The Best Beauty News on the Web! AKA: The Beauty Blogazons Weekly Roundup

• Très Beau Glamour: Weekly exfoliation is a must to help remove the dead skin on your body; especially for these upcoming winter months. Nay has recently come across an amazing affordable vanilla scented body scrub. The scrub is made by Avon and comes in three amazing scents. Read on for the review, info and pictures.
• Adore-a-polish: Ever wanted a dupe for Julep Maria? Well, I found one! Check out a comparison of Julep Maria and Butter London Fairy Lights.
• Blush and Beakers: Let's talk about honey, honey. Cosmetics Aficionado: False lashes have you frustrated?
• Cosmetics Aficionado shows you the perfect tool for perfect application every time.
• Mama Fashionista: Looking for a (mostly) natural lotion to keep the dry at bay as the season changes? Maybe Burt's Bees has just what you're searching for!
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: If you are looking for the perfect facial scrub, then Lola's Secret Beauty Blog thinks you should look no further than Reviva Labs Microdermabrasion Pomegranate Scrub-- it's really that good!
• My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog brightens up her complexion with Besame Cosmetics.
• Shades Of Beauty, Inc.: Coterie & butter LONDON Collaboration...Swatches
• Amber Did It!: Amber is in week three of her NFL Nail Art Series with the St. Louis Rams Nail Art
• TheFabZilla: TheFabZilla reveals the truth on lip plumping products.Plus she tried one that doesn't sting!
• MakeUpMom123: Halloween Spooktacular Giveaway!
• Beauty Thesis: Sharing some first impressions and swatches of the Master Class palette by Smashbox.
• Beauty Product Review: How many lip products do you have? Come check out my collection so far!
• Polarbelle: Polarbelle discovers a happy color by combining Cult Nails topcoats from The Deceptive Collection.
• Love At First Site!: The Nectalys found its way into my cosmetics as a sample - gift with some purchases I made at Avene's counter and thought to try it as I was looking for a new serum. Well as you can gather, I tried it, I loved it and once the sample finished I bought a normal size and that was the sequence of events that followed that first thought! ;)
• Lacquer Buzz: Half moon manicures are in this season. Lacquer Buzz does half moons with a twist!
• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: One of the new tombstone polishes from WetnWild Fantasy Makers is featured on Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom
• Passion for Polish: shows you a colorful Hard Candy cloud manicure!
• The Convenient Beauty: A Summer-farewell look with Dior Rosy Tan and Chanel Glossimer Pink Teaser
• Lisa's Nail Obsession: We are all polka-dots WITH A BOW ON TOP at Lisa's Nail Obsession!
• Spontaneous Chick: Spontaneous Chick posted an emerginC review about a cleanser that made her feel like she walked out of a spa every single time she used it.
• The Science Of Chic: Check out Carly's review of the new Maybelline Cat Eyes mascara. Will this new pretty kitty be the purrrrfect mascara or will it get the kitty cone of shame?
• Trouble-Maker On Heels: Trouble-Maker On Heels is challenging autumn colours in makeup challenge
• Jamegackie: Check out the entries for week two of the Nails Before Halloween Challenge! The
• Beauty Think Tank: Every so often, The Beauty Think Tank showcases some highlights of her personal collection, this time it's the shimmery goodness of MAC Mineralized Skinfinishes!
• Lipgloss Break: Enter to win a bottle of Argania 1640 Argan Oil from Lipgloss Break!
• Peace Love and Glitter: 100% all natural moisturizer that can be used on your hair, skin, and lips. And it's under $15? Say what?
• Karinea0a: Saran wrap nails for fall

As If I Needed More Reason to Adore Davines: AKA: Davines Sustainable Beauty Day (October 15)

How cool is the illustration on this packaging?!?

I have been HOOKED on this rich, creamy, delightful smelling butter for the past month or so. Davines Authentic Replenishing Body Butter is remarkable because unlike some other products that claim to multitask (but really only perform best at one duty), this wonderful cream works just as well in my delicate, curly tresses as it does on my parched skin (my oily face makes me wary of using anything on it that uses the term "butter" to describe it). 

Made with 98% naturally-derived ingredients, this nourishing butter deeply replenishes both your body and hair. You can use it as a pre-treatment on dry hair before shampooing, or massage it onto your face and body for superior moisturizing.

But there's more to Davines than superior quality, salon grade hair care products...

