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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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."

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.

RaiNa on set with The CID Ninja

CID NINJA

    I met Asqui Music Group singer/songwriter Cid Ninja thru our manager Dewry Bradford a month prior to working with her on her first professional photo shoot as an upcoming major artist.  We hit it off from the second I met her.  I would like to say for the most part that we are some sought of "kindred spirits."  There is a part of her that I see in myself. She is an eclectic musical certified bad ass.  Yes I said it.  I wanted to cultivate an image thru "hair" and "makeup" that was all her own, because I wanted her to stay true to who she is.   I felt it was very important to do so.  Here are a couple of images that were taken from that day.  Please do not forget to check out and LIKE her FACEBOOK fan page, CID Ninja & her REVERBNATION to listen to her music and see for yourself why I adore her, she definitely GOT NEXT.

Me (RaiNa) touching up the checkerboard lips I gave CidNinja

Preview of the Fiona (by Juiciluci cosmetics) and nude lip by Revlon I gave
Cid Ninja

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