{Spotted}: Batiste and Psssst! Dry Shampoos at Walgreen's!

I just wanted to pop on and share my discovery of Psssst! and Batiste brands of dry shampoo at the Walgreen's in my town today.  The price sticker says, "new!", so I'm guessing I'm not late with informing you of these "new" details.  I'm excited because I really like Batiste and have only been able to get it at Ulta {an hour and a half away} and online.  If you like dry shampoo and haven't tried either of these, give them a whirl - they are pretty great!

Have a pretty day!

{My Faves}: August 2013

August Favorites!

It’s September, y’all!  Do you know what that means?  It’s almost my FAVORITE time of year… scarves, jeans, hoodies, and bonfires are merely a few weeks away.  {I live in the South, so this could mean as early as October or as late as late November, but I’m still excited!}    Here are a few of my favorite things I’ve used in the month of August!

 HAIR

Got2Be Powder'ful Volumizing Styling Powder
I use this powder almost every day.  It’s perfect for revving up flat hair.  My hair will lie limp no matter how much I have curled it.  Whether I’m wearing a curly or straight style, I always end my styling process with a few sprinkles of this.  I simply take sections of hair, lift them up, and sprinkle at the roots.  Once I’ve applied to all of the areas I’d like, I rub my scalp all over, and tousle my hair.  It gives amazing volume and allows my hair something to “grab” onto.  It also works well if you tease before adding the powder.  I have to warn you, this powder adds a “dirty hair” element.  It makes your hair feel a little dirty, but it is simply the added texture from the powder.  My hair shows oil extremely quickly, and I’ve never once felt like my hair looked dirty after using this.

MAKEUP

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

I’ve had this blush for over a year, but it is one of those that was put away in my blush organizer and forgotten.  I pulled it out a few weeks ago when I was tired of my same old routine {Nyx Powder Blush in Cinnamon} and fell in love with it all over again.  It is a beautiful peach shade with some shimmer.  Many have noted on YouTube that is a good dupe for Nars in Orgasm.  It’s not an EXACT match, but it is pretty darn close.  I generally do not like a lot of shimmer on my face due to having an oily T-zone, but I really love the glow this color gives.  I highly recommend it and it’s about $8.00 at CVS.

NAILS

Sally Hansen Gel Cuticle Remover

I swear by this stuff.  I change my nail color every 3-4 days, and I usually use Acetone remover so I’m not spending a lot of time scrubbing my nails.  The acetone is harsh and dries out the skin around my nails and cuticles.  I use this every other time I change my polish.  I remove the existing polish from both hands, and then I choose a starting hand and apply the Gel Cuticle Remover to my cuticles of that hand.  I allow it to sit for about 3-5 minutes, then I go in with an orange stick and gently rub the areas where I applied gel.  This eliminates excess cuticles, dead skin, and also moisturizes.  After I have rubbed each nail with the orange stick, I simply wipe each nail with tissue or cotton pads to remove it.  The instructions on the tube suggest washing your hands after, but I leave it on for extra moisturizing.  Repeat with your second hand.  This gel is also great for toes.  I got mine at CVS, but I’ve also seen it at Walmart.

MISC.

Better Homes and Gardens Candles and Scented Wax Cubes
I really love the Better Homes and Gardens candles and the scented wax cubes from Walmart.  The best part is that they are so cheap {$5.50 for candles, $2.00 for wax}. The candles come in large sized jars with lids similar to Yankee Candle jars, and they last for the longest time.  They also have great scents!  I picked up two new candles the last week of August in Simmering Apple Cider and True Fall Splendor.  I’ve been alternating burning them in my room all week and they linger all over the house.  There are a lot of new fall scents that just debuted for the 2013 collection and they come in candle form and wax form.  I picked up Warm Rustic Woods in the wax to burn in my office at work.  It’s a rather masculine scent, but not overpowering.  Everyone who walks by comments on how nice it smells in there, so I think I chose well.    

Well, those are a few of my favorite things for August.  I hope you found something new to explore.  Stay tuned in a few days for some new reviews!

{Tresses Tuesday}: Bun Edition

It’s Tresses Tuesday, and that means all things HAIR!  What I’d like to share today is not anything new, or revolutionary, but it has become WAY popular in the past few years.  It is the "sock bun".  I don’t make mine with a sock, but I have seen many tutorials on YouTube of gals that do.  

 Here's a shot of how I sport my bun!

