Dry and Itchy scalp days are over

Hey you guys and welcome back to the Beauty Amateur.

I was lucky enough to be chosen to test out the Head and Shoulders Moisture care line from
Bzzagent.com

I have always had scalp issues since I was young. I realized that I had dry scalp due to being African american and having naturally red hair.

Also , one of the cool aspects is that my boyfriend who is Caucasian suffers from flaky and dry scalp as well so we both got to try this out.

It is actually a god send. ( I know that sounds like high praise)  Realize that when you have been going through your whole life with heavily oiling your scalp and drinking all this water ( even though water is great for you) and nothing working, you begin to settle into the belief that you will have to deal with this problem for the rest of your life.

I will not gross you out with the before photos because I do not like the flakes( I really don't) but here is an after my first shampoo

No I am sure you can see some bits of white further back but that was what was left after shampooing with the moisture care 2 in 1

.I sometime flaked so bad I thought I had cradle cap or eczema of the scalp. I really could just pull it off  just so it would not show up every time I combed my hair. the first thing I noticed while shampooing was the tingle which I expected . After all, most shampoos that are made to take care of flaky or dry scalp has a bit of medicine to help with the issue. What I appreciated most about the 2 in 1 is the fact that is has vitamin E rich almond oil and Coconut essence ( both which are extremely great for hair). My scalp felt better right after the first use.

I then used the scalp soother. This has peppermint oil and vitamin e as well. My scalp felt refreshed. It was kinda of the same feeling when you chew peppermint gum or use peppermint toothpaste. Just felt really clean.

My boyfriend on the other hand had a bit of a different feeling. I am not tender headed meaning most things done to my scalp or hair doesn't cause me to shriek out in pain or have an adverse reaction. My boyfriend however is just a little bit tender headed so using the scalp soother after the Co wash did give him a little bit of a burning sensation.  Now before any freaks out , it only lasted a few seconds so I am under the belief it was because when your pores are open, anything can happen.

What we both noticed is that the flakes took about 2 weeks truly to come back and even then , they did not come back in full force. In fact, the more we use the shampoo, the less flakes we are seeing which is why I do enjoy the products so much.



I highly recommend this product for anyone with visible flakes and dry scalp. Also the scalp soother is great the use in between shampoos to help maintain.

That's all for now

Be Wonderful
Be Gorgeous
Be YOU!!!!

New Youtube Video

welcome back after my hiatus. ENJOY

My New Store ----- EVO 2 NYCD Designs

Hey my Beauties. 

My sis and I have just opened our online shop with our favorite sayings.  Our business is called EVO2NYCD .  We have tees and hoodies and we will be adding more products throughout the year. 

Please take a look and I hope you find something you like.

We are excited.... Notice my sis top right corner

Here is the Link Evo 2 NYCD

Be Gorgeous. Be  Wonderful. Be You.

Free Fiber One Cereals From BZZAGENT ( General Mills Cereal)

Hey Beauties.

I recently received Fiber One Cereal free from General Mills via BzzAgent. When I received the boxes, I was excited to try something new. I am usually eat Honeycomb, Life, Mini Wheats, Rice Krispies and Frosted Flakes. I am always willing to try something new. These cereals have 10g of protein  and have 20% of fiber. I do not have any digestive issues of which fiber is great for taking care of but I do feel lacking my protein intake.

Hello Cereals

The first flavor I tried was the Cranberry Almond. I am well versed in the Maple Brown sugar universe of flavor. Cranberry Almond is amazing! One of the more flavorful cereals I have had in while. I didn't feel like I was eating anything healthy. It just tasted very good.  It was  a filling breakfast and with a fast metabolism like mine, it takes a lot to keep me filled at least for 4 hours.

However, it was my first and last bowl. My boyfriend decided to try it and leave me with nothing. ( selfish ass)
:-)

But I asked him how it was since he claimed most it for himself. He said it was quite filling and he even had some as a snack after dinner. He enjoyed the flavor and did not know it was actually very healthy for him. He has had some digestive issues but during that time, he was feeling pretty good. That box lasted about a week.

The Maple Brown sugar flavor lasted a bit longer in the house because we are very accustom to that flavor. The Maple Brown was good and it last about a week and  half.

