RaiNa's Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Review

  I attended "The Makeup Holiday Pop-Up Show" in New York City on Sunday, December 8,2013.  It was my first makeup show as a professional makeup artist.  This show was open to the public as well.  I stumbled across some products that I thought were pretty cool.  Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics is the name of the lipsticks and eyeshadows I purchased.  They are 100% vegan and are actually called "Lip Tars" .  They come in a matte, metallic and stained lip gloss and smell so yummy because they are made with real peppermint oil, soy based vitamin E and organic hemp oil.  The metallic shines so bright! I purchased one in Black Metal Dahlia.  You should apply it with a lipstick brush for an even distribution. The eyeshadows are simply gorgeous and very true to color! I have zero complaints about them.  Always use an eyeshadow base before applying any eyeshadow. Here are some pictures of the products I purchased and the look I created with them.

Black Metal Dahlia Lip Tar, eyeshadows in Twirls & Authentic

The completed look I did on myself. All products can be
purchased online at Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics
or online at Sephora

On my hand from top to bottom
eyeshadow: 1) Twirl
                                   2) Authentic
Lip Tar: Black Metal Dahlia
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Keratin Perfect: KERATIN SLEEK FLATIRON REVIEW

Are you looking for the perfect flatiron? I'm so excited to tell you about the Keratin Perfect: Keratin Sleek flat iron.  Being that I am a licensed cosmetologist of 13 years this review is from a very professional perspective.  I will tell you exactly what I love about it.

• It goes up to 450 degrees.
• No matter what temperature setting you set it on it gets there quickly, in about 30 seconds.
• It's digital and you can set it to the temperature you desire.

  

  Digital setting up to 450 degrees

• The titanium plates glide through the hair smoothly.
• It works great on all textures, kinky, curly, wavy, straight and on commercial hair (Virgin hair and store bought extensions.      

Minus (-) and plus (+) button, along with the Power button.
Hold down to power on and off. 

I love you Keratin Sleek!
*(I was not given any compensation for this review)*

 


















I am usually not impressed by many flat irons on the market today. I can honestly say that this one takes the cake, and I am thoroughly impressed.  That says a lot, because when it comes to hair tools it takes a lot to impress me. I give the Keratin Sleek flatiron a 5 out of 5. The company also sells a wide variety of at-home haircare products.  Click on the name to order yours today and enjoy FREE shipping on all orders over $100.
--> Keratin Perfect: Keratin Sleek Flat Iron.     

Season 4 of Love and Hip Hop:(TARA) TARANASHA WALLACE

Photo courtesy of VH1

photo courtesy of VH1

      I am pleased to announce my newest venture on this hair and makeup journey.  She is one of the new faces on season 4 of Love and Hip Hop, her name is Taranasha.  Taranasha is a McComb, Mississippi native who came to the Big Apple to pursue a career in acting.  She is a combination of "Brains and Beauty" with a degree in Dramatic Arts from well known HBCU, Jackson State University  and a MFA in acting from the world-reknown New York Actors Studio Drama School. She is also the longtime girlfriend of Peter Gunz and together they have two beautiful sons.  I have had and continue to have the pleasure of being her personal hairstylist working with her putting together different hairstyles for her appearances on the show.  I call her the "Queen of the BOB." And in my opinion she wears it well.  She is the true epitome of a southern belle, well spoken and extremely kind-hearted. The season premiere starts October 28th on VH1. Tune in to see the fashion, the glitz, glamour, the drama and your NEW favorite "it" girl, TARANASHA!
***FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM FOR BEHIND
THE SCENES PHOTOS of me doing Taranasha's hair, makeup and having a great time.(click on the two links)***
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It's Just HAIR!!: My New Look for Fall 2013

My hair this past summer. It was a
"wash & go" style, purple and pinned up in
the back. 

