Tiny Toya

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Passionate about purple and Paint Pots

Seriously ... have I told y'all how much I love MAC Paint Pots?  Have I???  Because I do.  I love 'em, y'all.  They are the best.  Swipe it on with your finger, add liner and mascara and go.  A polished, slightly shimmery eye in seconds.  Yummylicious!

Today's skincare:

  • Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
  • Paula's Choice Blemish Control Liquid (or whatever it's called)
  • MAC Moisturelush Eye Cream
  • Elizabeth Ardene Intervene Moisturizer

Today's makeup:

  • YSL Touche Eclat in 3 (under brows and under eyes)
  • MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Deep (all over with BE Handy Buki brush and used as concealer with BE Max Coverage Concealer brush)
  • MAC Paint Pot in Nice Vice (applied over lid and into crease with finger)
  • tarte emphasEyes in Black (used to line upper and lower inner eye)
  • MAC Dual-Edge Eye Pencil in Fab Orchid (upper lashline)/Dash Lily (lower lashline)
  • Cover Girl Lash Blast in Very Black (two coats on top lashes)
  • tarte cheekstain in blushing bride (applied to apples of my cheeks and blended with fingers)
  • Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF15
  • NYX Round Lipstick in B52
  • MAC Lipgelée in Mega

Today's outfit:

  • purple drape cowl neck top from Torrid
  • brown tweed pants from New York & Company
  • cream lace kitten-heels pumps by Isaac Mizrahi for Target
  • silver dramatic crescent/rhinestone earrings from New York & Company
  • wedding set
  • camel large tote from baghaus.com

Today's fragrance: Fresh Sugar Lychee eau de parfum

Today's hair: sprayed with my homemade leave-in (water, leave-in conditioner, pomegranate seed oil, olive oil) and pulled up in a Tomoka's Twist with silver beads

My hair washing routine

A reader e-mailed and asked me if I would share my hair care routine and the products I use.  I told her that it would probably be a bit boring, as I don't do much to my hair, but I aim to please!  So, here you go!

030808_001 These are the products I used today - Suave Tropical Coconut Shampoo and Wen Lavendar Cleansing Conditioner.  I don't use shampoo much anymore, as I've discovered through research and trial-and-error that shampoo pretty much strips moisture from the hair and my dry, highly-textured hair needs needs all the moisture it can get!  However, on days like today, when my hair and scalp are feeling a bit weighted down and bleh, I use shampoo to clear it all off.

I wash my hair in the shower, however, if you're one who likes to wash your hair at the sink, that's just fine, too.  I thoroughly rinse my hair first - I lean back under the stream of water and let it beat down on my head.  I make sure to separate my locks so that the water gets directly to my scalp, rinsing off any build-up, dandruff, etc.  Then I allow the water to run down the strands of my hair.  Doing such a thorough rinse before lathering removes dirt, dust, and whatever flotsam and jetsma may have accumulated.

After I've done the initial rinse, I put a huge dollop of shampoo in my hands and rub them together, making sure that the shampoo is coating my entire palm and all of my fingers.  Then I work the shampoo into my scalp, rubbing vigorously with the pads of my fingers to loosen any dirt from my scalp.  I urge you not to scratch with your nails.  You don't want to lacerate your scalp and rubbing firmly with your fingers feels just as good and gets rid of the itchies just as effectively.  I then rinse, making sure that the shampoo runs down over the strands of my hair and that I remove it all from my scalp.

I then pump about 20 pumps of the Wen Cleansing Conditioner into my hands and repeat the above - working it into my scalp with the pads of my fingers.  The Cleansing Conditioner needs to stay on for about three to five minutes and then rinse.  You can repeat and/or use a few pumps of the product for a leave-in conditioner.

I have to say, I am really loving the Wen Cleansing Conditioners.  I bought the sampler set from QVC and have been trying all of them.  They all work well, but I am particularly in love with those made for my hair type - Lavendar, Tea Tree, and Fig.  These all work best on curly/highly-textured/coarse/"ethnic" hair.  Yeah, my hair is all of those things - LOL!  I find that my hair isn't as dry or frizzy and my hair is looking the best it's ever looked since I've been using these products.  I'll definitely be repurchasing, once I run out of the sample size.  I'll buy Lavendar, Tea Tree and Fig and just alternate because I love them all so much.  Keep in mind, even if you have relaxed hair or your is naturally straight or wavy, you can still use the Wen Cleansing Conditioners.  Black ladies with relaxed hair should still use the ones made for highly-textured/curly hair, as your hair is still desperately in need of the moisture they will provide.  Ladies with naturally straight or wavy hair should probably try Cucumber Aloe or Vanilla Mint.

