Oscar Blandi Jasmine Collection Shampoo and Conditioner

If you have been wondering about the dirth of hair care posts lately, I actually do have a legit reason for it. I started using the massive sizes of Fekkai's Protein RX Shampoo and Conditioner and have been using them for over four solid months now. So that hasn't really left me open to trying new items. However, if you are considering purhcasing the large sizes of Fekkai products, you will be very happy with how long you are able to use the same bottles.

After several months, I finished them up and was able to turn to something new. I tried out the Oscar Blandi Jasmine Collection shampoo and the matching conditioner and I really love them so far. This collection is used to soothe and smooth out frizzy or unruly hair...exactly my type! Both products are scented with jasmine, making them a great choice for a fan of floral fragrances. However, with the strength of the fragrance, these might not be a good choice for someone who doesn't love florals. The fragrance lasts all day and doesn't leave after showering is over, so it is vital that the user loves this fragrance in order to continue use of the products.

Here is the description of the shampoo from the Sephora website, "Shampoo di Jasmine is essential for cleansing and smoothing all hair types that tend to be frizzy or unruly. Infused with natural extracts of jasmine and vitamin E, this smoothing shampoo creates a luxurious moisturizing lather that prepares and tames hair for maximum pre-styled frizz control".

And the description on the conditioner, "Balsamo di Jasmine is essential for conditioning and smoothing all hair types that tend to be frizzy or unruly. Infused with natural extracts of Jasmine and vitamin E, this smoothing conditioner controls hair and instantly seals the cuticle for maximum pre-styled frizz control".

When used together, these two products really deliver on the hair smoothing promise. The jasmine oil hydrates hair, helping to ward off frizz. The Vitamin E helps to seal down the cuticle so that excess moisture doesn't seep in and create frizz. Neither product weighed my hair down, which is quite unusual for anti-frizz products that are actually able to deliver on their claims. This combination of products came highly recommended to me by the manager of my local Sephora and after using it several times, it is not hard to see why. This combination is great for anyone with unruly, very dry, or frizzy hair.

photo courtesy of Sephora

LUSH Think Pink Bath Bomb

The other night, I used my last LUSH Bath Bomb from the set that I bought awhile ago. The bomb is called Think Pink and I will give everyone three guesses as to what color the bath bomb is. I really liked this bomb and already I want to go to LUSH and buy another one. I still love bath bombs and this one goes up with Big Blue and Sex Bomb on my list of LUSH favorites. Above all, it's pink with flowers coming out of it!

LUSH bath bombs are one of their best selling products and here is the description of how they work in the bathtub. "Pop one in a pre-run bath and watch it erupt in a mass of fragrant fizzing, gently scenting the water with natural essential oils. The most popular of all LUSH products, bath bombs were created by Mo Constantine, one of our founders. Often imitated, our bath bombs are still the best, bar none".

Here is the description of this particular bath bomb, "Vanilla, lavender and tonka bean soak turns you into a glamour puss. Transform into a glamour girl with this little sweetener of a bath bomb. So girlie, Think Pink's bright water leaves you feeling distinctly feminine. Enhance your charms with vanilla, lavender and tonka bean. Put on your red lips, let your hair down and soak in the pink flowers. So fun, so girlie, so glamorous!"

I love that this bath bomb turned my bath water a bright pink. Both little flowers and heart confetti exploded out of this bomb when it was placed into the water. I never really noticed the tonka bean note in this bomb, this is one of the lighter fragranced ones and I noticed the lavender the most of all the notes. This bomb is a super girly product and is great to relax in a soothing bath with.

This bomb required a bit of clean up to take care of the pink ring left on my tub but it wasn't near as bad as what was required the clean Sex Bomb out. I liked the confetti but if it bothers people, the advice from Makeup Alley is to put the bomb in a stocking so it can't fully explode.

This is a good bath bomb for people who have never used LUSH bombs before. The light fragrance and pink water make it sure to delight anyone who tries it.

photo courtesy of LUSH

Chanel Fall 2009 Collection - Collection Venise de Chanel

The past few collections from the House of Chanel has been full of Bohemians and their take on carefree elegance. This collection almost feels like a 180 from what we have been seeing since the beginning of spring from them. However, I personally feel that this is a good thing. Their whole summer collection was a complete strike-out for me so maybe this fall I can get back into the brand. This collection is called Collection Venise de Chanel and all of the colors are based on Coco's fascination with the "romance and drama of Venice". I have been to Venice and it is a beautiful city and I would love to go back again. This collection has already caught my eye.

