Pammy Blogs Beauty: July 2013





Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Caudalie's Divine Scrub: A Heavenly Scrub for Your Body

 Affiliate Link Birchblogger

New Birchbox Shop Item: Caudalie's Divine Scrub
I am a total fan of Caudalie's Facial Skincare. So, when Birchbox asked me (as a Birchblogger) to review their new launch, Caudalie's Divine Scrub, I eagerly agreed! Body Scrubs are a standard item for me in the shower. I use them at least 2-3 times a week. I just love the way a good scrub makes my skin look and feel. 
Caudalie's Divine Scrub:
This is a luxurious scrub which softens and smooths your skin with brown sugar and four exotic oils (grape, argan, hibiscus, and sesame). This scrub gently exfoliates while leaving your skin softly scented. Speaking of the scent...O.M.G!!! This scent is truly...divine! The scent is a Caudalie's Divine Fragrance: a combination of grapefruit, rose, pink pepper, vanilla, cedar, and white musk. Do you know what this scent reminds me of? My homemade melt-and-pour soaps! I scent them with this "rain" fragrance (or at least I think that is the name of the scent, it might be "vanilla rain", there is no longer a label on my soap fragrance bottle) which smells just like this!!!

The scrub itself is very dense. I just scoop a little bit out with my fingers and work it over my body after cleansing. I like that there is almost a creaminess to this product as you work it over your skin. While this product is formulated with oils, it somehow does not leave you (nor your shower) feeling greasy! My skin is left feeling smooth, moisturized, and beautifully scented. I am completely in love with this scrub!

The Skinny:
Caudalie's Divine Scrub is available at the Birchbox online shop (launched mid-July)

Are you a Caudalie fan, too? What products do you like from the line? As a fan of this Divine scent, I would love to scope out their other items that carry this gorgeous fragrance!!! This scent is so amazing that I would wear it in any form! Next time you are browsing the Birchbox Shop, be sure to check out this scrub! :)

As always, thanks for reading!
XOXO!!!

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Nail Of the Day: butter LONDON's "The Royals Collection" Pitter Patter (NOTD)

 Affiliate Link Press Sample

I will fully admit to being a "Royal-Watcher"! I adore Kate and think that she is absolutely beautiful. Plus, I love her classic style! So, as you can imagine, I am pretty excited about butter LONDON's limited edition "The Royals Collection".

Recently, butter LONDON launched Pitter Patter, their most aristocratic shade to commemorate the exciting news of a royal bun in Princess Kate’s oven. Now butter LONDON is overjoyed to introduce The Royals, a collection of regal purples inspired by everyone’s favorite blue-bloods. The trio features Pitter Patter, and also brings back fan-favorite nail lacquers in No More Waity, Katie and Lillibet’s Jubilee to ensure the world looks posh from tips to toes while celebrating William and Kate's new baby boy! :)

No More Waity, Katie was created two years ago in celebration of Will and Kate’s engagement and impending nuptials. The soft lilac glitter nail lacquer is the perfect marriage of coquettishness and grace.

Lillibet’s Jubilee was created in honour of last summer’s Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. This commemorative nail lacquer winks at the Queen’s childhood nickname and catches the light with a silver-lavender sheen that captures the youth of Britain’s reigning monarch.

Pitter Patter:
What a gorgeous deep purple shade! While I typically wear lighter or brighter shades this time of year on my nails, I just can't resist this elegant royal purple shade! It makes for such a sophisticated manicure! Plus, I can't resist the adorable name (especially since I, too, am expecting a baby!!!). :)

The Skinny:
You can purchase the entire collection (if it is still available) for $39 on butter LONDON's site.

What are you loving on your nails lately? Are you going to scope out this limited edition "The Royals Collection" from butter LONDON? Are you a Royal-Watcher like me? 

XOXO!!!


Monday, July 29, 2013

Guess What? Expecting Baby #2!

 Ad Unit in Post

Hello there my readers! 

Well, it is time for the "official" announcement! While I have let it slip here-and-there on social media and within some of my blog posts, I decided that news of a new baby deserves its own announcement post! :)

Soooo...I am very excited to announce that we are expecting baby #2!!! I am 13 weeks along and the baby is due January 30th 2014. We are just so happy to be adding a new baby to our family! No, we do not know the baby's sex yet, but we are excited to find out in the near future! :)

As you can imagine, you will be seeing some pregnancy-related blog posts in the future. In particular, I want to focus on pregnancy-safe skincare as well as special products that pamper a tired, pregnant woman (me!). I might even slip some posts in here-and-there with nursery decorating updates, etc. I don't want to digress too much from the main beauty focus of my blog. However, with a new baby on the way and a new home to decorate. My personal as well as blogging interests have broadened from beauty and beauty products into a larger home and baby scope. Would you all be interested in hearing more about home decor and baby stuff? 

