EVENT REVIEW!!!!! The Pink Party hosted by @ladytamara

Sunlight spilled into the room through pristine panoramic windows, stunning artwork lined the bright white walls and six inch heels clicked on the smooth granite floor as guests greeted Lady Tamara, CEO of FIYA Cosmetics who had chosen the Brandywine Workshop, here in Philadelphia, as the location for her much anticipated ‘Pink Party’ held on Saturday, July 13th. Girlish laughter delicate and deliberate, like bubbles rising in champagne, rippled through a room of ladies dressed in their favorite shaded of pink… It was a den of all things girly! Banquet sized tables were lined with pink delicacies; sugar wafer cookies, sparkling punch, tiny cupcakes topped in strawberries, DumDum lollipops, smarties and pink champagne garnished with raspberries. The merging of childhood innocence and full-grown sophistication.20130713_180635

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Lady Tamara offered a heartfelt thanks to her guests for coming and began her event with a beauty product ice breaker. In the invitations sent to her guests, Lady Tamara requested that the ladies come prepared to explain (within 60 seconds), the one beauty product that they absolutely cannot live without. One guest has sworn her life to the beauty blender. Another of the ladies is addicted to mascara, and Dermalogica happened to be the addiction of the final lady who decided to share her tips! Lady Tamara was able to also share one or two of her favorite beauty products, as well as offer some advice to her guests about how to avoid that awful ‘summer shine’ that many of us dread so badly.

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Aside from the networking and goodies, there were also two demonstrations conducted, addressing the areas that women have shown the most interest in: Brows and Lashes!!! I was able to share my expertise on brow grooming and sculpting; and with a willing volunteer, I was able to physically show the ladies how simple it can be to perfect their brows using brow powder. Lady Tamara demonstrated her precision in the proper way to apply strip lashes. She gave her review on the best eyelash glue to use, as well as a tip to ensure the easiest way to ensure that you can apply the lashes correctly the first time! Oohs and Aahs followed each presentation as inquisitive ladies asked their burning questions.

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As a close to the evening, a game was played that I had never heard of before: Think Pink. The idea was to think of something that is pink in color, but to act it out using no words. Imagine a hilarious game of charades with a color scheme! What a refreshing way to seal such a day…. Still giggling, Lady Tamara thanked her guests again and made her rounds to personally greet each lady.

The once golden light in the room takes on the faint peachiness of a setting sun. Brandy and J. Moss croon faintly in the background as the ladies say their farewells. Bracelets jingle as hands cross to exchange business cards… Everyone walked a bit fiercer… Smiled a bit brighter. As ladies double kissed and grabbed their purses, it was evident that there is a perkiness in the air of women who feel like their time was well spent. And it was.

 

PRODUCT REVIEW! Get Me Bodied! ‘Full Bodied Lipstick’ @BareMinerals @BareEscentuals

There is no way that I can even say the words ‘Get Me Bodied’ without bobbing my head to the Beyonce track playing in my mind; however, I will resist the urge to get up and boogie. Instead, I will turn my iPod up and contain myself long enough to explain the fantastic new lip colors offered by Bare Minerals Buxom line. These luxurious lip colors are creamy, long lasting, hydrating and promote fullness in the lips with an amazing no-tingle technology. But, before we get into the ‘how does it work’ stuff, let’s starts with the names of these 10 delicious shades: Provocateur, Nudist, Two Timer, Hooligan, Runaway, Scoundrel, Menace, Exhibitionist, Swinger and Rogue…..

Just let that sink in for a moment.

With such provocative and seductive names, you can only imagine that these colors tend to stray away from the more innocent and mild shades most commonly offered by Bare Minerals/Bare Escentuals. Imagine an alter ego of sorts. Now that we’ve gotten some names, let’s talk about the benefits of the lipsticks.

Hyaluronic Spheres! Try saying that five times fast… Basically, these spheres are made of hyaluronic acid which essentially grab hold of the moisture already in your skin and plump from within. It is often used by plastic surgeons and dermatologists for crows feet and wrinkles, so imagine what it can do for the smaller lines in your lips. There is no tingle, no burning, no numbness and no unnatural looking swelling. All you get is a dreamy, creamy satin finish, amazing color pay off and long lasting fabulousness.

