Thursday, December 31, 2009

Sephora Product Reviews

So, last week I received my shipment from Sephora. I got the Sephora Brand Blush in Apricot Plaisir, Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, and a Sephora nail color in Gilmauve. And as a bonus I received the Sephora Makeup Primer.

Let's start with the blush...I love it. I like the shimmery effect is has. But I have to really load up my brush and pat pretty hard to get it on. But the color is really nice and complimentary to my skin tone. I will most likely buy more colors from this line because they're reasonably priced and of good quality. (5 stars)

The Urban Decay primer is the business! It was worth every penny. I even slept with it on purposely just to see if it would survive the night. And I didn't lose any pigment. And it made my eyeshadow appear more pigmented. There was no fade, creasing, or any other eyeshadow or eyeliner disaster. This is something that I consider a staple now. I know there are other brands that are supposed to be just as good, but this really works for me. So I'm sticking with it for now. (5 stars)

The nail polish I got is like this pinkish-purplish candy color. And I like it. The thing is that that I was cleaning the house a lot from holiday fall out. And I had issues with chipping. But this was only with my right hand which is my dominant hand. But perhaps I will wear gloves to do everything around the house. And it will last. The coats went on easily. It took about 3 coats to get what I wanted. And with the bottle being so small, it seemed a little ridiculous. I think that if somebody wants an on the go change, this is good. But I will probably just go to Beauty Brands or Sally's to get my nail polish from now on. (3.5 stars)

The primer I received as an extra is not my favorite. The consistency is weird. It's like it may be oily, but it's powdery. It kinda made my face feel like it wasn't clean. But it did help my foundation go on a lot smoother and more evenly. And oil seemed to not pool much in the usual areas. It's alright, but I probably won't buy it. (3 stars)

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Conair Infiniti Review

As you may know, I purchased a Conair Infiniti flat ironing tool (not sure of the full name). It's a two in one iron that allows for curling the hair in addition to ironing flat.

I love this tool. I have used a CHI flat iron before. And the problem that I had with it was that the handle got too hot for comfort for me. And the Conair tool doesn't do that at all. It's totally comfortable from start to finish. The drawback was that there are only three settings, but that's ok for me. I put it on medium and it worked out just fine. I couldn't be happier really.

It will flatten the hair and give it a beautiful sheen and make it shiny. And I really only had to make one smooth pass over each section. And at about 40 dollars, it was well worth it. I've always had good faith in Conair products. I would recommend this to those who are on a budget like me but still want quality and great results.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

My Order Came In


So, I got my package from Sephora yesterday. And I just love everything I got. Let me start at with the top row. These are the free samples I got (starting at the left): Aquolina Pink Sugar Eau de toilette (smells amazing), Lolita Lempicka Fleur de Corail Eau de parfum, and Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Eau de Parfum. Then the other sample was a deluxe sample I got for being a beauty insider. And it is a makeup primer. It's clear too. :)

The item that I bought include blush made by Sephora in Apricot Plaisir. Next is is just a nail polish made by Sephora as well in Guimauve. And last but not least is the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion.

I will be testing out the flat iron later on today since I washed my hair and deep conditioned last night. I blow dried it as well, but I was careful and I always use a heat protection spray.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Straight Won't Wait


Tonight, I went to JCPenney's to finish up my Christmas shopping. But secretly, I was on the hunt for one last item for myself. Let explain something...People in this family usually only buy for the children. And so we adults just gift ourselves and stick to giving presents to our mothers and grandmothers. LOL

Anyway, I wanted to straighten my hair while I'm deciding whether or not I want to go natural. And I didn't have the big budget. So I picked up the Conair You Style ceramic hair straightener for about 34.99. The neat thing about this is the curved outside edge that is meant for curling the hair. So it's like two items rolled into one. And that's a great value. I guess I will have to heat this baby up and pass it through my hair a few times. But I probably won't be doing that until tomorrow evening because my hair needs to be washed and air dry first. Maybe I'll do that tonight.

Wish me luck :)

Hair Pic and Update


I know that my hair isn't down in this pic, but let me tell you...It's getting to be so healthy. It's shiny and soft. I had to trim my ends again a few weeks ago just to get them even and symmetrical. And it looks much better that way.

