Brighten Up Your Summer with Pink Holiday Lipsticks!

Discover your summer perfect pinks! Summer is all about bright colors—blooming flowers and vibrant sunsets. Take a break from dull, drying lip colors with Pink Holiday, a specialty line of exclusively pink lipsticks. Pink Holiday Luxury Satin Lipstick allows you to achieve a flirty, feminine lip look with one simple swipe. Collaborating with a top Italian-based lipstick formulator, Pink Holiday incorporates an innovative gellified system to create a luxe formula that glides on smoothly and evenly, offering full-coverage color for a pretty pink pout that lasts.

For More Than Just Your Face! (Summer Beauty)

For those that are showing more skin this summer, make sure that your – face AND body – are smooth and firm. Here’s a trick: Use these exfoliating pads {most commonly used for your face} on trouble areas like elbows and knees for instant brightness and smoothing.

Fab Five Friday Favorites: Josie Maran Cosmetics

We all know that I'm obsessed with argan oil and Josie Maran has a special place in my heart, because she started the obsession (plus I got the opportunity to interview the lady herself)! Not only does she make fantastic skin products, she makes AWESOME cosmetics {that are all wrapped in the most beautiful rose gold packaging} as well! These are but a few of my faves...

Quickie Review: Lavanila Forever Fragrance Oils in Pure Vanilla and Vanilla Grapefruit

Lavanila Laboratories Forever Fragrance Oil in Vanilla Grapefruit and Pure Vanilla

The Lavanila Forever Fragrance Oils Long-Lasting Roll-On’s in Vanilla Grapefruit and Pure Vanilla {sent for the purpose of review} are great to have for anytime of the year. They both have Vanilla as a key note which is great for all year round:  it’s warm and who doesn't love Vanilla?!? The Pure Vanilla fragrance is exactly what the name says it is-pure vanilla goodness.The Vanilla Grapefruit fragrance is great because it has a nice citrusy feel to it. Overall I love these two Fragrances and the upside of them being oils is they last a really long time-Peyton...

Attention NYC and Cali Lovelies! Sea Salt Never Tasted So Good: Ouidad and Dana’s Bakery Team Up to Create Sea Salt Inspired Macarons

This summer, indulge in sea inspired products without ever having to step foot on the beach thanks to Ouidad and Dana’s Bakery.  In honor of the launch of the Ouidad Wave Create Sea Spray, the Curl Experts are collaborating with Dana’s Bakery to create an exclusive Sea Salt Caramel macaron.  During the month of July, the first 100 people to purchase will receive a full size Ouidad Wave Create Sea Spray and a special offer to Ouidad.com and Ouidad flagship salons in New York and Santa Monica.

Ouidad's Wave Creation Sea Spray 

Four Steps to a Fresh, Flawless Face with Rimmel! (And a GIVEAWAY!)

· Begin with Rimmel London Match Perfection Foundation ($8.99), a light perfecting radiance foundation, that gives traceless coverage and perfectly flawless skin under any light. Lasts all day and has SPF 18 – perfect for summer!

June 2013 MAC Matters Purchase: A Long Time Coming!

Before I share what I purchased for this month's installment of MAC Matters, here's a brief recap of what this whole shindig is about:

This series is the brain child of the fabulous Pam of Pammy Blogs Beauty. She basically decided that instead of continuing a subscription to a beauty box service, she'd use the money ($21) to build a core collection of products from MAC Cosmetics. I read about it and immediately asked if I could do it with her.
Here are the rules for the MAC Matters Makeup Challenge:

My Magazine Haul! How Shopping and Reading Magazines Goes Hand in Hand for Me!

I get A LOT of magazines every month and it drives the hubby crazy. One of the ways I get rid of them quickly is by flipping through them and tearing out all of the articles and ads that interest me so that I can focus on those and throw the bulk of the magazine away. I then construct a wishlist from the torn out ads, and sometimes I actually end up buying some of the stuff! Recently, I've acquired quite a few things from my torn out ads and I thought I'd share my haul with you!

Quickie Review (Pour Homme): Versace Eros Fragrance for Him

Versace Eros Eau de Toilette

"I designed my new fragrance for a man who is both heroic and passionate, like a Greek God. Eros is a scent that depicts and emphasizes sensuality."

- Donatella Versace

Address Your Hair's Unique Needs with Nubian Heritage!

Every head of hair is unique! Nubian Heritage offers different lines (that all feature all natural and organic ingredients) to suit your hair's needs! Color treated hair? Try the EVOO & Moringa line! Looking for maximum growth and strength? It's Indian Hemp & Tamanu for you! Do you love your style/heat tools? Protect those tresses with Honey & Black Seed!

(Full Disclosure: Product was sent for the purpose of review)

Nubian Heritage EVOO & Moringa Line (for repair of damaged  hair, to extend life of perm, and to extend color)

EVOO & Moringa w/Quinoa, Fennel & Henna Repair & Extend Hair Treatment Collection helps to revive damaged hair as well as extend the life of color while restoring health and shine.

Moringa Oil, was highly prized by ancient Ayurvedic  for its rejuvenating properties. It contains high levels of oleic acid, antioxidants and vitamins, which help to  repair split ends and condition hair. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is rich in fatty acids and provides intense moisture and shine. Henna offers natural color enhancement, and sheen, while thickening hair strands naturally.  Quinoa provides a protective barrier over the hair shaft.

Because the plant-infused line is so gentle, unlike products with harsh chemicals, it helps your color resist fading, extending the life of color up to 70%. It also protects hair from sun damage and environmental stressors, all while leaving your hair soft, silky, shiny, and smelling fantastic! My picks from the collection: EVOO & Moringa w/Quinoa, Fennel & Henna 

Repair & Extend Conditioner ($11.00 for 12oz. at Walgreens): it can be used as a basic conditioner, as a deep conditioner, OR as a leave-in conditioner and performs well in all 3 capacities. I've even used it for co-washing! What can I say, I'm a sucker for a multi tasker! EVOO & Moringa w/Quinoa, Fennel & Henna Repair & Extend Hair Butter  ($11.99 for 6oz. at Walgreens):   a little goes a long way with this rich emulsion. I love to use this on the girls after I've detangled their hair. It's the perfect consistency to give light hold for braids and two strand twists. Plus it adds a beautiful amount of sheen and smells so good! 

Nubian Heritage Indian Hemp & Tamanu Line (for breakage prevention and stronger hair)

Indian Hemp & Tamanu Oil w/ Bamboo, Monoi & Garlic Extract
Strengthen & Grow helps to do just as it says, grow and strengthen your tresses!

For centuries, herbalists around the globe have used Hemp on the scalp to calm irritation. In Madagascar, Tamanu Oil is revered for its natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties as well as its deeply moisturizing and reparative benefits. In Chinese medicine, Bamboo is used to strengthen hair and promote healthy growth, while naturopaths in the Mediterranean apply Garlic Extract for the same reason. Naturally fragrant Monoi Oil, a beauty secret from Tahiti, intensely hydrates hair preventing breakage. My picks from the collection: Indian Hemp & Tamanu Oil w/ Bamboo, Monoi & Garlic Extract Grow & Strengthen  Serum  ($11.99 for 4fl oz. at Walgreens): We all know that I'm a sucker for oils and this one is absolutely luscious! Smells divine and soaks into the hair and scalp like butter! I prefer to use it on soaking wet hair or to help in detangling my hair. Indian Hemp & Tamanu Oil w/ Bamboo, Monoi & Garlic Extract Grow & Strengthen Edge Taming Taffy ($11.99 for 6oz. at Walgreens): it's all-natural and petrolatum-free and works wonders at helping to control and smooth edges for a sleek look. I use it for ponytails, braids, and two strands twists for myself, and curly puffs for the girls.

