Secret to Managable Curls in Humid Weather

I've always had an issue with my curls when I travel. I never wanted to bother with the hassle of humid weather and frizz so I would relax my hair and flat iron it before I'd go out of town, regretting it upon my return. I recently jumped on the bandwagon of coconut oil. I bought organic, unrefined. It was horrible. It left my hair like straw, dry, severely damaged and out of control frizz. I had damaged my hair more than I ever had in all my years. I rocked a top knot for weeks to hide it. Then I switched up my hair routine into 4 easy steps.

STEP 1: Wash hair with a cleansing conditioner. I wasn't sure how I would feel about using one but I tried L'Oreal EverCurl and was blown away. Not only were my curls clean, they weren't dry like with most curling shampoos. In fact, I didn't need a conditioner after but thanks to the coconut oil, wanted to try one just in case.

STEP 2: Treat hair with a deep conditioner like Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm by L'Oreal. It claims to reverse damage in one use so I applied it and prayed for a miracle. My hair was shameful, lifeless and fried. I wasn't expecting much and so left it on for the maximum 5 minutes. What I felt next, felt like healthy, virgin hair. Get it, miracle, virgin? No? Okay...moving on.

STEP 3: I wanted a moisture leave in and have been dying to try Carol's Daughter for a while since I've been growing out this relaxer but never have...until now. It is light weight and silicone-free, perfect for my curls. While it does have coconut oil in it, but it is blended with other oils so it seems to work very well.

STEP 4: This styling mouse was a fluke. I left for Miami with just a carry on and only packed the oil so the first night I ran into Walgreens and grab the first curling mouse in a small bottle I saw. I figured I would use it once and toss it but no. It is alcohol free and really defines my natural curl, a curl I hadn't seen in years.

My natural hair...

 With Miami hottie, Casey Garcia for my "last night in Miami" dinner.

 With Carlos Gomez after that super amazing dinner. I owe you one. Gracias!

Back home on Sunday on our way to dinner with my little family and my hair had been untouched for two days.

I got so many compliments on my hair in Miami and I had so many people touching it that my hair should be doing the walk of shame right now. All jokes aside, I really just needed my daughter to understand that her curls are amazing and that mommy is proud of hers as well. The relaxing is over, the curls are back. I mean,  Lou Diamond Phillips said my hair was awesome and that I was gorgeous so I guess I'll keep it! What do you think of my natural hair?


DISCLAIMER:  L'Oreal products were c/o and I have since ran out. I picked up an extra shampoo yesterday. I am still receiving text messages with questions about this product because I won't shut up about it. I do wish the bottle was bigger, like jumbo size and just for me.

Carol's Daughter was c/o KLOUT so thanks. That was cool.

Thoughts and ideas are all my own. You guys know the deal but I have to tell you anyway.

Beauty Travel Essentials: My Top 5

So it just a few hours, I am boarding a train and heading to Hispanicize, the biggest conference for Latinos. I'm trying to take just a carry on but with all the electronics, gifts for friends and two outfits per day, my bag is getting tight. I decided that my make up can be minimized as I end up wearing the same look any how. If I were to only take 5 items, these would be it. Let's be realistic, in my case, I blog about beauty. I will be throwing in at last minute at least 2-3 more pieces just in case but these are really all I need.

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Springtime Beauty Buys Under $10

I've worked as a make up artist for some of the finest lines so naturally, I have a ton of great products just piling up as if getting ready to compete with Nordstroms in a matter of days. However, when I go into the drugstore, I just cannot help but pick up a few things here and there. This Spring, I've been obsessing over a few "budget buys" at the drugstore. Some, I've used for years, others I am new to but love them just the same.

CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara $7. I am a lash snob. I layer two, three kinds, add falsies but on a nice day where I just want to run out the door, this one gives me all that volume without all the fuss. Dare I say, I traded in my DiorShow for this? 

NYX Matte Nail Polish in Teal Light Blue $6. I've never been a pastel girl but something hit me like a ton of bricks this season...oh yeah, the pastel craze. I'm not sure what I love more the color, or the fact that this nail polish is all matte.

