The guy-magnet perfume

I’ve been going through a perfume obsession phase where I get antsy to test new perfumes every month. This perfume isn’t necessarily my cup of tea because it is a little bit strong and dark to me, but consistently gets me the most free drinks at bars. It might be a coincidence, but guys seem to gravitate towards this scent. Maybe it’s because bars smell of strong body odor and beer, so it’s crucial for a stronger and more unique scent to draw men in.

Bath and Body Works Dark Kiss

Credit: Bath and Body Works

I picked up the mini fragrance mist of this randomly because I was getting the body lotion and body mist of Twilight Woods, and BBW happened to be having a Buy 2, Get 1 Free sale. Lucky me. This stuff was initially too strong and I couldn’t really get used to it. One night, feeling like switching things up, I decided to use this instead of my typical night out perfume, Britney Spears Fantasy.

The aroma makes you feel confident when you are out. People can smell you even though the bars reek. I got plenty of compliments from girls and guys seemed to approach me more. I wore it out a few more weekends and noticed the same thing. I usually get a few compliments for BS Fantasy, and occasionally some compliments for Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy (my other go-to), though this scent seems harder to detect in a crowded bar situation. I never get compliments for Twilight Woods when I go out; it only happens when I’m running errands during the day.

So to all the ladies out there who are trying to have fun and flirt all night, give this Dark Kiss a shot!

Heat Protectant Spray: I've tried them all and here's my opinion

I heat style my hair every single day, rotating between blow dry, flat iron or curling iron. I once upon a time had lustrous healthy hair, but that has quickly changed with the heat damage.

My hair stylist friend has pleaded with me to always use heat protectant spray, in the same way I would wear sunscreen before going outside. Thus, in the past year or so, I've literally tried every product out there in a quest to maintain my healthy hair and to prevent breakage or unruly dry split ends.

1. Got2B Guardian Angel Flat Iron Balm

I love the bottle. It looks great with the rest of my hair products and I was so excited to try it after reading the very artfully written description:

"b invincible with got2b guardian angel formulated with proven 425°F heat protection plus patented combined styling support.  There's no more need to go any hotter."

Unfortunately, this stuff left my hair a little greasy (note: my hair tends to get greasy with a number of products and not just this one.) The perfume was also overwhelming to me. If you are fortunate enough to dodge the greasy effect from hair products, this may actually be a good product for you!

Got2B makes several other heat protectant sprays, each one geared towards a different purpose (e.g. curling hair, blow drying hair, etc). I find this rather superfluous because all the other heat sprays by other companies are fine for all types of hair styling. Just a trick to get customers to buy more bottles?


2. Redken Smooth Down Heat Glide

I. LOVE. this. stuff. It left my hair angel soft and smooth, with some shine and bounce. The down side is the sticker price, which is more than any other hair product I own. If you are not on a budget or if heat protectant spray is high on your priority list, then I would definitely give this a try.


3. John Freida Heat Defeat

I usually love John Freida products. I am a huge fan of their shampoos and conditioners. They are as close to salon quality without the price tag. Unfortunately, this stuff literally left my hair feeling like someone had spilled soda on it. Super sticky and clumpy hair.

4. Nexxus Heat Protexx

Nexxus is one of the most underrated and forgotten brands out there. I really like their shampoos and conditioners, though I could never justify paying that much right now when my current hair products are a fraction of the price and working fine. I borrowed my friend's Heat Protexx once to curl my hair, and I noticed that the curls were more uniform. Usually, if I try curling my hair without heat protectant spray, the curls get messy and fringes appear. Heat Protexx did not make my hair sticky or greasy, so I would use this again. It is pricier than drugstore brands.

5. Tresemme Heat Tamer Spray

Almost every beauty guru out there has mentioned this product in a blog or YouTube video. The fame is well-deserved. This spray is absolutely amazing! It has all the vitamins to protect hair without weighing it down or greasing it up. It is, in my opinion, the best product for the price. I am on my third bottle of this stuff and have no plans to stop using it. I am not a fan of Tresemme shampoos or conditioners because they tend to dry my hair out. However, the heat tamer spray is just remarkable.

Hope this helps everyone who is looking to prevent heat damage!

Ugly, brittle, chipped, uber-thin nails...FIXED!

I have been on a nail polish high lately. Perhaps it's because of the overwhelming number of compliments I receive on any given day that motivates me to switch my nail polish at least once a week.

Flash forward two months and as I remove the two layers of OPI with one layer of Revlon top coat, I reveal the most God-awful set of horribly damaged and yellowed naked nails. Part of me wants to CRY. I could probably conceal this with a dark color of polish, but this will only add to the problem and the next time I use nail polish remover, I will probably wipe away the NAILS.

