Blue Spotlight: Creme of Nature

Hello Lovelies!

It's Kenya signing in. As some of you may or may not know, a few months back I was gifted by a love blogger named Afrobella (check out her blog on our blog roll...she's fantastic) with some lovely Creme of Nature products. I had a chance to try them out, and I must say that I've definitely seen some great results, so I decided to try a few of their other products as well. Most of these are from their most recent releases which offer the inclusion of organic ingredients. Here's the Creme of Nature product round up...

-Regular Formula Detangling Shampoo
-Red Clover & Aloe Soothing Shampoo
-Chamomile & Comfrey Healing Conditioner
-Jojoba & Olive Oil Moisture-Active Deep Conditioning Treatment
-Lemongrass & Rosemary Leave-in Creme Conditioner

1. Regular Formula Detangling Shampoo: "this special organic formula is a 3-way shampoo treatment for your hair. It gently and effectively cleanses then richly conditions and detangles. The incredible blend of super conditioning ingredients leaves natural or relaxed hair looking gloriously soft & silky"
Advantage: It contains NO SLS...can you believe it? Not to mention it's helpful in knocking out two birds with one stone. Not only can you cleanse, but you can simultaneously condition as well. A great way to cut down on some products and save some cash.
Disadvantage: If you have some major build up from alot product usage you may need a stronger clarifying shampoo. But for the most part, it cleanses pretty well. Just repeat try to repeat your lathering process a couple of times

2. Red Color & Aloe Soother Shampoo: Here's C.O.N's description for it..."uses organic red clover, one of nature's healing emollients, plus aloe to soothe and hydrate dry hair & itchy scalp while gently cleansing and detangling hair"
Advantage: the smell is lovely...almost peppermenty. Also fulfills it's word in eliminating any itch factor
Disadvantage: Contains SLS (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) which strips the hair follicle. Will need to follow up with good conditioning and moisturizing to counteract SLS properties

3. Chamomile & Comfrey Healing Conditioner: "Organic chamomile soothes and detangles while healing comfrey moisturizes and protects"

Advantage: this is a VERY hydrating. I would use this for my co-washes/no-poo (washing without shampoo) and it would provide great moisture to my tresses

Disadvantage: Other than having a few cones in the ingredients (dimethicone & amodimethicone), which are known to coat the hair and sometimes be counterproductive in moisturizing because of it coating the hair. It may have some long term effects, but as long as you clarify your hair at least once a month, it shouldn't cause too much of a problem.

4. Jojoba & Olive Oil Moisture-Active Deep Conditioning Treatment: "a wealth of certified organic ingredients combine to deeply moisturize thirsty hair, improve shine, strengthen and restore manageability.

Advantage: This product will make your hair feel like SILK. No seriously. After I shampoo & leave this on my head with a plastic cap for half an hour, I get a comb through my coils with ease, and my hair stays uber soft for the whole week.

Disadvantage: once again, yet another product that contains cones, but I must say that I'd take the cones for all of the yummy ingredients that comes with it (Jojoba Oil, Olive Oil, pepperment, basil, senega, watercress, sage, thyme, rosemary, grapefruit, chamomile...shall I continue?)

5. Lemongrass & Rosemary Leave-in Conditioner: "The creamy formula quickly softens, detangles, and conditions. Organic Lemongrass adds shine while Rosemary helps protect & strengthen"
Advantage: Has one of my fave ingredients...Rosemary...yum. This is well known for soothing the scalp and preventing flakes & itchyness.
Disadvatage: I'm not a big fan of anything with petrolatum as an ingredient, because like mineral oil and other crude oils, it's known for coating the hair shaft (which my promote buildup)

Overall, I can't say I have an overwhelming amount of complaints for the Creme of Nature products that I tried. Like with anything that correlates with your body, I'd definitely recommend you read the ingredients before determining if it's worth the purchase or not. However, every head of hair is different and various products work better for others. If you have tried any of these products, feel free to let us know how they worked out for you and as always...KEEP IT BLUE!!!

A BLUETIFUL RETURN!!!

Hello Lovelies!

