holiday 2014: beauty gifts under $25

whether you're on a budget or just have a long list of recipients, it's always a good option to consider gifts that won't break the bank! and in case you're wondering, these gifts are just as fabulous as their luxe counterparts and will be appreciated by the lucky ones who receive them...

Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Lip is a sampler set with coveted glosses, sticks, tints, and lacquers ~ Urban Decay Mini Naked Revolution Lipstick, Nars Deluxe Orgasm Lip Gloss, Buxom Mini Full On Lip Cream in White Russian, Marc Jacobs Mini Lust for Lacquer in Kissability, Deluxe Bite High Pigment Lip Pencil in Meritage, Full-size Smashbox Be Legendary Gloss in Pout

Beauty To Go Mini Gel Effect Collection is fabulous for the gal who is always put together, but in a no-fuss way. the set includes 2 classic shades and a fun glitter: Kensington High Street Gel Effect Nail Polish in Deep Berry, Camden Road Gel Effect Polish in Multicoloured Glitter, Colville Mews Gel Effect Polish in Delicate Nude

Essie Spa Holiday Gift Set includes two pampering products for hands and feet that can be used all year long! leg & foot crème offers extreme hydration with ingredients like royal jelly extract and shea butter, to leave skin feeling soft and supple. intensive hand lotion is formulated with a nourishing blend of coriander and glycerin to help replenish moisture and promises to leave hands soft, smooth and supple.

Maybelline The Nudes Palette is the must-have drugstore palette on every beauty girl's wish list {if they don't already have it, that is…}. every shade is highly pigmented and long-wearing, and can be used to create an endless amount of looks that are wearable on everyone for every occasion.

Carol’s Daughter Marula Curl Therapy Collection 3-Piece Starter Kit : for pampering curls and training them to spiral into long-lasting perfection, this kit features products formulated with super-softening, rich marula oil. includes Marula Gentle Cream Cleanser, Diffusing & Styling Lotion and Softening Hair Mask. 

Molton Brown Festive Body Wash Bauble ~ these festive baubles make gift-giving easy. featuring fan favorite Molton Brown scents, these body washes are perfectly sized for travel and of course, any holiday stocking!

tell me: do you stick to a budget when shopping for holiday gifts? 

info and images courtesy of featured brands

summer beauty: 5 beach bag must-haves

are you enjoying your summer, beauties? i hope so! with the season in full swing, i feel it's my beauty duty to keep you in the loop of fabulous products that will keep these warm days fabulous and beyond beautiful. on that note, here's another set of goodies sure to help you look and feel your best, before and after your fun in the sun...

 Smashbox Full Exposure Waterproof Mascara ~
i love this mascara! it not only leaves lashes full and soft, but it's waterproof, so there's no worry about looking like a raccoon on the beach or poolside.

 Sun Bum Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion {shortie} ~
available in spf 15, 30, 50 and 70, this lotion contains breathable, oil-free ingredients {like vitamin E and antioxidants}. the smaller 3 ounce size ensures an extra dose of sun safety without compromising space {also available in 8 oz}.

 Lumene Sensitive Touch Gentle Cleansing Wipes ~
remove sweat, sand and other impurities with these alcohol-free cleansing wipes. non-waterproof makeup quickly dissolves from the skin, so you can quickly reveal that gorgeous glow!

 Conair Infinity Pro Argan Oil Treatment Strip Finishing Brush ~
sand and salty beach water don't have to ruin your locks! with the new Infiniti Pro Argan Oil Finishing Brush, you can give your hair a treat every time you brush., thanks in part to its {replaceable} argan oil conditioning strip.

 Scunci Everyday & Active 3X Stronger Braided Hair Ties ~
want to give your ponytail a bit more pizazz? these bold and colorful hair helpers fit any mood and style, maintain a tight grip on your hair without damage or snagging, oh, and of course, they look super cute around your wrist!


what products will you be including in your bag of summer must-haves? share in the comments!

hair therapy: AG smoothing balm review + video

set for launch july 1, 2014, the AG Hair smoothing balm is a product i think you'll appreciate... 

this styling aid instantly coats hair with 90% naturally-derived ingredients {including, but not limited to, three african oils: argan, marula and mongongo oils} to eliminate frizz and flyways, polish your tresses and add gorgeous shine. 

