May 312011
 

Dirty Spring Wash Shower Gel – Toss this show gel in your gym bag!  The cooling sensation was not one that I was prepared to use before bed.  I was in the shower and let out a soft yelp.  Nonetheless, it builds a great lather, feels great, and wasn’t drying at all.  Every time I think Lush has created the BEST shower gel already, they surprise me again.  Spearmint oil to cool the skin, sodium bicarbonate to soften hard water and deodorize the skin, and glycerine and sea salt (which my skin loves) just sets “Dirty Springwash” shower gel over the top.  The fragrance is masculine but minty and doesn’t linger on the skin.  If you love Lush’s “Ice Blue” soap this one is similar, but better in many ways).

Price:  $9.95- $26.95

Rating:  A+

 

Dirty Body Spray – If this is dirty, I don’t want to ever be clean.  Well I take that back—that just sounds gross…but you catch my drift.  The best part of being a beauty blogger is when you come across a product that you love and feel passionate about.  This is feeling is much stronger than the typical “I love [insert wonderful product’s name here]”.  This feeling is the feeling I got from using Lush “Dirty” Body Spray.  Originally describe as a unisex fragrance, but is now (and rightfully so) part of their new men’s “Dirty” collection, it offers a whimsical blend masculine woods and refreshing mint…I know it sounds like an odd mix but it’s also clean and fresh.  If I smelled this on a guy there’s a high probability I’d be all over him.  I’m truly hooked on this fragrance!

Price:  $19.95

Rating:  A+ (if I can give it a higher rating I would :) )

 

Dirty Shaving Cream – Oat milk, lavender, and sandalwood….oh la la.  I have sensitive skin so having a good shave cream it vital.  This was my first time using a Lush shave cream and I’m impressed.  I applied it to the skin 5 minutes prior to shaving, and shaved my ‘pits and legs.  It left my skin soft and smooth, without clogging my razor.  I can even feel the shea butter and smell the fragrance once it’s rinsed & removed.  Since this is a shave cream, don’t expect it to lather. It still gets the job done.  A little goes a long way, so don’t feel bad using it on you legs—hey it beats having redness and razor bumps.  I haven’t used any of the other shaving creams from Lush but from what I was told by my local store manager this one is less moisturizing than their other formulas.  I’d be scared to use one that’s heavier because I don’t want it to clog my razor.

Price:  $12.95

Rating A+

 

Dirty Hair Styling Cream – Ideally this sounds like a wonderful styling cream—it’s light in texture, firm hold, yet it isn’t drying and contains coconut oil and cocoa butter.  If you have hair that for the most part corporates with you, then you’ll love this styling cream.  I have to work with my hair, like most people.  It dries too fast and it doesn’t give you a lot of time to work with it.  Surprising enough I like the touchable hold and it didn’t feel heavy from the oils.  This will work best as a texturizing cream for beachy waves.

Price:  $12.95

Rating:  B

 

Disclaimer: This product was sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on http://www.addictedtoallthingspretty.com and from Krissy (aka Krissy90220) remain unbiased and unpaid. For more info, feel free to contact the author

May 302011
 


Finally—a hand moisturizer that’s Blackberry and Android approved!  Now I’m not anti iPhone by any means…I just don’t own one lol.

Tiny Hands is a solid hand moisturizer laced with argan oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, and aloe vera.  This sounds like a recipe for oily hands but it’s all well balanced because Tiny Hands also contains talc.  It kept my hands well moisturized but it wasn’t heavy, oily, or greasy– I can tell because I’m able to use my phones without any residue or issues.  I would even feel confident enough to shake someone’s hand with this moisturizer on, something I’m always self-conscious of.

As much as I like the warm floral scent, it’s a little strong.  Even when it dies down it’s still annoying.  It doesn’t last long and absorbs quickly but you can still smell that tiny hint that will remind you that you’re wearing it.

Notes:  Lush makes a carrying tin that houses Tiny Hands perfectly for a few bucks.

Availability: www.Lush.com, Lush retail stores.  It isn’t limited edition as far as I know.

Price: $5.95/ 2.1 oz.

