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

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

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.        
  

Be sure to LIKE me on Facebook for more info at The Glamour BOX

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)***
--> TheGlamourBOXinc & TheGlamourBOX & LIKE me on facebook --> The Glamour BOX

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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.

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."

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

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 

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

CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE PHOTOS ON FACEBOOK AT "THE GLAMOUR BOX"

NBC NEWS Hillary Flowers Fashion show: Pretty Black Dresses

   I was chosen to do makeup for The Hillary Flowers Fashion Show on Saturday January 12,2013.  It was held at "The Skyroom" in Times Square in New YORK CITY.  I did makeup for a couple of models including Hillary Flowers.  She is a well known fashion designer, boutique owner, singer and songwriter in New York City. She even hosted a segment on Fox5 Good day New York.  The show was an absolute success. I am loving my journey to the top and I want to thank you all for taking this journey with me. Check out some images from that night.

Hillary Flowers is in the center walking down the runway after the show

Here is a BEFORE & AFTER picture of my makeup work I did
on one of the models at the show.

Myself with Hillary Flowers after I did her makeup.

CHECK OUT MORE PICTURES AT "The Glamour BOX" on Facebook.

   

Black Soap: Truth vs. Myth

      Black soap has it's origins in Africa.  It is created from the bark of trees and from plants such as shea tree bark, palm tree leaves, plantain and cocoa pods.  Black soap was created in Ghana.  Various oils such as palm oil, coconut oil,  shea butter are added to real African black soap.  It takes two weeks to cure the mixture and for it to set.    It is widely known that the soaps created in America and in Europe have artificial ingredients, thus giving you the imitation BLACK COLORED soap you have grown accustomed to seeing.

Benefits of African Black Soap:

• The plaintain skins give the black soap Vitamin A & E, and iron. 
• The shea butter in it gives UV protection. 
• The soap can be used on your body (on all skin types, dry/oily/hyper-sensitive,etc) hair (as a shampoo), skin rashes, eczema, acne, scalp irritations and neutralizes body odors.

This is what REAL AFRICAN BLACK SOAP looks like.
BLACK soap is NOT BLACK!
This is my soap pictured here. Click
on the LINK below to order yours today.
www.racosmetics.com

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. =)