As always thanks so much for reading! It is really fun sharing personal news with you all every now-and-then! :) 

xoxo!!!


Saturday, July 27, 2013

The Beauty Spotlight Team: Top 10 Self Tanners

Affiliate Link


Summer is flying by, but there is still time to become a gorgeous beach goddess.  No, it's not about slathering on some zero SPF Hawaiian Tropic and pan-frying yourself poolside.  Lisa from Beauty Info Zone shares her top ten recommendations for self tanners that will get you bronzed up for the day, or for a few weeks.  Check it out and discover ten different ways to instantly earn that beach goddess status!



Friday, July 26, 2013

Get Fabulous Curls: NuMe's Reverse Wand Review *PLUS Giveaway for a NuMe Classic Wand (and Discount Code)

 Affiliate Link Press Sample


Have you ever heard of a Reverse Wand Curling Iron? I am so excited about this Reverse Wand from NuMe! It is my new favorite tool for creating gorgeous waves and curls!

NuMe's Reverse Wand is so unique! It is larger at the tip and the barrel tapers narrower towards the handle. This reverse cone shape gives you curls that are larger at the roots and narrower towards the ends of your hair. So darn cool!!! I absolutely love the effect!
NuMe offers many wands in their Classic Curling Wand Collection: 13, 19, 25, and 32 inch Wands (in and assortment of colors), the Pearl Curling Wand, and the Reverse Wands (in an assortment of colors). The retail for a normal price of $225 each but are currently on sale for $159 each.
  • 100% tourmaline-infused ceramic wand
  • • Innovative clip-less design for crease-free curls
  • • Heats up to 210°C (410°F)
  • • Infrared heat technology
  • • Negative ion technology
  • • Ergonomic design
  • • Dual voltage 110v-240v (50-60Hz)
  • • Power: 45w (USA) and 25w (Canada)
  • • Heat-resistant glove included

To read about my tips on how to use the NuMe Reverse Curl wand (and see my photo tutorial), hear about NuMe's Pure Remedy Hair Repair Mask, and to enter the GIVEAWAY, please click "read more" below!

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Butter LONDON Colour Clash Collection: Gorgeous Brights and White!

 Affiliate Link Press Sample


Looking for some new nail color to take you from Summer-to-Fall? Well, then you must check out this new Colour Clash Collection from Butter LONDON

The Colour Clash Collection is a chic, surprising new collection of brights and whites that are perfectly on-trend to take your look from summer to fall. The collection includes vibrant bright nail lacquers in Wellies, Pimms, Cake Hole, Silly Billy and Giddy Kipper that can add a much-needed pop of color to any look. Ready to rock out in white? Sport a trendy white-nail with Cotton Buds, which can also be used underneath nail art to punch up any color. 


Candy Corn Mani??? ;)
I tried out an assortment of polishes from this gorgeous collection. I had to lol a bit when I opened up my package as the assortment that I got totally reminded me of Candy Corn: Silly Billy (orange), Cotton Buds (white), and Pimms (yellow). No, I wouldn't wear them all together...but, really, these shades combined would make a fabulous Candy Corn manicure for Halloween this year!!! :) 


All Candy Corn joking aside, these shades really are beautiful. They are all creme colors. Like all Butter LONDON polishes, I am very pleased with the application and wear of the lacquers. My favorite of the group is Cotton Buds as I am a perennial fan of white nail polish. I just find it so flattering!!! Plus, it is such a useful base shade under glitters. Currently, I love wearing Cotton Buds on my tips and Silly Billy on my toes. Such pretty shades!!!

