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 When it comes to shopping, I'm just as much a girly girl as any other but I do have my favorite things to shop for, especially around the holidays. We choose our outfits for special occasions, we obsess over our hairstyles and accessories but what about the little details that seal the entire package together perfectly, such as hair products, make up and nail polish? I've been known to pay little attention to my makeup when attending special occasions because generally I've been told I didn't need any and mostly I've just never enjoyed the fuss of deciding which lip or eye color to wear. When I realized that exploring with various hair products and cosmetics could be fun, I haven't looked back and take absolute pleasure in decorating my complete self. Click here to read more ...
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 Is it just me, or have you noticed people putting up their Christmas lights long before Halloween is even here? Every year it seems the Christmas season comes earlier but thanks to amazing finds at SEPHORA, you can get your Christmas shopping (and New Years products) out of the way early enough to sit back and relax. Click here to read more ...
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 Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house not a creature was stirring except for your sister who shuffled through your Philosophy goodies! Huh? Alright not exactly the way the story is told, but this year Philosophy comes up with products amazing enough to buy for others AND keep for yourself. Click here to read more ...
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 Yay! Another goodie to sample and this time it comes from Pravana. Never heard of them before my colleague introduced the shampoo and conditioner but I’m awfully glad I got to try it. 1 week and my hair has been washed approximately 3 times. I use a lot of hair gel and after 2 days it begins to feel gunky. Click here to read more ...
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 If you’ve never heard of Colette Malouf before this blog, chances are you were very much like myself who spiced up her formal hairstyle with Target or Wal-mart accessories. There’s nothing wrong with that I tell myself but every once in awhile when that extra special occasion comes along, I like to go all out. Click here to read more ...
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 Last week I received a sample to try and had no idea who it was from until I opened the box. I was immediately hit with the scent of a product that had clearly sprayed itself out of the container in transit. Ohhh...that scent-that distinctive scent. I can say the following with the utmost confidence; I have yet to smell a hair product scent like that of OJON! Click here to read more ...
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 So I gave some recently received goodies to my boyfriend for him to test out on his never before product tampered ‘virgin hair’. Slight over exaggeration maybe but for the most part, he’s quite different than I am in the beauty department. The same strawberry scented VO5 shampoo has been sitting on the bathtub corner for months and it’s not that he’s against styling products, just that he doesn’t care enough about them to explore the many varieties. And so the test began...what would Sean think of Schwarzkopf Professional’s ESSENSITY line? Click here to read more ...
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 Your hair is your crowning glory, so why not nurture it with the best products around? Shampooing and conditioning with H&S not only keeps your scalp flake free, it actually boasts more benefits than you may think. Read on to see why you should be using Head & Shoulders to make your mane more beautiful. Click here to read more ...
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 Since turning the big 3-0, I’ve become somewhat of a major beauty obsessed freak! Now at 35 it’s more important than ever to take much better care of my skin. I regret being the guinea pig to many new products back in the 90s when my sensitive skin would break out in a rash, cause pimples, or make me more insecure about the way my skin looked than before I tried it!! Click here to read more ...
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 When I first received the package of O.P.I’s Tattoo Ta-Boo! mini nail polish kit, I realized right then and there that summer is officially over and Halloween is right around the corner. Once you've settled on a costume and hairstyle, pay a little extra attention to all the little details of your overall look, such as your nails! Click here to read more ...
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 It isn’t a crime to put make up on with your fingers but the finger thing can be pretty gross when you think about it. Your fingers touch everything around you- unless you disinfect them every time you put on makeup, chances are you’re rubbing on the very same palm sweat of the man holding the subway cart pole on to your eyelids and cheeks. Ick. Click here to read more ...
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 I’ve never had a Givenchy product I didn’t like but could it be I just loved saying the name “jee-von-shee”. Maybe it was the prestige associated with it or perhaps it was simply the products. Since its initial introduction into the beauty industry, Givenchy has built its well earned reputation on packaging, class and most importantly, product quality. Famous faces have been ambassadors supporting the makeup line for years and HSD’s most recent exploration of some of the best makeup brands brought me right back to Givenchy Click here to read more ...
