Glowing with MreThanMakeup

https://www.instagram.com/mrethanmakeup/

WE'RE IN THE MIDDLE OF A PANDEMIC BUT YOUR SKINCARE STILL MATTERS.

Whew. I just had to get that out. People often ask me about my skincare routine and are shocked [read:confused] when I tell them the products that I've been using for years. I have been using Dove White Bar Soap to cleanse and.....A&D Ointment to moisturize (*insert Marge Simpson meme). I know, I know. That sounds crazy, but it's worked for me! I don't use Dove to cleanse anymore; instead, I use UrbanSkinRx which definitely leaves my skin feeling very fresh and super clean. I have combination skin; so that means that I am oily in some areas and dry in others. However, constantly wearing these masks has made me reevaluate my entire regimen because my skin has been nothing but DRY, chile. 

My skin is very much like me and doesn't usually respond well to change, so I'm always hesitant to try a new routine! That's why I had to pay my girl Chelsea a visit so she could get me together! Chelsea Davis is a Licensed Esthetician, Certified Lash Artist and the Owner of MreThanMakeup. Her beauty motto is that "every masterpiece starts with a clean canvas" and she incorporates that into every service she provides. I went to Chelsea over the weekend to get a much needed facial and I asked her to share some skincare tips with us.

https://www.instagram.com/mrethanmakeup/

1. Charcoal masks are detoxifying. So when using a detoxifying mask, like a charcoal mask, you may experience breakouts. That’s normal! Detoxifying masks draw out impurities. When choosing your face mask, make sure you choose a mask that suits the needs of your skin.

2. Over-exfoliating your skin DOES exist! Over exfoliating your skin weakens the skin barrier and causes inflammation. Weakening your skin barrier can cause your skin to become more vulnerable to bacteria. Only exfoliate your skin once or twice a week. 

3. Use lukewarm water to cleanse your face. Using hot water can actually strip your face of natural oils, leaving your skin dry and susceptible to crack.

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BONUS TIP: Since we're stuck in the house anyway; change your pillowcases WEEKLY. Not doing so allows for the growth of bacteria, germs and dirt...which means your face is dirty too.

Show your skin some love today and every day after! Find products and a routine that work for you, drink your water and mind your business. Oh, and book a service with MreThanMakeup -- you deserve it!

3 Tips for Turning Your Budget Into LEWKS

https://www.pinterest.com/breannakristina/the-busy-bre-style/

Confession: I love shopping. And I didn't fall in love with shopping again until we were confined to our homes with no nails, no open hair salons and no friends lol. Before, I would definitely shop sometimes; but, I rarely splurged on clothes...I chose to splurge on food (then I started cooking again so I've saved money), and a fresh set of "grippaz (but then all my nails started lifting and I was nubby)." Soooo basically I had more money in my budget to shop for new clothes, so here we are.

But here's the thing...WE ARE STILL ON A BUDGET (I'm yelling at myself). So I've found ways to put together FIRE outfits, while not breaking the bank! Here are 3 ways to turn your budget into LEWKS:

https://www.pinterest.com/breannakristina/the-busy-bre-style/

Repurpose the Items You Already Have

Okay, I know. Usually the reason we shop for new clothes is because we feel like we've worn all of our old clothes and now we have nothing left to wear, but we're trying to save money here. Sure, you've already worn your "old" clothes one way, but have you tried pairing them or mixing & matching them with other items? I'm a t-shirt hoarder, so I've made many crop tops out of old t-shirts and paired them with some high-waisted pants/shorts, like my new favorite windbreaker pants that I got from a local thrift store! If you can't find a new way for YOU to wear your old clothes, consider taking them to a place like Plato's Closet where you can get a little (I definitely mean a LITTLE) extra cash before you go splurge. Or, you could also consider taking them to your local Goodwill or Rescue Mission for someone else to have. Take some time to go through your closet before your next shopping spree!

Shop at Your Local Thrift Stores...(and exercise patience)

Speaking of thrift stores, Goodwill and the Durham Rescue Mission are incredible places to find dope items! Here lately, I have been OBSESSED with thrifting. Many of you have seen me mention this a few times on Instagram, but one of my favorite places to thrift is Rumors Durham. It's definitely the vibe and aesthetic for me -- but they have so many super cute pieces for everyone and I never leave empty handed! Thrifting is not only a way to shop on a budget, it's also more sustainable! 

Just a couple tips for thrifting if you're new to this:

1. If you have the time, visit often! Thrift stores don't carry standard merchandise and usually only have one of each, so you have to move quick if you see something you like.

2. Dress appropriately! Right now, most dressing rooms are closed; so, if you think you'll need to try things on, you'll need to wear an outfit that will allow you to try pieces on over your clothes.

OH! This isn't a thrift store, but I have to plug! Stop. Sleeping. On. Walmart. I have put together full outfits (shoes and accessories included) for $30 or less at Walmart! This is absolutely a Walmart stan account.

Walmart.com

Support Small (and Black Owned) Businesses

I've recently followed a couple Black Girls Who Thrift on Instagram for thrift and style inspiration. Good Girls Thrift and WashingtonAve are definitely two of my favorites! You can find a list of Black Owned, online thrift stores HERE.

https://www.liketoknow.it/ltk/66LFg1l045TH1yIlAT8Fqy

Alright. Now you deserve a shopping spree, but you also deserve to still have money in your account once those new items arrive. If you go over budget, don't blame me....okay, you can blame me! Just tag #busystyle under your fire pics. HAPPY SHOPPING!