Gel VS Acrylic Nail Enhancements

DID YOU KNOW: There is a huge difference between Acrylic and Gel nail enhancements?!

Over the past few years gel nail enhancements have become more and more popular especially with the new gel polish trend! But did you know that MOST salons aren't providing you with the correct service? 

Acrylic nail enhancements are created by using a monomer liquid and polymer powder system, the traditional liquid and powder system you see when receiving a full set. So what’s the liquid and powder system used to create gel nails called? Monomer liquid & polymer powder, acrylic. Wait, what?! That’s right; you’ve been paying, on average, $10 more per full set or backfill only for a simple top coat or gel polish! Well, at least here in the state of Maryland.

REAL gel nail enhancements are exactly that! The product used to create the nail enhancement is a gel that has to be scooped out of its container by a short synthetic brush, applied directly over the natural nail and tip, and set under a UV light to cure, simple as that. So what exactly have you been paying for?

Let’s rewind and let me tell you a little bit more about me and my experience. Most of my life I’d been a chronic nail biter! I would gnaw on my nails any chance I got, especially if they were uneven, slightly broken, or just too long. One day, about two and a half years ago, I was just chewing on my fingers as usual when I felt the detached piece of nail in my mouth and it made me CRINGE! It was in that moment that I decided that it was not only a dirty habit but it was just completely disgusting! So to prevent myself from biting, I kept nail polish on my nails so I wouldn’t want to ruin my mani by biting them. Eventually my obsession with nail polish turned into my obsession with nail art and here I am today!

What does that have to do with acrylic and gel nail enhancements? Well, once my designs started getting more intricate I wanted to keep them on longer but, my nails were always breaking. Wanting to avoid having acrylic done because of the damage it’d done to my nails in the past I wanted to try gel. My first “gel overlay” was actually done in South Carolina when I was visiting for my cousins wedding! The nail tech broke out her powder and liquid system, I thought it was weird but I didn’t think to question it. She was in a rush because she squeezed me in before her scheduled appointment and my aunt ensured me that she was the best! I wasn’t going to question it especially since I wanted my nails done right and she took the time to do it. At the end of the service she broke out a little container with a gooey substance inside, applied it over my overlay, and set me under the UV light to cure. Of course this was my first time so I thought it was right!

Over the next year and a half I continued getting my nails done, fills and fresh full sets when needed. I did start to notice that my nails were being damaged just like they were with acrylics. As frustration set in, I decided to quit getting fills, full sets, or overlays  and just stick to a really good strengthening base coat before polishing my nails. Once I started school I really wrote off getting my nails done at any wonky, random, “shopping center/strip mall” salon. Not to mention over that last year and a half I’d yet to find a nail tech that I’d loved.

Why am I bringing this to your attention now? Recently, in class, I learned that what I’d been paying for isn’t what I was getting. My usual trip to the nail salon started the same way it always did, “pick a color, have a seat,” followed of course by a heavily, acetone, saturated cotton ball to remove my nail polish and some vigorous electric filing to even out my enhancement and to prep my fingers for a fill.

By the way: the electric nail file is only to be used on nail enhancements and the free edge. Using the electric file on the natural nail is completely unnecessary and pure laziness if you ask me. Plus, as many of you may know it completely destroys your nail bed and creates the UGLIEST groves.

After being prepped for my fill my nail tech, as usual, reaches into her drawer and pulls out her canister of powder and liquid to complete my service. What I didn’t know was that my initial service and every service after had been acrylic overlays and fills topped with a gel polish or topcoat!

How to tell the difference:

While there isn’t much you can do now there are ways to tell the difference between gel and acrylic nail enhancements.

Applying the nail tip and prepping for an overlay or sculpture is done the same way in both services. The product used to harden, strengthen, or lengthen the nails is what’s different.

As I’ve said before, gel nail enhancement product come in a small canister and is a gooey like substance that requires a UV Lamp to cure. You can YouTube various how to videos to get a better understanding of what it looks like.

Acrylic is a liquid and powder system called polymer powder and monomer liquid which dries and cures on its own.