Friday night, I removed my nails and gently massaged with olive oil, which is supposed to help with nail and cuticle growth. Then I rinsed and dried my nails and began to embark on what I would later deem the most critical treatment for my nails ever.

Introducing Sally Hansen Hard As Nails (not endorsed by SH...this is my own opinion because no girl should have to walk around with egregiously messed up nails). This stuff is AMAZING and probably one of the least expensive beauty products I have ever purchased (less than $3!).

Directions:
Apply 1-2 coats (I needed 2 coats), allowing each coat to dry. Disregard the directions on the bottle and do NOT feel free to apply nail polish over this coat the same day. In order for the treatment to work, you need to allow the product to settle and dry. I tried applying nail polish the same day and it made the SH Hard as Nails stuff melt off.

Hope this helps all you nail polish aficionados out there! You do not need to give up your nail obsession.

My HG Acne Cure

Due to stress, lack of sleep, and many other ails of being a young and busy girl, my face has broken out into chaos. It's not just painful...it's really embarrassing.

I was on makeupalley.com reading reviews and came across this mask I had never heard of. DDF Sulfuric Therapeutic Mask is regarded as one of the best remedies for acne. Having received a giftcard to Sephora for Christmas, I decided to give this a try.

I will break down everything as it happened.

Before:
Three inflamed cystic pimples along my noseline. One bleeding but semi-flattened zit on my forehead just about my left eyebrow. Some mini bumps on my chin.

I applied a VERY thin layer all over my face. Directions say to leave it on for 10-15 minutes, but many other reviews had recommended leaving it on for at least 30 minutes or even as long as one hour for good results. I left the mask on for one hour, then rinsed with warm water. Yes, it smelled like sulfur. But my skin hadn't felt this good in MONTHS.

After washing, I applied Thayer's Aloe Vera Witch Hazel toner and moisturized with Night of Olay Firming cream.

Day 1:
WOW. The "open wound" on my forehead was still read, but the three cysts had diminished substantially. The small bumps beneath my chin became popable (ew, sorry) and went away immediately after I cleaned them with the extractor tool. My skin was certainly dry after using this mask, but the moisturizer quickly rectified that. With a little makeup, you can tell I had acne but nothing jumps out horrifically.

I repeated the above regime.

Day 2:
Woke up and my skin was actually GLOWING. The spot above my eyebrow was now completely flat and the redness was decreased by half. Two of the three cysts literally VANISHED. The third one was still there but flat, which meant a little concealer would fix it for the day.

No new zits.

Days 3-7:
I did not use this mask during this time period. Instead, I washed my face with St. Ives Green Tea Acne Wash and Thayer's toner. I avoided touching my face and kept a clean diet.

After one week, my face is completely clear. There is mild scarring from the spot above my eyebrow as well as that third cyst. With a dab of makeup, my skin looks really good!

So there you have it. This is my new favorite mask. I still use yogurt, Queen Helene mint julep, and honey every once in a while. I prefer honey because it is organic. But I think I have found my new HG remedy! I will definitely update if my results change in the future, but I hope this helps all you lovely ladies out there looking for a good fix.

Yes, $40 is expensive for a mask (especially if you are cheap like me and used QH mint julep your whole life). But I have definitely spent more on a facial at a spa, and the results were far less impressive there. Maybe get together with your girlfriends and do a spa night. You can all chip in a little to buy this jar of miracle mask.

apple cider vinegar

Happy new year! Hope everyone had a blast on 12/31/2011. It is now 2012, end of the world, according to the Mayans. We shall see.

This is the year I become super healthy. I mean, SUPER healthy. Eating foods as close to their natural state as possible, such as fruits, vegetables, and barley.

My friends have been trying to convince me to start a cleanse. I have resisted for the longest time, but I finally caved after the new year and have commenced the "apple cider vinegar" cleanse. Read up on the health benefits, which include anti-acne and weight loss. They seem to substantially outweigh the awful taste.

Directions:
I dilute 2 tablespoons of Bragg's organic (it HAS to be Bragg's) in a huge glass of water and drink the whole glass. Use a straw so that the vinegar doesn't erode your teeth (highly acidic). I do this right before bed.

Results:
I've been doing this for over a week now. My skin has completely cleared up--I went from around 6 pimples to zero pimples and no acne scars! People have commented on my bright complexion. I'm never bloated anymore. I feel lighter.

Note: this is just my opinion and not medical advice. Consult a medical expert if you have any health inquiries.

cuticle treatment: which one is the best?

Baby it's cold outside.

I have dry skin. In the winter, that means my hands are flaky and my cuticles are rough. In an earlier post, I discussed a hand model's secret to perfectly moisturized hands. I've been using that secret for a month now, and am happy to report major success.

