5 Quick Fixes for Common Makeup Mistakes Every Black Woman Needs to Know

Hey Beautiful Souls, We’ve all been there – you're feeling fly in the middle of your makeup routine, but suddenly, a mistake happens, and it feels like everything’s ruined. Whether it’s too much foundation, a mascara smudge, or the eyeshadow looking a little too bold, don’t sweat it!

Every makeup artist (and makeup lover) has made these missteps. The good news? They’re super easy to fix! Here are 5 quick fixes for common makeup mistakes that’ll keep your glow intact, no matter what.

1. Too Much Foundation? It’s easy to get carried away, especially when you’re trying to match your perfect shade. If you’ve gone overboard, here’s how to bring it back to balance: - Dampen a clean makeup sponge with water (make sure it’s not soaking wet) and gently press it into your face, focusing on areas with excess product. Use downward motions to help the foundation blend better and look more natural. - Pro Tip: Be extra gentle around the eyes and use your fingertips to softly blend out the edges for a flawless, airbrushed finish.

2. Eyeshadow Too Dark? Eyeshadow mishaps are common, especially when you’re playing with bold colors. If your eyeshadow looks too dark or harsh, here's how to soften it: - Grab a clean eyeshadow brush and blend the color toward the outer edges of your eyelids. If you need to lighten things up, swipe on a bit of matte cream eyeshadow or translucent powder and blend it over the darker shade. - For the lower lash line, use a clean Q-tip to gently blur the eyeshadow and give it a softer, smokier look. - If your contour’s looking too harsh, go back in with a damp sponge and some foundation to smooth things out.

3. Blush Gone Overboard? A little blush goes a long way, but if you’ve applied too much, no worries—it’s an easy fix: - Take a clean, fluffy powder brush and lightly sweep it over your cheeks to soften the color. If it’s still too bold, dust a little translucent powder over the blush to tone it down and blend everything seamlessly. - Pro Tip: The key to a natural flush is blending. Don’t be afraid to build up your blush slowly and build to your desired intensity.

4. Eyebrows Too Bold? Bold brows are in, but sometimes they can get a little too dramatic. Here’s how to dial them back: - Take a Q-tip and gently brush through your brows, working in the opposite direction of your hair growth. This will remove some of the excess product, giving you a softer, more natural shape. - You can also use a clean spoolie to comb through your brows, helping to blend and diffuse any harsh lines.

5. Mascara Smudges? If you’ve accidentally smudged mascara on your eyelid, don’t panic! Let it dry first, then: - Once it’s completely dry, grab a Q-tip and gently rub over the smudge. The dried mascara should lift right off without disturbing the rest of your makeup. - Pro Tip: To prevent mascara smudging in the first place, try applying it to your lower lashes before your upper lashes—this way, any potential mishaps won’t ruin your entire look!

Bottom Line: We all make makeup mistakes—it’s part of the process! But now, armed with these quick fixes, you can keep your look flawless and fabulous, no matter what happens. Keep shining, queen! ✨ — Stay Beautiful, Project Snatched Team

DIY Skin Care: How to Create Your Own Natural Beauty Products at Home

In a world of tight schedules, harmful pollution, chemically-laden products, high anxiety, and environmental toxin overload, it is impossible for our skin not to feel and show the effects of it all! Thankfully, with a little commitment, you can maintain your skin's natural beauty in the comfort of your own home! Keep reading to get some tips and simple at-home methods to reduce stress, maintain your radiant skin, and decrease the signs of aging!

Cleansing Your Skin

The first step in caring for your skin is to properly cleanse it! Perspiration, grease, dust, stale make-up, dirt, and bacteria all collect on your skin and must be completely removed. There are many different skin types; oily, dry, sensitive, and prone to acne. Different cleansers do better with each individual type based on the pH and other varying factors. Cleansing helps to clean the skin, open the pores, and allows for the skin to best absorb the products you are going to apply. If you wear a good amount of make-up, you may want to first use a makeup remover to get the majority of the make-up off your face prior to cleansing.

To properly cleanse, begin by wetting the face with lukewarm water. Apply the cleanser that is best for your skin type on your face and neck and gently massage in a circular, upward motion for at least five minutes (duration also depends on the instructions provided with the cleanser you are using). Remove by using a damp washcloth and warm water to ensure all of the residue is removed from the face.

Toning Your Skin

Next, tone your skin using skin freshener (mild), skin tonic (medium strength), or an astringent lotion (strong). Toning is important because it helps remove any remaining greasiness on your skin after the cleansing process is complete. It helps to close pores and maintain the skin's natural pH, and if you intend to use makeup, it leaves a smooth clean texture which will hold foundation and powder much longer.