How to ensure that you are receiving the right service:

• Pay someone you can understand! - Let’s be honest 9 times out of 10 we’re looking for the salon that will offer a better price but in reality we never understand what our nail tech is saying or asking due to a clear language barrier. Quit being cheap! While I agree there are some pretty pricy salons out there it isn’t very hard to find one that’s decently priced and has a nail tech best suited for you! Being able to ask questions is important especially when it’s your money that you are spending!

• Ask your nail tech questions! – After you’ve found that nail tech that you think you LOVE ask him or her questions! What brand do you prefer using and why? Would you recommend gel or acrylic enhancements? How long have you been doing nails? What should I do if I decide to remove my enhancements? Even ask her the difference between gel and acrylic nail enhancements! – Basically a good nail tech will answer all of your questions to the best of their ability and a great nail tech will give you their honest opinion. If they become frustrated, don’t understand the question, or don’t give you a direct answer chances are they haven’t been properly trained and shouldn’t be doing your nails.

• Educate yourself! – While it’s easier to look out for blogs like mine, warning others about these kinds of things, it is important that you research for yourself. Wiki has the basic breakdown of acrylic, gel, and fiberglass or silk wrap nail enhancements. The world wide web has lots of answers you just have to look for them.

Which is better?

It’s all based on preference. Both are designed to strengthen and enhance the natural nail or nail tip. As I have only been studying nails for a couple of months and haven’t taken my state board exam or received my license I couldn’t really say which I recommend. Plus, it’s not like I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing both to say (please note my sarcasm).

Gel nails are typically thinner and appear more natural in comparison to acrylic nails. Gel nails are also more flexible again causing them to appear more natural.

Which lasts longer?

Ahh, the question we all want to know the answer to! It all depends on the wear and tear the enhancements go through every day! Wamp wamp, what a generic answer, I know, but it’s very true! For someone who is constantly using their hands in everyday tasks like cleaning using various chemicals, yard work, lifting heavy items, or even typing all day can cause damage to any enhancement. There are products out there that contain fiberglass and are created to be sturdier than others. Again you just have to find that nail tech with the right product! Gel enhancements typically have to be soaked off and will stay on longer than acrylic nails that tend lift and separate from the natural nail. Both will still chip and still need to be repaired or will require maintenance after two weeks! So it’s all up to how much your pockets can afford and which you like better.

FYI – The amount of growth doesn’t determine how good the enhancement was! Either way, your nail enhancement should be serviced every two weeks to reinforce its strength and to prevent it from breaking. Whether or not your nail grows a lot or a little it is only a reflection of the amount of nourishment among other things your body is receiving. Be sure to take care of yourself! A healthy body is a happy body!

I hope you have found this blog to be helpful. Knowing what you’re getting is extremely important especially when you are spending your hard earned money! Feel free to ask questions and I’ll answer them to the best of my ability!

Thanks for reading!

Forever and Always,

Anaia Papaya <3

Easter Nails

EASTER NAILS

So the good news is, I had a lot of fun creating these designs! The bad news, I only did one hand because I wanted to use actual nail polish instead of acrylic paints. Either way, they turned out great and I really like them! <3 Let me know what you think! 

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"Before polishing 

or applying any design, 

always apply a base coat

 to protect your natural nail!"

Pastel Petals

Polish:
- Sally Hansen, Hard as Nails, 300-White On

- Sally Hansen, Hard as Nails, 360-Mellow Yellow
- Sally Hansen, Hard as Nails, 340-Mint Sorbet
- Sally Hansen, Hard as Nails, 270-Lacey Lilac
- Essie, 819-Where's My Chauffeur
- Pure Ice, Love
- Zoya - Trixie
How To:
1. Paint entire nail a solid white.
2. Using a dotting tool or stripper brush, create the larger part of the petal and drag the access paint to the center of the flower. Repeat until flower is full.
3. Repeat with smaller flowers.
4. Us a shimmery paint and dot the center of your flower.
5. Seal in design with a top coat. Enjoy!

