Heads Up- Giveaways Coming Up!

Fall means amazing colors and transformations... in nature and for you!

Anybody else remember playing "Heads Up, 7 Up" back in the day and how it was such a nice reprieve from the extreme rigors of simple math and spelling?

BrainyBeautys does! In the spirit of Back to School and Fashion Month, we are going to do our own take on giveaway game fun! Keep a close lookout in the following week- we'll be hitting you with some fab posts on new fall-perfect products and how you can win some of the most covetable items!

Make Fashion Week Your Own

With Fashion Month in full swing (yes, that's right- shows around the world span into October), BrainyBeautys is diving in! Because from hair, to nails, to accessories and clothes, being a full on BrainyBeauty relies on the sum of all our fab parts.

Now on to one of my favorite aspects of the chic circus: Street Style. The runways will always rule, but seeing how the experts, models, bloggers, etc adorn themselves is almost as fun and insightful as the shows themselves.

But also if you're like me, all of the never-ending epic-ness can be overwhelming- I mean, how the heck do these women continuously knock it out of the style park?!

When your closet seems to pale in comparison, it's helpful to remember these ladies' looks incorporate simple details we all can easily add in to our everyday ensembles.

1) GRUNGE GOES GORGEOUS
Got a button down flannel? Ok. What about a plain black mini and go-to black heels? Sweet. That's all you need to bust out a saucy new going out look.

(Photo courtesy The Cut)

2) GET STRAP HAPPY
Now those black heels we were just talking about? Do those have an ankle strap? Yes? Then try fastening them over a pair of beloved denim for funky punch.

(Photo courtesy Refinery29)

3) GLAM UP BASIC TRAINING
Blogger Susie Bubble has a lot going on in this shot (understatement!), but since we've been chattin' about shoes, let's focus on those eh? Colorful trainers have taken over high-tops as the next big sneaker trend (Vans-esque slip-ons are next!). Get adventurous and pair your work-out essentials with a printed dress to stay cute AND comfy during the work week grind.

(Pic courtesy Refinery29)

Alexander The Great

A little MBFW treat for you, my dear BrainyBeautys devotees! (That's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in proper fashionspeak!)

Our good friends at Redken were kind enough to pass along the inside hair scoop on one of the hottest tickets in the tents: Alexander Wang Spring/Summer 2014. If you aren't familiar with Mr. Wang, study up! He is seriously one of the preliminary designers of our generation and was even tapped to take over at the legendary Balenciaga house late last year. Personally I cannot get enough of his grungy glamour looks, and his accessories are also especially ridic every season.

For Spring/Summer 2014, Redken Creative Consultant Guido pretty much created my ideal every day hair look: natural, texturized and slightly roughed up.

Said Guido: "Overall it's a very sexy look this season. I wanted the hair to reflect the cool, low-key Alexander Wang type girl. I suppose there are equal parts grunge and glamour, in that the hair is voluminous, yet natural." 

Recreating the look is super easy with the right Redken products:

1. Towel dry hair
2. Create a messy center part with finger
3. Apply thickening lotion 06 body builder from root to ends, concentrating product on the roots
4. Start drying hair with a diffuser to keep the natural waves
5. Once the hair is 75% dry, allow the hair to dry naturally
6. Add powder refresh 01 aerosol hair powder/dry shampoo to mid length and ends to give more texture.
7. Apply quick tease 15 backcombing finishing spray to mid length and ends to hold in the texture

Photos by Charles Sykes for Redken. 

All photos, quotes, beauty steps and product information in this post provided by Redken. 

To locate a Redken salon please log on to redken.com. Please note, Redken products can only be guaranteed authentic when purchased from a salon. We request that you do not credit drugstores, 'beauty websites' or other unauthorized retailers. For furtherinformation, please contact us at the information listed above. For more information visit Redken.com, like Redken on Facebook or follow us on twitter @Redken5thAve and Instagram www.instagram.com/redken5thave

Love Yourself. Love Your Skin.

The word "amarte" precisely translated means "to love you." Quite clearly the inspiration for the east-meets-west skin care brand, Amarte, and its motto, "Love Yourself. Love Your Skin."

The leading skin care line in Asia since its Korean debut in 2001, Amarte is now bringing its unique, multifaceted product line to the U.S.

Offerings are meant to evoke the Korean tradition of taking pleasure in a multi-step skin care ritual that includes cleansing, hydrating, rejuvenating and protecting.

I was fortunate enough to try out their fantastic Daily Wonder Cleansing Foam, Natural Finish BB Cream and Daily ExfoliPowder.

Daily Wonder Cleansing Foam ($40): Featuring a custom blend of natural antioxidants, including lavender and chamomile, this cleanser has moved my beloved Neutrogena to the back burner... so that pretty much says it all! Although pricey at $40 a pop, you definitely do not need much to create a rich, foamy lather that leaves your face feeling squeaky clean yet soft. Scently-speaking: It has a rather strong cucumber aroma, so if you are not a fan of the green veg, perhaps you'll want to pass.

Natural Finish BB Cream ($49): Did you know that BB creams were immensely popular over in Korea before expanding to the US market? Tis' true! And this true Korean BB cream is a sheer, finely pigmented beauty balm that provides uniform coverage that won't rub off on shirt collars or clothing and also packs a hearty SPF 36 punch. Plus, it's loaded with additional super skin saving elements including argan oil, elemental sulfur and caviar extract. Snazzay! I love that it smoothed over pores and evened out my complexion without looking make-up-y.