Wanna See??? I know you do!!!

Provocateur: Describes as a true red, this color is great on every shade of skin. For deeper skin tones, perhaps line with a darker red to give dimension. Great for a night out.

Provocateur: Describes as a true red, this color is great on every shade of skin. For deeper skin tones, perhaps line with a darker red to give dimension. Great for a night out.

A nude beige good for most skin types. ALone, it stands out. Beneath a gloss, it wears sweetly as a nice everyday color.

Nudist: A nude beige good for light to medium skin tones. It may wash out on those who are more fair, and can seem ashy on those with deeper tones. Alone, it stands out boldly. Beneath a gloss, it wears sweetly as a nice everyday color.

Who would have though Mauve could be so cute! In a muted shade of pink, this shade wears nicely on fair to olive tones.

Two Timer: Who would have though Mauve could be so cute?! In a muted shade of pink, this shade wears nicely on fair to olive tones.

Hooligan: More Mauve, just deeper. With a hint of plum, this is a wonderful universal color. It isn't so mauve that it looks matronly, and yet not so plum that it looks gothic. Sweet!

Hooligan: More Mauve, just deeper. With a hint of plum, this is a wonderful universal color. It isn’t so mauve that it looks matronly, and yet not so plum that it looks gothic. Sweet!

Runaway: This color reminds me of the reddish brown lip colors often used in movies that show runaways. How apropos! It is a stark contrast on fair skin, but works well with medium to deep skin tones.

Runaway: This color reminds me of the reddish brown lip colors often used in movies that show runaways. How apropos! It is a stark contrast on fair skin, but works well with medium to deep skin tones.

Scoundrel: SEXY! This amazing blue red is magnificent on EVERY skin tone! With its blue undertones, it is sophisticated and sexy all at the same time. You bad girl, you!

Scoundrel: SEXY! This amazing blue red is magnificent on EVERY skin tone! With its blue undertones, it is sophisticated and sexy all at the same time. You bad girl, you!

Menace: Here is a rich and velvety wine color. Again, good for every skin tone. It gives a very couture look to fair skin, and plays nicely as a more sultry color for deeper tones.

Menace: Here is a rich and velvety wine color. Again, good for every skin tone. It gives a very couture look to fair skin, and plays nicely as a more sultry color for deeper tones.

Exhibitionist: Undoubtedly my favorite color from this line!!  A fun and perky pink with blue undertones. Somewhere between bubble gum and fuschia this color lets it all hang out!

Exhibitionist: Undoubtedly my favorite color from this line!! A fun and perky pink with blue undertones. Somewhere between bubble gum and fuschia this color lets it all hang out!

Swinger: Best described as magenta, this is a beautiful color. The best thing about this shade is that this is one of the only shades that can be friendly to  various age groups. Got a spicy grandma or a hip mom looking for a little color? Have them swing this way!

Swinger: Best described as magenta, this is a beautiful color. The best thing about this shade is that this is one of the only shades that can be friendly to various age groups. Got a spicy grandma or a hip mom looking for a little color? Have them swing this way!

Rogue: ROWR!! This vivid tiger orange can awaken the kitten in any woman! From light to olive tones, this color is amazing! A bit much for fair or deep tones, it can be tamed a bit with a darker burnt orange liner. Earn your stripes :)

Rogue: ROWR!! This vivid tiger orange can awaken the kitten in any woman! From light to olive tones, this color is amazing! A bit much for fair or deep tones, it can be tamed a bit with a darker burnt orange liner. Earn your stripes 🙂

I am OBSESSED with all of these shades, and yes – I have worn each of them! Though you can view them online at http://www.bareescentuals.com they are ONLY AVAILABLE AT SEPHORA and/or http://www.sephora.com. I promise you’re going to love these shades, and you’ll find one to fit your wild side!

Here’s to you, beautiful! Muah!

