Beauty secrets?Want to share?

both of these stores are great you can get a lot for a little price. but her in new mexico they have a store called dollar tree and everything in the store is 1.00. and they have some really nice stuff. for my first wedding i brought all my flower and and center pieces and it really didnt cost me that much

Hey ladies, I could help but to join in on this topic! You wouldn't believe where me and my sweetie met? (at the dollar general store), So yes it's my favorite store all together!! hhheeeeeeeee! :) I am going to try the Ponds cold cream suggesion! Thanks!

that oil of olay/shea butter is the bomb! we have a dollar tree here in fl also but it has nothing on the 99 cents stores in san diego! then other companies kept trying to out do each other so on one corner you would have a 98 cents store or a 97 cents store. it was crazy! san diego also have this clothing store called the $5 store. a big behind clothing store for the whole family (even maternity) everything costs five dollars or less. sure the clothes were knock offs but nobody had to know.

Oh, I love Dollar Tree too, I just purchased some silk flowers from there today for my bouquet, corsages and boutineers. Ladies, not to dscourage any of you but I gave up the ghost with the Ponds Cold Cream. It made me look so greasy. I have begun using Loreal Hydrafresh Cleanser, Hydra Renewal(Moisturizer) and Eye Defense(for dark circles and puffy eyes). So far my face doesn't feel greasy and it's soft. Good luck with the Ponds! I guess evryone's skin is not the same so what may work for you may not work for me.

another good thing to use and it new from AVON is ANEW Clinical Eye Lift it removes all the dark circles and lifts your eyes i benn using it for 2weeks and i have as a manner change in my eyes i look like a 15 year old again and i feel great.

Hopefully this will work but if it doesn't I'm open to try the Avon Anew!

Ladies I have tried the Ponds facial cleaner and I love it. It's my first time ever using facial cleaners. It feels like my face is smoother.

Guess what Ladeees???? I went back to using ProActiv! I've been using it off and on now for eight years, but this time I think I'll be using it for good. After the black soap and ponds and noxema I was left with bumps on top of bumps. The only clear spot on my face was my nose...it was sooooo gross. I'm going on 30...I can't be going around like this. So I started back using it Sat...and my mom was like does your face hurt...because it looks like it does. Sun when she saw me she asked what did I do becuase it looks much better. Here it is Monday and I tell you guys the truth, it is almost gone! No lie. There's a few here and there, but my face does not resemble gravel! I have incorporated the ponds cream though. Last night I used the Ponds first to remove my makeup and I am looking glorious! Also for the past couple of days I've been using a moisturizer w/sunscreen for oily skin by Oil of Olay. It is wonderful! It contains oil blotters and leaves your skin with a matte finish. I cannot wait till all of these bumps are gone so my skin can again resemble smooth dark chocolate...with out nuts!

[quote="virtuousV"]Ladies I have tried the Ponds facial cleaner and I love it. It's my first time ever using facial cleaners. It feels like my face is smoother.
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I'm going get some today!
Charley, girl I'm up to 215 now, no sagging chin, back this weight is hell on my back and arches. I fell into a depression after loosing my daughter and gained 40 pounds. I'm starting my diet (again) tomorrow, I'm trying Right Size, putting on my sports bra and biker shorts to take a before picture. I'll keep y'all posted.

Fabulous!...can't wait to see the "Before Picture"....nothing tells the story of a "before picture" ah!?

[quote="CharlotteModebe"]Fabulous!...can't wait to see the "Before Picture"....nothing tells the story of a "before picture" ah!?
[/quote]
LOL!!!!!!!!

okay ladees...don't give up on me yet :>) You know all that talk about Proactiv??? Well, I'm going to a Mary Kay seminar this evening. I think I'm going to change my user name to "Confused" aka "Wishy-Washy".....sigh also, how do you apply avatars???

Teet....you will be ok honey....baby steps ok!