My hair is super thin and if I try to create a bun by simply twisting my hair into the bun shape, it is a very tiny little bun.  We are talkin’ teeny, tiny, baby bun.  After scouring YouTube a few months ago {more like six months ago}, I saw that a lot of girls are using two “bun helpers”: the sock and the “doughnut”.  I know what you are thinking – DOUGHNUT?  It’s not the kind that you eat, it’s made of mesh and it is one fantastic invention – we will get into it later.  If you are a sock wearer and happen to have some longer socks hanging around in your drawer that are similar to your hair color, I suggest trying those first.  You simply cut the toe section off straight across, and roll the sock down onto itself until you have something that resembles a huge scrunchy.    Then, you use the over sized sock-scrunchy to create a bun.  If you’d like to learn more about this method, simply type “sock bun” into the search box on YouTube and a blue million tutorials will appear. 

Now, if you are like me, and only wear ankle socks in an array of bright colors that would show through your hair, you may want to stop by your local beauty supply store and pick up a hair doughnut.  I purchased mine at Sally Beauty Supply and their exact name for it is “ Mesh Chignon ".  These wonderful little doughnut shaped pieces of hair wonder are offered in three colors: blonde, brown, and black, and they come in three sizes. I purchased the middle sized one in black because I dye my hair a super dark brown that is too dark for the brown colored chignon.  The color does not have to match your hair color exactly, but should be close, as sometimes it can show through your bun after long wear.  Now, I know you might be wondering how to use the “magic doughnut bun maker of joy”.  There are several ways, two of which I will describe to you here.

The first step can apply to both methods.  Create a ponytail with your hair.  It can be high, low, messy, slicked back – however you choose.  I generally tease the crown of my hair and create a high ponytail.  Then, lightly tease the ends of your hair to create some texture. 

Method 1: The Roll Down {Uniform Bun}

Now, grab your “mesh chignon” and insert your ponytail inside of the hole.  Using one hand, hold the chignon and use your other hand to wrap the ends of your hair around the chignon until you have it somewhat covered and then begin to roll the chignon down {similar to how you would roll a pair of socks after washing them}.  This will combine your hair around the chignon and create a bun shape.  Keep rolling down until you reach the base of your ponytail and you will have a uniform bun shape.  At this point, I just secure it with a few bobbie pins and that’s all.  Complete the look with hairspray.

Method 2: The Pin in Place {Messy Bun}

Complete step one and then insert your hair inside the hole of chignon, only this time, bring the chignon all the way down to the base {it will look like an over sized ponytail holder}.  Now, take pieces of hair and start wrapping them over the chignon, covering it and using it as a filler.  Pin the pieces as you go and create whatever shape you’d like.  If you do this tightly, you can still create an elegant bun.  If you allow some of the pieces to be tightly secured and some to be more loose, you’ll get a messier look.  Complete the look with hairspray.

Have fun with this – it doesn’t have to be perfect!  Have a pretty day, y’all!

{My Faves}: July 2013

July Favorites!

I realize we are half way into August, but I really wanted to start offering a monthly favorites post which highlights some of my favorite products that I use every month.  In the future I will try to post these within the first few days of the following month so I can accurately document month to month what I currently love just for you!  So, let’s get started!

HAIR

L’Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray

I am IN LOVE with this Hairspray!  When I say IN LOVE, I mean it’s a true affair – now, I might not be ready to rank it up there for my feelings for boys; however, it may be up there with how I feel for chocolate! {ha ha}  I purchased this for the first time back in June and surprisingly it took me until last week to use up the first bottle.  Now, with that being said, it is pretty pricey for a drugstore brand.  I’ve found the general price in my area to be around $14.99.  I know… go ahead and gasp, I’ll wait.  I did too when I first went to purchase it.  I saw a lot of my favorite YouTube gals using it in their hair tutorials and I figured I’d go and grab a bottle for around $5.  Much to my surprise when I got to CVS and it was $10 more than I expected, I still decided to give it a whirl.  Now I’m hooked and my wallet is sad, but at least my hair is fabulous! 

