Artistry Essentials: Three Step Cleansing System

Recently I began using a new facial cleansing 3 step system by Artistry. I have the hardest time finding a product that I truly love, but I can honestly say, I'm amazed by this cleansing system! My skin is combination, very oily T-zone, sensitive, large pores, and if I'm not careful, it gets very dry very easily. We all must understand the importance of a 3 step cleansing system. Your skin is your bodies largest organ. It protects our health and our most vital organs. Taking care of your skin is crucial, and in order to properly take care, you must cleanse to remove the dirt, tone to neutralize the skin, and moisturize to return balance. Artistry Essential's Balancing Skin care system is an excellent group of products for your skin care routine.

About Artistry
Artistry is a company promoted by Amway created in the 1950's by the wife of Nutralite founder Carl Rehnborg. Artistry made is big debut in the US in 1968 with 11 new products and 37new shades. In the 1970's Artistry went global and it's been up hill ever since with it's growing line and product launches. Artistry's Product lines consist of Artistry Essentials, Artistry Time Defiance, Artistry Luxury, and Colour.

Artistry Says....
"The essence of ARTISTRY® is to help every woman realize and celebrate the beauty that illuminates her being." "BEAUTY BEGINS WITH ARTISTRY We believe that beauty is derived from truth. Truth that comes from careful, modern scientific discovery, and the belief that every woman’s individual beauty should be celebrated. This philosophy and practice has placed ARTISTRY® among the world’s top five, largest-selling, premium skincare brands, and among the world’s top ten, largest-selling, premium cosmetic brands.* Experience the endless, exceptional benefits ARTISTRY® products can provide for you. * Source Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care database, premium cosmetics sector, global 2009 RSP, global brand name classification

Artistry Essentials 

(3 Step Skin Care Routine)

Artistry Essentials Balancing Cleanser for Combination to Oily Skin
This daily cleanser clears, clarifies, and exfoliates skin to a balanced finish. With natural, continually adjusting oil controlling ingredients to keep you shine free all day, this cleanser has it all! Artistry Balancing cleanser is safe to use on sensitive skin and has a very light, natural fragrance. Just a dime size dollop will do just fine because this cleanser has a very rich lather that leaves your face filling silky and clean from the first use.

Artistry Essentials Balancing Toner for Combination to Oily Skin
Toners are essential to your skin care regimen because they remove any dirt & residue your cleanser has brought to the surface from your pores, neutralizes and restores your skins natural PH, and closes your pores. Toners are different from astringents because they don't use alcohol as active ingredients, in turn not drying out your skin. Artistry's Balancing toner is an awesome product and a wonderful addition to any 3 step skin care routine. This toner is gentle, energizing, and its mattifying ingredients prep the skin to stay oil free all day!

Artistry Balancing Lotion with SPF 15
After cleansing away the dirt, and restoring your ph balance with your toner, its important to return the moisture to protect and balance your skin. The final and most important step of your 3 step skin care routine is to moisturize. Moisturizing can prevent early signs of aging, and helps to create a protective barrier. It's also important to choose a moisturizer that contains SUN PROTECTION! Artistry Balancing Lotion gives us just that with UVA/UVB protection. Again this is for combination to oily skin and this oil free moisturizer contains ingredients that assist in controlling your oil all day.


After using these products for a little over two weeks, all I can say is WOW! My pores look amazing. I haven't had to blot my skin but maybe twice since using these products. They really do control the oil! My skin has never felt better.  Day 1 after completing my 3 step routine I was amazed. I've tried products from Clinique, and Olay, both really amazing lines, but neither made my skin behave the way Artistry's Essentials Balancing System has. These products are highly recommended if you have combination to oily skin, and if you have dry skin, I strongly urge you to try Artistry Essentials Hydrating System which has natural ingredients to equalize and optimize balance and moisture.