Nubian Heritage Honey & Black Seed Line (for heat protection and moisture retention)

Honey & Black Seed w/ Babassu, Carrot & Macadamia Nut Oils
Heat Protection and Moisture Retention

Arabian Honey, because of its high concentration of proteins, natural enzymes and amino acids, has been used throughout history to deeply moisturize, repair and protect the hair and scalp. Black Seed Oil was actually found in the Tomb of King Tutankhamen and is used to rejuvenate and balance hair and scalp with its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and healing benefits. Babassu Oil comes from the Amazon and is rich in fatty acids. It has been traditionally used in Brazil to strengthen hair and preserve elasticity. Australian aborigines have applied Macadamia Nut Oil to their hair to replenish moisture for thousands of years, while Keratin helps repair damage and nourishes hair, leaving it smooth and silky. My picks from the collection: Honey & Black Seed w/ Babassu, Carrot & Macadamia Nut Oils Heat Protect Keratin Hair & Scalp Serum ($11.99 for 4oz. at Walgreens): This is the perfect precursor to straightening my hair. I don't blow dry my hair-when I know I'm going to be straightening it, I wash and condition it, apply this oil while it's still wet, and then braid it up and allow it to air dry. Once it's dry and right before I use a flat iron to straighten I use my second pick...Honey & Black Seed w/ Babassu, Carrot & Macadamia Nut Oils Heat Protect Keratin Wrap Mousse ($11.99 for  7.5fl oz at Walgreens): It is the perfect texture for use before heat styling because it doesn't leave your hair wet for too long. Not only is your hair protected from heat, it's left soft and shiny, with a slight amount of hold (so your style won't fall flat as soon as you leave the house)!

Even though those are my selections from the 3 collections, you really can't go wrong with any of these products! In fact, I feel like my appetite has merely been whetted and I'm so ready to try out EVERYTHING else Nubian Heritage has to offer! Have you tried any of their products yet? What are your favorites? Anything mentioned here that you are now dying to try? My inquiring mind want to know! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Until next time...

Mani Monday! Anatomy of a Mani featuring Jesse's Girl and China Glaze

Disclaimer: I am not a nail blogger or professional (so sometimes I color outside of the lines and my cuticles look a bit ragged). I am merely a girl who LOVES nail polish!

Summer Time Beauty: CC All About It!

Sometimes the summertime heat can make your normal makeup routine feel heavy and unbearable! But there's no need to sacrifice a flawless complexion for staying cool. Keep reading to see how CC Creams can help you look fresh and not hot and bothered.

May 2013 MAC Matters Purchase: Time For Glam!

Before I share what I purchased for this month's installment of MAC Matters, here's a brief recap of what this whole shindig is about:

This series is the brain child of the fabulous Pam of Pammy Blogs Beauty. She basically decided that instead of continuing a subscription to a beauty box service, she'd use the money ($21) to build a core collection of products from MAC Cosmetics. I read about it and immediately asked if I could do it with her.

Get Sexy Summer Hair with Agadir Argan Oil!

Whether you like it wavy and loose or tight and full, these products have what you need to keep your hair summer time fine! Keep reading for a review {you know, because that's why they were sent to me, lol!} of each of these products AND a step by step tutorial!

Help Mama Mio Support Every Mother Counts!

Starting this summer, Mama Mio is proud to be an Ambassador for Every Mother Counts. Mama Mio supports Every Mother Counts by donating $5 from the sale of every 9 Month Kit worldwide at mamamio.com. These funds will go to improving the health and well being of girls and women worldwide.

Stay Cool and Fragrant with Bath and Body Works' Summer Chill Collection!

Whether at work, relaxing at the beach or indulging ourselves with outdoor shopping, we always want to look, smell and feel our best. With Bath & Body Works’ newest collections, Summer Chill {sent for review}, you can cool down and unwind from the summer heat, while enjoying what the season has to offer!

BlingGuard: A Must-Have Tool For Your Fashion Kit!

BlingGuard  {sent for review}has developed two products that will keep rings and earrings secured and looking fabulous, ensuring  that jewelry fits perfectly and stays in place no matter what!

MAC MATTERS: A Long Overdue Update!

I know, I know! I've been a bad girl {and now I have a Robin Thicke song stuck in my head}. I haven't done a MAC Matters post since April, and to be honest with you, I have no idea why. Chalk it up to life, a lack of motivation, and a hitch in my planning schedule, but I'm trying to get things back on track! So here's a bit of an update...

