Key notes:
1. I’ve never done this before (does a bad spiral perm in the 80’s count?)
2. I have straight, thin, but a lot of hair, that’s say, straight for the first 4 inches from the scalp and then does this weird wavy thing all the way down. Sigh.
3. I’ll straighten my hair with a flat iron, say like once a month (I know.. ) which then lasts like forever.

So why am I doing this? One, to see if it really works, and two, well, because I just am darn lazy and if I can get through this summer without picking up a blow dryer/iron, well, I’ll just be the happiest camper around.

So to start:

1. Hair must be colored first if you color, like me, a few days before.
2. Hair cannot be washed for 3 days after. Perfect for my 3 days off to celebrate July 4th weekend with plans to do absolutely nothing.

I’m ready for the challenge!

Join me on Twitter as I tweet the step by step process…… straight hair, here I come!

Urban Botanic

Specific items even let you take their unique grain filled inserts and heat & cool the items in the microwave or freezer. The grain inside the inserts naturally keeps the heat/cold to keep you relaxed for a good night’s sleep.

I’m tempted to try the Body Wrap... zzzzzzz.

The OPI Bubble Bath Nail Lacquer benefiting Look Good…Feel Better will be available in at least 10,000 participating salons and retail locations nationwide beginning this July. 

Decorative Diva share her thoughts on the SkinCareRx Travel Kit.

Elke finds, big hair with 7 hair items for $15.00.

A Touch of Blusher counts down the best summer 2009 makeup collections.

ThisThatBeauty is partnered with Diane von Furstenburg and giving away Limited Edition Lipstick “Foreign Affair”.

Beauty Junkie in SF is giving away a POP beauty kit that will make everyone one say “HELLO GORGEOUS!”. Enter Today!

Face Candy reviews Sonia Kashuk’s coral themed Spring Treasures Collection.

The Makeup Divas reviews  The Body Shop’s HotBrights Collection.

The Big Hair Affair has seven indulgent hair products for, yes, you read right.

$15.

You get:

three shampoos

two conditioners

one hair treatment and

one styling gel –

All of your choice and customized to suit your hair needs.  Now THAT’S a Big Hair Affair.

Smileage Plus™ Sheer smile-worthy lip tint

95 % organic, with Organic Beeswax, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Cocoa Butter and Organic Aloe Vera, plus an  organic essential oil blend of Tangerine and Lime.    Yum! I want the Raw Honey color..

Sheer Stick™ For softly-colored lips

We’ve all heard of lip pencils, but how about a sheer one?  And it’s also slightly glossy….hmm, dare I dare I say lip gloss in a pencil?

Shimmer Stick™ For softly-lit lips

Ok, how about shimmer in a stick? A pearl creamy matte color to create a shimmery lip liner and lipstick in one. Perfect for that hot summer date.

Sunny Disposition® Powder Bronzer

For a summery glow all year round. Highlight your forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, eyebrow bone with this oil, talc and aluminum free bronzer. One shade fits all.

HOW TO USE: Sunny Disposition® can be worn alone or over/under foundation to give an overall summer glow. Or, use on cheeks, nose, and above the brow to highlight skin the way the sun would.

origins.com

Free Standard Shipping with $75 order plus free sample at checkout.

A Touch of Blusher reviews Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum.

The girls over at Beauty in Real Life want you to have the perfect at home pedicure. Click here to enter their giveaway with Ms. Pedicure and China Glaze!!

Beauty Anonymous shares a preview of Jill Stuart’s upcoming 5th Anniversary Collection for fall 2009!

If you’re looking for a new sun brand to protect that skin of yours during these next few months, check out the newest from Clinique. I’m find myself partial to:

NEW Clinique Sun SPF 45 Targeted Protection Stick



Clinique steps up protection against the aging and burning effects of UVA and UVB rays for fragile areas-eye-area skin, lips, nose, earlobes, even scars. Enhanced UVA defense helps guard against premature aging. Conditions, comforts. Ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested. Oil-free.