Easter Egg

Polish:

- Sally Hansen, Hard as Nails, 300-White On

- Sally Hansen, Hard as Nails, 360-Mellow Yellow

- Sally Hansen, Hard as Nails, 340-Mint Sorbet

- Sally Hansen, Hard as Nails, 270-Lacey Lilac

- Essie, 819-Where's My Chauffeur

- Pure Ice, Love

- Zoya - Trixie

How to:

1. Paint you entire nail white.

2. With a striping brush, create an upside down "W" with multiple colors.

3. Add sparkle with a glittery polish.

4. Add a few dots to be more creative.

5. Seal in design with a top coat. Enjoy

First featured on Instagram: NailsByPapaya

At Home Manicure & Post Service Care

So, never will I ever convince you that doing your own manicures at home are a better, more efficient option than going to the salon.  I would be out of a job if I did that! There are many benefits of going to a professional for your hand, feet, and skin care needs. Manicurists, esthiticians, or other cosmetology professionals have access to various products to perfect services and have been trained to understand the human body, different skin types, and multiple methods to better serve you. Plus everyone, men and women, deserve to be catered to every once in a while.

Now, for those of us who have had manicures done or get them done regularly knows that it can be a pain in the butt spending the money only for the paint chip or your nail to break.  What many of you don’t know is that there are ways to prevent this and ways maintain your manicure to stretch your dollar a little more until your next visit.

Below you will find a simple, at home, manicure procedure, tips for maintaining your manicure, and a “quickie” manicure.

I hope you enjoy it, let me know what you think and leave any questions you may have in the comments section below or on Facebook.

Please note that I am not, personally, doing my manicure in the pictures below. I intended to do the manicure myself but my classmate wanted to practice so I used the opportunity to take pictures anyways. Believe me a self manicure is completely do able! Good luck! :)

What you will need:

• Anti-Bacterial Hand Soap
• Fingerbowl or bowl
• Cotton balls & Q-tips
• Pusher
• Nail file & 3-way-buffer
• Nail polish remover
• Paper towels
• Hand lotion
• Cuticle remover & Oil
• Base, color, and top coat polish
• Nail clippers
• Nail brush or old toothbrush

What to do:

1. Remove all nail polish.
   Tip: Hold your saturated cotton ball for 5-10 seconds over the nail plate then wiggle the polish off. This will prevent you from wiggling too much and ruining the entire cotton ball vs. one spot. A remover that contains acetone works best.
   
2. If your nails are long, clip them to the desired length then file them to your desired shape. If clipping isn’t required, feel free to skip the step and just file.Tip: Use a medium or 180-grit nail file. Anything less will be too harsh and take are more than intended, anything more will be too soft and take too long. Also when filing, be sure to file in ONE direction to avoid splitting and weakening the nail. 
   
3. CHOOSE A SHAPE: (How properly file your  nails...)
   
4. Fill your nail bowl or bowl with warm water and add 1 to 2 pumps of hand soap. Place your dominant hand in the water to soak for 3 – 5 minutes or until skin is soft. Tip: Soaking your dominant hand first allows for you to spend more time on the hand that works harder for you and incurs more damage.
   
5. Optional but beneficial – Brush your fingers & nails individually from the knuckle of your finger to the free edge of your nail in a downward motion with a nail brush or old toothbrush.
   
6. Dry your hand with a paper towel.
   Tip: To be more “eco-friendly” use a terry cloth towel. You can wash it and even designate it as your manicuring towel!
   
7. Apply cuticle remover or softener with a Q-tip or cotton wrapped orangewood stick.
   Tip: Use an old medicine cup to pour the product into then dip your Q-tip. Dipping your Q-tip into the product can contaminate the entire bottle.
   
8. Use a metal pusher or even a plastic or orangewood pusher to carefully push back your cuticles.
9. Use a cuticle remover, a pair of nippers, or a curette to remove desk skin or skin tags.
   
   
   Did you know: Razors, i.e. nippers, cuticle removers, credo blades (feet), or any other razor designed to cut the skin, are either prohibited or have laws against their use in over 30 states.
   The use of any or all of the tools listed above, in spas or salons, is illegal in the state of Maryland. However some clients and customers prefer for their cuticles to be completely removed at which point it is done at their risk. The “curette” is a dull, scoop-shaped, tool that allows you to gently remove dead skin tags and cuticles and is recommended for use.
10. Clean under finger nails using a cotton swab or a cotton wrapped orangewood stick.
11. Repeat steps 4 – 9 with a fresh bowl of water on the other hand.
12. Using a 3 or 4 way buffer, follow the steps to smooth out surface scratches and give the natural nail a brilliant shine.
13. Dust nails with a clean/dry nail brush or old toothbrush to remove any particles that may have surfaced while buffing.
14. Apply cuticle oil to each nail using a Q-tip. The same tip shown in step 6 applies here. Massage the oil into each finger individually.
    
