product review: it's a 10

I've been hearing the buzz about It's A 10 products for the last year, but haven't tried because the line is extremely expensive. Each It's A 10 product promises to deliver following ten benefits. Here are the benefits listed on the shampoo: (each product has a different list of ten benefits)

- works with curly/straight hair 
- color protectant
- delivers total definition
- leaves hair styled and silky
- boosts shine
- eliminates frizz
- seals split ends
- defines & maintains style
- provides thermal protection
- increases elasticity

I finally caught this stuff on sale for buy one get two free at a small mall salon. I purchased the shampoo, then got the styling cream and miracle texture fibre for free.
 
the verdict
Each of the products I tried completely live up to the hype. When I use the shampoo and styling cream, I'm able to let my hair air dry (usually a huge no-no cause I frizz up like a poodle) and my hair looked styled, smooth, and shiny. The texture fibre is also amazing hold - I was able to make a spike a section of my 16 inch hair!
 
repurchase?
I will definitely repurchase in the future, on sale! Keep an eye out for discounts in small chain mall salons, amazon, ebay, ect. if you don't want to pay full price.
 
Have you tried It's A 10? What do you think?!

Brush Week: Quick and Easy Everyday Makeup

Perfect makeup when you don't feel like makeup

I wouldn't be honest during BRUSH WEEK if I said you always need to use a brush. This look requires NO brush, and it makes you look like you took way longer to get ready than you actually did. So put the brushes away, and learn this gorgeous but subtle look. 

I realize that when you think of subtle, you probably don't think Lady Gaga. But hear me out - Gaga wore a makeup look two years ago (while on her Monster Ball tour) that I copy every time I sleep in a little too late. I should totally do a video tutorial of this... I promise I will when I get a camera. 

get the look.

part one: eyes and lips
The overall concept of this look is heavy top lip liner and a bold/bright lip color. No need to go crazy with blush or bronzer. Any eyeliner works (gel, liquid, pencil.) Just make the line thicker than you normally do. Don't do a cat eye -  it looks really weird in my opinion.  For the lip, make sure you a color that is a bit bolder than light pink. Think barbie pink, coral, or red lipstick. A  tinted balm is even better; Maybelline Whisper is a good option because it looks like a lipstick but feels like a moisturizer. Perfect for those rushed mornings. :)

part two: face
The other part to this look is a good foundation or BB cream. You can apply your foundation/ BB cream with a blending sponge to make the look even more flawless - thus making it look even less like you're in a hurry. The best part - it takes half the time a brush would. (We're in a time crunch, remember?)  Here's the expensive beauty blender that everyone's talking about, and here's the $4 one of Walgreens that works just as good. To use a beauty blender properly, start by running it under warm water, and then squeeze all the excess out. Use the beauty blender to pat and smooth your foundation onto your face - it's amazing. Try this look next time you're in a rush - I want to know if you like it!

As always, post pictures if you try.

MAKEUP MISTAKES

It's a bit much.

We all make them.  Remember: only YOU can prevent makeup mishaps! Keep reading to see if you’re a repeat offender.

Overindulgence. A little this, a little that, and suddenly it looks like a unicorn exploded all over your face. Instead of trying to play up each and every one of your features, just pick one to go all out on and keep the rest simple. Translation: For days that you want to sport heavier eye makeup, keep your lips natural. And vice versa – if you’re want bright red lips, keep the eyes more neutral and simple. Once you get the hang of balance and colors, you can start messing with the formula.

Major case of color denial.

Color Denial.  We’ve all met her … she starts talking and all you notice is how her face and neck are two distinctly different colors. Tell her to get to a mirror and fess up to her true colors! Now, awkward question… Is this you? Sometimes you can’t help it – lighting in retail stores can be very different than those in the office/house. Your best bet is to test foundation before you take it home. Still, the easiest way to avoid the detached-face-look is blending. Your foundation shouldn’t stop at your face, but instead blend into your neck so there are no harsh lines. Just take any excess product left on your brush after application and brush from chin to neck. It’s a small trick that can save you some embarrassment!

Miley aces our test. Gorg!

Cakeface. Oh, cakeface. This is when you can actually see the layers of powder just hanging out on someone’s face instead of blending into the skin. And usually, everything looks okay until you get up close. I had a friend in high school, gorgeous girl, who had minor breakouts along her chin. To compensate, she ALWAYS had caked up powder and blotchy makeup was extremely unfortunate. It turned the very flaws she was trying to hide into the only thing people saw. People don’t usually notice their own cakeface, because to them, they’ve concealed imperfections and don’t pay any mind afterwards. Cakeface is caused by applying to much product, but it’s also about application. The round sponges that often come with drugstore products are fine at piling makeup on, but it doesn’t do a darn thing to blend into the skin. To combat, take a fluffy brush before you’re ready to go and sweep it around your face to remove excess product. If you are a drugstore sponge user, check out these quality and affordable brushes. If you are a beginner who wants to spend a bit more for quality, check out the Sonia Kashuk brush line from Target.

MAGIC STICK

No joke, this lipstick is magic. It will only cost $31 from your rainy day fund, and your GUARANTEED to like it! I discovered the product on a recent video shoot from the hired makeup artist.When she mentioned her favorite was Dior, I thought no way am I spending $100 for a lipstick. She proceeded to pull it out of her bag and try it on me.

and Oh My Goodness.

Dior Addict Lip Glow works with your body's chemistry to create the PERFECT lipshade for your skin tone. I know it sounds crazy, but it really works. I've had it for about a week now and noticed it gives me either really bright pink or ruby red lips . The color turns a different shade on each person. The lip glow feels like a lipbalm - not chalky wax. This product is seriously heavenly and you need it. Go to Sephora and try it on this weekend!

It's expensive but so worth it - I am going to probably repurchase a million times. Don't you wanna know what your shade is?