February Favorites (pic heavy)

Photo Credit: Sally Beauty

Babyliss Pro Thermal Ionic Rollabout Dryer

I use this for conditioning hair treatments, roller sets and wraps. I love the fact that mine & my daugthers' hair can dry quickly without neck searing heat.


For More info Click HERE



Mega Care Tea Tree Oil (Manufactured in Patterson NJ, by Sunflower Cosmetics)

Natural antibacterial oil with extra protection for your hair and body.

DIRECTIONS:
- Use for skin irritation and oily skin.
- Prevents itchy, dry scalp.
- Anti- dandruff and antifungal.
- Use as a massage oil or while in sauna.

INGREDIENTS:
Tea Tree Oil, Canola Oil, Sunflower Oil, Castr oil, Olive Oil, Cottonseed Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Jojoba Oil, Fragrance

HOW I USE IT
- My scalp tends to be super dry. This treatment helps me to exfoliate dead skin cells from my scalp. I use it as a pre-poo treatment before washing my hair.
My scalp absorbs it. My hair LOVES it!
- I also use this on my tween daughters' scalp after a shampoo.
It keeps them from suffering from itchy scalp and flakes.
- It has a pleasant scent that reminds me of my childhood.
- This is very affordable. I pick it up for $1.00 from a Mom & Pop dollar store in my area. I have seen it at local beauty supply stores for $1.99.


Photo Credit: Bath and Body Works
C.O. Bigelow® Mentha Cinnamint Lip Shine

"Our Cinnamon and Mint-infused lip balm provides a glossy high shine with a refreshing cooling sensation. Lips stay moist and protected while Cinnamon and Peppermint give breath long-lasting freshness.

Gives breath long-lasting freshness
Contains active levels of therapeutic apothecary ingredients
Contains no artificial colorants and not tested on animals
Developed by Bigelow Chemists
Best of Beauty
This CEW finalist for ™Lip Treatment Under $14™ (2007) is a shining example of how hardworking a lip gloss can be."

MY THOUGHTS
This is an oldie but a goodie! If you ever have scaly chapped lips, just using a little of this will help them to peel within minutes. The cinnamon oil has a plumping effect. Overall, this is my favorite conditioning lip treatment. I believe these are on sale right now at Bath & Body Works (Buy 2 Get 1 Free)

MAC Ripe Peach Blush Ombre



A powder blush featuring a shade wave of gentle ombre hues. Ultra-fine formula provides the cheeks with flawless, medium-buildable coverage and lightly pearled, natural-looking radiance. Limited edition.

MY THOUGHTS
Initially when I got this blush, I was surprized by the size. It is 9grams vs. a normal sized MAC blush at 6grams. I didn't think the lighter portion did anything for my complexion (MAC NC45). I had to play with it a few days before I decided that I loved it. I was not prepared for all of the "male attention" I received when I went outof doors wearing this blush. (I'm pretty sure that's a CON for me.)
I stacked paired it with L'Oreal Hip ENAMOURED cream blush as a base.
I used NARS Taj Mahal on the apples of my cheeks. The overall effect was that the blush imparted a youthful glow. LOVE THIS product!

New Born Free FREYA



- Synthetic Full Cap Wig
Special thanks to April (muffinismylovers) from YouTube for putting the spotlight on this wig. I call her my Niecy Nash wig. She doesn't tangle like some of my other synthetic pieces. She is not as heavy or dense. Manufacture/Wigsite Photo shows her worn with part in center. Like April, I prefer my part on the side. It means the eartabs are off kilter, but oh well. She only has adjustable straps, so I use bobby pins to make sure she's secure.


Favorite Blogger


Photo Credit: CosmeticQT


One of the lesser known gems on Blogger is
CosmeticQT Life Of a Makeup Addict
She does some beautiful soft and pretty eyeshadow looks. Please check her out.
You will not be sorry.

Favorite YouTuber

BEATFACEHONEY
Uber Talented! Awesome Teacher!

Essence of Beauty Kabuki Brush REVIEW

Photo Credit: CVS

"Essence of Beauty's plush cosmetic brushes are made of high quality, authentic hairs and fibers. Buy Essence of Beauty's luxurious cosmetic accessories for all the benefits of high-end department store brands at just the right price. Reusable cosmetic pouch."

