StriVectin Power to Change and a $30K Giveaway

StriVectin Power to Change – Do YOU Love the Skin You’re In?

The power to change. Four words that can alter the course of any destiny, dream or circumstance. Four words that often times mean the difference between a purpose fulfilled and a passion debunked. Hope. Joy. Destiny. They are the end results of having the courage to stop, refocus and move forward.  They epitomize the soul’s quest to liken itself to something greater than itself–to see beyond the scope of its present circumstance and call forth a better future.

To change oneself or the things we don’t typically like about ourselves requires honesty, transparency or a bit of humor. For me it required all three. You all know how much I rave about being a StriVectin gal. I’ve joked about it on video, talked about it on Twitter, raved about it on Facebook and openly talk about it with anyone who asks me about my skin. Why? Because they pay you? Don’t I wish! No, because I cannot ever remember feeling this good about my skin, especially my face. I take pictures without makeup!  I wear less foundation and concealer now than I have in the last 5 years. And I’m proud that 90% of the people I meet, and know, typically think I’m about 15-20 years younger than my real age. Although, looking younger is not so much fun when you’re trying to buy wine and they think you’ve borrowed your sister’s I.D. and request that you call your parent, but that’s another post entirely.

When one area in our life changes for the better, the ripple effect is inevitable. Confidence comes alive. Beauty, ingenuity and warmth take center stage as life seems to harmonize with the chords of our new found growth. We dream bigger. We live on purpose. We live with purpose. This is kind of what this challenge is all about. Having the power to change what you can, to live the kind of life you really want, to impact the lives of others along the way. Each one, reach one to teach one.

If you had $30,000 what would you change for the better? Whose life would you impact?

I know 8 outstanding, highly creative youth who want to go to Haiti to help rebuild a broken country and learn the meaning of service. $30,000 sounds like a great investment, don’t you think?

 Psst. Don’t forget about their free trial offer: $35 worth of product and you pay $6.50 shipping + handling. Um, yes please.

Best Beauty Products Under $10

Product junkie. Makeup savvy. Beautista. No matter which label you prefer, I think it’s safe to say that everyone likes a good bargain. Regardless of your age, race, economic status or religious preference, we all like to feel like we’re getting the big fish for minimal effort. It’s like getting a pair of $3,000 Jimmy Choos for $250. Almost like hitting the jackpot! The same holds true with shopping for makeup.

There are some great inexpensive products available in every day stores that not only work well, but are easy on your wallet. While I love my Bobbi Brown, Iman, Sonia Kashuk and others, more times than not I’m looking for good products that cost less.

Here are some of the best beauty products available for under $10.

1. Custom scented oils - Since 1992, I’ve had a professional aromatheragenius. In other words, I have a person who custom blends scented oils and lotions  based on my body’s chemistry and personal preferences. I use them in my bath water, in the shower, with my Eucerin body lotion or with natural oils like jojoba and olive oil. Prices start at $5/ounce.

2. Aquaphor lip repair (LOVE this stuff) – I’ve been a Blistex kind of gal for years until   my skin became allergy prone. My lips were easily inflamed, prone to splitting and very dry. Hence, I accepted the opportunity to review Aquaphor lip repair in hopes that it would at least help. In 48 hours my lips were noticeably healthy and the inflammation was all but gone. At $5.99 for two tubes, this is definitely a steal.

3. e.l.f. makeup accessories – I’ve always liked e.l.f. products and I especially became a fan when the price of the products ranged between $1 and $8. Most of the accessories  can be found in Target (or Tarjay for the makeup savvy). Depending on where you live, you can find e.l.f. products at Walmart, Riteaid or other chain stores.

4. Covergirl, Maybelline and L’oreal – I absolutely love to use all of these products! As a professed product junkie, I’ve learned where to go to get the hottest trends in color and styles: the Dollar Store! When I don’t feel like splurging $10 for the season’s latest eye shadow, I simply wait a month, head over to the Dollar Tree and purchase said color or colors that are close enough to make the cut. If your Dollar Tree isn’t product junkie friendly, wait for “end of season sales.” You’re likely to find BOGOs, half-off, or other deep discounted colors and products.

5. MaryKay, Avon – looking for great deals on these products? Shop the clearance sale. I never fail to find a seasonal lip stain, rocking eye shadow or fabulous mascara that has been discounted by as much as 50 percent! Plus, when you buy these products, you’re investing not only in yourself but in the women who are in this line of work. A total win-win!

6. Trial sizes and samples at a specialty store near you - you have not because you ask not. Did you know that most department stores, spas and other specialty places where quality makeup is sold will give you free samples if you ask? I went to my favorite spa for a massage. While I was there I thought I’d treat myself to a complimentary makeup consultation. The result? I took home several trial sizes of makeup and custom blended foundation. You know what’s better than cheap prices? No prices!  Trial sizes and free samples are your friend – don’t be afraid to ask for them.

Do you have a favorite  product that you buy for under $10? Do share!

 

editor’s note: I am a partner with Eucerin Skin First Network and receive products to review. My opinions are my own. 

Ten Things Every Black Woman Should Know and Believe

It’s no secret. The predominant images of black women blared across the global community are at best demoralizing and shameful. Far too often, all I ever see of the women who like me can be summed up in terms such as “video vixen” or “baby momma” or “welfare opportunist.”

We know the names of Oprah Winfrey, Etta James and Maya Angelou. These are the names forged from the backbone of generations of black women who paved the way with their blood and their sacrifice in hopes that their legacy would breathe hope and the power to persevere in the face of insurmountable circumstances. Yes, we know the names of  Billie Holiday, Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai and Mamie Till, who stood toe to toe with the Goliath of their time and defiantly breathed I will not bow, I will not cave and I will not compromise the truth.

Yes, we know the names of these majestic beauties but some how the global reach of their plight–of humanity’s plight–is muffled by an ideology that decrees that we (black women) are all booty-bouncing-morally-depraved-loud-mouthed-uneducated-sexually-deviant-miscreants of society. Five words: the devil is a liar!

And so I share 10 Things I Want to Say to a Black Woman by Joshua Bennett in hopes that it will break through the perpetual lies  that say that you’re not lovable, you’re not beautiful, you’re not good enough and you’re not more than enough because truth be told you’re all that and so much more!