i love the fact that this lightweight balm smells great and is so silky {despite the oils, this is not greasy in the slightest}; also, it only takes a small amount to make my hair look fabulous ~ love that!

if you'd like to see this styling gem in action, watch my video! i just posted it to my youtube channel…
a couple of days ago.



visit aghair.com for more info

product featured sent to me by the brand for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

hair therapy: protect tresses and hair color with Keratin Complex

 from humidity and chlorine, heat styling and UV exposure, hair is put through so much. if you have color-treated hair, it's especially vulnerable and may be in need of damage control. nourishment and pampering with the right products will help keep your gorgeous tresses looking vibrant and healthy.

speaking of products, allow me to introduce the Timeless Color Fade-Defy Collection from Keratin Complex. this line includes shampoo, conditioner, and deep conditioning masque that promise to not only fight off frizz and protect that fabulous hue you love {and spend your hard-earned money on}, but they also contain UV-absorbers to protect your hair from scorching, damaging rays {which is actually good for all hair types!}.

infused with keratin, the Timeless Color Fade-Defy Collection works to reinforce the natural protective barrier in your hair; it sounds like a fabulous system for keeping hair gorgeous all summer long! for added styling benefit, you might also like to consider Keratin Complex Bold Hold Maximum Finishing Hairspray ~ it will keep hair in place and make styling a breeze.

have you tried Keratin Complex? they have many products to choose from for all hair types! visit their website, keratincomplex.com.

info and image courtesy of Keratin Complex

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 :)

hair therapy: frizz-fighting products that won't break the bank

taking tresses from frizz to fabulous is not always easy. and when it comes to hair products, there are so many to choose from! as any beauty product lover knows, it's certainly fun to discover and try new things, but {if we're being honest } it's not always in the budget to do so. with that thought, allow me to introduce you to some products that are not only effective in battling the dreaded f-word, but are also effective at keeping money in your favorite wallet…

Avon Advance Techniques Frizz Control Lotus Shield Anti-Frizz Treatment
 illuminate frizz, flyways and unruly hair with just one application; i love this sweet-smelling fluid that is a powerhouse when it comes to keeping hair looking fab. it can be used on damp hair then styled as usual. i also use a little on the ends of my hair post-styling and between washings {on dry hair} to smooth it.

Zero Frizz Corrective Hair Serum
formulated with a combination of ceramide proteins and vitamins, this serum instantly smooths and seals hair, leaving it more manageable and frizz free. i apply it after washing, while it's still wet, and the silky textured leaves my hair smoother and softer than without. i love that on dry hair it chases away any flyways while adding gorgeous shine.

Garnier Sleek & Shine Moroccan Oil Treatment 
a fabulous, non-greasy oil that i love for its ability to condition while adding shine and keeping frizz at bay. the argan oil {from morocco} is instantly absorbed, so all that's left is soft, pretty-looking hair. i love to apply this to my ends at night as a little treat for my hair, and also works great before i heat style.

La Bella Shine and Repair Argan Oil Styling Treatment
if you need to revive your hair, you will love this treatment; this is a fave of mine because it adds essential moisture while also giving my tresses flexibility, soft texture and shine. this beauty not only keeps my hair looking fab, but it's less than $5, so my wallet is thankful for that! 

L.A. Looks Define & Shine Gel
i never thought i'd be raving about hair gel {because i never use it}, but since i was given the opportunity to try it, i had to share. if you need to keep your mane under a bit more control, this classic brand does that without any issue. this gel definitely gets my vote when it comes to frizz-fighting and hold, whether you're creating a sleek style or just want to keep certain pieces of hair in place.

what are some of your favorite frizz-fighters? share in the comments!

products featured, except Avon and Garnier, were sent to me for review consideration; all opinions are my own; pics taken by me :)

hair therapy: AG Hair introduces BB Cream total benefit primer + Deflect heat protectant spray

since a good hair day almost always equals a better day, i have two products you are sure to give you this exact thing...

