Strut Your Stuff With Confidence In Europe

Over the last three years, I've asked myself what I see as my strengths. Are my eyes captivating? Does my shape compliment my personality? Why am I walking into a salon? Well, beauty is what you make of it and as someone who is in-between sizes and personalities, I have a story just for you.

While traveling to Prague, Czech Republic, I kept in mind the various aspects of European culture. It had been some time since I had traveled and was unsure of what stores I'd come across and how the people would judge me. But to my surprise, I learned many things about the Czech people and this is what I want you to take away. And even though there's not a lot of shopping for those of us who are a tad bigger, the respect was something I valued much higher than here in the States.

I've never been one to wear a bikini. No, just a simple tankini or a fitted one-piece. But when I traveled to The Czech Republic and Croatia, I learned something new -- there's a 'no judgment' zone. Yes, I was not criticized for wearing a bikini to the beautiful waterpark in Prague nor while walking the rocky beaches of Split, Croatia. And to my surprise, I took that and owned it. Never did I think I would feel comfortable in a bikini, but I took a look around and saw some...questionable....attire, which made me feel better about myself. And with that, I listened for comments and there weren't any (at least, not that I could understand), but none from my college group with Bus2Alps. And here's what 20+ college students and local European students taught me.

 

- Some areas of Europe tend to cater to women with curves  (helloooooo The New Yorker)

- Busy Czech moms want to feel free too (I never want to see a thong-bikini again) 

- The Croats actually admired the confidence of their guests  

- Not all college-aged women are close minded  

- Bring your own swimwear (apparently large sizes sell out and there are no returns/exchanges) 

- The Czech eat like Americans (except for fast food, but the locals love big appetites)

- I had a supportive friend from Slovakia picked out my Croatia wardrobe (complete with shorts, dresses, flirty tops, and so much more!) 

- Europe is like America, except, to my knowledge and experience, don't 'fat-shame.'

- Though there's not a ton of attractive men, the ones in the area appreciate someone with an appetite.

 

 

Tisk or That - Contouring

In a style and looks-obsessed society, we all want to look our best, right? What if I told you that you could look your best without spending tons of money on cosmetics and products?

Society has us believing that we have to spend so much on the latest YSL or TooFaced products (guilty as charged!). Fortunately, you don't have to. But because of how our minds work, we have become fascinated with the latest contouring trends or even how to do our hair to make our face  appear slimmer. Why is this so? And what do we really get from it?

As a chronic contour individual, I've spoken with a friend of mine who has strong opinions on the art. My best friend, Shianti, has been doing makeup for about five (5) years and has been yelling at me for mine for the last three. She says contouring isn't necessary, but there are some who feel the need to contour each day. Shianti recommends that if you find it necessary to contour, to do so with a darker foundation, not bronzer (oops!). But because of how she views the technique, she encourages women not to contour; she believes it adds to the "thin face" desire, which she doesn't promote. Me? I love the look of it and the depth it adds to the look. However, that's besides the point.

What's the verdict?

Based on preference, go ahead and contour girl! Use what I call the '3' method, starting at the upper temple, bring down to the hollows of the cheek and then to the jaw. It works for me and I feel warm and fuzzy all day!

Happy, Healthy ORGANIX Hair

For the past few years, my hair regimen has been moved around and changed so much that I couldn't tell you when I last purchased a particular product. Within the last year, I have been using Organix hair products and have seen a dramatic difference. Organix is a company that prides itself on being sulfate, paraben, and gluten free. Not only are their products healthy for your hair, but they give you a whole new look!

         Okay, so why am I writing this post? Because I want my readers to make educated decisions to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I am currently using the Macadamia Oil shampoo and conditioner and I absolutely love it. My hair is soft, my curls are in tact, and I have an everlasting clean and fresh feeling in my hair.  In the past I have used the Brazilian Keratin Therapy line, as well as Biotin & Collagen, and pieces from the Tea Tree Mint and Awapuhi Ginger collection. With all of their products, I have never had anything negative to say about them.

      Do I think Organix is a good investment? Yes I do. Would I continue to purchase their products? Of course! I am honestly tired of companies advertising that their products are non-drying and are healthy for your hair when not only me, but friends and family have used the same products and had the same outcome. There is no turning back once you begin to use Organix and right now, I am torn between Organix and DevaCurl (which is also amazing). My advice: Purchase the trial kits of the Organix line you'd like to purchase and go from there. One line may not work for everyone, but it's sure worth a try.

       Happy hair hunting and live healthy and happy!

XOXO

Check out their website!

