Elaisha Jade details the Natural Hair story she never knew she had in partnership with Shea Moisture.
Best Make Up For Ever Products for Summer Vacation
Caring for Your Natural Hair on Winter Vacation
Natural Hair Abroad: What You Should Do Before Protective Styling
Vacation Ready Nails: Top Nail Polishes for Fall Winter Beach Trips
Get your talons ready for the sun. Manicures and pedicures are the most basic form of pampering! While I am a fan of DIY nails, this time around I got my nails did at a salon with my aunt and cousin. Keep reading for my iconic nail colour picks.
Before I left for Jamaica, I scoured Pinterest for the perfect nail colour. To be honest, I had already decided on white nails. There's nothing like white nail polish against a golden tan. However, when I got to the salon, I still took a look at the shelf—just in case. Fingernail FOMO is a huge deal. Here are some adorable shades you can rock on your next vacation.
Butter London Patent Shine 10x Nail Lacquer
L'Oreal Paris Le Verni Fuchsia Palace 330
ZOYA Nail Polish, 0.5 fl. Oz. in Snow White
essie Gel Couture Nail Colour Polish: Make The Cut
Do you have a favourite shade that you wear on every vacation? Let me know in the comments below.
Overnight Flight Carry-On Beauty Essentials
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Airplanes can be awkward, especially for your nighttime beauty routine. I will be boarding the longest flight I've ever taken this Thursday. Preparing for it has been quite the adventure but also going over how to ensure I end up on the other side with bomb skin is also key.
After learning how to take care of my skin and keep it hydrated on and off of flights, here are some of my favourite Overnight Flight Carry on Beauty Essentials.
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Olay Daily Facials Daily Clean 4-in-1 Water Activated Cleansing Cloths Thanks for the recommendation Priya! I would never have thought about packing these. Instead of hauling a facial wash and ensuring it fits the regulation size and then trying to get it to lather then wash it off...Instead, I'll just use these facial cloths! Get them a little wet and take off the little makeup I put on for the journey.
Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil When Taylor introduced me to the joys of coconut oil I didn't realize that my life would change. I'll be packing this in a travel container to remove the makeup I put on before my flight. While I try to avoid wearing makeup on flights, I'll be vlogging and shooting pictures before I board so I've got to look a little fabulous, no? (tip: sometimes I add a bit of lavender to relax me if I'm using coconut oil as a moisturizer on my hands or neck)
The Face Shop Real Nature Mask Every blogger and vlogger recommends using a sheet mask on the plane. If you thought I'd be different, boop! I tried a few of The Face Shop's masks in the past and I found my skin was extra hydrated for a few days. This Shea Butter option will provide super-penetration into your skin especially at the high altitude during the flight.
L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream I always carried hand cream in my large purses because one of my biggest pet peeves was dry hands. I find that this thick and creamy formula works well when I'm about to go to sleep. While it feels a bit greasy for a few minutes, I find that my skin just really sucked it up and felt super soft the next day.
Rosebud Lip Balm I absolutely loved using this lip balm on my last trip to the UK. I kept it in my pocket for safe keeping to apply as I flew. While I usually go for stick balms where I don't have to put my finger into it (ick international germs), my solution: I just press the full balm to my lips and give it a twist. Instant hydration!
Carry Clean Travel Sonic Toothbrush I haven't used an electric toothbrush in years, let alone brought it with me on a plane! However, this baby deserves a shout out. It's battery powered and the size of an average toothbrush (which I bring travelling with me anyways). I get super lazy on the plane and begrudgingly brush my teeth. This time it'll be a little easier.
NIVEA Moisturizing Night Care My combination skin wasn't a fan of the long non-stop trip from London to Toronto last year. This time around I'll be sure to bring along a very heavy night cream (which I will transfer into a smaller container for transport). After finishing my nighttime beauty routine (either on the plane or before boarding) I'll add some of this heavy cream and drift into a peaceful sleep.
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NIVEA Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle Day Care SPF30 After flying don't you feel like you've aged a bit? I added this baby to my airplane beauty regimen when I learned it was packed with anti-aging properties including Q10, Creatine and SPF 30 protection. Like my other moisturizers I'll add this into a travel container and keep the full sized version in my checked luggage.
FlashPatch Lip Gels + FlashPatch Eye Gels
If you find that your under eyes look a little rough or your lips are pretty dry in the morning, slap one of these masks on! Sure you might look a little weird, but no one ever said beauty was easy.
Maybelline New York Superstay Better Skin Concealer While I haven't travelled with a full-face of makeup, I've liked to have some concealer on hand. Travelling can be taxing on the under eyes especially if I don't get a restful sleep. Before I land I like to just quickly apply a bit of concealer to look a bit more alive.
Dermablend Loose Setting Powder Original The lineup at immigration when I have arrived at my destinations have been long and left me tired. Loose setting powder has kept my makeup in place no matter how many lines I've gotten stuck in. Dermablend's version is a life saver.
Honourable mention: A water bottle! One of the most important things to do on flights is to stay hydrated. I don't like to drink the water offered to me on planes (unless it comes straight out of a bottle that I've watched the flight attendant pour out of) so I usually grab an overpriced 1L bottle on the way to my gate.
Did I miss anything? Let me know what your overnight carry-on beauty essentials are in the comments below!
Winter is Coming: Crochet Hair Bob Tutorial
5 Protective Styles You need to Try on your Next Trip
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If your hair is having a bad vacation, so are you. One of the first things I think about when considering my trip is what I'm going to do with my hair. For those of you not in the kinky/curly club, you've got to understand, it's more than vanity. Tangled curls can be painful to detangle and take the fun and joy out of any day. I avoid having to do anything more than shaking my mane and getting on with my day. Here are my go-to protective hairstyles when travelling.
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London calling | #curlsunderstood #protectivestles #BGKI | #ElaishaGoes #BlackTravelFeed
A photo posted by E L A I S H A J A D E (@elaishajade) on Jun 25, 2016 at 5:10am PDT
Obviously, I'd start with my new favourite hairstyle! Crochet hair is BOMB! It takes less application time than similar looking styles (see: box braids) but looks just as good. Just get your braiding pattern right and you're set. Actually, now you don't even need to know how to cornrow to get it right.
Patty King > Cold Tea | @taylorbrycemcdermott #ProtectiveStyles #CurlsUnderstood
A photo posted by E L A I S H A J A D E (@elaishajade) on Jun 12, 2016 at 3:37pm PDT
There are a variety of styles from box braids to curls. This is a great choice when you're pressed for time but want a long-lasting style that you can customise.
Box Braids
LA #Vlog 1 is up {link in profile}
A photo posted by E L A I S H A J A D E (@elaishajade) on Jul 19, 2015 at 10:28am PDT
I remember seeing my grandmother come home from the hair dresser's with this style and knowing she was going on a trip. The advantage of this style is, when taken care of properly, they can last a long time.
Now on the #blog: how to look cool when it's #ElaishaGoes {link in profile}
A photo posted by E L A I S H A J A D E (@elaishajade) on Aug 7, 2015 at 7:23pm PDT
I remember travelling to California with my already well-worn box braids and only needing to refresh the front once after 2 weeks. While the application can take a long time (sometimes days depending on the size), the result is priceless. This is a great style when in humid and wet climates.
Feed In Braids
So... because of Valentine's Day I wrote a super personal piece on why I'm single. #OnTheBlog
A photo posted by E L A I S H A J A D E (@elaishajade) on Feb 17, 2016 at 8:48am PST
I remember rocking this style and feeling so cute. However, if you want to try it, get your hair bonnets and head scarves ready. This style, while gorgeous and slick requires extra care to ensure that it stays neat. It's a great style when you're going to be very active and need your hair out of your way.
Twists & Twist Outs
A photo posted by E L A I S H A J A D E (@elaishajade) on Dec 23, 2016 at 6:45pm PST
There's truly nothing better than a classic twist style. If I'm travelling with this hair, I know I can take it out and separate my curls for a special occasion then get then right and tight that night by re-twisting it. Just make sure you bring along your favourite twisting products and detangling tools if you will be re-twisting frequently. This is a great style for more controlled (and dryer) climates.
Pulled Back Bun
When all else fails, I can't go wrong with slicking my edges and pulling my hair up into a classic bun! On trips, I usually bring along some hair gel to ensure that my edges are tame throughout my adventure. This is essential when I'm rocking this hairstyle.
I was smiling 'cause I just ate | @sephoracanada matte lip in #13 didn't budge even after my
A photo posted by E L A I S H A J A D E (@elaishajade) on Sep 26, 2016 at 7:44pm PDT
I dampen the outer edge of my hair, grab a bristle brush or toothbrush then style away. I use a headscarf to quickly manage the drying process into a flat style (and to avoid fly aways). Then voila! The perfect bun. If my hair is battling shrinkage and I want a fuller looking bun, I'll bring along some synthetic kinky curly hair (that matches my own) and shape a natural looking bun!
What's your favourite protective style when travelling? Did it make the cut on my list? Let me know in the comments!
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What do you 'belif' in?
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I wasn't sure what I was going to write about for this post. I believe in so many things but recently my firm belief of standing up for what's right was put to the test.
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(Keep reading for how you can enter the belif cosmetics contest)
I faced the opportunity to turn a blind eye to a friend of many years allowing another person to bully me. That other person disparaged my character and tried to ruin my relationship with that friend. What really hurt my feelings is that friend allowed it to happen.
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So, I stood up for myself. Sure it was nerve racking confronting my friend, but I think I did alright. Sadly, we're no longer as close as we used to be, but I'm ok with that. Because it means I only keep people around who understand my value as a friend and will treat me the way I deserve to be treated.
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I was given the chance to partner up with belif cosmetics for their Canadian Launch. Their products are available in The Face Shop and select Fruits and Passion stores as of this October. I got a sneak peek of The true cream – moisturizing bomb and The true cream – aqua bomb. I can't wait to let you know what I think.
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Are these $30 Mascaras Worth it? Featuring Guerlain & Estée Lauder
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You guys already know I've been trying to step my makeup game up. While I do love my drugstore brands, I thought it would be cool to see whether these luxe brands were actually worth the price.
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Guerlain Maxi Lash Intense Volumizing Mascara $36 First, the packaging is beautiful. Compact with sleek gold detailing, this baby was made to be Instagrammed. Gigi Gorgeous recently featured it on her Snapchat and hailed it as one of her favourite mascaras and it has a great rating on MakeupAlley. The only drawback mentioned in the reviews was that the mascara is expensive.
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The wand is easy to hold and super light. The formula is a true black and quite silky on the lashes. The firm applicator is a dream come true. The first time I used this mascara, I walked through Holt Renfrew's beauty bar at Square One. I received so many compliments on my eyelashes! The volume to length ratio was perfect and not too spidery.
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Estée Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara $30 I have been reading and watching reviews all over the web about Estee Lauder's Double Wear line. So I'm excited to finally giving one product in this bunch a try. First of all the packaging is divine with all of the gold Estée Lauder detailing. It feels heavier than it would look (not to say it's heavy it's just not as light as most mascaras). I purchased it in brown by accident but I ended up loving the colour. I think it's great for makeup looks that black mascara would be too harsh with.
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The firm wand was easy to manoeuvre and the dark brown formula wasn't too creamy. It focused on length, not volume. I had sky-high lashes the first time I tried the mascara! The formula didn't budge, but also didn't leave my lashes sore. It was perfect for the no-makeup-makeup look I rocked at the gym the first time I wore it. The best part: no flaking! There was no residue at the end of the day, yet it easily came off with a few swipes of my makeup remover. I wouldn't purchase this for glam nights out, but for daily wear to work or running errands or to the gym.
In short, if you've got the budget to spare, try one of these mascaras! They not only worked, they worked incredibly well. I received so many compliments when wearing them and loved the volume and length my eyelashes were able to achieve.
What's one luxe product you've wanted to try?
Self-Care Sundays
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Sundays are for Lovers Loving Yourself! Whether I go to church in the morning or sleep in, I like to spend at least some part of my Sunday on self-care before the work-week takes its hold of my time. Keep reading for how I make every Sunday special
Get Organized It might seem odd that reviewing my calendar and setting weekly goals is a part of my self-care routine. However, I feel less scattered and stressed during the week if I get my life together on Sunday. I try to get ready for the week ahead in any way I can, whether it's organizing my underwear drawer or checking off things I've been procrastinating on my task list.
Paint Your Nails
Even the smallest thing like getting my nails done makes me feel special
— ELAISHA JADE (@ElaishaJade) September 3, 2016
Not sure if anyone else feels the same way but getting my nails buffed, shaped and painted makes me feel like a new person. I usually end up doing my nails at home. It's a nice treat I love to get done at the salon but I like watching bad rom-com's and giving myself a manicure.
