Friday, May 21, 2010

Pureology Hydrawhip

Pureology is a personal favorite of mine. Their 100% vegan, 100% organic, 100% amazing products promise longer lasting hair color and I concur! Pureology Hydrawhip is a moisture souffle with avocado, jojoba, and mango butters, that takes your hair from fine and flat to soft and supple in minutes!! This fabulous find has become a weekly treat in my hair care routine!

Sebastian Professional Volupt


BrainyBeautys recently received the new Sebastian Professional Volupt gift set which contains Sebastian Professional Volupt Spray, and Volume-boosting Shampoo and Conditioner. This fine-haired female was more than happy to try this three-part regimen, claiming to to deliver up to 75% more volume!!

My lame locks definitely took to this Shampoo and Conditioner combo, giving me a great, bulky blow-out. The Volupt Spray is a total bonus, with an awesome root-lift. My only gripe was that the spray did dirty my hair a bit, so I would recommend a dry shampoo in between washes if you're a 2-3 day washer, like me.

An additional make-up bag gift and that one-of-a-kind Sebastian Professional product scent, makes this gift set a must buy for your thinner-haired lady friends, or to treat yourself!! It's the next best thing to a Sebastian Professional salon treatment!!

BLOW contest!

Blow is giving away four sets of products to four friends who resemble our favorite foursome!
Go to the blow facebook page & enter a picture now!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

We're even easier now!

ABOUT FACE has now been added to LOTIONS & POTIONS!

Now all the make-up, lotions, cleansers, and goo are together.

Added bonus: you can now get to our main page (this one) by going to www.brainybeautys.com
We're all official now :)

Protect yourself!

May is National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month.
Skin Cancer Facts:
The American Cancer Society estimated that 62,720 men and women were diagnosed and 8,650 men and women died from melanoma in 2009
Approximately 91.4% of people diagnosed with melanoma live at least five years – early detection is important!
Skin Protection Facts:
The best way to lower the risk of skin cancer is to limit exposure to the sun
For sun-exposed areas, sunscreens with an SPF 15 or higher and sunglasses should be used
Protection is equally important during childhood, since severe sunburns in childhood may be associated with an increased risk of melanoma later in life

Don't forget your ABCD's:
Asymmetry
Border Irregularity
Color Changes
Diameters Bigger than 5 Millimeters

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

30 years of Paul!



Paul Mitchell has been giving us good hair for 30 years!
Look for special releases, such as the Freeze and Shine Super Spray and Fast Drying Sculpting Spray bottles that have been given a birthday makeover (Available May & June).

Happy 30th Birthday, and we look forward to the next 30!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Brunettes are Easier... And other professional insight

Sam Villa, Education Artistic Director for Redken 5th Avenue, suggests the following tip for controlling wayward strands:

Spray a makeup powder brush with Redken vinyl glam 02 mega shine spray and gently brush the top layer of hair from roots to ends to smooth hair, add gloss and tame frizz. Make sure to concentrate on the hairline which can tend to have shorter, finer pieces of hair.

Krista Beahm, stylist at patrick mcivor color studio, explains how to get Soft Waves with a Center Part:
· Clip up top half of hair
· Divide bottom half of hair into three sections and spray with Matrix Vavoom Gold Heat Iron-in Control Protective Dry Mist
· Wrap hair around a 1½ inch curling iron, count five seconds and let the hair drop out of iron (repeat on all three sections)
· Take down the top section and divide into three parts. Only wrap hair about half way down the strand - this will give the look of loose relaxed hair.
· For the center part, make a messy middle line (not a perfect straight line), to compliment the casualness of the waves

Colorists from patrick mcivor color studio explain why Brunettes Are Easier:

“Brunette hair is definitely easier to manage. A brunette can get highlights a couple times a year, and with the proper maintenance, they can look shiny and vibrant for a long time because the new growth area blends more gracefully. Blondes are a whole other story. A blonde with a natural color that is a couple levels darker than highlights (most blondes), will show contrast much sooner and will need to be on a more consistent touchup schedule. Blondes also tend to oxidize in the sun very easily increasing the need for toning and glazing on a regular basis,” explains Lisa Grealish.

“Brunette hair typically requires less maintenance…since the number of natural blondes is dwindling. We colorists are working toward a new concept - providing guests with haircolor that doesn't enslave them. Softer, more natural base colors with off base "endlights" instead of massive highlights allows more time between services and less overall time at the salon – something everyone from moms to celebs appreciate,” says Amanda Lenz.
Emily West explains, “It depends on the natural color of the hair. Obviously, on naturally dark hair, darker colors/highlights will be easier to take care of. Highlights that contrast with natural color and are not tone on tone, will definitely require more upkeep because new growth will appear faster. I believe people look best with the color they are born with, accented with tone on tone color.”