However, my cuticles still need extra attention or else my nails look terrible. I have tried many products out there so it only makes sense for me to give an objective review. Hopefully this helps you!

1. Sally Hansen Vita Surge Cuticle Gel

source: walgreens.com

This comes in a nail polish-like bottle with a felt tip applicator. The gel is cold and tingles a little when you first apply it. There are red beads that are supposed to be "vitamins" or something but they don't do much except frustrate me when they don't burst. After massaging the gel into my cuticles for about a minute, my nails do look replenished. However, the effect is short-lived and I find myself needing to reapply frequently to avoid dryness. Still, if you work in an office, you may prefer this product as it doesn't ruin your keyboard with oil.

Score: 3/5

2. Burt's Bees Lemon Cuticle Butter

source: drugstore.com

This is probably the most widely known/used cuticle product out there. It comes in a tin and you take some on your finger and directly apply it to your cuticles. This is the least messy in terms of application, but leaves slightly most residue/oil than the Sally Hansen Vita Surge Gel. I prefer this over the Gel because it is easy to carry around (tin doesn't spill in your purse; nail polish bottle might).

Score: 4.5/5

3. Sally Hansen Vitamin E Oil Treatment

source: walgreens.com

Like the Gel, this also comes in a nail polish bottle. Instead of felt, it is a bristle applicator. If you've ever gotten a professional manicure before, this is likely the type of product they used. It is a bit messy to apply but once you rub it in, it leaves your cuticles very moisturized and nourished. I usually do this right before bed so that I don't have to touch things. When I wake up in the morning, I can still see the oil but most of it has either absorbed into my cuticles or into my bedsheets.

Score: 5/5

4. Olive Oil

source: strawberryblu.com

For those into home remedies, this is the easiest trick ever. Just dab and massage some olive oil from your kitchen pantry into your nails. Olive oil strengthens your nails and protects your cuticles. It is the messiest to apply, so do this before bed.

Score: 4.5/5

Keep those nails beautiful. You never know when your boyfriend will propose and you will take pictures of them!

new favorite mascara!!

Introducing Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes.

I have short eyelashes. It's a fact. I don't fight it. Whereas some people swear by one product while scorning others, I have always been fairly indifferent to mascara. Every tube I've owned has: coated a layer of black wax, stayed all day without smearing under my eyes, and washed off with facial cleanser and makeup remover.

And then I bought this. Maybelline Great Lash (yes, the pink and green tube) now comes in sub-product called "Lots of Lashes."

source: ulta.com

I started using this approximately two weeks ago. Oh. Em. Gee. The micro thin flexible brush helps grab every lash, and the mascara not only lengthens my short lashes but also maintains a curl. Best of all, the retail price of this in drugstores is usually around $5, making it super affordable for the young and struggling professional.

Go try this! Worst case scenario, you try it, hate it, and write a blog review to counter this review. Best case scenario, you fall in love with it and no longer have to experiment with mascaras ever again!

celebs without makeup

Some are beautiful, some are hardly recognizable.

source: nydailynews

Click here for the full gallery.

secret to beautiful hands: almond oil

 source: dailymail

According to a DailyMail article, hand model Gemma Howorth (who can be seen on hundreds on billboards and ads) keeps her million dollar-making hands flawless by applying almond oil over 30 times a day. We can't all be hand models, but at least now I have a new secret to keep my hands soft and moisturized during the harsh winters!

Because during the holidays, this is what I want most:

source: ehow

trader joes love, part ii

 source: amazon.com

I have a love/hate relationship with conditioners. On the one hand, I love how soft, smooth, and shiny it makes my hair. On the other hand, conditioners are usually filled with silicones and other chemicals that irritate my skin and cause me to break out.

And then, I find the Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner which sells for $3.99 a (big) bottle. This stuff not only smells amazing, but does a great job of conditioning my hair without weighing it down. It's thin but not too runny, and washes out completely leaving my hair healthy and clean. I associate mint smells with cleanliness. The best part is, no breakouts on my cheeks or body!!

newly discovered treasure: trader joe’s beauty section

in all my years of shopping at tj’s, I never browsed the skincare section. I noticed stellar reviews on makeupalley and could not wait to try it.

my new (perfected) winter skin regime:

day:

source: polyvore

product: tj’s enrich facial moisturizer with spf 15. Fragrance free.

verdict: perfect moisturizer without too much shine or grease. Leaves my face feeling smooth and fresh. Even though it is wintertime, the sun is still touching our skin. The spf15 is a nice bonus and helps protect those wrinkles.

night:

source: tjsdeliveryservice

product: Regular face cream (I use olay by night, but you can use any brand) followed by tj’s vitamin e oil.

verdict: I’ve always been hesitant to use vitamin e oil because the oil in the drugstore capsules always causes me to breakout. I decided to go for this after many reviews indicated that tj’s vitamin e oil does not cause breakouts. I’ve been using this for about a week now and am happy to report no breakouts. After using the vitamin e at night, I noticed that my skin is no longer flaky and dry during the day.

