I rocked a short pixie cut for about 5 years. I loved shedding the veil I was hiding behind –my hair. Deciding to cut my hair took me on an emotional love-hate rollercoaster. For one, I got it cut and then didn’t know how the heck to style it. The journey I embarked on with […]
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Travel season is upon us and a lot of people travel during this time to be with family and friends or just to get away from the cold. I am travelling too and with three girls in tow I need some great styles that all of us can wear without any hair problems. Box braids […]
The post 4 Hairstyles Perfect For Traveling This Season appeared first on Black Hair Information.
Bouncy, moisturized, defined curls are the goal of almost every natural woman that I know. Unfortunately, being natural is no cakewalk and our hair can become damaged by something as simple as improper styling to full blown heat damage. The first thing these problems affect is our beloved curl patterns! It can make our hair […]
The post DIY Sweet Almond And Hemp Curl Repair Mask appeared first on Black Hair Information.
Via: Teen Vogue
By: Siraad Dirshe
Photographer: Terry Gates
Why is it that the road to clear, glowing skin seems to always be paved with inconvenient breakouts, crazy beauty hacks, and far too many trips to Sephora? While many of us can barely remember to exfoliate once a week (preferably with this guy), there are a few skincare goddesses among us who seem to have it all figured out – enter your 9 new BFFs. Not only are these women killing when it comes to their careers, they’re self-made women each making a name for themselves in everything from music to beauty, but they also have skincare routines that put even the best of us to shame. And if that wasn’t enough, these ladies embody the meaning of #blackgirlmagic; they’re true to themselves and won’t let anyone or anything stop them from achieving their dreams.
Since sharing is caring we’re letting you in on all their glowing secrets. You can thank us later! From only using all-natural products to slathering on coconut oil these ladies know how to keep their skin radiant. So if you’ve been trying to up your skincare game (who isn’t?) then pay close attention because these ladies will have your skin #flawless in no time!
Teen Vogue: What’s your current AM skin care routine?
Cipriana: I wash my face with Dr. Bronner’s organic Castile Almond liquid soap then moisturize with a dime size amount of 100% extra virgin coconut oil. Green juice the heck out of the morning then I hit the gym.
Teen Vogue: Would you describe yourself as more of a minimalist or skin care junkie?
Cipriana: Definitely a minimalist, I need to always be prepared for any type of apocalypse, lol.
Teen Vogue: Skin care is huge right now, what’s the one thing that gets your skin looking it’s best?
Cipriana: Water-sleep-diet-exercise….tried to make all 4 into one word, they are all so impertinent, I can’t choose between them. Water, sleep and diet for obvious reasons but exercise has a huge role in clearer skin. When we age, fibroblasts [which sounds like terminology used in the film Ghostbusters but is actually skin collagen-producing cells] lose their momentum and production decreases, but the nutrients passed to the epidermis during your workout routine help fibroblasts work more efficiently, maintaining youthful looking skin.
Teen Vogue: If you could only use three skin care products for the rest of your life what would they be and why?
Cipriana: Coconut oil, coconut oil and oh coconut oil, lol. It really is the only product I use for my skin. I use it not only as a moisturizer but a makeup remover. If I am ever stranded on a deserted island with coconut trees I am all set. Plus 100% extra virgin Coconut Oil is the only oil on earth that has about 50% of water’s moisturizing components, 100% extra virgin Olive Oil comes in at at about 25%. Also unlike most oils that will clog and rest their shiny unapologetic self on top of the epidermis, coconut oil is absorbed by the skin which helps in decreasing breakouts and clear pores.
Teen Vogue: What’s the best skin advice you’ve ever received? For example, always wear sunscreen or make sure to take off your makeup before going to bed.
Cipriana: I have three, like an Oreo cookie you need both sides of the cookie and the filling for it to make sense.. 1st WATER! Water is really one of nature’s best tools in flushing out toxins and keeping your skin hydrated, clear and refreshed.
Second, consume less or low levels of sugar and salt. As good as it tastes (I probably have they biggest sweet-tooth in the universe, excluding aliens unless they eat sugar as well or the Cookie Monster), too much sugar and salt can increase the activity of unstable molecules known as “free radicals” within your body, causing cell damage or slow cell repair, inhibiting the body to heal itself properly. We all have something called superoxide dismutase (SOD) a defense system that stabilizes the levels of free radicals, but as we age so do SOD and it’s defense against these pesky disrespectful molecules weaken. That leaves the free radicals to have their way with our cells. In short responsible for all kinds ailments to the body including a host of diseases and premature aging.