So, here it is - my hair, looking healthy, clean and sporting springy natural curls:

030808_003 030808_004 030808_005

So, what did you think?  Talk to me in the comments and tell me how you liked this hair post.  And let me know if you'd like to see more posts about hair in the future!

Tomoka's Twists

022508_004 I heard about Tomoka's Twists on Afrobella.  After seeing the Bella herself rocking a hot Tomoka's Twist, I decided I had to have one, too.  Well, I wound up getting three!  If you look at the picture, you can see that I have already been sporting them and loving them!  I love that, for the first time, I can wear my Sisterlocks in an up style without worrying about popping an elastic band and that I can do it with style!  I bought the silver beaded one I'm wearing in the picture, one with pink beads and one with beads that say "Foxy Brown!"  That's my favorite one, of course.

The creator of Tomoka's Twists was inspired when looking for a band that would keep her natural hair in the high puff she desired.  She is now a Sisterlocked sister like myself - yay!  I can't wait to get some more - I really like the beaded designs.  Many of the designs also come in earrings - tres chic!  Most of the Twists range from $12 - $14.  You can purchase at www.tomokastwists.com.

A small natural-haired beauty

Sarai Sarai just got her hair washed.  This is it, in all its natural, curly, kinky, thick, shiny glory.  Wow.  I wonder where she got that hair from?  LOL!  She definitely takes after her mom in the hair department.  Fortunate girl.

I love that I decided to go natural when Sarai was just an infant.  That means that I'll have the privilege of teaching her to how to nurture, protect and love her hair just as it grows from her scalp and that I have the fortune of having already gone through this journey, so I can give her firsthand knowledge of how to love her own unique little Black beauty.

Nappy-headed activist?

While in North Carolina over this past weekend, Vic and I visited the Museum of the New South.  It's quite a fascinating place - I love that the exhibits are so interactive.  One of the exhibits was about African Americans' natural hair and the images/stereotypes/what-have-you that go along with it, at least, in this country.  The exhibit mostly consisted of quotes on the walls, recalling old stories about how Black people wound up "cursed" with this hair, jars full of "cockleburrs" and audio of racist taunts about the nappyness of African hair.

I walked out of the exhibit enraged.  After giving myself time to calm down, I asked myself why I found the exhibit so hard to stomach.  And I realized that it brought up so much in me.  Honestly, when I decided to go natural about four years ago, I hadn't really thought it through all the way.  I just remember being tired.  I was just plain tired of the same old, same old after 18 years.  I was tired of getting my hair burnt into submission every six weeks, only to have it fight back after two.  I was tired of the smell of the chemicals, of sitting under the hair dryer for two hours at a time because, though straightened, my thick hair would refuse to dry completely, as if it were her last ditch effort at resistance.  I was tired of the gossip and headaches of waiting hours in salon.  I was just tired.  And I wanted a change.  I wanted to be able to feel free and as if I was capable of taking care of my own hair.  So I just stopped.  I stopped it all - the salon visits, the touch-ups, the chemicals.

It didn't go over well with everyone.  Vic didn't fight me on it, but I could tell he was terrified at the prospect of having a kinky-headed wife.  The first time he saw me with my new short afro, he looked perplexed.  He had no idea why I would do that to myself and said as much.  My grandmother (and his) both balked at my cutting off my long, straight hair to wind up with naps.  Why would I want to do that???  My aunt continually made comments about how she didn't think anyone looked good with natural hair, particularly people with big, round heads (that would be me, I'm guessing).  The only one who accepted me without any backtalk was my daughter and she was a baby.  But I loved it.  I still do.  I love not having to wonder "What am I going to do with my hair" when I go on vacation.  I love being able to jump into a pool with not a second thought.  I love walking bareheaded in the rain.  I love sweaty nights of sex without worrying about my kitchen kinking up.

I had convinced myself that that was all it was. That I just wanted my freedom.  I convinced myself that I didn't think making the choice to sport natural hair was any different than making the choice to sport straightened hair.  But I don't know why I talked myself into that.  In the back of my mind, I've always known that it's not that easy or that simple.  I've always known that the very essence of my being is militant - always has been.  I am the last to cave to authority.  I am the first to question.  I am the first one ready to march, boycott, pop someone in the mouth.  I'm a fighter, for good or ill.  And yeah, I know that my head full of Sisterlocks might not go over well everywhere.  Yeah, I knew when I walked into my agency with a huge 'fro folks were gonna look at me with the cut eye (they were giving me "Madam" all over the place!).  I knew that I'd opened myself up to comments.  I relished in being able to snap at folks who told me that my hair was unprofessional (my comeback: I dare management to say it.  They'll have a discrimination lawsuit on their hands so fast it'll make their head spin).  I absolutely flaunted my nappyness as hard as I could.