       Hi everybody! It's been a little while since I have done a blogpost.  I have so many beautiful things in store.  I cannot wait to share with you.  I did hair for  New York Fashion Week this past September and I got to meet thee "Ms. Jay" from America's Next Top Model, (check photo below) he was amazing and very tall.  I also attended the "Stevie Boi" show that same week and it was amazing. I am doing some wonderful things that I will reveal in due time.  In the mean time I want to share with you my new look for fall.  If you follow my blog you will know that I am a hairstylist and makeup artist and I am constantly changing my look. I am a naturalista who dons weaves and other protective styles to change up my look from time to time.  After all I like to keep up with what is current and sometimes boredom sets in, so I have to change my hair.   Here are a few styles I have done over the course of the year so far. Maybe I can give you some inspiration to take the leap and do something drastically different.

This is me this summer with my hair al the way out.

Myself at NYFW2013 with the hairstyling team & thee Ms. Jay
from "America's Next Top Model."

Myself at New York Fashion Week 2013
working for TAB NYC with a twisted updo natural hairstyle.
There's one more picture left, keep scrolling.

And TA-DA!! My new look for Fall 2013. It's a frohawk with a tail in the back
I LOVE MY NEW LOOK., it's NATURALLY DOPE! It's easy and stylish! Take the plunge and do something different.
BLONDE IS IN FOR FALL, ALL SHADES OF IT.
LIKE me on facebook -->The Glamour BOX <-- to get more updates and information
from yours truly.  Follow me on Instagram -->  TheGlamourBOXinc & TheGlamourBOX  I do follow back.
Thank you for the support.

Fall Hair Trends 2013: Get GLAMMED!

 

Photo courtesy of  muumuse.com The "Body Party" singer/actress
is rocking messy asymmetrical bob! I love IT!

           Yes this is a post about Fall.  And yes that means summer is coming to an end.  I don't know about you but Fall is my favorite season, from the crispness in the air,  the fall fashion and most of all we cant forget the "hair!"  This season we will be revisiting the BOB!  I'm already rocking mine with my signature undercut.   Short haircuts such as the "PIXIE"are also making a bold comeback and it is accompanied by fabulous color. Hair is also going to be beautiful and untamed, that's just the way I like it!

The pixie cut is here ladies! Pick one and go for it.

The asymmetrical bob is BACK and "In Living Color."
Beyonce is donning the blonde bob, the pixie in my opinion
was NOT working in her favor.  Mix it up this fall with a few highlights to
add dimension and flair,
big curls, wispy ends and even a Braided pompadour. 

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @theglamourboxinc & @theglamourbox thanks for the support.

Salon Diaries....UNcut!

 On Tuesday, July 30,2013 I attended the taping of "Salon Diaries." It was created by my fomer co-worker, my role model and friend celebrity hairstylist Lavette Slater.  The segment featured a panel of very familiar faces, celebrities like MTV's "Girl Get Your Mind Right" Tionna Smalls , singer and reality star Olivia , Hot 97's and  reality star Raqi Thunda, Ariane from "Love and Hip Hop ATL , and last but certainly not least blogger BlogXilla.  The Trump's World Bar  was where the event took place.
  Taboo topics in relation to sex, marriage and open relationships were just some of the topics that were discussed.  For the fans and followers of Tionna Smalls you already know it was no hold bars, she definitely tells it like it is.  Each panelist gave their view on dating in the 21st century and we all know it is even harder than ever.   However the fashion and hair was amazing.  The ladies hair was fabulous and makeup was "beat for the GODS." I want the show to be picked up by a major network, so I have my fingers crossed.

This is Lavette Slater and myself. She is an amazing woman.  I learned so many techniques from
her while working in the hair salon.                      

Here goes my girl Tionna Smalls. We met last year in November when I
went to a casting call for one of her many ventures and she remembered me.  Nobody ever forgets me. LOL

Me with the beautiful songstress Olivia. Look out for her

acting debut on a new scripted series and she is now signed to a major label. So proud of her. 

Ariane,Olivia and Tionna are on the couch.

Tionna, Lavette, Olivia, Blogzilla and Raqi chopping it up on the couch.

Can You Really Over-Condition Your Hair?

