How To - Quick & Easy Ombre Lipstick Look

How To - Quick & Easy Ombre Lipstick Look

To Complete this look you must:

1. Moisturize your lips.

2. Base your lips with a bright concealer  (This will help your color pop)

3. Line your lips with a lipliner that is a few shades darker than the lipstick you choose.

4. Fill in your lips with lipstick of your choice.

5. Take Concealer and dab a few spots into the middle of your lips. (top & bottom)

6. blot your lips and blend outward.

You can also go over with your darker lipliner again to neaten & blend everything out

-xoJbeauty

Questions or Requests Email: JbeautyHealthyLife@gmail.com

Healthy Marriage - My 1st Year Complete + Ten Tips

WOW! 1st year of marriage complete for Corye & I. It really flew by for us....they say things change and normally when you hear that it sounds like for the worse but I can confirm if you're both true to each other it's all for the better. I've had a year of spiritual growth and bonding. It's been fantastic I love this man more and more each day! SO in honor of our 1st year of marriage I decided to post 10 Helpful Relationship Tips <3

Communication

• This may sound cliche but it is very important. Most disagreements are created by misunderstandings and miscommunications. So having clear communication with two people willing and eager to find a middle ground is key to squashing small quarrels before they get blown out of proportion. 

Accountability

• When you are wrong admit it and move on. Don't try to find ways to deflect the responsibility of your actions on to your partner. Admitting your faults is much better than pointing out your spouses. The truth is no one is perfect and sometimes our actions can have a negative effect on our spouse. When you hold yourself accountable you aren't just taking the blame you are being a responsible adult. 

Quality Time

• Time passes us by and you don't want to look back and see all the time you spent apart. Life calls duty calls so time isn't always easy to be spent & sometimes by the time you get time perhaps you are just ready to go to bed. But the reality is you don't want to be passersby in a house, living two totally separate lives becoming strangers. Being friends, spending time & laughing together is vital in a long lasting relationship. MAKE the time for one another even if you have to schedule it. It's better than never hanging out.

Appreciation

• No matter how long you two have been together continue to appreciate one another. Sometimes when people have something for a long time, they get use to it it's value decreases in their mind and you don't really pay it much attention anymore. This can also happen in your relationships. People can take people for granted and not even realize it. We all have one life to live and we never know when our time is up. Appreciate the person you decided to dedicate your life to. Tell him he is amazing tell her she is beautiful. When you think something nice about one another say it. It holds no value in the mind put it out into the universe. 

Don't Only Except

• This is a rule for life but it also applies to marriage. Don't expect someone else but yourself to create your happiness allow your spouse to be an addition to your happiness but never allow anyone to be the sole reason you are happy. Love yourself [which is the only way anyone else can ever fully love you in the correct way you deserve to be loved anyway] Respect yourself, Cherish yourself. I don't say these things to tell you to be FULL of yourself but know exactly who you are and know that happiness and all things fulfilling do start within YOU.

Love Language

• There's a book called "The Five Love Languages" Written By: Gary D Chapman it's a great read. Find out your spouses love language. It'll help your understand them more. Sometimes we look at things and get confused like why do they need this or why are they reacting like this. Im treating them the way I'd want to be treated but the truth is we are all different and desire different treatments. You can't just treat your spouse the way you'd want to be treated. You have to remember to treat them the way that THEY want to be treated. 

Swap the 7 Deadly Habits

• This is something I seen a while back online The seven deadly habits consist of criticizing, blaming, complaining, nagging, threatening, punishing, and bribing. Swap those habits with the seven caring habits they are supporting, encouraging, listening, accepting, trusting, respecting, and negotiating your differences.

Support

• Support your spouse in the things they set forth to accomplish. It can be minor or major but it is important to show your support and to be there for them and encourage them. Everyone wants to feel that they are doing something positive and worth it. Just a little support will make them feel just that. 

The Little Things

• Don't for get about all the little things you did in the beginning. Sometimes it's not always the BIG productions that touch the heart of your spouse it's the little things that aren't always that important but are extremely thoughtful. 