If you are interested in these products, give Willow Wegman a shout. She's an Amway representative and would gladly assist you in purchasing these wonderful products. The 3-step systems retail for around $48 and are in high demand, so order yours soon and get your skin on track to feeling simply amazing!

Willow Wegman
jwtlegacy@gmail.com
www.amway.com/jwtlegacy

It's time for an update...

What do you want to see blogged on Hairbrained and Glamorous. Obviously I'm slacking, but I'm stumped for ideas. I want to give you all ORIGINALITY, and blog outside the box. Hm, let me brainstorm. I'll have something awesome up for you to read come Sunday :)
If you have any suggestions or requests, feel free to comment :)

Brazilian Blowout

What is Brazilian Blowout?  

Brazilian Blowout is a professional smoothing treatment that improves the health and integrity of the hair.  It is a formaldehyde free, non damaging treatment that creates a layer around the hair shaft to smooth & seal the cuticle and remove frizz from the hair.  The treatment takes approximately 90 minutes from start to finish, but can vary depending upon the length, and density of the hair.  The treatment can be customized for each individual depending on the desired result. This is ideal for all hair types; straight, wavy, and curly, and all hair textures; fine, normal, and coarse.  Results do vary depending on the hair type/texture. . Although it does not totally remove curl from the hair, it will make most wavy hair appear straight, and if your hair is super curly, it will enhance the appearance of your wave/curl. You can still have volume and oomph to your hair, and/or keep your curls all while removing frizz, cutting dry time in half, and improving the condition of your hair.  What more can I say? This treatment is all the rage. You can literally wash, blow dry, & go with smooth, shiny, frizz free hair!

Who can get Brazilian Blowout?

EVERYBODY can get a Brazilian Blowout. Whether your hair is colored, highlighted, relaxed, or treated by any other chemical service such as Japanese straighteners, or perms, you can get this treatment! Brazilian Blowout is great for the client trying to step away from the bond altering services like Japanese straighteners and relaxers because it puts movement back into the hair. It will only improve your hair!  Plus, if your hair is color treated, the treatment will seal in and enhance your color!  Again, this treatment is ideal for all hair types and textures, even extentions!

When should I color or chemically alter my hair?

You should color your hair 2 weeks prior to getting your treatment, or it can be done the same day.  It is safe to color or highlight your hair after getting this treatment, but it is suggested before or same day because it does seal the deal and make your color service last longer. You can also apply Brazilian Blowout on top of Relaxers and other bond altering chemicals. This is perfect for this application because it fortifies each strand with essential aminio acids and reverses the damage these harsh chemical services can cause.

Where can you get a Brazilian Blowout?

You can locate a salon HERE or if you're in the Hampton Roads area, you can see me at Renaissance Salon and Spa. The service again takes approx 2 hours give or take. Brazilian Blowouts cost anywhere from $250-350 depending on the length and density of the hair, but a lot of salons are featuring these services on sites like Groupon and Living Social for less because they are such high demand.  Most people who get these services return because they love the way their hair feels and manages after. If you have frizzy, untamable hair, this one's for you!

AFTER CARE

To maintain your Brazilian Blowout, you must use top quality SULFATE FREE cleansers such as the Brazilian Blowout Acai Shampoo, and Conditioner, Coppola Keratin products, or my personal favorite, Pureology Products. Brazilian Blowout also has their own line of styling products, but you can use other brands as long as they are GENTLE.  Pureology products are most likely the best option and again, my personal favorite. You CAN NOT wash your hair, exercise, swim or dampen your hair in any way for at least 3 days.  Use a shower cap or swim cap when needed. This to ensure your treatment does not react with any at home care. Remember (Sweat=Salt and Salt=Sulfate.<---thanks Juani :)

Before & After Photo

This was a treatment I did this past week. At the end of the service, we ended up cutting about 3 inches off to remove split ends from previous heat damage. It's important you get a trim when getting this service to remove split ends. Although sometimes this treatment mends the hair, if the split ends are bad enough, they keep splitting up the hair strand, can cause breakage, and makes it seem as if your hair isn't growing at all.  Honestly, you should always get your ends 'dusted' at least every 6 weeks and no more than 8 weeks. Keep your hair in tip top shape by using a gentle cleanser, condition daily concentrating mostly on mid shaft to ends, rinse in cooler water , and use a heat protection serum, spray, etc. anytime you use heat of any form on the hair. I can guarentee if you follow those 4 rules, your hair will be in great condition!

