Alexandra Potora

Hi, I'm Alexandra! I make videos about the Journey👣 to Improve Everyday Life. I also love to share Beauty Tips, inspirational Posts, DIY Ideas, Fashion & Makeup Looks. Married💍 to the love of my life. Thank you for being on this journey with me! 🎈www.AlexandraPotora.com

[alexandrapotora]

Pink in hot chocolate season🍂. Planning a #giveaway with over $1,000 worth of beauty products as the prize. Skin care, makeup, the WORKS. I’m still thinking of the details, but I know for sure that it will be international, and NO “post”, “share”, “tag a friend” will be part of it. In a world so consumed by the craziness going on, I thought the least I could do is bring a smile to your beautiful face.⁣ ⁣ I’m thinking of maybe just asking you a question, and your comment would be the entry. What do you think? Excited? 👍 or 👎.⁣ ⁣ @morphebrushes 35N palette. ⁣ @artistcouture ‘Supernova’ diamond glow powder & inner corners blended out toward the center of the lid. ⁣ @eyekandycosmetics ‘Marshmallow sugar’ glitter. ⁣ @covergirl Exhibitionist uncensored mascara. ⁣ @anastasiabeverlyhills Dipbrow + Clear brow gel.⁣ ⁣ DIY✨Highlighter - recipe was sent via email & available to view to all new email friends (sign up is on alexandrapotora.com).⁣ ⁣ A dash of @doseofcolors ‘Mochi’ lipstick with @yensabeauty ‘Clear path’ Super 8 lip oil on top.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ Also, dropping some hashtags even though they’re all being c € n $ 0 r € d.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #happiness #wellbeing #beauty #skincare #makeup #skincarecommunity https://www.instagram.com/p/CHa699rrISQ/?igshid=z7tdgr5h2wnr

[alexandrapotora]

Today’s an emotional & meaningful day for me. ⁣ On this date- September 27th in 2002, I immigrated to America🇺🇸. At 7:30PM a @klm flight from Bucharest with layover in Minneapolis, landed🛬 in California. On board was an 18 yr old with lots of dreams & ambitions, starting a new life. ⁣ ⁣ For 5yrs prior, I worked many angles. I was an A-student, admitted into the Romanian-American University in Bucharest- to make sure student VISA could be a viable option. In my free time I worked hard to perfect the English accent. When I toured the US with the music band🎤 I was in, I networked with every Romanian I could, no matter how tired I was, just so I could build a network of support. ⁣ ⁣ At 7:35PM today, I will have officially lived longer in America than in Romania🇷🇴. ⁣ ⁣ And today, 18 yrs later, I provide Americans with jobs, I create American-made products🇺🇸, I work to inspire people from all parts of the world, I’ve built incredible relationships, provided my mom with a comfortable life... & I’m only getting started. ⁣ ⁣ I’m thankful to everyone who’s ever been in my life & thank YOU friends for supporting my work & being by my side. Thank you for being in my life & having me in yours! I couldn’t do what I do without the help I’ve gotten throughout my life & all the lessons I’ve learned. Sometimes the hard way. Moreover... Jeremiah. The love of my life. Because this life sure’s been Much better with him in it. ⁣ ⁣ Tonight we’re going to the 1st restaurant in America that WOW’d me. It’s old & the food is blah, but it has sentimental value. I’m also celebrating by opening up more. I don’t actually talk a lot about my past & all my experiences. But in 2020 I’ve been slowly changing that (started with the Mother’s Day post😌). ⁣ So I’ll leave you with a few memories of a life before America. 2 were sent by girlfriends here, who happened to find my music albums & 1 of the performances. ⁣ ⁣ Very grateful 🙏⁣ ⁣ 👉 If you’re not afraid of hard work, GO AFTER WHAT YOU WANT! Always & forever. Because no matter how long it may take to get there, a resilient & determined mind will always fucking get there. Just look at your friend Alex.⁣ ⁣ #romaniangirl #americanpatriot (at America) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFpS1GwnmK2/?igshid=102u5wrufj4pi

