Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Amara Organics Vitamin C Serum Review


Can I tell you that I LOVE this product? First, I must admit that I have rather decent skin to begin with. But there are these little dark spots, two on my jawline and a few on my neck, that drive me nuts. I had pretty much determined that they are now a permanent part of my body and accepted failure at my attempts to dissolve them....until NOW. 

This amazing serum claims to diminish dark spots and it tells no lie. In under a month, the two on my jaw line are nearly invisible and the spots on my neck are practically gone, as well. These spots have been with me for over 7 years and now, they are nearly gone in under a month. 
AND, I still have 75% of the content left. It is a HUGE value for the money ($19.95) and worth every dime.

Forget the facelift, lasers, and chemical peels! Vitamin C has been shown to be just as effective at reversing the effects of time and environmental damage to the skin.

Notice brighter, smoother skin after your first use of our Vitamin C Serum. As the serum penetrates deep into your skin, you can feel confident knowing you are reversing skin aging and preventing further damage at the same time.

-Increases the production of collagen to bring back skin's natural elasticity and counteract fine lines and wrinkles

-Powerful antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals to reverse damage caused by the sun, pollutants, and cigarette smoke

-Protects your skin from UV damage such as age spots, discoloration, and fine lines

-Improves skin texture to give you a smoother, brighter complexion

-Combined with Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid for extra powerful anti-aging effects



Only good stuff inside: They use the best, natural plant-based ingredients available, with no parabens, no alcohol, and no animal testing. Natural, Vegan, & Cruelty-Free. Made in the USA. 

Plus, they have the highest level of customer service and money-back guarantee:
"All our products are backed up by a hassle free 365-day money back guarantee (no returns necessary). We follow up personally on every purchase and are always available to answer questions or address any concerns our customers may have." 
(This post is sponsored post but all true.)

Get The Anti-Aging Power Of Vitamin C: 

http://amaraorganics.com/products/vitamin-c-serum

Monday, August 19, 2013

Update: VITA-K Professional Skincare Product Review

(Updated RESULTS below)
A week ago, the good folks at Klout were kind enough to send me 3 full-sized samples of VITA-K Professional as a Klout perk. 
The products focus primarily on aging skin--there was one for crow's feet and one for deep facial lines. Luckily, at 37 I don't have such issues yet. BUT they hit the mark with the tube for AGE SPOTS.
Fresh scrubbed face. See those 2 marks? :(
I have 2 small yet brutally annoying spots along my left jawline that have been there for approx 5 years, driving me nuts. But although called age spots, age spots actually have nothing to do with age. They are discolorations on the skin from pigment-producing cells stressed and overworked by UV exposure. They create an uneven skin-tone which causes an appearance of aged skin. I have otherwise very clear skin except for those miserable blemishes. I tried a few products that promise to fade dark spots for a while but never have seen improvement. I gave up and just keep them covered with a dab of concealer over my BB cream. Which works WONDERFULLY actually at hiding them. But how great would it be if they eventually disappear for good?!!
BB cream and a few dabs of concealer at the jawline.

 VITA-K Professional for Age Spots claims to help fade age spots, rejuvenate & brighten, and with the same benefits as leading prescription skin brighteners using vitamin K, C, kolic acid, and licorice extract.
Well, I have nothing to lose so I am following the instructions and using it twice a day. Results are expected in 2 months.

I will check-in in 3 weeks for a mid-point update then in another 30 days for a final review.

Wish me luck!

Ever tried a fade cream with successful result? Ever tried VITA-K Professional products? Do tell! Leave a comment, please.

Meca xo

9/17/13 Update
I've been using the product once a day for about 5 weeks now (although it states it should be used twice a day, I don't like the residue it leaves on my skin so I only do it before bed.)
Quite honestly, I don't see much of a difference. There is a slight improvement but nothing to write home (or blog about) ;). But on the upside, I still have 90% of the tube left. It really is like a year's supply worth which makes it a good buy (if it really works). So I will keep plugging at it. Maybe it will take twice as long since I am using it only half as much?
Will keep you posted!

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Born Again Vintage: The Collective. {Bigger & Better!}

On Thursday April 25th, I had the pleasure of dropping in the fabulous new location of Born Again Vintage to visit and congratulate it's owner, my friend Bridgett Artise. It's barely 3 weeks old and yet it feels like a mainstay on this charming winding road that leads to Bloomfield Avenue and luckily, she sits only a few feet from the Glenridge Avenue/Bloomfield Avenue intersection. Location is EVERYTHING.
Bridgett is the proprietor and designer of the brand, Born Again Vintage, which is an eco-friendly line of upcycled/recycled vintage garments made new, FRESH, and post-modern.
Un-altered vintage clothing and accessories are sold here as well as her book, Born Again Vintage. 

