The Gorgeous Ingredient

Review and Giveaway: Simply Smooth Xtend Keratin Reparative Magic Potion

2011-11-21T13:39:00.005-05:00

Mixed up weather can sometimes equal confused tresses for many of us. It's a relief when a product comes along to silence the chaos along the hair shaft. Simply Smooth Xtend Magic Potion does a superb abracadabra and POOF... the keratin and botanical blend infuses into the hair fibers instantly creating a shiny, sleek seal. (don't believe me? take a look at the pics below) Ok, back to the magic potion! The weightless formula is great for all hair types so whether you're relaxed or natural the mystical tricks are all the same. An instant and SAFE solution for all of us who have been spooked by the bruhaha about other professional keratin treatments.(straightening is NOT required for this product) Simply Smooth Magic Potion is sodium chloride free, so there aren't any fumes just a nice light scent reminiscent of cocoa butter.

Ingredients --> need a little help? read my post on label reading

This power packed wonder potion is brewed and packaged for easy use .After you shampoo, you have the option to use this as a stand alone leave in condition or in conjunction with your regular regimen. Either way, your tresses will be instantly rejuvenated, repaired, detangled, defrizzed, smoothed and shined. Yes, it's like that trick where the magician KEEPS pulling out colorful scarf after scarf creating a never ending bout of laughter. Simply Smooth keeps pulling out benefit after benefit which Xtends the health and structure of your hair.

3 sprays onto my hand (a little goes a long way) It dries down without any film or stickiness.

applied to hair

combed through and semi dry

Since my hair has been entranced by this potion I want to share the magic with one of YOU. Yes, you can have your very own bottle!!. It's simple follow this blog (box over on the right), then share this post on your Facebook page or RT it on Twitter, make sure to leave a comment BELOW to let me know you did it. A winner will be picked randomly on Friday, November 25,2011 (must be 18. US resident only)

for more info visit: Simply Smooth Xtend Keratin Reparative Magic Potion, $30

*product provided courtesy of beautystat.com*

Friday, October 28th ...Boston Event: Backstage Beauty w/ Ricky Wilson

2011-10-26T15:33:00.001-04:00

Ricky Wilson

Celebrity Makeup Artist Event

Celebrity Makeup Artist & Educator, Ricky Wilson and the Dior Show Artists Team will be at Macy's Boston to share tips, tricks, and techniques that will help you to enhance your own beauty & style. Come out to meet the team, see what's new on Dior and connect with other beauties in the Boston area.

WHEN:

Friday, October 28th (11am-5pm)

Macy's Boston (Downtown Crossing)

617-357-3332 (call for an appointment)

About Ricky Wilson: Ricky's extensive career as a makeup artist has included work on fashion shows, publications, celebrity clients and socialites. He has contributed articles to Allure, Shape, Essence, Shope etc., Teen Vogue, People, US weekly and Star. His work has appeared on the pages of Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, Brides, Lucky, Elle, Allure, Town and Country , and Modern Bride. Rick'y expertise has been put to work behind the scenes at MTV, Full Frontal Fashion, Vogue TV, The Early Show and Los Angeles and New York Fashion Week. He has collaborated with designers John Galliano, Vivian Westwood, Rosa Cha, Vera Wang, Emanuel Ungaro, Tommy Hilfiger and Betsey Johnson. He was also recently spotlighted in Vogue's Trend Watch TV and has created custom red carpet looks for clients the the Academy Awards, Grammy's, and LA's Independent Spirit Awards.

Korres Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Eye Primer Review

2011-10-26T13:08:00.000-04:00

My days seem to have become longer as my life transitions due to a growing schedule. In an effort to conquer the daily tasks at hand, I have not been a good girl in honoring my beauty sleep schedule. As a result, Mine eyes are not showing the glory of my youth. KORRES® Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Eye Primer has been a friend in this time of need. This 3 in 1 formula has delivered on it's claim to prime,correct and stay put. The peach toned cream glides on smoothly and minimizes the dark circles BEFORE you apply your concealer. Any product that keeps me in the "guess my REAL age" game is a total win. Did I mention that this stuff STAYS PUT ALL DAY? Yes! So if fading or shifting is your issue then you want to give this a try. It's texture allows for even coverage and despite the tint the matte finish is not ashy. Now, although fine lines and wrinkles aren't a concern for me, having benefits that guard against them is important to my skincare regimen. The Quercetin and Oak extracts are what set this product apart from others. These ingredients protect against the elements (antioxidants), soothes any dryness or inflammation, and helps to restore any damage in the eye area. Good stuff, right?! My only wish is that the packaging were different. (i'm not a fan of pumping wands) However!, I look refreshed so I'll not let the pump be an issue. :)

Korres $21 @ Sephora

*provided by Beautystat for review consideration

korres

Pantene Pro-V Casting Call

2011-06-20T15:22:00.003-04:00

Pantene, known for providing women with healthy, beautiful hair for more than 60 years, is seeking five African-American women to star in its upcoming 2012 print advertising. The search will take place at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.

Pantene aims to provide women with healthy, beautiful hair and offers a variety of products for every hair structure, including the Pantene Pro-V Relaxed and Natural collection, designed to help keep African-American hair strong against damage, shiny and moisturized. As part of “My Black is Beautiful,” a campaign that celebrates African-American beauty, Pantene hopes to encourage African-American women to let their beauty shine inside and out. To find out more, women can visit www.pantene.com/womenofcolor.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, JULY 1-2, 2011, 11:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Sign-ups begin at 10:00 A.M. and are limited to the first 200 people

Callbacks will be held on Sunday, July 3, 2011

MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER

2^ND FLOOR- ROOM 226

900 CONVENTION CENTER BLVD

IMPORTANT:

Women with relaxed and/or natural hair are able to participate, however those with extensions or weave will not be considered. The winners will be featured in Pantene’s print advertisements beginning in 2012 and will receive an all expense paid trip to the print shoot location. Winners will be announced at a later date.

Go for it Gorgeous One's!!!

Pantene relaxed & natural

NuMe Professional Styling Tool/Couture Review

2011-06-02T10:22:00.001-04:00

If you want stellar results when styling your hair then you must have a tool that holds true to its claims. When myself or my clients want to straighten out our natural curls I'm now going Couture by NuMe. This NuMe Professional Styling Iron helps me get sleek, shine, bounce & hold. It's lightweight, heats up really fast and as you can see from the pictures below, DELIVERS!! NuMe offers a variety of flat irons for different needs and hair types. The Couture is my choice because it's best for thick & curly hair. It's tourmaline infused plates allows for a smooth glide and a beautiful sealed in shine. If your stumped for styling ideas, no worries the inside lid of the package offers directions for five options: silky straight, soft curls or waves, flip in, flip out, and volumize. My only wish for this iron is that the grooves on the top be made with a softer gripping material. Over time of use, especially if the hair is plenty and the temperature is up (it heats up to 410) the grooves became uncomfortable to my fingers. All in All I am pleased with the results.

About NuMe: A successful brand from Europe that has just launched in the US. After working closely with stylists in the industry for over a decade, we've taken everything we've learned to deliver the highest quality products for the most incredible results.

We've created products that will revolutionize your everyday look. We understand how frizzy and unruly hair can change the way our customers feel. Hair is truly transformational and the good news is, unlike the other features we're born with, it can actually be transformed into the silkiest, most gorgeous styles.

I the plates allow for smooth straightening, no pulling, snagging or pockets

All curls done with NuME Couture

So tell me what do you think? If your interested in more NuMe products check out... NuMEStyle.com

Queen Helene Royal Curl Review

2011-05-20T14:04:00.003-04:00

At some point in time in our lives most of us have been introduced to Queen Helene. Whether it was the cool Mint Julep mask your mom would walk around the house in or the pink gel shared in the girl's bathroom to "slick down those edges", Queen Helene has long ruled the beauty cabinets. Continuing in their commitment to remain a leader in health and beauty, Queen Helene Royal Curl enters the court. An all natural royal treatment rolled out in four great products. Amino Acids, Vitamins and antioxidants are just some of the power packed nutrients that round out this royal formula which is sure to nourish and tame your curls.

Stay Clean Shampoo - a mild lather detangling formula which cleans unbelievably well. My hair felt moisturized and had a wonderful sheen. Did I say it DETANGLES?

Moisture Rich Conditioner- this conditioner can be rinsed out or left in depending on the density of your hair type. This light formula will soften, add shine and work out any tangles that the shampoo missed. If you're looking for a daily maintenance moisturizer to protect those ends. This is a product to consider because it does it's job without any residue.

Curl Shaping Creme- although it's called a creme it is more like a gel in texture. The holding power is AMAZING! I didn't put anything in my hair other than water (mist) for four days. Now, it's important to follow the directions "a dime size per section" my hair is thick so I did more like a quarter and it dried a tad bit crunchy (lol) Still, even with that mishap I didn't have any flaking or residue on my hair or scalp

Smoothing Oil - i'm not a huge fan of oil products because I tend to get breakouts on my face (around the hairline) when I use them. This product was no different on ME. Although I like the light formula, scent and its humectant factor. I will only use it as a hot oil treatment.

All in all my hair and I are well pleased with our Royal experience(take a look at the pics below) So if you're looking for an all natural product ("No harsh, or drying chemicals like alcohol, sulfates, petrolatum, parabens or phthalates") that delivers on it's claims, smells good, and has a modest price point of $8.99 this is for you. The product hasnt hit the shelves yet but you can get it on the site, click here

(shampoo, conditioned & gel)

(diffused, no stretching)

(Day2 ~ just a tiny bit of smoothing oil to wake up curl)

(Day3~ no product added just mist w/ water for twist out)

*product samples courtesy of BeautySat

Queen Helene

Soul Purpose ~ Salon Red Hair Care

2011-04-20T01:38:00.001-04:00

Soul Purpose in collaboration with renowned Hairstylist and Educator Arthur Harris presents Salon Red, a multicultural natural haircare line fortified with Argan oil and silk amino acids. This high quality botanical base line is successfully formulated to meet the needs of all hair types and textures. So if your looking to quench the thirst of your dry tresses, simply maintain your healthy hair or treat yourself to an at home spa experience, Salon Red's quality formulation can provide just that and more for you AND your family (yes! it's child friendly)

Hydrating Shampoo, 12oz $22: is fortified with antioxidants, green tea extract, Acai Berry, Sugar Cane, Argan oil and silk amino acids. It provides defense to color-treated hair, filters harmful UV rays and is rich in antioxidants to protect hair. All natural, sulfate and paraben free. Adds moisture to dry chemically treated hair. Helps minimize breakage, detangles, enriches hair and evens porosity.

Moisturizing Conditioner, 12oz, $24: is fortified with antioxidants, Argan oil, tea tree oil, green tea and silk amino acids.

Detangles hair, repairs surface porosity, hydrates hair helping to prevent dry brittleness and breaking of hair. Eliminates static charge and protects hair from harmful UV rays.

Nutri-Shine Hair Gloss, .5oz, $15: Promotes a healthy shine and prevents frizzy, dry and fly away hair. It's enriched with nutrient rich oils, butters, vitamin E., olive oil, shea butter & avocado butter. Promotes a healthy scalp and hair. A beautiful, healthy gloss for all hair types.

Shop Salon Red! click here

NappOrganics brings you NouriShea

2011-04-19T23:44:00.001-04:00

NouriShea™ is a natural and green beauty brand based on formulations with 100% USDA Certified Organic Shea Butter and natural essential oils. In 2007, founder, Victoria Francis helped her children overcome their skin issues with her custom blend of West African Shea butter, essential oils and natural moisturizers. Her successful preparation and persistence has allowed her to expand the brand into a full line of skin and haircare suitable for the entire family. "The NouriShea™ products available today are produced to Victoria’s exacting high standards and principles to deliver the best possible formulas to nourish, rejuvenate, and enhance natural beauty."

