Natural Hair Care | Product Update

I wanted to share a few of my current natural hair staples. I haven't received a relaxer in a few years and it was the best decision I ever made. I love my hair more in the cooler months because I don't have to worry about my hair reverting due to heat. It gives me a chance to play with straighter styles and body waves. My hair is fine so keeping my hair strong is a must. I've seen so much progress over the years thanks to a few items I use on a regular basis. Here are a few...

TOP ROW(l-r)Design Essentials Stimulations, Design Essentials HCO,
Design Essentials Silk, Chi Silk Infusion, Organix Weightless Healing Oil,
BOTTOM ROW(l-r)RUSK deep oil shine, Moroccan Oil Hair,
Macadamia Healing Oil, Macadamia Healing Oil Spray, Simplicity Hair Oil 

DE Stimulations is a excellent conditioner I have been using for over years. I love how it makes my scalp feel. The tingle isamazing. For extra conditioning, I sit under the dryer for a few minutes after applying the conditioner to my hair and scalp. I use DE HCO everytime I blow dry my hair. I spray this all over my hair and it keeps my hair protected before any heat is applied. While I am flat ironing my hair, I apply a little oil to each section (Design Essentials Silk, Chi Silk Infusion, RUSK deep oil shine, Moroccan Oil Hair, or Macadamia Healing Oil for extra protection). 

Over time when I feel like my hair may need a pick me up, I spray a little Organix Weightless Healing Oil or Macadamia Healing Oil Spray on my hair. I only use about two squirts. When its time for me to wash (or co-wash) my hair, I apply simplicity hair oil all at least 1 day prior on my scalp and massage. This is what I use for my prepoo. I love this Hair oil blend especially the tea tree and peppermint oil.  

To Be Continued...

Thanks for stopping by,

LaTasha

Influenster VoxBox

.25oz Bath and Body Works Forever Red Perfume

These pins write smoothly AND they're erasable (Totally wasn't expecting that)

Gillette Venus Embrace (comes with a Olay cartridge refill too)

I am glad that I received Bath and Body Works Forever Red because I was missing out until now. I know that I have too many perfume items so maybe that was my reason for avoiding this scent every time I've been to Bath and Body Works. I just have one thing to say about this perfume. It is an amazing scent! As soon as I sprayed it on I was in love. The scent is a little fruity (not too over the top though) and it reminds me of a perfume I use to own years ago made by Escada. I believe it was Rocking Rio. I actually enjoy Forever Red so much that I went to Bath and Body Works immediately and purchased the Forever Red Sugar Scrub, Fragrance Mist, and Lotion. BTW: The packaging is very sexy and girly :)

I tried the Ghirardelli Sea Salt Escape and it was the most heavenly chocolate with nuts that I've tasted in a while. I am a Lindt chocolate lover and this bar was wonderful. The salt was just the right amount and the chocolate was creamy and smooth. It is not a Salty-Sweet flavor which is what I wanted. The crunchiness of the nuts which are actually Almonds made this bar stand out from Lindt. Now I have a new chocolate love that I can add to my small list

If you saw my pen stash you'd be shocked. I have all types of pens in all ink colors. Gel pens are my favorite because they write so elegantly. Even though these Frixion pens are not gel ink pens they are still pretty good. They are better than a normal ball point pen, but not as smooth as a gel pen. Its sorta like a mix between an Ink and a Gel if that helps at all

Now on to the razor! I get waxed but not on my legs and underarms because I need those areas to remain bare all the time. I cannot wait for the hair to grow in order for the waxing to take place. I usually purchase Bic's "Silky Touch" Razors because I use razors every few days and Silky Touch are cost efficient especially for the amount of razors I receive. This item was the item I wanted to try over everything else because there is nothing wrong with change and I was looking forward to that. The cartridge on the Gillette Venus Embrace has a pivot head with 5 razors so its guarantee to make everything smooth and move with the curves that us ladies have :) The price is a few dollars more than my Bic but I'll give this a try again especially since I also received a $2.00 off coupon. Yay! I am really looking forward to trying the Oil of Olay cartridge that was included because I love all things Oil of Olay.

