BeautyXchange

Christmas is over but New Year is right around the corner.  So If you're looking forward to toasting the new year with some bubbly, here's to champagne inspired scents.  Beauty companies are capturing the bubbly in products like candles, perfumes, and shower gels. Check these out:



Voluspa - Crisp Champagne Candle







Product Descripton: A mix of sparkling dry champagne with a hint of fruity ginger. Tonka bean and tabac add soft vanilla notes creating a sublte warm finish.





Mémoire Liquide - No. 900 Champagne et Mure Parfum







Product description: A classic sparkling Kir Royale; refreshing, dry and subtly touched by sweet berry accords and a fresh lemon twist.



Philosphy's Celebrate Shower Gel Trio







Product Description: Celebrate with a bucket of bubbly! philosophy's party on. celebrate set contains 3 high-foaming shampoo, shower gel & bubble baths 6 oz. scented with pink bubbly, lavender bubbly and pomegranate bubbly. these gentle, 3-in-1 formulas generate a rich, moisturizing lather and lots of bubbles, so skin feels completely clean, soft and hydrated. turn every shower into a celebration



Here's to a bubbly & beautiful New Year!

M = Measurable

A = Attainable

R = Realistic

T = Timely



For example, let's say I want to get out of debt.  My goal should be:  I would like to pay off $2k from my credit card by July 31st, 2010 by allocating $300 each month.  This goal is focused, realistic, and definitely attainable.  How will I measure it?  I can measure it by tracking my debt on a spreadsheet and/or checking my credit report.



Setting goals that are not clear, like "I want to lose weight."  Is not clear nor measurable.  "If you can't measure it, you can't manage it."  A better way would be to say, "I want to lose 20lbs by March 31st by reducing my portions, eating more fruits and vegetables, and drinking at least 8 glasses of water each day, and exercising a minimum of 3xs a week.  You can measure this goal by keeping food journal, weighing yourself at different intervals, etc.



The most important thing is to make sure you write down your goals, constantly review them, and make sure their SMART.  Whatever your goals are you can accomplish them.  Make the New Year Your Year.  Do You and be SMART about it.

When you think of pearls do you imagine your grandmother? I'm sure many of us have thought so in the past, but not anymore! I've come to appreciate the look and sophistication of pearl jewelry. Pearls are a classic, timeless statement piece that can make any outfit look grown and sexy.  Plus, you don't have to spend an arm and a leg on them, you can find affordable pearls everywhere.  Pearls now also come in various colors, lengths, and shades.  Take a look at some of these.





What do you think? Nice, right?!



If you're looking for high quality cultured pearls, you must check out Mikimoto, this company is the Don Juan of Pearls. I remember hearing about this company while watching America's Next Top Model a few years back. Like diamonds, there are various types of pearls, if you want to learn about the differences click here.



Check out FLOTUS rocking some pearls. 

It doesn't have to be all about the bling ladies - Pearls can be our best friends too!  Let's switch it up a bit in the New Year and get in touch with our growner, sexier, maturer side with some pearls - they will never go out of style. 



What do you think of pearls?  Hot, Not? Share your thoughts.

There are so many products out there catering to natural haired ladies.  So overwhelming for someone like me transitioning to chemical free, or natural hair.  One product line that I've seen and heard a lot about is Miss Jessie's.



The line was created by two sisters of African & Japanese decent to respond to the demand for expertise in natural hair and naturally curly hair.  According to their site, the products are "known for their expertise in styling curly, kinky, and wavy hair of all types and textures." 





They have a large celebrity following, with the likes of:  Alicia Keys, Keri Hilson, Tanika Ray, Teyana Taylor, Erykah Badu, and a bunch of others.



I'm looking to try a little bit of everything from their line but more specifically their Curly Buttercreme & Rapid Recovery treatment.  Currently, their value pack which has samples of the entire product line is currently out of stock, this will be on my wish list for next year.



I'm interested in hearing your thoughts if you've tried any of these products.

This is the new album cover of the Queen of Hip Hop Soul's ninth album.  Mary J Blige looks great overall, her makeup is fierce and so is she.  Love this short haircut on her too! What do you think of the cover? Do you like?

More specifically Laura Mercier's Body & Bath Collection. While perusing the cosmetic counters at the mall last week during my holiday shopping; my eyes fell upon wonderful jars of body moisturizers.







I opened one jar, Creme Brulee Soufle Body Cream and took a whif.....Good Lord I was transfixed. The fragrance was soooooo deliciously aromatic. I thought to myself, "self you should be finishing your holiday shopping for those on your list".



So, I left the cosmetic counter and made my exit from the beauty counter but the jar was calling my name, I turned back around and went back to the counter, took a whiff again, and asked the lady at the counter, the price. Well ladies, needless to say I had to turn back around again because this wonderful 12 ounce jar of goodness sells for $55. (Not sure if I've mentioned this but this beauty gal is on a budget) But, the price was a bit steep for me. Since then, however I've been dreaming of those yummy jars and had to write about it.  This collection will be one of the first things I splurge on in the new year......



