It's Official!

Tuesday, April 29, 2014


So excited to announce that I'm the official beauty blogger for Esthetica Salon and Spa! Can't wait to work with the Esthetica team and share my experiences with you all :)

Esthetica is a high end salon located in Northfield, NJ. (15 minutes away from Atlantic City).
The Plaza
Route 9 and Tilton Rd
Northfield, NJ 08225

609-646-1816

Follow them!
Twitter: @estheticasalons
Instagram: @estheticasalonspa

ANOTHER TATTOO?

Monday, April 28, 2014



baby tattoo, tattoo


After my first tattoo, I thought I'd never get another one. It hurt soooo bad! My daughter's father and I both got matching tattoo's of her footprints and name. I thought it was the cutest idea ever! The tattoo artist stenciled her footprints from the original birth certificate (the one given by the hospital) and transferred it onto my neck.

matching baby tattoos, footprint tattoos, baby footprints, tattoos, matching footprint tattoo

I wanted my tattoo somewhere that wasn't visible to the eye, so I decided to get it on the back of my neck. The pain was unreal. I felt my whole spin vibrating. For whatever reason when my body is going through a lot of pain/stress.. I start trembling. It happened during labor, when I got my wisdom teeth out, and when I got this tattoo. I told myself I'd NEVER get another tattoo..

That is until baby #2 came. I had my son two years ago and when people see the tattoo on my neck for my daughter they always ask, well what about Jordan? Hmm.. I always used to say no but now that he's almost two, I think it's time for one.

I need some ideas. Help!


Shea Moisture VS Mixed Chicks

Friday, April 25, 2014

Two well known brands in the world of curly hair. Which products are worth the hype and which are not?




Products Mentioned:

SHEA MOISTURE - SHAMPOO - CLICK HERE
SHEA MOISTURE - CONDITIONER - CLICK HERE 
SHEA MOISTURE - STYLE MILK- CLICK HERE
SHEA MOISTURE - CURL SMOOTHIE - CLICK HERE

MIXED CHICKS - SHAMPOO - CLICK HERE
MIXED CHICKS - LEAVE IN - CLICK HERE


How hot is too hot?

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

My hair has gone through a drastic change in the past month. I've noticed my A LOT of breakage in my hair. Now for me, it's quite normal for my hair to shed more than the average person. Reason being, I was was born without a thyroid. But! It's one thing for my hair to SHED and it's another for it to just break right in the middle of a strand.


nume curling wand temperature



I've been finding pieces of my hair in my bed and noticed that some of my actual hair is a lot shorter. Why? It's taking me a few weeks to figure out why. It wasn't until I burned the HELL out of my hand with my NUME Curling Wand the other day that it dawned on.. Maybe my curling iron is too hot? My last curling wand went up to 420 degrees and I always used it at the max temperature. Well once I got my NUME Curling and found out it went to 450, I was thrilled. I thought hotter equals longer lasting curls.. faster. Never did I think my hair would break from heat.. Nope, not myyyyy hair. 

So I did some research. How hot should your curling iron be? The standard curling iron (you know the old school ones with the clip) goes up to 300 degrees. Yes, 300. Here I am burring the hell out of my hair with 450 degrees. Why they even let it go up that high is beyond me (I still love you NUME! Check them out HERE). If you have course hair, the highest you should go is 400 degrees. 


hair damage, hair damage from nume curling wand, heating tools, curling irons, curling wands too hot


What am I going to do from here? My hair needs some serious TLC after this. I've already started using a deep conditioner. I use my daughter's Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner (can be used if you have straight hair too! Check out my product review here) I re-uped on a heat protectant. I had stopped using this because my son someone how got my heat protectant open and dumped it all out. I never got a new one.. because I thought my hair will "be okay." Yeah right lol. My absolute favorite heat protectant is TRESemme Thermal Creations Heat Protectant. Also, start using prenatal vitamins again! I've used Biotin vitamins before, but honestly never seen a difference. Now prenatal vitamins on the other hand, yes! I have two kids and the only time I had a thick head of hair was when I was pregnant with them, taking prenatal vitamins. You don't need a prescription for these you can buy over the counter or online (buy them in chewables on Amazon HERE). 

