Fitness/Workout Reviews: PIYO

I must say that PIYO was not one that I'd heard of before....

This is a workout system developed by Beachbody, that incorporates aspects of Pilates and Yoga in a fast paced, hour long format. Though the movements and combinations are reminiscent of the other two well established and well known formats, it is a completely different animal.

When I took my first PIYO class I was expecting to stretch a little and do some crunches... boy was I in for it! The speed alone is enough to let you know that the class is no joke. Now I'm not talking HIIT speed, but you move between positions that require balance and flexibility, while incorporating strength movements, all to a 3 count! There's no time to stop and adjust, its go go GO!

And some of these positions... well they look nice on the posters....

What To Expect: 

Expect to test the limits of you flexibility, balance, and coordination. The class is not easy, but the more you go, the more comfortable it becomes, and the better you get. It is a calorie burner! Don't think that you've escaped all the typical workout moves because the class is called PIYO, there's cardio in that program. Burpees and pushups will show up more times than you're probably expecting, so go to class ready to work.

What You Will Need:

A yoga mat or two. This class is best done with bare feet or yoga socks, and you will need comfortable workout clothes. Make sure whatever you are wearing does not restrict your movements, and as with a yoga class, there are quite a few inversions, so ensure that you don't wear loose fitting pieces that may show your classmates a little more than they were expecting....

Pros:

1. Nice alternative to strength training, and uses only body weight.
2. Suitable for all ages and levels of fitness.
3. Group classes are best, but the DVDs for at home workouts are available.
4. Really nice stretches at the end. 

Cons: 

1. The moves do take a while to get used to and to execute accurately. 

Summary

I actually loved this class more than I initially thought I would. This is a great addition to a workout program, because it is a strength training class that keeps your heart rate up, and it also includes flexibility training that you won't find in other strength classes. 

Enjoy. Be Healthy. Be Happy

Review: NYX Anant POP 10 Color Shadow Palette

What a find!!!

Nyx has done it again. I have loved this brand for years, and i think they're only getting better with time. 

I was recently at an Ulta in Chicago while they were having a huge NYX sale. 40% off everything made me check out their new products even though I was not technically supposed to be makeup shopping. There were so many new things that I had to hold myself back from over doing it (my fellow makeup junkies will understand). I did pick up one on their new Avant POP eyeshadow palettes, and I LOVE it!

I chose the Nouveau Chic palette because I knew I would be able to use it every day. There were neutral palettes like this one and bright colored ones. There were also options which were a combination of eyeshadows, blushes, and bronzers. 

My palette comes with 10 rich and neutral shadows. They are a combination or dark and light colors, and there are shimmery and matte colors as well. The quality of these shadows is heavenly. They are smooth and highly pigmented. the color pay-off is intense, and they blend nicely even without an eyeshadow base. The darker colors also work well as eye liners, and the lighter colors make great highlighters.

The packaging is also simple and attractive. It is sleek, black, and professional looking, and I enjoy being able to see the shadows through the lid. The palette is also quite compact, the shadows are huge, and the quality definitely holds up to that of high end brands. 

Great bang for your buck!

Isn't it beautiful?...

This product retails at Ulta for a grand total of $16.99 full price! This is at Ulta though, so between the constant sales and $3.50 off coupon that is always available for drugstore brands (NYX is one of those), you will almost never pay that price. 

So, next time you see a NYX counter, definitely check out these shadows.

March Favorites in Review!

Another month already??? ...2015 is just flying by! 

Now that we're in April and it's really Spring (FINALLY) I want to share the random things that were my favorites this past month. 

Enjoy!

Fitness/Workout Reviews: Pilates!

Now this is a classic! At least for me. 

I remember first finding out about Pilates when I was a teenager in 6th form (Yay British school system!). My friends were telling my about Windsor Pilates, and we were all making copies of this one friend's VHS (yup, VHS) and doing the at home workouts. At the time, I didn't think much of it. I was young and had been working out for years (as a dancer). I had really great core strength and flexibility, so I found the exercises manageable and followed the program consistently for a short time. However I never stuck with it.