How about you ladies, have you tried any of Laura Mercier's products? Do tell!

We women are mostly familiar with these first names mentioned in the title, although I cannot attest to actually having had any of these designer men, er shoes.  :-)   But, apparently there was a study conducted that claims that a large percentage of women were able to remember the very first shoes that they purchased but could not remember their first kiss or better yet an old lover. insert puzzled look here ;-)  Um, well when I read the article I thought it was hilarious. Check out the article here for yourself.  What say you?  Can you relate? Does the shoe fit?

WoW is all I could muster when I saw the cover of GQ magazine with RiRi on the cover.  But, I was rendered speechless when I saw the second picture however.  What do you think of these pics?

is the title of Alicia Keyes new album.  I'm really loving her look on the cover.  Maybe it's the peacock style top, the makeup, the background, or all of the above.  This is a classic album cover.
Are you a fan of Alicia's album cover?  Are you a fan of Ms. Alicia Keys? 

Yes, you read the title post correctly.  :-) But, I'm sure you're wondering what the connection is between Terrell & ANTM and which Terrell for that matter.  Well, for those of you that are sports enthusiasts or not I'm sure you've heard of Terrell Owens, wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills.  Well, Mr. T.O. has signed a lucrative modeling deal with Wilhelmina Models agency.  Of course he's not the first and most certainty won't be the last, but I find #81s comments so typical of a superstar athlete :o)  According to Terrell, "When you've got some good looks like myself, you've got to take full advantage of it."  Yes, Mr. T.O. we certainty know what you're working with -  now go get ready for that close up.  :-)

NF4MCDRNYVE7

I've decided to grow my hair out of a relaxer and attempt to let my hair grow in its natural state.  I tried this a few months ago, needless to say I failed miserably.  The reason for my decision is pretty simple - I really don't like my hair bone straight when I get my hair relaxed. Actually my hair fairs better when it's a bit thicker in texture.  So why not just go natural?  I've thought about not relaxing as often as I do, which is every 8 weeks to relaxing 4 times a year (every 12 weeks).  In any case, I'm shooting for all natural, we'll see how it goes.  Wish me luck!

                                                                             

I've mentioned before my infatuation with all things hair here. LOL (at the play on words)  But, I don't think I've mentioned that I aspire to own a salon/spa one day.  I so have a complete vision of what my salon would be like, I can almost touch it.  Anyway, I said all that to say that anytime I have a chance to watch this show, Tabatha's Salon Takeover on Bravo I do.  It shows you everything about how to not run a salon.  I'm serious - some of the owners on this show are downright unprofessional and nasty.  But, what I like most about this show is the host, Tabatha; she has a no-nonsense, out-spoken, edgy personality.  In addition to hosting this show on BRAVO, I learned that Tabatha is also a part of the artistic team at Joico International and an editorial stylist for fashion and beauty magazines, like Marie Claire and works backstage at NY's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.  Have you seen this show?  Are you a fan?

I came across this product while at TJ Maxx.  The retail price according to the Home Spa Collection is $54!.  It was $3.99 at TJ Maxx.  I tell you - I love a great deal! :-)  I had been looking to incorporate a facial masque into my skincare regimen and thought I would try this.  Here's the product description (straight from the horse's mouth):

Description: C+ Masque Antioxidant is rich with vitamins A, B, C, E. The complex of vitamins helps to deeply moisturize to increase skin elasticity, normalize dry, parched skin; help in tissue repair and stimulate collagen synthesis. Protects the skin from damaging free radicals and prevents premature aging. The unique combination of rare minerals from the Dead Sea, scientifically selected beneficial botanicals and pure vitamins blankets your skin with essential nutrients that help restore radiance and resiliency. A potent blend of natural antioxidants centered around the proven power of pure Vitamin C fights and helps cancel out the damaging free-radicals that hasten the aging process.

My Experience:  I applied a thick layer of this product to my face for 15 minutes.  Prior to that I washed and cleansed my face with my normal facial wash.  While the product was on my face I felt some tingling/stinging sensations (vitamin c is also known as ascorbic acid, hence the tingling).  After I washed the product off and patted my face dry, I noticed my skin was bright, and not tight, also I could tell the pores on my face were opened and I felt that all the impurities had been sucked from underneath my skin.  I applied my daily moisturizer with a tad of shea butter and called it a night.  The next morning while brushing my teeth I noticed my face was very smooth and had a nice glow, which I really liked.  I will use this masque biweekly (or as needed) as part of my regimen. 


Have you tried this product? Do you incorporate facial masque into your skincare regimen? How often?  Which is your favorite facial masque?

Clearly, this is a fashion faux pas. If you've seen my other Fashionista posts, here, here, and here,  you'll know that this isn't exactly my idea of a Fashionista.  I don't know what happened here, with Ms. Aretha, but I do hope she gets some much needed styling help fast.  Actually, another blogger, the amazing Afrobella, has written a great post regarding Ms. Aretha's fashion choice as well.  What do you think of Aretha's ensemble?  Is it Hot or Not?