Posts
Update 2/3/10 - Winner is Chenille Perry, please send me an email with your mailing address to beautyxchangegirl@gmail. Thanks for commenting & reading! :-)
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Salerm Wheat Germ Hair Mask GIVEAWAY!!! Enter to Win!!
Ladies, don't forget your chance to win the following Salerm Wheat Germ Hair Mask (see pics below) Click here for how to enter & win. Deadline is February 3rd at Noon (eastern). Good Luck!!
Update 2/3/10 - Winner is Chenille Perry, please send me an email with your mailing address to beautyxchangegirl@gmail. Thanks for commenting & reading! :-)
Update 2/3/10 - Winner is Chenille Perry, please send me an email with your mailing address to beautyxchangegirl@gmail. Thanks for commenting & reading! :-)
Friday, January 29, 2010
Kelis - Fashion Forward or Fashion Faux Pas?
You be the judge! Share your thoughts.
Friday's Fashionista: The First Lady - Michelle Obama
When it comes to fashion or better yet making a statement in politics, currently no woman does it better than FLOTUS. She's not afraid to take risk at all. She seems to not put limits on herself when it comes to fashion. She embraces new & distinctive looks which I can appreciate. For those that didn't watch the State of the Union last night, Madam O looked fantabulous! Her makeup especially was very soft and not overpowering. Not to mention the pearls as a wonderful statement piece. Gotta love it!
photo courtesy of mrs-o.org
What do you think of Mrs. O's look? Nice or Not?
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Makeup Preference Poll
Beauties, take a few seconds to vote below.
Thanks!
Thanks!
BEAUTYXCHANGE CELEBRATES 100TH POST WITH 1ST GIVEAWAY!
Hi Beauties!! Yesterday's post, was the 100th since starting BeautyXchange last year. I honestly can't believe it, I enjoy blogging and sharing information through this medium and it truly is an outlet for me. With that said, in honor of my 100th post I'd like to say thank you for those of you that read my little blog by giving away a gift to 2 lucky readers.
Here's what you'll win: Salerm Wheat Germ Hair Mask, see my review here.
Product Description: Salerm Mascarilla Capilar Wheat Germ Conditioning Treatment Mask - is specially recommended to nourish, condition and revitalise dry and damaged hair. Salerm Mascarilla capilar Wheat Germ conditioning Treatment formula includes provitamin B5 to add glossy shine to hair. Retail price is $17.99
Here's what you'll win: Salerm Wheat Germ Hair Mask, see my review here.
All you have to do to win is leave a comment below this post telling me which post has been your favorite so far on BeautyXchange and why.
You have until Wednesday, February 3rd @ Noon (EST) to leave a comment and 2 winners wll be chosen randomly on Friday, February 5th.
You have until Wednesday, February 3rd @ Noon (EST) to leave a comment and 2 winners wll be chosen randomly on Friday, February 5th.
This giveaway is sponsored by me, BeautyXchangegirl and is only open to US residents. Good Luck!
Thanks for reading!!
CREED & Credibility
The luxury brand, House of CREED is donating five percent of proceeds from sales of www.creedboutique.com to Haiti Earthquake Relief. CREED has been a trading partner of Haiti over the years, buying Haitian vetiver grass, for their Original Vetiver fragrance. CREED has chosen ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency) as the organization to support this effort.
Source
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Natural Woman Extraordinaire - Anita Grant.
I've mentioned before that I'm on a journey to natural hair, which basically means that I will no longer chemically process my hair by way of relaxer. It has been four months now since the last relaxer and things have been going well so far aside from the dryness that is tough to combat. It's not a surprise that there are tons of natural hair resources out there and companies that cater to those that are natural as more and more women are turning to more healthier natural lifestyles. In the midst of all those resources, there is one name that comes to mind - Anita Grant. I first learned about Anita Grant about a year and half ago through hair forums when I was researching techniques for relaxed hair and debating whether I should cease and desist with the relaxer. When I first landed on her website, I remember I was first impressed by her packaging; so chic and the products or 'goodies' I should say really looked like you could eat them.
