Hair talk: Textures & Extensions

I am so surprised how popular my hair posts are. I was very iffy about talking about weaves/extensions it at first. Now that I have stated my concerns, I'm willing to share more. I have been getting a lot of emails & blog comments for more topics to be covered such as textures & over all general care.

In this post I am going to address texture. Texture is one of the most important things to think about when picking out extensions. I haven't "permed" my hair in two years and my current texture is curly. It wouldn't make sense for me to go out and  buy bone straight extensions to blend with my hair because the textures would be completely off.I could straighten my hair to blend but I do not want heat damage.

Regardless of length, I try to make ALL my extensions/weaves look natural. I decided to ask Constance from Bella Dream Hair some tips on picking the perfect extensions for first-time wearers.

 I think the biggest mistake women make is looking at an image and saying that THAT is what I want without taking into consideration their hair texture. If you see a woman with silky straight curls and you want that style but your hair is not silky in the least...then you ma'am should not pick that hair texture. Find a texture that matches your hair rather it's natural, relaxed or permed. Work with what you got so that your weaves will be flawless. 

As basic as that information is, I still see styles which totally perplex me! I know I'm not alone with that feeling...haha.

Overall, the versatility of extension can change up your looks in seconds. 

Monica is my favorite example of that because she can rock short and long styles naturally.

I hope you all enjoyed this post. 

If you have any questions/requests leave them below!

L’Oréal Paris limited edition TIFF Festival ‘12 Cosmetics Collection

It's that time again! 

Toronto has become a hot spot for celebrities, movies and the hottest lounges.

The Toronto Film Festival is here!
This year L’Oréal Paris’ has a nine-product limited edition TIFF Festival‘12 Cosmetics Collection.

La Couleur Infallible Eye Shadow in a dazzling coral shade called Pepsy Coral

Colour Riche Lip Colour in Peach Fuzz and Golden Splendor offer beautiful coral
and golden pink shades for a natural look

Colour Riche Lip Liner in a complementary shade of Beyond Pink

Magic Smooth Souffle Blush in a soft pink shade called Angelic

Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner in Black

Voluminous Power 24H Mascara in Blackest Black

Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream

Colour Riche Nail Colour in a bold red-brick shade called Red Tote

The collection will also be sold onsite at the L’Oréal Paris Red Carpet Beauty Lounge/during the Toronto International Film Festival.

Eylure Lashes- Up Close & Personal

I have a confession... I am a lash junkie. My obsession is a little different than others because I collect them. The funniest part of my obsession is the fact that I don't wear them! I can put them on others perfectly but not myself. I told myself this year that one of my goals will be taking the time out and having patience to put them on-without getting frustrated!

Thankfully Eylure has added four brand new Naturalites style additions to their line. 

These lashes are very natural looking and perfect for every occasion. 
I took close-up HD pictures for you all to see if these lashes are for you.

Feel free to click them to see them in their original size

The 011s, 032s, 035s and 083s are variations on current popular Eylure varieties 

and compliment both day or night looks.

Eylure Naturalites 011 Lashes are sweet and romantic, full lashes without fuss.
These are my faves! I love how it goes short to longer on the edges. 

Eylure Naturalites 035 Lashes add natural volume for a subtly full look.

Eylure Naturalites 083 Lashes adds fullness and length to lashes.

Eylure Naturalites 082 Lashes is a superfine lash one of the most natural looking.

They also debuted two new styles in the Katy Perry Lashes collection.
These lashes can be reapplied and are perfect for first-time wearers!

DARLING
Katy Perry Self Adhesive Lashes Darling. A full and fabulous style for a classic evening look. A great style for defining the eye and the self-adhesvie strip makes this so quick to apply.

Katy Perry - Darling Lashes

PRETTY
Katy Perry Self Adhesive Lashes Pretty. The style is `Pretty' and is as lovely as its name. A brilliant lash for adding volume and extra length, the self-adhesive strip makes this so quick to apply.

Aren't these lashes GORGEOUS!