Save Some Boobies, Buy a Bag! AKA: Patricia Nash Stand up to Breast Cancer Auction

Want to peek into your favorite celebs handbag? How about buy their handbag filled with their on-the-go must-have?  In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness, January Jones, Liv Tyler, Giuliana Rancic, Leann Rimes, Vanessa Hudgens, Kristin Chenoweth, Elizabeth Hurley, Maria Menuonos, Jenna Dewan Tatum, Jessica Lowndes, Jennie Garth, Brittany Snow, Garcelle Beauvais, Alison Sweeney, Tori Spelling, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, and Ali Landry have joined handbag designer Patricia Nash to support a worthy cause,  raising money to fight against breast cancer. To kick off Breast Cancer Awareness month, Nash will be auctioning off 18 of her signature Barcellona Saddle Bags signed by these stars and the designer, benefitting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF). Each celebrity is auctioning off a signed handbag and some are filling it with their on-the-go must-haves – from lip gloss to sunglasses to their favorite book – so any woman can get a piece of their favorite celeb and feel good about doing it since 100% of proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (now that's some guilt free splurging).  

For the month of October, you can score a Patricia Nash handbag filled with one of your favorite celebrity's must have beauty items—from Estee Lauder to Mally, simply by logging on to PatriciaNashDesigns.com/ubid/ and bidding on the stars signed handbag (prices start at $100). The uBid auction will go live on October 1st through the 31st with 100% of the final bids going toward BCRF, dedicated to the prevention of, and finding a cure for, breast cancer in our lifetime. BCRF offers essential funding for groundbreaking research at leading medical centers around the world, in addition to supporting initiatives that educate the public on maintaining good breast health. Currently, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. There are an estimated 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the United States alone, and Nash sought to do her part to take a stand against the disease and show her solidarity with women all over the world.

Elizabeth Hurley's bag

Giuliana Rancic's bag

January Jones' bag

Leann Rimes' bag

Liv Tyler's bag

So which celeb's bag are you coveting? Will you be donating to this worthy cause? Have you been personally affected by breast cancer? What's your story? My inquiring mind wants to know! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Until next time...

About Patricia Nash: The quintessential embodiment of style, form and function, Nash’s casual-chic accessories are made of 100% leather sourced from Italy, and pay homage to Old World craftsmanship through delicate, hand-finished detailing. The coveted collections are inspired by Nash’s extensive, international travels, and are at once timeless and contemporary.



About The Breast Cancer Research Foundation: The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®, founded by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993, is an independent not-for-profit organization committed to funding scientific research to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime. In October 2012, BCRF will award at least $40 million to more than 190 scientists across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and China. With 91 cents of every dollar spent by BCRF directed towards breast cancer research and awareness programs, BCRF continues to remain one of the most fiscally responsible charities in the country. For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org.

Tropic Isle Living Leave In Conditioner & Detangler- AKA: A Curly Girl Chronicle (CGC)

Tropic Isle Living's Leave-In Conditioner and Detangler

Product Description: Give your hair that extra vibrancy it needs by using Tropic Isle Living's Leave-In Conditioner and Detangler with a fusion of Rosemary, Shea, and Jamaican Black Castor Oil. This conditioner not only conditions your hair,  it also calms tangled hair making it so much easier to comb through. It adds extra sheen and moisture-helping to keep your curls looking fresher and more defined than ever. Use on dry hair to refresh your style. Do not rinse out. Squeeze an adequate amount of product into palms and apply over, under and through hair. For more defined curls apply product to wet or fairly damp hair.  

Ingredients:  Organic Aloe Juice, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Shea Oil, Vitamin E, Vegetable Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Stearalkonium Chloride, Meadowfoam Oil, Phenoxyethano, di-Pathenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Black Willow Bark Extract, Rosemary, Bay, Basil, Cedarwood, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Pimento, and Cetearyl Alcohol.   

My Take:  I *love* a spray detangler/leave in conditioner, and with the all star list of ingredients (aloe juice, JBCO, and Pro Vitamin B-yes please!) in Tropic Isle Living's Leave In Conditioner and Detangler, I had very high hopes for this one. And I was not disappointed! It was a great introduction to the brand (stay tuned for more reviews of their products), and a great product to boot. I used it on Kenzie to detangle her ever growing mane (I promise she has more hair every time I do it) and was so pleased with the results that I attempted French braided pigtails on her for the first time...

