hair therapy: GG Gatsby hair products

don't judge a book by it's cover; it's what's on the inside that counts…

those wise words or i should say, phrases, above, to me, perfectly exemplify the GG Gatsby line of products i was sent to try recently. if you've read my blog long enough, you know i lean toward posting about things i like and find worthy to be used. i'm all about sharing the positive.

while my experience with these GG Gatsby hair products has been really good, i do have one gripe and need to get  it out of the way first: i don't like the labeling.

they look like they were printed out at home and stuck on generic bottles. this is my personal opinion and really my only problem regarding these products. maybe since the brand is relatively new {i believe just a little more than 2 years old}, this will {hopefully} improve over time.

ok, i've said enough! on to the good stuff ~ read on for my take on 4 stand-out products that i think are definitely worth checking out, regardless of what's on the outside...

GG Gatsby Straight Away Shampoo

when i first used this shampoo, i thought it was the conditioner. the consistency and texture leans more on the creamy side; it's gentle and sulfate-free, but still creates a rich lather. i love how this cleanses without stripping my hair of moisture, and since it's formulated with keratin, soy protein, and date fruit oil it aids in improving hair elasticity, reducing frizz and adding extra shine.

GG Gatsby Straight Away Conditioner
formulated with keratin, soy protein and avocado oil, this conditioner, in contrast to the shampoo, is very thin in consistency; i'm so used to using highly moisturizing conditioners {they're typically thick and creamy in consistency}, so when i first poured it in my hand, i was a bit surprised at this. thankfully, i have many years of using beauty products under my belt,  so i know that products have to be used to fully know how well they work. all of this is to say i love this conditioner. what it lacks in bulk, it makes up for by giving my hair gorgeous softness, less frizz and more shine.

GG Gatsby Set It Straight Straightening Balm
this fabulous, lightweight cream smells great, works as it says it will, and always leaves my hair looking better. when blow drying it speeds up dry time, so i can't help but love that. the heat-activated balm is formulated with keratin protein, date fruit, avocado and babassu oils to hydrate, soften, protect and smooth hair cuticle this balm performs beautifully on my hair, leaving it soft, sleek and more healthy looking.

GG Gatsby Supershine Dry Oil Mist
out of all these products, this one is my fave. the formula, infused with argan and sunflower oil, this ultra lightweight dry il is versatile and a fabulous multitasker. the quick absorbing beauty isn't just for hair, but skin and nails as well. just as it promises it is highly moisturizing and not greasy.

more good stuff: 
all GG Gatsby products are free of: parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, sulfates, PABA, petrolatum, paraffin, DEA, MEA, chitosan, GMO's, animal ingredients and animal testing ~ fab!

visit gggatsby.com for more info regarding these and other products in the range.

products featured sent to me for review consideration; i was not paid for my review; all opinions are my own; pics taken by me :)

create your summer beauty look with Avon

the winter months are behind us, so now it's time to enjoy the warmer weather of spring, and prepare for summer! to do this, i think Avon's new beauty offerings are perfect to help get the looks we all love and get us in the mood for bright, sunny days…

AeroVolume Mascara: using aerospace-inspired technology, the new, lightweight AeroVolume formula contains pillow complex of hollow fibers to add volume without the weight. it features a unique star-shaped wire brush creates vertical lift and even formula deposit; promises to keep lashes lifted and voluminous all day with 200% more volume.  available in shades Blackest Black, Black, Brown Black

All-In-One Makeup Palette: this beautiful color palette {pictured above} is perfect to take on-the-go! includes 15 spring shades for eyes, lips and cheeks including 5 eye shadows, 5 lip glosses, 3 blushes, 2 bronzers and 6 applicators. as well as 2 mirrored panels.

Eye Dimensions Eyeshadow: blend in, sculpt and create a fabulous eye look with these luminous, pure-color shadows. layer vibrant, silky color to wear for hours without creasing.

new shades: Bronze Star, Natural Haze, Diamante Purple, Khaki Chic, Sultry Smoke, Sweetheart Plum

Ideal Flawless CC Cream: this CC begins to fade the appearance of dark spots in just 2 weeks. creates a more even tone and skin improvement over time. the formula is buildable with light-to-medium coverage, and offers powerful sun protection with broad spectrum UVA/UVB and spf 50+.

shades: Light, Light Medium, Medium, Medium Deep and Deep

all products are available now at Avon.com or through your local Avon representative.

be sure to follow the brand on all the social media platforms, at facebook.com/Avon, twitter and instagram, @AvonInsider. follow and share your look with #AvonMakeup to stay connected with other fans of the brand!

here's to a fabulous, happy, gorgeous summer!

info and images courtesy of Avon brand PR

pampering your feet between pedicures...

sure, we're heading into the fall season, but that's no excuse to let the appearance of your feet go. it's easy for me since the weather is still quite warm where i live; shoes that leave feet exposed are still being worn in heavy rotation. to keep my feet {heels especially} in tip-top shape between pedicures, i've been using some products that can be used year-round, and i think you'll love them, too...

The Best Pedi Prep Ever! is made by Julep, and you guessed it, is a prep for smoothing away pesky calluses and rough spots thanks to the exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids and soothing chamomile it contains. after rolling on and letting Prep sit on my feet for a couple of minutes, i run the foot file over rough areas, rinse, and my skin is left perfectly smooth, ready for those sandals.

at night, i've been pampering my feet using NightCare's Heel Treatment Kit. included in the kit are a pair of Moisturizing Gel Heel Socks, lined with what the brand calls Viso-Gel, and a tube of vitamin-enriched Intensive Healing Foot Cream. it's such a treat to apply this before bed. any dryness is eliminated overnight. the gel socks work well alone and the lotion can be used solo, too, but as a team they are truly at their best.

i've also been using Dermelect Cosmeceuticals Runway Ready Foot Treatment. this yummy-feeling formula is infused ingredients that sooth, soften and energize feet. argan oil {anti-oxidant rich with vitamins A & E}, moisturizing shea butter, hydrating hyaluronic acid and exfoliating AHAs and BHAs work together beautifully, and i've noticed a positive difference in my feet. i really enjoy the cooling sensation, perfect to pep up my feet before a run {and of course, give them a boost in moisture while i hit the road}.

how do you keep your feet looking fab between pedis?? let me know in the comments!

for more information, visit julep.com, nightcareproducts.com and dermelect.com

NightCare and Dermelect products sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

fall beauty 2012: Smashbox Image Factory

hope you're enjoying your week, beauties! there's a little more than a week to finish out the month, and hints of fall are popping up all around...

in addition to homework, cooler temps and the anticipation of fall tv premieres, new beauty goodies are hitting shelves, including this one, Image Factory, from one of my favorite brands, Smashbox Cosmetics.

Lori Taylor, global pro lead makeup artist for Smashbox says she loves this collection because "it's really all you need to create your own unforgettable look...totally on trend for fall."
from the looks of it, we're in for a most beautiful autumn season! so grab your fave note-taking tools, take a look at the collection, and add the goodies you see {and want!} as you scroll down to your beauty wish list...

Photo Op Eye Shadow Palette ~ create the most gorgeous eye looks with this palette of velvet-textured, ultra-blendable shadows in the season's trendiest shades. richly pigmented, crease and fade-resistant, includes double-ended brush. shades: Icon, Muse

Airbrush Whipped Cheek Color ~ a luxe, lightweight mousse blush gives cheeks a naturally radiant glow. easy-to-blend, ultra-fine pigments and silicone elastomers diminish imperfections and leave an airbrushed effect.
shades: Berry Bliss, Dusty Rose

Waterproof Shadow Liner ~ line and define eyes effortlessly! creamy, mistake-proof shadow liner has a versatile formula for soft definition in one quick step; smudge as a liner or blend as a shadow for radiant, all-over color.
shades: Bronze, Charcoal

Lip Enhancing Gloss Duo ~ an ultra-cushiony applicator allows you to apply this longwearing, high-shine formula, for a perfect, glossy pout.
shades: Fab/Snappy, Luxe/Chic

Image Factory is available now at Sephora, Sephora Inside JC Penney, ULTA, Nordstrom, QVC, Beauty.com and select Macy's and Smashbox.com

info and images courtesy of Smashbox Cosmetics

total beauty: 23 tried, tested and rejected anti-aging products

before you head out to buy a new anti-aging product, check out this list of poor performing products as reveiwed by real women at Total Beauty's website!

23 Horrible Anti-Aging Skin Care Products

Readers say these anti-aging products did nothing that they claimed to do

This is a TotalBeauty.com anti-aging skin care article To help save you from getting hurt by these products that don't deliver, we're here to share a list of the anti-aging goods our readers have tried, tested and rejected. See products

No. 23: Cosmedicine MegaDose Skin Fortifying Serum, $60

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6

"I was completely disgusted by the smell. I don't know what this is 'supposed' to do for your skin, but the smell makes me not care."

No. 22: L'Oreal Paris RevitaLift Complete Lotion SPF 15, $16.59

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6

"I tried using this once and had to stop, [because it made my] face start to itch and feel dry."

No. 21: Benefit Eyecon, $28

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6

"After applying it twice a day for over a month" one reader didn't see "changes under my eyes" or "any lightening at all."

Want to see what other products made the list? Click here!

drugstore beauty: July's 10 Items Under $10

CVS is my favorite drugstore-- the back lit displays are so inviting! from makeup to hair products, they have everything covered that you could possibly need. this includes items for your skin, the largest organ of the human body. and not only that, but it can be argued that it is the most valuable asset we have, so taking special care of it is important. regardless of if its dry, oily or in between, most skin types require targeted products to reveal its true beauty. here are some items CVS has chosen that they think you will love-- and so do i!





Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser-- from oily to dry and sensitive skin, this gentle yet balanced formula leaves any-skin type feeling fresh and clean.






Burt's Bees Peach And Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub-- clean your pores the natural way with this gentle exfoliating scrub, enriched with ginger and seaweed extracts.





CVS/pharmacy All Day Moisture Lotion SPF 15-- it's important to get UV protection year round. make it easy with this ultra light and non-greasy face moisturizer that provides UVA/UVB coverage all day.






Olay Daily Facials Express Wet Cleansing Cloths All Skin Types-- for a woman on the go, these towelettes are perfect to help keep your face clean and free of impurities.






St. Ives Mineral Therapy Advanced Body Moisturizer-- this rich moisturizer provides your skin with a burst of moisture without leaving a greasy finish.






Clearasil Ultra Pimple Blocker Pen-- unsightly pimples can pop-up anywhere, anytime. with this travel-size pen you can stop them before they are even visible.






Essence of Beauty Loofah Body Buff-- with a drop of your favorite body wash and a splash of water, the sponge immediately fills with a thick lather of fragrant suds to help exfoliate and nourish your skin all over.






Essence of Beauty Flawless Pedicure Complete Pedicure System-- this dream tool provides you with all of the essentials needed to reveal smooth, beautiful feet without making a trip to the nail-salon.






Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets-- for a quick touch-up anywhere, these small treasures help remove unwanted oil from your face without smudging makeup, zapping shine and leaving skin feeling fresh.






Aquaphor Healing Ointment-- this miracle product can be used to repair dry skin from your lips to your hands to your feet.


take care of yourself and your skin!

xo
info courtesy of Kaplow PR

Beauty Girl TV: Beautyfix 3

my Beautyfix 3 kit arrived a couple of weeks ago, and i am loving everything in it. watch the video to find out about 9 out of the 12 products (i actually have 10, but forgot to feature it) in this quarter's group of goodies!



many thanks to Beautyfix for the opportunity to once again be part of their fabulous program! to learn more about and to sign up to be part of the Beautyfix program, visit beautyfix.com

xo

What Products Do You Find Overrated?

it's not a surprise that i use a lot of beauty products. i do it in order to bring you what i think is worth spending your hard-earned money on. but these are just my opinions, and you may even find yourself disagreeing with me from time to time. not everyone agrees on what products are amazing. in fact, there are a plethora of products that are surrounded in hype and have just as many people loving them as those who don't share the same sentiment.

i asked my fellow beauty-lovers via Twitter to answer this question for me: what product(s) do you find to be over-rated? see if you can spot the pattern...

@sugarshock: Creme de la Mer!

@ReneeRouleau I second Creme de la Mer! It's loaded with Mineral Oil...the cheapest quality oil on the market.

@fourniercomm I have to agree Creme de la mer

@BeautyBlogger Maybelline GreatLash Mascara. Have no idea why so many gals love it.