NEW Clinique Sun SPF 25 Body Spray



Continuous spray helps deliver high-level protection against the aging and burning effects of UVA and UVB rays with one-touch convenience. With stabilized UVA protection to help guard against premature aging. Gentle enough for sensitive skins. Dermatologist tested. Oil-free.

Clinique’s Sun Protection

Yep. Two scents that I really don’t like, but gosh darn it, put the two together and the clouds part and the angels sing. It’s Jo Malone’s  Sweet Lime and Cedar candle. Don’t even hesitate… it’s to die for. Seriously. I mean, seriously. 

Case in point? These top 10 super choice deals thanks to your local CVS drugstore.

And also while you’re at it, check out their Beauty For Less deals.

1.      Jergens Natural Glow Daily Facial Moisturizer with UVA/UVB SPF 20,
$8.99

Fool all your friends into thinking you took a Caribbean vacation with this dual purpose moisturizer that helps you get your glow.

2.      Orly Nail Treatment in Won’t Chip,
$7.99

With a quick coat of this tough polish shield you can expect your manicure to last for up to two weeks.

3.      Mission Skincare Fast-Drying Sunscreen SPF 30+,
$9.99

Whether you plan to run a marathon or lounge by the pool, you’re covered with this athlete-engineered sun protection line.

4.      Essence of Beauty Body Mist in Blue Ocean,
$5.99

With a light scent of fresh air and ocean waves, this body mist will have you feeling like you’re at the shore.

5.      Vitamin Haircare in Dragonfruit and Kiwi,
$6.99

Keep your hair healthy and vibrant this summer by protecting it from UV rays and chlorine with these juicy essential vitamins.

6.      Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Deodorant Waterproof,
$9.99

Stay dry and fresh with this powerful deodorant stick that keeps working, even after a long swim.

7.      Mission Skincare Ultra-Hydrating Lip Protector SPF 20,
$3.99

This high-performance lip balm with SPF will protect your pout from the dry heat and damaging UV rays.

8.      Colgate Wisp,
$2.49

This perfectly pocket-sized disposable toothbrush will help keep breath fresh and teeth clean no matter where your weekend travels take you.

9.      St. Ives Cellulite Shield Gel Crème,
$6.99

Ensure you are bikini-ready with this powerful and hydrating crème that fights cellulite without numerous visits to the gym.

10.  CVS Aftersun Aloe Vera Cooling Gel with Soothing Lidocaine,
$2.99

This wonder product not only cools sun-and-wind-damaged skin, but it also helps to relieve minor burns and insect bites, too!

All products are available nationwide at your local CVS/pharmacy or online at CVS.com.

fotos: cvs pharmacy . com

“Fall is about sharper tailoring, and hair should complement it by being more sculptural and defined,” says British-born Tom Brophy, who is previously Vidal Sassoon’s Art Director, and has been a leading educator and stylist for over 25 years.  “I was very inspired by the shape of the wigs and clothes at 3.1 Phillip Lim’s recent Fall 2009 New York fashion show, the very short hair of 60s icons Jean Seberg and Twiggy.”

Hence the 3 super trendy looks for this fall’s must haves do’s. Their three short cuts can both be worn smooth and sleek to appear crisp and tailored, or casual for an edgier bohemian look.

Graduated Layered Bob Cut - Model 1:

“This graduated bob is a versatile cut for the working woman or the fashionista,” states Brophy. “It can be worn very straight or with more volume, or even become playful and curly by using a curling iron to dress it up for the evening.”

Short Layered Cut - Model 2

Complementing the tailored looks for Fall, this cut is inspired by the look of 60s actress Jean Seberg from the film Breathless.

Modern Version of Classic Bob - Model 3 redhead:

Stylist Rex Dador of Tom Brophy Salon created a bob that could be worn classically or else loose and fun. Dador says, “This bob cut is great for fall or winter because it is so timeless.”

