Sunday, April 28, 2013

Finally, hair care for Wizards!

I took a little look-see at Davines' website and found that they describe their philosophy as follows: "

Our ideal of beauty finds its inspiration in the concept of equilibrium between substance and shape as well as in the Italian Renaissance tradition. Our style is a delicate convergence of unique characteristics and it’s inspired by simplicity, harmony and good taste.

The beauty that we believe in is based on respect and appreciation for individuality. So we celebrate and express the grace and elegance that makes each of us who we are. This is why we consider ourselves as a tool for our customers to express their own uniqueness.

By creating “beauty” we want to encourage people to take care of themselves, of the environment in which they live and work, and of the things they love.

Our multicultural curiosity motivates us to explore the many truths that make our world. We strive to be in tune with the mood of the moment while still remaining fresh over time."

Sounds devine no? Eh....that might be a stretch. Here is how my experience went down...

VOLU SHAMPOO & VOLU CONDITIONER, VOLUME ENHANCING SOFTENING SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER: Pros list: great scent, good lather, leaves hair feeling clean. Cons list: not very concentrated, did not see much volume, cheap packaging, conditioner lacked softness

MOMO FLUID, MOISTURIZING ANTI FRIZZ PROTECTIVE FLUID: Pros: a little goes a long way, controlled frizz Cons: a little heavy-use with caution

No 14 SEA SALT PRIMER FOR WIZARDS: Pros: Awesome name, cute packaging, good scent, effective on wet or dry locks Cons: none!

Check out Davines' full product line at www.davines.com







Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Simple name + simple ingredients = simply marvelous product

I've recently experimented with two M-61 Skincare products and am hooked!

M-61 Skincare products are 100% paraben and synergic fragrance free, and are both dermatologist and allergy tested.

I tested both the Perfect Cleanse foaming face cleanser and Power Pro-Peel 2 minute facial.

The 2 minute facial has a light exfoliation and zero irritation. I myself, did not see any results in regards to a reduction in fine lines or wrinkles. The facial cleanser is my new obsession! It is light and gorgeous, but powerful. It really provides a deep clean, it does not dry my skin even the slightest! This gel packs enough to remove makeup, dirt, and oil and yet is noticeably calming to the skin. Throw in the fact that Perfect Cleanse contains a few of ,y faves such as green tea and lavender and seriously...how could I resist!?

This is one product that is properly named-check out M-61 Skincare's Perfect Cleanse foaming face cleanser pronto ya'll!

Friday, April 12, 2013

Moisture is the Essence of Wetness


If anyone immediately got this post's title, we need to hang out...

Seriously... call me...

Or at least tweet me- @leslieb24 #BrainyBeautys

Got that? Good!

Now moving on actually to Essence and more specifically their fab cosmetics! Essence got its start as a UK brand famous for its winning combo of affordability and quality. It hopped the pond back in 2010, making its debut at ULTA stores, where it can still be found today. As if we needed another excuse to visit that make-up mecca!

The XXXL Shine Lipgloss in Nude Kiss smells like warm vanilla and gives the kisser just the right amount of subtle oomph. Plus, it's non-sticky!

If you want something more dramatic definitely grab Stay With Me Longlasting Lipgloss in Kiss Kiss Kiss, which gives a bright, punchy, glossy pop of color that's perfect for spring.

The Stay All Day Longlasting Concealer is also a winner, although be a bit wary when using the applicator as it grabs a generous amount in one small dose. I preferred to dab it on the back of my hand and then switch to a smaller concealer brush to apply to problem areas.

Liquid liner and cat-eyes are a big trend this season and Sun Club 100% Splash Proof Eyeliner Pen in Ultra Black is a valid ticket. It works like a marker, with a felt tip end, and allows for an easier application.

Essence is a little tween-y in its appeal, but offers a quick, cheap fix for trying out a look you might not be sure of committing to.