We're baaaaaaack! Yaaaaaay! Mexico was absolutely gorgeous, and taking some time out to travel & enjoy what this wonderful has to offer was truly a beautiful experience. We ate delicious food, kayaked in the ocean, snorkeled in gorgeous water, zip lined through the jungle like Tarzan, swam with dolphins, danced until our feet ached, and relaxed in Jacuzzis until our bodies looked like prunes (stay tuned for a "Viva La Mexico" post w/pics). But we must say that we are happy for our return and SO excited about what's to come with Virtuous Blue.

First & foremost, we couldn't continue without apologizing for our long departure. After our return from our cruise, we got a little distracted with settling into our new place, readjusting to things, and making efforts to better our lives in many areas. Whether it's through health, fitness, finances, spiritually, socially, or professionally...we are all for embracing growth. However, even though we are embarking on a journeys individually, we're making steps to help each other out along the way, and it is our hope that you all would join us as well!

We'll be sure to keep you updated on our fitness regimen, health improvements, spiritual enhancement, and social endeavors. So with that being said, we wanted to include you all on some decorating progress we made on our apartment. Although these rooms now have furniture & a few decorative pieces, we don't want to do the actual "unveiling" until we have completely finished everything. So here is what we started with...


Room #1. A room that embodies a cool & vibrant mood. Adorned in a gray back drop, with a green focus wall, and toned down with dark espresso pieces, white furniture, and accented with small splashes of color sprinkled throughout the room.


Room #2 is the "warm" room with bold orange paint, strong dark & mahogany furniture pieces, and burgundy, brown, and gold accents.


Room #3 falls in the middle with a calming blue hue on the wall and offset with cherry wood pieces, and peach & orange tones to add a warmer feel.

The living and dining area (so far)...


We've come to find that your environment definitely influences your mood & state of being. So we made an effort to keep that in mind when decorating and gave each room its own special appeal. When you walk into your home, what emotion automatically pops into your mind? When you have been in a certain room in your place for an extending period of time, how do you feel after you leave? Keep these things in mind when thinking about the stance that you want to take on life. Remember that your foundation starts at home, so why not make it a firm foundation? Why not make it a comfortable? and more than anything else...why not make it a happy one? You DESERVE it!!

Thanks lovelies. Stay tuned for the cruise recap, apartment decorating progress, life updates, and so much more. And oh...don't forget to KEEP IT BLUE!!!

VB In Action: Bon Voyage!

Hello Lovelies!

We know the ladies of VB have been in and out as of lately. The summer has been quite the test for us as we experienced a little separation, drama, and often the lack of an Internet connection. However, today not only marks a reunion for us, but a departure as well.

We're super elated about progressing in various areas and entering a new chapter in our lives. And what better way to make a new start than to do it in style?...via a cruise ship! Yay! We set sail today on the 24th to Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and will be returning to the States on the 31st. It will be the first experience of a cruise for the both of us and we are SO excited!

If you have a last minute summer trip coming up, or just looking to enjoy a little sunny weather in style, here's a little fit that we put together...



1. Dorothy Perkins Green Print Maxi Dress www.dorothyperkins.com 2. H&M Straw Hat www.hm.com 3. Sunglasses www.topshop.com 3 Natural Yellow Round Shell Earrings www.belladawn.com 4. Yellow Xhilaration Tote www.target.com 5. Brown Boho Bracelet www.target.com 6. Strappy Tan Jarie Sandals www.debenhams.com

Oh, and definitely don't forget to throw in some sun block with at least an SPF of 15, a spicy...yet comfortable swimsuit, waterproof mascara & eyeliner, moisturizer (for face, lips, as well as hair), bronzer, and a camera for the MANY memorable moments that should captured.

After our cruise, it's straight back to the east coast to get settled into our newly acquired apartment. So although you won't be hearing from us for a little bit, just know that we are thinking of you, taking pics, and constantly thinking of new ways that we can make the world a more blue place. Love ya, and as always...KEEP IT BLUE!!!

Heart To Heart: Go For The Gold

In the midst of Olympics season, it would only be befitting that our Heart to Heart segment focuses on sportsmanship. However, we've come to find that "going for the gold" is something that can be applied to more than just being the fattest runner on the track, or the most skilled gymnast on the matt.