AG Hair recently sent me 2 new products from their Colour Care range: BB Cream hair primer and Deflect, a heat protection spray.

with all the BB and CC cream popularity going on here in skincare, i was understandably skeptical when i was first introduced to the BB cream total benefit hair primer for hair. seriously?! i mean, don't get me wrong, i appreciate {love} BB creams and i find them very helpful {an absolute must-have}. and just like the skincare, AG BB cream works in the same way…you know, just for your hair. 

here's how:

 it's a moisturizer {thanks to hydrolyzed keratin, wheat protein and silk amino acids}; it protects against harsh elements {like high heat styling tools}; fills in the cuticle of the hair for a smother-looking finish; helps set your future style and offers UV protection {african moringa seed extract aids in this} to prevent hair color from fading.

overall, the BB cream has worked like a dream ~ i love it. the fact that it's a multitasker is my fave {if you know me, you know what i mean…}, but it also just works: it makes my hair smoother, acting like a base for whatever other styling products i choose to use and it doesn't weigh my hair down.

Deflect fast-dry heat protection spray is a product that could easily be used following the BB cream. spray on damp hair, style and voila! gorgeous hair in less time {did i mention it shortens dry time?}. but since i'm not one to only use any product in just one way, i also used it on my dry hair for touch-ups before using my flat iron or waver tools. it too is lightweight, and the extra uv protection is always a must!

AG hair products are cruelty free!

these two hair gems are certainly impressive. if i had to choose one to add to my list of yearly favorites {i know, it's early, but...}, i would definitely add the BB cream. it's different and unlike anything i've ever used! of course, i shouldn't be surprised that AG has created another innovative, fabulous product ~ what am i thinking? LOL…

:)

 if you haven't tried their products? what are you waiting for??

BB cream and Deflect will be available online march 1, 2014. visit aghair.com now {you can come back to see me…i'll be here} and find out how to order or find a salon that carries the brand near you. 

products featured sent to me from the brand/PR for review consideration; all opinions and thoughts are my own; i did not receive payment for this review; pics taken by me :)

hair therapy: Herbalosophy Nurture Series

i received the Herbolospohy Nurture Series products from the brand and have been using them for the past couple of months. listen up, beauties…

they are fabulous!

the range includes a balancing, sulfate-free shampoo, a lightweight, paraben-free conditioner, nutrient-infused restorative treatment mask and therapeutic leave-in serum. all four contain camellia and safflower oils, perfect for moisturizing, smoothing and detangling tresses, as well as sealing, protecting and enhancing its manageability.

because all of the products contain hair-loving ingredients, over the time i've been using them, my hair has reaped the benefits. they leave my hair looking and feeling simply divine ~ seriously, every time i use it i can't get over how beautifully soft my hair feels, how nourished it looks, and how fab it smells!

you can get more info about the products, including where to buy, at theherbalosophy.com

products featured sent to me by the brand for review consideration; all thoughts and opinions are my own, i did not receive payment for this review; pics taken by me :)

hair therapy: Infusium 23 Frizz Controller Collection

the new Infusium 23 Frizz Controller Collection should be on your beauty must-have list this season ~ with unpredictable weather comes the threat of frizz {if you're prone to it}, so having a defense plan is crucial.

wow. that sounded a bit too so serious...

but really, when it comes to a beauty girl's hair, it could be!

think about it: the air goes from humid to dry and back again, wreaking havoc on tresses. i love that i can help prevent this with these fabulous products.

full disclosure, i've always loved the original Infusium23 leave-in treatment. growing up, my mom used it on my hair and i always remember how soft and shiny my hair was. as an adult, i continued to use it, and love it for the same reason.

 this 3-step system consists of a shampoo, conditioner and leave-in treatment {love!} designed to tame and smooth frizz as well as pamper distressed hair. the signature blend of moisture enhancers and anti-frizz ingredients are the perfect booster to Infusium's unique i-23 complex enriched with pro-vitamins, proteins and amino acids.

in a very rare move, so to speak, i let my daughter use these products first; she was beyond thrilled. her verdict? "really good; i like them a lot!" this gave me such a happy feeling, especially after using them myself. it's like my fabulous bestie is now even better and more fabulous ~ you should definitely try!!

find the new Infusium Frizz Controller Collection at your favorite drug and mass retailers and be sure to take some time to visit their website, infusium23.com

products featured sent to me for review consideration; opinions my own; pics taken by me :)

hair therapy: Nexxus Frizz Defy Shampoo and Conditioner

combating frizz and unruly tresses isn't just for serums, creams or leave-in products. in fact, the battle to win gorgeous tresses begins in the shower; choosing the appropriate cleanser and conditioner makes a difference! the Nexxus Frizz Defy collection includes a shampoo and conditioner {reviews of the other products coming soon!}, and even if you choose not to use the other products in the range, i recommend you start with these...

