Relaxing that Frizzy Hair!

Kerastase is a company owned by L'Oreal. The products are mostly sold in fine salons but drugstore.com also carries them (although they cannot guarantee them since they are not an authorized retailer).

I have been using this product for a few years on and off and I just love it. Use it after blow drying hair for frizz control and to lessen the appearance of split ends due to heat damage/coloring. A little goes a long way and this container can last for several months.

Kerastase Nutritive Oleo-Relax, Smoothing Controlling Care. $32.99

The directions say: "Apply 1 to 2 pumps directly to towel-dried hair. Style. Pump 1 drop into hand and work into lengths and ends. Finish by smoothing hands over hair."

All Thermal Lotions are NOT the same!

Remember that awesome thermal facial lotion by Avon that I reviewed? Well, I still love it and continue to use it. I loved it so much that I thought I might try a cheaper version for my feet from the drugstore. Bad choice.

Freeman makes a product called "Bare Foot Self-Warming Foot Scrub, Peppermint & Plum". It is 3.99 and not worth a dime!

First off, the scrub was stuck in the container. I could feel it in there but could not get it to come out. I used warm water on it and squeezed it but I was afraid it was going to explode in my face! Finally, the darn stuff came out very sandy. It was rough and then came the lotion (thin and pink). I gave it a try and yes it heated up on my feet but not very warm and didn't do much. Then I rinsed it and what a mess. It didn't dissolve at all and made a huge mess in the shower. So much for a foot scrub. Do not buy this product! Sorry Freeman but the formula must be off. Take a tip from AVON and start using their labs.

Avon still rocks in the thermal lotion department. Now, I did see some fancier versions in one of the latest fashion magazines, so I may give one a try. Let's see what I come up with!

LipFusion Really Works!

LipFusion Color Shine really works! It can be worn over or under lip color and it instantly plumps lips! This stuff is a bit expensive but it lasts about 4-6 months. They have a day version which can be found at CVS, Sephora or other fine stores. $38

They also sell a spearamint flavored night version (called LipFusion XL) to plump your lips overnight! It is tingly but you wake up like Angelina Jolie (minus the body)! $50 but ships for free at sephora.com.

And if you have a school reunion or wedding coming up for the summer, you might want to get the limited edition summer bling-bling version. It's so cute! It comes in one color called Velvet Bling Fusion.

Here is some boring product information:
LipFusion Color Shine-The next generation of lip plumpers has arrived. LipFusion is a moisturizing treatment gloss infused with revolutionary technology to plump lips instantly - no kidding. How it works: Tiny, dehydrated, marine collagen micro spheres are instantly absorbed by the lips, and seek out the body's natural moisture. As soon as the spheres become rehydrated, they plump and hold onto the moisture they've collected, creating a mild "swelling" of the lip tissue. The result is fuller, smoother, perfectly plumped lips in seconds. Results can last for up to 48 hours.

Breaking News! LipFusion has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal. "We are thrilled that LipFusion is among a select list of beauty products backed by the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal, a well-known symbol of confidence in consumer products," said Randi Shinder, President and Co-Founder of Fusion Beauty. Prognosis: LipFusion instantly plumps the lips.

To use: Apply morning and evening or as needed to moisturize and plump the lips throughout the day. $38 and it comes in many colors!

Got Zits?

I am sure that none of the readers of this blog have a zit problem....but on the unfortunate day that you wake up for work or for a special event with a zit, try this stuff! It is called Zapzyt and I think the name is pretty catchy and fun.

I like it because it doesn't smell and it isn't too irritating. It costs about $5.00 and can be found at any drugstore. Here is some product information:

Kills acne causing bacteria
Clears acne pimples and blackheads fast
Oil free, odorless gel vanishes as it clears your skin
Satisfaction guaranteed (see details on package)
The maximum strength formula in ZAPZYT Acne Treatment Gel is the same formula recommended by dermatologists. ZAPZYT penetrates deep into your pores where pimples begin, delivering the fastest results possible. ZAPZYT vanishes instantly into your skin. The only thing you will notice are the results.

ZAPZYT is guaranteed to clear your skin. If you use ZAPZYT as directed and don't get the results you're looking for, return the unused tube for a full refund. (address on package)


Formulated and packaged in the USA

It worked for this girl!