The Skinny:
These polishes are available for $15 each at Butter LONDON


Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Get A Super Glossy Shine with Estee Lauder's Pure Color High Gloss

 Affiliate Link Press Sample

Do you love the look of a super high gloss shine for your lips? If you do, then you are going to LOVE Estee Lauder's Pure Color High Gloss Lipglosses!!!
Estee Lauder Pure Color High Gloss Lipgloss absolutely drenches your lips with a high-shine hydrating wet-look gloss finish. The gloss has a sticky feel. While I am not always a fan of super sticky gloss, I do appreciate that the tacky feel of this gloss helps it to be much longer wearing. The glossy finish of this Pure Color Gloss is quite long lasting for a gloss. The gloss has a slightly fruity scent and the formula is hydrating. I tested out the Pure Color Gloss in shade #01 Crystal Clear which is a clear gloss. Estee Lauder Pure Color High Gloss is available in 6 shades.
A clear gloss is a must-have in any makeup collection. It is pretty to wear on its own, to wear over any lip color, or to just use a dab on the center of your lips to give the illusion of fullness. 

UK readers: You can find this gorgeous gloss at Harrods!

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Move Update: We are in our new house!

  Ad Unit in Post

Hello my dear readers! Just a quick post today to give ya'll an update! :) 

We are finally in our new house! The process has been not only exhausting; but, also very exciting! We and are slowly and surely getting settled in. I am still living amongst many unpacked boxes. I must get this house organized before diving back into in-depth product testing and blog writing.

I hope that you all have been enjoying my pre-scheduled posts and guest posts from my wonderful fellow bloggers. Pre-scheduled content will continue to run through next week. I will continue to participate again with Top Ten Tuesdays as well as Makeup Wars beginning next month. I have been trying to keep up with emails and social media as much as I can during this move. So, no worries if your comments are not approved right away. I will approve comments when I am online. :) 

Thanks for being such loyal readers! 
XOXO!!!



Thursday, July 18, 2013

Make Mine a Double: How Antioxidants Make Sunscreens Work Better (Guest Post from Ritual Beauty)

 Affiliate Link


We all know the importance of wearing sunscreen.  Obviously, you need to wear it when you are going to be outside but it is also important to wear it every day under makeup to help prevent the damage caused by incidental sun exposure.  But did you know that by adding antioxidants to your skin care routine, you can pump up the effectiveness of your sunscreen?  Even though sunscreen protects against harmful ultraviolet rays, free radicals can still get past your sunscreen and cause damage speeding up the aging process.  When antioxidants are applied underneath a sunscreen, you create two layers of protection against UV rays and free radicals.

Am I telling you to add another product to your skin care routine?  Well, yes and no.  More and more companies are adding antioxidants to their products so there is a good chance, you may already be using them.  If not, either add or switch your current moisturizer or treatment product for one that does contain antioxidants.  

There are a number of great antioxidants available in skin care products today.  Below are some to look for that not only fight free radicals but have other positive benefits to the skin (did someone say multitasker?).  Look for products that include a blend of antioxidants because when it comes to these powerhouse ingredients, more is better.

Vitamin A’s two most common forms are retinols and carotenoids.  While retinols have been used for years in skin care products to treat wrinkles, research has shown that carotenoids may play a role in preventing UV-induced collagen breakdown.

Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid and comes from citrus fruit.  Besides being a potent antioxidant, Vitamin C helps promote collagen production and plays a role in immune function.

Vitamin E may be listed as tocopherol and helps improve circulation and repair tissue.  It works even better when paired with Vitamin C.

Coffee Berry or Coffea Arabica is considered to be one of the strongest antioxidants available, has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used by those with sensitive skin.

Green Tea has antibacterial, anti fungal and anti-inflammatory properties and research has found that the active ingredient in green tea may help slow down the aging process.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is actually an antioxidant enzyme.  Research has shown that this enzyme can penetrate the skin and reduce wrinkles.

As I said before, you can’t overdo it when it comes to antioxidants.  Most of the antioxidants listed above come from foods such as carrots, citrus and avocados.  Make sure you incorporate lots of fruits and vegetables to your diet every day to fight free radicals from the inside out.

Dawn is the founder and president of skin care company Ritual Beauty to help women Look.Feel.Be. their best.  Even though she loves all things beauty, Dawn recognized at an early age that makeup could only do so much.  This has led to a lifelong pursuit of healthy skin.   Her blog covers skin care tips and advice, product reviews, beauty news and trends.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Pretty Pink Nail-Of-The-Day from "Glittery Fingers & Sparkling Toes" (guest post)

 Affiliate Link


Hi Y’all!!  I am so thrilled to be here! While the wonderful Pam is moving, she asked me to fill in with a guest post.  Yea!!  I love her and her blog and am honored she asked.   