This hairspray is very lightweight on the hair, but still holds like the crunchy hairsprays do.  I’ve never been able to find a happy medium when it comes to hairspray – they either work great and leave my hair crunchy, or are super wet and add too much weight or moisture to my hair.  The Elnett is a spray and stay without the crunch.  It comes in several holds and the option of scented or unscented.  When I got my first bottle, I picked up the unscented {pretty much because I didn’t even pay attention} and I didn’t really notice any kind of odor from it.  With this last bottle, I decided to live on the edge a little and check out what it smelled like by purchasing the scented bottle.  For some reason, I expected a sweet scent from this product; however, what I got was a time warp back to the days when I spent a lot of time with my Granny.  For lack of a better way of putting it, it smells like old lady hairspray.  My Granny was a classy lady and went to the salon once a week to get her weekly style.  She slept with a foam head wrap every night to keep her style shaped and every morning after using her pick to even out her do, she would go to town spraying away with a spray that smelled just like the Elnett.  Some would find this to be a negative aspect, but every day when I use the spray, I remember my Granny and it takes me back.  Wondering how to try the Elnett without paying so much?  Well, right now I have three suggestions for you:

• CVS offers bonus bucks for frequent purchases when using their customer card.  I save those extra savings for purchases like these.  If you don’t shop at CVS a lot, still grab a card and go in periodically just to swipe your card at the coupon kiosk – they have coupons every week and usually they are geared toward beauty or hair care.  This week I got one that was $3 off any hairstyling product of $10 or more.  That would allow me to get the Elnett for $3 off… better than the full price.
• Ulta is another great place to buy it.  Sign up on their site and they will send you their catalog every other month.  There is usually a $3.50 off coupon on the back of the catalog.  I used this to purchase my bottle last week.  Don’t have an Ulta?  Wait until you need several things to justify shipping costs and use the coupon for online shopping. 
• Ulta also has travel size bottles of the Elnett for around $6 {I’m sure other stores do, too, I’ve only noticed it there}.  To me, I think that is a joke because the bottle is tiny and the size comparison from spending $6 -$15 is not worth it; however, if you are skeptical, it is worth it just to try the spray.  If you like it, that small bottle can be your purse/travel bottle when you buy a big one – which I’m sure you’ll want to do!

Tangle Teezer Brush

I had seen these odd looking brushes for a while and just never really felt the need to get one.  On the flip side, the longer my hair has gotten, the more difficult it has become to brush – especially when I neglect getting it trimmed and my layers start to grow together.  It is also much easier to damage your hair when it is wet due to the elasticity changing with the abundance of moisture.  I saw the Tangle Teezer online about six months ago and pinned it to one of my Pinterst boards for later evaluation.  When I was at Sally’s Beauty about two months ago, I saw them and decided to just get one and see what I thought.  I picked up a hot pink one {the only other choice in stock was purple – I pinned a leopard print one…but, we all have dreams} and tried it the very same night.  Amazingly, it runs right through my hair with minimal snags in comparison to a regular brush.  I find the top of my head to be the most tangle prone area for me due to the amount of products I use on a daily basis and the teasing I do – this little brush really helps get those tangles out without the breakage.  I use this after every shower after I have towel dried my hair and it gets everything smooth.  I really recommend this brush for those with long hair or sensitive scalps.  These are $13 at Sally’s.  I had a $5 off coupon from a previous purchase and I have a Beauty Club card, so my savings were well worth it.  They can be found all over the internet if you don’t have a Sally’s Beauty nearby.  I did not notice them at Ulta when I went last week {you know I was still looking for that leopard one}. 

Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Spray

I have tried a lot of dry shampoos over the past year and there was only one that I was really unhappy with {Got2b Rockin’ It Dry Shampoo – it was too powdery for my dark hair}, and I can honestly say most of the ones I have tried all work the same.  The reason I think this one tops the list is because it’s super cheap {under $3}, works just as well as the $6 brands, and it smells GREAT.  It has a very citrus/fruity smell, but clean.  My hair is very prone to becoming limp and oily after washing and I also use Moroccan oil when I blow dry if I’m using a straight style.  Sometimes only a little bit of that oil can really ruin the volume and body of my hair.  I can spray a little dry shampoo at my roots once I’ve blow dried and it sucks out a lot of the oils and leaves my hair looking super clean, volumized, and smelling great.  I also use this after a long work day if I’m going out or to an event and don’t have time to wash my hair – it makes it smell so good, sometimes people ask what shampoo I’ve used.  I highly recommend it as a competitor for the more expensive brands.  The only small downside is that is does run out faster than some of the others I’ve tried.  Not super fast, and not enough to matter for the price, though. 

