Dirty Little Secret.

Listen, I am a busy lady and sometimes doing my hair is too much of a task to even make it on the days To Do list. I really should wash my hair every 4 days , but some nights I get in late from school and there is just no time. This is why Rub Out by Ojon is a god sent. It is a dry shampoo that actually works without turning your hair white. Most dry shampoos have that baby powder effect on brunettes, but Ojon has created a product that smells great and really invigorates your scalp. It turns greasy hair in to bouncy fresh hair that can help you face the day when you just don't have time to do your hair. Its also great for protecting you dry ends because even though your scalp may be oily, your ends can still be dry. Washing your hair too often can strip your hair of essential natural oils especially for those with dry brittle and damaged ends. I used this stuff this morning and got tons of compliments on my hair; little did they know...

;)

Loreal Voluminous Eyeliner.

Have you noticed the increasing number of makeup products that seem to be based on the concept of sharpie markers?
I've always found them intriguing, after all, I pretty much mastered the art of using markers back in preschool, It would stand to reason that I would be a makeup dynamo if I could use them on my face.
So for the last few days I've been testing out my latest "marker makeup" Voluminous Traceur Yeux by Loreal Paris.
The flow of the liner is very nice. Avy and I were discussing pen eyeliners recently, and her concern was that the liner dries up and it makes your line all spotty and wack. No issue with that here.
My only concern so far, is that it's difficult to get that winged effect at the outer corners of your eyes with this product. I've ended up using it the way I would use a pencil eyeliner, when I expected to be using it to create the shape I would with a liquid eyeliner.
I still feel I may be able to get the knack of this in time, and even if I can't, its still excellent for its staying power.

Stained.

The other night Kamilah was going for that 50's look with her makeup and wanted a lip color that would comply. Benetint by Benefit would have been the answer. For those of you who like the red lip look but don't want to have to worry about the upkeep of wearing red lipstick (you have to reapply red lipstick entirely too much to keep it looking great) then a lip stain is the answer. This stuff literally stains your lips and you don't have to worry about it coming off on your wine glass (so not sexy looking!) or coming off on your boo. As the website boasts, it's kiss -proof and water-proof. You can even use it to stain your cheeks for that natural "I just had....... fun" glow ;)
Have all the girls hatin' with this stuff ... LOL!

Nude Beach Anyone?

I have never even had the guts to go topless let alone entirely nude... so this Nude Beach collection from Bare Escentuals is my only chance to go nude in public. This post is in response to Alicia's vacay post.... Since the rest of us were NOT on a nice white sandy beach - why not get beachy with your shadows? These are the best shimmer eyeshadows and they come in fabulous summer shades - but these are the kind of colors I would wear all year despite their warm summer hues. They have such a fantastic sheen and glimmer that make your eyes.... well .... eye-catching! As I have said a gazillion times- they are also perfect for applying while wet for an extra dramatic look. These are great shadows for anyone and are so flattering. I wanna say that Kamilah wears one of the shades but don't quote me. The collection includes:

• Nude Beach Eyecolor (a glimmer of warm sand)
  
• Tan Lines Eyecolor (a glimmer of golden sand)
  
• Bare Skin Eyecolor (a glimmer of blush taupe)
  
• Skinny Dip Eyecolor (a glimmer of iridescent pink)
  
• In the Buff Eyecolor (a glimmer of golden peach)
  
• Au Natural Eyecolor (a glimmer of iridescent violet

Go nude!

Cargo Reverse Lip Liner

I don't wear lip liner because I dislike when the lipstick/gloss wears away and you're left with ring around the mouth. But liner can lend itself very nicely to accentuating the shape of your lips and keeping your lip color in order. This is a nice idea, but I would imagine that you could achieve something similar with a concealer. In fact this product can also be used around your eye, so it probably is just a concealer in pencil form.

I'M BACCCKKK :)

Hey Guys,

I'm home. I missed you all. My trip to Cancun was amazing. The food was scrumptious, the drinks were delightful, the party life was fair, and the ocean was as blue as can be. Needless to say that with all of these elements combined my vacation was Grand.

