Getting Ready for the Holidays #hairtotoe #skincare

Happy Holidays and Welcome Winter!

If you don’t know, I already have a post on how I got my skin to be clearer and combat adult acne (here). Check it out! This post is to let you guys know of new products I’ve been using and how I prep my face for flawless makeup application. Christmas is near, New Year’s not too far, and we need to have our makeup poppin’ for the holidays LOL.

Remember I have combo/oily skin. Winter is my fave for my skin because I’m less oily (on the face at least). Depending on how cold it gets, I may get some dry patches around the nose and mouth, but nothing too crazy. Here’s what I have been using lately:

Morning Routine

• Cleanser – I have been using a gel, cream, or foam cleanser in the morning lately. I alternate depending on which is already in my shower. I have been using these: Burt Bee’s Cleansing Cream, Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash, and John Master’s Organics bearberry skin balancing face wash.
• Toner – I always have my Witch Hazel on hand, but I found this one at my local supermarket and since I love this brand, I had to try it. Really liking the Yes To Tomatoes Acne Clearing Facial Toner as of late.
• Moisturizer – I always use SPF, but I’ll mix it with something gel-based or lightweight. For days I know I’ll be out in the sun, I have been using Tarteguard 30 sunscreen lotion. For days when I’m in the office all day and not going out much, I’ll use Boots Botanics Shine Away Mattifying Day Cream SPF15. What I mix it with? Lately using either Alba Botanica Hawaiian Oil-Free Moisturizer, Refining Aloe & Green Tea or Andalou Naturals Oil-Free Moisturizer, Açai + White Tea. The Andalou one is lighter more gel-like than the Alba Botanica, but both feel great on my skin.

Night time Routine

• Cleanser – I prefer to use a daily exfoliating scrub. Lately I have been loving Jojoba Charcoal™ Facial Scrub from Michael Todd. I have used in the past Yes to Tomatoes Daily Pore Scrub and Yes to Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub. Both are really good as well. If I don’t wear makeup, I usually stick to a gel-like cleanser. I am really liking the Kale Detox Deep Cleaning Face Wash.
• Toner – I just bought the Aloe + Willow Bark Pore Minimizer about a month ago and love it. It’s stronger than the other toners I use, but does not dry out the skin. It’s amazing!
• Moisturizer – I use oils for night. Just because my face is oily does not mean I cannot use oils. You have to use lightweight oils that will seep into your skin and not cause build up. Jojoba, Argan, and almond oils are great. If you’re a little dry, then coconut oil. I have been using an new product from Julep and really liking it as well as different serums:
  • Yes To Grapefruit Pore Perfection Night Treatment
  • Antioxidant Carrot Serum
  • What Your Skin Needs

Under eye creams – I don’t have a favorite yet, but I have been using these:

• Bobbi Brown is luxurious and I have only used samples that I get when I buy my BB cream at the Macys or Nordstrom counter. Never can get myself to buy the full bottle!
• Yes to Blueberry – I used this one at night time for the most part. It hydrating and nice, but I have not noticed a huge difference.
• Yes to Grapefruit – I have deep, dark circles and bought this to see if it would help. It’s hydrating and smells yummy (like Grapefruit) but I still have deep, dark circles.

Before applying makeup – I usually prep my skin the night before. I do my night time routine but add a mask. I like to use something that’s going to minimize my pores and cool down the skin. If I don’t have time or forget the night before. I usually do my night time routing and add the mask about an 1 hour prior to getting ready to apply my makeup.

• Yes To Grapefruit Pore Perfection Paper Mask – bought this pack once at Target. Really liked how hydrating it was.
• Alba Botanica Hawaiian Facial Mask, Pore-fecting Papaya Enzyme – I love this line. I think mostly because of the smell and ingredients!
• Pore Refine Deep Detox Mask – I like Pacifica and their new skincare products do not disappoint.