MAKEUP

L’Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara

I mentioned this mascara in a first impressions post back in February and I’m still involved with it.  The mascara and I are taking things slow, but I really see a future!  Really, I’ve purchased three of them since February.  I love it.  It makes my lashes so long and full.  The only downside I have found about it is that it is very wet and slow drying.  I have to really pay attention to blinking quickly and looking up for a few minutes after I’ve applied so that it doesn’t deposit onto my lower brow bone.  I’m usually pretty mindful of this and it isn’t really that much of a burden; however, I have had some surprise sneeze attacks immediately after applying that have really done a number on my shadows that I applied beforehand.  I couple this mascara with it’s cousin, L’Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions, and they really do make my lashes look flawless.  Save by waiting to shop until your drugstore does it’s L’Oreal BOGO for the month – buy one and get one half off.  If you only want the Carbon Black, get two and put one in your stash for when you run out!

L’Oreal True Match Foundation

Wow, I just realized just how much L’Oreal I have purchased lately – they are really climbing the drugstore brand ladder!  This foundation is great.  I’ve had a lot of issues with dryness lately.  It’s very strange.  My skin is oily, but then it gets super dry on the tip of my nose, so I combat that with some super moisturizer {Clinique Moisture Surge – heart it}, which then makes me a little too oily.  It’s a process I cannot explain.  Either way, I get really cakey when it comes to foundation.  I was using the Covergirl 3 in 1 for a while and I do love it, but I think it will be more of a winter makeup for me.  The True Match has really proved to be a great little foundation!  It goes on easily, is buildable, and sits on my skin nicely.  I do have to powder after a few hours, but when I do, I rarely see any buildup like I do with other foundations.  They also have a wide variety of color choices and a diagram for choosing based on warm, neutral, and cool skin tones.  I do find that when swatching on your hand in the store that the foundation does go on lighter at first and changes once it has set to a shade slightly darker.  I had to exchange the first color I chose in the store due to this.  I use shade W5 Sand Beige.   I would suggest swatching the color you think would best match your skin, go do your other shopping for a few minutes, and then look at the swatch again and see if it is too dark.  This foundation is under $11 at my CVS and you can also take advantage of the BOGO sales with it and the mascara {or go cray cray and get a new liner or eyeshadow}!

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment + Concealer

Umm… the name is aMOUTHFUL, but the product is aMAZING! {see what I did there?} 
This is another flashback from my February first impressions post.  I LOVE the product, but I do very much dislike the packaging.  It comes with a sponge attached to the end and you simply twist to replenish product into it.  This is very wasteful and I honestly don’t feel like the sponge does much good.  I removed it and I just twist out product and apply with my finger tip or with my concealer brush.  This product really does brighten my under eye area and doesn’t accentuate lines under the eye.  I set it with my Ben Nye Banana Powder, but you can use any translucent powder you’d like.  I chose the Brightener 160 shade.  I paid around $8.99 for this at CVS and I will purchase another when I run low.  

NAILS

My most recent nail polish purchase is made by Essie.  It is in the shade Turquoise and Caicos.

I love the pretty minty shade and it's perfect for summer! This polish was $8 at CVS.



That's all I have for my favorites for July.  Check back next month for August favorites!  

Have a pretty day, y'all!

{Review}: NuMe Magic Wand {19mm}

NuMe 19mm Magic Wand

I cannot believe I have waited so long to share my thoughts on this GREAT brand find!

Let me first state that I have extremely straight hair.  If I let my hair air dry after brushing it, it is stick straight.  If I blow dry, I can get some root volume, but still, it is very straight.  Stating that, it is also important to note that my hair resists holding curl.  Generally, I can curl it at home and it will look great until I step outside and then all of my curls fall.  I have found a few curling irons in the past {one of which being a really great Revlon one} that have allowed me to get a little curl to stay on a day with low humidity, but usually I have to sleep in rollers to retain curls for longer than 30 minutes after leaving my home.  With that being said, I am IN LOVE with the NuMe brand curling wands.  I purchased my second one last month and I could not be happier.  I don't know what kind of magical beauty fairy dust those people sprinkle on these wands, but whatever it is, I wish they could bottle it for me and send a little extra for those bad hair days we all experience.  Now, onto the information about my new wand and my review....

I purchased the NuMe Magic Wand in the 19mm size.  It has a digital display which projects the temperature setting and it also changes from blue to green when it reaches your desired temperature setting.  This wand can go all the way to 450 degrees and it is available in three colors {I got the black one}.