Thanks to Suzanne Quinn of Glow Communications for the great post title line.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Sally Hansen Contest!



Sally Hansen has partnered with Brides Magazine and The Diamond Vault Collection and one lucky winner will win a custom diamond eternity band valued at $3,000, and a collection of Sally Hansen® wedding-worthy products, including Diamond Strength® Nail Color for brilliant nails and Diamond 12 Hour Lip Treatment for lavish lips and lasting moisture.

Go to www.Bridesfirstlook.com & enter now!

Sally Hansen Contest!


Sally Hansen has partnered with Brides Magazine and The Diamond Vault Collection and one lucky winner will win a custom diamond eternity band valued at $3,000, and a collection of Sally Hansen® wedding-worthy products, including Diamond Strength® Nail Color for brilliant nails and Diamond 12 Hour Lip Treatment for lavish lips and lasting moisture.

Go to www.Bridesfirstlook.com & enter now!

Quick tips for your hair!

May, 2010 (Bethlehem, PA) – “…late, late, for a very important date!” Whipping hair into shape when on the go is a skill few have mastered, for those still struggling, Amanda Lenz, stylist at patrick mcivor color studio, offers these quick and practical tips.

Curly Hair

Gently towel dry hair to keep cuticle smooth and minimize frizz. Apply a small amount of Design Pulse Loosely Defined Texture Créme and softly finger-comb curls. Randomly freely twist curls. Let dry naturally or use a diffuser to reduce moisture.

Straight Hair

For maximum volume and texture, set hair in hot rollers (the longer the hair, the bigger the roller should be) and spray with Vavoom ShapeMAKER Extra-Hold Shaping Spray. Do makeup, get dressed, eat breakfast and let hair cool. Take rollers out and apply a quarter-size amount of Biolage Volumizing Whipped Mousse throughout to tousle strands and provide all-day lift and hold.

Note: A typical set of hot rollers has 12-16 rollers and can be purchased in a mixed set of different sizes. The section of hair should closely match the diameter of the roller, 12 should be sufficient. It shouldn't take more than 10 to 15 minutes to roll hair, the whole goal of the style is to have a flirty relaxed vibe, so no pressure for perfection.

Creating Texture

At night, wash hair and loosely section into two to four braids before hitting the hay. In the morning, unbraid and blow-dry any damp spots on a low setting (with or without a diffuser). Finish with Matrix Essentials Amplify Full Body Texturizer for a beachy wave.

StyleFixx-- Shop to benefit the Susan G. Komen foundation

Attention Boston Beautys:
May 12th & 13th: StyleFixx premier shopping events! Don't miss this special night! Shop, Save, Sample, Swag Bags! Treat yourself and your girlfriends to the best shopping party of the year! Experience an evening of dream shopping with the latest in fashion, beauty and accessories. Indulge in FREE hair and beauty treatments, product-filled SWAG BAGS, FREE product sampling and special offers you can't find anywhere else.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure


No time to get a mani/pedi? No worries! Sally Hansen has created a line of nail polish that combines all 5 steps of a manicure in one simple bottle. This great little bottle contains a base coat, strengthener, growth treatment, color, & top coat. I love the brush; it makes application easy. The other bonus is that it dries fairly quickly and doesn't chip easily. There are 42 fun colors to choose from. I tried (and loved): Yellow Kitty, Haute Chocolate, & Wine Not. Yellow Kitty is fun, bright and different from any other color I have ever tried. Not used to it quite yet, but I have gotten several compliments. Haute Chocolate is a rich brown color great for special occasions or every day wear. Finally, Wine Not is a fun and flirty deep color perfect for summer. How could it get any better?!

Shave Creams



Ec-Oooh-Chic by Ooohlala of Beverly Hills
Organic Shea Butter and White Tea Shave Cream

EOS
Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream - pomegranate raspberry


Ladies, are your legs ready for summer? Shave creams can help! EOS, which stands for the Evolution of Smooth has a fantastic shave cream. Their ultra moisturizing shave cream will fit in your toiletry tote and won't make a mess. The cream does not lather, but goes on like a thick and creamy lotion. Pomegranate raspberry smells heavenly and leaves your legs smooth and moisturized. Great for regular use in the shower or bath.

On the other hand, I LOVE the Organic Shea Butter and White Tea shave cream. It is thicker than the product from EOS, and gives you an ultra close shave with amazingly soft and smooth skin. My skin thanks me every time I use it. The only downfall is the container. Works fine at home, but not very convenient to take with you to the gym. No scent = no problem. Try it and you will be hooked.