Image was taken from Google Images.

Rimmel London - Stay Matte Foundation Review

The recent Influenster #VoxBox contains some pretty cool basics for the average college student or young adult. Personally, my favorite is the Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation. Yes, it's probably because I'm a girl who loves makeup, but the coverage of this product in my opinion is FAB!

   In a rush to class the other day, I hadn't put any makeup on and my face was breaking out on my cheek. So, because I couldn't find my BB cream, I went to my VoxBox and took the bottle out. Now, I will say that it was a little dark (probably because my profile isn't updated), but it did justice. After blending it with a stippling brush for about 2 minutes, I got it where I wanted it and was on my way. Since it is lightweight, I didn't feel heavy and it wasn't shiny (hence matte). I will continue to use this product when I get a little tanner (because it's like three or four shades too dark), but I have a great feeling about the product.

  Over all love or leave: Love (minus the shade being off in my box). It has great coverage and lasts for hours. I didn't need a setting powder and it's easy to build on top of. Totally recommend.

Oil Pullling: Does is Really Work?

Lately I've been hearing about this craze of "oil pulling." Now, it sounds odd, but that's because it is. It's considered alternative medicine and apparently can increase your health. But, as someone who has a medical history, I've tried everything to get my body back to normal after having a stroke in 2010. So today I decided that since my feeds are full of this 'trend,' that I would give it a try.

    Using 1-2 teaspoons of oil (I used Olive Oil, but Coconut is recommended), swish it around your mouth for 15-20 minutes. Yes, it is a tad time consuming. Now, considering I wish I had Coconut Oil in my presence, the taste of olive oil was not exactly pleasant (bare with me, the taste goes away after a while). After swishing it around, it should start to become milky and white, which means it's full of bacteria. When the time is up, spit it out into the trash (not the sink). Rinse for 1-2 minutes with warm water, preferably salt water.

   My results: I didn't feel different afterwards, but it was also the first time I had tried it. When I was swishing around, I did notice the liquid getting thicker, so I did get rid of some bacteria. I will be trying it again in a few days to see how it goes a second time.

  IF you give this a try, let me know how your results were! They can be tweeted at @laprincesalola and I will certainly read them.

          Happy pulling!

Sleek & Smooth? More Like Rough & Straw

When you wash your hair, it's supposed to be a cleansing and loving relationship for the minute you shampoo and the three you leave the conditioner in. Well, I recently used the Matrix 24HR Smooth Repair and I can safely say I am not pleased.

   I received the set as a gift over the winter break and decided that I would break away from sulfate-free shampoo this week to give it a try. BIG MISTAKE.

   I'm unsure if it did not fit my standards because I have gotten used to using organic or safer products, but I know I did not like it. The shampoo was very drying to my hair and I feel like it absorbed it all; it was very stringy and felt like straw. So after I rinsed it out, I immediently applied the pairing conditioner, which made it better, but still. Shampoo is meant to be cleansing and clarifying, not drying and creating straw.

   Anyways, I threw in some Carol's Daughter Hair Milk and coconut oil and it's feeling back to normal. But for now on, choose your hair care products wisely!

Holidays Are Near! (And So Is Avon)

If you've been keeping up with me via YouTube, you know I am now an Avon represenative. We offers tons of amazing products, including beauty, health, gifts for him/her, the home, and so much more. But what about a stellar fragrance that will have you as fragrant as the last perfume you purchased for the holidays?

   PASSION by AVON is probably one of my favorites this season. I have two sets left, on hand, that are for sale. It's probably the best gift you could give, even if it's not for the holidays. The blend is not overpowering at all, which is great if you're in the workplace or just don't like a strong fragrance.

   If you're interested in purchasing PASSION or any of Avon's fragrances, click here. For those who are interested in contacting me directly, I can be reached at laprincesalola87@yahoo.com. **Serious inquiries only**

Photo Credit: Avon, Google Images

The BEE Effect

    We've all heard of Burt's Bees, right? Well, I've never actually bought the product, but my friends and family members have. While in North Carolina, I really needed to use a cleanser that would benefit my skin (especially since I'm sick). Opening my cousin's bathroom drawer, I found a nice, full bottle of Burt's Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream. It's super thick, light, white, and has a tingling sensation!
       How do I use it? I wet my face with warm water (take all of your make-up off if used at night), squeeze a quarter size amount and spread it from my T-Zone and out to my cheeks. Let it sit for at least a minute (yes, it will tingle!), and then rinse off with warm water. It feels absolutely amazing and I don't know why I didn't start using it before. Oh, and it cleansed my sinus' for a little while (at least in my opinion).