Before

 After applying Brazilian Blowout and the initial blow dry

 After completing all steps, before trim.

Lorac Front of the Line PRO

I guess it's bad when you're doing your makeup and you find something new & unused in your kit. Bad in the sense, I have an addiction to makeup and shopping! Great because what I found was pretty much the best eyeliner I have used to date. Now don't get me wrong, I love my MAC liquid liner, and fluidline, but Lorac's Front of the Line PRO liner has got to be the whole package when it comes to lining the eyes.

What LORAC says...

This high-performing no-smudge, no-budge, water-resistant liquid eye liner boasts a unique automatic delivery system that provides a clean, precise application. The flexible tip provides ultimate control, accuracy and smooth strokes, so you’ll never miss your lines. From very fine to dramatically bold, this versatile pro will take you to the front of the line every time!

Create any eye makeup look you desire with LORAC’s eye shadows and eyeliners! For more eye makeup techniques take a look at the LORAC Close Up Real Life To Red Carpet Eye Tutorial. The Eye Tutorial Kit comes with step-by-step instructions for applying makeup like a pro and remember: practice makes perfect!

0.55ml/0.02 fl. oz. 

 

Cost:  $22.00

Shades:  Black & Brown.

Buy it!

Glamorous Review

I actually got this liner in Lorac's Close up: Real life to red carpet eye tutorial collection (which btw, I'll post a review up soon! It's a must have!) It's full size, and I have it in Black. It's exactly what it says...no smudge, no budge, waterproof, clean, precise, and smooth! I was skeptical when I first discovered I had this product because I don't really have the greatest balance when it comes to precise applications.  My main issue with liquid liner is I can never get that thin, flawless line. 

Just like if you're pencil isn't sharpened, you get a thicker line, your liquid liner tip must be too! I love felt tip because I feel like I make less mistakes, and I use an angled brush with gel instead of a regular angled eyeliner brush with the fine point.  Lorac's liner is very fine, and somewhat stiff.  The tip is tapered to a long point. It's not as hard as a felt tip, but doesnt have as much flexibility as regular applicators. I could tell from the moment I made the first swipe I loved this product. My line was the thinnest I've ever managed to get it on myself and the applicator is perfect for winging or adding a flare to the outer corner. It dries quickly and stays put all day. As a matter of fact, after a long night of partying at my surprise birthday bash, my liner was still in place! My kit suggestion...purchase them both! Brown for your natural looks and black for your more bold or glamorous looks. If you're wanting to try liquid liner, but you're afraid it's too hard to use, I highly suggest this liner. It's so easy to use and great quality. The bottom line...Lorac's Front of the Line is definately PRO quality but a great liner for all levels of expertise. I'm positive this is a new fav to Hairbrained & Glamorous! :)

 

I post this look in my last post as an idea to use MAC's Summer Collection.  The liner used was Lorac Front of the Line Pro! Check out that LINE! :)

MAC Surf, BABY!

So it seems every summer MAC gives us a really cool collection. I'm sure you'll find many bloggers have already posted reviews of these products. To set myself apart, I want to give you my picks, and opinion on shades.

The Collection

Pigment: Melon & Naked

Surf Baby, Eyeshadow: Short Shorts, Sun Blond, Saffron, Surf USA, & Swell Baby

Metallic Pigment Stacks: Summer Stash, Surf the Ocean

Surf Baby! Powerpoint Eye Pencil: Blue Noon & Gilded White

Splashproof Lash (Waterproof, Thickens, & Lengthens)

Surf Baby! Lipstick: Naturally Eccentric, Hibiscus, Mocha, & Bust Out!

