brown skin

6.14.2015

How to Talk to A Black Girl


I watch a lot of vlogs on YouTube, most of who are couples in an interracial relationship. For me, I don’t watch them because they’re interracial – I just like them and they happen to be.  There are always suggested videos and every time I’m watching a vlog I see things like “How to Talk to A Black Girl” or something along those lines. Someone usually always mentions how they’re a different race attracted to Black women but they don’t know how to approach them.  I mean, there a how-to on Wiki: How to Date A BlackGirl.

Real Life Experience. I was walking on my [old] campus and a boy stopped me. He needed directions to a certain building so I kindly told him how to get there. Then he was like, “you’re so nice – I was afraid to talk to you.” I’m not the type to think that every guy is hitting on me (do people even say that?) so I smiled and said, “Thank you,” before asking why he was scared. He said, “Because I see a lot of Black girls and they all look so mean.” My brain stopped at that moment but I couldn’t let him see that because that’s too awkward. So I was like, “Why did you come up to me then?” He said, “Because I saw you smile.” Now, in no way was I offended but I was shocked. I did inform him that all Black girls are NOT THE SAME. Where I was in a school with rather rambunctious women, or Birds in Urban terminology I had to let him know that we’re not all alike.

For starters, I was in a place where some White people were not really around Black people. They weren’t racist they just weren’t aware. What they saw was mostly on television and it’s no secret that we don’t always have the best image in the media. That’s basically stereotyping and to me, that’s wrong. Even if you see something or hear something pertaining to someone of a certain race that was only one person. One person does not represent a race. Nobody represents a race. You represent yourself. So, how to talk to a Black girl? Be Yourself. Just like any other girl, you either get want you wanted or you don't. That doesn't change because of her race.

I promise you this Black girl is not of a different species, actually, she’s human – woah! Shocker! Talk to her as you would any other girl. With respect.

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How to Talk to A Black Girl

6.14.2015

Teen Magazines Lack of Hair Diversity



“est.since1997 @teenvogue you guys don't even include all of the different curl types and this is the issue. It’s really annoying. You guys exclude people with naturally kinky/curly hair. Our hair type is still considered curls too so there is no reason why we should be excluded from the cypher. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and still reads Teen Vogue Magazine. The young girls who have kinky/curly hair will feel like their hair is not appreciated in society. We already have that now but reading this makes the issue really stand out. It points out that our hair is undesirable. Next time, how about you guys include #EVERYONE that has natural curls. If the #editors haven't realized it that includes coily, kinky and loose curls.”


Jesus Christ,these magazines have no clue what they're talking about. Can someone tell me why they keep using celebrities with curly weave to represent natural hair? I mean I know natural hair is a wide range to cover but it's about time they get like 2 or 3 girls with different natural hair types to share their advice. In 2012, the natural hair trend wasn't as popular as it is now which gave them enough time to jump on the bandwagon. Now when Seventeen does put out natural hair advice it's always girls with loose curls. It is so rare that I see a girl with an Angela Davis afro. This is one of the main reasons I started blogging - because of the lack of representation. I get that magazines have to pertain to a certain audience (White girls) but you are a huge publication. Girls from all background, skin colors and hair textures read your magazine. It would be nice to see something that I can actually do. And no, don't tell me to read Essence or Jet because I am a teenager and I need help for prom and my first internship (no shade on Essence or Jet). 

Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy reading these magazines and they’re great publications but when I open the page, I find a sea of photos targeted towards girl's whose hair cascades down their back like a waterfall. For some of us our hair stands are closer to the tall sunflower family. We try to re-create the styles to our best ability but just end up in pure frustration and disappointment.  In the November 2012 issue of Teen Vogue, star hairstylist James Pecis said, “Some girls fight their texture so much that they’re just destroying their hair.” Well we are not those girls, and if we can embrace our natural texture why can’t the magazines do it too? It’s bad enough that curly hair is rarely represented, but when it is it always seems to be a model with bouncy curls and no trace of a kink or coil. It looks like stereotypical European hair that has been curled with an iron.

All I’m saying is that by neglecting a huge demographic they’re hurting us and themselves. They’re missing out on the beauty and empowering message behind ethnic natural hair.  James also said, “You can create amazing shapes and styles with textured hair that you can’t do with straight hair. Embrace It!” Well, Mr. Pecis, I couldn't agree more.