Her products are also 100% natural, suitable for vegans & vegetarians, and contain organic ingredients so you won't find any "yucky stuff". Anita Grant's product line includes: hair care, skin care, lip balms, facial masks, body oils & body butters, etc. I've already placed my order and can't wait until it arrives. Stay tuned for a review in the near future! Depending on how my hair reacts to the products I may also look into some products for my skin as well, as I've had a few uh volanic-like eruptures that have taken place. :)
Have you tried Anita Grant? Share your thoughts!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Keeping Up with Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian is famous for many reasons that I won't list here, but when it comes to business ventures, you can't knock her hustle. I must say I'm very much fascinated with her (as you can see here, here, and her mention here) :) and her entire family for that matter. I tune in every Sunday almost religiously to watch their show "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" on E. Well, last post I talked about Mally Roncal's fragrance and how practically every celebrity has one out now. Well, looky here, little Miss Kim has one too and I'm really loving the bottles.
The fragrance is being sold exclusively at Sephora now before it hits shelves all over the country. I think I might concoct my own fragrance too, what do you think? Can't blame a girl for tyring. :)
What do you thing of the bottles? Like or dislike?
Friday, January 22, 2010
Mally Roncal's Signature Fragrance
I love seeing women getting their hussle on & tapping in to their entrepreneurial spirit. A few days ago I was watching Mally Roncal on QVC. (Yes, I watch QVC sometimes - LOL) For those of you that aren't familiar with her, she's a celebrity make up artist to Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, known for creating a classic smoky eye. She was selling products from her makeup line. But, come to find out she also has a new fragrance called Mally. (It seems like everyone and their mother has a fragrance these days, Halle has another one out by the way.) Anyway, every time I see Mally on TV, she reminds me of my best friend who is also of Filipino descent. Mally's fragrance is actually inspired by her native country of the Philippines and Sampaguita, the national flower. If this fragrance is anything like her super bubbly contagious personality, it will be a keeper. Mally's signature fragrance can be found at QVC or Mally Beauty.
Have you tried this fragrance or any of Mally Roncal's cosmetics?
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
TheBeautyXchange.com New Domain
we're now @ http://www.thebeautyxchange.com
save it to your favorites :-)
The Little Black Book of Success: Laws of Leadership for Black Women
As I was flipping through January issue of Ebony magazine, I came across this book which I hope to get my hands on when it becomes available on March 2, 2010.
ABOUT THIS BOOK
Source
Here's a description from its publishing company, Random House:
ABOUT THIS BOOK
In this engaging and invaluable “mentor in your pocket,” three dynamic and successful black female executives share their strategies to help all black women, at any level of their careers, play the power game—and win.
Rich with wisdom, this practical gem focuses on the building blocks of true leadership—self-confidence, effective communication, collaboration, and courage—while dealing specifically with stereotypes (avoid the Mammy Trap, and don’t become the Angry Black Woman) and the perils of self-victimization (don’t assume that every challenge occurs because you are black or female).
Some leaders are born, but most leaders are made—and The Little Black Book of Success will show you how to make it to the top, one step at a time.
Rich with wisdom, this practical gem focuses on the building blocks of true leadership—self-confidence, effective communication, collaboration, and courage—while dealing specifically with stereotypes (avoid the Mammy Trap, and don’t become the Angry Black Woman) and the perils of self-victimization (don’t assume that every challenge occurs because you are black or female).
Some leaders are born, but most leaders are made—and The Little Black Book of Success will show you how to make it to the top, one step at a time.
Beauty TV: Project Runway Season 7
Back to regularly scheduled programming, after the last post, it's time to change the tone around here a little bit; after all this is an outlet for me away from all things crazy going on in the world. With that said, I watched the season 7 premier of Project Runway. A much needed relief from the current trending topic. For those of you that watched, who is your favorite designer so far? My fave is Emilio Sosa. He's a 43 year old designer originally from Dominican Republic. He is so talented and creative, plus it doesn't hurt either that he's a cutie! His design is to the left, what do you think? Saturday, January 16, 2010
Calling on Compassion.....