Storefront window of BAV
Besides her line of fabulouness, Bridgett shares the spotlight with The Collective: her curated list of indie brands that she carries in this hip space.  Check out these designers' website or shop them in person. The boutique is a treasure trove of funky, fly designs; handmade body products;  and original art. You're certain to find something amazing there.


Vibrant, fashion-forward look from BAV
BAV on the runway
Fun t-shirts. Leather Skirts.

Vintage Chanel hardware becomes jewelry at BAV

Me (on left) with Bridgett Artise in her beautiful boutique with my gift to her, an upcycled fur pillow from my new collection Jypsea HOME.

Clothing:
BunnFunn collection
Clash and lime
Vintage by vintage Shaun
T-shirts:
Vernakular
The d-list
Indie Chicago designers
Accessories:
Eldenwa designs
Jewelry:
Banjo and bone
Blue Bettie's
Love me like a rock
Handbags:
Marcelle decaille 
Sarah Djarnie
Body:
Butter by keba
Fsl cosmetics
Shop Born Again Vintage: The Collective at 219 Glenridge Ave., Montclair NJ 07042.
Wed - Sat: 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm Sun: 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Visit the website: www.b-artise.com and Like BAV on Facebook for updates, events, and fresh new haute merchandise!

Sunday, June 3, 2012

VOTE for Meca McKinney!

UPDATE 6/11/12:
The contest has ended and I am the 1st runner up, which means that $100 of super delish Carol's Daughter Hair and Spa Products are headed my way. YAY!
Thanks to all who voted for me! <3



I'm SO excited to announce that I am a FINALIST in the Munaluchi Bridal Magazine Natural Beauty Competition!

Free-spirited and Happy!

"Natural beauty means generating positive energy from within. Glowing! Expressing your divine God-giving uniqueness and inner radiance for all to see, appreciate and be inspired by."

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Honored to be Represented in the Everyday for Women Ad

Available at http://www.thejayeveryday.com/shop.php
Can you spot my daughter and I? Miss Jordan and I are honored to be included in their powerful collage that represents beautiful and inspiring women of all walks of life.
Learn more about Everyday For Women in my interview with the proprietor from several months ago here:  http://lota-n-c.blogspot.com/2012/02/everyday-fragrance-for-women.html

Monday, April 30, 2012

"Treat Yourself like Royalty" Jypsea Leathergoods Trunk Show







































You take care of everyone & everything. On May 5th, it's HIGH TIME to take care of YOU! Join me and relax in a luxe, intimate setting while indulging in:

- An Exclusive Fashion Show
-Instant Beauty Makeovers
-Massage Therapy
-Decadent Desserts & Appetizers
-"Ask The Stylist" Q & A session
-Exotic Henna Tattoos + so much more...

You are WORTHY! You deserve it!
PS: Come early. First 25 attendees will receive deluxe gift bags!

Press release follows:


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact
Contact Person: Meca McKinney
Company Name: Jypsea Eclectic Handcrafted Leathergoods
Telephone Number: 609 227-7304
Email Address: jypsealeathergoods@gmail.com
Web site address:
www.jypsea.com

Relax & Indulge at the “Treat Yourself Like Royalty” Trunk Show & Pamper Party

Newark, NJ, 4/27/12 — Join handbag-accessory designer/author Meca Mckinney of Jypsea Eclectic Handcrafted Leathergoods (www.jypsea.com) as she hosts a day of pampering and relaxation at Newark’s chicest hidden locale, Majesty Loft. Nestled in a non-descript building on at 194 Market Street on the 3rd floor is the intimate, modern space known as Majesty Loft, which will serve as a beautiful setting for this fabulous event. Understanding that this is the time to release the stress of a long winter and transition into our spring/summer selves, Meca invites the public out to refresh, revive, and relax. Enjoy a fashion show, shop, and pamper yourself while noshing on decadent treats from chefs Zakiyyah Hasan of Many Mini Things and Chrissana Harris of Cookie Bottom desserts. And for those with questions about how to wear the latest trends or how to dress for their body types, the "Ask A Stylist" Q & A session will help you pull your look together with highly acclaimed wardrobe stylist Corin Wright.