NouriShea's™ commitment to meeting the needs of the customer is evident in their successful launch of an interactive, resourceful and user-friendly site. You will learn more about the products and ingredients, exchange ideas and information about hair and skin via their blog , and of course, SHOP!!

All About NappOrganics:

NappOrganics, Inc. is a company based on the belief that we should support and nurture our planet, our resources and our customers. We are relationship driven – and strive to not only deliver the best products to enhance natural beauty, but to sustain and develop green business practices, to give back and to build trust and respect. NouriShea™ products are produced to the founder, Victoria Francis’ exacting high standards and principles to deliver the best possible formulas to nourish, rejuvenate, and enhance natural beauty.

An Invitation for YOU from Clarins

2011-04-19T21:03:00.000-04:00

Ready for a nice discounted day of shopping for some great skincare, makeup and fragrance? Well, next weekend, Thursday, April 28 through Saturday April 30th, Clarins is opening their warehouse doors to the public. YOU are invited to shop the unbeatable prices AND please print out the coupon below for more discounts on your final purchase total. HAPPY SHOPPING!!

Click picture for printable coupon

clarins

Made From Earth Facebook Giveaway

2011-04-12T13:06:00.000-04:00

Spring is in the air and Made From Earth wants to help boosts your regimen with their Rosehip & Hibiscus Facial Serum. This serum is full of omega fatty acids and vitamins that are sure to help bring back some of the vitality lost during the winter months. Rosehip & Hibiscus Facial Serum helps to restore moisture balance, tone skin and balance the skin's ph. Made From Earth carries tons of other yummy organic skincare products. The Blueberry Organic Lip Balm and Citrus Lavender are top choices for an invigorating spring fling. Check out more products here

About Made From Earth:

We only select the highest potency organic ingredients for our healthy products. All our ingredients / plants are from certified organic farms. There are no potentially toxic ingredients in our products. There is no diluting or watering down of our potent organic plant ingredients.

We are 100% farmed and sourced in the USA. Our unique organic ingredients product development teams have put together the purest and most potent organic ingredients, which include organic juices, aloe vera, honey, natural botanicals, and natural plant oils.

NO:

Petrochemicals and Phthalates
Parabens (Methyl, Propyl, Butyl)
Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate Diazolidinyl Urea
Cosmetic Fragrance

RULES:

LIKE Made From Earth on Facebook

LIKE The Gorgeous Ingredient on Facebook

Leave a comment and let me know you did both

*ends 4-15-2011 (US residents only)

*random winner will be picked

Sally Hansen Salon Effects, My New Obsession

2011-04-12T11:33:00.002-04:00

(Denim, Blue Ice, & Kitty,Kitty)

Have you ever seen something new in the store, bought it and then forgot about it? Well, that is what I did when the Sally Hansen Salon Effects first hit the shelf. I saw the Laced Up (pics below) and fell in love. Only the love was lost when the box was tossed and lost in my purse. A few weeks ago I was going through my YouTube videos and Brittany from Clumps of Mascara had a tutorial (watch it). So, I retrieved my Laced Up and I'm in love again! I applied them on my road trip to NY. Yes in a moving car, they are that easy to apply. I don't normally polish my nails because my domestic and soccer mom duties just wont allow my nails to be great. So I tend to opt for clean and clear nails. Salon Effects has changed my nail game for good! I wore them for 7 days and I only had a few casualties due to a sharp toy. By the time the few nails chipped, I had about a day or two left before I needed to remove them all. So I put on a complimenting color polish and I still had a nice set of trendy nails. This is also a cool tip that will work for the left over strips in the pack (16 strips per pk won't allow for 2 full sets). My nails were short so I was able to use one strip on two nails *fists pumps* So that equals a certified economical win (trendy nails for less than $11)!!

What's in the box?: 16 strips, file, orange stick & instructions

Helpful Tips:

1.Make sure your nails are free of any oils or old polish before you apply

2.Smooth the design with your finger a few times, the "heat" will help the adhesive secure better

3.After you apply the polish strips, let the nails "rest" a bit. It is a polish so let it set for longer wear

4.Remove with polish remover, it's that simple! (no stripping or tearing of the nail bed)

5. Look at your local drugstore ads for the Buy1, Get 1 deals and HAVE FUN!

Laced Up after 7 days of wear (washing dishes, cooking, cleaning & playing)

OK! I'm so hooked on these things. They are the topic of conversation everywhere I go. Even Momma Gorgeous had me take her to grab a few boxes. Have you tried them yet? If so, tell us your favorite color or design...

Sally Hansen nail strips

Team Beauty "Win You're Own Product Line" Contest

2011-03-01T20:08:00.001-05:00

On January 30th, I had the opportunity to pitch a product idea. Last week I was named in the Top 5 finalists. I need the publics votes in order to WIN. Please help me make this dream a reality. I NEED you to click the link below, sign in/sign up to youtube, then click the "thumbs up" icon. This is important, if you are not signed in the votes will not count. PLEASE! PLEASE! share this link on your facebook page, twitter and to your email contacts. VOTE DAILY!!

My Idea: A line of body cocktails based on wine, like a Merlot Wine Bath, Chocolate Wine Body Glaze & a Chardonnay Elixir. All products will be formulated with supreme natural ingredients that will indeed nourish & hydrate your skin. Packed and presented with an eco-friendly program that will allow the customer to purchase refills for bottle reuse or purchase a soy candle to create a really cool home decor item.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!

Many Blessings

SanTara

Aveeno Positively Ageless & Positively Radiant

2011-03-01T19:45:00.003-05:00

One thing I love about going to see my mom is that she always has something new lurking in her beauty/ fashion stash. Yes, Momma Gorgeous loves to shop and is not afraid to try something new. Whether it's a vintage sweater she nabbed while thrifting or some random beauty product that she "thought I would try and let you tell me if it's good". Her cabinets always make me feel like a little girl again, only now I know exactly how to apply everything. On a recent visit I found the Aveeno Positively Ageless Daily Cleansing Pads & Positively Radiant Anti-Wrinkle Cream sitting on her shelf. I had to give it a try and come tell you about it. The Pre moistened cleansing pads were a bit on the "juicy" side but there wasn't any puddles or product running down my arm. The light baby scent makes it pleasurable to smell and the lather is mild but effective in eliminating makeup and/or dirt. The duality of the pad is a plus; One side is textured for mild exfoliation (polishes the skin) and the other side is smooth (cleanse). My skin felt clean, no tightening and was noticeably brighter. A huge win for me because winter weather slows my natural exfoliating process which tends to result in textured skin not pleasing to my eyes. The pads are bigger than most pads I have seen to the point where you could cut them in half and stretch your supply without compromising it's benefits. Not, bad right?! especially for the affordable price of $6. I would definitely keep this stocked in my house. The jar is too big and bulky for travel, I do hope they do something about that.

The Positively Radiant Anti-wrinkle Cream was alright. I mean it didn't make my emotions bubble over with joy. It's a light-medium weight cream, with a mild scent, spreads well and absorbs quickly. My skin felt soft into the next morning. Would I purchase again? Most likely not. I'm always turned off by skin care products that list sodium hydroxide (it's function is to soften the skin) in the ingredients. So yeah, that's all I have to say about that one.

textured & smooth sides of the cleasing pad

I am inclined to give more of the Aveeno skincare line a try. I've been a fan of the Oatmeal bath products for years and now I shall venture into other parts of the line. What are your favorite Aveeno products? Tell Us in the comments...

aveeno positively radiant

Pantene Pro-V Curly Hair Series:Curls to Straight Review

2011-01-15T16:21:00.003-05:00

Wintertime is when I opt to wear my hair straight more often then in any of the curly styles. I have never had a problem with the structure of my curl pattern changing due to the continuous heat application needed to straighten my hair. I attribute it to both having a stylist (my hubby) that doesn't put a lot of tension (excessive pulling on the hairshaft while hair is wet) on my hair during the blow drying process and of course good products. I have experienced using a product that weighs down the hairshaft with a coating and so I am in need of a chelating shampoo in order to get the product totally off of my hair. When that happens my curls are more wavy and just plain ol' disobedient to my style option. Now, here is where I make a little confession: When I get a new product I like to try it on my sister first. I do this because it allows me to see and manipulate the product better than I can do on myself. She is very willing and trusting, as you can see from the pics below, I haven't let her down.

Recently we had the pleasure of trying Pantene Pro-V Curly Hair Series which is "designed to deliver options for damage protection and long lasting curl definition with frizz control"

(after the shampoo & conditioner)

Curls To Straight Shampoo - gave a good cleanse without any stripped squeaky feeling. Sometimes my sister has natural oil build up that weighs her hair down so occasionally a chelating shampoo is needed before a regular moisturizing shampoo. We didn't need to do that this time; her hair and scalp was thoroughly cleaned. There was a decrease in her frizz and the curl was just a bit more loose.

Curls to Straight Conditioner - softened and detangled upon contact. Her hair was very manageable with just my fingers. The hair shaft was very smooth and soft so the comb pretty much glided through it. We both kept acknowledging the immediate change we could see and feel in the hair just after using these two products. You can see the curl definition in the pic above.

(after the creme & spray: blow dry w/ brush)

Anti-Frizz Straightening Creme - is a really light cream that binds onto the hair like water. There was absolutely no trace of the product once it transferred from my hand to the hair.

Heat protection & Shine Spray- is that string of pearls you put on to complete your classic look. I mean you can choose not to wear them and you will still look good but for some reason that one little string of pearls just makes everything POP!

This line is certified Gorgeous! It delivers on all of its claims, of " addressing the unique need of the curly hair structure...utilizing ingredients that work to control the movement of moisture in and out of the hair shaft and lubricating hair to minimize damage caused by fiber interaction " If you aren't looking to straighten your tresses no worries, there is Dry To Moisturized to keep your curls thoroughly nourished. Also, this extensive line offers six stylers and four treatments so there is something to meet the needs of all curly haircare and/or concerns. You can find Pantene at most mass retailers and the price tag ranges from $3.99-$7.99.

Check out the finished look below:

Thank you to my sister who always trusts me to keep her hair looking it's best. Love you lots!!

* products supplied by a Company Rep for review consideration

pantene curls

Pooka Pure & Simple Review

2010-12-07T21:24:00.001-05:00

Pooka Pure and Simple is an absolute hit in my house. The products were tested by the men (well, one man and two boys)in my life as soon as they came out of the box. Immediately, we were all impressed with the light smell and the fact that it was a multi use product (great for hair, scalp AND skin) The Shea & Olive Hair butter went to work on keeping afros soft, fades polished, and waves shining. Everyone's skin was looking mighty fine also. This immediate attraction sent me straight to the cabinet to read and try the products for myself. I had been dealing with a winter cold and my skin and scalp were in need of some serious tlc. Pooka Pure and Simple came to my rescue.

Shea and Olive Hair Butter is nice, light and blended to perfection. A creme like texture that glides on and breaks down easily along the hairshaft and on the scalp. You don't have to be concerned about oily residue because the product totally absorbed when it was applied. A major plus for me is how great it has been on my son's skin. He tends to have eczema flare ups when the winter season rolls in. The Shea & Olive Hair Butter has kept his itching at bay due to it's moisturizing and soothing factor. This product has been assigned to a neutral spot because it has already made it's way out of the house via hubby's bag.