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 The concept behind THERMAFUSE is to achieve healthier hair WITH heat...when has anyone ever done that? Apparently Thermafuse has, and with some sample products, a curling brush and a blow dryer, I was ready to test this out. Click here to read more ...
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 What the heck am I referring to? Hair products of course and if you can use only one for the rest of your life, I'd strongly recommend MOROCCANOIL which is made for every hair type but treats crazy, broken, damaged, frizzy hair with a little extra much needed love. Click here to read more ...
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 I was recently given some Ole Henriksen (pronounced ‘Ooh-la’, excuse me!) facial products to try from my favorite beauty store, SEPHORA, and in all honesty, I’d never heard of him before. I, being a sample queen was overly excited to try them out; because upon my research of his products, I’d heard only incredible things. Blog after blog, review after review, fantastic declarations about the Ole Henriksen Micro/Mini Peel System, African Red Tea and the Three Little Wonders treatment began to emerge. My mission was to discover if all of these claims were true! Click here to read more ...
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 I was out of the country for several weeks when my colleague sent up some delicious new Fall collection beauty samples from URBAN DECAY. I frolicked through the goodies ready to try them one by one. No word of a lie, I loved everything and even though I wanted to give some away...I COULDN’T!!! That is so bad of me – I’m ashamed...NOT. There is something about Urban Decay that brings me riiiight back to childhood and I absolutely adore their products and all the fun and free feelings that come along with it! Click here to read more ...
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 Television commercials say USE IT, so we use it; Professional Hairstylists say use it so we use it; but what exactly are we using anyway? Perhaps it slips our minds that television commercials are created to push products because they’re backed by the almighty dollar and some professional stylists aren’t even aware that the chemicals in many of the products they’re using are actually bad for the hair. Click here to read more ...
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 Is it possible that with each stage, Goody gets better? I say undoubtedly yes as I’ve personally seen the products in the past several months go from great to greater. It’s a good thing hair accessories aren’t limited to children alone because Goody creates the sharpest, prettiest, most versatile hair accessories from any hair company I’ve ever seen. Not to mention their prices are fantastic and they are the most accessible accessories to be found! With most of them in the lower range, they can be bought between 3-8 dollars at all leading food, drug and mass market retailers. Click here to read more ...
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 If you're a girlie girl like we are, surely you love the latest products and have to try everything on before you buy or commit. We sure had a lot of samples to mull through and wanted to share our best finds for mid summer...can you believe we're already there?? Click here to read more ...
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 OJON. Ever heard of it? If not, you’d better get yourself off to the nearest carrier (right after reading this blog of course) which by the way is Sephora (in stores and online) or go to Ojon.com to buy direct and have fun exploring their other incredible products. If you’ve read a previous blog I wrote about Ojon, you’ll be crystal clear on where I stand. I ultimately insanely freaking love them! With all the thousands of products out on the market, my favorite in the universe is still Ojon! The smell is next to none I’ve ever smelt before but beyond that, it actually does what it promises and I am a huge fan of products that keep their promises. Click here to read more ...
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 Ohhh to be a kid again! Alright, well who really wants to go backwards in life, I sure don’t! But it isn’t a crime to work like an adult and play like a child. With summer in full stride, SEPHORA has some great products that any woman would love to get her hands dirty in; starting with the GIRLS NIGHT IN case by BENEFIT. When I first saw this case, I thought ‘adorable’, when I tried on the products, I thought ‘amazing!”. Click here to read more ...
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 As if it’s any surprise, our skin gets much rougher over the years if we don’t maintain its suppleness with exfoliation, creaming and just plain conditioning. Super hot showers, too much sun, harsh weather conditions, letting your skin stay dry, and constant scratching or picking will do major damage to the skins surface and let’s face it, not everyone can get micro-dermabrasion treatments. Until we can find a more permanent solution, there’s SOFT AND BEAUTIFUL. Click here to read more ...