The only way her hair could have turned out better is if she had actually stayed still :)

Thusly motivated, I aimed the spray at my own tresses in order to dry detangle my own hair (my normal pre poo habit) and was once again so impressed with the results, that I actually held off on washing my hair. The conditioner left my hair so shiny and soft and smooth, I just couldn't convince myself to wash it away! The only slight caveat to this product (and it is not at all a deterrent, even for me the fragrance snob) is that, in order to maintain the integrity of the formula, there are no fragrances added to any of the products in the Tropic Isle Living line. What you smell is a combination of all the wonderful, natural ingredients within-a scent that I can only describe as nuanced, earthy, and herbally-not at all unpleasant, just perhaps something that you are not used to. Until next time...

Bring Sexy Back in 5 Minutes! AKA: GMYMO with David Kirsch and LookTV

So... Having a strong back is important for everybody, but if you're like me and happen to be a bit top heavy (cough *understatement* cough), having a strong back is a necessity. David Kirsch to the rescue!



 



Exactly what I needed! A new way to work out aggression (no really, my wallet can't take anymore retail therapy)! Don't you just love these sessions? I do! Until next time...

Another Day, Another Face! AKA: FOTD

I've been really hesitant about plastering my face on this blog, but seeing as this is a beauty blog and all, and I do fairly often discuss makeup, it's probably not fair to not at least show you what it looks like on me *sometimes*. So here goes (don't judge me)...

So yeah, that's me. I'm not so good at the self portraiture, but I'm hoping if I do it more, I'll get better. My hair is in two strand twists that I just pulled up and back (it actually looks really cool, but I can't figure out how to get a good picture of it). My bracelet is from BaubleBar (I'm obsessed with them lately) and the watch is from Send The Trend (love them too!). But on to the important stuff-the makeup!

Like I Died and Went to Scrubalicious Heaven! AKA: LaLicious Sugar Souffle Moisturizing Body Scrub

Once again, summer to fall transition + my skin = chaos. So other than slather my skin in butters, creams, and lotions (oh, and my beloved oils! Can't forget the oils!) the other step I try to take to help my panicky skin is exfoliate more often. But the thing about exfoliating is, it usually leaves my skin more frazzled than before. That was SO not the case with this gem...

That Makeup Is Scary! AKA: The MABB Weekly Beauty Question

Each Wednesday, the Metro Atlanta Beauty Bloggers will answer a beauty-related question just for fun!

This week's question is...

What's the one makeup/beauty item that intimidates you most?

Foundation! Hands down! Maybe it's because of my skin color, but I'm petrified of looking fake and sometimes that's exactly how I feel when I wear foundation. It's super hard to find a shade that matches and a finish that looks natural but helps with my oiliness. Plus, even when I find a shade that works, I haven't narrowed down an application method that totally works for me. But the beauty of being a product junkie/beauty blogger is that I have a very valid excuse to very zealously explore my options until I find what works for me!

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Be sure to check out the other Metro Atlanta Beauty Bloggers' answers!
Artia from Fat 'nd Fierce
Bridget from Luxe Beauty Forever
Emma from Manicurity
Harri from TrailerHood Chic
Mandy from MandysSecrets
Missy from Gnarly Gnails
Pam from Pammy Blogs Beauty
Quinn from Mama Fashionista
SiSi from SiSi Sparkles


If you would like to see previous questions and answers, you can do so by viewing the Question Archive here.


If you're a beauty blogger in the Metro Atlanta area and would like to join us, please visit our website! We would love to connect with you!

It's Natural and It Works... AKA: Burt's Bees Ultimate Care Body Lotion

My skin is a bit schizophrenic. I'm oily on my face but dry (so dry) every where else. So I'm sort of obsessed with lotions, creams, and butters. So when I saw the label of Burt's Bees Ultimate Care Body Lotion, I was all in!