DIRECTIONS
"The Kabuki brush can be used to apply powder, bronzer or blush. Just dip the brush into the product in a circular motion for optimal coverage and lightly tap to remove excess. Use a dusting motion to apply product where needed. This brush is great for use with mineral cosmetics. Recommendations: Follow with the 'Essence of Beauty' blush brush to add a rosy glow to your look. Instructions of usage inside.


My curiosity was piqued in this brush by many makeup YouTubers.
They compared it to the MAC 182 ($45). Many purchased this brush to carry in their purse or on overnight trips and vacations so as not to risk losing the more expensive MAC brush. Some claim to like this brush even better than the MAC comparable brush.

I was able to purchase mine on a bogo.
Generally it retails at CVS for $9.99.
It is worth every penny and MORE!

Unless I stumble upon a better brush by accident, the search is over!
This brush is as soft as my e.l.f. studio kabukis.
Click HERE (for e.l.f. kabuki review) It is however, more dense than they are.
The Coastal Scents Synthetic Wide Buffer is softer, but not as dense as this brush.

Comparative View



Overhead View



HOW I USE IT
This brush is excellent for applying powders. It is dense enough to pick up as much product as I desire without being over saturated. The extra large dome makes quick work of buffing. The pointed tip allows for easy access to the more recessed areas like near the sides of the nose.

This brush shed just a little out of the packaging.
Washing resulted in a little more shedding. There was not alot of bleeding.
It took a while to dry.

I am sure my other kabuki brushes will be jealous of my new love.

5 out of 5 stars!
I HIGHLY recommend adding this to your collection.

Coastal Scents 20% Off Camos

SALE EXPIRES 3/01/2010 MIDNIGHT EASTERN STANDARD TIME,USA.
ORDERS PLACED PRIOR TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL NOT RECEIVE THE DISCOUNT.
THESE SALES AND DISCOUNTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR RESELLERS.

Happy Shopping

Re purposed Cutting Board - Makeup Table Tray

Online Exclusive: Save 50%

Here's a device that no kitchen can be without. The lightweight, sturdy Easy-Lift™ Cutting Board is the workplace that works anyplace, and helps keep counters safe and clean.

The board features four non-slip, non-skid feet and an indented trough for catching vegetable peelings and juices. Perfectly portable, the two cut-away handles allows the board to be easily lifted off the counter. And the textured surface masks knife cuts.

•½" H x 10½" W x 16¼" L
•Black
•Dishwasher safe (remove non-skid feet first)
Online Exclusive Offers are not available at either the Tupperware Showcase or Tupperware Home Party. Available while supplies last. Quantities may be limited.


Easy-Lift™ Cutting Board
Save $9.01—$18.00 value
$8.99 Qty


I bought this item, expecting it to be similar to my Pampered Chef Polyethylene cutting boards. My TupperWare representative told me it was plastic. He could not have been more right. This is not at all what I as expecting in a cutting board. UGH!



I will re purpose it as a kind of tray for my makeup table. It has a well where I can lay my used brushes. It will protect the wood (particle board) from messy spills.

Clairsonic MIA - Update

Hold Up! Wait A Minute!
I treated myself to this. I bought a 2nd brush head for the hubby.
Believe it or not, as much as I love this product, he is all over it.
He actually does two cycles with every wash. Huh? No wonder my batterylife is so diminished!

I need to buy him his own. Better yet, I'll give him this when my pink one arrives. This is very unexpected.

Clairsonic is tearing my pockets up! But I love it!
I'm still testing this. I want to give it a full 30 day trial before I post my own review.

Check Out (Blog Owner of Clumps of Mascara)YouTube's Divine Blackness' Full Review Here.

Philosophy Purity Made Simple REVIEW

Photo Credit: Philosophy

"purity made simple is an award-winning, one-step daily facial cleanser that removes makeup, cleanses, tones and lightly hydrates the skin. this facial cleanser rapidly dissolves dirt, oil and makeup to deep clean pores while maintaining the skin's proper moisture levels. purity made simple is gentle enough for the eye area and even for the most sensitive skin."

