Tag Archives: gel

Steady and True… Fabulous and New!

17 Aug

Hello summer! I can’t tell you how busy this sassy redhead has been over the past few months. So many new endeavors going on. I am still managing the tattoo shop; I was asked to be the writer and editor of a small, upcoming magazine which I gladly accepted; and I was chosen to be an alternative model for a well-established magazine. Thanks to me taking a leap of faith, I put myself out there a little more than I am used to and because of that, I have now been featured in three magazines with another spread coming out soon. I guess all I can say right now is WOW! It’s amazing what possibilites are out there for you if you just reach for the brass ring. I am extremely blessed to have these fun opportunities… and I plan on making the most out of all of them.

In addition to taking all these great breaks I have been presented with, I am also taking the time whenever I can to continue to write about my endeavors in the glamour and fashion industry. And there has been many! My yearly trip to New York City for The Makeup Show was such a success in May. I made some fabulous connections and will be working with some big names in the makeup industry in the near future. In addition to going to see my glamour guru friends, I also learned some great new makeup tricks. This has actually come in very handy when I need to prepare my face, skin and makeup before a photo shoot. Let’s take a look at some of the tried and true products that I fell in love with last year and still have a place on my vanity. Those are:

* Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner

* Make Up For Ever Waterblend Face and Body Foundation

* Crown Brushes

* NYX Butter Gloss & Epic Ink Eyeliner

* TwinMedix Skin Care System

Then there are the items that I tried, fell in love with and have been using ever since. They have earned their place on my Vanity of Love. So what am I crushing on big time right now? Let’s take a look:

 

NARS Smooth & Protect Primer SPF 50 – I have used many primers over the years. Many of them were just okay, a few were worth a second purchase, and there was the occasional product that did more good in the garbage than it did on my face. This little gem was a sample that came in an Ulta purchase a few months ago. It was instantly obvious that I had found my primer of the lifetime! Being a redhead means I need to protect my skin from the sun whenever needed, and this primer with a high SPF actually helps my skin in two different ways. It gives me a nice, matte, consistent finish all over my face to prepare it for whatever foundation I choose to use. Plus, the high SPF protects my skin no matter what foundation I wear… even if I choose to wear none at all. It doesn’t clog my pores, isn’t irritating to my sensitive skin, and the large tube lasts for a very long time (even with daily use.) It is going to be a challenge for any product to try and replace this in my daily routine. A definite multi-purpose must have! (Ulta, $36)

Pixi Glow Tonic – We all know how awesome it feels to put on our skin care and makeup right after we have exfoliated our skin. In order to not irritate our skin, we should only exfoliate our skin 2-3 times a week and deep treat with a mask once a week. So does that mean our skin can’t feel freshly fabulous during those off days? Not anymore. Glow Tonic is a highly concentrated facial toner that gently exfoliates and purifies your skin each morning with a small amount of Glycolic Acid. Packed with natural ingredients like ginseng & aloe vera, this toner helps to remove more of the renewed cells on your face that have shed during sleep. Use a small amount on a cotton ball then sweep it over your freshly cleaned face to give you a smooth surface that your makeup will appreciate. (Pixibeauty.com, $29)

OFRA Pro Mixing Palette – If anyone was to see this item in my work room, they would probably laugh their asses off. The fact is… I have no artistic ability. Sure, I can write, take photos, do my makeup, edit pictures, design outfits, lots of different types of art. But when it comes to drawing? Painting? Nope, nope, nope. My statement always is that “I cannot draw a straight line with a ruler.” So why would I have a mixing palette in my glamour room? For just that… mixing! Working in a tattoo shop has made me very aware of the color wheel and what colors create specific shades. I may have a look that I want to put together for a formal event, but don’t have the shades of eyeshadows and/or lipsticks that aren’t available on a retail level. That’s when I get out my palette and start blending. Having a palette is very helpful with foundations as well. Putting a small amount of your foundation on a palette lets you control how much you are putting on with a brush or a sponge. It also enables you to add a little color corrector to your foundation if your skintone needs a touch of altering for whatever reason. It is also perfect for creating shades of lipstick that I would want for an specific look but don’t own. Kat Von D’s Everlasting Liquid Lipstick is a great example. I will put a “swipe” of the colors I am looking to blend and then take a lip brush to mix them. Voila! A new shade that will last all day. After you are done mixing on your palette, just wipe it off with a disinfecting cloth and you are ready for the next day! (Make Up For Ever, starting at $6)