The Best Beauty News on the Web! AKA: BBC Weekly Roundup

• Polarbelle finds a new favorite with Revlon Kissable Lip Balm Stain in the perfect wine color called Crush.
• Is it green? Is it gray? What is is this color?! Lawless Lacquer has a hard time describing this unique and pretty polish from Takko Lacquer.
• Enter to win the entire Karite Special Hair Care line from Stephanie Louise- All Things Beautiful!
• Mimi's Mani's shows another neutral beauty from Zoya.
• Retrodiva's Beauty goes backstage at Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week with TIGI who created the hair for Nicholas K's Spring/Summer 2013 show.
• Fancy topcoats are the latest nail craze! Nidia of Lit From Within reviews the Facets collection from Ninja Polish - three beautiful topcoats over 4 different undies.
• Cosmetically Challenged is all about peace love and happiness and she reviews the new Sation NailStock Collection.
• After an almost two week trial with Armani's new Maestro makeup, the Beauty Professor weighs in on her experience.
• If you want a glamorous fall look, be sure to check out The Dark Side of Beauty's Autumn Glam tutorial featuring Glamour Doll Eyes cosmetics!
• From makeup to skincare to haircare, Christina from Curls N Pearls shares 13 must-try beauty products for fall.
• The Blonds created a "psycho beach party" for their Spring 2013 theme. Advicesisters.net explores the show and backstage beauty from Creative Nail Design, MAC Cosmetics, and Morocconoil.
• Hair guru, Guido -- is responsible for many of the elite hair trends seen during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week!
• Come see the 4 Target exclusive Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 hour eyeshadows swatched and reviewed by Polarbelle.
• The Stepford Witch got her hand's on the Sugarpill Limited Edition Pressed Eyeshadow in @#$%!. Check out her blog for a quick review, photos and swatches!
• Mama Mia! Cosmetics Aficionado is giving away a Clarisonic Mia!
• BeautyTidbits shares the skinny on the new Jane Iredale Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream SPF 25.
• Sheila from Painted Ladies test drives and falls in love with Future Derm Time-Release Retinol 0.5.
• The Lacquered Lady is giving away a set of Jessica Custom Color nail polishes. Be sure to enter for your chance to win!
• BeautyJudy shares her Unapologetically Strong Degree Women story...what's yours? You could win $5,000 towards meeting your fitness/personal/career goal!
• Sarah from Scottish Beauty Blog finds out what lies beneath. Her skin that is with the Elemis Skin Lab. The results might look like a petri dish but it's all good. Well, pretty much.
• Midnight Manicures shows you the do's and don't when it comes to Essie's no place like chrome polish.
• Find out the correct way to use some of Mally Beauty's products at Beauty Info Zone. Lisa learned the hard way and wants to save you from her grief.
• Phyrra tells you 'how to shop for wigs online' just in time for Halloween!

Like A Yummy Slushie For Grown Ups! AKA: Arbor Mist Frozen Wine Cocktails

So, I promise I'm not an alcoholic, but I do enjoy imbibing a few from time to time. I consider myself to be a social drinker (though most the time the only person I'm being social with is the hubby, and it's generally within the four walls of our home), and because I seriously have a tolerance level that is ridiculous (which I'm starting to discover makes drinking not that much fun in the first place), I'm very particular about what I drink. It has to taste good. I'll admit it, I'm not a fan of beer. Or red wine (for the most part). I'm of the mindset that if you have to *acquire* the taste for something, why bother?

All that being said, the Arbor Mist Frozen Wine Cocktails are DELICIOUS!!! Thanks to SheSpeaks, I was able to try all 3 of the new flavors (Blackberry Merlot, Strawberry White Zifandel, and White Pear Pinot Grigio) and in all honesty, the hubby and I consumed them in 3 days. At first he scoffed at what he perceived as a girl's drink, but he ended up truly enjoying them (as did I). My favorite flavor was the Blackberry Merlot  (it was more mellow and less sweet than the other two) and he liked the White Pear Pinot Grigio, but all three were very good. 

The texture of the concoction was quite enjoyable, not too icy, but thick enough to feel nice and refreshing in the mouth, sort of like an alcohol laden sorbet. I used a spoon when partaking mine, but I suppose that if you let the package (or your individual glass) sit out for a while, it will melt to a sippable consistency. But I like the idea of having these on hand for a backyard BBQ, where the adults can have their own versions of the icy treats we serve our little ones. One of the other things I really enjoyed about all 3 of these cocktails is that though they were icy, they were not at all watered down. You could still taste the alcohol in each of them, which is a good thing in my book. 

These are the perfect summer time, grown up treat-whether you're enjoying them by yourself (I won't judge you as long as you do it responsibly and are of age) or sharing them with guests. And I live in Georgia, where the summer weather typically lasts until mid November (that might be a slight exaggeration, but only a slight one) so I plan on enjoying their sweet coolness for as far into the season as I can!

