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
  LIKE my business page on Facebook The Glamour BOX

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.