September 27, 2009

Bath & Body Works Haul 9.25.09





I'm really loving the new "P.S I Love you" scent from BBW!  Candles are 2 for $20 right now, not sure how long it will last though.  I plan to get more candles because I love for my house to smell like Fall/Winter.

September 24, 2009

Product Rave: Have Dandruff or Flaky Scalp? Try Pureology's Dandruff Scalp Cure System

Ever since I can remember I have always had issues with dandruff and flaky scalp.  I have tried so many products and spent so much money trying to find something that tamed the flaking.  In searching I also needed to find products safe for color treated hair.  I have found a couple of different products I like and that have worked but I'm going to talk about one of the products since I'm currently using it.



I discovered the Pureology Dandruff Scalp Cure System about 2 years ago.  I received a trial size from my salon and immediately fell in love with it.  I then bought a large bottle and still have it!  I started out using it twice a week.  (BTW, I wash my hair every other day).  After I noticed my scalp was not as flaky between washes I cut down to once a week until my scalp was fully neutralized then just used it "as needed".  I will tell you that it is quite pricey but I feel that I get my moneys worth since I don't use it daily plus I still have the bottle I originally purchased nearly 2 years ago.  You only need a small amount and just focus on your scalp.  I use it in conjunction with my normal shampoo so I don't need to "wash" the rest of my hair with it; I leave that to my normal shampoo.  As for conditioning I didn't purchase the full size bottle.  After using the trial size I didn't find the need to get the conditioner and just continue to use my regular conditioner that compliments my regular shampoo.

The smell is nice too; not too strong, very subtle.  Don't take my word for it, just give it a try yourself.  Everyone's scalp is different so expect results to vary.

Other Dandruff Taming Products I've tried and recommend:




Goldwell Scalp Regulation Anti-Dandruff Shampoo










SOMA Hair Technology - Scalp Therapy

September 21, 2009

Display Your Nail Polish Collection with Spice Racks

Like my makeup collection, my nail polish collection seems to be growing rapidly. I was previously storing all my nail polish along with all my mani/pedi tools in a 2pc makeup carrying case. Every time I wanted to sit in my living room and watch TV and do my nails I had to pull out both cases and take them with me. It wasn't a huge pain but definitely inconvenient to carry so much stuff that I wasn't going to use. I realized I needed to re-think my storage and organization.

**BEFORE**


I looked around online for about a week for a nail polish display rack similar to those in the salons) but I also knew that I didn't want one of those acrylic/ plastic ones. I looked online and really had no luck finding a "pretty" one. Then I came across spice racks in my online search. I found this one particular one I wanted. Deciding to hold off on ordering online. I visited just about every store I could think of:

BB&B (Bed, Bath, & Beyond), Pier 1, Lowes, Home Depot, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, & World Market. I had no luck in finding it. Then finally I visited this store in my local mall called Kitchen Gourmet (Arrowhead Mall, Glendale, AZ). To my surprise and delight, they had 3 in stock. I only bought 2 since the sales girl said they carry them all the time.

I hung them in my master bathroom above my toilet. I love these! Now when I ready to do my nails I just grab the color I plan to use and my little carrying case with my tools/supplies.

**AFTER**


I hope you all find this helpful! Thanks again for stopping by.
Please comment and share your thoughts!

September 20, 2009

Getting to know Me!

Good Evening Beauties! So since I'm so new to blogging I thought I would officially introduce myself and share some "good to know" info about me.

My name is Jennifer, but I go by Jenn. As you can see from my profile, I'm pushing 30. I don't really feel like it but maybe that's a good thing. I've been married for 10 years to my handsome & loving husband, Chris. We have one little boy, Adrian, who just celebrated his 5th birthday.

So, for the record, I'm not a professional, but I have become a total beauty junky. My mom is a licensed cosmologist and it's pretty much rubbed off on me. About a year, almost exactly I started watching makeup videos on YouTube. Honestly I was just bored and wanted to get some new ideas on what I could do with my makeup routine. It started out just watching a few here and there on and off, but quickly grew to the point that I was on YouTube all the time. The beauty community and Gurus on YT inspired me and made me go from just an individual that put on makeup to look presentable for work to now....well, lets just say "I'm outta control". I absolutely love beauty, makeup, skincare, hair......and on on... Today, my goal/hope is to become a licensed pro. I realize we are not in strong economic times and my personal situation with work, family, and of course $ doesn't exactly allow me to drop everything and start school with no guarantee that I'll be able to find work. So...for now, I am keeping my day job and just enjoying and learning from other Gurus.

