Teens vs. Queens: Crosses, Brows and Hair

Our Canadian Queen Marisa is back for Round Two of unclaimed mail because once you start, you just can’t stop. This time she opened three tiny packages, each one more chaotic than the last.

First up: cross earrings which fit her style perfectly.

Next: a small hunk of hair. Maybe hair extensions? Maybe something more sinister? There were no instructions, so here’s hoping we didn’t just unbox a serial killer’s trophy. That’s the writer in me talking.

Finally, an eyebrow pencil because every queen knows importance of good brows.

Marisa’s second round proves that unclaimed mail never runs out of surprises or plot twists.

Iroiro Natural Semi- Permanent Hair Color Review + Giveaway!

100% VEGAN + NATURAL INGREDIENTS
100% vegan means no animal ingredients are used in the product. However, it does not mean free of synthetic and toxic petrol chemicals. Of course iroiro is free of harsh chemicals.

First and only vivid semi-permanent hair colors based on natural ingredients.

CRUELTY FREE
Iroiro hair colors are never tested on animals. We tested only on our friends and family :)

100% ORGANIC COCONUT OIL
"Your Hair Deserve The Best!"

Rich in vitamins and minerals, provide great conditioning and protection for all types of hair. Repairs and rejuvenate damaged hair. Our organic coconut oil brings out vibrant colors with silky and shiny results.

NATURAL PRESERVATIVE
Natural preservative. Free of Formaldehyde, Halogen and Paraben.

Please do try to avoid Methylisothiazolinone / Methylchloroisothiazolinone, synthetic preservatives as it was named Allergen of the Year in 2013 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society. Not recommend for leave-on products.

NATURAL YUZU-CRANBERRY FRAGRANCE
Our Yuzu-Cranberry fragrance are obtained from plants without altering chemical structures.

TRULY NO HARSH CHEMICALS
Free of following synthetic & harsh petrol based chemicals:

Propylene Glycol
Methylisothiazolinone
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Methylparaben
Stearalkonium chloride
DMDM Hydantoin
PEGs

My Thoughts:

I recently fell in love with coloring my hair at home. It feels like the ultimate self care day. However, with the amount of harsh chemicals within the market dyes, I knew I needed to find one that was safe. That's when I discovered, Iroiro Colors! The shades on their website were vibrant, bright, and of course contained a natural formula! The first ingrediant that stood out to me was the coconut oil. I currently use it in my beauty regime so seeing that was very exciting!

When the samples arrived I could not wait to give them a try. As advised, I began with the strand test. The colors I tried were Iro Red, Iro Dark Red, and Iro Pink. My natural hair color is a sandy blonde so I decided to try the shades on that rather that lighten them. The first thing I noticed was the hair dyed smelled amazing! No harsh smells whatsoever, just a sweet scent of the Yuzu Cranberry. Each dye was quite thick. It made it easy to spread across the strands. You can see the results of the strand test here:

Although I enjoyed all the colors, I adored the Iro Red the most. It came across the best for my natural color. Spreading the Iro Red was simple with how thick the formula was. It went perfectly from root to tip with no dripping! During the process of the coloring I allowed the product to sit in my hair for a little over an hour due to having sandy colored hair. It did not bother my scalp whatsoever. It felt like a hydrating mask.

Iro Red washed out nicely and did not dye my tub or my bathroom. The first wash was simple and effective! My hair felt incredibly soft and smooth. The color was bright, vibrant and truly beautiful! The color has stayed put well over the course of the last few weeks. As of now the roots are beginning to show a bit and the red has begun to fade into a lovely pink, but it is still just as gorgeous.

I was amazed by the results I received using Iroiro Colors! I have been getting lots of compliments by family, friends, clients, even strangers about the new look! Knowing that I can finally have red hair again without fears of damage is wonderful! I used to have to go to the salon constantly years ago just to maintain it, but not anymore! I can't wait to keep using this product! Thank you so much, Iroiro! I could not be more grateful! 

Connect with Iroiro Colors:

Website Facebook  Instagram  Twitter  

The Giveaway:

Iroiro was kind enough to agree to a giveaway for all our readers! Thank you to Iroiro for this fantastic opportunity! 

Entry-Form

A 15 Minute Beauty Quick Fix!