Here it is...

Eye Gloss Luminous Cream Quadra Eye Shadow - Glowing new emphasis for the eyes, this unique gel-cream texture blends from sheer to intense. The subtle luminous sheen has a surprisingly - and decidedly sophisticated effect. Direct from Paris, Eye Gloss Luminous Cream Quadra Eye Shadow. This quartet of gel-cream shades - a pearl, gold, black, and red black - delivers a subtle luminous sheen that blends beautifully, from sheer to intense.

Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow - Shade combinations ranging from matte to frost to satin for multiple looks, contrasting or complementary. Apply dry for subtle shadowing. Slightly moistened applicator gives a more intense shade. Organic polymer derivatives ensure smudge-proof long wear, particularly in high temperature or humidity. Dermatologist tested. One essential compact. Unlimited options. Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow now in the new Murano, a quartet of moss, pink, seafoam, and green shimmer shades.

Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long Lasting Eye Liner - This new waterproof eye liner formula delivers long-lasting definition with a twist of the wrist. Colour winds up when you need it, winds down when you don't. A built in sharpner at the opposite end detaches for quick refreshes. Waterproof and mistake-proof Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long Lasting Eye Liner deftly delivers long-wearing definition and flawless eye lining.

- Espresso - deep brown

- Celadon - rich emerald

Exceptionnel de Chanel Intense Volume and Curl Mascara - Intense Volume and Sensational Curl Mascara. A dream mascara is one that is volumizing, curling, and lasting. Exceptionnel de Chanel achieves these three feats in perfect harmony. Its exceptional brush provides lash-by-lash application and creates an intense volume effect for precise makeup from roots to tips. A dramatic finish to Fall's look: Exceptionnel de Chanel Intense Volume and Curl Mascara combines a unique volumizing formula with an innovative six-sided brush for deeply glamorous lash effects.

- Smoky Noir - smoldering black

Poudre Douce Soft Pressed Powder - The beauty of a loose powder - with light-reflecting pigments to enchance and highlight skin's natural radiance - in a convenient compact for application anytime, anywhere. Poudre Douce Soft Pressed Powder offers the beauty of a loose powder in a convenient compact. Light-reflecting pigments help minimze skin imperfections.

- Peche Caresse - creamy peach

Les Tissages de Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect - Inspired by the iconic Chanel tweed fabric, two contrasting shades of sheer cheek colour are delicately "woven" with a subtle shimmering powder for a luminous natural glow. The sheer shimmering look of Les Tissages de Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect 'weaves' together complementary shades of powder colour for a luminous natural glow.

- Tweed Sienna - earthy bronze

Rouge Allure Luminous Lip Colour - It combines fabulously wearable, lustrous colour and sensational comfort and is subtly etched with the world-renowned Chanel logo. Lustrous colour and supreme wearability define iconic Rouge Allure Luminous Lip Colour, now in six deeply romantic shades.

- Instinctive - pink nude

- Comedia - pink rose

- Intuitive - pink brown

- Amusing - rich rosewood

- Captive - red brown

- Clandestine - red brick

Levres Scintillates Glossimer - Intense frost and shine for the lips. Cool array of hottest colours in a convenient, easy-to-use case. Gel texture imparts a shimmery, ultra-glossy look. New shades add extra sparkle and shine. A most-desired kiss of colour for the lips: the gorgeous shimmer and high shine glow of Levres Scintillates Glossimer. Too tempting to resist.

- Arlequin - nude gold

- Courtisane - red pink

Le Crayon Levres Precision Lip Definer - Creamy-textured pencil offers precise lip lining to emphasize and maximize the shape of your lips with long-lasting colour. Silicones allow ease of application. Vitamin E helps combat free radicals. Built-in brush for blending; comes with a double bladed sharpner. With a flawless outcome everytime, creamy Le Crayon Levres Precision Lip Definers shapes and enhances your lips with glide-on, long-wearing colour.

- Praline d'Or - brown nude

Le Vernis Nail Colour - Brillance to your fingertips with must-have colours from the runways of Paris. State-of-the-art formula strengthens and moisturizes nails. Unique patented non-spill bottle with wiping action for easy application. The finishing touch for Fall's romantic and dramtci beauty.