Both the facial moisturizer and the vitamin e oil are just $3.99 each! I definitely recommend you check out these products!

the SEXIEST scent, just in time for the holidays

 source: victoria's secret

every november, victoria's secret does the promotion where you get a vs secret angel card (worth $10 or more) for any purchase over $10.

of course i can't resist. i found myself browsing vs for about 90 minutes, which is 60 minutes longer than i usually spend in any given store before the salespeople start giving me dirty looks and scare me off.

i decided to raid the beauty section and tested all the different "featured" perfumes. most of them are fairly forgettable. they aren't bad, they just aren't worth the extra money.

lo and behold...vs very sexy (in a snow white red bottle). oh. em. gee. this stuff is sex in a bottle. where was this when i wanted to be super sexy for halloween?? this smells AMAZING. i've talked about my fave scents before (here) but that was before i found the most perfect perfume that gives every girl a reason to wear lacy lingerie. 

perfume review: it is rather strong and a little does go a long way, so don't overdo it or you'll make everyone feel sick. i smell musk and vanilla, with strong floral notes. it's everything i imagine a vs model would smell like while strutting the runway. i swear, this stuff makes me 2x more confident when i talk to others. guys loveee it too, which is always a bonus.

i ultimately picked up the shimmery lotion (limited edition, sold only during the holidays!) because i got a huge bottle for $20. i shall return to vs in december and use my angel card (oh, please please please be worth $500) to get the actual perfume. 

must get this in time for all those mistletoe opportunities holiday parties.

20% off urban decay + free shipping over $50

source: urbandecay.com

hint to my love that i want new makeup for the holidays :)

Code: FFHOLIDAY11

starting today 11/01/11 to 11/05/11, 20% off everything. free shipping for orders over $50

go to urbandecay.com to start shopping

elf cosmetics deal: $30 worth of products for $15 [deal no longer available]

i did a review earlier on elf's inexpensive but high quality primer. now, living social is doing a deal where you get $30 worth of elf mineral and studio cosmetics for only $15! 

check out the deal here [livingsocial.com].

20% off entire sephora purchase! online only

go to sephora [sephora.com] and enter your email. promo code will appear for 20% off entire order. shipping is free for orders over $50, otherwise it's $5.95 flat rate.

yay holiday shopping!

lindsay lohan ordered to work in a morgue

more importantly, what on earth happened to her face?? that purple blush should be ILLEGAL.

See Not So Glamorous: Lindsay Lohan Sentenced to Morgue Duty [time.com]

baby oil: the best makeup remover!

i talked about cleansing oil to for skincare earlier, and now i have discovered yet another benefit of oil cleansing. i am a freak when it comes to cleaning my face. you risk infections and breakouts if you sleep with any makeup on. i've tried every kind of makeup remover out there, and all of them seem to do the same job. i read raving reviews about using baby oil as a makeup remover and decided i had to try it.

ohhh my gosh. AMAZING. it gets literally every trace of eye makeup without drying out the skin around my eyes, leaving my eyes looking youthful and rejuvenated. just dip a cotton ball with baby oil and gently stroke it over your eyelids. everything will come off!

best of all, you can get a bottle of this stuff at the store for less than $3.

the limited: MAJOR sale online! [EXPIRED]

 

lots of really cute clothes, jewelry, and handbags on sale HERE [thelimited.com]

use promo code 241 or 404 to get an additional $15 off $50. 

happy shopping!

bath & body works: FREE 2 oz body lotion!

click here to print the coupon and bring it to your local bath & body works. valid oct 14 - 16! i love these 2oz bottles because they fit in any purse!

study: women who wear makeup appear smarter

photo: nytimes.com

according to the nytimes, a study funded by proctor & gamble (parent of covergirl and dolce & gabana makeup) found that women who wear makeup gain more respect, trust, and affection from co-workers.

interesting. personally, i wear makeup almost everyday because i feel like i look better with it and appear happier and more personable to others. i don't paint my face with inches of goop but i certainly whip out the mascara and blush to "wake up" my face. for interviews, i try to cover up imperfections and give myself a nice complexion because it makes me feel pretty, and feeling pretty boosts my confidence. if this study is on key, then others perceive me differently (for the better) when i wear makeup.