Rating:  A-

Disclaimer: This product was sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on http://www.addictedtoallthingspretty.com and from Krissy (aka Krissy90220) remain unbiased and unpaid. For more info, feel free to contact the author

May 292011
 
Polish Insomniac shows off her Devious Nature
From Mascara to Meatloaf has a few OPI previews
StylEyes has the scoop on Makeup and Acne
Beauty  Thesis reviews Maybelline Fit Me Foundation
Purrceptive Vixen shows off a Pink, Black, and Yellow Look
Gloss and Sticks wants to show off her Pirates of the Caribbean by OPI collection
The Product Junkie recognizes Kerry Washington as a Beauty Icon
Killer Lipgloss reviews Amazing Cosmetics
Midnight Manicures has some Nufo holographic goodness to show you
Glitter Gloss Garbage is giving away Nivea
Addicted to all Things Pretty Shows you how to Pin Curl hair and a brief hair buying guide

May 292011
 

So which Braxton do you think wore the look best? And which one looked the worst?  Here are the rules:

  • You have to vote solely on the total look– outfit, accessories, dress, shoes, hair and makeup
  • I know it’s hard to avoid it but try not to let personality traits be a factor in your decision
  • No fussin’, cussin’, or fightin’– we can all agrees to disagree

 

Traci

Tamar

 

“Mommy” Evelyn
Toni
Towanda
Trina

Source

May 292011
 

I’m really trying to get out of my wearing black all the time phase but I just can’t let it go.  My only option is to take advantage of the color blocking trend that Danielle The Style and Beauty Doctor mentions below, but using makeup & nail polish instead of clothes.  Below are a few color blocking beauty combinations to try.

If you love color and have many bright hues in your wardrobe, color-blocking is a way of getting more bang for your buck by combining colors you may not immediately pair together. Though the shades aren’t what you would think of pairing together first, there is a rhyme and reason toward choosing them. First, grab a color wheel and then follow these steps:

1. Colors directly next to each other (i.e. yellow and yellow-orange; yellow and yellow-green; violet and blue-violet, etc.)
2. Colors that form right (90 degree) angles with each other (i.e. yellow and red-orange; blue and violet-red; green and orange, etc.)
3. Colors directly across from each other (i.e. yellow and violet; blue and orange; red and green, etc.)
4. Colors that form a T (i.e. blue, orange, and violet-red; yellow, violet, and red-orange; yellow, blue-green, and red-orange, etc.)
5. Colors that form an X (i.e. blue, orange, violet-red, and yellow, violet, blue-green, and red-orange, etc.) [1]

Sinful Colors Boom Boom Nail | MAC Lady Danger

OPI Guy Meets Gal-veston | CoverGirl Divine

China Glaze Electric Pineapple | MAC Lady Shadow

MAC Electric Eel | Nina Ultra Pro Tangerine Dream

MAC Free to Be | OPI Don't Mess with OPI

NARS Amour | Essie Turquoise and Caicos

May 282011
 

If you saw me tweeting these photos the other day, then you know what this post is all about :) .  The video demonstrates how I curl and pin-curl my hair for a roller-less curls.  It looks like Kim Kardashian curls if you ask me.  If you’re anything like myself than you can easily relate to having no desire to sleep with rollers.  I filmed this video at the end of the day and the curls lasted around 10 hours.

  • Curl the hair with a large barrel curling iron.  I personally don’t apply holding spray before I use heat but some may prefer to do so for a firmer hold.
  • After you’ve curled the hair, roll it into a pin-curl, and use a bobby pin to keep it in place.  Since I’m wearing longer hair, I use jumbo bobby pins.  For my bangs I do a light pin-curl since I don’t want it to have a complete curl, just some body.
  • Once all the pin-curls are done I spray a maximum hold holding spray all over.  I used an inexpensive Pantene holding spray and my curls lasted a solid 10 hours.  I’m curious to see how professional holding sprays compare, so if you guys have any recommendations let me know.
  • To tie my hair up at night I use a triangle fishnet and satin bonnet (both which can be found at Sally’s Beauty and most beauty supply stores).

