Shampoo Myths and Facts
July 28, 2008
You’d think that washing your hair is so simple, but us women like to complicate things! (And companies that want us to buy their products!) After awhile, tons of hair myths came about that made you have to change your shampoo every month, buy an extra shampoo for this and that. Well enough is enough; here are some hair myths debunked that I found out:
- “You need lather to know it’s really working.”
You’d think the more foam your shampoo produces, the cleaner the hair, right? I always used to think that! Actually, it just means there is a lot of detergent ingredients, and also when the surfactant molecules in the shampoo mix with air, it creates tons of bubbles. A small coin size of shampoo is all you really need to clean that hair and scalp. - “You should use a clarifying formula to get rid of buildup.”
If you’re using heavy-duty styling products, like sprays, mousse, or gel, regular shampooing could not really get rid of all that junk in your hair. If you do need a clarifying shampoo, don’t use it more than once a week, because these are very detergent heavy and can damage hair cuticles. - The Low Ponytail
“Before you gather your hair and pull it all back, section out a piece of hair at the nape of the neck. After you pull your hair away from your face, brush it with a Mason Pearson brush—every woman should invest in one. This will ensure that the hair visually moves backwards and remains uniform. Tack slicked hair into place with light hairspray to prevent flyaways. Fasten the ponytail with a clear hair band, then take the hair that’s sectioned out and wrap it around the ponytail, using a bobby pin to fasten.” - Sleek Flat Ironed Hair
“To get this look, start by blow drying using a small amount of your favorite relaxing cream,” Riggio recommends. “If hair is too stubborn to go straight, use a brush that is part plastic and part boar bristle. A ceramic flat iron is the best choice for straightening, as it’s very forgiving on the hair. After ironing, use a light application of your favorite glossing drops as a finishing touch.” - Poudre Elephant Teint
This is the perfect product to achieve a gorgeous glow. In India, the elephant is one of the most revered symbols, denoting royalty, inner strength and nobility. Now this iconic symbol can be found embossed in the powder of this new limited-edition bronzer. - Maharani Juicy Tubes
Inspired by the intricate motifs of Mehndi art, these Juicy Tubes are embellished with a golden design of scallop lines, dots, teardrops and paisley shapes. Shades range from Mango Mystere to Guava Enchantment and Autumn Jasmine.
Sephora’s The Lash Stash
July 26, 2008
As much as I am devoted to my favorite mascaras, sometimes I get restless and want to try something new! I’m sure every beauty addict is the same!
The much talked about, The Lash Stash from Sephora allows you to sample seven must have mascaras until you find the perfect one (for the month, until you get the urge to spend again!)
Revlon Beyond Natural Collection Concealer & Highlighter
July 25, 2008
Now that Gucci Westman is part of Revlon, there are tons of new releases from Revlon. One would be the new Concealer & Highlighter, a mini compact that contains a concealer and hightligher to not only cover your imperfections, but to highlight your best features.
“Concealer’s soft, creamy formula seamlessly covers undereye circles, dark spots and blemishes.
Highlighter contains ultra refined pearls to add a touch of subtle radiance to areas of the face you would like to accentuate, such as cheekbones, inner corners of eyes, and brows.”
M.A.C. Color Forms 5 Advanced Brushes Review
July 25, 2008
Honestly, I never really pay attention any MAC limited edition collections because before I know it, there’s another collection out! (Honestly though, how many collections do they have a year?) When I heard about the Nordstorm Beauty Exclusive, Color Forms, I once again didn’t pay attention – for one, I don’t have a Nordstorm anywhere near me.
What a surprise when I saw they actually sold this here! I couldn’t help eyeing the mini brush sets they offered. I caved in and bought the 5 Advanced Brush Set, not because I’m advanced in any makeup application technique (far from it!) but the soft black/white powder brush was too beautiful to pass up, and I really wanted an eyeliner brush that the set included as well.
Jessica Simpson Fancy Fragrance
July 21, 2008
I really have been out of it these past weeks because apparently Jessica Simpson is releasing a perfume next month (August 15th to be exact) and everyone but me is talking about it! Shameful.
Inspired by Jessica and her “award winning talent, beauty and captivating personality, Fancy Jessica Simpson is a sensual fragrance that is feminine, versatile and memorable. It is red carpet ready while maintaining the subtle flirtatious charm of the enticing girl next door.”
The scent was created by perfumer Alexis Dadier of Mane Paris and developed with Parlux Fragrances, who also developed Paris Hilton’s fragrances.
Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes Mascara
July 20, 2008
“A revolutionary new mascara designed to grip at lashes starting at the roots”, Givenchy’s new Phenomen’Eyes Mascara is definitely a new innovation in mascara.
This weapon-looking wand promises to “perfectly curls and separates lashes. It has a high-tech, patented round sphere at the tip of the precision wand that reaches every lash and adapts to all eye shapes. It’s a Sephora exclusive.”
For some reason, I can imagine this working very well - I am definitely in line to try this one out!
Image: Sephora.com
Fall Hair Trends from John Frieda Experts
July 15, 2008
This handsome man is stylist Guy Riggio from the Serge Normant at the John Fried Salon in LA, here to give you tips and tricks for fall. Good timing too, I just took out my nasty hair extensions (I’ve been blessed with the thinnest hair possible) so these are some awesome ideas!
“This fall is about extreme high fashion and looking polished, sharp and luxurious,” says Riggio. “This includes your best accessory—your hair.”
Riggio predicts the trends that will be taking the runways by storm this season:
Dior Diorshow Blackout Mascara Review
July 15, 2008
After my beloved Lancome Virtouse tube started to dry out, I decided the other day to buy Diorshow Blackout, since I used to wear Diorshow and didn’t mind it, and just wanted a bit of a change. Also, the whole “From the catwalks to you” definitely made me want to try it out!
I’ve used Diorshow maybe 2 years ago then switched to Lancome mascaras that I dearly love, but I didn’t switch because I didn’t like Diorshow – just wanted a change and then forgot about it, I guess! I’m glad I’m back though!
Blackout is an “intense deep kohl black shade that glides on smoothly, and draws out every last lash to show-stopping lengths.”
Lancôme Maharani Jewels Fall Collection
July 11, 2008
Lancôme’s fall color collection, Maharani Jewels, hits stores this month!
The collection was inspired by India, and the country’s alluring colors and elaborate designs. The natural hues from the landscape, the fragrant spices, and the colored jewels – all this reflect in Lancome fall color palette, starring a chic bronzing compact embossed with an iconic symbol of India, the elephant, known to signify royalty and internal strength.
Products include:
Meeting the Beautynomist!
July 9, 2008
So much for being “anonymous”, I guess my cover is blown! :P Oh well, it’s time to come out of hiding.
I’ve been talking to Sophie from Beautynomics for…maybe 2 years when I had my old beauty site, and recently started again when I made a new beauty site, Beautyfool (long story). So when she told me she was coming down to my part of the planet, of course we had to finally meet!
(I stole the picture above from Sophie! Here we are with MAC makeup artists Sara and Kevin. What’s with my smirk?).
Sophie is so sweet, and a true makeup addict! I watched her spend all her hard earned cash on items from Stila, M.A.C…. I can’t remember the rest, there were so many brands we looked at! :)
Murad Durian Cell Reform
July 6, 2008
With Murad’s latest skincare innovation, Durian Cell Reform, we can all honestly say we haven’t heard it all in the world of beauty!
Durian Cell Reform is said to reverse visible signs of ageing on the surface and provide hydration, antioxidant protection and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Dr. Murad’s latest beauty innovation, Durian Cell Reform™ is a proprietary blend of Durian and Glycolic Acid.
Durian, an Asian super fruit, has been used for centuries in Eastern medicine and is now featured exclusively in Murad’s Age Reform® Intensives.
Don’t know about Asian “Super” fruit, but this Super smelly fruit is banned in airports across Asia because it is just rancid! I personally cannot stand the smell! Who knew this stinking mess would have anti-ageing properties? My mom used to eat this out in the balcony cause the smell would stink up the house!
Chanel Soleil Tan de Soleil Bronzing Powder
July 3, 2008
I was out shopping with my friend today and we came across the Chanel makeup counter, and I could not take my eyes off this thing - Chanel’s new Soleil Tan de Chanel moisturizing bronzing powder, an “illuminating bronzing powder”, said to ”deliver a natural gorgeous bronze glow that never looks dull or flat.”
It was beautiful; sitting there as I began to make excuses as to why I should buy something I didn’t really need.
The packaging was perfection, and I tried all the shades and they were stunning. The colors were so light and went on the skin very finely, so the tan it gave was very natural - not the fake, harsh colors I’ve been seeing in other bronzers lately. The brush that comes with it is wonderful, and that little wave print they have on the bronzer is fantastic, I couldn’t stop touching it!