Kryolan Dermacolor Camouflage Creme Erase Stick in White – I am very happy with the concealers that I use on an almost daily basis. They have a long wear time and stay put. After a while, however, I began to notice that under my eyes sometimes had an oily shine in some of my photos. I tried mattifying powders and balms but nothing seemed to work when a flash was involved. After a great class at The Makeup Show by Kryolan Cosmetics, I found this gem of a stick to hide not just under-the-eyes discoloration but also heavy laugh lines, wrinkles and discolorations. This little baby worked like a gem!! Even though it is pure white, it doesn’t have an oily consistency and blends well into your other makeup. A lot of time has been saved during my makeup prep time, thanks to this little diamond in the rough. If you go to Kryolan’s website, take some time to browse around. They also have some wonderful makeup pencils, primers and other makeup must haves! (us.kryolan.com, $14)

H2O + Beauty Oasis Hydrating Treatment – It isn’t easy for me to find a good face moisturizer that doesn’t make my face feel greasy in the summer. I know, no matter what the season is, my face needs hydration. EVERYONE needs hydration for their skin. You can help it by drinking more fluids, especially in hot temperatures, but you still need something to protect it on the outside. I recently got a sample of the H2O Hydrating Treatment about two months ago. The product made sense—-a gel that absorbs quickly but is long lasting. Infused with Sea Grass and Water Lily extracts, this hydrating gel gives your face the moisture it needs without heavy creams or oils. Your face feels soft and smooth without a greasy texture or shine.

I never leave The Makeup Show without learning about some great new products or skin care items that target my needs. And I am getting great leads on new, top-of-the-line products to try out. Plus it allows me to come on here and share these tips, tricks and new items with you. This year, since I have doing some occasional modeling, it was important for me to learn about techniques and products that would be helpful for the shoots. As time goes on, I am sure I will find some tips about photoshoots that I can share with my modeling friends around the world. Not to mention? I’m sampling stuff more often than ever. So stay tuned, beautiful people! Who knows what epic items I will have to share with you next time!

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New Year…. New Sassy?

31 Dec

untitledIn three days, I will be like the rest of the world, joining together to ring in the new year. I hear so many people say, “Oh, I will be so happy for 2015 to come to end.” I’ll be honest, that kind of makes me sad. Sure, there are things that I wish I didn’t have to go through this past year. We all can say that about one thing or another. But the question becomes simple: If you hadn’t gone through this or that, would you have become someone other than you are now? And would you be happy with that new person? Hmmm. As much as I’d love to hand back a few of the cards I was dealt this year, the fact remains that each of those “cards” changed me in one way or another. Some made me grow, some enlightened me, others were scary, some even caused me great pain. But as I sit here at my desk in The Loft, I realize that all of those things, grouped together, have put me right here. And…. I kind of like that. I am happy. I am well. I am enlightened. I am more informed. Does that make me a new person? Nah. It just makes me more insightful. And that’s not so bad.

As the ball is prepared to drop in Times Square soon, I took some time to look back at the things I did want to do this year but didn’t. They aren’t really all fashion and glamour oriented, but some are. I’m sure as the year moves along, I will think of others. Let’s just say it is kind of a bucket list for 2016. But I have to say, a bucket list covers a really large span of time. I am just thinking of the here and now, no farther than the end of 2016. It kind of makes the goals a little more focused and attainable. So what would I like to do this coming year? These are some definites:

270665_1345_11) Get to NYC to see Fashion Week in the fall.This item is on my REAL bucket list, but I’ll be honest… I’m tired of waiting for the right time. Or more so, I am tired of waiting for it to happen. So, I have decided to just MAKE it happen. As a fashion & glamour writer, I have a lot of friends that I have made in this industry. I am going to do whatever I have to so I can be there. I don’t mean just walk around the streets of Manhattan, hoping to bump into Michael Korrs or Betsey Johnson either. I mean go with a purpose: to watch and write. I will grab the first train out of my hometown, iPad in hand, and sit in the crowd with just like me. People that love fashion, that are interested in new trends. On the inside I will be doing cartwheels, but on the outside I will be smiling and composed, knowing I’ve earned my spot there. And it will be FABULOUS! Sassy may want: a nice, chic briefcase/carry-all to hold her notepad, laptop, iPad, pens, pencils, datebook, etc. like Henri Bendel’s West 57th Briefcase in black, $398.00. Available at Henri Bendel’s website.

