Saturday, December 26, 2009

Nair Hair Remover Microwaveable Body Wax Kit


So I tried this big bowl of wax 2 different times in the hopes that I'd like it. No dice. Once the tub is heated up, the wax is beyond messy. Lifting the stick up from the tub left strings of dried wax on the floor. I really like the concept that you don't need strips but when I peeled it back about 2 hairs came off. I followed directions and everything. Not to mention the pain. Holy cow does removing the wax hurt.

Monday, December 21, 2009

RAMY Beauty Therapy Innocent Beauty Cream Quad


Here's a pot of 4 colors that you can use on your lips, cheeks and eyes. I heart the flattering and soft shades in the Innocent Beauty pot. These are creamy shadows. They looks great on your eyes if you want that little extra something. I wasn't a fan of it on my cheeks or lips because of the iridescence. It's too sparkly anywhere else but the eyes for me.

Last Minute Gifts

Still not sure what to get your co-worker, sister-in-law, or favorite gal pal? Sick of buying gift baskets and gift cards? Here are some great gifts any girl would love to have this holiday season:

PAUL MITCHELL PROTOOLS
EXPRESS ION SMOOTH 1.25

Heats up quickly. Easy to use dial for maximum smoothness.
No frizz, no static, no dullness, no burned fingers from holding it close.
Can be used to straighten, curl, or even crimp.
My favorite new tool to use this winter!




PHILOSOPHY - BATH & SHOWER GELS
It doesn't matter what scent you purchase, they are all wonderful.
Can be used as shower gel, shampoo, or bubble bath.
Rich scent filled lather makes your morning more enjoyable.
Check out the holiday scents and buy some today!




BIGELOW MENTHA TINGLING FOOT CREAM
Who doesn't need some foot relief after a long season of shopping?
This lotion is thick and creamy with a wonderful peppermint smell.
Feet feel instantly refreshed - they are cool and tingly for hours after application.
Buy a pair of warm fuzzy slippers, socks or even slipper socks to make this gift even better!


SKYN ICELAND - HYDRO FIRMING EYE GELS
This is sure to help those tired eyes after long nights of shopping, wrapping, and even partying.
Soothing cool gel pads you apply under your eyes.
Lessens dark circles, puffiness, and bags.
Makes you feel ready to tackle another office holiday party!

Friday, December 18, 2009

Urban Decay~Smoky Eye Kit


Urban Decay, my personal favorite line of cosmetics, has packaged a selection of their products into an adorable, easy to use kit with instructions on how to create a gorgeous, sexy, smoky eye!!
This kit includes Eyeshadow Primer Potion to make your look stay, a Matte Nude Shadow, Matte White Shadow, Medium Tone Shadow, Dark Tone Shadow, Zero 24/7 Eye Pencil in Black, Skyscreapter Multi-Benefit Mascara, and travel brushes for application!! This eyeliner is fantastic and the mascara is my go-to product for every day wear. This would make an excellent gift. If I had four thumbs, I'd have them all up for Urban Decay!!!

FROM BROWNSQUARED

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Redken Body Full Shampoo and Conditioner






I wrote about both the shampoo and conditioner back in August 2008. I loved it then and I love it now. I'm thinking that Redken has just about the most fabulous line of haircare products for the thin haired ladies out there. 2 days ago someone commented on my hair and how nice it was looking. Love it!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Lovely Things


Check out Burke Designs and their blog for great, uncommon gift ideas!

I randomly stumbled on this site as a U.S. source for Wild & Wolf products & fell in love.

The Wild & Wolf sets are great gifts, as well as the photos, the wall paper, the holiday decor...


Saturday, December 5, 2009

And though it's been said many times, many ways...

Need a quick, relatively-pain-free shopping expedition?

The ultimate web super-store can provide: amazon.com

If you know something about your giftee's taste, you can enter in stuff they like & the site makes recommendations--it's like magic. Works best with books, music, and movies-- who isn't in to at least one of those???

Make gifting easier for your friends & family as well-- make a wish list!


Gifts for the Home, the Family... and you!


Hate stores in December?

Dodge the crowds and shop for luxe home goods at OneKingsLane.com!

There are lovely things at a fraction of the original prices.
Tell them brainybeautys@gmail.com sent you!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

For the boys


Anthony Logistics for Men presents THE TOOL KIT!
Help keep the men in your life neat & clean.
The kit contains a file, tweezers, clippers, and scissors.