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🚨DIY for MASK-ACNE 😷🤭⁣ Heat🔥, friction, trapped oil & the conclusiveness of a mask are the perpetrators of mask acne. The warm & moist environment leads to overgrowth of bacteria while the obstruction & friction lead to irritation, contact dermatitis & rosacea, among other issues.⁣ ⁣ Keeping the skin hydrated with a Hyaluronic acid, properly exfoliating - glycolic acid (for normal/combo skin); salicylic acid (combo/oily); lactic acid (sensitive). Treatment with Benzoyl peroxide can help a lot (derm will be able to confirm what will work for YOUR skin type & specific concerns). When cleansing, consider a gentle cleanser ONLY.⁣ ⁣ Products🧴labeled oil-free & noncomedogenic will be your best friends.⁣ ⁣ Avoid makeup (at least in the area covered by the mask), but never skip sunscreen.⁣ ⁣ Avoiding fabric softeners when washing the mask & avoiding products that contain fragrance all together would be a good idea (that goes for skin care AND makeup💄).⁣ ⁣ If there are any areas of your skin that are raw or chaffed, an ointment at bedtime will be super helpful. Aquaphor Healing Ointment & Vaseline Petroleum Jelly are well-tolerated ointments.⁣ ⁣ DIY 🥣 MASK RECIPE:⁣ ½ TB KAOLIN clay.⁣ ½ TB BENTONITE clay.⁣ ½ TB GLYCERIN.⁣ Enough GREEN TEA to thicken mixture.⁣ ⁣ Always patch test 1st to avoid any product irritation or allergies.⁣ Check in with a dermatologist.⁣ ⁣ I used makeup to mimic the look of breakouts that many of you have sent me pictures of. A lot of you are having to deal with this & while I’ve sent countless packages to many nurses & doctors with hydrating products & acne-based products, I can’t keep up so a DIY was needed.⁣ ⁣ My lips looked bad because I bit them while sleeping from stress, don’t judge please.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #acneproblems #acnetips #diyprojects #diyideas #skincarediary #diybeauty #skincareblogger #diyblogger (at California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFaGbqGDkKp/?igshid=crzw1gjyk5hp

[alexandrapotora]

In memoriam of the jade ring I 💚d so much. One day I was so pissed with Jeremiah & we were arguing about - I don’t even remember what, that I slammed my hand on the table so hard in my “pissedness” & the ring you’d often ask where it’s from, shattered to pieces. ⁣ ⁣ We just celebrated 6 years of marriage & 11 years together. Everybody tells us what an amazing couple we are, and we ARE. But make no mistake, behind closed doors no relationship is perfect. So let’s not take to instagram for “relationship inspo”, people will only show us what they want us to see. ⁣ ⁣ *** One of the biggest relationship tips I can give you?⁣ ⁣ Take the 5️⃣ love languages test. ⁣ Google it, it’s free & it only takes a few minutes. Take it yourself & make sure your partner takes it too then share the results. ⁣ ⁣ Understanding HOW each other RECEIVES love, makes a world of difference in a relationship. My number one is acts of service, while Jeremiah’s is quality time. So he makes sure to help around the house & take some of the load off, whereas I make sure to schedule time for us to lay down on the couch together with snacks while watching a documentary (which is 1 of his favorite things to do together).⁣ ⁣ We originally took this test in 2014 & then again last year. Turns out our language priorities shifted a little, so I encourage you to take the test again every 3-4 years to keep a pulse on things. ⁣ ⁣ Have you taken the test already? 💖💖⁣ ⁣ What’s the no. 1 language for you? ⁣ There is quality time, acts of service, receiving gifts, physical touch and words of affirmation. ⁣ ⁣ https://www.instagram.com/p/CFIAGF9Hlko/?igshid=urpw6m1wum5o

[alexandrapotora]