Surf Baby! Lipglass: Girl on Board, Good Lovin', Strange Potion, Krazy Kahuna

Surf Baby! Cheek Powder

My Picks& Recommendations

Well those who know me know I'm a cosmetic addict & if I had the funds, I would have one of everything, & two of the limited editions. lol I'm going to attempt to keep it simple, and reasonable.  In my opinion, all shades in this collection are well suited for most skin tones, & accentuate most hair/eye colors. Whether you're bronze or porcelain, I think you can rock these products. 

I have yet to try the mascara but I'm sure it's awesome for those who are looking for a waterproof mascara.  I have tried at least 5 MAC mascaras and not one has disappointed me. So if you want waterproof, length, and thickness, go for it!

Both Melon & Naked pigments are must haves for anybody's kit. They are two great pigments for creating those nude looks and compliment any skin tone. 

Surf USA, Sun Blonde, & Short Shorts are probably my favorite out of the shadow collection. They are all 3 Frost finish. Saffron and Swell Baby are Satin finish.

The metallic pigment stacks are wonderful investments for those of you who love pigments and that crushed metal look. Summer Stash is a great pick if you like more purple tones in your kit. It's also great for brown eyes, green eyes, brunettes, blonds, and especially red heads! Surf the Ocean is probably my favorite because its the more beachy pick. These shades are great for brown eyes as well as blue, hazel, blonds, and brunettes.

Bright eyes are in and that's exactly why both Blue Noon and Gilded White Surf Baby! Powerpoint Liners are must haves. Use Gilded White on your lower water line to brighten and 'open' the eyes. Blue Noon will compliment the lower lash line and make your eyes pop or add a flare to any bright eye color. 

Unfortunately not every lipstick or lipglass is for everybody. If you're more daring and love a nude look, Naturally Eccentric Lipstick, and Girl on Board Lipglass are wonderful picks. Hibiscus lipstick and Strange Potion lipglass fits the summer trend and are my favorite out of all the colors. Orange lips & bright lips are in and both shades bring bright pink with a hint of coral. Good Lovin' is also another pick for those who like lighter pinks. I'm not really into brown shades but if you are, try Krazy Kahuna and Mocha! 

Last, everyone should purchase the Surf Baby! Blush. It is guaranteed to give any skin a glowy summer finish. If you don't use blusher, I highly suggest you start by trying this one! 

Create 

Although I did not use this collection and they're not an exact match, Short Shorts, Sun Blonde, Surf USA, & Saffron would be perfect to re-create my look. Use Short Shorts to highlight, Sun blond on the inner lid, Surf USA on the outer lid, Saffron on the crease. (Saffron is a warmer shade than pictured) Line the top with your favorite liquid liner, Surf Baby! Powerpoint liner in Blue Noon on the lower lash, Gilded White on the water line for an added pop to widen your eyes, Treat your lashes to your favorite mascara, Surf Baby! Cheeks for blusher, & Hibiscus on the lips. :)  If you're curious about the actual color used in this photo, check out my facebook page for the inside scoop!

So that's it for now. Be sure to check back for more Hairbrained and Glamorous rants! I'm making it my goal to not neglect this blog as bad as I have been. :)

Quick update.

I've finally gotten back to my comfort zone. Work is going great, and I have a wonderful feeling about this salon. Everyone is so busy and in the near future, there's going to be some major hair slinging on my end. I miss being slammed with clients and so busy my head is spinning. Patience is a virtue tho, right?

I'm really super happy I made the leap because for one I finally feel like I've found my place here in Va. For the longest time I felt like my goals were on hold or something. But in just TWO days, I've gained so much knowledge and skill. I'm now offering Brazilian treatments, and by the end of next week, I will be finished with the first half of my makeup course. Which granted, I can already do makeup with my cosmo license, I just want that extra education. You can never have too much in this industry. My goal is one class a month, whether it's product knowledge, color, makeup, or cutting classes. By the end of next year I hope to be color certified, and somewhere in between take a hair extensions course for fusions and other methods of bonding. I'm really super excited, and I can't wait to see what comes my way!

