Takes Up Precious Room

Alberto VO5 Extreme Style Hairspray Review
Moody Level- HIGH!! Alert husband quickly, Moody level is above normal level.I am always on the lookout for new hairspray. I was tempted when I saw this one one sale. Now I know why it was on sale- they were trying to get rid of it!

This hairspray did not hold. It smelled fine, sprayed gloriously and simply didn't work. I wish my other hairspray bottles would spray as nice as this one.

Don't waste your money or precious cabinet space on this one!

The Unpink Life is having a Giveaway!




L'Oreal Double Extend Mascara

I started using this new mascara and I love it! I was a little annoyed at first that it had a two-step process because I am all about saving time. But, when I saw the results and how quickly the application process was, I was not disappointed.

First, apply the white nourish and protect product and follow it up with the mascara. It actually separated my lashes more than other mascaras. The product lasted all day and didn't smudge, which was great.

The only odd part of this product, is the way it comes off in clumps. I think the nourisher actually binds it together, so when it comes off, it doesn't really smear on your tissue or makeup wipe, but comes off in little parts. I guess it is less of a mess that way.

Well- if you are running low on mascara, I would recommend it! It is on sale on Target this week. Like you aren't going to be at Target this week!

L'Oreal introduces New Double Extend Beauty Tubes Technology, a revolutionary lash extension effect mascara the provides up to 80% longer-looking, nourished lashes.
Step 1 - Nourish & Protect
Step 2 - Tubes extend lashes
Step 3 - Remove with just water

Tube Benefits:
Clump-free length
Smudge-proof
Flake-proof
Long-wearing hold

Ophthalmologist and allergy tested
Suitable on sensitive eyes & for contact lens wearers

L'Oreal Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner



Product Review:

L'Oreal Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner in Black

I recently had the chance to try this new eyeliner by L'Oreal and I have to say - I love it! I have been wearing it since I got it in my little hands. It truly does last the entire day.

Unlike most pencils, it goes on smoothly and smudges easily. The eyeliner even comes with it's own smudger and sharpener - cool invention, I must say!

New Breakthrough
Up to 16-Hours of Smudge-Resistant Color
Mechanical Eyeliner for Smooth, Precise Application
Sharpener & Smudger Included
L' Oreal presents Infallible Never Fail Mechanical Eyeliner.
Rich creme formula for smooth application.
Smudge-resistant, up to 16-hour wear.
Built-in sharpener and smudger.
Ophthalmologist tested.
Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Michelle Obama's Beauty Secrets

TotalBeauty.com
Michelle Obama's Beauty Secrets

From her volume-packed bob hairstyles to her radiant skin, photos and tips on recreating the first lady's looks


Michelle Obama's Beauty Secrets

Read these pro tips on how to make her best looks, from her inauguration 'do to her pre-campaign glow, work for you.

See Michelle Obama

Free Shipping at Bobbi Brown


FREE STANDARD SHIPPING WITH ANY ORDEREXPIRES TOMORROW: Friday, January 23rd, 2009 (midnight ET)

Simply enter offer code: BEST1 at checkout.*SHOP NOW*
Please note: Offer code required. One time use only. Valid only on BobbiBrown.com $45

Dolce and Gabbana Ad Campaign


First she gets Ryan Reynolds and now she nabs a great makeup line! Scarlett Johansson is modeling for the new Dolce and Gabbana makeup line campaign.

When describing the makeup line, Stefano added, “We see makeup as another thing for women, like a dress. We worked on the makeup line like .....Read the rest here.

You can visit Dolce and Gabbana's website here: http://www.dolcegabbana.com/dg/

Political Fashion

I feel it is disrespectful to talk about the President and First Lady and their clothing. Their job is so much more important than something as trivial as their outfits. But...you gotta do what you gotta do!

I think it is obvious who the stars of the day were!


Malia (L) and Sasha Obama at the inauguration ceremony of their father, January 20. Malia and Sasha looked absolutely beautiful and stole the show in my eyes. They are definitely going to be in the limelight as far as fashion! Their outfit are from J. Crew.

Michelle Obama chose a great color but the material of her dress was not flattering on her. She has a great figure and it should be highlighted. I love the gloves!

