Au Naturale

Lately Penny has had conversations with many about natural hair care. I guess you can say some are "going green" with their hair and opting for natural hair and natural hair care. Hair that is not chemically treated in any way would be considered natural hair. Penny herself has not had a chemical hair relaxer in years, but unfortunately, can't back away from the dye bottle. *sigh* I at least go for dye that is ammonia free (Bigen #58).  Beauty manufacturers have heeded the call and there are several lines on the market for the growing natural hair care trend. Natural and organic products are not as difficult to find as they once were. Keep in mind that the best hair care for any hair type includes natural and/or organic products. They are gentler on your hair and scalp; and often provide overall hair health benefits. Penny recommends the following web sites for those seeking products that work with natural hair whether it be curly, kinky, wavy, or straight...thick, course or fine.  There is a product out there for everyone.

http://www.aveda.com/

http://www.blendedbeauty.com/

http://www.mixedchicks.net/

http://www.hairrules.com/

http://www.kinky-curly.com/

http://www.etaeproducts.com/

http://www.janecartersolution.com/

http://www.justnaturalskincare.com/

http://www.missjessies.com/

http://www.mynhcg.com/

http://www.carolsdaughter.com/

One of the most important things to note when working with your natural hair is to "understand your hair type or texture."  This is important because many products are now created to treat the various type (i.e. wavy, curly, coarse, straight, etc), and not just the condition of the hair (i.e. dry, thin, split ends, etc). Today it is less about ethnicities, and culturally specific products, and more about actual hair types. Penny herself is a "potpourri of sorts" and my hair texture has often reflected this. With multiple textures, it can be challenging to find the right product. But where would Penny be without products to play with? Oh the horror! Ha ha ha! (Read full story...)

Holiday Photo Ops

Penny is back and just in time for the holidays! With social calendars that fill up fast during the holiday season, it is likely that many of us will end up in someone's online photo album, on the family video, and/or on Facebook (*sigh*). We have office parties, charity fundraisers, family gatherings, and more to attend this season. Some of you might also be contemplating a family portrait style holiday card, or a self-portrait gift to a loved one. So what are some things we need to keep in mind when being photographed during this festive season?

• Powder is essential. Not only to set your foundation and give an even, matte complexion, but also to prevent any appearance of oil or shine on the skin. Shiny skin will reflect the light from the camera's flash.
• Photos are two-dimensional, the camera ages subjects by enhancing dark, fine lines and wrinkles. To compensate, gently apply a lighter shade of concealer make-up to darker areas: around the eyes, crevices and expression lines.
• Define and groom your brows; this helps to frame your face. Penny loves a good brown eyebrow powder (Ardell Defining Brow Powder in Taupe) and an angled brush.
• Always make sure your foundation matches your skin tone.  Blend it well; test it against your jawline. You don't want a sudden change of color from your face to your neck or shoulders.
• Stay away from shimmery products; light reflecting powders and creams can sometimes reflect light back at the camera. (Read full story...) 
  

Penny's New Pick!

Penny's back!
Sorry for the time away. Penny is not at all happy that she actually had to work a paying job. *sigh*

However, there is always time for a beauty find. I recently read about an innovative concealer called Double Feature by LORAC ($24).  It's a concealer and highlighter in one convenient tube, with an amazing little feature...a roller ball. Yes, a roller ball is used to blend the concealer evenly to cover under eye circles and blemishes. Penny loves that this full coverage concealer is also oil-free, paraben-free, dye-free, and fragrance free.  (Read full story...)

Holiday Trends

Hello You Holiday Harriets!
Penny knows that this is the time of year when many of us are faced with that million dollar question: "What do I wear to the holiday party?"  Yes. You know the feeling of dread when you think about what's in your closet...decisions, decisions. You ask yourself: "Do I wear something that I have already?" "Can I fit in anything fancy that I own?"  Let Penny help you put things in perspective. 

As a "Recessionista" it is okay to recycle an outfit (especially if you're wearing it to a new/different event). The key is to make it look as different and new as possible with the use of this year's stylish accessories (i.e. jewelry, purse, shoes, even make-up, etc).  Even if you're a "Fashionista" and you must have a new dress for the season, you should also enhance your look with the right accessories. Buying something new also allows you the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try a daring new color for a more festive look. You also can't go wrong with "classics" (i.e. sheath dress, pant suit, strapless dress, etc). Here are some trends for 2009 to keep in mind: (Read the full story...)

Make-up Must Haves - What are yours?

Hello good people!
Hope all are enjoying this fall weekend. Don't forget to set your clocks back before you get you beauty sleep tonight (for those of you in the Eastern Standard Time Zone).

Although some of us have gained an hour, Penny feels like she has less time to 'put her face on' each day, and more to put on it. *sigh* Age is a beautiful thing...I just wish someone told Penny that she would have to work harder at making it look good. LOL!

In order to get rid of my purse-sized cosmetic bag, I have decided to customize and compartmentalize my cosmetics and tools. At any given time Penny is testing a product so it's hard to narrow things down to one brand, but Penny does have her favs. Penny wants to know...What are your make-up must haves? What can you not leave home without? (Read full story...)