Cost-Saving Aspects

“Given how tight the economy is, it’s very important to have a great cut that will last longer and wear well over time,” adds Brophy. “By establishing a great foundation, which will hold the shape and help prolong the life of the cut, the hair continue to look amazing even though it gets longer! By allowing the haircut to last 6 to 8 weeks instead of 3 to 4, you don’t have to be in the salon as often. Both haircuts here are very low maintenance and easy to style.”

The new Tom Brophy Salon is a refined sensory experience reminiscent of a modern art gallery. The salon focuses on sophisticated cuts and color services that work well over a period of time, in addition to offering high quality service to its clients. The salon is located at 9681 Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills. For more information about the salon or Tom Brophy, call the salon at 310.858.8780 or visit www.tombrophyhair.com.

Check out Prescriptive’s newest summer color collection.

Also, did you know you can custom create your own lip gloss?

You can choose your color, finish, and even flavor… I picked a light beige, with glitter, and a Latte flavor. For only $26! Sooo cool!

“Adjustable Color”

SunDial Face Self-Tanning Moisturizer

from Banana Boat

Dial and control your own unique shade.

For all skin tones.

(they do have one for light and dark skin tones..)

hmmm. sounds interesting!

So I bought.

The bottle has a pump which has two holes, where on one side is the moisturizer, the other, the self tanner. One’s dark, one’s light. And to try to get this thing to pump is like pulling teeth. Pump, pump pump..nothing. Finally…. one side pumps, the other doesn’t. I quickly figured it out. Turn the dial all the way to dark and pump.. it’ll kick in the tanner. Then turn the dial all the way to light.. pump.. moisturizer kicks in. Because I was getting alot of one and nothing of the other and just wasting product trying to get this thing to work.

Whew. What a time waster. But I’m glad I did.

Good points:

This stuff gives a fantastic looking tan. Real color.. not orange, or red.. real! A very true bronze tone. And I’m applying it in the center of the dial…. after one application.. it kicks in by the next morning and it looks great. (I applied the night before..) You do get a bit of color when you put it on, but just wait. The real deal is in the self tanner.

Then, I apply a bit darker.. still looks great. I’m lovin the fact that I can control exactly how much self tanner I want. Darker, or lighter. And as the days go on, sometimes I just want a touch, others I need to kick it up a knotch. Brilliant!

The only thing that turns me off, just somewhat? The slight tacky feel on my face after I put it on. It does go away in a bit… I’d say 20 minutes? But it just bugs me when I’m applying my makeup to feel this on my skin. So I just use this at night and the next am, my skin is looking and feeling fine.

Interesting concept that I’m thrilled to say, really does work! I’m now using this every day….

Hypoallergenic

Oil Free

Banana Boat Sun Dial Tanner

I’m talking hair silly! Please! But seriously, if you are lazy, (cough, cough, like me), well sometimes you just would rather sleep in that do the rinse, lather and repeat routine. 

Now I’ll be honest. I’ve never tried a hair powder on my own hair before.  I’ve done the baby powder trick on photos host (works only on blondes, sprinkle along the part, or roots and it lightens up dark roots enough to be passable in a photo.)

Website says;

The ALL NIGHTER Styling Powder™ is an all-natural, talc-free, aluminum-free, silica-free, paraben-free color matched hair powder. Use it as a dry shampoo or use it as a styling product. The ALL NIGHTER Styling Powder™ Freshens your ‘do, absorbs excess oil, extends your blowout.

The super cute little baby powder like dispenser is perfect, though the excessive writing on the label makes the product look cheap and tacky.  But sprinkle I did, and while the brunette shade that was sent is way too light on my hair, it still worked.  Sprinkle along the part and hair line and hair was full and fluffy, but not powdery or dry looking.