BIG M O O D. ⁣ ⁣ Chloe update: she’s created her own routines. Sleeps all night 🙌, wakes up for morning potty then comes to mom’s side of the bed for cuddles. Off to treat her toys like they’re her worst enemies in life. ⁣ ⁣ 1.5 cans of kitty wet food (and messy eating) then grooming session on the couch and a couple hours of napping. ⁣ ⁣ Wakes up with energy to climb walls and doesn’t understand why mommy’s NOT OK with scratching the furniture, the carpet, the walls and door hinges 😪.⁣ ⁣ More napping (on her back with legs stretched out because it’s soothing). ⁣ ⁣ Round 2 of refusing to use the scratch poll because the chairs are far better. ⁣ ⁣ Watches TV. Cartoons and Real Housewives are life. ⁣ ⁣ More playing and everything in the color blue is to be exterminated. ⁣ ⁣ Meal time @ 7PM and more grooming on the couch. Sleep for 2 hours then waking up to release some demonic energy of sorts before bedtime. That includes running around in circles and rounds of jumping from chairs to couch, to chairs and back again. Chasing blue fish 🎣 and finally getting lured back into the bedroom when it’s time to stare at mommy doing her skincare routine. ⁣ ⁣ Any tips to get her to use the scratching poll will be appreciated. I’ve already tried 2 different types of cat nip. ⁣ ⁣ #scottishfold #bigmood ⁣ ⁣ https://www.instagram.com/p/CE2A6JwHELI/?igshid=o7vwkow2acp9

[alexandrapotora]

The BEST investment you'll ever make? ⁣ YOURSELF.⁣ The foundation for self confidence includes these steps (and I'll share what I'm doing too ☺️):⁣ ⁣ 1. Do 1 thing that you LOVE every day (for me, that's dancing. I dance every day as I do my morning skincare).⁣ ⁣ 2. Do 1 thing that relaxes you every day (scalp massage while watching TV).⁣ ⁣ 3. Do 1 thing that empowers you every day (saying my own affirmations).⁣ ⁣ 4. Learn something new every day (I read & observe a lot).⁣ ⁣ 5. Pick up a new skill (I'm working on my Spanish).⁣ ⁣ 6. Do something kind for your body every day (eating more veggies & taking vitamins).⁣ ⁣ 7. Work out every week (walking right now).⁣ ⁣ 8. Walk at least 15 minutes every day (if I don’t get to do it outside, I hop on the patio treadmill).⁣ ⁣ 9. Keep your space clean & clutter-free (OCD freak here).⁣ ⁣ 10. Visualize (every morning).⁣ ⁣ 11. Work on your outer beauty (getting better at hair & makeup & what accentuates my features).⁣ ⁣ 12. Work on your inner beauty (helping others in spite of personal feelings).⁣ ⁣ 13. Worry less about what others think of you; they’re not paying your bills (🙌🏻). ⁣ ⁣ Thought I’d share these tips & help spark what’s going to be a GREAT week for you!!⁣ ⁣ @morphebrushes artistry palette 39S.⁣ @pixibeauty Liquid fairy lights (Crystalline).⁣ @fentybeauty Flyliner (Cuz I'm black).⁣ @lashesbylena (Morgan).⁣ @toofaced Dew You full coverage fresh glow foundation (Almond) || Born this way concealer (Vanilla).⁣ @fentybeauty Sun stalk'r bronzer (Private island) || Diamond bomb (How many carats?!).⁣ @benefitcosmetics kaBROW (4).⁣ @ctilburymakeup Pillow Talk lip liner.⁣ #fentybeauty Gloss bomb (Diamond milk).⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #glowingskin #pinkeyeshadow #pinkmakeup #summermakeup #glowymakeup #lookgoodfeelgood #eyeliner #makeupinspo #brows #makeupofig #makeupideas https://www.instagram.com/p/CEkKCVSHJnm/?igshid=qpespyb6yd58

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3️⃣6️⃣⁣ From the bottom of my heart I thank you for the kind birthday wishes & messages. I will spend a couple of hours today working to respond to everyone. ⁣ ⁣ In this community I’ve learned over the years that you give to me just as much if not more, of what I give to you. It’s a 2-way line of communication, of inspiration & empowerment.⁣ ⁣ I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve you or deserve your kindness, but I want you to know that it’s incredibly cherished. It’s appreciated. I’m thankful for it & thankful for You.⁣ ⁣ 2020 has been a hard year on all of us. Everywhere. In more ways than one. But we are the kinds of people who push through the days when we are overwhelmed, live in gratitude for the good we have, and move forward with hope for the days to come. We are strong individually, even stronger in a community of like-minded people. ⁣ ⁣ I love you so much and thank you for making my life better, because you’re in it. And happy birthday to all my Virgos!!⁣ ⁣ ⁣ @nastygal dress.⁣ @aminahjillil shoes.⁣ ⁣ https://www.instagram.com/p/CEW_e41H-gA/?igshid=o8o3siv10xpa