I stayed at Riu Caribe which is an all inclusive hotel and it was a pleasant stay. The staff was always accommodating and the location was close in proximity to the night life, restaurants, and shopping area. The sun, was no joke. I applied lots of sunscreen lotion and I still got burned. I am coping with my burns as we speak.

Here is a pic of how I looked when I got off of the plane:

Now, here is a pic of how I looked when I was boarding to come back home:

Click on all the pics for full effect.
Since we are always doing "Style Files" on people that are in the public eye, I have decided to do a "Panache Profile" on myself. It is going to be focused on easy pieces that can be worn while on vacation.

So I usually pack a boat load of clothing when I go away because I hate to not have options. This time I traveled with one small suitcase and a small duffel carry on. My boyfriend was stunned when he realized that that was all I was carrying:) We spent 5 days in total and I took about 10 outfits. I racked up on shorts,I also took about 3 dresses along with a few T-shirts. I brought two pairs of heels and about 5 pairs of flats and 1 pair of water shoes. I find that when going away your accessories should really be your statement piece. You can jazz up any outfit with an accessory. Also, I have a thing for cover ups and hats. That's pretty much what I wore. You should figure out the part of your body that you love the most and feel is the most sexy then buy things that will flaunt it. I personally love my legs, so I flaunted them.
Here are a few pics of my outfits:


Here are a few of the bathing suit choices that I picked. When selecting bathing suits, I personally go for colors that go well with my skin tone. I also look for a snug fit and for materials that are clingy and won't sag when you hit the water. Saggy bottoms are definitely not a good look.




All of my clothing pieces were relatively inexpensive and affordable. My best accessory besides my sombrero was My Snookums. When in doubt bring a handsome one along, he will surely complete your outfit:)

If you have any questions, let me know. Smooches.

Remede Double Oxygenating Booster

Everyone listen up! I am about to put you on to one of the few products that I consider truly remarkable, and I have found nothing that comes even close to replicating its benefits.
This will kill a zit. I'm talking massacre! It especially works well as a spot treatment on the major "under the skin" ones. For some reason I haven't seen it do much for me as part of an all over skin treatment, but if you feel one of those bad suckers coming on, this will kick its ass!
One of the best things about it, is that it doesn't dry out and chap your skin the way other acne products do. It actually feels very moisturizing. At $98.00 for less than 2 ounces it is not cheap, but it will do the job and sometimes that's worth it.
If you're unsure go get a sample from Sephora. If they tell you they don't have samples, tell them to make you one. They can do that, they're just frickin lazy sometimes.

Philosophy Purity

A few weeks back Avyanka posted something that made me question the way I care for my skin. She said that it is important to completely remove all makeup and dirt from the skin prior to using any facial scrubs, otherwise you will only be grinding the makeup/dirt further into your skin. I, like many others made the mistake of assuming that a scrub is as a good as a soap, and would do the same job.
I've never had any major skin problems, but that doesn't mean that improvement is impossible. So I have been considering an overhaul of my skincare regimen, and purchasing this is first on my list.
Check out the product breakdown:

purity made simple
one-step facial cleanser
purity made simple is a liquid crystal cleansing emulsion that removes makeup, dirt, oil and debris in one step. purity made simple was created because it was our feeling that most cleansers were not getting the skin clean enough. furthermore, we do not believe you need a makeup remover and a toner to complete the cleansing process. purity made simple was formulated to emulsify and dissolve dirt, embedded debris, and makeup rather than creating a lot of foam without a lot of clean.


you need this product if...

you've tried a lot of cleansers but never found one you loved
you crave deeply cleansed skin
you want a cleanser that will multi-task for you
you wear a lot of makeup
your skin is congested

Concealer Combos

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit



Laura Mercier Undercover Pot

I'm really feeling these makeup trios/combos lately. I totally appreciate the extra beauty boost that makeup gives, but I am by no means an expert. So anything that is already put together for me and comes with a game plan attached sounds great, especcially when they come in one cute and easy package. The two above have garnered great reviews, and on my next trip to Sephora I will be purchasing whichever one has the better color match for my complexion.

