Hi there, my darlings! It's Friday...and usually while my end-of-the-week posts are ecstatic while I contemplate a weekend of R&R, this one happens to be bittersweet. It's the last day of Spring Break, leaving me with just the weekend, before going back to work and the grind on Monday. So. Much. Whomp. But I intend to get in a good couple of days of relaxing and chilling and pampering before the weekend is over, starting with my hair! So, I'm sharing a couple of products with you that I'm loving for pampering my tresses today--Shielo's Volume Shampoo-Conditioner duo and Intensive Hair Mask!


VOLUME SHAMPOO ($27.99)

Gives hair volume and greater strength and flexibility
Protein + Vitamin B12
Paraben Free Formula
Biotin Enhanced

This modern volumizing shampoo is designed to remove residue and product styling build-up, without stripping hair or fading color to provide an optimum environment for thicker hair. Fights free radicals that damage and weaken hair. The results are thicker, healthier, more beautiful hair.



VOLUME CONDITIONER ($24.99)

Restoring and thickening for all hair types
Keratin + Amino Acids
Paraben Free Formula

This must-have conditioner for full thick hair is enriched with nanofilaments designed to thicken each hair shaft. The conditioner is featherweight and detangles fine or limp hair with ultra light silk fibers that separates strands to create a fuller look. The results are thicker, healthier, more beautiful hair.



My hair is tricky, as I've mentioned before. Flat and prone to getting greasy near the crown and frizzy near the ends, with random flyaways all over. It makes finding a good shampoo and conditioner duo challenging to say the least. But, I think I've found a duo that I'm definitely adding to my staples in this Volume Shampoo and Conditioner. My biggest test of a new shampoo and conditioner is always air drying and these passed that test with flying colors. I woke up in the mornings after I washed my hair with impossibly soft, voluminous yet smooth, relatively frizz-free hair that smelled absolutely lovely, after just a quick brush-through. Plus, my roots didn't get as easily greasy which spaced out my washes which was another huge bonus! Volume? Yes! Absolutely! Frizz? Much reduced! A win-win combination!




INTENSIVE HAIR MASK ($32.00)

  • intensive hair treatment
  • certified organic extracts
  • safe for colored hair


An intensive treatment for hair that restores elasticity, freshness and suppleness to dry, chemically treated or damaged hair. The mask instantly repairs to make hair look fresh, moisturized and free flowing. It is a concentrated formula of organic ingredients, complex peptides and highly moisturizing agents that make hair manageable and beautiful.

For normal hair, use once per week. For extremely damaged hair, use twice per week until hair is restored. Results can be expected after one time use of the product.


I've used this mask twice already in the past couple of weeks and each time, I loved how it made my hair feel! After each use, my hair was softer and less rough to the touch, even near the ends and just felt and looked healthier. More shiny, more bouncy, more nourished! As for the scent, oh gosh! I wish they would bottle this as a perfume! It's so light and fresh yet rich and enticing! Like flowers warmed by the sun! Love!




So there you have it, my darlings! If you would like to pick up Shielo's Volume Shmpoo and Conditioner for yourself or a loved one, you can find them on their site HERE and HERE. You can snag the Hair Mask HERE. These are luxury, high-end products but so worth the splurge!


You can find more about Shielo and their range of products through the social media sites below :

Facebook
Twitter
Youtube
Website




Until next time,
<3
B





****Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.****






FOREWORD :

Guess what, my darlings? I have decided to make every possible attempt to make the New Indie feature I do every so often A PERMANENT FEATURE! Yay! So many of you enjoyed being introduced to and often falling in love with new indies that I had to find a way to bring it back! So...here we are! This time around the features will be more leisurely in that each feature will run for a little longer and  you can take your time with them.

As always, it will be a three-part feature--a Giveaway, a Review and an exclusive Interview with the maker of the brand! The Giveaway will run for approximately 12 days. After the giveaway ends, winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is picked. The maker will send prizes to their winners directly! Some of the giveaways are OPEN INTERNATIONALLY, while other are US ONLY. Please make sure to CAREFULLY read the Terms and Conditions to avoid being disqualified!



Good morning, my darlings! It's time for our featured indie series--this week stars Mia of Kathleen & Co.! I have seen swatches of some of Mia's beautiful new polishes around Instagram and I'm really excited to be featuring her this week! She's graciously decided to give away two sets of her ENTIRE 6-piece Spring 2016 collection plus a mystery nail art goodie to two lucky winners! Enter through the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win the gorgeous collection pictured below! Plus, if you follow us on Instagram (HERE and HERE) you have ANOTHER chance to win! THREE winners total! Good luck, my darlings!



