Embracing the Curls: A Personal Hair Care Journey

Hey there, lovely readers! 👋

✨ Today, we're diving into a more personal topic that's close to the heart and the roots—curly hair care. As someone who has spent four decades navigating the twists and turns of curly locks, I'm here to share the wisdom I wish I had known 40 years ago. So, if you're ready to embark on a curly hair care adventure, keep reading for some tried-and-true tips that have transformed my tresses!

1. Shampoo Strategically

Gone are the days of daily shampooing! One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is to use shampoo only when your scalp truly needs it. Keep it as close to the scalp as possible and focus on cleansing the roots. Over-shampooing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving your curls dry and frizzy. Opt for sulfate-free, gentle shampoos to maintain your hair's natural moisture balance.

2. Tame with a Wet-Dry Brush

Say hello to the magical wet-dry brush—a game-changer for curly hair! Use it exclusively in the shower or bath when your hair is wet and coated with conditioner. This nifty tool helps detangle your curls without causing breakage or frizz. Start from the tips and work your way up, gently easing out knots and tangles as you go.

3. Conditioner, Your Best Friend

Curly hair craves moisture like a desert craves rain. Use as much conditioner as your hair needs, and don't hesitate to switch it up every now and then. Just like our skin changes over the years, our hair's needs evolve too. Experiment with different formulas and find what your curls adore. After all, happy curls are well-moisturized curls!

4. Embrace the Magic of Hair Oil

Ah, hair oil, the elixir of lusciousness! If your curly hair tends to be on the dry side (like mine), embrace the power of hair oil. Start at the tips and work your way up, distributing the oil evenly through your curls. Don't be afraid to use more than you think you should—I've found that my hair drinks it up with delight. The result? Hair that's gleaming, hydrated, and utterly fabulous.

5. Let Go of Styling Products (If You Want To)

Here's a secret: sometimes, less is more. I've recently bid adieu to my faithful mousse and hair spray companions, and my hair couldn't be happier—or more cost-effective! Embracing my natural curls has brought out their true beauty, and I've found that simplicity can be stunning. Of course, feel free to play around and find what works best for your hair's unique personality.

Curly Hair, Unleash Your Radiance!

So there you have it, a glimpse into my curly hair care journey and the lessons I've gathered along the way. Remember, your curls are as unique as you are, and they deserve to be celebrated in all their glorious forms. Treat your locks with love, patience, and a touch of experimentation, and watch them flourish like never before.

Here's to embracing the curls and celebrating the beauty of every twist and turn in our hair journeys! 🌀🌟

Until next time,

Accalia Carter Founder, Boushie Babes Photography

P.S. Curly-haired beauties, what are some of your favorite hair care tips? Share your wisdom in the comments below! 💬🌀

The Power of Body Positivity: Why It's More Than Just Saying Positive Things

The Power of Body Positivity: Why It's More Than Just Saying Positive Things

Body positivity is a term that has been thrown around a lot lately, and while it's great to see the movement gaining momentum, it's important to understand that it's more than just saying positive things. True body positivity is about changing the way you think about your body and yourself.

Unfortunately, the wrong photographer can leave you feeling worse about your body than you did before the session. That's why I'm here to change the narrative and be more inclusive for all body types. As a boudoir photographer, I understand that my work goes beyond just taking pretty pictures. It's about holding space, being non-judgmental, and boosting my clients up in ways they haven't been before.

That's why boudoir sessions are more expensive than other types of photography. The deeper work that goes on before, during, and after the session has long-lasting effects on my clients' confidence. They leave feeling like a new person, seeing themselves in a new light, feeling sexy and like a woman/man, and feeling desirable again after life happens.

In addition to the photos, I also include affirmations to help my clients reframe the way they think about their body and themselves. Body positivity isn't about being toxically positive, but about learning to love yourself for who you are right now, while also working towards becoming the best version of yourself.

It's time to change the conversation around body positivity and focus on the power it has to transform lives.

Are you ready to join the movement and embrace your body?

5 Things all Models Should Before Shoots

So here are a few more tips and tricks the models do all the time to stay looking their best, it’s more the daily stuff overall, it’s the little things.

1. Healthy and even skin- skin can take a while to clean in post-production. Clean and healthy skin can really make a difference in time spent in Photoshop.

   • Sleep 8 hours a night

   • Use a moisturizer daily or as needed

   • Exfoliate and clean skin 2 days before the shoot

   • Careful tanning- tan lines are extremely hard to edit.

2. Smooth lips- Dry lips are a photographers’ nightmare, so use what you use to soften those lips!

3. Never ending body hair- remember removing body hair would be great because it helps skin look smoother and softer. Do at least 2 days before so no redness or bumps are seen. Eyebrows, legs, privates, underarms.

