Beauty: Tiossan

Welcome back this Moday Morning!  Kimberly here & I'm totally loving beauty brands that benefit for a cause. Namely, Tiossan's internationally-infused line that combines organic ingredients from different parts of the world to create products that essentially bring the world of beauty to you. Unlike mainstream beauty brands that are jam packed with parabens (the stuff used in a lot of beauty products that is said to cause cancer), Tiossan prides itself on healing and revitalizing the skin in a way that is organically beneficial. That's right, Tiossan is Paraben-free, Phthalate-Free, Cruelty-free, Gluten-Free, and Vegan.



Not only does the line have a heart for the consumer but it also cares about the community in which the Senegal-born founder, Magatte Wade, came from. In fact, 10% of all Tiossan profits goes towards the Ambition Project, which aids in creating innovative schools in Senegal. This is why the products have been coined "Bottles of Ambition" by the Press.

If you're looking for a product that infuses Mother Nature’s greatest beauty ingredients all in one jar then I would definitely recommend that you try Tiossan. Because as they say, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one single step" ― Lao Tzu.

What are your favorite health-conscious beauty buys?

-post by kimberly luxe

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BEAUTY: DRY SHAMPOO

Kimberly of KimberlyLuxe here and being a girl on the go, I'm constantly looking for carry-on essentials that'll help me maximize the benefits of my travel beauty routine while minimizing the process of my travel beauty routine. And having a dry shampoo that actually works is definitely important as it keeps my hair cleansed without the hassles of water, excessive hair tools, product bottles, and faucets! Dry Shampoos save space in my suitcase and most importantly saves time on my busy travel schedule! In this beauty minute, we're going to take a look at some of the best Dry Shampoos at every budget!



1 Have limp and weighed down hair that needs instant volume and body?! Number One on our list of favorite Dry Shampoos is the highly-praised Oscar Blandi, Pronto Dry Shampoo! Not only does a little bit of this product go a long way but the lemon scent is an added bonus that is sometimes hard to find in your every day dry shampoo! We love this stuff because of its ability to give instant volume and definition just after a few puffs and a few strokes of a brush. Definitely worth every penny! ($21)

2 Curly girls need love too! DevaCurl's No-Poo Quick Cleanser is a great curl refresher, that revives and cleanses undefined curls! ($20)

3 Drybar's Detox Dry Shampoo is an easy-to-apply dry shampoo that leaves no residue behind while soaking up oily hair. ($20)

4 For the budgetnista Suave Professional's Keratin Infusion Dry Shampoo packs the perfect punch as Keratin is known to help keep the hair follicle strong! ($4)

5 For the trendy girl who's constantly looking to switch things up, Batiste's Dry Shampoo line makes for a fun experience as their hair products come in different varieties, each fitting different styles and personality types! ($4-$9)


-post by kimberly

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BEAUTY: THE FAKE-UP BAG

Kimberly of KimberlyLuxe here and I'm so excited that I'll finally be visiting New York for the first time! I was invited to attend a conference for women in technology and my mind has been all over the place when it comes to my personal brand, future projects, what I'm going to wear, and how I'm going to do my makeup. One thing is for sure, I want to be camera ready for those random pictures that'll be taken to commemorate the event, as well as, those picture that may be used to later promote the event.

But I don't think that I want to cake-on my makeup as I really don't want to have to deal with the reapplication and resetting process that comes after hours of wearing the mixture of primer, foundation, concealer, and powder. So as I pack and get ready to go, I will be building a Fake-Up Bag -- one that will be full of product shortcuts for achieving "No-Makeup Looking Makeup". Because let's face it, make-up can often cake-up, so my goal for this trip will be to, fake-it like I make-it.





+ BB/CC Cream One of my must have Fake-Up Bag Essentials is a BB Cream, CC Cream, or Tinted Moisturizer. The products make for an awesome base and imperfection concealer without the hassle of having to go through a multi-step process that is often needed in order to achieve a full foundation routine. The great thing about BB Creams, CC Creams, and Tinted Moisturizers is that they are often 4-In-One Products. They usually always have SPF, primer, foundation, and moisturizing properties as staples! Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB Cream is a definite whole-in-one!


+ Refresher I absolutely love using MAC's Studio Fix+ Spray. The solution allows my makeup to stay on all day while looking refreshed and vibrant. But recently, I have started making my own version of MAC's Studio Fix+, when I learned that Glycerin and Water have the same benefits as the clear solution sold at cosmetic stores! But if you're not looking to spend MAC money or if you're not in the mood to make this solution on your own, then Burt's Bees Rosewater & Glycerin Solution is a great semi-organic and budget friendly face alternative for you! Simply put some in a small spray bottle and spitz it before or after you're done applying your fake-up!


+ Mascara No matter if you're planning on wearing makeup or not, mascara is definitely a must-have as it allows your eyes to be the focal point of your face. Not only does mascara wake up sleepy eyes but it also can pull a fake-up look together! Benefit Cosmetic's "They're Real" Mascara is worth every penny as it'll expand and elongate your lashes in a fun and flirty way!


+ Lip-Stain A lip-stain is that great product that's right in between a lipgloss and a lipstick. Lipstains are known to withstand meals and weather as they provide a long-lasting lightweight finish! For a day look, I prefer a lipstain that is nude or light pink so it gives more natural appeal! OCC's Lip Tars are all the rave because in my opinion they pack the most perfect pucker punch in an organic and vegan way!


