TAG! YOU'RE IT!

I saw this on Sparklz & Shine's blog this morning and I thought it looked fun! I've not done a tag in a while, so I hope you all enjoy this one!

How it works: 8 questions to answer, so I'm answering them first. After that, I'll post 8 questions of my own and tag a couple of people to answer the new set. Then they can go and repeat the process on their blog! :)

1 Who is someone you really admire?

My mother, of course! She practically raised me alone and always did what was best for me.

2 What are three things you love about yourself?

I'm a mom, I care about others, and I have an open mind.

3 If you could live somewhere for a month where would it be?

London, England!!

4. What is your biggest guilty pleasure?

Watching "Days of Our Lives" everyday since the summer before 8th grade!!!!

5 What is your most important beauty secret?

Moisturizer!!!

6 What is your favourite piece of clothing in your wardrobe?

Hmm...this is hard...I guess my purple cardigan sweater. I always get a lot of compliments when I wear it.

7 What is your dream job?

Working as a commercial interior designer!! I'm SO over residential design!! Although, it would be amazing to work for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

8 What is your most important beauty secret?

Isn't this the same as #5?

So questions for:

Anyone who wants to do it! I'd love hearing from all my blogging beauties!!

1. What is your favorite brand of makeup and why?

2. What is the most you've ever paid for one single item of makeup or other beauty related product?

3. Hot rollers or curling iron?

4. How long does it take you to get ready in the mornings?

5. Do you have a "beauty budget" each month?

6. What skincare line can't you live without?

7.Who is your all time beauty icon?

8.Do you wear makeup and fix your hair even when you aren't going out?

CHI SILK INFUSION

The awesome folks over at Misikko sent me CHI Silk Infusion several weeks ago. I've used it after every shampoo, and for me that's about every other day.

"CHI Silk Infusion - Reconstructing Complex is specially formulated for thermal styling and hair repair. CHI Silk Infusion contains no alcohol, so it won't dry your hair out as a leave in treatment - and it'll leave your hair with the head-turning, lustrous shine of pure silk.

Farouk CHI Silk Infusion Features:

Leave in, alcohol free reconstructing treatment

Enriched with pure natural silk, wheat and soy proteins

For soft manageable hair with incredible shine and no build up

Protects the hair against thermal styling and environment"

I have used many products of this nature before. Some have been too heavy and sticky, others have been watery and felt like they did nothing.  I'm pleased to say that this one is great! It's formula isn't too thick and smells great--but without being overpowering. It takes a very small amount for me to cover my hair in a light layer of protection. I've noticed that after I flatiron my hair it is extra smooth and shiny! Yeah!

I like to flat iron my hair frequently, so I really do need to protect my locks! I just went for a loooong over due hair cut yesterday. Cut about 1" off to get my hair hair healthy again! The stylist said that even though I had dry ends, my hair is really healthy. Yeah! =)

I'm definitely going to keep it that way by not forgetting to use this.

FTC Disclosure: While I was sent this product for review, this is my honest opinion. I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned in this post.

UPDATE

Hello my beauties! Sorry I have been MIA lately! My hubby is finally home from Brazil--just got back on the 22nd! So with a little relief he'll provide for me with the girls, I'll be able to blog more often!! I've got so many things I want to talk to you all about! I've got a 12 hour day at work today, but tomorrow I'm going to get something up for you! Thanks for sticking with me! And to my new followers recently...thanks for finding me and please keep coming back!

I'm still taking entries for my AVON give-a-way! It will be ending soon! So hurry and enter!

CELLNIQUE SKIN CARE REVIEW

Ok, here's what I was trying to post the other day! Finally got it re-written! Hope you all enjoy this review and find it helpful!

A little over a month ago Cellnique Paramedical sent me a few items to try and review. I told them that I had issues with uneven skin tone, pores, under eye bags, and fine lines around my eyes. I've been using these products for about 4 and half weeks now and the following is my honest opinion.

Amino Collagen C Intense Set

"A highly intensive skin rejuvenating combination targets at large pores, the appearance of fine lines and sagging skin. The Amino Collagen C Intense Set consist two serums work synergistically to encourage a firm, youthful and elastic quality skin.

Amino Collagen C Intense I

This high-potency vitamin C serum helps improve skin resilience and refine open pores.

Amino Collagen C Intense II

This oil-free serum contains a proven low-density Hyaluronate Acid, a natural moisturizer which is able to attract 1000 times its weight in water. Rich in soy and silk protein, Amino Collagen Intense II helps repair damaged cells and instantly delivers a silky smooth texture after application."

The Intense I is pale yellow, thicker than water, and almost smells like nail polish remover. It's not a strong scent, but it's not one I enjoy. Going on my face, it doesn't glide on, I do have to work it in a bit. It also makes my skin tingle just a bit and it feels a little warm as well. It didn't bother me though or irritate my skin. I was really hoping I would see an improvement in the size of my pores after using this. So far, I see no change. But I'm not going to give up! I read in Allure magazine that you should give skin products at least 6 months to show results--but hopefully it won't take that long.

The Intense II is clear, thicker than water, and has a very faint scent. This truly does make my skin feel more moisturized! Unlike the Intense I, this just glides onto my skin and feels awesome! I have to say, after using this for several weeks, my skin does feel smoother!

Pros:

1. For both of these, a little really does go a long way. I'd say these will last me 2 months!

2. Intense I really does hydrate my super dry skin.

Cons:

1. Both formulas are in a dropper bottle. I'd much prefer them to be with a pump. It gets a little messy with the dropper and pumps are just more hygienic if you ask me.

