Nail of the Week: OPI You Don't Know Jacques Suede

This polish was part of the OPI Suede Collection of 2009.  OPI released 6 suede versions of already released colors.  I do not own the original YDKJ, but I am glad that I got my hands on this version of the color.  This color is described as a taupe with golden undertones.  It is truly a color that must be seen to believe.   I thought it was going to look like mud, but after seeing some color swatches, I knew that it had to be mine.  It also looks wonderful with a top coat. 

Here, I used Seche Vite base coat (make sure it is completely dry before applying the nail polish) and then 2 coats of YDKJ suede.  I had major tip wear, chipping and peeling after only a few hours of taking these pictures.  

Now, I use Gelous brand nail treatment (the one with the green top).  This can be found at Sally's Beauty Supply Store.  It is the best base/top coat that I have used so far, and I have used quite a few.  I applied 2 thin coats of Gelous and 2 thin coats of You Don't Know Jacques suede.  The nail polish laid down perfectly.  No ridges, tip wear, chipping or peeling.  I was able to keep my manicure for a little over a week.


This product was purchased with my own money, for my own personal usage.  I am not affiliated with any of these companies. 

Nail of the Week....Zoya Midori

Another new section to my blog is going to be the Nail of the Week section.  I have made a few nail posts in the past, but I want for you to be able to find them all in one place.  I used to be scared of colors that were considered "loud" or unconventional.  I stuck to the nudes, neutrals and basic reds and pinks.  The ladies of a forum that I frequent got me out of that quick fast and in a hurry.  

My collection of 7 or 8 polishes expodentially multiplied.  I soon realized that my "Product Junkie" mentality was taking over where this was concerned.  So a year and over BLEEP (ah...thought I was going to tell you huh??) bottles later, I decided that I had every color known to man, so I stopped my nail polish collecting.  I have decided to use this blog to showcase my polishes...and to guarantee that I will actually wear them. 

Back to the polish at hand....read on to find out more about it.

Inspired By...These Shoes of Mine

Many times, when I am stuck for a new color combination, I look to things around me for inspiration.  It can be anything, a flower found in nature, the stripes of a new shirt or even a simple pair of shoes.

I am creating a new segment for my blog called Inspired By....  Here I will post looks that are inspired by the things that are around me...even a simple pair of shoes.  Hope you like what you are see and are inspired by the things that surround you.  Keep reading for the look I created inspired by these shoes of mine.......

Bare Escentuals: Tahitian Sun

I have been looking back through my online photo albums and found these pictures.  I did this look during the Winter, but it is something that can be worn now; a nice neutral look for a hot Summer day.  In fact, I was thinking of Summer when I did this one. 

If I was going to do it as a Summer look, I would choose a lighter lip combination and maybe a more colorful liner. 

Hope you like it.  More pics and what I did after the break....

Smoky Blues

Blues scare me.  I does not matter if they are light, bright electric blues or dark smoky blues.  If it has the word "blue" in it...it scares me.  I decided to do a smoky eye look with some blues.  This turned out more monochromatic that I imagined when I had the colors next to each other, but I like it nonetheless.  What I did and more pics after the break....

Bare Escentuals: Girlfriend Michelle, Gigi, Angel

Here is a copycat look that I stole from Becky at sparklevixen.com.  I have to admit that it scared me to death, but I decided to go for it.  I thought these colors would look out of place on my skin tone, but I really like how it turned out.  Hope you all like it.  Products used and what I did after the break...

Having trouble signing in or becoming a blog follower ???

I have noticed for a couple of weeks now that I am not seeing my followers.  It will come and go; some days I can see them, some days not, some days only the first row is shown.  Well, for the past week or so I have not been able to see any of my followers.  Anyone who wants to follow this blog does not get that chance because the  follow and sign in buttons are not being shown. 

I think this is a system-wide problem with Blogger not just specific to my blog.  It is also specific to Internet Explorer, in my case.  I can see all of my followers and the sign in button if I use Mozilla Firefox. 

If you want to become a follower of my blog or sign in and cannot see these buttons, try using Mozilla Firefox instead of Internet Explorer. 
 
Also, I want to thank all of you who are following my blog or have it bookmarked and check in.  I am so honored that you choose to read my opinions on things and see what I am up to.  Thanks so much! 

MAC Bloggers' Obsessions Collection

MAC's Bloggers' Obsessions Collection is up for purchase now on MAC website. All My Purple Life and Sonoran Rain will be mine! 