I will say that for those who are looking for a healthy cereal option , this is a great buy.  You  get your protein and fiber without  your taste buds crying out for flavor.

Disclosure: I received these General Mills Fiber One cereals free being a bzzagent.

Be Wonderful. Be Gorgeous. Be You.

BZZAGENT ON NEW BZZ- Schick Hydro Silk Sensitive care Razor

Hello Beauties. I recently received my Bzzagent package. It contains the Schick Hydro Silk Sensitive care razor.

as we all know and do, we let our legs in the winter get a nice reprieve from the spring and summer and sometimes fall shaving.

 After all most of us are sporting pants, sweats, jeans and our legs do not necessarily have to be smooth. ( I do not care if you have a mate or not, they just have to understand).

  My legs have a tendency to get real bushy. Though most people cannot tell because it is blond, I know its there. My boyfriend knows its there so I am looking forward to seeing how this schick razor will take care of my 3 foot 4 inches long stems. Yes I am hairy... I am human.

 Anyhoo, I cannot wait to show you all how this razor will hold up to me shaving. Hopefully, the razor will not get dull. ;-) I received this Item being a bzzagent. You can sign up at Bzzagent.com #GotItFree


BE Gorgeous. Be Wonderful. Be You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2014 - Life's what you make it

Hey beauties. For those that are still here. Thanks for sticking around.

I hope 2013 was a good year for all of you. For me it was definitely more of a time for introspection and slow growth. But growth is growth.

Life is what you make it so do your best at everything. Obstacles are only put in your way to see how you will handle them.

Stay gorgeous beauties and welcome a new chapter of your life.



 Hey 2014!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great snack for my new healthy consciousness

I know you lovelies saw yesterday that  I have started my gym regimen. Well , My sister ( that's what I call her) has her own granola business. She makes the most delicious granola I have ever had.  The granola is handmade and made to your specifications.

Her site is Thegranoladiva.com. You can choose your carats and gemstones. I personally love that she calls the ingredients that just so it feels more special.

I was lucky enough to get a bar named after me but I recommend you lovelies place an order and try for yourselves.

You will not regret it .

 Be Wonderful. Be Gorgeous. Be You.

Back to Fitness...

Hey My Beauties!!!  I do hope that fall has been going well for most of you. I have been in the Midwest now for 3 months and it has been a transition. My job has been running me ragged so no real time to get myself into a workout routine.

I have not been in a gym in about 9 years. Though I have worked out off and on, i need to get back to being healthy.

I joined Planet Fitness a week ago and I went there today for the first time today. I decided for my own personal reasons to start slow. Being what is considered "looking healthy" doesn't necessarily mean you are.

I did the treadmill for 30 mins and then 15 mins of triceps.

I know I have to tackle getting in shape slowly but it was totally worth it. I got my burst of post workout energy and did my household chores afterwards.

What I do love about Planet Fitness is that there is no judging. Everyone is there to get themselves in shape and whatever that means to them.

I look forward to doing different workout everyday and getting myself up to an hour a day. I am realistic and since this will be new for me again, I am not going to drive myself crazy.


Be Gorgeous. Be Wonderful, Be You.

Water Water Everywhere and Lush is taking a stand to keep it that way

Hey My Beauties.

Today  I am going to focus on something a bit more environmental.  As you know, we are always trying to find better ways to protect our planet. We recycle, use surge protectors, turn off lights when we leave the room, bike ride and more.  We are also becoming more conscious of what we eat and drink.

A commodity that we take for granted is water. Water washes us and quenches our thirst yet most of the world does not have clean access to it.

Well water is a basic human right and Lush Cosmetics has a campaign called take back the tap. They want people to become better recyclers by not purchasing bottled water.

 

They want us to use reusable bottles to drink water and basically drinking water from the tap. Though bottled water is easy, most of the times we are not really great at recycling those bottles  and they end up in landfills.  We all know that plastic takes forever to break down so why not be better.

just a few tidbits for you

1) tap water is under more stringent regulation and standards than bottled water.

2) most bottled water is usually tap water .

3) Reusing a BPA free and Aluminum bottle saves money

4) Unfortunately, the process for making plastic containers do have some low levels of chemicals in them.