Either product will help your legs look and feel better this summer!

Aviva Organics Sun-Free Skin Glow

Conditioning Body Polish, Body Creme, & Face Creme









Not able to get out and enjoy the sun yet? Not to worry, Aviva has three great products for you. Their body and face creme allow for subtle color with a sun-free tanning experience. Both cremes condition your skin and have a light pleasant scent, unlike most sunless tanning lotions. No orange skin, no tanning booth smell, no need to lay in the sun. Use the body polish in the shower before applying the creme to exfoliate, enhance your color, and prevent uneven fading. The best part is, all three products contain at least 75% organic ingredients.

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick for Body


Now that summer is fast approaching, many of us will be wearing shorts, tank tops, skirts, and sun dresses. Why not enhance your sun kissed skin with Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Brick for Body? This lightweight powder can be brushed on all over to create a subtle glow and enhance your tan. This is a limited edition item, so get yours before they are gone!

Redken Styling Products

Ringlet 07 Curl Perfecting Lotion, Aerate 08 Bodifying Cream-Mousse, & Align 12 Protective Straightening Lotion











Redken makes so many amazing hair styling products. Whether you have curly, straight, thick, or thin hair, they have something for you. I have recently tried these 3 products and can't say enough about them. The Ringlet 07 is perfect for when I just want to wash and go. I can put it in my hair and let it air dry. This creamy lotion produces perfect curls, with or without a diffuser. If I take the time to straighten my hair, I will use either the Aerate 08 or Align 12. The Aerate mousse is nice and thick. You do not need much at all! I made the mistake of using a little too much the first time and my hair felt like it was coated with product. I soon learned that it only takes a little to make my hair smooth and fuller. The Align 12 is great to use on those days when it is humid and you want your curls to stay away. All three products are a must have for styling perfection!

H2O+


H2O+
Sea Results eye mender plus


Feel like you eyes need a boost this spring? You need to try H2O+ Sea Results eye mender plus. I have been using it now for about a month now, and can see the results. Puffiness and lines around my eyes have been noticeably reduced. I put it on after showering in the morning and my face feels hydrated and healthy.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Give your Mother something GREAT!!!

With some inspiration as to what not to do from The Middle (on before Modern Family), we present you the 2010 BrainyBeautys Mother's Day Gift Guide!

Go to BurkeDecor.com and save 15% site wide (use code LOVEMUM). They have impeccably edited stock-- always in the best of taste.

Anything and everything from Thymes! We especially like the sink sets! Plus, there are running a contest--share a story about your mom and you could win a $300 shopping spree. Oh, and you can get free shipping on orders over $50.

Dale and Thomas make real fancy gourmet popcorn treats. They have a whole bunch of special Mother's Day treats-- don't forget to get a lil'sumpthin' tasty for yourself as well ;)

Let mom do some retail therapy with a gift certificate from One Kings Lane. Sign up to shop, make sure to mention that brainybeautys@gmail.com sent you, then make sure to have your mom say that you sent her!

Eos lip balm spheres-- now available in a 3-pack! Eos’s Smooth Sphere 3-Pack Collection is packed with everyone’s favorite all natural and USDA certified organic lip balms. Available at Walgreens-- pick up a card while you're there.

Bath & Body Works has some cute sets, including The Anti-Bacterial Mixing Bowl Set, which includes a mixing bowl, hand towel, kitchen gloves, and Deep Cleansing Hand Soap in Fresh Lemon, White Citrus, and Nectarine Mint.

For the mom who taught you to wash your face (behind the ears, too!) and told you to reach for your dreams, a SoapHope gift is perfect! Not only do they have great products and gift sets, but they invest the profits to help impoverished women.

Don't forget to spend time with your mom if at all possible. After all, she did deal with you being in her belly & stretching her out, probably tap-dancing on her bladder... At least call!!!

And if you are a mom, cheers! Have a great day:)


Monday, May 3, 2010

A Tale of Two Combs


The Ouidad Double Detangler and The Sam Villa Long Cutting Comb

The Ouidad is a VERY sturdy comb-- it detangles without breaking my hair or the comb!!!
I use this one, then the Sam Villa comb, which has finer teeth for best hair results.

The Ouidad is hefty enough to double as a weapon and doesn't yank.

The Sam Villa is more flexible, but not in the cheap-ready-to-snap way. Also very good for parting & teasing (or whatever the hip-kids are calling it now).

Together, these combs keep my hair in some sort of order! Love them!!!