Nectar Hair Oil & Treatment is a great treatment oil. I used it on my scalp during a stimulating massage. My scalp had been extremely itchy when I was midway through my severe cold, so I applied this oil then massaged my scalp and wrapped my hair up so my body heat could aid in the absorption. The essential oils oils of lavender(soothing & calming), peppermint (stimulating) and lemon (antiseptic) eased my scalp and also helped for a better night sleep. I think the lavender buds and rosemary floating around in the bottle has my son just over the top about this product. Everyday, he request a few drops to rub into his hair. I don't mind one bit because after he is done there aren't any oily handprints around the house and his hair and skin look and smell great.

Pooka Pure and Simple's collection extends to bodycare, footcare and candles. The price point ranges from $10 (single product)- $70 (gift box). The quality and combination of ingredients + benefits = WIN!

*this product was sent to me by a rep for review consideration

Gorgeous Event: NBA LOUNGE SERIES

2010-11-09T09:48:00.001-05:00

GoodGirlPR presents the first edition of the NBA Lounge Series. DJ Nickiee and the Golden State Warriors will host the exclusive gathering tonight, November 9th @10pm at the Soho House. Sponsors include Pooka Pure and Simple, Just 1 Touch, O.N.E. drinks, Rise and Fire by Gus Johnson, and Set Magazine.

Please R.S.V.P. at rsvp@goodgirlpr.com.

Receive event updates follow #nbaloungeseries on Twitter!

Phytospecific Vital Force Review

2010-10-12T01:55:00.003-04:00

Well, here I go again on my quest to find a product that will replenish moisture and hydrate my hair. I tried a mystery product a few weeks ago that had me looking like side show Bob before the days end. I'm unable to tell you what the name of the product is because I don't even know myself (it was a trial for product development) Anyhoo, my frizz factor was on high and my hair needed some serious TLC. My sister's hair has been transitioning very well with her using the Phyto products (read the review) So, I was more than happy to give the Phytospecific Vital Force Shampoo and Cream Bath the chance to romance my tresses.

Side Show Bob hair pulled up in a ponytail (FRIZZY!)

Phytospecific Vital Force Shampoo - is a pearlescent rich emulsion that spreads on easy, gives a good lather & gently cleans the hair. My hair was clean, soft and I could visibly see that my hair shaft was smoother. This shampoo delivered on hydration immediately thanks to ingredients such as Illipe butter, Mallow Extract, and Panthenol. I'm not a usually a fan of floral scents but the scent of this shampoo was very light and quite uplifting

after the Phytospecific Vita Force Shampoo ( a lot less frizz)

Phytospecific Vital Force Creme Bath - this is an ultra thick and rich cream that instantly softens and detangles the hair when applied. The creams feels a bit slippery in the jar (not in an oily way, more like jelly) but once you get a scoop of it out, it is very easy to maneuver and not at all messy. The ingredient content is highly concentrated in this formula which is why you can instantly see and feel the infusion process of the oils(Jojoba, seame & Shea butter) on the hair. So, whether you leave it on for the suggested 10 minute or opt for the 30 minute intensive treatment, your hair will be fortified , revitalized and nourished.

after the Phytospecific Vita Force Creme Bath (where's the frizz?)

I was so impressed with the results I decided to forgo any styling aids so I gave myself a quick braid out before I left home for an event. Now, I only did this to see how the seal on the hair shaft would hold up, the next day I did apply a product that would give me some hold. It was a damp evening and my hair still didn't frizz up on me. It remained soft, bouncy and shiny. My curls have been very happy as I am moving into week 2 of using the products. Oh and I can't forget, for my ingredient conscious ladies, the added bonus to these fab products: NO PARABENS, TRICLOSAN, SULFATES, SYNTHETIC DYES OR FRAGRANCES, PHTHALATES, GMO'S or PETROCHEMICAL.

a slightly damp braid out( no styling products)

you can check out more of the Phyto products at Sephora.com
Phtyospecific Vital Force Shampoo, $24
Phytospecific Vital Force Creme Bath, $36

*product was given by PR for review consideration

phyto hair

Jane Iredale Cleansing Accessories

2010-09-28T23:57:00.003-04:00

When I was first introduced to Jane Iredale's cleansing accessories I knew I had to share with you. The Magic Mitt was demonstrated to me with just the mitt, foundation and a bottle of water. "This mitt COMPLETELY removes makeup without any cleanser" says the trainer My interest is piqued, I need to see her pull this off with just a bottle of room temp water. She proceeds to slide the mitt on, pour a bit of water on it, then remove a good portion of her foundation. I watched intently and yes, the area she wiped was CLEAN. So now I'm really into the demo. She pours more water on the mitt where there is now foundation and it instantly rinses off, indeed she had a clean mitt. All of this done with less than a quarter of the bottled water. So of course my question is: "How does the Magic happen?" Well, the soft plush mitt is made from knitted micro fibers, that when wet, they create a hydro-mechanical process that breaks the surface tension of the oils that bond makeup to the skin. The mitt easily sweeps away the emulsion while also gently exfoliating the skin. I love this mitt, it even removes mascara! Now, remember this is a cleansing aid, so you still need to follow up with your normal skin care regimen after removing makeup with the mitt.

Note** the directions suggest that you wash the mitt with warm water and hand soap after removing makeup to ensure all residue is removed as to prohibit any bacteria from forming

Magic Mitt, $15

Next up was Dot the i, a cotton swab with pre measured makeup remover in the tube. When you snap the blue line the remover quickly drains into the other end of the swab. The remover which is formulated with botanical extracts including lavender, aloe and avena sativa (oat) provides calming, conditioning and soothing to the even the most sensitive eyes (also safe for contact wearers). There isn't any dripping so whether you are removing your eye makeup or needing to make a correction, your able to do so quick,clean, and easy.

Dot the i, makeup removal swabs(50ct), $22

I really love both products. they deliver on their promises and packaging allows for travel convenience which is always a plus.

Jane Iredale

Fashion comes to Harvard Yard September 25, 2010

2010-09-23T20:48:00.001-04:00

Kembrel.com , an online shopping community unites with HerCampus, a popular online magazine catered towards college women, to bring a the next pop-up shop to Harvard University. Students will be able to shop the latest clothing, accessories, and more. A portion of the proceeds from this event will support Freeze/HerCampus Harvard, a student organization.

Attendees will receive discounts up to 70% off latest fashions from Aryn K, French Connection, American Apparel, C&C, Neivz, Maui & Sons, Dolce Vita, Life after Denim and more

WHEN:
Saturday, September 25, 2010
12 noon to 5pm

WHERE:
Harvard University
The Democracy Center
45 Mount Auburn St
Cambridge,MA 02138

See you on the yard!!!

Psst!, can't make it to the event? no worries! go check out Kembrel.com 's innovative online shop for amazing deals!

I'm Back!!

2010-09-23T00:40:00.003-04:00

Hey Gorgeous Ones, I'm back!! Sorry I have been away for a bit, but now school is back in session I can talk to you all more. The summer was great and last month I was able to get to New York twice in one week. Yes, one week, two visits, and three fun stops. So let me share:
My 1st stop:
Jones Magazine Fall Preview :
If you need to keep up, then keep up with these Joneses. Jones Magazine, "the insider's shopping guide for the woman who knows better" is sure to do more than wet your palate, it will indeed quench your thirst for beauty and fashion. Their vision is fresh and honest; "We won't print anything we have not tried ourselves" says Editor, Tracey Ferguson. Jones Magazine is committed to being a trustworthy resource for it's readers.

"This is a magazine for the educated woman who is unapologetic about liking high end brands. She likes to travel, shops at boutiques, and is not ashamed to tell you that she loves the sale racks" -Tracey Ferguson, creator & editor

Get your copy on newsstands now and let me know what you think. Also for your daily Jones check out the website: www.jonesmag.com

My next stop: Hanging out with my friend Sam Fine. We talked shop a little and clowned a whole lot. When we did get a little serious(not really) this is what came up:
1. As an artist it's important to set boundaries; know how much you are willing to give away for free. We don't think about the importance of protecting ourselves when it comes to sharing our knowledge.
2. Always be prepared to network! If you attend an event smile, say hello, mingle, and most importantly HAVE BUSINESS CARDS!! Don't just expect people to come to you to find out who you are.
3. Manage your brand with integrity, be careful of your online content! Sam shared that several of his recent clients have commented on how professional he is on his social media sites. So, it goes back to that saying "You never know who is watching you"

My last stop:
I had to visit Makari on 125th to pick up a couple of my Iman Cosmetic favorites. I played with makeup and chatted with Makeup Artist, Douglas Snuggs. Douglas was very attentive, he showed me some great combinations as well gave me endless suggestions as to how to get the most out of my Cote d' Azur palette. He is quite knowledgeable and an absolute sweetheart, so go check him out if you are in the area (he works Thurs, Fri. & Sat)

52 West 125th Street NY, NY 10027

Iman Cosmetics Makeup Artist, Douglas Snuggs

Cote d' Azur and Luxury Liquid Liner (Sapphire)

My beautiful sister in love accompanied me but she lost herself in the wonder vintage shop B.O.R.N. (Borrowed, Old, Refurbished and New). She was whisked into a fab styling experience by a resident stylist (I can't remember his name but I must get it, he was just wonderful) I watched him pull gorgeous piece after piece, each one making my sister look like she was worthy of a haute magazine spread. Upon leaving we had the privilege and honor of speaking with Owner, Johnathan Broderick. He is an amazing man full of passion and vision. SO! when you stop by Makari make your way back of the store to B.O.R.N.

Iman Cosmetics

Boston Pretty City, The Beauty Sample Sale Event- September 15, 2010

2010-09-13T10:49:00.000-04:00

The Beauty Sample Sale Event Hits Beacon Hill September 15,2010

www.Boston.PrettyCity.com brings the best names in Boston beauty to The Estate

Come out and join Boston PrettyCity.com to sample some of the best in beauty products, services, and trends under one roof. You will enjoy complimentary treatments from dry styling and massages to make-up applications and skin care. Plus, each guest will receive one complimentary cocktail courtesy of Absolut Raspberri as well as sampling sweet treats from the candy buffet. Each guest will also leave with a goodie bag featuring full sized products from KISS nails, KIND health bars, CoolOff, Rescue Remedy and more as well a variety of beauty samples.

WHEN: Wednesday, September 15, 2010 6-9pm
WHERE: The Estate Boston, 1 Boylston Pl., Boston MA 02115
RSVP: tickets are $25 & can be purchased at www.Boston.PrettyCity.com
(space is limited. must be 21 and present a valid photo ID to enter)

The gracious people at PrettyCity.com is giving 10 of you Gorgeous readers in the Boston area a complimentary ticket into this fabulous event. So the first 10 people to post: full name & email address (one you check frequently) will receive a ticket. I look forward to seeing you there!!

about prettycity.com:
PrettyCity.com is a beauty, leisure, and wellness website devoted to making women everywhere prettier in some small way and richer in many big ways; by saving them money on the products and services they need to look and feel their best. The site boasts a comprehensive database of the country's top spas< salons, medspas, and more including editorial reviews, reader reviews, and service discounts plus product reviews, beauty trend stories and more.