No matter what area it is in your life, be it your appearance, finances, education, profession, or romance...don't settle for less than the best. And that doesn't necessarily mean the highest paying job, the most expensive outfit, the best looking man at the club, or countless amounts of degrees...it's about trying to be the best you that you can possibly be, and only accepting things and people into your life that contributes to your growth.

Some of the best athletes know that their biggest competition is themselves, because they know at the end of the day, they dictate their own performance. You could be your own worst enemy, you could constantly compare yourself others, you could psyche yourself out...or you can decide in your mind that you are going to win before you even enter the field.

So if you're going to win...why not win big? A mediocre effort won't get the medal, but if you give it your all....you never know, you just might get the gold.

Good luck in all of your endeavors lovelies. The ladies of VB wish you nothing but your blue best :-)

Color Me Bluetiful: Bronze Beauty

Wow, has it really been a week since we talked to our lovelies? Sheesh...time flies when you're trying to get your life together. Anywho, we missed you all like we missed like we miss Suede Magazine (R.I.P.). So on that note...on with the posting...yaaayyyy!!!

Today's Color Me Beautiful segment was inspired by the youtube clip that was recently posted. The golden/bronzy look has been my staple for the summer. I just love the alluring "glow" that it gives off and how it plays so well with the sun & warm dewy weather. Seeing thequeenofblending at work inspired me to add a lil pizzazz to my usual look. I usually rock a rather nuetral lip with this look, but after suggesting various lip colors in the youtube post, I decided to take my own advice. I went with a soft yet funky candy pink lip, copper eyes, and a little golden bronzer.

Products Used:

Face

Black Radiance Perfect Blend Creme Foundation with SPF 15 shade 6815

Black Radiance Golden Shimmer Mosaic Bronzer in 3512

Eyes

Loreal H.i.P Cream Shadow Paint in Commanding (used as eyelid base)

Maybelline Pure Makeup liquid foundation in medium beige 3 (highlight base)

Wet & Wild eyeshadow pallette in Sand Castle (copper shade on outer corner of lid & gold shade on inner corner)

Black Radiance Desert Clay quad (bronze shade, and dark brown shade blended into crease)

Loreal H.i.P eyeshadow duo in Flare (light golden shade as highlight)

MAC fluidline in blacktrack (line upper & lower lid)

MAC pro longlash mascara in pitchblack

Lips

Joya lip liner in berry nude

Prescriptives Moonbeam Reflective Gloss in Meteor

So bluetiful ones, don't forget to embrace your inner "golden goddess" while you're heating things up during what's left of the summer. And don't be afraid to throw in a some various lip shades to add a special pop of color to your look. Hope you enjoyed the pics & feel free to tell us what some of your favorite summer make up looks are. Sharing is caring!

Keep it blue!

Fashion Within Reach

Hi Lovelies,

ASOS, the UK based fashion and beauty site, is having a sale that you would not believe. We've chosen a few items to meet every one's budget and still look fabulous. What better way to spend the day then to save money, look amazing, and find your individuality. The good thing about shopping at ASOS is it decreases the likelihood of walking out the door and finding someone with your exact item on which never fails to occur when the VB girls shop at Old Navy (nothing wrong with Old Navy, they're just extremely popular). Anywho we digress... Check out the VB picks.

Under $15

(left to right) 1. ASOS Ruffle Front Cami Top $8.76 2. ASOS Metallic Snake Court Shoe $13.13 3. ASOS Snake Embossed Wrap Belt $13.13 4 ASOS Bow Front Slingback Shoe $13.13 5. ASOS Twist Front Kimono Top $13.13

Under $25

(left to right) 1. ASOS Linen Crop Trousers $21.89 2. ASOS Printed Tie Waist Dress $21.89 3. ASOS High Heel Gladiator Shoes $19.70

Under $50

(left to right) 1. ASOS African Trim Jersey Playsuit $26. 27 2. ASOS Crochet Trim Dip Dye Dress $32.84 3. ASOS T-Bar Wedge Sandals $30.65 4. French Connection Camilla Waisted Belt $39.40

These are just a few items, which can all be found on asos.com

Keep it BLUE!

