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With so many colors and textures varying from season to season—one minute it’s all about a shiny fuchsia pout, and the next a bright matte read kisser—having just one isn’t an option. And although we all enjoy a trip to our favorite beauty counter, there’s nothing like scoring the perfect lip color for a fraction of the price.  We all know those department store purchases can get a bit pricey.  So rather than spend your week’s salary at the counter, why not head to your local drugstore for a cheap lip fix.  From glosses to lipsticks and stains, you’ll be sure to stick to your beauty budget with some of these great drugstore lip colors.

By Jouelzy

Virgin Brazilian, Malaysian, Peruvian, Cambodian. Exotic hair is all the rage. But the price tag doesn’t quite work for a lot of folks. Don’t be ashamed if you’re still purchasing your hair from the local beauty supply store and can’t get the silky looks of the stars.  No need to compensate by buying the most expensive hair in the store either. There are ways to achieve a great look without breaking the bank. Even synthetic weaves can look fabulous and cost you less than $50. Here are some tips on maintaining a weave that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Whether it’s synthetic or human hair, it’s going to look real and real good on you.

1.  Cut the hair to shape your face.
Don’t just sew or glue in two packs of weave from the store and rock it, because it is going to look stiff and fake. You have to alter it to fit your features and the look you’re going for. The easiest trick to creating a more realistic look is by simply layering the hair and shaping it to your face. Rather then doing a blunt cut, shear the hair at an angle with a razor. Razor combs will do the trick and provide soft angles, even if you’re a novice at cutting your hair.

2. Be aware that your hair has a short(er) lifespan
Know that with a budget weave the longevity is short. Preferably, only keep in the weave for a month. With a little extra care you can stretch it out to about two months. You want to limit the product you put in it and wrap your hair with a silk scarf every night. The key word is ‘care,’ and that will largely determine the longevity of your weave. The less ‘care’ you put into maintaining it, the less time you can make that hair last.

3. Put down the product
Once again, the less products you put in your hair, the better. Product buildup is a sure-fire way to kill a weave. The most you want to do is condition the hair and oil your scalp. And you ONLY oil your scalp NOT the hair. When you’re wearing a synthetic weave, no product allowed. Put down the Let’s Jam! and ampro gel, and stick to light hair products.

4. Keep it short and sweet
Sorry to those who are dying to have hair down to their butts. At longer lengths, folks will already be searching extra hard for your tracks, but full, shoulder-length hair has a more realistic appeal, especially if you are using synthetic hair. The rule of thumb is bra-strap length, and remember to layer the hair.

5. Say no to flat top
All-in-one packs are very tempting, but they’re also too thin. We’re not even talking big hair, just make sure you have enough hair to make it look full and have body. The worst is when your weave is too flat on the top and you can see straight though the hair. You can do the all-in-one packs, just grab two. You should still be within budget.

6. To blend or to sew, that is the question…
Understand that you are purchasing hair that is of a lesser quality. That’s not particularly a bad thing. But attempting to blend your hair with synthetic hair can go all types of wrong. You may be able to get away with certain brands of human hair, but check the luster of the hair and meter if you want to really go through the daily pains of blending your hair. Full weave is usually the way to go. Just add an invisible part for a bit more dimension, and enjoy a fly style that fits within your price range.

Jouelzy offers tutorials on all aspects of Black hair care via her YouTube channel, focusing on women with tight budgets. You can also find her daily hair tips and inspirations on Facebook.

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By Angele D. Russell

Whether you’re single or in a relationship, the course of events for Valentine’s Day usually follows the same routine: flowers, candy, stuffed animals, jewelry, and dinner at a crowded restaurant with little or no romance. We’re all guilty of it; we have the best intentions to do something new and exciting but fall into the same rut, year after year, and spend way more money than we need to. Well, this year, say “goodbye” to routines and check out 8 unique ways to thoughtfully show your loved one, or yourself, how much you care without breaking the bank!

1. Set A Dollar Limit for Gifts
Who decided gifts on Valentine’s Day had to be expensive? Does the amount of money you spend really dictate the level of affection you have for a person? Definitely not! The best gifts are the most thoughtful ones and what better way to stretch your creative muscles than to set a dollar limit around $25! You’d be amazed at what you come up with and the laughs that will follow.

The hype for Versace for H&M has finally died down. This can only mean one thing. It’s time for a new fashion collaboration! Enter, Jason Wu for Target!

Teaser images of the collection surfaced last week, but the ENTIRE Jason Wu for Target collection was released on Tuesday. Mr. Wu (designer of Michelle Obama’s inaugural gown) has created pieces inspired by the femininity found in French new wave films. This inspiration can be seen in the details of the garments – chic separates, bows, aline skirts and nautical stripes galore!

“My goal was not to duplicate anything from my main collection,” Wu explains to T Magazine. “Instead I designed completely new clothes and accessories that reflect my taste and have a voice of their own.”

As a bonus, the price is oh-so right for this dainty collection with nothing priced over $60! You’ll find Jason Wu for Target in stores starting February 5, 2012. We recommend developing a game plan now because these collaborations have been known to start cat fights over couture!

Check out the entire collection below:

Are you planning on snatching up a piece of the collection? Or, are you over all these collaborations?

Photos via Glamour.com

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Sponsored By:

Well look who’s going to be at Target! (pronounced “Tarjai” in hood language.) The go-to designer for our FLOTUS, the fashion forward Jason Wu. Wu is known for creating Michelle Obama’s iconic inaugural ball gown, and she has been a fan of Wu’s uber-feminine and creative pieces since her days back in the Chi before President Obama’s presidential campaign really got going. According to reports, the upcoming line at Target will include handbags, scarves, and of course, some pretty fierce apparel. Wu’s inaugural ball gown is said to be the look that launched his career, and now, the designer gets much love from other big name celebrities like Ivana Trump, and Mad Men star January Jones. Wu had this to say to Women’s Wear Daily about his collabo with Target:

“The exciting thing about this limited edition collection of affordable women’s wear and accessories is that it allows me to reach a wider audience and bring my designs to people who may not have been able to purchase them before.”

We have a feeling Wu’s looks are going to be in “hellas” of high demand, and on the same level of must-have madness as Target’s most recent Missoni collaboration. I’m anticipating some gorgeous skirts, and I’m praying for a good, GOOD price. Check it out when the full collection drops for the retail giant in February.

Will you check it out?

Looking fly in the workplace is not just a matter of vanity. Looking bummy at the job can hamper your career advancement. No one wants their company represented by an employee in cheap-looking, ill-fitting or inappropriate attire. As my mother always says, “Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have.” However, nice business and business casual attire can really put a hurting on your wallet. However, with a little creative shopping you can save and still look sharp. Here are some tips to keep yourself polished and professional when you’re ballin’ on a budget.

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