Not trying to be rude or funny Teeteelayo, but you should try a colon cleanser too. And stick to the guide line. Sometimes we have to work from the inside out. I know my skin looks a whole lot better after I cleanse.

Niquey is this something that should be done on a week-end? you know just to avoid so many obvious trips to the bathroom?

As for the colon cleansing....I was actually thinking of that. I also read that Acidophilus Probiotics help replenish natural good body bacteria to reduce acne outbreaks and to be taken two to three times a day. You can find it at health food stores, so I'm going to try that first...I might just be stressed out also. Stress shows on my face. It needs to hurry up and clear up since I am now a Mary Kay consultant as of last night. Thank-you thank-you, you are too kind :>)

Thanks Plat!

[quote="CharlotteModebe"]Niquey is this something that should be done on a week-end? you know just to avoid so many obvious trips to the bathroom?
[/quote]YES! And I do a seven day system, so it's like I live in the restroom. But my hair, skin, and nails all look better after a good cleansing.

I would really like to try that but to be honest with you I really hate the bathroom - I guess you can say I have a bathroom phobia!...nah how does that work you ask....."how should I know,...I just do!

A bathroom phobia is when you dislike entering them, because of the smell, cleanliness, odor, germs, all those things. It

[quote="HapplyMarried505"]A bathroom phobia is when you dislike entering them, because of the smell, cleanliness, odor, germs, all those things. It

Charlotte...I feel you on that! I would like to try the colon cleansing technique, but just to keep it simple....I hate going TO the bathroom (if you know what I mean) not going into them. I remember I drunk some chinese diet tea once and I was soooo sick. I lived in the bathroom. So the thought of going through that again does not seem very appealing to me at all!

[quote="DaughterRhonda"]I means a lot when you can get a testimonial from someone who actual has tried the product.[/quote]

I agree with you on that Rony - so you go try that Avon and let me know how it works....:-)

[quote="CharlotteModebe"]I agree with you on that Rony - so you go try that Avon and let me know how it works....:-)[/quote]
Charley, I'm going to have to build a little bed for you in the corner, cause at this rate you may as well bring a change of clothes and call it home.LOL LOL!!

[quote="phenomonique"]I agree with you on that Rony - so you go try that Avon and let me know how it works....:-)
Charley, I'm going to have to build a little bed for you in the corner, cause at this rate you may as well bring a change of clothes and call it home.LOL LOL!!
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Niquey....the Lord knows I'm trying but........well you know!!!!! THROW ME A BONE MAN!

"Charley, I'm going to have to build a little bed for you in the corner, cause at this rate you may as well bring a change of clothes and call it home.LOL LOL!!" HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!! We won't give up on you though!

[quote="DaughterRhonda"] Charley, I'm going to have to build a little bed for you in the corner, [/quote]

I feel like I heard this before....hmmmm!

[quote="DaughterRhonda"]We won't give up on you though![/quote]

You better not cause I am a work in progress and let me tell you I can get worse depending on which mood I am in....purging is a sin!

!

[quote="teeteelayo"]leave it to me to write a book each time I [/quote]

....

[quote="CharlotteModebe"]leave it to me to write a book each time I

....
[/quote]

okay???? my butt gets to writing and just don't know when to stop!

I just purchased this line called Warm Spirits. I'll let you know how it works.

Thanks Platinum good info!

Well this is no secret, but I went natural recently and learned that my very course hair is actually very weak-a hallmark of course hair....I thought that the thicker, the stronger, but not so, we have to take so much extra care....well anyhoo, I have been working to move away from harsh chemicals, so I have been using natural products slowly to keep my fro moisturized:

4 oz distilled water
2-3 drops of lemon or peppermint oil essence
2 tbsp of conditioner (I use either Hawaiian Silky or Parnevu Leave-in)....I know those products are not natural products....I am trying to use them up...eventually I will use vegetable glycerine as the moisturizer
1 tbs Jojoba oil

Mix in a spray bottle and mist as needed....