15. Apply a moisturizing hand lotion of your choice. My favorite hand lotion at the moment is Alba Botanica’s Natural Hawaiian Hand & Body Lotion with replenishing cocoa butter to condition and restore moisture.
    
16. Using a polish removes soaked cotton ball, remove all oils from the nail plate to ensure that your polish lasts longer.
17. Apply a base coat to protect your natural nail followed by the color polish of your choice and finish with a top coat.
    Tip: Use a base coat with beneficial properties. Some base coats are designed to strengthen nails or even prevent them from yellowing.
    
18. Allow nails to dry and enjoy your fresh manicure.

More Tips & Maintaining your Manicure:

1. Apply moisturizing hand lotion throughout the day to ensure that your skin is properly hydrated and to prevent it from becoming too dry and cracking or even causing hang nails.
2. DON’T BITE YOUR NAILS! Believe it or not, I used to have a TERRIBLE habit of biting my nails until one day I decided that it was so disgusting I just had to stop! I started painting my nails and practicing “nail art” to prevent myself from biting them! Now look where I am!
3. When applying a top coat be sure to seal the free edge of your nail. This will help prevent chipping. Also, keep bottle of top coat and apply ever so often. Some topcoats are made thin and just need to be re-applied.
4. Feed your cuticles. There’s really no need for you to completely remove your cuticles except to ensure a clean look but healthy cuticles look just as clean an even healthy. Apply a cuticle oil or salve to your cuticles every other day or even right before bed. This will prevent them from dying out and reduces the amount of skin that you have to remove during your manicure.
5. Choose and build a relationship with a manicurist who you comfortable with and who you can ask questions to. While spa manicures can be more expensive, you will get more out of the service if you better understand how to care for your nails and skin. Plus, you just received lots of tips and tricks to maintain your manicure and space out visits.

The Quickie:

I hope you enjoyed this blog and have found it useful! Remember to let me know what you think & as always thank you for reading! 

Forever & Always,

Anaia Papaya <3

My Favorite Products

So I have used/and tried LOTS AND LOTS of products… as most females do. Some work, some don’t, some are beyond horrible, and some I simply LOVE! Below is a list of products that I am just obsessed with. I’m going to do my best to limit each section to my top 3 products, give you a brief description about them, and why I PERSONALLY like them. I definitely don’t use these products everyday so I don’t normally have “empties” or “hit the pan” on my makeup products but I do my best.

If you’d like to see more in-depth reviews or tutorials about or with any of the products, please feel free to ask either in the comments below or on FaceBook.

Hair

Shampoo & conditioner

Aveda - Smooth Infusion – THE ENTIRE LINE but here I’ll only really discuss the shampoo and conditioner. I am not even going to get into the details about Aveda, I’ll leave that to my sister but, basically this line was created to fight frizz and to protect against heat-styling. Now, some of you may remember the picture that I posted of the Christmas presents that Vinnie got me, well this set was included. You may be thinking, “What kind of present is shampoo & conditioner?!” – think again, this is not your average, everyday shampoo and conditioner. The entire line/kit retails at about $88.00! If you’re using this every day… clearly you’re ballinnnnnnnnn! LOL Anyways, the reason why I love this line so much is because, again, if you know me you know that it takes me 3 HOURS to straighten my hair! This complete line definitely cuts time out and the finish is fabulous! – The shampoo and conditioner itself smells incredible! It’s like a citrusy, lemony, earthy, yummy, delicious scent. Seriously?! The smell alone will convince you to rinse and repeat! I love it!

