NEWS: Shampoo or not? Facts about the everyday product.

I have read some crazy things about shampoo and  conditioner which well everyone is entitled to their opinion however, if you are using HEAT , COLOR or CHEMICALS on your HAIR chances are the old grandma remedy with vinegar and moon water while dancing around in circles is NOT going to help the condition of your hair. 

OUCH!

Cruel world huh? 

While id love to join the revolution of at home made shampoos and great diy ways to clean your hair truth is shampoo and conditioner have been a good go-to combo for ages for a reason...well a lot actually, but here's a few :

* Shampoo has the ability to regulate or alter the PH of your hair. Ever wonder why your hair is frizzy, dull or unmanageable? Well believe it or not a lot has to do with the kind of shampoo you are using. 

* Home made products can only do so much, while i believe in great scrubs and skin care can be made at home, when it comes to shampoo is like making your own hair medication. Almost no one knows the PH of their hair or how to balance it and when it comes to hair to have it look shiny and perfect has to do with the PH. It is very hard to find this balance in DIY products. 

*Professional  Care Shampoos 

Your hairdresser knows best! 

Most of this shampoo + conditioner combos are called "SYSTEMS" in the professional world because of the work they do TOGETHER. For example while a color protect shampoo can have less sulfates to keep color deposit in place , the ph will still be raised its just how shampoo works. The cleansing agents in a shampoo are meant to clean and slightly open the cuticle of your hair so guess what happens when you don't use a conditioner? of end up using your boyfriends conditioner? well your hair cuticle is all rough and crazy untamable hair and uncontrolled frizz galore!

THIS is why conditioner is important. When you use the combo from the same brand you will have the ultimate result because they are tested for the shampoo to raise PH level to let's say a 7 and the conditioner to bring it back to a normal PH level of 5. 

WHEN buying shampoo at the drug store most of this shampoos are made with the cheapest ingredients giving you the bare minimum nutrition to your hair , that is why a bottle only costs 4 dlls. 

WHEN you buy a high performance shampoo your stylist most likely is making an educated  recommendation as to why it would benefit you, because a stylist knows your hair story and what your hair needs.

*Store Bought Shampoos :

When buying a shampoo that is "affordable" really understand that you have NO idea what you are using in your hair, skin, eyes, body everywhere that shampoo falls. 

A lof to this "NO SHAMPOO" rants i have read about all the terrible chemicals that cause cancer etc well they might or might not be true and that is because THERE is so much in that label that we don't understand and truth is the guy that stocks shampoos at the convenience store has no idea either. 

There is plenty of ingredients that are masked to be good like "panthenol" or "keratin" that come in certain shampoos that all they really cost you at the end is an intense scalp treatment and deep conditioner with your professional. There is so much wax and ingredients that can actually damage your hair if you over use them. 

This is just surface talk about shampoo but in a nutshell, if you don't know ask a professional they will always know best. 

Don't go into a crazy frenzy without being informed also keep in mind there is great brands of professional hair care that carry organic and environmentally friendly products. 

If you have any more questions or concerns about your current shampoo

just reach out and touch me!...well maybe not touch but add your concerns to the comment box below!

xo,

cindilu

Beauty starts Inside: Green goodness for perfect skin (no juicer needed)

Juicing and cleansing seems to be one of the most trending things to do nowadays but aside from providing great benefits to your figure and workout plans it has great beauty benefits. 

I am way too busy to make any complicated meal plans and elaborate fancy rolled oats from a parisian blog. All i really have time for is a quick snack in the morning sometimes i eat in my car , as bad as that sounds a girls gotta make it work. Since i have found this is the easiest way to make a meal/snack and also the healthiest i have been hitting myself in the head for getting off the green goodness wagon this past month . 

I had a major epiphany yesterday at work when i saw a gross blackhead! I said...but this is not me!?

and guess what ladies all those fast snacks and bad breakfasts really like revenge. 

So, i have decided to take on the habit of drinking this smoothie. 

EVERYTIME i take on the challenge of taking it every day i get compliments on my SKIN and HAIR. no lie. 

I am no scientist so i canont explain to you if all that fiber from the spinach and the nutrients in the fruit or the fact that it acts as a body cleanser makes the winning difference..all i know is that THIS WORKS. 

