Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter

Emma Stone is wearing "Peach Parfait"

I had to give this lip butter a try after I saw advertisements for the product everywhere.  Much to my surprise my local Targets were sold out of almost all the shades.  I was looking for a nude (creme brulee was my first choice) but when there were none available, I opted for the opposite, a dark shade.  I chose Fig Jam and I must say I am very surprised by the beauty of this color.  I love the lip butter because I can use one quick swipe for a soft hint of color and moisture or lay it on thick for a darker effect and soft lips.  It feels as though you have applied your favorite lip balm and the color does not run or feel dry like a lipstick.  Yes it is that moisturizing!  I recommend this lip butter to anyone who wants color of a lipstick with the natural feel of lip balm.  Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter is available in 20 shades and at   most drugstores.  You can also purchase them at Target for around $7.  You better start hunting for your dream shade before they sell out again!

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Fig Jam

Product of the Week: Sally Hansen No Chip Acrylic Top Coat

Sally Hansen No Chip Acrylic Top Coat

This top coat is the best one out there.  I have used this top coat for six years and I have tried almost everything and nothing compares.  The acrylic top coat keeps polish from chipping, adds an amazing high gloss shine, and has a wide brush for easy application.  I recommend applying one coat to completely dry polish and let dry for around 20 minutes.  Be sure to close your cap tight when not using to preserve life of polish. It is also great for those in between moments to strengthen and harden nails.  It is available at most drugstores and at Target for around $4. 

Top 5 Friday:Voluminous Blowout Essentials

 

For those of you who need a voluminous blowout, here are your must have Top 5 essentials.

T3 Featherweight Professional Dryer

1. Blow Dryer

We all become attached to our dryers over time and do not replace them as often as we should. We use our dryers until they "burn out".  This can damage your hair as you should replace filters regularly.   An alternative is a higher performance dryer that will last over time.  I recommend T3 Featherweight Professional Dryer.  It is a little costly but it comes with replacement filters and has a two year warranty.  The dryer is lightweight, quiet, and dries hair 60% faster than other dryers.  It is healthier for your hair and leaves it with a silky touch and sheen without frizz.  You will be amazed at how much it cuts down your drying time. I simply could not live without my T3 and I recommend it to everyone.  Beware, this dryer can get extremely hot so you constantly have to keep your hands and brush moving to avoid exposure to skin and scalp.  It is available at Nordstrom and select beauty stores.  (If you prefer a less expensive alternative, be sure to look for two specific descriptions when shopping for a dryer, "ion" and "ceramic".  These will ensure your dryer will leave your hair soft and silky without drying it out or causing frizz.) 

Tool Science Nano Silver Round Brush

  

2. Round Filtered Brush

A round brush is essential for a voluminous blowout.  As with any type of blowout, you should use a filtered brush as this helps leave no piece of hair untouched, leading to a faster blowout.  I recommend Tool Science Nano Silver Round Brush.  It eliminates frizz and adds great volume.  What I love most about using this brush is the gripped handle.  It is great for all hair lengths (I used mine when I my hair was 18" long and I currently use it for my bob haircut).  The brand offers a variety of flat filtered brushes as well.  This brush is available at Sally Beauty Supply. (Always remember to clean and wash your brush once a week with antibacterial soap and warm water to prevent buildup.) 

Organix Brazilian Keratin Therapy Anti-Breakage Serum

3. Moisturizing Leave-In

Keeping your hair hydrated is very important, especially if you are treating it with heat.  You should always use a leave in treatment on wet/damp hair to protect during a blowout.  I recommend Organix Brazilian Keratin Therapy Anti-Breakage Serum.  This organic leave-in serum, leaves hair silky soft with no buildup or oily residue.  You only need a dime size amount unless you have thicker/coarser hair then I recommend twice as much.  The bottle lasts a long time and not only does it keep your hair protected, it adds protein and smells amazing!  It is available at most drugstores and Ulta.  You can view the full line of Organix Brazilian Keratin Therapy here. 

Aveda Volumizing Tonic

4.  Volume Spray

How do you expect to amp up your volume without a volumizing spray?  It is important to look for root volumizing sprays using natural products.  These sprays will keep from drying out your scalp and creating flakes.  I recommend Aveda Volumizing Tonic.  Spray this tonic on your roots and it will create volume like you have never seen.  This spray smells amazing and does not create any residue on  your scalp or hair.  It creates a natural volume wherever you spray it.  It is available at any Aveda salon. 