Besides Meca’s line of “fabulously funky leather accessories”, NYC jewelry designer Bridgette Nichole of BE by BNichole (www.etsy.com/shop/bnicholeaccessories) will have her edgy and bold new line available.
Pampering services include spa treatments and massage therapy by Terina R Jones of Impressions-Body Solutions and exotic henna tattoos by artist/gallery owner Gizem Bacaz.
There will also be instant spring beauty makeovers by Jennifer E. Hill of J.Faces Makeup Artistry, swag bags and so much more.
Come relax, release, and indulge all of your senses with a day of treats fit for ROYALTY!
‘Treat Yourself like Royalty’ Jypsea Leathergoods Trunkshow & Pamper Party
Majesty Loft
194 Market Street, flr 3
12-3pm
Cost: FREE! Swag bags to first 25 attendees.
RVSP:
https://www.facebook.com/events/225970504175620/
For additional information contact: mailto:jypsealeathergoods@gmail.com

Meca McKinney is the designer of Jypsea (pronounced gypsy) Leathergoods, a luxe line of handcrafted handbags and accessories made of the finest Italian leathers and exotic skins. She is also the author of “ENVISION: The Young Accessory Designer’s Guide to Collection Development” and teaches fashion design at the South jersey’s Center of the Arts in Marlton, NJ. Visit www.jypsea.com to shop her collection. Stay in touch on Twitter @jypseadotcom and Facebook www.facebook.com/jypsealeathergoods

About Corin Wright, Wardrobe Stylist/Boutique Owner
Corin has worked as a freelance wardrobe stylist for the past 10 years working with talents such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Mike Phillips, Vibe Magazine, Lions Gates Films, Urban City Magazine and many more. She is the owner of Style Haven Boutique at 190a Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, NJ.
www.shopstylehaven.com facebook www.facebook.com/stylehaven

About BE by BNichole
BE by BNichole is an edgy and bold new line with artistic simplicity-factors that also embody the designer Bridgette Nichole. A cool and funky unisex ready to wear line incorporated with innovative designs featuring metals, precious stones, and daring statement pieces. BE by BNichole represents the customer striving to add effortless cool with a smidge of class to their everyday lifestyle. www.etsy.com/shop/bnicholeaccessories email bnicholeshop@gmail.com 

About Impressions, Body Solutions Mobile Spa Services by Terina R Jones,
Impressions brings the spa to you. Presenting professional massage therapy & spa services with a noteworthy experience in relaxation, reparation & rejuvenation.
About Cookie Bottoms by Chrisanna Harris
Cookie Bottom offers customized catering specializing in gourmet cupcakes and bite size desserts. http://www.cookiebottoms.com phone 631-697-1127

About Zakiyyah Hasan of Many, Mini, Things LLC 
Chef Zakiyyah Hasan provides Personal/Private chef services for small private/intimate affairs. Customized appetizers is her specialty such as "Mini Grown Up Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches." Many, Mini, Things also features desserts such as "Cake In A Jar", decadent "Cake Pops" and "Mini Stuffed Cupcakes" for all occasions. No pork-based ingredients or products are used. email thegreatestchef@gmail.com phone (973) 508-2483

About Jennifer E. Hill of J.Faces Makeup Artistry Co., LLC
Specializing in Bridal, Runway, Airbrushing, HD Makeup and Photoshoots.
Exotic henna tattoos courtesy of GIZEM BACAZ
VISIONARY PIONEER
HTTP://www.newarkseed.com

# # #

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Make Your Own Natural Beauty Products!

Turn herbs and botanicals into something amazing.
Learn the basics of making your own beauty products to save money, reduce environmental waste, and know exactly what goes on your skin. In this workshop attendees will: 
  • Learn about the raw materials that form the basis for most beauty products. 
  • Get in-depth profiles on the best essential oils for beauty. 
  • See demonstrations and get tips for adding natural products to your skin care routine.

All classes are held at Enfleurage, 321 Bleeker St. NYC.  Cost is $20 and attendees receive $10 credit on any purchases they make the night of class. For more information or to sign up please email  info@aromavida.com .
Class taught by Christina Dille of Aromavida.com

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

You Can Unlock Your Locks, if You Choose. Shaving Them Off is NOT The ONLY Option.

Abina with a head full of locks

Abina now. Lock-free.

Meet Abina Wood. Lock wearer for 2 years and 11 months who decided she wanted her 'fro back. Did she take the BIG CHOP and start all over again like we all have come to believe is mandatory? NOPE. Has she defied the notion that locks are permanent and the only way to rid oneself of them is to cut them off? YUP.
Here's her journey.

How did you know it was even possible to "unlock" your locks? One night last year I loosed one in the back and saw it was possible and that I did not lose too much of my hair in the process. Then I retwisted it and waited until I was fully ready (to unlock the entire head). (I did it) using a rat tail comb, Main & Tail spray conditioner to keep the hair moist, and time...it was a 12 hour process.
My hair is actually down to mid-breast now. It is way to much hair to handle so I never wear it out. I have to pay someone to do my hair regularly now because it is toooooo much hair!