(while it may not work for some...it definitely works for me)

On top of the great benefits of great skin and shiny fast growing hair you may lose a couple of pounds!!

+

SUPER EASY TO MAKE 

(you don't need a juicer or anything fancy , just your good ol' blender )

1 glass of water ( less water thicker consistency) 

1/2 a cup of frozen fruit (the one with NO SUGAR added)

1 HANDFUL of pre-washed spinach  ( the more spinach the greener it looks)

        TAH- DAH! easy huh?

      enjoy!

Hows starting this new routine with me? ...you know what they say with little steps in the right direction , one walks far. 

<3 

Cupcake Nail Tutorial + GIVEAWAY!

Today i have an easy way to do your own cupcake nails at home.

 Nail art is often seen as this new art for the beauty world however we have a misconception about doing it yourself. I have a lot of people tell me " how did you do that?! i could never do that myself.." I love / hate when people say this because #1 i love it because i can do it for you if you can't. and #2 you can do anything if you are willing to try! 

The nail art nowadays is a lot of fun and it takes for you to set aside 30 min of your day and have fun with it. It doesn't have to be perfect and it doesn't have to be done with expensive tools!

why don't you give it a try? 

post your best version of cupcake mani or whatever nail art this post inspired you to do on INSTAGRAM #bqnailart 

One of YOU lucky readers will get one of my favorite polishes in the mail!

Can't wait to see your art 

love,

Cindilu 

Sunday funday adventure Sunday!

                    Today is your day! 

              Follow me on Instagram          

                @cindilubeautyqueen

                For my Sunday funday

                     Tour of the town ! 

    

How to: Easy Every day Hair Bow

hey ladies!

In just less than 10 minutes you can accomplish an easy style with just a few items 

you will need:

1. hair elastic

2. bobby pins

3. brush 

4. light hold hair spray

Hair bows are stylish, cute and super easy to do at home.

This look can be used for every day going to school , work or just for a night out on the town. 

what do you think? 

When you try this at home snap a selfie and show us! for a chance to be featured in the blog use the hashtag #beautyqueenhairbow 

I hope you like it

Thanks again to Faux Dep Gai for the video!

Blog Feature : Who is beauty queen online?

i have had the opportunity to collaborate with Mimi from Faux Dep Gai fashion blog 

this girl is such a creative person and so much fun to be around.

She created this video for me.

I welcome you all in 5 minutes of my life in the full quirk of my home, some say i may be living in a doll house.It is the closest thing to my perfect and happiest place.

enjoy!

More from this collaboration coming soon with tons of tutorials and fun easy steps to FAB hair!

National holiday of lips!

Hey ladies! 

Today is that day when we celebrate our boldest lip colors like is nobody's buss!!! 

What is your favorite shade? Share with us via Instagram #beautyqueenlips 

For a chance to have me personally mail you a spankin' new kitty cat lip gloss 

From my future bq launch collection! 

Follow me on Instagram and share this post with friends I will pick one lucky winner tomorrow morning! 

This is a good excuse to listen to some Madonna Holiday style💖

In spirit of flower power

All i have been thinking about since last week is the long weekend ahead! for some of us might be just a short little day to enjoy with family and for others just a chance to fill your bellys of wine which in my case i ideally would like to do both!

I am preparing my home for visits and friends to come hang. 

Since theres no better way to get your organic, flower power than at my local Trader Joe's i bought 

some flowers and even found some fresh and pretty Lavender!

Ever since i have been obsessing on the different things that can be done with fresh organic lavender. 

1. First of all it smells amazing so just have it everywhere while its fresh.

( i hung mine on top of my record player on my living room )

 You can hang it around your house as decoration to dry. It looks pretty. 

2. Make several bouquets, be very careful while doing this because flowers may crumble all over.

They say that lavender is for good luck, but i also believe that lavender has mega flower powers that help us from the inside out. From making relaxing teas, lemonades and cookies to just letting it dry and store it in little bags around your drawers. This little flower is guaranteed to turn any frowns upside down and give your home some great vibes and a nice touch. 

+ 

who doesn't love the lavender pastel colors?!

I have made a PINTREST board with ideas to make the most out of your Lavender. 