I’m Dionne of Glittery Fingers &Sparkling Toes! My blog is mainly a nail art blog, but with a twist.  Every post I do comes with the tutorial on how to do the look and directions for both natural and acrylic nails!  I feel there’s no reason why we can’t all do our nails J  I do also review make up and other beauty products…but yep, mainly nails.  I’m also a member of Metro Atlanta Beauty Bloggers, a homeschooling mom to a beautiful ballerina, my only two legged child.  I also have two wonderful four legged kids, Japanese Chins, I’m married and I have a slightly obsessive obsession with Johnny Depp!

So when Pam asked for a mani, I knew immediately I wanted it to be pink.  When I think of Pam, I think of pink, lol.  So here is today’s post:
 
For this look I used:
  • China Glaze- Beach Cruise-R (a dark neon pink crรจme)
  • Orly- Choreographed Chaos (light pink with a light blue shimmer)
  • Revlon- Grape (dark purple frost)
  • Orly- Miss Conduct (dark pink polish with dark pink and holographic micro glitter)
  • Dotting Tools
This was a fun and easy mani to do and you don’t need any special tools.  I started with two coats of China Glaze Beach Cruise-R.  Once that dries, it’s time to start dotting.  All you need are two different sized dots. Things you can use: a toothpick, a pen, a straight pin…anything that will make a dot.  Then just start dotting.  I made my dots in a kind of horizontal line with the ring finger’s line going the opposite way.  But you can put the dots however you want.  Just be careful not to do too many.  Less is more with this design.  And the directions are the same for natural and acrylic nails.

I hope you had fun with today’s mani!  I certainly had fun being here!!  And here’s to hoping Pam gets back soon!  Happy Polishing!!
 

Monday, July 15, 2013

Dermalogica's MultiVitamin Power Serum: Guest Post by Teri from Beautiful Makeup Search

 Affiliate Link Press Sample

Guest post by Teri Cosenzi, Beautiful Makeup Search
 
If you are thinking about going the Retin A route in your anti-aging efforts, but are concerned about possible irritation, this new Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Serum ($65.00) is a great alternative. Using microencapsulation technology, this specialized serum is much more gentle, yet still very effective.
This microencapsulation technology enables Dermalogica to load a higher amount of vitamin actives into liposomes, resulting in greater vitamin stability, optimized dosage and greater skin penetration, with prolonged release to the skin. Phew. That's a lot, but it works as it results in a higher level of treatment to reverse the signs of aging skin with the most effective vitamins and ingredients.
Vitamins A, C and E penetrate deep into the layers of skin to deliver a higher dosage of ingredients. What does this do? Well it helps to decrease fine lines and age spots while at the same time it stimulates collagen formation to help decrease further sun damage from happening. Skins elasticity levels are strengthened with a protein peptide that overrides biochemical triggers that lead to skin aging in the first place.  In addition to these stabilized vitamins, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, an ester of Retinoic Acid, works similar to prespctiption Retin-A, but without the irritation, that I stated above.
I like to use this velvety serum in the day, as a last step in my skin care routine, and that means after moisturizer and sunscreen. It is so velvety smooth that it doubles as a wonderful makeup primer.
A savvy beauty expert, Teri Cosenzi is the creator of beautifulmakeupsearch.com.  For 12 years, she has brought the latest and greatest in makeup and beauty news, reviews and beauty tips to the web. Teri lives, dreams and blogs beauty!

Saturday, July 13, 2013

The Beauty Spotlight Team: Top 10 Eyeshadows from Beauty Info Zone


Every other week the Beauty Spotlight Team spotlights one of our bloggers with a special post. It’s Marcia from Beauty Info Zone’s turn and she has a Top 10 list that was created after she bought one special eyeshadow. See what eyeshadow changed her life and what she now says are her favorites.


Friday, July 12, 2013

"Your Most Beautiful You" Collection from IT Cosmetics: July 13th QVC Special Value Kit!!! (first impressions)

 Affiliate Link Press Sample

Wow! What a great deal! I just had to share about this QVC special value "Your Most Beautiful You" Collection from one of my favorite brands: IT Cosmetics! 

A bit about IT: 
IT Cosmetics is an innovative cosmetics company that features anti-aging formulas in their color cosmetics. This seems to be a trend with cutting edge cosmetics companies. I, for one, would much rather use cosmetics that pack in extra anti-aging ingredients that are proven to work! I am in my late 30s and want to do everything that I can to fight off age! Plus, I just feel better about using cosmetics with skin-loving ingredients like antioxidants.