* Disclaimer * All products reviewed in this post were provided to me complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster

Thanks for stopping by,  

LaTasha xo

Fall Lip Colors courtesy of Wet N' Wild

Hello Everyone! I have been wanting to do a post/video on some inexpensive lip colors for the fall and upcoming winter months. We can shop on a budget and still look cute while doing it :) All of these lip colors are by Wet N' Wild that I purchased at my local K-Mart. The prices range from $.99-$1.99. You cannot beat the price of WNW! I have always been a lover of their lipstick and my first lipstick ever was by WNW. I will say that the product has changed over the years but in a good way. The lipstick is more moisturizing and pigmented ever. 

Salsa Lessons

A Currant Affair

Peachy Keen

Bare-ly Legal

914C

541B

547B

As I was doing the swatches I thought I would have one favorite but after looking at the end results, I love them all. I really don't have a favorite. I think I picked some pretty great colors. If you do not have a local K-Mart in your area or unsure where you can find Wet N' Wild lip-colors, you can purchased all of these colors from drugstore.com (914C was not on their site when I checked today). If would like more detailed swatches and my initial thoughts on each lip color, check out my latest video

                                    ** For these swatches I did not use a primer or a lip scrub** 

Thanks for stopping by and following my blog.....XOXO Muahhhh, LaTasha :)

Pain Free Waxing with Topicaine?

Hello everyone! Are you ready for the holiday? Do you have any plans for the Labor Day weekend? For me I think I am going to lay out at the beach and catch some rays. I haven't all year so now is the perfect chance to do so. Speaking of the beach. This brings me to my post on Topicaine. I have always been a hair removal type of gal. I use Nair, Veet, Sally Hansen, and Razors. Body hair has never been something I've liked. To me its pointless having because it does nothing for me. LOL. Its just bothersome and yucky on me. Ewww

My GF mentioned to me that a bikini wax is the best ever. I have never had anything waxed before including my eyebrows (I know I'm behind the times). I have a high tolerance for pain so I went in thinking I was going to be a trooper. NOT! It was the worse experience ever and I wanted to choke my GF. I must admit though that when I saw the end result I couldn't stop smiling. I was baby smooth and the best part was that I remained that way for weeks after. It was so surprising to me. I've had it done a few times since because the results outweigh the pain.

I decided to purchase this product to ease the pain a little. I purchased it from Amazon and it has 5% lidocaine which is the highest percentage I could find. Its a gel which I read doesn't dissolve as quickly as a cream does. I put this on a hour and a half before my wax. I also wrapped up with saran wrap so the gel can really penetrate in my skin. I think I used about half of the tube during all of this.

Now....

Did this ease the pain? No.

Was this worth the purchase? No.

Will I purchase another numbing cream or gel? No.

I just have to be honest. It was still painful and it did not ease the pain enough for me to purchase this small tube again for the price I paid which was $18. On a scale of 1-10 (1=pain and 10=no pain) I would say the gel was a level 5. It didn't do much of anything for me. I will still get waxed because it thins the hair and the hair takes a longer time to grow back in comparison to the other methods I WAS using. I'll just deal with the pain and think about Candyland everytime I go :)

Thanks for stopping by and following my blog.....XOXO

All items shown in this video were purchased by me. I am not affiliated with any company, nor have I been provided with any products to review in this post, or any of my previous posts

 

Posted with Blogsy

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream Review

Hey Everyone! I wanted to show you my NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams that I purchased from Hautelook. I am in love with these. When NYX said they were soft, they meant they were soft. LOL! The one I have been eyeing is Amsterdam which is a matte Red. 

When I saw Hautelook had Amsterdam with other colors available in a bundle, I had to jump at the offer and I'm glad that I did. The lip creams are moisturizing and smooth. I love grabbing these because they are super easy to apply and I don't have to worry about a lip brush if I don't want because applying them are a breeze. These are one of a kind for me. I own matte lipstick, but they are not soft like these. Don't get me wrong, I love them all but the lip creams are a different texture from the others. 