Why not help yourself while helping the environment and stop buy a LUSH and pick up a reusable water bottle.

$12.95 and $5.00 goes to help support three charities that are working to preserve water and water habitats

 To learn more about take back the tap ----> click here

Keeping it Clean----- Helpful hints for the beauty shopper

Hey Beauties. I hope that this summer is not stressing your skin out or causing your deodorant to go into overdrive.

Today's blog is all about keeping it sanitary when shopping for Beauty products.

Working for a beauty retailer has truly opened my eyes to how people shop. Do not get me wrong. I have worked in retail long enough to know that most people these days are horrible shoppers with no regard for anyone but themselves. Notice I said most.  There are few who were raised properly and still respect where they shop and where they work.

Beauty shops do have it the hardest because everyone wants to try everything.

 Unfortunately, most people are not very clean.



Dipping their hands and fingers into testers and even "live" product with no regard for the fact that every beauty place has cotton swabs,  mascara brushes, eyeshadow wands, lip stick wands, cotton rounds and more.

I would really love to know why people revert to treating places like its their home. You want to stick your fingers in your own product that is completely your own business but when you are out and about show some respect for the business.

Here are a few ideas that will help in your quest as you shop.

1) Seek out the demo stations. Sephora is infamous for having those stations in every shop with brushes galore.

2) If you happen not to see any brushes, ask. I guarantee there is an associate around who will be more than glad to help you out.

3) If you have an opportunity, wash your hands. You have been out either driving, taking mass transit or just being outside. Germs are everywhere.

4) Buy and try at home.  Find out what the return policy is. Most companies have 30 days and hold on to your receipt. ( make sure to remember that )

Hope this helps my beauties.

Stay Cool

Happy Mother's day

Hey my beauties. As you know, May has begun which only leaves 10 shopping days till Mother's day ( you know, your life giver). We all know each mom is different but I have found a few sites and products that I think every mom may love.

For the Mom that is always on the go, here are a few ideas to help her relax.
Lush cosmetics has beautiful gift sets for mom and my recommendation is A Mother's Day in Paradise 

Let mom relax at a cost of $56.95

This gift has the Secret garden bath Bomb, The comforter bubble bar, Ro's argan body conditioner, Sultana soap, Lemony Flutter cuticle butter, Dream Cream body lotion, Mumkin Bubble Bar and the Madame Butterfly reusable bubble bar. This gift has the scent of Rose, Lavender, Lemon and Jasmine. This will make mom let her worries flow down the drain while the scents just relax her mind.

If your mom loves jewelry, let Pandora Bracelets be your guide. These beautiful charm bracelets can bring a mom to tears ( of joy). The wonderful things about these bracelets is you buy the base bracelet or bangle and then you purchase different charms and in this makes it more personalized is because you find charms that would mean the most to your mom . Her hobbies and her interests.

Bracelets start as low as $40 and goes up depending on the metal and what makes Pandora even better, you can buy a charm for holiday, birthday or the day I love Just because.

If your mom is a bit different and doesn't like what is considered the norm, may I suggest hitting up Uncommon Goods. This site has so many different and eclectic products that I do not doubt not finding something amazing for that mom that's off the beaten path.

I do hope all of you find something amazing for the woman who gave you life.

Be gorgeous. Be Wonderful. Be You.

This Recruit is reporting for duty again.

Hello My Lovelies.  I do hope February is treating you well. Yesterday, my Beauty Army kit arrived. It has been a while for me personally. I have put myself on a budget and sometimes even spending $12 a month was a difference between makeup or lunch ( you know food won out) . But now that I have paid off a few things and my budget has opened up, this recruit is back !!!!

What better time to come back than during the month of LOVE!!!

 I chose Ineke Hothouse Flower Perfume . Beautiful scent of Gardenia and with the my new found knowledge of perfumes, it works well with my body chemistry. Happy Girl. :)

Next up: Sweet Pea Shea Enriched Shower Gel. Smells amazing and I look forward to trying it out. I have been a bit spoiled by working at work Lush Cosmetics. I do already have my shower gel favorites but hey I am always willing to try something new.