Have you tried Arbor Mist Frozen Wine Cocktails? Which is your favorite flavor? If you haven't tried them yet, what flavor would you like to try? My inquiring mind wants to know! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Until next time...

PS- Products were sent for the purpose of review by Arbor Mist and SheSpeaks. I was not paid for this post and all opinions stated are 100% honest and my own :)

CO Bigelow Has Italian Imports For Him Too! AKA:

Proraso Refreshing and Toning Formula Collection offers an immediate cooler feel after shaving. Eucalyptus oil purifies and tones the skin. Menthol invigorates and revitalizes, leaving skin feeling renewed and fresh. No parabens, No silicons, No mineral oils. These make the perfect little luxury for the man in your life!



Proraso has been transforming shaving into a pleasurable experience for decades. Created by Ludovico Martelli over 80 years ago, in Florence, Italy, these one-of-a-kind shaving preparations are still being made in the time-honored traditional way by the Martelli family. The distinctive quality and performance of Proraso products has made them a staple in barbershops throughout Italy.

This pre-shave cream softens stubble, tones and protects the skin while preparing it for a perfect shave. Eucalyptus oil purifies and tones while Menthol refreshes and revitalizes. ($13)

This wonderful shaving foam from Proraso is enriched with natural ingredients to make it particularly concentrated and rich. Eucalyptus oil purifies and tones. Menthol refreshes and revitalizes. Glycerin increases razor glide and reduces redness. A timeless ritual for those who demand a quick and easy shave without any compromise. ($9)

Through three generations, the Italians barbers' choice. A great shaving classic. A concentrated, creamy soap for shaving perfection. Eucalyptus oil purifies and tones while Menthol refreshes and revitalizes. ($10)

Refreshing formula with Eucalyptus Oil and Menthol. ($10)

This refreshing and toning formula offers an immediate cooler feel after shaving. Eucalyptus oil purifies and tones the skin. Menthol invigorates and revitalizes, leaving skin feeling renewed and fresh. ($14)

Until next time...

I Guess There's a 1st Time for Everything... AKA: My September Birchbox

My September Birchbox arrived on Tuesday, and maybe because it felt like it took longer than usual to arrive, or maybe because a few other packages arrived with it, I just wasn't as excited about it as I usually am. Unfortunately, seeing its contents didn't increase my excitement level but c'est la vie... I guess they all can't be winners (and maybe I'll like it more after I use the "goodies" inside).


Here's what arrived:


21 drops (Focus Aromatherapy Blend; Full size $29)- Stay sharp with this mind-clearing blend of rosemary and peppermint essentials oils. Apply to pulse points and breathe deep (meh... I want makeup from Birchbox-not aromatherapy stress relief).

Color Club (Birchbox Custom Polish in Status Update; Full size $8)- We teamed up with Color Club to create this custom shade, inspired by the Fall 2012 collections (the shining light of this month's box; y'all know I love me some polish).

Nexxus (Pro Mend Split End Treatment System; Full size $9.99-$14.99)- Infused with coconut oil and amino acids, this shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in treatment work together to fix unsightly split ends. (This is actually a set of products that has intrigued me whenever I've seen ads for it. However, I may be a bit spoiled when it comes to hair products-the size of these samples definitely leaves something to be desired).

twistband (Birchbox Custom Lace Hair Tie; Set of 6-12 $14-22) Designers went gaga for lace this season and we don't blame them. Get on board with these ouch-free hair ties (Um... yeah. Been there, done that with Birchbox. Once again, makeup makes me happy, fancy ponytail holders-not so much).

Vasanti (Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator; Full size $34)- This exfoliating cleanser uses professional grade (read:effective) microderm crystals and papaya enzymes to brighten dull skin. (The other star in this box-make up and skin care, that's what I love from my beloved Birchbox).

Lifestyle Extra 

Mighty Leaf Tea Company(Teas; Box of 15, $9.95)- Swap your afternoon latte for these yummy tea blends, made from natural, ethically sourced ingredients (Once again, been there done that with Birchbox, and it was cool the first time, but this time, not so much).

I also received a digital download of two songs from singer-songwriter Tristan Prettyman, a discount from Madewell, and a cute little Fall Trends mini magazine. This is the first time I've received a Birchbox that I didn't absolutely love. But it was bound to happen eventually I suppose. I'll still be faithful to Birchbox and I still think that you should give them a try too! Until next time...

