On Sunday I had my yearly Keratin treatment done and I just have to tell you guys how worth it it is. The first time I had it done I had the express or keratin blow out and I saw results with just that but I think the full on treatment is much more worth it. Speeding up drying time, shiny hair, and smooth texture are just a few benefits.

It is a pricey thing ($200 - $300) but for my hair and the way it used to frizz out and just poof like crazy, I can't do without it. I save up all year and then I get peace of mind that I can go to the beach, boardwalk, etc. and have frizz free styled hair.

This company has tons of styling products. I think you would even see a difference just using their Intense RX which gives your hair a 25% keratin boost and cost only bout $40 in comparison. Their products also smell amazing! Using the serum, shampoo and conditioner has helped the treatment last a whole year rather than about 6 months like they say.

I have all three and use them all the time. I don't find they are too sparkly or settle into lines. The Illuminating and Bronzing shades are definitely the most sparkly of the three but I don't think it's over the top. Although I think that if you tend to stay away from glitter they might not float your boat. These are finely milled and are dispensed from the compact with a shaving contraption. By spinning the circle of powder you dispense your desired amount. I like that you have control over the amount you use and it seems more hygienic that way.

The powders are complete with jojoba oils and Vitamin E to moisturize and care for your skin while keeping it feeling and looking luxe.

correcting, bronzing, illuminating (not fully blended; natural sunlight)

This will be a new series of posts for products that I feel are NOT worth the hype or money. If I can save someone else from buying something that is a waste, I want to.

The first product is Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB Cream. I originally had this in my dry skin series as a good BB cream but have now taken it off. I just find that it has zero coverage on it's own. When I pour some into my hands it feels like the thicker consistency would work well but I just didn't find that it gave me anything. I don't think it made my skin any better either.

The whole point of a BB cream is to have skincare and makeup in one product. I didn't see either in this one and wouldn't repurchase.

Save your money ladies...

                                     

The past month has been full of good books from Stephen King to Lynne St. James...

this is with 2 coats - damn!

While strolling through Harmon's Discount last week I came across L'Oreal's Miss Manga Mascara which is part of the Voluminous line. I am not a Manga fan but you all know I am a mascara fan so of course I had to try it out. I've given it a good week of use and so far these are my thoughts....


Pros:
Lengthening - I love the length it gives my lashes, especially my bottom ones.
Soft - It does not dry hard on your lashes which I like. Your lashes will still have flexibility and won't feel brittle which is great for curling.
Layers - This formula layers nicely. It does get "spidery" but I like that long thick look.

Cons:
Too wet - I like my mascara a little bit more on the dry side. I feel that it adheres better and layers nicer too.
Bendable Wand - I find that this style wand makes it more difficult to layer because I don't have that force behind the brush. But I'm sure this is also a pro because you can bend it to get into the corners easier.
Long Tapered Wand - This can make application a little bit messy.


Retailing at about $9 I do think this is worth trying out depending on how you feel about wet mascara. The Pro's and Con's are even. I'm not sure I would repurchase but I am curious to see how this works as it dries out a bit more with use.

I find cosmetics more than just something you can print out any time in "your own freaking house". It is interesting to see where people are going to take this but also scary as with anything that is the unknown. 3D printing is something I can barely wrap my head around.

So far from the video the pigmentation does not impress me. I think there are still a lot tests and work to be done to improve the formula. You may have some of the convenience but you are definitely missing out on the intensity of color and the buttery texture of your favorite eyeshadows. She says color is part of what inspired her but she doesn't give us anything here to be excited about.

The idea of being able to match your makeup exactly to your outfit or a specific backdrop in photography is a cool idea. So I do think it adds something to the entertainment industry when working with theatrical makeup and such. But again the pigmentation and different formulas (creams, gels, etc.) need to be worked with and included.

This is just the beginning of the future of our beauty industry. I had a conversation with my mom about this. I told her how I felt it couldn't include the all natural things that say Josie Maran products have. My mom had a good point and said it's just the beginning and as it gains popularity you will see other companies jumping on the bandwagon creating printable products specific to their company. That's definitely something I didn't think of when I first watched this video.

But, I don't think this will take away the beauty industry all together. Atleast not anytime soon. I myself, still love the process of going to a store and looking at all the different formulas (whether it's Walmart or Sephora), packaging, deals and then taking home a bag of new products. It's like going to the Barbie isle in Toys R Us when I was little. It's the excitement and suspense of what's going to be there and what I can buy and play with.

This Friday I've picked two favorites both of which are non-makeup items.... my IMATS hoodie and a book called Embracing Her Desires by Lynne St. James. If you are in for a comfy and cozy weekend then these two are definitely going to be your best friends.

The hoodie you can find here. It is the most cuddly sweatshirt I think I've ever owned.




The book you can find here. This book is so good. The characters are so lovable and I got sucked in within the first couple pages. A great romance with some magic, mystery, and werewolves mixed in.

available in ebook and paperback

Left: top shade in palette Right: middle shade in palette