L'Oreal Couleur Experte Express

I love to color my hair. Usually I fork out the obligatory $100 to have a professional do it, but occasionally I just buy a box and go to town.

The one thing I've NEVER been brave enough to do is highlight my hair. That's for the professionals, I thought. Plus, how do you see the back of your hair?

Then I found myself talking to a resident and complimenting her hair, asking where she got her color done. She laughed, then admitted that she and her sister color each other's hair using the "red box" color. I was immediately intrigued.

So I went and got a box of L'Oreal's Couleur Experte in Chocolate Macaroon, a nice medium brown with "warm" highlights. I set out to start this project at 9:45 on a Thursday night, because I'm an idiot. I finished about 11, which was less than ideal, but the results were GREAT!

It really did highlight my hair an appropriate amount for a dark headed person, without getting Marilyn-blonde highlights in my Jackie-dark hair.

So, the point is, I highly recommend this product, with a few caveats:
1. It is a more time consuming process. You color with the all over color, then dry your hair to your normal style, THEN do highlights. So, all told, you need probably a good 1.5 hours. This is a good Friday night or Sunday afternoon project.

2. It might be good to enlist the help of a friend. Or mirrors set up with multiple views. Without mirrors, I might have ended up with a blonde patch behind my left ear.

3. The options offered in the kit include a brush and a little wand that works flat-iron style to make highlights. BUT, the brush includes a hook on the end, for using with a pull through cap (not included, but available at Sally Beauty Supply stores). I used the flat-iron style wand, and it did great, but it made more highlights at the part/crown of my head, which is cute, but next time I will be buying a pull through highlight cap to get a more all-over highlighting. I also think a pull through cap would make it easier to see what you're highlighting and color more evenly.


They make this in colors ranging from super blonde (this is what my friend had tried with GREAT results) to VERY dark with reddish highlights. It ranges about $13-15, and currently at CVS they are offering $5 extra care bucks if you spend $20 on L'Oreal. So this would be a perfect time to try L'Oreal's new sulfate-free line of hair care!

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow (just kidding!)

Well! That was a nice little break I took, eh?

I have no excuse. I can't even think of a good reason why. The point is, I was gone for 4.5 months, and now I'm back. Hopefully in a more permanent way.

Since my hiatus has been blog-only, not makeup/hair product free, I have a HUGE list of new things to talk about. Hopefully this will lead to more frequent posting :-)

So the biggest news in my hair related life is that I recently cut off EIGHT inches of my hair! If you know me, this is a huge deal, because I have this moderate phobia about short hair. And if you've known me a long while (long enough to remember when I HAD short hair), then you understand why...but I digress. Main point is that since chopping the hair, I have had a ton of fun trying out new products and being surprised that stuff that USED to work with long hair now doesn't, and what never worked before, now does! It's all very exciting in a "wow, it's lame that excites you" kind of way...

New things I love in hair care:

1. CHI flat iron - I was originally going to make a post called "Ode to My Chi," but I realized that my position as Last Person In America to latch on to the CHI probably made that a little strange. Yes, I'd tried one before. Yes, it was nice. But hell, my blow dryer and round brush always made better results. But then, over Christmas, my wonderful mother splurged and bought me a CHI on sale at Ulta (aka Heaven). I also got myself some CHI products to use with the flat iron, as I am obviously a product junkie. Now, I cannot stress this enough, people: If you are REALLY willing to invest in a CHI (or a GVP/Sally Beauty version), please please please get some products! They make an amazing difference in the outcome of the straightening. My two favorites: CHI's Silk Infusion and the 44 Guard. Seriously, for as much as you may like the CHI...try these. Insanity. The CHIs are currently on sale at the above link for $90, which is a pretty good deal, or you can try the GVP/Sally's Beauty version for $50. The products are available all over and typically run $10-15.
2. D'Organiques Original Sprout - This is an organic line that makes hair care. Shampoos, conditioners, styling products. They are completely free of ANYTHING that you might possibly take offense to in a hair product - no hormones, no sulfates, no nothing. And yet, they still work well and have a lovely clean scent. Most of their products are marketed for children, and parents of such children who want pure shampoos. What caught my eye is their line for children with curly hair - a growing little group who often doesn't have many options for hair care. Having somewhat fine (although abundant) curly hair myself, I decided to try their Deep Conditioner on my hair. It's a great daily conditioner for me, and really brings my curls out without enticing the frizz to come. I also picked up some of their Curl Calmer last week, and while it's not tough enough to be a daily styler, it's definitely nice to have to revive/tame down my 2nd day hair. All this is to say I highly recommend this company and their products to anyone with a child, especially one with curly hair. The products are mild and well developed, and smell exactly like I'd want my child's hair to smell (rather than like adult products)! Prices are a touch high, but you can find specials at Ulta (I found them on clearance here!), and at certain hair care specialty stores.
3. John Frieda Luminous Color Glaze - This product has been around a while, but I recently revisited it to revive my color. As usual, it did not fail to disappoint. Now, to preface - if you want your hair COLORED, don't buy this expecting miracles. This product is good for a few things: a) It maintains current color b) it improves shine and overall texture of hair c) it can, in certain cases, add enough color to give you a slightly noticeable change. I'm a big fan of the Brilliant Brunette, as it keeps my hair the darker brown I prefer, rather than flattening out to a blah color after a few weeks. The other upside to this glaze is that, should you not want any color assistance, they also offer a CLEAR glaze that is just there to give you shine. These run about $8.99 at any drugstore, Target or Walmart.