Face It! PRODUCT REVIEW @Clarisonic : Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing System

Have you ever come to a point in your skin care regimen where you begin to wonder if your products are still as effective as they were when you first purchased them? Does your skin seem to “get used to” specific products, and you find yourself switching up every few months, as a way to keep your skin looking clean and healthy? When you cleanse your face and follow with a toner or astringent, do you still see traces of makeup or dirt? Chances are you make not be living up to your full skin potential!

A few months ago, I was introduced to a product called the Clarisonic Sonic Skin Care System, and I will be honest – I was a bit skeptical, initially. I had been using all kinds of products to help with oil control and blemishes, and they all worked for a while but nothing permanent. Thus, I was less than impressed at the notion that this spinning brush that was supposed to answer all of my skin care questions. However, in spite of my trepidation, I purchased one – and it was MAGICAL! Having used it consistently since December, I have seen a wonderful change in my skin, and a consistent effectiveness from  my skin care products. So, let’s talk about how it works, why it is so awesome and why you should try it….

A few years ago, sonic toothbrushes became all the rage. The technology involved was supposed to allow stains to be removed from teeth below the enamel and keep them healthy and strong from the inside out. Right? Well, that same idea is behind the Clarisonic. Oscillating at over 300 movements per second with patented sonic frequency, the brush head on this little wonder is able to cleanse the skin approximately 6 times deeper than washing with hands or a rag. What that means in layman’s terms, is that your skin will be able to breathe, and more adequately absorb any and all products that you may use. Here are the stats for all models, and then we’ll talk about the individual details:

They’re all waterproof. Meaning, if you prefer to wash your face while in the shower or bath, you can without having to worry about damage due to submersion. They all come with the P-Link charger (magnetic); somewhat similar to the magnetic charger for the MacBook laptop, it connects to the device via magnet that way should you trip over the cord or drop it accidentally, you won’t cause any irreparable damage to the charger. Neat huh? There are various brush heads designed specifically to fit the various models of the Clarisonic, and each brush delivers help for various needs: Acne, Sensitive Skin, Normal Skin, Thin Skin and there is even a brush for the body (the body head does NOT fit any of the Mia models, fyi). Alrighty, now let’s take a look at everything!

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The photo above is of the Clarisonic Mia. It’s one speed, lightweight and good for travel. ($119 USD)

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This is the Mia 2 (I own this one – and of course it’s hot pink). It is also lightweight, and great for traveling. The beauty of this model… and the ones to follow… is that they have the T-Timer. In short, this timer will pulse when each portion of your face has been cleansed thoroughly; 20 seconds on the forehead, 20 seconds on the nose/chin, 10 seconds on each cheek. It’s a phenomenal way to make sure everything is clean, without wondering if you did enough. It does the thinking for you…. Because I mean, you have enough to think about. Right? Exactly.

($149 USD)

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This sleek machine is the Aria… Three speeds (low, normal and high) along with all the other benefits of the Mia 2.

($199 USD)

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The Queen Mother of the Clarisonic family… The Clarisonic Plus! Four speeds… Low, Normal, High and Pro!!!! I mean, how in the world does it get any better than this??  I’ll tell you how… It has a Body mode…. *faint* Can you imagine who amazing that must feel?? To have sonic technology cleansing your whole body? Phenomenal.

($225 USD)

SO! Here’s the bottom line – YOU NEED A CLARISONIC!! PERIOD! Go to http://www.clarisonic.com or your nearest Sephora and get one IMMEDIATELY! No, really….. what are you doing?? Get up and go now!!

Ciao!

Mobile Blogging!

Hello loves!

Now, as tech savvy as I have prided myself on being, I must say that I have JUST been introduced to the option of blogging from my phone…. I am a droider 🙂 and have just downloaded the WordPress app from Google Play. This is my first time trying it, and I think I am in love!!! I can do everything I would do from my lovely MacBook, but with the convenience of being able to blog immediately, rather than having to wait until I get home. So, consider this as my pilot….. Wish me luck 🙂

Put some SPRING in your step! It’s time to show those toes!

