One Shirt, Two Looks

 

Summer is here!! Finally! The change of season has me feeling some type of way. I absolutely love it.  The one great thing about being a woman is the way we get to express ourselves thru our hair,nails, perfume and clothing.   I decided to visit three of my favorite stores, Sephora to purchase my Chloe perfume, went to Steve Madden shoe store and H&M to see if they had some good deals.  I got one shirt and gave it two looks. I am also coveting a banging new pixie cut done my none other than me, .... See them below.

The Celfie shirt ($19.99) with the quilted shorts ($29.95)all from H&M...
and of course I could not leave out my Sparta sandals from Steve Madden. (check
previous post.)  The chain ($5.95 sale)is also from H&M. Bracelets ($9.95)
See why I love this store. You can get a whole look without breaking the bank.




        ONE shirt TWO LOOKS.
1) SMALLER LINK CHAIN (H&M)
2) XPERT BLACK WEDGED
SHOE FROM STEVE MADDEN (ON SALE $53.97 original price $89.95)
3) FLORAL SKIRT from H&M ($17.95)

I NEVER , ever do the floral thing far more a skirt.
But I loved the look on the mannequin and I decided to
give it a try.  Then I went to the hat section and decided I needed
it to complete the look. Accessories really change the aura of an outfit.
Something NEW is always good. Go on and get your CELFIE on GLAMOUR GIRLS.

Here is a close look at my goodies.
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @TheGlamourBOX &TheGlamourBOXinc I will
follow you back. =)

Raina's Summer Style Tip 101:The Shoe Edition

   When it comes to style, "personal style" in my opinion is the BEST!  Staying true to you is what makes you unique.  I believe in order to be a true fashionista, one must know how to ADD pieces to her existing wardrobe without breaking the bank.  Anything from accessories to shoes can transform a plain look into a stunning one. Summer is here and I think it's all in the footwear.  So choose something that will make a STATEMENT!

 

A simple sandal from Steve Madden really spiced up
my simple black ensemble. I purchased these
Sparta sandals from the Steve Madden store for $99.95 The top I'm wearing
is actually a mini-dress and the skirt is from H&M. I bought it
there for 2 for $20.

Feeling very warrior princess like! Stay tuned, more to come
~RaiNa

A Day with "Tabatha Take Over's" Tabatha Coffey

Thee Ms. Tabatha Coffey & myself.

               On Friday May 30th Tababtha Coffey from the Bravo networks, "Tabatha Take Over" came to host an event at the upper east side's Blo Blow Dry Bar here in New York City.     The event was to debut the Circle Extension hairline to her already existing LUXHAIR extension hairline, in which media outlets such as Marie Claire, Allure Magazine,  and Modern Salon, just to name a few were invited to. For the event, myself and the staff at Blo Blow Bar prepped the editors hair for the extension install by shampooing and blow dry styling their hair so that Tabatha's team could install the hair. The Circle Extension is  like wearing your favorite headband and is easy to put on.  It requires no tape, glue or clips. It comes in 14 natural shades from the lightest blonde to black, in lengths fro 10" to 18". It is made from Keralon, a revolutionary synthetic fiber that allows the hair to be styled with heat tools up to 320 degrees.  This makes the extension line extremely durable and affordable with a price range from $79 to $99.  It looks BETTER than your "real" hair. =) The hairline debuts November 2014. Here are some pictures from that fabulous day.

Me with one of my role models in this business,
Celebrity hairstylist Robert Evan Thomas. He
was on Tabatha's team installing the hair extensions.
 It was really great working alongside him!

Myself blow dry styling freelance editor for Marie Claire
magazine, Shyema Azan . She knew who I was from reading this blog.
She has her own blog named Beauty and The Feast  

Tabatha talking to Modern Salon about the
Circle Hair Extension line.  











                                         
                                                     

Revamping RaiNa's Closet: Mixing the Old with Something NEW

Over the past few weeks I've been making a conscious effort to make my money stretch when it

comes to "revamping" my closet. The idea is to add pieces to my existing wardrobe, NOT to add whole outfits.  That is what being a fashionista is all about.  Lately, I have been feening for blazers in an array of colors.  You see I love the "sale" rack, after all I am a mother of 3! Here's what I wore and where you can find these deals.