lightweight ingredients, moroccan argan oil and coconut extract, are the stars in this Frizz Defy duo; the shampoo cleans and moisturizes while the conditioner, you guessed it, conditions and smooths, protecting hair against frizz and dryness.

so what makes Nexxus Frizz Defy shampoo and conditioner different than other shampoos and conditioners that promise to fight frizz?

the way my hair looked and felt immediately after using: clean and soft, not heavy or oily, the way some oil-containing products can leave it. after styling, my hair was impressively bouncy and shiny. also, the fragrance is light and pleasant, not overpowering. i also love knowing that Nexxus doesn't test on animals, so obviously, i have to give them kudos for that!

if you have the opportunity, do give Frizz Defy shampoo and conditioner a try! visit nexxus.com for more info about this line, other collections and where to purchase.

products featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

AG Hair Texture Spray Giveaway!

i recently reviewed AG Hair Texture Spray, and i'm here to excitedly announce a fabulous giveaway of the product! that's right, beauties...

three {3} of you willhave the chance to receive a full-size product of your own, courtesy of AG Hair!

and it's super simple to enter** ~

send an email to bgmcontests@gmail.com with "AG Hair Giveaway" in the subject line. in the body {for shipping purposes} please include your full name, mailing address, telephone number and tell me: what product can you not live without in the summer?


 open to both US and Canadian residents, the Texture Spray giveaway will run from today {august 1, 2013} until 11:59 pm {pst} on august 6, 2013. winners will be announced august 7, 2013.

looking forward to your responses ~ good luck!

and be sure to visit AG Hair's fabulous blog! it's a gorgeous resource for inspiration, tips and how-to videos. for additional updates, inside scoop and special announcements, be sure to follow AG Hair on twitter and like them on Facebook.

**read please: entering this contest means you are giving me permission to forward your name, address, phone number  and email address to representatives of AG Hair for fulfillment and mailing of contest prize. failure to include information requested will disqualify your entry.  all personal info is kept private and will not be used for any other purpose beyond this contest. three (3) winners, chosen at random, will receive the prize mentioned. duplicate entries will not improve your chances of winning. giveaway sponsored by AG Hair Cosmetics. some restrictions apply. open to US and Canadian residents only. entries will be accepted through 11:59 pm PST on tuesday, august 6, 2013. winner will be announced wednesday, august 7, 2013. thank you. :)

spring beauty & style trends from mark. and XOXO

hope you're enjoying a fabulous week, beauties! my kids are off for spring break {another school year flying by...} and i've enjoyed the past few days with them. while my early wake-up time for yoga and other exercise hasn't changed, i can't help but relish the slower pace of the mornings since we have nowhere to rush off to!

but i digress...

it's day 27 of Refinery29's  "Month of Spring Trends" and if you've been checking in with the site each day, you already know that each and every pick is deliciously refreshing. if you have yet to do so, head over there and be sure to get caught up! 

in any case, i'm sure you're excited for the all the spring trends, right? to keep that excitement up, i have some fabulous goodies from mark. and XOXO to go along with some of the Refinery29 selections that will give your wardrobe and makeup bag some new life without breaking the bank...

rock a sexy-chic short suit like this white lace duo by XOXO and a pop of color

from tiny spots to bold, graphic circles, try lots and lots of neutral polka dots. own the trend with a mark. Connect the Dots Scarf

bold brows are so now! keep them in place with mark. Brow Factor Hook Up Clear Brow Gel

for electric blue hues, try mark’s Color Me In Eye Crayon in Wild Blue

need a staple maxi dress? no problem ~ XOXO has a gorgeous floral hi-low maxi and mark has their  Exotic Ease Maxi Dress

curly or straight, lock in your 'do with mark. Hair Styling Products

dress up your topknot with this mark. Head for Style Headband

master that smokey eye! used on celebrities like mark brand ambassador Ashley Greene, Kaley Cuoco and Jessica Chastain, mark. has what you'll need.

be inspired this spring to step outside your comfort zone, experiment with looks and trends you wouldn't normally consider, and of course, have fun! visit meetmark.com for more info; XOXO can currently be found at macys.com.