Whether you had a late night, a long week at the office or just simply need a quick refresher to rejuvenate – I think we can all agree that turning to some rescue beauty products can be a lifesaver.   The Green Tea & Carrot Deep Strengthening & Restorative Mask Treatment by the Mane Choice is your 15 minute hair pick me up! If your hair is in need of some extra TLC, after the hot tools and extreme weather conditions of the week, try this mask treatment! Enriched with biotin, green tea, and carrot oil, this product will immediately begin to repair and restore dry and damaged strands. Formulated to penetrate the hair shaft and infuse your hair with high-quality vitamins and nutrients. After shampooing, apply a generous amount from root to end. Massage gently into hair, especially the ends and distribute evenly. Leave on for 15min or an hour! $17.99, themanechoice.com.

My Thoughts:

Having thin hair, I often am faced with many issues when it comes to styling. Everything from humidity to the cold weather can leave my tresses looking dry and brittle. I try to stay away from too many styling products, especially in the summer, but sometimes when a night out comes up, you have to pull out the flat iron, hair dryer, and tough styling products to keep your style in place. I'm someone who loves natural treatments for my hair. This mask from the Mane Choice sounded perfect with it's natural oils and leaf extracts. 

Here is what the Green Tea and Carrot Deep Strengthening and Restorative Mask Treatment assists you with:

●Promotes growth & retention

●Hydrates & moisturize

●Minimize damage & breakage

●Repairs and restores damage

●Strengthens, fights shedding, & breakage 

●Adds moisture & hydration 

●Improves manageability & elasticity

●Great for natural, relaxed, permed, and colored treated hair

Ingredients:

Aqua (Purified Water), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Honey Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract, Helianthus Annus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Biotin, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, , Behentrimonium Methosulfate (Non- Sulfate Derived From Rapeseed Oil), Cetrimonium Chloride, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate), Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Panthenol, Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend), Silk Amino Acids, Citric Acid.

When the mask arrived I was very pleased with the overall smell! I would say the scent of carrot stood out the most, with a hint of earthy green tea. The product was a nice consistency that made it easy to spread through the strands of my hair and to the roots. Like advised, I left the mask on for about 15 minutes while I finished up my shower. Depending on your needs, this treatment can be left on for an hour if you prefer under a cap without heat needing to be added. 

Due to having thin hair, the 15 mark was perfect for me. My hair felt amazing afterwards! It was soft, smooth, shiny, and manageable. After a couple weeks of use, I did see some volume being added! I truly love this product and intend on continuing my use of it! 

Connect with the Mane Choice:

Website  Facebook  Twitter Instagram  

BioRepair-8 Anti-aging Scalp & Hair Therapy System Review

Did you know that more the 40% of women suffer from thinning hair or loss? I know my hair has become much thinner than my younger days. I figured it was just aging and the many years of coloring. I have found the ColorProof BioRepair-8 Anti-Aging Scalp & Hair Therapy System and am liking the results. 

I colored my hair for too many years, more than 20+ years. Not any longer. I went completely natural about 2 years ago. I have salt and pepper gray hair inherited from my father. He was salt and pepper at an early age 30. I made the decision to embrace my gray to protect my scalp from further damage. I figured the thinning was just a by product of all the chemicals.

BioRepair-8 is a 3 step system which takes no longer than average showering hair care.















Step 1 - is the anti-aging shampoo. The shampoo produces a lot of luxurious lather. The brush included is used with the shampoo to gently exfoliate the scalp. I like using the brush! It feels like an invigorating massage to my scalp. The brush helps to clear impurities from the skin in preparation for the next two steps. The shampoo contains Alpha-Hydroxy acids to remove dead skin cells plus natural DHT blockers.

Step 2 - is the anti-thinning conditioner. The conditioner goes on smoothly. It contains an AG-Stem Cell complex nourish the scalp and follicles. I have noticed much stronger hair with a incredible softness from the conditioner.

Step 3 - is the BioRepair-8 Stem Cell Scalp Serum. A few drops is applied and left in. No rinsing required. The serum works for 24 hours providing long lasting anti-aging protection and restoration. It comes in a bottle with a dropper, making it easy to apply.

My results - Using the BioRepair-8 products have made a wonderful difference in my hair and scalp. I have noticed much stronger hair. I have seen much less hair fallout. My hair stylist has also noticed a different in how much thicker my hair is. She had commented previously that my hair was thinning. During my recent visit, she mentioned my hair was much thicker and more healthy. My husband has also noticed the difference. He says it is less gray, but I am not so sure about that. I am happy with the results in the few short weeks of trying. I can't wait to see the results with continued usage.

I love the scalp exfoliating brush! It wakes up my scalp and just feels good to use. If there where anything I would improve on, it would be the fragrance. I would prefer a more feminine scent maybe in a citrus or floral. It does have an earthy type of aroma. It is not too unpleasant, but I wish it smelled better.