Youtube Look Of The Week

Hey Bluetiful Ones!

As some of you may or may not know, the ladies of VB are no strangers to the viral phenomenon known as YouTube. We could spend hours roaming through videos. It should be no surprise that we are fans of many of the make up tutorials that we come across and the wonderful divas who make them. The "diva of the day" is the QueenOfBlendingMUA, and we are featuring her gold and brown eye tutorial. This is a look that is wonderful for the summer time. Not only is the eye look wearable for occasions of just about any nature, but with a little sweep of bronzer, and a neutral-toned shimmery gloss, you could have that much desired "glow" that is in this season. But don't just take our word for it....watch the queen at work & judge for yourself...



So ladies, feel free to replicate this look with similar products that you may have, and tone it down or liven it up according to your own liking. Looking for a little more of a "wow" factor? Well let your inner diva out and experiment with a bold red lip...or even hot pink/berry if you dare. Why not? It's summer...live a little! Oh, and don't forget to keep it BLUE while you're at it ;-)

FYI

Hey Lovelies!!!

I just wanted to reach out and give a short explanation for our sporadic posting as of late. Kenya and I are very collaborative with almost every post, since I’ve moved into the new apartment I don’t have internet access outside of work and I haven’t been able to do my part. Please bear with us and continue to check back because we have some very cool posts in the works.

Luv Ya,
Teneasha

Capture Your Essence

Hey Lovelies!!!

Since we are all family, I guess we can go ahead and make a little confession to you guys. Guess what? We LOVE taking photos! To go along with our obsession, we snagged a little saying called "capturing the essence". To have your essence captured is to look your very best in a photo.

Whether a beauty junkie, fashion addict, or neither, everyone wants to look great on film, and with a few tips it’s completely doable. Many times people leave it up to the photographer to make sure the picture is flawless but a great photo is a group effort.

Here are the VB tips to capture your essence:

Watch the Bronzer: I (Teneasha) am absolutely in love with bronzer. On my clear skin days sometimes I’ll dab on a little bronzer and that will be my whole face. However, if your bronzer is like mine with a fine shimmer watch the amount you put on before a photo. Once the flash hits the shimmer it can look oily rather than sun kissed.

Clear Eyes: A few drops of visine can do wonders before a photo. The solution is soothing to the eyes and will get rid of any red or tiredness and it will help those with smaller or lazier eyes keep them open so you don’t look like you’re a step from falling asleep or intoxicated.

Work It!: We like to live by the little saying that states, "Everywhere we is a runway!" The VB girls started using this phrase after we noticed that some of our best photos were in the most random places (ie in the train station or stairwell). Don’t spend so much time finding the perfect background. Embracing scenic options will offer a great variety to your photos, and it gives you more to play with in posing because you can use it as inspiration.

Practice in the Mirror: Get to know your face. The easiest way to do this is to look in the mirror. Practice your perfect smile or expressions. Be crazy and do unexpected things. Roll your eyes, blow kisses, or even scream. You might end up with a very high fashion photo.

Check your Sources: Look in magazines or one of the many fashion/beauty reality shows and determine why you like the picture and try to duplicate it.

Strike A Pose!: You don’t have to have the perfect body, to look like you have the perfect body in a photo. Don’t you love that?! Posing to the side instead of head on can take 20 lbs off in 5 seconds. If you’re butt is not as large as you wish it was than stick it out and give yourself something extra. Suck in the stomach and tuck the extra arm jiggle.

Be Natural: An over posed picture looks just that...overdone. Make sure your smile is natural. Having friends around is helpful because they usually make the atmosphere really relaxed. Its cool to have informal photo shoots with your friends, you’ll feel more comfortable letting go. The VB girls have taken the best picture of each other cause we don’t care if we look silly in front of each other.

Improvise: Wear colors that compliment your complexion and personality (which you should be doing any way). Props are a fun way to throw an unexpected element in a photo and it helps to challenge your creativity.

These are just a few tips we’ve learned along the way. Let us know how you make your pictures fabulous. Let us know if you want us to interview a photographer and provide some professional insight. We love hearing from you!

