Beware online shopping!

About a few month ago I was cruising a blog and I found a hair product that really interested me. It was given a rave review from the blogger and I felt like it could possibly work for me. Even though I searched the internet for more reviews I didn't see any. But I did what any other reader would do.. I purchased a jar of this product.


After my transaction, I realized that I didn't get a receipt BUT the money was removed from my account.

Bizarre... but I told myself wait a bit because I really wanted the product. A week with no receipt went by and I sent them an email. I included my name, email, Paypal transaction number and date I purchased. I received NO answer.

I then sent another email inquiring about the product delivery. NO ANSWER.

To make a long story short. I filed a claim to Paypal. Paypal sent me a refund because the company did NOT respond back to Paypal.

They did respond back to me after a month with a sob story about how the website had errors...

I will tell you the product cost $7.99.. petty cash to some but honestly it's the principal.

I didn't write this to cause problems.. I didn't even put the bloggers name or company. I just want you all to pay attention to the online companies that you buy from. If something seems wrong please "speak" up. 

Also always use Paypal if you can! 

Do you have a story like this online shopping?

MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Complexion Starter Kit + Unretouched ad campaign!

You have heard me rave about my love for Make up for ever's HD foundation before. I have a warm skin tone with yellow undertone with a hint of red. Finding a foundation with the right hint of red was always the hardest. Being a Woman of Color it was a huge deal for me to find a foundation that truly looked like skin.

I remember the day I walked into for a sample and ended up purchasing my first a bottle of the HD foundation & powder. It was my first big spurge on a foundation that truly matched my skin.

In Sephora starting today Make Up For Ever has started to carry a HD Complexion Starter Kit ( $89.00 CDN). You get to personalize your kit with your exact foundation color choosing their full range of 26 shades.

They are  also launching an interactive shade finder tool to help you find your perfect foundation match online. You can find the tool here if you want to try it out: www.hd.makeupforeverusa.com/shadefinder.

Each kit allows you to acheive flawless skin in three steps: Prep, Cover & Finish.


Prep: HD Microperfecting Primer
A lightweight, oil-free complexion corrector that enhances the skin's texture and primes the skin for makeup application.






Cover: HD Invisible Cover Foundation
An oil-free medium-to-full-coverage liquid foundation that covers skin imperfections flawlessly while remaining invisible on-screen and in real life
Finish: HD Mircofinish Powder & Kabuki Brush
A universal translucent finishing powder to be applied over foundation or worn alone. HD Kabuki Brush is a soft-to-the-touch yet sufficiently firm nylon brush designed to easily sweep powder on the face.
______________________________________________________

SWATCHES


MAKE UP FOR EVER is hosting its first ever open casting call to find the model for their next Unretouched ad campaign.  Women can create their own picture-perfect make up look and then submit it for consideration via their microsite, www.hd.makeupforeverusa.com.  

All finalists’ photos will be posted on Facebook and the winner will be flown to NYC for a professional photo shoot in late February.

Here are some pictures that I have taken with Make Up For Ever HD Foundation in 178.
NO PHOTOSHOP or DIGITAL ENHANCEMENTS have been done these pictures.

This will always be my favorite foundation.
Have you tried this foundation before?

My view on extensions(weaves)+ Interview with Bella Dream Hair

I remember back in the day when wearing hair extensions(weave) was confusing for most. It was seen as a "black" thing and often looked down upon. Sewing, gluing or clipping in hair was too odd for some to grasp. I remember hearing words like "does that hurt" or "will it fall out" by individuals who clearly didn't get the concept. Fast forward to 2011 where in my opinion wearing extensions is the norm because of Hollywood.
 Source: google imagesKourney Kardashian getting some tracks of hair sewn in at her local Salon.

FYI: This is her real hair length.
 Source: google images

A lot of women are interested in gaining length quickly but don't understand that a cheap $20.00 pack from the local beauty store is not the key for long term. I got low down on 100% Human Hair Extensions from Bella Dream Hair.
"The difference between Bella Dream Hair and your local Beauty Supply Store is quality. The grade of hair is completely different" says Constance from Bella Dream Hair. "BDH offers pure virgin hair from donors. The hair is pure virgin human hair that can be dyed and styled as desired. Our hair will last you over a year if taken care of properly".

A year is a long time but I wanted to know more about how to maintain & treat the hair. Since it was my first time inquiring about this blend! "The hair life will honestly depends on the care the customer takes with their hair. If you apply heat and chemicals to your extensions it will damage it quicker. If you over treat your hair it will damage. This hair is no different then the hair on your scalp you MUST take care of it. If you don't deep condition your extensions then yes your hair will start to shed and fall out become dry and brittle just like your own would. A lot of women don't realize that just because you are wearing a weave does not mean you shouldn't care for your hair." says Constance.