        We all want healthy hair. Time and time again we have been told to make sure and keep your

"MANE" hydrated. So what do some of us do? We condition our hair, sometimes too often and too long which only results in "Over-conditioning." The signs that you are over-conditioning your hair are:

•  Limp hair when dry or wet
• Rubbery feeling when dry
• Mushy feeling when wet
• Loss of curl definition in naturally curly hair
• Overly stretchy hair

To prevent over-conditioning the hair  follow the instructions on the conditioner's bottle.  Deep condition once a week or perhaps twice a month depending on the condition of your hair (chemically treated, damage) or your hair's texture.  Do NOT exceed the time allotted for efficient conditioning. The cure for over-conditioned hair is to use a clarifying shampoo and a protein treatment at the first signs of over-conditioning.  I highly recommend getting this done by a professional as to not cause further damage.

HAIRCARE: 10 Steps to Split End Prevention

     I have always said that healthy hair is the foundation to a flawless hairstyle.  There is nothing attractive about split ends.  It can and will ruin the most beautiful of styles.  Not only will it ruin a style but it will prevent your hair from curling and cause major hair breakage.  The more it goes untreated, the more the split will go up your hair strands causing your hair to break and thin out.   Here are some preventive methods and solutions to the split end problem.

• Trim your hair every 4-6 weeks or stretch it out to the 8th week depending on the condition of your hair.
• Give your hair a break from constant heat styling. If you must, make sure to use a heat guard such as CHI Iron Guard
• Make sure your hair is 70% dry before you throw a round brush in your hair to blowdry style it.  This will help preserve your mane's elasticity as well.  And always use a nozzle for direct air flow to your strands. 
• Apply a leave in conditioner to your wet strands. My favorite is "It's a 10 Miracle Leave in Product
• Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner on your mane.  Make sure they are the same brand, remember it's a system.
• Even if you have fine hair please do NOT shampoo your hair everyday. When you do so you are stripping the natural oils from your hair.  If your hair is oily use a dry shampoo in between shampooing. 
• Deep condition your hair at least twice a month and seal your mane with cool water when you rinse it out. 
• Towel blot your hair as to not cause cuticles to fray and tangle, which leads to frizzy hair which then leads to breakage when trying to comb.
• NEVER apply hot water to your hair when you are shampooing because it will dry your hair out causing it to split and cause dry scalp as well. 

"And please... NO cheap brands for your STRANDS!" ~RaiNa  

My 360 Magazine Shoot

      If you've followed my blog you know that I've been working my way closer and closer to my dream.  So, about a month and a half ago I did a photo shoot as a make-up artist with 360 Magazine .  The shoot took place in Brooklyn, New York. It was my first time doing a shoot where I had to groom male models.  I don't think I was nervous, but it was definitely new to me.  I was the ONLY female there amongst the models, photographer and the stylist.  I truly had a blast, made some new professional connections and I was definitely in my glee.  High fashion is my first love.  Although I have been published in magazines before as a hairstylist, I was never published as a make-up artist nor was it ever for a high-fashion editorial magazine.  E-V-E (rapper/actress Eve) is on the cover.  The name of the fashion spread is called "Tale of Two Cities" Check it out for yourself!

Download the PDF to view about 6 pages of my work "TALE OF TWO CITIES."

Hair Trend Alert: Summer 2013

   Summers are all about simplicity from long walks on the beach to sipping sweet lemonade on grandmas porch and enjoying a free concert in New York City's Central Park.  Now is the time to embrace the ideal of simplicity for your hair.  Ladies embrace your natural waves, kinks and curls.  Rock a bohemian braid with waves or a long fishtail braid via a weave installation or your natural locks.  Enjoy a high-bun that's messy, play up your femininity. Put down the blowdryer and give your hair a little TLC. Here are a few trends to watch this season.