As their how to directions say:

DIRECTIONS: Gently sprinkle a light dusting of The ALL NIGHTER Styling Powder™ through hair, distributing with fingers. Start near the roots and work towards the ends. For longer hair, flip your ‘do to get some underneath. Need more? Use more! Used too much? Don’t be so heavy handed next time! Scrunch. Zhuzh. Fluff. Toss. Tease. Have fun with it! The micro-fine formulation disappears into the hair. Natural mineral pigments rinse away from hands or other surfaces - but be careful if you are wearing your fancy duds - a towel over the shoulders helps.

It really worked great and it’s definitely something I’ll grab the next time I, (cough, cough) decide to sleep in.

All Natural Dry Shampoo / Hair Powder

From The Beauty Blog Network members.. here are some posts you gotta read this week…..  elke

Elke shares her blush tips and application tricks.

Beauty Anonymous reviews Shiseido’s Maquillage Face Creator 3D!

Felicia from ThisThatBeauty shares her current hair obsession and gives YOU a chance to win it!!!

A Touch of Blusher previews Lancôme’s fall 2009 collection.

Summer is coming and you want your makeup to stay on, right? Cybelesays.com found an eye shadow that won’t go anywhere until you move it.

Need to eliminate frizz in your curly hair? StyleBell has the answer with the Redken How-To on Creating Curl Perfection!

The Makeup Divas are giving away one pair of Current/Elliot The Boyfriend Jean valued at $229! So pop on over and enter today!

Beauty Junkie in SF has another tip for all those recessionista’s out there: Homemade Pedicure Prep.

Beauty in Real Life is having another giveaway, this time 3 lucky readers will each receive a Zannclip - and they get to pick the size and color. !!

Kyle at Face Candy shows you how to make your own Mixing Medium using Glycerine.

Well, Maybelline is calling my name. Gosh, it’s gorgeous.

Maybelline Shiny-licious Lip Gloss.

I was browsing the drugstore aisle, feeling all blue, just got over a major sick week, and saw this color. A beautiful golden shimmering pink. And I mean shimmering. Caught my eye, grabbed, bought. Went home and prayed.

Well, lo and behold, the angels have sung and blue skies have appeared. The color is Raiz ‘n Razzle. A gorg mauve pink with tons of gold shimmer. I mean sparkle and shimmer tons.

And you thought that lip gloss couldn’t make a girl happy…

Maybelline Shiny-licious Lip Gloss.

Jeanine Recckio, beauty futurologist and trendcaster for Mirror, Mirror Inc. gave me a sneak peek of top trends in the making:

Hot Ingredients: Keep an eye on growth factors, such as TGF beta, TNS and PSP. These super-peptides are gaining more momentum, because they stimulate cells to produce collagen. “I believe they are only going to get better than what we’re seeing right now, once we learn more information about the types that are good for skin,” says Dr. Leslie Baumann, director of Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute at University of Miami. Another one to watch: Astaxanthin, an antioxidant that’s up to 1000 times more potent than Vitamin E. It’s found in algae, has similar benefits to a retinoid, and in one study, decreased hyperpigmentation by more than 40%.

Feed Your Face: More beneficial food ingredients, like probotics found in supplements and yogurt, will make their way into skin creams and serums, says Mintel, a leading market research company . Probiotics–the “good” bacteria that stunt the growth of “bad” bacteria –have been touted for improving digestion and boosting immunity. Now it’s possible that when applied topically, the bacteria can help skin too. Look for these microbes in skincare to prevent breakouts, infections and conditions like eczema. And a few beauty companies are testing probiotics for anti-aging benefits, such as improving skin tone, firmness and collagen production. The science is new, and dermatologists believe more research is needed to make the link between probiotics and youthful skin, but you may see more “bacteria” ingredient anti-aging creams as early as next year.

Look for the Light: The do-it-yourself trend is still holding strong, especially as the economy forces women to look for ways to include spa-only treatments in their beauty routine, minus the hefty cost. Following on the success of handheld LED devices that zap pimples or remove unwanted hair, beauty companies are exploring similar light and heat technology for aging skin. The devices claim to improve skin tone or firm up wrinkles by stimulating collagen, much like the lasers or LED lights you’d find in a dermatologist’s office. While some have already been spotted on store shelves, there are even more in development, says Baumann. “The jury is still out on how well they work, but it looks promising,” she adds.