       Let's face it; summer is coming up and everyone wants glowing skin. I know this is really short , but I highly recommend purchasing Burt's Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream. Of course results may vary based on YOUR skin type, but it's work a try. Get clean, get calm, and get to the bee hive!

Burt's Bees Soap Bark and Chamomile Cleaser $8

A New Location For A New You : Alessi Medical Spa

Back in 2011 I met a beautiful woman who changed my life forever. As a client of Zuma Beach Tanning & Spa, owner Kim Scalidone introduced me to her on-site esthetician, Brianna Alessi. Since then, Mrs. Alessi has been the only person allowed to touch my eyebrows (except for the rare instance), and a marvelous job she has done. But why do I bring Mrs. Alessi up now in 2013?

On February 12, 2013, Mrs. Brianna Alessi and her husband, Dr. Anthony Alessi, DMD, MD, have finally reached their goal of opening their own Medical Spa! Located at 8 Martine Avenue in White Plains, NY, friends and family fled the gorgeous and breathtaking establishment. Alessi Medical Spa offers a variety of services such as laser hair removal, spa facials & chemical peels, marvelous eyebrow and body waxing services, as well as Botox and other medical services with Dr. Anthony Alessi, DMD, MD. Did I mention the Alessi Medical Spa is now a retailer of Skin Medica products? Yes, now you can achieve the most beautiful skin in one area versus traveling to various locations. Mrs. Alessi is also a professional makeup artist and has 13 years of experience from casual wear to the runway, including photo shoots and celebrity weddings. Who wouldn't want to be pampered by these two? I know I would!

To learn more about Alessi Medical Spa, visit their website at www.alessimedspa.com.

Alessi Medical Spa's new location on 8 Martine Ave, White Plains, NY

Mrs. Brianna Alessi and husband Dr. Anthony Alessi DMD, MD.

Mrs. Alessi (center) and two guess (left and right)

Perfect In Pink!

      Everyone loves a great pink lipstick, right? Over the last few months, I have grown out of the lip gloss stage and into the lipstick phase. I've never really been a huge fan of the product until now, especially going into a field where presentation means everything. I've collected shades of pink, a color I know I can pull off, as my go to spectrum, with the exception of one or two. With varieties in the nude family, I have decided that I needed a pink that I could wear every day and for special events. My discovery? A fine satin finish.

       Ever since Niki Minaj partnered with MAC Cosmetics, I have been trying to find a shade that suited me best. Since "Pink Friday" was only for a limited time and "Viva Glam Niki" isn't exactly a shade I could pull off every day, the search for the perfect pink has been ongoing until now. Pink Nouveau, a satin lipstick, is the closest color to "Pink Friday", goes on smooth as butter, and has a long lasting effect, something long overdue in my collection. And for $15, I think this is one of the best products I've purchased in a long time. I highly recommend this lipstick, especially if you're looking for that perfect pink!

Mac Cosmetics

Mac's Pink Nouveau, Sephora Waterproof Lipliner #02 Rose, and TooFace Lip Insurance Primer

Mac Pink Nouveau $15

Every KISS Starts With Lashes

As many of you know, I received the Kiss Ever PRO Lashes in my Influenster VoxBox this past month. Though I've never been a huge fan for false lashes, these have truly made a difference. They are easy to use, reusable, and make any look a fabulous one. The Kiss Ever Pro Lashes have made an influence on my life to use falsies every once in a while to enhance my natural lashes. They are totally inexpensive, easy to use, and very enhancing. I totally recommend Kiss (as a brand and a product)!

 

My First VoxBox

After debating for a few months on whether or not I should join Ipsy, I finally caved! I received my first glam bag two weeks ago and I absolutely love it! I also joined Influenster for their VoxBox (which I am in love with!) and cannot wait to try out all of the products. For more information about what was in my Glam Bag and in my VoxBox, take a look at my YouTube channel (LaPrincesaLola). Below are photos of some of the products that I received, so if you have any questions please feel free to ask!!

Xoxo

Milky Way (The Good, Bad, and Wet n Wavy)

Hi everyone!

I recently decided to go on an adventure via my local beauty supply store for the upcoming school year. I normally just do clip-in and ponytail extensions, however, this year I took things to new heights. For the next few weeks, I will be wearing Milky Way Remy Indian Hair (Wet and Wavy). Throughout this experiment, I will post weekly videos via YouTube to review the product and how to care for it based on my experience.

Below is my Week #1's review.