VS Pant2) Enjoy nature more. I started doing this a little bit at the end of this year, and found I had been secluded in my own little world too long to not spend time with Mother Nature the way I had when I was a kid. There is too much technology around us to keep us enthralled, allowing us to forget about the beauty right outside of our window. When I wrote my first article from The Loft, all I had was a laptop, a cup of tea, a beautiful view of a park in fall, and an idea. After I took my first walk in the park, I felt so much more of me had pushed back for whatever reason. Maybe it was my health, my J*O*B, my family or my feelings of responsibility to take care of those around me first. Sure, those things are important and always will be. But to lock myself away and not enjoy the sound of a spring rain, the warmth of the summer sun, the beauty in the colors of autumn or the child within during a first snowfall is a crime to myself. I will embrace the outdoors more to give me a clear mind, body and soul. Sassy may want: some comfortable outdoorsy clothes like Victoria’s Secret PINK Gym Pant in Marl Grey, $54.95 and PINK Athletic Crew Tee in White/Black Orchid, $24.95. Available at VictoriasSecret.com

SBS-6534813) Do my own manicures regularly. Okay, I know that sounds silly but it is actually is a big deal for me. For the longest time, when anyone asked me what my biggest accomplishment was in my life, I would say it was when I stopped biting my nails. You have NO IDEA how huge that was for me. I compared it to quitting smoking cigarettes—two packs a day even! It was my vice when I was bored, nervous, thinking, you name it. Then, literally out of the blue one day, I decided to stop. I had a fake set of nails put on and I loved how they looked but at that time in my life, I couldn’t afford to maintain them. Then I realized I was ready. I didn’t have to convince myself I needed to do it to keep myself healthy. There was nothing really that I needed to do it for. Except myself. So I did. I just stopped, cold turkey. Since then I have let my nails grow out, trimming my cuticles and keeping my hands soft. I asked other beauticians what is the best thing I can do to keep them strong. I follow their advice to the letter. Now, my only problem is keeping them looking fresh when I go about my other job. I’m always bumping them into metal furniture, equipment, you name it and I will get a chip on the second day. OR if I find a really good polish that lasts, I will use my nails as a “tool” which wears down the polish on the tips. I know I shouldn’t, but if I need to get a piece of tape off a box, scrape something off the top of the stove or use them to grab a tack or nail, they will surely chip or thin out. The best thing I can do is keep my hands soft, keep my nails strong, and use the best products to keep my polish on the best that I can. And if they do start looking ratty?…. redo them FAST! Sassy might want: ORLY’s Website Nailtrition, $11.29; Nail Lacquer in Gorgeous, $7.69; Glosser Professional Topcoat, $8.79. Available at Sally Beauty’s website.

TJMjeans4) Spend even more wisely. When it comes to my shopping “addiction”, I am better than most when it comes to how much I spend and what I spend it on. I am, however, a terrible impulse shopper and that seems to be where I lose my sense of sanity and just fall into “I need that!” mode. I need to follow the plan that I actually stated several years ago: if you see something you want, take a picture of it then walk away. Use the picture to make sure you don’t have anything like it and see if it will get used often while it is in your glamour ensemble. After you do that, delete the picture. If you go back to the store JUST TO LOOK FOR THAT ONE ITEM, or you keep thinking about it or talking about it for 2-3 days afterwards? It is, in my opinion, an impulse buy. The next thing you have to see is if you can get it cheaper any place else or how do you plan on paying for it. And if paying for it suddenly takes precedence over your electric bill, it’s not worth it. If I really have an urge to go shopping, I try to lean myself towards discount stores, consignment shops, thrift stores, or surplus stores where everything is already less money. Then when I get there, I head to the Sale or Clearance rack FIRST. ALWAYS go to the Clearance rack first. And don’t forget to check online for discount codes or coupons (I LOVE RetailMeNot for store and online shopping). From someone who usually bargain shops to begin with, choosing specific things I NEED rather than random things I want needs to be more of a priority now. Besides…my closet is ready to explode! Sassy might want: a nice day out at my local Marshall’s or TJ Maxx to get something like an inexpensive pair of designer jeans like Celebrity Pink Skinny Shaper Stretch Jeans in blue, $19.99. Available at TJ Maxx’s online store

