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 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.

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)