Removing applying makeup– This is the worst part of the day. It’s so frustrating especially when you take forever to do your best makeup and it still looks good. This step is necessary. In the past, whenever I was too lazy to remove my makeup, I notice I would get build up, pimples, and extremely oily skin. I cannot go to bed without at least using a makeup wipe. Here are the items I use:

• Yes to Cucumbers Eye Makeup Removing Pads – LOVE this!
• Love Your Bare Face Age-Defying Cleansing Oil – I always use an oil to remove makeup
• Soothing Cleansing Oil – I had to splurge on this. Really like how this one feels.
• Triple Action Cleansing Water – Bought the big one because of the pump and not disappointed. This is awesome to remove makeup.
• Makeup wipes – so many I have used! My favorites? Yesto (tried them all except the blueberry), Pacifica (love them all, you can find some at Target and Ulta), Acure (great for those with scent sensitivities).

 

 

 

#HairToToe Favorite Products Part I (The Fro)

I’ve been wanting to do this series for a long time. People always ask me about my beauty products (hair and skin). As I have mentioned on other posts, I have been trying to use more natural and/or organic products the last couple of years. Started with my hair and trying to get my curls back then with skin care. I wanted to start this #hairtotoe series with hair products as this is my most asked topic by my friends and family. Below you’ll find my “holy grail” top favorite products thus far. Let me know if you’ve tried any and how you like it!

**Note some of these may work even if you do not have curly hair.

Shampoo/Cleanser:

Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Sulfate-Free Shampoo!! The best EVER! Trust me and just go buy it.

*PS A little goes a long way! If you have fine hair prone to become oily I would not recommend as I do not know if it will be too much for this type of hair.

Conditioner:

DevaCurl One Condition Decadence Ultra Moisturizing Milk Conditioner

On the pricier side, but this fairly new line is one of my faves! You’ll love how it makes your hair feel. I also like the DevaCare One Condition No-Fade Ultra Creamy Daily Conditioner (also found at Ulta).

If you’re looking for something more affordable, I really like SheaMoisture’s conditioners. They have so many different lines that cater to different hair types. Definitely try one that fits your hair type and see how you like it. Best thing of all is that SheaMoisture is now practically everywhere!

Styling:

MIXED CHICKS Leave – In Conditioner

This is a product that I always go back to. Definitely recommend getting the big bottle directly from the company’s website. It will last you forever! This is a leave-in but thick enough (at least for me) to use as a styling product. I have very curly hair, but it’s not dense at all. Feels like a light fluffy cloud LOL I only use leave-ins now no gels or mousses or anything like that. I also only do Wash n Go’s. I have thin hair, so doing things like twist outs or bantu knots just don’t work for me. As my hair stops looking fresh later in the week, I’ll do a bun and or some type of style, but nothing crazy.

First time using MixedChicks over a year ago! Still love it ❤

Masks:

I have used a lot of store bought masks (like a LOT) and have yet to find one that WOWS me. I really like SheaMoisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Intensive Strengthening Masque. I also really like the Agadir Moisture Masque, but it’s on the pricey side compared to SheaMoisture.

I prefer the one I make at home. I will use an egg in it twice a month, the other times I skip it. Egg = protein and too much of it can cause breakage.

Recipe:

• 1 egg (can skip if you do not need the protein)
• 1 banana
• 1/2 avocado (if I don’t have the avocado I use the oil)
• some Jamaican black castor oil or reg. castor oil
• almond and/or apricot oil (any vitamin shop or whole foods shop)
  • You can use olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, etc. There are so many to choose from. I try to use oils that won’t affect my hair color too much as oils can take color out of you hair. If you have light hair or non-colored hair add some honey!
• Garnier Illuminating Color Treated Oil (optional; I have color treated hair and the blend of oils this has is awesome, too bad not organic or completely natural 😦 but I really like it)

Place in blender or food processor. Apply to your hair and leave for 30 min under plastic cap. (DO NOT GO UNDER A HAIR DRYER, IT WILL COOK THE EGG) If you do not add the egg you can definitely leave in for longer. Remember that if the egg is in your mask to wash out with cool/cold water as washing out with warm/hot water can cause the egg to cook and a big mess to occur LOL

 

Translation / En Español:

He estado queriendo hacer esta serie durante mucho tiempo. La gente siempre me pregunta sobre mis productos de belleza (pelo y de la piel). Como he mencionado en otras entradas, he estado tratando de utilizar productos más naturales y / u orgánicos en el último par de años. Comenzó con mi pelo y tratando de revivir mis rizos en ese entonces con el cuidado de la piel. Yo quería empezar esta serie #hairtotoe con productos para el cabello, ya que es mi tema más pedido por mis amigos y familiares. A continuación encontrará mis top productos favoritos hasta el momento. Déjeme saber si has probado alguno y cómo te gusta!