Problem Salved!

Talk about multi-tasking - this ish does everything! Lets face it ladies we spend way too much on lotions, shampoos, lip glosses etc. so its nice when you get get several uses from just one product; enter Problem Salved 20 in 1 Wonder Balm by Bliss. Here is a list of its 20 uses from Bliss's website:

Problem-Salved, a compact multi-purpose rescue remedy is designed to target a myriad of skin woes, irritations, mishaps including:

1.soothe sunburn
2.soothe windburn
3.soothes skin after waxing upper lip
4.soothe skin after waxing eyebrows
5.Soothing stinging from insect bites
6.Soothes itching from insect bites
7.moisturize chapped heels
8.moisturize chapped elbows
9.moisturize chapped noses due to colds, flus or allergies
10.soothe stressed skin caused micro-dermabrasion,
11.soothe stressed skin caused by AHA treatments
12.prevent runner's chafing
13.prevent shoe blisters
14.protect skin blisters
15.nourish your cuticles to enhance your manicure
16.helps repair ragged cuticles
17.tame flyaways in hair
18.helps seal split ends
19.groom eyebrows (i.e. as an eyebrow wax)
20.provide a quick fix up for make-up mistakes (still need to wipe off with a cotton or tissue after using balm to dissolve makeup)

This sounds like a must have - you may even want to get 2, one for your purse and another for the office.

Blo And Go.

Let's not get nasty about the name of the product, ok? I can hear you giggling.
Really this looks like it could have potential. Sometimes you need to get the heat right up on your scalp, and the angles might be kind of difficult to master, but other than that it could be a huge help. It's pretty cheap too.
BLO HERE

Accessorize!

Great accessories can really pull a look together. I mainly wear earrings but there is nothing like a bold ring or bracelet to draw attention to your fresh manicure. Here are some fun pieces:

Kenneth Jay Lane - Amber and black swirl enamel ring.

Kevia - Gold floral brocade dome ring.

Kenneth Jay Lane - Jet large crystal cocktail ring.

Marc by Marc Jacobs - Antique brass logo charm bangle

Kevia - Gold snake pendant necklace.

A.V. Max - Silver glitter Lucite chain cuff.

A.V. Max - Black studded enamel bangle.

Shop for accessories here!

The Eternal Question

How do I create the smoky eye?
Here's the “Smoky Eye” according to Make Up Forever's Danny Sans:

1. Use the Brush 8S to apply Eye Shadow #101 white over the whole upper lid.
2. Sweep some of the new Star Powder #950 black gold across the whole mobile lid to give eyes added intensity.
3. Accentuate the socket line of the upper lid with Eye Shadow #10 yellow gold and blend the 2 eye shadows upwards with the Sponge Applicator.
4. Outline the upper contour of the eye with Color Liner #25 iridescent black.
5. Underline the inner rim of the lower lash-line with Kohl Pencil black.
6. Lightly smudge the contour of the lower lid to get the "smoky" look by doubling the pencil line with a line of Star Powder #950 and Eye Shadow #10, blended outwards into the outer corner of the eye.
7. End by coating lashes with Lengthening Mascara #0 black and recoloring the tips.

Makeup Forever has great shadows and is one of my favorite makeup lines to achieve this look with! After Reading these steps run to Sephora to practice and play so that you can master this super sexy and tres chic eye...

Ok gotta go finish my paper now!
:)

Green Hair

This is taking Vegan-ism to the next level. The Jonathan hair product line has 100% vegan products called Green Routine. The Green Routine Collection will feed your hair all sorts of good for you stuff and provide maximum conditioning. It has a spearmint scent which is always refreshing and makes your scalp feel super cleansed. i am all for natural ingredients because of all the ish I put my hair through; but it also has to work! Try the Green Routine Collection - its a great way to go natural with a brand who knows hair; I think you will like it.

Go eco-chic here.