Bonus: A portion of the proceeds are donated to prostate cancer research!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Sustainable Youth Immune Performance Elasticity Cream


Immune Performance Elasticity Cream
Immune Performance Revitalizing Serum with Alasta

From Colleen:

Promises to improve skin elasticity & firmness.

Seems to be working!!!
I would buy again.

Borghese Forma Bella Body Contour Scrub & Cream



Borghese Forma Bella Body Contour Scrub & Cream

From Colleen:
I didn't have enough of the scrub to get a good feel for it.
The cream was rich and smooth.
Great smell for both!

Renee' Rouleau Triple Berry Smoothing Peel

From Colleen:

I liked the tingling and exfoliation it provided.
I did not like the chunks of berries on my face.
Good results!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Too Faced Lash Injection Mascara

Click Here

This mascara is fabu! It has 3D coating technology which plumps and stretches each lash. It doesn't smudge or flake. My lashes don't droop when I wear this and it has real staying power. As a die hard fan of waterproof mascara, it often takes me about 10 minutes to take my mascara off at the end of the night. Not this mascara. It comes off so easily.

The website is pretty cool too.

A little something called...

ETSY!

If you aren't already on it, get yourself to Etsy!!!
Buy handmade & vintage goods, get the perfect gift!

I like to use the Time Machine.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Picture This...


Take a few extra minutes to make a gift worth a million!
Upload your favorite pictures onto snapfish.com and create a photobook.
They start at $4.99, so you don't have to lay out a huge wad of cash, but it may be the best present someone gets!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Sending good cheer!



It's about that time to send out a bevy of cards to your nearest & dearest-- as well as the farthest!
Why not get cards that help the world?
Some of my favorites come from Unicef.
While you are there, you can also check out the great selection of gifts from around the world!
Shop like it's your job-- the money goes to a great cause!

For the mobile-addicted


Know someone who has a phone attached to their ear?
Can't stand someone texting & driving?

There is a present for them!

A great gag gift.

Too bad it's not real...

Hirsana Nutritional Supplement


I'm all about supplements. I take a number of extra vitamins and supplements beyond the multi-vitamin every day. Hirsana promises beautiful hair, skin and nails if you take 2 a day. Each capsule contains vitamins E, B6, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin and Zinc. I've been using them for over a week and I must say just last night I thought my hair looked especially shiny. It could be just by chance. We'll see. I plan on taking these until they run out. I will give updates along the way but so far so good.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Global Goddess Upgrade Complexion Face Primer

This is definitely something new and different for me. I am used to face lotions and creams, but this Face Primer is silky, smooth, and not as thick. Smelled of black licorice, but lightweight and absorbed quickly into my skin. I like the way my face felt and looked after only a few uses. Great to use before applying makeup - it helps create a smooth, even toned canvas.

Olay Professional Pro-X Anti-aging Starter Protocol


Anti-aging Starter Protocol : Age Repair Lotion SPF 30, Eye Restoration Complex & Wrinkle Smoothing Cream.

This is a great starter kit for revitalizing your skin. Definintely using as directed on a daily basis is a must. I love the thickness and softness of each lotion. Thick, creamy & soothing to my skin. I would say that the biggest difference I noticed was around my eyes. Wrinkles, circles, and puffiness decreased. For those who are looking for a face pick-me-up without going through a procedure, I would highly recommend starting with the Pro-X Products. Olay even allows you to pick what you want to work on and put together your own regimen on their website. Go there and start rejuvenating your skin today!

shu uemura Eyelash Curler


Not all eyelash curlers are created equal. shu uemera has proven that. I have tried eyelash curlers before, but hated that they made right angles out of them or pinched my eye. This lovely little eyelash curler actually curls the lashes without pinching anything. The pad is well cushioned, and the angle is perfect. Don't waste your money on a cheap imitation!

IntelliWhite - Pout-n-Polish


I was so excited when I found out I was going to test this product. I thought to myself, what a great idea - lip gloss and teeth whitener all in one. Unfortunately, the polish never worked. I tried and tried to get it to work, but nothing ever came out. The polish left my mouth feeling clean and minty fresh. I am really bummed that the lip gloss was defective. Oh well, this product definitely had the potential to be great, but fell a little short of my expectations.