pBBW1-22175228v275Tea5) Put myself first more often. I don’t want that to sound selfish, but it can happen to any of us. We get caught up in work goings on, helping others with stuff they need, being at our childrens’ beckon call. We help our spouses to make sure they don’t stress because we know that stress trickles downhill. We take on everyone’s pain and responsibilities losing our own happiness in the process. We often do it without thinking, and when we finally realize we need to step back, we can either be in the middle of a fight about it or worse…lose our own happiness completely. Trust me, I know this from personal experience. Don’t let yourself get too far gone. “No” is an easy word to say. It only has two letters. And my theory has always been if someone can’t get over it, let them get under it. Take time for you. Do things YOU want to do to make yourself happy. Do things that will enlighten you, embrace you, help you to grow. Ask yourself: “Does doing this for someone help ME get to where I am going?” Then ask: “Does doing this help THEM get to where they specifically want to go?” If the answer is no, then think twice. You need to be doing things that will keep you sane, grounded, happy, less stressed, and one with yourself. If it doesn’t, maybe saying “I would really like to, but I just can’t right now…thanks for checking with me though.” This takes the hurt off you for saying no and shouldn’t make them angry since you have given them a sincere “I’m sorry but no.” Open your eyes to new things you have wanted to do but didn’t have the chance. Take a class, climb a mountain, run a marathon, read a novel, paint a picture, remodel a room, head to the spa, take a day-cation for just you. That, in no way shape or form, makes you selfish. It will in the end make you a calmer, clearer, relaxed, well-rounded person. And the fact is…. that benefits EVERYONE! Sassy may want: to indulge herself with a relaxing tea a cup of tea in Lemongrass from Adagio found at Adagio Teas. Enjoy that tasty treat while taking a nice, long bath with and a fragrant bath of scents such as Paris – Pink Champagne and Tulips (from $6.25) from Bath & Bodyworks website.

So, I guess the question remains will a new year bring about a new Sassy? I do know there are things I want to do more of, do less of, explore more, stress less, try new things, make new friends, visit more places. Will this all go on with positive outcomes. Some will, some might, some may just go horribly wrong. But the fact remains this: I will learn and grow from everything I put in an effort to accomplish and that won’t make me a new person, but it sure as hell will make me smile.

So, tell Sassy… do you have any changes you would like to make in the new year? Are any of them glamour, beauty or fashion related? Let me know…I want to hear!!

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30 Days Of Beauty…Day 3

4 Jul

NailsHey, congrats me! Three days in a row and I’m still here! We now have a holiday weekend upon us, so let’s see if I can stay on course with my challenge. A few things are going on so we will see. My days have been busy lately but I’ve had time in the evenings when I can’t blog earlier. I don’t mind–it gets me in a fashionista mindset. I like that!

30DaysHere we are at “Day 3–Nails”. Oh… EASY PEASY! Especially since I just got a manicure Wednesday. I used to be a Monday Mani kind of girl. Come home from the day, turn on the TV, get my tools and favorite polish, and pamper myself with a jazzy manicure in all different colors and styles. Then I got frustrated. You see, with what I do during the day for a J*O*B, a pretty manicure lasts only about 24 hours. I would chip my nails on doors, drawers, metal, clipboards, sinks, you name it. Didn’t matter what I used for a base coat, a polish or a top coat–a chip would happen. One turns into two, then turns into three, and so on and so on. By Tuesday night, I’d be needing another manicure already. And then I was too tired, frazzled or frustrated to do it all over again. UGH!