It has always been a personal conviction of mine that women should pay attention to their feet all year ’round. Even though our tootsies are covered up by thick socks, tights and other insulated footwear during the winter – it’s vital that we take time to pamper ourselves and maintain foot care. Besides, those comfortable massage chairs and hot, bubbly water are a dream come true after braving sub-zero temperatures. As of last week, we have officially crossed over into spring, so there is REALLY no excuse now 🙂 So dolls, let’s talk color and see what pretty hues we can show as we get into sandal season!

OPI and Essie happen to be two of the top selling nail care brands, and my personal favorite!! The colors I am going to show your are amazing and complimentary for every complexion… 

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Luscious Lips

This pale pink is perfect for the corporate girl who may wear a peep toe shoe to the office. It has enough color to be dainty and delicate, but will still fit comfortably into the common dress code for an office setting. One coat looks almost clear… two or more will add more depth to the color!

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Heart Throb

In that same pale pink vein, we have Heart Throb by OPI. This color is sheer enough to be used as the perfect shade for the classic french manicure, or can be used by itself for a super feminine shade on hands and feet. 

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Orange, It’s Obvious

Colors like this always remind me of bare feet in the pink sand of Bermuda or the Bahamas; Coral shades have been a staple for spring and summer, and 2013 is no different. This orange shade would be amazing with any shade of skin, and any age. It’s bright enough to satisfy the color craving for younger women – but is sophisticated enough for the spicy grandma who is looking for some excitement. 

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Give Me a Coral Sometime

Sidebar: These names are adorable…. I want to meet the person whose job it is to be this witty!

Anyway, this sparkly coral shade from OPI is gorgeous and has been said to reflect almost blue when held at certain angles! It’s super sheer, even after three coats so go light or go heavy!! 

Biggest Trend: Believe it or not, pale nails are still gaining momentum for Spring and Summer. To add a sexy spin on this trend, try an opaque white as opposed to the sheer milky shades that have been so popular. 

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Oui Madame

Essie has given us this gorgeous, pearlescent white that can be used by itself, or as the line for a french mani/pedi. Use as an accent nail color, with a brighter color on all of the other nails. On toes, this is lovely by itself, or as a base color if you’re feeling adventurous and want a design.

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Kyoto Pearl

Who doesn’t love this?! It is modern, but reminiscent of the mod shades worn in the 60s and 70s. It is neutral, thus never clashing with prints, patterns and various shades. On short, manicures nails – its adorable. And on toes, it is stunning.

I have worn all of these colors, and I’ve seen them on complexions from fair to dark. They compliment everyone, and bring to life the beauty of this upcoming season. So, visit http://www.opi.com , http://www.essie.com or visit your nearest WalMart to pick up these great shades.

 

Ciao!

Striking Oil: The Beauty Oil Revolution

I don’t know a single woman in the world who thinks to herself, “hmmm, let me take this oil and spread it all over my face as part of my beauty regimen.” As a matter of fact, most women are scared to death of what that could even mean for their skin. Images of pre-adolescent breakouts and the gleaming t-zone send them searching for other means of moisture…. Even women with the driest skin tend to shy away from oil of any sort, mainly because of the awful misconception that oil will clog the pores and create irreversible skin issues. Well my friends, I have come bearing good news! Beauty oils have burst onto the western scene and taken makeup/skincare by storm. There is an oil for everything and here are two of my favorites!!

For most of us, getting our makeup OFF is almost as intricate as putting it on. There’s eye makeup remover, makeup remover, vaseline for stubborn lipstick etc. Who has time for all those steps at the end of the night – or between work and play? Not todays woman! For the girl on the go, we need one step to do everything so that we can continue being awesome.

Boscia has developed their Make-Up Break Up Cool Cleansing Oil as a means of assisting us fast paced dolls in the process of makeup removal.