Luster 1 Hour White


Luster's 1 Hour White Tooth Whitening Light System was just what I needed before my wedding. A little pick me up to brighten my smile on the big day. It is easy to use, and you see results in less than one hour. I didn't even need to repeat the process more than 7 times to see the difference. Mouth rinse, gel, light - it is that easy! Definitely works better and faster than any of the whitening strips, toothpastes, and other products that I have tried. Thank you Luster for making my smile so bright!

skyn ICELAND






skyn ICELAND
the EYE CLINIC
Icelandic Relief Eye Cream & Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels

Tired puffy eyes be gone! I can not tell you how amazing the Firming Eye Gels feel. After a long day or night, your eyes and face will thank you after 10 minutes with skyn's under eye pads. They provide a cooling, soothing feeling to those tired, wrinkled, and puffy eyes. The Icelandic Relief Eye Cream helps lighten dark circles to refresh your eyes. No matter how stressed or tired you are, no one will ever know if you use the EYE CLINIC products from skyn!

Mally

Mally
Citychick Smokey Eye Kit
Soho Silver



The perfect smokey eye all in one cool compact. This kit comes with everything that you need to make the perfect, non-smudging, long lasting look for the evening. Mally even has tips and a video on her website on how to use the kit effectively. Click Here

The kit includes a cream to powder base, 3 shadows, and a creamy pencil liner with sparkles. The first time I tried it, I went a bit heavy on the shadow, but now I have the smokey look down - all thanks to Mally!!

DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew


This face moisturizer is great. It is fragrance free and light, but not runny or goopy at all. I have been using it on a regular basis and am loving it. SPF 15 is an added bonus. My face feels protected, moisturized and ready for the day.

Boscia Sheer Tinted Moisturizer - Warm

I have tried tinted moisturizers before. Boscia created a moisturizer that is a little different from all of the rest. It is made with Willow Herb, an anti-irritant and Jojoba Leaf, an anti-oxidant. It goes on even and smooth, with a nice warm color that blended well with my skin tone. I used it instead of foundation and didn't feel I was missing anything. My face looked and felt great. The best part about boscia is that they offer preservative-free skincare that makes you look and feel better.

Umberto Beverly Hills

Umberto Beverly Hills
Regular Hold Hairspray



Lightweight, pleasant scent. Holds your hair without making it stiff and crunchy. Lasts all day, and doesn't flake or goop up. Perfect for every day styling. Oh, and right now Target has a great deal on a two pack!

Blow - the perfect shower cap

I often use shower caps to keep my newly styled look dry in the shower. Up until now, I am ashamed to admit, I had been using hotel shower caps. NO MORE. This shower cap is like no other. We are talking large enough for long hair, super soft on the inside, and it really seals out moisture. The terry cloth lining is well worth it. The case it comes in makes it easy to keep clean and take with you!

Simple Skincare




Simple
Kind to Skin
Soothing Facial Toner & Moisturising Foaming Facial Wash

Simple started introducing products that are gentle on your skin almost 50 years ago. They use perfume-free, non-harsh, all natural products to create skin care everyone can use. The facial wash foams and feels gentle on my skin. I love the texture, and the way my face feels after. Clean and soft. The toner cleans the last bit of dirt and makeup from my skin without drying it out. That is a huge bonus in my book because most toners make your skin so dry it itches! Simple ingredients, kind to your face...what more could you ask for?!

Remington - Wet 2 Straight


Remington
Wet 2 Straight
1" Ceramic Plate Flat Iron


I have used this a couple of different times now, but I haven't tried going "wet 2 straight". I love making waves with this thin flat iron, and even tried making curls with it. Works great for a quick straightening of a few stray hairs. Heats up quick and the instructions are great for knowing which setting to put it on. I hope to try it on my hair when it is damp soon. Stay tuned!

Philosophy - Pink Frosted Layer Cake


Philosophy
Pink Frosted Layer Cake
High-Foaming Shampoo, Shower Gel, & Bubble Bath


One word - YUM! I love starting my morning with this delicious smelling potion. It makes the day that much better. I have been mostly using it as a shower gel, but it definitely works well as shampoo and gives some flavor to an extra bubbly bath. Makes me think of celebrating birthdays when I was younger. I haven't run across a scent that Philosophy makes that I don't enjoy. My advice: buy it as a stocking stuffer this Holiday season!

Wen by Chaz Dean

Wen - By Chaz Dean
Lavender Conditioner
LOVE the large pump bottle for my shower! The directions actually say use 8-15 pumps or use 1-2 pumps and leave in. I first tried the 8 pumps and WHOA was that a lot of conditioner! It smells wonderful and makes your head tingle. Make sure you leave it in for 3-5 minutes. The second time I used it, I tried 3 pumps and felt that it was still enough. Thick and creamy, it makes your hair soft and smooth. The best part is that it is sold on QVC.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Global Goddess~Chair Cheek Color


This easy to apply and blend cheek color comes in a pretty case and a variety of natural blush colors. It is infused with ginseng and green tea which is intended to fight free radicals and prevent premature aging, as well as claming and balancing skin. Honestly, I cannot speak to these promises, but am definitely comforted and enlightened by the idea-a girl will take what she can get when it comes to skin care, am I right?