Check out my professional instagram CLICK on
this link->> TheGlamourBOXinc on Instagram

Date NIGHT!!: Hair and Makeup

   So you got asked out on a date, and you're becoming frantic about what to do with that hair and makeup.  You're saying, "Oh my goodness, what should I do with my hair, how about my makeup... I really want to make a great first impression without looking desperate."  Well look no further, I am here to guide you.  And who better to guide you than me, a licensed cosmetologist, hairstylist, makeup artist and overall beauty consultant.  I just don't do this for a job, I live and breath this thing.   I really enjoy making women feel absolutely beautiful.
    First I would like to say that when it comes to a first date simple is better. While I am all for do what makes you happy first I also have to be completely honest, men love the simple things about a woman. A clean fresh face of makeup is pretty much the look  you should be going for. When it comes to your hair men love it to be simple as well, whether you are natural, relaxed, blonde or a brunette. You may want to add some of your own personality to it, it will give him an idea of what kind of woman you really are.  Play with some curls and play with your femininity, add a splash of  color and make sure your hair has a healthy shine and your skin a natural glow!  The thing is to look like YOU, just a polished version.  Here are some examples of looks that I absolutely love and I am sure that “he” will too. Here is a preview of some in-salon hairstyles that I’ve done and some makeup I’ve done on location as a freelance makeup-artist. Check them out. (click on pictures to enlarge)

One of my clients from the salon that I work at. Check out my

Facebook business page The Glamour BOX and my business

INSTAGRAM

(picture courtesy of Wire Image)
Solange Knowles's hair is always on point!
Naturalistas UNITE! (I'm natural too by the way)
Keep it moisturized and funky!

This is me, Raina. I did an ombrè in
two beautiful shades of purple by Adore (Violet gem
& Purple Rage)on
my Brazilian extensions.  One side of my
head is shaved to show my personality &
individuality.

A clean face of makeup & simple
hairdo  done by me on some
models at a photo shoot.  Remember to keep it simple.
A little foundation, blush on the apples of your cheeks, red lips
(or any other bright color of your choice)* accompanied
by  a sleek bun.  LIKE my business page The Glamour BOX

RaiNa's Pedicure Safety Tips: Your Life, Your Health

    Spring is here and the nail salons are becoming filled to capacity all day everyday.  Although I am an advocate of getting a pedicure all year round many women choose to bombard the nail salons because this weather calls for sandals and an array of open toe sexy shoes.  And you know what, I highly recommend that you get with the program. Please do not wear open toe shoes without getting a pedicure.  Ladies and gentlemen always practice precaution when choosing a nail salon.  Make sure they have a high rating for sanitation and make sure they practice it.

• Make sure that all of the nail technicians are licensed by the state.
• All nail technicians should wash their hands before they work on a new client.
• Never be afraid to ask them to sanitize their utensils and clean out the pedicure bowl, and the jets before you place your feet in.  (The jets hold bacteria and dead skin from other customers)*
• Make sure that they sanitize their tools before they place them on your feet.  All tools (nail clippers/cuticle nippers, etc should be rinsed in soapy water first and then placed in a wet sanitizer or autoclave to kill all microorganisms)
• A brand new nail file should be  used on each client. 
• Do not shave your legs before you get your pedicure.  The microscopic nicks that a razor causes are canals for bacteria/viruses to enter.  Shave AFTER you've received a pedicure.
• If at anytime the technician gives you an attitude about sanitizing their tools then it is your job is to walk out of that establishment and NEVER go back.

Remember ladies and gents that it is very imperative that you take charge of you... this is your Life, and your Safety and Health comes first.

~RaiNa  

RaiNa's Review: Mizani & Cantu's NEW Natural Hair Product Review

This is my with my new PURPLE color by Adore. It's
a mix of Purple Rage & Violet Gem.

        I recently uploaded a new video to my youtube channel.  It was motivated by my new hair color and the challenges that it may bring.  I usually do not participate in product reviews on natural hair products because I honestly have not been pleased with many of them that are on the market.  Many of the ingredients do not fair well with natural afro/curly hair in my opinion. So in my case I have always opted to use simple oils such as Vegetable Glycerin and butters like Shea Butter to keep my hair groomed.  This new hair color had me trying new things.  Check out my video and rate it then comment to let me know your thoughts on the product.  Are you willing to try something new? Check it out & become a "TheGlamourBOXinc" youtube subscriber.