IT Cosmetics makes product that are cruelty free! Also, the products are free of talc, parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, mineral oil, petrolatum, synthetic fragrance, and phthalates. Overall, this is a fabulous brand and I have literally loved everything that I have tried from IT Cosmetics! The products are really amazing! :)


The "Your Most Beautiful You" Collection from IT Cosmetics:
This "Your Most Beautiful You" Collection gives you all you need for dark circle coverage, illumination, glossy lips, fabulous brows, and flawless brush application. The kit contains not only fabulous bestsellers, but also a brand new product, and two amazing brushes. Since I literally just got this kit and want you to know about it right away so that you might take advantage of the special QVC offer, I am doing a "first impressions" review! :)

Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer:
I am no stranger to this product! I am actually already a fan and use this product all the time. This concealer is a cult-favorite and one of IT Cosmetics bestsellers! The ingredients and coverage of this product are extremely impressive. You only need the smallest amount of this product for complete, opaque coverage. If you have very dark under eye circles (like me!), then you totally need to try this! I love how it covers completely without looking or feeling heavy or cakey. This is a feat in the under eye area. Plus, it treats your skin with hydrolyzed collagen and Vitamin K. The Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer in this kit is a super-sized 1.0 fl oz in the shade Neutral/Medium (which would likely work for many people-but not me, as I wear the light shade of this concealer). To hear a bit more about this concealer, check out it's mention in my Waterproof Makeup Makeup Wars post (yes, this fabulous concealer is even waterproof!!!).  

Heavenly Luxe Dual Airbrush Foundation/Concealer Brush: 
If you have never tried IT Cosmetic's makeup brushes, you are in for a treat! Their brushes are fabulous!!! This dual-ended brush has a rounded concealer brush on one side and a dense and soft foundation brush on the other side. I have never tried a rounded concealer brush like this before! It almost looks like the shape of a fat crease brush. I am excited to try it! The size and shape of the foundation side looks ideal for flawless foundation application. All of IT Cosmetic's brushes are synthetic and cruelty-free. 

Hello Light Anti-Aging Creme Luminizer:
Ooooh! I am so excited about this product! I am already a huge fan of the Hello Light Luminizing Powder. So, I have a feeling that I am going to love the creme version of this product! This product is designed to give your skin a "dazzling kiss of glowing light" wherever you place it. It has a beautiful silky texture that does not feel greasy. The shimmer is just beautiful! The finish is luminous without being at all glittery. This product can lift your face and erase shadows and darkness. Plus, it is doing all of that luminizing while also drenching your skin with peptides, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, silk, and vitamins A, C, & E. Makeup that hydrates and conditions your skin while also giving you a beautiful, luminous finish? Yes, please!!! Plus, the silver compact is just gorgeous.

Heavenly Luxe Pointed Precision Complexion Brush:
Yay! Another fabulous IT Cosmetics brush! This one is a medium sized, dense, pointed synthetic brush. This reminds me a lot of the Sigma Sigmax brushes (there is one of the same shape that gets a lot of buzz). This brush would be perfect for precision foundation or concealer application. I think that point could get into areas like around your nose or the corners of your eye with ease. I am excited to give this brush a try!

YBBB "Your Brows But Better" Brow Power Skinny Pencil:
As you know, your brows "frame your face". So, brow grooming and care is essential! This super-skinny automatic brow pencil has a super fine point that allows for such a natural "real hair" look. One side contains the pencil and the other has a skinny spoolie brush. The shade is a light-medium brown that will work just perfectly for me! This brow pencil is actually IT Cosmetic's #1 Best Seller!

Vitality Lip Blush Hydrating Gloss Stain:
Last, but not least, here is the NEW gloss from IT Cosmetics! This Special Value "Your Most Beautiful You" Collection marks Vitality Lip Blush's Worldwide Launch! As a fan of most of the "Vitality" products from IT Cosmetics (I adore the Vitality Lip Flushes and the Vitality Cheek Flush), I am excited to try the Vitality Lip Blush Gloss Stain! I, for one, prefer my glosses to have a moisturizing feel. This gloss is infused with rich butters and oils to provide hydration. Plus, the formula also contains collagen, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. This is like a serum for your lips! Plus, you get a gorgeous gloss finish and a lip stain (the resulting color is your "natural flush" color). The shade is "Je Ne Sais Quoi".

