Curly Meringe Let Down

Image courtesy of curlmart.com

Miss Jessies.  One of many products on the market today used by many women with natural hair.  Now I can be a big skeptic and very stubborn when it comes to trying certain things and Miss Jessies Curly Meringue was no exception. Because my hair is soft and beautiful with good definition, I was just fine using my Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Moisturizer from CVS (did you know CVS stands for Consumer Value Stores?).  Well, since it was one of my Birchbox samples, I decided to try it anyway.  I used it at night when I did my twist out and took my hair out in the morning.  WOW.  My curls were bouncier and curlier and shinier than ever.  Could it be that the product that I snubbed for so long had finally won my heart?  With all the extra compliments I was getting, I thought so.  Fast forward to day 3.  My hair was still the Bomb.Com but upon closer examination, I began to notice build up.  Lot’s of it.  Cruddy brown build up.  No bueno.  I was very disappointed because my hair had just been washed a few days prior to me using this product and was not due for another cleansing session until about another week.  This NEVER happened with my olive oil moisturizer.  EVER.  And the feedback on the curly meringue is virtually the same across the board from fellow users – high shine, bounce, curl and definition with major residue and flakes.  So sad.

Will I buy this product?  Most likely never.  But give it a try for yourself.  I did receive some of Miss Jessies Super Slip Sudsy Shampoo and the conditioner to go with it (from my Birchbox samples) so i will use it and give feedback on that.

The Wait Is Over – Birchbox

Image via CrunchBase

I am a hopeless product junky. I love nothing more than trying on and buying new concoctions, creams, potions and lotions. New beauty finds propel me to a realm of excitement and euphoria so it is no surprise when I discovered Birchbox, an exciting way to receive personalized deluxe sized samples delivered to my mailbox for just $10 every month. I logged onto this beauty cosmos and got on the mailing list. And then I waited. I waited and stalked my inbox until they told me that a membership spot opened up for me (oh how privileged). Without hesitation I clicked those keys on my laptop to sign up because I only had 48 hours to do so or else…my membership would be taken away from me. Sharing is nice but no one was getting my spot. I filled out my profile so that they (these birchbox geniuses) would know more about me: like where I buy my beauty products, what I am most likely to splurge on and even what my skin tone and hair type is – all so that my samples would be personalized. My first shipment was on the way!!!!!

Fast forward a week or so….

I came home from work and and opened my mailbox with crazy anticipation because I knew what was awaiting me. To my delight my first shipment had arrived and I kid you not, I squealed with sheer delight and jumped up and down like a little girl. Multiple times. In public. I dashed upstairs with excitement and ripped open that UPS box (which was actually pretty and pink) to reveal a beautiful box (presentation is everything) filled with products I have heard of like Miss Jessies Curly Meringe to brands I had not heard of like Color Club Nail Lacquer and J & E Atkinson’s I Colonaiali Shower Cream. So exciting.

Over the next week or so, I will share my experiences and opinions of these products.

Stay tuned….

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Simply Vera Wang Cosmetics at Kohl’s

Vera Wang.  Her name is synonymous with beautiful, exquisite wedding dresses that many women dream of wearing on their wedding day.  She successfully launched her line of ready to wear clothing, accessories, footwear and home goods at Kohl and this month, she will launch her full line of cosmetics, expanding the Simply Vera Wang brand at the mass retailer.

 

image courtesy of US Magazine

 

 

Warm Weather Violations

So for the past couple of days we have been experiencing some really stunning, outrageously beautiful days in the DMV.  Not officially out of the winter season (which was a little milder than expected), it goes without saying that the warmth is more than welcome.  It also goes without saying that because the weather has been unseasonably warm, many unscrupulous individuals have had the audacity to walk out their homes wearing questionable attire and have committed various heinous beauty acts which are in extreme violation of what is sound and reasonable.  Following is a list of my top three pet peeves and if you fall into one of these categories, it’s ok.  Just be mindful and make some changes.

Crocadile feet.  Yes I said crocodile feet.  Jagged toe nails that haven’t seen a file, emory board or jack hammer in forever. Crusty (crust + rust = crusty) feet that haven’t seen a pumice stone or lotion in who knows how long.  Chipped toenail polish – is it on or off?  Make a decision.  Please care for yourself enough to care for your feet – go get yourself a pedicure or do one at home.

Ill fitting shoes.  Just in case you didn’t know, your shoes should actually fit.  Your toes should not hang off the front of your open toe shoe/sandal, looking like bird claws on a perch nor should your big heel hang off the back of your shoe like a car hanging off a cliff in a movie.  It is also not acceptable to wear shoes that you have to tip in (yes tip).  You have seen her before (or maybe it’s you).  She is wearing a great outfit and really nice shoes that she can’t walk gracefully in.  Instead she looks like she is taking shorter, stifled steps, perhaps like she is walking a tightrope because her feet are balled up like fists inside of a shoe that doesn’t fit.  Just because the shoe is cute doesn’t mean it will work for you.  Go shopping in the latter part of the day when your foot is a little bigger and you can get a more accurate fit for your foot.  Also when we are older we pretty much know what our shoe size is but our feet do change over time and it is a good idea to have someone measure your foot. This way you won’t have to be a tipper.

Kymaro Body Shaper Kymaro.com

Ill fitting undergarments or lack thereof.  With warm weather people tend to wear more sheer fabrics.  Nothing wrong with that per se but please make sure you have (and actually wear) a slip and/or tank top with your outfits.  No one needs to see your private parts while you are picking up eggs at the grocery store.  And please, to the more – let’s just say voluptuous folk out there,  body shapers are your friend.

Rosie Perez Working It (Trendy Elegance)

I had the opportunity this morning on my day “off” to catch up on the Wendy Williams Show (i believe this show was a repeat but anywho) and to my delight, Rosie Perez was on the show.  After all these years, she looks absolutely amazing. She rocked long full loose chocolate brown waves that framed her beautiful face, and a clean, fresh barely there makeup look.  I especially liked the red deep v-neck dress paired with nude platform pumps that she wore which complemented her small yet buxom (yes I said buxom) frame.  Overall, what I love most is that, in the words of WW, Rosie is a woman of a particular age and she working it, giving some of these young girls a run for their money.  No shrinking violet here.  Get it Rosie!!!!!

Trendy Elegance by khasin featuring mixed metal jewelry

Hervé Léger body con dress
€998 - jades24.com

Miu Miu platform pumps
$645 - net-a-porter.com

BCBGeneration mixed metal jewelry
$65 - macys.com

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture glossy lip stain

As of late, I have truly become a fan of Yves Saint Laurent’s (YSL) Rouge Volupte Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick.  This lipstick, which is luxurious, hydrating and has an SPF 15 ($34), actually lives up to it’s name.  So imagine my excitement when YSL launched their new Rouge Pur Couture glossy lip stain ($32).  I never wear lip stains because they make my lips dry, but because this glossy lip stain is YSL and is described as having the texture and shine of a gloss and the long wear of a stain, I figured I would give it a try.  This product actually went on very smoothly but to my disappointment, the finish/dry down was super sticky and tacky.  Can we say # fail?  Feedback on this product has been the same across the board.  The only things I liked about this product are the colors and beautiful packaging which isn’t enough for me to purchase.   So sad.  Better luck next time.

What Im Loving: Cole Haan and More

What Im Loving

Had a chance the other day to take a stroll to some of my favorite stores to check out what was hot, exciting and enticing…

Cole Haan - Air Franklin Wing Tip Oxford $178

Oh how I love a well groomed man who wears nice shoes.  I love the unexpected color combination for what I consider to be an otherwise conservative shoe.  With a little imagination, these shoes are still very versatile. Worn with a multitude of items such as jeans, chinos, or suit/tie, these shoes add that unexpected flair, class and sophistication to what can be a boring outfit.

Anthropologie Leighton Tuxedo Jacket $288

I absolutely love women’s apparel that is inspired by menswear because it balances some of that nauseating silly frilliness that is sometimes found in women’s apparel.  I like a little edge and snarl to what I wear and this jacket does just that – enough femininity to remind you that I am a woman (soft, delicate) with a little kick a$$ toughness = super sexy.  Pair with a silky little camisole (maybe with a little sparkle) and a pencil skirt, cigarette pants or jeans and be on your way.

Bloomingdales -Borghese Fango Mineral Enriched Active Mud for Face and Body $66

I remember my mum using this when I was a little girl.  Once a week she would apply this mud to her face and body and let it sit.    I thought she was weird.  Well now Im grown and have discovered the benefits she enjoyed when she used this product.  Used once a week, the active mud which is sourced from Tuscany’s volcanic hills, detoxifies, tightens pores and energizes the skin.  Excellent for oily skin.  Who’s weird now?

White House/Black Market - Crepe Pant $98

I usually don’t wear a lot of color but these pants caught my eye.  I love the lightweight feel of these pants which button up on the side as well as the bright splash of color (tomato red) for the spring/summer.

BCBG - Elite Sport Watch $195

Umm I will take one of everything that BCBG has to offer.  But anyway about this super cute watch (and I’m not into watches) I love the rich colors this watch comes in.  With a rubber link bracelet and a rhinestone pave dial, this time piece is sure to dazzle.  I wouldn’t even wait for people to ask me what time it is.  I would just offer the time to people so I can have an excuse to look at the watch.

Stay tuned for more of what Im loving…

HAIR we go again…

So I didn’t get a chance to watch the Oscars this past Sunday but I have been hearing a lot of buzz about a certain talk show hostess making negative comments about Viola Davis’ hair.  What is the problem?  Why are we still here?  Why is it that in this day and time people keep running their mouths about black women and how they choose to wear their hair?  What is it?  Confusion?  Fear?  Jealousy?  Hate?  Ignorance?  Whatever the case, I say there is nothing more beautiful than a woman, regardless of her background, fully embracing what God has given her.  In this case it is Viola’s beautiful kinky hair.  You see, hair (as well as skin color) has been (and in many cases still is) used to validate and divide.  Maybe even conquer.  If one had longer, straighter hair, they were considered more beautiful/acceptable.  If your hair was shorter and especially of a kinkier texture- you can just forget about it.  No love or respect for you.  Maybe not even a job.   Now I do understand and respect that people are entitled to feel how they want to feel about this topic but I think we should also respect the fact that people can choose to express themselves however they choose to.  My hair has been natural for 14 years and I wear it that way because

1. I want to.
2.  I refuse to fight with my hair.
3. I will NEVER allow myself to be bound by what society thinks my beautiful should be.  I rock my own beauty on my own terms.

I am not trying to make any kind of political or pro black statement with my hair but it does warm my heart immensely to see and come in contact with scores of black women who are embracing their hair texture sans the weaves, wigs and creamy crack.  Having said all that, I am not on team natural, team perm, team weave, or team locks.  I am on team self expression and that is all.  Perhaps if we spent more time loving ourselves and minding our own business, we would all be better off.  Whatevs…Viola…do your thing.

Get Over It. Try Something New.

It’s late and I need to go to bed but I have a bit of a rant. It may come off as a bit insensitive but just walk down the road with me…
My day was filled with clients who I had to talk of the ledge because their favorite lipstick or blush has been discontinued. Now, my favorite cleanser has been discontinued and I am very, very, very disappointed but you know what, I have had to get over it and find something new. You should do the same. There are thousands of amazing products that can replace your now extinct product so use this as an opportunity to try something new.

That is all.

Bare Escentuals 2.0 and 4.0

Hold The Phone

I am so excited about what is going on in the world of Bare Escentuals. Typically this is a brand that I completely ignore because of the messy foundations and eye shadows.  Then I began to pay the eye shadows some attention because of the amazing pigment.  Then they release their Pretty Amazing Lip Color which is just that – pretty amazing.  The shades, pigment, and coverage is beyond words. Well things just got even better in the land of Bare Escentuals with the release of their bareMinerals ready PRESSED eyeshadow duos and quads (2.0 or 4.0).  Yes you read that correctly – PRESSED.  Staying true to who BE is, they have formulated these shadows without parabens etc.  That’s cool if you care about that kind of thing but again – the pigment, coverage and blendability is superb.  In addition, these eye shadows provide anti-oxidant benefits and depuffs as well.  Not available individually, these shadows come in either a duo (2.0) or a quad (4.0) in a multitude of colors.  $20 and $30 respectively.  Available at sephora.com, bareescentuals.com, ulta.com