Von D Follow Up

I posted about Kat Von D's make up line at Sephora a few weeks back; but I just wanted to follow up since I have been using this eyeshadow set loyally for the past few days. It was a bday gift from my sis [tx B] and I really am pleasantly surprised. The color is rich and and goes on well. I hate eyeshadows that no matter how much you pile on are completely nonexistent. I got the one with the neutral shades for everyday and they are great. The brushes that it comes with are tiny so I have been using my own, but brushes like that are nice for lining your eyes with.

Take It Back To JHS!

St. Ives Apricot Scrub is still an old favorite of mine. I like the version with salicylic acid to clear blemishes.
I don't ordinarily like salicylic acid for skin issues. I feel it doesn't work well, or at least not quickly enough. I wouldn't use this for getting rid of a zit, its more of a prevention tool. The best thing about it in my opinion is not only is it a good product, but it's so cheap and accessible. You can find it at any drugstore, and if you buy it in the jar, you get enough so that you can use it as a body scrub! It's probably around $5.00, that's maybe a quarter of the price I would pay for a body scrub somewhere like Sephora. It's a definite bathroom necessity.

Rimmel Light Beam.

A few days ago I was introduced to a young lady, and it took about 5 minutes for her to open her cosmetics bag, and introduce me to her lip gloss. I don't even remember her name (sorry, I'm bad with that stuff.) but I remember that gloss!

It was one of those new light up tube with built in mirror situations. I'd read about them for the last year or so, but I must admit seeing it in person was cooler than expected. But let's be real, who am I, f@cking inspector gadget? This is so unnecessary, but I'm a jerk so I must have one!
The one she was using was Light Beam by Rimmel. But please take note of the top picture, don't they all really look like they'll go on clear? I hate that about lip glosses!

Finally! A mini Vacation :)

Hello my dear friends,

Sorry you haven't heard much from me lately, but I've been gearing up for my upcoming trip. This time tomorrow I will be basking in the sun on the white sandy beaches of Mexico and getting some well deserved R&R while watching the beautiful sunsets. A vacation well overdue if I may say so myself.


Stay tuned for an update on how my week went and a review of the hotel along with the festivities that I will surely part take in. As always Avyanka and Kamilah will be sure to keep you entertained and in the know.

Talk to you soon.

Per-fekt Skin

Per-fekt Body Perfecting Gel softens and diffuses skins imperfections giving the appearance of an even complexion. This gel glides on easily and blends well. I used it Saturday night and it was my first time. The thing I loved about it is that it hydrates your skin really making it feel soft and touchable. Its supposed to be good for disguising bruises, redness, dry patches, large pores and stretch marks. It is also water resistant and transfer resistant so you don't have to worry about it getting on your clothes. You can also build it up for more coverage; which is what I did so I was walking around Kamilah's house half naked Saturday for about 30 minutes to ensure that it was really dry - but I was just being super careful as to not get any on my dress, I am sure it dried way quicker than that LOL. Also, this stuff comes in different shades (Brilliant, Golden, and Exotic) so you can match your skin easily. It blends really well so you don't have to worry about getting an exact match but since my summer tan has already faded, I got the darkest shade so that I could look as though I had some color. I guess it worked because when my sis saw the pics from that night she was like "OMG you look so tan!" Mission accomplished: flawless sun-kissed skin. :)

Try it!

All About the Brush

Hello my darlings,
Thank you for all the bday love and a special thank you to those of you who came to party with SGHI!! We had a great time with you guys.
So Saturday was indeed a day of fashion, fun and faux lashes for the ladies of SGHI & Co. We did all sorts of girly beautifying stuff; it was my kind of day! While getting ready at Kamilah's she mentioned that she needed to invest in some makeup brushes. The truth is you can have the best eye shadows, powders, blushes, etc. but without the right brush it maybe really hard to apply it correctly; q-tips just don't quite cut it. The right makeup brush makes a world of difference when applying your makeup.
So this one goes out to all of you ladies who don't have good makeup brushes:

Use this brush to apply your powder foundation, it will give you flawless coverage.

This is a great blush brush; its not too big so it will apply

the color to the apples of your cheeks where it belongs.

This brush is ideal for applying your shadow all over the eyelid.

Perfect for either eyebrows or using to define your eyes.