Salon Care Super Clips

5.  Separating Clips

You need to section your hair when performing any type of blowout.  Using clips without teeth is best to prevent hair breakage.  I recommend Salon Care Super Clips. I love the multi color metal clips with no teeth or exposed springs to snag your hair on.  They hold hair smoothly in place without breakage.  They are available at Sally Beauty Supply. 

There you have it, the Top 5 Voluminous Blowout Essentials.  I am sure your results will be as good as mine.  Have a Beauty-full Friday!

Product of the Week: Organic African Black Soap Shea Butter Lotion

The Mission 

I am always on the look out for a great moisturizer/body butter.  I have incredibly soft skin because I moisturize twice a day (once in the morning before I start my day and at night before bed).  I always make sure to pump some lotion into my hand before I curl into bed so I can moisturize my feet without sticking to the floor.  I always remember to moisturize after a shower because soap/shower gel removes all oils from skin.

The Discovery 

On a recent trip to Target, I came across this lotion.  I took a look at the label and used my nose to investigate the lotion.  The smell alone enticed me to want to purchase it.  It has a soft Shea scent.

What is African Black Soap?

African Black Soap originates in Ghana and is made from palm ash, tamarind extract, tar and plantain peel.  Black Soap has been used for centuries to treat many skin problems including acne, eczema, psoriasis and oily skin to produce flawless skin.  The soap achieves this by killing odor causing bacteria.

The Product

This particular lotion combines African black soap and Shea butter (along with oats, aloe & vitamin E) to moisturize skin.  It is completely organic and not tested on animals.

Uses

This lotion is amazing! I was a little skeptical about relieving skin issues (I have struggled for years with scalp psoriasis).  I started using the lotion after I showered because I loved the smell.  Although the lotion seems thick, once you apply, it glides on smoothly and moisturizes but does not leave a residue or oil behind.  About a week ago, I decided to try using it as my daily facial moisturizer.  I was a little afraid as I have combination acne prone skin.  I used it one evening before bed and when I awake the next morning it was like my face felt freedom for the first time.  My skin was soft, not overly oily and my blemishes were starting to vanish.  This sounds too good to be true but I promise you will not be disappointed with this lotion.   The only downside is that it is hard to get out of the bottle.  It does not come with a pump top so I have to shake and squeeze the bottle.   

Purchase 

It is available at Target and Walgreens for $9.99.  They both carry the full line of Shea Moisture products.

Top 5 Friday: Lip Balms

It's that time again, Top 5 Friday!  This week I listed my top five lip balms.  During the winter months, it is very important to keep your lips hydrated.  I always carry a few of these products in my purse at all times.  Scarlett Johansson wears lip balm over her lipstick to keep her lips moisturized while on the red carpet.  If you want to make your lips fuller, you can also lightly brush your lips with your toothbrush before applying lip balm.  This brushes away dead skin cells and activates the blood cells in your lips, making them appear fuller and a bit flushed. 

1. Nivea: A Kiss of Milk & Honey

This is my must have lip balm.  I carry one in my purse and keep another next to my bed.  I love the soft smell of honey and it makes my lips soft and silky.  This lip balm is available at any local drugstore (I buy mine at Target) for a few dollars or you can buy a variety pack of three Nivea lip balms at Ulta for $5.99. 

2. C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve

This is my second must have.  I keep this salve handy in my purse for any occasion.  The salve can be used for everything from elbows to hands to feet to lips.  It is a great product and a little goes a long way.  It has a very soft hint of rose aroma and super slick with a tiny bit of shine.  You can purchase this salve at Bath and Body Works for $5.50. 

3.  LUSH Sweet Lips Lip Scrub

Do not be fooled by the words scrub.  This "scrub" is also an amazing lip moisturizer.  You put a little scrub all over your lips, then use your fingertips to scrub.  Then you simply lick your lips, yes that is right, it is completely edible!  It takes like sugar with a hint of chocolate and makes lips soft.  This fresh made product is all natural so the jojoba oil naturally moisturizes your lips.  It is a great thing to keep in your bathroom cabinet to use in the morning or at night before bed.  You only need a very small amount and you can purchase it at LUSH for $8.95.   It is also available in a bubble gum flavor and mint flavor.

4.  Labello Strawberry Lip Balm

Every time I travel to Europe, I stock up on Labello.  This particular one is my favorite.  It gives a subtle tint of red with an amazing strawberry flavor.  Keep this one hidden from your friends because everyone will want to have it.  It is available on Amazon.com for $3.99.

5.  Yes to Carrots Lip Tint

I am not normally crazy about a lip tint, but this one stole my heart.  The lip tint is 95% organic, and paraben free.  My favorite shade is now discontinued but they offer a variety of shades.  The greatest thing about this lip tint is that it has a hint of mint flavor.  They are available at your local drugstore (again I buy mine at Target).  You can also purchase them from Yes to Carrots for $4.49 each.  




There you have it my top five lip balms.  Try a few and let me know what you think.  Happy Friday the 13th everyone!

Add a Little Love to Your Bathroom

I have an addiction to products.  Especially hair and face products.  It has always been a problem for me to organize my bathroom sink because it always looks cluttered with all my products.  I came up with a solution.  I decided to give my bathroom a little love.  Here are my solutions for extra space without the visual clutter.

Over the Top Storage

I wanted to change up the color scheme in my bathroom.  As you can tell from the photo, a full transition has not been achieved just yet.  I decided on black, grey, and Celtics green! The first thing I did was purchase this inexpensive metal storage piece from Target. I placed a plastic basket on top of the tank and filled with extra toilet paper.  I am a firm believer in the toilet paper being visible and easily accessible for guests.

I purchased the three boxes from Ikea.  The two larger boxes were 2/$4.99 and the smaller box was 2/$3.99.  Let me break down how I used these boxes for storage. 

Box #1: Hide your little extras

I used box #1 to store bobby pins, little sample perfumes, room sprays.  Ok, now I know you are wondering about the white box.  It is filled with those feminine care products.  Reusing small boxes like this is a great way to keep those products hidden and tucked neatly away.

Box #2: Hide your perfume

I used box #2 to store all my perfumes.  They are easily accessible but are hidden away so that they do not take up space on your bathroom vanity.

Box #3: Hide your hair utensils

I used box #3 to store all of my hair brushes and combs.  They are nearby for easy access but are not visible and taking up space.

Top Shelf: Keep it simple with a candle that brings color

I bought this candle jar at a local discount store for $.75.  I added a large tealight candle purchased from Ikea a set of 12/$5.99.  When the candle is lit, it gives off a beautiful green glow and the vanilla scent lingers in the room.  

Use top of organizer to hang hair ties and headbands

I hung my hair ties and soft headbands on the top of the storage rack.  This is convenient for me to grab in the morning when washing my face or applying a face mask.  If you do not like the hair accessories visible, you can store them away when guests arrive in one of your three boxes.

  

Add an Extra Shelf

As I mentioned before, I needed somewhere to store all of my products.  I added a shelf to the wall to add that extra space.   I purchased the shelf at Ikea for $1.99 and the brackets for $.50 each.  I used plastic anchors and screws to attach the shelving to the wall.  I displayed my products on the shelf so they are easily accessible but not cluttering my vanity space when I have guests. 

I then added three pictures that I painted free hand (you can see how to do your own here).

I hope these hints were helpful in helping you save some space in your bathroom.  I definitely feel more organized!

After my added organization skills

DIY: Picture Frames to Fit Your Style

A few months ago, I was browsing the aisles at Target when I came across a few clearance items.  To my surprise there were a few frames among the pile of items.  Each self standing frame held two photos, had no broken glass, just scratches on the black metal framing.  My creative light bulb lit up.  I could make these into anything I want.  So for a few dollars each, I purchased them.  Now that I am redecorating my apartment, I decided to use the frames on my bookcase at my walk-in.  My space is black, white, and red so I wanted to change up the frames.  Here is that experience.

Mosaic Tile Frames

You will need:

Picture Frames
Any old, broken, chipped, or even new will work.  You can also purchase them at Goodwill, Salvation Army, or any other second hand store.

Mosaic Tiles
80 Stone Tile set purchased at Michaels for $5 (use a coupon!)

Glue Gun/Glue Sticks


1.  Remove glass from frame.  Laying frame flat, lay out a pattern on your frame with the mosaic tiles.  I did alternating of white, slate gray and light gray.

2. Move your designs to the side but remember to keep in order.


3.  Here comes the tricky part.  I used stone tiles on metal so the glue does dry quickly.  You have to be ready to attach as soon as you apply the glue or it will dry.  Great thing is, that if you mess up, with a little strength you can remove the tile and glue and re-glue.

4.  Once you glue all the tiles on the frame, remember to pull all the extra stringy glue from the frame.

Add your favorite photos and you have created a simple masterpiece.  Everyone will think you purchased expensive frames but in reality you spent under $10 for both!  These also make great gifts and you can personalize colors for any space.