If you do not know, MAC selected a few of our favorite bloggers to add their input to a collection.  They each got to create their "perfect" lipglass or eye shadow color. 

These colors will be limited edition.  After 6 weeks they will be gone!  Get them while you can! 

Urban Decay: Get Baked-The Sexy Way!!!

I just got this email from Urban Decay.  If you want to see this in a larger size, just click on the picture. 

I am not affiliated with this company.

TRY DIY: Flax Seed Gel

What are flax seeds and why would you want to make a hair gel out of it? 

Flax seeds are full of Omega-3 fatty acids.  These fatty acids are great for the insides of our bodies as well as the outsides.  It is great for taming unruly hair and giving it bounce and shine and curl definition.  It can be used on wet hair right out of the shower or to do twist outs.  I have not tried it on dry hair.  The recipe and my review after the break...

Im still here...

Just a few lines to let you all know that I am still here.  I have not gone anywhere.  It has been a while since I last posted anything new to the blog because I have been sick.  I missed a few days from work and feel a lot better now, but still a little tired and run down. 

In the mean time, some products that I ordered have arrived and after the testing period, I will be telling you all about them.  I have gone back to a tried and true product for me and I will be telling you all about that too. 

New companies to try out, new products to try out and a tried and true oldie but goodie.  Plus a few makeup looks since I owe you all.  :o)

See ya next week with some awesome new content! 

Allison

Oyin Handmade: Round Up and Final Words

Last week my CENTER OF ATTENTION series focused on Oyin Handmade.  I bought, used and reviewed 6 products.  They are:

Head-to-Toe Honey Wash 

Honey Hemp Conditioner 

Burnt Sugar Pomade 

Whipped Pudding 

Shine and Define 

Greg Juice  

I have to say that I really liked what the products did and how they made my hair look.  The only thing I did not like was the smell of the product (especially the Burnt Sugar Pomade and the Whipped Pudding).  I used them again last week and the smell had died down somewhat.  So, maybe the smell dissipates if you leave the top off of the jar or just do not use it for a few weeks.  I really liked how my hair looked, so I took the plunge and purchased full-sizes of the Head-to-Toe Honey Wash, Burnt Sugar Pomade, Shine and Define and Whipped Pudding.  I will be getting a full-sized Greg Juice and Honey/Hemp Conditioner at a later date. 

I cannot deny the combination of the Burnt Sugar Pomade and the Shine and Define.   I have to use both to get the look that I want.  The Whipped Pudding is great for reviving my twist out after a few days.  I got 2nd, 3rd and 4th day hair using this combination.  My 3c/4a/4b hair loved these products for twist outs, but not for the wash n' go look.  I think the Shine and Define was too light for my hair and the Burnt Sugar Pomade was not "wet" enough, but together they were great.  The Whipped Pudding was just the thing to catch flyaways and smooth my twists for lasting definition and moisture. 

The Greg Juice is a great herbal leave-in.  It is hands down my favorite natural leave-in.  Gives me soft curls in a no fuss way.  All I have to do after getting out of the shower is spritz my hair with Greg Juice and let the steam from the shower do the rest.  Great hair all day.                

I would suggest that you purchase the samples sizes of these products and see if you like them.  I am glad that I did.  These products are great for natural hair. 

If you have used Oyin Handmade products and love them (or not) let us know.  Share some of your tips and product combinations.  I would love to hear from you.

These products were purchased with my own money for my own personal usage.  I am not affiliated with this company.

CENTER OF ATTENTION: Oyin Greg Juice Herbal Leave-in



picture taken from oyinhandmade.com

I recieved Greg Juice in the 4-piece hair care sample pack.  This is the main reason why I purchased the sample pack.  I had been reading good reviews on this product and wanted to try it out.  I decided to try the sample before purchasing a full-sized bottle.  My review after the break....

CENTER OF ATTENTION: Oyin Whipped Pudding

Today my CENTER OF ATTENTION series focuses on Oyin's Whipped Pudding.  I recieved this when I purchased the 4-piece hair care sampler.  My review after the break....

CENTER OF ATTENTION: Oyin Shine & Define

 

picture taken from oyinhandmade.com



Today, my CENTER OF ATTENTION series is going to focus on Oyin's Shine & Define Gentle Styling Serum.  I received this when I ordered the 4-piece hair care sampler.  My review after the break... 

