Thursday, May 28, 2009

Allure and Dior



Beauty tips video from Allure and Dior/Nordstrom. Fun to watch!
http://allureaccess.com/dior/

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

How to save on...

If any of you are as broke as me (and well, the whole economy is crap so I KNOW you are)...then these little tips are pretty useful. I'm shamelessly taking from Allure's June issue. I'm leaving out alot so check out the June issue if you want more!

How to save on haircuts:
1. Trim your own bangs (scary, I know. But I learned how to do mine enough to make it just a little bit longer. My hairdresser calls me a "Bang Surgeon" :) Anyway, the key is that you must (I mean MUST) buy actual hair shears. If this is just too much for you...most hair dressers will give you a little trim for free in between appointments. Just ask!
2. Learn new techniques and buy the real stuff...i.e. get your hairdresser to show you how to do stuff. I watch mine like a hawk. Also, spend a little money and buy the equipment they use...they are better in some cases (hello? CHI straightener vs. Conair? No contest).

How to save on color:
1. Try a glaze. I've used John Frieda before from Walgreens both the blond and the clear, and it helps make my color shiny again. Adds a little time in between appointments.
2. Try a toner or leave a little more of your real color. Both are quicker than all over color and/or highlights. Needs to be done in a salon typically though.
3. Actually use shampoo and conditioner for colored hair. I'm guilty of not doing this enough. Since I've started L'Oreal though (mentioned previously) I gotta say that my color is looking better longer. So I'm going to stick with it.

Again the June issue has even more on nails, skin, and waxing...I don't spend much in that area, so I can't comment much!

Happy Savings!

E.L.F.


I just got my new Allure and Lucky Mags, so I may have a few posts based on the articles...

First, there is this line of products I've never heard of called E.L.F. (eyes lips face). It's sold at BigLots, Target, and K-Mart apparently. Anywho, EVERYTHING is under $3! EVERYTHING!! Crazy, huh? Allure asked this make-up artist to rank his favs. The Under-eye concealer and highlighter he compared to YSL, which is pretty swank. He also liked some of the eyeliners and eyebrow shapers. Think I may have to try this stuff out! And hey, everything is about $1, so really what is there to lose? The website also has a link for beauty tips which is fun.

Here's the link to the site: www.eyeslipsface.com

Friday, May 15, 2009

Sephora Body Butter

So my sunscreen trail kit came in yesterday (I will post on how they work out...I have about 15 samples to try!), and I also got a sample of Sephora brand body butter in Guava Passion with some of my beauty points (one of those little cards most stores have where you get points as you spend...I digress...)Anyway, I'm pretty happy with this sample choice! It smells nice but not too heavy...I can't stand overly perfumed lotion. Which is probably why I don't use lotion enough. Lives up to it's name too...this stuff is THICK. Which is good, because it will last me quite awhile I think. They are $16 for a full size. I may try out another kind if this one ever runs out (seems unlikely). :)

Have a great weekend!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Etsy shops--and local at that!

So, recently I've really been paying attention to Etsy. My cousin sells her art there (Visit! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5030349)

Anyway, ran across these super, super adorable ink print tees by MaryInk. And not too bad of a price either! Made here in Nashville as well. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=55338

Enjoy! CBT

Monday, May 11, 2009

Lucky Mag New Breaks are Out!

The new month of Lucky breaks are now available! A trip to Aruba, $5000 at Pottery Barn, and some Redken hair supplies some of the stuff up for grabs!
http://www.luckymag.com/breaks

Registration is free.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Great deal!

I was going to do a post about sunscreen, and then got this in my email this morning. Already placed my order!

Here's a good way to sample some different types of sunscreen...for cheap!
Sunscreen is important!!! So check it out. If you don't want a bunch of samples, I'd recommend Coppertone Sport Spray for the body and Neutrogena Faces with Helioplex for the face! Both can be found pretty much at any store. Happy summer!

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P234000&om_mmc=ret-n1-20090509sunsafe--bi-xcb-h3c1b---om-us-sunsftykit-he-h-&dcid=384604:15162807934:10419798

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Who needs 3 types of shampoo? Me.

I should be studying, but I'm going to blog.

I can't BELIEVE I haven't talked about hair products other than dry shampoo yet. I have probably bought every shampoo/conditioner on the planet. I have 3 types of shampoo and two conditioners (with another two under the sink) in my shower right now. Currently, I'm using John Frieda Root Awakening and L'Oreal EverPure. Both are pretty decent. The EverPure doesn't contain harsh chemicals so it's supposed to keep color bright (and for the girl who has dyed her hair since 10th grade, this is a good thing). I haven't decided if I love it, but it smells GREAT (rosemary and mint), so I'll keep it for awhile. I also always keep Neutrogena Anti-Residue shampoo on hand at all times. Use it about once every week or two weeks to get rid of styling product goo. That's the subject of a whole other post...Anyway, conditioners of the same brand. I also have Neutrogena Triple Renewal Conditioner and Aveda Blue Malva (a blond tone corrector) under the sink for occasional use. Blue Malva works well to kinda brighten blond tones and get rid of any brassiness. John Frieda has recently come out with a cheaper version that I plan to try once I run out of Aveda.

Overall brands I have tried and liked:
1. Paul Mitchell Shampoo One and The Detangler
2. Bumble and Bumble (on the somewhat pricer side, but good)
3. John Frieda
4. Currently, L'Oreal EverPure. We'll see if it sticks

Brands that I have not liked:
1. Garnier Fructis (kinda made my hair slimy)
2. Dove (weighed my hair down, but may be good for folks with really dry hair)
3. Herbal Essences (just not that great)
4. Fredrick Fekkai (tried a sample from Sephora. WAY heavy on the grease factor, especially in BR with it's soft water).

Happy shopping/shampooing! If any of you have fav brands, comment so others can see!

p.s. I should note on the dry shampoo...this stuff is for touch-ups. If you try to rock it out when you are getting super sweaty and/or wet...you will have the equivalent of wet baby powder in your hair. Keep that in mind.