Carolyn Brundage, a respected beauty expert, author, and entrepreneur, founded Pretty City Inc. in 2001 with the belief that, "Women can achieve more when they feel great about how they look and being your prettiest self is something to be proud of." Since launching PrettyCity.com, Brundage has penned over 750 beauty and style columns and reviewed over 10,000 beauty products

Shea Moisture Review

2010-08-18T22:24:00.002-04:00

Well I gave the Shea Moisture products a go and I have to say they just didn't do it for me. Let me back up a bit and break it down product by product. I want to be fair and not generalize the results.
Brilliant Curl Shampoo: has a great coconut scent that is not too strong. the texture is smooth and spreads really well. There isn't a lot of lather to the product but that's ok because my hair was gently cleaned and felt soft. I know with some people lots of lather means clean. As my hubby says " I need to see some suds" I assure you that the product does it's job of cleaning despite the minimal lather.

Curl Enhancing Smoothie: So this is the product I really had high hopes for. This is a thick cream that per the directions should be applied to damp hair. I tried it on both wet and damp hair. The product just didn't work for me. It left a film on my hair and suprisingly wasn't as water soluble as I had hoped. Usually if a product doesnt work for me I just rinse it out, the water breaks it down and it runs right off the hair. That was not the case with the smoothie; I had to shampoo my hair to completely remove the product. On the positive side, it does smell good and it spreads well.

Deep Treatment Masque: A nice lightly scented cream full a good combination of ingredients that will help get sickly hair back on the road to recovery. I wasn't blown over by the results but I would use it again. I am even more interested to see the results on relaxed hair.

The end result was that my hair wasn't AS dry as is was before I used the product. There wasn't a great hold so a bit of frizz did kick in after a few hours and again I had a film on my hair.

Now, I couldn't just let this be the end so I passed the product over to my sister-in-love and here is what she said: "I like the product a alot. My hair is soft, my curl is more defined and my hair feels more moisturized" hmm! look at that. It didn't work for me but it sure did work for her.

my gorgeous sister

shea moisture hair Target

Oh Woe Is Me, My Hair Is Dry!

2010-07-28T00:08:00.004-04:00

My hair has been so dry due to the summer heat and a few visits to the pool. A good deep treatment is in order. Last week I had a conversation with my cousin about Shea Moisture, an all natural and organic haircare line. She raved about a deep treatment that is her favorite to date. Oh, I just had to find it, MY HAIR IS SO DRY! *its coughs* My poor tresses, the daily moisture I apply is like giving a man in the desert one drop of water at a time. *he drinks quickly and hoarsely yells more! more!!*

I took a trip to Target to grab the Deep Treatment Masque but also decided to try the products for thick, curly hair. I will be trying them out this week and I will be back to tell you all about them and the amazing list of ingredients. Until then, i will say this each product smells divine and check this out: NO Parabens, NO paraffin, NO gluten, NO Mineral oil, No sulfates and the list goes on and on. A full list when I do the review.

I had to show you my dry hair *insert sad face*

shea moisture hair Target

Dermalogica Daylight Defense

2010-07-15T21:08:00.002-04:00

(solar booster defense, multivitamin bodyblock, solar shield & after sun repair)

We can all attest that this has been one HOT summer thus far. Those UVA and UVB rays are taking no prisoners so we have to take skin protection very seriously. Dermalogica Daylight Defense($35) is a cool travel size kit that delivers both protection and skincare.

Solar Defense Booster spf 30- can be worn alone or mixed with any of your favorite face products to deliver a nice boost. This product boasts a nice a-list of vitamins & extracts that will calm, protect, and sooth your skin. Free radical damage doesn't stand a chance!

Multivitamin bodyblock spf 20- is a fragrance free and non greasy body moisturizer. It's light creamy texture allows for easy & even application. Your skin will surely be guarded against aging while being thoroughly nourished and hydrated.

Solar Shield spf 15- a water resistant conditioning stick that provides protection to the easy to burn areas (the lips,ears and nose). it really does leave the leaves nice and soft without out any of that yucky film build up one might experience from other brands. Kudos to them for using the Castor seed oil as a base.

After Sun Repair- first let me say, I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!! why? It immediately cools and calms on contact and the aromatherapeutic blend of extracts will quickly relax your senses. The soft gel texture is not sticky, doesn't leave a film, and most importantly your skin will not feel tight after this product has dried. So if you are looking to cool your sunburn and reduce any discomfort caused by sun exposure, this is the produce you need.

Dermalogica is an education based skincare line. It is designed and created to treat targeted skin issues such as aging, acne, etc. So make sure you check out their site for your skincare needs. I heard the Daily microfoliant ( a gentle rice based powder that smoothes & brightens)is amazing!!

dermalogica

Phyto à Porter Frequent Use Collection Review

2010-07-06T23:56:00.003-04:00

Several months ago while out and about I decided to browse the hair products at Sephora. I came across the cutest little travel sets by Phyto. The mini haircare collection kits are exclusive to Sephora and you have your choice of three categories: Dry hair, Color, or Frequent Use. I chose the Frequent Use Collection to try on my sister who is transitioning from relaxed hair. Oh, I can't go on without letting you know that I have heard amazing things about the PhytoSpecific Phytorelaxer, a non chemical,egg and soya based relaxer that is good for all hair types (a review by Felicia on ThisThatBeauty) Now, let me get back to the mini collection that delivered maximum results. I"m going to list what was in the kit and how i felt about each one individually

Phytoprogenium Shampoo- is lightly scented clear with a serum texture. It spreads evenly and gives a good lather. The hair was thoroughly clean after 2 shampoos and there was no "squeaking". I was impressed with the definition of my sisters's curl. The was minimal frizz and the shine was just grand. The first ingredient in this shampoo is marshmallow root (althaea officinalis) which is very well known for it's soothing and healing properties. This along with sweet almond oil (emollient) and olive leaf extract( astringent) ensured that my sister's hair was both clean and softened. These factors were essential to my sister who tends to have a very dry scalp and oily hair.

Pytobaume- is a light cream that detangles wonderfully and does not leave a heavy film. It has an ingredient in it that will ensure "no static" I used about a size of a quarter on her entire head. I do hope that they will reformulate and get the parabens out of this great product. Oh, I can't forget the mallow extract, which is an emollient that also protects.

Phyto7- my favorite product of the collection. I used just a tad bit bigger than pea size of the product before I blow dried the hair. I have to say, as you can see from the pictures below, the shine on the hair was consistent from the start. The hydrating cream just sealed the deal. The product gave a good slip without leaving a film. The hair was soft and again the sheen was amazing. The power pack formulation of plant extracts ensure that the hair is softened, hydrated, and protected.

(Phyto in action)

These products will definitely be a staple in my sister's hair regimen. I myself, have started using the Phyto7 and I picked up a bottle of the PhytoCurl Shampoo. I will be giving it a try very soon. As for the mini collection, it's definitely gorgeous approved. I really adore the packaging also, the resealable case fits right in your hand which makes it easy for packing and travel. A great product in a small package for an amazing value, $12!!

Phyto à Porter, $12 @ Sephora

phyto

If you must play , then Play Pretty with Whipped Body Butter Creme

2010-06-03T18:59:00.004-04:00

(t-b lemon orange fig, celedon, gingered jasmine, nohea ani, and island sorbet)

Play Pretty Whipped Body Butter Creme is a nature based, light, non greasy cream that glides on smooth and doesn't require multiple daily applications, which is a plus for me. I don't know about you but one thing that I find quite displeasing is a product that I have to keep applying throughout the day to" maybe" get the benefits it claims it can deliver. This cream boasts a powerful blend of butters, essential oils, and plant extracts that is surely to help the skin attain all the nutrients it needs to maintain normal moisture levels and guard against dryness and/or irritation often associated with various dermatitis' (mild to severe dry skin such as eczema, rosacea, etc). This is an answer to those tired, dry, cracked feet, stubborn ash, and unsightly knees and elbows. You will feel good and smell good while conquering the problems that may have overtaken your skin. The luxurious scents grab hold of your olfactory and make you feel like you been air lifted to the tropics. Oh, I just can't get enough of the fresh lime scent in the Celedon! So if you need a stress fighter the aromatheraputic qualities these products offer will help to relax and/or uplift your mind and spirit.

(light and creamy)

Play Pretty not only meets the needs we have of keeping our skin smooth, vibrant, and healthy but get this: There are no mineral oil or petroleum oil, harsh ingredients, parabens, drying sd alcohol or lanolin, which can be highly allergic. So, for all of you looking for a more "green" alternative, this is a line for you. The line has other wonderful products like Sugar Dew, a moisturizing body wash and Sugar Shea Scrub, all of which come in the delightful flavors pictured above. Price point ranges from $15 to $25 which may seem like a splurge purchase for some but when my 10yr old son says "oh, now this lime one smells good , I will wear this lotion everyday" I call it a family investment (lol) Play Pretty has also been husband approved "I don't know about the pretty but I am down for play, the lime, ginger, and fig smell real good". So there you go, Play Pretty and share this great product with your whole family.

ABOUT PLAY PRETTY (excerpt from the site):

Play Pretty Beauty was launched by two sisters in October 2006.

Although truth is, neither sister thought their skin care woes would turn into a company! Since they were children, both sisters suffered from troubled skin - eczema, dry itchy patches and blotchiness. Nothing on the market seemed to help. As adults, the sisters spent a lot of time and money trying to find a solution.
Then fate intervened. As a birthday gift, one sister received a natural remedy book that contained recipes for making homemade hair and body care products. She started making some of the recipes and shared the results with her sibling. Since both sisters loved to cook, they thought, why not try to 'cook up' a solution to their skin woes?
So they literally took to their kitchens and started blending up their own natural remedies. After countless batches, and 'test audiences' (friends, family, reluctant spouses) the sisters realized it was working - the itchiness and blotchy patches were gone and their skin had never felt so good! But what made their products different? It's simple: what they created in their kitchens didn't have the same harsh, irritating, synthetic ingredients and artificial colors other commercially made products did. It was a light bulb moment that sparked the sisters' desire to create a product line using only the best, nature-inspired ingredients.
The name Play Pretty came from something our grandmother used to say to us when we were children. Growing up, we were rough and tumble tomboys, always getting dirty, always climbing trees, always looking for our next big ‘adventure’ in Nanny’s backyard.

*disclaimer -this product was sent to me from a company representative for review consideration. I am not affiliated nor have i been compensated for this review

A Gorgeous Find: Organix Cosmetix Eye & Neck Cream

2010-05-12T23:22:00.001-04:00

On a recent trip to TJ Maxx I decided to check out the skincare because I have been on the lookout for a new eye cream. The winter months caused some drying under my eyes and along with my inherited morning puffiness it's just not a good look for the start of my days. So my quest for a thoroughly hydrated and smooth eye area had me reading the labels of every eye product on the shelves. I was quite unimpressed with most of what I saw but I'm glad I didn't give up because Organix Cosmetic Eye & Neck Cream caught my attention once I hit the bottom shelf.
The side of the box read NO:
-SLS, Mineral oil, Silicone
-Emulsifiers like peg
-Carbomers
-Parabens
-Synthetic perfumes and dyes
-Fatty alcohols or acids
-Propylene Glycol
-Isoproyl Myristate

I'm thinking, if all of this was removed from the previous eye creams I read they would just be bottles barely filled with water. My interest was piqued for sure now. This aloe based cream is infused with shea butter, organic oils & Swiss plant extracts that nourish, protects and soothes. BINGO! it is just the product I have been looking for and it cost $7.99. Oh, and the little spoon that comes with it is a plus (keeping your fingers out of the product reduces product contamination) Now fast forward five weeks, I have been using this product and I love it. The cream glides on smoothly and has a cool sensation as it absorbs quickly. My eyes are no longer dry and the puffiness disappears within 20 minutes after application. When I feel really tired and my eyes need a pick me up, I apply the cream under my eyes then place a cool towel over top for about 5 minutes. I get a quick relaxing moment and my eyes are rejuvenated. This was indeed a great buy.