[alexandrapotora]

That real life BTS➡️, right? I can’t!!😂⁣ Quick & easy 🌸 mani today. Got the “toppings“ from a store with AMAZING selections, but don’t recommend buying from then if you need items “timely”. @bornprettyofficial - made my purchase June 3rd & got the pkg📦 July 27. ⁣ ⁣ E ok sa ne asteptam sa primim ce-am cumparat in termen de-o luna, nu? Haha!!🤪.⁣ ⁣ How are you feeling today? ⁣ ⁣ This morning I signed up to get ✍️eNotifications when the 🏫City Council people in my city are having meetings open to the public. I’m especially interested in the Homeless Task Force. ⁣ I need to find out how to better support the local authorities in taking care of the homeless, properly providing for them (drug rehab & mental health a must) while keeping our cities clean, safe & in order. Today was step 1️⃣; I anticipate it will be a long road, but I no longer want to “speak” about issues, I want to proactively MAKE A DIFFERENCE in healing my community. I want to be PART of it. ⁣ ⁣ I see so many misinformed “influencers” here🤦‍♀️, who just post things because their counterparts are, or because they “think” it’s the right thing to do, when in fact they have hardly any substantial knowledge & are completely unaware of the repercussions their actions have. A lack of basic social-economical awareness & inability to digest ALL information is leading the 🐑🐑🐑. ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ I‘d like to do everything I can, to not be silly like that. I also don’t want to be the business owner solely caring about being “appealing” to the Instagram culture so people are more inclined to buy my products. I see them. And don’t want to sell my soul like that. I’d rather put my time & money where the differences actually come from. ⁣ ⁣ This year has been a year of 🌱awakening. Hard times bring the best or the worst in people. I choose to be better, wiser, more informed, more logical, less emotional, more pro-active, less reactive.⁣ ⁣ And hot damn this was LOADED 😂😂. It was just a nail post, right? 🤣🤣 hahah, I’m sending you love. ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #nailart #nailinspo #summernails #nailpolish #nailsofinstagram #nailsoftheday #nailsdid #summer2020 https://www.instagram.com/p/CDzMPKnHwlV/?igshid=1g09b7imeqe46

[alexandrapotora]

Productive start to the week:⁣ ⁣ • woke up at 6AM.⁣ • 10 min TM meditation with binaural waves done. ⁣ • 80% caught up on VREA emails. Left the hard 20% till after breakfast so I don’t come off like a hangry biatch. ⁣ • transitioned from Safari/Google search engine to Duck Duck - the difference in search results is huge! ⁣ • prepped wild salmon for breakfast after 14hrs fasting. ⁣ • got my vitamins ready.⁣ • posting on IG now (bout fucking time!).⁣ • about to enjoy the food & look into what could be done in terms of accountability - about the Epstein flight logs where BILL CLINTON & PRINCE ANDREW are marked as flying to “Pedophile Island” with underage girls (read: KIDS) - yet the media is drowning the story. Covering it up AGAIN apparently, because they’ve been doing so for years. Look up: “𝘼𝘽𝘾 𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙧 𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙩 𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙀𝙥𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙞𝙣” if you want a doozy. Buckle up tho, it’s a spinner. ⁣ ⁣ Anyhow, that’s it for my morning, will see how long it lasts 😌 - how’s yours doing?⁣ ⁣ @itcosmetics CC cream in “Light”.⁣ @toofaced “Gingerbread Tan” spicy bronzer because I don’t stop using “seasonal” products until they’re done 😁.⁣ @benefitcosmetics kaBROW “4” + DIY brow pomade.⁣ DIY highlighter - recipe previously emailed.⁣ @revlon So fierce vinyl eyeliner in “861 mighty mocha”. ⁣ @hourglasscosmetics Unlocked mascara. ⁣ @thelipbar “Cosmo” lipstick. ⁣ @asos earrings. ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #redlips #redlipstick #brows #browshape #asseenonme #glowingskin #skincare #glowymakeup #glowyskin⁣ ⁣ ⁣ https://www.instagram.com/p/CDuCOW8HHdJ/?igshid=1rqbr0s5ywfi4