Ok, here's to getting back "on the wagon" and keeping up with my blogging!

Online Eye Makeup Tutorials

I was searching for some fun ideas for Halloween makeup, and stumbled across this young woman, who posts on YouTube.

She does eye makeup tutorials online, talking about products she likes, how to get certain colors, and she's also pretty funny - making the videos entertaining. She's from the UK, and she's gained quite a cult following doing these videos out of her home - it even supports she and her son.

Point is, she has almost 200 videos posted so far, and they range from the neutral to the highly exotic. She has posted some specific makeup copies - Amy Winehouse, Avril Lavigne, the women from Sex and the City - but she also has some very creative styles of her own.

So go watch a few - they're all right at 10 minutes, not a big committment.

As Lauren says at the end of videos, Zoom zoom!

Sephora Beauty Insiders!!! DEAL ALERT!!

For anyone who has a Sephora Beauty Insider account (these are free - go to your local Sephora and sign up if you want this) - Sephora is offering a nice discount!

Enter code JZD55MXH at checkout to receive $15 off of a $35 or more purchase! Sephora is also offering free shipping and samples with your order, so this is a FABULOUS opportunity!!!

Alright, math time - if you spend $35, this amounts to a 42% discount - CRAZY!!!

Many of the brands Sephora offers are selling Christmas gift sets - including Benefit, Urban Decay, Philosophy, and many, many others. Start shopping!!!

Let me know if you need any help ;-) Offer ends Oct 31st - and obviously applies to online shopping.

Thanks to Jen at Mythbuster Beauty for passing along such an incredible deal! Please check out her site, she always checks out fun stuff!

Sexual Healing - for hair?

Now, this post is going to lead you to believe that I am COMPLETELY INSANE.

But bear with me.

As I was perusing some hair product forums today, I came across one lady's "recipe" for her curly hair. She's yada yada yada-ing, using all the forums acronyms and abbreviations for products, and she mentions how one step is to apply "KY" to her hair.

In my mind, I'm thinking, KY...wonder what that's an abbreviation for? Meanwhile, the 14 year old in my head snickered a little at how it sounded like sex lube.

SO I did a little digging. And folks, THEY ARE SERIOUS.

SEX LUBE. For your hair!

I was incredulous! Who in their right mind would do this? And who is the sicko who discovered it?

As it turns out, generic KY is a cheaper alternative to a much-loved anti-frizz product used by people with all types of hair - basically anyone who tends to get frizz or not as much control as they'd like. And it is WIDELY popular.

Well, always willing to try something new, I had to check it out. I obtained some generic KY, washed my hair, and applied it before my regular hair products. Side story: I bought a new mousse a few weeks back that gives me frizz I am not fond of, so I was eager to see the difference.

As much as it pains me to admit, the stuff really worked. My frizz was significantly reduced (esp. considering it was the second time I washed my hair today!), and my hair looked glossy and shiny. There was absolutely NO feeling of lube in my hair, it felt exactly the same as it does with nothing in it (I applied it when my hair was wet). Except maybe my hair feels nicer. Definitely not sticky or anything.

So, if you have issues with frizz, whether you are curly, straight, whatever, this may be something to try. I personally used the "jelly" version, which is lighter and more water based - but of course there are the more serum-like types that may work for you. Generic is good because it is cheap. And for the science nerds out there - the reason this works is because it is high in glycerin, which is a humectant, and draws moisture from the air into your hair. Gooooooooo science!

Sex lube for hair - who would have guessed?

Venture forth, brave souls!

ALERT! BENEFIT COSMETICS SALE! 20% OFF!!!

Just received a code today for 20% of your purchase at Benefit cosmetics!

This is wonderful news because not only does Benefit have great products (some of which I discussed in my last post), but they also have come out with some cute new gift sets for Christmas!

You should definitely go check the gift sets out, but also take a gander at the Buh Buys - which have great deals on some cream shadows, makeup brushes, and a few other fun products!

Benefit has also just introduced a new mascara color - BadGal Plum - guaranteed to accentuate your eye color. Plum, as I mentioned before, is so hot right now (as Mugatu would say...). Fun for a try!

You'll really just have to go check it out. I'll give you recommendations if you really need them, or you can check my Benefit label to see what I've liked and not liked.