Nourishing Your Skin

Nourishing your skin is also an essential part of any beauty routine. Dirt, dust, hot and cold weather, cosmetics, and even sunlight, all tend to dry out the skin, robbing it of moisture and oil. Consequently, making sure to cleanse your face each night before bed is essential to younger looking skin. Skin "foods" or moisturizers attempt to replenish nourishment to the skin, reviving its natural healthiness. Again, different moisturizers work well for different skin types. If your skin is more on the oily side, avoid moisturizers that contain oils and opt for one that contains glycerin instead. If you have drier skin, applying a moisturizer right after washing your face is beneficial to prevent drying and to get moisturizer locked in right away. If you have neutral skin, you can usually get away with using a product that contains oil or glycerin. Just make sure to look for a product for neutral skin types.

Facial

A facial is the quickest way of cleansing, reviving, and brightening faded skin, leaving the skin light, soft and glowing. A facial also does a thorough job of relaxing frazzled nerves so that you emerge not only looking younger but also feeling fresher and more relaxed! A facial once or twice each month will ensure rejuvenated and fresh skin for a long time to come!

If it is in your budget to seek out a spa or professional for your facial, find someone who uses natural products and pays attention to your skin type. However, if you do not have the time or cannot afford the luxury of regular salon treatments, you can give yourself a facial at home! Choose a time when you can be undisturbed and quiet, and get everything ready before you start so that you can relax and really enjoy it!

Follow the routine below for a quick, at-home facial:

- Tie your hair away from your face and neck, using a headband to pull any remaining hair away from your forehead.

- Begin by removing your makeup either using makeup remover wipes, coconut oil or another method to remove all residue from the face. Cleanse your face and neck with a good cleanser and thoroughly remove.

- The next step is a gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria allowing the skin to best absorb the other products. We love using a simple, DIY exfoliant of organic coffee grounds, hot water, and warmed organic coconut oil but you can also find wonderful store-bought products to use.

- Prepare a face mask suited to your skin type. On a thoroughly cleansed and exfoliated face, spread a fairly thick layer avoiding the mouth area and creating large circles round the eyes. Then, lie on your back and keep the mask on for 15 to 20 minutes or until dry. There are many options for creating an amazing mask at home but the one we love the most is a simple concoction of organic coconut oil, honey and fresh avocado.

- When the mask is dry, wash your face and neck with lukewarm water, keeping your eyes closed. Dry your skin and apply your favorite toner that is best for your skin type.

- Lastly, now that the skin is thoroughly cleansed, exfoliated, and the pores are open, it is time to apply skin serum and/or moisturizer to the face. Spend some time massaging it in using upward, circular motions.

Massaging your Skin

Massaging your face is another essential practice for healthy skin and can also be really relaxing! While being an effective way to counter wrinkles, massaging is a slow process and its results are obvious only if it is practiced regularly for an extended period of time. That said, there is no doubt that massage is highly beneficial for tightening facial tissues, increasing blood flow, stimulating nerves and thus, boosting collagen production.

Massage is most effective if the skin is thoroughly cleansed first. Do not forget to remove all traces of makeup, otherwise particles of dirt will end up blocking the pores of the skin. If the skin is oily, then remove oiliness by applying cleansing milk or some astringent lotion. Fresh lemon juice is also very effective in removing excess oiliness. If the skin is dry, use a good moisturizer before massaging it. Finally, apply Vitamin E cream using only enough to give sufficient greasiness to the skin so that the hands and fingers move smoothly on the face.

After having cleaned the skin, press it with light but firm fingers, putting a little pressure while applying a good moisturizer. Make sure to hold the skin firmly and apply even pressure. The massage should start from the neck and move upwards ending at the forehead or temples. Veins and tissues get an increased flow of oxygen/ blood supply by this process. The skin around the eyes is delicate so it is advisable to apply cream on this part without pressing it in too deeply. Cream takes 15 to 20 minutes to get absorbed by the skin, so massage should continue that long. Gently wipe off excess cream when finished.

The Art of Massaging

- Slow Massage - This is the most common method of massage and the most relaxing. The secret is to massage slowly while patting the skin. Using the fleshy part of your finger tips, press the skin lightly with a slow, stroking motion.. The process starts at the base of the neck at a slow speed. Stroking gives rest to the nerves and the vibration is useful in subduing pain that might be caused over more sensitive areas..

- Fast Massage - The front half of both the palms are used to massage at speed, taking care to make a circular motion upwards

- Pressure Massage - This is a method when slow, deep pressure is applied by the fingertips and is very effective for removing pouches beneath eyes.

-Stroking Massage - Cheeks are stroked with the tips of fingers and strokes are applied from the nose to the temples on both sides

- Pinching Massage - Effective for a sagging chin or wrinkles on the jawline, the skin is held, as in pinchers, between the thumb and fingers and gently massaged.

- Friction Massage - This massage requires pressure on the skin while it is being moved over the underlying bone and muscle structures. Fingers or palms are usually best for this type of massage and hard movements are usually employed on the scalp while light movements are used on the face and neck.

- Piano Playing Movements - This exercise develops facial muscles and makes them firm. It should be done with the fingers on the entire face, especially the cheek area.

