Are You Up to the Challenge? *Giveaway*

Ladybugs,

I wanted to do something different this week as well as say thank you to those of you that keep up with this blog. This week I want you to go to Facebook (Onyx Radiance) and post your best, most fierce eye look for a chance to win a Glam It! Butterfly Pallette of your choice ($26.50 retail price!) Two winners will be selected on Wednesday, October 1st! Get your looks out there and show the world what FIERCE is made of!!! Go to www.glamitcosmetics.com to view more Butterfly Pallettes!

Rain Dance                       Campfire

Botany                              Funhouse

                           Cross My Heart

How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes!

Hello beautiful!

I hope you are having an amazing week! Earlier this week I had a friend ask me about cleaning her makeup brushes. I know that in the hustle and bustle of life some of us may overlook the fact that cleaning your makeup brushes are just as vital and important as selecting the right foundation. Besides making sure that you aren't transferring bacteria from product to product or to your face, your brushes are an investment in your makeup repertoire! Think about it, good brushes aren't cheap! So why not make sure you take care of those things just as you would take care of your car or shoes?

Now there are several reasons for ensuring that your brushes stay clean! Regular brush cleaning ensures that you rid your brushes from old makeup, bacteria, dead skin, oils, dirt, and debris. Cleaning your brushes regularly also ensures that your brushes remain soft. Below is a nifty do it yourself brush cleaner pin I found on pinterest. Now if you prefer not to make your own cleaner, many cosmetic companies sell brush cleaners as well. So madam, if you haven't cleaned your brushes in a while... Hop to it!!! Don't forget to follow us on FB and Instagram for looks, tips, and tricks to get your through the week!

Long and Luscious...False Lashes!

My darling, darling beauty,

If you are anything like me, you got the short end of the stick (lashes) while your little brothers received long, luscious, pretty, and downright irritating eyelashes! So, we (I'm including you so I feel better) have to compensate with false lashes. Now, I'm not talking about those lashes you see some women walking around with that looks like they are saying hi to you with feathers on their faces. I'm talking about beautiful, downright natural looking lashes. Now you may say, I have some or I'm going to purchase some but how do you put the little buggers on? I have found several golden nuggets on application and keeping them clean and looking like new. First realize that there are different types of lashes you could buy; full, individual, and self-adhesive. The first thing about selecting your lashes, it's a matter of preference. Do you like the funky, eclectic lashes or the nondescript ones? Then, what is your preference in application? Do you prefer the self-adhesives or the ones you need to apply lash glue to? If you don't know for sure on the application preference, try one pair of each; self-adhesive and glue application. Also keep in mind that lashes only in one size. Don't forget to trim them to fit your unique eye shape and size.

Before you look at the picture tutorial courtesy of Peach Milky Tea, make sure you have the following materials to apply your lashes: 1) tweezers, 2) eyelash glue/adhesive, 3) the lashes, 4) your liquid/ pencil eyeliner, 5) small scissors, and 6) mascara. Now don't forget to keep those babies clean! The next picture tutorial will make sure you keep those babies looking GREAT!


Don't forget to follow us on FB or leave your questions and comments below. Now get to work!

Have Skin Allergies or Break out into Rashes? YES!! You Can Still Wear Makeup!!!

Well beautiful one, 

I have been wracking my brain on what I should make this post about. (Hence why it's a day late.) So while I was brooding over what to write about, I remembered a conversation with a friend of mine who is in the same, if not worse allergic condition than myself. My poor friend is even allergic to her own hair. We both have a LOVE, PASSION for makeup and she inquired how I am able to wear makeup and not break out in hives and rashes (which has happened too many times to count.) My answer for her was to wear gluten free and mineral makeup!

Many people do not know that there are companies out there that produce not only mineral makeup but gluten free makeup as well. One company is Glam It! Cosmetics. (I LOVE this brand by the way!) Don't know if you have a gluten allergy or intolerance? According to MindBodyGreen.com there are ten signs that you have a gluten intolerance: 

1. Digestive issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhea and even constipation. I see the constipation particularly in children after eating gluten.

 

2. Keratosis Pilaris, (also known as ‘chicken skin’ on the back of your arms). This tends be as a result of a fatty acid deficiency and vitamin A deficiency secondary to fat-malabsorption caused by gluten damaging the gut.

 

3. Fatigue, brain fog or feeling tired after eating a meal that contains gluten.

 

4. Diagnosis of an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ulcerative colitis, Lupus, Psoriasis, Scleroderma or Multiple sclerosis.

5. Neurologic symptoms such as dizziness or feeling of being off balance.

 

6. Hormone imbalances such as PMS, PCOS or unexplained infertility.

 

7. Migraine headaches

 

8. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia. These diagnoses simply indicate your conventional doctor cannot pinpoint the cause of your fatigue or pain.

 

9. Inflammation, swelling or pain in your joints such as fingers, knees or hips.

 

10. Mood issues such as anxiety, depression, mood swings and ADD.

Even if you do not have any of these symptoms, there is still a large population of women who are allergic or have reactions to some of the chemicals that are used in makeup which is why the mineral makeup industry has taken off. Mineral makeup generally does not contain certain oils, waxes, fragrances, and preservatives that are used in many makeup formulas. 

The one reason that I am so in love with Glam It! Cosmetics' mineral and gluten free line is because they carry products for every makeup need, not just foundation! They have lipglosses, eyeshadows, lipsticks, and everything else you can imagine in gluten free and mineral! So for all of you beautiful ladies that would like to wear makeup and just don't know what to do... Go gluten free and mineral! 

Before you get to work, don't forget to like our FB page (Onyx Radiance) for looks, tips, and makeup hacks and on Instagram! Also, have a question for me or a topic you would like to see here on the blog? Leave me a message below! Now... you can get to work! :-)