I use this wand in the morning before work and my curls stay all day and into whatever I'm doing in the evening - in Mississippi - in 100% humidity!  I will say the only time my curls do fall out is if I'm sweating a lot {gross, I know - but, we all sweat}.  I have only worn a sad face after using this wand when I've headed to a cookout or evening on the patio where I was hot and too much moisture effected the hair.  Let's face it, on nights like that, I should be rocking a messy bun anyway!  I really really really recommend this wand {or the reverse wand - it also works VERY well}.  I'm interested in purchasing one of their blow dryers soon, so stay tuned for my thoughts on that once I decide what I want.  You can check out NuMe now by visiting: NuMe

Notes:

• NuMe is a little pricy, BUT you can always find a coupon code that will knock off a huge amount.  Before I purchased this wand I messaged them on Facebook and someone replied asking what my hair type was and then gave me their suggestions on which wand would be best and they also included a recent coupn code.  This really impressed me.  As far as savings go: the price for the magic wand on the site today is $169.  After the coupon code I used, it was $49.99 plus shipping.  It also arrived in about 4 days!
• I wanted a "smaller" barrel, as I feel that is the best way to get staying power for my hair.  If your hair holds curl well and you are looking for a wand that will give you those sexy beach waves that are so in right now {which is what I ultimately get from the wand once the initial curl resistance occurs}, I would suggest getting a bigger barrel - this one is quite small and will give you smaller curls.
• ALWAYS use a heat defending/protecting spray!!!!!  These wands get super hot and will burn your hair without the proper protection! {I use TRESemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Protective Spray - it was less than $5 at CVS}
• Have fun and be YOU!

'Til next time, stay pretty lovelies!

{Tresses Tuesday}: LBB and NuMe!

Hello my peeps!

I'm sorry it has been a bit since I've posted, but a lot has happened.  There was a huge tornado in my town which caused some serious damage.  My apartment complex was unharmed, but I was without cable and internet for a few days - so, I apologize.

Today is {Tresses Tuesday}, and what better way to celebrate than to purchase a hair tool?!  I received an email from Little Black Bag today that they are offering NuMe wands and straighteners for only $49.95!  The curling wand I have been eyeing for a while is $155, so I HAD to scoop it up.  I'll post a review once I receive it and am able to play around with it.  From all of the reviews from my YouTube gals that I already watch, everyone loves theirs!

You can get one too, here: { Little Black Bag }

Also, I posted yesterday on the Beauty and the Belle Facebook page that the winnder of the polish giveaway is.... {drum roll} .........

xcapsgirlx (Instagram)

YAY - please message me with your address so I can mail your goodies!

'Til next time, y'all!

{Tresses Tuesday}: A Tutorial

It’s Tresses Tuesday and I thought I would share the most fabulous video I found about a year ago on YouTube from thelipstickdiaries on how to create beautiful, long lasting curls!

The technique is quick and requires little effort (no heat)!  I do this a few times a week and I always get a ton of compliments! This method has also assisted me with growing my hair out and allows me to avoid using heat for styling, so my hair is healthier and shinier!  NOTE: If you have very long hair, this method still works, however, once you reach a point in the wrapping where you cannot put any more hair around the band, use bendable rollers {I use Conair Slip-free rollers that I purchased at a local drug store. They are also available on Amazon} to curl the remaining pieces of hair. 

All you need is an elastic headband {I use the Goody Stay Put Headbands - pictured below, the wider the band, the bigger the curls}, volumizing mousse, and hair spray.

This method works well for me and stays bouncy and curly all day long and even in to day two with waves.  I did make a few changes from the video: I start wrapping my hair when it is damp - almost dry.  This will be a trial and error process for you, depending on your hair type and thickness.  Mine dries extremely fast, so even if I wrap it when its a little too wet, the curls still develop fine.  I also put product in my hair such as root boosting mousse or curl booster sprays.  I usually use Big Sexy Hair's Root Pump Plus Volumizing Spray Mousse on my roots and spread the remaining all over my hair.  I also spray each strand before wrapping it with a hair spray or setting spray.  Lately I've been using Tresemme's Climate Control Finishing Spray.  In the morning after I unwrap the hair, I comb through it to relax the curls.  It will be super curly if you follow these directions, however, the hair is easily manipulated to style to your liking.  Let me know if you  try this method!

Here's the video: