One of my earliest memories was playing with my cousin’s makeup. I would hide in the bathroom and paint my face and put on layers of mascara and inevitably get in a lot of trouble. As a small child, I can remember being in tow when all of the females would make the visit to the Merrill Norman salon. I would watch in envy while their faces where painted in some hot pink mask. I have no idea what that pink stuff did, but I wanted my face covered in it.

As I progressed to a teenager, with a heavy hand on the eye shadow, my cousin took me to the department store for my first makeover. I have been hooked ever since! I literally cannot pass a makeup counter without trying or buying something. My two biggest obsessions are the longest lasting lipstick and the mascara which will give me long thick lashes. Skin care and anti-frizz hair products follow closely after.

I am a sucker for fancy packaging and the newest, best and so-called promised product that will turn me into one of the glamorous beauties in the latest fashion magazine. Unfortunately for me, most products don’t live up to the hype promised by the advertisement.

Therefore, I’ve decided, along with the help of some of my not so obsessive friends and family to post products that we tried so you can decide if you want to spend your money!

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

I tried this Apple Cider Vinegar Treatment and my hair was shiny and had less frizz

I decided to see if this really worked.  I washed my hair, used conditioner then poured this mixture over my hair and let soak in while I finished showering.

I used a slightly different recipe than below and did use conditioner first.  I used a 2-2 ratio: 2 ounces of tap water to 2 ounces of apple cider vinegar and a few drops of lavender.

My hair usually resembles the model's photo below on the left after blow drying. After treatment and a swipe with the flat iron, my hair was shiny and less frizzy, but not as shiny as the model below on the right. However, definitely worth trying before investing in expensive products and treatments.

Ingredients:
2 cups of boiling water
2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
Herbs of choice - Lavender and lemon add fragrance and cut down on the vinegar smell.

Preparation:
First boil the water and then add the herbs and vinegar. Allow it to cool down for 30 minutes. After that, refrigerate the mixture for later. You can use the mixture after you have finished with rinsing the shampoo. Just pour the mixture and massage the scalp, and then rinse with fresh water, or you can leave it in and towel dry for extra conditioning benefits.

Here is a list of all the health benefits using the apple cider vinegar:

Improves porosity * Conditions naturally * Treats hair loss
Clarifies the scalp * Removes the dandruff * Reduces frizz
Balances the pH of the scalp * Prevents split ends * Treats itchy and dry scalps

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

My stylist started carrying DAVINES hair care products in her salon.  I used the OI Shampoo and Conditioner for the first time yesterday.  Day two and my hair is still amazing - I mean amazing!  I complain about the texture of my hair all the time, but have to say I am hooked on only one use. I want to try their other products...

Burt's Bee Facial Cleansing Oil is a GREAT product for only $16 (less at Walmart).  One pump massaged into face literally removes all makeup.  It leaves your skin clean and moisturized.  I've been using for two weeks and my complexion is looking good and acne is greatly reduced!


Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Juvesa ProSkin

Last week my friend and co-partner in this blog sends me an invite to her niece’s skin care party.  I don’t really read the flyer, but immediately respond, “Girl’s Night Out - of course I’ll go!”  As the day arrived I start thinking – what have I gotten myself into?  I know she was studying to be an esthetician or something in that field, but I’m not sure if she’s graduated or her current skill level.  Do I really want to be a guinea pig for some type of dermabrasion treatment???

We arrive at their friend’s salon – still not knowing really what we’ve agreed to – and enjoy meeting old friends and new acquaintances.   After some small talk, we’ve figured out that we would receive some type of a facial.  As I had washed my face per the request prior to arrival, I volunteered to be the first ‘victim’. 

I have a ‘before’ photo taken and then lay on the table while a very nice lady who I think is training the niece prepares my face.  We make small talk as she applies different serums and creams and begins a very pleasant type of dermabrasion that does not use the gritty granules as I’ve used in the past.  More concoctions, different tools with lights and currents, basically focusing on one side of my face.

Half way through my procedure the niece hands me a mirror.  Honestly expecting to have to lie and say, “Oh yeah, I see a difference,” I looked at my image.  OMG – the right side of my face was lifted what looked like an entire inch higher than the left.  I looked like I had just had half of my face pulled back to what it was 15 years ago.  I anxiously said, “Do the other side!”

They explained that as time passed, I would see more improvements.  For best results you should have 3-6+ treatments, about 3 weeks apart and then only maintenance is required.  We received the ‘Red Carpet’ treatment which is what the stars have prior to big events. 

When I woke this morning, my skin felt soft, smooth, the indents around my mouth where no longer so prominent and my eye area is lifted.  The acne I had yesterday is gone.  One very skeptical person is sold on this machine and I can’t wait for my next treatment!!! 


 

 Tuesday Night Before                                                                                             Wednesday Morning




Thursday, October 1, 2015

TOO Faced Lipsticks



Apparently I like the different color options offered by TOO-FACED LA CRÈME
Color Drenched Lipstick, as I have several in my collection.  Although it does hydrate your lips very nicely, the staying power is minimal.  After an hour and a half of my morning shake, fruit and water it’s time to re-apply.  In addition to their online shop, it is also sold at both Ulta and Sephora for $22.





PERFECT LIPS liner is fantastic.  Goes on smooth and creamy and sold for $17.








Also good for the purse is their Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick.  It does last longer but is a bit drying.  Also available in a lot of colors for $21. 

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

I can't get this stuff off!

My quest might be over.  Again on Pinterest, I found a product called LipSense by Sene Gence Long Lasting Liquid Lip Color.  I applied the gloss like color yesterday afternoon.  Apparently you need to shake before application because it burned my lips like crazy.  This morning at 7:30AM I applied it again (after shaking vigorously) in the three layers as recommended.  It is now 5PM and it's still on my lips.  They look a little pruney and are very dry, but the color is still going.

They offer one of the largest assortment of colors to choose from that I've ever seen and the tube sells for $25. 

Herbal cleanser for troubled skin

Another product from LUSH that I've been trying is Herbalism Cleanser.  The jury is still out and will let you know...