"you need this product if...

you've tried a lot of cleansers but never found one you loved
you crave deeply cleansed skin
you want a cleanser that will multi-task for you
you wear a lot of makeup
your skin is congested"

INGREDIENTS

water (aqua), sodium lauroamphoacetate, sodium trideceth sulfate, limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, coco-glucoside, cocos nucifera (coconut) alcohol, peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate, aniba rosaeodora (rosewood) wood oil, geranium maculatum oil, guaiac (guaiacum officinale) extract, cymbopogon martini oil, rosa damascena extract, amyris balsamifera bark oil, santalum album (sandalwood) oil, salvia officinalis (sage) oil, cinnamomum cassia leaf oil, anthemis nobilis flower oil, daucus carota sativa (carrot) seed oil, piper nigrum (pepper) seed extract, polysorbate 20, glycerin, carbomer, triethanolamine, methylparaben, propylparaben, citric acid, imidazolidinyl urea, yellow 5 (ci 19140).

DIRECTIONS

"At the end of each day or at the beginning of each morning, take a small amount of purity made simple, a little water and massage onto skin for 30-60 seconds. Rinse. Take a leisurely pace when washing yourself clean. Cleanliness is a new beginning. When you feel clean you can begin being who you really are."

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My Thoughts:

I decided to purchase a sample of this product from Sephora to use along with my Clairsonic Mia.

- It is very gentle on my sensitive skin.
- It has a very pleasant smell.
- It does not produce suds.
- It makes my skin feel really clean.
- When I follow with my Olay Toner, I have little to no residue of makeup or dirt on the cotton pad.
- My skin type is combination. Mostly dry & oily in the t-zone. My hubby has oily skin. We both started using this product at the same time. We both have experienced the same results.
- We are so impressed that I am going to order the 32 oz. bottle with our next Sephora purchase.

I give this product 4 out of 5 stars. One less star for the price. MAMA MIA!

Micropeeling Facial Cleansing 7piece Cloth Set with Pouch REVIEW

Rid yourself of dry, dead skin with this set of micropeeling cleansing cloths.
The tiny fibers gently slough away dead skin, revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion. An absolute must-have for those who are serious about skin care.
•Includes five 12" x 12" facial cloths, two 8" x 6" cleansing mitts, one net laundry bag, and a satin pouch
•Laundry bag/pouch: 100% polyester
•Cloths/mitts: 80% polyester/20% polyamide
•Machine wash, tumble dry
•Made in China
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My Thoughts:

I have struggled with flakey skin all of my life. After having children, my skin changed from dry to combination. (oily in the t-zone). It's a well known fact that foundation just doesn't look right over flakes. I decided to invest in this set.
These towels are nothing short of amazing. I love to use them to remove my makeup before I use my Clairsonic Mia. They even remove mascara. I just wet the cloth.
No cleaner is needed. I haven't washed them yet, but I was so excited about the results I just had to share. I am ordering another set. If you order these, I would suggest you not order the white. In the comments section on QVC, a woman was mortified that housekeeping accidentally scooped her set during a hotel stay. OUCH!

I thought this would be a great investment, over buying disposable face cleansing cloths from MAC, Olay, Neutrogena or Equate! Wooo Hooo!

I only wish they came in MORE colors!

I give this product 5 out of 5 stars!

For More Info, Click Here

Sally Hansen Microwaveable Eyebrow, Face & Lip Wax REVIEW

Photo Credit: Sally Hansen

No Strips Needed!

Quickly and effectively removes unwanted facial hair.
Easy to use - just apply and peel away!
Warms in seconds in the microwave.
Smooth results last up to 8 weeks.
Mistake-proof.
Helps reduce the appearance of hair regrowth.
Salon Tested - Dermatologist Tested.
Kit Includes:
Microwaveable Wax, Safetouch Temperature Sensitive Spatula, Mini Tweezer to remove stray hairs with precision, 3 Easy to Use Brow Guides, Post-Treatment Extrasoothe Lotion with 5% Benzocaine and Complete Instructions in English and Spanish.
Special Ingredients:
Natural Tree Rosin, Beeswax and Aloe Vera Formula gently removes hair and nourishes skin.