Use MAC eyeshadow in Carbon for a great cat eye using the angle of this brush!

This is another brush great for defining your eyes. Wet it for a sleeker smoother line.

Not Too Brite

Since Kamilah opened the door for the negative reviews, I guess I will let you know about a product that I wouldn't recommend either. These Brite Smile pens seemed like they would be amazing since you can just use them on the go but I didn't see much of a difference when I tried them out. Now bear in mind - I am a coffee addict. So I guess using it every morning is pointless if you are going to follow with coffee. But the whole reason why I need the pens in the first place is because I drink coffee... so its a vicious cycle. UGH! So maybe they would work for someone who doesn't drink coffee and who doesn't smoke; so pretty much for someone who already has white teeth... SMH!

Thumbs Down!

We're about 3 weeks into this blog, and I've just realized that we haven't done a single negative post!
I guess this is kind of good...I mean, who would want to read lists of things they shouldn't buy? But on the other hand, some warning is nice when you're considering spending your hard earned money on a product that may be complete crap.
So, here are a couple products I've bought recently that I would never recommend to a friend.

Redken All Soft

Not soft AT ALL. Like the kind of dry and tangled that even your fave conditioner can't smooth. I had heard good things about the scent too...Puh-leaze, smells like a whole lot of nothing.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Hairspray

Sticky, crunchy, everything you don't want your hairspray to be. Do not buy.

IMO Everyone Needs Therapy

The therapy that works best for me is typically retail therapy, but second on that list is undoubtedly vino therapy; not the glass of wine I have with my girls at dinner [although that helps too lol] but what I am speaking of is Delluva Vinotherapy @ Delluva Day Spa and Salon. Delluva, which translates to "of the grape", is a place to go when you need to escape. I remember going in the middle of winter during a snow storm after a particularly stressful day and feeling so relaxed in the comfy robe they give you, feet up on their comfy chase lounge chair, with my glass of wine, cheese & crackers and a magazine; it was so peaceful ... ahhhh - I think I need an appointment. I have only gotten facials at Delluva, but I have a friend who has gotten massages and waxed there. It is definitely a spa to check out. Here are some photos, but I have to say they don't do the place justice, in person it is very dimly lit and sexy, lol.

Here is some info from the website:

WHAT IS “Therapy from the Vine”?
“Therapy from the Vine” is the use of skin care products and treatments derived from grapes and the by-products of the wine making process.

We use grapeseeds, grapeseed extracts, husks, grapeseed oil, and vine leaf extracts that all have a high concentration of polyphenols. These polyphenol antioxidants are up to 20 times more effective than vitamin C and up to 50 times more effective than vitamin E.

These products and treatments help to fight against the age-advancing free radicals in the body and act as a therapy to fight stress and pollutants.

Delluva Day Spa and Salon uses only the best wine and vine-infused products, with a focus on TheraVINE™, a skin care line from the Cape Winelands of South Africa.

TheraVINE™ obtains its grape-derived ingredients from the South African indigenous Pinotage cultivar. TheraVINE™ also uses the grape cultivars from Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet, and Sauvignon Blanc. The indigenous medicinal botanical essential oils are natural and organically grown in the Western Cape area.

OUR PROMISE TO OUR GUESTS:
To create indulgent, inviting surroundings where guests experience first-class service, internationally renowned treatments, and unexpected delights.

Ooo and they are having a wine tasting event soon - fun!

Click here for Vinotherapy!

Don't Forget to Take it Off

I am prone to breakouts and the last time I went for a facial my esthetician explained that it is absolutely imperative that you fully remove makeup before using scrubs, creams or facial treatments. Many people use a face wash that has micro-beads to wash their makeup off, but she said if you use a scrub before fully removing your makeup/dirt/oil, all you are doing is grinding that makeup/dirt/oil into your pores, clogging them and causing breakouts. She suggests using a makeup remover first, then using the scrub. By doing it this way you are able to see the full benefits of your creams and/or acne treatments. You can use any makeup remover to do this. I like Neutrogena Make-Up Remover, Cleansing Towelettes.