Close-up of the marker-esque eyeliner pen:




Thursday, April 11, 2013

(Insert Slow Head Shake Here)


Honestly, I want to love every product that comes my way. And with a lot of them, even in the face of utter failure I can still find something I somewhat like. With Melvita, or as I'm starting to refer to them- Meh-lvita,  I just... uuuggghhh... I can't figure them out. 

The AlgaScience Contouring Serum was promising... SO promising... how could it not be when it's website page boasts:

"Formulated with an exclusive 3-seaweed complex, it provides multi-action effectiveness. Coralline, an "intelligent" active ingredient, promotes fat burning during the day and helps prevent fat storage at night. Palmaria provides draining action, while Fucus and Caffeine offer contouring properties. The 3-seaweed complex helps reduce the build-up of fatty deposits and improves skin firmness and tone. "

Impressive right? 

It goes on to state that the serum should treat problem areas for one month. Well, I've been using it for over three weeks coupled with weekly kickboxing sessions and daily walks with my pups, and I can't say I notice any difference. And although I am fortunate to be a slim lady naturally, there are still a few ahem, lumps, that I would like to diminish! But this serum sadly didn't do it.

Oh wait! I thought of something positive to say: It had a pleasant cooling sensation on the skin.

Thumper's mom would be proud. 

Your Hair Will Thank You With Shininess



This lovely little bottle is precisely what I’ve been missing in my life. My foray into the ombre effect hair world has left my poor strands damaged and dry. While I love the look, I don’t love all of my resulting split ends. Also, for many, many years (or, um, just over 30 of them) I was not aware that I needed to put product on my hair BEFORE drying and styling it. This, from someone who devours fashion and beauty magazines and websites like they’re the last ever cupcakes off the Hostess assembly line (side note: WHY GOD WHY?!).

Yes, apparently I am that dense.

Bleached ombre ends or not, I’ve finally jumped on the clue bus (got a few steps on with John Frieda a while back) and will happily enjoy the ride with ECRU New York Acacia Protein Oil.  With this serum, there are no parabens, it’s color safe, and it includes a bunch of awesomely hair-healthy sounding ingredients like Acacia Collagen, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Almond, Apricot Kernel and Extra Virgin Argan Oils.

I found it worked best with my fine hair two ways:
1)      When applied to damp hair from halfway down ONLY. My bangs have a tendency to get a little too greasy looking for my liking on their own and this definitely didn’t help.
2)      When applied to the ends of dry hair. Totally tamed my fly-aways and added shine.

Follicular-ly fantastic! 

(Try saying that five times fast!)

Aroma-roma-ma




My gosh I love a write up where I can incorporate a play on the lyrics to Bad Romance, one of my all time favorite pop jams (and videos). What can I say? I love me some Gaga. And you know what? Her perfume, FAME ain’t so bad either.

First and foremost, the scent's unique, cutting edge technology is pretty bomb. The liquid itself is black, but when sprayed comes out clear. Mad props on that alone.

Plus, the packaging’s total commitment to its Haus of Gaga-ness carried throughout is commendable, as it lists the perfumes notes as “tears of belladonna, crushed heart of tiger orchidea with a  black veil of incense, pulverized apricot and the combinative essences of saffron and honey drops” with gothic-cool corresponding images.  

And well, yes, that ingredient mash up renders a scent that is pretty lovely. It starts off sweet on the skin, but then dries to something more musky, mysterious and luxurious. Which is more than a lot of celeb-perfumes can boast. I was pleasantly surprised.

Gotta love that Gaga!

A few packaging/marketing materials:




Thursday, April 4, 2013

The First Step is Admitting That You Have a Problem...

Beauty Addicts is a brand that speaks to mean many ways. My most recent fix comes in the form of their dual concealer, a cute, convenient compact, packing a powerful yet light intervention for dark spots, under eye madness, or minor blemishes.

I love this adorable little pick-up! Whether you throw it into your purse for a mid-day bump of coverage, or if you roll it into your daily routine, I would definitely suggest overdosing on this Beauty Addict product.