I did a quick search online and depending on what site you buy it from the price ranges from $14.99 -$79.99 . So again, this was indeed a GREAT buy! Check your local TJ Maxx first.

me one morning after using cream: no makeup, no puffiness

Soul Purpose's Happy Feet Collection

2010-05-06T22:12:00.002-04:00

This is the season to get your feet sandal and flip flop ready and what better way than with a aroma therapeutic blend of French Lavender, Mediterranean Mint and other uplifting herbs. I have been using the Happy Feet collection by Soul Purpose for a few years now and I have to admit it really is the only product I have been consistent in not changing. Once I open a jar my senses are relaxed and ready for a spa experience. The Happy Feet Collection is made up of four products that are packed with quality organic ingredients that have proven to work far beyond what the packaging says. What that means is this collection delivers multiple uses beyond it just being a foot product.
So here is the breakdown:

Foot Soak - has a mineral salt base infused with various essential oils from the mint family. This soak is full of anti inflammatory healing properties so it is great for relieving swollen tired feet and hands. If your joints give you problems after a long day this soak will aid by helping to increase the circulation and relieving the incurred stress.

Foot Scrub - is great for feet and the body. Vitamin rich oils softens, nourishes and smooths the skin while gently removing dead skin cells. Working this scrub in circular motions on your body will also penetrate those sore tired muscles, leaving you feeling cool and refreshed.

Organic Foot Cream - a wonderful cream that cools, soothes, and smooths dry cracked skin. This cream is also wonderful in aiding relief of sore muscles and joints. If arthritis is an issue this is a wonderful cream that can help relieve the discomfort and stiffness that one sometimes experiences. Also, if you work on your feet all day rubbing the foot cream on your legs will help with keeping your circulation stimulated so when sitting you won't experience leg fatigue or cramping.

Foot Spray - I keep this in my bag during sandal wearing months. This spray is wonderful for cooling and soothing hot feet, deodorizing sweaty feet, and relaxing tired feet. The coolest thing about this product is it can be used as a pre treatment for a dry, itchy scalp. The anti bacterial and astringent properties of witch hazel and tea tree oil cleans the scalp, chamomile oil soothes, the mint oils stimulates, and aloe heals. It's just a power packed multi use product!

The mint oils are a key factor in what makes this collection sing. Here is a quick ingredient & benefits cheat sheet of the mint family oils that can be found in each of the products:
Eucalyptus -antiseptic, soothing, stimulating (promotes circulation) & relieves muscles
Menthol - antiseptic, astringent, soothing & cooling
Peppermint -antibacterial, stimulating, cooling & soothing
Spearmint - cleansing, healing, soothing & stimulating
Wintergreen- stimulating, relieves swelling, & freshens

The products can be bought individually ( price range $12-$30) or as full collection (pictured above, $75)

To aid my in home spa experience I make sure I have a natural bristle foot brush to apply the scrub (work in a circular motion to promote healthy blood flow & increase circulation), marbles to put in the foot bath (rolling your feet on them massages the pressure points and relieves stress), and warm towels( I wrap my feet after I massage so my pores can open up and receive the full benefits of the cream). My feet are indeed happy after this soul Purpose experience.

disclaimer: i am affiliated with this company however i am not paid or given any compensation for reviewing products. This is an honest review based upon my use of the is product

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Gel Cream Liner

2010-04-27T23:54:00.003-04:00

A quick trip over to CVS and look what I stumbled upon, Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Gel Cream Liner, pheew!, now that is a mouthful. The Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips line was not unfamiliar to me being that the eye popping colors of shadow strips targeted to specific eye color can be found at a vast number of stores. However, I had never seen a gel liner as part of the collection. For less than $11 you get three nice detachable creamy liners labeled, natural, playful and dramatic. There is a cool little diagram on the back of the box that gives you an idea on how you can wear each or all three of the liners. A liner brush comes in the box and although it is not a a bad quality it's size and shape makes it difficult to achieve a defined line. All in all this is a great buy! The liner is creamy, goes on smoothly, and delivers on long lasting wear. The only downfall is that I have yet to find it in any other store, so I'm not sure if its exclusive to CVS. When I checked recently they released a dual pack, the shimmer strip eyeshadow and gel liner for a whooping $14.95 yes, ladies, you need to get on this deal

front and back shots

the stackables come apart

swatches down with brush included w/ liner

physician's formula shimmer

Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion Review & Giveaway

2010-04-15T01:34:00.001-04:00

A few months back I was asked to try Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion. I went over to their website to read about the product and my inner geek went straight to the ingredients page before I read anything else. You see I can have an experience with a product just by reading the ingredients. Immediately I saw that this lotion was one that was light in texture (water & aloe base) provided a protective barrier( 2 silicones) and delivered benefits like: hydrating, healing & soothing (vitamin E & herbs) Now per my previous post on reading labels all of these ingredients ranged from top to middle of ingredient list. So that means that this product might actually deliver on their claim: "Shielding lotion is a lotion that forms a protective barrier on the skin and keeps out irritants and chemicals. It also allows the natural oils and moisture to remain in the skin so it can heal better.

The product arrived and I was ready to give it a try. I had my husband try it first as the site said shielding lotion is great for the whole family. Upon applying the lotion hubby says "this stuff is like silk, goes on real smooth", he sniffs, gives a nod of approval and continues to use the lotion. I asked could he smell it and he said it was very slight so that was another plus for him since it didn't smell "all girly". Next I tried it on myself and my children. At first I felt like the lotion was too light in texture for my taste but that is only because I tend to use heavier creams during the cold months. The first week of using it, I needed to reapply during the day to aid the dry skin but by the next week not as much. The shielding lotion seems to respond as a treatment if used consistently. My toddler son developed a new case of eczema and I used this lotion as a reinforcement to aid in restoring back the moisture level in his skin. I have to say that the anti inflammatory properties really did deliver when I used it on my son. He had a serious flare up and when I used the lotion the inflammation went down which in turn smoothed the texture of the skin. So all in all I was pleased. I did try the product on my face and it was OK, my face didn't feel tight, dry or greasy. I wont be switching it out for my daily moisturizer but it is good to know if I need a quick little moisture pick me up I can grab a little of the shielding Lotion (with SPF 15). Honestly, my final impression of this product is that it would be a good staple to keep in my summer beach bag. A nice light textured lotion that will sooth, heal and protect skin from the sun exposure (comfrey ,chamomile extract and SPF) Now, the price tag on this product does sparkle a bit, 4oz for $18, $25 for the one with SPF. The site states that the product will last 1 to 2 months with daily use. Personally, I would probably buy it again since it was useful to my whole family and I feel it is what we all would enjoy during the summer months.

The Skin MD Natural though it has the word natural is not a 100% natural product. There are ingredients that are man made, derived from a natural source. The company does a good job of explaining their position : Why is Skin MD called "natural" (scroll down to bottom of the ingredient page) I have to admit this is probably one of the most honest explanations I have seen in a company give on formulation in a long while.

GIVEAWAY:

Skin MD Naturals would like to give you the opportunity to try their product. Go over to their site (click here), they have a lot of really good information, come back and post a comment(w/ your email address) telling us something you read of interest. One winner will be randomly selected and the company will ship you a full size product YAY!!

(contest will end April 22,2010)

CO Bigelow Product Review

2010-03-29T23:35:00.013-04:00

Since 2007 I have been looking for a facial mask that would compliment my current skincare regimen. I was quite pleased when my girlfriend came over with a bag of beauty goodies for me (Hey, BB!) Inside, I found just what I was looking for and more. The first product I decided to try was the CO Bigelow Power Berry Mask. It's claim, to rescue and revitalize skin is exactly what my skin was needing in a product. My skin has been indeed going through a stage I am still trying to understand. Life changes, age and environment have all caused an instance where my skin and I need to get reacquainted. Dehydration sometimes finds a resting place which aids in occasional acne and a visible slightly raised texture. So in addition to drinking plenty of water, taking daily vitamins and making better food choices, I look for products that will help my skin find its healthy balance.
The Power Berry mask is a light antioxidant rich clay mask, not thick like some others I have used. The smooth texture allows for a quick and even application. The clay delivered a good cleaning and the acai extract kept up its bargain to soften and restore texture and tone. In the fifteen minutes I wore the mask my face never felt tight and after a warm rinse my skin was soft, supple and bright.

A couple of days later, I tried the CO Bigelow Rice & Bamboo Gentle Dermabrasion and must say I absolutely love this product! The rice & bamboo are in a creamy base and when applied to the skin it instantly yet gently removes dead skin cells. You can definitely feel that this product is not lacking on ingredients that both nourish and soothes as it removes debris. I was quite pleased with how bright my skin looked as I worked the product over my face in a circular motion. It's claim to improve tone and texture leaving skin to look perfectly smooth and radiant, proved to me to be every bit of the truth. My skin was never tight or red which sometimes happens when a product is too abrasive. Instead this product produced an amazing healthy glow. This will be a definite staple in my regimen

Both of these products ring in at $18 each. I may get both of them but if not I will definitely spring for the the Rice & Bamboo. It just simply made my skin feel luxurious. Do you exfoliate? what are some of your skin challenges? leave a comment below it might make it into a featured post

Earth Therapeutics Moisturizing Toe Socks Review & Giveaway

2010-03-04T23:20:00.019-05:00

So I was in Kohl's a few days ago browsing makeup and accessories when I came across Earth Therapeutics Moisturizing Toe Socks. I was so tickled at the hydrating gloves for feet. The product claims that the aloe and vitamin e infused into the ultra plush sock will continually moisturize, pamper and provide serious all over hydration to the feet, even between the toes. Can I just tell you?, these socks are so soft I could not put them down. I grabbed two pair and came on home to try them out. Now, I am not a stranger to sleeping in socks especially during the cold seasons. I always have cold feet so if I don't treat them with moisture nightly my feet will look like I walk on broken concrete( so not a good look in cute shoes!) First,I follow the directions which says "for best results massage feet with favorite moisture lotion before slipping into socks" Then, totally amused, I slipped each toe into its own compartment; all complied with its assigned slot except the pinky toe. The little joker did not want to separate. Seriously, I had to massage to relax the toe that seemed to be having separation anxiety. I finally got them into the slots and ten minutes later the last slot went limp. Pinky slipped out and I laughed and massaged until I finally had all toes comfortably in the slots (see pic below). This was a great purchase. I would have liked the socks to be a bit more toasty but the socks are 97% nylon not cotton which i think plays a role. All in all I think even after the infusion is gone (lasts up to approximately 20 washes) these socks which are extremely comfortable will remain a part of my nightly routine.

Now, as I mentoned above I bought two pair of these socks and I would love to send a pair to one of you. Even if you don't like to sleep in socks you can always use these as a nice pamper treatment when you are moving around the house. Leave me a comment with your email address and a winner will be selected randomly ( ends wednesday, march 10, 2010)

*disclaimer: this product was purchased by myself. my review is solely based on my personal use of the product and i am in no way affiliated with this company

earth therapeutics socks

CVS Giveaway winners

2010-02-24T13:08:00.002-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS to LCGreen and Cheryl F. Thank you so much for participating in the CVS giveaway your grab bag of makeup goodies are on the way.

CVS Deals & Giveaway!!