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 The sun might not shine brightly year round but that doesn’t mean you can’t look kissed by the sun every day. You don’t need much to achieve this look and thankfully, you can get it all at a one stop shop, Fake Bake. If you’ve never tried it, you might be like me before I discovered it only a few weeks ago and thought it might turn me orange as past products have but I can say wholeheartedly, they’re by far the best self tanning company I’ve ever tried and since expanding into makeup and fun bronzy colors to enhance a sexy tan, I had to share it with you. Click here to read more ...
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 Before I wrote this review, I wanted to actually put myself in a position to benefit fully from Ouiad’s Sunshield Spray In Conditioner ($20/8 oz.) and Shine Glaze Serum ($26/4oz) and use them they way they are meant to be used.
In doing so, I tried to enjoy a sun shiny day by the pool and see the results of the Sunshield Spray In Conditioner. Click here to read more ...
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 I HATE MY PALENESS, I HATE MY SKIN are the words I shout at myself when my legs haven’t seen sun for months. On the flip side however, if given the choice to be pasty white or Clementine orange, I’ll take pasty white. Isn’t there a happy middle where self tanning products can turn you brown instead of orange and you don’t have to look so unhealthily pale after the snow melts? Fortunately YES YES YES! I will shout this from the rooftops, I swear I will! Click here to read more ...
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 If you’re anything like me and choose to read the reviews on a product before you buy it you might run into some ill said comments preventing you from buying the worst or perhaps even best product of your life. The only way to truly find out how something fares for you is to try it on yourself for yourself. Click here to read more ...
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 How many times have you heard the words ‘don’t use soap on your face!!” My mother used to scold me every time I put anything on it but water because she’d complain it would dry out my skin. Leave soap for dirty dishes, clothes and nasty feet but for the face, she’d encourage me to use something much milder. She was right but I just never felt I was getting all squeaky clean with water alone. Click here to read more ...
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 My mother’s been using Avon for as long as I can remember – maybe it took me so long to discover it myself ‘because’ my mom has been using it for as long as I can remember. After being introduced to Avon Anti Frizz Capsules, Dry End Serum (both are $4.99) and Frizz Controlling Instant Recharge Treatment ($8.99) samples, my hair took a turn for the better and all I have to say is Ba-Bye frizz. Click here to read more ...
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 Every scent I’ve had the pleasure and in some cases, displeasure of sampling has to pass a few of my personal tests before they make it into my perfume collection. Question number 1: upon first sniff, does it smell good? Number 2: is it too strong? Number 3: is it flattering on my skin? Number 4: do others enjoy it on me just as much? And finally: do I love it enough to wear it often if I bought it and regret it if I didn’t? The most recent perfume put on trial is none other than the new HIDDEN fantasy BRITNEY SPEARS™. It’s nice to read the fancy schmancy words about how intriguing this perfume is, how it’s about expressing the many mysterious sides of me, how this fragrance knows no bounds, accepts no limits and creates an aura of anticipation…but at the end of the day, it’s the Click here to read more ...
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 Having battled “dryer than most” skin all my life, when I was recently introduced to the Superbly Restorative Argan line by Kiehl’s, I was extremely happy to discover it. Ranging from the likes of Body Cleansing Oil to Body Lotion, this collection is sure to please even the most critical beauty blogger. Its one thing to read about everything this assortment of products can do but only upon their trial can one truly see and feel its purpose. Click here to read more ...
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 Because my hair is thicker than most, I need something to weigh it down some. Regular hair conditioners and products for non-African American tresses tend to leave my hair fluffy, so when I recently experienced Motions Marula Natural Therapy; I wanted to share it with anyone who could relate and appreciate! Seen on left: Marula Natural Therapy Hair Strengthening Moisturizer (SRP: $6.99) As of this past March, 2009, women nationwide with hair as crazy as mine can take pleasure in a little relief. Click here to read more ...
