**NEW** COVERGIRL LASHBLAST Clump Crusher Mascara

Calling all volume addicts! From the makers of LashBlast Volume that you know and love –
Get ready to fall in love all over again as you load your lashes with 200% more volume and zero clumps!
 
What makes this mascara different?

COVERGIRL LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara features an innovative curved brush that lets you load up the volume without the clumps.
  • Innovative curved brush allows for buildable volume
  • Lash-hugging curved brush design with straight bristle edge custom fits the brush to the curve of the eye, allowing root-to-tip volume
  • Straight edge section provides a lash-loading section to saturate lashes with loads of product
  • Tight spacing between the precisely designed bristles is smaller than the average clump size – so clumps are stopped before they even start forming on the brush, ensuring beautifully separated lashes and allowing volume to build with every stroke 

What are the Beauty Benefits?
 

LEAN, GREEN CLUMP-CRUSHING MACHINE…
that builds and builds and builds with zero clumps for
beautifully separated lashes. 
  • The LashBlast drama you love, now with 200% more volume
  • Zero clumps, even after 30 strokes
  • As volume pumps up with each stroke, continues to build as lash tips are preserved and individual lashes darken
  • Clumps are stopped before they start
  • Result is a high-volume, separated, look
  • New green packaging will have other lashes green with envy




What were my experiences?
 
Here is my before...
And here is my after...I really like the brush. I didn't have to fight to make sure I removed the clumps.  Normally, I spend a few extra minutes just trying to comb out the clumps. That was not the case with the Clump Crusher.  I also like that this is not one of those big fat brushes. I could get down to the root of my lashes and my lower lashes without getting excess on my lid or undereye.

While the mascara I received was in brown and not the shade I normally use, I still like the look and the application. But rest assured, COVERGIRL LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara does come in 4 shades: Very Black, Black, Black Brown, and Brown. So be on the look out for the latest addition to the LashBlast family.

COVERGIRL LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara was schedule to release beginning in November 2012, but has already been spotted in some of the mass retailers. Their manufacturers' suggested retail price is $6.99. For more information go to www.covergirl.com

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.


* This sample product was sent to me for review consideration by the PR department of the Manufacturer. These however are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by this company.

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We Must Find a Cure! 31 Days of Pink...(Day 11)

Well I would consider my wear 31 Days of Pink, a fail, but I still enjoyed going through my untried pinks to show my support for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  And I have gained a GREAT respect for those that change their polish daily. WOW!!! So here we are at October 25th of my We Must Find a Cure! 31 Days of Pink.
Today, I am sharing with you a pink that everyone was runnng to find late last year/early this year. There was also a corresponding MAC lipstick. For weeks, this collection was all everyone was talking about. Personally, I didn't understand what all the hype was about. Then like most often I got swept up in the hype and realized that I didn't have anything similar to this polish. What?! How could that be possible. All of a sudden, I had to have this polish. Today, I am sharing with you OPI Pink Friday. The Nicki Minaj collection came out late 2011/early 2012. Personally, I don't understand the hype surrounding Nicki Minaj period. To me, she needs someone close to her, to be real and bring her back down to earth. But I digress...
 OPI Pink Friday was a part of a six piece collection that included the likes of Fly, Metallic 4 Life, and Save Me. Pink Friday is being described as a bubble gum, barbie pink cream polish.
The application was streaky and definitely not one of my favorites from OPI.  These pictures are two coats. The Nicki Minaj collection can still be found on many of the on-line retailers. So if, like me at the last minute you decide you must have OPI Pink Friday, you are still likely to find it.  Good Luck! 

So were you caught up with the Nicki Minaj hype? If so, which products did you purchase?

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

* FTC: These products were bought with my own money. These are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by any of these companies. This is not a sponsored post.
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Beauty Blogazon Weekly Roundup - 10/20/2012

       
Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

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HAIR: Does Your Hair Need an Intervention?

I have been on my own personal healthy hair journey for almost 3 years now, so you can imagine my excitement, when presented with the opportunity to share this article by the much respected healthy hair care guru and author, Ms. Audrey Davis-Sivasothy.  I am certain you will come away with some great information.  My personal motto: Remember, it's a journey, not a sprint.
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Does Your Hair Need an Intervention?
Tips for an Easy 5-Step Rehab

Between blow-drying, teasing, flat-ironing, highlighting and lowlighting— there are many ways to change what Mother Nature gave us. But whether you’re regularly straightening curls, lightening darker hair or vice/versa, there may be a price to pay for rebelling.

But most women don’t think twice about the hair habits they’ve had for years and years, says longtime hair-care advocate and health scientist Audrey Davis-Sivasothy.

