2010 December » Addicted to All Things Pretty

What Was Your Biggest Beauty Splurge of 2010?

Dec 312010

Question

What was your biggest beauty splurge of 2010?

My answer

Gosh I can’t think think of a single item. I feel like I always spend too much money on my beauty addiction. I remember going to MAC and NARS 3 times in a 2 week period spending a few hundred bucks O_o.

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Gettin’ That Old Thang Back…Twist-Out Using Liv Hair Dressing #naturalhair

Dec 302010

If you follow me on Twitter you’ve seen me talking about Liv for the past couple of days. It’s actually an old hair dressing/ conditioner that I affectionately refer to as the “predecessor to Blue Magic and African Pride”. This hair dressing is thick and heavy. Not only is California experiencing a few heavy storms but now we’re also dealing with wind. Le sigh. I needed a cheap product to use on twist-outs that would withstand the elements. It got the job done plus some. It’s a little oily and it’s heavy….in weight. This is heavier than a whipped butter and the best way I can describe it is that it’s like a creamy hair balm. Normally when I use a product to twist my hair it moves and sticks out in different directions. This time it all pointed downwards. I sprayed water (moisturizer) on my hair and used Liv to seal in the moisture. My hair was the bomb.com the next day and shiny. My hair feels so good. I don’t plan on using it every night because I don’t want greasy hair and pillows–twice a week is good enough. It even slicks down edges and smells like Nivea Body Lotion :: does the bank-head bounce :: Now if I can only figure out what to do with all this product. A little goes a long way and I know I won’t finish this jar. They used to sell a smaller jar but of course that was a million years ago.

Do you guys remember Liv back in the day? Did you use it?

Rating: A+

Price: $5 – $10

Availability: Sally’s and most beauty supply stores

Quick length check. I can’t wait for my next weave.

NARS Cosmetics “Amour” Blush swatch

Dec 302010

NARS Cosmetics “Amour” Blush $26.00/ 0.16 oz. – A sheer to medium buildable light carmine pink matte blush. This is a great everyday, natural blush that can work on all skin tones.

Availability: Sephora and NARSCosmetics.com

No flash

Perfect Pairs…Rihanna in Ruby Woo, Melissa in Russian Red

Dec 292010

If you’ve ever wanted to know the difference between MAC “Ruby Woo” and “Russian Red”, because MACcosmetics.com describes them BOTH as matte bluish red…this is the best example. Both red lipsticks are pretty much neutral and both have a matte finish. Rihanna looks to be wearing “Ruby Woo” since it looks brighter and has that warm tiny pop of coral, while Melissa looks to be wearing “Russian Red” since it has cool blue tones. Both colors are must-haves…but that’s just me—Krissy the lover of all classic red lips.

I Have Natural Type 4 Hair. How Often Should I Shampoo and Condition? #naturalhair

Dec 292010

When it comes to the science of hair care, Dr. Ali Syed is a master chemist with an innovative mind for developing effective hair technology. As the President of Avlon Industries Inc., a developer, manufacturer, and marketer of innovative and high-quality personal hair care products, Dr. Syed is a veteran research chemist well versed in the formulation of hair care products.

With the experience and knowledge necessary to tackle most hair care concerns, Dr. Syed is passionate about helping individuals address everyday issues with their hair, such as the situation below:

I have naturally coily Type 4 hair. How often should I shampoo and condition?
When faced with the concern of how often one should shampoo and condition, Dr. Syed believes that it is all about how active one’s sebaceous glands are. Sebaceous glands in the skin emit oil, called sebum, which lubricates skin and hair. “The general observation is that the production levels of scalp oil by those with tightly-coiled hair textures typically require only weekly cleansing. A great majority of individuals choose to cleanse and condition every two weeks or so.” states Dr. Syed. With more natural styles, some individuals shampoo their hair on a more frequent basis, which is permissible, as long as the products being utilized are free of sulfates or if a co-washed is being used.
It is vital to determine a unique cleansing schedule that works best with your hair type. Devising a system of this nature will ultimately enable you to keep your hair healthy and strong.