Lash Card: Time to bat my baby browns and make them pop. I am still wrapping my head around a need for a lash card considering how many mascaras out there now are clump free and such but I am slowly learning in beauty, there is a need for everything. I

Whip Hand Cosmetics is one of my favorite cosmetics brands. I am so happy I have the opportunity to try the loose pigment eye shadow. The color is gorgeous bronze and it goes on so smoothly. BONUS: They don't test on animals either. Speaks to my  heart <3

Last but certainly not least Olive bar natural beauty bar. This bar smells amazing and reminds of work with the beautiful bland of lavender, lemon and lemongrass. YUMMYNESS ABOUNDS!!!

Everything smells amazing and I am happy girl. For all my new beauties out there, if you want to become a new recruit in the Beauty Army Family, Click on this link.

Have a great day my Beauties!!

Be Gorgeous. Be Wonderful. Be You. 

My Hair Journey 2013

Hello My Beauties. I hope 2013 is starting of well for all of you.  I decided 2 years ago to go natural. It was a personal choice. I learned so much about taking care of my hair  what products to use and such. while i enjoyed the journey, I went back to relaxing my hair. Before anyone judges, I always believe whatever anyone does to their hair is their decision.

It sometimes felt that when i was natural, I was part of secret club of those who wore their pride on their head. The problem I always face and will always face is no one ever believes it is my natural hair color ( well except my mom and my friends who have known me for years) so whether natural or relaxed, I couldn't win anyway.

I decided to do what is best for me but take what i learned during my natural time to maintain my growth cycle. I went to my hairdresser that I have had for about 15 years. I trust her to take care of my hair and she always does an amazing job. Her name is Merna and her shop is Ebony Styles Beauty Salon. It is located on the east side of Manhattan. Merna is amazing and anyone that gets her to to their hair will love it.

The products I  used while natural will still be jojoba oil, coconut oil and olive oil. My hair is naturally dry so those particular oils are my friend. Also. I got a fab haircut and it is something I can maintain on my own. I am really excited and I got my BANGS BACK!!!!!

Hello 2013

Hello my beauties. My apologies for my blog disappearance. 2012 was not the greatest year for me but it did help lay the groundwork for 2013.

Just to give you background into me: I am a freelance photographer, currently work for a cosmetics retailer, in the process moving to the Midwest and a writer.

Beauty is an extension of everything above but unfortunately it has been some what neglected.  Never fear, I have begun a new time management program so starting in Feb 2013, I will have found a way to post timely and more effectively.

For those that have stuck with me, thank you so much. You have no idea how much that means to me.

If you want to follow most of my other exploits, you can check my photo on Facebook at facebook.com/ dracophoto. My instagram is beautyamateur_janadd.  My other blog for more family, topical, and personal is draco1976.wordpress.com.

Thanks for sticking with me my BA Beauties.

Beauty Bloggers Influenster Vox BOX

Hey My Beauties... I know Long time no see.. Forgive me. I got a promotion at work so learning all these new things is making me a bit tired.  I am good though and I hope all of you are great as well. I received my second VOX BOX and it is right up my alley. It is the BEAUTY BLOGGER VOX BOX. ( AMAZING RIGHT!!!) In this Voxbox from Influenster , I received  Kiss Ever pro lashes , NYC Color Individual Eyes.. The color is Dark Shadows...ooooooooooo . Best part of this eyeshadow set, it has primer, Illuminator, Crease/contour colors, All over lid color and Highlighter.

If you consider yourself not so skilled in applying eye shadow, this palette makes it easy for you

I received a coupon for Bath and Body works Candles.( I unfortunately did not read the date and missed out, but it gave me incentive to go candle shopping again; it used to be an addiction)

 I also received The spin pin from Goody . The pins are for light hair but since I am currently braided, I am going to give these to my friends you love to do the up-do. ( I will harass them for feedback).

I received No.7 beautiful skin Cleansing Lotion and Night cream. Both are hypoallergenic so I am going to give it a try this weekend. 

I got Not your mother's Kinky moves Curl defining hair cream. I will be holding on to this. I am currently in protective style mode so It will not be used till January.. Sorry my loves. My hair really cannot stand the winter and it is dry enough as is. In braids my hair grows and I have better control over conditioning.