"You know, there's a lot of talk in this country about the federal deficit. But I think we should talk more about our empathy deficit -- the ability to put ourselves in someone else's shoes; to see the world through the eyes of those who are different from us -- the child who's hungry, the steelworker who's been laid-off, the family who lost the entire life they built together when the storm came to town. When you think like this -- when you choose to broaden your ambit of concern and empathize with the plight of others, whether they are close friends or distant strangers -- it becomes harder not to act; harder not to help."
- Barack Obama
In the wake of all that is happening in the world and more specifically in Haiti, the words above are so expressive of my sentiments.
What do you think of this quote? What does compassion mean to you?
- Barack Obama
In the wake of all that is happening in the world and more specifically in Haiti, the words above are so expressive of my sentiments.
What do you think of this quote? What does compassion mean to you?
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Help Haiti Heal
If you are compelled to help Haiti, below is a list of organizations that are considered legitimate. Click on the name for more information.
• International Medical Corps
• Direct Relief International
• World Vision
• International Relief Teams
• Yéle Haiti
• American Red Cross
• Operation USA
• CARE
• Catholic Relief Services
• World Food Programme
• World Concern
• Save the Children
• Samaritan's Purse
• World Health Organization
• UNICEF USA
• Mercy Corps
• Operation Blessing International
• Shelterbox
• Americares
• Operation USA
• Doctors Without Borders
• Medical Teams International
• The International Committee of the Red Cross
• The Salvation Army
• American Jewish World Services
• Habitat for Humanity International
• MAP International
Source
*Disclaimer: As with anything please do your research, The BeautyXchange does not endorse any organization and information is provided only as a resource for you to explore the best ways for you to help. ~BeautyXchangeGirl
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Supplementing Your Life with Good Stuff: Probiotics
How many of you take a vitamin supplement every day? How many of you take probiotics each day? I started taking probiotics last year, September 2009 to be exact when I was doing research about why my digestive system was all out of whack. I mean I was feeling just down right "sick to my stomach". I had heard of probiotics before but for some reason when I started feeling uneasy the word just kept popping up everywhere I looked. Don't you hate when that happens. Anyway, here is a pretty good definition from MayoClinic: The term "probiotics" refers to dietary supplements or foods that contain beneficial, or "good," bacteria that are similar to those normally found in your body.
When you think of probiotics, think of yogurt for example, we've all heard the studies of the benefits of eating yogurt, especially for women that it can help reduce yeast infections. Well, that's because yogurt has what is called "good bacteria" or live cultures that help balance the bacteria also known as flora in your gut. Next time you're eating yogurt take a look at the ingredients you'll see words like these:
When you think of probiotics, think of yogurt for example, we've all heard the studies of the benefits of eating yogurt, especially for women that it can help reduce yeast infections. Well, that's because yogurt has what is called "good bacteria" or live cultures that help balance the bacteria also known as flora in your gut. Next time you're eating yogurt take a look at the ingredients you'll see words like these:
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Bifidobacterium
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus bulgaricus
Streptococcus thermophilus
Saccharomyces boulardii lyo
Bifidobacterium
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus bulgaricus
Streptococcus thermophilus
Saccharomyces boulardii lyo
I didn't make these words up, they are all live active bacteria found in yogurt or in other words probiotics. They can help replace the good bacteria in your gut. Our intestines have millions of bacteria that help protect your body from infections. But, when you take an antibiotic for example to treat the infection, the antibiotics can destroy the normal good bacteria as well as the bacteria from the infection and that is not good and this is where probiotics come into play.
There is encouraging evidence that probiotics may help:
* Treat diarrhea, especially following treatment with certain antibiotics
* Prevent and treat vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections
* Treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
* Reduce bladder cancer recurrence
* Shorten the duration of intestinal infections
* Prevent and treat inflammation following colon surgery (pouchitis)
* Prevent eczema in children (didn't know that)
There is encouraging evidence that probiotics may help:
* Treat diarrhea, especially following treatment with certain antibiotics
* Prevent and treat vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections
* Treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
* Reduce bladder cancer recurrence
* Shorten the duration of intestinal infections
* Prevent and treat inflammation following colon surgery (pouchitis)
* Prevent eczema in children (didn't know that)
* Promote intestinal health
* Maintain intestinal flora
* Promotes 'good' microorganisms in the gut
References: mayoclinic,webmd, florastor
Do you take probiotics?