So I can't say I have a review or update ready at this moment. I'm just going to take this time to say hello fellow bloggers, and I'll definitely have something awesome up for you next weekend after class & work is over...maybe sooner. I know, I know...I'm slacking, but I promise it's coming up as soon as this busy week passes. I got a really neat set from Lorac, with 3 mirror cling tutorials.  I'll recreate them, swatch, and review, so stay tuned for that.

Thanks for reading, and don't forget to share with your fellow bloggers!

Lorac On Screen Duo, Powder Highlighter & Cream Shadow/Liner

What Lorac says...

"This innovative, multi-functional eye shadow duo has everything you need to instantly create your own on or off-screen drama! In the swivel top compartment, an ultra-pearlized Powder Highlighter with soothing White Lily Extract allows for buildable coverage and an effervescent frost finish. In the lower compartment, an ultra-rich Cream Eye Shadow/Liner easily blends over the Powder Eye Highlighter for crease-proof, long-lasting color."

Glamorous Review

So I think this is probably a frugal beauty find, and a great one at that. I recently purchased this product on Lorac Cosmetic's  site in their VIP Discount section. These duos were regularly 24.00 each, and I purchased them for $7 each. In the photo above I'm wearing Fame & Fortune (Black). I also purchased Champagne & Caviar (Charcoal) and Rich & Famous (Bronze). I usually don't like cream shadows, because I have super oily skin. I had a change of heart when I saw this steal, and I must say I like it. 12 hours later, it was still holding up and there wasn't much creasing, just the usual. The highlighters are very pigmented and both the highlighter and cream shadow/liner have some shimmer. It's an awesome must have for that night out on the town, a more formal occasion, or just an everyday look.

To apply I started with primer, which is my favorite, Urban Decay Primer Potion, and then applied the highlighter all over with a basic eyeshadow brush. Next, I used a flat stiff brush and worked the cream shadow on my lid and blended into my crease. I used a smudge brush to smudge the color under my bottom lashes. To finish, I used MAC False Lashes mascara. Viola! Everything you need for glamorous eyes (except mascara) is right here in this one container!

These shadows are rich in color. The black & charcoal are slightly darker shades, but not so dark that you can't pair it with other bold/bright colors. I suggest a more neutral lip & cheek for everyday looks, and a bright or darker lip/cheek for special occasions and evening looks.

 All in all I would recommend this product. Grab it while you can! It's worth the steal!

Sebastian Color Ignite Single Tone Shampoo & Conditioner

What Sebastian says...

"Care specifically designed to tailor to hair's specific needs based on color techniques used for single toned hair."

Color Ignite Single Tone Shampoo Description
"Smart color seal complex locks in color & smooths the hair."

Use it:
"Apply to wet hair. Massage and rinse thoroughly. Repeat if necessary. For more color protection follow with Color Ignite Single Tone Conditioner."


Color Ignite Single Tone Conditioner Description
"Micro-bubble conditioner whips the shine on single toned hair for even-surface shine and long-lasting vibrancy."

Use it:
"Remove excess water from hair. Shake well. Work in a tennis ball size amount of product starting
at ends towards the roots. Leave for 2-3 min. Rinse thoroughly."

Watch a product video here!