About Dr. Ali Syed - As founder and president of Avlon Industries, Dr. Ali N. Syed‟s talent in formulation science has been the driving force behind Avlon‟s 26 years of successful operation. He holds over 24 patents regarding multicultural haircare and presents regularly to chemists and hairdressers worldwide.

About Avlon Industries Inc. – Avlon is a professional haircare brand and is sold worldwide. “When you see our motto, „The Science of Hair Care®‟, the words mean that our chemists have developed some of the most innovative hair care products in the world, for the multicultural market” says Dr. Syed, the master chemist behind Avlon’s Science of Hair Care.

Image: Yaya DaCosta

What’s Your Favorite MAC Blush?

Dec 282010

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Question

What’s your favorite MAC blush?

Such a loaded question, but if I had to pick only one it would be MAC “Coppertone”. Something about a warm brownish peach matte blush just makes me all warm and fuzzy. Yet, I don’t own “Raizin” or “Format” which are at the top of my list of things to buy this week, so I’m sure my answer might change.

NARS Cosmetics “China Blue” Eyeshadow Swatch

Dec 282010

NARS Cosmetics "China Blue" eyeshadow (no flash)

NARS Cosmetics "China Blue" eyeshadow (with flash)

Rihanna “Reb’l Fleur” Fragrance Review and Pictures

Dec 272010

Two months ahead of schedule Rihanna’s “Reb’l Fleur” eau de parfume has hit the shelves of select Macy’s stores (but not on www.macys.com yet). My lovely blog reader Alysa gave me the heads up because she received it as a Christmas gift. I immediately called Macy’s to put it on hold—sight unseen…or shall I say “fragrance non-smelled”. I did end up testing it while I was purchasing it. It’s been described by a few people as smelling like Beyonce’s “Heat” but sweeter and sure enough it does. The two fragrances does share a few of the same notes—peach, amber, musk, vanilla (“Heat” has tonka bean which smells like vanilla to me most of the time), and a varieties of flowers. However, “Reb’l Fleur” does a better job with the mid and bottom notes. The coconut water and vanilla is what really sets this apart because it tones down into a fresh, sensual, powdery, musky, slightly tropical smell without that manufactured coconut smell. Since I own “Heat” I almost didn’t see the need to have both ONLY because they’re so similar but the bottom notes has me sold. I still don’t care for the bottle and I’m not impressed that it’s an upside-down stiletto (whoopty doo). No shade to my girl Danielle the Style and Beauty Doctor…she’s loving this bottle lol. It doesn’t balance well upside-down so I can’t keep it on my dresser that way and I don’t have the patience to tell onlookers “look at what my bottle can do”. The only reason I turned it upside down was because I thought my bottle was used/ shorted—it’s completely full. Overall I love the fragrance but expected a higher amount of “uniqueness” and I’m sure my bottle won’t last long. It’s a great value for an eau de parfume at $49.00 for a 1.7 fl. oz. ($59.00/ 3.7 fl. oz.).

Rating: A-

Availability: Where fine fragrances are sold February 2011 and select Macy’s stores right now

Price: $49/ 1.7 fl. oz. / $59 3.7 fl. oz.

Are my perfume girls feeling this?

Benefit’s New Blush Just May Be Great On Darker Skin Tones

Dec 272010

Brown girls get your wallets ready! I just caught wind of a new blush color from Benefit Cosmetics called “Bella Bamba” from Temptalia.com. Normally this wouldn’t grab my attention because I ALWAYS get my hopes up about Benefit blushes, only to be disappointed when I swatch them. They always look ashy on me and at $26 a pop I don’t have the time, money, or energy to “work” with it. “Bella Bamba” looks like it has a lot of potential to be Women of color friendly. I may have to cheat on my beloved NARS and give this color a chance.

What is is: A watermelon-pink blush laced with shimmering gold undertones.

What it does: This boxed blush, with a mirror tucked inside a magnetic closure flip-top lid, amplifies cheekbones and creates the illusion of sculpted features for a gorgeous 3D effect. Your face will look instantly brighter with just a quick swipe of this ultra-flattering color on the cheeks.

$26.00/ 0.28 oz.

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