The ColorProof BioRepair-8 Anti-aging Scalp & Hair Therapy products are safe for color treated hair. It works nicely on my natural hair too! I am thrilled with the results!

Purchase BioRepair-8 products at selected salons nationwide or online from ColorProof.

Connect with ColorProof
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
YouTube

Many thanks to ColorProof for providing the review product.
Disclosure: No monetary compensation was offered or accepted for this post. Gratis product was received in order to write my honest and unbiased review. The opinions above are my own and were not influenced in any way. Others experience may vary.

Easter Gifts for Teens and Tweens from Goody

It's easy to find Easter gifts for the little kids. The older ones present a little more of a challenge. My teen daughter doesn't want candy or toys, but she does love beauty products and hair accessories. In this area, Goody has you covered.  They have a wide range of accessories that girls of all ages will love. Best of all, you can find them in stores nationwide like Kmart, Target, and CVS. So even if you waited until the last minute, you can still grab some of these awesome products.  Here are a few of my favorites.

Goody Clean Radiance Brush - This brush removes knots from hair like magic. It doesn't matter if your hair is curly or straight, thick or thin. This brush can handle anything, and the thick sturdy handle is going to last for years to come. The cooper bristles add extra shine to your  hair.

Elastics- You can never have too many of these! For my girls, they are great for the bottom on their braids because they hold even fine hair in place.

Comb & Lift - These cute little combs are perfect for teasing and styling your hair. On the other end is a pick to help add some thickness.

Simple Style Sets- My teen daughter was really thrilled with these. They enable you to create styles like the Bubble Pony Tail, Fishtails, and Vintage Twists in three simple steps. They come in colors that match your natural hair color so the pieces blend in. They are not only perfect for basket stuffers, they are also a great idea for the upcoming prom season.

Charmed Bobbies- These adorable bobby pins add a touch of glam to any ensemble. They also offer cute bobby pin slides with pearls.

Hair Tie Bracelets- These are such great idea! I always worry about my girls putting hair ties on their arms and cutting off their circulation. With these trendy bracelets, they can have a hair tie with them at all times, right on a pretty bangle bracelet.

Scrunchies- These never go out of style and every girl can always use a few  more. The pretty spring collection is perfect for Easter baskets.


These are only a few examples of the adorable products you can use to make Easter fun for your teens. To learn more about these products and all the trendy styles available at Goody, be sure to visit their website or follow them on social media. 

Festival Beauty Survival Guide

Festival season is officially upon us with Coachella just a few weeks away, which means it’s time to prep your beauty routine for the extremes – unpredictable weather and an unpredictable shower schedule!  We’ve rounded up the on-the-go products that you’ll definitely want to bring along so you can feel your best and steal the show. Look and feel flawless from day to night even through all of the dancing, singing and partying this festival season with TRESemmé, Dove and Vaseline!

In addition to these beauty must-haves, we got the scoop from TRESemmé Celebrity Stylist, Tyler Laswell, on this season’s hottest hair trends + tips on how to keep hair looking fresh no matter the weather or lack of shampooing!

TREStival Season Tips & Forecasted Hair Trends from TRESemmé Celebrity Stylist, Tyler Laswell:

Top 5 Products to Help You Look Your Fest Best:

HAIR

·    TRESemmé Fresh Start Basic Care Dry Shampoo ($4.99): Infused with Vitamin B12 and Keratin, this dry shampoo will keep your locks looking fresh at the roots and ready to be styled. One spritz transforms oily, limp and lackluster hair into locks that look and feel freshly washed, even when they most definitely aren’t.

·  TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum ($4.99): Sometimes freshening up your style is as simple as bringing some shine back to those dry looking mid lengths and ends. This non-greasy formula contains Keratin and Marula Oil that transforms parched strands into silky smooth tresses- a necessity when spending hours under the hot desert sun. Not to mention, it smells amazing which is always a big plus when you haven't been able to wash your hair for a few days!

• TRESemmé TRES Two Extra Hold Hair Spray in travel size! ($1.99): Use this extra hold hair spray to keep any look in place for up to 24 hours no matter how much dancing you do! The flexible control formula is water-free, giving hair grip and control sans stickiness and is humidity-resistant keeping flyaways smooth and frizz at bay. While strong enough to hold your style through wind and rain, hair is still touchably soft and full of natural movement.

ANTIPERSPIRANT

·      Dove Invisible Dry Spray ($5.49): Let’s be real, the desert is HOT and staying fresh and dry is a huge priority. While you’re getting ready for your day in the sun, don’t forget the NEW Dove Invisible Dry Spray Antiperspirant. In addition to keeping you odor and wetness free for 48 hours, it is also leaves no white marks on 100 colors of clothing so you can be sure to rock your best bohemian festival looks with confidence.