Save 15% on Ouidad Conditioners-Now Which One(s) to Buy?

Now through Sunday, July 21, you can get 15% off of all of Ouidad's AWESOME conditioners. A few of these I've tried, a few of them I want to try, but all of them are FANTASTIC!

Fresh & Fruity Fragrances... For Her & Him!

Get Hydrated with Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Line!

I've been using Burt's Bees products for almost a decade now, and with few exceptions, I have yet to be disappointed by what the brand offers. I love that they continue to expand and add new products to their already stellar lineup, one of the latest being the Intense Hydration line {full disclosure: the products pictured above were sent to me for editorial/review consideration}. I've already reviewed the eye cream in the collection {and I continue to use it every night}, and now I'll be discussing the Cream Cleanser and Treatment Mask!

June Favorites: Mini Me Edition (Better Late Than Never!)

My (pre)teen Queen :)

I talk a lot about my youngest daughters {probably because they are at home with me ALL DAY!}, but I also have a 12 {going on 13 very soon} year old daughter named Peyton. She's beautiful, smart, thoughtful, and oh so creative! She loves to read, music, beauty, and fashion - so she may not look a bit like me, but in a lot of ways, she really is a "mini" me {I put mini in quotes because at this point she's actually taller than me}! I thought it would be fun to let her be more involved with the blog {in hopes that will quench her desire to be active on social media outlets that I think she is SOOOO not ready for} by doing book and product reviews when appropriate and sharing her monthly favorites. So without further ado, here are Peyton's June favorites...

Be Ready For It! QVC Today's Special Value (7-13-13) feat. It Cosmetics!

I feel like I've gone up a notch in the blogger world because I have the privilege of sharing this sneak peek preview with you lovelies! The highly innovative cosmetics brand, It Cosmetics, is debuting a brand new 6 piece collection, exclusively on QVC and QVC.com, for ONE DAY ONLY: July 13! What's so special about It Cosmetics and this Most Beautiful You 6 Piece Set? Keep reading and find out!

Get Color PHerfection with amika! (Quickie Review)

amika Color PHerfection Shampoo

Indulge dry locks with intense moisture while gently cleansing with the amika Obliphica Color PHerfection Shampoo {sent for review}. This breakthrough formula combines Obliphica (Sea Buckthorn Berry) seed oil & Wild Cherry Bark extract to deliver a luxurious lather that rinses clean. Vitamin E infuses strands with increased manageability, while the pH range 5.0-5.5 locks in color — leaving hair insanely radiant and shiny. This fabulous shampoo is for all hair types and free of parabens and artificial colors.

Perfect Your Brows With TouchBack Brow Marker!

Over time, I have learned that your eyebrows can either make or break your look; it's really true when they say they frame your face! If your eyebrows are on the thin side (like mine), it takes more than keeping them groomed, shaped, and trimmed to have them look their best. There is quite a fine line between your eyebrows looking perfectly coiffed and Groucho Marx, and I find myself struggling to find that sweet spot in between. My hair is naturally very dark {and now it is color treated}, so often times if I try to match the color it comes of way too strong. Powders can appear much more natural, but I find that it is hard to find a matte shade in the appropriate color and even with gel, my oily complexion saps the longevity of the look. So when I learned of the TouchBack Brow Marker {sent for the purpose of review}, I was excited to give it a try.

Heat Up Your Look This Summer with Streekers!

Now that I've made the leap to dye my normally very {very} dark tresses, I'm even more open to experimentation with color.  I love the look of chalking and admired the look of pink highlights on the likes of Demi Lovato, January Jones, Lauren Conrad. Come to think of it, I've always been a fan of off the wall touches of color, ever since Gwen Stefani started sporting them way back when. I can't go full on mermaid hair, so that's why I love Streekers {especially now that my hair is a little bit lighter than it has been in the past}..