Follow some of my boards and lets brainstorm together. 

I wish you all a great weekend and a 4th of july full of fireworks, good times and  laughter. 

What is your favorite flower power? 

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!

I am an early bird by nature i feel like if i wake up late half the day is gone. 

I  am also a busy bee so i have to be in the go and moving most of the day but theres something about 

SUNDAYS

that have me focused in one thing which is RELAX 

I give time for prayer and then after for inspiration

I read in a Melissa Loves This a  post that i related to a lot and  made me reflect on the little things.

 I usually talk about beauty and products and how to do this and that but really...part of your all around beauty is what you carry inside which makes you carry your self in a more confident and cautious and inspiring way. 

So..

The things i have been inspired by today are : 

a new book i bought with nylons beauty selections.

it is actually very PRETTY! all of it. 

One of my favorite places in the world: My desk + Champagne

Cutest Desk item Ive gotten from my boyfriend . Andy Warhol Inspirational quotes. 

I really love to just sit here and be. 

Definitely the little things are the ones that count. 

have a happy Monday readers. 

i love you 

Floral in spring? Groundbreaking.

It has been very rainy around here this past couple of days so in days that are more gloomy 

i tend to create my own happiness. 

I think i have mentioned that i have been really into nail art and i have been practicing nail art on myself a lot! i find that it gives me a lot of peace just sitting there doing doodles on my nails. 

I have always liked manicures but now that nails speak so much about ourselves I've been extra interested in the art. 

This weeks mani due to the rainy days i decided to try a floral design.

i am calling this nail arts of mine manicutes. 

What do you think?

Would you all be interested in tutorials on how to create your own? 

let me know! 

have an amazing week people 

<3 

Thursday ? it can't be thursday!

well guess what? it is!

what can make the almost weekend more bearable you might ask? 

MUSIC 

always , always, always

sometimes i feel I'm writing to an empty space of talking to a wall  and i get discouraged... really. 

but then i get the visitors numbers and i see you guys are there

(phewww! what a relief)

so i get back on the blogger boat and share what I'm up to

ITS FiNAlly MAY! 

and we can finally stop with the justin timberlake picture 

( I KNOW, i know it never gets old)

i have been obsessing over this colors and NAILS 

Im working on doing more videos on nails and hair to bring on the site but for now..

what do you think of this!?

Anyway MAY is a great time for Austin fashion scene because its the official 

Austin Fashion Week 

it is my first time attending and doing hair which is super duper exciting and thats what ill be up to this weekend. I hope i don't get too caught up and forget about taking pictures. 

So this is my life in a playlist it might be a little off but it is guaranteed to kick your mood UP! 

im so excited to listen to this today!

                                  

Spring Mix from cindiluv2 on 8tracks Radio.

THURSDAYS don't have to be gruesome 

Beautiful TEAs that saved me.

Ive been wanting to write this post for a few weeks now since I've been very into TEA experimenting and falling in love with it. I thought id share why it saved me and why i love it so much.

Tea is one of the most common things my mom would always give me as a kid when i had an upset stomach or had an itchy throat and now as i'm an adult i have come to realize tea is so much more than just simple remedies. Its nature in a cup!

Lately i have been relying on tea for many things and it has literally saved me. I must confess i have a lot of anxiety problems and i have found some great herb infusions that have helped me manage my nerves and offered me a lot of comfort

 I have been buying the tea leafs at my local health food store and mixing it in this picture i have a few of my favorite ones. 

 Here is a few FUN facts about the herbs that have saved me: 

 CHAMOMILLE : This little plant has to be a girls best friend. It reduces cramps and abdominal pain that time of the month. (for real) Also it can be used to treat an upset stomach, indigestion and on top of it all it helps as a sleep aid. 

CINAMMON: A common remedy for sore throats since forever  and also a natural aid to regulate glucose levels for diabetics. It is also helps fight bacterial infections and diseases. It is also reduces fatigue + it has a natural sweet taste! 

SEVEN BLOSSOMS: This tea infusion is my FAVORITE my stress and anxiety levels are very normal since i take this almost every night. It is an infusion of chamomile, passiflora, valerian root, roses, orange and licorice root. All this ingredients help give you the best natural night sleep or it is awesome after a stressful day at work or before major finals season. 

