Product Rave: Kenra Shine Spray

So, being a brunette and having chemically-treated, very dry hair, I'm always on the lookout for a product that will give me a lovely, glossy shine. I've used a Redken product before, the ubiquitous Chi Silk Infusion, some serum or other from Victoria's Secret, and numerous other products (many of which are currently crowding up my bathroom drawers), but hadn't found anything that really worked. Over the summer, when I was having my hair done for a huge family wedding, my stylist sprayed this candy-smelling mist all over my hair when she was done. When I asked what it was, she informed me that it was Kenra Shine Spray, and that it was to make my updo of crunchy blonde highlights (yes, I was attempting to go from almost black to blonde....er, I got that outta my system real quick, along with the ubertanness that I was sporting at the time: gawd, what was I thinking?!) look healthy and pretty. Cool beans, said I, and I promptly forgot about it in the chaos of getting the bride finished and ready to go.

Fast foward 9 months, and I found myself wandering the hair product isle at Ulta hunting for something (I had itchy fingers and wanted to purchase something, anything, lol). Hark! The sparkling packaging of Kenra Platinum Collection caught my eye! As I perused the products, something deep within my sluggish and caffeiene deprived memory surfaced: Kenra Shine Spray! Yummy smelling shiny stuff! Sweet! There it was, the last lonely bottle on the shelf. Well you can bet I swiped it up (along with other random things I don't even remember..), along with a bottle of their Working Spray (a flexible hairspray). This morning, I used it for the first time and I really do heart it. It smells like fruity candy, which is to say, completely delicious and awesome. It doesn't feel slick or greasy or siliconey--nothing like the chi silk infusion or any serum I've ever used. To be honest, it doesn't feel like there is any product in my hair whatsoever. But it does impart a high-shine, long-lasting candy scent to my hair.

I don't know if you can tell from this picture (pardon my iphone camera quality), but it really did make my hair look shiny and healthy.

My method of use: blow-dry, and then spray a small amount on my ends. Straighten as normal, using my usual combination of products. Spray a fine mist over my whole head, with extra spray on my ends, and ends of my layers. Smooth over with a boar bristle brush, add hairspray, and you're done!

The shine spray retails for $15.00, and you can find it at Ulta, and most salons. Definitely a must-have product, in my opinion.

Have you tried it? What do you think?

NARS foundation=love?

I finally broke down and bought NARS Sheer Glow foundation (in Deauville, for referencee: I'm usually range from NW15, NC20, and NC25 in MAC foundations). I was never really interested in NARS foundation products, I don't know why. They just never jumped out at me. That changed once lollipop26 decided it was her new love, and as you all know, I adore her and always have to try everything she likes (does that make me a super creepy online stalker? probably.), so I went ahead and got it.

Finish: dewy, satiny--think JLO, but, it doesn't feel like it--it dries down and feels like a matte, without looking like one.
Coverage: surprisingly awesome, considering the very runny consistency (it's the consistency of Face and Body by MAC), but the coverage is medium and it is buildable as well.
Wear: Long-lasting. It survived, and looked nice, for the 12 hours I wore it yesterday (I did set it with NARS loose powder, MUFE HD powder, and MIAB).

I wholeheartedly agree with Laura--this is a really great foundation. At $42 for 1oz, it is a pricey option, but for those of you who are looking for a dewy, long-wearing, medium coverage foundation, this is an awesome foundation. I will definitely be repurchasing this product.

Dior Extase Mascara!

The new Dior Extase Mascara has arrived! It just launched on the Sephora website, and I called my local Sephora to see if they had it. Once I explained to the sales associate that yes, it was a product they carry as it is a Sephora exclusive, and convinced her to look for it (they really should educate their associates better, especially considering Sephora exclusive products), I discovered that yes, it has arrived in-store. Most stores, though, haven't put it out on the sales floor yet--you'll have to ask a manager to get it for you. I happily headed down to the store, and battled the insane after-Christmas shopping traffic and parking nightmare.

What it is supposed to do (taken directly from sephora.com):
"DiorShow Extase provides built-in treatment benefits and high-impact lashes in a single stroke! The spherical-shaped Black Pearl Pigments create a 3D volume effect and the exclusive Metamorphosis Powders expand in size by up to 50% after application. Also, SR38 Patented Ceramid brings additional care, reconstructing damaged lashes and promoting stronger and fuller lashes.The Extase mascara features a "Tiered Brush" that is inspired by the "tiered" couture dresses created by the House of Dior. The brush is designed for performance and contains an Exclusive Duo of Fibers: The Black Elastomer Fibers brush out and define the lashes for panoramic fringe and the Gold Nylon Fibers hold and deposit formula, generously coating each lash for outstanding volume."