Daily ExfoliPowder ($35): This is truly an interesting product! It's a dry powder that you shake into wet palms, and is activated by rubbing hands together to create a light, creamy lather. It doesn't feel rough or sandy like most exfoliators, which makes it ideal for sensitive skin. Even though I felt the lather was lacking, my face looked brighter and felt fab after using.

Amarte is a welcome addition to our western shores and beauty shelves everywhere! 

All Amarte products are dermatologist tested and approved.

Shop Amarte online at amarteskincare.com

A Whitening Wonder!

Those who know me, know that I am kind of obsessed with my teeth. I would go to the dentist daily if I could (alas! if only!), I brush twice a day and floss every night (every night!) and I try to whiten at least twice a year to keep them lookin' snazzy.

Yes, you could say I'm a bit of a freak.

But I maintain my chompers because I've gone through some tough times with them. A childhood bicycle accident left me forever looking like Lloyd Christmas when god forbid my bonding comes off (which did happen at a co-ed 8th grade pool party. SO great for a 13 year old ego), and a backwards molar resulted in a few high school years as a brace face (as if I wasn't dorky enough!).

 Now I love me some Whitestrips, but the fact that they adhere SO firmly makes me nervous for an 8th grade pool party moment 2.0. Plus, they make my teeth super sensitive.

Enter the Super Booster Whitening Pen. It gives the best of both worlds without the worry, sensitivity and then some!

This revolutionary product comes in a portable, easy-to-use pen and contains a powerful whitening agent that dissolves difficult-to-remove stains without damaging tooth enamel.

 It is incredibly easy and efficient to use too! You just:
1) Dry off teeth
2) Twist the bottom to dispense product on to the brush (sort of like a lip gloss)
3) Paint a thin coat onto desired teeth
4) Smile wide for 60 seconds (to allow product to adhere)
5) Ta-dah! Done!

It's recommended to rinse off after a few hours, but I found that drinking water was enough to suffice.

More awesome aspects: It doesn't leave teeth sensitive with repeated use like other whitening products, there's no funky tasting goo left over on teeth afterwards (gross!) and you can pretty much whiten anywhere since it's so quick and easy!

La-la-la-loooooooovvvve this product! I definitely noticed a brighter and whiter smile after my two week stint. And um, I might still use it a few times a week for maintenance. What?! I can't help it!

Check out how white my pearly whites are now too:

Extreme close-up whoaaaaahhh!!

Super Booster Whitening Pen retails for $79. Visit whiteninglightning.com to purchase and to check out Whitening Lightning's complete selection of whitening products.

I'm Telling Mom!

In between feeding, wiping, dressing, changing, lifting, snuggling, soothing, teaching, and worrying about our little monsters, how are we supposed to look and feel good too?!?

As a new mommy, I am on a quest to preserve my Momjo (Thank you Guilianna Rancic for the amazecakes term!) despite my new body shape, hormone level, skin type, and ever changing list of responsibilities. Here are a few of the gems I've uncovered.

Orlane Firming Arm Creme

The combo of gaining weight to sustain your little peanut and workout restrictions while preggy can sometimes lead to some loss in muscle mass and arm skin stretching...Fun right? Luckily, there is a fantastic product geared right toward that post-partum wing-ding action! 

Mamamio Shrink to Fit

I fall instantly in love with every genius product Mamamio makes and this cream is no exception! During pregnancy, our hips spread to make way for our little chicken's arrival. Further, many women hold weight gain in their thighs and hips, making this product an after-baby soul mate! Lather this blessing on daily for a significant lift in elasticity...and don't forget to check out all of the encouraging messages hiding throughout the Mamamio packaging for a little emotional lift too!

U Luxury Shampoo and Conditioner

Is it just me or does every part of a new mommy's body seem to need some extra TLC? Enter: thick, smooth, silky treatment for your baby making locks! No need to beat around the bush here! They straight up named it after it's most desirable quality: luxury.

The Enchanting Adventures of L & J

 SCENE 1. 

The place: A cozy kitchen in the Detroit suburbs. Leslie is opening up a package with great excitement and is delighted to find GO 24-7 Men's Deodorant/Body Spray inside. Leslie's husband Jerry enters the kitchen.

Leslie: Husband! I have a most fabulous men's product for you to use and review for BrainyBeautys!
Jerry:  Surely oh wife! Whatever might that be?
Leslie: Why it's GO 24-7 Deodorant/Body Spray! A manly man's professional grooming product that won't stain clothes and claims to have a masculine yet not overpowering scent.
Jerry: Pip pip! I shall give it a whirl!

SCENE 2. ONE DAY LATER.

The place: Leslie and Jerry's living room. She is watching television on the couch- a very intellectually stimulating and profound program entitled, "House Hunters."  Jerry enters stage left.

Jerry: Darling wife! I just put on that new deodorant/body spray you gave me to try.
Leslie: Sweet kittens! Come let me smell you my love.

Leslie inhales deeply and ever so daintily wrinkles her nose.

Leslie: Oh dearest, I do believe I prefer your other every day selections. Whatst thou conclude?
Jerry: I am of the opinion it works splendidly and I have no problem with it's olfactory intent.
Leslie: Well done darling... well done!

THE END. 

GO 24-7 products can be found at go247men.com