The jeans are American Eagle and I've had them for about 3 years. (I LOVE distressed denim... in fact I have a problem!! lol) Jacket: Zara $79.50
White stretch tank top: Zara $19
Shoes: Steve Madden $70

White bag: Aldo $35
Triangle Earrings: H&M $12.50
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Spring/Summer Look w/Candy Yum-Yum

   Anyone that knows me, knows that pink lipstick is my signature.  I wear it all year round.  I decided to go to the MAC counter at Bloomingdales "new favorite place,"on 59th and Lexington and try the ever-so-popular Candy YUM YUM. Boy oh boy is it bright and oh so fabulous.  It'll definitely brighten your mood and get you noticed.   Here is my "Face of the Day" and the cosmetics I used to achieve this look.

NO filter, No photoshop, No More Beaute App. Just
my iPhone camera and some natural sunlight! Skincare is the canvas upon
which a "flawless" makeup application is built upon." Skincare First!
**Practice makes "perfection."**

                                                                          

Foundation: MAC NC50

Lower lid Liner: Mountain Air by MAC

Top Liner: Sonia Kashuk liquid eyeliner in black

Lip Liner: Magenta by MAC

Lipstick: Candy YUM YUM by MAC

Highlight: Prep+Prime BB Creme by MAC in NW35(I placed MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish in Gold Deposit in the highlighted area to give that glow)** see previous post**

Brows: Spiked by MAC 

I always wear ArdeLL individual cluster lashes in long and medium to
give you that EYE DRAMA! (get it at your local CVs or
beauty supply store)**
Check me out on Instagram for more tips and pics @TheGlamourBOXinc

The Perfect Red Lip!

      I love red lipstick.  It signifies sophistication and sexiness!  When I turned 30 I started wearing it.  It was a sign that I was coming into my own as a woman. Women often get stuck in one look, but today's woman can and should change up her look from time to time...take a walk on the wild side. Here's what I used to achieve this "Face Of The Day." (#fotd)

NO filter, No photoshop, No More Beaute App. Just
my iPhone camera and some natural sunlight! Skincare is the canvas upon
which a "flawless" makeup application is built upon." Skincare First!
**Practice makes "perfection."**

Foundation: Mac Cosmetics NC50
Lip Liner: NYX "Hot Red" SPL817
Brow Pencil: Mac Cosmetics Eyebrow pencil in "Spiked"
Highlight for Brows: NW40 Studio Fix
Highlight for face: Sephora Mat Tan 38
Lower lid liner: NARS Valentino Vandetta
Top liner:Sonia Kashuk's Dramatically Different liquid
liner in Black
Bronzer: Mac's Mineralize Skinfinish in "Gold Deposit" AB3
*Use the Beauty Blender to blend your foundation, highlight and contour*

Spring Cleaning: "Revamping Raina's Closet."

     A few weeks ago I stated on my personal Facebook account that I will be revamping my entire wardrobe.  My closet is filled with ALL BLACK EVERYTHING because I am a hairstylist and makeup artist and that is my "uniform." I also have some old things I want to get rid of.  I tend to dress more on the edgy side which is cool and all, but I want to lighten and brighten things up.  I want my clothes to reflect my growth and my life because I have come such a long way in the last 2 1/2 years.  Many blessings have been bestowed upon me professionally and personally.  So the first thing I choose to do is to wear more feminine colors, like blushes, soft nudes, peaches.  I'm always transforming my clients look, I think it's high time I transform my own.  I will put away my spiked stilettos for now.  Spring is upon us... well,  here in New York City the weather is bipolar.  Nonetheless spring is here.
Here is a picture of some items I recently purchased.

My "Grommit White Multi" Steve Madden shoes
that I got on sale at 720 Lexington ave. in Manhattan

My sheer blouse in "blush" that
I bought at New York & Company located on 715vLexington ave.
They were having a super sale. 

