Apr 292011
 

Half-Off RockSTAR Pedicure by Celebrity Nail Stylist @SaniMacc of Extremedys2012 in Los Angeles this weekend only!

Visit:
Hasani
Extremedys Hand and Foot Spa
8001 Santa Monica Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90046-5008
(323) 848-8094
Tue-Fri 10am-8pm; Weekends 10am-5pm
Follow her on Twitter for the latest nail tweets

Apr 292011
 

European Wax Center, the world’s leading specialist in body waxing, is celebrating its launch in Los Angeles on Saturday and Sunday, June 4 and 5, 2011 with a complimentary “Wax Weekend” in Redondo Beach, Westlake Village and Woodland Hills. The Manhattan Beach location will open in July and dates for the launch event will be announced soon.

During the inaugural Los Angeles “Wax Weekend” event, first-time guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary wax service, gift bags, coffee bar, delicious hors d’oeuvres and live music for a day of personal refreshment with friends or family. Reservations are recommended and walk-ins will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“There are a myriad of reasons why people choose European Wax Center as their preferred body waxing specialist,” says regional developer, Yvette Beaulieu. “With regular waxing, the hair grows back softer, finer and sparser, making ongoing maintenance and results that much more comfortable. Our process has been scientifically conceived to exfoliate, beautify and care for the skin. Each and every European Wax Center features the highest levels of professionalism, timeliness, unparalleled products and the top experts available in waxing and customer service – all in a chic and sophisticated European-inspired center. But the number one reason our guests return is that they love the way we consistently deliver smooth, silky skin from the most comfortable wax experience they’ve ever had. We’re so confident you’ll love us, the first wax is on the house!”

 

European Wax Center’s motto, “The Ultimate Wax Experience,” has never been more true. Known for a unique and thorough four-step waxing process that cleanses, protects, waxes and rejuvenates the skin, European Wax Center boasts a proprietary, non-strip wax formula developed in Paris and impeccable service from their specially trained wax experts.

 

The exclusive Parisian wax made with the world’s finest elastomers and polymers features 100% natural beeswax that is applied at a comfortable bath-water temperature, which allows wax to be applied in larger sections compared to other waxes and our proprietary wax does not include alcohol which can often result in drying, cracking and irritation.

 

European Wax Center also carries a line of six pre-wax and post-wax maintenance products designed to care for and improve the skin, including a cleanser, lotion, exfoliate, eyebrow shaper and restorer. The proprietary European Wax Center product line will improve the way skin looks, feels and responds to the hair re-growth process.

 

In addition to moving waxing out of spas and into the local neighborhood, European Wax Center’s wax pass program, competitive pricing and operating hours make it easier than ever for everyone to enjoy the benefits of waxing. They are open seven days a week with late evening hours to accommodate busy schedules. With 100 wax centers open nationwide, and another hundred in the process of being built, guests can enjoy a first-class experience that is consistent at every location across the country.

 

First-time guests interested in scheduling a complimentary reservation during “Wax Weekend” should call each location directly – Redondo Beach: (310) 937-2929; Westlake Village: (805) 248-7060; Woodland Hills: (818) 746-2683. Manhattan Beach will celebrate its grand opening in July and dates for their “Wax Weekend” will be announced soon. Guests interested in attending the Manhattan Beach opening can reserve a space by calling (310) 297-9291.

 

ABOUT EUROPEAN WAX CENTER

European Wax Center was founded by David Coba, Joshua Coba and Jessica Coba Streiner who spent more than 10 years refining every aspect of the company and focusing on providing guests with the ultimate wax experience. Today, European Wax Center is recognized as an industry-leading premier wax service provider and national brand franchise.

European Wax Center offers world-class waxing services for men and women in a chic, upscale, and comfortable environment. European Wax Center uses 100% natural beeswax formulated in Paris with the finest polymers to yield smooth, consistent results. Guests can supplement their waxing experience with European Wax Center’s range of retail products and the convenience of online booking. For more information about European Wax Center or to inquire about owning a franchise log on to www.waxcenter.com.

Apr 292011
 

Her exaggerated bob with the bangs is…..OHEMGEE!

As I mentioned before, the mint green nail polish trend is going anywhere anytime soon but it is most definitely changing.  Muted, less bright and vivid mint green colors are the latest trend and Nicki is wearing it well.  To get this color try American Apparel “Office” or the soon to be released OPI “Mermaid’s Tears”.  Both shades are really close but I’m leaning more towards “Office” for color accuracy ;-) .

P.S. She looks so irritated or upset :(

American Apparel "Office"

OPI "Mermaid's Tears"

 

Nicki Minaj Photos Source

Apr 282011
 

If Mary J. Blige and Kanye West aren’t enough for you to join ESSENCE in New Orleans this summer, how about a pep talk from Steve Harvey and Iyanla Vanzant?