My moisturizing routine is pretty much the same. I use a moisturizing spritz of vegetable glycerin, alow vera juice, and just recently added coconut oil to the mix. Then I follow up with the Organics Olive Oil moisturizer. And then I seal with coconut oil. And I do this twice a day because it's winter time. I love how all this makes my hair smell so good. And it's a more natural approach to caring for my hair. The virgin coconut oil is my personal favorite in my new routine

I'm using Giovanni Organics still. I started using it back in the summer. And I don't think I'll switch because it seems to be working. There are no phosphates or sulfates in it, so it's great for the hair. It gets it clean and smooths it really nicely. And the conditioner does the same. They're my permanent staples at the moment.

Again, I don't mess with my hair that much. I have even calmed down on the cowashing. But I think that I'll increase that to twice a week just to keep my scalp clear rather than wash once a week and co wash another time in the week. I am limiting a lot for several reasons. But the outcome has been to my benefit thus far. I'll try to get more pics up this week of my hair and will be answering any questions you all might have.

ALSO....I will be posting information about the stuff I'm getting from Sephora. And I'll be reviewing those items as well.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Sephora Purchase Update


(I made a tiny mistake concerning the day. It has to be before 11:59 tonight. Just read the updated information below.)
Ladies, if you want to order from Sephora online and receive your package before Christmas, and get free shipping, this is what you have to do...

Get your cart together. And when you get to about the fourth stage of checkout, scroll to the bottom of the page and look for an area to enter the following promotional code: ups2day
This code is not case sensitive, so don't worry. You will get two day delivery for free with this code. The catch is that you only have until 11:59pm on December 2oth to place your order and get in on this sweet deal. And there are plenty of good sales. I promise you.

Also, you will get to choose three free samples. And for those that have at least 100 beauty points, you will get to choose an additional deluxe sample. So don't miss out on this. I want everybody to be beautiful, feel great, and get beauty for a steal this holiday season.

Dai Burger is a Killer!

It's amazing what you find when you get caught in the web that is called a Google search. So let me explain. This track is amazing. I found it after going to beauty guru, Jessica Harlow's website(jessicaharlow.com). And I saw where she had a whole blog dedicated to Patricia Field. Sound familiar? She's was the stylist for Sex and the City. So I was looking at all the fab stuff she had on her site. And that's where I found this video.

Dai Burger's styling may be a little outrageous for the faint of heart in the video. However, I find it to be over the top and fabulous. It's a definite source for inspiration. The whole 80s theme and bright neons and such are really in right now. So I hope you all enjoy the song and fashion. And go have a gander at Patricia Field's website, patriciafield.com


Friday, December 18, 2009

The Value of a Dollar

I went to Wal-Mart...again. I know. I'm addicted to that place. But this time was different. I only took a twenty dollar bill with me. And that shut down the spending habit real quick.

At any rate. I got the cutest items for Christmas for my play sis. (She's such a sweetie.) And while I can't post a pic of everything I bought her just in case, there was one item that I got for myself. And it was just one dollar. It was the still the cutest thing. And it smells so yummy. It's vanilla strawberry lip cream.I wanted to talk a bit about my hair. It's doing great. I cowashed it today. And then I had to blowdry it because I had to go out into the cold. And it went well. I used the Dove heat protection spray. I moisturized and sealed once before blowdrying and then after blowdrying. And that was the key. My hair came out nice and shiny. There was no dryness or frizziness at all. And it's soft. I wore it down too. But in just a few minutes, it will be going right back into the protect French braids.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Cinderalla, Eat Your Heart Out

Ever bought a pair of shoes online that you loved only to discover that they were too small or too snug? Well, I did. And I kinda couldn't return them because the style was not available in a bigger size. And they weren't going to be continued. I could've gotten my money back, butI loved them so so much that I was dedicated to finding a way to stretch them.

I came across this video the other day. And this is the truth. Honestly, it works, it's practically free, and you can use this method on a variety of styles. Check it out.


Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Cheap Stuff and French Braids

I just love Google. LOL. I typed in "Peg Bundy style" inspired by an outfit I acquired on Sorority Life. It reminded me so much of her. And I was thinking about how so much of what is out there now is so similar to her signature style she sported on "Married with Children".

