:::A's Product Rave:::

Favorite new straightening product!

Victoria's Secret new Supersmooth Straightening Balm, part of their So Sexy hair line, is a must have in your beauty arsenal. I recently bought this for my mom's birthday and tried out it when I was visiting back home. I loved that this product made my hair seriously so straight and it held up even in the humidity and rain. I've tried a lot of straightening products since I have fine, wavy hair and any amount of humidity can ruin a straightening job and turn it into a hot mess. Don't even waste your time or money with Garnier Fructis or John Frieda products. And Tigi's S Factor formula is too strong for baby fine hair.

At only $10, this balm makes a perfect stocking stuffer! Check it out at vss.com.

A's Rate: 4.5 out of 5
Bonus factor: smells great!

**A's Beauty Rave**

My hair is in desperate need of some coloring. It's probably been at least 8 weeks since I've seen Rosa which isn't boding well for my roots or confidence.

A product I've discovered that will save me for a short while when I can't get into the salon or afford that $110+ dye job is Clairol's "Nice & Easy Root Touch-up." At about $6.99 a box it's cheap and it does the trick. Exactly what I want. The product is easy to apply. Anyone that's colored their hair at-home will find this a cinch.

Their website has great instuctions on how to match your current hair color, too. (http://www.clairol.com/niceneasy/roottouchup/index.jsp) I use the medium golden blonde shade and get great results. It usually buys me about a 2-3 week grace period before I am once again ravenous for real salon color.

Try it out and you'll see what I'm talking 'bout.

Sheer Genius

OK, so I entered the world of fake hair recently and I gotta tell you it's a bit interesting. I purchased hair extensions from Sally Beauty for $69.99. They are 14' human hair extensions. I am not sure what that means. Did someone donate this hair? Did someone get paid to chop it off? These are questions that maybe I don't want to know the answers to.

Anyway, you can wash these extensions and curl them and straighten them. They really are pretty neat. Right now my hair is in that awkward in-between short and long phase which is why I wanted to try them out. The color doesn't match 100% though and I can't seem to get the placement of them just right so I haven't worn them out in public except for a few pieces I wore in a wedding up-do as a bridesmaid (which doesn't really count). My friend, Kelly, who has been in the faux hair department for a bit now, tells me they are easier to blend into your own hair if you wear it curly. (Side note: I hate curling my hair).

I'd recommend trying these out for anyone who wants a new look without waiting the 2 years it takes to grow out a short do. If you buy at Sally, just know that there are no returns on hair extension purchases (cuz I didn't know that) and make them take it out of the package to compare to your current hair color (they will do that).

So now you've probably been asking yourself, 'What is that awful picture of Amanda doing on here? And why does she have brown hair?!' Well, I just had to add this photo of myself on here for a good laugh (yes, in case you didn't notice it's the hideous pic above). This was my junior year of college and I had chopped all of my long blonde hair off and dyed it dark brown. I hated it. As a joke, my mom sent me this awful wavy hair extension piece. Here is the only time I modeled it.

I've heard decent reviews about Jessica Simpson's line of hair extensions called "HairDo." Feel free to leave any comments for those of you who have delved into the world of faux hair!

Happy beautifying,
Amanda

::: Wedding Day Beauty :::

Greetings fellow blog followers! I hope today finds you all looking beautiful! I was in a wedding this past weekend and did just about everyone's makeup! I helped with the bride, mother of the bride, maid of honor and a few bridesmaids! Woooof. Somehow I got it done and they all looked fantastic.

But why is it that I feel like I always do other people's makeup better than my own? That perplexes me. Anyway, two products that deserved a mention on here that helped the entire wedding party shine like a new penny!

**Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil in Plum. This color looks great on everyone, but particularly those with green eyes. The pencil is soft when applying and then sets so that it doesn't move (it's waterproof, too...another bonus.) This got rave reviews from just about everyone I applied it to!

***CoverGirl Fresh Complexion Pocket Powder Foundation. This sleek little compact has been part of my beauty routine for years. I've tried more expensive powder foundations and always seem to find my way back to this one. Don't get me wrong, I am not a big CoverGirl fan, but they got something right with this product. It covers like a foundation but feels like a powder. It literally hides imperfections and makes your skin perfectly even and matte. And the slim shape means it's easy stash in your purse or clutch. And around only $7 at Target, Walmart or wherever you shop, this fits in easily on the beauty budget in tough economic times.