Finally, a person I work with suggested I get an ANC manicure. ANC, short for Amazing Nail Concepts (http://amazingnailconcepts.com), is a process that is more gentle on your nails than a gel coat, but has a LONG wear. In fact, I found they actually grow out before they chip, loosen, or anything. The first time I got one, I was amazed. It was just a routine of filing, powder layers, special polish, more smoothing, and finally a shiny top coat. As a bonus, throw in a hand massage and I was good to go.

ANC RemovePutting on an ANC polish doesn’t take a really long time. Actually, taking off the old color takes just as long. Taking off ANC is a process: you get a piece of cotton soaked in acetone & put on the old coat of color, then each finger is wrapped in aluminum foil. Next?…. you sit. And sit. I sat for over 30 minutes. But the salon had TV and magazines, so I kept busy. And it was my time, so I was just zoned out. When they took the old ANC off, it had turned into a gooey gel which came right off. I had long, clean nails again. I picked a new color, and we did the process again. Still long and strong, my nails look FABULOUS!

Because ANC is new on the scene, you have to call salons to see if they do it. And if they do? Make sure it’s GENUINE ANC and not a cheap knockoff. It’s better for your nails if you can let your own grow since it doesn’t hurt the nails or nail bed. And it its MUCH better than acrylic ails, tips or gel. It’s just a good solid powder polish that protects your own nails with different styles and colors.

With Day 3 of “30 Days of Beauty” upon us, this one might be the easiest. It might not be for many of you, but from someone who has tried it, I would HIGHLY recommend it:

Day 3 – Nails:
ANC – Amazing Nail Concepts manicures (my current color choice was Blue Topaz…love them!)
ANC Nails

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Soothing Somethings When Your Sick….

26 Feb

imageYup, it’s been forever since I’ve been on my blog. I’m such a slug lately. Oh I have a ton of reasons (err….excuses) on what’s kept me away, all of which seem legit. Living in Upstate NY, I can easily say I’ve been trying not too freeze to death, I can’t type with gloves on inside, I shiver so much my spell check gave up on me. I honestly have been fighting the flu for 2 weeks now. Not a cold with the sniffles-flu. The full-blown 102 fever, body aches, hacking cough, runny nose flu. The kind that only responds to one medicine, and it costs $125. With how horrible I felt?…I would have sold my car for the right medicine, I was so sick. I’m finally back on my feet, just in time to deal with another week of below zero windchills. Not to be a stick in the mud, but the this weather SUCKS and I’m sick of it. I won’t complain too much though because I would never leave. I love the other three seasons too much.

So, while I was battling the flu, I bundled up and tried to find things to do. In bed. Without moving. Other than sipping tea and watching endless daytime repeats of Law and Order: SVU it was hard to find things to keep me occupied. Shopping on EBay is always a good time killer, but it can get expensive. I think I even read magazines older than my cat. What other things did I find to humor me, keep busy but still rest? Here are a select few:

image1. LA Girl Luxury Creme Lip Color in Romance–Thanks to the social media Pinterest (which in all reality is just online hounding) I found an epic lipstick that someone had posted. This color was WAY out of my comfort zone. It was a dark, creamy shade without a frost or high gloss finish. I have never seen this brand in any of my local stores, so I took a chance and ordered a new one from Ebay. It came fine without any problems. And the color? AWESOME!! Definitely looks bold against my pale skin and goes great with my auburn hair. The color went on in the same shade as the picture and I was thrilled. Not necessarily and everyday color, but definitely a color for a special event or night on the town! eBay, from $4.75

image2. Style & Co. Stripe Lace Pointelle Tunic— After being stuck in bed for five days hearing the wind howl outside my window, I realized I’d never leave the house unless I knew I had a few extra sweaters to keep me warm. This one sweater really caught my eye. It was long and flowy which I like. It did have a loose knit pattern to it, but with a long or short tee under it, it would be toasty warm. Then, come spring, it could be worn alone or with just a cami for a lighter feel. This sweater was also a big deal because it had dark blue stripes. I NEVER wear blue! I don’t think it looks good on me, but with the white against it, it actually looks nice. A great investment piece on clearance! Macy’s, $38.99 (discount coupon codes available)