Keep it BLUE!!!

Blue Bargains: Coastal Scents Eyeshadow Palettes

Hey Lovelies!


Today's Blue Bargains comes from none other than Coastal Scents. We've done reviews on their items before, and we must say that when it comes to dishing out the affordable prices, this company definitely does it right. This past weekend they announced the availability of their much high demanded eyeshadow palettes.

These palettes are great if you're new to the make up world and interested in building your collection up, as well as an option for the make up savvy artist who's looking for a little more variety. Here are some of the products they are offering...

This palette is 9"x6.5" closed and features 88 highly pigmented shades for only $21.95

This palette is 9"x6.5" closed as well, and features 88 ultra shimmery shades for $24.95

A mixed palette that contains 60 eyeshadows, 12 highlighting & liner shades, and 6 blushes for $21.95

An array of 24 shimmery eyeshadows come in this palette filled with 1 1/8" round shadow pans for $21.95

This 28 piece eyeshadow with defining colors comes with an assortment of neutral tones in both shmmer, as well as matte with pans that measure 1" round. Alot of these tones work well for but blush & sculpting as well. All for the price of $21.95

This 15 piece empty tin palette comes with 26 mm round pots that work great for pressing powders and is also the same size as MAC pots and can be yours for the price of $7.95

These items have been highly anticipated for quite some time, so if you're interested, i'd suggest finalizing your purchase ASAP. For more info, visit http://www.coastalscents.com/


Have you ever tried any Coastal Scents shadows? Do any of these palettes seem like they could make a comfy fit into your make up collection? Feel free to give us your input on the products. We love hearing from you. Oh, and don't forget to KEEP IT BLUE! ;-)

Just Belt It

Hey Lovelies,

The VB girls are absolutely in love with accessories. Accessories can provide endless options of turning a simple jeans and t-shirt into a dressed up or dressed down look. One of our favorite accessories is a belt. A belt can serve as an instant tailor to any shapeless garment and you have the option to accentuate the best part of you.

A belt is perfect for vintage items or flowy dresses that have been ever so popular this summer. Check out the belts below and share your experiences.

(click the image to enlarge)

(from left to right)

1. Braided Skinny Belt $7.80 forever21.com 2. Double Latch Elastic Waist Belt $8.80 forever21.com 3. Textured O-Ring Waist Belt $9.50 wetseal.com 4. Skinny Faux Patent Belt $12.50 oldnavy.com 5. Leather Wide Boyfriend Knot Belt $38.93 asos.com 6. Skinny Oval Cut-Out Belt $29.50 gap.com 7. Leather Oblong Hardware Belt $59.00 bananarepublic.com 8. Rectangle Stretch Belt $54.00 bebe.com

Keep it BLUE!!!

Heart to Heart: The Beauty of Rejection

Hello Bluetiful Ones!

It's Kenya signing in and today's Heart to Heart segment features embracing rejection. And I know that can seem like quite the paradox, but it's actually possible to appreciate the things that we cannot have. Case in point...this story...

A young highschool student was preparing to progress to the next stage of her life and had a college that was at the very top of her list. But much to her dismay, this school placed her on the waiting list and she did not receive guaranteed admission. Upon researching her second choice, she began to discover that institution actually had many qualities that suited her. After attending, she gained so many valuable memories, and also contributed to the campus by becoming involved in activities, founding an organization to encourage women, and countless hours of community service. You see, one door had closed in her life and a new door had opened. Who would have known what course her life would have taken had circumstances turned out differently?

Well ladies in gentleman, that young lady was/is me. After being waitlisted from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, I decided to step out on a limb and attend a school that was waaaaay on the other side of the country, and far away from the only family, friends, and environment I had ever known. But taking that chance & embracing that risk exposed me to so many experiences that have drastically changed my life and shaped me into the woman that I am today.

If you find yourself being turned down in some area of your life, I know it may hurt at first, but keep in mind that there are more things to come. Where one door may close, another may open, and you never know what new & exciting possibilities lie ahead. You are a prize and worth SO much. So when you are rejected, just know that one person/place is losing you, while another just may be gaining you.