***OPEN INTERNATIONALLY***





a Rafflecopter giveaway



Good luck, my darlings!!!


<3
B




Hi there, my darlings! This afternoon, I'd like to share a fun concept and a beautiful duo created by my darling Jin of Superficially Colorful in collaboration with Julie of Blue-Eyed Girl Lacquer. Inspired by a photo taken by Jin on her travels to Morocco, both ladies created a custom polish for this duo. Take a peek at one of the traditional water sellers of Morocco!



Julie's inspiration comes from the fact that the traditional occupation of water sellers in Morroco was indeed selling water to the walkers in the desert. So he was actually Marrakesh's Colorful Mirage - except he was real and not a dream, and offered real cold water and shade.


Marrakesh's Colorful Mirage is described as a "clear base polish packed with gold holographic microglitters, gold shimmers, green micro-flakies, and accents of navy, red, green, orange, and yellow holographic microglitters. Dries textured." I have no issues to report with either formula or application--this microglitter goes on quite smoothly and if you tend to paint thicker coats, you could probably get away with just 2 coats. The swatches below show just 3 coats, topped with 2 generous coats of Glisten & Glow's HK Girl topcoat to finish the look and smooth it out. I like the pops of different colors within the gold--indeed like a mirage amongst the infinite sand dunes of the desert.










With flash!




Jin's polish is also inspired by the traditional water sellers in the main square of Marrakesh, Morocco. Once upon a time, they actually were the water seller, a bright and colorful offer of water, shade and rest for the ones crossing the desert.
Today, however, no one uses their water anymore and they make a fine living out of being paid for taking their pictures...
So they are pretty useless, as such, just like Squashing Water. Although they do represent a glorious past in their gorgeous outfit.


Squashing Water is described as a "warm red base polish packed with gold holographic microglitters, gold shimmers and red and gold micro-flakies. Dries very lightly textured, almost smooth! For a glossy shine you may add a top coat but the polish sparkles so bright in the sun that you may not need any top coat." Smooth, easy formula and application--the swatches below show just 2 easy coats, topped with 1 generous coat of Glisten & Glow's HK Girl topcoat to finish the look. I love the gold accents to this beautiful fiery, orange-toned red!









With flash!




This polish duo will also come with a specially created mani bomb in Moroccan Sweet Mint.

Natural handmade mani fizzy with luxurious cocoa butter to keep your skin moisturized and soft. Organic virgin Avocado oil adds both to the light green color and the luxurious feel. Scented with Moroccan Sweet Mint, to wrap the Moroccan colors experience.

Now, I haven't had a chance to try this yet but the light scent of the mint through the wrapping is so soothing! I can't wait to use this after an especially long week in the coming month!





So there you have it, my darlings! This Destination Duo is launching on Saturday, April 30th and  will be priced at $20 shipped domestically--within the USA from BEGL's shop HERE and Israel from SCL's shop HERE. International shipping will be available from both shops and the set will be $26 shipped internationally.


You can find out more about Blue Eyed Eyed Girl Lacquer through the social media sites below :

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Pinterest


For  more info about Superficially Colorful and all her fabulous products, you can find Jin on the social media sites below :


Which of the two is YOUR favorite? I'd love to hear from you in the comments section below!




Until next time,
<3
B




****Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.****







Hi, my darlings! Spring has finally arrived in NYC BUT I'm still on Spring Break and I tell you, it's good to have some time off, at least from waking up super early and commuting to work! After this, it's a few more weeks and it's SUMMER! Speaking of Summer, it's been awhile but my girl, Cameo of Cameo Colours Lacquers is back with a gorgeous collection, full of shimmers and microflakies that you're going to LOVE for the Summer months! Let's take a look!


Coral Serves A Porpoise is described as a "coral with a peachy-copper shimmer, green sparks and a light scattered holographic sparkle." Lovely formula and application--the swatches below just 2 generous coats topped with 1 thin coat of Glisten & Glow's HK Girl topcoat. Right off the bat, one of my faves, I think this one will be perfect for the beach!










Lagoona Matata is described as a "vibrant teal with a pinky-violet shimmer and a light scattered holographic sparkle." Smooth, squishy jelly formula and application--the swatches below just 2 generous coats topped with 1 thin coat of Glisten & Glow's HK Girl topcoat. The shimmer in this beauty is utterly gorgeous!