L'Oreal Tru Match Concealer $9. I know, I use Bobbi Brown concealer now and it works great but in a pinch and on a budget, I really have always loved this concealer. I used it for years and it has yet to fail me.

Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blush $12.99. I know, that is NOT under ten but on drugstore.com if you buy 1, you get 1 half off so yes, that would make it under ten. Why do I love it? Because it is cream, makes your cheeks just glow and if I want that "wow", I could just add powder blush on top for an extra punch.

EOS Organic Lip Balm $3. I am not going to lie, after taking off to an indoor water resort with the baby, my lips were dryer than the Sahari desert. But after a few days of using this, my lips healed beautifully.

Rimmel Waterproof Gel Eyeliner $6. I've said it a million times, I will take a bullet for black. I have a drawer full of pencils, gels, creme and liquid eyeliners. I know, it is a sick obsession. This one stays on. The end.

Mane 'N Tail Shampoo and Conditioner 32 oz $7 & 12 oz $4. I used this when I was younger and my hair was long so I bought it again. I got ripped a new one when I picked up my Oribe so I thought I would soften the blow with this one. It soften more than just that for sure. Careful with the conditioner, it is very protein rich so try a clarifying shampoo in between washes to avoid protein build up. The larger size is usually $7 but I found it at Walgreens for $2.99 right now.

CoverGirl WetSlicks $7 (Currently buy 1, get 1 50% off). I am a gloss junkie. I have 3, at least, in every single purse I own. I like this one because it makes my lips look really shiny, yeah wet almost but it is not sticky which I love.

Wet & Wild Brow and Eyeliner $1. No look ever looks complete without brows, I don't care how full yours are, they are not perfect without the finishing touch. For the greater good, add the finishing touch.

Burt's Bees Beeswax Hand Creme $9. Dear goodness my hands are dry and coming out of the cold season just makes them worse. I like to carry a bit of this in my purse. Not only does it feel good, it smells amazing.

I'm loving my new 'budget buys' and want you to love them as well that is why I am giving one lucky reader a CoverGirl* LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara for you to see for yourself. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*CoverGirl is not sponsoring this post nor did they pay me to write this review. They did, however, send me this mascara to try out and since I already use/have it, I thought I would share. You see? I am nice.

Trend Show with Laura Mercier

Source: Uploaded by user via Mia on Pinterest

It is Trend Show season! What? You don't know what Trend Show is? Well, just the biggest beauty event in Chicago and it is going on this Saturday. You may want to call the Laura Mercier counter at Nordstrom Michigan Ave to book with me. This is my 12th trend show season and my first as part of the Laura Mercier team working under the talented Global Artist, Jerry Johnson.






Disclaimer: I am not paid to run press nor asked to. The face chart is not my own and found via Pinterest which inspired this post. I'll be happy to share my own face charts in the future.

Runway To Walkway: Recreating Beauty Trends from NYFW

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So I really, genuinely grew to love this look at Ruffian's Fall 2013 show. I did not get to go backstage at this show since I just could bring myself to get out of bed fast enough after my jet lag. Instead, I grabbed a coffee, newspaper and a cab. I was off to the show at least. It did not disappoint. The clothes were amazing, the make up had a lot going on and at first, it was just the lip that called to me. It was all too monochromatic. I even sent out this tweet:

Then, the more the show went on and the more I saw, it actually grew on me and I walked out wondering how I can soften the look and recreate it off the runway. So today, I grabbed my Soft Peach blush from Artistry Beauty and created a softer Spring version of this look.

This baked blush is part of Artistry Beauty's Spring Collection that will be released soon but you can shop their other collections now.

I applied the blush on my lids from lash line to crease and blended the crease with my ring finger. Then I put the blush on my lips with my ring finger and added clear gloss and finished the look by applying the blush on my cheeks. Simple really. I didn't bother putting the blush under the eye as they did at Ruffian because I get really dark circles and did not apply concealer so I skipped it.

It is not quite the red they used at Ruffian and so it is softer and more wearable for day to day. Are there any runway looks you would like to recreate?