[alexandrapotora]

Free hand abstract #nailart design using @opi infinite shine2 polish in color “I’m on a sushi roll”. 🍤 ⁣ ⁣ I’ve been taking some time off social media to focus a lot more on our businesses (@vreacosmetics my sweet angel 👼baby included). ⁣ ⁣ It’s been really nice to be honest, but the drawback is that I’m missing YOU. Seeing you in comments everyday... From the poll in stories 2 days ago about how you’re feeling, I saw that the majority of you “could be better” & I totally related with that. ⁣ I’ve been honestly drained by online ignorance, dramas, people STANing for things they don’t really understand & people who forgot where they came from... ⁣ ⁣ It’s all been feeling ICKY if you know what I mean & I’m really not about that life. ⁣ ⁣ I will absolutely continue creating content online, but will be modifying when & how I post. I want to create what I want/when I want, without being tied to a “daily schedule”. ⁣I will also do more in stories. ⁣ Doing that will allow me to share more personal, everyday moments, create more elaborate tips-driven posts that carry more value ➕ continue focusing on the business side of my life; something I don’t really talk about often. ⁣ ⁣ Frankly, I enjoy making money, making moves, and building a legacy far more than I enjoy stressing over likes & people’s bullshit online. ⁣ ⁣ You’ll see me on the cover of @forbes in the next 10 years, mark my words. But I will get there will less talkie and more walkie, you know what I mean?⁣ ⁣ Cheers to new beginnings, more mental freedom, cheers to us keeping our priorities straight, minding our own business & building SOMETHING of ourselves. ⁣ ⁣ AGREED?⁣ ⁣ ⁣ Oh how I missed nail posts!! ⁣ ⁣ #nailinspo #nailpolish #nailsofinstagram #nailsoftheday #nailsdid #manicuremonday ⁣ https://www.instagram.com/p/CCUAaN4nLdd/?igshid=auxe0oh06mwk

[alexandrapotora]

Sitting here mind blown, watching the Susan Yara, Tati, Jeffree & Shane Dawson’s of the world, make a mockery of an industry that I love so much.⁣ ⁣ I’m so tired of their drama & all of them tbh! I’m tired of people who lie, deceive, break the law in some cases🤦‍♀️, not-give-a-💩 about the people who follow them;⁣ ⁣ I’m tired of the disrespect, the drags, I’m over it all!⁣ ⁣ These people need to eat their skincare & makeup so they‘ll be more beautiful on the inside.⁣ ⁣ Please ⛔️STOP FOLLOWING & SUPPORTING them & people like them if you are so already!!⁣ ➡️ YOU as a human, as a social media supporter & consumer as well, YOU DESERVE BETTER‼️⁣ ⁣ ⛔️ STOP justifying disgusting, deceiving, drama-filled behaviors. STOP being OK with being lied to❗️DEMAND more from the people you “follow”❗️⁣ ⁣ There are so many other creators out there, smaller but more educated. People that actually KNOW what they’re talking about. People that don’t make their 💵 critiquing other people or bringing others down. People who do what they do for reasons beyond fame & money. I’m tired & it breaks my heart to see how all these bad behaviors are being rewarded as opposed to punished.⁣ ⁣ Aaand... I’m done😶⁣ Sorry, it’s just gotten so overwhelming to be part of a beauty community that’s poisoned by the people at the “top of the pyramid”.⁣ ⁣ On another note... 😅 My 1st video filmed on my phone, what do you think?⁣ ⁣ Do you like the camera hand-held or prefer a still front camera❓⁣ ⁣ Do you like the video in shorter slides or prefer one long one❓⁣ ⁣ @tatcha the silk canvas primer ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ @maccosmetics strobe cream (goldlite)⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ @beautyblender Bounce foundation (2.30) || concealer (2.20N)⁣⁣⁣ @ctilburymakeup Magic powder⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ eyeliner combo: @nyxcosmetics extreme shine eyeliner (Azure) / @morphebrushes color pencil (Pool side)⁣⁣⁣ @toofaced Better than sex mascara⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ @morphebrushes brow cream (Java) ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ BROW SOAP - DIY on 5/25.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ @ipsy x @gigigorgeous The sick sculpt bronzer duo (Turnt + Extra)⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ @ofracosmetics (Everglow) highlighter⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ @kkwbeauty lip liner (Classic icon) || lipstick (1.5 Nude) || Aura lip gloss. https://www.instagram.com/p/CCHPVa-HQq1/?igshid=1imugiws4ycid