Ummm...ya. While I haven't used it for long enough to decide whether or not helps to grow or promote healthier lashes, I did give it a shot today. The "tiered brush" is interesting. It's full, but not as full is Diorshow, and the tiers of it really do help to get the product into your lashes. I definitely feel like each and every lash was completely coated in product, even smaller lashes towards the inside of my eyes and my lower lashes as well. It is a very lengthening formula, and it does help to hold curl as well. It's not a hard formula either; my lashes don't feel crunchy or stiff, instead, they're very soft and natural feeling, almost as if I wasn't wearing mascara. I admit to wishing that it was more thickening, like Diorshow, but all in all, I do like this mascara. I'm going to try layering it with a thickening formula to see how it does. Is it worth the $28 price tag? If you like length and perfectly coated lashes, this is definitely for you!

Christmas Haul!

So while some will undoubtedly think this haul is just an attempt to brag about what gifts I was lucky enough to receive, that's really not it. I'm just incredibly excited, and my fiance, while happy for me, just does not understand the happiness a black box can bring. Also, one of my personal favorite types of blogs to read is a haul (and what's in my bag), so there. You think I'm bragging? Fine, don't read. Won't bother me, I promise.

And now onto to the haulage!

Firstly, some reading material. My dad gave me "Digital Sports Photography," by G.Newman Lowrance. My dad is an avid, and amazing! photographer and camera collector. When I was in high school, he kindled quite the interest in photography and photo editing in me, which later became eclipsed by my sudden passion for make-up artistry. Recently though, I've decided to delve again into the complicated (to my mind), world of lighting, exposures and all other things photo-related (how Francios Nars of me, no?) Knowing this, and having given into my care a professional, though slightly battered, amazingly powerful (and heavy) camera, he thought that I would learn something from these books. I've yet to read them, as the past two days have been a whirlwind of present unwrapping and feasting, and now work, but I'm very excited to study the glossy pages and hope to absorb some of the wisdom of those masters of the lense. Maybe I'll post some of my efforts here....I was also lucky enough to receive "Make Up Your Mind," by the talented NARS founder himself, Francios Nars, as well as "Face Forward" and "Making Faces" by the legendary Kevyn Aucion. I've wanted all three of these for some time now, and never got around to ordering them (my local borders NEVER has them in stock). So much inspiration is to be found between their covers...if only I had more friends in my new town to model for me. Ah well.
Making Faces: http://www.amazon.com/Making-Faces-Kevyn-Aucoin/dp/0316286850/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261866164&sr=1-1
Face Forward: http://www.amazon.com/Face-Forward-Kevyn-Aucoin/dp/0316287059/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261866205&sr=1-1

Make Up Your Mind: http://www.amazon.com/Make-Your-Mind-Francois-Nars/dp/B002VPEA6C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261866229&sr=1-1

Now onto the assorted cosmetic and beauty-related items I begged Santa for.
--YSL's Parisienne parfum--yes, I've wanted this since I seen the incredibly sexy and glamorous commercials featuring the amazing Kate Moss--before I even smelled it! Having tried it on at Nordstrom's, I could not picture my life without it. It's so sexy, sweet, floral: the essence of a young woman living life to the fullest. I know I sound like an ad, but really, do try it; the way it smells is just as fabulous as the way it makes you feel. http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P247202&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=1070

--Several MAC goodies: Naughty Noir eye bag (I wanted this primarily for the full-sized Shimmertime pigment included, but am adoring the travel-sized 109 and Zoomlash mascara and full-sized Fluidline--I have a multitude of fluidlines, but now this one sits happy in my purse along with some duo, feline kohl power, the 109 and zoomlash ((in the mini silver bag with turquoise detailing included with the set, of course)), which is perfect for lash mishaps, or a quick winged liner and extra mascara if I find myself needing to amp up my look for whatever reason.) The House of Mirth deep lip bag which contains a small Cedar lip pencil (which is my new love--so beautiful on!), Fantasia lipstick (l.e., of course) and Get Rich Quick dazzleglass, which I already knew I loved. The Fun in the Sun mineralized set which contained a full-sized Play on Plums shadow, Nuance blush, Shimpagne mineralized skinfinish (my main reasoning for lusting after this), and an SE181. I also got the Haute Hijinks warm mini pigment set, containing mini sizes of Reflects Gold Glitter, Museum Bronze, Copperized, Rushmetal and Jardin Aires pigments. I'm very happy about that seeing as my tiny samples of Rushmetal and Jardin Aires and basically gone!Jingle Jangle dazzleglass and Surprise Me lipstick from the holiday color collection as well--both gorgeous colors; Jingle Jangle being bright pink and Surprise Me being an intense pinky coral. All items can be found here: http://www.maccosmetics.com/whats_new/collection.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CAT1889&cm_mmc=YahooSSP-_-Feeds-_-TLP_QL-_-Holiday

--Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips in Katie: sounds rather random, considering my known dislike for Bare Escentuals products, but truth be told, I do love their Buxom Lips gloss. Very pretty colors, not sticky, great texture and the plumping effect is to die for! A supremely mentholy feeling that last for hours, rather than minutes, like MAC plushglass. This color is a soft baby pink with silvery glitters. Great everyday color. http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P174213&categoryId=C20221&shouldPaginate=true

--Model in a Bottle (the original formula). I've wanted this for a long time, but again, never got around to ordering it. I wanted it even more after MakeupGeekTV (Marlena!) reviewed it and loved it. As for the usefulness of the product, my makeup has been on for almost 6 hours at this point, and while being a bit shiny (that's due to my over the top use of Shimpagne this morning--really what possessed me to dust it all over my forehead?) it hasn't moved around AT ALL--even after eating, sneezing, resting my face on my hands, etc, and I've yet to touch up. Huzzah! For those curious, it will not replace your Fix+. Fix+ will rehydrate and refresh your makeup and can be used however many times you want; MIAB is applied once, right after your makeup application, and creates a sweat, tear and smudge-proof makeup--and yes, even eye makeup--it's hairspray for your face! For those sensitive to smells, order the Sensitive version. The original has a strong smell, rather floraly or something, which doesn't happen to bother me, but it would bother someone sensitive to scent. I strongly recommend this product. http://www.modelinabottle.com/

--NARS blushes in Deep Throat and Lovejoy. Beautiful products, each of them. Deep Throat is very similar to Orgasm, but slightly deeper and less pink. Lovejoy is gorgeous pinky bronzey awesomeness. I adore them both--and have renewed my pledge to own every single NARS blush. I can't help it. I really do need therapy. http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P2855&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=3976

--Make-Up Forever concealer palette in No. 1! I've really wanted to try this out for a while, and I gave it a whirl this morning, and so far I like it. It's very creamy and easy to work with, but it does dry town and stay put, which is great. I'm not sure if I got the right color yet, or not. I love the green and peach correctors, but I feel like the other 3 shades may be a bit light. I'm going to compare it to No. 2 when I go to Sephora later this week. http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P147417&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=4028

--Several pairs of pjs: I have an obsession with lounge wear, and the whole family knows it.
--A new coffemaker! A Cuisinart, complete with two cute Starbucks mugs and some Christmas blend (probably my favorite coffee ever). This is the "family coffee maker"--my in-laws have it and we all lust over it, so when my fiance's brother got married, they got one and now we have one too! It's amazing. It's of course programmable, and you can even decide if you want a stronger brew by pushing a button! The best part is that it's self-grinding: simply pour in your water, pour in the whole beans of your choice, and it grinds them, measures out the perfect amount to go with your desired strength and amount of water, and presto! Instant awesomeness. I used it this morning and I really, really heart it. You can find it (on sale right now!) here: http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=88293&CategoryID=7715
--I also received some lovely jewelry, including some that was handmade for me by my fiance's aunt! That makes it all the more beautiful and special.
--Several ornaments including Cinderella and a diet coke can! I love collecting ornaments. Oooh, and a super nice tree skirt. It's adorable!!
--My fiance was also generous enough to get me a present after just buying me a car three weeks ago (it wasn't my fault! My other car was ready to explode....the engine made very ominous sounds, lol.) He got me this Marciano bag I've wanted for a while now, especially after I saw it on an episode of Gossip Girl! Hell yes! I got mine in chocolate (he even knew I'd been wanting a chocolate bag, wow. What did I do to deserve him?) and you can find it here--and it's ON SALE!! Go buy it now!! http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3052815?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=keywordsearch&keyword=marciano&origin=searchresults
He is also taking me to get some of the products from the new launch by MAC, Warm & Cozy. He knows I've really been excited about it, so he's going to take me shopping :). He's also going to treat me to some NARS loose powder (I've heard its fabulous and have been really wanting to try it), and their Sheer Glow foundation (lollipop26's influence again!). I may pick up some mascara, too. I'm running out, and can't decide what to get...I may go back to my all-time favorite, Diorshow, or maybe try something else..MUFE smokey lash is great too. I've heard good things about so many--it's impossible to decide! Maybe I'll get the lash stash instead, so I can test drive some...any recommendations?

Despite all the hardships that our family has been through this year, this was an absolutely amazing Christmas. We were so blessed to be able spend time together, laughing and having fun, enjoying the incredible feast that my father-in-law made for us on Christmas Day, as well as the spectacular repast my mother served on  Christmas Eve. We are so lucky to be able to spend our time together, and to show each other how much we love and appreciate each other through fun, thoughtful and amazing gifts. I feel so blessed, thankful and grateful to be living the life that I am, and to be surrounded by such special, generous and loving people.

