Beauty

Mizani Launches New True Textures Line

November 19, 2015

Known for being the authority on relaxers, Mizani has now launched an entirely new line for naturals—True Textures!

The L’Oreal-owned brand has done a complete overhaul of its former True Textures line and has upgraded it with products to enhance our curls, coils and waves. The 8-product line includes: Moisture Replenish Shampoo, Moisture Replenish Conditioner, Cream Cleansing Conditioner, Style Refresher Milk, Curl Enhancing Lotion, Curl Define Pudding, Intense Moisture Replenish Treatment, Twist and Coil Jelly. All of the products are infused with natural ingredients such as marula, olive and coconut oils, which provide a balanced level of deeper moisture for creating gorgeous curls.

My ultimate favorite is the Twist and Coil Jelly. The consistency is of course like jelly and the smell is downright divine. It gives hair the hold it needs for optimal definition, without the flakiness or dryness that comes with other brands.

While Mizani is a professional brand, these product are incredibly consumer-friendly. Ever since cutting my hair a couple of months ago, I was hesitant that my former shoulder-length twist-outs would look like a bunch of shrunken crinkles, that has not been the case. I’m loving my short curly Afro and Mizani’s new products have made my transition to short hair so much easier.

From professional hairstylists to bloggers like me, this new line is sure to be a favorite amongst those who love and care for natural hair.

To purchase Mizani’s True Textures visit shopsalon.com.

Have you ever used Mizani? What’s your favorite natural haircare brand?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Hair | 1 Comment

Get Zestfully Clean with NEW Fruitboost Shower Gels

November 9, 2015

Being a body wash buff, I’m always on the hunt for the latest and greatest when it comes to cleansing gels.

A few weeks ago, Zest launched Fruitboost—four scent-sational shower gels and I couldn’t be happier. Available in Citrus Splash, Very Berry, Pomegranate Acai Berry and Peach Mango, Each of the fragrances smell heavenly, but my ultimate favorite is the Citrus Splash. A delightful mix of lime, orange a lemon, it’s simply sublime.

Infused with vitamin C and twice the concentration, a little goes a long way. It says that it can last up to 40 showers, but because I tend to use a lot of shower gel, I doubt that it’s going to last beyond half of that. I’ve heard that too much lather isn’t good, but I’m a sucker for an abundance of sudsy bubbles! Each of the shower gels leaves my skin feeling, you guessed it—zestfully clean!

The New York City launch of Zest Fruitboost Shower Gels was befittingly held at Dylan’s Candy Bar. The shower gels are sold exclusively at Walmart, $2.99

Plus, the best part about these body washes is that they’re comparable to those sold in bath and body specialty stores, but at a fraction of the price! The practical upside down design makes it possible to squeeze out the very last drop.

If you’re getting a head start on holiday shopping, these would make great stocking stuffers for all the women on your list.

What’s your favorite shower gel brand or scent?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Body Scrubs | Leave a Comment

Stay Fresh & Dry with Dove

November 3, 2015

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know how much I love all things Dove. Well, the brand’s Beauty Finish Dry Spray antiperspirant deodorant is no different.

I’ve always used roll-on or stick antiperspirants, but had never given sprays a try. Boy, have I been missing out! It’s so easy to use and it smells so good! Typically, deodorant scents start to bother me after a while, but surprisingly the fruity & floral fragrance doesn’t aggravate me at all. It keeps me dry and works up to 48 hours. Since I shower daily and sometimes twice a day, I haven’t been able to find out if that selling point rings true. But, I’m sure it does because Dove always exceeds expectations.

Dove Beauty Finish Dry Spray available here, $5.49

Also, since I suffer from extremely sensitive skin (especially my underarms) this spray doesn’t irritate me at all. Again, that’s because Dove formulates their products with those with sensitive skin in mind. Plus, did I mention how it goes on dry and doesn’t create that unpleasant residue? One day I was in such a rush that I threw on a gray top and got a bit of the spray on it. Within seconds it was completely dry and no trace of it was in sight!

If you want to stay dry and smelling fresh all day long, give Dove’s Beauty Finish Dry Spray a go. Be prepared to never go back to sticks or roll-ons!

What’s your favorite antiperspirant/deodorant?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Health | Leave a Comment

Get Class Picture-Perfect with Conair’s Quick Twist Hair Styler

October 5, 2015

I can’t believe we’re already a month into my daughter Ava’s school year. I’m even more shocked that her class picture day is next week!

School pictures are a big deal—at least they were when I was growing up. But, that was before digital cameras and cell phones. When I was in school, my mom would style my hair in special ways for the big day. Back in the ’80s and early ’90s that meant pressing it straight then curling the ends. Since I won’t be doing that, I do plan on using Conair’s new Quick Twist Hair Styler to create fun, twisty braided-ponytails.

Conair Quick Twist Hair Styler available here, $30

Ever since we attended the launch party for the product last month, Ava has been so excited to use it on her hair. During the event we were able to test the hair tool with the help of a professional hairstylist.