[alexandrapotora]

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HOME REMEDY🥣 for DRY EYELIDS 👀⁣ If you know me, you know I’ve had to deal with this for a really long time.⁣ What causes the dry skin?⁣ It could be:⁣ · Weather conditions or the climate you live in (i.e. low humidity, dry weather, seasonal changes).⁣ · Excessive use of hot water.⁣ · Not removing makeup properly.⁣ · Harsh ingredients & fragrances.⁣ · Excessive rubbing.⁣ · Aging.⁣ · Allergies.⁣ ⁣ Please check in with a doctor to make sure it’s not a more serious condition like contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, or blepharitis.⁣ ⁣ Things to do at home that help:⁣ · Use a humidifier (it brings moisture into the room).⁣ · Choose fragrance-free cleansers & products.⁣ · Temporarily try Aquaphor healing ointment or Vaseline. (@aquaphorus @vaselinebrand - not sponsored).⁣ · Avoid hot water.⁣ · Be careful when spraying perfume on yourself.⁣ · Don’t sleep with your contacts in.⁣ · Consider an air purifier.⁣ · Always double check product expiration dates.⁣ · Follow an anti-inflammatory diet avoiding processed junk food, baked goods high in sugar & highly processed oils.⁣ · Consider drinking half your weight in fluid ounces of water (i.e. If I weigh 140 lbs, I aim for 70 fl oz of water per day).⁣ · Try not to touch the eyes & eyelids.⁣ · Cold compresses daily can help with relief.⁣ ⁣ WHY THIS MIXTURE HELPS:⁣ Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties & is a powerhouse of antioxidants that help protect skin from free-radical damage.⁣ ⁣ Aloe Vera is also packed with antioxidants & anti-inflammatory benefits & is extremely soothing for dry skin.⁣ ⁣ If choosing to try the same method I use to apply my eye cream, please be careful not to get any transferred into the eyes.⁣ Patch-test all products & mixtures FIRS, on a small skin area ideally where the ear lobe & jaw meet. Allow for 48 hrs to fully judge if no allergies occur.⁣ ⁣ Thank you so much for watching & liking – it really means a lot to me!⁣ ⁣ Music by @ellimoore - Gateway via @hellothematic https://www.instagram.com/p/CCB3PXGnler/?igshid=1ur8tjszsdem

[alexandrapotora]

“Train your mind to see the good in everything. Positivity is a choice. The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts”. ⁣ ⁣ Don’t we all agree?⁣ That’s easier said than done though; but that’s when we must push ourselves to visualize💭, pray or meditate🧘‍♀️ , go for a walk outside or write down 5 things we’re grateful for and why. Make it a point to eat healthy, engage in a hobby/ something that stimulates our minds & senses. ⁣ ⁣ Choosing to look for happiness when we don’t feel it or see it, that’s a skill that improves the quality of life, of our health & relationships. ⁣ ⁣ I’ve been clinically diagnosed with depression & mild ADHD. ⁣ Many days I have to fight to see the things I should be happy for. But while it’s easier to feel down, that spiral will make life worst, much harder & less successful. ⁣ So I get it! Over the past few day I’ve felt like that again. ⁣ But instead of feeling sad, not accomplishing much, giving myself a guilt trip for feeling this way & feeling worst as a result (because now I’m not only down, I’m a lazy & “ungrateful bitch” as well)... so instead of allowing myself to stay down, I did a 5 minute guided meditation🕉, stretched for a few minutes, took a little social media time off, visualized myself doing what makes me feel happy, on some of the days I walked, had some hot water with lemon🍋& on another day I even spent a little time doing something with my hair other than just comb it - which I consider part of the effort to feel better😅.⁣ ⁣ So here’s to us my friends!⁣ Here’s to our physical health, mental health, happiness & success. ⁣ ⁣ May we have a killer new week ahead.⁣ I love💗 you. ⁣ ⁣ @asos top to bottom.⁣ https://www.instagram.com/p/CB_e7_pHWKo/?igshid=15uo7lw67wznl