@WLCO Eve Lom Cleanser, Creme de la Mer, Strivectin

@BeautyITBag Did anyone already mention Hylexin?

@BeautyChick101 Definitely Creme de la Mer. I've never seen the amazingness behind it!



did you see it? yep, an overwhelming 5 out of 7 of these beauty-loving gals said Creme de la Mer! i admit, i actually like it, although i did prefer the gel over the original.

here are some other products i found while surfing the 'net that have been deemed "over-rated" by people who used them:

Bare Minerals
Philosophy Hope In a Jar
Benefit BadGal Mascara
Smashbox Lipgloss
Proactiv Skincare


out of the above products, i definitely think Proactiv is over-rated. it dried out my skin so much i literally started to get wrinkles around my eyes and forehead, and it did nothing to clear up my skin-- not good! in any case, tell me...

what product(s) do you find to be over-rated? tell me in the comments!

xo
image source

Don't Miss This: CEW Winners on QVC Tonight!

if you love beauty products and QVC like me (and many other of my fellow beauty bloggers), you won't want to miss what's on tonight: 2 hours of CEW award-winners and finalists!

on the premiere of the CEW Beauty Insider's Choice Awards show you'll be able to purchase the best in beauty-- some QVC favorites, as well as some new-to-the-channel products.





a few products that i have been wanting to try are Ysl's Rougue Volupte Silky Sensual Radiant Liptsick, Mally Beauty Volumizing Mascara Duo (both products are availble on easy pay!), and bareMinerals 100% Natural Lip Gloss Duo.







other products being featured include Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Eye Treatment, Ojon The Ball, Living Proof No Frizz and others (see the line-up here)

the show begins at 10pm eastern-- don't miss it!

xo

Beautyfix is Back!

calling all you beauty junkies-- Beautyfix is back! remember, the fabulous sampling program that allows members to try out the latest and greatest products for only $50? yes, it's back, and the products in this quarter are amazing...

*3Lab "M" Cream (deluxe travel size) is an award-winning, buzz-worthy moisturizer. i can't wait to try this...

*Bella Bronze Golden Chamomile & Goats Milk Self-tanner or Bella Bronze Olive Oil & Shea Butter Tan Extender (full size) -- i received the tanner, so i will try it, but hubby has agreed to be my test subject. he is very fair, so i think his results will be of interest to you.

*Excuviance Rejuvenating Masque (full size) is a peel-off mask, and after using it twice, i really like it!

*Glowelle Beauty Drink Mix (full size), 7 day kit is a dietary supplement for your skin-- cool, huh?

*Kerstin Florian Spa Face Aromatherapy spray (deluxe travel size) refreshes skin, and can also be used on the body after showering.

*Jonathan Finish Control High Shine Flexible Hairspray (full size) is is 100% vegan! i've used it a few times already, and while i'm not typically a hairspray gal, this works great, leaving hair shiny and full without stickiness or stiffness.

*Global Goddess i-Divine Eyecolor (full size) is fabulous! i reviewed this one previously in another color, and my kit came with a new one, woo-hoo!

*Lisa Hoffman Vitamin A and C Serum (deluxe travel size) is another product i have reviewed previously, but i love it!

this is such a fabulous deal, so if you didn't take advantage of last quarter's Beautyfix grouping, don't miss out on this one.

stay tuned for my reviews on the products i haven't "officially" reviewed yet, and be sure to visit beautyfix.com for product info, details on the program and of course, to sign up!

xo

New YSL Gloss Pur Lipgloss

when you're looking to splurge on a luxury item without really spending too much, lipgloss is always a fabulous way to go. YSL (a true luxury brand) has a new lipgloss that you may want to pick up called Gloss Pur...

pure colour and high shine. based on YSL's top selling lip gloss, Golden Gloss, Gloss Pur delivers a sparkle-free beautiful and glossy sheen to the lips. this new lip gloss is everything you need to achieve an ultra-sophisticated every-day look. with a fresh mango scent and six must-have shades, you'll want them all.




shades clockwise from top left, Pure Nude, Pure Rose, Pure Coral, Pure Plum, Pure Fuchsia and Pure Raspberry

they look great, don't they? and if you're not one for sparkly, glittery lips, these are perfect. available now in six delicious colors at yslbeautyus.com.

p.s.- spend over $50, and get free shipping!

xo