Here is my complete look. The pants are from my closet. I wore
faux pearl earring with this look.
Sometimes to save money, keep certain items from your closet and add
to them. You don't always have to purchase a whole outfit to revamp
your closet.  I'll keep you all updated on more looks.
FOLLOW me on INSTAGRAM @TheGlamourBOXinc & @TheGlamourBOX

The Theresa Francine Makeup Class

 Sunday April 27th I attended my first makeup class.  I am a self-taught makeup artist so this class meant so much to me.  To learn someone else's technique is a plus because I can never have enough knowledge in my field.  Theresa Francine is a published celebrity makeup artist.  I had been following her on Facebook for 3 years when I became interested in doing makeup on top of already doing hair. The class covered highlighting, contouring, eyebrow technique,wet makeup application and airbrush foundation technique.  I wanted to learn the wet-look makeup application and who better to learn it from than this phenomenal make-up artist who I've looked up to for so long.
     Theresa gives an in-depth instructional lesson. She also listens to our questions and takes time to answer them precisely.  One of my favorite parts of the class is when she gives us insight on what her favorite products are and why.  It's good to have that kind of insight because sometimes as makeup-artist one can get stuck on using one thing. I will definitely be trying her recommendations.  There is a big difference between a "hustler" (Instagram/facebook, social media) make-up artist and a TRUE passionate makeup artist.  Therese Francine is that TRUE passionate makeup artist who uses social media not to just market herself, but to share her gift and inspire people... she has truly inspired me to perfect my craft, to keep pushing forward and to know my worth as an artist! I am definitely taking her next class.
Check out the photos I took from the class... enjoy!
      ~RaiNa

Theresa Francine teaching her wet look makeup technique and
the finished result is flawless... NO filter needed! True artistry at it's finest.

   

Guess who won the raffle! ME!!!!!! I got some great quality products too.  And the entire
class got some goodie bags too with some products from the class's
sponsors. I just
love me some Theresa Francine!
CHECK ME OUT ON FACEBOOK AT "THE GLAMOUR BOX."
and check me out on my business instagram at @THEGLAMOURBOXINC for
beauty tips, videos and more. =)

"Pink Lemon Park Nail Studio" review

             

On Saturday April 12th, 2014 I left work to get a much needed pedicure.  On my way to work, I always pass by this pretty nail shop called "Pink Lemon Park Nail Studio," located at 1341 2nd ave.  It just captures the eye because it's so girly looking and absolutely cute.  So I decided to give it a try.  When I walked in the receptionist, Piya, greeted me and asked me what service I was having done and asked me to pick a polish. So of course I choose the orange "CHANEL "polish... I mean I'm divalicious!

Everything about the place was absolutely fabulous, it was clean, very professional, posh yet cozy.  There is a menu that has everything from champagne to pink mimosas to chose from . My nail tech Nancy did an excellent job.  The pedicure did not hurt at all.  The scrub was delightful to my lower leg and my feet.  She asked me what kind of oil I liked and then mixed in some peppermint oil and massaged my legs and my feet. I even fell asleep, that is how awesome it was.  I was sitting across from the stars of the new OWN Network show "Love In the City" and Bershan invited me to their viewing party. After a long day of standing on my feet and servicing my hair clients this was just what the doctor ordered at only $35.  (There is a list of other services, check it out here, Pink Lemon Park Nail Studio)*

A nail salons should always be a relaxing environment. Environment is
EVERYTHING. You get what you pay for. Follow them on INSTAGRAM @PinkLemonPark 

Me getting my pedicure. Aren't the rose petals beautiful?

             

I was sitting across from 3 of the 4 stars of the NEW reality series

"Love In the City" Chenoa , Tiffany & Bershan .

TNT's Private Lives of Nashville Wives: Erika Page White

    On Tuesday, February 18th the cast of the new reality show "Private Lives of Nashville Wives" came to Blo BlowDry Bar to promote their new show.  It was an exciting event that three of the cast members attended, Sarah Davidson, Cassie Chapman and Erika Page White.  Our salon was offering the clients the signature styles of the cast mates. I had the opportunity to do hair for the beautiful Erika Page White in her half up, half down signature look.   The press came out to interview each of the ladies, everyone from OK magazine to Fox news.  