US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama dance during the Commander-in-Chief Ball at the National Building Museum in Washington. Michelle looked glamorous and elegant in her Jason Wu gown. Perfect choice!

President Barack Obama, left, and first lady Michelle Obama, right, are introduced at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.

Best At Home Hair Color

TotalBeauty.com
Readers' Picks for Best At-Home Hair Color

See which brand beat Clairol and L'Oreal to deliver the most natural results


These boxed wonders do the job so well, you may want to cancel your salon appointment.

See the best

15. Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Multi-Lights, $7.79

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8*


What you said: "It doesn't smell as strong as ..."

14. Clairol Natural Instincts Brass Free, $9.49

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.1*


What you said: "The brassiness is definitely gone from ..."

13. L'Oreal Paris Feria Hair Color, $9.59

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.1*


What you said: "I would prefer [this] over paying ..."

Want to see what's number 1? Click here!

Speaking of Bangs.....

I wasn't quite sure I would like Katy Perry's bangs and bob but she looks pretty cute. You can see more of her on Just Jared here.


Article on Bangs from Total Beauty

TotalBeauty.com
Easy Hairstyle Update -- Bangs!

Follow the lead of these celebrity beauties and transform your haircut by cutting bangs


Easy Hairstyle Update -- Bangs!

Bangs are the easiest way to update your hairstyle without having to cut your hair short or completely change your color. So why not kick off the new year with a gorgeous new look? You can try retro blunt a la Katy Perry or soft and sideswept like Jessica Biel. Let these celebrity photos inspire you.

See bangs

Solessence Giveaway at Mommy Always Wins

Giveaway Alert!
The coolest blogger in all of Wisconsin, Mommy Always Wins, is giving away a prize AND it's beauty related!! You can have the chance to win a Solessence set which includes SheaShea lotion, scrub and soap.


Click on the link below to enter!

Good Luck!

Feature Interview with Toya Smith Marshall

Name: Toya Smith Marshall, Founder, Writer and Owner of "The Life of a Ladybug"
Blog Name: http://lifeofaladybug.typepad.com/



Toya is a wife, mother, member of the Niraja Dance Company (The NDC) and owner of Makeda Make-up Artistry. In her spare time, she also writes her own beauty blog – The Life of a Ladybug and a personal/dance blog - Makeda. I caught up with Toya to find out how she does it all!

What first inspired you to start a beauty blog?
"The Life of A Ladybug" started out as a personal blog, actually. I posted about things that interested me - bellydance, pop culture, politics, issues affecting the Black community, and, of course, makeup, hair and clothes. After a while, I realized that the vast majority of my posts were about makeup and hair, so I decided to make "The Life of A Ladybug" a true beauty blog and created a new blog, "Makeda" to talk about my other passions.

How has blogging changed your life?
Blogging has opened so many doors for me. First of all, it's just a great creative outlet. I've been a writer all my life - in fact, I minored in creative writing in college. After I graduated, I kind of got out of it, but missed it so much. Blogging has been my way to get back into writing and in a much more immediate way - my writing goes out to the mass instantly and I get responses almost as quickly. It's very fulfilling. Because of my site, I've also been given opportunities to write in other venues, like online magazines, websites, etc. Not to mention that I've made friends in the beauty blogging world, which is great.

For those who are wanting to create a blog, where would you suggest they start? Are there any particular websites that are helpful to you?
I started my blog on Blogger (http://www.blogspot.com/), which is a really easy way to get going in blogging. It's just a step-by-step process and you have a blog within minutes! As I'm not a technically savvy person, this was the best way for me. They even have pre-made templates and everything. After I'd been going for a while, I switched over to Typepad (http://www.typepad.com/), which is where both my blogs are housed, currently. I find it almost as easy as Blogger and the template selection and adaptability are much greater. After switching to Typepad, I hired a designer to create the unique look of "The Life of A Ladybug".

After you get your blog started, it's a good idea to go around to similar blogs and become a regular reader and commenter. It is bad blogging etiquette to just spam other blogs' comment pages with your blog address, but if you're a regular reader/commenter, other regulars will become interested in you and will click on your name to find your link. Also, join networks and blogging communities to get your name/site out there.