Why not just cut off your locks and grow your 'fro from that point? Only because a year before locking, I promised myself I wouldn't cut it off again because I had been cutting my hair off every winter. For years I kept going back and forth...cut or comb, cut or comb. So this was me keeping my promise to myself to not cut. And literally, I locked my hair out of laziness so I didn't have to comb my hair while traveling so I was never really attached to them.
After the combout was complete, I got a trim and blow dry from a master natural stylist Janice Brown of Brooklyn/London Tar Baby Hair Designs (tarbabyhairdesign@yahoo.com), who also helped me in the unlocking process.
Lock being unlocked

Length of Abina's hair after unlocked



Thursday, September 23, 2010

New Season, New Look







It's all about the sensual allure of the smokey eye and nude lip this season. This is how to get that look in a few simple steps:

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Trendspotting: Military done RIGHT! LES KHAKIS DE CHANEL

I am totally lusting over this at the moment! I may be on the fence about how much of the military trend will reach my closet. But the Chanel nail color brings it to me in a way I understand: luxuriously and in small doses.
Choose between Khaki Very, Khaki Brun, Khaki Rose (my personal fave)
Get yours here: http://www.chanel.com/en_US/fragrance-beauty/What7s-New-89720

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Felicity Children Salon

This is one of those great ideas that makes you ponder and say aloud, "Why didn't I think of this?"
Stylish and innovative, Felicity Children Salon is the brainchild of owners Gisselle Singleton and Rhonda Gittens. It is a full-service elegant salon all decked out in a 2,000+ sq ft loft with an organic snack bar, FREE Wi-Fi services, big screen TV and a reading lounge. Smartly, they cater to girls of ALL ethnicities and are located in trendy Park Slope, Brooklyn. Felicity not only provides immaculate service but also teaches the girls to maintain healthy hair and nails and the most important lesson of all, that true beauty comes from within.

Services offered are:cuts, color, highlights, up-do's, curls, braids, twists, spa manicures and spa pedicures. Funky and fabulous, they also have a Party package for pre-teens and teenage girls! Felicity offers great birthday and prom packages as well, which includes a complete make-over for the soon-to-be Prom Queen!

Felicity was recently covered by the Life & Style Reporter, Lauren Glassberg on ABC News, NY Time Out Kids and recently interviewed by New York Magazine.

Book you daughter's appointment at
http://www.felicitychildrensalon.com/

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Product review: Pretty Naturals Sheajoba Moisturizing Hair Food

When the owner/founder/CEO of Pretty Natural, LLC personally gifted me with a full-sized jar of this organic scalp moisturizer, I was beside myself with gratitude because I was sure the jar contained all the goodness of Mother Nature, blended into a scalp soothing concoction and I was sooooo right! I opened the jar and was greeted with one of my favorite scents-lemongrass. And this isn't the "scent" of lemongrass-it is the real thing: pure essential oil of lemongrass. The consistency of the concoction is that of hand-whipped butter. Silky smoothy and creamy. There is not one harmful ingredient in the entire jar! Pretty Natural is listed at Safecosmetics.org as one of the safest products in existence with a zero rating: the HIGHEST possible rating! The fact that it is primarily a black hair product and it is sold in Whole Foods, says it all.
Yet, unfortunately, with all the amazing things I could say about how well it works, the only thing you will notice when you peruse Whole Foods or the Pretty Naturals website, is how modest this brand is. The packaging totally underwhelms and the website is lightyears behind the bells and whistles you find on competing sites. Should this matter? No. Does any of these facts detract from its usefulness? No. But I can only dream of what a great publicist, graphic designer (for the labels) and website designer could do to give this fantastic brand the image it deserves. In a world of celebrity-driven product endorsements for crap that will surely make your scalp unhealthy or even possibly cause skin cancer, the good guy (Pretty Natural LLC) needs to keep up pace with a MUCH jazzier image to get the brand recognition it deserves.

Product desciption:
A unique blend of Organic plant oils, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and essential oils that work together to strengthen hair and add needed nutrients to promote thicker and healthier hair.
Ingredients: Shea Butter, Jojoba, Organic Olive Oil, Castor Oil, Beeswax, Vitamin E, Essential Oils of Rosemary, Chamomile, Lavender, Sage and proprietary blend of essential oils for fragrance.

Price: $14.95
Buy it here:http://www.prettynatural-inc.com/Hair-Care-Products.html