Shampoo/Cleanser:

Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Sulfate-Free Shampoo!! El mejor de todos! Confía en mí y sólo tiene que ir comprarlo.

* PS Un poco va un largo camino! Si tienes el cabello fino propensos a convertirse grasoso, no recomendaría esto porque puede ser mucho para ese tipo de pelo.

Conditioner:

DevaCurl One Condition Decadence Ultra Moisturizing Milk Conditioner

Es un poco costoso, pero esta bastante nueva línea es una de mis favoritas! Te va a encantar la forma en que va dejar su cabello. También me gusta el DevaCare One Condition No-Fade Ultra Creamy Daily Conditioner (también encontrado en Ulta).

Si usted está buscando algo más asequible, me gusta mucho acondicionadores de SheaMoisture. Tienen muchas líneas diferentes para todo tipos de cabello. Sin duda prueba uno que sea para su tipo de cabello y ver cómo le gusta. Lo mejor de todo es que SheaMoisture es ahora prácticamente en todas partes!

Para Estilo:

MIXED CHICKS Leave – In Conditioner
Este es un producto que siempre vuelvo y uso. Sin duda recomiendo obtener la botella grande directamente desde el sitio web de la empresa. Durará para siempre! Esto es un “leave-in” lo suficientemente espesa (al menos para mí) para su uso como un producto de estilo. Tengo el pelo muy rizado, pero no es denso en absoluto. Se siente como una nube mullida ligera 🙂 Yo sólo uso “leave-ins” ahora. No uso gel, ni mousse, ni nada de eso. Yo también hago solamente “Wash n Go.” Tengo el pelo fino y para hacer estilos como los “twist outs” o nudos bantúes simplemente no trabajan para mí.

Mascarillas:

He utilizado una gran cantidad de mascarillas capilares y todavía no he encontrado uno que haga decir WOW! Me gusta mucho SheaMoisture’s Jamaican B lack Castor Oil Intensive Strengthening Masque. También me gusta mucho Agadir Moisture Masque (un poco costoso comparado a el de SheaMoisture).

Yo prefiero la que yo hago en casa. Utilizo un huevo en ella dos veces al mes.. Huevo = proteínas y demasiado de él puede causar quiebre del cabello.

Receta:

• 1 huevo
• 1 guineo
• 1/2 aguacate
•  Jamaican black castor oil o aceite de castor
• aceite de almendra o aceite de albaricoque
  • Usted puede utilizar el aceite de oliva, aceite de coco, aceite de jojoba, etc Hay muchos para elegir. Trato de usar aceites que no afecten mi color de pelo demasiado, ya que los aceites pueden tomar el color de tu cabello. Si tiene el pelo claro o el pelo no coloreada añadir un poco de miel!
• Garnier Illuminating Color Treated Oil (opcional)

Coloque en la licuadora o procesador de alimentos. Aplicar sobre el cabello y dejar actuar durante 30 minutos bajo un gorro plástico. (NO IR BAJO secador de pelo, SE COCINARA EL HUEVO) Si no agrega el huevo definitivamente se puede dejar por más tiempo. Recuerde que si el huevo está en su mascarilla, enjuague su pelo con agua fría. El lavado con agua caliente puede hacer que el huevo se cocine!

 

 

 

Chocolate Cran #vegansmoothie

Well can you tell I love chocolate? Here’s another one. It’s winter and berries are not in season 😦 Cranberries are however and I love them because they bring out a tartness to the smoothie that makes it a favorite of mine. I added banana for sweetness but you can add dates or avocado, for the thickness, and some agave or stevia drops. My dad liked this one. I sitll have not had mine yet and will have it as an afternoon snack.

BTW: You can usually find pictures of my smoothies on my IG or snapchat: ohlalajfrenchie

Recipe:

• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tsp. wheat grass
• 1 tsp. cacao powder
• 1 tsp. acai powder
• 1 tsp. maqui powder
• ½ banana
• 1 scoop chocolate vegan protein
• 1 small piece ginger
• Dash of cinnamon
• Bunch spinach
• ½ cup cranberries

Place in blender and blend till smooth 🙂

 

#VeganHotChocolate Winter Drink

No smoothie today, too cold for that! Instead I wanted to share a hot chocolate recipe, from Mind Body Green, that has become one of my favorites.This is totally meant to replace coffee, but who are we kidding, me replace coffee? I may skip coffee on the weekends, but on a weekday it is part of my morning routine.