Post-Treatment Extrasoothe Lotion with 5% Benzocaine to instantly soothe and comfort skin after hair removal.

Special Ingredients:
Natural Tree Rosin, Beeswax and Aloe Vera Formula gently removes hair and nourishes skin.

Post-Treatment Extrasoothe Lotion with 5% Benzocaine to instantly soothe and comfort skin after hair removal.

Application Techniques
For best results, follow instructions included in package.

This kit includes three different eyebrow guide stencils for perfect grooming! Choose the look you prefer, and place the sticker over your brow. The parts of the brow remaining can be waxed away, leaving the beautiful shape you desire. Heat the wax based on the specific heating instructions. This kit comes with our exclusive heat sensitive spatula. When dipped into the wax, spatula will read "READY" if it is a safe heating temperature. If the wax is too hot, the spatula will be blank. After determining the correct wax temperature, you may decide to use the small orange stick for precision waxing. Determine the right applicator and dip into wax jar. Wax should be the consistency of honey. Spread wax onto area where hair is to be removed. Be sure to apply in the same direction to which hair grows. Leave a slightly thicker amount of wax at the end, to be lifted for the removal of the wax. Once wax is applied to face, allow to cool for about 10-15 seconds. When wax is ready to be pulled off, it will be soft but pliable and still warm. Use your finger to slightly peel up the edge of the thick end of the wax. Grip this end and pull away quickly in the opposite direction of how you applied it. For best removal, pull wax off close to the skin, rather than pulling outwards. If strip is peeled away correctly, the hair will be in the wax and not on your skin! Repeat these steps until all unwanted hair is removed. Use Post Treatment Soothing Azulene (included) to soothe and care for skin, and remove traces of excess wax.

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My Thoughts:

I decided several years ago that rather than waste my money at my local nail salon for eyebrow waxing, I'd attempt the job myself. Afterall, it cost me $5 for the wax kit. My concerns stemmed from my observation of less than hygenic utensils at the nail salon. (Insert "germ-o-phobe" HERE)Removal of hair can sometimes involve BLOOD. Yes, bodily fluids. How could I be 100% sure that the attendant was not reusing orange sticks? UGH! There was no way to be certain. In the long run, you get what you pay for. I was only paying $5. If I liked the job they did, I would tip a dollar. Sometimes my brows came out great, other times, they took off too much or changed the shape in a way that I did not like. Language barrier was impeding my fly brows. It was time for a change. I've been maintaining my brows for five years. I haven't waxed them in forever. In recent years, tweezing individual hairs has been my practice.

On to the pressing issue at hand..the "stache". Yes, I've always been hairy.
Not Sasquatch, but hairy enough for it to be noticable. During a routine monthly search & destroy session, I noticed that I had some darker hairs sprouting beneath my lower lip. AHN AHN! No way! I can't do a "soul patch". It occurred to me that I had neglected the Sally Hansen Wax Kit. It was time for me to prepare for the pain and stoke up the old microwave. It had been so long since I'd waxed, I was unprepared for the sting. The post treatment soothing cream was a welcome rescue aid. The result...90 percent of the stache was removed. I was rusty. I'll give it a go again in a week or two. In the meantime, I can chase the few rogue hairs with my trusty tweezers. The next day, I was left with two minute bumps on my upper lip. Typical for me. I usually follow up with toner after the soother. I forgot to do it this time. This product is very easy to use. I would highly recommend it.

I give this product 5 out of 5 stars.

Blog SPOTLIGHT YouTube MUA

Special Thanks to Lisa for sharing this treasure from YouTube.
It appears that she's only been on since 9/2009! Watch her soar to the top!
She's UBER talented. It has sparked my interest in makeup again.
She is BEATFACEHONEY
Enjoy!

YouTube Can Be A Vehicle To All Kinds of Opportunities

Congratulations to YouTube Guru
Michelle Phan!



She has just been picked up by Lancome as their Video Guru

Michelle Phan Videos on LANCOME

I've seen some of my favorite gurus achieve success as well as sponsorship by some big companies. I still appreciate the objectivity & candor of specific YouTube Guru's who do not feel compelled to back a product simply because they are being compensated in some way to promote a product.