As a moisturizer I will use the above (minus water) and unrefined pure shea butter to twist my hair to protect the ends....I don't put anything on my scalp anymore to prevent clogging, and I actually massage my scalp a lot to increase my natural oils in the scalp which has been successful....my stylist who permed my hair and hers has been doing this for years and she has long beautiful hair (its permed too)...she says greases and oil moisturizers are not the best for our scalps....

So anyways, I have been trying to do this, and will document it as it grows....The more I learn the more intrigued I get...I keep my hair braided for now (100 degrees in tally), and wash weekly...My hair after 1 yr no perm is already 10 inches (when I pull my curlycue out), as I get about 1/2-1 inch growth a month....I cut every 2 months.....

Secret?....Protect the ends to prevent breakage to actually see more growth...hair grows about 1/2 inch a month including splits and breakage so preventing the splits with regular conditioning, trimming, and protective styles has helped....

Anyone else doing something different with hair, skin, or make-up?

On my hair I use Mizani products they are excellent I have very thick hair and it works miracles.

On my face I use Neutrogena cleaning products they have different types a products depending on the your sink conditions but they all work really good. I had my makeup trial last week and she used MAC and it was excellent. I tried the Mary Kay awhile ago also it was okay but my skin looked really dull afterward. I don't know how to use makeup really I just stick to VS lipgloss and MAC lipglass athough they are really thick they always give my lips that extra boost they need to stay soft and smooth.

[quote="Mrs080908"]On my hair I use Mizani products they are excellent I have very thick hair and it works miracles.

On my face I use Neutrogena cleaning products they have different types a products depending on the your sink conditions but they all work really good. I had my makeup trial last week and she used MAC and it was excellent. I tried the Mary Kay awhile ago also it was okay but my skin looked really dull afterward. I don't know how to use makeup really I just stick to VS lipgloss and MAC lipglass athough they are really thick they always give my lips that extra boost they need to stay soft and smooth.
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The people who apply the MAC makeup at the counter are definitely Pro's...as far as what I have seen. When you get a person applying MK, thay may not be a pro, just a salesperson, but its too bad about the MK...I use MK, MAC, and VS but makeup application takes a lot of practice, and I have seen people who are good at application make cheap 0.99 cent make-up look great....I like the Mizani line, but its a little pricey for me....Plus they use a lot of chemicals like Lauryl Sulfate, etc etc which I am trying to get away from...

For Skin I also like Neutrogena deep cleanser...it really does cleanse deeply! But I still use my MK cleanser, toner and moisturizer daily....I use a clay mask weekly or every two weeks and a microdermabrasion 2 times/week all MK. I have had much improvement with my skin (more even tone instead of the tow-toned look my face has had for years), and less blemishes and dark spots....If I get a pimple from stress or my cycle it usually is no more than for 48 hours, and I don't get the blemishes that are left behind like I used to....

I started using the Oil of Olay Definity line right before I got engaged 4 months ago. (Angela Basset does the advertisements for it.) I've had recurrent acne since my teenage years, and I've always had oily skin. It wasn't long before I noticed a visible difference in my skin. When I went to St. Thomas for our wedding, right away my mom noticed my skin was much improved. She was amazed. She said, "This isn't the same person. What have you been doing to your skin?" When I told her she said she needed to get what I was using. It's for fine lines, wrinkles, and dark areas on your face. I figured it wouldn't hurt to keep those things in check before they start...and since I had been staying up late planning our wedding, (It was 4 months of marathon planning), I was concerned about the dark circles under my eyes. An additional bonus is, I haven't had one break-out since I started using the products. In the morning I use the pore redifining scrub, foaming moisturizer, and correcting protective lotion with SPF 15. At night, I use the pore redefining scrub, foaming moisurizer, intense hydrating cream, and eye illuminator.

Bumble,
yes Mizani is high as a kite but without it my hair would a mess. They have started selling it at Target know so I hope I can catch it on sale from time to time.

