All I Want Liplicious Collection

The season of kissing under the mistletoe is upon us. Pucker up with these yummy and fun lip glosses from Bath & Body Works Signature Liplicious Lip Glosses.  Anyone who knows me, knows that the Christmas Stocking is my favorite part of Christmas.  These Liplicious Lip Glosses are the perfect item to stash in someone's stocking!  


All I Want Liplicious Collection – These sweet, flirty festive glosses that glide on for sheer coverage and high shine! This moisturizing formula with vitamin E and jojoba oils, adds a light pink shimmer to lips with a burst of sweet candy flavor.


Not to mention with names like Candied Smile, Gingerbread Giggle, Peppermint Hug, Snickerdoodle Squeeze, and  Cranberry Kiss they are sure illicit a smile every time the lucky recipient whips it out to use.  


Get them at your local Bath & Body Works store! 

Redken All Soft Supple Touch Cream Spray

Alright so most of you guys know that I treat my hair differently depending on how I'm wearing it.  When I get roller sets I use different products than when I lightly blow dry my hair myself or let it air dry.  Since I'm in Operation Wedding Hair mode, I've been trying to alternate what I do with my hair weekly.  So basically, one week I'll do it myself (meaning a light blow dry at home or air dry) and then the other week I'll go get a roller set.  I've found a product that makes at home styling a breeze!  

(Available at Amazon.com, $22.00)

Redken All Soft Supple Touch Cream Spray is perfect for me when I've blow dried my hair light, for use during air drying, or on hair that has been air dried. Basically, it is a leave-in treatment that delivers the benefits of a cream in a lightweight spray.  It makes my hair easy to manage, it conditions, and offers a bit of shine.  

Stop Suffering from Dry Scalp

Sometimes home remedies are not best bet, sometimes you need something stronger to get the situation under control and then use your home remedies to maintain it.  If your scalp is dry, itchy, and/or flakey Head & Shoulders has a solution.  Gone are the days when dandruff treatments meant choosing between soft hair and a dandruff solution.  Head & Shoulders has 11 different options for all different hair types, my favorite?  Head & Shoulders with Almond Oil is a great pick if you want to keep your scalp healthy and your hair moisturized.  

Bumble & Bumble Tin Pin

Bumble and Bumble always releases cool holiday hair related gifts.  This year they have the Pin Tin, a tin stocked with 50 bobby pins!  The only thing I'm not crazy about is the fact that the pins are white, I prefer dark pins so they are easily hidden.  


Anyway, if you want this head on over to Bumble and Bumble or Amazon.com to pick one up for $15.00 

Nail Girls London

There's a new nail polish company for my girls across the pond!  Nail Girls London has launched and they offer a superior formula, free from any harmful chemicals. (toluene, formaldehyde, DBP (phthalates) and camphor) They are not tested on animals, are vegan friendly and the packaging is recyclable.

I received Matte Grey to try out and it looks great against brown skin.  I'm still loving the matte nail polish look and I'm experimenting with using a regular clear top-coat to make stripes and dots that shine against base color, but it's hard to have a steady hand!  

Aside from that the colors are great, but my favorite thing about the nail polish is the rectangle shaped bottle and the long skinny brush.  Doing my own at home manicure is difficult enough without flubbing around with a brush that's too big.  The size of this brush is perfect.  In the above photo you can see just how much longer it is than a typical nail polish brush.  

Holiday Hair Idea: Glamour Pony

Celebrity Hair Stylist Creighton Bowman styled the model's hair for the Kate Spade presentation, and he had the Davines For Wizards Collection in his arsenal. The look he created, that's been dubbed the "Glamour Pony" is a perfect hair style for the upcoming Holiday season.  

Rock the Look:

• To start, Creighton applied Davines For Wizards No. 3 Universal Mattering Mousse on towel dried hair from root to end.
• He then did a rough blowout until the hair was dry.
• Next, Creighton used a 1" Curling Iron to create a classic set of waves, and sprayed each section with For Wizards No. 9 Structuring Mist.
• Once the hair was set, Creighton used For Wizards No. 12 Cement Powder throughout the hair, and brushed the hair into a ponytail (at the back of the head).
• To get rid of any fly-aways, he smoothed the hair with For Wizards No. 13 Mat Forming Ground.
• To finish, Creighton backcombed the ponytail to achieve lots of volume, and sprayed the hair with For Wizards No. 7 Crystal Fixative Lacquer.

Beauty Break: Eucalyptus

Every since experimenting with Eucalyptus oil for my scalp, I'm loving the scent and looking for more ways to benefit from this ingredient.  Eucalyptus smells medicinal but I really like the way it opens up my nose and clears away any sniffles.  For that reason, it's perfect for use during the colder months to help ward off colds, coughs, and sniffles.  

Burt's Bees Therapeutic Bath Crystals are a great way to get the benefits of Eucalyptus oil while relaxing your tired muscles in the bath.  Not only will the vapors from the bath oil help clear up your nose, but the salt crystals and essential oils will help soothe achy muscles.  

(Eucalyptus Spearmint Tub Teak Soak, $17.00 Amazon.com)

Another option for those who love taking baths is a bit more luxurious.  Bath by Bettijo makes an awesome Tub Tea Soak in Eucalyptus Spearmint that is sure to open up those sinuses.  Here is how it works: Fill the reusable antique-style tea infuser (included) with a tablespoon of tub tea and steep as your warm bath fills. For a stronger tea, on stovetop bring a pot of water to boiling and add filled infuser. Boil for 5-10 minutes and pour entire contents of pot into bathwater.  Bonus: Cyber Monday deal 35% off Bath By Bettijo on their site with code "CyberChristmas”  

(Eucalyptus Massage Oil, $10.00 Amazon.com)

Treat yourself to a full body rub down using Hugo Natural's Eucalyptus Massage & Body Oil.  This luxurious, blended oils restore moisture when your skin needs some extra TLC and the scent provides an aromatherapy bonus.  

Another great company to look out for is Primavera.  They have a Eucalyptus Cold Therapy Line that is sure to relieve your cold induced respiratory issues.  Between the bath oil, pillow mist, and roll-on they have you covered.  

Jennifer Hudson's Blonde Hint

Jennifer Hudson rocked a super straight look with some blonde highlights peeking out from underneath the top layer of darker hair at the 2011 American Music Awards.  

I'm a fan of this look!  It's a good look and I like that it's a change from the usual ombre look.  What do you think?    

Beyonce's Two Toned Roller Set

Beyonce rocked a beautiful roller set look at the "Beyonce Live At Roseland" DVD Screening.  Her hair color is awesome, I look the gold on the top, chocolate on the bottom two toned look.  

Here is a close up look of the Beyonce Baby Bump and that awesome manicure she rocked.  

Beauty Blvd. Updates

Here are a few beauty posts you may have missed from Beauty Blvd. 


The holidays are here!  You know what that means, COMPANY!  Make sure every room in your home smells great.  


Not sure what to wear to the Christmas Party this year?  Take a cue from Audrina Patridge.  


Is your man always asking to use your lip balm?  Get him his own manly lip balm.  


Deal with post-pregnancy stretch marks the smart way! 

Winter Hair Care Tips for Every Hair Type

Blustery days can upset your perfectly-styled coif and leave hair looking messy and dull – not a cute look for any girl. Luckily frizzy, windblown hair can be controlled with a few easy tricks. Johnathan Breitung of Johnathan Breitung Salon & Luxury Spa in Chicago shares his top tips for keeping your hair looking fabulous whether your hair is wavy, curly, or straight.


Wavy Hair:
Powerful gusts of wind can leave wavy hair looking limp. Johnathan Breitung recommends Bumble & Bumble Bb Texture hair UNdressing creme to help style hair on windy days. Apply a small amount to damp hair. Scrunch and ruffle it through the hair and let the product sit for a couple of minutes. Texture can be air dried or for extra lift and movement use a diffuser. This will give your hair enough volume and bounce to resist losing its shape on a breezy day.


Straight Hair:
Try wearing your hair in a bun or pulling the front pieces into a half-up half-down ‘do. Straight hair can lose body and tangle easily, so a structured hairstyle is your best bet.


Curly Hair:
Windy weather can leave your hair looking lackluster. Eliminating alcohol products helps curly hair stay nourished and full-bodied. Deep-conditioning your hair weekly with products like Bumble and Bumble Deeep or Bumble and Bumble Mending Conditioner  will also keep your curly locks looking fabulous.


Tips for All Hair Types:
1) Get the tousled look. Work leave-in conditioner into your hair to keep it soft and sleek even in the most turbulent weather.
2) Check yo’ ponytail. A low ponytail is chic and works with any ensemble. It only takes a second to sweep it up and dodge flyaway strands all day long.
3) Head for the hills, or at least look like it. Heidi braids are a perfectly cute way to tie back your hair to avoid it getting swept away by the wind. Try crisscrossing them on the crown of the head and securing with bobbypins for a more sophisticated Nordic style.
4) Sleep chic. Opt for a Satin Pillow so hair slides smoothly instead of getting frizzy while you snooze.

Rock the Look: Holiday Style

Gwen Stefani hit the nail on the head with this look.  I absolutely love it!  A top knot, dramatic red lip, and fabulous lashes?  Perfection!  


Rock the Look (hair): 
1. start with clean, dry hair.  
2. apply a shine serum from root to tip
3. gather hair and secure into a high bun leaving some pieces around the face and nape out so it's not so severe looking


(makeup):  I'm a minimalist when it comes to makeup so here's how I would create this look for myself 
1. start with a clean moisturized face
2. enhance eyebrows how I normally do, tutorial is here
3.  line eyes using a gel liner in black, I prefer Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner and then add mascara to eyelashes.  My pick for this look would be L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara, Black because it's all about the drama! 
4.  add your favorite red lipstick and you are ready to go!  

Conair Xtreme Instant Heat Hot Rollers

I'm on a little bit of a curls kick, so when Conair asked if I wanted to try out the new Conair Xtreme Instant Heat Multisized Hot Rollers I said I would give it a whirl.  Immediately, I had an issue with it.  The rollers are pretty small, it's a multisized kit so it comes with 8 jumbo rollers which are really only 1.25", 6 large rollers (1"), and 6 medium rollers (.75").  I would have prefered to do my hair using only the 'jumbo' sized rollers but with only 8 coming in the package that wasn't going to happen.  The next issue I had was that the rollers are covered in a felt like material, that I just knew was going to suck moisture right out of my hair.  

Moving forward, I tried to use it but my attempts were futile.  I'm not a fan of this product for my hair, but Gram came over spotted the box and immediately wanted to try it out.  I told her she could have it, because I wasn't a fan.  Fast forward about a week, and she asked me to roll her hair using it.  I agreed and I must say the roller sizes were perfect for her APL length hair with bangs and a few layers.  It was easy to use and guess what?  She slept overnight in these hard rollers!  That is something I could never do.  I have an issue sleeping with bobby pins, so I can't imagine how she got a good night's sleep wearing metal rollers but she did.  Then in the morning her hair was full of bouncy curls.  I wish I would have gotten a picture but I didn't even think about it, next time ... I promise!  

curlBOX to work with ...

So far the people over at curlBOX are being very tight lipped about what products will be in the very first curlBOX, but that won't stop us from taking a few guesses!  I think that some of the brands that will work with curlBOX include, Huetiful Steamer (I don't think you'll be getting a steamer but you might get some of their deep conditioner to try), Karen's Body Beautiful, Shea Moisture, and Aubrey Organics.  Those are my 5 guesses!  


What brands would you like to see curlBOX work with?  

Holiday Hair Kit

The holidays are right around the corner, that means parties, parties, and more parties.  In order to always be prepared, be sure to keep a Holiday Hair Kit handy so you can create an updo that'll look fabulous in seconds.  With just a few items your hair can be completely camera ready in no time!

1.  First up, bobby pins.  Having a few bobby pins can be a life saver.  They work great for straight hair and even better for curly hair.  Gather up your hair in the back, start twirling up pieces and tucking them in to create a cute 'do in minutes.  This looks especially great on hair that has some texture because you can leave a few curly pieces down around the face to keep it fresh and easy going.  I like Conair Brush Styling Essentials Matte Minis Bobby Pins, because they are small they don't stick out like the longer ones would with shorter or thinner hair.  

2.  Small pocket brush/comb or both if you pick up this Folding Compact Travel Pocket Hair Brush/Comb Combo.  Perfect for brushing up stubborn edges or combing out any tangles.  But in my case, creating my signature side part.  


3.  An extra elastic band, in case you plan on creating a ponytail or bun.  I mean this should just be in everyone's purse anyway.  You never know when you'll need to pull your hair up and out of your face, so just throw one in your Holiday Hair Kit just in case.  

4.  A travel sized shine serum.  This is essential, because not only will it curb any frizz it will also add shine that will be visible to everyone and make your hair look fantastic in photos!  I happen to like Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum, but you can just use whatever you like.  


If you add a mascara, lipstick or lipgloss, a sample of your favorite perfume, and a tiny mirror all into a fabulous clutch like the SANTI REX4894 Clutch (pictured above) you'll be completely Holiday Party Ready in no time!  

New for the Curly Girls: CurlBOX

curlBOX is an affordable, effortless and EASIER way to explore new hair products. You can discover hand-selected curly hair products delivered to your doorstep every month.  Sort of like Birch Box, another service I have yet to try out.  


WHAT IT IS:
Every month subscribers receive 5-7 quality hair product samples for a monthly fee (price will be sent with VIP invitation). Cancel anytime.


WHAT IS IN MY BOX:
Subcribers can look forward to extraordinary products from established brands as well as some really great and up and coming brands.


HOW IT WORKS:
Join. Each box will have extraordinary value. Discovering what’s best for your hair couldn’t be any easier. We have curated incredible boxes and located some of the best products that we KNOW you’re going to love! If for any reason you don’t, cancel anytime.  Check it out at CurlBox.com

Redken All Soft has been Reformulated

Redken 5th Avenue NYC continues to perfect their coveted arsenal of haircare products. Reformulated with Redken’s exclusive new delivery system, the Interlock Protein Network™ (IPN), and Keratin Enrich Complex, new All Soft dramatically transforms the texture of dry, brittle hair. Argan oil-enriched formulas restore hair’s protein, comprised of keratin, for renewed elasticity and intense softness.

“Dry hair lacks movement, softness and shine, is prone to breakage and has a straw-like appearance and texture,” notes Laure Lafforgue, Director, U.S. Marketing, Haircare for Redken. “The new IPN technology in the All Soft regimen rebuilds surface protection by creating a protective coating that restores hair’s hydrophobicity to a healthy state while providing progressive conditioning and reinforcing hair’s internal support for resilient flexibility.”


The All Soft renovation includes a range of products that will help to cleanse, condition and treat while restoring the health of the hair’s protective layer.

Cleanse
All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner gently cleanse the hair and provide fast detangling for intense softness, manageability and shine.


Treat
All Soft Heavy Cream softening rinse-out mask is a rich moisturizing cream that intensely softens the driest of hair, and leaves it feeling extremely soft, conditioned, and very touchable, with radiant shine.


All Soft Supple Touch softening cream-spray is a leave-in treatment that delivers the benefits of a cream in a lightweight spray; drastically improving manageability with lasting conditioning and amazing shine.


All Soft Argan-6 Oil [3] is a multitasking oil treatment comprised of fair trade argan oil that intensely nourishes and protects all types of hair and especially dry, brittle hair. It can be used in a multitude of ways to moisturize, protect, smooth, illuminate, soften or recondition and is enriched with omega-6 to provide concentrated softness, deep conditioning and lasting suppleness.


I can't wait to try it out!  I'll keep you posted once I do. 

Nicole Richie Has the BEST Bangs

I recently read that Zooey Deschanel has the best bangs in show biz, but I beg to differ Nicole Richie has the BEST BANGS.  Her bangs are so versatile and they always frame her face so nicely.  Hands down the best bangs award goes to Nicole Richie!  The photo above of her at the 2011 Museum Of Contemporary Art Gala? Her hair and bangs are flawless!


What do you think? 

La La Vazquez Heavy Bangs

Just when I thought La La Vazquez had the 'updo game on lock she busts out with this look.  **insert side eye here** La La!  What are these bangs?  Clearly, it's not your hair the bangs look almost black while your bun back there is brown.  This is not one of my favorite looks by far, but what do you think?  

But on a positive note, I love the outfit and the makeup!  In the photo above she looks like a barbie doll!