2010-02-10T19:35:00.008-05:00

I can never go into a store and NOT check out the beauty section. So my most recent trip to CVS was no exception. Now the funny thing about this visit was I was standing in between two women, both diligently checking off of a list as they added liner and lipsticks to their baskets. As I point to the sign, I ask aloud " Do you SEE this? 75% off, seriously?" one women pushed her glasses back up over the bridge of her nose and said " How on earth did I miss that?" She immediately contemplated her next move looking from the list to her basket; should she keep what she had or put it back? Meanwhile, the other lady looked at us as if we were paupers lost in an upscale department store. (yeah..lol whateverrr!) Lady with the glasses and I began to find the comparable sale items to her list items. We even helped another beauty aisle visitor find a mascara suitable to her daily routine. Oh, I had a great time talking makeup with my beauty aisle Buddy. I invited her to check out TGI but she said she is tech illiterate, her hubby checks her email for her. She graciously thanked me and went on her way. I grabbed up a nice mix of products (see pic below) and not one item priced over $2.99. Now, let me tell you how I plan on creating two grab bags and sending it to two of YOU!! All you have to do is: follow this blog (box over on the right--->), then leave comment below telling me about your favorite drugstore beauty deal. Giveaway ends Friday, February 12 @ 11:59est (U.S residents only) **winners will be drawn randomly

What are Essential Oils?

2010-02-03T22:53:00.004-05:00

A few years ago I found myself standing in the aisle of a store totally disappointed at a brands claim to having essential oils in their product that would make my hair stronger and more manageable. I remember going over bottle after bottle reading the ingredients that had only one or two oils (that by the way were vegetable, NOT essential) waaaaay down on the bottom of the list. Now, you remember my post on reading labels? Well then you remember an ingredient listed at the bottom means very little to no benefit. So you know my dollars stayed right in my pocket just as the product stayed right on the shelf. Fastforward, I had a conversation today which bought me back to that day. The conclusion drawn from the dialogue was: misclaims of brands is nothing new so we must aspire to be informed consumers to ensure that our dollars are spent wisely. I was inclined to go dig into my archives for a quick essential oil reference that I could share with you.

What are Essential oils?

*Essential oils are potent, volatile liquids extracted from plants, flowers, leaves,bark, stems, roots, and fruit.

*Essential oils are not greasy. They are more like water in texture, they evaporate quickly and penetrate the skin easily. They are made up of very small molecules, which enable the oil to work on a cellular level by passing through the skin layers and entering the blood and lymphatic systems.

*Essential oils provide both psychological and physical therapeutic benefits through methods of inhalation, skin absorption, and ingestion. Each essential oil has its own special effect of how it reacts internally, based upon its chemical makeup. The one common factor among all oils is that they enhance the immune system by encouraging the body to heal itself.

*3 common grades of essential oils: therapeutic(highest quality), food, and cosmetic/perfume

A few common Essential oils found in products:

Tea Tree Oil -anti bacterial, disinfectant, anti fungal

Lavender - calms, heals & relieves, great for oil control

Rosemary -controls oil, good for dandruff, aids relief in joints

Peppermint- relieves itching, stimulates

Lemon- astringent, disinfectant

Chamomile - anti inflammatory, great for dry itchy skin & acne

*Commonly, essential oils used topically on skin and hair are diluted with carrier oils, which guards against skin irritation.

Carrier oils are pure vegetable oils that “carry” the essential oils into the skin. Perfume and fragrance oils are not the same as essential oils. Perfume and fragrance oils are made of synthetic (artificial) substances and they have no healing benefits.

A few common carrier oils:

Coconut oil- soothes, moisturizes, and nourishes skin

Grapeseed Oil -antioxidant, mild astringent

Jojoba Oil- similar to the oil (sebum)produced in our bodies, soothing the only carrier oil that penetrates all 3layer of our skin

Olive Oil- antioxidant, moisturizes, helps retain moisture in the skin

Sweet Almond Oil -high in nutrients, soothes, nourishes and softens

So whether you are looking to make your own products or buying some I hope this little reference helps.

essential oils

My love, My Family,Haiti!

2010-01-19T22:48:00.008-05:00

12 year ago I married a man whose love absolutely sends me into orbit. I often refer to him as my Haitian Sensation. He is truly a man of strength with a drive to always do better & be better. I love all of who he is and where he originated. I have embraced both he and his country with my heart. I am so blessed to be apart of a wonderfully loving Haitian family that loves me as if I were born from its roots. Our hearts have been heavy, our mood sometimes sad, and our eyes teary due to the devastation that has befallen Haiti. The family has lost a few of its members and we still await word of loved ones that still have not been accounted for. We remain prayerful because that is what truly keeps our minds and spirit from an emotional place that is just indescribable. Haiti needs our help more than ever. However you choose to give please make sure that the organization is reputable. Every bit no matter how small will help. Many communities have and are planning drives to collect clothing and supplies please keep in mind when you are preparing a care box; shoes are greatly needed. In your prayers, please remember the areas outside of Port au Prince that still have not received aid. Haiti needs a miracle more than ever and I sure do believe in a God that is able!

sites for donations:

http://www.pih.org/

http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/

http://www.yele.org/

http://www.lambifund.org/

http://www.unicef.org/

http://www.redcross.org/

A gracious thank you to everyone that has shown so much love and support to Haiti. I have been moved to tears by many of my favorite bloggers who diligently tweet, blog, etc on all the safe ways to donate and/ or participate in some way that would aid in relief. Ladies, you have truly showed your heart of compassion, many blessings to you as you continue to be an inspiration. (Afrobella, brownbombshellbeauty, scandalousbeauty, beautylogicblog, kaimali and clumpsofmascara)

The picture above is courtesy of my 9yr old son. A few months ago he did a project in school that required him to make a crest representing his family heritage. I'm so proud of him!

The Lord's Prayer In Creole

Papa nou ki nan syel la,Nou mande pou yo toujou respekte non ou.Vin tabli gouvènman ou,pou yo fè volonte ou sou latè,tankou yo fè l nan siel la.Manje nou bezwen an, ban nou l jòdi a.Padonnen tout mal nou fè,menm jan nou padonnen moun ki fè nou mal.Pa kité nou nan pozision pou n tonbé nan tantasion,men, délivré nou anba... Satan.[Pas, se pou ou tout otorite, tout pouvwaak tout lwanj, dépi tout tan ak pou tout tan.]Amèn. (Thank You Ana D!)

Sam Fine Event with AmberMag.com @ DEX NY

2010-01-11T17:31:00.011-05:00

One can only imagine how happy I was when Mr. Sam Fine posted that he would be doing some classes. Oh, I was ready for a road trip for real. I put it up on Facebook and lawd if I didn't almost pass out when the first question was Who is He? So it was my civic duty not to allow the ladies to go another day and NOT know Sam Fine..geesh! I immediately put a link on my page still in disbelief. What kind of craziness had befallen my sistas that they were not aware of makeup artist extraordinaire Mr. Sam Fine. I remember when his book Fine Beauty launched, He was like the President Obama of makeup to us chocolate girls in lipstick world (cosmetic department) I remember a group of us going to Barnes & Noble on our lunch break to get our book and checking in with the others to make sure they had gotten theirs..lol We were so inspired, we probably all had higher sales that first month.

OK, back to my story! Sam posted he would be doing a event with AmberMag.com at Dex New York. So, a road trip was definitely in order. Shout out to my husband who spontaneously decided to load the kids in the car and drive me to NYC, see that's why I call him my Haitian Sensation..lol He is so supportive! My arrival to Dex was very pleasant. The hosts were very professional and attentive delivering on quality customer service. All the compliments from makeup artist, John Henry put the experience right over the top, he is so great for the ego..lol Now, after a little mingling we were on to the classroom. In walks Mr. Sam Fine casually fly in his Tom Ford shirt, tie, vest, and jeans. He welcomes us so humbly and warm and then the Orbit Gum commercial smile (bling) he says " I have good news and I have bad news, what do u want first?" Now as you see from the picture below who can REALLY deliver bad news with that smile. The bad news: he didn't have the dvd's that we were supposed to receive that evening BUT he would personally sign & mail them with a gift. Doesn't sound bad to me at all, I thought it was an extremely kind gesture and he was truly apologetic. The man is truly a stand up guy "in it to win it!"

(sam delivers the "bad news"..lol)

Now down to business. Sam gets to know his audience; how many are artist and how many are real women. After that he begins answering questions. Out came my notebook, for some, their phones..lol "uhm, are ya'll taping me?, the smile (bling) , uhm u can't do that, the smile (bling) and back to business. Sam has the ability to make everyone feel on the same level throughout his presentation. He graciously corrects the language a woman might use that would infer her inability to do something as well as allowing the person asking the question to actually answer their own question. He never moved on to another question until he knew that the person was clear and confident with the full understanding of the topic at hand. I really appreciate his desire to see that one is getting the answer/s needed to move on from whatever holds them, whether it's the inability to put on a lash, properly cover a mark , or simply find the confidence to move from one place to the next. Sam's delivery is warm yet funny, which makes you feel like he is both a brother and a friend. Yeah, he had to reel a few back in from jumping ahead or over confidently shouting out but he is clearly use to "how we do". Everything was done with class and humor. After an hour and a half of Q & A it was time for the demonstration and some "golden nuggets"

(Sam working on the model, Salina)

(amazing right!)
Sam works effortlessly as he goes step by step explaining application and technique. He works in very short strokes of the hand which gives him the space and freedom to build his look. Of course every one wanted to know: what does the magician have in his hat? lol What brush is that your using? who makes that? What color is that called? Sam answers, but draws us back to what is REALLY important, mastering the technique. If Sam gave his whole kit it would make no difference to the artist if they have not mastered their technique. "Know YOURSELF, and commit to YOURSELF"; "You have to know who YOU are as an artist" These two phrases were delivered repeatedly with a passion and assurance of simply wanting each of us to be the best we can be. As I stated previously, Sam delivered golden nuggets. He fully shows his support to fellow artists and he displays that you are never to big to acknowledge and admonish those who opened doors and paved roads for you to get where you are. Bravo, Mr. Fine that shows integrity and an amazing amount of character. After the class was over Sam stayed and took a picture with every single person who wanted one. Such a sweet and kind man who I pray is continually blessed out of his socks..lol (yeah, that's how my grandma would say it) I am happy to have met him and I know we will meet again. Until then, I need you all to please get the dvd( The Basics of Beauty, $24.99) it's amazing! Also, if you will, award season is coming and Sam will be BUSY ,so will you please post some comments just giving him a shout out (yes, he reads TGI..lol) Oh, and uhm, Sam would you please give Monique a super HUG from TGI and let her know we are proud of her! She is beautiful and her accolades are well deserved.

(Sam Fine & I)

Check out Sam Fine's site click here

Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Kit Review

2010-01-04T23:58:00.005-05:00

Over the Thanksgiving holiday I found myself strolling 125th st in Harlem one evening at the urging of my husband. A girl's dream right, to have a man that says "let's go walking down a street full of stores so we can actually go in and buy things" lol So I bundled up and obliged him. I already knew I wanted to check out Carol's Daughter so we headed in that direction. The store was very beautiful and aromatic. Customer service was a plus. I was greeted, allowed to peruse, and any question I had was answered quickly and thoroughly. On that alone I was definitely making a purchase. I decided on the Healthy Hair Kit which included, Black vanilla shampoo, Black Vanilla Hair Smoothie, Healthy Hair Butter and a comb, all for the lovely price of $29. I also grabbed a tune of the lip gloss; I'll come back and talk about it later. When I came back home I first tried the product on my niece who has relaxed hair and I was very pleased with the results. The shampoo gently cleansed her hair while delivering with softeners that did not weigh her hair down. She kept commenting on how great the products smelled and she could feel the difference it was having on her hair. I have to agree these products delivered on everything she needed, moisturizing, nourishing and strengthening. Her hair did not shed as much as it usually does after a shampoo and conditioning. I must tell you her hair is relaxed bone straight, enough said.