"Don't Fall off"

• Just because you are married or together for a long time doesn't give you a free pass to fall off. Keep yourself together and healthy. Who doesn't want to be the best they can be for someone they love. Hell who doesn't want to be the best they can be for themselves. Don't get complacent in your relationship and let yourself go. Age will come and we will all lose our youth so just stay in the best shape you can for yourself and the person you love.

"If you marry or commit to someone's potential you will end up with their reality."

Don't commit to what you believe that person can become commit to exactly who they are today. Who they are today must be enough for you because the reality is not everyone reaches their full potential and the truth is someone's full potential may not be what you expected anyway. 

-xoJbeauty

How To: Perfect Bun on Natural Hair

Watch Above Video for step by step visual instructions xo

Perfect Bun on Natural Hair

You will need:

ECO Styler Gel (olive oil)

Pomade

Frizz Buster

Rolled Sock

Hair Tie

Brush
Bobby Pins

Wide Tooth Comb

Scarf


This bun will be done on dry hair

• Start off with your hair in a pony tail or pulled back tightly how ever you choose. 
• Apply the gel to the front, sides and back of your head. 
• Take your brush and smooth everything down
• Next you want to take your Pomade and apply a small amount to only the edges of your hair
• Apply this to the front, side and back edges. 

At any point during this process you can take your wide tooth comb if you have thicker hair (like me) and graze through the thickness of your hair to make sure everything is laying smoothly underneath. 

• Next you want to take your slick stick and also touch your edges around your entire head (Front, Sides & Back).
• Brush everything down smoothly. 

You can at this point wrap your scarf onto your head if you'd like so that everything remains flat as it dries.

• Now take your sock and work all your hair into the hole that is formed in the middle. The sock should be placed on your hair similar to a hair tie.
• Next find the middle point of your pony tail and start to evenly separate all your hair.
• Wrap your hair around your sock to cover it completely
• Take another hair tie and secure the hair in place.
• Tuck/Wrap the hair that may be hanging out and begin to secure all pieced with bobby pins
• Allow you hair to dry Remove your scarf and WALA!! 

THERE YOU HAVE IT!!! A BUN ON NATURAL HAIR!!!

xoxo

The Inversion Method to Grow Your Hair Explained + RESULTS

How To Do The Inversion Method

• Massage Scalp (With Oil Recommended)
• Invert head for 4 minutes
• Come up slowly
• Repeat this process for 7 days straight

It makes the most sense to do this method right before bed. Start off using a light oil to massage your scalp for a few minutes after competed sit down on couch or bed and lean forward. In theory stimulating your scalp will increase blood flow which in result with increase hair growth. The rules are you are only allowed to perform this method once a month if you do this more frequently apparently your hair will be use to the process and not achieve maximum results. 

You are said to achieve up to an inch of grow in a week.

Do not attempt this method if..

1. You are pregnant
2. Have high blood pressure
3. Heart Problems
4. Glaucoma
5. or any blood related conditions
6. Stop if you acquire a headache after 1st attempt

I only did the length check from one part of my hair. Maybe I'll start doing each angle I've seen some people gain length in some parts of their hair and not the other. I've seen some people gain length everywhere and i've seen people not gain any length at all. Here are my results at two attempts:

1st image January Pre Method Attempt, 2nd Image Results of 1st Attempt, 3rd Image Results of 2nd Attempt

Here are my results after two attempts the 1st image is pre inversion method attempt. The next two images are the two inversion method attempts I've done so far. I may consider skipping next month to see how much grow I can retain without doing the method. My hair seems to visibly be growing faster but the 2nd attempt I didn't take an image pre method so I can't say for CERTAIN the 2nd attempt worked although it seems it has but it could have also been my normal growth rate. I'll keep you all updated. 

SideBar: I don't really use an oil to massage my scalp like the rules say. Maybe on some of the days but not all and not a lot either.

