Archive for the ‘Jewelry’ Category

I’ve shared with you over the last year or so some nice nail sticker products, but these have definitely taken the category to a whole new level.
Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips are exactly what they sound like – real nail polish (in awesome and fun designs!) that has been applied to a thin, flexible nail-shaped strip with a sticky back to press on to the real nail bed.
The box comes with 16 nail polish strips, orange stick and a small nail file. There are 24 different colors/designs (some glitter based, some solid colors, and some nail designs) so there’s definitely something for everyone. The strips come in several different sizes, to accommodate all nail bed sizes, which is great.
The steps are clearly illustrated on the included instructions. You simply pick the strips that best fit your nails, peel off the sticky strips on the back and apply to the nail. The last step is to peel of the clear top coat and then the nail file to smooth off the excess strip. The orange stick comes in handy to press down the sides of the strip to secure it to the nail.
I did like how easy the steps were, but it should be noted that this process does take significantly longer than to apply traditional nail polish, especially the first time you do it. I would say it took me about 15 min or so the first time to get it just right.
There is one momentous event that comes before our wedding, the engagement. There are a lot of things that need to be prepared when we are going to propose our partner for an engagement, but the most important thing is obviously choosing the engagement ring that we want to use for the proposal. There are a lot of factors to be planned when we are going to buy an engagement ring including recognizing our partner’s preference, planning the budget, choosing the ring’s material, and choosing the right stone for the ring, which can be chosen between one, two and three stone ring. Since the engagement ring will be worn for the rest of our partner’s life, it is very important to make sure that all of those factors planned appropriately and perfectly.
First of all, we will need to understand our partner’s preference. If we have gone around with her for quite a while, we should have comprehended her preference, but if we haven’t, we should never try to ask it to her herself. It is much wiser if we get a grasp of it by asking her family members, her relatives or her colleagues. Whichever method that we take, we have to make sure that we have tried to figure out her preference as optimally as possible. If we finally cannot figure it out, we can take her to choose the ring by herself or plan to perform our proposal without any ring.
This guest post is courtesy of Thefind.com
No matter what those teen face wash commercials and catchy jingles want you to think, washing your face is never actually all that fun. Sure, it feels refreshing and helps perfect your complexion, but it’s not exactly my idea of a great time. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t spruce up your morning cleansing routine with a festive version of your favorite beautifying gadget, even if it’s just to accessorize the look of your bathroom or travel beauty bag!
The Clarisonic Mia Skin Cleansing System now comes in Jaguar print for all you sassier beauty folk who like to fancy up your dull clean regime with a little character. It’s got the same cleansing power and pore-refining capabilities of the original Mia… just with a little more pizzazz! Okay, so maybe a jaguar print Clarisonic isn’t going to actually make cleaning your face much more enjoyable, but it will definitely make your friends jealous when you take it with you on your next girls’ weekend!
- Alex Gambardella

I’ve discovered a great deodorant option for those of you looking for a natural ingredient-based product (that’s still effective at odor protection and wetness).
I loved the Secret Natural Mineral Antiperspirant & Deodorant Invisible Solid, Lemon Grass Mint It’s made with naturally derived calcium carbonate that activates odor-fighting technology which neutralizes (not just covers up) order. The deodorant was also extremely effective at fighting wetness during the day – even during workouts, busy days and very hot temps.
The Lemongrass Mint scent is also very fresh and pretty – nothing like most deodorant fragrances, and while it’s noticeable on application, it becomes very subtle during the day and never competed with my fragrance.
Have one of these in your gym bag and you’ll be very happy! – RLB
Go–>Secret Natural Mineral Antiperspirant & Deodorant Invisible Solid, Lemon Grass Mint
This product was provided courtesy of Secret PR for reviewing purposes.