I also forgot to add:

• 100% Natural Hair
• Can be trimmed to appropriate size
• Reusable
• Contact lens friendly

Which lash would you wear?

Suggested price is $7.99 CDN.

Check out Bomb La Bon Bon!

After a long day, it's best to treat yourself! Instead of visiting the local cupcake shop, why not try out a bath treat! I'm more of a lush girl but it's good to try out other brands... especially if they're Canadian. 

I was sent some goodies from Bomb La Bon Bon shop to try out. 

 "A unique variety of Candy Inspired Bath Bombs, Sugar Body Scrubs, Tub Truffles, Whipped Body Butters and Tub Milkshakes that are sure to leave your skin deliciously soft and moisturized without the sweet cravings guilt."

My favorite item I received was their handmade Whipped Sugar Scrub- Cotton Candy.

This tub is packed with creamy goodness of cotton candy fragranced body scrub. Delicious fragrances team up to give you double the pleasure that will last for plenty of treatments. A moisturizing combination that leaves skin soft and silky, not greasy or heavy.

It smells and looks amazing!

The consistency is very light. It provides a light scrub without damaging your skin.

I would classify this as a scrub that you can use daily.

After using it my skin was very soft.

 Some other goodies I was sent was the Bath Bomb - Donut Goodness & Rose.

The owner did everything she could to prevent the bombs from breaking. She even wrote " Do NOT invert" on the box. That didn't stop the post office for possibly kicking it down the street. Okay.. well I know they didn't kick it down the street but I was still sad to see my Donut Goodness Bomb was crushed. 

As we all know bath bombs disintegrate in water so the fact that it was broken wasn't that big of a deal. I just wanted to highlight it in case it happens to you.

 I also wanted to share that Bomb La Bon Bon  is:

• Not tested on Animals or has Animal-derived ingredients.
• Most of the products are vegan friendly and are 100% biodegradable and recyclable
• 100% free of: Parabens, Phtalates, Propyl Alcohol, Mineral Oil, Sulfates, Artificial Preservatives (PEGS, PPG, MEA, DEA or TEA)

Are you a Whipped Body Butter fan?

Half Moon manicure

I'm in love with my nails this week!

I decided to cut them short because they were sooo uneven. They grow back fast..so I know I have nothing to worry about. .

These nails were achieved using a black from CND Shellac and a gold from color club.

I love the versatility of shellac nails. After getting them done I can do everything I want immediately.

The smallest task such as getting your wallet out to pay can be the biggest task with regular polish. I would always get smudges. Boo!

Are you a fan of the Half Moon trend?

Chatelaine: 100 Best Beauty Buys

As a blogger, I know exactly what goes into testing a product. 

It can take weeks or months to test/review a item, especially if you are doing it alone. 

Thankfully the wonderful experts at Chatelaine have narrowed down their 100 best beauty buys.

After hours of testing hundreds of samples, the Chatelaine team of experts, including Beauty and Fashion Editor Catherine Franklin, narrowed it down: only the best of the best make it into the annual Beauty 100. From eco-chic, nicely priced and splurge-worthy makeup to the best sunscreens, anti-aging products and intensive hair repair, the Beauty 100 guide does the legwork for Canadian women, showing them how to get the most out of their beauty budget and choose the products that are just right for them.

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go to their 100 Best Beauty Buys event 

and check out some of their picks up close and personal.

It was awesome to see some of my favorite brands that I've tried and used on the list. 

I even seen some products which I'm now itching to get my hands on.

Thankfully, Chatelaine has provided me with some of the 100 Best Beauty Buys to try out. 

I didn't get to photograph them all but check out some new products I'm excited to try.

*All commentary on the items are from Chatelaine*

Eco Chic

Physician Formula

Shimmer Strips Shadow

& Liner in Nude Eyes, $16

Mascara

Big & Bold

Benefit They're Real!