Over all, this is a beautiful product that leaves me with a healthy glow to my face and a hopeful intention to care more for my skin at the same time. I would fully recommend this product-particularly in "Chowrasta", a color I have grown very fond of.

FROM BROWNSQUARED

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Holiday! Celebrate!

I am a firm believer in giving each holiday its season-- i.e., no Christmas until after Thanksgiving dinner!
Also, I really feel that we put far too much pressure on the Holidays (each New Years must be glammer than the last, etc).

With that said, the BrainyBeautys are doing a gift-guide.

On Saturday, we will start our 27 days of Low-Stress Gifting Guide!

Let us do the work for you-- the gift-guessing game part, at least. You have enough on your mind!

We will be featuring:
Beauty-ful gifts (of course)
Small gifts (perfect for stockings, co-workers..._
Family gifts
For Him
For the Home

Come back every day and check something off your list:)

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Darac Beauty Sifted Blur


This skin perfecting powder is pretty neat. What looks like a powder is actually a creamy thin delight. It goes on very light and contains tiny skin diffusing flecks. Use it under foundation as a primer, use it over your makeup to set it or use it alone! Surprisingly flattering shade on me. Seems to be quite versatile.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Faux-Bronze!

I am a pale person. I do not tan. I can get a sunburn in 10 minutes, through a window, if left unprotected. I have embraced my pallor, but still occasionally dream of melanin...

Next week, I am going to be in my sister's wedding--in Mexico.
Since tanning is not an option, and being whiter than the bride's dress won't look so good in the pictures, what's left???

This is where Lisa, the spray-tan genius comes in. Either in her salon (Island Dreams, Lake Orion, MI) or on the road, Lisa uses Aviva Organics products to airbrush a natural-looking glow!

Lisa is a consummate professional, which put me at ease, even in my skivvies. The spray is a bit cool, but Aviva has made an odor-free formula-- no stinking like fried food & fish!

Everyone at worked loved it! I love it!
People can't believe that
a) I am tan.
b) it came from a spray.

It's been 4 days & the color has held up. Thank you Lisa & Aviva!!!

Check out Lisa's website-- she is mobile!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Winning Thymes!

This year, Thymes introduces an exclusive online holiday offering:

Big or small, touching or outrageous, give Thymes a peek inside your favorite holiday tradition and you could win over $500 in Thymes gifts, wrapped and delivered, for six people on your Holiday shopping list. (Plus a little something for yourself, of course!)

Log on to www.thymes.com before December 7th and submit your favorite holiday tradition.

While you're there, you may get some gift-shopping done & avoid the lines!


Tuesday, November 10, 2009

ECRU New York Marine Styling Balm


This soft and sticky free gel works pretty well in my fine/thin hair. The scent is similar to Cool Water but much lighter. After the shower, I put a smidge in and blow dry. It fattens up the strands and holds curling iron curls. Best part, my hair doesn't feel heavy or gloppy. Yay!

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Shop the source!



Day 22:

Go on over to ShopKomen.com and pick up great stuff from New Balance (love the jacket), Hanes, and more--even shoelaces!

25 percent of your merchandise purchase price will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in the fight against breast cancer.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Marcel me!

If you like a more structured curl, Sam Villa is here to help!

Sam Villa's TEXTUR™ Pin Set - his favorite technique for achieving an intense amount of volume. Note: This technique can be done with either the Sam Villa Signature Series SLEEKR™ or TEXTUR™. Use TEXTUR™ to create more character and volume.