Now it was my turn and just I stated above the products delivered on my natural hair as well. I was greatly impressed with the thorough gentle cleaning of the shampoo, no squeaky hair people! The smoothie was very satisfying to this thick main of mine; by quenching its thirst and making it very soft and manageable. Now, last but certainly not least the healthy hair butter, oh how I love thee. I am totally moved by the alluring scents of ylang ylang, cedarwood, and patchouli all uplifting yet relaxing. My hair looks and feels great, however, I have noticed that my hair takes a bit longer to dry when I use it (don’t like that). All in all I am very happy with my purchase. Big shout out to Nicole D of at Your Birth Right for making the CD suggestion. I hope you enjoy the review!

Carol's Daughter

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2010-01-02T20:32:00.004-05:00

I want to wish you all a very Happy & Blessed New Year! I look forward to all the fun and exciting things that The Gorgeous Ingredient will have to offer. More tips, reviews, giveaways and videos. Yes!, after many requests I have decided to push aside my fear and create some videos. Although, TGI is just two months young the response has been both encouraging, inspiring and supportive. Thank you to all of my readers, you really keep me going with confidence to continue on this wonderful journey I have started. Please send me an email or leave a comment below of any request you may have as to what you would like me to feature or cover on the blog. I look forward to hearing from you! Again, thank you for all of your support. Happy New Year! & Many Blessings to each of you in 2010!

Vitamins and our Skin

2009-12-30T00:19:00.007-05:00

Protecting my skin from the elements has always been important to me. I remember when I was a kid, my mom and Nana would slather Vaseline all over my face. Had me shining so brightly but I couldn't feel a thing when the wind blew, a live walking oil slick. No chapped skin, blemishes or wrinkles, just shiny, baby soft skin. Well, the years have past and the climate has changed drastically. Age, motherhood and the environment is taking it's toll on my skin. I am not always a good girl with following the rules of : take a multi daily vitamin, eat well balanced meals and drink plenty of water. So to help balance out my shortcomings I pay attention to my vitamin intake via my skincare. I understand with all the ingredients loaded in a jar claiming to do this, that, and the other how can one possibly know what will work for them. I wanted to help by creating a simple cheat sheet on the benefits of some vitamins commonly found in skincare products. So here is a little vitamin 101.
Vitamins are nutrients that play a major role in the health of our skin. It is important that we ingest vitamins through various foods and supplements as well as incorporate them in our daily skincare. Correct intake and topical use will aid in keeping the skin healthy and resilient. A deficiency, due to lack of vitamins, can leave the skin dry, oily, blotchy and/or lifeless.
Vitamin A: (retinyl palmitate)protects against aging, dry, and rough skin by retaining moisture; also soothes and conditions
Vitamin C: (ascorbic acid) most potent vitamin, anti-toxin, promotes healing, rejuvenates the skin, and protects against UVA &UVB damage
Vitamin E: (tocopherol acetate) causes cell regeneration, aids as protection against skin damage, and is healing
Vitamin D: produced naturally in the body by the suns ultraviolet rays; absorbs into the skin and regulates calcium absorption
Vitamin D3: (cholecalciferol) a form of vitamin D that aids in the assimilation of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A
Vitamin K: (phytonadione) aids in blood clotting. this vitamin is used more in eye creams that help to lighten dark circles. it's said to perform best when paired with vitamin A
Vitamin B5: (panthenol) retains moisture and aids in skin cell metabolism
Niacin - (b complex vitamin) anti inflammatory, soothes irritated, dry skin, and retains moisture
Don't forget proper diet and nutrition is a ESSENTIAL for gorgeous, healthy skin!!
hhmm, I'm curious: the skincare product that you absolutely love, turn it over and tell us what vitamins are in it. who knows we may come to love it too!

skin supplements

Label Reading Made Easy

2009-12-16T22:35:00.006-05:00

Yesterday I saw a video urging people to read the labels of the products they buy so they know what they are putting in their hair and on their skin. I believe it's important to know what your using so you can make an educated decision on what best suites your beauty needs. So with that said, I was prompted to give you a little cheat sheet so to say. All those long words on a bottle can give you a headache. I mean come on when you see butyrospermum parkii on the ingredient list, your like what that heck is that? Why can't they just say shea butter? When a product says it contains certain ingredients but then you turn it over and can't find one thing that is a bother. You feel like you need to take a quick chemistry class just to understand what's what. There is a quick and simple way that can help you read and identify some ingredients and what they do just from knowing a few prefix and suffix. here are some tips:

*By law ingredients have to be listed on products in descending order of percentage (from highest to lowest)
*1st ingredient is usually the base (foundation of the product) ex: water (most common), aloe, oils, etc.
*next listed ingredients are usually what gives the product it's texture:
- ide or ate: thickens water
- pol or mer : solidifies
- one: provides smoothness + slip
- ane: mixed with silicone's for thickness
*next are the active ingredients. (remember, the lower they are on the list the lower they are in strength)
*last on the list is usually dyes and/or fragrances
So there you go! I hope this helps. next i'll do a cheat sheet on the vitamins in products (benefits), what do you think of that?

*photo courtesy of goodhousekeeping

From Beverage to Bath Spa, a time of relaxation!

2009-12-07T19:21:00.007-05:00

When I have time to myself at home where I can relax I usually grab a nice beverage, warm blanket and a book, journal or movie. This weekend I started thinking of an old pastime that has been but a distant memory, a relaxing bath. Oh, how I remember, the flickering of candles dancing silhouettes to the soft sounds of jazz while exotic scents infused in hot water embraced and relieved all my stress. The very thought just makes my heart flutter. See, I have been stealing extra seconds in the shower here and there (you know you have to be quick before the kids and husband come knocking..lol). But I declare, NO MORE!, I have to recreate this spa experience again. Who's with me? I'm going to share how you can make a nice spa bath with some common beverages that will save money, have you relaxed and your skin looking gorgeous.

Fill your tub with hot water (not too hot) because you don't want to scold yourself and some beverages will not smell good if the water is too hot.
add:
Milk - 2-4cups (gently cleanses, exfoliates, softens & moisturizes)
* you may have to wash your tub after milk bath due to the fat sometimes the tub feels a little oily
Green tea - steep 5-6 bags and add it to your bath ( full of powerful antioxidants & vitamins, soothes, nourishes, & rejuvenates cells)
* you can put the tea bags in very hot water in the tub for 10-20mins
Red Wine - 1 cup ( rich in antioxidants,hydrates, moisturizes & protects)

You can add honey, olive oil and/or some fragrant flowers (lavender or roses) to really punch up the spa experience!

* soak yourself up to 20 minutes, rinse skin off with a quick cool shower to close up those pores, then pat dry.

(photo courtesy of picapp)

bath spa

Noodle Head Review

2009-12-02T21:48:00.006-05:00

This winter I decided to only wear styles that require me to sit under the dryer, NO WET curly hair. Last winter traumatized me..lol I believe I had icicles in my hair one day. So, I figured finding a great styling product for some twist, knots or braids would be way cheaper than me having to pay for therapy over my hair being frostbitten. I have tried so many products but either they are to oily (saturates down into my face), filmy (the hair has almost a grey hue) flaky(so not cute look when the product resembles grits on your hairshaft), or just plain drying to both my hair and scalp (and the itchiness is madness).

Well, I was happy when Tony over at Well Watered Woman asked me if I had tried Beyond the Zone's Noodle Head. This was right on time because I just finished off a salon product that couldn't stand without a companion. I didn't want to repurchase those products so I headed over to Sally's and grabbed a tube of Noddle Head (they have a curl spray that looks like it might be good for those nights when u want to refresh your twist out without having to shampoo your hair)

I decided to give it a try with some bantu knots. I recommend that knots be done early , (unlike myself, who did them 3hrs before i had to go somewhere) Knots take a loooong time to dry, especially if your hair is thick like mine. So my end result was a little on the frizzy side because I had to pull the knots down before they were totally dry. Noodle Head Curling cream is very light, gives a great definition and it left a wonderful shine. The scent is very light and I found that I didn't need a lot of product when applying to each section. I will use it again this week for my twist out because it worked for me. All in all it was a good buy(under $6) and the sale girl told me it goes on sale quite often, another plus.

Beyond the Zone

Airbrushing gets personal (Spoiled Pretty review)

2009-12-02T13:12:00.006-05:00

Not once have I had a conversation in the last year about makeup and someone NOT ask me about airbrushing. I haven't personally done it on myself or on any of my clients but I do love how it looks. It's just one of those techniques that i keep saying"yeah, I'll get around to it" then I see the price tag on the equipment and the idea gets pushed back only to resurface on the next makeup conversation. Well, I was over on twitter and Daneen from Spoiled Pretty linked her video review on the Temptu Airbrush Makeup System (only sold @ Sephora). Now, I had heard and even seen this but I hadn't heard of anyone that actually tried it. I mean even the girl at Sephora didn't sound too knowing when I asked if she had used it and what where her thoughts, moving on! So when I saw this vlog, I had to see if it were ok that I share it with you (THNX DANEEN!!) Don't let the $225 price tag scare you. It's a steal when you think about what some places charge for a one time application, I've seen up to $200 (that's nuts) Now you can have a flawless mess proof system that will have you looking like your favorite artist is getting you gorgeous everyday. check out the easy use of this system click here

Temptu

Stila's $25 Brush Set

2009-11-23T20:27:00.005-05:00

Now this is a DEAL!! A few years ago, while browsing the makeup department in Saks I decided to try some brushes. Ok, You know how all of a sudden you need some new stuff when all you are supposed to be doing is passing through. Well, that was me and it was only supposed to be a lip brush. Someone pulled out the #30 double ended shadow brush on me and i had to see more, feel more and you know the rest. An hour and a nice grip of a bill later I had 5 brushes that I loved. Nice comfortable long hands and incredibly soft natural bristles cut and shaped just right for picking up your color and delivering on application. This is definitely a key ingredient your gorgeous needs. You will feel like a Pro when you get your hands on these tools.

Stila Brush Set, $25

stila

Loreal H.I.P Haul

2009-11-19T23:37:00.009-05:00

(l-r: Duos in Brazen, Shady, Magnetic, Showy & Color Chrome Liner in Violet and Gold)

A quick stop at Walgreen's for some children's cold medicine turned into a return visit for a nice collection of L'Oreal H.I.P. I just could not resist when I saw the bright orange signs "blinking" BUY ONE,GET ONE FREE!! So, this was the perfect time to add to what I have. My lonely duo in Roaring (the blue is poppin!) now has some relatives to hang out with in the makeup bag. I love H.I.P (which stands for high intensity pigments) it delivers on just that. Color goes on smooth, vibrant and it has staying power to the max! I made up my mind to just grab the first colors (2 duos)that caught my eye and then walk..lol Did it work? No because as you can see from the picture I walked out of there with 6 products. All for the eyes!! My love for mixing and improvising surely did not leave my cheeks and lips out of the fun (see pic below).

Can I just tell you the Color Chrome Liners are AMAZING!! The quality of these pencils definitely can compete with some of the higher end brands. The pencil glides on like a cream so there is no dragging of the skin. It stays exactly where you put it and the metallic finish is just gorgeous.

I want to here from you G.I's: Do you use H.I.P? what is your favorite from the line?

Loreal HIP

Oh, Sally Girl!