Because I LOVE Her and You Should Too! AKA: Kimbra's New Video "Come Into My Head"

That is all...

What's In A Name? AKA: The MABB Weekly Beauty Question

Each Wednesday, the Metro Atlanta Beauty Bloggers will answer a beauty-related question just for fun!

This week's question is...

How did you choose your blog name?

Um... I started out focused on fashion and truly in the hay day (but before it got majorly cheesy) of the term "fashionista" and adding "-ista" to the end of everything. I really wanted to focus on fashion and style from a mom's point of view, thus Mama Fashionista was born. Honestly, being a mother influences EVERYTHING I do, so it is only fitting that that be prominently highlighted all over my blog. And while I have expanded to discuss more than style and fashion (another decision strongly rooted in the fact that I'm a mommy), I feel that the moniker is still appropriate and really allows me the room to write about whatever I want to. Plus, I can include my children and my family life on here as well without feeling like I'm doing a disservice to my audience-after all, my main role and concern is built into the name, so you kind of know what you're getting with me when you visit the site. Since the title is more of a reference to me than the content (and parameters) of the blog, I really have the freedom to take it anywhere I want to go, which I LOVE!!!!

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Be sure to check out the other Metro Atlanta Beauty Bloggers' answers!

Artia from Fat 'nd Fierce
Bridget from Luxe Beauty Forever
Emma from Manicurity
Harri from TrailerHood Chic
Mandy from MandysSecrets
Missy from Gnarly Gnails
Pam from Pammy Blogs Beauty
Quinn from Mama Fashionista
SiSi from SiSi Sparkles

If you would like to see previous questions and answers, you can do so by viewing the Question Archive here.

If you're a beauty blogger in the Metro Atlanta area and would like to join us, please visit our website! We would love to connect with you!

Go All Jefferson Airplane/White Rabbit On Your Mani-AKA: MMM with New York Color Top Coats

In case you didn't know, the title the post is a reference to the Jefferson Airplane song, White Rabbit. It's an allusion (or direct reference, really) to Alice in Wonderland and the first two lines of the song go, "One pill makes you larger and one pill makes you small..." When I contemplated what to call this post, it was these lyrics that popped into my head, because one polish makes you sparkle and the other makes you dull...

Last night I found myself experimenting with nail art (a partially successful attempt at argyle print nails), and as is most often the case, when the lil bits see me painting my nails, they want their's done too. For the most part I allow them to pick their own polishes and Lo picked two top coats from NYC New York Color-274 Matte Me Crazy and 276 Big City Dazzle. I tried to explain to her that they were both meant to go on top of other polishes, but she was quite insistent over her selections. I couldn't really blame her either; what little girl doesn't want a hot pink, sparklelicious manicure? Plus these super (and inexpensive at $1.99 a piece) polishes dry in 60 seconds (a must when you're dealing with little people who want their nails done but don't have a good grasp on the concept of staying still) so I acquiesced, and commenced to painting her tiny digits.

I love that both of these polishes can literally double (or triple) your current nail polish collection. Simply apply them as you would normally use a top coat and transform any color to sparkletastic or matte. We used 3 coats of Big City Dazzle on Lo's hands and in doing so discovered that the hot pink, dark blue, and silver micro glitters are actually swimming in a translucent pink base. It definitely requires at least 3 coats to get good glitter coverage, but since it dries so quickly, it really isn't a hassle. The camera (or my skill at using the camera) is not quite adequate enough to capture the effect of the Matte Me Crazy top coat (which we did in fact use over the glitter), but I am confident that it will work its own mattifying wonder on a not so sparkly base.

Until next time...

 

















PS-Product was sent for consideration by the company/PR. I was not paid for this post and all opinions stated are 100% honest and my own :)

CGC (For the Mini Me)! AKA: Curly Q's Curly Q Custard

Product Description: This rich and creamy custard textured cream provides great curl definition, weight and sheen for curly girls. It is loaded with certified organic ingredients (Certified Organic Sunflower Oil and Certified Organic Aloe Leaf Juice) and moisturizing butters (e.g. Shea and Mango) to hair strengthening ingredients such as Panthenol and Lecithin. Curly Q Custard will naturally elongate her curls. Provides moisture, definition, shine, frizz control, and acts as a anti-humectant.