The ESSENCE team is proud to announce the 2011 ESSENCE Empowerment Experience on July 1-3 in New Orleans during the 17th annual ESSENCE Music Festival. Not only is this storied weekend the largest annual African-American event in the world, the ESSENCE Empowerment Experience promises the best intimate moments with artists, experts and speakers at the Big Easy’s Ernest N. Morial Convention Center best described as “A Weekend of Transformation.”

“The Empowerment Experience is what truly separates ESSENCE from other music festivals,” says Michelle Ebanks, President, Essence Communications Inc. “Our audience has the rare opportunity to have their voices heard – by engaging with some of our most influential thinkers and leaders, who are shaping conversations around the issues that matter most to our community.”

Beginning on Friday (July 1st), the ESSENCE Empowerment Experience, sponsored by My Black is Beautiful, will offer a themed day of “Transforming Your Life” with appearances by Steve Harvey and Iyanla Vanzant. Attendess well also have an opportunity to meet the producers and audition for a chance to appear on “Family Feud” hosted by Steve Harvey. Elsewhere, author Terry McMillan will present an exclusive “book club” experience with up-and-coming authors. On Saturday (July 2nd), ESSENCE will be “Transforming Your Community” through conversations with Rev. Al Sharpton, Soledad O’Brien and Terry McMillan, as well as a panel discussion entitled, “America I Am” featuring: Tavis Smiley, Dr. Cornel West, Iyanla Vanzant, Tom Burrell and Jeff Henderson. The day will also tackle the portrayal of women in the media through a panel featuring the leading women of reality television themselves including: NeNe Leakes, Cynthia Bailey, Shaunie O’Neal, Evelyn Lozada and Tami Roman. Rounding out the weekend on Sunday (July 3rd), ESSENCE and Verizon will present a day of praise and worship during an “All-Star Gospel Salute to CeCe Winans and Marvin Sapp” featuring Bishop Lester Love, Kierra Sheard, Deitrick Haddon and Dr. Juanita Bynum.

In addition to the ESSENCE Empowerment Experience and the Music Festival’s concert schedule, the ESSENCE MARKETPLACE, which showcases quality fine arts and crafts by international African-American vendors will be open each day.

For more information, check out the ESSENCE Music Festival website.

Let me get this right.  Essence selected Nene, Cynthia Bailey, Shaunie O’Neal, Evelyn, and Tami as panelist to “tackle” the portrayal of women in the media.

Apr 282011
 

 

Kizure K52 (heavy with wide teeth for thick coarse hair) – Tempered without oils

So I finally decided to breakdown and buy another set of pressing combs and another stove.

So here’s the back-story.  About 5 years ago (yes I’m one of those people that remembers everything) I loaned someone my pressing comb and they lost it.  They replaced it but I tossed it in a drawer because I was so detached from it.  My old comb was broken in to perfection and this new comb wasn’t doing it for me, no matter how much I tried.  It dawned on me that I never fell in love with the pressing comb because of the brand.  It was some no-name brand and it acted cheaply made.  Now about the stove; I’m pretty sure I gave it away but I don’t remember who I gave it to.

When I come out of this weave I want to press my hair and family members want their hair pressed also, so I finally went to Juliet’s in Compton and got everything I needed.  Since I cannot patiently wait to break-in (also known as tempering or curing) a pressing comb I had to do it quickly.  All the instructions I’ve read online say to let the combs sit in the stove for 6-8 hours.  :: slow blinking ::  I can’t imagine leaving a comb in a stove that long.  After about 20-40 minutes the core of the comb becomes extremely hot and the bonding agent begin to break down and you can feel it.  I wouldn’t recommend anyone leaving their combs in the stove that long.  Here are a few tips to quickly but properly temper a new pressing comb.

1.       If at all possible purchase a Kizure pressing comb.  The quality is one of the best I’ve ever used.  Kizure combs come pre-tempered but they’re not tempered enough for my likings.

2.       Preheat the stove (ceramic stove).  Do NOT use a kitchen stove, as it distributes direct uneven heat.  Let the comb sit in the oven for 20-40 minutes being sure to check it and flipping sides frequently.

3.       Once the handle feels hot near the middle of the handle, remove them and allow them to cool completely.

4.       Leave the stove on and repeat steps 2 & 3 five times.

5.       This step is completely optional and it comes down to a matter of preference.  The comb doesn’t operate any differently but some people prefer the worn feeling.  While the comb is completely cooled apply a thin layer of Vaseline.  I’ve used several oils and Vaseline works great.  Place the comb in the stove (ceramic stove) for another 20-40 minutes. << P.S. Thanks @Brandelah for the tip!

