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Sunday, October 7, 2012

Instyler Review

Hello Beauty Faces,
Today I am having a particularly creative day.  I have been thinking up ideas for great posts and things I need to review.  I don't like to waste my creative days so here I am on a Sunday writing this post for you all. A cold front came through on Friday night and it has been rainy and cold but this afternoon it's only been chilly. I stayed snuggled up in my PJs for the better part of the day and that is just perfect for a Sunday. Then I decided peel myself up from the couch and get myself together.  I am now sitting here in fresh pjs, no makeup and perfectly styled hair.  My perfectly styled hair led me to write this post.

Here is some background info, a few years ago I coveted the Instyler mainly because it had just come out and it looked so awesome and I once saw a demonstration of someone using it at Ulta.  I was free lancing for Bare Minerals at the time and I wanted so badly to have the demonstration done on me but I couldn't be doing my hair on the job. Anyway, that year for my birthday my mom purchased the Instyler for me. This was a couple of years ago now since my birthday is coming up on Wednesday. I used the Instyler for awhile but I couldn't seem to make it work for my hair type. I really liked the idea of it but my hair seemed to be too coarse and too thick for the thing so I put it away in a box.

Fast Forward to today, since I received it my hair has changed a lot due to having a baby and probably getting a little older too. You know the drill things just change every year after the age of 20.  Anyway a few months ago I found it in my beauty box ( a box of items that I have put away because I don't use that often or because I have a duplicate).  I got it out and started using it and playing with it. It took me a few times to really get the hang of using it. After about a week I started letting my hair air dry, when I had the time to do that, and then going back with the Instyler to actually style my hair and I am very impressed with this product. It gives me the perfect looking "blowout".  There is really no other way to describe it, it looks like you took the time to round brush your hair and you are a pro at round brushing to get the smooth perfectness like you would get at a salon.    I can round brush my hair but it takes forever and I don't like to put that much heat on my hair but with the Instyler it really takes the work out of styling.  You run the Instyler through your hair and you can flip it under, flip it out, or curl your hair.  I personally like doing loose waves with it.  It makes my hair look like it has so much body.  I have used root lifting products then run the Instyler through my hair and it was gorgeous, it looked like "Gretchen Rossi hair", big and beautiful hair.

My final opinion on the product is that it does take some getting used to I think it is one of those things that only works with certain hair types.  The Instyler works best with medium thickness and medium coarse hair. However, it would work for long hair or short hair and could create some really pretty styles if your hair is short and stacked it would create such a great layered look.  I hear that it works amazing on ethnic hair if your hair isn't too curly and coarse. It has great heat settings and does get appropriately hot. I can't believe it took me so long to really use the Instyler regularly but now that I do I barely touch my flat iron or my blow dryer.  Less heat is better for my hair.  If you haven't tried the Instyler you should give it a try.  I would personally purchase from Ulta because the price of this appliance is $99 but they regularly put out 20% off coupons that work on the Instyler.  Also, I know that at Ulta you can return the item within 30 days and a receipt for a refund even if it has been used.  They have a pretty killer return policy.

If you have your own opinion on this product please leave a comment below. :)

Friday, October 5, 2012

High 5, 5 Products under $5

Hey Beauty Faces,

I see a lot of High 5 It's Friday posts on other blogs and I wanted to do a similar post with a twist. Lets do 5 products I love under $5. Here goes...

1. E.L.F Nail Polish (Python Collection @ Target) $2

2. Essence "Stay With Me Long-Lasting Lip Gloss" I love the color selection and it is more opaque than other glosses and for a long wear gloss it isn't sticky. $2.99 via Ulta




3. Jordana Mascara via Walgreens Stores $2.99



4. Suave Professionals Keratin Shampoo via Walgreens.  This will help you cut down on drying time and make your hair super smooth plus it smells amazing. $3.49 via Walgreens



5. NYX Single Blush Powder in the color Mocha. It brings life to the face and you only need a little because this color really goes a long way. $4.79 via Ulta


*prices may vary by stores and online* 


HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

E.L.F. $2 Polish

Hey Beauty Faces,
I just wanted to write a little initial reaction to the E.L.F. nail polish I found at my Target store. I saw them sitting on a display when I walked by the makeup aisle I saw all the pretty fall colors on display.    I picked out a smokey grey with a purple undertone (smokey brown).  I applied it yesterday over a base coat as I do with all my polishes and it went opaque in 1 coat but just for extra insurance I applied a second coat. The color was creamy and shiny all on its own.  I'm hoping the staying power is there because if it is they beat out any high end nail polish that I have tried.  I am a nail polish person I have a huge basket  full of polish so I've tired quite a few brands.  Lately I have really been loving the drug store brands like Revlon Color Stay Polish, Loreal, and now ELF.  What I have tried from Sally Hansen has been streaky or too sheer so I can't say they are a top brand at the drug store.  The best part about these polishes are that they are all under $5 at my Target.  It's a nice treat to yourself .  Happy shopping!

Monday, October 1, 2012

Kate's Boudoir Shoot

 Just some pictures of Kate, when we did her boudoir shoot. She is so curvaceous it makes these sexy shots easy to get. Her shoot was originally going to be an outdoor set but due to rain we had to work indoors. The house we did these at was absolutely gorgeous and we were lucky to be able to shoot there.
For her makeup I used NYX HD foundation, NYX Matte but not Flat Powder, a natural pink blush and the POP Natural Palette. We applied liquid liner to Kates upper lash line and did a little kohl liner on the bottom water line. She has semi hooded eyes so I wanted to make sure we left the eyes looking very awake and open. We also applied false lashes and used Loreal Mascara to top them off.  I loved that we even got a few shots of her playing in the rain in a black sexy number.  These shoots are always fun and we had such a great time with Kate.



Enjoy ;)