LIPS

·     Vaseline Lip Therapy Tin ($3.99): Protect your pout from the dry desert air with Vaseline Lip Therapy Tins. Available in Original, Aloe, Rosy Lips and Cocoa Butter, this lip balm is clinically proven to help heal dry lips and provide long lasting moisturization. The Lip Therapy comes in an iconic and covetable tin, making it perfect for on-the-go application.

My Thoughts

I have heard more than once that you really aren't supposed to wash your hair every day because it strips it of its essential oils. Well, that might be fine for some people, but I have extra oily hair. By the end of the day, it can look greasy and dirty. There is no way I could possibly go a day without washing it because I will look like a total dirt ball.  At least, that's how it used to be. Now, I've found a product that will eliminate the need for me to wash  my hair every single day and I will still have fresh, clean hair.  That product is the TRESemmé Fresh Start Basic Care Dry Shampoo .

I know it sounds crazy, but I really didn't think it would work at first. It actually took me a few days to work up the courage to skip the shampoo when I was in the shower. But finally I did it. I got dressed and was horrified and my stringy, greasy hair.  Then, I sprayed in the dry shampoo thinking it couldn't possibly do anything and I would have to jump back in the shower. Well, I couldn't have been more wrong. After spraying the dry shampoo on my roots and combing it through, my hair looked great. It was healthy and shiny and even had more volume than it normally does. Plus, it saved me the time of having to shampoo, condition. and rinse both out. In ten seconds I had perfect hair. I was amazed! I really can't recommend this product enough. Especially to busy moms with little babies who sometimes don't have the time for a shower.

Try Dessata Detangling Brushes & Throw Out Your Old Hairbrush

It’s time to throw out your standard brush and your average detangler. You need a brush that requires far less strokes, meaning less breakage and more shine. And your kids need a brush that will get rid of that ripping, hair pulling pain.

Touting 440 highly flexible bristles made from a specialized gel in Spain, Dessata detangling brushes are able to gently glide through any hair type (wet or dry), without tugging or tearing. While most detanglers only feature two bristle lengths, Dessata’s innovative design ups the ante with three distinct bristle variations, resulting in even less tension while brushing hair. Additionally, its ergonomic, handle-free design provides optimum comfort and control.

Most detangling brushes are either too rough on the scalp or too flimsy on tangles; Dessata finds that happy medium. It conforms to each individual’s particular head shape, giving a gentle scalp massage, while also effectively smoothing tangles. Its smart design makes it one of the few detanglers suitable for any hair type, including ultra-curly, fine, brittle, or even children’s hair.

My Thoughts

Bath time has always been a challenge for the girls in my household. We all have very fine hair that tangles easily. When I have to comb out my toddler's hair, there is always screaming and crying, and even my tween will whine a little. When I would bush my own hair, which is about half way down my back, I would always wind up ripping out patches. But none of these things are a problem anymore, thanks to the amazing Dessata Detangling Brush.

Dessata Detangling Brush is a detangling brush that really lives ups to its claims. The specially designed bristles remove knots from hair like magic. It doesn't matter if your hair is curly or straight, thick or thin. This brush can handle anything. When I used the Dessata Detangling Brush on my toddler, she hardly realized I was even touching her hair. In just a few strokes, we were done brushing it out. It doesn't split ends or rip out the knots, yet it somehow untangles even the worst knots. Its amazing, and it has been a life saver in my house. I will never go back to another brush again. If you want your hair to be tangle free in seconds, give the Dessata Detangling Brush a try. You can find this brush in Target and online at Amazon. 

Get Achieve Sleek Straight Flawless Hair with Gold ‘N Hot

Looking for the perfect hairstyle for the fall and upcoming holidays? Ever wonder how to achieve super straight hair flawless that has just the right amount of volume? With these best-selling tools from Gold ‘N Hot you can easily, and surprisingly, create this perfectly polished do yourself!

STEP 1:

Gold ‘N Hot Professional 1875 Watt Ionic Ultra-Lightweight Dryer with Tourmaline ($39.99, Folica.com): This ultra-light dryer outputs tens-of-thousands of negative ions to dry hair faster with less damage resulting in healthy, shiny, beautiful hair. Tourmaline conditioning emits negative ions heat to reduce static frizz and seal in moisture. With 2 Speeds and 6 heat settings, you can achieve any hair style.