Kizure K50 (heavy with close teeth for fine normal thickness hair) - Tempered using heavy oils

Kizure K50 (heavy with close teeth for fine normal thickness hair) - Tempered using heavy oils

You’ll know that your comb is completely tempered because it will heat up faster and hold heat for longer periods of time, allowing you to use less passes when pressing your hair.

Apr 272011
 
  1. L. Erickson Engaged Headband $32.00
  2. Cara Accessories ‘Mirror Mirror’ Headband $28.00
  3. France Luxe Double Loop Bow Headband $18
  4. Swell Golden Headband $9.99
  5. Elle Pink Rhinestone Flower Headband $15.00
  6. Betsey Johnson Crystal Flower Headband $48.00

Apr 262011
 

Spring is finally here, which means it’s time to clean out our closets, plant some seeds and start enjoying the outdoors! If your hands are still showing signs of the frigid winter weather, not to worry LUSH is offering a helping hand with our innovative NEW! Tiny Hands Solid Serum. Featuring unique ingredients such as velvety argan oil, soothing marigold petals and ethically sourced shea butter, this solid hand serum will heal the roughest of hands. True to LUSH’s eco-friendly fashion, Tiny Hands requires no packaging and can be stored in a reusable tin, which is perfect for traveling.

Availability:  Tiny Hands Solid Serum is now available in all LUSH stores and LUSH.com.

Price:  $5.95

Apr 262011
 

When I saw an article on CNN.com titled “Weaves, Braids May Speed Hair Loss in Black Women” by Keren Pallartio for Health.com I really blew it off because I thought it was another “black women shouldn’t wear weaves hair study” and in some aspects it was and other ways I see where they found some great findings.

Highlights from the article

  • 326 black women who participated in the study had hair loss on the top of their scalp at the crown.
  • Of those women 59% had signs of central centifungal ciciatricial alopecia (CCCA).
  • Since CCCA was poorly understood it was thought to have been caused by pressing combs, which was untrue.
  • 90% of the women in the study did not use pressing combs nor chemical relaxers.
  • But of those 90% braids, weaves, and other “traction” hairstyles were used.
  • Black women often maintain these styles for long periods of time and the stress they exert on the scalp can lead to pus-filled bumps which over time can develop bacteria and lead to scarring.
  • They also noticed that women who are already losing their hair are more like to favor these hairstyles because they help disguise thinning hair
  • The average age of the women with CCCA was 58 but the condition often presents itself women in their 20’s, 30’s and frequently in their 40’s.
  • It is not clear from the study that these hairstyles are solely responsible for CCCA because many of the women that participated in the study had balding grandfathers and they were also more likely to have type 2 diabetes.

Up until now I hadn’t heard of connection between this form of hair loss and type 2 diabetes, so I find that really interesting.  This should encourage them to do a study on hair loss and type 2 diabetes with all sufferers.  But I also I find it slightly frustrating that these studies focus on race as oppose to cultural differences.  I’d like to see articles that focus on women of all races.  They feed into the notion that only Black Women get weaves, when we all know that’s far from the truth.  My friends come from all walks of life, various races, cultures, incomes & lifestyles.  For example I know two sisters that had the same opportunities as far as hair care is concerned.  I’ve known these two all of their lives and their way of thinking when it comes to caring for their hair is completely different.  Needless to say one has a head full of healthy hair and the other has always abused her hair and has an I don’t care attitude.  She has, and will probably always have “struggle” hair.  Oddly enough she’s also the only woman I know with “struggle” hair.  Her edges are bare and her notion is that it’s nothing that brown gel, a hard brush, glue and tracks can’t handle.  You honestly can’t tell her anything so why bother.  As for the rest of us, we all wear weaves, braids, and some use relaxers.  We all have really healthy hair.  The picture below is of my kid sister with bra strap length hair.  She just got out of a sew-in weave and she relaxes her hair.  It was only two years ago that she did the big chop.  Gabrielle Union twitpic’d pictures of her non-relaxed hair and people seem to be very surprised that her hair is long and healthy since she’s always seen wearing weaves.  SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! Black women can wear braids & weaves and not suffer hair loss?! :-| Where’s that study?  Why is there such a fascination with Black Women and struggle hair?

Apr 252011
 

MUFE The Aquanaut Aqua Liner Look Face Chart

Staying true to our belief of never having to sacrifice color for performance, MAKE UP FOR EVER introduces another vibrant addition to our award-winning Aqua range – new Aqua Liner. This eye-catching, highly pigmented new collection of waterproof liquid eye liner was developed to outperform even in the most extreme environments. Aqua Liner was created to provide make up artists with the ultimate liquid liner that boasts precision, a 100% waterproof formula and a bold assortment of colors.