“Lackluster, frazzled, overworked hair—that’s the price we pay for handling our hair like a pair of jeans. Hair is a fragile fiber that needs to be handled more like a silk blouse,” says Davis-Sivasothy, author of “Hair Care Rehab,” (www.haircarerehab.com). “Oftentimes, the style we feel the most comfortable with reinforces our bad habits. It’s a problem with all the earmarks of an addiction.”

Substances of choice include:

• Toxic chemicals (perms, relaxers & colors)

• Hair OCD (excessive combing, brushing & heat use)

• Environmental lifestyle (too much exposure to sun, surf, bad air and water)

• Nutritional/dietary (fad diets, smoking, low water consumption)

As with a drug addiction, once you’ve kicked your habit, you’ll liberate your bad hair, unlocking new dimensions of hair potential, says Davis-Sivasothy, who has also authored the popular “The Science of Black Hair” (www.blackhairscience.com). 

She offers a five-step rehab for damaged hair:

1. Chelating your hair: Products containing oils, conditioners, serums and pomades (or minerals), which make you feel better in the short term, can build up and actually prevent your hair’s ability to hydrate. That’s why the first step in detoxing hair is the use of chelating shampoo, which is typically clear and lifts stubborn buildup from products and hard water. While many chelating shampoos are sulfate-based, there are more sulfate-free products entering the market to accommodate sensitive scalps and hair. Clarifying shampoos are a good substitute when chelating shampoos cannot be found. Moisturizing shampoo should be used for general use after detoxing is complete.

2. Deep conditioning your hair: After chelating, deep condition for 10 to 15 minutes. This should be done every seven to 10 days using moisturizing conditioners such as instant and cream-rinse, deep conditioners, protein treatments or leave-in conditioners. To go the extra mile, consider an apple cider vinegar rinse to close the cuticle and enhance your hair’s shine.

3. Moisturizing your hair: This step adds a layer of leave-on protection. You can use either leave-in conditioner or a dedicated moisturizing product, or both. For thick, dry or curly hair, this step hydrates and adds “slip.” For fine or oily hair, these products should detangle strands while encouraging volume. 

4. Sealing your hair: This is the last major step in your hair intervention. Sealing with an oil or butter product locks in moisture and solidifies the gains of rehab. It smoothes out the cuticle and keeps hair moisturized for a longer period. Always use sealant on slightly dampened or misted hair, or pair the product with a water-based moisturizer to maximize the benefits. If you have naturally oily hair, you can skip this step.

5. Styling your hair protectively: Imagine wearing a favorite sweater every day; washing, drying and ironing it several times a week – it would look pretty worn out after a few years! This is exactly what happens to hair that is bleached, colored, blown dry with artificial heat, ironed, weaved and on and on. Don’t do this anymore! There are several measures you can take to preserve the health of your hair, including wearing it up more often, cleansing it cautiously, detangling strands with a large-tooth comb, protectively using blow-dryer heat, reducing chemical use and not coloring your hair more than three shades lighter or darker than your natural color. In general, be gentle. Do not pull to hard or rapidly when styling it, too; be slow and steady.

About Audrey Davis-Sivasothy

Audrey Davis-Sivasothy is a Houston-based freelance writer, publisher and longtime, healthy hair care advocate and enthusiast. Sivasothy holds a degree in health science and has written extensively on the science of caring for hair at home.
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Grace, Peace, & Blessings,
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PRESS RELEASE: OPI Insintict of Color!

OPI Announces Brand’s First International Short Film
  
            OPI pays hommage to its Culture of Color with the international launch of its first branded film. Set to the French DJ band C2C’s “Down the Road,” the video features a surrealistic dance-off between four female dancers and a gorgeous Thoroughbred, as trained by equestrian stuntmaster Mario Luraschi.

                 Named after OPI’s classic black nail lacquer, Lady in Black (known as Black Onyx in North America) brought to the film a repetoire of moves including tap steps and dancing en pointe, while showcasing bestselling OPI colors on her hooves.

The film’s four featured lacquers – Pink-ing of You, Red My Fortune Cookie, Need Sunglasses? and No Room for the Blues – each represent one style of dance and one overarching theme, illustrating OPI nail lacquer as a means of self-expression.



“I always say that nail lacquer can change your look – and your outlook,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP and Artistic Director. “Today, nail color can convey feelings and emotions, expressing on the outside what the wearer is feeling on the inside. In this short film, four women communicate through dance and color. With a trained Thoroughbred who could replicate the dancers’ moves with very little digital enhancement,  we were able to capture the unique, energetic and creative culture that epitomizes the OPI brand.”

The video launches worldwide on October 24, 2012. For more information, visit www.opi.com.  Follow OPI on Twitter @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan!