CENTER OF ATTENTION: Oyin Burnt Sugar Pomade



picture taken from oyinhandmade.com

My CENTER OF ATTENTION series is focusing on Oyin Handmade.  I recently purchased 6 products to try.  I will be talking about the Burnt Sugar Pomade today.  I was looking for a product that will give me the curl pattern and length that I am looking for without having to wet my hair everyday.  I tried this pomade for a week straight.  I have some mixed emotions about this product.  My review after the break...

CENTER OF ATTENTION: Oyin Honey/Hemp Conditioner



picture taken from oyinhandmade.com


I recently purchased the 4-piece hair care sampler from Oyin.  The sampler pack contains 2 ounce containers of their Honey/Hemp Conditioner, Whipped Pudding, Shine & Define and Greg Juice.  Today I am going to talk about the Honey/Hemp Conditioner.  My review after the break...

CENTER OF ATTENTION: Oyin Head-to-Toe Honey Wash

My CENTER OF ATTENTION series is going to focus on a company called Oyin Handmade.  Oyin is an African word meaning "honey" and this companys' products are full of honey goodness!  Today, I am going to talk about Oyin Head-to-Toe Honey Wash.  My review after the break...

Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-in Conditioner

I was so eager to try this product after reading all of the good reviews and looking at all of the "before/after" hair pictures.  It just seemed too expensive to order online, but when my local beauty supply store started carrying it; I HAD to try it.  This review is my experience with this product.

Bare Escentuals: Beautiful in Pearls Take 2

This started out as a second Beautiful in Pearls look, but I decided to jazz it up a little.  It turned into what you see here.  More pics and what I did after the break.

Aussie Moist Conditioner

The Product Junkie in me has found a new product to rave over.  That product is Aussie Moist Conditioner.  Read my review after the break...

Bare Escentuals: Beautiful in Pearls

Here is my Bare Escentuals Beautiful in Pearls look.  I really liked how it turned out, but I thought it could be helped along a little.  Tomorrow, I will post the "jazzed up" version.  More pics and what I did after the break!

Bare Escentuals: Dakota and Black Ice

Here is a very simple gray combo that I did quite some time ago.  Neutral colors are my comfort zone, but I really like how this turned out.  More pics and what I did after the break!

MAC Spiced Chocolate Quad:

Here is the last look I did with this quad.  It is a little more bold, but I think you will like it.  More pics and what I did, after the break!

CENTER OF ATTENTION: Garden of Wisdom Coconut Revival Cream

I have been putting off doing this review.  I have very mixed emotions about this product.  After reading about it and all of the great reviews on the Garden of Wisdom (GoW) site, I decided to give it a try.  I used the Coconut Revival Cream as the last part of my GoW skin care regimen for acne/blemish prone skin.  This product is NOT included in the blemish prone skincare kit, but many women have touted its ability to help manage/clear acne. 

You can find my reviews of the items in this kit in other places on the blog.  When I have finished all of my reviews, I will complile them in one place.  My review after the break.

MAC Spiced Chocolate Quad: The Softer Side

Here is another look I did with the MAC Spiced Chocolate quad.  This quad is so versitile.  I decided to go a little softer this time.  More pics and what I did after the break. 

Zoya Irene

Taken from the Zoya website:

Zoya Nail Polish in Irene can be best described as: Muted, mossy camouflage olive green accented by fine yellow-based green shimmer. An earthy way to wear the green nail trend.

With flash

  More pics after the break.

Zoya Nail Polish Exchange 2011

It is that time of the year again...time for the Zoya Nail Polish Exchange.  April 27th is the last day. 

Check out the link for all of the details! 

MAC Spiced Chocolate Quad "Sunset Eyes"

One reason why I love this quad so much is that you can wear it in so many different ways, from bold to soft.  I chose a bolder look today.  More pics and what I did after the break!

MAC Spiced Chocolate Quad

picture source temptalia.com

This has to be my all time favorite MAC palette.  The Spiced Chocolate Quad debuted in the Cult of Cherry Collection.  I missed out on it orginally, but after years of trying, I finally got my hands on this quad.  It has to be the best makeup purchase I have ever made. 

I wore this 3 or 4 days in a row, in different ways, so I will share them with you over 3 or 4 days.  More pics and what I did after the break.

