beauty girl fave: Kitoko Oil Treatment

if you've been reading this blog long enough, you know i've tried my share of hair products, treatments, shampoos, etc. and i love doing it! especially when the product leaves my tresses looking amazing and feeling even more so. while it's been some time since i've experienced a product i really just don't like  {beauty companies continue to bring such innovation and high level of effectiveness these days}, i have to be really picky about what i will put in my faves category. these are the true gems and the products that wow me upon first use and multiple uses thereafter.

so needless to say, i've discovered a new gem, and let me tell you, my hair has been beyond pampered! for the last several weeks i've been using an indulgent blend of karite and argan oils ~ richer in antioxidants, omega oils, and vitamins A and E than other oils...

 so what is this fabulous treatment i've recently discovered?

it's called Kitoko Oil Treatment.

unlike many oils, Kitoko's treatment is perfectly balanced and full of essential fatty acids. this highly nourishing paraben/sulphate/mineral oil-free formula not only moisturizes hair, but adds gorgeous shine, frizz control and UV protection without weighing hair down!

i j'adore  this oil. i typically apply it at night before bed and in the morning when i'm ready to style my hair, it is soft and looks so healthy. when i need an added bit of shine or just want to give my ends extra moisture, i apply as needed. it even works gorgeously before drying and styling. oh, and a little goes a long way...

check it out for yourself and get more info at asphair.com!

product featured sent to me for review consideration; pic taken by me :)

beauty review: Sheer Glo by Purely Pro Cosmetics

looking for a gorgeous glow, beauties? for me, a really good highlighting product has just enough shimmer to catch the light, makes you look lit from within and treats skin beautifully...

it just so happens {as you already know from the title} for this moment, i'm referring to Sheer Glo shimmer lotions. offering three gorgeous color options, these shimmer lotions deliver on their promise to give skin the perfect look of incandescence and luminosity {not glittery in the slightest!}. each mixes beautifully with your favorite foundation, tinted moisturizer or can be worn alone. i have an oilier skin type, but they work for all skin types. i also have to mention that i love that they comes with a pump that dispenses the product to keep any yucky dirt or bacteria out of the product, thus off of your skin!

movie star

 paradse

glow pink

formulated with vitamin E to rejuvenate skin, glow pink {mid-tone rose}, movie star {pale pink} and paradise {bronze pink champagne} each delivers a luminosity in such a small amount. one bottle will last for a long time...

oh, and by the way, you should be happy to note that Purely Pro Cosmetics does not test on animals. :)

have you tried any of the Sheer Glo shimmer lotions? visit purelyprocosmetics.com for more info!

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

hair therapy: hair-saving tips from TRESemmé Stylist John D

summer is the season best known for surf, sun, and showing off! many women are focusing on getting fit for the warmer weather, and this is fabulous, but can take a toll on your hair.

fear not, beauties! thanks to TRESemmé Celebrity Stylist John D, you don’t have to sacrifice style to break a sweat. to keep your hair in shape before, during and after your workout, take a look at some of his fabulous tips:

"after you exercise, quickly blow-dry your hair to get rid of any excess moisture that may have accumulated during your workout. apply TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo (available in Volumizing, Smoothing and Color Care varieties), concentrating on the scalp and roots of the hair. then, shake the hair out using your fingertips to evenly distribute the product. your hair will be refreshed and ready to go!"

 "avoid the tell tale "dent" that seems impossible to flatten after a workout. try a loose topknot instead of a ponytail. loosely twist the hair on top of the head, and secure with a few hairpins rather than an elastic. after your workout, release the pins and shake out your hair for a volumized look."

"to protect your hair from breakage caused by tight elastics and hairpins, try holding the hair back from the face and shoulders with a handkerchief or cloth headband. this will limit breakage and will eliminate dents."

"if you decide to use a blow dryer, flat iron or other styling tools, be sure to apply TRESemmé Platinum Strength Heat Protect Spray to shield your hair from harmful heat."

"next time you do a wash, use TRESemmé Platinum Strength Shampoo & Conditioner, which can repair up to two years of damage and leave your hair healthy, shiny and ready to take on all your summer activities."

love all these tips ~ thanks, John!

you can find TRESemmé products at your favorite drug and mass retailer. for more info about the brand, their full range of available products as well as more tips and how-tos, visit tresemme.com

info and images courtesy of tresemme

Total Beauty: new ingredients to add to your beauty routine

skincare products have a special place in my heart, so {naturally} it's always exciting for me to discover and learn about new technology and the formulations they're being used in.

this list from Total Beauty will help you learn more about some of these new ingredients, already creating buzz, and should you decide to try them out, be a fabulous boost to your current beauty routine...

7 New Skincare Ingredients To Get Excited About

Retinols and glycolic acids are so yesterday. Get updated on the new buzz-worthy skin care ingredients

This is a TotalBeauty.com Skin care article When it comes to the beauty products we use everyday, skincare is where the science is. New skin care ingredients and skin care advancements are being discovered practically every day. The tried and true concoctions should still hold a place in your skin care regimen (don't skimp on the SPF and don't give up on retinol just yet!), but there are new and exciting skin care ingredients that you should introduce into your regular routine. Click ahead to get the 411 on the special skincare ingredients you should try. See ingredients

beauty tools: Mary Kay Makeup Brushes + Brush Cleaner

as they say, it's important to have the right tools for the job. in the case of a beauty girl, those tools are makeup brushes. from blending to smudging, defining to blurring, they're essential. since it's most likely you're like me and don't have time to spend hours applying makeup each day {a girl can dream}, just having a set of basics can make a difference...

and guess what? Mary Kay has just those basics to allow you to apply your makeup like a pro.

you could say i've become a fan...

Mary Kay makeup brushes are fabulously soft and make the process of beautifying yourself even better. you can give a set to yourself or purchase pieces a la carte; and to save time by keeping everything organized, i love their makeup organizer. it's the perfect thing for housing must-haves that you wear daily and of course, is great for travel! the mesh brush pockets protect dual-ended brushes, while a removable pouch and additional pocket allow for storage of up to two Mary Kay Compacts {they hold eye shadows, blushes, powders and bronzers} or your additional beauty faves.

to keep those brushes fresh and clean, MK Makeup Brush Cleaner is fast-drying and perfect for use every day. keeping your brushes clean not only ensures the best color application {not to mention good hygiene for your skin!}, but is also beneficial to making them last. just spray brush cleaner directly onto brush hairs until thoroughly dampened, sweep brush over tissue or soft towel to remove residue and lay brush flat to air dry. 

visit marykay.com or contact your favorite MK beauty rep for more info.

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