Ingredients: Purified water, certified organic sunflower oil, octyl palmitate, certified organic aloe vera leaf juice, glycerin, glyceryl stearate, potassium stearate, panthenol, stearic acid, sodium carbomer, allantoin, cetearyl alcohol, certified organic sweet almond oil, shea butter, certified organic jojoba oil, soy tocopherols, phenoxyethanol, fragrance.

silicone free, sulfate free, paraben free, organic


My Take: Curly Q's Curly Custard is from Curls' hair care line for kids. It is a medium weight curl cream that adds definition without hold. Because I would be primarily using it on my babies, I love that it is sulfate, silicone, paraben, mineral oil and petrolatum oil free. Purified water is the first ingredient so this is definitely meant to act as a moisturizer, but I found that I needed to seal it, in order to add shine to the hair. The jar says that it will "naturally elongate" the hair, but I didn't notice any obvious change in the amount of shrinkage in Lo's hair.

A look inside  the jar. The product is really rich and creamy, but not at all greasy. 

"Custard" is the perfect way to describe the texture of this thick and rich cream and it has a very light and pleasant scent. I suggest waiting until the hair is merely damp, and not soaking wet, to apply the custard, as it did not seem to soak into the hair when applied immediately after washing. We shampooed and then conditioned the hair and I attempted to use the custard as a detangler/leave in conditoner, but it didn't really work in that capacity. I recommend detangling with a leave in first, then using this after. Lo's 4a/b curls were soft and very well defined, and though I would've liked for them to have more sheen, her hair did look beautiful.

Lo's 2nd day, wash and go hair after using the Curly Q Custard :)

I would say that this is comparable to Shea Moisture's Organic Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie , which we are already huge fans of. I think this is perfect for someone that is looking for something similar, but prefers products with a lighter scent. Ultimately, while I liked the product in Lo's hair, I think it is better suited for Kenzie's finer hair and perhaps even my own 3a/b curls.


Until next time...

PS-The product was supplied to me for the purpose of review by NaturallyCurly.com and the company. I was not paid for this review and all opinions stated are 100% honest and my own :)

Yes, I Would Love It If Christina Applegate Dressed My Daughter! AKA: Kenzie + FabKids + You!

Kenzie *modeling* her brand new outfit!

This is precisely why I love Facebook! Perhaps I would have found out about it in some other manner, but it just so happens that I discovered it via a post on Facebook last Tuesday. I read something about a 3 piece outfit for little girls for $39.95 shipped and I had to find out more. So I clicked through and was introduced  FabKids, and I found myself (happily) sucked in to another subscription service...

Just What I Needed! Get Sexy Abs, 5 Minutes At A Time! AKA: GMYMO With David Kirsch and LookTV

Quite honestly, it's going to require that I shed quite a few more pounds before I have anything in my midsection that slightly resembles abs, but I'm definitely going to be incorporating this routine so that I can chisel my belly down even quicker! I love how it feels like David is talking *right to me* (aren't you jelly?)!

I Know I Can Be Faithful... AKA: What I'm Loving RIGHT NOW...

I go through a lot of product (well, maybe not a lot... more like, more than the average... who am I trying to kid? I go through a lot of product, quite happily). Some things I  love, some things are so so, some...not so much. Get a shopping list ready, these are the things I'm loving currently and though the lineup may swiftly change, all of these goodies come with Mama's stamp of approval....

photo via BathandBodyWorks.com

Caterpillars No More! AKA: Give Your Brows a Natural Finish with TouchBack Brow Marker

To this day, my mother is one of the most fashionable, stylish, beautiful women that I know. For as long as can remember (and probably far beyond even that), her nightly routine included washing her face and then filling in her eyebrows with a pencil and applying some kind of color to her lips. She always made a point of being presentable at all times (even in her sleep). I never understood the point of taking off makeup just to put some back on, but now that I'm married, it makes more sense.

Another thing I never really saw the point of was filling in my brows. I've made sure that they were in a neat, natural looking arch since my early teens, but other than that (semi) regular maintenance, I left my brows alone. Enter YouTube and every gurus obsession with brows (and my personal realization after a terrible growing out period that helped me to see that they truly can make or break your look) and now I've been on a quest for the right technique and products for my brows.