In the second part of the video I give tips on how to purchase Indian and Brazilian Hair online.  If you’re going from wearing synthetic hair or human hair from the beauty supply store, you’ll notice a lot of differences between the different types of hair.

  • Do your research!  Google (and Youtube) is your friend.  You can read reviews about the hair before you make your purchase.  This may sound a little extreme but this is an investment.  The hair you purchase can last a year or more and it doesn’t always come cheap.
  • Years ago when Indian hair became popular, suppliers didn’t wash or treat the hair and the end result was a lot of complaints about nits and lice.  You can look online and still see forum posts from at least 5 years ago about women receiving hair that wasn’t properly treated and just sent out….which leads me to my next point…
  • All reputable vendors inspect and treat their hair, but not all wash and condition it—and this is not determined by the price or popularity of the company.  For example:  I’ve had hair from Indo Asian in Inglewood that wasn’t clean, had burn spots, and I noticed a couple lice eggs, and this hair is very reputable in LA and expensive. That was years ago before I was a blogger, but a simple Google search today would show results of the same issue.  The virgin Indian hair from Curlz Gone Wild and Glam Remy Spot was clean, treated, free of lice eggs, and it smells gorgeous. The hair from Bella Dream Hair was cleaned and treated but something was off with the smell.  Not a big deal since I typically do a protein treatment and deep condition the hair prior to installing it.
  • A small amount of shedding is normal.  You can search online on how to seal the wefts.  It’s a process in which you apply a special glue to the weaves of the hair to minimize shedding.  I’ve sealed my wefts before and it helps a lot but for the initial review of any hair that comes to my office I refrain from sealing the wefts to give an accurate review.  Once I re-install the hair I seal the wefts.  In the real world I was just seal them in the beginning just as an added precaution.
  • Natural hair colors of virgin hair can vary.  It’s completely normal to receive hair that’s deep brown, to an ombre-like color that ranges from light sun kissed brown (usually on the tips) to dark brown.  The hair I’m wearing now looks chocolate brown but has some red tones when I’m out in the sun.  A few gray hairs are also normal.  You can color the hair and so whatever you like with it.
  • Curls Vs. Waves.  I wear both and it’s a matter of preference.  Both textures of hair can be worn straight but it depends on how you want to want to wear it when it’s wet.  Just like in nature curl (and wave) patterns vary so if you’re purchasing virgin hair be open to the variation in curl patterns– noting some wet-setting can’t fix.

May 272011
 

All The 2011 FiFi® Winners

Fragrance Hall of Fame
To be nominated for The Fragrance Hall of Fame, Award, a fragrance must be on the market 15 years or more, and supported by marketing strategies, which helped the fragrance achieve awareness and success in 2010.

FRAGRANCE HALL OF FAME WOMEN’S
Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey
Beauté Prestige International

FRAGRANCE HALL OF FAME MEN’S
Jean Paul Gaultier ‘Le Male’
Beauté Prestige International

CONSUMERS’ CHOICE AWARD MEN’S
BATH & BODY WORKS SIGNATURE COLLECTION FOR MEN TWILIGHT WOODS

CONSUMERS’ CHOICE AWARD WOMEN’S
BOMBSHELL – VICTORIA’S SECRET

FRAGRANCE SUPERSTAR
Gucci Guilty

FRAGRANCE SALES BREAKTHROUGH OF THE YEAR

At the discretion of the Board of Directors, a retailer can be recognized for having done something out of the ordinary. This year, it was decided to honor a brand, who at retail, achieved record-breaking sales to set a new benchmark:
Mary J. Blige and Carol’s Daughter.

Halle Berry – The Elizabeth Taylor Fragrance Celebrity of the Year Award

This award, presented by the Foundation’s Board of Directors is to honor a celebrity who has embraced and promoted the world of fragrance over a period of time. It celebrates the ongoing success and support given by the celebrity to the industry and therefore attracting consumers to the category.

Fergie – 2011 FiFi® New Fragrance Celebrity of the Year Award

Selected by the Foundation’s Board of Directors, this award recognizes a celebrity whose very first fragrance has enjoyed instant success with the consumer and brought recognition to the fragrance category.