image3. Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel Polish in “Too Haute”–Nothing can lift a mood like a new manicure with a jazzy color. Where I work, it’s easy to blow a new mani in 2-3 days with all the picking, scraping, bumping and cleaning I do with my nails. I don’t want to weaken my nails with a salon gel color so I want the longest lasting nail polish I can get with a good formula, a brush & a topcoat. I have used the Miracle Gel Polish before and although it still chips after a while, I probably get twice as long with my manicures using this formula than any other. And the Too Haute color? A bright, bold raspberry purple that can’t be overlooked! CVS, $9.99

image4. Jamberry Nails in Leopard–Sometimes your datebook doesn’t even allow you to do your nails nice twice a week. Because time is of the essence and healthy nails are a must, some people are stepping away from salon gel colors and doing funky manicures at home. “Jamicures” are a big deal right now. They are kind of like a stick-on adhesive manicure, but I find that they stay on much longer than regular stick ons. I think this has to do with the fact you need to warm them a bit to make them stick better. Stuck in bed, I found it easy to have a good pair of cuticle scissors, a tea light candle, and a pair of tweezers. With clean nails, free from lingering polish, lotion or lint, I take the size I need and hold it with my tweezers. I hold the Jamberry nail cover about 4″ above the tea light’s flame. When the Jam begins to “curl” slightly from the heat, I press it on to the bare nail and hold. When it cools and is stuck on, I trim it around my own nail so it looks even and pretty. When a busy week is ahead of me where doing a manicure 2-3 times is too time consuming, a Jamicure is a great solution to having jazzy nails with stay-power! Jamberry designs are often purchased through home parties or independent consultants. I get mine from my fave Jam Family member Jessica. www.facebook.com/jamcapades, $15 for 4+ full manicures

image5. ForGoodnessGrape Lip Balm in Chocolate Ice Cream Soda–Fact: when you are sick, you blow your nose about every 10 minutes, coughing in between. You try to drink frequently to stay hydrated. That does help on the inside but the fact remains that your lips will feel like potato chips by about day two. I’ve always been a big fan of FGG lip balms, scrubs & tints. But when the body is calling in sick, I call in the big guns to keep my lips moist. Their formula is based with different butters and oils to help rehydrate and lock in moisture. Then they create unique flavors you could probably never imagine! And their prices are so reasonable, it gives you a chance to get a few to try. Oh, and if that’s not enough… rubbing a little bit on your finger to moisten that sore, flaky nose helps big time too… with no burning! It doesn’t matter how sick you are, we all know we are a sucker for an ice cold chocolate soda whenever possible. Okay, well I am. Even if my stomach is flippy, a little bit of chocolate that I can at least smell can bring a smile to even a sick girl’s face! ForGoodnessGrape.com, $4.00

The cold and flu season is not fun for anyone. We can follow the doctor’s orders, take our meds, get a lot of rest, and drink endless fluids. Although these things might be good to feel better faster, it’s hard not to get bored in the process. Getting ideas from magazines for the new season is always a good call. Trying new makeup styles can be fun too. Just remember to keep the germs away and you will be back into fashionista mode in no time!

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Happy Hair…AND a Fab Contest!

19 Feb

Parn1
PARNEVU is a company that prides itself on making salon-quality hair products to help restore, condition, repair and prevent damaged hair. Their two lines are their T-Tree hair products and their Extra Dry hair products. Both of these lines are fabulous for those who, like many of us, like to over-process, over-style, or use a LOT of products on our locks that can damage them so much, it can stall the growth of new, healthy hair.

Parn2Tea Tree oil is THE perfect ingredient for hair care products if your hair is slow to grow, damaged, or if you have scalp issues. It helps remove product build up, stop itchy scalp, strengthens hair, prevents breakage and helps repair split ends. This is great to know if you process your hair by either chemically straightening or curling; bleaching or coloring; or over-style with excessive products and/or appliances. Tea Tree oil restores and prevents further damage to hair that has been over processed and over worked. The other ingredients in PARNEVU’s T-Tree product line also help to protect and condition your hair as well.