Spring/Summer 2013 Hair CoLor InsPiraTioNs

   I'm on the east coast in New York City and I am dying for Spring to get here.  I already have my spring hair and it's purple.  Pastels, teals, blues, pinks and purple are the trend for the season.  This trend is for the bold fashionista who is not afraid to literally let her hair down.  Anytime you color your hair you have to give it a little TLC.  Remember that color is a commitment. So if you choose to do this consider the cost to upkeep it and the wear and tear it can possibly have on your mane.  To achieve these colors the hair must be pre-lightened first for the intensity.  Choose a stylist/colorist that truly understands YOUR hair and one that will be honest in telling you as to whether your hair can withstand the color process, not just one that wants to take your money.  I will NEVER recommend you doing this at home. You will need to purchase PROFESSIONAL products to maintain the integrity of your strands.  Cheap shampoo/conditioner will ruin the hair and your color. There are always alternatives to applying color all over like extensions and wigs.  Here are a couple of looks that I know you will absolutely love.

*(CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO ENLARGE) The Olsen Twins are pastel pink & lavendar. Rapper Azaelia Banks
wears teal inspired extensions. Then there is me holding the iPhone with my naturally curly hair in Adore's Purple Rage.  A model with hot pink highlights, a blonde with ombre pink hair, an icy pink haired
model and the tral and purple bowl cut model. I love it! Get into it!

RaiNa's Review: MIZANIs SUPREME Oil Shampoo & Conditioner

     I tried Mizani's Supreme Oil Shampoo & Conditioner for the first time today.  Now understand me when I say that I am a person who is very leery of trying NEW products.  I feel like if it works for me then hey I'm fine with it.  I took out my hair weave today after wearing one for months on end out of pure laziness.  My hair is natural and is very curly, I have a so much of it.   Yes, I am a licensed cosmetologist and YES I get lazy with my hair.  But, the one thing I do is I take care of my real hair.  I take the extensions out, shampoo, deep condition and trim my hair every 4-6 weeks.  I was pleasantly surprised that I actually liked this product.  I am a lover of Mizani's shampoo and conditioning products. I am however leery of products that are always labeled "For all Curl Types."  Natural hair products scare me a lot. Besides it being good to my hair and resotring its moisture, it also has a nice light scent.  Here are the pros and cons.
PROS

Mizani's Supreme Oil Shampoo & Conditioner
can be purchased at JCPenney hair salon
& other fine salons.

• Sulfate-free       
• Moisturizing Shampoo
• The shampoo contains Argan & Sesame Oil
• The conditioner contains Avocado Olive and Jojoba Oils
• Paraben, Mineral oil and Silicone Free
• No greasy build up   

CONS

• There are NONE!  

Rate: 5 out of 5...and that's a lot coming from ME =)

RaiNa's Guide to: MAKEUP & EXPIRATION

Left to Right (clockwise) mascara, liquid eye liner
faces with foundation, eye and lip pencils
lipsticks.

      Great skin is the foundation to flawless makeup.  But do you know that it can be ruined easily by "expired" makeup?  Yes, just like food makeup expires too.  Do not put your health at risk just to get that  last bit of mascara out of the tube, purchase a new one.  Here is a guide to your makeup's expiration date.  After you read this list you may have to go in your stash and throw some items out.

1) Mascara & Liquid eyeliner
Expires in 3 months of purchase and use. Replace it often to prevent eye infections. And do NOT pump the wand in and out of the tube.  You introduce bacteria into it.
2) Lipstick
Last 2 years.  Do not share your lipstick with anyone to prevent cross contamination.
3) Lip and Eye pencils
Last 3 to 5 years.  To preserve and keep your pencil clean make sure you sharpen it after EACH use.
4) Foundation
Expires after 2 years.

