Monday, November 21, 2011

Review and Giveaway: Simply Smooth Xtend Keratin Reparative Magic Potion


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)






*product provided courtesy of beautystat.com*

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

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

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



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

Monday, June 20, 2011

Pantene Pro-V Casting Call


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
     2ND 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!!!




Thursday, June 2, 2011

NuMe Professional Styling Tool/Couture Review


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

Friday, May 20, 2011

Queen Helene Royal Curl Review


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

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Soul Purpose ~ Salon Red Hair Care


 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 

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

NappOrganics brings you NouriShea



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



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





Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Made From Earth Facebook Giveaway


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:
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

(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...

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

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

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


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...


Saturday, January 15, 2011

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

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.

straightening natural hair

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 and 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 and 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:


Pantene natural to straight hair

Pantene Curly to Straight


 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


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