All-in-All, what a fabulous collection of products! Soooo, here is what I know: This kit is available for one day only on QVC as a "Today's Special Value" kit. This QVC exclusive will be featured on July 13th, 2013. While I do not know the price, it will be listed on the QVC site on the 13th (and it would be less than the cost of these products combined). If you are an IT Cosmetics fan, or if you are looking for an affordable way to try the brand, this kit could be a great option for you! I know that I am excited about all of the items inside this kit! So, be sure to visit the QVC site tomorrow if this kit intrigues you! :)

Hope you all have a lovely weekend!
XOXO!!!




Thursday, July 11, 2013

Want Long Hair? Hair Stylists Reveal Their Favorite Trips for Growing It Out Faster!

How to get your hair to grow out faster and longer


Let's face it, we all get drawn in by the pictures of amazing cascading curls over on Pinterest. If you're thinking about growing out your hair, and dreading it, there are things you can do to speed along the process! I've asked some of the best hair stylists in the country for their best tips on growing out your hair and doing it fast! They gave me so many amazing tips that the post is split into 2 parts. The other half is over on 15 Minute Beauty (my blog), and some is here since my good friend Pam is in the middle of moving!

Julia Nikic
The best way to get hair to grow is to TAKE CARE OF IT. People think their hair should grow when they are going over it with a flat iron a million times or ripping through it with a hair brush. Hair is fragile and should be treated that way. Use professional shampoo and conditioner combined with thermal protection spray and your hair should not break off and be able to grow.

Nadine Branch
With chemically relaxed hair, my favorite way to help get the hair to grow faster is adding mini amino acid treatments to the hair every 2 to 4 months. This treatment strengthens the bonds of the hair to give the hair strands a chance to grow faster. Coincidentally, a great hair cut grows the hair faster too! The ends of the hair strands become so strong that the hair has the optimum chance to continue growing. This hair treatment also works well on bleached, tinted, naturally soft, and/or kinky curly hair. Ask your favorite professional stylist about getting your treatment.

Sassy Hollingworth
The key to growing out your hair is to keep it healthy! If you are the rare woman that can use box color and dollar store shampoos, yet you have the shiny, thick, healthy hair everyone wants—kudos to you! I’m impressed and very jealous. But for the rest of us, our hair needs a particular kind of love. Professional products make HUGE difference in the health of your hair. Box color is designed to get a person to a desired color no matter what the starting point is. So it has to do the same thing to someone with super fine, baby hair as it does with someone with coarse, curly hair. It can obliterate the cuticle because it has no boundaries. Your hairstylist can customize the strength, temperature and time to make color work right for you. Plus they are trained to know what the hair can and can’t handle. Meaning your desired color may take a couple of appointments, but you will still have hair left on your head. Products work the same way. Professional products may be more expensive, but they are also so much more concentrated and not filled with water or dye. You actually use way less to get the desired effect and in most cases you are treating a problem, not just covering it up. But when you are looking to buy, make sure you spend your money wisely. Many times products purchased in a drugstore are old, expired or have been modified by diluting the original products. This is the reason products you purchase in a licensed salon say “guaranteed, only if purchased from a salon professional”.




Hair Stylists share their best tips to help you grow out your hair fast!


Sasha (Sassy) Hollingworth from The Style House Frisco did start out training for a career in hair design and styling. In 2009, she earned a BFA in interior design from the Art Institute of Dallas. When the reality of the economy hit hard and she found herself without a job, she refocused and started a new path at Paul Mitchell the School Dallas. Since then, she has had extensive training by a number of nationally recognized brands to ensure the highest level of skill to all of my clients ranging from cut & color to extensions & Brazilian Blowouts. Styling for photo shoots or special occasion hair & make up are her absolute favorite things to do.

Nadine Branch is the “Hair Doc” at Nadine’s World, a salon in Costa Mesa, California. Nadine has been in the hair care business since 1980. She is well known throughout Southern California for her signature haircuts and a commitment to a multicultural, multiracial, total-quality hair care approach, she uses only leading-edge techniques. Her clients come to her from around the United States looking to have her help with their hair issues. The “Hair Doc,” as she’s effectively known by her clients and peers, keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketing and creative side of the beauty industry, staying abreast of care and styling trends.

Julia Nikic, is the salon manager at Beauty First Unlimited in St. Mathews, outside of Louisville, KY. She has been doing hair for 7 years now and she thoroughly loves it. She grew up in the hair world, her mom has been in the industry for forty years! Julia likes to say "its in my blood." You can make appointments with her by calling 502-897-6888

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Where am I? Moving House!