Flash

No Flash 

Istanbul

Amsterdam

Addis Ababa

The set included 5 lip creams, but I couldn't find Istanbul for the hand swatch :-( It is my favorite of all the lip creams because it's perfect pink and goes well with anything I wear. FYI: I later found it and in all places it was in my cosmetic bag. Duh! Not sure why I didn't check there first

My NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams were $18 for a set of 5 from Hautelook! They usually average at $6 each so purchasing from Hautelook is a huge savings. If you are not a Hautelook customer, feel free to join using my link HERE . To sign up, it's free with no fees. You only pay for items that you purchase when, or if you decide to make a purchase (Monthly/Weekly/Daily memberships are not for me personally *smile* )

What I am wearing above:

• JewelMint Here to Eternity Necklace 
• JewelMint Pin Up Necklace
• Juicy Couture Pavé Heart Stud Earrings
• BaubleBar Lemon Cushion Cut Studs
• Zoya Snow White Nail Polish

Thanks for stopping by, XOXO 

All items shown in this video were purchased by me. I am not affiliated with any company, nor have I been provided with any products to review in this post, or any of my previous posts

Wet N' Wild Pinkerbell and Carrot Gold Swatches

I wanted to treat myself to some new lipstick. I wanted something really bright and bold which are my favs. I originally went to get a Revlon Matte Lipstick to match another shade that I have by Revlon. I forgot that I also had a Wet N' Wild shade that I loved so I checked out their newbies instead and I am glad that I did. I was able to get 2  Wet N' Wild shades for the price I would've paid on 1 Revlon. GOOD DEAL! I picked up Carrot Gold and Pinkerbell. 

Top-Pinkerbell
Bottom-Carrot Gold

Top - 901BP (I already owned)
Bottom- Rimmel Pink Blush 006

Top-Carrot Gold
Bottom-Pinkerbell

Wet N' Wild (l)Pinkerbell - (middle)Carrot Gold - (r) 901BP

Carrot Gold (top) and Pinkerbell (bottom)

These colors are really pretty and perfect for spring and summer for those who coordinate their lip color based on the season. Me personally, I wear any color I would like any season. It depends on my mood on that day, BUT that's just me. I already owned Wet N' Wild's 901BP (Sorry, but there is no name on my tube). I wanted to add that lipstick to my swatches because I love that pink shade and I wear the lipstick often. The color is very similar to Rimmel's Pink Blush but 901BP is a true matte lipstick, while Rimmel is not. Rimmel is more of a cream lipstick. Also there is a difference in the price. Wet N'Wild lipstick averages 1.99 while Rimmel is 4.99.

Nars Exhibit A Eyeshadow Review

I have never seen any blush as pigmented as this. Remember I exchanged Nars Super Orgasm for this blush? Here is video if you don't recall. (Sorry for the crazy eyes) LOL!

The blush is a Rich Matte Orange  and you only need a little. I am serious! If you use more than a little of this blush, your cheeks are going to be as bright as Santa's. I've always wanted to try this blush as an eye shadow and I finally did. I love the end results. 

I used Two Faced Shadow Insurance primer before using the blush/eyeshadow. I love orange eye shadow so this is one of my newest favs and the color is amazing. OMG! I know this will look amazing under Urban Decay "Half Baked" from their Naked 1 Palette. It is rare to find products that has multiple uses, so when find one it's best to grab it asap. It's like 2 for the price of 1!!

Philosophy and Bumble & Bumble

Sephora Haul

I had a Sephora coupon code a while back that I had to use. No one would dare let a good coupon go to waste right? LOL. I love to have these codes because it is my opportunity to purchase something totally different and something I usually would not purchase. Since I am natural and wearing my own hair now, I figured I would try some hair products. 
Bumble and Bumble always has good reviews so I decided to pick that. I also had my Birthday offer still available from the spring of 2011 so I cashed that in too. 