EDITORIAL EXCELLENCE IN FRAGRANCE COVERAGE – WOMEN’S SCENT FEATURE WINNER
ALLURE – POETIC LICENSE, SEPTEMBER 2010

EDITORIAL EXCELLENCE IN FRAGRANCE COVERAGE- MEN’S SCENT FEATURE WINNERS
A TIE!
ELLE MAGAZINE – PICKING UP HIS SCENT, DECEMBER 2010
MARIE CLAIRE MAGAZINE – MAKING SCENTS FOR MEN, OCTOBER 2010

EDITORIAL EXCELLENCE IN FRAGRANCE COVERAGE – WOMEN’S SCENT BITE WINNER
ELLE MAGAZINE – MIX MASTERS, SEPTEMBER 2010

EDITORIAL EXCELLENCE IN FRAGRANCE COVERAGE – BLOG
ELLE.COM – AN EAU OF OUR OWN, OCTOBER 2010

TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH OF THE YEAR – FRAGRANCE CREATION & FORMULATION
ROBERTET FRAGRANCES – “SEED TO SCENT”

TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH OF THE YEAR – PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY & DELIVERY SYSTEMS
INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES – “REDKEN RADIANT SEA SPRAY”

TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH OF THE YEAR –INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
FIRMENICH – osMOZ iPHONE APP

BATH & BODY LINE OF THE YEAR
COCO MADEMOISELLE BATH ESSENTIALS – CHANEL

INTERIOR SCENT COLLECTION OF THE YEAR
JONATHAN ADLER “HAPPY CHIC” – THE MAESA GROUP FOR JONATHAN ADLER

BEST PACKAGING OF THE YEAR – WOMEN’S LUXE
GUCCI GUILTY – P & G PRESTIGE

BEST PACKAGING OF THE YEAR – MEN’S LUXE
MARC JACOBS BANG – COTY PRESTIGE

BEST PACKAGING OF THE YEAR – WOMEN’S BROAD APPEAL
BOMBSHELL – VICTORIA’S SECRET

BEST PACKAGING OF THE YEAR – MEN’S BROAD APPEAL
HERVE LEGER HOMME – AVON PRODUCTS

BEST MEDIA CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR – WOMEN’S
GUCCI GUILTY – P & G PRESTIGE

BEST MEDIA CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR – MEN’S
BLEU DE CHANEL – CHANEL

PERFUME EXTRAORDINAIRE
GIVAUDAN

FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR – SPECIALTY BRAND – MEN’S
BANANA REPUBLIC/REPUBLIC OF MEN ESSENCE EAU DE TOILETTE – INTER PARFUMS USA

FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR – SPECIALTY BRAND – WOMEN’S
BOMBSHELL – VICTORIA’S SECRET

FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR – BROAD APPEAL – MEN’S
HERVE LEGER HOMME – AVON PRODUCTS, INC.

FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR – BROAD APPEAL – WOMEN’S
HALLE BY HALLE BERRY PURE ORCHID – COTY

FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER
MY LIFE BY MARY J BLIGE – CAROL’S DAUGHTER

FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR SPECIALTY LUXE – MEN’S
TOM FORD AZURE LIME – TOM FORD BEAUTY

FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR SPECIALTY LUXE – WOMEN’S
BALENCIAGA PARIS – COTY PRESTIGE

FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR – INDIE BRAND
SIX SCENTS PARFUMS: SERIES THREE (UNISEX) – SIX SCENTS PARFUMS

FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR – MEN’S LUXE
BLEU DE CHANEL – CHANEL

FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR – WOMEN’S LUXE
GUCCI GUILTY – P & G PRESTIGE

For the first time, two top scorers of The Fragrance Foundation’s Online Certification Exam for Sales Specialists were recognized from the Fall 2010 and Spring 2011 sessions:

Fall 2010 Top Scorer: Amanda Markey, C.F.S.S. Nordstrom, Ross Park, Pennsylvania.

Spring 2011 Top Scorer: Nicole Maki, C.F.S.S. Nordstrom, Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota.

So ladies, let’s have an open discussion about the winners and your views about the awards.  Are there any fragrances you would have like to have won and award?  Do you agree or disagree with any of the fragrances that won?