Mer-Made for the Sea is described as a "multiple gold, silver, turquoise, teal, and blue holographic microglitters mingle in a cyan-blue-purple-red shifting base, with added holographic sparks. Can be opaque on its own in 2-3 coats, or used as a topper." I decided to layer this for full opacity and this beautiful microglitter applied like a dream. The swatches below show 3 thin coats topped with 2 coats of Glisten & Glow's HK Girl topcoat. So sparkly! And that shift is to die for!










With flash!




Sand Dollars In My Thong is described as a "nude with a golden shimmer, full of gold and bronze micro flakes and a light scattered holographic sparkle." Now, in my experience, nudes can often be streaky and difficult to work with. I'm pleased to report that I had very little issues with this one! Although a little patchy on the first coat, this baby levels out beautifully by the second! The swatches below just 2 generous coats topped with 1 thin coat of Glisten & Glow's HK Girl topcoat. A perfect, flattering nude!










Who Needs Anemones? is described as a "purple with a plum to blue shifting shimmer, peach microflakes and a light scattered holographic sparkle." Smooth, easy formula and application--the swatches below just 2 generous coats topped with 1 thin coat of Glisten & Glow's HK Girl topcoat. Hands downs my favorite of this collection, I love the shade of purple and the accents of holo and flakies! So gorgeous!











So there you have it, my darlings! The I Sea What You Did There collection from Cameo Colours Lacquers will be launching on her site HERE Friday, April 29th at 6 pm CST/7 pm EST--each will be priced at $9 for a full-size, 15 mL bottle or $40 plus shipping for the set. Remember to follow Cameo Colours Lacquers on FACEBOOK and on INSTAGRAM for more swatches and the latest info!



Which of these gorgeous polishes is YOUR favorite? Will you be picking up one of these to add to your collection? Tell me in the comments section below!



Until next time,
<3
B




****Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.****





Hi there, my darlings! It is seriously such a gorgeous day in NYC--high 60s and HOT! Spring definitely has arrived...and I can tell this Summer is gonna be a scorcher! When it comes to my hair and skin, Winter and the colder months has it's challenges with dry, cracking skin and brittle hair tips but the warmer temperatures bring their own set of problems. Ah, the trials and tribulations of having combination skin and hair! I do believe it runs in the family--my mother's been blessed with some of the most gorgeous skin imaginable but my poor dad has very troublesome skin with patches of terrible itchiness. In my case, despite being a woman of color AND being born in India, I'm actually very sensitive to the heat. I tend to get hives, and rashes, and a very itchy scalp as the temperatures rise. I usually use a strong, drugstore lotion Like Cerave or Aquaphor when my skin gets really painful and Head and Shoulders for my scalp. But I always worry about the long-term effect of the strong chemicals in these products. I mean, my hair, for example, always feels so brittle after each use. So, when I got the chance to try out derma|e's new, plant-based Psorzema® line, I was pretty excited! After trying the products for a full couple of weeks, I want to share with you all just how much these all-natural products have helped my skin and hair...and without a prescription or prescription-strength medication!


What products did I try?

1. Scalp Relief Shampoo : This doctor-developed, clinically tested formula works in four ways to gently cleanse, de-flake, soothe and nourish the scalp and hair. Using our proprietary Therapeutic Psorzema® Herbal Blend plus healthful vitamins and botanicals, this shampoo calms a dandruff-prone, itchy, irritated scalp and refreshes the hair, from root to tip.


  • · CLEANSE: Sulfate-free surfactant system provides gentle, irritation-free cleansing
  • · DE-FLAKE: Salicylic Acid penetrates to lift away excess flakes and surface buildup
  • · SOOTHE: Tea Tree and Menthol help calm and cool itch on contact and help maintain scalp purity over time
  • · NOURISH: Therapeutic Psorzema® Herbal Blend (Neem, Burdock and Bearberry) replenishes a dry, irritated, scaling scalp, helping to promote optimum scalp and hair health

Safe for color-treated hair. Use with our Scalp Relief Conditioner for a complete soothing scalp care regimen.

Consumer tested, clinically tested, allergy tested, coal tar-free, pine tar-free, steroid-free, prescription-free, 100% vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, lanolin-free, gluten-free, GMO-free.

USE : Gentle enough for daily use. Massage shampoo into wet hair and scalp. Allow product to penetrate for 3-5 minutes. Rinse and repeat as desired. Avoid getting in eyes. Works best after 7 days of use.