Any Questions or Blog Requests Email: JbeautyHealthyLife@Gmail.Com or Comment Below

10 Hair Growth Journey Tips

Hair Growth Journey Tips

One thing I know about naturals is that we all desire HEALTHY HAIR no matter the length. But there are some of us who want healthy hair along with growth. Honestly for me growing my hair is more about dedicating myself to something and seeing results, oppose to the actually look of things. I enjoy longer hair but that doesn't mean I do not enjoy my hair as is. The first step to growing your hair is honestly accepting and loving exactly what you have today. So although I love me today it has become a game for me, something to look forward too. I continue to study my hair dedicate myself and see results and feel amazingly fulfilled when I am able to achieve what I set out to accomplish.

When you set to grow out your hair focus mainly on attaining healthy hair. If you follow your successfully proven guidelines you are sure to see some growth retained. If you aren't achieving length do not continue to do the same thing change your routine up and find out what works best for you. I've found things along the way that worked and continue to work with me on my journey here are a few.

• You can have one big goal but set smaller goals for yourself along the way.
• If you get discouraged easy refrain from doing length checks all the time and expecting to see some miraculous growth our hair grows on average a 1/2 inch per month. Your growth rate could be quicker or slower so don't sweat it if it's not instant.
• Do not overly trim your hair. Trimming your hair does not make your hair grow faster. It only assures your hair is healthy to the ends which helps retain length. If you trim your hair when it's not necessary you are only unnecessarily setting yourself back.
• If you need a trim don't hold off for straggle length get a trim but be careful and know exactly what to get trimmed away.
• Always seal your ends with an oil of some sort after moisturizing.
• Take advantage of protective styling while you are on your way to your length goal (and even once you get there). 
• Take a multivitamin- having any vitamin deficiencies can weaken your hair
• Learn product ingredient Do's/Don'ts and stay away from the Don'ts
• DRINK LOTS OF WATER
• Don't get discouraged be patient stay dedicated and don't cheat yourself it'll only be your loss.

xo JBeauty

Above image explained
August2012 Hair Length, August2012 PostTrim, Oct2013 Hair Length, January2014 length check
Total- Year & a Half of hair growth

Disclaimer: These are the tips that I've found useful for myself based upon trial and error. Everyone's hair is different. Do Research on your hair and find what works best for you.


Any Questions or Blog Requests Email: JbeautyHealthyLife@Gmail.Com

My Natural Hair Wash Regimen

Watch Video for Visual Step by Step + Explanation

My General Wash Regimen

Wet my hair fully make sure it is nicely saturated. I apply my Creme of Nature Argan Oil Sulfate-Free Moisture & Shine Shampoo. Depending on how my hair feels I'll decide if I want to do a double wash or not. After washing my hair I rinse it thoroughly assuring I have removed all traces of shampoo. I then section my hair into four sections and apply my Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment. I then split in half one of the sections and begin to detangle my hair using a wide tooth comb combing from the ends up to the root. After completed I twist my hair into twists and then into a bantu knot and clip it. I repeat that action on the other 3 sections and then cover my head with a plastic bag or shower cap wrap a scarf around the plastic bag or shower cap and cover that with a bonnet. I'll allow that to sit for at least 30 minutes [deep conditioning I do this frequently]. Then I remove the clips but leave the twists in my hair and rinse out the conditioner. 

I remove twists one at a time apply the

leave in conditioner mix. The mix was created by KimmayTube.

Ingredients for Mix

2 Table Spoons Cantu Shea Butter Leave in conditioning repair Cream

2 Table Spoons Aloe Vera Juice

2 Tea Spoons Olive oil OR Jojoba Oil 

2 Tea Spoons Castor Oil

(Hair after applying Leave in Mix)

I also make sure I remove any shed hair and make sure my hair in nicely detangled as I apply this conditioner mix into each section. After completed you may style as you desire [My Preference is No Heat]

I wash my hair twice a week a sulfate free shampoo wash on Saturday and a cowash [washing your hair using conditioner only] on Wednesday.

I credit the leave in conditioner mix for majority of my hair growth it has helped my hair with retaining my length tremendously so try it out and let me know how it works for you. Stay consistent because the only person you are cheating if you don't is yourself.