Years later I decided to give Pilates another shot, and boy was it a different experience... 

What to expect: 

Pilates is an intense core workout that is practiced by approximately 11 million people.  It is a full body workout that incorporates strength and flexibility, with most of the focus on the core. I personally feel like many group fitness classes only pay minimal attention to the core, so this workout    would be very different from most others. This is not a cardio class. The class uses body weight and a combination or large and small movements to strengthen and tone the muscles in your core, while improving flexibility and balance. There are different levels of difficulty in Pilates classes, and as you continue to go consistently you can begin to attend more advanced classes. 

Pilates classes come in different formats. Some classes do not use any equipment, while others use a Pilates reformer, or more common equipment like fitness balls and resistance bands. The routines are slow and simple, and though some of the moves seem complex, the classes are generally easy to follow.

What you will need:

Nothing! 

These classes will provide you with everything you need. You simply need to show up with your workout clothes (similar to what you would wear to yoga) and sneakers. Some people opt to do the classes in socks or on bare feet, it's a personal preference. 

Pros: 

1. Does not require any special gear.
2. Basic Pilates classes are offered at many gyms, and is not an expensive series of classes (relatively). 
3. A workout that focuses on and tones the abs, which could be a great addition to any fitness routine. 
4. Offered at different levels of difficulty for the enthusiast. 

Cons: 

1. More specialized Pilates studios that offer reformer classes can be pricey. 
2. More of a maintenance and toning workout than one I would suggest for weight loss. 

Summary

This class would make a great addition to any workout routine. If you're looking to challenge your abs a little more, and get a nice flat and tones stomach, I would say that these classes are definitely ones you want to look into. 

Enjoy. Be Healthy. Be Happy

My tips for growing long and healthy natural hair!

Wether it's because it's trendy or because the beauty of natural hair is becoming more widely accepted, more and more women are going natural. From what I can tell, the first stage of becoming a 'naturalista' is the excitement. Women get inspiration from other natural hair images all over social media and start to get excited about embarking on the journey... the possibilities are endless! Soon after the initial excitement that leads to the inevitable Big Chop, comes stage two... overwhelmed. 

Too much information! Too many suggestions! Too many products! 

From all the information out there, we may be lead to think that if we're not doing everything then we're doing it wrong. This is not the case, so relax, natural hair pretty easy to manage if you follow a few easy steps.

Tip 1:

Moisturize, moisturize, MOISTURIZE! Your hair is thirsty! 

Let's face it, your hair has always been thirsty, and if you want healthy, shiny, curly locs, you need to maintain you hair's moisture. This is not a complicated process so don't run out to buy 500 hair conditioners, you just need a deep conditioner for wash days, a leave in conditioner to maintain moisture, and a sealant to help lock the moisture in. I use a regular conditioner to cleanse my hair followed by a deep conditioner. Then I use a leave in treatment, ad seal my hair with a homemade concoction of shea butter and coconut oil. This leaves my hair soft and moisturized.

Tip 2:

Heat-less styling is your friend!

I know one of the things we all value about natural hair is how flexible it is. We can go from curly to straight whenever we want, but the fact that we can doesn't mean that we should. There are lots of tools and methods out there that we can use to get beautiful stretched out styles without the use of heat. Bantu knots, twist-outs, and braid-outs are all popular ways to stretch out the hair, and there's always curlformers (a personal favorite) and flexi-rods. 

Tip 3: 

Protective styling doesn't have to be homely! 

I know many people who envision long curly locs and gigantic lion's mane fros when they decide to go natural and balk at the idea of protective styles. Wearing your hair in protective styles is key for maintaining length and hair health, and it doesn't mean ugly. Get some ideas from pinterest and IG or do what I do and just wing it, then ROCK that hair!

Buns are definitely my go-to style, especially since I work out so often!

Tip 4: 

If your'e going to straighten it out, do it right!