2. Scalp Relief Conditioner : This doctor-developed, clinically tested formula works in four ways to gently detangle, de-flake, soothe and nourish the scalp and hair. Using our proprietary Therapeutic Psorzema® Herbal Blend plus healthful vitamins and botanicals, this conditioner calms a dandruff-prone, itchy, irritated scalp and locks in moisture to replenish the hair, from root to tip.


  • · DETANGLE: Sweet Almond Oil, Organic Argan Oil and Organic Aloe condition hair thoroughly and boost shine.
  • · DE-FLAKE: Salicylic Acid penetrates to lift away excess flakes and surface buildup.
  • · SOOTHE: Tea Tree and Menthol help calm and cool itch on contact and help maintain scalp purity over time
  • · NOURISH: Therapeutic Psorzema® Herbal Blend (Neem, Burdock and Bearberry) replenishes a dry, irritated, scaling scalp, helping to promote optimum scalp and hair health.

Safe for color-treated hair. Use with our Scalp Relief Shampoo for a complete soothing scalp care regimen.

Consumer tested, clinically tested, allergy tested, coal tar-free, pine tar-free, steroid-free, prescription-free, 100% vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, lanolin-free, gluten-free, GMO-free.

USE : Apply to freshly shampooed hair and scalp. Allow product to penetrate for 2-3 minutes. Rinse, towel dry, then style as usual.


I was most excited to try the shampoo-conditioner duo because, while I hate to admit, dandruff and an itchy scalp has been a real issue for me in the past couple of years. I don't know whether it's the increasing pollution in NYC, age, stress or some other factor but lately, I've barely been able to get through a couple of days between washes before my head starts to itch. It's frustrating and it's embarrassing to say the very least! Add that to the fact that with my long, butt-length hair, washing my hair in itself is a chore--it take forever to dry and style once washed and really is just such a huge waste of time. Plus, and this is the most important factor, even with deep conditioning and masks and such, I feel that washing my hair multiple times a week leaves it stripped of its natural oils and so brittle.

That's why this duo is such a huge winner for me! I was worried that my scalp wouldn't feel as clean as with the harsh chemical stuff but let me tell you right now, I was totally wrong! After each wash, my scalp felt completely clean! You know that when you rub your finger over your scalp and it all but squeaks, it's so clean? That's the kinda clean I'm talking about! Plus the formula soothes and calms the itch so that I can go longer in between washes.

Now, if you're like me and want your hair to always smell good, rest assured that while these aren't scented and won't make your hair smell like flowers or fruits or baked goods, your hair will still smell very GOOD! It'll smell clean and fresh, with the healthy botanical extractions that the products are infused with. All-in-all, a huge thumbs up from me!




Psorzema® Body Wash : This natural, gentle body wash cleanses away scaling and flaking skin while soothing itchiness, redness and irritation on the body, face and scalp. Neem, Burdock, Bearberry and Vitamins A and E deliver healing, soothing nourishment as well as antibacterial properties to help calm and rebalance irritated skin. This natural cleansing alternative can be used daily in place of soap for problem skin. 100% vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, lanolin-free, gluten free, GMO-free.

USE : Apply generously onto wet skin. Massage until well lathered, concentrating on affected areas. Rinse with water, pat dry, and apply Psorzema® Crème. This cleanser can be used on the face or body and may be used daily in place of soap for problem skin.


Indian mothers and grandmothers have long touted the benefits of Neem and this product just proves them right! Mild and gentle, this gel-based formula is so soothing on sensitive or irritated skin. Allergic to fragrances? Swap out your chemically-processed soap or that heavily scented body wash for this all-natural formulation! Your skin will thank you!




Psorzema® Crème : This deeply moisturizing crème safely and effectively relieves scaly, flaky and itchy dry skin associated with Psoriasis and Eczema. It absorbs easily and gently calms and soothes hot, irritated skin. This product is made with a safe and effective blend of herbal extracts and skin vitamins such as Neem, Burdock, Bearberry and Vitamins A and E to help soften and soothe dry, irritated, scaling skin. It penetrates deeply to help reduce redness and encourage healthy skin. This pleasant moisturizing formula does not contain steroids nor any coal or pine tars. For use on the scalp, in the evening, apply to affected areas using a cotton swab. Put a shower cap on to protect your sheets and clothing, and leave the crème on overnight. In the morning, wash and condition hair as normal. This may be used as often as needed.