I'm going to try and put together a FAQ so shoot some questions you may have on over to me at jennanika@gmail.com. I'm going to try and build my FAQ section as questions come in.
Thanks to all my followers and I hope everyone has a Fabulous week.

September 19, 2009

Threading (Hair Removal)

***Shout out to my girl Shak!***

I have been threading for about 3 years now. 

What is it?
Threading is an ancient hair removal technique.  It uses 100% cotton thread which is twisted several times.  When rolled against the skin, even the tiniest hair is grabbed and entwined in the thread and pulled right from the follicle.  Threading offers more precise lines then waxing.  It's also mess free & chemical free.




Does it hurt?
Everyone has different tolerance level.  Personally, it doesn't hurt me.  I remember the first time I had it done I just thought it was a feeling but no pain.  I think that waxing is more painful then threading.  I will say though, when doing my upper lip it is slightly more intense but again I wouldn't say painful.  My suggestion for first timers would be to just get your brows done so you can get use to the feeling before moving on to your upper lip.

How long does it last?
Depending on your hair growth cycle this can vary from 2-weeks.  I personally can make mine last for up to 3 weeks with plucking straying in between. 

Why Threading vs. Waxing?
As opposed to waxing, the top layers of skin are not peeled or traumatized in the process making threading gentler on the skin. Threading is highly recommended and an excellent option for those who use Retin-A, Accutane, or similar products.  Also, over time the delicate skin over your eyes will become loose and saggy due to the pulling.  Threading does not pull at your skin.

Is it expensive?
Depending on your local market the price will vary but threading in general tends to cost less then waxing.  I get my brows and lips done for $10 total.  If I have my coupon I save another $2 each visit making it $8 total.  Just a brow waxing alone from a licensed aesthetician is $15-$20. (Again, this is based on my local area).

Where can I find threading?
Since threading is still somewhat new or even unheard of in some areas, you may want to talk with friends and get a referral.  For those in the NW Phoenix, AZ area I would recommend #1 Gemini of Chicago (Ask for Laura-she's also my amazing hairdresser!); #2 Just Stringz (kiosks located in many malls).

September 17, 2009

Mini Haul 9.17.09

Guess Heels from Dillards! Love these!


Also got:
MAC 109 Brush (Returned since my Sigma SS109 came in)
MAC Lipstick in Angel (Kim Kardashian Favorite)

Review: Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash Mascara

I purchased the Lashstash Mascara Deluxe Sampler from Sephora about 2 months ago.  The Buxom Lash was one of the mascaras included in the sampler.  Almost immediately, I fell in love with this mascara.  The formula is very smooth yet not heavy.  This is important as I hate it when I curl then apply mascara, some are so heavy that is weighs the curl down.  It's also fast drying but not too fast to the point you can't apply additional coats.  I can usually get up to 3 coats without clumping for maximum volume and length.  I also have not experienced any flaking or running throughout the day.  I live in HOT Arizona, so that was a best thing to test. 

Product Claims:
Blackest Black holds the style of your lashes for a continuous 12 hours with no flakiness. The silky, vitamin-rich formula darkens, lengthens, and thickens from root to tip without ever clumping. Its patented, hourglass-shaped brush is designed to lift and separate every lash while delivering the perfect amount of antioxidant-rich mascara needed for bigger, fuller lashes.
It Intensely volumizes lashes up to 300%.

My Opinion: Thumbs Up! 

September 16, 2009

Awaiting Sigma Makeup Brushes

Okay, so with all the rave on the Youtube beauty community I finally broke down and ordered the full set of makeup brushes with the roll. I can't wait...they're supposedly very comparable to MAC brushes in quality. I'll keep you posted as to when they arrive and my own personal opinion of them.

http://www.sigmamakeup.com/