2. Price!! This set of two 0.34oz bottles cost $96.00!! Too far out of my league! But hey, if you get the results you're looking for, I suppose it's a small price to pay!

Contour De-Puffy Jewel

"With its unique combination of Acetyl Tetrapeptide Gold Dipeptide and Rhodochrosite Extract, this breakthrough eye formulation helps alleviate eye puffiness and dark circles by increasing blood circulation and deep moisture the eye areas. Consists SPF15 which protects skin from again UVA and UVB rays.

With its unique combination of Acetyl Tetrapeptide Gold Dipeptide and Rhodochrosite Extract, this breakthrough eye formulation helps alleviate eye puffiness and dark circles by increasing blood circulation and deep moisture the eye areas. Consists SPF15 which protects skin from again UVA and UVB rays

• Reduces puffiness and dark circles

• Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

• Strengthens and regenerates skin tissues

• Soothes, softens, and hydrates the delicate eye-area skin

• Sun protection with SPF15"

I really was so excited to try this one! I've got horrible darkness all around my eyes, puffyness PDiddy would be jealous of, and fine lines around my eyes. I put this on twice a day, in the morning and right before bed, and I'm so happy to say that I've seen a big change! I tried taking pictures to chronicle the experience, but my camera's not great at picking up fine details, but take my word for it! It really made a big difference. Now, I still have a lot of discoloration around my eyes, but the puffyness is almost 100% gone! I just dab a little on and take the puffyness away! It also goes on really smoothly and doesn't tug on my skin. There's a very faint scent, but I don't mind it.

Pros:

1. Comes in a 0.5oz PUMP that will last forever! All I need is half a pump each time I uses it.

2. I've really seen a difference in my under eyes using this!

Cons:

1. Because the bottle is opaque, I've got no idea how much is left in here.

2. It's a bit pricey at $54.00.

Here's a note to YOU GUYS from Selina at Cellnique:

"We would also like to offer free samples of Skin Action Sebum Gel, 3ml to your readers (first 20 readers). They can email their full name, mailing/shipping address or the blog’s url (if any) to fbfreesample@cellnique.com with the subject www.nvbeauty.blogspot.com. Readers that send in their blog’s url, they might stand a chance to do a product review. T&C: Valid ends 1 week after your product review being post and sample delivery within 4 – 6 weeks."

Check it out and let me know what you think!


FTC disclosure: I was sent these products for free to review. I am not affiliated with Cellnique. I was not paid to write this review or promote their products. These are my honest opinions.

Don't forget to enter my latest give-a-way! I'm giving away one of my favorite summer scents by AVON!

 

HOLY MOLEY!

Ever spent a few hours, seriously--hours on a review and then lose it? HUGE BUMMER. *Sigh* I'll try to get it redone for you all tomorrow. Hope everyone had a great day!

Please don't forget to enter my AVON Give-a-way!

NICE'N EASY??

So I found my first gray hair today! Eeeks! I went right to Rite Aid and purchased this little box of Nice'n Easy, color 117. I also just felt like doing something different with my hair color:

Here goes...before:

I followed the directions to the T. I waited 20 minutes and rinsed my hair and here's what I initally got:

WTFreak? Why did my roots turn out so freakin' light???? I thought, ok...let me dry it and see how it looks then. Hmmm.....

See how light it looks here? I wouldn't have such a problem if ALL my hair was about the same color. But isn't this a bit drastic? Or am I being paranoid? How long do I have to wait to color it again? Not soon enough!! Help guys! What should I do?

I NEED A GUEST BLOGGER (CLOSED)

 

Free Beauty Events sent me some Clearasil products and since I don't have acne, I have no use for it and would be pointless for me to review. I have two products for someone to try and send me a review to post on my blog! They are Stay Clear Oil Free Daily Face Wash and the Ultra Pimple Blocker pen.

I'll gladly send you the products to try and you'll send me your review to post on my blog! I would like for the person reviewing this to be a fellow beauty blogger and in the US. Just leave your comment below that you are interested and I'll pick someone randomly! Obviously, you will need to have a tendency towards breaks outs to review this.

FTC Disclosure: I was sent these items by Free Beauty Events. I was not paid to feature these products on my blog. I have never used Clearasil and can not speak about the quality or results.

AVEENO GIVE-A-WAY FROM FREE BEAUTY EVENTS

Check out the newest give-a-way from Free Beauty Events!

For the month of July ten winners will receive Aveeno Positively Aging Lifting & Firming Cream, Night Cream, and Daily Moisturizer with SPF of 30. You guys have until 7/31 to enter and winners will be chosen on 8/5/2010.

Click here to enter!

SEDONA LACE YOUR FACE WINNERS!!

I know you all have been waiting for this announcement! Sorry it took me a while to decide. There were just SO many amazing entries! Thank you to everyone who entered. It really made me happy to see so many of you took the time to really put something so beautiful and creative together for my contest!!

In first place is Silhouette Screams! She has won the 12 pc Baby Pink Brush set from Sedona Lace!! This was the first entry I got and I was just blown away with her creativity! I really expected to see amazing eyes from the participates, but she really blew me away with the contoured cheek and gorgeous lips! LOVE it!!

In second place is Heather from Eyeconic Makeup! She won the 28 Neutral Palette from Sedona Lace, purchased by moi! I really love this bold look and felt it really embodied the inspiration!

Thanks again to Jason at Sedona Lace for sponsoring this contest! Girls, email me your mailing addresses and I'll get your items sent to you!

Don't forget to enter my AVON Give-a-way!!