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🥣 DIY for KERATOSIS PILARIS⁣ Q: What is it?⁣ A: Redness & bumpiness on upper arms (sometimes cheeks/thighs) caused by clogged follicles. Often called "chicken skin”, the patches of irritation are usually accompanied by rough texture & milia.⁣ KP is not well understood but often genetic & tends to disappear after 30.⁣ Chemical & enzyme exfoliantors help keep the follicles free of keratin & alleviate the rough feeling.⁣ ⁣ Creams derived from vitamin A (topical retinol/retinoids) work by promoting cell turnover & preventing clogged follicles.⁣ These products can irritate & dry the skin so adequate hydrating/moisturizing protocols are needed as well as the use of sunscreen. I use @pcaskin retinol products.⁣ If pregnant or nursing, the doctor may suggest delaying retinoids or choosing another treatment.⁣ Always patch-test 1st.⁣ ⁣ See the latest blog post about this, for more lifestyle tips that will help IMMENSELY & tag a friend in the comments who could benefit from the info.⁣ ⁣ INGREDIENTS:⁣ Blueberries⁣ Strawberries⁣ Yogurt⁣ - I make a little extra to snack on 😋.⁣ ⁣ If using vegan yogurt find out if lactic acid bacteria was used in making it. Most commercially used lactic acid is fermented from carbohydrates such as cornstarch, potatoes or molasses & therefore is dairy-free.⁣ The lactic acid in yogurt helps break down keratin buildup.⁣ ⁣ Blueberries have a high concentration of salicylates (aka the salt of salicylic acid). Salicylic acid is used in topical acne products because of its ability to remove dead skin, open clogged pores & act against bacteria. ⁣ ⁣ Strawberries are rich in vitamin C - aka 1 of the most effective antioxidants, as well as alpha lipoic acid. Together, they not only protect skin from free radicals but help brighten it. Strawberries are powerful hydrators & skin-softeners as well.⁣ ⁣ This could also be used as an exfoliating mask for acne-prone skin.⁣ ⁣ Music by @discoshrine - Wanna Get Away via @hellothematic⁣ ⁣ #keratosispilaris #acneskin #acne #pimples #naturalskincare #skincare #acneproblems #organicbeauty #organicskincare #acnejourney #beautyvideo #breakouts #videotutorial #acnetreatment #glowingskin https://www.instagram.com/p/CBtKHNoHuBC/?igshid=zjvgfkut4cg1

[alexandrapotora]

"It was June, and the world smelled of roses. The sunshine was like powdered gold over the grassy hillside." I thought this quote by Maud Hart Lovelace will make June feel, smell, sound & look better than the June we’ve been living in. ⁣ ⁣ The air has been heavy, but at the end of the day there’s always hope & I think that this year has only made us better & stronger humans. H U M A N s. So I’m sitting here eyes closed, imagining the smell of roses 🌹🌹 and powdered gold sunshine over grassy hillsides. ⁣ ⁣ Close your eyes - can you smell them too?⁣ ⁣ ⁣ If you're interested in winning the prize I’ll share in stories today, please like this pic & drop me a “🌼” in the comments. ⁣ ⁣ Tutorial coming next.⁣ I originally saw this look on Pinterest & had to track the artist to give her credit. So I did, and I found her. And she’s beautiful & really talented - @cecimansurmakeup. ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ @coverfx Power play concealer (white).⁣ @morphebrushes x @jamescharles palette (flashback).⁣ @bhcosmetics Summer in St Tropez palates (crepe, intoxicating).⁣ Flower - @mehronmakeup detailz liquid eyeliner (white) & @tartecosmetics clay pot (goldilocks) for yellow. ⁣ @lashesbylena (in style Morgan)❗️Black owned businesses, try looking them up if you can. Any support we can give BIPOC businesses, the better. ⁣ @maybelline tattoo studio gel pencil liner (polished white). ⁣ @rimmellondonus Volume flash Scandaleyes mascara.⁣ @anastasiabeverlyhills Dipbrow (Medium Brown) + clear brow gel. ⁣ ⁣ Full transparency: I played around with the contrast & saturation of the picture to make the yellow a little brighter because - while I was going for a mellow yellow (to match the whole light pastel mood I’ve been feeling lately), the shades were a little underwhelming in this palette.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #pastelcolors #yellowmakeup #yelloweyeshadow #clearskin #summermakeup #springmakeup #pastelmakeup #flowermakeup #fullglam #prettylashes #cutelook #fridaymood #glowyskin https://www.instagram.com/p/CBqaekQHPGG/?igshid=l8gjms4qsmtq

