Dry Shampoo

Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo

I have a TON of hair (I say it all the time but check out this proof below & you’ll really get where I’m coming from) and it tends to be a little on the dry side.  I don’t wash it that often – so for me, this product is a life-saver!!  I exercise a lot and this is perfect for freshening up hair if you don’t have time/energy or want to do a full shampoo.  It is sulfate and paraben free – which is so important to me as well!!  I will say that it smells a little (well, maybe a lot) odd at first but I promise after a bit it totally goes away.  Also an added plus for blondes – the particular color of this formula acts as a temporary root concealer.  Hands down the best dry shampoo I’ve tried!!

Available at Sephora or the Cosmetic Market(s) in Nashville, TN.

The 2 in 2 for 1 (from Monday's Post)

Back Bar Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner Duo

I’m so happy that I can give this Nashville-made product an honest, raving review.  As you all know because I mention it so much, I’m working with not only extremely long hair but extremely thick hair so, shampoo & conditioners for me are tough.  This shampoo smelled very fresh and clean and lathered up super nicely.  The conditioner was equally as nice but that’s far from the best part… After blow drying this massive head of hair (no round or paddle brush either, mind you) – My hair was smooth, hydrated, and voluminous (in a good way).  Furthermore, after running a flat iron over my locks very quickly -- (My Usmooth –  another raving review coming soon) I had what looked like a salon quality blow-out with shiny, healthy looking tresses.  I achieved this all within about 30 minutes – this stuff is bananas!!! To quote the great Gwen Stefani and fashion guru Rachel Zoe (not sure who said it first??)… I just had to throw something fashion related in there – given it is Nashville Fashion Week.  I’m just thrilled at how lovely my hair will look tonight for the show!

P.S. @ only $32 for the duo – how can you not try this sulfate/paraben free wonder product???  Sold @ Cosmetic Market and Private Edition.  Out of towners – check out these websites or call the stores to place your orders!! 

http://www.privateedition.com/

http://www.thecosmeticmarket.com/

I'm also posting a link to another great review of Back Bar's Clarifying shampoo.  I hear it's pretty bananas too.  Haha!

http://womenshair.about.com/od/products/fr/The-Back-Bars-Clarifying-Treatment-Shampoo.htm

Killer Coupon @ Private Edition

This alert courtesy of my friend LeLe!!  Happy Hump Day!

http://deal.styleblueprint.com/

We have a winner!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations to Daphne Larkin for being the first one to correctly answer "orgasm" -- Nars' wonder blush!!!

You can claim your Back Bar product @ the Cosmetic Market -- Cool Springs.  Ask for Tiffany Beckler.

Yay for you!!  Make sure you tell me what you think!

Question of the Day!! First one to answer correctly wins a full size Back Bar Styling Creme!

This contest is for Nashville readers only!  (Sorry out of state readers/followers -- you'll get your chance soon!!)  You can claim your prize @ the Cool Springs Cosmetic Market -- contact Manager Tiffany Beckler  @ (615) 778-9115.

What is the name of NARS' best selling, universally flattering, & long time award winning blush??

Mercier Tinted Moisturizer & Mineral Primer

Laura Mercier Mineral Primer

I have pretty oily skin and no matter what I’ve tried in the past… pore minimizers… primers... finishing powders – usually after about 2 hours I end looking like an oil slick and am right back where I started.

I have recently been doing some research – while deciding which product I’d try next – in hopes of keeping my makeup in place throughout the day or night.  In the end, I decided on Laura Mercier’s Mineral primer.  I’m posting a link to the product @ Sephora for easy reference below:

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P244906&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5809

I got dressed and put my makeup on at 7:30 yesterday morning and I’m happy to report that @ 3:00 p.m.  – a whole 7.5 hours later I was still smooth and matte.  When I got home @ 5:30 I actually still was pretty shine free as well. Hallelujah!  I think it’s safe to assume this product is a keeper!  It minimizes pores, fills in fine lines, and definitely keeps your skin hydrated but matte PLUS, it’s mineral, so it’s actually good for you!!  The formula is liquid-to-power and it really goes on nicely – pretty impressive & a definite step up from Mercier’s standard primers.

Another Mercier product I’m loving for weekends when I don’t need quite as much coverage is Laura’s Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P214216&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5809

It has 20 SPF too!!  Learn more at Sephora.com or check out the Mercier counter @ Private Edition in Nashville.

2 for 1

Cosmetic Market Cool Springs

I ventured out to Cool Springs this Sat. to check out the Cosmetic Market location out there and… I might just have a new reason to brave the Cool Springs weekend traffic!!  I met with the store’s manager, Tiffany Beckler, & she made my visit such a pleasant one!  Courtesy of the Cool Springs location, I’ll be offering one of my lucky readers a full size styling cream from a new brand they’re promoting called the “Back Bar” – I’ve heard a lot about this up and coming new brand and have been excited to try it!!  Stay tuned for more info. on how to win later this week!!  Then, you can review something for me for a change!!  LOL.

As you might have guessed – this Cosmetic Market location is modern and sleek as are all the others.  It’s open and airy and filled with great natural light – ideal for testing and sampling.  This location is very large and carries a couple brands the other locations don’t (again making the trip to Cool Springs totally worth it) – to name a few, Bumble & Bumble, Kevin Murphy (I’m obsessed with his “luxury” wash and conditioner) and, Stila cosmetics (very hard to come by these days!!)  Also of note --   The Cosmetic Market Cool Springs is offering $25 spray tans for the remainder of March – perfect for a little pick-me-up from this gloomy weather week ahead.  Their tanning guru is Keri Sweet & I hear she’s fabulous.  I plan to try her spraying skills out later this Spring and post my review.  Make your appointment this week by calling (615) 778-9115.

I’ll be doing a review on the Back Bar’s Hydrating shampoo and conditioner duo later this week – Tiffany hand-picked this duo for me and I’m trusting her expert opinion as she’s maybe one of the few individuals I’ve encountered that appears to have as much hair as I do!!  J  Hers was smooth yet voluminous and tousled to perfection.  Hopefully mine will look the same after trying Back Bar.  A little background on the “Back Bar” for you… This is a Nashville-made product from the same genius that started “Therapy Systems” – another local gem that I’m sure you’re familiar with.  The packaging is minimal but adorable and the duo I took home smells fantastic.  They’re sulfate and paraben free which makes me a fan before even testing the product.  The duos are priced @ $32 (very affordable) for substantially sized bottles and you can choose from 3 types – hydrating, volumizing, and smoothing.

So… now you’ve got even more reason than usual to stay tuned!!