hair therapy: Brazilian Blowout Acai Anti-Frizz Shampoo & Conditioner

for my thick hair, it's always a welcome experience to try anything new in the world of anti-frizz and moisturizing hair products. my latest endeavour has come courtesy of the Brazilian Blowout brand and it's fabulous!

to begin with, no, i didn't have the actual Brazilian Blowout treatment done to my hair. i was sent, and have been using, their Acai Anti-Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner...

the Shampoo is a sulfate-free formula that cleanses hair, adds moisture and leaves tresses resistant to humidity {and yes, safe to use on color-treated hair}. the Acai Conditioner is highly moisturizing, smooths hair and leaves it protected from uva and uvb rays.

after using these two products just once i noticed my hair was definitely smoother before and after styling. upon using it a few more times, i can understand why users are crazy in love with these, recommending them highly on multiple review websites. i love the way it leaves my hair so soft and smooth, shiny and smelling beautiful, thanks to its yummy citrus-infused scent. :)

other products in the line {that i also look forward to trying} include Acai Smoothing Serum, Acai Deep Conditioning Masque, Acai Restorative Sculpt & Define Polish, Acai Spray Shine, Acai Instant Volume Thermal Roof Life and Acai Protective Straightening Balm.

visit brazilianblowout.com for more info.

 

products featured sent to me for reveiw consideration; pics taken by me :)

Elegant Touch & Kimmie Kyees Nails

when it comes to current beauty trends, nails are now just as important to your overall look as your eye liner, gloss and bronzer. from nail polish and wraps to art sets and press on nails, letting your tips be the expression of your style is so easy to do.

the uk's top nail care brand, Elegant Touch, has created fabulous products over the past 30 years and they're moving full steam ahead with their products. they've also recently collaborated with celebrity manicurist, Kimmie Kyees. not only do her clients include Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, Salma Hayek and Eva Longoria, but she's worked on numerous editorial and ad campaigns. her work is everywhere!

i was sent some fun nails from the brand, including the Green Glitter set you see in the pic, created by Kimmie herself.

these nails are different than the typical glue-on nails because they use adhesive tabs to hold the nails in place ~ and they stay put! i typed, did housework, washed my hands numerous times, and they didn't slide a centimeter. removal was just as impressive. a little cuticle oil, a bit of a lift on each side and the nails came off without damaging my natural nail.

love!

Elegant Touch Envy Nail Wraps work on both fingers and toes. Gold Bengal Metallic is the style you see {also available in Silver Bengal and Zebra}. these were perfect for adding an accent nail to my hands, but i did eventually use all of them on my fingers. these are like other nail wraps, but are also unique ~ a base and top coat are recommended in the application, but unlike nail polish-based wraps, are removed by peeling off, like a sticker.

i'd have to say i like the Wraps best, but the Kimmie Kyees nail set gave me the opportunity to be really bold and daring, channeling my inner rock star... :) 

the entire Elegant Touch Nails collection {yes, even more exciting nail goodies to discover!} is currently available at Ulta stores nationwide and on ulta.com. be sure to also visit Kimmie's website, kimmieknails.com for fabulous pics and nail inspiration from the artist.

products featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

butter LONDON introduces LIPPY + spring/summer '12 polish collection

for spring/summer 2012 butter LONDON has released a gorgeous collection of polishes. in addition, they've entered the gloss game with a new line of lip lacquers called...LIPPY!

slang in britain, the term lippy refers to someone who makes impertinent or cheeky remarks. the dictionary also says it means impudent and fresh...

because one of the big trends seen on the runways during the spring/summer '12 shows was a "matchy/matchy" look {not just with fingers and toes but also lips}, what was once thought to be a bit outdated reemerged in a fresh, bold way. the look is deliberate, sometimes clashing with the pops of neon clothing, and definitely a gorgeous compliment to current trends.

LIPPY includes 5 high-pigmented shades ~ Primrose Hill Picnic {fuchsia pink}, Trout Pout {peach-cantaloupe}, Yummy Mummy {medium beige nude}, Snog and Teddy Girl.

Snog and Teddy Girl

free of parabens, petroleum, phthalates, sulphates, or bismuth, LIPPY is definitely pigmented and it's sticky. if you like a thicker, long-wearing gloss, you'll enjoy these. Teddy Girl {a retro, bublegum pink} isn't a flattering shade on me, but Snog {a happy, hot pink} offered my lips the pop of color that's bold and daring without taking me into my uncomfortable red lip zone {try as i might, i'm just not a red lip gal}.

the new spring/summer '12 collection features 5 new fabulous shades:

Bossy Boots ~ a beautiful neutral, opaque pistachio green 
 Knackered ~ a shear, twinkling oyster shade, flecked with micro glitter particles
Slapper ~ a truly teal lacquer, bold and gorgeously bright
Disco Biscuit {not swatched}~ tropical hot pink with an undercurrent of tiny iridescent glitter particles
Trout Pout ~ an opaque cantaloupe, pale and retro

this is such an amazing collection of shades, all of them unique and wearable. love, love, love! if you're a butter LONDON fan, chances are you already have a few {or all!} of these new polishes in your collection.

tell me: have you tried LIPPY? yay or nay?

visit butterlondon.com for more info.

products featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken my me :)

review: Per-fekt Skin & Cheek Perfection Gels

it goes without saying, but multitasking products are a must in every beauty girls' supply. Per-fekt Skin Perfection Gel {introduced to me during awards season, and used by celebs like Reese Witherspoon, Blake Lively and Jennifer Love Hewitt} is one of those products. not only does it offer lightweight, skin-enhancing results, but reduces redness and discoloration, keeps skin hydrated, controls shine, and is packed with antioxidants to boot!

Skin Perfection Gel isn't like most foundations. the unique formula is a gel-mousse hybrid of sorts, available in 5 skin-loving shades {4 if you don't count translucent as a shade} with smart color technology. while it's buildable, it doesn't provide completely full coverage. it's also unique in that it is to be applied by patting on rather than rubbing in {the shade i use, by the way, is called rich}. the finish is smooth and matte, which i love, plus water and sweat resistant ~ perfekt {sorry, i couldn't help it} for the warm-weather season! 

after creating a glowing complexion you'll, of course, need a gorgeous compliment of color! the Cheek Perfection Gel {available in 2 shades, blushed, pictured, and bronzed} is an amazing blush that gives cheeks a natural-looking flush. and because it's so concentrated, a very tiny bit goes a long way. simply warm between fingertips, dot onto cheeks and gently pat in for your most flattering color.

if you hadn't already guessed, i love the both the Skin and Cheek Perfection Gels. they're innovative, all-natural and such a lovely treat to use.

visit perfektbeauty.com for more info!

products featured sent to me for reveiw consideration; pics taken by me :)

review: Laura Mercier Oil Free Supreme Foundation

to give skin smooth-looking, flawless texture it's the base that will give you the best result...

i'm no stranger to foundation {i've used my share in 32 years!}, and though i've found my holy grail, i've been using the new Laura Mercier Oil Free Supreme Foundation for the past few weeks...

the formula feels light on my skin, blends well and is buildable in coverage. it promises up to 8 hours of wear and actually went beyond that {i did use a primer and makeup setting spray} under average wear. it contains skin-loving antioxidants, and because of its non-drying, oil-free ingredients, is great for most skin types.

the overall finish of Supreme is beautiful. it did streak when faced with moisture {in the form of sweat and tears from laughing or crying}, but it doesn't claim to stand up against any elements, so that was easy to get over. it doesn't contain spf, and unfortunately, i did have to mix two shades to create my perfect match...

the brand was gracious enough to send me two of their dark shades, Sunset Beige and Toffee Bronze. i did find the lighter shade {Sunset Beige} was better, if i had to choose one, but blending them together was best. since this line is permanent, i'm hoping more shades will be added {at least one shade between Sunset and Toffee, please :)} to fill in the gaps.

no, this isn't a perfect foundation, but i still think it's good. if you can find the shade best suited for you, it's definitely worth giving a try. of course, you can always get a sample first {from Sephora or your nearest Laura Mercier counter}.

Laura Mercier Oil Free Supreme is available now. visit lauramercier.com for more info!

product featured provided by brand for review consideration; pics taken my me :)

review: Beauty for Real Miracle Mascara

lush, long lashes. what gal doesn't want them? these days they're definitely easy to achieve thanks to an abundance of mascaras on the market.

one i want to share with you today is Beauty For Real's Miracle Mascara. i was given the opportunity to receive this for use from the brand. it's been a little more than 2 weeks that i've been using it, and i have to say...this mascara impressed me very much.

with claims of being water resistant and smudge-free, but still easily removable with just water, i admit, i was a bit sceptical. well, this little beauty proved me wrong! it applied beautifully with no clumping. the look it created wasn't as dramatic as i wanted, but still pretty and lush. once on, Miracle stayed put until i removed it {water worked, yes, but i still used my typical makeup removal methods as well}.

key ingredients include carnauba wax which allows for the mascara to give lashes fullness but also soft flexibility. collagen and vitamin E give strength, resilience and antioxidants, promoting healthier lashes. the long-lasting formula held up against sweat, tears and the oh-so annoying lint/dirt/makeup/stray eyelash-in-the-eye events. another fab feature that i {and you will too} love is in Beauty For Real's signature packaging: a magnifying mirror on the outside of the tube and LED light in the lid! genius for precise application.

thumbs up for this mascara, beauties! visit beautyforreal.com for more info about Miracle Mascara and more info about the entire range of products.

product sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

luxe & organic: Vapour Organic Beauty

hello beauties!

as another month is coming to a close {yikes, this month flew by!} and the spring season slowly blooms, i'm excited to share some gorgeous products from Vapour Organic Beauty i've been using over the past several weeks.

lovely and luxe, each of these products not only make you look good, but are also made with organic ingredients so they're good for you!

oh, and just as a little pop culture/celeb side note, Jessica Alba recently gushed over a few of these products...

the first product i have to share is Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation {swatched below with and without a flash}. the shade sent to me for this review is a tad too dark, but worked gorgeously as a liquid bronzer thanks to its natural skin luminizers. the finish is dewy and pretty, the formula feels light, and {when used as a foundation} is buildable so you can add more product to places that you may require more coverage.

creating flawless skin typically requires a concealer, and for this the Beauty Illusionist is fabulous. it easily covers imperfections, blending away dark spots and blemishes and is housed in a sleek tube, making it purse and travel-friendly.

Luxe Organic Lip Conditioner treats lips with jojoba seed, beeswax and coconut oils. one of my new lip-loving faves, i like to apply this when i begin my makeup application. by the end of it, my lips are soft and ready for whatever lip color i choose to apply. one to try...Siren Lipstick.

another lippie standout is the Elixer Plumping Gloss. of course, let's be honest, my lips aren't in need of plumping, but i simply j'adore this gloss! the non-stinging formula contains antioxidants, lip-loving skin-hydrators and has a gorgeously glossy, not-too-sticky finish. the shade pictured is called Vivid, a stunning fuchsia with silver flecks.

let's not forget the eyes! Vapour Organic Beauty's Mesmerize Eyeliner & Smoky Eye Tool applies and blends beautifully. whether i used it to create a defined cat-eye or {with help from the built-in smudger} a glamorous, smoked-out finish, the result lasted for hours and never irritated my eyes.

be sure to visit Vapour Organic Beauty's website for more info on these products. find them on facebook & follow the brand on twitter!

products sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

skincare fave: Kate Somerville Daily Detox Cleanser

if you're looking for a refreshing cleanser that will leave your skin looking fabulous, i highly recommend you consider one that has quickly become my favorite: Kate Somerville Daily Detox Cleanser.

full of yummy ingredients {phytic acic, salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acids} to gently exfoliate and detox skin, Daily Detox also washes away dirt, oil and makeup, and nourishes skin without stripping it of essential moisture. the tangerine-citrus scent makes me oh-so happy, and because it's concentrated, a little goes a long way!

for more info and to order Kate Somerville Daily Detox Cleanser, visit katesomerville.com

product featured sent to me for review consideration; pic taken by me :)

organic beauty: Cecilia Wong Skincare

i was fortunate enough to receive samples of Cecilia Wong's amazing anti-aging, organic line of products and, well...i'm loving them!

products i used include, but are not limited to, Awakening Gel Cleanser, Rejuvenating Toner mist, and moisturizer {for oily/overactive skin}.

free of all the yucky parabens, sulfates or artificial colors and fragrances, the cleanser has a name that is perfect fit for its name, awakening. the formula is refreshing, smells bright with citrus, and leaves my skin so clean, without over-drying it...

the rejuvenating toner keeps hydration levels up in my skin with luxe ingredients like chamomile water, rosemary and lavender {ahhh...},

and topped with the moisturizer, my skin was always left looking fabulously radiant.


visit the Cecilia Wong website to learn more about this beautiful line, its creator, and if you're in the nyc area, you can treat your skin to a facial at her park avenue spa!

products samples provided by the brand's pr for review consideration; pic taken by me :)

eye creams for every budget...

for any beauty maven, eye creams are essential. for the prevention and/or treatment of dark circles, discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles, it's safe to say that these concentrated creams {and gels} play a major part in the skincare routine.

when it comes to which are best for you, more often than not, it's not just a matter of which product is best and actually will work, but also what is most affordable for your budget.

thankfully, there are many fabulous options on the market that are effective and won't send you into debt. i've used the following eye creams {on their own, separately, over the last several months} and they are all effective and have varying price points...

Caudalie Premier Cru the eye cream is the priciest {just under the hundred dollar mark}, but lives up to its promise of delivering a healthy, youthful look to the eye area. tetrapeptides and grape seed polyphenols {antioxidants!} are to thank for the results this rich, iridescent cream gives. highly concentrated, this gem gave my skin a more hydrated feel as well as a supple and radiant look.

Philosophy Eye Hope is in the mid-price range and my favorite for reducing puffiness and keeping fine lines at bay. this popular eye cream is heavy with antioxidants and hydrating ingredients, but is completely lightweight and fast-absorbing.

the Yes To brand offers eye products that are affordable and can be found in your local mass retailer {CVS, Target}. Yes To Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel {not pictured} does exactly that, thanks to ingredients like chamomile and cucumber, while Yes To Blueberries Eye Firming Treatment gives eyes a radiance boost and aids in keeping the delicate area of the eye firm. both are rich in antioxidants and didn't irritate my eyes at all.


tell me: do you spend more on your eye cream because it's what works best for you and is worth the splurge, or do you only use what you can afford??

caudalie and yes to brands sent to me for review consideration; pic taken by me :)

5 fabulous winter skin soothers...

this time of year is my favorite when it comes to weather. in my neck of the southern california woods, the days are sunny, mild {low to mid 60s}, and sometimes warm {low 80s}, but complimented with a cool breeze {or high winds}. nights and early mornings are chilly {20s-30s} and i love it. it makes me so happy to layer up with scarves; i relish the opportunity to wear my coats and gloves, and i never complain over having a numb face after being out for an interval run or brisk walk with my dog in the early morning hours.

unfortunately, my favorite season of year is responsible for my dry skin, something i could complain about. thankfully, this beauty girl keeps an arsenal for parched skin, so i don't have to!

i love and often use olive and coconut oils , two of the best natural ways to bring soft, suppleness to any dry area of the body, but also turn to these fabulous goodies for dry skin relief...


for hands:

Atopalm Moisturizing Hand Treatment ~ suitable for sensitive skin, i was introduced to this product a couple of months ago; it's a fragrance-free formula and not only makes my rough hands feel instantly hydrated, but contains antioxidants to help keep hands looking young.

Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Hand Therapy ~ shea butter and restorative sea salts are key ingredients in this lovely gem of a moisturizer. i love the light fragrance, inspired by the sea air.

Ahava Mineral Hand Cream ~ this silky, lightweight skin savior gives my hands the moisture they need thanks to its richly soothing dead sea minerals.


for body:

Julep Body Creme ~ i've become quite smitten with this brand's line of nail polish and was thrilled when i discovered how fabulous their body cream is. scented in pomegranate, this formula {rich with shea butter, avocado and jojoba oils} is decadent and highly moisturizing, but not greasy in the slightest.


Upper Canada Soap Sweet Vanilla Fig Body Butter ~ talk about fabulous, this rich, hydrating blend of shea butter, cocoa, fig and vanilla fruit extracts leaves my skin feeling amazing and really locks in moisture. the natural ingredients make my eco/green girl side quite happy as well. :)


tell me: what products do you use to soothe your winter skin dryness??

hair therapy: 3 products i love to keep hair gorgeous

during this time of year, the cold, dry weather can really do a number on hair. like all of you, i have my go-to products that i rely to make it look its best, but like any beauty junkie lover, i'm always on the hunt for new products to give my tresses refreshment and keep it looking gorgeous. these have been living up to their promises...


Bumble and bumble Straight Blow Dry. i purchased this a couple of months ago and am so happy i did. described for use by those who have curly, thick, course, unmanageable hair, not only does this silky-textured balm act to cut down on dry time {how? i have no idea, but it works, so that's what really counts, right??}, but it protects hair from heat and fight against pesky fizz. the result is gorgeous hair you can brave the weather in.



as a fan of the John Frieda Frizz Ease range of products, i was beyond thrilled to be given the opportunity to try the new Full Repair line ~ have you tried it yet? ~ and am especially loving the Perfect Ends Deep Infusion. use this inca oil-infused serum on damp hair {a little goes a long way, and to be honest, i sometimes apply it to my dry hair before touch-ups with my flat iron} before styling; you'll be left with a healthy-looking, silky-soft finish that will have you hooked after using just once!


i first discovered One 'n Only over the summer during a trip to Sally Beauty supply. the packets of Argan Oil Moisture Repair Conditioner were on sale for less than a dollar, so i thought, why not give it try? needless to say, i was back in the store buying a full-size bottle the following week. the sulfate/phosphate/paraben-free formula is highly moisturizing, but doesn't weigh hair down {a complete must in my beauty book} and is also safe for color-treated hair.


do tell! what products, new or old-faves, keep your hair looking fab during this season?

John Frieda product sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

Julep Zoe and Samantha + a giveaway!!!

as my love for nail polish grows {really...it's only slightly out of control! *wink}, i love discovering new brands. like lipstick, gloss and mascara, nail lacquer is something that we gals can purchase as a way to treat ourselves without breaking the bank.

one brand i was recently introduced to, and have had the pleasure of using, is Julep. you may have heard of them by now since they recently started a fun program for nail polish lovers {more on that in a minute} and are being featured quite frequently in print and online.

Zoe is a fierce shade of metallic bronzy tangerine, just fabulous for fall and a shade i wouldn't have picked to wear had it not been sent to me. however, after wearing it, i'm an official fan.


the hot pink, Samantha, is characteristically more *me*, but since i'm in full autumn/winter mode, i've actually only worn only once.

i'm beyond thrilled with Julep's 4-free formula {that means it's free of formaldehyde or formaldehyde resin, toluene and DBP}; it applies smoothly and lasts with little wear {this is with regard to my personal i-don't-wear-a polish-longer-than-3-days, but i do plenty of handwashing, housework and everyday stuff, like typing, with my hands}.