My next post will be all about hair and hair products and even, gasp! Hair extensions!! That's right, you'll have to stop by to read all about my adventure into the land of fake hair.

Happy beautifying,
Amanda:)

:::: A's Beauty Splurge::::

I stopped by Sephora at Crocker Park today and ended up splurging on this item I've been wanting for a long time! But it was all worth it for the sake of the blog. Today's "A's Beauty Splurge" was for a product I've tested out before. It's Smashbox's Photo Finish Primer in Light ($36 at sephora). I am a big fan of all primers, but this one is great for oily/combination skin. You can wear it alone or under your makeup. It basically evens out your skin tone and minimizes pores. Note -- they have other kinds for Color Correction but avoid the ones containing "Dermaxyl" if you need oil-free products. I am really excited to start using this product again. It also won an Allure Best of Beauty award as well.

Wrap up: Definitely a splurge at $36, but you only need one tiny pump from the bottle. This product will last a very long time and is worth the investment, especially as we head into the fall/winter seasons and skin can start looking sallowy or dull.

A's Beauty Secret! (#1) MoroccanOil!

This week's hot product is the much talked about line from MoroccanOil. Every magazine I turn to has raved about it. My hair lady (Rosa!) has used this product on me twice now, and it makes your hair feel incredibly healthy and shiny (even after a dye job). It's currently only available in salons, but I predict their web site will start selling it soon enough. Try the original oil product (right). Start with towel-dried hair, add a small amount of the oil and run your hands through your hair, focusing on the ends. Style as usual (I like to add a bit of volumizing spray next -- try either Aveda Volumizing Tonic or John Frieda Sheer Volume spray). Get ready to be amazed! Great for dry/damaged or chemically processed hair. And bonus, it is not tested on our furry friends!

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! I'm a huge beauty products person, and I wanted to develop an open forum for those of us who love indulging in makeup and hair items to share the products we love and what we've wasted our money on!

Feel free to leave comments and feedback.

Why did I start this blog? Well, I just did a tally, and I currently have 10 different shampoo and conditioner sets in my shower. I have four different makeup bags completely filled to the brim. My husband groans anytime he knows I'm heading to Target. Why? Because he knows it's likely that I'm coming home with at least $30 worth of new products that I probably don't need, but I can't live without. Beauty products are my one true indulgence! I've decided to count down my Top 5 all-time favorite makeup products all for $30 or under.

Favorite Makeup Products ($30 or under)
5. The retractable Kabuki makeup brush. $30. "Too faced" is deliciously soft and addicting. It's like a mini-massage for your face every time you use it. As my sister says, this makeup brush is "better than a boyfriend!" Available at Sephora.com.

4. Clinique Strawberry Fudge eyeshadow duo. $17.50 at clinique.com. These colors by far work on just about everyone's skin tone and it has enough shimmer to stand out without looking like an 8th grader. A must-buy especially when the Clinique Bonus Days roll around!

3. Victoria's Secret High Definition Mascara in Blackest Black. $12 at victoriassecret.com. I've tried more than my fair share of mascaras with tons of disappointment, and right now this one is my favorite. You only need one coat to get lashes that look long but without any clumping or irritation. I have very sensitive eyes and this one does not bother me at all.

2. Clinique Up-lighting liquid illuminator in Blush. $22.50 at clinique.com. The Bronze shade is pretty for summer, too, but 'Blush' can be wore year round. It gives you a dewy, rested appearance. I get compliments every time I wear it! Perfect for brides too, it lasts all day long with no touch-ups needed.

And my all-time current favorite makeup product? It's a product that I don't think is used enough.

1. Eye shadow primer! And in particular, MAC's Prep & Prime in Light. $16.50 at maccosmetics.com. This primer creates the perfect base for eye shadow. Forget eye shadow creasing and clumping; this completely prevents it.

That's all for now. Thanks for visiting this site. More beauty fun to come soon!
Beauty addict for life,
-Amanda :)