Thursday, September 29, 2011

Hello Swarovski!


Two of my favorite things in the whole wide world have decided to combine their powers and create a line. Swarovski and Hello Kitty. *happy sigh.

This fall, Swarovski developed a line of Hello Kitty accessories that includes jewelry, crystal figurines, a purse and business card holder. Of course I want the jewelry and the business card holder.

Whether you are six or 66, there is something for every true Hello Kitty and Swarovski fan. I wonder which one I will buy first?






Sunday, September 18, 2011

Urban Decay - All Nighter


So, I had to work at a music festival this summer and that meant being outside all day and all night with no chance of touching up my make up. I heard about All Nighter make up setting spray from Urban Decay; but I never knew anyone who tried it. According to the website, it can help your make up last up to 16 hours. I was a little skeptical about trying it because there are so many products out there that promise the world and deliver nothing. I also discovered it comes in a sample size. I thought hey, it's a sample. If I don't like it, as least I didn't buy the full size.

The next day, at 9am, I applied my make up as usual and sprayed on All Nighter according to the directions. Let's just say it exceeded my expectations. My make up lasted all day and ALL NIGHT. The only thing I had to touch up was my lip gloss. As for the rest, all I had to do was blot the sweat off of my face and my make up was like new. I couldn't believe it!

So, the next time you go to a festival, New Year's party or any function that will not allow you to touch up your make up properly, I highly recommend Urban Decay's All Nighter make up setting spray.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Mascara!!!

If you know me, you know I have a problem with mascara. I love it. I love trying new brands. I love to discover if it adds up to the advertising. I will keep it for the recommended three months and then I move on to the next brand. Why do I love it so?  There's something about the way a really good mascara can transform your eyes. Check out my current favorites.

They're Real by Benefit

This product promises to not only give you extra curl, great length and massive volume, but it also promises great separation. Does it deliver? Absolutely. This is my current favorite and a mascara that I will definitely buy again. I love the ball shape at the tip of the wand. This allows for additional separation of the lashes AND it's great for coating your bottom lashes. *sigh. I love this mascara!

Diorshow


Seriously. Do I have to say anything else? It's Dior. This mascara is the blackest, richest, most delicious mascara. I love it because if I wear it alone my lashes can be seen from a mile away and if I am wearing a dark smokey eye, my lashes are not lost in the make up. It doesn't get any better than that.


L'Oreal Million Lashes

I really like this mascara. It does an excellent job of lengthening and separating lashes. The really cool thing about the packaging is the tube was created to remove excess mascara. Why is this so cool? It eliminates the clumping issue or the need to wipe off excess product from the brush. This means no spider lashes and no product waste. It's already the least expensive of the three and then it helps you save even more money. Does it really give the illusion of having millions of lashes? No. But Thousands of Lashes doesn't really roll off of the tongue.

Monday, September 12, 2011

The Satin Bonnet


Satin Bonnet. Scarf. Doo Rag. Whatever you call it and whichever you use to cover and protect your hair at night, please know it is one of your hair's best friends. Sure, your man hates it and sees it as a mood killer. Heck, you might hate it and see it as a mood killer. Please remember, this unattractive piece of fabric is one of the necessary hair care measures that keeps your hair luxurious and breakage free. Yes, breakage free.

Why is it a great idea to wear one of these at night? Well, simply said, the fabric of your traditional pillow case sucks the life and moisture out of your hair. Curly hair craves moisture. Curly hair needs to retain as much moisture as it can.  Cotton depletes moisture and the friction from tossing and turning  opens the door to breakage, split ends and eventually hair loss. 

If you do not like to cover your hair at night because you are worried about your cover slipping off at night or you just don't like it, I recommend investing in a satin pillowcase. Protect your hair. It will love you for it.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie


I am always on the hunt for new and exciting products to use for styling my hair. However, I do have my staple products and Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie is absolutely one of them.


First of all, it smells fantastic! It's a thick and creamy, but it's not too heavy for my hair. A little definitely goes a long way. I use it prior to adding my flaxseed gel or Miss Jessie's Quick Curls. Also, it's a great product to use for other styles such as Bantu Knots or braid/twist outs.


The top four things I like about this product are:


1. It keeps my hair soft.
2. It doesn't flake.
3. My hair doesn't feel heavy.
4. It doesn't have a heavy scent.


The Shea Moisture Line of products can be found at Target and Walgreens.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Flaxseed Gel. Who knew?

If you told me last year that I was going to start making my own hair gel I would have given you a small chuckle and said, "Yeah, right". With so many wonderful hair products out there, why would I want to make my own? Why would I even think to? Besides, hair gel is a complex and mysterious concoction that requires a degree in Chemistry and a multitude of ingredients with names no one should attempt to pronounce, right? Wrong. Here's what you need:


1/4 cup of flax seeds
2 cups of water
An air tight container (I use a glass jar) 
A strainer or nylon sock
Tongs


Suggested ingredients:

Rosemary Oil
Vitamin E
Basil Essential Oil


Add the water to a pot and bring to a boil. After the water begins to boil, add the flax seeds and stir for seven to ten minutes. After a few minutes, the water will start to thicken. When you are done boiling the seeds, drain them into your container using a strainer or nylon sock. If you are using a nylon sock, use the tongs to squeeze out the remaining gel. Once you have squeezed your gel into the container you can add the suggested ingredients or leave it to cool. Once the gel cools down, it will be ready for use. That's it! No seriously. That's it.


What I like about this gel is the fact that I know exactly what I am putting into my hair, the gel doesn't flake,  it is extremely cost effective and it seems as though my hair air dries faster than with conventional gel.


The only time I do not use flaxseed gel is when I'm in a hurry and I need to blow dry my hair.


So if you are short on cash or interested in an alternative styling gel, give flaxseed gel a try. 


P.S. It keeps in the refrigerator for about three weeks.