Trend Alert: Chunky, layered necklaces

I noticed that several websites are showing chunky, beaded necklaces for the summer/fall. You can find reasonable ones at new york and company, old navy, kohls and of course, TAR TAR.

picture credit: USweekly.com

Drugstore Diva

This next week I will have limited internet access (which is going to kill me) so I will be gathering reviews and saving them for next week. So look for LOTS of information next week!

I will be sticking to drugstores and finding some new products and giving them the moody maria magic. Pictures will be included!

Just a quick entry before I leave for a week. This mascara is awesome, sometimes on sale and very reliable. It's so cheap that you can change it out often and not worry about clumping.

Here is the product information:

4X Fuller Lashes
Dramatic Volume Effect
Separates & Builds Every Lash
Patented Volume Maximizing Brush
L'Oreal presents Voluminous Volume Building Mascara. Uniquely formulated to resist clumping, soften lashes and build lashes to 4X their natural thickness.

Unique maximizing formula quickly thickens and builds lashes in a single application for a full and dramatic look.

Patented Volume Maximizing Brush thickens lashes evenly, smoothly leaving them soft with virtually no flakes, smudges or clumps.

Voluminous with Panthenol and Ceramide-R protects and conditions lashes leaving them supple and soft to the touch, resisting clumping and flaking.

Ophthalmologist and allergy tested.

Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Clump-Resistant.

Fragrance-Free.

White Trash never looked so good!

I am not being mean! This is really the name of a product and they are all the rage in Hollywood. They are called White Trash Charms. Ashley Simpson and Gwen Stefani wear them and they are cool! They are also both moms (sort of). Paris Hilton and Hillary Duff have also been seen wearing them.

Here is one that is a little more conservative:

Check out my favorite that is worn by Jusin Timberlake.

It is so 80s and I love it!

http://www.whitetrashcharms.com/

Hairspray Blues

Is the grass greener on the other side? I have been "dating" my hairspray for about 14 years and I am starting to wonder if there is someone out there that is better, cheaper and more reliable?

His name is Sebastian and he is so perfect. But is there another one that someone isn't telling me about and they don't want to share? My friends can be so cruel. They always avoid this topic.

I have tried the bedhead, the garnier fructise, the aquanet, the suave, the aussie, even the reliable jonathan. Nothing seems to work better than Sebastian. If you have a hairspray tip you want to share, please let me know. Until then , I will be testing others and posting the results here.

Thank you Marc Cherry. Thank you for creating Desperate Housewives and for making Eva Longoria famous. Thank you L'Oréal for creating these signature lipsticks so I can have a new favorite lipstick that pretty much goes with every outfit!

My color of choice? Color Riche by L'Oréal Paris in gorgeous Toffee. It was designed by international make-up artist James Kaliardos. For more of these signature colors, check out your local Target, Walmart, CVS or Walgreens.

I just had to review these cheap flips I got at Walmart! I know, I know, it's all about Target now but I still find great stuff at Walmart. Plus, Walmart is open early so it's more convenient on the days I work. Anyhow, I got these as shower shoes for our Moab trip in March and I just love them! They are basically a fake version of Crocs but better because they have less material and they are more feminine. I have tried on the Crocs version of the flip flops and they aren't as comfortable. I did not have to break these shoes in either because they are so soft.

Although I only wear them around the house, I might sneak them on to run to the grocery store or Blockbuster. I have them in black and hot pink so they aren't as obnoxious. They sell for $6.93 and they only have a few pair left at our local Walmart.

New Option to Flip Flops

Gwyneth Paltrow's gladiators wouldn't work for my job!

Another option to flip flips this year are gladiator sandals. They say to wear them with something simple with clean lines. Here are some cute ones I found online that are more conservative:

Bath and Boday Works is having their Semi-Annual Sale and the Anti-bacterial soaps are on sale! They are 5 for $15 or 7 for $20. The sale ends Sunday!

I had this BRILLIANT idea at work one day. I told Carol and Leslie that we would have a ponytail month. Everyone in the office would have to wear a ponytail for the entire month. This would free up time for all of us, equalize us (sort of like school uniforms) and help us in growing our hair out. They just rolled their eyes and said, "Whatever, Jean!" Then I saw some information that put Ponytail July to bed.