Lesson learned! Don't put your curling iron on the max temperature. I'll be using 300-350 degrees for now on!
If you have had a hair horror story, share below or tweet me @hellocrisst

Every Day Loose Curls Using NUME Curling Wand CLICK HERE

Mixed Chicks Product Review

Monday, April 21, 2014

For the month of April I've been focusing all my posts on curly hair. I personally don't have curly hair, BUT my 5 year old daughter Aaliyah does! She has a FULL head of hair.. long, thick, and curly. Did I mention knotty? She's mixed.. her dad is black and I'm Puerto Rican, Irish, and Polish. (To see Aaliyah's hair care routine, click here.) As I explained in the last hair post, her hair has been a journey and has changed over the years. (Surprisingly she was born with straight hair!) Since Aaliyah is still too young to do her own hair, I had to figure out what products will work and what techniques I should use. 

MIXED CHICKS

products for biracial women, products for multicultural women and kids

Mixed Chicks is a brand that is well known and it is targeted towards "mixed" girls and women so this seemed to be a perfect match for Aaliyah! If you find that products in one aisle are "too dry" on your hair, yet the others are "too oily," try Mixed Chicks! I'm open when it comes to trying new products, so this is something I had to try!

 "Finally, a curl defining formula designed for 'us.' whether you're black, white, asian, latin, mediterranean or any glorious combination of the above, you'll love the way this alcohol-free, non sticky, lightweight product leaves your hair inviting to the touch as it defines and locks moisture into every curl. be a proud part in our multi-racial movement, show your curls and radiantly roll with 'Mixed Chicks.'"


Ingredients (Leave-In):
Water, Glycerin, Amodimethicone, Emulsifying Wax, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Pvp Crosspolymer, Stearalkonium Chloride, Methygluceth-20, Hydroxypropyl Trimonium Choride, Octyl Methoxcinnamate, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Jojoba oil, Safflower oil, Primose Oil, Wheat Amino Acid, Crosilk, Methylparaben, Proplyparaben, Butylparaben, FD&C Yellow 5/CI 19620, FD&C 6/CI YELLOW 19630, Fragrance (PARFUM)


Shampoo:
Claims - rich lathers, clarifying formula, and removes build up

Does it live up to it's claims? 

Yes, Mixed Chicks Shampoo did a great job cleansing the hair but unfortunately it did leave Aaliyah's hair feeling very dry afterwards. It seems as if it strips the hairs of all its oils, leaving it dry. I wish it was a little bit more moisturizing.

If your not big on sulfate shampoo's, I don't recommend this one. Although Mixed Chicks does have another shampoo that is sulfate free!
Verdict: Thumbs down

Deep Conditioner:
Claims to be a great detangler, for course, curly, or straight hair, prevents breakage.

After I shampoo'd Aaliyah's hair, I applied the deep conditioner. I used my fingers to comb the product through her hair. I let it sit for a few minutes and then rinsed. This was my first time using a deep conditioner on Aaliyah's hair. This isn't your ordinary drug store conditioner. You can feel the difference when your combing through the hair with the conditioner. It also helps detangle the hair as well. I plan on trying this on my hair as well!

Does it live up to what it claims?

YES! Although I haven't been able to test out the breakage part, that would be something that you see over a longer period of time. I plan on trying this on my hair as well!
Verdict: Thumbs up

Leave-In Conditioner:
Claims to moisture, control frizz, and define curls

This is my favorite part of the whole line! I wanted to see the true results of this product so I used only the leave-in when styling Aaliyah's hair. I applied a generous amount product from the route to the ends, being sure to coat every strand, and let it air dry completely. I was surprised to see that her hair didn't turn out to be a huge puff ball.  I used the same finger coiling technique as seen in my YouTube video "Managing Curly Hair - Part 2 - Styling." 

Does it live up to what it claims?

100%! Love it.. it leaves her curls so soft and moisturized. I can definitely see myself buying a new bottle when this one is finished! You can say it's "repurchasable" lol :)
Verdict: Thumbs UP!

OVERALL
Pros:
- The leave-in conditioner is ALL I need to style Aaliyah's hair and get beautiful FRIZZ FREE curls
- Lightly fragrant - not too strong
- Helps detangles

Cons:
- Contains Parabens
- Shampoo is dries the hair out.



Thanks to Esthetica Salon and Spa for the opportunity to test out these products. 
Follow them!
Twitter: @estheticasalons
If you are from or visiting the South Jersey area, I totally recommend Esthetica. They are a high end salon with services that range from hair, to massages, facials, waxing, pedicures, manicures, and waxing. The salon is beautiful and has a very relaxing atmosphere. Located 20 minutes from Atlantic City in Northfield, NJ. Book an appointment, by calling (609)646-1816.