I received great White Barn Votive candle in the scent of nutmeg and spice.. Smells amazing even without being lit... it is my room deodorizer and it will stay that way till I reignite my candle addiction .

Last but not least I also received The daily eboost energy supplement. Though the taste may not be great for all taste buds, it does make you feel better.


For all my beauties who would love to get goodies to try, you should definitely sign up for Influenster. You can earn badges see how far and wide your influence can really go and also see that you may be doing things already that will help build your influence.

Have a great Friday loves and as always

BE GORGEOUS. BE WONDERFUL. BE YOU!!!!

disclaimer: I have received each product complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.

My FIRST INFLUENSTER BOX::: NATURAL VOX BOX

Hey beauties. Hope all is going well for you all, inside and out. A  few days ago, I received my first Influenster box. I was more than excited to get chosen for a box. For those of you that may not know what influenster is I will explain. Influenster is a Word of Mouth marketing in which members are selectively chosen to test out and give their opinions on certain products.

To register click here -----> Influenster.

YEAH!!!! My first box 

Above is my first box... To say I was excited to receive it is a bit of an understatement. I was on influenster for a bit so I was super psyched to be chosen.

Look at my goodies

Inside I received The Original Dish drying Mat, LypSyl Intense Protection Lypmoisturizer, EBOOST, Cleanwell Individual Hand Sanitizer Wipes, GeoDeo Deordorant , Nectresse Sweetner and country Life Maxi Hair Maximized dietary supplements.

I have tried the Country life Supplements because I am always looks for something to strengthen my nails. If it will help my hair and skin, BONUS!!!!!!

I have also tried the EBOOST energy supplement. It is in natural orange and though the flavor is an acquired taste, I can say I felt better and more alert. ( It is actually helping me write this post).

The dish drying mat is a no brainer. My glasses have dried fast and allowing it to dry afterwards will help extend its life use.

I cannot wait to try the other products. I know these days we are trying to more conscious of our environment and what we use and I am very happy that I can try these products out to help out.

For my lovelies, You can follow Influenster https://twitter.com/Influenster

disclaimer: I have received each product complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.

BE GORGEOUS. BE WONDERFUL. BE YOU 

Hello... Good Morning. I am a Lucky LUCY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good Morning My beauties and welcome to another installment of my POV.

I was "Lucky" enough to be sent samples of  a beautiful new body care line. The company name is Lucky Lucy.

Gorgeous packaging , right 

 Lucky Lucy began in 2010 by two best friends one of which I happen to know :)

From their FaceBook page Lucky Lucy Body Desserts 

" Founded in 2010 by Nicole Fisher & Tara Martin, Lucky Lucy Body Desserts is a line that uses “naturally organic” ingredients.

Our beauty line was created to provide a uniq

ue experience proving that "Natural ingredients do not=boring." 

Started as an idea from Nicole’s Grandmother Ethel Lucille aka "Lucky Lucy" and tired of the chemicals and under delivered promises of overpriced products this product line was born. 

This brand offers luxurious scents and moisturizing agents that will have all your senses pleasantly pleased. 

Every product in this line have been tested by us before selling them to "You". We know that “Every woman deserves to feel her best, with a product she can afford."

The great thing about our product besides being naturally inspired, we can custom make a product for you- if you have a skin condition like eczema and traditional medicines are not working, give us a shout and we will see what we can do to help you out !

We promise to deliver a product that is great and one that really works........That is the Lucky Lucy way !

ooooooo  goodies inside

 I was so excited to receive a sample of the goodies. Once I did, I was amazed. The packaging is gorgeous. Definite feel of luxury. Once you open the box , you see all the delectable goodies for you to try. I received  1 fl oz of the Hello Good Morning Body wash, Lady E body souffle and the Hello good morning body buffer. Also included is a wonderful letter telling about the product line as well as the ingredients listed in each product.  The letter is so warm, you feel a part of the fam. ( that's a nice feeling)

I not only tried this but I let my mom try it as well. Both my mom and I  LOVED IT!!!!!! The scent of the Body wash is wonderful citrus which will wake up any tired soul.

The Body scrub felt amazing on my skin and left my skin moisturized.... very nice side benefit. The scrub contains shea butter, sugar, spice, grape seed and apricots..

