Tainna in Ottawa

How to make a Bun Ring (aka Donut Ring) with a sock

I got a message from a reader, and she asked if I knew how to make a Bun Ring. Now, I decided to do one just for the hell of it, and I tried it on.

I really liked how it looked! I know have a new staple hairstyle! I followed these directions.

But, where to get a Bun Ring?

Well, if you do not have any socks, like spending money, or you are downright not a Do-It-Yourself person, you can buy a Bun Sock. Sally Beauty has this one (See image right). 

However, we ARE in a recession, and although I do not believe in being too frugal, here is a good opportunity to practice saving some cash and reusing old socks, which helps the planets! Yay!

This is what you do:

• Head to your sock drawer and grab a old sock ( you know the one with a hole, or the one that is not paired up.) or you can grab a knee-high sock or panty-hose. (Yes, now we have a use for run-in stockings.)

(Note: It is a good idea to use a sock or stockings that are close to the color of your hair. If you have dark hair, refrain from grabbing a white sock! It could show!

• Put the sock on, and roll it down. You can also, put it on your arms and roll it down. By rolling it down, you get a doughnut.

(Note: You can use two or more socks, to create a thicker bun! All you have to do is roll the first one, and once you have about 3-5 inches left, take the second sock and wrap it over the first one, so you can continue to roll.)

Some people use glue to secure the seams, but I honestly to not bother. It is at your discretion. Once I roll the socks, it's fine and will not come undone.

So, you see, it is quite easy and inexpensive to make your own Donut Ring!

Olive Oil and I

So, I am happy to announce a new product that I will be testing: Hollywood Beauty's Olive Oil Hairdress.

Now before anyone mentions that I should go to rehab, since I obviously have a problem purchasing all these crazy products, you must know that I am somewhat, kind-off pondering going "au natural"...

Yes, I am thinking about it.

Now, I know that this is a huge endeavor, therefore I am doing my research.

There are many reasons why I want to transition, but here are the main ones:

1. I am sick of the breakage; No matter how much I moisturize, it seems to never be enough. I swear, I will put a dollop of cream at night and by morning, my hair will be dry. (Though still condition.)
2. I am bored with straight hair; Yup, I am looking for a curly look and the straight image has reached its limits. I think I need a new image.
3. I am scared of the relaxer; I have seen pictures; I have read testimonials; I have witness massive hair breakage. Why am I still wearing chemicals? Though it is a personal choice, I decided to see if I would be able to care for my OWN hair. Yes, the strands I was born with.
4. I am excited over the thought of no longer sitting under a hair dryer; For this reason alone, I am excited for! If I follow the Twist and Curl technique, I can kiss rollers and hair dryers good-bye!

My plan basically is to go three more months from now without relaxing. I want to see my hait texture and figure out it I will be able to do this.

Am I planning to do a big chop? Hell, no! If worst I will try to work out both textures, or get extensions or a weave.

The olive oil cream really works well with my hair without leaving it greasy. However, it is too soon to give out a rating, so keep checking this blog for more information!

i-Skin Pore Perfecting System

I have been trying this product for about 3 months now, and all I can say is that it really improved my skin care regimen! (Which I should really update soon!)

I tend to use this product once every other day. It is a great exfoliator and skin has been relatively clean and problem free (combined with the Vichy products I am currently using.)

This is what it promise:

• Reduces the appearance of visible pores
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduces the appearance of oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes
• Twice as effective than manual cleansing
• Leaves skin feeling and looking smoother and clearer
• Increases product absorption
• For all skin types - gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin
• Used and recommended by skincare professionals

Conclusion:
I think the product lives up to it's claim. I really wish I had a before and after pic, but I used to have large pores which I hated.

I barely wear make-up nowadays, just powder, mascara, and eyeliner.

If you check out the reviews from the Sally Beauty Website, you will notice that I am not the only one who had good results with i-Skin.

What's awesome is that it's relatively cheap (25$) compared to Sephora's Clairsonic (225$!!!!) At that price, it should also be a cell phone, a massager or something!

Rating: 4.5/5 (Excellent!)

Electrolysis: Update!

Wednesday, I went to Electrolyze some unwanted hair around my chin area, and believe or not, it went really well.

Now, at first I was really scared. Tainna and needles do NOT get along. I am the type of girl who almost passed out when I had to get a blood test. I am the chick who actually cried when I got my travel vaccinations.

Obviously, I knew I would have a problem with this. However, I hated those little hairs so much, I was ready to brace myself.

When the esthetician zapped the first hair. I felt nothing. I mean I felt a small, little poke, but really if I wasn't staring at the woman, bracing myself as if I were to get electrocuted, I would have hardly notice it.

It went really well, and I was done within 15 minutes.

I am returning next week, since even though she got all my chin hairs, hair grows at different rates, so I know they will be more...

It cost 11.50$ electrolysis + 1.75$ needle + tip. So I think it was decent, if the hair never comes back!

Verdict? I would definitely recommend trying it! My chin area went so well, but if I were to do my upper lip or other sensitive areas, it would probably be a tad more painful!

On a side note, I am now considering my bikini area... I'll keep you all posted!

Blemishs galore!

I am the type of person to procrastinate.

I had skin issues for awhile now, but I would downplay them or just cover them up with make-up.

One day, while I was waiting for the bus, I notice my reflection on the window. Ladies, I looked like sh*t. I was greasy, with little of no make-up left and blemishes, blemishes, blemishes!

Gasping, I reached inside my beloved Coach bag and whipped out my Maybelline Dream Matte Powder. This does very little to cover the blemishes, but it toned down my extremely shiny face.

That was it! I had it! The blemishes had to go.

I went to the Rideau Center and then to Shoppers ( I was a bit too broke to go to Sephora!) and kindly asked the lady if she could help.

She was absolutely amazing!

She offered me the same products she said she was using, which were Vichy products. She offered me the cleanser, moisturizer and toner.

Now the prices on all products were a bit high, and all three combined were over 80$.I was hesitant and thought that she was yanking my chain, but she assured me that this was the best.

I decided to purchase them, since I have been having skin problems for awhile and if the products did not live up to the hype, then I would make a nasty review on TiO! Mouhahaha!

Well... it lives up to the hype! My pores are smaller, my blemishes are gone, my skin is more evenly toned, hell, I FEEL prettier!

Here are my steps:

Each night, either right after work or before going to bed, I wash my face with Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel. I wash in circles my face and neck. Rinse off and pat dry.

Then, I proceed to use Normaderm Purifying Astringent Toner. It eliminates all impurities and leaves my skin clean.

Afterward, I apply a night cream and head to bed.

Each morning, I repeat steps 1 and 2, but I use Normaderm Anti-Imperfection Hydrating Care as my daily moisturizer.

Stay tuned for a detailed review in the Product Review section.