Bare Escentuals: HS Charisma, Lucky, Ink liner

I found some more looks to post.  HS Charisma is one of my favorite eye shadows and this is one of my favorite combinations.  What I did and more after the break.

MAC: Tempting Quad

L to R:  Next to Nothing and Tempting

L to R:  Sharp and Dark Edge

While my first love will always be Bare Escentuals, I do dabble in other makeup lines.  This look that I did comes from MAC cosmetics.  The Tempting Quad is just gorgeous.  It is a palette made up of brown, gold, light pink and a green that is kinda scary at first, but looks beautiful on the eye.  I had to add this palette to my collection.  Swatches and my look after the break. 

Bare Escentuals: High Shine Charisma, MAC Magnetic Fields, Drama

In this combo, I mixed two different brands of eye shadow, Bare Escentuals and MAC. More pictures and what I did, after the break. 

Bare Escentuals Pussycat Eyes

picture source:  Majyk.com

Meow, Pussycat and Catwoman

This has got to be my all time favorite kit from Bare Escentuals.  It is called Pussycat Eyes.  I do not wear it often, but when I do, I love how it looks.  I do not think this kit is being sold anymore, but if you can find the kit in its entirety or just the three colors on ebay, go for it! My look and what I did after the break. 

Bare Escentuals: Mystery, Soul Sister, Puzzle

It has been awhile since I posted a look, so I thought I would do that now.  More pics and what I did, after the break.

Carol's Daughter: Some of Marguerite's Magic

I do not know why I am so determined to make the Carol's Daughter line of hair care products work for me, but I am.  I have tried numerous products with less than stellar results.  Yet again, I decided to try Carol's Daughter while in Sephora this past weekend.  I got Some of Marguerite's Magic and the Mimosa Hair Honey. 

First, a little background on my hair.  If you do not know, I am a black woman with natural 3c/4a/4b hair.  My hair loves shea butter, coconut oil and castor oil.  Shealoe is a staple at my house.  I use Aussie Moist or Yes to Tomatoes conditioner to cowash and detangle my hair.  I am always on the look out for the next great thing!  I am a reforming Product Junkie.  Enough about that; my thoughts/review after the break...

CENTER OF ATTENTION: Blue Mallow HA Serum

This serum is found in the Blemish prone skincare kit on the Garden of Wisdom website.  This is a serum that hydrates and moisturizes your skin.  Because of the nature of the hyaluronic acid, it can hold over 1,000 times its weight in water.  It draws in moisture to help keep your skin hydrated.  Notice hydrated does not mean oily or greasy.  As a person with very very oily skin, I have not found that this product creates more oil or makes my skin appear more oily.  More after the break...

Goody Spin Pins Review

I have been eyeing these pins since they first came out.  They called out my name everytime I walked past the display.  But, for $6.00??!?!?!  They cannot possibly be worth $6.00...can they?  After doing some research, having read many reviews and seen a video on how they are supposed to work, I finally could not take it anymore and succumb to the force.  My review after the break....

DDF Sulfur Mask

I was turned on to this sulfur mask by some of the ladies on a forum that I frequent.  It is one of the best discoveries that I have made.  My skin really responds to this.  More pics and my review after the break...

Some of my favorite blogs and websites....

I started thinking yesterday about some of my favorite blogs that I like to read and websites that I frequent.  Here are my favorites in the categories of favorite beauty blogs, favorite nail blogs, favorite hair blogs and so on. 

Favorite beauty blog/website:

The Fancy Face

Accidental Beauty

Musings of a Muse

Temptalia

Karlasugar
Sparklevixen

Favorite nail blogs:

A Brush with Lacquer

Scrangie

Polish Hoarder Disorder

Steph's Closet

Ali's Nail News

Favoirte (natural) Hair blogs/websites:

Curlynikki

Nappturality

Naturally Curly

Nu Kynk

Newlynatural

Youtube (makeup):

DRBrooklyn730

Makeup Geek

Makeup By Tiffany D

Queen of Blending MUA

Youtube (natural hair):

Prettydimples01

Kimmaytube 

Carol's Daughter Love Butter

A few months ago, I decided to try some items from the Carol's Daughter line.  I bought some of the hair products and a body lotion called Love Butter.  While the hair products did not work out for me, I love the Love Butter!    My review and pics after the break! 

Try DIY: More red wine vinegar toner recipes....

I have turned my bathroom into a skincare laboratory this past week!!!!