A special shout out and thank you to Artistry Beauty who covered my hotel, flight and travel accommodations for my trip to NYC. I also received pieces from the Spring 2013 to use during my stay. All opinions, words are my own. They do not reflect nor are paid for by Artistry Beauty. I received no further compensation for this post or any in association. Thoughts and opinions written here do not reflect any of my brand sponsorships nor do they reflect upon those who I write for on a freelance basis.

Follow me to Fashion Week

So if you follow me on Twitter then you know I'm heading out to New York Fashion Week. I'll be heading for just 3 days and 2 nights though, motherly guilt doesn't let me travel longer than that sans my little one. What I didn't mention is how awesome it is going to be check out beauty trends and report back to you all on behalf of Artistry Beauty.  So if you aren't following on Twitter or on Instagram yet, I'd strongly suggest you get on that or you'll miss out on so much starting this Friday. While you are at in...hit up Facebook, just in case.




Disclaimer: Artistry is sponsoring this trip. This is my reaction.

Secret to Perfect Brows

 Here are a few tips for make up artist extrodinaire herself, Bobbi Brown. Every single image that she has put out features a model with amazing eyebrows. Her books are also filled with women that have amazing eyebrows. So what is her secret?

-Shape brows by removing only the hairs that appear between them; tweeze any stray hairs beneath the brows.

- Make sure the arch of the brow is 3/4 of the way out. Follow the natural line of your brows when shaping and grooming into place.

-Using an eyeshadow in the same tone as your hair color, fill in brows with the brow brush. Begin at inner corner and working outward, use small, light strokes.

-To visually "lift" the eyes, stroke color along upper edge of brow to accentuate the arch. Set in place with clear brow shaper.

-Tone down too dark brow color with a quick press of a powder puff dipped in face powder.

If a lesson is in order, head to your nearest Bobbi Brown make up counter. If you are in Chicago, head to the following artists.

Bloomingdale's Michigan Ave- Daniel Merced (check out more of his work here)

Macy's Watertower- Sara Amendola (Yes, as in my friend Sara)

Blue Mercury Lincoln Park- Becky Hill

Disclaimer: The actual tips (word for word) and image come from www.bobbibrown.com. All other wording and recommendations are my own.

First Signs of Aging: How to Fight Back

Just last week, I did a review for Colgate and found that a brighter smile makes a younger looking woman. However, when I was showing off my newly brightened smile my eyes crinkled. I didn't say creased, I said crinkled. I'm looking forward to getting older, I love my body more and I enjoy life more but aging is another story. I don't want to be 20 again but I sure wouldn't mind looking 20. I could have easily edited the image but I chose not to. Why? Well because I am a firm believer in practicing what I preach and showing you the results. Here is what I am doing and what you should be too.

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 Water: I know, you have to drink x amount a day but I can't and after a few days. I won't, I'll grab a Pepsi instead. What I can do is drink a glass first thing in the morning and one at night. It isn't 8 glasses but it's better than nothing.

 Treat: I've never been religious about putting on eye cream. In fact, when Artistry Beauty gave me Creme LuXury Eye, their most luxurious eye cream, I put it in my drawer and figured I'd use it when all my other creams finish. After just one week, my eyes looked refreshed, lifted and smoother. It is a bit of a sticker shock but after seeing the results, worth every penny. All other creams rest peacefully at the bottom of the trash.

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Sleep: I do not get enough and every day I tell my husband that I am going to bed at 10 and by 1 am, I'm fighting sleep so I can play on Pinterest. There just isn't enough hours in the day but apparently, I'm not getting any younger either. So there you go.


If nothing else, find religion and pray for a miracle. Either that or learn to embrace nature.




Disclaimer: Artistry Beauty did not pay me for this post. The eye cream was gifted, the results real and amazing. You're welcome.

Why I Smile

This is a tube of used toothpaste, Colgate Optic White Enamel White in fact. Why am I showing you this? Well, as a mom and as a Latina, Bustelo espresso is my best friend and my smile's worst enemy. