Oribe Wave & Shine Spray

Oribe Apres Beach Wave & Shine Spray

I love all things Oribe.  They are super luxurious and smell incredible.  This spray is no exception.  This is a texture spray that creates “beach-to-bombshell” waves without the gritty, sandy, & sticky waves one usually gets after a day on the beach.  It’s paraben and sodium chloride free – yay! Plus, it gives your tresses amazing shine.  It is packed full of exotic extracts and oils so that hair is hydrated and lush.  Another added major plus: UV protection.  I will be spraying this on my hair daily to protect my color when I head to the Bahamas in 3 weeks!!  The formula works on all hair types and can be used on wet or dry hair.

I used it while my hair was wet & ended up with truly tousled beachy waves – I did keep my hair wrapped in a loose bun for the first several hours of the day.

A link to the product online is below:

http://www.truebeautystore.com/oribe-apres-beach-wave-and-shine-spray/

& just because it’s Friday, a pic to make you smile of me & my dear friend on the beach in the Bahamas where she’ll say “I do” in a couple weeks.  Have a great weekend!!

Lash Enhancer

Trish McEvoy’s Lash Enhancer Nighttime Conditioning Treatment

After much research and deliberation I have decided to take the plunge into the world of lash rejuvenation and growth.  I consulted my optometrist (I have a syndrome stemming from a stroke in 2009 that affects my right eye), my dermatologist, my friends, and local cosmetic reps – not to mention dedicated countless weeks/hours to online research and, I decided to go with Trish McEvoy’s Lash Enhancer Nighttime Conditioning Treatment.  Basically every formula out there is in the range of $120.00 so that did not affect my decision but, what struck me most about Trish’s was the time it took to see results (4 to 6 weeks) as compared to 16 (Latisse).  A couple Latisse cons (optometrists really don’t like it) – it can darken the iris or lid and once you achieve results it basically becomes another monthly bill b/c if you don’t keep it up your lashes immediately return to their former state.  Trish’s formula appears to be more based on the idea of packing your lashes full of nutrients to promote fullness and volume and healthier lashes over all.  It’s a unique cocktail of proteins, Sympeptide (clinically proven to improve lash growth), vitamins, and moisturizers and not so much all chemically derived substitutes and compounds.  This is not to say I’ll achieve the same results… but this was my basis for making the tough decision.  I’m not really looking for a major change I’m just looking for some added length and fullness that doesn’t require 15 coats of mascara.  Fingers crossed!!

http://www.trishmcevoy.com/products/tabid/61/productid/163/catid/1/sename/lash-enhancer-nighttime-conditioning-treatment/default.aspx

So, I’ll do before and after pics for you & chart my progress along the way… at the 4, 6, 8, & 12 week marks.  My poor little lashes are pathetic right now having endured falsies and glue for the last 5 days. :)

The best false lashes in town... & a fabulous lilac nail color

If you're wanting a quick pick-me-up or perk-me-up rather... false lashes are a fun and inexpensive way to make a dramatic impact.  I saw Amy at Woo this Fri. before heading out of town b/c I was feeling a little down and she made my day.  She did a gorgeous smoky eye using various shades of Armani Eyes To Kill and a great Armani liquid liner then she applied individual false lashes in varying lengths and wowza!  I was like a new gal.  My lashes are actually still in place today and I got compliments all weekend.  Plus, the liquid liner is unbeatable – I’ve never seen liner withstand a football game, bright sun/heat, tailgating, and several nights out as good as this formula did.  I will be buying my own tube and doing a full review very soon.

Woo is a fantastic little gem of a store on Bandywood in Nashville.  They stock Bobbi Brown, Armani, La Mer, and a million other lines.  Their staff are all super friendly and the store is bright and meticulously organized.  Plus, their lash/eye make-up application ($21) is about ½ as much as I’ve paid at their competition here in Nashville and just as good, if not better.  (I won’t name names…)

 http://www.wooskincareandcosmetics.com/index.html#/woo-locations/

I also found re-newed love in Essie's “Neo whimsical” polish -- it's the perfect light lavender.

Here is a funny picture to make you smile on this gloomy Monday -- from Fri. night that shows off my manicure and my eyes.  Muah!  

Aveda Damage Remedy

Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair

A daily leave in treatment that claims to improve damage by 26% with each use.  It prevents and protects hair from heat styling damage.  As with all Aveda products this one is 100% organic.  Wheat protein, soy oil, ylang ylang & bergamot make this product not only smell fabulous but work wonders - especially if you have highlighted or color treated hair (ME).  It’s basically a leave-in conditioner (you still shampoo/condition as usual) that makes your blow out much easier and makes your flat iron much smoother.  The end result is sleeker & shinier hair that’s hydrated and healthy.  I swear after one use my fly-aways were pretty much non-existent.  LOVE LOVE LOVE!!