 Source: google images
Those are some powerful words.

Honestly my skin cringes when I see Britney Spears. She needs some BDH love!

 Britney is the best segue into extension application. She is wearing fusions hair extensions. "Fusion is not for everyone again if done right it's great, a way you can wear your hair in versatile fashions but if done wrong it can damage your hair." Constance

 NOBODY wants the "Britney" look. So I asked about other methods!
"Bonding glue is nothing to be afraid of. If used properly it will not damage your hair at all. The problem is people that do not apply bonding glue in the appropriate spots. Glue is actually a Hollywood beauty secret and one of the best ways to use for extensions, but again that's if it's done properly. I have found that women wearing sewn in methods will cause more damage to your hair and scalp due to the tension braiding and sewing creates on your head. Again, braiding extensions on is another well done technique that can benefit a woman's hair growth as well as harm her hair if not done right. There are many methods available for women of every ethnicities."Constance

One of my favorites from her site was the Brazilian Curly.
"I've bleached it and dyed it a honey blonde. My curls bounce right back if I flat iron it straight. It curls beautifully and I must admit it is one of my all time faves."

Gorgeous!
I hope this helped anyone who is skeptic or curious about hair extensions.

Ladies,
I'd HONESTLY like to know what you think below.  So, please leave a comment :)

Canadian Holiday News: Pari Beauty Palette + Free faux tote from ebeauty.ca

I know some of you have seen these amazing palettes pop-up over a few beauty blogs in the past few weeks.

I'm totally late showing them but I think everyone needs a good palette or two to start the new year off with!

Palette one is: Tricks of the Trade
$69.00 CDN
Tricks of the Trade

- 8 highly pigmented eyeshadows
- 2 Ultra Gloss lip colours
- 2 silky soft blushers
- 1 full size Precious Glow illuminating and intensifying eye primer
- 1 Duo Mineral Highlighter Bronzer (New)
- 1 Double Ended Makeup Brush
Contents Value: ~$210

Palette two is: Black Tie Collection
$45.00 CDN
BLACK TIE COLLECTION
-10 neutral and smoky eye shades
-Full size high shine lipgloss
-Holiday edition bronzer/contour powder
-Illuminating face highlighter
-Mirror and applicators

You can purchase these palettes at Sears, Pari Beauty kiosk & Paribeauty.com

Lastly, I have to share that ebeauty.ca is offering a free faux skin tote with purchases over $75.00.
Here is a picture of the tote! 
I paired it with my "chained" blazer & waist belt <3
Have fun shopping ladies!

My Payless must haves for 2012


You ladies know that I try to keep you all on top of what's hot at Payless. It's the day after Christmas and I know you may have a little extra in your pocket! Check out these pieces that I've fallen in love with. It's a mix of everything!
  • Glitter heels are fun.
  • Leopard print is playful.
  • Over the knee boots are hot.
  • Houndtooth is stylish.
If you had to get one piece... What would it be?

My Holiday Scent is Candied Ginger from The Body Shop!

I've always had a soft spot for ginger. 

As an island girl I grew up with it in the house for every ailment. 

Stomach ache... ginger!
Nasuea... ginger!
Bloating... ginger!
I'm sure you get the point...

20+ years later and I'm surprisingly not sick of it!




I love the fact that Candied Ginger is not a raw ginger scent. It has a hint of sweetness.
Best described as a "fresh and zingy scent of ginger".

If you have the chance this Holiday swing by The Body Shop and check out Candied Ginger!

What is your current Holiday scent?

Perfect Holiday Red Lip from Mary Kay

The holidays is the best time to rock a mean red lip! 
I've been trying to decide what would be my go to color.. in other words I have wayyyy to much to choose from. A little birdy from Mary Kay dropped a lovely package off with their new products and immediately found my holiday lip.

Here is what I used:


  • I first feathered my lips with Mary Kay Cappuccino lip liner.
  • Secondly, I applied Mary Kay Nourishine Plus in Rock n Red.
  • Lastly, I applied Mary Kay Creme Really Red.



The combination is amazing! 
The colors are rich, vibrant and overall fun.
At first I wasn't sure if the combo would work but it was fun experimenting and
seeing this amazing outcome!

SWATCHES:

I have no idea why I wrote Chocolate. Its really Cappuccino.

I think is color would look with any skin tone.
I'm ready for the Holidays now!
Thanks Mary Kay <3