Bumble & Bumble shampoo, conditioner, and masque

Bumble and Bumble Blow Dry

After using all of these items, it was hard to really notice a difference in the beginning. Reason being is I usually do not wash my own natural hair since I have had extensions for over an year and go to the salon regularly. What I decided to do is use the products but use another in between so I can see if I noticed a difference (i.e. Bumble and Bumble, the Biolage' line, then back to Bumble and Bumble). 
Results: My hair has no breakage, and blow dried straight. It was almost bone straight. I am not sure if it was the BB products I used, my Denman D79 Straightening Brush, or a combination of both. I purchased the mini size of Bumble and Bumble (except Blow Dry) and I am glad that I did. I love Biolage' so much better. When using Biolage', my hair instantly feels so soft. It is not the same for my BB items. Blow Dry is a keeper. Alone or along with my Denman Brush, I love it!

I received my first Philosophy item. I guess it's a first of a few items for me. 

This Shower Gel smells like cake. So lush!

Results: This was a GREAT Birthday Gift, even though I am just decided to pick it up almost a year later. Ooops! It does not Moisturize as much as I would prefer but the smell is amazing and I finally have experienced Philosophy finally and it was free courtesy of Sephora ♥

Usually I do not get the samples I select, but I did this time.  Yay!

Results: I used the Ojon hair oil and all you need it a dot. When my stylist does my hair, she uses no products after my wash and conditioner so I try to do the same. A lot of products can weigh the hair down so I try to avoid that. 

Issey Miyake 'L'Eau d'Issey Florale' Gift Set

I am a perfume and fragrance gal. Anything scented, I love!! The holidays are the perfect time to find amazing gift sets.  I have a friend who works in retail who told me that perfumed gift sets are usually only released during Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Christmas. Since Christmas was near, I asked Santa for a gift set and was on the mission to find the right one.
I was thinking Thierry Mugler Womanity, Prada Candy, or Issey Miyake Florale. I have two previous Issey Miyake scents that I love so I picked that brand and I got it! Issey Miyake has their original signature scent, but they also have limited edition scents. This is one of them and the scent is so amazing and a must have. I promise you!

1.6oz. Eau de Toilette Spray, 2.5oz. Moisturizing Body Lotion & 1oz. Shower Cream   

The scent has notes of mandarin, orange, lily, orange blossom, rose, wood.


I will let you in another little secret. Shhhh!! If you want gift sets at a discounted price, shop immediately after Christmas, XOXO!

NARS Yorokobi Super Orgasm Set

Never purchased or experience NARS before but have always wanted to try. My coworker told me about Sephora's Family and Friends discount which gives 20% off all items purchased online. I thought "WOW, THIS IS MY CHANCE TO GIVE NARS A TRY!"
I knew about Orgasm from others on YouTube, but found out there was a Super Orgasm so I ordered that particular set using my discount I found here:
http://www.sephoralove.com/friendsandfamily/

The shipping was so fast and I love that. I purchased on a Friday and received my package on Monday. The set comes with nail polish, blush, and also lip gloss all named "Super Orgasm". I wore the the blush and also the lip gloss for the first time on Tuesday because I was so happy to have in my hands FINALLY after months of wanting.

I love the way the gloss shimmered and went on so smoothly. The shimmer was just the right amount. I love the gloss ! Also, the gloss was not sticky like MAC lipglass so that was a plus.

The blush however really made my day puzzling. All day while working, I was rubbing glitter off my face and had no idea where the glitter came from. It was under my nose, on my forehead, and near my eyes so I was really lost. Later that evening, I came home and went back online to Sephora to see what other new items they had because I love to shop ☺ I decided since I was there I should check out reviews for the set I had already purchased. I realized at that time that the glitter on my face was from the NARS blush. The blush has gold flakes. I knew the blush would have some shimmer, but I had no idea it would have this type much shimmer.

For some, this may be a thumbs up but for me, it is a thumbs down. It is too much shimmer for my personal style. I really do not like the fact that I only put the blush on my cheeks but the glitter was everywhere on my face. I felt like a kid who just opened a arts and craft set and made a mess everywhere. I love the coverage but not the shimmer. Unfortunately I will have to return the set. I do enjoy the lip gloss so I will purchase that outside of this particular set.