Here is a link to the product on Aveda’s website where you can read more raving reviews.

http://www.aveda.com/product/CATEGORY10597/PROD16110/Collections/Damage_Remedy/index.tmpl?ngextredir=1

 Can you believe this was a NYFW freebie too??!!  Happy Friday.

Amazing Concealer

Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer

Much like the title, this tiny tube of concealer is nothing short of amazing.  I don’t really have too many blemishes at this point in my life (thank god!) but, as I’ve mentioned before, I do have a lot of redness I like to tone down.  This formula, again, is amazing and works wonders for apparently concealing anything.  I broke out in hives when my guest bathroom sink clogged, my wine opener broke, & my garbage disposal stopped working all within about an hour of having 20 people in my house for a bridal shower last Saturday and this NYFW goodie bag freebie was my saving grace.  I will forever carry a tube of this in my makeup bag.  This is a full coverage, waterproof blend that glides seamlessly into your skin with a brush (my choice), your finger, or a sponge.  The coverage is truly flawless and it stays put ALL day.  As Amazing Cosmetic’s claims this product really is like a “magic eraser.”  A pin point (no exaggeration) covers what you need it to in seconds.  Well worth the $$.  Check out more info. @ the link to Sephora below:

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P59405&om_mmc=esv103203-GG&om_kwpur=109952975&ppc_crid=6852653777&sbanner=us_search&esvcid=S1316617301_ADOGOE_AGI1091898_CRE6852653777_TID109952975_RFDd3d3Lmdvb2dsZS5jb20%3d

Don't follow this "Yellow Brick Road" anywhere!!

Yellow Brick Road nail laquer by Deborah Lippman

Another one from NYFW – I don’t know whose finger nails are shown in this picture but it would take, no joke, 15+ coats to achieve this look.  I tried 3-4 coats which basically made my nails look unhealthy and yellow stained and gave up. :(  NYFW is striking out BIG TIME in the nail polish category this season with me.  But hey, beggars can’t be choosers so, let’s just be glad I tested it before you went out and spent $14.00 on your own bottle.  Maybe Rihanna has 5 hours to let her nails dry and another 3 hours to have them painted 14 times but I, do not!!

I will say that I have had other great experiences with Lippman colors and think her manicures are lovely but this color, not so much.

Happy hump day!  It makes me sad to give 2 bad reviews in a row.  Let’s hope I can churn out another positive one before Friday. Obviously, some people love this color because it’s currently on back-order.

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod134180017&ecid=NMCIGoogleBaseFeed&003=5840816&010=C0WHX&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=C0WHX

What a sin...

I'm not impressed with Sinful Collection's nail polishes.  I'm not a drugstore nail polish girl and never have been but, I was excited to try these after receiving them in yet another goodie bag at NYFW.  I received a  sparkly navy blue and a greige (gray/beige).

While the colors look great in the bottle... they go on a little too diluted and streaky.  The colors just are not as richly pigmented as I would like.  Plus, the polish started wearing off at the tips after 1 day.  For $2.50 a bottle I think my expectations were too high.  I, personally, would rather just fork over the extra $4.00 to $6.00 and buy Essie or O.P.I.

http://www.cherryculture.com/product.php?productid=17034

What a shame because their range of colors is really quite spectacular.

Bare Minerals Mascara

Bare Minerals Flawless Definition Curl & Lengthen Mascara

Another NYFW freebie… This mascara, IMO, really delivers.  I have stick straight lashes (no matter how many times I curl them) so I am always eager to try products that claim to curl.  Products meant to curl & lengthen are even better!  The bristles look kind of spider web-ish and I was hesitant at first but, as soon as I did my first swipe I knew this guy was a winner.  After several swipes… not one single clump.  You cannot even feel the product on your lashes (love that!) – they stay perfectly soft and natural but look darker, longer, curled and more defined.  Flawless indeed!!  For $18 I’m definitely impressed!  The ingredients are mineral, long wearing, and claim to hold curl.  So far, so good.

Here is a link to the product online:

http://www.bareescentuals.com/Flawless-Definition-Curl-Lengthen-Mascara/masterflawlesscurl,default,pd.html?start=1&cgid=BM_EYES

& a cute shot from outside one of our fashion week shows!!