HE - Detangling Spray

Herbal Essence – “Totally Twisted” Curl Silkening Detangler – This products is supposed to do/assist with what exactly what it says, detangling. Now, I use A LOT of products on a curly day however, this is the bread and butter of a successful curl, for me! After a good wash, especially after washing a curly style my hair is extra NAPPY…. or tangly! ;) It is a workout getting the kinks out but this product works wonders. Now, with that said, it is NOT a miracle spray! It’s not like you spray it on and your tangles fall out! I WISH! It does, however, keep your hair nice and wet and it keeps it slick enough to work your brush or comb through. Because I am SPOILED and because he used to work with horses… Vinnie will sometimes want to play in my hair and detangle it for me and this definitely helps! <3

Goody - Ouchless Elastics – WHOA! Didn’t know I was gonna hit you with an elastic huh?! Haha! Any who, these things are the booooooooomb! Now growing up and even to this day, I have always been “tender headed,” which is basically another way of saying that you have a sensitive head or scalp. So the fact that my hair is so long and it takes so much work to do doesn’t help with my sensitivity.  On lazy days, good days, bad days, even “I want to chop all this S#!& off days,” these are freaking life savers! A “top knot” it is! I have hundreds of these everywhere! Vinnie has even pick me up a pack or 2 b/c I was running low. Seriously?! In my car, in my purse, in each pocket of my purse, my makeup bag, his house, my house, every duffle bag I own, on top of my desk, in my desk drawers, EVERYWHERE! If I need to do something with my hair…. I BETTER have a freaking elastic!

Face/Skin

M.A.C. – Fix Plus Spray – What is it? Expensive ass mineralized water *in my best Shanay-nay voice*! What does it do?! It makes the entire face look gloriously beautiful. Need I say more?! …. Okay, so if you go to M.A.C. and you ask the what this product is for chances are you’ll get a different answer almost every time! Why?! Because this *ish does EVERYTHING! I mainly use it to prep my face and set my makeup. After moisturizing, I give my face a nice spritz and it helps to evenly spread foundation and make it look super smooth and natural. You could use this before and after moisturizing but again, EXPENSIVE! Not too often do I use it to spritz my shadow brushes but when I need to pick up pigmented shadows I do. Finally, setting my makeup! Now, we have all gone through our stages of makeup… some of us have mastered what we like and some of us are still trying to figure it out! o_O Where ever you are in the process, if you’re the type of person to set your foundation with a powder, good for you, I do too! But that also means, that you know that choosing the wrong powder or putting too much on or even too little can do some pretty funky things to the finish of your look. Just a couple sprays of this will suck that extra powder in, lock in that gorgeous eye shadow that you spent sooooo much time one and give you a finish so awesome you wouldn’t go without this product again!

M.A.C. – MatchMaster – Simply put, foundation. When I found this foundation or tried it for the first time I had been using Estée Lauder’s Double Wear foundation. The reason why I found this one was because the EL foundation was entirely too thick and too heavy to wear EVEERYDAY! Especially if you wake up late on the weekends and you just want to slab some makeup on to look more alive, if you just want to go out for a quick drink or froyo… it wasn’t something that you just threw on. So I was in search of something light but still provided coverage… and I came across this bad boy and now it is my “go-to” foundation! Just by itself, it does tend to look a little bit shiny but once you set it with a powder, it feels great and lasts all day! The pump makes quick application even easier!

Moisturizer - I have yet to find my favorite moisturize or facial cleanser… so if you have any suggestions, please let me know! I do want to try the Clarasonic Mia 2 but it’s $150, gotta save up my pennies first! ;) – I know it’s a facial tool but still, I clearly have room for a 3^rd product in my top 3!

Eyes

Urban Decay – Naked2 pallet – I’m pretty sure that if this pressed eye shadow pallet could have taken over the world; it would have done so by now. By far, THE BEST go-to neutrals pallet that there is! There is a “Naked” pallet and there is a war between “Naked” users and to each its own but regardless of preference this is the best neutral/nude/natural pallet there is. Other companies have come out with their own natural type pallet, but I think that’s just so consumers don’t get completely distracted that other brands exist! Haha. The pigment and quality of the shadows is unbelievable and their names are just as cute. If you don’t know where to start with eye shadow or want to build your collection, this is a must have!