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This oil is infused with peppermint and eucalyptus for invigoration, jojoba leaf for anti-inflammation and rose hip to unclog pores. Using it is simple…. a little on the hands, rubbed in a circular motion on the skin. Rinse with warm water and moisturize/tone. Rather than being greasy, this oil has an almost cushion-like consistency which prevents pulling the skin (which, over time leads to sagging and loss of elasticity). Skin type: Normal, Oily, Combination. $26 http://www.bosciaskincare.com

If you’re reading this and you’re anything like me, you love when products have multiple uses. I mean seriously, doesn’t it make you feel good to know that you are purchasing one thing that will serve more than one purpose?? Of course it does. As such, Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil has been a life saver. This golden miracle adds moisture to everything from hair follicles to cracked heels.

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Taken from the Argan tree, found in Morocco – this oil absorbs quickly and is light enough to be used as a daily moisturizer. One to two drops all over the face and décolleté (neck and chest) is all you need for all day hydration without the oppressive shine! Here’s the fun part: It can also be used in hair to seal split ends, on dry cuticles and all over the body wherever additional moisture is needed. Composed of vitamin E and essential fatty acids – it’s mild and perfect for all year round smoothness. Skin Types: ALL (however, oilier users should go easy). $48 http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com

 

I hope this was helpful! I’ve used both these products and I love them. Try them for yourself and see the wonder of oil!!!

 

 

Product Review!!! ‘Pucker up with Baby Lips’ @maybelline

Hello Hello Hello!!!

As I’m sure is the case with most women, I like to make sure that my lips are always soft and supple. Even in a full face of makeup with lipstick, I am a stickler for ensuring that they are not cracked, dry or otherwise sandpaper-esque. There’s been a buzz about the ‘Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm’ by Maybelline for a while now – and I have to admit that I was skeptical about it because I used a similar product by Nivea and I was profoundly disappointed. But, a bright pink tube with neon yellow letters caught my eye and there was no way I could leave it on the shelf.

I put this stuff to the ultimate test by applying it before church on Sunday morning before all the singing and praising and talking and smiling and laughing… By the time benediction came around, my lips felt just as amazing as they did when I first put the lip balm on. I am hard on lip balms and glosses and things because they promise this all day moisture, but fail to deliver at times. Baby lips delivered, 1,000 times over! 

Stats: It comes in 6 varieties; Quenched, Peppermint, Cherry Me, Grape Vine, Pink Punch (which I got) and Peach Kiss. All of these shades are SPF 20 which is vital for these hot summer days…. I can not even imagine the pain of sunburned lips… yikes. They are scented, but not flavored – thus, not tempting you to lick it off. The Pink Punch is LIGHTLY tinted without being overly opaque, which I can appreciate. I went 6 hours before I had to re-apply which says a few things. One, it’s true what they say about the 8 hour moisture. Two, using it more scarcely means I won’t run out of it as quickly. And three, not running out of it as quickly means I get to save money. Me likey!

I’m looking forward to trying the other shades, but for now I am perfectly satisfied with my Pink Punch Baby Lips Lip Balm.

Pucker up! MUAAAHHHHH!!!! Ciao beauties 😉

New M.A.C Haul… Oldies but Goodies :)

There few things in life that bring me as much joy as a trip to the MAC store. Don’t get me wrong…. the cosmetic section of most stores is euphoria by itself; But there has always been something special about the signature black cases, fashionably clad makeup artists and wide array of products available on the dark wooden/acrylic shelving of a M.A.C. store. As a resident of Philadelphia, I made a trip to the store in Center City on Walnut Street on Tuesday with five particular items in mind. Yes five… and only five. (If I ever venture into a M.A.C store without a game plane, I am sure to blow my budget). I decided to purchase some of those ‘staple’ items that most makeup artists keep on hand… a smoldering red matte lipstick, a girlish pink matte lipstick, a contouring blush, ever popular brown pencil and an exfoliator for proper skin up-keep. Yep! Simple but necessary…. and I couldn’t be happier to own…………

RUBY WOO

                                                           SAINT GERMAIN                                                                  BLUNT                                                                   TEDDY                                             and VOLCANIC ASH EXFOLIATOR