I decided to experiment with some red wine vinegar toner combos.  Here is my original post with more in depth measurements for making 1/2 ounce, 1 ounce and 2 ounce combos as well as the recipe for the original red wine vinegar toner. 

Recipes and my thoughts after the break...

Bare Escentuals: Stunner, Oasis, Pussycat

Here's what I did.  Hope you like! 

Eyes:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance lash to brow
BE Stunner lash to brow
BE Oasis outer 1/2 lid
BE Pussycat outer V and crease
MAC Feline lower lashline
Liquid liner pen Brown upper lashline

These products were purchased with my own money for my own personal usage.  I am not affiliated with this company.

Try DIY: Make your own hydrosol at home

While doing research on hydrosols for my own personal interest, I found out that I could make them at home.  Sounded easy, so I gathered the ingredients and went to work. 

Many ounces of herbs, the destruction of one pan and many squares of cheesecloth and coffee filters later, I got the hang of it!  Seriously, it is not hard to do and you could have your very own hydrosols in as little as an hour. 

The instructions make it seem harder than it really is, so do not be discouraged. 

I Googled this topic to find the instructions before I ventured into making them, but after a series of trials and errors, I can give you MY instructions, tell you what to expect and what NOT TO DO.  More after the break...

Bare Escentuals: Invitation, Incense, Girlfriend Michelle

I was copying a look from someone on one of the forums that I frequent.  I would have never thought to put these colors together if I had not seen it on her first. 

Here is what I did. 

Eyes:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance lash to brow
MAC Cashflow p/p lid
Invitation lid
Incense outer V and crease
Girlfriend Michelle under brow
Flawless Definition Mascara
Liquid liner pen Brown upper lash line

Don't forget, you can click on the pictures to make them bigger if you would like. 

These products were purchased with my own money for my own personal usage.  I am not affiliated with this company.

CENTER OF ATTENTION: Garden of Wisdom Hydrosols

Today, I am turning my attention to Hydrosols.  What are hydrosols? 

The Garden of Wisdom website describes hydrosols as: 

 "A by product of Pure Essential Oils, hydrosols are steam-distilled from plants, are water based and deep hydrate while also lending the medicinal properties of the herbs they were distilled from. "

Hydrosols are an integral part of any Garden of Wisdom regimen.  Hydrosols help keep skin  hydrated.  Garden of Wisdom also uses them in many of their products to give a subtle scent instead of using fragrances or other chemicals.  You can find the benefits of each hydrosol here on their website.

I was first introduced to hydrosols in the Blemish Prone Skincare kit.  The hydrosol that was included was Basil/Fennel.  Now the kit contains Basil/Witch Hazel hydrosol.   I have not tried this combination, but both basil and witch hazel are anti-inflammatory and soothing to the skin.  Especially Basil if you have acne prone skin. 

I really like the Basil/Fennel mixture.  It has a very faint scent.  I found it, and hydrosols in general, to be very refreshing to the skin.  I felt no burning or irritation either.  Since my skin is so oily, hydrosols are a way to keep my skin moisturized without using a lotion or "moisturizer" in the way that we think of moisturizers. 

I have tried other hydrosols from Garden of Wisdom and also liked them.  One that I find especially good for my skin is the Immortelle hydrosol, but the smell is...I cant even describe it.  Immortelle has a very interesting smell and I have to hold my breath when I spray it on my face.  The smell fades when the hydrosol has dried.  I can deal with the smell because I get great results from this product. 

I have learned to make my own hydrosols, but I do still buy hydrosols from Garden of Wisdom.  I get the ones that I cant produce in my own home.

CENTER OF ATTENTION: Garden of Wisdom Banana Healing Serum

Another entry into the CENTER OF ATTENTION SERIES focuses on Garden of Wisdom's Banana Healing Serum

Review after the break.

My take on the 1st Rethink Beauty kit...

I wore this kit to a National Artistry Event.  I got the idea to wear it like this after seeing Stacey do it during one of the QVC presentations.  Here is my take Rethink Beauty shipment 1.

Here is what I did:

Brightening eye primer lid and inner V
BE Lucky outer V and crease
BE Big & Bright eyeliner in Ink upper and lower lash lines
black mascara

I hadn't gotten the hang of the liners yet, so please excuse the messy liner application. 



These products were purchased with my own money for my own personal usage.  I am not affiliated with this company.