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!