Wednesday morning’s makeup application was exciting. I had the modern day ‘pin up’ girl look in mind… Plenty of mascara and winged liner, a bare waterline and a sharp red lip. (I have on sunglasses in my pic, but there is winged liner under there LOL!) I contoured my cheeks with BLUNT, using Mineralize Skin Finish and a translucent power from N.Y.C as a highlight on my cheekbones and under my eyes. I applied the RUBY WOO and my eyed widened with each smear… it’s such a beautiful color!!! Once done, I lightly…LIGHTLY lined my lips with TEDDY and I was on my way out for the day. (The liner gave my lips a little definition, without giving that awful 1980’s  harsh line. It also helps to keep the lipstick from moving too much outside of the natural lip line). Just a casual day, in a graphic tee and bermuda shorts – but I wanted to share. As for Saint Germain… I’ll be using that for an upcoming event, so keep your eyes peeled. I haven’t used the volcanic ash just yet… But when I do – you KNOW we’ll talk about it. Until next time…. Hugs and Kisses 🙂

@JanelleMonae THE NEW FACE OF COVERGIRL!!! With heartfelt congratulations

‘You either follow or you lead.’ – Janelle Monae (from ‘Tightrope’)

Known for her crystal clear voice, her signature hairstyle and the amazing way she can create thousands of looks with just black and white garments…. Janelle Monae has stepped on the scene and given us all a new beat to march to. Being a musician and singer, I appreciate everything that she brings to the table. She’s an energetic performer, a prolific lyricist and her awareness of politics, history, socio-economics and love make every song an adventure. My first time hearing ‘Tightrope’ was an epiphany, and I didn’t think things could get better where she was concerned. But when I heard the news of her being a Covergirl, you could have knocked me over with a feather!!! I am a fan… a big fan, so I wrote her a letter of congratulations…. Maybe one day, she will read it. Maybe not. But I am thrilled at the news, and there was not enough space in a tweet to express how I felt.

To the newest face of Covergirl, and my inspiration,

I couldn’t be happier for you, Ms. Monae. Your style, your grace, your beauty… it all makes you perfect for Covergirl. But more than that, I appreciate your willingness to remain true to yourself. Little girls all over the world will start to post pictures of you (along with the other beautiful Covergirl models that we have seen in the past) on their walls, hoping on day to walk a runway and be before paparazzi – smiling for the camera and being knows as a Covergirl. Thank you for adding to the repertoire of femininity, class and poise that give them something wonderful to strive for. I was once one of those little girls, thumbing through my mom’s magazines, tearing out pages and plastering my walls with them… Blasting my favorite music on my casette player and imagining what life would be like when I grew up… Living in a big city, dressing in beautiful clothes and conquering the world. But I’ve long since removed my fashion mosaic from the walls of my bedroom. Instead, I save the images of beauty in my head, and twirl them around in my imagination like watercolors, always excited for the inspiration that will come when I get dressed the next time… I’ve exchanged my casette player for an iPod – filling it with the kind of music that speaks to me, mouthing lyrics like ‘Bring wings to the weak, and grace to the strong. May all evil stumble as it flies in the world. All the tribes come and the mighty will crumble. We must brave this night and have faith in love,’ while I jog. My once playful games of dress-up have become my real life – complete with receipts, big shopping bags, a mountain of shoe boxes and the occasional headache when balancing my checkbook… I’m a big girl now, and it’s all real. But, I will never lose the girlish glee that sweeps over me when I turn through the pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle and Cosmopolitan and see faces… that look like mine… smiling bright and being endorsed by such a reputable cosmetic company as Covergirl… We are proud of you. I am proud of you. Congratulations… 

 

Product Review!! @TRESemme Breakage Defense Shampoo and Conditioner

Hey there!