One of the hairstylists using the Conair Quick Twist Hair Styler on my daughter, Ava’s, naturally curly hair.

At first, I was skeptical that it would work on naturally curly hair like my daughter’s. To my surprise and delight, it worked perfectly. Plus, it’s super easy to use. The hair clamps into two grooves and the rotating head quickly and gently twists the hair creating effortless two-strand braids. However, if your child has short hair, this product will not work well. The hair has to be long enough to go into the clamps in order to create a twisty braided look.

So, on picture day Ava will rock her signature ponytails, but this time with a twist!

What’s your favorite hairstyling tool?

Category: Beauty, Hair, Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | 1 Comment

Get in Line with Clinique’s Skinny Sticks

September 29, 2015

Besides concealer, there’s only one other makeup must-have on my list: eyeliner. While there’s nothing wrong with a fresh-faced look from time to time, I rarely leave home without rimming my peepers with a bit of eyeliner.

Clinique’s new Skinny Sticks have been my most current obsession. They glide on effortlessly and stay put for hours! I’d been using the brand’s liners for years so was stoked to try the even slimmer offerings. Available in six shades, these slim liners allow you to rim your eyes with precision, plus add a pop of unexpected color. Although all of the shades are eye-catching, my fave is the demi-grape. It provides a soft purple tint while still serving the drama of classic black. While they’re obviously designed to use on either the top or bottom lash lines, I like to use them specifically on my lower lids.

Me wearing a mix of Clinique’s Skinny Sticks in Demi-Grape and Black.

Clinique Skinny Stick available here, $16.50

**Disclosure: I received complimentary product samples from Clinique for review purposes. All thoughts and ideas expressed here are my own.

If you’re a liner girl like me, run don’t walk to your nearest Sephora (or order online of course!) and pick up a few of these Skinny Sticks. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

What’s your favorite eyeliner brand? Do you wear colored eyeliners?

Category: Beauty | 1 Comment

6 Back-to-School Beauty Goodies for Fall

September 3, 2015

Back-to-school season is in full swing! In fact, most of the country’s kids are already back in class.

While I’m happy that my daughter will be entering kindergarten next week, I’m a bit sad too. So, if you’re like me and have a slight case of the back-to-school blues, treat yourself to a few “back-to-school” beauty buys.

Saying goodbye to summer and hello to fresh starts isn’t just for the school-age set. September is a great time to clear out your makeup bag and replace it with fresh new palettes and products for fall.

From chubby, crayon-like lip colors to eyeliner pencils and pretty palettes, check out these A+ beauty goodies!

jane iredale PlayOn Lip Crayons available in 7 shades here, $18; This lip colors are at the top of my list because they have long-lasting wear and the application is easy as 1-2-3!

Remember using graph paper for middle school math class? Well, now you can use this nostalgic Faux Leather Graph Print Lipstick Makeup Bag to store all your fall beauty essentials! Available here, $7

Want look-at-me lashes? This CoverGirl Super Sizer Mascara is in a class of its own! The bristles separate and had volume without clumping. Available here, $6

MUA Smokey Eye Shadow Palette available here, $14. You’ll feel like a kid playing in finger paint when applying these pretty, richly-pigmented shadows.

CoverGirl Intensify Me Liquid Eyeliner available here, $7; **This nifty eyeliner glides on like a pencil, but has the dramatic effect of a liquid liner. I’m so in love with this liner that it is going to be my first YouTube video…stay tuned!

Who didn’t use Carmex in high school? Instead of the yellow and red tubes, now you can treat and prevent cold sores in style with these fashionable MoisturePlus Lip Balms! Available at mass retailers, $2.49

Do you stock up on beauty supplies during back-to-school season?

Category: Beauty, Featured, Features | Leave a Comment

End of Summer Lovin’ with Dove

September 1, 2015

It’s hard to believe that we’re now in September, but the summer isn’t over just yet!

To celebrate the end of the season, Dove invited beauty bloggers and editors to a morning of manis at the chic Valley nail salon in the Lolita neighborhood of Manhattan. Since my digits were in desperate need of a little TLC, I was stoked for the sunrise pampering session.

Prior to getting my nails painted, I was treated to a relaxing hand massage and scrub. To get my skin soft and supple, the nail technician used Dove’s limited edition Summer Care Body Wash. The nourishing formula gently exfoliates and sloughs away dead skin leaving behind a smooth and moisturized surface. Plus, the smell alone is enough to make you want to slather it on outside of the shower. It’s a fresh mix of fruity citruses and lemongrass that creates a tantalizing clean scent.

As a last hurrah for the summer, I decided to get a white hot polish with a beautiful tribal-like detail. To me, there’s something about white nails that just scream summer. My mani was top-notch and was chip-free for much longer than most manicures I’ve had.

If you’re able to get your hands on this body wash before it leaves the shelves for the season, stock up—it will satisfy your winter-ridden skin soon enough! So before summer’s officially over, treat yourself to this luxurious body wash and a mani or pedi at the Valley (if you’re in the NYC area)!