Managing Curly/Mixed Hair - Part 2 - Styling

Tuesday, April 15, 2014



bi-racial hair

After washing (see video here), it's time to start styling! I use a microfiber towel to soak up any excess water left in Aaliyah's hair. A microfiber towel helps reduce frizz, you can find these on Amazon or even at your local Dollar Tree for $1 (an old clean t-shirt will do the trick also).

Sometimes, still, with leaving conditioner in her hair, Aaliyah's hair gets ridiculously knotty. The conditioner helps some, but I add Kinky-Curly Knot Today in her hair to help with the knots. This helps tremendously and is perfect for little girls!

Next, I comb her hair with a wide tooth comb. NEVER use a regular brush on curly hair, especially dry curly hair. The Kinky-Curly Knot Today will help make this an easy process.

Products:



Then, I apply more leave in conditioner and run it through her hair with my fingers making sure I get every strand. Every product I use from this point forward I will be sure to get every strand. This is key! My favorite product to use on her hair is Shea Moisture's Curl Smoothie. It smells so good and makes such a difference.

Finger Coiling:
When it's that day to wash and clarify (or co-wash) Aaliyah's hair, I do it at night. After I clarify her hair, I do a basic curly hairstyle and for that I prepare her hair the night before. THIS MAKES LIFE SO MUCH EASIER IN THE MORNING! I do the above steps that night and then finger coil her hair.

Finger coiling, what's that? Finger coiling is simply just twisting the hair around your finger and letting the curl sit like that until it dries completely. It's that easy. Now when I finger coil her hair, I apply one more product to smooth done her hair as I twist her hair around my finger which is, Shea Moisture's Curl Milk.

Aaliyah goes to sleep and I let her hair dry over night. Using a silk or satin pillow case helps reduce frizz and breakage. I bought one for myself as well, which can be found here.




When it's time for school the next day, all I have to do is gently take the coils apart and taaa dahhh. Beautiful curls! I put a little bit of Deva Curls Gel in her hair and she's ready to go for school. The less your touch the better!

If you like to do your daughters hair in the morning, you can do all of the above steps and let the finger coils dry throughout the day OR you can skip the finger coiling and dry with a diffuser (keep the dryer low and on cool)




Next day:
To prepare for the next day, before bed you can put your daughter's hair in what is called a pineapple. A"pineapple" is just a high pony tail that protects the curls. Use an elastic band that's not too tight so it doesn't create a kink or leave an impression.

The next day, use a water bottle to spritz hair and a little bit of additional product and she's good to go the next day

Third day:
You can do this on the third day as well or you can try other little girl hair styles like a pony tail or pig tails.

It's best to use products with no alcohol! 




PART 1 - Washing (Click Here)

SPRING OOTD

Saturday, April 12, 2014

It's finally warm in New Jersey! I was so ready to break out the new spring clothes I recently bought..  Here are the details on the "OOTD's" I posted on Instagram this week:

Follow Me: @hellocrisst 

via Instagram: @hellocrisst
Top: Body Suit from Charolette Russe Click Here
Skirt: Forever21 Click Here
Shoes: H&M
via Instagram: @hellocrisst
Jewelry
Necklace: Piercing Pagoda
Earrings: Piercing Pagoda
Bracelets: H&M


via Instagram: @hellocrisst
Dress: Forever 21 Click Here
Shoes: Target (not shown) Click Here




 Top: Forever 21 Click Here
Pants: Joyce Leslie

Subscribe to my YouTube Chanel: www.youtube.com/hellocrisst1
Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/hellocrisst
Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/hellocrisst

Managing Curly/Mixed Hair - Part 1 - Washing

Tuesday, April 8, 2014



My daughter, Aaliyah (a LEE yah) is mixed, her dad is African-American and I, her mother, am Puerto Rican, Irish, and Polish. She was born with straight hair but after her first birthday, Aaliyah's hair started to get curly. I didn't need much to tame her curls for the first few years of her life. All I used was a spray gel and that seemed to get the job done. When Aaliyah was about 3 1/2, her hair started to get much thicker and the spray gel just wasn't working anymore and I DREADED doing her hair.

Growing up I always wished I had curly hair but now that I had I daughter with curly hair, I was glad it was only one of us. She started to hate getting her hair done because there were so many knots and it would take forever to do. It was just something we all had to suck up because who wants their kid walking around with messy hair.

There had to be a solution..




I found out about Shea Moisture products and different techniques on styling curly hair. Yes, the products are a little bit pricey, but for what I was going through, it seemed well worth it. Each week I picked up a new bottle from the Shea Moisture line until I had everything I needed.