Note: I add a couple of drops of liquid stevia for sweetness.

Vegan Hot Maca Chocolate

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 1 mug almond milk (or your favorite substitute)
• 1 heaping teaspoon maca powder
• 1 heaping teaspoon cacao powder
• 1 pinch cinnamon

Toppings

• Cacao nibs
• Cinnamon

Directions

Carefully heat your almond milk to a simmer. Then blend it for a few seconds with your maca and cacao powders.

Pour the liquid into your favorite mug and sprinkle some cacao nibs and cinnamon on top. Enjoy!

Super Green #vegansmoothie

Yesterday my mom made my smoothie since I woke up too late to make my own. It was good (she’s become a pro at smoothie making), but I have no clue what she put in it. I’m currently drinking one that’s super green and super good (at least to me it’s yummy). Don’t let the color intimidate you, it’s good for you!

The Ingredients:

• 1 cup Coconut Milk (Unsweetened)
• 1 tsp. spirulina
• 1 scoop Vanilla Vegan Protein
• Few dashes of turmeric
• 1 tbsp. flax seeds
• 1 tsp. bee pollen
• 1 tsp. mesquite powder
• 1 small scoop Matcha green tea (about 1 tsp.)
• ½ tsp. probiotic powder
• Bunch baby spinach
• 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
• 1/2 cup frozen mango

Place in blender, blend and voila! (I actually placed these in order written in the blender)

Chocolatey Berry Smoothie #vegansmoothie

If I ever want anything sweet, best believe it’s going to have chocolate in it. Love chocolate! The hardest thing for me was trying to find a good chocolate smoothie recipe without banana. There’s just something about banana and chocolate that I don’t like. I like banana with almond or peanut butter, but no chocolate. This smoothie has a small piece of banana, literally like a 2 inch piece just for sweetness because I did not have strawberries. For yesterday’s smoothie I used about a cup of mixed berries that I had in my freezer (blueberries, cranberries, raspberries). Any berry mix will work though.

The Ingredients:

• 1 cup Coconut Milk (Unsweetened (organic) or this one is non-GMO)
• 1 scoop Wheatgrass (I use this brand)
• 1 tsp Raw Cacao Powder (I use this brand that I bought on Vitacost, but it’s almost everywhere)
• 1 scoop Chocolate vegan Protein (I have been loving this brand both the chocolate and vanilla flavors)
• 1 bunch (about a cup) baby spinach
• Quarter piece – ½ dollar piece ginger
• Small piece banana
• ½ – 1 cup mixed berries
• Dash of cinnamon
• 1 tsp acai berry powder
• 1 tsp maca powder
• 1 tbsp. chia seeds (I buy the wholefoods 365 brand, but I have also used this one)
• 1 tbsp. almond butter (I buy at WholeFoods this brand)
• ½ cup water (if needed)

Place in a blender and blend till smooth.

Let me know how it comes out!

Anti-Inflammation Smoothie

Welcome to Frenchie’s World!

People that know me personally know that in the last two years I have made lifestyle changes to improve my health. It’s so important to be healthy internally for it to reflect externally. I always suffered from many things (adult acne, stomach issues, acid reflux, skin problems, etc.) It was time for a change. Everyday is an opportunity to do things better and get healthier. I eat healthy, whole foods about 80% of the time and leave the 20% to my guilty pleasures, which I learned not to feel guilty about (for the fact that life is too short to deny yourself things you like.)

Smoothies have become a big thing in my home (my Dad needs one every morning now!) I love looking up recipes and different ingredients that I can use to make my own. There is no right or wrong when it comes to making smoothies, the trick is finding the ingredients that blend well together. I have had a lot of HITS, but many MISSES. I would like to share with you all my HITS of course 🙂

Note: Some smoothies can hold over for a day or two, but I don’t like to drink a smoothie over a day old (especially if it contains chia or flax seeds because the texture gets way too thick for me.)