Color Theory

Hey Lovelies!!!

The ladies of VB are all grown up and we officially started renting our very 1st apartment last week. Many students venture out during their collegiate career but we chose the convenience of dorm living. However, we are super excited that chapter of our life has come to an end.

We have temporarily transferred our love of color that we usually express through makeup and wardrobe to home décor. Its all we talk about these days, and even our parents, close relatives and friends have been sucked in. One definite decision we've made is painting the walls, however, we’ve been going back and forth on what colors to choose since it won’t likely change.

While searching all the various paint company sites I found this cool little tool that connects emotion with colors. Check it out.

Red:
Pure Red is a statement color and highly individual—dramatic, vibrant and stimulating. By contrast, the Muted and Shaded tones of red are soft, cozy, personal and intimate, with just a hint of passion and romance.

Orange:
Combining the drama of red with the cheerfulness of yellow, Pure Orange is luminous, bright, glowing and bold. The Muted and Shaded tones offer a bright but subtle glow that’s restful, earthy, natural and soothing.

Yellow:
Closest to sunlight, Pure Yellow conveys hospitality and promotes deep feelings of well-being. The Muted hues make quiet backgrounds for busy lives, while the Shaded Yellows have a soft, glowing presence that speaks of home, harvest and abundance.

Green:
The most neutral color in the spectrum, Pure Green is strongly associated with nature. Muted Greens are calm, restful and soothing, while the Shaded variants project trust and order, encouraging contemplation, serenity and repose.

Blue:
Evoking the emotions of sky and sea, Pure Blue is calming, expansive and cool. Appearing to recede, it raises ceilings and pushes back walls. The Muted hues recall summer skies, azure mountain lakes and blue-green ocean depths, while the dignified Shaded Blues exude comfort and ease.

Purple:
Pure Purple has the clarity of blue and the warmth of red. The deep colors convey grandeur and luxury, while the lighter shades are elusive and intriguing. Muted Purples are airy and peaceful, and the Shaded Purples are soft, shadowy and undeniably romantic.

What does your favorite color say about you? Does your personality correlate with the emotions evoked by your favorite color?



Keep it BLUE!!! (which according to the description means calm and cool…we can dig that)

Color Me Bluetiful: Fun With Face Paint

Hello Bluetiful Ones!

Today's Color Me Bluetiful segment sort of combines a FOTD & "Blue Review" all in one. Consider it a "blue for one special" *wink*. It features an artsy look that I tried out with colors from the Wolfe Brothers Face Art & FX metallic/neon palette.

After Teneasha gifted me with this lovely palette recommended by world reknown make up artist Denessa Myricks at a workshop a few months back, I was dying for an opportunity to play with some of the colors. I must say that I was not disappointed. All it takes is a few drops of water to activate the color, and you're left with highly pigmented & long lasting shades. And trust, these colors are quite true to the name; it's certainly paint, so quick and even application is crucial for best results. Because once it dries, it's SET, and there is no turning back (unless you have some remover handy).

The look I played with features a thin metallic teal line on the lower lash line & extending towards the temple, soft metallic pink infused with a deep purple on the upper lid, a soft shimmer to create a subtle glow, and funky lashes. Check it out...

Products used:

Face

Black Radiance Perfect Blend Stick Foundation w/SPF 15 in shade 6815

Black Radiance Mosaic Bronzer in Golden Shimmer

Joya Blush

Eyes

Face Art Palette- pink metallic color as base on upper inner lid

Face Art Palette - purple metallic color as base on upper outer lid

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics pigment in Red Light on inner upper & lower lid (comes out as a pink on top of base)

HiP duo in Flamboyant - purple hue on upper outer lid over base

Wet & Wild Sand Castle Palette - copper hue, followed by bronze hue blended into crease

Wet & Wild Sand Castle Palette - pearl & sandy hue as a highlight

Face Art Palette - teal metallic on lower lash line

MAC Prolash Mascara

MAC Fluidline in Black Track for upper lash line

Lips

Joya Liner in Risky Me

Joya Lipstick in Venus

MAC lustreglass in Love Nectar