M.A.C – Prep + Prime – Mascara Primer! So this stuff is the beeeekneees! If you are a fan of thick, happy, and luscious lashes… this is definitely for you! I know a couple of females who use up to 5 different mascaras just to achieve their desired look. First of all that is ridiculous, second of all I know they have to be developing carpal tunnel that is entirely too much wrist flicking. Honestly, you’d have to try this for yourself, to see the benefits and results for yourself but I love it. All you do is apply this to your lashes before your mascara, because it’s a primer DUH, and then you apply the mascara of your choice. Now, I’ve used the Estee Lauder double wear mascara and Maybelline waterproof falsies mascara with it and both looked great! This primer adds length, volume, and allows for easier application.

M.A.C. – 219 Brush – Oooh la la, the pencil brush! Even if you’re not someone who uses brushes to apply makeup, especially eye shadow, I feel that this brush or even any type of crease brush is very beneficial to have. I primarily use this brush in my crease for better precision and to define the crease area. I also use it to smoke out creamy eyeliner to achieve a professional looking finish.

Cheeks

So, I’m not a huge cheek person! I have been trying to get into trying more blushes and even narrowing down a bronzer that I like but I’m not quite there yet. I have been using Urban Decay’s Naked Flushed pallet which is basically a trio that includes a bronzer, a blush, and a highlighter. So far, the bronzer isn’t dark enough for my skin tone it’s almost like a setting powder. The blush is really pigmented and a little goes a long way, but I’m all for super pink cheeks so I like it! The highlighter is awesome however it may be a little easy to get carried away.

If you know of any good bronzers or blushes to try LET ME KNOW! I am currently on the hunt!

Lips

Burt’s Bees – Beeswax Lip Balm – 100% Natural moisturizing lip balm! I believe that this product is the base and foundation to a sexy pair of lips! What has officially convinced me? My boyfriend uses it daily! I know that if I dig in his pockets I will always find his phone, his wallet, and his Burt’s Bees. Smart man! Best part? I always loose mine so I just steal his so he has to buy more! ;)

Revlon – Lip Butter – It’s a tinted moisturizer…. mostly in between a lipstick and gloss. Here is my review from Beautylish: Not a big fan of lipstick, lip gloss, or chapstick? Well this product is a perfect mix!! <3 I have 2 shades and I've tried another two that one of my girlfriend has... and we loved them we literally bout 1 each and went back and bought another shade 30 minutes later! Every shade comes out exactly how it looks but they don't look over powering and full like a lipstick. They have just the right amount of color and sheerness! This is definitely a makeup bag MUST! Especially if your someone who doesn't like having to get up so often to reapply your lipstick! You can sit at your desk at work, apply, and not have to worry about mess or making sure that you "stayed in the lines" LOL. The best part is that it actually moisturizes and keeps your lips well hydrated! LOVE LOVE LOVE this product! <3

Nails/Hands

I could go on for days about nail polish but the best drug store nail polish, in my opinion, would have to be OPI. The formula is great, the pigment quality is awesome, it dries and shines well.

My favorite hand lotion; don’t have one but I have been using Alba Botanica Natural Hawaiian hand and body lotion and it is divine! I don’t keep up with my lotion products too well but I recently bought this one to include in my nail tech kit and I love it. I’m not sure if there are other types or fragrances but mine says, “replenishing cocoa butter to condition & restore moisture,” so maybe there are others. I purchased it at Target. If you get it let me know what you think.

I am still diving into the world of nails and I’m still figuring out which products I do and don’t like. If you have any questions about certain products, feel free to ask but as much nail art as I do, I definitely don’t need the cuticle oils and foot soaks to do it! LOL so I’ll keep you posted.

Let me know if you have tried any of these products and what you think! 

Thanks for reading,

Forever & Always,

Anaia Papaya <3

My First BB Cream!

Why a BB Cream?

The infinite choices of BB creams.

So for almost a year now, I've been wanting to try a "BB Cream." For those of you who don't know what a BB cream is, it is a tinted face primer/moisturizer depending on how you decide to use it. Now, for a while I'd been thinking and saying that I wanted to try one but couldn't figure out which one to try! Every time I went into a department store, Sephora, or M.A.C I'd get distracted by whatever the latest thing was and forget all about the stinking cream! And I don't know about you but I know I wouldn't spend $25-$40 on a cream without trying it on first! So I couldn't just pick one up! Even so, spending $10 on a product you're not too sure about is kinda sketcy!