How was your holiday? What fun things did you get (or even give!)?

Dexter?!

Did anyone else watch the finale tonight? It totally blew my mind. It's strange when you are at the point that you identify and empathize with a serial killer, though. But I mean, really, screenwriters, why Rita? She was such an innocent. And why continue the family baptism in blood? Just horrible. But you bet your ass I'm watching next season!

Is it just me?

Or do the holidays feel a bit lackluster this year?  Maybe it's the economy (could that be any more of a bullshit excuse?), maybe it's the fact that it's my first holiday after the move away from my hometown, maybe I've changed? I look forward to the holidays all year: I adore the weather, I heart sweaters, I love holiday food, I can't wait to decorate--I love everything holidays. This year, my apartment is seriously lacking in holiday festivenessity, due to the strict budget I find myself living on after buying a car spur of the moment--my living room doesn't even have a tree! I've been waiting all year to drive up to Apple Hill and direct the fiance in the cutting down of the perfect tree, yet, somehow, we never got around to it. We're buying a tree off the church fundraising lot near our house tomorrow. I haven't collected any new ornaments--I haven't even picked up my childhood ornaments from my parent's house! No holiday baking has occured (though, considering my desire to lose weight, that could be a good thing.) and I've meticulously collected recipes all year! I haven't even really gotten to Christmas shop, thanks again to that whole budget issue. I'm making gifts this year, cookies in a jar and the like (another thing I have to do tomorrow). Maybe I'm missing the true meaning of Christmas or something, but it just feels to me that this holiday season is not satisfying my need for holidayness. Seeing as it's my first holiday in my new town, that could probably be part of it; this doesn't feel like home, doesn't feel like my winter weather, doesn't feel like my anything. Does that even make sense?  Not that I don't like where I live...I just haven't been here long enough for it to have the sense of comfort and familarity that my hometown has. I miss home, which is something I honestly thought I would never say. I find myself missing a lot of things lately; I am a wealth of unused and discarded potential.

Enough useless whining. My house isn't going to clean itself, unfortunately.

So last night, whilst watching my recorded version of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show (I didn't get to watch it when it aired as the man was busy watching some basketball game or something), and stuffing handfuls of chips dipped in cheesy jalepeno crab dip into my face, I had a realization: I have an addiction to food. Now, I haven't been happy with my weight for some time, and I've tried Jenny Craig (during the course of which I lost 20 pounds that I immediately gained back), and watching what I eat and all of that, but I can't never stick to it, and could never figure out why. But I really believe it's an addiction; i come to food for a sense of comfort and security, a sense of momentary happiness and fulfillment. I don't even think I eat when I'm hungry--it's more out of boredom and dissatisfaction. I even associate food with happy feelings too; the holidays center around food for me, as does my birthday, or any other happy or celebratory time. I can't even think "I should meet up with a friend," instead, I say to myself "I should meet her at Cheesecake Factory for lunch..." So obviously, this poses a large roadblock to the 40 pounds I'd like to lose before my wedding. Don't they say knowing you have an addiction is half of the solution? Let's hope that will hold true.

My fridge is stocked with fruits and vegetables, ingredients for healthy dinners (recipes courtesy of http://www.sparkrecipes.com/), and my freezer packed with lean cuisines (to take as quick lunches during the workweek). I have vowed to myself to eat breakfast every morning, whether it be a yogurt or a small bowl of oatmeal, and try to control my Starbucks intake. I am a huge Starbucks fan, and love to start my morning with a white mocha, peppermint mocha, pumpkin spice latte, or caramel macciato (though I drink them nonfat, they still pack plenty of calories). Also, I plan to avail myself of the 24 hour gym in my apartment complex; it is state of the art, often empty, and despite the fact that it is located less than a minute away, I have never been able to haul myself there. So here's my plan, with a little help from http://www.sparkpeople.com/ :
-Limit calorie intake to 1200-1500 calories a day
-Drink a minimum of 8 ounces of water a day
-Strength train for a minimum of 30 minutes a day, twice a week
-Cardio (most likely a fast walk on a treadmill) a minimum of 30 minutes 5 days a week
-Control my Starbucks cravings: no bigger than a size tall, always nonfat with no whipped cream, and sugarfree when possible).
According to sparkpeople, should I manage to keep myself to this plan, I'll have lost the desired 40 pounds by the end of April! That seems a bit ambitious to me, but what do I know? I'll have to trust the experts at sparkpeople. Have you check out sparkpeople? It really is a very helpful website. It builds meal plans for you (should you want them), exercise plans, forces you to be accountable and track everything you eat (so that you know how many calories you're eating), and it's sister site sparkrecipes.com has a huuuuuuuuuge selection of healthy, user-rated and delicious recipes to try out. I guess that's my plan?  We shall see how much success I'll have with it...