- Intermezzo - white pearl

- Gondola - maroon shimmer

I really love the Eye Cream quad, all four shades look like they would work well on their own or together and I don't have a black red shade in my collection yet. I haven't gotten to they this mascara out yet, though it has been on my list of mascaras to purchase since last fall. Maybe the Smoky Noir shade is the shade that I will get when I finally do try it out. I prefer the Lipsticks to the Glossimers this time around, usually the opposite is true. I want to get Instinctive and Clandestine. I hope that Instinctive will replace MAC's Way To Love as my my-lip-but-better lipstick to wear with dramatic eyes. Clandestine is a deeper red so I want to add that shade to my growing red lipstick collection. I also really like both of nail polish shades and I want to get these before they sell out from all the Chanel counters.

photo courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman

Bath and Body Works American Grown Line

Over the past week or two, it seems that summer has really hit. It is hot and humid and my body lotion seems just to be laying on top of my skin instead of sinking in. This is not my favorite time of year. To get through this spell, I usually just give up moisturizing and hope that my shower gel will be enough to hydrate my dry skin. And it usually is.

However, knowing how much I will be using shower in the next month or so makes me wnat to go out and buy a couple new ones to keeps things interesting. Bath and Body Works has just introduced a line of shower gels and hand soaps called American Grown. The scents are based on areas of the United States.

The first scent is called Savannah Mint and it is based on the natural mint that is grown in the Deep South and is traditionally made into tea and for mint juleps. "Part of the old-world ambience of Savannah, Georgia comes from the cool, refreshing scent of mint that fills the garden air. Breathe in this exhilarating fragrance and experience the romance of Southern charm and gentility". This product is also infused with real peppermint oil to cool the skin down during hot days.

The second scent is called Montana Sky and this would be perfect for either gender to use as it is nice and light. "No one who's ever breathed the fresh mountain air of Montana - Big Sky Country - will soon forget its clear, crisp quality. Experience this fresh, airy fragrance, inspired by the vast beauty of an endless blue sky". This product is infused with spring waters to help calm the skin.

The third fragrance is called Napa Grape and is based on the grape vineyards of California. "In the beautiful rolling hills of Napa Valley's rich wine country, the alluring scent of ripe grapes wafts through the air. Breathe in this irresistable fragrance and experince the intoxicating aroma that has inspired generations of romance". This product is infused with grape oil to help condition and protect the skin.

The fourth fragrance is called Siesta Key Lemon and is spicy citrus fragrance. I had hoped that this one would be close to Basil Lemon from Korres but it wasn't nearly close enough for me. "Nothing says summer like fresh-cut Meyer lemons from Florida. Sweeter than other lemons, they are plump, smooth-skined, and unmistakable dark yellow. Experience this sparkling citrus fragrance, a scent that has refrshed the air of Siesta Key for over a hundred years". This product is infused with lemon oil to help refresh the skin.

The last fragrance of the group is called Washington Apple and is the scent of pure red apples. "In the fertile valleys of Washinton State in America's far west, growers tend orchards that produce the world's most beautiful and delicious apples. Experience this juicy fragrance and remember your first bite of a shiny red apple, an unmistakably crisp flavor". This product is infused with apple extract the help nourish the skin.

My favorite from the collection is the Savannah Mint, it reminds of mint tea and is a great summer scent that can take me right into fall. The other two that I like are Montana Sky and Washington Apple. This line only comes in hand soaps and shower gels so I guess that I will be getting the shower gels in the above mentioned fragrances and trying to find lotions that match them in order to use them in cooler temperatures. The website only pictures the shower gels in two fragrances but I saw the whole line of shower gels available in the store the other week.

"If you're tired, you take a Napa...you don't move to Napa". - Carrie Bradshaw. Sorry I just couldn't resist, it was just too easy!

photo courtesy of Bath and Body Works

MAC Love That Look

This is the second new mini collection that was released last week from MAC. This one is all about eyes and is a return of many of the most popular shadow shades that debuted in last year's Starflash collection. Of course, the famed Smoke and Diamonds is out again in this collection. After the frantic scrambles and high bidding that this shade gets on Ebay, they would have been crazy not to bring it out again. This collection looks much more appropriate for the upcoming fall months and I predict that this one will be the sell-out of the two new collection.