GREEN TEA: Where do i begin? Green tea is the king of awesome. It is packed with anti oxidants that make your body endure illnesses like cancer, I've read that countries where green tea is taken very seriously the cases of cancer are very low. Green tea boosts your metabolism in a natural way so it is great for weight loss. Also it can prevent heart disease. It also has caffeine so you can naturally add a kick to your day. 

BLACK TEA : It is also a great source of anti oxidants like the green tea. It also helps relieve muscle tension after a work out. It helps prevent heart health and guess what ? it can prevent cavities and give you fresh breath! it also has caffeine so this is a great alternative to your morning coffee. 

WHITE TEA: If you still want to get your antioxidants without the caffeine kick white tea is awesome for that. My favorite infusion is white tea and rose. It is also good for fighting viral infections like the common cold as well as helping with aging! so what do you say? forever young? i think yes!

CHAI: Is an herb infusion that contains clove, cinnamon, anise, ginger and nutmeg etc which is said to be believed in ancient Ayurvedic medicine to be mind clearing, vitalizing and calming. Plus it makes some of the BEST lattes in the whole wide world. 

Chai + Cinamon TEA with Almond milk Latte (my new favorite kind of latte) and two of my favorite teas Brewhaha Super Happiness Tea and a Mexican version of Seven Blossoms. Oh and a gluten free blueberry waffle. Breakfast of Winning queens!

So this area  few facts on how this little herb infusions have saved me and keep lifting me up every day. I love tea for many reasons but now that i understand all the goodness that comes from a cup full of nature i love it even more. Plus you can't beat having a great excuse to always play with your favorite china sets!

Hope this info helps and you too become a tea fan like me! 

now who's down for a tea party?!

xo,

cindilu 

radical skin!? Yes plz.

THE WEEKEND is here! 

well for most of you, for me i am working a full on week since last friday because i am taking a little vacation this upcoming week.

Some people do not consider it a vacation if you don't leave town...but in my case being at home with family, trying on different masks and having time to clear my head sounds like the perfect vacation to me. 

I want to share with you today what i consider one of the BEST exfoliating products I've come across in EVER and my companion for this vacation and probably always...

RADICAL SKIN CARE makes this beauties called "age-defying exfoliating pads" and let me tell you  if you are in your twenties ... you need to start defying age ! not just with white lies at the bar when you try to flirt with a cute college boy, but with some GOOD skin care. 

Let me tell you a few good facts about age defying-pore minimizing- skin brightening magic potion little pads. 

I have been using them for a few weeks and if you MUST know i will not review a product unless i have been using it enough to say LOVE it! anyway this past few weeks I've been using it at night time after my face cleaning routine and i must add that the first time i used them it burned a little and i realized it was because i was using an exfoliating cleanser. OUCH. don't make the mistake of exfoliating twice like smarty pants here did. I would recommend a gentle cleanser to remove makeup and dirty so you can later go over with the pads and do the deep cleanse. 

one tiny pad is responsible for removing dead skin cells as well as impurities. Their new technology of age defying agents and antioxidants deposits and concentrates on your skin while you sleep tightening your skin over night giving you an awesome morning glow! 

PLUS

it minimizes your pores! 

What that means to you? well that the smaller the pore the less chance for BLACK HEADS!

I had been having issues with my chin and nose area getting a little greasy during my period and well i found the solution, they also took care of that for me. 

so when i say magic potion you better believe it. 

I also want to mention i love this brand so much more because of the two sisters that found it

it all around GIRL POWER

Lucky for you this magic pads can be found at sephora or their own page at radical skin care 

Dry HAIR NO MORE!

My favorite item of the month is definitely Dry Remedy oil

Its made out of buriti which is a fruit found in water it adds moisture to the hair from the inside out. It is the next level to any oil you can imagine because the difference between any silicon based finishing oil which has silicon to coat the hair and make it "appear" smooth or shiny with this dry remedy oil its a pure essential oil 99% naturally derived it has no toxins, no silicons, no nonsense! 

It will improve the condition of your hair by 41% and its a softness you can feel as soon as you put it on. Its so light that won't weight down your style or make your scalp feel greasy. In the contrary i have dry scalp due to the cold weather and this oil has helped control it too!