2013 Spring & Summer Makeup Trends

       This year's makeup look is all about simplicity.  First thing you want to do is develop a skincare regimen to ensure that your skin is in tip top shape.  Every skin type is different and requires something unique.  Basically you want to 1) CLEANSE , 2) TONE and 3) MOISTURIZE.  Make sure that each product specifically caters to your skin type.  Fresh skin accompanied by a bold lip is the look.  It's not a far cry from my regular routine, just minus the cat eye that I love so much.  It is instead replaced with a white eyeliner along the lower rim of the eye.  Make sure you apply moisturizer before you apply your foundation and don't let it dry all the way, put the foundation on it to give your face a natural dewy look.  And use concealer only where needed.  Take a look at some products I recommend and some of the makeup work I did on some models for New York Fashion Week 2013.
Try these shades by Motives by LaLa which will be on my website for sale VERY soon!! I will keep you all updated.

Motives by Lala lip gloss for those who
prefer a shine.

Misture-rich matte Motives by Lala
lipstick

Makeup artist: RaiNa (The Glamour BOX)
Photography courtesy of Two Flash

Makeup Artist: Raina (The Glamour BOX)
Photography courtesy of Christopher Butt
Designer:  Elissee Furs
Event: New York Fashion Week 2013 (Feb)

RaiNa's AcaDemy AwaRds 2013 RECAP!

Kelendria Rowland bka
Miss Kelly! Hair, makeup,dress..
YOU BETTA WERK!

All HAIL to the FASHION GODS!
Charlize Theron...hair,makeup, THAT
DRESS oh YASS!

   The 2013 Academy Awards is an awards show that I mostly watch for the fashion...ONLY! After all I am a fashionista, makeup artist & hairstylist.  My life is consumed with all things beauty-related.  This year I was pleasantly surprised by a few of the celebrities and still bored with one.  Here is a recap of the beautiful scenery better known as "The Oscars."

Reese Witherspoon I "LIVE" because of her Old Hollywood
hair. The makeup & that dress! Oh Yasss!

Halle Berry NEVER fails...from
head to toe she is an ETERNAL SLAYER! 

 

Ms. Kerry baby!
Kerry Washington Yasss! All hail the
fashion gods! The color
of this dress compliments her skin
tone.

BORING AS USUAL!!     Jennifer Aniston (le sigh) Same BORING hair. The color of the dress is beautiful, but she needed a REAL hairstyle! Her makeup...((YAWN)) Somebody hire me please!! ~RaiNa

                                             

PROTECTIVE STYLES: Hair ExtensioNs...

All hair & makeup done by me for The Glamour BOX & my hairline
RaiNa's Glamour LOX

       Protective styles are a great way to give yourself and your hair a break, especially if you have natural hair like I do.  They range anywhere from braids to sew-in extensions. Abuse of protective styles has been a major concern of mine. I am a licensed cosmetologist, so I come across all types of mishaps and self-inflicted hair trauma. The key to wearing these styles is to make sure they are installed properly and by a licensed, and experienced hair technician. Here are some ways to ensure that your real hair is getting the TLC it needs while donning these styles.

-NEVER GET YOUR HAIR EXTENSIONS SEWN ONTO YOUR EDGES.


-NEVER LEAVE YOUR EXTENSIONS IN FOR MORE THAN 3 MONTHS AT A TIME & MAKE SURE THE TRACK IS TIGHTENED SO THAT THE WEIGHT OF THE TRACK IS NOT PULLING ON YOUR HAIR UNDERNEATH.


-GET YOUR HAIR SHAMPOOED AT LEAST TWICE A MONTH AND MAKE SURE IT IS THOROUGHLY DRIED TO PREVENT MILDEW AND POSSIBLE HAIR LOSS.


-ALTERNATE YOUR WEAVE STYLES AS TO NOT CAUSE TRACTION ON ONE PARTICULAR AREA. ie: alternate parts from left to right.


-KEEP YOUR EDGES MOISTURIZED WITH A PRODUCT THAT USES ESSENTIAL OILS, OR PURCHASE ESSENTIAL OILS FROM A HEALTH FOOD STORE. ****(stay away from petroleum-based products, they will clog up your pores & inhibit hair growth)****


-WHEN YOU REMOVE YOUR EXTENSION INSTALLATION, MAKE SURE TO GET YOUR REAL HAIR DEEP CONDITIONED AND TRIMMED, AND PLEASE WEAR YOUR OWN HAIR AT LEAST FOR A WEEK