Wear It Well: Once only popular in Europe, caffeine-infused shapers and pantyhose are gaining steam in the US. Right now, “cosmetic clothing” is limited mostly to undergarments that target cellulite, but new technology in France is bottling the concept. The lotions can be applied to any article of clothing, and aren’t restricted to cellulite toning. Here’s how it works: Add one of the three lotions that each have a different benefit (moisturizing, toning cellulite or refreshing tired legs) into a load of wash. During the wash cycle, the fabric becomes coated with microcapsules that are wrapped in silicone. Once you put on the clothes, the silicone breaks down (from the friction created by the fabric touching your skin); the capsules open up and spread onto your skin, which absorbs them like any topical cream or lotion. The lotions are only available in Europe now, but keep an eye out for them to reach US shores in the near future.

Still Spending: Good news in a weak economy-beauty products continue to be a must-have, according to Mintel. In turn, “cosmetic companies are quickly responding to the needs of the recessionista,” states Taya Tomasello, senior analyst for Mintel Beauty Innovation. “Effective and affordable multi-use products and products offering convenience allow women to continue using their favorite brands, but at a reduced cost.” Companies are zeroing in on makeup and skincare with multiple benefits and performances. What you can expect: Anti-aging ingredients, like peptides and rare antioxidants, will be in everything from blush to shadows. Already debuted in the past few months, are peptide-infused undereye concealers, anti-aging shadows that minimize lines and mascaras that help lashes grow thicker and longer. More multi-use makeup will reach store shelves and beauty counters this fall and next year.

Resource from beautypress.com

check out Jeanine’s blog here.

Presenting:

Ceramic Diffusers

So refined, so elegant.

GARDENIA & JASMINE

Essential oils are diffused into the air as they evaporate from magnificent, porous, ceramic figurines. Simply place diffusers onto the included decorative dish, and apply a few drops of the oil blend. Continue applying until you achieve your desired fragrance level. Fragrance refills available.

The fragrance of the gardenia jasmineodes is reminiscent of days spent wandering the French countryside. A true floral, this scent is fresh and delicate.

for more info:

Ceramic Diffusers

- For problem skin, Julia March of Julia March Skin Care, suggests letting the face absorb the vapors from a steaming pot of 3 tablespoons of raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar combined with a quart of filtered water. Raw apple cider vinegar can also be used as a tonic for oily skin when mixed with distilled water at a 1:1 ratio (not steamed).

- To combat puffy eyes, apply used black teabags to the swollen area.

- If slightly sunburned, apply cucumber slices to the face. Dry skin will draw moisture from the slices, in addition to being nourished by the many vitamins in cucumbers.

- For hydration and a radiant glow, March recommends applying a facial mask of raw honey and plain, full fat yogurt for 15- 20 minutes. The fats in the dairy and honey will moisturize and nourish the skin.

For smooth skin:

- To exfoliate the body effectively and inexpensively, create a DIY body scrub with olive oil and sea salt. Pay special attention to rough areas like elbows, knees and feet. March notes that a few drops of lavender extract add a nice and soothing scent to this homemade concoction.

- All out of bath foam and in need of a luxurious bath? Adding a quart of full cream milk to bath water will help restore and calm skin’s lipids while milk proteins help maintain skin’s elasticity.

- For hard and white nails, spoil fingers with a lemon bath. Dip nails into one half of a lemon and turn them, squeezing out the juice. Let them soak for a minute.

For white teeth:

- As a cheap alternative to whitening teeth, mix a teaspoon of baking soda and a pinch of salt with a small glass of water until mixture is paste-like. Brush teeth as usual and rinse well. It is proven that baking soda will help lighten stains, but be careful not to use too often. Once every two weeks should be enough, as baking soda can be abrasive and erode tooth enamel.