MUFE The sedwick Aqua Liner Look Face Chart

As the official make up sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami, MAKE UP FOR EVER put artists to work at the top 2011 swimwear shows testing Aqua Liner on models backstage. Their challenge was to create bold, show-stopping make up looks that wouldn’t melt or fade while on the runway under hot lights, performing in the water, or in the humid Miami climate. The end result? Aqua Liner guaranteed intense weather, tear and sweat-proof color that lasted through the shows.

MUFE The Classic Cat Eye Aqua Liner Look Face Chart

Aqua Liner is formulated with acrylic copolymer, a hydrophobic macromolecule that forms a flexible film to lock water out. It contains 50% more polymers than traditional eyeliner formulations to ensure a long-lasting, waterproof result, as well as essential amino acids derived from apple juice for high-color intensity and bold pay-off.
Available in 15 vibrant shades with matte, iridescent and diamond finishes, Aqua Liner can be used to match all moods and styles. The long and dense, yet flexible applicator is designed like a make up brush handle to ensure easy application, with a specialized foam tip that delivers the ideal amount of texture for drawing an ultra precise line with a buildable result.

Aqua Liner goes on evenly and dries quickly for a look that lasts all day and all night long.

Availability:  US $23.00
Sephora.com, MAKE UP FOR EVER Boutique & Studio at Sephora – MAY 12th, 2011
CANADA $26.00
Sephora.com, Sephora – MAY 2011

#1 – Diamond Gold
#3 – Iridescent Emerald Green
#4 – Diamond Lagoon Green
#5 – Diamond Turquoise Blue
#6 – Iridescent Navy Blue
#7 – Diamond Black Purple
#8 – Iridescent Electric Purple
#9 – Iridescent Fuchsia
#10 – Iridescent Red
#11 – Diamond Burgundy
#12 – Mat Mocha
#13 – Mat Black
#14 – Diamond Multicolor Black
#15 – Iridescent Anthracite
#16 – Diamond White

Information sent via press release

Apr 252011
 
  • Dries to the touch in 1 minute
  • Dries to the nail in 5 minutes
  • Chip resistant – Protects Nails
  • 2 UV inhibitors
  • Protects nails
  • Self-leveling
  • Non-dragging
  • Ideal for nail art
  • Easy to apply

Five Time Winner – Allure Magazine’s Best Topcoat Award!

Poshe Super-Fast Drying Nail Top Coat dries to the touch in 1 minute and dries to the nail in 5 Minutes. The Highest gloss of any product on the market and with no Formaldehyde, Toluene or Nitrocellulose. Cannot turn yellow, even in tanning beds. No UV Lights or Heated Dryers Needed. Poshe Super-Fast Drying Nail Top Coat is a true Topcoat and must be applied over polish or basecoat.

The Aliphatic Resin System: re-wets to revive existing nail polish. Smooths out scratches and abrasions. Dissolves any oxidation and returns existing polish to its original color. Reaches through any lotion residue to re-wet and adhere to existing polish. Includes a top quality brush that reaches to the bottom of the bottle so you can use the whole bottle.

Every 6 months I stock up on Diamond Cosmetics Super Dry topcoat but wanted to hold off because I noticed I was too comfortable.  The routine was becoming a little too redundant for me and it was time to try some new topcoats.  While I was at Sally’s this weekend I decided to check out Poshe’ because I’ve heard that it was thee topcoat to try.  Despite the numerous praises, I still found it to be a tough purchase.  The bottle just seemed so dated with the pointed top and rounded triangle bottle.  I reminded me of the nail polishes my grandmother’s used to use.  I usually have a hard time using polish with pointed tops because I don’t have enough width to control the application and most of the time those bottles are accompanied with long wands; making it even more of an issue.  Poshe’s bottle top is perfect because it’s wide and the wand is a little shorter than most, so application was a breeze.  I also like the wide brush because I can use the least amount of brush strokes.  The direction says apply over wet nails and allow 1 minute for it to dry to the touch.  I’ve heard this story from companies more time than I can count.  Poshe’ lived up to its word!  I was shocked.  It smoothed out my nail color and chunky glitter and I went to bed.  When I woke up the next day I pressed my nail into the polish to see if it would dent and it didn’t.  This is by far the best topcoat I’ve ever used!  Still coming in a close second place is Diamond Cosmetics Super Dry, followed by Seche Vite.

I used it on the mani and it worked wonders smoothing out the super thick layer of chunky glitter.

Availability:  Sally’s Beauty Supply

Price:  $7.49/ $6.49 with a Sally’s Beauty Club Card

Rating:  A+

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