The code is BENEBABE. Enjoy!

Fall Update!

Hooray for fall - my most FAVORITE season of the year!

Well, I still haven't made it to our Ulta yet...it is a little bit of a haul, and with gas prices being what they are, and my bank balance being what it ISN'T, well, I just haven't made it.

I did get to visit one last week in Nashville, and that was a welcome surprise, as it was an Ulta almost as big and nice as a Sephora. VERY exciting. While there, I purchased a few fun items:

1) Bed Head's Foxy Curls line - I bought the mousse and spray. They are GREAT! I love anything from the Bed Head/Catwalk line, but these two items are especially great for anyone with curly hair that happens to be FINE instead of coarse like most curly gals. That plus my new, much darker hair color actually have me out of bed and doing my hair every morning!

2) Two versions of Ulta brand conditioner - I bought the color specific and the moisturizing. They were FOUR DOLLARS (they were having a sale). Seriously. This is cheap for conditioner that is more like a designer brand. Excellent. More later on the color specific - we'll see if I fade back to brassy, formerly blonde-now-blah brunette again...let's hope not!

3) Bourjois Ombre Stretch Eyeshadow in Rose Elastique - I love Bourjois eye shadow. It really coats well, stays on nicely, and has just enough shimmer so you don't look like a "working girl," but enough so that you get a nice accent. In the week and a half since I purchased, I've probably worn it 7 times, which in my repetoir is pretty dang good. HIGHLY recommend anything from their eye shadow line.

I also picked up some odds and ends from their clearance bins - all great deals, all GREAT makeup - Ulta brand products really seem to be proving themselves.

Now, as for fall trends - I've been meaning to do this for a while, but seeing as how in TN, it just got colder, I don't think I'm too far behind. Here are some of the fun new trends for fall:

1) Grey/silver eye - This is an excellent excuse to try out some of the shadows I RAVE about - Bourjois, Urban Decay, even L'Oreal's HIP line. A nice, subtle grey eye, especially with a hint of purple, is HUGE this year. Don't think smoky eye as much as a nice subtle, almost neutral tone. My personal favorite? Benefit's new creamshadow in Gossip. Now, this is a bit more purple than grey, and the reason I like it is because, for some reason UNKNOWN to me or anyone at Clinique who has ever done my makeup (seriously, they try this every time, even when I warn them), grey eyeshadow just does not work for me. Looks horrible, washes out my skin and eyes, just not a good match, me and grey. LOVELY on every other human being on the planet. But I digress... Point is, even if grey isn't your color, there are options, GLORIOUS OPTIONS! Benefit's cream shadows go on so nicely, really blend well, and are honestly the best cream shadow I've tried. I pair this over the color Honey Bunny (which does not seem to be on the website, but is a nude with a slight pink tone), and I love it. Incidently, this is also a perfect "first makeup" pair for a teenage girl - just enough color to look like something, but not so much they can take it too far. And if you are more into grey, Benefit's Skinny Jeans is also killer. Go try them!

2) Darker lips - This is sometimes a hard transition for people. Grey eye, sure, we've all been there. But for those who never wear lipstick, these deeper, plum-ier tones are hard to deal with. I'm with you. With pale skin, I tend to get the goth look going mighty fast. However, it can be eased into, with relatively no problem at all. I direct you ONCE AGAIN to Clinique's Black Honey Almost lipstick. Seriously, if you haven't tried it, please do. I really have yet to meet someone it looks bad on (maybe not your taste, but never bad...), and it is a perfect way to check out this fall trend. Other tops on my list are Clinique's Butter Shine Lipstick in Crushed Grape (looks way more scary online than it really is), and if you are REALLY not brave, Bath and Body Works has a new line of C.O. Bigelow Mint Lip Glosses with tint in them - you can get Plum, Violet, Nude, all sorts of colors. They're much more like a plain lip gloss, so you can be "safe." I've been keeping my Black Honey on hand in my purse - SO FUN! Just don't forget to tone down the eyes a bit if you're going all out on lips. No need to look like last night's drag show.

3) Tight lining - Now THIS is amazing. I had heard about it on a few blogs, and then had my makeup done at Laura Mercier recently (amazing products, by the way), and the guy doing my makeup tight lined my eyes. It looked so natural, yet added so much to my eyes. I really can't explain it. It's hard to get right at first, but when you do - whoa mama! It looks so pretty, and is great if you need the definition that black liner gives you, but aren't really into black liner, or want to wear another color (grey? purple? GREEN?). Instructional video here. It should also be noted that this can be done with a well sharpened, soft (think kohl) pencil. It make take you a few tries, but I promise, when you get it, it's worth it!

Other trends for fall are: thicker brows, nude cheeks (probably to offset the grey eyes and dark lips - remember, this is NUDE, not BARE), and purple anything and everything, including mascara.

Go play! Hooray for fall!