Maybelline New York, Dream Fresh,
8-in-1 Beauty Balm, and Skin Perfector in the shade, "light/medium."

It wasn't until I was recently watching a video on YouTube (can't remember which one) when I finally broke down and decided to try the stuff! I went to Ulta and and got the Maybelline New York, Dream Fresh, 8-in-1 Beauty Balm, and Skin Perfector in the shade, "light/medium." I spent around $9 for it which wasn't too bad I guess.

Now, I definitely don't wear makeup everyday. I feel comfortable in my own skin and have no problem going out or to work with a fresh, natural looking, face. Until I read this in my nail tech textbook: "You should always use makeup to accentuate your best features..... A freshly scrubbed face may look great for a leisurely day at the beach, but it does nothing to promote your image as a beauty professional wile at work." - Milady's Standard Nail Technology, Chapter 3, and I'd never thought of it that way. So this morning I decided to wear makeup, something light, hmm? Why not try my new BB cream?!

I went the route of using it as a light foundation as apposed to a foundation primer. I didn't want to cake it on plus, I was running late and had to do it at my desk. I ended up setting it with a translucent pressed blot powder from M.A.C. because so it could absorb the access product and prevent my face from looking too oily & shiny! The Crisco look is definitely not in right now! :P

The Results:

My Review & Thoughts: 
Of course I couldn't expect too much from a product that was a "sheer tint" so it didn't really hide too many blemishes. I did however, expect it to be a little more moisturizing. It could have been "user error" and maybe I put it on too thin or could have applied a second coat but the moisturizing value wasn't too great. Once I set it with the blot powder it actually highlighted the dry spots on my face! Again, that could be because I chose to use it as a sheer foundation instead of a primer. I'm sure that it's going to take a couple of uses before I can actually decide how I feel about it, so we'll see.

I will say though, the longevity and wear-ability of this product is the bomb! My face feels naked and fresh but I know I put product on! It definitely has breathable coverage and my face feels great! I'm even wearing a white sweater and there's no evidence of fall out. Even though its a cream base/type product and it's not supposed to have fall out and I set it with a power to absorb it, I've still had other foundations rub off and mark up my clothing, so this is a plus! Also, applying it at my desk was super easy and there was no funky residue left on my fingers. I simply applied hand sanitizer before continuing to apply my make up!

The Finished Look:
I wanted to keep the whole look fresh and natural, since that's what I'm all about. A nude lip, light eyeliner, and long black lashes completed my face! The product list is below! I personally feel that this is something I could wear everyday, even if I'm feeling lazy, it only took 5 minutes to apply! :) How efficient?! 7 Items and your everyday makeup bag is packed! If you suggest another BB cream to try, let me know either below or on Facebook!

Products:
Face:
   - Maybelline New York, Dream Finish, BB Cream Skin Perfector (Light/Medium)
   - M.A.C., Blot Powder, Pressed (Medium/Dark)
Eyes:
   - Estee Lauder, Double Wear, Stay-In-Place Eye Pencil Duo, (Onyx/Garnet)

       I used the garnet end. Here's a tip: Eyeliner was invented to open up the eyes and make them "pop" and while I know the "smoky eye" is super trendy and the look is almost timeless, if you're going to use a black liner and only line one part of you eye, line the top as apposed to your water line. This opens the eyes and makes them appear larger. You could even set it and smoke it out with a little black eye shadow. Lining your water line with a black eyeliner only makes you look more exhausted and you're eyes more droopy! If you prefer to line your water line, opt for a brown or more natural eyeliner just to accentuate your eyes! Even a white or nude liner is better than a black one! ;)

   - Maybelline New York, The Falsies, Volum; Express Waterproof Mascara (Very Black)

Lips:
   - NYX, retractable lip liner (18 Peony)
   - NYX, Lip Smacking Fun Colors (518A Pure Nude)
   - M.A.C., Dazzleglass (Roman Holiday)

Thanks for reading!

Forever & Always,

Anaia Papaya <3

Hello Me!