Teen Magazines Lack of Hair Diversity

4.29.2015

Review| Maybelline Dream Fresh vs. Dream Pure


I might be, actually I am pretty late on this but whateves. I’m sure it’ll help someone. As I’ve been trying to find foundation for my skin, I have been using BB crèmes in the meantime. I’ve gotten the chance to try both and I decided to review them.

 Packaging, Price and Availability. The Dream Fresh is a cute pink theme with the shade on top. It has a glossy finish which I just realized sort of correlates with the consistency and texture of the product. It ranges from $6 - $7 (not including tax).  The DreamPure is a calming baby blue (I sound like such a blogger). It has more of a smooth matte finish. It ranges from $8 - $10 (not including tax). Both products are 1.0 Fl oz. They can be found at any beauty supply, drugstore or superstore.

Consistency. The Dream Fresh is so runny! It’s literally a liquid. I feel like I’m putting thick water on my face. I haven’t used it in so long and I bought it in 2013. The Dream Pure has a thicker creamy-like consistency which I tend to be drawn to.

Shade Collection.  No shocker here, there isn’t a wide variety. The Deep shade is still a little dark for me and the medium deep is too light. I’m talking tan.  I read reviews where people with fair skin even said the lightest color was too dark for them. As for the Dream Pure, it matches pretty well if I blend it with my beautyblender but there still isn’t a wide variety. The perfect shade for mewould be a shade lighter than the deep.

Overall Thoughts. The Dream Fresh didn’t do anything for my skin. I had to pack it on so much before I could see any results and I don’t like that feeling. I’ve used it various times over the course of 3 years and I’ve never grown to like this product. The DreamPure is the only facial cosmetic that I trust from Maybelline as my skin reacts very badly to their products. I would repurchase the Dream Pure as a good quality [and inexpensive] BB crème. If you’re darker than me, you might be out of luck as they don’t go very deep into shades.


Review| Maybelline Dream Fresh vs. Dream Pure

4.29.2015

1.19.2015

Trader Joe's Beauty & Food Haul





Oh dear, I just love Trader Joe’s so much! I mean the taste, the quality and the prices – it doesn’t get much better. As I am packing to go back to school (a new school I might add) I’ve been dying to grab some infamous Trader Joe’s products. I don’t really like watching or doing hauls (so don't expect them) but I can watch Trader Joe’s hauls all day long (no, not really but you catch my drift).





I recently watched Tara E (on YouTube) and spoke about how she liked the tee tree cleanser. I’ve been using the Tee Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash from The BodyShop. It works well but it’s something I would need to keep buying and quite frankly I don’t have the money. I have read reviews about it being strong but most people said you should only use a little bit.




My friend Josh told me that they’re really good and I love anything mango. How could I go to Trader Joe’s and not buy their Cookie Butter? I mean, everyone raves about it. I couldn’t wait to try it! I pretty much stuck my [clean] finger in there and scooped it out. It’s so yummy! It does have a hint of ginger and it’s sweet. So far, I’ve only had it on a cupcake (sugar overload!) but it says you can put it on other pastries, waffles, pancakes, etc.





The tea lover strikes again! I feel like I should do tea reviews or something. At $1.99 I decided to try the Mango Black Tea. I’ve only used one bag – for the past 3 days. I mean, most people tend to throw away tea bags after the first use but you can reuse them until the flavor isn’t strong anymore. I love how I didn't have to add any honey but I might do so next time because Black tea is pretty strong. You can still taste [and smell] the mango though.

The Salted Caramel Chair Tea Mix smelled delightful. Of course I felt basic as heck because I swear everyone has to have Chai during the winter but whatevs. The best part is all you add is water because it comes in a powder form. It’s the normal salty/sweet taste that every salted caramel product tastes like. I think I’d like to try it with vanilla soy milk for a sweeter taste.




Tara E. mentioned using jojoba oil as a makeup remover (I use oil to remove my makeup as well) but I want to use it for my hair. Use it to take down my twists, add in Shea butter or use by itself as a sealant.

Cold-pressed coconut oil is the same but you can’t beat this price! The co-op near my house retails this at $10.99 so I couldn’t beat the $5.99 price at TJ.




What kind of naturalista would I be if I didn’t pick these up? Whitney raved about it and I’ve wanted to try it ever since. I bought two bottles of conditioner because one was not enough. I also picked out the shampoo. I’ll definitely review it when I try it out!
Total:

What are your fav things from TraderJoe’s?

Trader Joe's Beauty & Food Haul

1.19.2015

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