MODEL BOOTCAMP 2012 =) The Glamour BOX  is making moves.

Oily Skin Solution: The Inexpensive Foundation PriMeR

Do you have oily skin? Do you wear foundation and it seems to be worn out not too long after applying it? Well, I have a remedy for you that is most likely in your kitchen.  It's MILK OF MAGNESIA.... I know it seems strange but it works! I am a freelance makeup artist and it is just a few tricks of the trade that just happens to be an inexpensive alternative to other foundation primers such as the  MAC prep + prime or the MAC prep + prime creme that can run you from $20 to $37.99 for a 0.5 oz tube.
  Here are the instructions to use MILK OF MAGNESIA as a primer for your foundation:    

•  Applying MILK OF MAGNESIA to your face with a cotton ball and allowed to dry will act as a base before you to apply your foundation.  
• Cover all oily areas well (t-Zone...forehead, nose,cheeks & chin)* with  the Milk of Magnesia immediately after you wash and dry your face. 
• Applying Milk of Magnesia allows your foundation to last much longer on your skin. 

THE DO'S & DO KnoTs of Natural Hair care

        Spring is upon us and summer is not too far behind, and so we must continue with our NATURAL HAIR CARE REGIMEN. Many naturalistas have questions on what products they need to use. I’m going to help all of you to narrow down your search by telling you what ingredients you need to look for so that you won’t waste your money going thru an array of shampoos, conditioners or styling products. While some products may appear natural because they use the word “NATURAL” it does not mean that it is. No two products are created equal. Here is a list of the DOs and DO NOTS when it comes to ingredients you should look for and a list of those you should shy away from.

Natural Hair DOs

1. Products w/natural oils (can be purchased from your local natural health store/found in natural haircare products)*

• coconut
• carrot seed oil
• grape seed oil

   2.  Natural Butters

• shea butter
• cocoa butter 

    3.  Food derived proteins and essential oils *

• lemon
• orange
• geranium
• lavender
• vegetable glycerin

Natural Hair Do NOTS (these ingredients are synthetic and prevent moisture from entering the hair shaft)*
 Stay away from products that contain:

-Parabens (methyl-propyl-, butyl-paraben, etc)
-Sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate (SLS or SLES)
-Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly)
-Propylene glycol
-Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethalnolamine (TEA)
-Imidazoldinyl, urea and diazolidinyl urea
-Silicone
-Ethxylated ingridients (those starting with PEG- or ending with -ETH

READING LABELS CONCERNING HAIR PRODUCTS IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS READING LABELS ON FOOD ITEMS.  PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE IS THE KEY TO HEALTHY HAIR =)  Here is a video on my haircare regimen that perhaps you can use as a guide =) Enjoy

SpriNg/SummeR 2012's answer to the SKINNY JEAN!!

 

 The Skinny jean appears to have "staying power."  They are in magazines, on the catwalk, on the sidewalk...on MEN! In fact I believe they will be here with the roaches when all of humanity is GONE! LOL  And while they are rather HAUTE some people just cannot get with it or are looking for an alternative to it.  I've got good news ladies.... the WIDE LEGGED PANTS are back!  Spring is looking better already.   No matter what your body type is you can feel comfortable & be stylish at the same time, and I am here to show you how.

DRESS IT DOWN pants from THE GAP  www.gap.com

This shirt actually belonged to my mother in the 70's... cool huh? I think so! 

Try your local thrift stores for shirts similar to this.

Paired with some shoes from Charlotte Russe
& some earrings that I made myself with some
wood beads.  It gives you that 70's vibe.

DRESS IT UP : Blouse from New York & Company http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/cat/Latest-Trends/Bold.-Bright.-Beautiful?addFacet=1002%3Acat4980038

RuNway of LoVe hosted by Vivica A. Fox

Ms Vivica A. Fox came back stage to
encourage the models to strut
 their stuff & give it all they've got! 

         I was so excited to participate in this event.  Not only was I going to get to do what I love, but I got to meet the beautiful Vivica A. Fox.  Yes ladies and gentlemen, words cannot express how grateful I am to have had this opportunity.  The Ladies of Legac-e is a non-profit organization of out Tougaloo, Ms.  They created the event to empower and provide transitional housing to homeless women and foster children.  So, I was there to do makeup for the models and also I did something greater than myself... I gave back to the community.  *(For more information on "The Ladies Of Legac-e: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ladies-of-Legac-e/335009886510523?ref=ts   )*

Here I am backstage working on some of the models.

The look for the show is smokey eyes, nude lip and red cheeks:)
Nude lip by Revlon & smokey eyes by Mac cosmetics

Sculptured eyebrows and concealing 

Please do NOT forget to subscribe to my youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com?user/TheGlamourBOXinc/videos to see tutorials and behind the scenes videos.  TheGlamourBOXinc and LIKE my page http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Glamour-BOX/13063340369537 The Glamour BOX thank you all for your support :)

myself (Raina) & LaDelrio Looks (he was the other
makeup artist at the show:) I'm wearing lipstick by
 Ka`oir Doll kaoir.com
by Keshia Dior