2009-11-18T13:18:00.009-05:00

This weekend I found myself in a few beauty supply stores roaming the aisles for something new to try. I really do try and support the local businesses but I have no tolerance for poor customer service. so out of one establishment and into Sally's I went. The sales girl was sooo nice ( real sweet voice) she greeted me and then said "Oh, have you tried the Sally Girl yet?" No I hadn't tried it yet but I had seen and heard of it, those tiny nail polish bottles are way too cute. All the little tags smiled a cool $.99. Wait!, is this a sale? " No, the price ranges from $.99-$1.99" there was the sweet voice again. And here I am $6 and some tax later ready to give this a try.

Here's what I bought & what i thought about it (pic above l-r)

Mascara -Jet Black good for daily wear, kept the lashes separated. if your looking for drama this is not it.

Liquid Eyeliner -Jet Black smooth and precise

Eyeshadow quad -Gum Drops light pigment, i had to build like 3x to get what you see. primer is a must!

Sparkling Effects -Violet Vixen not a fan! it fell off before i was even done. may be better if mixed into something or used with a eye gel
Blush -Frenemy my favorite! i actually had to blend it down because it initially gave me more color than i had expected
Lip Gloss - Curfew glides on smoothly and not tacky. my lips were a little dry before i applied it and the gloss softened them up.

All in all i think this is a great line for teens. There are some goodies in the line for us women, especially those looking for a inexpensive way to make a modest makeup bag.

So tell me have you tried it? what do you like best? if u haven't will you try it?, c'mon it's $.99!

2009-11-09T12:03:00.005-05:00

OK, I always share the shopping love so I had to tell you all about Hautelook. Top Brands partner with this site to offer private sales on beauty, men, women, children and home at up to 75% off . You have to sign up (it's free!) on the site in order to shop the private events. Most sales only a few days, so again, make sure you sign up so you get the weekly notifications.

When I saw this pic in my inbox I was way too excited. Shu Uemura up to 55% off, that's bananas! and in just a couple of hrs things are going fast. so get on over there and check it out. Also this week: American Apparel, MD Skincare, Andrew Marc and many more brands.

e.l.f Giveaway Winners!!

2009-11-07T16:07:00.005-05:00

Congratulations to Lala_777 & Michelle M.L.!!! You will be receiving some E.L.F. goodies. Make sure you come back and tell us what you think.

This was my first giveaway and I am so excited beyond belief..lol Thank you to everyone who came on over to post this week. Your support is what is going to keep TGI around for a very long time. I am preparing for more giveaways very soon. So please Stay tuned..

2009-11-05T20:08:00.005-05:00

If You carry two tubes of a product in your purse, does that mean your obsessed with it?...lol Well the Soul Purpose remede Hydrating Salve is that product makes me a suspect. A medium textured high powered cream that penetrates deep and aids in a multiple of issues. Got sunburn? Nose stuffed up? Feet looking a hot mess in your Choos? Hands dry from continued washing? Remede, delivers on all of it plus some. It's packed with ingredients (No synthetics) that heal, soothe, moisturize and hydrate. With this weather treating my skin like happy hour, free drinks before 11pm, I make sure I apply Remede daily to ensure I'm guarded and protected from environmental exposure. My skin thirst no more and I'm even able to layer my favorite scented lotion over top of it. I have found the Remede to keeping my skin gorgeous.

Soul Purpose's Remede hydrating Salve, $15

Black Opal Dual Lip Gloss Review

2009-11-04T20:23:00.007-05:00

I was looking for a nice purple gloss and my sister surprised me with one a couple of weeks ago. Black Opal dual Lip Gloss in Screen Gems (fuschia/deep plum)has a great smooth texture but I feel like Iwould have to wear a lipstick or liner underneath for a smoother and polished look. The gloss is thick but not tacky at all, luv that. My lips kind of looked like they were peeling when I put on the deep plum, 1st pic(what do you think?) 2nd pic, fuschia, 3rd pic, both colors

My lips feel great when I have the gloss on and when I remove it because the formula is very moisturizing. I like the high shine, colors and feel, so Iwill give it go again but I will partner it with a base of some kind. A good drugstore find for under $6. I may try one of their other 5 shades.

Black Opal dual Lip Gloss

black opal

Herbal Essences has got me Totally Twisted

2009-10-29T19:49:00.007-04:00

For years I was on the hunt for the product that worked best on my hair. I never found anything that gave me a good defined curl along with proper moisturizing and hydrating. Then, about 10yrs ago I happened upon a professional product that made my hair sing. I was devastated to find out that unbeknownst to me the company had decided to end our relationship. I would have to scour numerous salons or websites to find any trace of my sweet love. In my state of rebound, while cruising through Walmart I was drawn by a display of bright vivid colored bottles with catchy phrases. I immediately went back into my old mode of picking products for moisture & hydration but then it caught my eye, Totally Twisted Curl &Waves shampoo and conditioner. hhhhhm, I had been hearing about this line. I recently tried a brand that i was not happy with and this product was under $3. a major deal from my usual purchases ($10+ a bottle) So in the cart and home came these products. This product delivered on everything it said it would. CLEAN, SPRINGY, HYDRATED, SMOOTH, & DEFINED!! Hair knows when it's treated right..lol My curls not only sang but they danced! The french lavender and jade extracts were so uplifting to both my mood and my curls. I have a new favorite shampoo & conditioner!!

herbal essence totally twisted

Lorac Holiday Smoked Out

2009-10-28T14:03:00.003-04:00

Just in time for a the holiday parties LORAC brings a collection to help you achieve that desired smokey eye. The baked eyeshadows are high pigmented and can be worn wet to bring more drama or dry to keep it more natural. And the lip polish packaged like a small nail polish is the cutest thing to me. Long lasting color and shine in a little bottle.

LORAC

*you must sign up for the LORAC VIP to get the discount (it's free!!)

Lorac

2009-10-27T14:18:00.003-04:00

Red Lipstick is my affinity. It may have been passed down from my grandmother. Her beauty signature was red lips and Ferragamo pumps. It's not my signature but Ialways keep a tube close by. Red lipstick is that one beauty product that can instantly change my mood. Something about it makes me feel like i have a spectacular secret no one else knows about..lol I was so excited when Iopened my inbox and saw Three Custom Color Specialist A CENTURY IN RED LIP COLOR PALETTE. A palette of reds to celebrate the women of the 20th century. Each red represents a trend of a decade starting from the 1910's to the millennium. so fun!
Three Custom Color Specialist, A Century in Red Lip Color Palette, $45

*if you have favorite product that is discontinued and you cant' find a match or similar product anywhere, Three Custom Color Specialist has a great custom blending option. Their extensive database helps you find and duplicate your lost product. click

Covergirl's Exact Eyelights Collection

2009-10-26T19:57:00.007-04:00

I'm always strolling the store aisles looking at beauty products and this one has caught my eye quite a few times. I finally stopped to really look it over. Covergirl's Exact Eyelights Collection helps take all the guess work out of what colors one should choose for their eyes. Each palette has four shadows that are supposed to enhance and highlight one's natural eye color (brown, blue, hazel and green) Now, I wasn't drawn so much by the colors but by the brush. A nice sturdy travel size eyeshadow brush. The colors all have shimmer but are neutral and safe so you can mix and match or dare to wear every color. The brush will sure make it an easier task to apply than those little awkward applicators.

Covergirl's Exact Eyelights

Covergirl eyes

Makeup in a Bottle keeps the face in place

2009-10-22T21:05:00.005-04:00

When a womam puts alot of work into getting her face into gorgeous mode, she wants it to last all day long. She keeps her mirror close to makes sure nothing is running, smearing or fading. Well, Model in the Bottle will allow you to chill out and just enjoy the day with no touch ups needed. It's not bothered by humidity, absorbs excess oil, doesn't make your face sticky or tight and won't clog pores. Sounds like a bottled miracle, right? Well, it works and if you want to give your girl a spritz it's cool because this stuff is good for all skin types. This stuff is a must have!

How it works:

1. apply your makeup, let your mascara dry

2.hold MIAB about 12 inches from the face and spray 3-4 times

3. look gorgeous until you wash your makeup off!

Makeup In A Bottle , $18

Bobbi Brown Lip Tints spf 15

2009-10-21T14:52:00.005-04:00

My favorite lip tints are back for the holidays and in FULL size aaaaaand my favorite shades. Oh, i always keep a tube of the Bobbi Brown Lip Tint SPF15 in my purse. My lips have a tendency to peel so finding a good product that delivers on benefits and beauty is a plus for me. Despite the rich looking hues in the tube, these colors are soft and sheer so they wear well on every skin tone. A nice mild and refreshing minty thing going on but none of that "sting" you get in some lip products. I don't like my lips throbbing for the sake of beauty and good texture. So this has been in my mix for some years now.

how i wear them:
Cherry - by itself for some sheer color or over a lipstick i want to gloss up or give a a bit more color. It looks gorgeous over bronze.
Blossom- when i want gloss but no color or i use when i want nude lips (mute the lips out with some concealer and powder and then apply blossom)
Twilight - most of the time i mix this with another gloss or lipstick
Bobbi Brown's Lip Tint spf 15, $28

bobbi brown lip

My hair must have it!

2009-10-20T00:04:00.016-04:00

Cream leave in conditioners have never been nice to me , deceptively enticing me with their grandeur claims of hydrating and defining my curls but just hanging out on my hair shaft as an opaque film , hmmph! so not a good look. On a trip to CVS, I came across something that caught my eye. The Ellin Lavar detangling mist is filled with antioxidants and botanicals that nourish, soften and moisturize. It is mildly scented, lightweight, works well with my existing conditioner and also refreshes my curls when i skip a shampoo. My Denman brush glides through my hair with no tugs, snags or tears. I love it!!

Ellin Lavar DetangleMist, $7.99

People are always surprised when i tell them about this product. I have been using Smooth n Shine Polishing Curl Activator for years. No, it's not a throwback to the 80's curl revolution, so you wont have stained necklines and sofas. This non greasy, weightless formula defines and smooths my curls. I do add a tiny bit of Ampro gel (black gel to some of you..lol) if i want a strong lasting hold. It has recently been reformulated and i sure hope that despite the extra added ingredients (not needed) it will still deliver good results. It's so inexpensive i usually buy a few jars at a time so i have another couple of months before i try the new formula sigh

Smooth n Shine Curl Activator Gel, $2.99 @ local Walgreens

activator

Calmed by the Candle

2009-10-16T00:17:00.007-04:00

Oh, this is just what I need. Amidst the cold weather there is alot of coughing going on around here..eeew germs! This is a candle that will whisk me away (in my mind) and clean my air. I lit my Soul Purpose Caribbean Ginger Soy Candle and although I am cozied up from the cold outside, in my imagination the island sand and blue waters are just a few feet away. Tropical woods sway, blowing warm ginger kisses and flirtatiously inviting me into a lavender dream. Is this natural? Has to be, it's written on the packaging "all natural"..lol

Should I blow it out and come back to reality? not before I dip my finger in and rub some of this warm vitamin packed moisturizing oil on my skin.

Soul Purpose Soy Candles 7.5 oz $20

Welcome!!

2009-10-15T15:41:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone,

I finally did it!! Many have asked and now i have answered the call. TGI is where we can mix (that's what ingredients do..lol) about makeup, hair, skin and everything that makes us feel beautiful. I'll stir in lots of fun for everyone with tips, tricks, product reviews, giveaways (YES!!) and vlogs (coming soon). All things beauty, all the time!! I invite you to comment and most definitely send a request of anything you would like me to post about.