Parn3PARNEVU’s Extra Dry products are salon-quality products to help people with VERY dry hair, packed with ingredients to help extremely damaged hair and dry scalp. I think we know exactly what that type of hair that is. I remember it vividly: the days of perming, sitting in the sun with a pint of Sun In on it, blowing it completely dry and finishing it with a can of hair spray. THAT hair would be worthy of PARNEVU’s Extra Dry products. Ah, to know then what I know now….

Although my hair isn’t as bad as it was when I was in 20’s (mainly because I smartened up!), I still have to say I am guilty of dry hair due to coloring it every four weeks, blowing it dry often, flat ironing it occasionally, using too much styling products on a frequent basis, as well as dealing with environmental issues on a daily basis (pollution, weather, air quality, etc). Not to mention there are times I do a bun or an up-do which can really break or damage hair as well. I probably never pick up hair products with that much thought as to whether they would help the specific problems that I have with my tresses or prevent ones on a daily basis. But after reading how PARNEVU’s could help the problems I DO have, and prevent ones I DON’T, I thought it might be good to give them a try.

Parn4Since my hair and scalp can be exceptionally dry (especially in the colder months!), I decided to try their Extra Dry Salon Shampoo and After-Shampoo Conditioner. I’ve always said good hair starts right from step one, and that is with washing! I immediately liked the scent of the product which is always important to me. I also notice it wasn’t…. how do I say… heavy? It wasn’t loaded down with extra additives. It looked and smelled clean. The shampoo CLEANSED my hair and scalp. It didn’t coat it, leave it sticky, or left it feeling weighed down. It felt—and smelled—clean! The directions suggest you “lather, rinse and repeat” which I did. You don’t need a ton of shampoo to get the job done either. When washing it twice, a quarter-sized drop will do the job with great results. After shampooing, I used the conditioner. Again, I really liked the scent and even that wasn’t heavy and gooey. It was a lightweight cream that coated and conditioned my locks. I let it set a few minutes then rinsed out with luke-warm water. I don’t know how many different ways I can say it…my hair and scalp felt clean! REALLY clean! Not only did I feel like the products removed all the product build-up without leaving my hair stripped and dry, but I felt like it really condition and repaired my hair. It was a really good feeling! It was even a better feeling when I used it consistently for several months. Even if I “fussed” with my hair with styling or products, the PARNEVU Extra Dry line actually prevented damage from occurring. It was like giving my luscious auburn locks a suit of armour without feeling like they were loaded with unnecessary fragrances, oils, additives and bulk. It was a natural, squeaky clean that I really liked every day.

Parn5I think the frosting on the cake was PARNEVU’s Extra Dry Shining Gel. Because I always use something to help hold in my loose natural waves, I wanted a product that wouldn’t leave my hair feeling gummy but would let my natural curls shine though. OMG, this was better than I hoped! I have to say, the product felt really funny—almost like old school Dippity Do. (If you are too young to know what I am talking about, please keep me in your thoughts but refrain from sending me AARP membership applications, thank you.) You really need VERY little of this product. Although it looks and feels thick, it practically melts into your hands and smoothes into your hair without the stickiness or heaviness you might expect. The jar is large and since you use so little, it will last you a long time! I usually just scoop out a soda-cap sized dollop and let rub it with my hands till it “melts”. (I have pretty long hair.) Then I run my hands and fingers through my hair, paying special attention to the top layer (for shine) and the ends (for hold). Even if you decide to go two days without washing your hair, the Shining Gel does not make your hair tacky or knotted, which is nice to allow you to give your hair a styling break.

Although PARNEVU can be found in some retail outlets, I think it is just as easy to get it from their website. (And they are having a sale till March 13th when you use the coupon code FANCY25) Plus they often have other deals going on for their customers so it’s best to check out their website first. Even though their products are salon quality, they are not salon priced! The entire set that I have been using– Dry Extra Dry Salon Shampoo, After-Shampoo Conditioner, and Shining Gel—is only $15 ($5 each piece). To get your hair and scalp in healthy, happy condition, that is a fabulous price for these products. Drugstore products are almost the same price and we know that salon products are more than TWICE that much!