Lately, I have been on an anti-inflammatory kick (teas, cleanse waters, and smoothies.) Here is the smoothie I made yesterday with amazing health benefits to reduce inflammation. I always try to buy organic, NON-GMO products as you want your smoothies to be as clean and natural as possible because then what is the point, right?

The Ingredients:

• 1 cup Coconut Milk (Unsweetened)
• 1 Tbsp. flax seeds (whole or ground)
• 1 scoop Wheatgrass powder (or spirulina or chlorella)
• 1 scoop vanilla vegan protein powder
• ¼ cup mango chunks (frozen preferred)
• ¼ cup pineapple chunks (frozen preferred)
• 1 tsp. turmeric (powder or piece of fresh turmeric)
• 1 tsp. mesquite powder
• Quarter piece – ½ dollar piece ginger
• Dash of cinnamon
• ¼ avocado (optional for texture or can use 1/2 banana)
• 1 tbsp. coconut oil or flax seed oil (optional add on for extra benefits)
• ½ cup water (optional if you want a lighter, smoother beverage)

Notes: If you like a sweeter smoothie you can add pitted Mejdool dates or half a banana. I’m not a fan of dates nor bananas in my smoothie. I actually love my smoothies to be more sour/tart than super sweet. I also use only use a 1/2 cup of fruits because I don’t want all the sugar, but you can definitely use a cup if you’re not worried about the sugar content.

#FASHIONFRIDAY

Hello Ladies and Gents!

I’m back with another #fashionfriday. Next week I will be away on vacation, so the week of the 22nd I will be doing a special post on my vacation fashion, BUT for now enjoy the below. Hope you guys like it. I’m currently obsessed with jumpsuits (I got from my grandmomma; yea she rocks them and well!). If know me, you would know my style is very bohemian inspired (I mean with the hair and all 😉 lol) I love greens, yellows, oranges and you’ll find these colors repeatedly in my closet. Oh and blazers, I think I have one in every color. It’s another obsession of mine 🙈

Jumpsuit (H&M), Blazer (H&M; I obviously love this store), Earrings (Baublebar; somewhat similar), Shoes (old,similar)

#FASHIONFRIDAY

 

 

 

Yay to a new segment on the blog! (Cheering to myself) LOL Hope you guys like this. Be sure to follow me on Instagram for more 😉

 

INSPO:

 

I’m obsessed with anything yellow (from pastel to neon and mustard). I feel like this color just looks amazing on my skin tone and when I saw this skirt on sale online, I just had to buy it. The denim or chambray shirt, I believe, has been the item of the year. Denim is everywhere nowadays! I have been wearing this style since last fall and still loving it. I was going to wear this outfit with dark navy Converses I have, but since I was going to wok I decided to put on some black open toe lace up heels and I’ve been using this backpack this week (too lazy to organize a handbag).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pleated Skirt (H&M), Blouse (Forever 21), Shoes (Rampage from DSW; similar); Backpack (Justfab; similar); Necklace (Old from Baublebar?; similar)

 

 

Saturday Brunch

The last brunch I went to was in celebration of my sister’s birthday at the end of April. This was on a Saturday.

What can I say? Loved the style/decor and the food was really good as well.

Pros:

1. Ambiance
2. Food
3. Service

Cons:

1. Drinks
2. Price

Southern cooking, yum! I had the red velvet waffle with crispy chicken, mac & cheese, and bacon to share. My sis had the Eggs mason jar. Hers was really good! Mine was good as well. The mac & cheese was OK and so were the drinks. The service was great. Our waiter was relaxed and attentive. I had bought a coupon from Living Social and sometimes it can feel like you’re not like the rest of the diners and the restaurant treats you differently, but this was not the case. I really liked this spot and would definitely go again for brunch. Oh and the music was good as well. It was not too loud where you couldn’t hear yourself, but not too low either. The price was a bit high. For the coupon we had two drinks (up to $10) and two entrees (up to $15), but with the added drinks and sides we had to pay an extra $30 something! That kind of threw me off since I’ve been to cheaper places with same quality. Overall, it was a chill and nice way to celebrate my sister’s 24th Birthday.

Rundown: (1-10)

Ambiance	Food	Service	Price	Total	Grade
8	8	8	7	31	C+