Please note: Psoriasis and Eczema usually have an internal component that needs to be addressed in order to resolve the condition completely. We highly recommend you work with a natural healthcare practitioner to help resolve this condition. There are many types of skin conditions, and what works for one individual may not work for others. 100% vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, lanolin-free, gluten free, GMO-free.

USE : Scoop a small amount of Psorzema® Crème onto the fingertips and apply to any affected area of the skin. May be used as often as desired to relieve symptoms.


Now, while my skin problems are not nearly as severe as my father's, I do experience rough, flaky patches on my elbows and ankles and my feet crack awfully, winter or summer. If you've ever had patches like these or have feet that crack easily, you know how much discomfort it is. This super fast-absorbing is a godsend, even in the warmer weather! The formula of a whipped body butter, it doesn't leave a sticky residue on the skin and soothes itchy, dry patches. Moreover, the fragrance-free lotion is perfect for those who are allergic to scents or just have sensitive skin. A fabulous staple for those of us with trouble skin!




So there you have it, my darlings! derma|e products can be found at Health Food Stores and on their site HERE. The Shampoo and Conditioner is currently on sale for $10.58 each for full-size, 8 fl oz. tubes. You can grab the Psorzema® Creme on sale for $17.96 for an 8 fl oz tube while the Body Wash is regularly priced at $11.75 for a 4 oz tub. Another thing to love about derma|e--effective products at affordable prices


To discover other great products, you can follow derma|e through the social media sites below :

What are your skin challenges? Tell me about them in the comments section below!


But wait! Want to try the Psorzema® Creme for yourself? The first 10 readers to sign up HERE will receive 3 trial sample packets of the Creme for themselves!





Until next time,
<3
B





****This post was sponsored by Brandbacker and DERMA|E. Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.****





Hi there, my darlings! Guess who's officially on Spring Break?! ME! For the next 9 days, expect the unexpected from yours truly! Weekend posts, late-night shares, random nail art--it's going to be a week of whims and whimsies! Starting it off right, I'd like to share a fabulous collection from Carolyn of Liquid Sky Lacquer--her unique new Summer 2016 collection! If you love thermals, you're gonna flip for this collection!


Ease into Summer is a coral reef red to bright tangerine orange thermal with a touch of holo sparkle. Buttery smooth application and formula, this baby is full opaque in 2 easy coats--the swatches below just 2 coats by itself. Doesn't this just scream summer days to you?!










With flash!




HOT STATE :




COLD STATE :




Comparison of the transition states :




Pacific Swim is a rich midnight blue to dusty light cerulean blue thermal accented with blue, aqua and violet flakies. Lovely, squishy jelly formula and application--the swatches below just 3 thin coats topped with 1 thin coat of Glisten & Glow's HK Girl topcoat. The cold state of this thermal kills me!










HOT STATE :




COLD STATE :




Comparison to show the transition states :




Mattefied with OP Matte Finish topcoat :






Midnight Cruise is a jet black with a light holographic finish and intense teal shimmer.
Fantastic application and formula--Carolyn makes such fabulous holos! While the swatches below just 2 thin coats by itself, you could easily get away with 1 thick coat. Not a thermal but one of my faves of this collection! I mean, just LOOK at that shimmer!










With flash!




Evening Cocktails is a deep, blackened wine to plum purple thermal accented with rose, green and gold flakies. Another perfect jelly formula and application--the swatches below just 3 thin coats topped with 1 thin coat of Glisten & Glow's HK Girl topcoat. You already know I love this beauty!










HOT STATE :




COLD STATE :




Comparison to show the transition states :




Mattefied with OP Matte Finish topcoat :






Violet Tendencies is a clear to vibrant violet thermal accented with purple, blue and gold flakies. Despite being packed with flakies, I had absolutely no issues at all with this jelly's formula and application--the swatches below just 3 thin coats topped with 1 thin coat of Glisten & Glow's HK Girl topcoat. Hands down, my favorite! So utterly gorg!










HOT STATE :




COLD STATE :




Comparison to show the transition states :




Mattefied with OPI Matte Finish topcoat :






So there you have it, darlings! Carolyn will be launching her Summer collection for 2016 today, April 23rd at 10 am PST/1 pm EST HERE for the price of $12.50 for each full-sized, 0.5 oz bottle. Don't forget to follow Carolyn on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM for exact times and dates of future restocks!



Which of these are YOUR favorite? Will you be grabbing any of these during the launch today? As always, I'd love to hear from you in the comments section below!




Until next time,
<3
B




****Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.****



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