Making your own Skin Products

● DIY Face Scrub

In a bowl combine 1/2 cup of Organic Brown Sugar and 1/4 cup of Organic Avocado Oil. Mix well until combined. Scoop out a kiwi, muddle it down and then mix it in with the sugar and oil. Store the mixture in an air-tight glass jar and refrigerate for up to two weeks.

● Handmade Massage Oil

Add 1/4 cup of your favorite carrier oil to a jar or container(almond oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil are all great options) Next, choose your favorite essential oil or combination of oils and add 1 tsp total to the carrier oil. Mix well and allow to stand overnight.

● Anti-wrinkle Cream

Melt together 2 tablespoons lanolin or beeswax, 2 tablespoons almond oil and 1 tablespoon apricot oil. Then add 3 tablespoons lemon juice or lemon essential oil. Apricots are very rich in vitamin A and this mixture is great for helping to reduce wrinkles!

● Anti-wrinkle Lotion

Mix together the following ingredients: 1/4 cup of shea butter, 1 tbsp coconut or almond oil, and 16 drops of your favorite essential oil (we love lavender, rosemary, frankincense, and lemon). Mix well by hand or in a mixer and add to a clean jar.

So there you have it! By following these simple tips, and being consistent with your routines, you can easily start having brighter, healthier, and more rejuvenated looking skin in no time at all!

MYTHS YOU NEED TO LET GO OF TO REACH YOUR FITNESS GOALS

Myths keep us from anything meaningful. serving as a warning sign before embarking on a new journey or task. Exercise is no different. There are plenty of myths that keep you stuck, unmotivated, and sitting on the couch. All of that ends now. Take the journey with me as we explore myths old and new that keep us from the healthiest versions of ourselves.

CARDIO IS A MUST if you want to lose weight and shed fat :

• True
• False
• Not Sure

Cardio is a form of movement that is designed for athletes of all kinds. It comes in many forms and fashions with the common goal of strengthening the cardiovascular system. To the average joe, that sound important but still gives no clear meaning to the true nature of running and its purpose. The answer is FALSE Cardio is not a MUST when trying to burn fat and shed pounds. Strength training and stabilization exercises can provide lasting results when training consistently.

Longer Workouts Are More Meaningful

• True
• False
• Not Sure

The effectiveness of a workout depends on various factors including your fitness goals, current fitness level, intensity, and consistency. Longer workouts can be beneficial for improving endurance, burning more calories, and building muscular strength and endurance. However, they may not always be necessary or suitable for everyone.

Shorter, more intense workouts can also be effective for achieving certain goals like improving cardiovascular health, increasing metabolism, or building muscle strength. The key is to find a workout routine that aligns with your goals, fits into your schedule, and allows for adequate recovery.

Consistency and intensity are often more important than the length of a workout. It's essential to listen to your body, vary your workouts, and give yourself time to recover to prevent overtraining and injury. Ultimately, the most effective workout is one that you enjoy and can sustain over the long term. FALSE

More Sweat Equals a Better Workout

• True
• False
• Not Sure

Sweating is usually a good indicator that you're putting in tremendous work in the gym; but it can also mean other things. The weather conditions such as heat and humidity often make the biggest impact on your sweat rate. Consuming alcohol or caffeine before a workout can make you sweat more. There are many different variables that go into how sweaty or dry you are during exercise. Sweating more doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a better workout; this myth is False.

Lifting Weights Makes You Bulky

• TRUE
• FALSE

This is a common one worth all the rage. Lifting weights gets a bad rep from the non- meat heads and anti- powerlifter communities. Yet, we have to remember every form of movement has it's place and purpose. Weightlifting one of the most ancient and effective ways to create lasting, physical change to the body. When we lift weights, our bodies experience a number of benefits:

• Improved physical coordination

• Increased Muscle mass

• Increased Bone density

• Increased brain activity leading to a more balanced state of mind

• Hormone Balance

• Stronger muscles, tendons, and ligaments

This myth is False although in men it can be more true.

The More Protein, Exclude Fat and Carbs.

• TRUE
• FALSE

Fortunately for all of us this myth is is also FALSE. Although protein has immense benefits when it comes to weight loss and keeping fat intake to a minimum; healthy carbohydrates, and fats have their place in our everyday needs. A low-carb diet can lead to a lower fibre intake which can increase the risk of constipation, negatively impact the microorganisms which live in the gut and contribute to an increased risk of bowel cancer. Diets such as Keto and other high protein, low fat, low carb diets put a tremendous strain on the liver and kidneys; furthering complications if you already have some. Other concerns revolve around possible low blood sugar due to lack of carbohydrates, and higher risk of Type II diabetes in clients who do not consume a balanced diet.

I hope exploring these myths was helpful as you continue you your healthy life journey. I encourage you to take a look at the chart below and see what other sources of protein you may have overlooked. There are so many emerging as we learn more about ourselves, our environment, and our expanding access to a healthier future. I wish you all the best, until next time,

COACH DREA