  • I’ll start…why isn’t Jo Malone on the list?! Oh how I love their spring 2011 high tea theme and their fragrances overall.
  • Issey Miyake…I can count at least 10 guys and gals that wear Issey Miyake– I love it but I’m over it.
  • Bath & Body Works Twilight Woods for Men is great!  I wear it all the time.
  • I think Marc Jacobs Lola had the best packaging!
  • Gucci Guilty deserved women’s luxe fragrance of the year…I can wear it everyday.
  • Has ANYONE smelled My Life by Mary J. Blige with Carol’s Daughter?  Yes it sold like crazy on QVC (before it even hit store shelves) but I’ve never heard anyone rant or rave about it.
  • You mean to tell me Rihanna Rebl Fleur didn’t win?! What about the bottle being in the shape of a cheap heel?  I kid, I kid…but she should have won for the fragrance.
  • I’m not sure how I feel about Elle.com winning for the blog category.  I’ve seen some great blogs dedicated to fragrances.

Click the next page to get the complete details on how nominations and winners are selected and for a background on the FiFi Awards.

May 262011
 

Despite everything that can be said about Evelyn I can honestly say that I can only think of one time were her hair wasn’t flawless.  With that being said it feels good to have found out some of her hair secrets.  She’s photoed here wearing 4 onces of 24 inch custom colored honey blonde Brazilian wavy extensions from one of my favorite hair suppliers, Bella Dream Hair.  4 onces of hair that long isn’t a lot so she has a great deal of hair.  Just looking at it I would have assumed it was at least 10 onces.  I’m wearing my hair wavy this weekend, somewhat like her hair is right now ;-)

Related post 1

Related post 2

May 252011
 

Look at Cassie looking (dare I say it) curvy!  She’s working those boobs and that dress.  Try any of these styles to get her look.  I’ve found crochet dresses for spring and summer that will fit anyone’s budget!
The verdict is still out on the exact designer of the dress she’s wearing, but as soon as we get it we’ll get it posted :)

Cassie’s outfit details:
Dress:  Jen Kao (S/S 2011)

Shoes:  Isabel Marant (S/S 2011)

 

 

Cassie photo: Source

May 252011
 

OPI joins tennis superstar Serena Williams in announcing the latest three lacquers in the Glam Slam! collection.  To celebrate the world’s oldest, most prestigious tennis tournament, Glam Slam! England features two duo-packs filled with sparkle.

The first Lacquer set includes Your Royal Shine-ness, a metallic silver shade, paired with Servin’ Up Sparkle, a shimmer-packed silver glitter. The second Lacquer set also features Servin’ Up Sparkle, along with Grape…Set…Match, a metallic purple.

“England’s premier tennis tournament warrants colors with extra glitz and glamour,” said Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “The next big trend in nails is making lacquer look 3-dimensional by adding different micas and glitters, turning fingertips into jewelry. With two bold metallics and a sparkling glitter, these colors are fit for royalty.”

“For stand-out nails, I love experimenting with different glitter shades,” explains Serena Williams. “The new Glam Slam! England lacquers can be worn alone for a bright pop of color, or layered with Servin’ Up Sparkle to create a textured effect.”

Serena Williams has received the World Number One in singles ranking by the Women’s Tennis Association on five separate occasions, along with being listed as sixth on the all-time greatest champions list.  Additionally, she has won two Olympic gold medals in women’s doubles and has earned 27 Grand Slam titles to date. Serena is the most recent player to have held all four Grand Slam singles titles simultaneously and only the fifth woman in history to do so.

New shades in the Glam Slam! collection will be introduced to coincide with each of the four major tournaments, beginning with the Australian Open in January 2011, followed by launches in May 2011 for the French Open, June 2011 for Wimbledon and August 2011 for the US Open. As with all OPI Nail Lacquers, the Glam Slam! collection contains no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and each includes OPI’s exclusive ProWide Brush for the ultimate in application.

Glam Slam! England will be available beginning June 2011 at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for $14.95 ($20.95 CAN) suggested retail for each duo-pack.

For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan!

 

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