4. Rested eyes- healthy-looking eyes are crucial for a shoot, sleep well, no alcohol, or drugs before the shoot. No contacts during the shoot.

5. No need for fancy clothing- tight clothing leave marks on your skin which is a no-go for most types of shoots. Wear comfortable, not tight clothing to your shoot.

Pre-Shoot Check-List

Here are some tips, some things to pack, and just some useful things you may not have known to do before a shoot.

• Be available. Make sure we can contact you if anything changes.

• Be on time.

• Don’t wash your hair the day of shoot.

• Do not arrive with makeup.

• A fresh face- sleep well, drink plenty of water, eat well.

Bring:

1. Different color underwear- not only true for lingerie- or glamour shoot but for any, it would be very awkward to see a piece of underwear beneath it that doesn’t match. Bring at least black, white, and nude.

2. Strapless bra- Bra-straps is an absolute no-go more often than not unless it’s boudoir.

3. High-heeled shoes- Any outfit may only be complete with the right pair of high-heeled shoes that can help create a lifted illusion on legs.

4. Hair ties, bobbi pins, and other hair accessories- from holding hair back while getting make-up done to styling it for a shoot, bringing a range of hair accessories, to ensure smooth pre-shoot prep- and give you a wide range of appearances for your looks.

5. Your go-to beauty supplies- If you use a daily foundation in your correct color, other make-up products in colors that flatter you, or tools that best fit with your look and skin types be sure to bring your beauty bag.

6. Touch-up products- hair spray, make-up wipes and other things that help wind down after our shoot will be greatly appreciated by you both during and after your shoot.

7. Change of clothes and shoes- Bring something comfy to wear when all done.

3 at Home Face Masks for Glowing, Healthy Skin

Who doesn’t love an at-home spa day, I know I do. I have always loved facials and hot baths for soaking. So, I have found some easy-at-home facials, which I thought I would share with you all today.

1) Anti-aging cocoa face mask-

A decadent antioxidant-packed cocoa skin a restored, youthful appearance. “As skin ages, the moisture barrier begins to break down leading to dryness and the immunity layer of skin weakens. Hydration is the most important skin saver at this stage!” says skincare expert Jasmina Aganonic.

Recipe: combine 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon sour cream, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 egg white. Apply to face and let dry, then rinse.

The powerful ingredients make this a multi-tasking wonder cream: a sour cream is a form of lactic acid that hydrates as it gently exfoliates; honey is a humectant that boosts hydration while the protein in the egg white tightens and firms skin.

2) Wrinkle- Fighting Papaya Face Mask:

A secret recipe for ageless skin is a mask made with fresh papaya, Greek yogurt, and other nutritious ingredients. it’s recommended to apply your usual face moisturizer after rinsing. The alpha hydroxyl acids in papaya works as a natural exfoliator; the egg whites are high in protein and help rebuild the skin and tighten pores.

Recipe: Blend half of the fresh papaya ( seeds removed and dried), 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon white tea (brewed and cooled), 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and one organic egg white in a food processor (or use a fork) unit it forms a paste. Apply to face and neck; relax for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.

3)Exfoliating Sugar Face Scrub:

Sweeten up your at- home beauty routine with a honey and sugar face scrub. “This home made exfoliant helps to nourish skin while sloughing off dead cells.” says Arelli Soriano. If you have sensitive skin, it can be too harsh.

Recipe: Mix half cup brown sugar and 3 tablespoons of honey in a small bowl and stir until a think paste forms. Add two tablespoons of an oil of your choice (olive, almond, or coconut) and blend until it integrates with the paste to make a little lighter. Spread the paste all over clean skin,- face, neck, and decollate. Leave it on for five-ten minutes and rinse with warm water. you can use leftover scrub on the whole body for the same result.

Here are some more At home Spa Day Ideas:

https://www.boushiebabesphotography.com/blog/end-of-season-rescue-facial

What in the world do you pack for a shoot?

Well, I know how it feels to already be doing something out of your comfort zone, then having to think did I pack everything? So, I took the things I ask my clietn’s to pack, and things that can be just helpful. I want you to have the best shoot regardless of type or photographer.

Go here to grab your copy now: https://mailchi.mp/boushiebabesphotography/shoot-packing-list

Natural Oils?

 Use Natural Oils To Remove Makeup

What happens if you see streaks of waterproof eye makeup under your eyes after you’ve cleaned? If you have sticky residue from long-wear makeup or stubborn mascara, you may need more than just a cleanser.

Rather than reach for a makeup wipe, try experimenting with natural oils. Oil dissolves oil, so they may be a good choice for removing waterproof, stubborn makeup, which tends to be oil-based. Oil can also remove oil, dirt, and grime. 