the range also includes items for keeping hands and feet gorgeous. products like Facial for Hands Glycolic scrub {pictured, above} -- an amazing, simple way to pamper hands at the end of the day! -- spf 30 hand cream and a fun at-home spa pedicure set, just to name a few, is a perfect indication that the brand puts thought into their products when it comes to hand and nail care, but still keeps it fun ~ also makes me wish i lived closer to one of their salons!

another thing i love is that they have come up with, and so excited to share with you, is their Maven program. it allows polish-aholics to receive a set {called a sneak peek box} of their products each month, based on a fun style quiz you take via their website; from there, a selection of products are chosen for you {not-yet-released shades and products, as well as cult faves, plus a surprise}; if for some reason you don't like what is selected for you before the box is sent, you can request what they call a "shelf pull", and they'll select new shades for you. in addition, you'll have access to purchase products from their full line of goodies at 20% off.

each sneak peek box is worth over $40, but membership is less than half and ships for free! you choose when you want to receive your box, or you can skip the month {p.s. ~ if you like the box, but need a fabulous gift, you can opt to have it sent to your gal-pal-- it will arrive wrapped and pretty at her door!}.

sounds fab, right? needless to say, i love the polishes and am in love with this program. since i already belong to a few shoe clubs, and now style and beauty clubs, i figured this was clearly the next club to join! :)

would you like to join? what if i told you could have a 3-month membership for FREE?

you can...because i'm giving one away to one of you, compliments of Julep!!

{the crowd goes wild!} yay!!

i haven't run a contest in over a year, beauties, so i'm truly excited about this for you!

**entry is super simple -- here's how:

*email me, bgmcontests@gmail.com, with Julep in the subject line
*include your full name and mailing address and tell me what your favorite nail color is!
*next friday, december 9, 2011, i'll announce the winner {chosen at random}. u.s. entries only, please.

in the meantime, feel free to take advantage of this offer: enter code beautygirlmusings at checkout and your first sneak peek box will cost only $5! :)

be sure to follow Julep on twitter {@julepnailparlor} for fab tips and nail advice, and learn more about the brand and full range of products by visiting julep.com

good luck!!

*read please: entering this contest means you are giving me permission to forward your name and email address to representatives of Julep for fulfillment and mailing of contest prize. failure to include information requested will disqualify your entry. one (1) winner, chosen at random, will receive the prize mentioned. duplicate entries will not improve your chances of winning. giveaway sponsored by Julep. some restrictions apply. open only to US residents only. entries will be accepted through 11:59 am PST on thursday, december 8. winner will be announced december 9, 2011. thank you. :)

beauty must-have: Skindinavia Makeup Setting Sprays

how do you keep your makeup in place? do you use a primer, a setting spray, both, neither??

for me, i'm all about the prep and the finish. being a busy mom and wife, i don't have time for numerous touch-ups throughout the day {yikes, did that sound super commercially? LOL!}

anyway...

Skindinavia produces a fabulous makeup setting spray that i used to use in the past {i was introduced to it via Beautyfix a couple of years ago}, so when the brand reached out to give me the opportunity to use it again, with the addition of a another finisher they've created for oily skin types, No More Shine Makeup Setting Spray, i was more than happy to give it go. i love the original and had high hopes for the new product -- i love multi-taskers!

No More Shine is amazing, beauties!

i've been spraying it on my skin just before applying my primer and foundation. then, after all my makeup is applied, before dressing my lashes with mascara, i spray my face once again, but with the Makeup Setting spray.

it's been remarkable, loves! my makeup doesn't budge and the oil stays under control.

another fun trick i discovered for making my eyeshadow last is to spritz the shadow brush with the setting spray, then swipe it over my shadow du jour before applying. not only do i get a more intense shade of color because the shadow has been applied wet, but it allows for more staying power!

obviously, these are two products i'm happy to have in my beauty arsenal. i mean, what gal doesn't want her makeup to last all day? :)

visit skindinavia.com for more info.

products featured sent to me for review consideration; pic taken by me :)