$29

Makeup remover

Almay Moisturizing

Eye Makeup remover Pads, $8

Nail Polish

Nice Price

Joe Fresh Nail polish in

Bumble Berry, $4

Best Concealers

Easy Touch ups

Stila Brighten Correct

Concealer, $24

The issue is on newsstands now. 

Be sure to check it out.

Is there anything here that you want me to review?

Toronto Fashion's Night Out at Yorkdale!

I'm excited to hear that Fashion's Night Out will be in Toronto this year! I remember watching it on TV wishing that I could attend. This year, I will! FNO will be in the downtown core but for the east enders like me- we know have another option.. YORKDALE!

Yorkdale is easily accessible by Go Transit.
There is a bus outside my house that goes right there! How convenient is that?!

********

Yorkdale Shopping Centre is celebrating Toronto's first official Fashion's Night Out on September 6th, from 6:00pm - 11:00pm. We're kicking off the evening with a style-studded fashion presentation in Centre Court at 6:00pm, followed by a night of shopping with our first-class retailers.

YORKDALE CENTRE COURT EVENTS
6PM - HAIR DISCUSSION

6:30 PM – BEAUTY & MAKEUP DISCUSSION

7PM – LYNN SPENCE WITH TOP 20 TRENDS FOR FALL & WINTER

8PM – Q&A WITH MEET AND GREET

PARTICIPATING RETAILERS:
Burberry
Tory Burch
Holt Renfrew
Thomas Sabo
Sephora
GUESS
GUESS by Marciano
True Religion
GAP Kids
GAP
Banana Republic
Johnston & Murphy
Juicy Couture
Tiffany & Co.
Jean Machine
J.Crew
Bench
H&M
Michael Kors
7 For All Mankind
The Bay
Sears
Tommy Hilfiger
Old Navy
Laura
Club Monaco
Birks
Geox
Soft Moc
French Connection
Billabong
Salon Donato
Ardene
Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria
Moxies
Pickle Barrel
Milestones
Subway
Shanghai 360
KFC
SU&SHI
Jimmy The Greek
La Paloma
Amaya

Need more details: Toronto Fashion's Night Out at Yorkdale

Will I see you there?

Bella Dream Hair Giveaway (CLOSED)

I wear extensions because I love to switch up my style. I rock straight, curly or wavy styles without damaging my own natural hair. Bella Dream Hair is offering you the same opportunity with this amazing giveaway!

ONE winner is going to win:

12 oz Brazilian hair (bundles) or 

Clip-ins up to 24" their choice. 

If you're curious/eager to try out extensions, clips-ins is definetly a great start. 

Take them in or out whenever YOU want!

If you're a pro, go for the 12 oz of Brazilian! 

My favorite is the Brazilian Curly.

RULES:

-International Giveaway

- MUST be 17+ to enter
(You will have to share your address)

Fill out the rafflecopter widget below to enter!
(Incorrect entries WILL be disqualified)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

High-Low Trend

I've decided to embrace the high low trend. 

I recently read an article which stated that they're not for short girls but
I'm going to prove that "theory" wrong!

I recently went into a store that I never go to here called Urban Planet. 

I heard my mom rave about the maxi dresses that they sell and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.

$23 dollars later I came out with this awesome bird print high low dress. 

Since I was going to be out all day, I paired it with a denim jacket and Indian bangles.

I know that this trend is not for everyone.

How do you feel about the High-Low Trend?

Trend: Golden Bronze and Nude Makeup

There are a few trends out there which are appropriate for all 365 days. Golden-Bronze is definitely one of them.

I've seen bronze incorporated in to EVERY Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter look.

It has been a while since I posted a beauty look. I had some brand new Golden Bronze shadows from Annabelle/Marcelle and I felt like this would be the perfect time to wear them.

To complete the look I used my Maybelline BB cream in Deep. Since I was going to an event indoors, I decided to matifiy it. Just add a squirt or two of a silicone primer to your BB cream. It works wonders!

I used my Make Up For Ever HD Foundation in 178 because I couldn't find my concealer. To highlight I used my MAC Skinsheen Bronzer Stick in Gilty Bronze to glow!