"Hairbrained Review"

I absolutely LOVE this shampoo. From its sleek packaging, to the floral scent, and the unique whipped conditioning mousse, I would highly recommend this product to my clients, family, and friends. The shampoo is very creamy but not too thick, and it lathers nicely.  The product is very concentrated so it only takes a small amount. I'd suggest at the most a quarter size if you have thick hair, and just as the packaging states, I suggest 2 shampoos. One to break up the dirt & oils, and Two to remove them from the hair.  Before conditioning, I can feel a huge difference in my hair than with other brands. You can absolutely feel that the cuticle is sealed and the hair is very soft, and clean feeling.  Some shampoos have a tendency to leave behind a residue feel, or weigh the hair down. This does not. I would highly suggest this to clients with fine hair, as well as clients with the thick, coarse hair.  The conditioner sets it apart from any conditioner I've ever used. It's a foam! Don't let the container fool you. At first, I thought "this will not last a week." Amazingly, despite the light container, this conditioner keeps up with the shampoo.  It's very light, airy, and weightless, and you don't have to work to saturate the hair strands.  Sebastian suggests leaving the conditioner on 2-3 minutes, then rinsing. The conditioner rinses easily and leaves the hair feeling like silk.  This too I would recommend to clients of all hair types. I really can tell a difference in how long my color has lasted with this shampoo, and with other shampoos. Sebastian states that this product locks in color vibrancy 25% longer.  It's been over a week, and I have minimal fading. I think it would be a safe bet to say it does that plus more!  Here's two swatches from my first week using Sebastian Color Ignite Single Tone shampoo & conditioner.  Swatches vary depending on lighting, but you can definitely see how well preserved my color is from the use of this product.  Two thumbs up Sebastian!

 4/13/2011, approx 2 days post color

You can also see a difference in the cuticle in picture 1 & 2. In picture 1, if you look closely you can see the ends of my hair are roughed up and the cuticle is not smooth. This is from lightening previously to this color process because I was a level 2, dark brown/black.

 

 

In pciture 2, you can see the hair strands look more smooth, shiny, and the cuticle is sealed. I'm very happy with the condition of my hair after using this product!

So that's my first review. Whether you have single toned, or multi toned, color treated hair, I highly suggest you purchase these products from your salon professional. If you're unsure where to find this product, you can check Sebastian's website to find a salon.  Remember these products are not guaranteed unless purchased in a salon from a licensed professional!  Products found in drug stores, grocery stores, or in places other than a salon are not guaranteed and diverted products. It's very important to me to educate you about diversion so that you're using good quality and true products.  To learn more about diversion, go here!

Stay tuned for more Hairbrained and Glamorous reviews, swatches, rants, etc. If you like my blog, please recommend it to your fellow bloggers! I appreciate your support and look forward to sharing my findings with you!

Until next time....

Blog Design Complete....

well, I think so anyways.

I want to give a special thanks to AciDesigns for designing my banner. I absolutely LOVE it! Thanks to Brittany over at Bake.Travel.Love for helping me set everything up. This blog would still be still coming together if I didn't borrow both of your brain power!

Currently I'm experimenting, so my first review should be up and available late Wednesday.  If you know me personally, you know my hair changes a lot, but I alternate between red and whatever I randomly decide to do.  Red is probably the most complicated of all hair colors.  It's delicate when it comes to formulation, the hardest to remove from the hair, and quick to wash out.  With that being said, I've recently purchased Sebastian's new Color Ignite Single Tone shampoo and conditioner.  Can I say AMAZING!  The scent is wonderful, and the conditioner is a foam, so that's just an awesome change of pace.  I colored my hair last Monday night, and I let the color molecules settle on Tuesday.  My first shampoo post color was on Wednesday and I've been taking photos every day or so to see the difference after each wash.  I'll be posting the review on Wednesday so stay tuned.  I can't wait to share the awesomeness of this product!

Until then....

Coming Soon...

Hi everybody! Please bear with me over the next few weeks while I get everything set up. I have great things in store for you all.  I'll be adding a portfolio, tutorials, product reviews, tips, tricks, trends, and I'll also be updating with work & all of my adventures in the industry so my clients as well as followers can keep up with me! Feel free to comment, & let me know what you want to see on this blog. I want to educate, inform, and share with you as much as possible so we can grow as beauty junkies together!