Last but not least, exercise. I know I mentioned this above but exercise is so impertinent to maintaining or improving the skin’s health. Besides keeping up our fibroblasts momentum it helps to reduce body inflammation, prevent free-radical damage and helps regulate hormones. When you do physical activity the tiny arteries in your skin open, allowing more blood to pass, reaching the skin’s surface, delivering nutrients that repair epidermis damage from environmental elements like pollutants and too much sun. These nutrients also assist in maintaining the skin’s elasticity, keeping wrinkles at bay.
Teen Vogue: What’s one piece of skin care advice you’d give to your younger self? Why’s that?
Cipriana: Sleep! As simple as this sounds, sometimes I can deprive myself of this. I constantly have to remind myself to take a breather and to abide by one of the most important parts of life as well as my mind body and soul. I would tell my younger self to never forget that, I could have saved myself from many moments of feeling completely and dangerously drained. As Nas said “sleep is the cousin of death” well that might be true but if you are not getting enough it might lead to a quicker one.
Teen Vogue: What one skin care product are you currently obsessing over?
Cipriana: Water, it’s nature’s magic juice!
Teen Vogue: What does #blackgirlmagic mean to you?
Cipriana: Unapologetically loving every part of yourself in a way that inspires others, but not from purposely trying but simply just being who you are…your best self.
For the complete list of some incredibly awe inspiring women visit teenvogue.com to view more skincare tips.
I tend to use the same deep DIY conditioning mix for my hair every week which is usually some sort of mayonnaise mix with apple cider vinegar. I have been hearing a lot about protein sensitivity in the natural hair community but my hair seemed to flourish with a lot of protein, or so I […]
The post I Added Just The Yolk To My DIY Deep Conditioning Mix And Had The Softest Hair Ever appeared first on Black Hair Information.
When you think of a protective style, you think of braids, buns, twists, ponytails, and even wigs–but you rarely think of weaves as a first option. It’s unfortunate that weaves are often overlooked because having them in for 1 to 2 months can bring you a ton of healthy hair growth. However, like every other […]
The post Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Wearing Weave As A Protective Style appeared first on Black Hair Information.
I know how crazy that title may sound, but let me explain. I have not detangled my hair in nearly a year (going on two years) and I have been natural for about 7 or 8 years now. Within those years, I have tried so many products, so many methods and even though many products […]
The post Why I Stopped Detangling My Hair And How It Has Been So Far appeared first on Black Hair Information.
Generally, natural hair products are geared towards women. A lot of them have sweet and fruity scents, bright labels, and all types of pretty ladies dawning kinks and curls in their advertisements. Understandably, this could make natural men a little hesitant when purchasing products because they don’t seem to suit them or meet their needs. […]
The post Curl Love! Here Are 6 Great Unisex Products Perfect For You and Your Natural Bae appeared first on Black Hair Information.
Tell us where you are from, the early years of your childhood and what influenced your direction towards the arts?
I’m from Washington DC (born and raised), so I grew up with the Smithsonian and Hirshhorn as hiding spots when playing hooky from school. I’ve always loved emotional and chaotic art; I think that’s how I formed a love affair with Picasso and from that, I began painting and trying to emulate him. When I realized that drawing in realism was my niche, I stuck with it.
Your first memory or interpretation of visual art
I wish I had a cooler story for this but honestly, coming of age when the internet was only used in classrooms or at home on a clunky computer through AOL, randomly finding images of art online really struck me. People were creating work I’d never seen in books at school or the museums, and I felt inspired by that.
Were your family and friends always supportive of your work?
Ha! I think I’ve always had a reputation for being inconsistent (and maybe a little bit lazy when I was younger), so family and friends were as supportive as they could be. I worked office jobs until 2014 when I signed with a gallery. I think from there, everyone said “okay, she’s serious”.
How many man hours do your pieces average and which piece took the longest to date?
The drawings vary in size, so it’s hard to say. My largest (and favorite) drawing — “Suffering and Transcendence” — took about a month off and on. It’s 4×7 feet! The smaller pieces take just a couple of days.
How long are your working intervals before you need a break?
I always need a break. I’ve got a bad habit of second guessing every brushstroke. More than that, carpal tunnel kicks in after an hour or so of shading, and when that happens I sit on the sofa and try to think of ways to improve the current piece or sketch for a new piece. I’m obsessed.
How do you determine what will be your next piece or any practices, rituals or a process that inspires the direction of future work?
I never know what the next piece should be! I guess it depends on what I’d like to say, what I’m feeling. Did I have a restless night? Okay, then let’s draw something to reflect that. Do my clothes not fit anymore and do I feel uncomfortable in my skin? Well, let’s take from that and try to create something. I’m not sure if I’m embracing faults and fears, but I am acknowledging them, and that honesty is relief. The work doesn’t necessarily have to be physical self portraits, but a nod to personal feelings I think we all share (shame, regret, longing, fatigue, etc). The ritual/process is hard to peg. As long as music and coffee are involved, I’m good to go.
What would you say to those who don’t have the positive reinforcement of family or friends when pursuing a passion?
I’d say please don’t be deterred by the ones who don’t “get it.” Live your life doing what you love and find your people – they’re waiting for you with open arms. It’s taken years to understand the importance of this and how to live by it.
If you could could spend the weekend with any artist (past or present) who would it be and why?
Marlene Dumas is the first person to come to mind. Her work haunts and thrills me. I’d love to have a drink with that brand of genius, sigh. If she’s unavailable, a weekend of painting, rambling (and a little crying) with Van Gogh would be a dream.
If you could only rework one of your pieces for the rest of your life or chose a subject you have yet to attempt, what piece or subject would it be?
I can only choose one? I’d love the chance to rework every piece. I’m rarely satisfied with any of my work and I constantly seek validation to caress (or build) my ego. I shouldn’t admit that, but it’s true. I’m genuinely appreciative and a little shocked when people regard the art. The kind words and compliments feel like personal approvals and I love that warmth. As for a new subject, I’d really love to explore mist, sea and hillsides. I know they’ve been done but ah, I think I’d really enjoy drawing non-figurative work. I get an unnerving feeling when thinking of it — and I love that.
Most humorous or strangest reaction/story regarding your work
“Why you always draw old naked people and jellyfish?”
Set the mood of your work space; do you listen to music, enjoy silence, turn off your phone etc…
I actually created a playlist on Spotify that sets the mood like nothing else. It’s modern classical, coffee shop jazz, ambient tunes and meditation music on loop for hours. It’s redundant but I need that white noise to concentrate. My phone is always lost, dead, dying, or broken so it’s not much of a distraction, thankfully.
Ideal playlist
Philip Glass, XXYYXX, Blossom Dearie, Nat King Cole, James Blake and a little Sade, please!
Sources of Inspiration
Conversations! I love them, even if I’m not a participant. Eavesdropping and people watching are the highlights of my day when I decide to leave my cave (I’m a homebody). Other than that, just thinking out loud and scrolling Instagram or Pinterest really help shape my ideas. I’ve been introduced to so many great artists this past year alone.
Biggest obstacle to date
Finding and maintaining balance. I’d love to be closer to old friends and make new ones, build a better relationship with myself and travel the world but trying to make it as a working artist, my shyness, insecurities, and an innate pattern of elusiveness sort of hinder those things. I’m genuinely struggling to navigate my life, and that’s why I draw the things I do.
What is the best piece of advice or life lesson you have learned?
I’m unsure about the best piece of advice but here’s one life lesson I’ve learned: No matter how interesting, gifted, attractive, etc some may regard you, there will always be people who treat you like an unremarkable loser, through and through – Ignore them. They are not your audience and therefore are incapable of appreciating you (or extensions of you). Fully accepting this has spared me quite a few crying spells.
Where can we find you (urls, social media handlers, etc)
Website * Instagram * Facebook * Blog
Anything else?
Thank you. Thank you to every artist, art enthusiast, friend and foe who have inspired, supported and discouraged me. Life has been interesting so far, and each experience with each person has given me something I value, even if that has been cruelty. The bad has forced reflection and the good has padded my heart.
Future projects
I’ll be showing at Art Wynwood in February, Paris Contemporary Drawing Fair in March, a solo exhibit with my gallery (Robert Fontaine Gallery) in May, and then Art Basel in Switzerland by June. Phew!
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