I will be watching with great interest a few of my favorite ladies to see what is in store for them in the very near future.

Ateyaaa

BlackOnyx77

Candiecc

Lauren Luke (panacea81)

MakeupByTiffanyD

MuffinIsMyLovers

QueenofBlendingMUA

Who are some of your favorite YouTube Gurus?

January Faves/Reviews (Hair Care Products)

Mas vale tarde que nunca! (better late than never)
When I went out during the month of January, I really didn't vary my makeup routine. I have not tried any new products. I haven't really been in a makeup mood. I've been focusing more on my hair.



NO PETROLEUM JELLY that can weigh down hair & clog follicles. This light, non-greasy formula enriched with NATURAL OILS and VITAMINS A, B, C & E will add moisture to your hair leaving it soft and manageable.

Directions:
Apply to fingertips and gently manage throughout hair and scalp. OLIVE OIL has long been used as a skin softener which you will notice on your fingertips & cuticles after each use. With regular use you should obtain the same results on your scalp.

Ingredients: water, isopropyl Myristate, soybean oil, olive oil, stearic acid, stearyl alcohol, glycerol sterate, vitamin E, matricaria extract(chamomile), Calendula extract, vitamin B, macadamia nut oil, vitamin A, coconut oil, rosemary extract, sage extract, vitamin C, great burdock extract, triethanolamine, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, imidazolidnyl urea, fragrance, FD&C yellow #5, FD&C blue #1.

As I have two different textures of hair, it can be a challenge to manage it. I used this product on my scalp daily. I would recommend it to anyone trying to manage naturally curly hair or to anyone transitioning from a relaxer. I probably would use this product if I had my hair in an updo, as opposed to down. I feel like it might weigh down my thin hair if placed on the ends. It has a strong smell which might take a little getting used to. It is inexpensive & you get quite a bit of product.

4 out of 5 stars.
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Mane 'n Tail Detangler makes hair easier to comb and style and increases shine. Helps eliminate tangles and knots and the appearance of dry split ends while adding additional conditioning and styling benefits

•The solution for hard-to-comb hair
•Provides a rich, luxurious shine
•Hair becomes easily manageable
•Restores lost moisture
•Prevents breakage
•Reduces split ends

The Original Mane 'n Tail products have long been a solution for troubled hair.
Now from the makers of Mane ‘n Tail comes Detangler.

An exclusive pH balanced Detangler formula that is easy to use and helps eliminate tangles and knots and the appearance of dry split ends while adding additional conditioning and styling benefits. Your hair becomes easily manageable with a rich and luxurious shine.

Mane 'n Tail Detangler, the solution for hard to comb hair

Directions
After showering, while hair is still damp, spray Mane 'n Tail Detangler liberally on hair. Work formula through, making sure it covers and reaches all of the hair. DO NOT RINSE OUT. Comb out hair with a large tooth comb or brush. Results are a super slip that allows hair to respond to styling effortlessly. Style as usual. If pump becomes clogged, run under warm water.

I LOVE this stuff! I'm 7 months post relaxer. I have more new growth than relaxed hair at this point. Mane 'n Tail Detangler makes detangling my hair a breeze. I have not encountered a better product. I use this on my tween daughters' hair as well.
All Pros & NO Cons with this product. It may leave the hair a little oily. My hair absorbs product & tends to be more dry in the winter months.

5 out of 5 stars!
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New
Regular Formula For Normal Hair
With Certified Organic Ingredients
Detangling Conditioning Shampoo Featuring Organic Sunflower and Coconut Oils to Gently Cleanse and Condition For Soft Silky Hair.

Keep Out of Reach of Children
Wet Hair. Apply Shampoo and Work Into Lather. Rinse Thoroughly. Repeat. Next, Condition With CreMe of Nature Conditioner.


OMG! This is my new HG (holy grail) shampoo. Although my hair is dry, I thought I'd give this normal formula a play. It left my hair feeling so soft & tangle free. I would definitely recommend this to a friend!

5 out of 5 stars!
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