Kudos on your line, PARNEVU! It’s nice to see a great array of items to keep our tresses clean and healthy. I am sure my glamour-istas will be glad to know they can have happy hair too! Want to try PARNEVU products? They can be purchased at your local beauty supply store or online at http://www.parnevu.com. For current giveaways and coupon codes, connect with them on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/parnevu and Twitter http://www.twitter.com/parnevu.

As a perk for our fans, PARNEVU and I will be giving away a set of the products that I fell in love with–
PARNEVU’s Dry Extra Dry Salon Shampoo, After-Shampoo Conditioner, and Extra Dry Shining Gel. To enter, you must do ALL of the following:

1) Follow @PARNEVU on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/parnevu)
2) Like PARNEVU on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/parnevu)
3) Follow @SassyAuburn on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/sassyauburn) and
4) Leave a comment below on this blog post as to what you would like to change about your hair. Make sure you leave your Twitter ID in your response.

All four things must be done to be entered for the prize. Contest begins February 20th at 12:01pm est and will end at March 7th at 11:59pm est. Winner will be chosen at random from entries that have completed all requirements and will be notified via private message on Twitter. Good luck!!

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I’m A Slug In The Spring……

15 May

Maybe I should have wrote in my blog sometime at the end of April that I’m not a big fan of May. As a fashion follower, you would think I would be. The styles are changing, colors are exploding everywhere, shoes are beyond your average drool. The fact is, it has nothing to do with the weather or the season. It has to do with a history of bad events happening in May during my life. I probably could change the string of bad luck if I just put my mind to it and barreled through, but as soon as May 1st gets here, I feel like I’m getting sucked into a black hole where I’ll be stuck for a whole month. Today, I looked at the calendar and realized it was the middle of May and I had been in a writing funk for over a month. Not good….. not good at all. But on the positive side, the month is half over. Wait… is that positive???

Well, I didn’t want my loyal followers to think I had been wearing old t-shirts given away at the latest vodka promo at the local bar and the same pair of jeans for an entire week. I’ve been checking out spring fashions, been slowly putting away my heavy winter attire, digging out my favorite summer sandals, looking for new styles that pique my interest. Although I’m finding some things that catch my eye, the way out of the rut is a slow one.

There have been a few things that have given me a glimmer of hope, however, that I’m getting back to my sassy glamourista self. Sometimes I over think it–honestly, it doesn’t take much! But I’m sure I’m not alone. If you’ve been in a seasonal rut, try these things like I have. Maybe they too will get you out of your fashion funk:

1) Jazz up those nails! – Pick a color that SCREAMS warm weather and “Notice Me”! Hot neons, bright pinks and flashy corals are the perfect nail pick-me-up. And don’t forget those toes! Seeing those bright colors will lift your mood right up! Sassy’s Pick: “Go With The Flow-er” by OPI

2) Change up your scent! – Still smell like the perfume your Aunt Helen gave you for Christmas? Well, it might be time to grab something new. This is the perfect time of year to find a nice body mist in a light, refreshing scent. Go all out and get the matching shower gel, body lotion and even the shimmer spray for those sleeveless shirt days. Awaken the senses and you’ll awaken the fashionista within! Sassy’s Pick: Bath and Body Works “Pink Chiffon” in shower gel, body lotion, fine fragrance mist, and shimmer body creme.

3) Wear some color! – Finding it hard to get out of the black sweater/blue jean rut? Man, I am. Of course, the weather hasn’t helped, but I’ve stopped waiting for Mother Nature to tell me when it is time to start looking spring stylish. One of the hottest trends this spring is going to be colored denims (especially skinny jeans) so I took a leap of faith and got myself a pair. Let me just say, wearing them took me FAR outside my comfort zone. And I survived! Now they are my go-to “lift my mood” pants. Think I may have to add a few other colors now too! I’m having way too much fun “creating” with these bottom hues! Sassy’s Pick: dELiAs low-rise skinny jeans in purple.

Okay, followers, I’m making a promise to myself: each day I will get up, put on something weather-appropriate, but fashionable. And I am also promising myself that I will take the TJ Maxx gift card that I got for Mother’s Day and get myself something that will be fun, refreshing, and WAY out of my comfort-zone. How about you? What do YOU plan on doing to get yourself snazzy this spring?????

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