For all of you drugstore beauty buyers, there’s another foundation that should be on your radar - Maybelline Fit Me! Liquid SPF 18 Foundation.
This foundation provides soft, dewy light-medium coverage, and covers minor blemishes and discoloration well. The formula is moisturizing without creating additional oiliness. It also had great staying power – the color and coverage stayed true all day (even without a primer), which was impressive as well.
Top that off with a pretty good shade range (I used Coconut 355), and the fact that the foundation also features an SPF of 18 and you’ve got one of the best drugstore foundations out there right now. I applied this with fingers, foundation brush (my preferred method with this formula) as well as a cosmetic sponge and loved the results – as its a very creamy, blendable formula. The foundation felt very lightweight on my skin (that “no-makeup” feel), and has a nice fresh scent as well.
Because of the dewy finish, this will be best for normal, combination and dry skin – if you have very oily skin, you may not like the effect. The one product packaging feature you should be aware of is that this is in a glass bottle, and does need to be poured for application (no pump). If this is a problem for you I recommend transferring to a plastic pump bottle for easier application.
This is a drugstore gem that you should explore – it’s a great foundation – not just a great drugstore foundation! – RLB
If you’re looking to make a little luxe beauty purchase for yourself, or need to purchase a new cleanser and wouldn’t mind “trading up” – this is the CHANEL cleanser for you.
I used this on a recent trip and wow this made me forget everything I was using at home in my usual washing regime. The scent is the first thing that grabbed my attention – so soft, floral and yet still light and fresh.
The texture is super creamy and silky, and so concentrated that less than a pea-sized amount was needed to cleanse my entire face. As directed, I added the cleanser into my hand and then added a few drops of water to create the lather and then added it to my face. When I rinsed, my skin felt extremely clean, smooth and fresh with no dryness or tightness. This is especially nice after a workout or very hot day to revive and refresh the skin!
This will work for most skin types, and ideal for normal and combination. I also found it’s great for removing makeup as well. It’s A CHANEL beauty treat that’s worth every penny. – RLB
This guest post is courtesy of Thefind.com
You may think you have all your bases covered when it comes to beauty priming products — face primer, eyeshadow primer, even lipstick primer — but did you know that some of our favorite hair care brands have developed prepping products even for your ‘do? Anyone who doesn’t have an enviably easy wash-and-go natural hairstyle knows that creating your perfect style is one task, but it’s a whole other challenge altogether to get it to survive throughout the day.
Hair prepping products not only help protect your style from heat damage and weather woes like sun, wind, and chemicals, but also help seal in moisture and lock your ‘do down so that it’s more likely to stay put throughout the day, whether you’re rockin’ curls, waves, or trying to tame your mane into staying stick-straight! Normally the last thing I’d want to do is make my morning hair routine even longer with an additional step, but hair primers realistically save you time (not to mention help you take better care of your tresses) by eliminating multiple touch-ups throughout the day. Count me in!
From left to right: Bumble and bumble Prep, ALTERNA Bamboo Smooth Kendi Oil Dry Mist, Sally Hershberger Style Primer, Ojon Dry Recovery Revitalizing Moisture Mist, and Jonathan Product Prep Spray.
- Alex Gambardella
Something’s new at TheFind, have you seen it yet? Just launched Visual Search will make it easier to discover what you want to buy (like those fab Vera Wang ankle booties!) and where you want to buy it.
Here’s a fun and creative opportunity for you guys!
Sebastian Professional has teamed up with Maja Ivarsson, lead singer for The Sounds, in a challenge to style this platinum-tressed rock star.
You have the opportunity to win $ 1,000 VISA gift card and a gift basket from Sebastian Professional. Ivarsson, named “Hottest Woman in Rock” by Blender Magazine, will also be judging the contest entries!
Rules: All you have to do is create a rock star look for Maja (remember at least one Sebastian Professional product must be in the set). You must create a complete look in order to be entered into the contest. Contest ends April 17th, 2011.
Click below and get started. Good Luck
– RLB

I’ve just discovered the perfect little beauty item to put either a luminizing or sparkling touch to your skin after this long, cold winter! It’s MAKE UP FOR EVER Uplight Face Luminizer Gel
I used this in a few ways – I added touches on my cheekbones and brow bones with fingers or a cosmetic sponge, and I also mixed it with either my foundation or tinted moisturizer for a beautiful all over glow. Be aware there are several different finishes to the MAKE UP FOR EVER Uplight gels – if you want a very bold look, then you can pick the sparkling gels, since there is a very noticeable glitter finish. They are lightweight and work well over and under any makeup. They didn’t get oily or dry during the day and had great staying power.
For everyday looks I preferred the dewy finish of MAKE UP FOR EVER Uplight Face Luminizer Gel 12 which is a universal Golden Beige and for all out glitter touches I liked MAKE UP FOR EVER Uplight Face Luminizer Gel 33
which is a sparkling golden copper shade.- RLB

I was recently interviewed for Tyra Banks‘ new fashion & beauty site, TypeF.com on an article about the best drugstore shampoo for your hair type.
Check out this great article and see which line I recommend for curly hair – no matter how you like to style it. Your curls – and your wallet will love it! – RLB

