At any rate, I went to recommended site that was carrying items that were what I would call Peggy-esque. And then I discovered a two dollar ring section that is amazing. The whole site is totally affordable really with a few more pricey items. But it gets better. Spend ten dollars, and the shipping is free! I'm definitely gonna look into this some more. It looks like and awesome site. It's kinda edgy, but there is a wide variety of stuff. Click below to go directly to the site. (It's hyperlinked, so just click on GirlProps)

GirlProps

By the way, they have a sister site that has even lower prices! I'll post that link as well just below:

FabuLess

About the braids...I'm back in my two French braids. I am trying to protect my hair. I'm not combing it much these days. I just moisturize and braid it right back up. It's going well. My hair is soft. And my ends are benefiting the most from this. Shed is at a minimum. I will continue like this for as long as I can. There is a ton I can to jazz them up to. I'll post pics later. HHG! :)

Monday, December 14, 2009

Budget Friendly Excursion

I went on an excursion to Wal-Mart Saturday. And I picked up quite a few things for myself. Maybe I should post a pic and then a list...New York Color Items
Labeled makeup brushes
Makeup bag/brush holder that came with the brushes

New York Color Lipstick(2)- Berry Rich and Sheer Red
New York Color Lip Color Pencil(1)- Red
New York Color Cover Stick(2)- Green and Medium
White Handle Brush Set(Bag comes with)-7 labeled brushes<----A little drama with this..

Let me tell you about the brush mishap...I didn't discover that one of the brushes was missing until I got home. But I didn't really care because I don't use powder eyeliner anyway. And I had two angel brushes for that anyway. So I ended up with 6 of the 7 brushes. LOL

I don't spend a ton of money on lip color because I'm more of a gloss girl. But these were pretty and totally expensive. The lipsticks, pencil, and cover sticks all together were about 8 dollars. The brush set was 14 dollars. So I didn't spend a ton at all.

The brushes shed a little right out the box, probably from packaging. But after that, I used them and there was no more shed. They are super soft as well. And they are so pretty. I love that they are labeled too. They're pretty and functional. This is not going to last forever, and I know that. But for the time being and the sweet price, they will do. :)

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Great Deals!


I don't know about everybody else, but I just love great deals. And I love to buy a ton of stuff at one time. I don't know why. It's just my nature I guess. LOL.

The point in all this is that my purchases tend to get me into a financial bind. Then suddenly the color goes from the shopping process. So I've been browsing around again. And I'm gonna put up some links to sites that have great deals, stylish products, and even cosmetics! Make sure you bookmark these :) (I hyperlinked the selections, so just click on them.) I'll let you know if I find more.

Sasa - This site has a huge selection of cosmetics, vitamins, and other beauty products. They are based in Asia, so a lot of the products are not available in the U.S.

CutesyGirl - This site has it all. There are shoes, clothes, accessories...I love it. I ordered nine pairs of shoes from them last year for under 150 dollars. And if you want to see them, Just let me know. :)

15 Dollar Store - Everything on here is 15 dollars. There are clothes, shoes, accessories...Lots of good stuff on here.

Forever 21 - I think we are all familiar with this place. But they also have Faith 21 which offers extended sizes for those of us with a little more to love. Embrace your thickness ladies.

Rainbow - I don't think you can actually order off the site, but you can see some of the things they have available. There are one of their boutiques not to far from my place. And they have some nice items.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

New Courage

The more I think about it, and the more I read, I want to transition. I don't know why I feel compelled. Maybe it's only natural that the real me wants to escape. I've been hiding under the social guise known as the relaxer. And I don't know who much more I can take. The maintenance is exceedingly tedious. That's why I'm so undecided about things.

I've been using more natural products or the organic versions of things. And it makes me feel more in my element. I think that's the reason that I was looking to the curl formers. They'll bring me as close to what my real texture is like as possible. And they could work for a great protective style. They could be a real aid is dealing with the long stretching.

I want to give up that chemical that has bound me for so many years. I want freedom. And it will be sweet when the part of myself that I haven't seen in 15 years comes back to say hello. I'm ready now. I won't do a big chop though. I'll do the gradual thing just in case I have a relapse. Wish me luck! Andbody know where I can get some killer satin scarves I could wear as headbands or headbands even?

Friday, December 4, 2009

I Want My Curlformers :)

I have been looking for a different look for the holidays. I love my buns. And since I decided to do another trim the other day, I am in love with my hair. LOL. (I only lopped off about half an inch.) But I still want to try something different. A few days of a different style won't necessarily hurt me.

I'm looking into the curl formers. They look very simple to use. And it would definitely be a change for me. However, the price turns me off a little bit. But you know what? I'm going to probably gift them to myself anyway because I have them on my mind. I think curls will be good for me. It'll save me money in the long run I think. The money I would spend curling with a flat iron or curling iron, and then having to find ways to repair it would be much more expensive. So this is a great deal. I will consult the staff at Sally's on which length I should get. Wish me luck. :)