I actually love the fact that aveda always has a mission on protecting the planet and helping the people by doing ethical product helping communities get water and buying the actual BURITI plant from villages of people that collect them proving means of survival to many families that work picking out the plant. Isn't it awesome?

It's always a relief when you can buy a product and know that you are not feeding a greedy monster but helping sustain hard work and life in third world countries. 

You can get your hands on this beauty at any AVEDA experience centers or At your Nearest AVEDA salon. 

If you are in the Austin area get it at Jackson Ruiz Salon !

I found a video of how this oil is made. Its so rad. Cruelty free and products with conscience rock!

What do you think? have you used dry remedy?

Mood Board Anyone?

hey ya'll today i spent most of my time today working on reseting my inspiration board. I think its very important to have a visual of the things that inspire you, its cool to have a daily reminder of the things that move you and what you are about. 

Today i updated mine with all the little things that inspire me everyday and I'm going to share a few of them with you. 

1. i found an amazing quote " good things take time" it helps me to be reminded that sometimes as much as we are down, it will get better. 

2. I believe in God so he is always part of my plan without him none of my dreams are possible. 

3. "dream big" its my favorite ! its okay to have big dreams the more surreal the better! it pushes me harder.

4. i have a mini picture of my dad and me when i was little...he's always in my heart.

4. Maker 2010 badge. I got it when i sold my handmade jewelry In NYC at the maker fair. It was a big deal ya'll! it reminds me big dreams and little dreams are possible if you work hard enough.

5. Aveda. The people at Aveda inspire me. I am new to the company and the culture and as a stylist its all i've been dreaming of they are amazing stylist and artists in general. They inspire me.

6. Hair and beauty . Its my true passion and it's what moves me. 

last but not least

7. "Fierce but Flexible" love that reminder of how tough and direct i can be but its good to be flexible and learn to work with others. 

This is my board and what inspires me. What inspires you? 

If this post inspired you to make one too Share your story boards with us! 

Its a great way to start the week. 

xo,

cindilu

We are made of stars

Hope everyone had an amazing weekend !

I took some time to work on a new Beauty Queen Says quote since last time i got a gazillion pins on pintrest. I got a lot of good feedback and well..what a better way to start the week than with a little bit of inspiration.

If you are a pinner too share it on your boards too! There is nothing better than to encourage and inspire all those who surround us. 

follow me on pintrest here!

Weekend Obsessions!

This weekend is quickly approaching and i have been carrying some obsessions this week that have been HAIR . 

ive been browsing through some pretty amazing messy hair ideas from Fashion Week spring 2014 ! 

Pastel colors and just bright colors in hair in general are being emphasized this season. 

If you think about it... We are young so why not?! If anything NOW is the time to have your hair any color you want!

I love love love the fact that all this hair styles are totally attainable at home and can be easily recreated by us !
On the right the valentino style is a quick and easy twist and the fairy hair themed is Dolce & Gabbana
I know that fairy hair its BEEN done and i get it, yes it's been done but
honestly i am still loving it.
Might even.....consider getting a subtle color change!

Anyway what do you think? are this styles doable? would you wear this style?

let me know below!

xo,

Cindilu

bidi-bidi BANG-BANG

Hand in hand with the new year, new you craziness i decided to get a bang trim this week!

It is really strange how much 3 inches across your face can change you completely. I have never been too daring with my fringe because i am always over criticizing myself and i always say i have the BIGGEST face on earth so i would never be able to do anything too edgy with my hair. 

Since its a new year and all i decided to dare a little. I did not hesitate to get a bang trim which i am used to getting all the time anyway...but this time was different i didn't try to control each bit of the situation i just sat there and let the magic scissors do their job.

omgeez

this is the result of just a few inches of hair out of my face. 

I have an oval face but when using short hair and long bangs it makes it look round! so now that i have gained some perspective in shape and how it affects the way your face looks i can honestly tell you DONT BE AFRAID of making a little bit of change!

I have actually felt way better about my style . I had a very basic haircut and i've been thinking what i could do to change it up a bit and this was the perfect change i needed!

What do you think? 

lets dare a little!