Every now and then we may want straight hair, maybe just to rock that style for a bit, or maybe just to do a length check. Whatever your reason, whenever you straighten your hair you risk doing some damage. Try to minimize the risks as much as possible, by using head protectant, good quality straightening tools, and giving your straight locs a little extra TLC.

      

Hoping you find these tips useful!!! 

Enjoy. Be Healthy. Be Happy

Review: Garnier Nourishing Cleansing Oil

I tired this product on a whim and was pleasantly surprised. 

As affordable drugstore products go, this is a great substitute for my Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing oil which is my holy grail of all makeup removers. 

I did a video review of this product so.... here it is.

Enjoy!

Review: Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain

Revlon recently released these lip stains and I must say, I'm impressed. 

I have been historically let down by drugstore lip stains. I remember lip stains from both Revlon and Cover Girl that were designed to look like markers and were both watery and drying. Oh.... and did I mention that they were not even long wearing? Since the drugstore brands have been releasing products of  improved quality, I decided to give these a go. 

I picked up three colors from my local store: Milan Moment, Barcelona Nights, and Parisian Passion.

The color pay-off for these products is lovely. They are highly pigmented and go onto the lips smoothly. The best way to apply them is to put a first layer on, allow it to set, then go in with a second. 

The finish is glossy and only slightly sticky, and the color lasts all day. I was truly surprised when the color remained even after I had eaten!

I love these, and the fact that they are cheap and easy to find makes them even better in my eyes. 

Give them a try and let me know what you think!

Review: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder

After months and months of hearing about these products, I finally gave in and got one. 

After all the hype I didn't have much hope for this product living up to expectations so I was pleasantly surprised! Hyped up products usually surprise me in the wrong way... 

It is a baked powder that looks alot like the MAC mineralized skin finish naturals, with a slight shimmer. The powder gives a glowy appearance without looking glittery and can be used all over the face of just as a highlight. It comes in several shades, all designed to work with different undertones and for different purposes. 

I picked up the powder in Radiant Light which gives a beautiful golden finish which is subtle enough for all over the face.

Hear me talk about it below!

Review: Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser

I promise you there will be more variety in my posts soon, once I get my stuff together for the photographs. 

How am I doing so far? 

Here's another review for you guys from my YouTube channel, this product has been so hyped up I decided it was a must-try, and well...... 

Review: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

I have recently been using an acne treatment.... I know, strange... 

But I do get the odd blemish here and there so I decided that I needed a spot treatment to help me out. Since I already love the Mario Badescu line of skincare, I chose to go with their Drying Lotion. 

This product is lovely! I see almost overnight results on my blemishes and at most my blemishes take 2 days to clear away (or die as I like to say). 

You use the treatment on clean skin at night. Using a Cotton swab (Q-tip) you dip the swab through the liquid layer and into the pink powder at the bottom of the bottle (do not shake the product, the powder is supposed to settle). Then dot the product  directly onto the blemishes and you're good! The powder will be a paste that dries up similarly to a clay mask, and you wash it off the next morning. 

The Mario Badescu Drying Lotion is affordable, coming in at $17.00 at Ulta. It is a great quality product and I recommend that you guys try it out. 

I did a full video review on my YouTube channel, and you can check it out below. 

Let me know if you try it and if you like it!

Review: Maybelline New York COLORsensational The Elixir

My first review!!! Here we go... 

I've been looking for these for a while now and recently found them at Target. I was delighted by the number of vibrant colors available, and I selected my two favorites. 

Left: Vision In Violet | Right: Signature Scarlet

 I really love the packaging of these lipsticks. They look like regular lipsticks with clear tops, but they are actually packaged like lip glosses with doe-foot applicators. 

The colors are vibrant and opaque, and the product applies smoothly and is long wearing. 

I love them!!! They get two thumbs up from me and I hope you check them out!!!

Yanique's 2013 Beauty Awards!

Hello again Loves,

Just thought I'd start off with a video! This is my 2013 Beauty Favorites from my YouTube channel, and I thought you guys may want to know what kinds of products I use and love. 

Enjoy!!!

Let me know what you think (feedback is always welcome!) and let me know any suggestions you have for future blog posts.