From MAC, "MAC Starflash Eye Shadow: A special return appearence of this incredibly intense, super-pearly, astro-creamy, rich and frosted eye shadow that makes all eyes a super nova...in 12 fabulous, limited-life shades! Love that Look? Everybody does!

Here is the collection...

Eye Shadow - Highly-pigmented powder. Applies evenly, blends well. - Unbasic White - bright off white (Starflash)

- Dreammaker - frosty yellow gold (Starflash)

- Grand Entrance - frosty neutral peach beige (Starflash)

- Ego - light yellow pink (Starflash)

- Style Snob - dirty pink brown with gold pearl (Starflash)

- Fashion - light grey green with gold pearl (Starflash)

- Smoke & Diamonds - frosty dirty taupe (Starflash)

- Fashion Groupie - light blue violet (Starflash)

- One-Off - midtone green with silver pearl (Starflash)

- Rated "R" - bright yellow green (Starflash)

- Strike A Pose - dirty/deep blue green (Starflash)

- Glamour Check! - frosty reddish brown (Starflash)

Pearlglide Eye Liner - A creamy kohl-like eye liner with a sparkly, reflective finish. Highly pigmented; stands out for its rich, luxurious colours and pearl-metal look. Provides eye-cathing, highly stylized contrast for any look. Smooth. Glides on. Feels comfortable. Long-wearing.

- Rave - deep purple with purple glitter

- Fly-by-Blu - light blue with blue glitter

- Molasses - dirty brown with midtone brown glitter

- Black Russian - black with navy blue glitter

Zoom Lash - This instant volume mascara power-lifts the lashes into length, curls them up...builds them faster than you can wink! Precision control wand glides smoothly down lashes to provide a gorgeously silky upward "sweep". Smudge-proof and long-wearing!

- Zoomblack - rich black

217 Blending Brush - For shading or blending of colour or creamy products. this brush has fine, densely packed fibers that are arranged in an oval shape. MAC Professional Brushes are hand-sculpted and assembled using the finest quality materials. They feature birch, linden, and ramin wood handles, nickel-plated brass ferrules.

239 Eye Shader Brush - Soft and dense to shade or blend eye shaodw or emollient-based products. This brush has a tapered, rounded edge with smooth, firm, fine fibres. It can be used to build intense colour on the eyelid. MAC Professional Brushes are hand-sculpted and assmebled using the finest quality materials. They features birch, linden, and ramin wood handles, nickel-plated brass ferrules.

I saw this collection also when I was at MAC the other day and was much more excited by it. I haven't picked any up yet but I will have to go back within the next few days before it all sells out. From the eye shadows, I want Smoke & Diamonds, Dreammaker, Grand Entrance, Ego, and Style Snob. I also really want the Pearlglide Eye Liner in Molasses and both of the brushes included in the collection. This collection is much more promsing than the other one that I discussed already.

photo courtesy of MAC

MAC Baby Bloom

This is a new mini collection that was just released by MAC at the end of last week. The mini collections never really hold much appeal for me but this one got me really excited when I first read about it several weeks ago. I immediately started planning my wish list and when I heard that it was released early, I went to the MAC counter at first opportunity. This collection is called Baby Bloom and the colors and products resemble more of a summer collection than one that would be released in the beginning of the fall shopping season.

Here is the description of the collection from MAC, "Shift your look to the sunny side of the street but keep face and lips soft, lightly-tinted, everyday sun safe! Choose from five neutral SPF 15 shades of new Studio Moisture Tint, and five soft-as-air shades of new Suntints SPF 12 Liquid Lip Balm".

Here is the collection...

Suntints SPF 20 Liquid Lip Balm - A new tinted lip balm with SPF 20 to keep lips hydrated, protected, while still looking brilliantly chic. Provides balm-style conditioning, and everyday sun-shield protection in combination with sheer colour. Nourishing, helps improve the look and condition of lips immediately and with continued use. Features a light vanilla flavour.