They say you never really know who you are until you become an adult, somewhere around 18 or 20. Some say you don't know who you are until you're half way through life. Wise folk will tell you that they still don't know who they are. My point? I don't think "who you are" is just something that clicks in your mind. Someone who is convinced they know who they are, in my opinion, are sadly mistaken.

We're human beings constantly growing and changing.... life events, no matter how big or small, effect who we are day to day. Our character, on the other hand, forms its own personality and it's something that we live with day to day... Unfortunately, no matter what values and morals guide though life our character is always being judged and we will never please everyone no matter how hard we try.

I could go on and on about how we should't try to compromise ourselves to make others happy or comfortable... or try to explain which situations it is acceptable to pretend to be something we're simply not but my point is this, some facts about us are unchangeable but as we go on we have the choice to make life decisions and I fully exercise my right to be free. One day I may hate peas and carrots but tomorrow I may just decide that it's the only thing that I want to eat for the rest of my life.

I can't change the things that I did 10 years, 10 months, or even 10 seconds ago but I can choose where I want to place my next 10 footsteps. You can judge away but the truth is, my foot steps are mine and yours are yours. Now, with that said... the facts are as follows...

Born Anaia Mireya (UH-Nye-Yah  Me-RRRae-YAH), Wednesday, March 18, 1992 in Laurel, MD to parents, Douglas and Brenda Janifer. I was welcomed with open arms by two older brothers, Doug Jr. and Devin. After a year and ten months of life our family happily greeted my grumpy little sister, Ciera, into this enormous world which made six. By the age of 2 my family packed up out little home in Laurel and moved down to Greenville, SC where we joined my mother's 3 sisters and 1 brother. With 3 aunts, 1 uncle, 2 parents, 3 siblings, and 11 cousins there was never a dull moment! Always hanging out with the boys I was never afraid of getting my hands dirty, climbing trees, playing in the woods or creek, or just rolling around in the good old Carolina red dirt. After 7 years of country livin' it was back to Maryland. Where I would grow into the young lady that I am today.

Clearly, I could have fluffed that with experiences and locations but I think that's enough for now. Besides, I need to save some for later!

Vinnie & I at a holiday party, Kara, and Ciera! <3

Where and who am I now? As for who I am still working on that, constantly surprising myself and trying new things. I currently live in Reisterstown, MD and attend Nail Tech school in Essex. I plan on attending The Aveda Institute for Esthetics, late summer early fall. Cheerleading was my first love and I am convinced that I'll never let it go, at 20 years of life I'm still "waving my pom-poms" and loving it! I am currently employed as a receptionist in Columbia, MD and believe it or not, I am a sergeant in the Maryland Army National Guard. I am happily taken and in a wonderful relationship. My boyfriend's name is Vince & he is the sweetest most loving thing under the sun who, not to mention, is incredibly hot too! Where is the future taking us? I have no idea but I can't wait to see but because of him I am perusing what it is in life that truly makes me happy! Kara is my best friend who couldn't have come at a better time in my life! Supporting my dreams and going after her own makes her one of the most motivating people to be around. My little sissy, although you would never know it, is another motivating factor in my life. She has never been the type of person to let someone else tell her, "no" and I admire her for that. These 3 people, aside from my mom, dad, grandparents, brothers, other family members, and friends, are the ones that keep me going and I simply couldn't live without!

Other than that, I am enjoying this journey called life and taking it one day and dream at a time.

Forever and Always,

Anaia Papaya <3 

Blog Numero Uno

So, I couldn't tell you why I've decided to start a blog but I have. There are so thoughts and ideas that fill my head DAILY and it has become entirely too much to keep in.

My days get so busy and hectic that sometimes I just stop and think to myself, "Hmm, I know there is an easier way to do this..." and "... why haven't you thought of that sooner?!"

I'm almost 21 and I think it's time to take control of my schedule and finances, better care of myself, and enjoy my life and youth while I still have it.

So here it is, my first blog post. The first page of an open book which will only scratch the surface of my life. By no means is my life more important than anyone else's but maybe allowing you to peek in on what's going on with me will help you choose you next turn in this maze we call life! <3

So for now and Forever & Always,

Anaia Papaya <3