I went to the MAC counter for my prom makeup some years ago but When I did the trial for the wedding makeup she was a professional makeup artist but the Mary Kay lady did a okay job with presentation but I found that my face was orangey afterward thats why I just went with the MAC.

PrincessBride
Your makeup was beautiful.

[quote="Mrs080908"]Bumble,
yes Mizani is high as a kite but without it my hair would a mess. They have started selling it at Target know so I hope I can catch it on sale from time to time.

I went to the MAC counter for my prom makeup some years ago but When I did the trial for the wedding makeup she was a professional makeup artist but the Mary Kay lady did a okay job with presentation but I found that my face was orangey afterward thats why I just went with the MAC.

PrincessBride
Your makeup was beautiful.
[/quote]

Eww I would have been pissed with an orangey face....She probably didn't match the foundation right!!!! Thats why we don't touch people's face....we show them how to apply it and a good MK person can get the foundation colors right...Thats also why MAC pics certain persons with experience in make-up application and most likely with credentials to do it! I like both lines, as well as VS lipgloss. I like MAC b/c I buy the products they have that MK doesn't! Like their brow set!

[quote="Bumblebeekee"]Well this is no secret, but I went natural recently and learned that my very course hair is actually very weak-a hallmark of course hair....I thought that the thicker, the stronger, but not so, we have to take so much extra care....well anyhoo, I have been working to move away from harsh chemicals, so I have been using natural products slowly to keep my fro moisturized:

4 oz distilled water
2-3 drops of lemon or peppermint oil essence
2 tbsp of conditioner (I use either Hawaiian Silky or Parnevu Leave-in)....I know those products are not natural products....I am trying to use them up...eventually I will use vegetable glycerine as the moisturizer
1 tbs Jojoba oil

Mix in a spray bottle and mist as needed....

As a moisturizer I will use the above (minus water) and unrefined pure shea butter to twist my hair to protect the ends....I don't put anything on my scalp anymore to prevent clogging, and I actually massage my scalp a lot to increase my natural oils in the scalp which has been successful....my stylist who permed my hair and hers has been doing this for years and she has long beautiful hair (its permed too)...she says greases and oil moisturizers are not the best for our scalps....

So anyways, I have been trying to do this, and will document it as it grows....The more I learn the more intrigued I get...I keep my hair braided for now (100 degrees in tally), and wash weekly...My hair after 1 yr no perm is already 10 inches (when I pull my curlycue out), as I get about 1/2-1 inch growth a month....I cut every 2 months.....

Secret?....Protect the ends to prevent breakage to actually see more growth...hair grows about 1/2 inch a month including splits and breakage so preventing the splits with regular conditioning, trimming, and protective styles has helped....

Anyone else doing something different with hair, skin, or make-up?
[/quote]

Thanks for the tip Bumble; I have been growing my hair natural for about 8 months. I'm just about at my breaking point because my hair is taking forever to grow it driving me crazy. Any tips would be appreciated.

It may seem like it, but if you stretch it and measure, you should see a few inches than you think! I have been doing some google searches and found some websites...many women have their own blogs documenting their progress....I saw one woman who after 4 years had hair on her butt when she straightened it w/ a flat-iron...Many people choose not to straighten their hair due to potential heat damage, and it does revert....When its not straightened its in the middle of her lower back so she does have a lot of shrinkage....she also was documenting her hair products that she uses, as many Natural bloggers do...I just think its interesting, and I plan to do it as long as I have the patience for it....

The downside has been that my husband is very indifferent towards it...He was almost in tears when he saw I'd cut it...THOUGH I HAD BEEN WARNING HIM! But I think the braids for now is a happy medium...When its much longer I will wear it out more, but I plan to keep it braided a lot whether its with extensions or just twists because it protects the hair either way....best of luck on your journey!

Thanks, Mrs080908. I didn't have a professional, so I had to do it myself.