After you’ve cleaned your face, pour a few drops of oil onto a clean cloth. Cotton pads, cotton balls, or even your fingers will work, too. Gently dab at the waterproof mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, or any other waterproof makeup products that need to be removed. Then rinse with warm water.

Nine oils that can potentially help remove stubborn or waterproof makeup.

• Rosehip oil - Fragrance-free plant oil with a high amount of linoleic acid.

• Squalene oil - Light stable oil

• Hempseed oil - Non-comedogenic oil

• Grapeseed oil - Lightweight oil that can moisturize and balance skin

• Jojoba oil - Consistency is like the skin’s sebum

• Sunflower oil - Non-fragrant

• Argan oil - May help remove makeup without clogging pores or causing irritation

• Tea tree oil - Can help get rid of dead skin cells

• Sweet Almond oil - Gentle oil that may cleanse makeup without irritation

• Skip coconut oil as it is considered comedogenic and may clog pores

You may also try:

• Micellar water

• Rosewater

• Aloe water

You can use a natural oil in the same way that you’d use an eye makeup remover or wipe. If you’re trying to replicate the ease of a makeup wipe, keep a bag of cotton pads right next to the oil on your bathroom counter. Here are a few to consider.

Makeup wipes.....Good or Bad?

Makeup wipes are popular for a lot of reasons, here I will cover just a few:

• They are travel-friendly.

• They may be more affordable than your favorite cleanser.

• They are all-around convenient.

• You can use them while your head is already on your pillow and too tired to wash.

Are makeup wipes all they are cracked up to be? Here I will cover some of the cons of using wipes:

• Most makeup wipes are not biodegradably leading them to stay in landfills.

• They don’t really clean your skin, makeup wipes spread around the makeup while it looks like it’s clean. It can push the makeup and any other debris deeper into the skin

• The chemicals in the wipes can cause irritation, while if you have sensitive skin the action of wiping can cause irritation.

Lastly, I will go over a few reasons why you should always remove your makeup before bed, regardless:

• If makeup is left on overnight it can clog pores and cause breakouts. Sleeping in makeup can weaken your skin’s protective layer.

• Using facials can brighten your skin.

• Skipping a facial cleanse might make your skin appear dull.

Do you have a nightly routine? I do, I have a morning routine and a nightly routine, I call these my goddess practices. More on my routines in another blog to stay tuned.

Some amazing tips to help you prepare for Your dream shoot.

• Your photographer is the professional and should guide you through everything you need to know. It’s not your job to know how to pose or model.

• It’s completely normal to be nervous! It will get easier as the shoot progresses.

• Don’t worry if you’re carrying around a few extra pounds. Your shoot is about you. Not whether you have a few extra pounds or wrinkles.

• If shooting on location, you may have to make a quick change in the car or public restrooms. Make it easy on yourself and have a big loose slip-on dress with no sleeves to through on and you can change your outfit right under your dress.

• The nude camisole is great for quick changes of shirts in public places.

• Be honest about what you want for hair and makeup. If you don’t like it let them know! Want more curls, volume, straighter- tell them! They will not be offended! That said, also be open to new ideas and know your makeup will probably feel much darker than you’re used to at first.

• If it’s in your budget, splurge has the makeup artist stay all day to help with touch-ups and hair changes.

• Try to relax and have fun! You are not being judged.

Thank you for subscribing, we will have more tips and tricks soon.

Dream Shoot Planner

Did you know we have a downloadable PDF to help you go over how we do our shoots, what’s included, what you need. It covers so much, like hair and makeup. It talks about our studio and about me and Boushie Babes mission.

We even have a page in our Dream shoot planner with places to shop for outfits for your shoot. We also cover a shoot day time line, and more.

IF your interested in our downloadable PDF just go here:

Pre-Shoot Checklist

Get Your Free PDF here:https://mailchi.mp/boushiebabesphotography/pre-shoot-checklist

Hello Boushie Babes,

In this post we are going over our free downloadable Pre-Shoot Checklist.

We cover things like:

*When to start planning a shoot.

*We cover things for hair and makeup.

* Self-care before the shoot.

*Things to pack and when to pack them.

*props and ideas.

Do you know it usually takes 2 months to plan and prepare for a shoot, regardless of the type? With all the pre-shoot things like mani’s and pedi’s, and touch ups on hair, and the consults before the shoot as well. All shoots are interactive, they require both the photographer and the client to work together to create the perfect shoot.

Regardless of whether you choose Boushie Babes or another wonderful photographer you can use this checklist to help you prepare. The best part is it’s FREE. An email is required as it is a downloadable PDF.

Here is the link:

https://mailchi.mp/boushiebabesphotography/pre-shoot-checklist

Thank you Boushie Babes.