Raw artist Adventure

This past Spring i decided to go into an adventure with RAW artist of austin which is a great organization that showcases and supports indie talent in different areas or the creative world.

For the first time ever i found that "hair" was a category in a creative competition as big as RAW it immediately got me very excited and amazed that my passion and craft is being part of the creative world and stylist are being recognized as CREATIVES and ARTISTS.

I was able to put up my own show so i picked my own wardrobe, models , makeup and of course HAIR. It was an amazing experience and opportunity to be part of a night full of creative vibes all over!

One of my Signature styles i showcased at RAW 

Now i am elegible to be part of RAW awards! 

What does it mean?  It means that with your vote and nominations i am able to showcase again for a local title of RAW hairdresser of the year. WHOA!

Being a new stylist and a creative life is not easy without the extra push competitions like this provide for me. 

Voting for RAW AWARDS is open and today is the LAST day to vote. I NEED all the support i can get. If you believe in indie artist like me since you read my blog and support my craft it will only take an extra 3 minutes of your day to vote

here's how!

GO TO MY PROFILE

It will ask you to LOG IN/ REGISTER

You only need your email + a password (it is only to keep track of votes not for marketing)

Once you do that go to my profile and at the top of my profile click on VOTE!

THANK YOU

Reader Question Answered : Help! Frizz Ball ALERT!

So here's the thing we ALL deal with the frizz issue at some point of another. Some of us have curly hair, some straight and guess what...frizz is still an issue!

At some point in our lives our texture changes in fact it changes about 3 times in our existence and not to be alarmed it doesnt mean you are getting old..well maybe a little but not in a bad way.

Our hair changes texture with age and time. It also changes depending on our hormone levels and lifestyle changes.  It is always easy to blame it on the environment or your shampoo but realistically sometimes we just need to look deep at our body and understand the changes.

Here's a Few reasons why you hair might be giving you hell and how to tackle the issue:

1.  Age + Hormones : It is  completely normal to notice that your hair turned into something you are not used to and it frizzes more than it ever did. If your hair is straight and now has a subtle wave i recommend to change your shampoo to a hydrating shampoo.  It is important to always be attentive to how our hair behaves because it might just mean a change of texture that happens with the dreaded word "age" and we need to probably change shampoo, products and have a talk with our stylist. 
2. Humidity + Weather: Sometimes there is just too much moisture in the air. Even when your hair needs moisture the environmental moisture is not necessarily your best friend. For this type of weather i like to make sure i stick to my natural texture of hair. Using a hair serum  for styling and a moisture block hair spray to secure your style should be enough to keep your hair controlled. Also avoid taking long walks in the park if its terribly humid and you don't want your hair to frizz up!
3. Over processed + Lack of Protein: Often the hair tends to be all over the place because the chemical process it has gone through have destroyed or damaged the hair cuticle. Our hair cuticle is the main and most important part of our hair , since its responsible for shine and control. If the hair cuticle is open and unable to open or protect the hair you will get frizzy and unmanageable hair. The best tip if you have had chemical processes on your hair and it no longer wants to be caressed by the wind, Is to do a deep conditioner treatment preferably one that contains Keratin protein. Keratin protein is the most likely to our hairs chemical makeup which means it fills in the hair making it look smooth and makes that cuticle seal. 
4.  Lack of MOISTURE : The hair needs the right amount of moisture like i mentioned but not the environmental moisture or just water. Hair needs to be treated with a type of moisture that can be deposited into your hair. The easiest way to get this type of moisture is with a PROFESSIONAL shampoo system. By system i mean SHAMPOO + CONDITIONER. I cannot stress enough how important it is to condition the hair after shampooing it. Frizz a lot of times is caused by mix + match shampoo and conditioners. Most shampoos from the same brand and type tend to have same PH levels which allow the shampoo and conditioner to work at its best. I have been using Aveda products. AMAZING. Which ever brand you choose make sure you consult with your stylist before purchasing or you can always consult with me ! via CONTACT ME email.

This are the main reasons why hair tends to be frizzy and easy ways on how to correct the issue. If you give this a try and are still having issues you might need a good consultation with your stylist or ME. 

Questions or comments? Lets chat below! 

xo,

Cindilu 

ps. This post was requested by Alyssa. Hope it helps Alyssa !