Photo courtesy of Facebook

     Erika is an adoptee, mother, wife and former soap opera actress from "One Life To Live."  The more we talked the more I got to know about her.  We are both virgos. That was exciting to know.   She is married to country singer/songwriter Bryan White and together they have two beautiful children.  I'm so excited for her, this series will definitely put her back into the limelight and the world will get to see how talented and beautiful this woman truly is.  She gives adopted children hope that they too can be anything they put their minds to.  She is a true inspiration. Do not forget to tune into the show tonight, February 24, 2014 on TNT at 10/9c. Watch the premiere of #NashvilleWives NOW!! Click here to watch:  http://bit.ly/1jObNxd And do not forget to tweet/facebook using the hashtag #NashvilleWives
Check out some pictures from the event here.

This is me working on Erika giving her the half-up, half down w/curls
signature look she's known for.

Our after photo. She was thoroughly pleased
and looked absolutely stunning.

(Left to right)
Casie, Sarah and Erika with their completed "signature looks."
Hair on Erika: done by me, RaiNa 

Please FOLLOW me on @TheGlamourBOX & http://instagram.com/theglamourboxinc@TheGlamourBOXinc I will follow you back! Thanx again
   ~RaiNa

How to do the Perfect Blo-OUT!

    One of the salons I work at in New York City is Blo Blow Dry Bar in New York.  We are the first Blo-OUT  "ONLY" concept salon.  We have perfected the art of the blow-dry style.  I want to share a couple of tips with you to get that salon-type "Blo-OUT,"  and teach you some pro tips on how to make it last.  Remember practice makes "perfection."

Tools you will need.

• When you shampoo your hair, apply conditioner to the shaft of your hair mainly at the ends.  Do NOT place conditioner on the roots, this may cause your blo-out to be heavy and weighed down. 
• Rinse the conditioner completely with cool water as to not leave any residue.  The cool water gives it a shine and closes the hair shaft to make your blo-OUTS smooth and perfected! 
• Section your hair off in sections to achieve smoother blow-outs and to assure that each section is dried properly from root to end otherwise your blo-OUT will be frizzy if it is damp.
• Use a heat protector to detangle and get that polished look and to protect your hair from heat damage.
• Apply a bodying product to your roots for oodles of BODY!
• Start blowing your hair from the front because the hair there is thinner and dries fast. Remember your hair needs to be wet to be blown dry.
• ALWAYS use a nozzle to achieve salon-style Blos!
• Blow your hair to be at least 70% dry before you start round brushing it. 
• A round brush with the metal in the inner part is great to achieve smoother and quicker blo-OUTS.
• Pin the hair/use velcro rollers after you blow-curl your sections for lasting body. 

  

  This is me doing a step-by-step BLO-out
  on my client.(Blow, then pin each section and let it cool off)

• Spray with a really great "flexible" holding spray, NOT an extra hold spray... and GO! 

  

  Here is a pic of myself with client Ms. Marla Maples, actress and
  ex-wife of Donald Trump. I did her Blo-OUT this past week
  and she absolutely loved it!  She wanted body with curls and then her
  daughter called and requested she get it straighter.
  FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @TheGlamourBOX & @TheGlamourBOXinc
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How to Get Thicker Hair

Hair in photo done by me, RaiNa
for PaperDoll NYC

   The thickness of hair is often referred to how much of it you have on your head per square inch.  Some people have the complete package when it comes to their hair, it's normal and dense at once.   But for many of us we have to manipulate it to achieve the fuller look.  Hair type and even length is solely hereditary.  I will tell you a couple of things you can do to "Fake it till you make it."

1. Stop using a FLAT iron to style your hair.  It's doing exactly what it says, it's making your hair FLAT!
2. Do more wet set such as roller sets.
3. Use a bodying shampoo and conditioner system to add thickness to your strands. Place conditioner primarily at the ends of your hair so that it won't weigh down your hair. 
4. Make use of bodying hair products like a thickening mousse, setting lotion or root booster before blow drying your hair. Make sure to dry your hair away from the roots for an extra boost with a round or paddle brush.
5. Add extensions from time to time for density.
6. Let a professional and licensed hairstylist give you ample layers in your hair. 
7. And please do not over shampoo your hair. 1-2 times a week is all you need so that you don't continue to strip your hair of it's natural moisture. 