I read your essay called "Doing What's Natural" that was featured on NPR. It seems like your daughter was quite an inspiration for you to go natural with your hair. Can you explain how she was an influence?
My daughter influences lots of what I do. When she was born, I did a lot of thinking about my place in the world as a Black woman. I was raising this little Black girl and I wanted her to believe in her beauty and rightness. In order to instill that in her, I had to believe and understand it for myself. So I decided it was time for me to stop becoming something other than who I was and learn to love myself in my natural state. So, I stopped relaxing - I cut my relaxed ends off and got to know my natural curly/kinky hair and I've been loving every minute of it.

Do you feel the same way about makeup being natural? What advice do you have for mothers with teenage daughters as far as makeup is concerned?
If you mean more organic ingredients/products, etc., no, not really. I love makeup in all its forms. Now, that doesn't mean that I'll use any and everything on my face, as I have really sensitive skin, so anything that irritates it goes in the trash really quickly.

My advice for moms with teenaged daughters: Let them experiment. I know that's probably not the most popular advice, but it's what I think works. When I was a teenager, that's what I wanted to do most. And really, I don't think it hurts. If your daughter goes out with purple eyeshadow up to her brow and black lipstick, it might look a crazy mess, but it won't hurt her. She'll learn pretty quickly how she wants to look and she'll move in that direction. Your daughter may not have the same idea of beauty that you have and that's okay. Makeup is supposed to be fun. Now ... I think teenaged girls look best with light, natural makeup, but hey ... it's not my face!


Can you tell us what is in your makeup bag?
I can tell you what's in the one I carry to work! As for what's in my actual makeup arsenal (I call it that, or "makeup wardrobe"), that would take way too long! I ran out of the house this morning, so I had to bring all my makeup with me to put on.
Today, I'm carrying:
Smashbox Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturizer in Medium
Bobbi Brown Corrector in Dark Bisque and Concealer Kit in Golden
Anastasia Brow Wiz in Brunette
MAC Mineralize Loose Powder in Deep Dark
Too Faced Shadow Insurance
MAC Eyeshadow in Wintersky and Flip
Fresh Eyeshadow in Kona
MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder
MAX FACTOR 2000 Calories Mascara in Rich Black
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Brunette
Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate
MAC Lipliner in Cork
MAC Lipstick in Blow Dry
MAC Lipglass in Red Devil

As you can see, I'm a MAChead. But I love makeup of all kinds. My other favorite lines are Bobbi Brown, Stila, Sally Hansen Natural Beauty inspired by Carmindy and NARS. But you'll find a bit of everything in my arsenal.

What would be the one beauty product that you couldn't live without?
A good lip and cheek stain. My favorites are Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge, Three Custom Color Specialists Lip & Cheek Stains and Stila's Cherry and Pomegranate Crushes. They are the perfect product for making you look pretty in a matter of seconds.

Can you tell us how dancing fits into your life?
Wow. Dancing is one of my life's greatest passions. It, like writing, is a great creative outlet for me. Bellydance is about grace and beauty and emotional connection to the music. I love having a way to celebrate my femininity and to be present in my body, while entertaining an audience. I have so much fun with it.
As a member of The NDC (http://www.thendc.net/), I've found a group of women who share my love of the dance and my desire to bring it to the world in a way that is respectful of the cultures of origin, while allowing us to add our own unique flavor. They have become my great friends and family.

What is your key to staying on top of everything?
Loving everything I do. It's the only way I'm able to do it all without passing out from exhaustion. Each thing I do - writing, dancing, makeup, mothering, marriage - is something that brings me great joy and satisfaction.

Not to mention that I just have a fabulous husband and partner, Victor. He is a snuggle muffin of a man. He is supportive and kind and patient. And he's pretty hot. What else could a girl ask for?
Thank you Toya for giving me time out of your busy schedule! To visit Toya's blogs, visit:

Lucy Rocks the Workout Industry

I got the most adorable email update from Lucy. They have such cute workout clothes. They are almost too cute to sweat in! I thought I would post this color wheel and remind everyone that Spring really is coming. I am loving all of these colors!

Click here to visit Lucy's website.

