Thursday, December 27, 2012

One Stuffed Stocking

Santa was exceptionally generous this year and 
filled my mantle-hung booty with all sorts of irresistible products!!

Check out what the big guy gifted me:


TIGI Dual Bronzer- This combo pack provides whatever you need on any given day! Feeling like you need a bit of bronze? Hit up the right side of this gem! Simply looking for a highlight to your cheek bones? Use the left! For a perfect, sunkissed glow, blend the two together!! This is a must have-especially during the winter when our skin lacks a bit of mother nature shed vitamin D.


Essence, Stay All Day Concealer-Santa really did think of everything!! I love this long lasting stick that hides my facial imperfections. It's easy application and beautiful blendability (is that a word? it is now!) make it a new key player in my arsenal of products!!



Lady Gaga, Fame- When she isn't belting out kick-butt pop and dance jams, abusing the piano in the best possible way, or rocking a meat-suit, Lady Gaga is designing perfumes! Contrary to popular belief, this is not a bottle of blood and semen scent, but rather a feminine fluid with notes of saphron, honey, and apricot!


Essence, Color & Go- Any super busy gal on the go who also loves a fresh manicure needs this polish in her life!! These cute little bottles of fun come in endless hues and really do provide a quick drying, professional finish.


Avon, Luxe Clutch Eyeshadow-This adorably packaged, mirrored compact contains 10 tempting shades of shadow, ideal for day or night! I plan to make this my go-to for eye lid hues at home or travel!


Essence-Stay All Day Long Lasting Eye Shadow-Santa knows I'm a hard working chick, who often puts in some long days, so this delicate yet powerful shadow is a must have to keep looking fresh faced throughout it all! I'm loving the shade "For Faries", but per the usual, Essence has an eye shadow in every flavor imaginable!







Friday, December 21, 2012

Today's Lesson: Go GREEN!

WIN A “GREEN” MAKEOVER FOR YOUR SCHOOL
Enter Global Green USA’s Green School Makeover Competition, presented by Pureology
January 2013 (New York, NY) – Every child deserves a learning environment that’s safe, comfortable and free of harmful toxins. Unfortunately, many schools across the country lack the funds to carry out much-needed repairs and renovations – subjecting children to outdated facilities with improper ventilation, poor lighting and inefficient energy usage. Global Green USA is working to address this situation and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn in a healthy, green school. This year, Pureology is pleased to present the 2nd Global Green USA Green School Makeover Competition. From January 1 to March 31, 2013, a parent, teacher, student or individual can nominate any K – 12 public, private or charter school they think deserves a Green School Makeover!
"Green schools improve student test scores, lower energy bills, and promote a more ecologically sound atmosphere. We call it the 3 R's of green schools: Rise in student performance levels and teacher retention; Reduction in carbon emissions and toxins; and Renewed hope in education and the future," said Matt Petersen, President and CEO of Global Green USA. "We are thrilled that our partnership with Pureology allows us to continue this national competition and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn in a healthy, environmentally-friendly school."
“In 2011, Pureology presented the first Global Green USA Green School Makeover Competition that improved the learning environment of five schools[1] while educating parents, teachers, students and the public about the importance of creating cleaner classrooms. Pureology is working towards a more sustainable future and is proud to present the 2013 Global Green USA Green School Makeover Competition,” states Shae Kalyani, Vice President of Marketing for Pureology. “Throughout 2013, Pureology will offer client product promotions in salons and donate a total of $250,000 to Global Green USA’s Green School Makeover Competition Presented by Pureology.”
Why Green Schools?
When a school goes green, children benefit – as well as the environment. Green schools lead to:
· Improved student performance. When children learn in classrooms with natural daylight, improved sound quality and non-toxic building materials such as non-VOC carpets and paints, test scores can improve as much as 20%. Attendance also improves!
· More funds for student resources. When green upgrades are made to a school, water and energy costs can be reduced by as much as 40%. These savings can be channeled back into resources that directly benefit students, such as textbooks, computers and other essentials.
· Reduced carbon footprint. Greening a school significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions that cause global warming.
A few ideas for your Green School Makeover:
  • Creating a recycling program
  • Conducting an energy audit to determine ways energy can be saved
  • Installing solar shades to improve natural daylighting of classrooms
  • Switching to green cleaning products
  • Installing energy-efficient light bulbs
  • Using sustainable building materials, such as bamboo flooring and recycled runner gym mats
  • Replacing outdated or unsafe carpets and other materials with new, non-toxic ones
Take action and nominate a school for Global Green USA’s Green School Makeover Competition Presented by Pureology! From January 1 to March 31, 2013, visit Pureology.com/GreenSchools to learn more and nominate a school. Work with your school principal or school facilities administrator to complete the application. Remember to think about the types of green upgrades your school needs and why; allow 6 weeks from the start of the application to completion. Global Green USA will review all applications and announce the winner in Q2 2013.
ABOUT PUREOLOGY SERIOUS COLOUR CARE®
Pureology Serious Colour Care is a professional haircare line committed to the well-being of the environment, and since its inception in 2001, Pureology took measures to decrease its impact on the environment by using natural, organic botanicals and 100% Vegan ingredients. All Pureology formulas offer an industry first: Longer Lasting Hair Colour – Guaranteed!® For more information visitPureology.com or like Pureology on Facebook. Please note, Pureology 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.
About Global Green USA
Global Green USA is the American affiliate of Green Cross International, founded by President Gorbachev, to foster a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future. For 15 years, Global Green USA has been a national leader in advocating for smart solutions to global warming including green building for affordable housing, schools and communities that save money, improve health and create green jobs. Global Green USA has influenced more than $20 billion dollars for green building projects and educates millions of people about climate friendly solutions through its annual Red Carpet/Green Cars Oscars campaign. Global Green is also leading efforts to help rebuild a green New Orleans through its sustainable green village and green schools initiatives.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Commitment-Free Hair