CGC: Camille Rose Naturals Jansyn's Moisture Max Conditioner and Aloe Whipped Butter Gel

Camille Rose Aloe Whipped Butter Gel and Jansyn's Moisture Max Conditioner, both available from Curl Mart 

Both products were sent for the purpose of review by Naturally Curly and Camille Rose.
Founded in 2010 by Janell Stephens, a mother of five and dedicated vegan, Camille Rose Naturals is a 100% MOMpreneur owned and operated company, dedicated to developing and marketing hand-made hair, skin and body care products for modern natural hair sophisticates who care about their total health, beauty and wellness. (Source: camillerosenaturals.com)

The Best Beauty New on the Web- AKA: The Beauty Blog Coalition's Weekly Roundup (7-5-13)

Mama Fashionista: Are you a lip balm addict like Mama Fashionista? Quinn shares her top 10 lip balm picks!

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: If you love pink blush, and are crazy about a lit from within glow- then say bonjour to Chanel Les Tissages de Chanel Blush Duo Effet Tweed in Tweed Pink No. 10- C'est Magnifique!

Painted Ladies: Find out about Vaseline's new Spray & Go moisturizer and enter to win a $1000 gift card to spafinder.com!

BeautyTidbits: Hitting the beach for your vacation? Check out these affordable beach bag beauty essentials to help you look your best while having fun in the sun!

TheFabZilla: Are you ready to age beautifully? TheFabZilla shares her experience with doctor-formulated Ageless Derma Stem Cell & Peptide Anti-Wrinkle Cream

Find Yourself in Pure Paradise with Bath & Body Works!

Get your very own island escape any time, when you take your senses to paradise with Bath & Body Works' new scent, Pure Paradise. With new products perfect for beautifully fragrant, summertime skin, Pure Paradise is sure to be one of your new favorites too!

Spiegel- A Century of Style for the New Millennium (Sponsored Post)

I doubt that there's a woman from my my generation and earlier, that isn't familiar with Spiegel. I remember the huge catalogues that would come for my mom and sifting through the pages, picking out all the sophisticated, timeless pieces that would one day fill my grown up wardrobe. Chances are, my mother did the same thing-Spiegel was founded in 1865 and the iconic fashion brand has been setting the styles for women across the country for over a century now!

To read more on how Spiegel is still influencing the way women dress, click here!

Quickie Review: Lee Stafford Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray

First off, I LOVE the pink packaging used in this whole range of styling products {it's called the Pink Range}! Lee Stafford Beach Babe Sea Salt {sent to me for review consideration} is "for that sexy just stepped out of the sea look!" It's not the type of product that I would typically pick out if left to my own devices, but honestly, that's part of the reason I love what I do, because it allows me to step out of my beauty comfort zone from time to time.

NCLA Sweet Revenge Collection: Mostly Cloudy With a Chance of Sprinkles

Disclaimer: I am not a nail blogger or professional (so sometimes I color outside of the lines and my cuticles look a bit ragged). I am merely a girl who LOVES nail polish!

NCLA Mostly Cloudy With a Chance of Sprinkles

NCLA's latest collection, Sweet Revenge, is inspired by a day at the carnival. This lacquer is called Mostly Cloudy With a Chance of Sprinkles {sent for review}and is truly unlike anything I have in my collection.

Quickie Review: Lulah Hand Cream

Lulah Hand Cream in Peony 

I know you hear this from me often, but one of the things I'm also "obsessed" with {and subsequently have a tendency to hoard} is hand cream. I've always been paranoid about the rough texture of the skin on my palms, and now that I take pictures if my nails frequently AND wash dishes multiple times a day, that obsession has just heightened.

Molly Sims Agrees With Me! (Lavanila Healthy Deodorant Giveaway)

My love for  Lavanila's Healthy Deodorant is well established, and now it's supermodel approved! Read on to find out what Molly Sims thinks of The Healthy Deodorant and find out how you can win some for yourself!

June 2013 Favorites!

This was a great month for favorites, inasmuch as I had a really difficult time narrowing it down to these {and there was no way possible that I could cut it down to ten}. Some of the items here have been in my collection for a while, but I am rediscovering how much I love them {and wondering how I forgot about them in the first place}, others are new to me {thanks to the lovely companies that I have the pleasure of working with}, and once again I'm left to wonder how I ever did without them. So without further ado, here are my favorites for the month of June...