   

   Roller sets, clip-in or sewn-in extensions,
   Big Sexy hair Root Booster (apply at the root on wet hair)
   BB Thickening Creme, Matrix Amplify Shampoo and Conditioner system

Straightening Your Natural Hair the Right Way

   So many naturals are afraid to straighten their hair with thermal irons.  I know it can be extremely challenging and intimidating.  For most the fear comes from believing their hair cannot be reverted back to their natural curl/kinky pattern.  When that occurs it is because the hair has been heat damaged.  There is no way to revive that hair than to cut it off.  The bonds are broken down in the hair shaft causing it to appear as if you have chemically relaxed your hair even when you wet it.  Here are some key points that you need to consider when straightening your natural mane.

1. Always use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.  Clean moisture-balanced hair is the key to healthy hair.       

   

   "Motions" for natural hair. Shampoo,
   Conditioner, Hair masque (deep treatment)

2. Use a deep conditioning and protein treatment to strengthen and moisturize your hair strands before getting it straightened. 
3. Always use a heat protectant and leave-in conditioner on your wet strands prior to blow drying.
4. When blowdrying try to use to warmest setting on the blowdryer.  That will make your shaft's cuticles lay down and it will be easier to flatiron.
5. Take the blowdryer and dry your roots first, it makes the process easier.
6. Purchase a ceramic flatiron, I use the BabyBliss and I love it!
7. Use a heat protectant prior to flat ironing or curling your natural mane.
8. Section your hair off in four parts.
9. Do not flat iron your hair everyday. You will damage your hair.
10. Seek a licensed professional who is proficient in natural haircare.        

    

    It's a 10!
    (leave-in product that
    cuts down on drying time, heat protectant,
    gives a healthy shine, and more)

*About 97% of my clients are naturalistas. Here are some before and after pictures of them.  LIKE me on Facebook for more The Glamour BOX

Hair by me, Raina
All natural silk press!

Hair by me,  RaiNa
Deep conditioner, precision cut, wrap & curled with marcels.

Hair by me, Deep conditioner,  trim and silk press.

New Year, New Beauty Care Commandments: 2014

    Hi everyone and happy new year.  I am so excited about what 2014 has in store for The Glamour BOX.  This is the year that you promise yourself and work on taking better care of your overall health, skin, hair and nails. Up the volume on all things beauty.  Remember that it starts from the inside.  Here is a list that I compiled before the end of 2013 to guide you along the way.  Feel free to add to it as you please.

Beauty Routine Commandments:

• Thou shalt commit to a skincare regimen 7 days a week and incorporate a skincare system into it.
• Thou shalt not pick thine blemishes (acne, blackheads, etc).  Consult a dermatologist for severe cases of them.
• Thou shalt use essential oils to moisturize your skin. Do not forget to apply it directly to damp skin after a shower for better absorption.
• Thou shalt commit to a nail salon at least once a month or a spa treatment (body massage, facial) at least every 3 months. Treat yourself, you deserve it.
• Thou shalt NOT use box color , perms or box relaxers and apply them at home.
• Thou shalt commit to a haircare regimen and seek professional counsel via a licensed cosmetologist with whom you are comfortable with. (trims/deep conditioning, etc)
• Thou shalt NOT purchase $10 hair to be installed.  You spend good money on the installment and purchasing cheap hair will be a waste of your money. Hair extensions are an INVESTMENT. You do want your hair to look right.
• Thou shalt consume salts and sugars sparingly as they have a direct effect on your skin and hair.  Too much can age you significantly.
• Thou shalt drink 8 glasses of 8 ounces of water daily.  Try lemon water, your skin and hair will be grateful.
• Thou shalt find time for SELF.  Workout, read a good book, turn off the electronics and unwind.        
  

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