A post explaining how I wash my hair when I'm ready to flat iron my hair. COMING SOON

 Completed Process Hair is Braided back

braids braided together across the bottom and bobby pined and ends tucked away great for retaining Length

Two Braids in the front for possibly leave out usage for a Quick Weave or Half Wig.

Any Questions or Blog Requests Email: JbeautyHealthyLife@Gmail.Com

My Hair Journey Introduction

Here's the place I will post my hair journey amongst other healthy lifestyle choices I've made or will make. I get a lot of questions about my hair & my journey so to make it simple I've decided to log a blog to document everything along the way.

My story is simple. I've pretty much been natural all of my life besides a perm as a child and a perm in Junior High. So I've been natural all of my adult life. I had no idea how to actually take care of my hair so I've never allowed my hair to reach it's full potential. One day after browsing youtube I was taken by curiosity to actually tend to my hair I soon found out I could take control of my hair. So in 2012 my Journey began.

The image on the left is my hair in April of 2012 the right side is my hair on Oct 2013. This is about a year and half of hair growth. I've experienced some up's and down's in my Journey and I'll try to cover them all. I haven't straightened my hair since Oct 2013 & I don't plan on straightening it until May 2014 once My husband and I arrive back in the states So I'll Have an updated image of my hair growth with straight hair sometime in May hopefully.

Here's the breakdown of my hair growth over the years in pictures Below. 

The above images are pre my hair journey For the most part my hair stayed somewhere close to this length for years. Longer as a child but in my teen/adult life this was pretty much my length. As you can tell by the images posted this was over 2 years and my hair really didn't move much. My hair was always pretty full/thick and relatively healthy but I knew absolutely nothing about retaining length or anything for that matter. No consistent hair products no hair knowledge. I was probably still using oil sheen's and light greases in my hair up until 2011[no good].

So I decided I wanted to do something different I wanted hair growth and I was determined to get it. Sometime in the beginning of 2012 [wish I knew when exactly] I dedicated myself to my hair and I started to retain length.

After the above august image I had got a trim.

August 12 [Not 13 SORRY!!]

The only reason I'm stating this trim is because I think more than necessary was cut off but it wasn't gone for long lol

 it grew back pretty quickly and it was thicker to the ends

After October I didn't straighten my hair until January 2013 

I continued my hair regimen and learning my hair. I didn't straighten my hair again until my husband and I Got back to America from Europe. We came back in March.

I continued to take care of my hair and didn't straighten it again until May Image below

After I straightened my hair in May I honestly fell off with my haircare I wasn't doing my regimen as to the T as I was in previous months. (I'll write out my exact regimen in another blog post) I actually didn't start back up again until December 2013. I straightened my hair once before december so I have an image of my straight hair length in October 2013. I Probably used my leave in conditioner 3 times this entire time frame. [Normally use once a week]. But I was still able to retain some length and gain some fullness.

I haven't had my hair straight since October 2013 so I have no idea what my exact straight hair length is but I did do some length checks.

I decided in January to try out the inversion method after doing some research on it. 

I began on January 28th and completed the method February 3rd. I skipped one of the days but I did receive pretty decent results. I didn't take a picture at the start my inversion method so I used the images I had already taken a little earlier in the month.

I'll be doing the inversion method again to s

ee if I can gain anymore growth by using it & I'll be blogging about that more in depth when that time comes.

 But in conclusion I began this journey 2012 it's probably nearing 2 years since I started my healthy hair journey. I've had up's and downs gains and losses with my hair but overall Im proud of my growth. Taking care of your hair makes a HUGE difference as you can see between the 2 years PLUS pre hair care and the Almost 2 years post hair care differences. Welp, that's pretty much my story so now everyone is all caught up I will post from time to time with hair updates etc. Make sure you follow my Blog so you don't miss out. I will be explaining everything in detail for those interested in knowing more.

Stay tuned.

P.S. One thing creating this blog did for me was brought to light I absolutely LOVE the Kissy face hahaha <3 xo

Any Questions or Blog Requests Email: JbeautyHealthyLife@Gmail.Com