- Lilt of Lily - soft creamy pale pink

- Just a Smidge - soft pastel yellow with multi-coloured pearl

- Pink Tinge - clean bright yellow pink with gold pearl

- Full of Grace - soft sheer rose

- Moist Plum - light lilac with very fine pearl

Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15 - A light, tinted moisturizer with SPF 15 and other skin nourishing ingredients. An easy one step finish specially suited for the season, this sheer tint provides just enough coverage to even out the skintone while creating a flawless, protected, softly moisturized finish. Suitable for all skintones.

- Light - soft pale beige

- Medium - warm beige

- Medium Dark - caramel beige

- Dark - deep caramel

- Deep Dark - rich golden bronze

These lip balms sounded like the perfect product for me when I first read about them, especially the Lilt of Lily and Full of Grace shades. They were the first products that I tried out at the MAC counter. I know that they are tinted lip balms but they were super sheer and had little to no color payoff. When appiled to my lips, it only looked like I had lip balm on, the colors were much too sheer and the different shades all looked exactly the same on my lips. So I passed on all of these. The tinted moisturizer I liked more but I'm not in the market for one right now so it would have been a waste to purchase.

I really think this collection should have been released in May or June, I am totally finished with summer makeup shopping and I bet most other people are either done or beginning to finish up too.

photo courtesy of MAC

NARS Fall 2009 Collection

Here is the beginning of the Fall 2009 Makeup Collections. I almost always start out with NARS and this season will be no exception. On first glance...this looks to be a very promising season. Since I wasn't a fan of much from any of the summer collections, hopefully this fall will give me a chance to try some new looks out.

Here is the description from the NARS website, "This edgy, alluring look begins with the ultimate bedroom eyes. A harmony of champagne and charcoal eye shadow hues built to a sultry finish. A soft sheer complexion is invigorated with a sculpted, flush cheek and bold, deep plum tinted lips. The result in charming, glamorous, and resolutely modern. In other words, completely NARS".

Here it is...

Duo Eye Shadow - The same long-wearing crease resistant formula as NARS Single Eye Shadow, in a series of uniquely paired color combinations. Worn together or alone, all duo eye shadows can be applied sheer or built up for a more dramatic effect. All powder eye shadows can be used wet or dry. Richly pigmented powders. Effortless blending, coordinated in fashionable pairs. Multifunction: use as eye shadow, eye liner, or on eye brows.

- Silk Road - icy pink/rose gold with golden frecks (mirrors the hues from traditional damask fabrics)

- Indian Summer - frosted champagne/mustard seed (balmy sunshine meets brisk fall)

- Brumes - matte charcoal/blue slate (perfectly captures the moody shades of a twilight sky)

Nail Polish - An exclusive formula with technology designed to improve flexibility, durability, wear, and gloss properties. This long-wearing formula provides a tough, durable chip-resistant finish and also has added UV protection to prevent polish discoloration. Modern, sophisticated colors. Gentle formula.

- Tokaido - black amethyst infused with gold (a more current option for devotees of black nail lacquer)

Lipstick - A wide range of captivating shades designed to provide the look and style the color dictates. Lipstick available in three formulas: Satin - moist, longwearing lipstick containing micro-bubble spheres to continually release lip conditioners which yield creamy, silky colors that wear for hours; Semi-Matte - a highly pigmented matte, non-drying formula that provides a long-wearing, full-bodied, velvety finish; Sheer - long lasting color pigments have been suspended in this translucent formula to provide a sheer, natural tint. Fashionable colors available in three textures. Exceedingly long-wearing. Nourishing and non-drying, with Vitamin E. Once you start wearing NARS Lipstick, you won't want to wear anything else.

- Fast Ride - sheer mulberry (a cool alternative to more common darker lip color options)

Single Eye Shadow - Longwearing, crease-resistant color in sheer wearable formulas. All NARS Eye Shadows can be applied sheer or layered for a more dramatic effect. These richly pigmented powders blend effortlessly and can also be used wet for precisely lining the eyes. Richly pigmented powders. Effortless blending. Multifunction: use as eye shadow, eye liner, and on eye brows.

- Mekong - espresso infused with gold (a study in contrasts for some adventure)

And what do I need to begin my fall makeup collection? Well pretty much this whole collection! With the exception of the Brume Duo, I really love everything and would want to buy it all. However, if I could only pick out several outstanding pieces? I would pick out the Silk Road and the Indian Summer duos and the Fast Ride Lipstick. Those three pieces are my absolute must haves and I will not be going into fall without them.

photo courtesy of NARS