[alexandrapotora]

It’s so important to keep the conversation going, because equality is everything! I’ve been continuing to weekly email the governor & district attorney. Now I’m writing an email addressing the education system - and how schools🏫 shouldn’t be in such large part funded by local property taxes, since that’s what generates the large gap between the wealthy & impoverished neighborhoods. ⁣ ⁣ A better system in place will help uplift the schools in redlined neighborhoods & with better access to education, more lives will be positively impacted. ⁣ That’s one of the key factors IMO to actual change. And while I appreciate the dudes in my neighborhood startling all the neighborhood dogs with commemorative fireworks at 9:50 every night, it’s solution-based actions that will actually Create Change. ⁣ ⁣ While I do my part & continue to educate myself more in the process, I wanted to take a moment & also share with you a few of the black creators I follow, that are so much more talented with the makeup brush than I am (among many other things). They’re very inspiring. The effort to support black artists can’t stop! ⁣ ⁣ @ulovemegz ⁣ @tailormadejane ⁣ @modah ⁣ @prettywithlee ⁣ @savannahsylver ⁣ @aminamarie ⁣ @teairawalker ⁣ @itsmyrayeraye ⁣ @shahdbatal ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ Tutorial for this look, next.⁣ ⁣ @beautyblender Bounce foundation (2.30).⁣ @lashesbylena (in style Morgan)❗️Black owned businesses, I recommend checking it up. ⁣ @anastasiabeverlyhills Dipbrow (Medium Brown) + clear brow gel. ⁣ @thebalm bahama mama bronzer || the Balmfire highlighting shadow/blush duo (Dusk). ⁣ Used my own DIY cream highlighter (tutorial emailed last month).⁣ @toofaced (Dreamsicle) comfort lip glaze. ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #pastelcolors #yellowmakeup #yelloweyeshadow #clearskin #summermakeup #springmakeup #pastelmakeup #flowermakeup #fullglam #prettylashes #cutelook #fridaymood #glowyskin⁣ ⁣ https://www.instagram.com/p/CBn6tItHko-/?igshid=1umgszr8rxhjz

[alexandrapotora]

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Last nail tutorial was on March 27, 2018. It explains why I’m terrible at technique right now & having a hard time with a simple daisy looking like a sunny-side-up egg 🍳. ⁣ ⁣ I had no choice but to remove all gels, acrylics & polishes when I started aesthetics school & I hated it at first. We couldn’t even have a clear top coat, nothing!⁣ My nails were brittle, awfully tragic; I was really self conscious & trying to hide my nails every time I’d hold something. You know that finger curling to hide ratchet nails? Know what I’m talking about? 😂.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ After 4 months though, they started regaining strength & tbh I’m really loving a short, square tip with a good glossy top coat right now💗💗. 3.5 months of school left & I don’t think I’ll go back to acrylics after that. I think I’m done with that. ⁣ ⁣ So thank you for watching today, your support means a lot!⁣ I love you, and if you’d like to win the skincare goodies I shared in stories, like this video & drop me a 🌼. Open for 1 hour only. ⁣ ⁣ Happy almost FriYAY!!⁣ ⁣ ⁣ @opi (Alpine Snow) ⁣ @sugarbabelosangeles (Sunset)⁣ ⁣ ⁣ Music by @mysmmusic - Can't Get Over via @hellothematic⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #manicureideas #nailsinstagram #nailpolish #manicure_ideas #lovespring #nailartvideos #nailartwow #maniinsta #shortnails #nailsdid #springnails #nailvideo #nailtutorial #easynailart #mynails https://www.instagram.com/p/CBlmdO-Hzow/?igshid=6h8ud3kl64b0