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 Situated at 3613 Blvd St-Laurent in the heart of beautiful Montreal is the new Flagship Aveda destination for the AVEDA Montréal Lifestyle Salon Spa & Academy. It becomes the newest member of other Aveda Lifestyle destinations located in Tokyo, Osaka, Berlin, Madrid, London and New York. As the name would imply, this 4 story facility is both an educational center for Aveda Professionals and also for patrons who want an amazing Aveda experience. Click here to read more ...
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 If there’s anyone in the beauty industry who’s renowned for having fun, playful and definitely creative product ideas, it’s URBAN DECAY. Among the latest cosmetic introductions, comes a gorgeous combination of eye shadows called Get Baked with 4 sexy shades; Twice Baked, Half Baked, Flipside and Baked; not to mention a Mini Bourbon 24/7 eyeliner and Mini Sin Primer. All this for only $28 USD; a perfect kit for ‘notice me’ eyes. Word to the wise: do NOT wear this unless you want to attract attention. Only the good kind of course! This has got to be my favorite eye palette of the season. Click here to read more ...
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 About a year ago I did a photo shoot as the ‘poster girl’ for a local bank ad. When the makeup artist finished with my face, I was completely blown away at the results. My skin was clear, my eyes were popping, my lips were shining- I wondered what they’d make me look like if this were a music video!! When I asked what cosmetics were used on my face, she replied two words that were like music to my ears: Giorgio Armani. I suddenly felt a lull of sadness come over me. How was I supposed to afford a face like this?? If she’d only have said L’Oreal…Revlon…but Giorgio Armani? Click here to read more ...
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 With a mother from the Caribbean and father from Europe, my hair hasn’t yet decided which side of the fence to sit on. For the most part I received many compliments on my hair growing up but it’s as if somewhere along the way it became vengeful of bad product experimentation and began to rebel; leaving me with nutso misshapen…should I even call them curls? The only thing keeping me from a set of shears is the belief that there’s gotta be ringlets under there somewhere. But even then I’d only be a shorter haired fuzz ball. Click here to read more ...
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 So I leaned in to hug a colleague recently and her hair smelt sooooooo delicious. I kid you not; I nearly had a nose-gasm. As a joke I wouldn’t let her go until she told me what it was. From there though, it really got me on a scent frenzy to discover the nose friendliest body, hair and home scents. Here were my findings. Click here to read more ...
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 Winter is over…spring is nearly done and summer is right around the corner. Can somebody give me an Amen? Not sure about you, but my hair, my skin, my everything gets all out of whack during hibernation season and when the sun starts to shine and I feel the warmth, I not only rediscover but practically have to recreate my true self all over again. Certain things may remain staples in my wardrobe but generally I like to try new styles and hair and beauty products are no exception. Click here to read more ...
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 If you're accustomed to spending an arm and a leg on pricey products but have to change your ways because it's just not as affordable anymore, welcome to my world. I realized not long ago that sometimes, it doesn't make sense to go expensive when you can save yourself a ton of money in the long run by getting products that can compete and sometimes even surpass even the best of them. Click here to read more ...
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 I’m the type of person who doesn’t buy a lot of things but when I find something I love, I buy a lot of IT. I’ve been known to have several pairs of the same jeans because when you find a hot pair that make your butt look out of this world, it’s worth getting at least 2 pairs. This said I recently tried a product I’d heard about for years before I actually laid my hands on it... Click here to read more ...
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 At 34 years of age, my hairs been through some crazy stages but damage and a lack of creative style have always been the two most frustrating to deal with. With my long hair and busy lifestyle, I’ve been known to throw my hair up in a bun or ponytail months on end but it’s just plain boring! Goody is one of those hair accessory names every household knows but I was absolutely blown away when I saw the HUGE variety of hair accessories I didn’t even know existed. Click here to read more ...
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 Alright, so you may not have been born with silky smooth black tresses that look like the Gods themselves have blessed them, but fortunately if you haven't already heard about it, MOROCCANOIL can help you achieve silky smooth locks; though you'll have to turn to a professional for the black coloring part. Click here to read more ...