Check out what the main items I used:

 This could be a easy back to school "nude" look! 

 Do you own a lot of Golden Bronze shades?

Fall 2012 Caryl Baker Visage Uptown Girl Color Collection

It's about time for me to start breaking out the F word on my blog...Fall is coming!

As much as it hurts to state it, it's true. My summer started out amazing with my trip to Dominican Republic. Now instead of searching for a cute bathing suit I'm starting to think about Fall jackets.

The first Fall collection I will be highlighting is from Caryl Baker Visage. 

The theme for Fall 2012 is Uptown Girl.

Midtown Morning Color Collection

What is an uptown girl you ask?
She's sleek,Chic & Sexy!

I decided to watch the lipstick & gloss for you all to see them on my skintone.

"City Slickers" Lip Gloss in Rodeo Drive

"Morning after" Lipstick

This line is definitely appropriate for the office.

Are you ready for Fall?

Why you should pay close attention to ingredients in your hair care products

I will admit never use to pay attention to the ingredients in my hair care products. After reading into what prolonged use of Sulfate products can do to your health, I have decided to pay more attention.

I recently received this email and I decided that this was perfect to share with you all. Who knows if this information is 100% but it's good to know what Sulfates can (possibly) do:

• Sulfates can worsen acne conditions as well as make your scalp to become dry. They can make the scalp to become more permeable. That makes it easier for harmful hair products to be absorbed easily
  by your scalp which may cause great harm in the end.
  
  
• If you use a shampoo that contains sulfates on colored hair, it washes away the color as the ingredient is mainly a cleanser.
  
  
• Some research findings from Germany also state that sulfates may cause hair thinning and hair loss in some cases.
  
  
•  Sodium Chloride, Paraben & Sulfate also cause damage to the hair follicles which causes you to have a weak hair structure and little hair growth.
  
  
•  If you accidentally ingest shampoo containing sulfate and or Paraben you could experience symptoms like vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. Similarly if you directly inhale a shampoo that has a high concentration of sodium chloride you can experience irritation in your respiratory tract and allergic reactions such as coughing & difficulties in breathing. 

Ladies, what do you think? 

Do you use hair products with sulfates in them?

Info supplied by The Little Luxuries

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Argan Oil

If you don't already know for the past two years I have transitioned from relaxed to natural. A choice I made on my own because my hair truly hated to be permed. In 2012, I started to do my hair totally on my own (washing, treatments etc). It's a serious transition from going to a salon to doing it myself but in the end, it will be worth it.

Oils are an essential to hair growth and maintenance. So far Argan oil is the ONLY oil I can use on my own hair & extensions which doesn't weight it down. What does "weighted down" hair look like you ask? It does not move, looks flat and lifeless.. Nobody wants that!

ARGAN OIL- An oil produced from the kernels of the argan tree, endemic to Morocco. It is valued for its nutritive, cosmetic and numerous medicinal proterties. It improves your hair's quality, helps new hair grow more quickly and gives it strength.

Garnier has came out with a whole line dedicated to Argan oil called Sleek & Shine.

The new formula combines Morrocan Argan Oil and Aprocot to prevent bad hair days, even in humid weather, thanks to this unique three-step system that gives you long-lasting control. Its revolutionary formula loaded with intensely rich fruit oils will leave your hair spectacularly shiny and 5 times stronger and smoother.

The whole line is pretty awesome but one product has captured my heart. it's the Sleek Finish 5 in 1 serum. I know some people may have a negative opinion of serums. I can admit some brands can weight down your hair but if you find a good brand you're set! In the summer time my hair is sooo frizzy! It's best to use a product like this to tame my tresses.

The 5-in-1 Serum Spray provides:

- instant smoothing
- luminous shine
- tamed flyaways
- anti-frizz
- humidity protection

This serum comes in an aerosol bottle. It's sooo much easier to apply it all over your hair. One quick spray is all I need. If you see this in your local drugstore check it out!

Have you tried Argan oil before?