Admit it or not, choosing to rock a natural is a political statement.  For me, that statement is, "I will not be dictated to.  I will not concede to your idea of beauty.  I will set my own standard."  It's so nice to meet eyes with another woman who rocks the locks or an afro or braids or whatnot.  It feels like we share a certain something.  I don't knock the choice of my girls who don't have any desire to grow out their perms, but I've made a different choice and I stand by it ... with my fist raised.

Today, I'm frisky in fuschia!

Last night's skincare:

  • Purity Made Simple cleanser
  • Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner
  • Avon Eye Serum
  • Avon Nighttime Cream stuff

This morning's skincare:

  • Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash
  • Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Treatment
  • Olay Age Defying Revitalizing Eye Gel
  • Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 15

Today's make-up:

  • Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit in Golden
  • bareMinerals Foundation Powder in Warm Tan
  • bareMinerals Tinted Mineral Veil
  • Fresh eye shadow in Kona - used to fill in brows
  • MAC Eye Kohl in Teddy
  • MAC Zoom Lash in Zoomblack - two coats on top lashes only
  • CARGO blush in Panama
  • The Body Shop Shimmer Waves in Bronze
  • MAC Mattene Lipstick in Immodest, topped with a thin layer of Murad Energizing Pomegranate Lip Balm

Today's fragrance:

"L" by Gwen Stefani

Today's hair:

Spritzed with Elasta QP H-Two Leave-In Conditioner.  Scrunched in a dollop of Aveda Be Curly.

Today's outfit:

  • brown s/s ruched top from GAP
  • circle skirt with fuschia floral pattern and wide brown edging from Old Navy
  • camel high-heeled thong sandals by Rampage
  • silver bamboo earrings
  • silver dome ring
  • silver thumb rings
  • wedding set
  • white purse w/fuschia floral/ladybug pattern from www.baghaus.com

Today, I'm going for flushed prettiness.

Last night's skincare:

  • Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash
  • Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner
  • Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Treatment
  • Olay Age Defying Revitalizing Eye Gel
  • Avon Anew Night something or other (I have to write down the name of this tonight)

This morning's skincare:

  • Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash
  • Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Treatment
  • Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 15
  • Dove Facial Lotion SPF 15, on the dry patches on my nose

Today's make-up:

  • Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Palette in Golden/Pale Yellow
  • MAC Studio Mist Foundation in Dark
  • MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Dark, applied with my BE Handy Buki brush
  • MAC Powerpoint Pencil in Engraved, used to line top lashline and outer third of the bottom lashline
  • L'Oreal Carbon Black Voluminous Mascara, two coats on my top lashes
  • Bourjois Blush in Rose D'Or
  • Laura Geller Ethereal Rose Powder
  • Softlips Lip Balm in Strawberry Sherbet
  • Vasanti Lipshine in Flores
  • MAC 3D Gloss in Lightswitch, for an added bit of shine and luminescence

Today's outfit:

  • baby pink v-neck top w/fitted waistline from New York & Company
  • black double button pants from New York & Company
  • black leather slingbacks by Manolo Blahnik
  • silver thumb rings
  • wedding set
  • silver ring with large pink quartz stone
  • silver and pink quartz chandelier earrings, bought in Aruba
  • silver bangle my mom gave me for Valentine's Day about 10 years ago
  • large pink leather satchel by Coach that I bought at the outlet in Hagerstown a couple years ago (I never pay full price for Coach.  I buy off-season at the outlet.  The bags are just as fly a couple of seasons after they're in the stores and I save a bundle ... I got this $300 bag for $90.)

Today's fragrance:

Fresh Sugar eau de parfum

Today's hair:

Pulled back into a low bun.  Pink scarf/headband.

Today, I'm suitably subtle on a rainy day.

Last night's skincare:

  • Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash
  • Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner
  • Mario Badescu Honey Moisturizer

This morning's skincare:

Same as above

Today's make-up:

  • Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit in Golden/Pale Yellow, under eyes and around nose
  • Laura Geller Bronze 'N Brighten, dusted all over with a fluffy brush
  • Benefit Gilded pencil, under brows
  • Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil in Gold Reef, on top lashline and outer third of lower lashline
  • Avon Uplifting Mascara in Black, two coats on my top lashes (This was given to me by my friend, Yalonda, who is an Avon/mark representative - look for a review in the coming days)
  • KLS Shimmer Powder in Kissable Cocoa
  • MAC Sheertone Shimmer Blush in Sweet As Cocoa
  • Kiehl's Lipgloss in Goldenberry
  • BareEscentuals Lip Gloss in Sugar Cookie

Today's hair:

Same as yesterday

Today's fragrance:

Fresh Sugar perfume

Today's outfit:

  • denim jacket from Old Navy - a few years ago, I went to a Jill Scott concert and wanted a cropped jacket.  My cousin, Dee, took a jacket she already had and cut it for me - it's perfect!
  • soft yellow s/s cable-knit sweater from GAP
  • brown double-button knit pants from New York & Company
  • brown "croc" pointy-toed mary jane heels by Isaac Mizrahi for Target
  • pearl and gold ring I bought on a cruise
  • wedding set
  • green stone necklace from Old Navy
  • gold circle earrings - I don't remember where I got them from
  • leopard print purse by Kathy Vreeland that I got from The NDC

Today, I'm Pensive in Purple

Today it's cool, gray and rainy outside.  On days like today, I feel slower, more thoughtful ... not really gloomy, but not as chipper as usual.

Last night's skincare:

  • Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash
  • Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner
  • Boots No. 7 Restore and Renew Serum
  • Philosophy Hope in A Jar (used as eye cream)
  • Mario Badescu Honey Moisturizer (around my nose and mouth, where it's dry)

This morning's skincare:

  • Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash
  • Avon Anew Eye Serum
  • Mario Badescu Honey Moisturizer

Today's make-up:

I know several women who've been trying to go without any form of foundation, so I decided to give that a try for the past couple of days - going without any traditional foundation, in liquid, powder or mineral formulations - to see if I could make it work.  I've found that Laura Geller Bronze 'N Brighten works perfectly if you're trying to do this - it's not foundation, but, if you dust it lightly all over your face with a fluffy powder brush, your face looks polished and it adds just the slightest "oomph."

  • Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit in Golden, used to cover under eye circles and redness around my nose
  • Laura Geller Bronze 'N Brighten, brushed lightly all over my face
  • MAC Eye Kohl in Violet Underground
  • MAX Factor 2000 Calories Mascara in Very Black, two coats on top lashes only
  • KLS Shimmer Powder in Kissable Cocoa, used as bronzer
  • Bobbi Brown Blush in Clementine
  • Kiehl's Lip Gloss in Goldenberry
  • Sugar Lip Gloss in Play

Today's fragrance:

Carol's Daughter Eau de Toilette in Groove

Today's outfit:

  • purple cowl neck s/s top from Torrid
  • black double-button knit pants from New York & Company
  • black leather slingback heels by Manolo Blahnik
  • gold hammered cuff bracelet that I bought at The Limited
  • gold and pearl ring I bought on a cruise
  • gold hoop "pharoah" earrings that were part of a bellydance costume
  • wedding set
  • gold "leopard print" bag by Kathy Vreeland, that was a birthday present from The NDC

Today's hair:

out and wavy

Today, I am a little lamb that's lost in the wood!

For some reason, I went to bed last night with the song "Someone Who'll Watch Over Me" running through my head and the line "I'm a little lamb that's lost in the wood" just kept playing over and over.  It was weird.  So, this morning, I decided to pick an outfit and make-up look that gives me the same feeling as that song - soft, tranquil, innocent, kind of ethereal almost.

Last night's skincare:

  • Desert Essences Thoroughly Clean Face Wash with Organic Tea Tree Oil and Awapuhi
  • Skinceuticals Equalizing Toner
  • Mario Badescu Honey Moisturizer, used on dry patches around my nose
  • Philosophy Hope in A Jar, used as an eye cream

This morning's skincare:

Same as above, with the exception of the Philosophy Hope In A Jar - I used Avon Anew Under Eye Serum instead.

Today's make-up:

  • Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit in Golden, used under eyes and around my nose
  • Jane Iredale PurePressed Base SPF 19 in Butternut, applied with the Bare Escentuals Handy Buki Brush
  • MAC Prep+Prime Eye in Medium Dark
  • MAC Pigment in Revved Up, used as a wash over the whole eye
  • Barbie Loves MAC Eyeshadow in Mothbrown, in the crease
  • Bourjois Metallic Eyeliner in 52 Brun Inoxydable
  • BareEscentuals Rose Radiance, applied with the pink retractable kabuki brush
  • Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Mosaic Blush in In Lust
  • Murad Energizing Pomegranate Lip Theraphy SPF 15
  • MAC 3D Glass in Lightswitch
  • MAX Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara in Rich Black, one coat on the top lashes

Today's fragrance:

Aquolina Pink Sugar

Today's hair:

Top pinned back, allowing some tendrils to fall free around the hairline

Today's outfit:

  • brown s/s top w/lettuce edges on sleeves and hem from Fashion Bug
  • pink peasant skirt from Old Navy
  • brown "snakeskin" t-strap pumps by Mossimo
  • silver multi-bangle bracelet
  • wedding set
  • silver earrings with pink crystals that I got in Aruba
  • white and pink flowered bag from Baghaus.com

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