All I can say is what a difference. Now that I have the right tools and more knowledge about curly hair, we both no longer dread doing her hair. It's much easier and less painful for her. She no longer cries when I do her hair. I want my daughter to appreciate her curls. I don't want her to be one of those girls with beautiful curls that no one know's of because she's constantly using a flat iron to hide or control her hair.

I will be doing a series of posts/videos on how I do her hair. (Washing and Styling) So check back for more details!

LET'S GET STARTED..

I wash Aaliyah's with an actual shampoo every two weeks and co-wash every few days.. Depends on what I've done to her hair that week or how her hair looks. (Everyone is different, do what works for you. It takes time to figure this out)  She's in school and plays outside so I do wash her hair more often than the people with curly hair do. After washing, I apply a leave conditioner in her hair and do not rinse it out. It helps keep her hair moisturized and makes combing her hair easier. Immediately after showering I comb her hair. I never attempt to do her hair dry.

TIPS FOR WASHING CURLY HAIR:

  • Limit the number of times you wash your hair. Once every few weeks works. Washing your hair often can be very drying.
  • Use a good clarifying shampoo - sulfate free
  • Condition often and be sure to coat every strand
  • Leave condition in, don't rinse out.
  • Cold water is better with any type of hair. Warm water creates frizz.
  • Use a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to dry hair to reduce frizz.
  • Never use a regular brush for curly hair. Use a comb
  • Co-wash in between shampooing. Co-washing is short for conditioning washing. You're washing your hair with only conditioner and not shampoo. This helps prevent over drying and keeping your hair moisturized.






PRODUCTS USED:
Shea Moisture - Coconut and Hibiscus Shampoo
Shea Moisture - Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner (I wish I could find the Coconut and Hibiscus Conditioner but it seems to be hard to find in South Jersey.  I've seen it once at Target)
Kinky Curly Knot Today - Detangler
Wide Tooth Comb (beauty supply store)
Microfiber Towel

Products a little bit pricer but I have had these products in my house for over 7 months now and there's still plenty left. Limiting shampooing to prevent drying out curls also helps save product so you won't find yourself going to the store as often. . Also I buy Shea Moisture at CVS where I can use my ExtraCare Bucks (similar to coupons) or Amazon (usually cheaper than stores).

About Shea Moisture:
No Sulfates
No Parabans
No Phthalates
No Paraffin
No Gluten
No Propylene Glycol
No Mineral Oil
No Synthetic Fragrance
No PABA
No Synthetic Color
No DEA
No Animal Testing

Stores that sell Shea Moisture: Target, Ulta, CVS, and Amazon.

Remember mixed kids are all unique and different in their own way!

PART 2 - STYLING (CLICK HERE)

Let's Start Decorating!

Saturday, April 5, 2014



More than happy to move into my new place. So happy that I unpacked in about three days and got to decorating as SOON as I could! Above is what I've put together so far. The gold mirror I had from my old place, which is really the only thing I was able to put on the wall that I previously had. The plant and pot is from a recent trip to Ikea (The trip was a complete fail by the way -_-) 

Anyway, I love my new fireplace. The best part about it is the brick. At first I was gonna ask my landlord if I could paint it white but I've learned to love the color of the brick! It makes the place feel so homey (sp). The gold mirror ended up being perfect and the plant is exactly what the fireplace needed. Plus I wanted something so I could try to hide the cable outlet. 

I still want to add more to my fireplace mantel to balance it out. I'm thinking maybe so candle pillars and/or pictures. I plan on adding a chevron wall paper to the wall on the right. What do you guys think? Leave a comment below:)

Here's another view:

Mirror: Burlington Coat Factory
5 candles under mirror: Pier 1
Palm: Ikea 


Follow me on twitter and Instagram: @hellocrisst and add me on google plus:)



GET $50 WORTH OF HAIR CARE FOR FREE! - NUME

Thursday, April 3, 2014

NUME IS GIVING AWAY $50 OF THEIR HAIR CARE FOR FREE!! DON'T MISS OUT -> CLICK HERE  AND USE CODE "FREECARE" AT CHECKOUT.




OR USE CODE TITAN3KIT TO GET A TITAN 3 -IN-1 FOR ONLY $99 PLUS FREE ARGAN OIL!!



SPRING IS HERE! New mani =)

Thursday, April 3, 2014

MINT GREEN GEL POLISH

SPRING IS HERE! I went for a pastel this time around. A beautiful mint green that reminds me of Easter. Perfect for this month, right??

This is another gel polish by the way.. See my other mani posts here:
Valentine's Day Inspired Nailshttp://www.hellocrisst.com/2014/02/mani-time.html


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