What's in your Fake-Up Bag?! What are your essentials for creating a natural and not so heavy makeup look?



 -post by kimberly luxe

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BEAUTY: Pillow-Proof Your Lips

Hey readers! Kimberly here, while Jen is on vacation, I'm here to show you a few beauty tips! When doing my usual fashion and beauty browsing I noticed that many of the fashion campaigns for Spring 2013 and Fall 2014 had one thing in common: a bold pout. No matter the hue, magazines and design-houses alike were dipping in different paint pots to whip up colorful lip-stains that best complimented the story they wished to tell.

In this beauty minute, I want to help you Pillow-Proof Your Pucker using Gioia Magazine's shoot as inspiration.  Let's explore quick ways to prep your lip & the best shades that compliment your skin tone.





The key to a soft and sweet pucker is to do a quick lip-prepping that will allow for your lipsticks and lip-stains to go on smoothly. The key is to gently exfoliate & then moisturize.

/// Brown Sugar ///  Go for brown sugar for a gentle exfoliation. Brown sugar, as opposed to white sugar, is often used at spas, as the crystals are much smaller and smoother which prevents abrasion to the skin. Brown sugar is also rich in Vitamin B, which helps prevent the skin from sun damage. Brown Sugar is the perfect ingredient for a sweet & soft pucker.

/// Olive Oil ///   Is a great moisturizer that helps repair impurities on the skin as it is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin E. Olive Oil also seals in the moisture of the skin by creating a barrier that protects the skin.

/// Soft Toothbrush ///   A soft toothbrush or sponge is great for aiding in an even exfoliation creating a smooth and even surface for your lipsticks and lipstains to be applied smoothly to.




It's always tough finding the best lip shade for yourself when you're unsure of which one best compliments your skin complexion. I can admit that walking into a makeup store and being surrounded by so many different colors can be a bit overwhelming. Here's a short and sweet guide to color-coding your next pucker picking. The next time you walk into your local Ulta or Sephora, play with colors in these shades to see which looks best on you! Oh, and don't forget to come well prepped (exfoliate + moisturize) before trying on each one!

Fair ///  Nudes, Coral, Pinks, Apricrot, Red

Medium ///  Berry, Mauve, Rose

Dark ///  Plum, Wine, Brown, Deep Nudes

    all images: Fashion Gone Rogue, Yulia Terentieva Hits the Beach for Gioia Magazine by Alvaro Beamud Cortes

What's in your makeup bag? What's your favorite lipstick?!

-post by kimberly luxe

 

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BEAUTY: DETOX TEA

Hey readers! Kimberly here, bringing you a post about au naturel homemade beauty! I'm excited as this is my first post here on MADE BY GIRL, on beauty! Hope you'll enjoy it! 

If you're an aspiring domesticated goddess, like myself, then you're always looking for a great way to improve yourself, as well as, those around you in a healthy and organic way! Today I'm sharing a recipe with you that will not only make your skin glow but will also help slow down the aging process, as well as, burn fat deposits & TIGHTEN the skin! When they say, "beauty comes from within", they meant in more ways than one! So let's brew up this detox tea, shall we?

Yogi Detox Tea // WikiHow Lemon // Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar // Herbal Extract Company's Green Tea // Meghen Telpner Coconut // Silverbow Honey Co.

1 | Yogi Detox Tea "Our skin reflects our diet and lifestyle choices: it’s the mirror to internal health. It’s just as essential to cleanse from the inside; reducing internal impurities can help to promote clearer, glowing skin." - Read More: Yogi Detox Tea, Official Website. Drinking Yogi Skin Detox Tea at least once a day consistently will cool, soothe, rejuvenate, and repair your skin leaving it with a healthy glow.

2 | Lemon Is a Citric Acid which is great for treating acne, removing dead skin cells, lightening discoloration, evening out skin tone, disinfecting, softening and adding glow to the skin.

3 | Apple Cider Vinegar Balances the skin's acidity levels which reduces acne and evens out complexion. Apple Cider Vinegar also contains Beta Carotene known to fix damaged skin and known to reduce the effects of aging which makes the skin firmer. Apple Cider Vinegar's ability to increase blood stimulation keeps skin youthful. And ACV also reduces inflammation and reduces cellulite.

4 | Green Tea Green Tea is a powerful antioxidant that repairs the skin and helps treat many different skin conditions. It is also known to revive dying skin cells which is why it is often used to treat sunburn as it helps repair the effects of UV radiation exposure.

5 | Coconut Milk Reduces and prevents skin from sagging. Coconut also prevents signs of aging because it is high in antioxidants. It is also known to be rich in Vitamin E which helps keep the skin moisturized and reduces cracks, wrinkles, cuts and burns. Vitamin E is great for dry skin and skin ailments and has a natural SPF of 5.

6 | Honey Honey is a natural healer that keeps the skin hydrated for long periods of time, protects the skin from the sun, and acts as a natural anti-aging agent. It can also be applied topically as a face and/or body mask. Because honey is considered to be a humectant and humectants draw moisture from the air, it'll keep the skin well moisturized throughout the day!

-post by kimberly merilus

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