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 Ouidad’s philosophy claims to be simple: “less is more”. When I first read the following blurb about Ouidad’s mission for curly heads, I was unashamedly all too eager to try it out. “Our mission is to help you learn to love your curly hair and appreciate what a blessing it is to have” I’m all for that! My hair is often one big unruly, wild ringlety, confusing, frizzy mess and I had yet to discover a product that would seriously whip my locks into shape; every mousse, gel, serum, pomade, you name it, I tried it. Click here to read more ...
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 I’m a diehard beach baby; love the ocean for obvious reasons but especially for what it does to my hair. Ever notice the voluminous wavy and sexy effect salt water has on your tresses after it dries? I’m probably the toughest cookie when it comes to loving hair products; mainly because I’ve tried just about everything on the market to achieve certain results and found more disappointments in wasting money and efforts on things that didn’t work. I wasn’t too convinced with the idea that a salt infused styling spray would have the same effect, but I was amazingly surprised. Click here to read more ...
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 True beauty starts from the inside’ blah blah blah. Let’s get superficial and say that the foundation of beauty begins with a great foundation or perhaps in this case, a great skin coverage cream. Starting with skin coverage then working your way towards your finer feature such as the eyes and lips, allows you to have a near perfect pallet to work with. Click here to read more ...
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 Alright, let’s define splurge. To some, splurging is a 30 dollar lipstick, while to others, 10 dollar lipstick is overindulgence. In this day and age, it’s all relative and with so many competing products on the market, it’s hard to know whether to spend more or pinch pennies. Confused as one might be in knowing which ‘products’ to buy, begin by knowing which parts of your body to splurge or save on. When it comes to foot or hand cream, unless you have some sort of skin ‘issue’ you needn’t buy anything more than a decent smelling, moisturizing, non irritating lotion but when it comes to the more sensitive areas of interest, such as your face, you’d better not skimp too much! Click here to read more ...
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 ‘Dr. Bronner’, that is! When it comes to product ingredients, most people aren’t sure what the heck they’re reading. It isn’t a surprise many people buy ‘all natural’ only to realize it’s not even half natural. False claims suck! ‘Dr. Bronner’ keeps it real and keeps it simple by creating products with a label everyone can understand. ‘Water, Saponified Organic Coconut, Organic Palm and Organic Olive Oils, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Essential Oils, Citric Acid and Vitamin E’. Besides a couple of words not commonly used on a regular basis, no ingredient in their Pure-Castile Soaps is completely foreign, artificial or unnatural! Click here to read more ...
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 Imagine trying to remove your eye make up with dirty water; brushing your teeth with dirty water; cleaning your car with dirty water; taking a bath in dirty water. If those thoughts are downright disgusting to you, join the club of millions who’ve opted to do their part in helping others who don’t even have the ability to drink clean water. Click here to read more ...
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 Eco-friendly! If that isn’t a word you’ve heard a thousand times over, you’ve clearly been living under a rock. For many years, companies have been trying to jump on the growing trend of going green, organic or becoming more ecologically responsible for the manmade creations of products destroying the planet. Perhaps comparatively a little later in the game, but definitely up to speed is one company whose highly effective and naturally derived products are making a major impact for various reasons: Purpose, effectiveness, quality and cost. Click here to read more ...
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 After many years of being nostril tormented with my strong auntie’s perfumes and body creams, I’ve always been hesitant to wear anything more powerful than the touch of a naturally light scented flower, until I discovered Crabtree & Evelyn Island Night perfume.
Perhaps the name sold me; truth be told I’m a sucker for anything tropical, but after all was said and done, the scent would either lure or repel. Gladly I can say not only did ‘Island Night’ perfume attract me, I wore it and received compliments all day. Launched by both Crabtree & Evelyn and India Hicks, this perfume is not only beautiful, it’s enjoyable, extremely sexy and perfect for evening, hence the name ‘Island Night’. Click here to read more ...
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