I read that you should avoid barrettes because they tend to catch hair and break it at the root. They also put tension on the root, making it stretch, and therefore more vulnerable to breakage. I also read that you should "never use an elastic band to hold back your hair -- it'll catch every split end or rough cuticle it can and yank the strand out." You are supposed to use a soft scrunchy, ribbon or very lightweight clasp. Also, if you have a headache from pulling your hair back, it is a sign that the style is too tight.

Well, so much for Ponytail July. I guess I will have to find a way to make ribbons work in my hair or some puffy scrunchies. Hey, maybe I can start making my own in cute fabrics like U of A, the Cubs, and Star Wars (so my sons will think I am cool).

Or I could try these and see if they really work.

By the way, supposedly the messy and high ponytail was very hot on the runway this year. Well, I will look into some good ideas....More to come on this subject.

Split Ends! Yikes!

With all of the blow drying, straightening, coloring and curling we do each day, we break down the cuticles in our hair and the strands start to come undone. These are called split ends and they are unattractive and downright annoying. Apparently, by the time you notice these split ends, the damage is irreparable and you have no choice but to trim it. To prevent them, follow these easy tips:

Only use a wide-tooth comb to comb through wet hair. Using a brush will cause damage. On dry hair use a soft bristled brush. Use an ionic blow-dryer (they supposedly lock in moisture). If you have color treated hair, use appropriate shampoos and conditioners. Do not get a perm and color on the same day- wait two weeks in between processes. Use a deep conditioner on your hair at least once a month, and use leave-in conditioners once a week. Check out the Crème de Coco masque by Bumble and Bumble. http://www.bumbleandbumble.com/

To smooth out split ends, use products with silicone. Many of these can be found at your local Target, Walmart or supermarket.

This is so HOT it scares me!

I ordered a new cleanser from AVON. It is called Completely Clean Anti-Aging Thermal Cleanser. It was $10.50 but now 1/2 off for $5.25

When I first used it I was amazed! It really gets hot in your hands and as you rub it on your face (very gently) it heats up more and eventually cools down. I felt so refreshed after I used it but afraid my face would be beet red. Turns out, it was fine! The website states that it takes a few weeks to notice your anti-aging results (ha ha) but I am pretty excited about the cleansing factor.

If you need something other than coffee to pick you up in the morning, this is the product. I am sure that there are some similar products out there but this one works for me. I also ordered their Planet Spa Hawaiian Thermal Volcano Paraffin Hand and foot treatment and lotion so I will review that as soon as I receive it!

To order online with free shipping click here: http://ckinstle.avonrepresentative.com/ or by home delivery through http://janicesumpter.avonrepresentative.com/ (Brandon's cousin in Tucson)

I have used Victoria's Secret thermal foot treatment and it worked similarly but did not heat up as much and wasn't very effective on my feet. I noted that Olay also has a thermal pedicure treatment but it is pricey at 9.99 on drugstore.com. It got five stars though! Maybe I will check it out if I have a coupon or find it on sale.

New Hairspray coming Soon!

This has not been available in the US and will now be offered here. I will be looking for it at local stores to tell you how it works. Cheryl - if you find it in New York please buy a can! I have read it can be found in NYC. Amanda??

L’Oréal's laboratories have developed Elnett's unique formula to ensure long lasting hold without stiffness. Elnett defends against the elements so your style can stay perfect for longer. With a patented microdiffuser, Elnett sprays so fine and evenly, you can hardly see it or feel it. No wonder it's the choice of stars and professionals over the last 40 years.

This product rocks because it gives you great hold, volume and shine without the helmet head! Supreme hold, UV filters, and most importantly no stickiness and the ability to just brush it out at the end of a night on the tiles. What more could you ask for from a hairspray?

L'Oreal Elnett Hairspray comes in many variants; normal, supreme hold, UV filter, prevents colour fade etc. so there is something for everyone. The best part being that it also comes in a nifty handbag size for those last minute emergencies or touch ups.