Ok, so as I’m sure you’ve gathered by now, I am not a hairstylist or hair expert by any means. Lol. However, I do appreciate a well maintained coif, and I try my best to see to it that mine stays as sharp as possible… I mean, after all – beauty doesn’t just stop with a well beat face, now does it?? No ma’am, it doesn’t 🙂 Beauty means taking care of your entire body… from head to toe and everything in between. Ladies have their work cut out for themselves with having to maintain a healthy lifestyle, bi-weekly manicures and pedicures, facials and trying not to tear a hole in the universe when it’s “that time”. If we aren’t careful, something could go lacking…. and for me, that missing link has always been my hair. Let’s be honest. When it’s 100 degrees outside, and you have a to-do list that’s longer than your arm, the easiest thing to do is whip your hair up into a messy bun, grab your biggest sunglasses, apply a dab of gloss and get to it. However, this kind of thing is only appropriate once in a while…. especially for African American women, whose hair is so often prone to dyness and breakage… Ask me how I know, smh. But! I have stumbled upon a fantastic hair care system , whose result I saw in just 2 washes… (sounds like an infomercial doesn’t it, LOL!) With that said, I am pleased to discuss the delightful experience that I’ve had using TRESemme’s Breakage Defense Shampoo and Conditioner!!

 

(I made the picture as large as I could, in case you want to pick some up!)

There is a common myth floating around that all African American women have thick, coarse hair. The truth is, our hair varies from thin and fine to the springy spiral curls that Shirley Temple was so well known for. This means that not all hair or hair care products are created equal. However, one thing that most of us do share is the need to wash our hair less frequently than some other nationalities – to keep it from being overdried. What may make someone else’s hair greasy and heavy keeps ours shiny and healthy. I wash my hair once every two weeks; also conditioning it and avoiding heat whenever possible. Anything more than that could severely strip my hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. When picking out products to maintain my hair, I am careful to use things that are thick, rich and can be used sparingly (so to avoid making my hair too heavy). I came across TRESemme while shopping in Target, and picked some up hoping that I’d see some of the results that the commercials talk about. On the same day as that shopping trip, I planned on removing a weave that I had worn for a few weeks. I hop in the shower, lather my hair with the TRESemme shampoo and grab my wide-toothed shampoo comb…. After one pull, I almost fainted. The amount of breakage my hair experienced was literally terrifying…. I kept combing through my hair while it was wet, reaching for my scalp every few seconds and expecting to feel nothing but skin. (Don’t worry, it’s all still there… but it sucked to feel that panic). Clearly, I didn’t expect the shampoo to work on the very first time. I did my thing and went on about my business, deflated. I just knew that nothing could work and that I’d see this issue forever. Nevertheless, I used the conditioner and went on to style my hair as I usually do. Well – I washed my hair again today… and the outcome was AMAZING!!! I performed my usual routine, shampooing and combing through my hair to work out any tangles so that I could lather vigorously. I peeked out of one eye at the wide toothed comb, and there were but 4 strands of hair. Yes, I counted. By this point, I’m saying ‘WOW!!! OMG!’ aloud, and combing as hard as I could to make sure I wasn’t being overly generous. I wasn’t – this stuff really worked. The bottle said that consumers would see 80% less breakage – and had I counted the other hairs and compared it to the 4 from today, I’m sure it’d be about 80%. I figured I would have to get through half the bottle to see those kinds of results…. Nope, just the second use. That was FAST!

STATS::: The shampoo is foamy and smells fresh and clean. My hair is super thick, and I only needed a dollop about the size of a quarter to get my whole head lathered. The conditioner is rich and creamy – and also smells really good. Personally, I go heavy on conditioner because of the length of time between washes. Last week I blow dried my hair, and it was light as a feather. Today, I left it wet and put my hair in a protective style… a halo braid. I’ve run my hand across my hair a few times, just to see how things feel…. and we’re all good! Soft and moisturized!

Thank you TRESemme for such a wonderful product! I no longer have the anxiety of what will show up in my comb the next time I wash my hair…. I’m thrilled to know that now I can focus on something else… like deciding if I’ll color my mane for the fall… hmmmm.

ANYwho – I hope this was helpful for someone. You can find the full line of TRESemme products in most Walmart and Target stores. It’s professional grade hair care at a very affordable price. Happy Hair!!! Xoxo.