###

ABOUT OPI
As the world leader in the professional nail care industry, OPI is committed to providing high-quality products and services to both salons and their customers, along with a focus on industry safety and innovation. Known for its exceptional formula, fashionable colors and iconic names, OPI’s heavily-pigmented lacquers are super rich, long-lasting and chip-resistant – offering an affordable luxury to consumers. OPI nail lacquer is available in over 200 shades and contains no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. Each lacquer features OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Currently, OPI is available in over 100 countries and retails a full line of professional items, including nail treatments, finishing products, lotions, manicure/pedicure products, files, tools, gels and acrylics.



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Are you an Influenster? If not, why not?

Is going to the mall an exciting and frequent adventure for you? Do you know your UPS, FedEx, or USPS driver by his or her first name? Are you the first of your friends and family to try new products and services? Do you camp outside overnight when a new store or restaurant opens in your town?  Do you have subscriptions to all the fashion and beauty magazines to stay on top of the latest products? Do your friends and family come to you for advice when they are looking for the latest trends?  Do you Tweet all your shopping/product/service adventures? If you answered 'Yes' to any of these questions, than Influenster is something for you really need to consider.

What is Influenster?

Influenster is a FREE-to-join community of trendsetters who share their opinions on various products and services via the many different social media venues (You Tube, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, etc,).

In other words, Influenster is a website that sends out boxes, called VoxBoxes, filled with products for you to sample and review; then you tell your family and friends about the products and services. Are you familiar with those other subscription boxes that you pay a monthly fee for products? Well again, this is a FREE program that is based on your likes and dislikes, your lifestyle and personality.
So if you enjoy trying new products and services, and than giving your opinion, you really need to be an Influenster!

Signing up to join Influenster is quick and easy and best of all, it's FREE! Don't miss this great and fun opportunity!  Simply click here to get started.
Grace, Peace, & Blessings,
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TIME SENSITIVE: Bath & Body Works 3-Wick Candles for $10 each

As I posted in a recent You Tube video, I am a member of Influenster. And in this latest Influenster Beauty Blogger VoxBox was a Bath & Body Works Mini Candle (1.3 oz, reg $3.50) in Cider Lane, along with a coupon that would allow me to purchase up to 5 of their 3-wick candles for $10 each.  So today I ran out and purchased the total 5 3-wick candles. What I didn't say in my original video was that there is also an online code that I may share with my followers so that you too can participate in this excellent savings. The only catch...the coupon expires Sunday, October 28, 2012.  So let's get crackin'!

If you are not familiar with Bath & Body Works Candles, you are really missing out.  There is another mall brand of candle that I used to exclusively purchase, but the Bath & Body Works candles surpasses that other brand. So allow me to quickly share with you the 5 candles I purchased today along with one I had remaining from the most recent 2 for $20 sale.

I believe that Fall and Wnter are my favorite seasons when it comes to the candle selections. The scents are just delicious! Literally, some of the scents will have you thinking your grandmother is in the kitchen. LOL!

Anyway, the first two are:
  • Winter Night - "Sweeten up your home! Inspired by bright moonlight and a distant fire on a crisp, winter night, this lively fragrance unites fir tree, warm cypress and clove bud as they blend perfectly with cedar and a touch of incense."
  • Marshmellow Fireside - "Celebrate the changing season with a warm blend of marshmallows, smoldering woods and creamy vanilla reminiscent of a cozy evening 'round the bonfire."


The next two are:
  • Peach Bellini - "A classic Italian cocktail with a twist mixes bubbly white peach, tart blackcurrant, jasmine and a splash of juicy orange. A festive fragrance for your holiday fete!"
  • Black Pepper Bergamot - "Capture fall's fleeting beauty with this fragrance featuring layers of spicy black pepper combined with uplifting bergamot and lavender."

And the last two are:
  • Sandalwood Vanilla - "This romantic fusion of exotic sandalwood and luscious caramel with notes of fresh juniper and vanilla is a sweet way to heat things up during a winter chill."
  • Snowed In - "Escape the frigid winter wind, wrap up in your coziest blanket and warm up this inspiring blend of fresh juniper, sugared sap and sage for the perfect day in!"

So those are the Bath & Body Works candles I will be burning during the Fall and into the Winter months.

A little about these candles, they are:
  • Regular priced at $20 each, but with the promo code, "F126566", you too can purchased up to 5 candles for $10 each. Remember this offer expires on 10/28/12.  If you should miss out on this opportunity, no worries, Bath & Body Works frequently has sales on their candles.
  • Highly fragranced candle exclusively developed and tested by the Bath & Body Works team of Home Fragrance experts, including the world's best master perfumers
  • Made using the highest concentration of fragrance oils, an exclusive blend of vegetable wax and lead-free wicks for optimal performance
  • 3-wick candle burns approximately 30 to 45 hours
  • 4" wide x 3 1/2" tall
Should you take advantange of this great opportunity, please be certain to share with me the candle scents you selected. Happy and Safe burning.