TEXTUR™ Pin Set

1. Take a small section of hair and spray from a distance with Redken hot sets 22 thermal setting mist and comb through

2. Open a large hairpin (the more flexible, the better) and stretch the sides apart (making the shape of the letter A)

3. Hold pin at the joint with the thumb and index finger and place the joint over the section of hair a couple inches from the base of the head

4. Wrap hair in a figure 8 pattern (over, under, through and around) and twist twice at the end (any more and it will be difficult to remove)

5. Compress section with the Sam Villa Signature Series TEXTUR™ or SLEEKR™

6. Let cool, untwist the hairpin, straighten legs and slide pin out to reveal a textured “S” set

7. Break up texture with fingers and finish with Redken forceful 23 super strength finishing spray

Hair How-to from Pureology

The holiday season is rapidly approaching and Pureology knows how to take you there in style. Pureology PureArtists give the must-have hair trends this upcoming season and how to achieve them with Pureology stylers.
Finger Waves
1. Set hair vertically using a vertical iron or hot roller placement, moving curls away from the face and allow curls to cool.
2. Break curls apart with fingers using DryShine HairStyler to define and add shine.
3. Finish with InCharge Flexible Styling Spray.
4. Add GlossingMist for final touch of shine.
Chignon
1. Blow dry hair smooth with PureVolume BlowDryAmplifier and PureVolume ThickeningMist to create thickness and volume.
2. Pull hair back into a ponytail just below the occipital bone, using Hydrate ShineMax to polish and control static. Secure pony with an elastic.
3. Mist each section of ponytail with InCharge Flexible Holding Spray. Curl pony with large 1" barrel iron. Let curls cool completely.
4. Break curls apart using TextureTwist throughout the pony to add dimension and control.
5. Pin sections of pony with closed fasteners until desired shape is formed.
6. Finish with InChargePlus Firm Finishing Spray.
Sleek and Chic
1. Create a ponytail at the top of the head using DryShine HairStyler for an ultra sleek gloss with hold (be careful not to let DryShine HairStyler touch hair ends). Secure with an elastic.
2. Divide ponytail in half for medium density or into three sections for thick density.
3. Polish the first section with NanoWorks ShineLuxe until you create a clean, shiny ribbon of hair.
4. Create a large flat pin curl with ribbon of hair using InChargePlus Firm Finishing Spray to give some moldability; secure ends over base of ponytail.
5. Repeat step 3 with remaining section or sections, creating a looping effect at the back of the head.
6. Finish look with GlossingMist.

Artist Marilyn Minter goes into bags for education


Day 21:

From Intermix, the Marilyn Minter bag has a film still from Green Pink Caviar on one side, with "marilyn minter green pink caviar presented by intermix for bright pink," in bright pink, on the reverse.

A percentage of the proceeds go to Bright Pink, which helps high-risk women to take care of their breasts & ovarian health.

RAMY~Juicy Cheeks, Sheer Intense Cheek Color

RAMY-Beauty Therapy's Sheer Intense Cheek Color in "Pure Juice" comes in a cute, simple, mirrored compact with a convenient mirror. At first peek, this shade looks as though it would be even too dramatic for Barbie herself, but once applied, it really is a sheer, glossy, perfect highlight for any cheek. Under powder for day, and less blended for night, this adorable little gem of a product is my new go-to for dull winter skin, or when I need a bit of brightening up in my make-up regime. I'm hooked!!
FROM BROWNSQUARED

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Let your face go Global.


Day 20:

Global Goddess Beauty, an awesome brand, has created Chai Cheek Color in Chowrasta!

20% of net proceeds will go directly to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), benefiting breast cancer research and awareness.

Everyday Minerals~Eye-Mystic Night and Cheeks Best Friends

At first glance, I was really excited to try these products. The Everyday Minerals line is a well-known brand and this eye color looked fantastic! Application of this eye shadow changed my mind-I found it incredibly difficult to blend and equally as hard to control-it powdered and flaked off of my lids, leaving dark purple specks all over my cheeks. Not so attractive.

The cheek color, although easier to apply and control, was not much to brag about. The shade "Best Friends" is a deep, natural blush color, but again, not a product I would necessarily recommend or endorse.
Overall, Everyday Minerals left me bored and unimpressed. I was expecting a great, popular brand, in fun, vibrant colors, but was left with a boring mess.

FROM BROWNSQUARED

One with Nature~Rose Petal Soap


One with Nature uses a pure vegetable base, shea butter, and dead sea minerals to create this delicious bar of goodness for your skin. The rose scent is delicate and lovely, the exfoliants are mild and gentle, and the shea butter leaves your skin feeling moisturized and refreshed. I'm not usually a bar-soap kind of girl, but One with Nature has made me a changed woman!!

FROM BROWNSQUARED

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

You'll need these for the brighter future!


Day 19:

Oakley goes glam with DANGEROUS!

Oakley is showing its support for the Young Survival Coalition’s mission of action, advocacy and awareness by donating $20.00 from each sale of the special YSC breast cancer awareness edition sunglasses to the organization. The YSC’s core purpose is to improve the quality and quantity of life for all young women facing the challenges of breast cancer.