Do Something You Love Whether it's watching too many movie trailers in one sitting or going for a long bike ride I like to do something I love every Sunday. Today I'm watching the incredibly underrated 'Jupiter Ascending' again. Don't @ me.
Eat Something Healthy (and Yummy) After a usually riotous Saturday, I like to scale back on Sunday and eat foods that give me energy and make me feel good. Foods that usually put a kick in my step are a smoothie bowl, vegetable juice, a fruit filled bowl of cereal, or any other vegan meal or snack I can get my hands on.
Quick pit stop at @liveorganicfood between meetings
A photo posted by E L A I S H A J A D E (@elaishajade) on Sep 8, 2016 at 9:28am PDT
Bath Time I've got my bath-time routine down to a science. I remember choosing my apartment because of the deep tub that comes with it. There is nothing like soaking in some bath salts, lighting a scented candle and catching up on my YouTube faves (like It's Judy's Life). Should I write a post on bath-time essentials?
What do you do for self-care? Tell me in the comments!
My Dry Sense of Humour
I'mma let you finish ft. Guerlain's Météorite Skin Perfecting Matte Powder
I have a friend who could write the book on unfinished projects. She's all 'talk' and no 'do'. Putting in work requires more than an idea, but follow through. I however, have a rushing problem.
The power of finishing things is extremely underrated. The excitement of starting a project eventually fades into a reality of deciding to put in the hard work needed to persevere and complete it. Concentration, discipline and determination all aid in finishing the proposal, assignment or task. While speed is a skill I'm proud of gaining, slowing down is the one I need to work on. I remember one of my clients would always try to get me to slow down. Eventually I did and the benefits were incredible. I wasn't just going through the motions but really thinking about the task and doing the best job possible.
That in itself was an accomplishment for me. While I've got a ways to go, at least I know that really finishing is, as my biggest cheerleader DJ Kaled would say, a major key to success. The limited edition, Météorite Skin Perfecting Matte Powder by Guerlain is a steep investment with an incredible pay-off. The $200CAD finishing powder was crafted to leave the face skin matte yet luminous after applying foundation. I thought it would be too light for me but I was wrong. I dusted the powder in trouble areas that tend to get a little, shall we say, dewy as the day progresses (shoutout to my t-zone). It definitely added extra oomph to my 'natural' look. While the price may warrant use for very special occasions, I personally love the luxe packaging and texture of the finishing powder. It's soft fragrance is also a nice touch too.
*Some products used in this post were provided free of charge, all opinions are my own.
WMCFW Review: Be Bold [Contest Closed]
Keep reading below for how you can WIN a runway prize pack from essie and Maybelline!
wearing Vero Moda, and Reitmans necklace
As a naturally audacious person in a society that praises extroverts more than introverts, my boldness is memorable. I enjoyed stepping out at World MasterCard fashion week rocking some outfits that turned heads on my commute and earned me a few compliments while in class. While my daily looks are usually toned down, I decided to have fun last week and take the opportunity to strut in what I would love to wear every day. I even got featured in Toronto Life and Fashion Canada's Street Style round-ups (you can check them out on my press page). I was 'rewarded' by not being afraid or influenced by the opinions of others for my outfit but instead wore something I loved. When you're bold it's usually a move that's for yourself while disregarding the what everyone else thinks-which is pretty scary. I have received so much in life from being bold...you can too.
Maybelline, essie and I want to give you the chance to be bold by rocking some of their runway-beauty looks.
While nude nails and makeup are definitely on-trend, try to make more of a bold statement with your own look so you can stand out from the crowd. This season Grace Lee and Rita Remark designed my favourite SS16 runway looks for Canadian designer, Mackage. While Hayley Elsaesser's collection and beauty looks were definitely braver, Mackage's look was dark and moody. The gradient lip, of course, had me swooning. I stared wide-eyed at every model wearing the look backstage who passed me.
On to nails: Rita did it again. She always comes up with such creative ideas for nail art. This season her idea built off of the Mackage collection of perforated leather, tasselled & teal suede and unseasonably dark accessories.
Watch my video below to see how Grace and Rita achieved these looks.
*Products used in this contest were provided free of charge, all opinions are my own.