Rose Byrne's Gorgeous, Glamorous Waves-AKA: Get the Look With John Frieda

Rose Byrne at the Lucky Magazine soiree

When I originally saw this press release, I hesitated a bit trying to determine whether or not to share it, since I recently did a celebrity/John Frieda look post featuring Zoe Saldana. But then realized that the same products were used for both looks and I love how that just goes to show the versatility of John Frieda's awesome products. So if you'd like to achieve Rose Byrne's gorgeous, old Hollywood waves, here are step by step instructions:

Eye Know They're the Windows to My Soul! AKA: mama mio's Eye Know High Protein Moisturizing Eye Serum

I'm kind of a newb when it comes to taking care of my eyes area, but I'm fully on board now (well, maybe half on board). I've tried a few different creams and so far mama mio's Eye Know High Protein Moisturizing Eye Serum is my favorite!

Nail the Look-AKA: butter LONDON New York Fashion Week Spring 2013

So maybe I can't fit into a sample size, and perhaps I don't quite have the budget for all the designer duds I would like, BUT I can mimic the exact trend displayed during New York Fashion Week-with my nail polish! And so can you! See how butter LONDON styled the nails of the models for Erin Fetherston, Veda, and Kaelen:

ERIN FETHERSTON

Overall Look: The designer's signature feminine style had a bit of an edge. The collection consisted of flirty, feminine silhouettes with zippers, studs and texture.

Nail Design: The models weren't wearing bracelets or rings because Erin wanted the nails to be the accessory for the hands. Metallic nails mimicked the look of jewelry, lending itself to the ultimate eye-catching accessory. We used Lillibet's Jubilee, a silver metallic colour with a lilac finish that adds a feminine touch to the rock & roll vintage feel.

Details: The nails were naturally rounded for a feminine finish.

butter LONDON 3-Free Nail Lacquer Colours: Lillibet's Jubilee and The Full Monty

Lillibet's Jubilee

Full Monty 

Tell Us How You Really Feel About Nail Art! AKA: The MABB Weekly Beauty Question

Each Wednesday, the Metro Atlanta Beauty Bloggers will answer a beauty-related question just for fun!

This week's question is...

How do you feel about polish trends like nail art, crackle, "fish egg" manis, etc?

I'm a nail enthusiast, but a complete amateur. I like nail art, but I prefer when it is wearable, and translates to everyday life, because that's what relates to me. I think the "fish egg" mani is pretty, but not exactly practical for someone who cooks, cleans, changes diapers, and tends to little girls' hair. I must confess that I hate crackle polish and don't own a single bottle of it. But I love glitter, dotticures, chevrons (which I plan to attempt soon), and have been wearing an"accent nail" for almost 3 years now (I started sporting one in '09 because I wore a uniform to work and HAD to do something to set myself apart-I would let each of my daughters pick a polish and rock them both). I love color, art, and creativity, so for the most part, yes-I love nail art!
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Be sure to check out the other Metro Atlanta Beauty Bloggers' answers!

Artia from Fat 'nd FierceBridget from Polish, and Make-Up, and Cars! Oh My!
Emma from Manicurity
Harri from TrailerHood Chic
Mandy from MandysSecrets
Missy from Gnarly Gnails
Pam from Pammy Blogs Beauty
Quinn from Mama Fashionista
SiSi from SiSi Sparkles

If you would like to see previous questions and answers, you can do so by viewing the Question Archive here.

If you're a beauty blogger in the Metro Atlanta area and would like to join us, please visit our website! We would love to connect with you!

I Loathe Olives, But I Love a Dirty Martini! AKA: From Dusk Til Dawn NCLA Fall 2012

From Dusk Till Dawn-NCLA's Fall 2012 Nail Lacquer Collection

I already waxed poetic on how much I love NCLA's fabulous nail lacquers (it's here, in case you missed it)-from the packaging, to the names, and the superb formula-it's truly become one of my favorite brands. The new lacquer collection for Fall 2012 does not disappoint... once again I want every shade (I may have a problem, lovelies). But who could blame me with shades like these?

All in One Drug Store Wonder-AKA: NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compact

I'm ALL ABOUT eye shadows and lately I've been amassing palettes like nobody's business-and trust me that can be very hard on the wallet! So it's good to know that the drugstore has affordable options that offer you everything you can possibly need for just about any eye look imaginable! One great option is NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compacts. For around $5, you get 4 shadows, a primer, and an illuminator!