Ever wondered about bangs? Like the look of ombre but not digging the bleach?
Get the looks without the effort & upkeep!

Check out the ombre news:
Hairdo by HairUWear Ombre Clip-In Extensions ($49) are a multi-level, 16” clip-in that not only gives you dazzling length, but delivers the graduated effect seen on glam, trend-setting starlets everywhere.

For a semi-permanent approach, try Great Lengths 3D Strand FX Collection. Using only superior quality human hair with a patented bond attachment that is safe and gentle on one’s real hair, they are a trusted favorite among celebrities and their stylists. 3D Strand FX Collection uses an innovative process that combines ombre coloration with your base tone, creating a three-dimensional color effect in the hair. With the new ombre three-dimensional color extensions, you get the look in a more sophisticated, subtle way.
They also have extensions with Swarovski Crystal Strands. For a wedding? Shut up!

I have been fringeless since 9th grade (not an unsubstantial amount of time), and the new bangs have made me consider getting chopped... Hairdo by Ken Paves Clip-In Bangs let me try the look first!
My three-point outcome:
1. They are riduculously easy to use.
2. They don't feel weird on, just kind of forgot they were on.
3. I look ridiculous with bangs! Thank goodness I found out the easy way! Still, these are a great way to go incognito ;)

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Candy Minus the Junk

Candy that doesn't have huge amounts of crap in it?
Sounds crazy, right?
Enter UNREAL...

The Company's Stand
An innovative company based in Boston, UNREAL™ is revolutionizing America's classic candies by creating products that not only taste great but have less sugar, no artificial flavors, corn syrup, synthetic colors or GMO's. UNREAL™ candies also feature more protein and fiber than the leading brands, and all ingredients are sustainably sourced. While UNREAL™ is presently focusing on the chocolate candy segment, the company ultimately wants to expand into other food & beverage categories. UNREAL™ is the brainchild of Nicky Bronner, a 13-year old kid who was determined to prove he could unjunk candy, and Adam Melonas, an innovative chef from Spain. UNREAL™ currently has five chocolate candies that are available in 20,000 stores nationwide, including Target, CVS, Staples and Michael’s. UNREAL™ has become a magnet for creative professionals who want to join the company’s mission to “unjunk the world” and change the way consumers think about food.

Our Testing
Products provided to us, but some tasters unaware of this.
Round 1: Labels
Working with a Health/Nutrition/Fitness teacher, we checked the Nutritional Information against the standard candies. After doing some math (very complicated for before noon), we found that the Unreal, for the same amount of candy, did not always have less calories; but were lower in Fat (especially Saturated Fat) and Sugar; add less weird chemicals; and higher amounts of Vitamins, Minerals, Fiber...
Winner: Unreal

Round 2: Taste
1. UN 54 vs. Peanut M&Ms
Tester noted "weird" aftertaste, but higher quality of peanuts in Unreal.
Winner: Tie

2. UN51 vs. Plain M&Ms
Two testers mentioned "weird" aftertaste with Unreal, but both kept eating them. Testers came back for more.
Winner: UN51

3. UN5 vs. Milky Way
Milky Way sweeter, almost to point of sickeningly sweet. Unreal tasted more, well, real.
Winner: UN5

4. UN8 vs. Snickers
UN8 has real peanuts! Nougat tastes better, less cloying.
Winner: UN8

5. UN77 vs. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
UN77 tastes like fancy peanut butter, good chocolate; Reese's has better mix of Peanut Butter & Chocolate, smoother.
Winner: Reese's

Overall: UNREAL is the big winner!
Taste for yourself (available at Target, CVS...) & let us know what you think.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Honor & Remember with the Rue

So classy in the wake of horrible tragedy. We, too, would like to extend our deepest condolences to all whose lives have been devastated.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Tarte picture perfect duo

If you're looking to dive in to a nice brand, whether it's for you or a gift, Tarte is perfect! This duo would be a great stocking stuffer for a friend or a great little something for yourself. The ergonomic handle on the curler makes it beyond easy to use, especially for ladies who are scared of curlers. It's also pretty cute too. The mascara is thin, clean and coats each lash perfectly. Go get this combo now.









Pureology Color Stylist Control Twist


This pleasant-smelling liquid wax is probably best for someone with thick, bouncy hair. For my straight, thin wisps, a few pumps just left my hair dry and lifeless. Too bad for me but probably great for someone with more suitable strands.