Monday, January 11, 2010
Getting the Boot
When buying boots, there are so many things to consider like: color, texture, length, comfort, heel height, heel type, toe type, embellishments, and so on and so forth. A few things to consider though when making that purchase when it comes to:
Color - black or brown can never be a bad choice
Texture - Leather or suede is a more classic choice
Length - could be calf, ankle, over the knee, etc but knee high is always a classic
Heel Height & Type: should be comfortable enough depending on the style
Embellishments - should be kept to a minimum, they tend to go out of style
Functionality - can it be worn from season to season
Functionality - can it be worn from season to season
Boots by thebeautyxchange featuring
Items in this set:
N.Y.L.A. Retusa Boot - Black, $147
LEATHER WEDGE HEEL BOOTS, $1,111
Black High Platform Calf Boot by Scholl, $430
Burberry Chain-embellished Wellington boots, $395
Long Slip on boots, $539
What other things do you take into consideration when buying boots?
Items in this set:
N.Y.L.A. Retusa Boot - Black, $147
LEATHER WEDGE HEEL BOOTS, $1,111
Black High Platform Calf Boot by Scholl, $430
Burberry Chain-embellished Wellington boots, $395
Long Slip on boots, $539
What other things do you take into consideration when buying boots?
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Beauty on the Cheap: Hollywood Beauty Cocoa Butter
I am hooked on this stuff right here. It's been a long time since I've used cocoa butter, and when I did it was from Palmer's. But, this thing right here is some good stuff & it's super cheap. :-) I got hooked on it when I was stranded with no body moisturizer during my New Year's weekend in GA. What I really like is it's light scent and smooth texture. Yeah it's a keeper for me.
Have you tried any products from Hollywood Beauty?
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Beauty Male: Dove Men+Care
For the men in our lives: Dove is introducing a new Men's line for "men who are comfortable in their own skin" but want to take advantage of the moisturizing benefits of Dove products. Check out the men's line here. The only downside I see to this line is that it does not feature a deodorant.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
For the love of Reggie....
I guess that title is not that appropriate since it is the title of Ray J's reality show, who just happens to be the ex-boyfriend of Reggie Bush's current girlfriend, Kim Kardashian. But, hey it works for me! Anyway Reggie Bush looks hot on the February cover of Essence magazine. What do you ladies think?
Monday, January 4, 2010
The Little Black Dress that could.....
Happy New Year! Before the holiday I was looking though my closet for a little black dress to wear for New Year's Eve. I don't wear dresses on a regular basis, most often I wear them to a function or for a specific occasion. But, surprisingly I didn't have a cute little black dress. How did that happen? Now that I think of it, I had made it a point since college to buy dresses of color since I always tended to wear darker colors like black, grey, and navy on a regular basis back then.
But anyway, I'm hear to tell you about the importance of the little black dress and how it should be a staple in every woman's closet, because of its versatility and accessibility. It doesn't have to be fancy or trendy, so that it will still be in style season after season. Actually the simpler the better, that way it can be dressed up or down with accessories and/or jewelry, nice pumps, a jacket etc. Here are a few samples, that I think are very chic. I love ruffles and lace, and the dress with the pearls well remember this post, so I had to include.
#1 with ruffles is a Diane von Furstenberg Pivette $495
#2 with pearls is Jin Ja Satin Dress $83
#3 middle bottom is VIP Fan Pleated Dress $232
#4 lace PINKO Charango Lace Dress $280
What say you of these LBDs?
But anyway, I'm hear to tell you about the importance of the little black dress and how it should be a staple in every woman's closet, because of its versatility and accessibility. It doesn't have to be fancy or trendy, so that it will still be in style season after season. Actually the simpler the better, that way it can be dressed up or down with accessories and/or jewelry, nice pumps, a jacket etc. Here are a few samples, that I think are very chic. I love ruffles and lace, and the dress with the pearls well remember this post, so I had to include.
#1 with ruffles is a Diane von Furstenberg Pivette $495
#2 with pearls is Jin Ja Satin Dress $83
#3 middle bottom is VIP Fan Pleated Dress $232
#4 lace PINKO Charango Lace Dress $280
What say you of these LBDs?