The Body Souffle OMG.. you want to eat it. It smells divine. You can smell the delicious honey and beautiful oils.

All in all, my skin felt amazing and I smelled delicious. ( Shouldn't we always smell delicious)


To find Lucky Lucy Body desserts please visit:

Lucky Lucy Body Desserts Facebook 

Lucky Lucy Body Desserts Twitter 

Lucky Lucy Body Desserts Pinterest 

BE GORGEOUS. BE WONDERFUL. BE YOU

I think I need a little "Ocean Salt and Grass" in my life

Hey my beauty loves. I hope all is amazing in your worlds and that summer has left you feeling beautiful and amazing. Today's POV is about what body wash I am currently using to leave my skin feeling good and Also smelling good.

This Size $34.95 and soooooooo worth it 

The first product is called Ocean Salt from Lush Cosmetics. The beautiful face and body scrub is an absolute dream. It was great especially when we had those really warm days in NYC. Refreshing and cooling and smelling like a delicious margarita. Made with fine and coarse sea salt, Grapefruit infusion, lime oil, Extra virgin coconut oil and fresh lime extracted in Vodka ( yes you read right). This delicious body scrub exfoliates and leaves your body feeling brightened and soft.

Smells just a like a fresh spring day  or a fresh mowed lawn

Once I have exfoliated, I have discovered a new lovely shower gel called Grass. Yes Grass ( no giggling). This shower gel is made with beautiful wheat grass ( which BTW is good for you inside on out) and also has bergamot and neroli oil. Bergamot oil is a beautiful oil that can uplift you and make you feel really good and has great antibacterial qualities.  Neroli Oil which help increase serotonin levels which help alter our moods and give you a sense of serenity and well being.

the coolest thing however besides all the previous loveliness is that when grass is mixed with ocean salt, the smell is gives off is heavenly. You smell so clean and refreshing, you may want to smell yourself  almost all day. ( I'm just saying)

As you can see, my grass is almost gone ( Stop Giggling)

I did discover this concoction on my own and the scent is ever so nice. I submit this to my lovely readers as definitely a body wash mix to try.


Have a great day loves

BE GORGEOUS. BE WONDERFUL. BE YOU.

Welcome to world of taking care of curls.. Part Deux

Hello my lovelies. As promised, I am doing my second follow up on taking care of my mane of tight curls. Today was hair washing day so I used these three products.
All from Lush Cosmetics

One size for this Moisturizer $21.95

1st - Jasmine and Henna fluff Hair Moisturizer . This contains Jojoba oil, Almond, Brazil nut and extra virgin coconut oils. This is perfect for us curl girls who are always on the prowl for moisture and great oils for our hair.  You must apply this before you actually do any washing or conditioning. Consider this almost your pre-treatment for your hair. It must stay on your hair for 20 minutes.  The amount you use depends on how long and thick your hair is. For me I used half. for my longer haired beauties, you should use the hole tub. Now before you cry bloody murder about using the whole thing at once, remember this is a treatment. The effects are very long lasting because of the oils in the moisturizer.

Yummy at $23.95

2nd - I rinsed out the Jasmine and Henna Fluff and washed my hair with Curly Wurly Shampoo.  This shampoo seems so good and it is REALLY THICK. It has coconut oil, creamed coconut,  vanilla, mashed avocado and fresh eggs. ( talk about a moisture cocktail). This product also has SLS which helps it lather. You need to make sure when rinsing that you rinse well because there may be bits of coconut around your hair. When I said thick, I meant it ;)

Feels Great $27.95

3rd - For the conditioner, I used Retread. Retread is Lush's triple strength conditioner. ( most of my curl girls know. we always need moisture) Retread has seaweed, lanolin, and soya milk. These provide much needed protein. It also has Jojoba and Avocado. (I wasn't kidding ladies about the moisture). I left this on my hair for 10 minutes, then rinsed.

Now what I will say to my loves with curls, Pat dry your hair. Do not let that towel scrub through your hair. In fact , comb and let air dry .

Here is my end result
 I am shiny , less frizz ( thank god)  curly mess.  My hair feels clean and moisturized.


Have a great day beauties

Be Gorgeous. Be Wonderful. Be YOU!!!!