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."

Hair Trend Alert: Summer 2013

   Summers are all about simplicity from long walks on the beach to sipping sweet lemonade on grandmas porch and enjoying a free concert in New York City's Central Park.  Now is the time to embrace the ideal of simplicity for your hair.  Ladies embrace your natural waves, kinks and curls.  Rock a bohemian braid with waves or a long fishtail braid via a weave installation or your natural locks.  Enjoy a high-bun that's messy, play up your femininity. Put down the blowdryer and give your hair a little TLC. Here are a few trends to watch this season.

Check out my professional instagram CLICK on
this link->> TheGlamourBOXinc on Instagram

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 Pedicure Safety Tips: Your Life, Your Health

    Spring is here and the nail salons are becoming filled to capacity all day everyday.  Although I am an advocate of getting a pedicure all year round many women choose to bombard the nail salons because this weather calls for sandals and an array of open toe sexy shoes.  And you know what, I highly recommend that you get with the program. Please do not wear open toe shoes without getting a pedicure.  Ladies and gentlemen always practice precaution when choosing a nail salon.  Make sure they have a high rating for sanitation and make sure they practice it.

• Make sure that all of the nail technicians are licensed by the state.
• All nail technicians should wash their hands before they work on a new client.
• Never be afraid to ask them to sanitize their utensils and clean out the pedicure bowl, and the jets before you place your feet in.  (The jets hold bacteria and dead skin from other customers)*
• Make sure that they sanitize their tools before they place them on your feet.  All tools (nail clippers/cuticle nippers, etc should be rinsed in soapy water first and then placed in a wet sanitizer or autoclave to kill all microorganisms)
• A brand new nail file should be  used on each client. 
• Do not shave your legs before you get your pedicure.  The microscopic nicks that a razor causes are canals for bacteria/viruses to enter.  Shave AFTER you've received a pedicure.
• If at anytime the technician gives you an attitude about sanitizing their tools then it is your job is to walk out of that establishment and NEVER go back.

Remember ladies and gents that it is very imperative that you take charge of you... this is your Life, and your Safety and Health comes first.

~RaiNa  

RaiNa's Review: Mizani & Cantu's NEW Natural Hair Product Review

This is my with my new PURPLE color by Adore. It's
a mix of Purple Rage & Violet Gem.

        I recently uploaded a new video to my youtube channel.  It was motivated by my new hair color and the challenges that it may bring.  I usually do not participate in product reviews on natural hair products because I honestly have not been pleased with many of them that are on the market.  Many of the ingredients do not fair well with natural afro/curly hair in my opinion. So in my case I have always opted to use simple oils such as Vegetable Glycerin and butters like Shea Butter to keep my hair groomed.  This new hair color had me trying new things.  Check out my video and rate it then comment to let me know your thoughts on the product.  Are you willing to try something new? Check it out & become a "TheGlamourBOXinc" youtube subscriber.

Spring/Summer 2013 Hair CoLor InsPiraTioNs

   I'm on the east coast in New York City and I am dying for Spring to get here.  I already have my spring hair and it's purple.  Pastels, teals, blues, pinks and purple are the trend for the season.  This trend is for the bold fashionista who is not afraid to literally let her hair down.  Anytime you color your hair you have to give it a little TLC.  Remember that color is a commitment. So if you choose to do this consider the cost to upkeep it and the wear and tear it can possibly have on your mane.  To achieve these colors the hair must be pre-lightened first for the intensity.  Choose a stylist/colorist that truly understands YOUR hair and one that will be honest in telling you as to whether your hair can withstand the color process, not just one that wants to take your money.  I will NEVER recommend you doing this at home. You will need to purchase PROFESSIONAL products to maintain the integrity of your strands.  Cheap shampoo/conditioner will ruin the hair and your color. There are always alternatives to applying color all over like extensions and wigs.  Here are a couple of looks that I know you will absolutely love.

*(CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO ENLARGE) The Olsen Twins are pastel pink & lavendar. Rapper Azaelia Banks
wears teal inspired extensions. Then there is me holding the iPhone with my naturally curly hair in Adore's Purple Rage.  A model with hot pink highlights, a blonde with ombre pink hair, an icy pink haired
model and the tral and purple bowl cut model. I love it! Get into it!

RaiNa's Review: MIZANIs SUPREME Oil Shampoo & Conditioner

     I tried Mizani's Supreme Oil Shampoo & Conditioner for the first time today.  Now understand me when I say that I am a person who is very leery of trying NEW products.  I feel like if it works for me then hey I'm fine with it.  I took out my hair weave today after wearing one for months on end out of pure laziness.  My hair is natural and is very curly, I have a so much of it.   Yes, I am a licensed cosmetologist and YES I get lazy with my hair.  But, the one thing I do is I take care of my real hair.  I take the extensions out, shampoo, deep condition and trim my hair every 4-6 weeks.  I was pleasantly surprised that I actually liked this product.  I am a lover of Mizani's shampoo and conditioning products. I am however leery of products that are always labeled "For all Curl Types."  Natural hair products scare me a lot. Besides it being good to my hair and resotring its moisture, it also has a nice light scent.  Here are the pros and cons.
PROS

Mizani's Supreme Oil Shampoo & Conditioner
can be purchased at JCPenney hair salon
& other fine salons.

• Sulfate-free       
• Moisturizing Shampoo
• The shampoo contains Argan & Sesame Oil
• The conditioner contains Avocado Olive and Jojoba Oils
• Paraben, Mineral oil and Silicone Free
• No greasy build up   

CONS

• There are NONE!  

Rate: 5 out of 5...and that's a lot coming from ME =)