Nothing to Disclose


Hello lovelies! Just a quick post to let ya'll know what I am up to! I am in the process of moving house. Those of you who have moved recently know what a long and stressful process this can be. The packing, the unpacking, the timing, organizing, decorating, etc! For the sake of my own sanity, I am going to take a 2-week "break" from blogging to give me time to move and get settled in my new home. I am going to do my best to keep up with emails and social media during that time. However, there will be a few days that I will be offline completely. So, if you are trying to reach me, just give me some time to respond. :) While I am on my "blogging break", I have scheduled a few guest posts from my friends in the beauty blogging community. So, be sure to keep checking back for those posts to give my guest-bloggers some support! 

Note for PR Agents and Brands:
If you are sending me a package, please verify my address first. Also, please update your records with my new address.

See you soon!
XOXO!!!

Monday, July 8, 2013

Makeup Wars: Complexion Helpers (Summer Foundation)

Affiliate Link Press Sample

 photo complexion-fixers.jpg
It is Makeup Wars time again! This time the Makeup Wars bloggers are sharing their favorite "Complexion Helpers" or Favorite Foundations for Summertime. 

What are Makeup Wars?
Before diving into my picks for Favorite Summertime Foundations, let me tell you a little bit about Makeup Wars. The Makeup Wars Bloggers are a group of top beauty bloggers that publish coordinated bi-weekly posts. The Makeup Wars bloggers collectively pick topics to blog about (e.g., Top 10 Products, Beauty Pampering, etc). Then, we publish our posts at precisely the same time and link up through the graphic links and thumbnails at the top and bottom of our posts. It is always so much fun to see what products this group of top bloggers is using and loving! 

Foundation in Summer???
Do you wear foundation in Summertime? Me? Not usually. I really go much lighter with my makeup overall for Summer. Typically, I skip foundation and just stick to some concealer and a little bit of powder. However, when I do wear foundation in the Summer, I totally go for different foundations than I do in the colder months. My skin's needs change seasonally. Therefore, my foundation requirements change as well! My skin is much more oily in the Summer. Plus, I prefer to wear foundations with a lighter look and feel in the Summer. 

Sooooooo...what are my two picks for Summer Foundations??? What products are my go-to "Complexion Helpers" for the Summer Season? You are just going to have to click "read more" below to find out! ;)

Friday, July 5, 2013

Summer-Ready Stems Giveaway: Get Smooth with Lubriderm and Aveeno!

 Affiliate Link Press Sample


Summertime is upon us! Tis' the season for baring your legs. Lubriderm and Aveeno want to help you to get your "stems" Summer-Ready with this Smooth-Skin Giveaway!!! :) 

Both Lubriderm and Aveeno are staple products in my beauty arsenal for getting my legs smooth and hair-free. I am unfortunately "blessed" with a lot of body hair. While I love having thick and long hair on my head, hair on my legs is another story! I need to shave absolutely every day to keep my legs hair-free and smooth. If I go longer than that I get stubble and ingrown hairs. So, I rely on shaving absolutely every single day. So, I need gentle products to help protect my skin while shaving every day. 

To hear some tips about how to use Lubriderm's Daily Moisture Lotion and Aveeno's Theraputic Shave Gel as well as to enter the Giveaway, please click "read more" below!

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Back to the Basics: Great Everyday Hair Products from Ecru and Infusium 23

 Affiliate Link Press Sample


It is time for another "Back to the Basics" Post! Sometimes we neglect to rave about our everyday "hero" products. They are the true workhorses in our beauty routines. I want my Everyday Basic Products to work well and leave me satisfied with the results! :) To me, Shampoo, Conditioner, and Leave-Ins are the ultimate basics. Today I am sharing some fabulous Shampoo and Conditioner from Ecru and a Leave-In Treatment from Infusium 23.

To find out more about these products, please click "read more" below!

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Top Ten Tuesdays: 10 Things in my Shower

 Affiliate Link Press Sample


Welcome to another round of Top Ten Tuesday!!! If you are new to this series, it is a collaborative post which links up to other top beauty bloggers in the links and thumbnails at the end of this post. Every other week, we pick a beauty category. We then make a Top 10 (or as close to 10 as we can get) list for said category. This weeks topic? Things in my shower! :)


10 Things in my Shower:
I am a bit of a shower product fanatic!!! I actually have almost 20 products currently in my shower. This Top 10 assortment is a collection of my current favorite things in my shower! No, I don't use all of these things for every single shower. Some of these are 1x/week or occasional use items. Still, I like to have them on hand for when I do want to use them. Sure, it makes for a lot of products in the shower; but, hey, that is why we build in extra shower shelves during our shower rennovation! :)

Here they are (in no particular order):

1. Neutrogena's Rain Bath: This product is such a classic! It has that fabulous and distinctive "Neutrogena" smell (fresh herbs and spices). I know this product has been around for ages, but I just finally tried it! It has quickly become a favorite of both myself and my husband. It cleanses completely yet is also gentle and rinses clean: exactly what I want in a soap. Plus, it has a great later! I like the original Rainbath so much that I want to try the other scents, too! It is also available in Grapefruit and Green Tea Pear.