STEP 2:

Gold ‘N Hot 1” Ceramic Crimping Iron ($36.00, SallyBeauty.com): Who would’ve thought crimpers were still cool? It’s hairstylist’s best kept secret to achieve volume. Separate the hair and use the crimper on the under pieces. Hold at root and see an instant lift. Gold ‘N Hot’s easy to use crimping iron has ceramic plates with seal-in conditioning that leaves you with silky-soft hair. With a quick 60 second heat-up, you’re almost ready to rock.

STEP 3:

Gold ‘N Hot 1″ Professional Ceramic Straightening Iron ($39.99, SallyBeauty.com) : This iron’s ceramic floating plates are made to eliminate gaps between plates and create the ultimate polished look. With a quick 60-second heat-up and easy access controls, your styling time is cut down. Ceramic plates distribute heat evenly for fast styling and seal in moisture leaving your hair shiny, silky-soft, frizz-free

My Thoughts

 I don't really do much hair styling since my hair is long and straight, but I do have to blow it dry on cold winter mornings.  The Gold ‘N Hot Professional 1875 Watt Ionic Ultra-Lightweight Dryer with Tourmaline is a great choice for me. There's a lot of power packed into this little hair dryer. With 1875 Watts, you're getting the power of the pros in the palm of your hand. There are multiple options  to choose from when you are ready to switch it on. I'm used to having a hot and warm option, but this dryer also has a cool option. That will be awesome on hot days when you don't want hot air in your face making you all sweaty when you're just getting started for the day. It also comes with a pick  to help you smooth out your hair. Usually, I feel like my hair looks dry and limp after using a blow dyer, but this one gets hair dry without drying it out.

In addition to how well it works, you also have to love the sleek design. The gold and black compliment each other well, and it's light weight and easy to handle. It also comes with a few attachments that will help you style or straighten your hair easily.  It also has a nice, long cord, which gives you plenty of room to work with. This is an awesome hair dyer, and even better, the price is more than reasonable. Look for this and all the Gold 'N Hot products in stores nationwide or online at Amazon.  You make sure to follow Gold 'N Hot on face book. 

Coconut Water Provides the Hydration and Nutrition in Camille Rose Natural’s New Line.

Seasons tend to take a toll on our tresses; similar to the rest of your body, keeping your hair hydrated this summer is important! Enter, Camille Rose Naturals!

Camille Rose Naturals Coconut Water Hydrating and Styling system combines super hydrating, thirst-quenching coconut water, aloe Vera juice and tropical butters and oils to deeply penetrate strands and provide maximum moisture and shine.

More about Camille Rose Naturals:

Camille Rose Naturals is a vegan collection of foodie-inspired hair and body products for all textures and skin types. Artful blends of gourmet ingredients are featured in moisture-rich hair cleansers, conditioners, stylers and even body butters. Awakening ginger is used in the line’s newest Sweet Ginger Cleansing Rinse, while moisturizing almond milk is used as a cream base in its best-selling Almond Jai

Twisting Hair Butter. Founder and Master Mixtress, Janell Stephens, aims to set Camille Rose Naturals apart by considering the total health and wellness of her customers. Now in its fifth year of business, the Camille Rose Naturals line can be found nationwide in Target, Whole Foods, and Bed, Bath & Beyond.

My Thoughts: 

The new Camille Rose Natural's collection is a wonderful addition to anyone's hair regime. If you are looking for all natural products, look no further than here. Coconut anything is all the rage right now, and after using these products, I can tell why. My hair has been shiny, hydrated, and oh so soft! Plus, I LOVE the smell of coconut. 

When I started testing the products, I began with the Sweet Ginger cleansing rinse. I noticed a little goes a long way. The product is thick and once distributed, forms into a gentle lather. Unlike most shampoos, Camille Rose's cleansing rinse did not make my hair feel dry after I rinsed it out. My hair felt very soft. I then finished my shower with the Coconut Water penetrating hair treatment. The smell was wonderful. I let the deep conditioner sit for a few minutes and once I rinsed it out, my hair already felt luscious. After it was dry, my hair had wonderful volume and shine that stayed all day.

Camille Rose Naturals also offers styling products like their Coconut Water leave in detangling hair treatment and "style setter". I loved using both of these. My hair is prone to tangling and I loved the help these products gave me. On top of that, it helped hold any style and also the natural waves my hair has. 

I would like to also add that these products came right around the time I got my hair dyed with pink, purple, and blue layers. My color has stayed in for a long time and fading has been slow. I give a ton of credit to using these products! Not only am I happy for what it has done for my color, but I'm thrilled to be using a line without harsh chemicals that gives my hair its natural glow.    

Connect with Camille Rose Naturals:

Website  Instagram Facebook  Pinterest  Twitter  Youtube