MMM: Simple Gradient/Ombre Manicure with Essie, Julep, and Sinful Colors

From l-r: essie ridge filling base coat, Sinful Colors in Easy Going (300), Julep  Nail Vernis in Kelly, Hayden, Alicia,
and Sasha, essie luxeffects in Set in Stones, Julep Nail Vernis in Oscar, and Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat (picture taken without flash)

My Straight Hair Dream Team from Flat Iron Experts

In this month's Texture Perspective segment on NaturallyCurly.com, straightening is the topic of discussion. For me, I have evolved from the old hot comb, through several different flat irons, to the gem that I use now, courtesy of Flat Iron Experts.

Atopalm Perfectly Polishes Your Pedicure

I told you lovelies that I love alliteration (I think I may sense a on going theme for Mama Fashionista...), thus this posts title. I LOVE shoes and some of favorite styles openly showcase lots of skin on my feet. My toes can be as pretty and polished as they wanna be, but that means nada if the skin surrounding them is dry, ashy, and cracked. An awesome polish job is absolutely worthless if your feet are not well taken care of and moisturized! Sometimes that means that your standard body lotion is not sufficient to properly address the needs of your tootsies, especially during the hot summer months, when they are particularly exposed to the elements.

Landlocked? Let Bath and Body Works Malibu Heat Transport You to the Beach!

Bath and Body Works Signature Collection Malibu Heat Body Lotion , Shower Gel, and Fine  Fragrance Mist

Remember those old Calgon commercials? You know, "Oh Calgon! Take me away!" That's exactly what I think of when I smell Malibu Heat, one of the latest additions to Bath and Body Works Signature Collection. It is like the beach in a bottle and in an instant you feel transported ocean side. The scent is described as "a fresh blend of juicy pineapple, California orange and creamy coconut milk inspired by hot pink sunsets and twenty-seven miles of beautiful beach." My nose translates that to fun in the sand, surf and sunshine, with hints of salt water, coconut tanning oil, and creamy pina coladas (with lots of fruit and strong rum). I think I may be in need of a tropical vacation ASAP (or maybe just some quality bath time with out the girls joining me or banging on the bathroom door until I get out; I'd honestly be happy with either option). 

Beauty Bar + CEW = The Best Subscription Box EVER!!!

Lovelies, RUN don't walk, to order this EXCLUSIVE, Limited Edition, while quantities last, expertly curated (by the Cosmetic Executive Women or CEW)  box from BeautyBar.com! For $25 you will receive some of the best new beauty products, as voted on by industry insiders (see the complete list of winners here). The Insiders’ Choice Beauty Box features 11 products selected as the industry’s most innovative picks during this year’s 18^th Annual CEW Beauty Insiders’ Choice Awards. The box features both finalist and winning products.

Mama's Mani Madness! Avon nailwear pro+ Nail Enamel

Um... the title of this series is a work in progress; what can I say, I like alliteration! Anyway, I really enjoy nail polish and being able to experiment with different colors, designs, trends, and techniques all on my fingers and toes. To that effect, I'm always on the look out for new brands, formulas, colors, etc. to grow my ever expanding nail polish collection. As my photography skills improve (and if you lovelies request it of me), I will start to do swatches on my nails of different colors as I collect them. But to start off, I thought I'd share my discoveries with you with pictures of the bottles, etc. (Perhaps, I'll insert pictures of swatches at a later date; I'll keep you posted, if you promise to stay tuned!)

A selection from Avon's nailwear pro+ line. From l-r: barefoot beige, viva pink,  starry sky, decadence,  cosmic blue, and absinthe