Grace, Peace, & Blessings,



* FTC: These products were bought with my own money at a discounted rate. These are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by any of these companies. This is not a sponsored post.
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REVIEW: ElastaQP Soy Oyl UltraHydration Shampoo

I had used the same Shampoo and Conditioner for years but when I started transitioning my hair from relaxed to texlaxed and stretching my relaxers from 8 weeks to sometimes 6 plus months, my hair started disagreeing with my old faithful shampoo and conditioner pair.  At the start of my healthy hair journey, I quickly became a product junkie; trying to find my holy grail products.  I had always seen the Elasta QP line but for whatever reason, never gave it a try. I went months still seeking that product that would work for my hair. Still never considering the Elasta QP product line.  One day after reading about the Elasta QP H-2 Leave In Conditioner, I finally gave that product a try. I wasn't overwhelmed so that went into my product closet and I continued to overlook Elasta QP.  Then again, after hearing about the Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter Moisturizer, I decided to give that a try. My first experience was again, less than overwhelming but I gave it another try for my cooler months moisturizer and I fell in love.  Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter is my go-to cooler months hair moisturizer.  So after that positive experience with Elasta QP, I was more willing to give other products a try. Just so happens, I stumbled upon a clearance sale at Walgreens on many of the Elasta QP products. I decided to try the Conditioning Shampoo and the Intense Fortifying Conditioner.  I was hooked! These two products worked really well with my 4A-B, color-treated hair.  The only downside was the small bottles. I hated having to constantly repurchase products.  So one day while in Sally Beauty, I spotted liter size bottles of Elasta QP shampoo and conditioner, but this was a different line, Soy Oyl Ultrahydration, so I was hesitant to try them.  I finally decided to give this new line a try and I purchased that trio. Today I'm sharing with you the Elasta QP Soy Oyl Protein+Vitamins Ultrahyration Anti-Breakage Moisture-Rich Shampoo. Wow, that's a mouthful.

I purchased this 33.8 fl oz bottle at Sally Beauty for $5.99. That is the sale price. The regular price is $7.99 (or $7.19 with a Beauty Club card).

The product description: 

ElastaQP presents Soy Oyl Protein + Vitamins! The SUPERIOR Organic Oil - Richer in protein, vitamins and Omega 3 & 6, Organic Soy Oyl infuses natural moisturizers and conditioners deep into hair to help restore strength, manageability and shine.
  • UltraHydrating Soy contains 5 tines more Omega 3 & 6 than Olive Oil for healthy hair growth and superior anti-dryness protection.
  • Vitamin-rich Soy Protein penetrates faster and deeper into hair for the maximum protection against breakage, split-ends and dryness.
How to use:

Apply shampoo to wet hair. Work into rich lather. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if necessary. Follow with Ultrahyration Conditioner for incredible softness,
silkiness, and manageability.

Ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide DEA, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Biotin (Vitamin H), Linoleic Acid (Vitamin F), Persia Gratissima (Avocado) Oil [contains Vitamins B2, D, A, E, K, and Potassium], Ethylene Glycol Distearate, Sodium Chloride, Parfum (Fragrance), DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Citric Acid, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Silk Protein, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, CI 15985 (FD&C Yellow 6), CI 19140 (FD& C Yellow #5), CI 16035 (FD&C Red #40), CI 42090 (FD&C Blue #1).

My Experience:

I know that there is a "Sulfate-Free" movement taking place, but my belief is whatever my hair likes is fine with me. So I had no problem trying this product and I am so glad that I did. With my first use, I was impressed.  It is peach in color with a pearlescent appearance.  The scent is not overbearing, but sweet. I had an unused pump I received with another product, so I applied 2-3 pumps to my wet head and started to massage my scalp and almost immediately, my hair felt soft and silky.  This product does not claim to be a conditioning shampoo, but it definitely could.  I followed the first shampoo with a second and even before conditioning, I detangled with my shower comb.  That is something I would not normally attempt to do.  I didn't experience any breakage as I would normally expect trying to detangle prior to conditioning. Again, even before conditioning, the Elasta QP Soy Oyl Shampoo did not leave my hair feeling stripped or dry as so many other shampoos do.  I followed my shampoo with the conditioner (that review to follow at a later date) and continued with my shampoo day routine. So at the end of the day, the all important question is would I repurchase this product. Yes, this very well may be my new Holy Grail shampoo.

Pros:
  • It works; feels like a conditioning shampoo
  • Easy detangling
  • Doesn't leave my hair feel stripped or dry
  • The bottle size for the price; great value; often on sale at Sally Beauty.
Cons:
  • It is not readily available.  I believe that I have only seen this product in Sally Beauty and maybe one other beauty supply store
  • It should come with a pump for easy dispensing

So, have you tried any ElastaQP products? If so, which ones and what was your experience?

Grace, Peace, & Blessings,




* FTC: These products were bought with my own money. These are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by any of these companies. This is not a sponsored post.
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