Miss Jessie’s Super Sweetback Treatment™

Miss Jessie's makes some of the most amazingly transformative hair products.

The wonderful Gwen tested out the Super Sweetback Treatment and loved it.

Not greasy, but nourishing. Leaves hair soft without being all producty.

Smells good, too!

Good news: Miss Jessie's will be available at Target Stores starting March 28th! Check here to see if they will be at your Target-- if not, make the drive!

Juice Beauty: Green Apple Peel Sensitive

Sensitive

I am quite fond of Juice Beauty, I have never tried anything from them that has been sub-par.

The Green Apple Peel did scare me a bit at first.

I read/hear "peel" & think of Samantha on S&TC before Carrie's book

launch...

Juice Beauty's peel does not take off your face.

I'm not going to lie, there was a bit of burning at first--

but more of a mild discomfort than

a perming-solution-on -face feeling (thank you, 1980's for teaching these valuable lessons).

The feeling wears off quickly, I didn't even get it during subsequent uses.

End result= skin clearer, more refined, softer.

Totally worth any initial discomfort.

One Kings Lane

I went to onekingslane.com and placed my order.

It took a very long time to be shipped, which I don't fully understand, but I couldn't be happier with the great stuff I got-- and at great prices.

& a surprise gift!

I like that they have stuff that is usually only in stores that are too fancy for me to actually enter alongside high-quality home basics.

Go to onekingslane & check out their specials-- tell them brainybeautys@gmail.com sent you & you will be our new bff ;)

**Update: I received a very kind e-mail from Laura at onekingslane.com, who explained to me that the brands ship to their warehouse, then are shipped to me. That's part of how they keep prices down. NOW it makes sense. Thanks, Laura-- & great job!**

Lipstick Love Part II: Urban Decay

In this post, I talked about how I had ordered a lipstick from Urban Decay.

I now have had my UD Apocalypse lipstick for about a month and a half.

It's pretty awesome. I call it the "Killer Popsicle." This refers to the case, not the shade.

The shade is a deep blackberry stain that can be put on as lightly or heavily as desired. It's has good, creamy consistency, above average staying power, and a nice anisette-type smell.

I'm thinking that Urban Decay is more about high-quality than its edgy reputation implies. A good, solid brand.

Fat Hair Zero Calories Products

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So I tried the shampoo, mouse and hairspray. The shampoo and mouse work well. They are pleasant smelling and fatten up my thin little strands. I definitely see a difference when I use these products. I'm not so much of a fan of the hairspray. It left my hair sticky and the smell was way too potent. But you can't have it all.

Oil of Olay Total Effects Wet Cleansing Cloths

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It's a great idea that you can just wipe and go with these. They are ideal for after a night out and you want to wipe off your make up before you hit the pillow. Best part, the pile stays moist after opening them. I just wish they would take off my waterproof mascara.

Julie Hewett~Palettes

FROM BROWNSQUARED:

Julie Hewett has been working the makeup scene for decades, appearing in InStyle, Oprah, and other well-known publications. Her makeup is soft, workable, blend-able, and controllable. I recently started using a Julie Hewett "palette" and can't get enough! Julie Hewett cosmetics provides several varieties of the palette, and even offers a "couture", or personalized combination!! Whether you choose to mix and match your own colors (options shown below) and add a personalized message or name to the back of the packaging (no joke!), or go with a pre-designed selection (I've been using "capri" religiously), you're guaranteed an amazing foursome of color in a sleek, chic compact. This is a fantastic gift idea for any lovely lady in your life (and not a bad treat for yourself!!).

Bobbi Brown~Coral Reef

Spring is just around the corner-celebrate the season's arrival by ditching your firetruck red lipstick and trying on Bobbi Brown's 2010 Spring collection!! Bobbi Brown cosmetics never ceases to impress and this family of cool corals is no exception. I claim this lip color the must-have for the Spring season (especially in "Coral Reef")!!

Be a superhero!!!

If you've been reading the blogs, you know of the BBs' love of quality organic products.

For all things green & clean, there is the most amazing site: SOAP HOPE!

100% of the profits made by SoapHope get invested into micro-loans to help underprivileged women!!!

They also have wonderful soaps, cleansers, lotions, etc from some of the greats.

Go now, shop SoapHope & help to save the world.

BeautyBlender

FROM BLAISE:

Using the Beautyblender is very easy for this on-the-go lady. When you don't have much time, this is a no-fuss way to put on your foundation in the morning.

I use liquid foundation so this was a nice change from the usual finger application. The sponge's silky feel, combined with cold water (needed to apply wet makeup) leaves my face feeling fresh and soft, as opposed to caked on. The sponge is not only cute (bonus!) but was created in an unique shape--a pointy end for those hard to reach places and a round base that is fun to bounce over your cheeks, forehead and chin. Who knew you could have fun while applying your make-up!

The Blendercleanser is a must-have if you opt to buy the Beautyblender. I usually clean my Beautyblender once a week (gross, I know...but I said I was on-the-go!) and the Blendercleanser does it's job. Just wet the sponge, apply a small amount of the cleanser, lather, rinse, repeat and you're done--no mess! Included in the package is also a nice pedastal for the sponge to sit on and dry, which is very useful!

Check out http://www.beautyblender.net/ for more information!

Paul Mitchell's Tea Tree Hair and Scalp Treatment

There are pros and cons to the Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Hair and Scalp Treatment. After just one use my scalp and hair did feel refreshed, but it might have needed it after using the Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo. (Refer to the post right before this). I usually love hair products that treat a dry scalp in the winter, but I thought the 3-5 minutes (according to the directions on the back of package) was just a little too long to let it soak in my hair/scalp. This is not a good product if you are trying to cut down on showertime. On the plus side, I do love the peppermint and lavender scent of Tea Tree products, especially Paul Mitchell. They have the special ability of waking me up in the morning--not an easy task!

Paul Mitchell's Tea Tree Special Shampoo & Conditioner

I'm glad that I waited a few weeks before posting my feelings on this product. At first I hated the way the Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo left my hair feeling sticky and rough. Yes, the conditioner helped make my hair soft again, but I still felt like I needed to use detangler in order to not tear my hair to pieces when brushing. I wondered what the "special" meant?

Don't expect to be amazed by this product right away, give it a few weeks. I have very fine hair and struggle to find a perfect shampoo/conditioner that actually makes my hair feel more full--this duo was the trick. It's still not perfect, but it'll work till I find my soulmate. If you like the smell of other Tea Tree products, not only by Paul Mitchell, you will enjoy the refreshing scent this product creates.