Mystery Solved

As someone trying to grow out my hair, I took personal offense when I saw Reese Witherspoon flaunting her golden locks at a recent Laker's game with her beau, Jake. I couldn't believe that Reese could grow her hair out so quickly. What vitamin is she taking? What salon makes her hair magically grow? Then I realized, it could be hair extensions. But....the quality, texture and color match was so perfect.
Until I found this picture of her on my favorite Hollywood gossip site, Just Jared!
Check out the old length by her ear. They are extensions!


Check out more pictures here at Just Jared!
* Disclaimer- Reese Witherspoon will and always will be one of my top ten idols!

TotalBeauty.com
Celebrity Plastic Surgery Gone Wrong

Can you match these stars to their over-injected big lips?


Got a few minutes to kill? See if you can identify these plastic surgery offenders by their big lips alone.

Match the lips

Tea Tree Shampoo might be my Hero for '09

Per Leah's advice, I tried the Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo and Conditioner. I purchased the sample size at Ulta.

I have to say, I was really surprised! The shampoo and conditioner both have a unique combination of tea tree oil and peppermint. They both create a refreshing and tingling feeling on the scalp. The scent can be a bit surprising at first, but after using it for a few minutes, I enjoyed it.

Using these two products was very refreshing. My hair and scalp felt very clean and healthy after use.

I am going to continue to use these two products a few times a week to see if it stimulates hair growth. I swear my hair feels longer today...ha ha.

Other tricks for growing my hair out: drinking lots of water, daily vitamins, and keeping the scissors locked up!

Fine Hair Article by Total Beauty

TotalBeauty.com
Sexy Celebrity Hairstyles for Fine Hair

These haircuts and updos added oomph to flat-haired celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Jessica Biel


Sexy Celebrity Hairstyles for Fine Hair

Fine hair can be tricky to style -- do it wrong and you wind up with flat, lifeless strands. To save you from yet another hairstyling headache we got celeb stylist Nelson Chan of the Nelson J salon in Beverly Hills, Calif., to dish on what celebrity-inspired cuts and styles will pump up your fine-textured strands.

See fine hair

New Wireless Straightening Iron


Check out this new invention. It is a tourmaline wireless straightening iron that allows you to straighten your hair on the go without the worry of wires! This mini iron is only 7.5 inches and claims to give a professional quality coif.

This tote-able tool comes with:
- Multi-Voltage Charger (110v-220v) that allows for charging almost anywhere in the world
- Lithium Ion battery that lasts for 30 minutes of high-heat usage per charge
- A handy heat resistant pouch.

This bad boy can be yours at $99 and can be found at Sephora.com

Perfect Skin in 2009

TotalBeauty.com
Get Perfect Skin in 2009

Use this step-by-step guide and have glowing skin all year long


Here's the scoop on what products you should think about using in your 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s to keep your skin looking great. With these regimens, you can be on your way to flawless skin in the new year. Who doesn't want that?

Find your regime

New Product Alert

Covergirl has a new Outlast product called Lipstain. It is a water based product that give lips a lighweight flush of color that won't come off.

The website has some customer reviews that were mixed so I will give it a try and review it.

Here is a link to the colors available: http://www.covergirl.com/products/product.jsp?productId=outlast_lipstain

COVERGIRL Outlast Double Lipshine

I recently tried this new version of my favorite and I have to say, I love it! The color selection does not have an equal variety to the original collection, but give them time. I usually mix one or two colors to get my desired look anyhow.

The double lipshine comes with a shiny gloss instead of the original lipbalm-type topcoat. The gloss that is paired with the double lipshine is great. It is not too sticky or shiny. After drinking a cup of coffee, my lips are not shiny but they still feel moist and look fine. I would recommend this for an evening event or party. For work, the original might be better and more conservative.

One other note on the Outlast, it works great as a base color. If you are attending an event in which you will be eating, use Outlast as a base color and let it dry. Then top with your favorite lipstick instead of the topcoat. Your lipstick will stay on much longer and when it comes off due to eating, you will still have a shade underneath of the Outlast. Outlast will come off if you have a food that contains oil or a vinegar and oil dressing, so watch out! If you are like Cheryl and eat like a lady, you probably won't have a problem.

Here is a link to Covergirl's website and the available colors:
http://www.covergirl.com/products/product.jsp?productId=outlast_double_lipshine

Shine On!

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