Elnett Satin Supreme Hold Hairspray 75ml
To use, remove the security tab and shake can. Spray in short bursts from about 12 inches away. Price: $14-$34 depending on size.

Some Online Shopping Sites that have worked for Me!

Buy.com

We bought a mp3 player and a Garmin gps and both purchases were successful. I think we got free shipping on both and if you use google checkout they take an additional amount off the total. The shipping wasn't super fast (about 5 days) but we were happy with both products.

Costco.com

Costco has several items online that they do not offer in the store. They offer free shipping on many of the items too. In addition, they have travel packages. For my disney trip, it was cheaper to go through AAA (even though I am not a member they will let you buy them over the phone)but Carol used Costco last year and was very happy with them. As with AAA, you receive extra goodies such as a Disney gift card to use in the park. If they don't list your trip/hotel online you can call the 1-800 number, price it out and compare. They are open from 8am-5pm and the customer service is amazing- friendly and patient.

I also bought my camera online at Costco and had a great experience. They recently updated their photo center and it is still in the process of transfering over. I have ordered pictures in the past online and the shipping was free! I ordered over 300 pictures one time and they came in a box and it was still free shipping. I am going to order some soon and see if they caught on to this detail. Kodak gallery charges a fee and also a shipping fee. When I ordered them at CVS they messed up the order and all of the pictures had a black line on the bottom. They gave me a refund but I will most likely never use CVS again for pictures (at least ordering them online through kodak). Costco has never messed up an order for me.

Zappos.com

I ordered shoes one time and they came the very next day via FED EX as promised. Free shipping and free returns. They charge a little more but if they have your shoe and you need it quickly - this is a no-brainer. ALSO- they have shoe reviews from real people. I listed one and it showed up the next day. I have some friends who have used zappos and also love them. A little pricey but a good resource to compare and also great reviews.

Avon.com

Works every time! Free shipping and they haven't messed up my order once. The shipping is very slow though (about 7 days)

The Company Store and Old Navy. (great)

DO NOT LIKE OVERSTOCK.COM

I bought something and they charge you a restocking fee and shipping. I will never use them again. I know some people have used them and they liked them but I was very unsatisfied.

Best of Sephora Sweepstakes

Sephora has a bunch of new summer items and top picks for hair, skin and of course summer fragrances. Time to get some new perfume. Any suggestions? I like fruity, clean scents such as Happy or Be Delicious by DKNY.

Click below to check out their fragrances:

Click on the picture to below to sign up and vote:

Sephora has so many great things and of course free shipping on orders over $50, free samples and free returns. I hate that we don't have one in town. Can you believe Casa Grande just got one and WE don't have one???? This is ridiculous. No wonder Lora is moving!

Article on Hairstyles and Makeup that age you

I found an article on some celebrities and it showed them wearing too much makeup and out of date hairstyles. Here are some excerpts and a link to the full article:

One of the hottest celebrities today, actress Jessica Biel is beloved for her incredible body and is more popular than ever due to her relationship with singer Justin Timberlake. But even the hottest actresses have some fashion faux pas in their past. In this picture in 2003, Biel is appearing a bit too Dita Von Teese-like to bad effect.

No-no's to avoid:
Red lips are a timeless trend, but don't let them clash with strong eye makeup. Keep the rest of your makeup light if you opt for bright lips, lest you appear like Bozo the clown.

Heavy eye-makeup is particularly aging. Heavy shadow all the way to the brows is too much, unless you are performing onstage, in which case, have at it.

Careful with the shimmer. As former model Lauren Hutton says in the November, 2007, issue of Marie Clare magazine, shimmer can act like "airport runway lights -- illuminating every line, wrinkle and pore." Hutton should know, since she created her own makeup line when she couldn't find makeup that flattered her aging skin.

Pick the right outfit. Here, Biel's makeup is fighting for attention with the bow on her sweater. If you opt for dark lips, they need to be the center of attention. Keep the rest of your outfit, classy and simple.

Here, Jessica Biel's makeup looks pretty and natural. Her hair is loose and wavy, yet not too long. Hair that falls just below the shoulders is universally flattering on women of all face shapes and hair types.

http://beauty.about.com/od/cutcoloradvice/ss/agingyou.htm