2. LUSH's Flying Fox Shower Gel: While on the topic of shower gels, here is another great one! To me, LUSH proucts are all-about scent. This shower gel's sensual scent is to-die-for!!! It is a mixture of jasmine and ylang-ylang. This shower gel lathers great and the scent really lingers on your skin. 

3. LUSH's H'Suan Wen Hua: My latest craze in hair treatments? Products that you apply to dry hair! While I do not technically keep this product in my shower, I do rinse it out in the shower. I slather this deep conditioner all over my dry hair in the mornings when I wake up (about once a week).  By the time I am ready for my shower, it has penetrated deeply and is ready to be rinsed out. Then I proceed with washing and conditioning like normal. I love the scent of this deep conditioner: it smells like gingerbread batter! Plus, like most LUSH products, the scent really lingers! This product packs in both protein and moisture for damaged hair.

4. LUSH's Ro's Argan Body Conditioner: Yes, another LUSH product. My shower is typically an oasis of LUSH products...what can I say? I am obcessed!!! This scent is, hands-down, my #1 all-time favorite LUSH scent. It is a soft and intoxicating rose scent. While I would not normally describe myself as someone loving Rose scents...for some reason, this particular rose scent just really appeals to me! It is like rose mixed with honey. I wish that LUSH made more products infused with this scent! So, what is a body conditioner? It is like a hair conditioner...but for the body! You apply it at the end of your shower (after cleansing). You just massage it onto your skin and then rinse off. It leaves you so soft and moisturized. Actually, it leaves you so moisturized that you can skip moisturizer after your shower. I absolutely adore this body conditioner!!!

5. Avene's Gentle Body Scrub: This is the perfect pre-self tan scrub! It exfoliates very gently and rinses clean (you don't want any residue to interfere with your self tanner). It is gentle enough to use on your entire body. Plus, it smells so clean and refreshing!

6. Number 4 High Performance Hair Care Clarifying Shampoo: I adore Number 4 Hair Products. These high end French hair products are so luxurious! Until I tried this shampoo, I have never been one to clarify my hair as clairfying shampoos always seemed so over-drying. Well, this shampoo does not over dry nor strip my hair. I just cleanses deeply and removes all traces of product residue.

7. B. Kamins Laboratories Maple Sugar Body Scrub: This is a big tub of pure maple sugar combined with luxurious oils, antioxidants, and AHAs. Since this is an oily scrub, I only use it during night time showers as it does leave a bit of an oily residue on my skin (I don't mind that before bed, but I prefer not to have that oily feeling during the day). I mostly use this on my rougher areas like my elbows and heels. A little bit goes a long way. So, this huge tub will last me forever!

8. Ecru New York Sea Clean Shampoo: This freshly-scented daily shampoo does just what I need! It cleanses my hair completely without overdrying it. I leaves my hair bouncy and shiny. Plus, it has a great lather!

9. Ecru New York Protective Silk Conditioner: This thick and creamy conditioner detangles and conditions my hair in 60 seconds. It provides both protein and moisture to strengthen and soften my hair. Plus, it smells amazing!

10. Aphogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor: I don't think that I could do a shower post without mentioning a product from ApHogee! This Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor has been a staple product in my shower for about 10 years. About once a week, I use this 2-Minute treatment after shampoo and before conditioner. This product has proteins and amino acids that penetrate deeply to help combat damage from highlights/color treatments. While not as effective (or as complicated) as my beloved ApHogee 2-Step Protein Treatment, this is still a great way to get protein into your hair on a weekly basis in a quick and easy way.

So, there you have it! The Top 10 Items in my Shower!!! :) I would love to hear about what shower products you are loving day-to-day!

Be sure to visit the links below to see what my fellow Top Ten Tuesday bloggers picked for their top Shower Items! :) 

XOXO!!!



Google Analytics Alternative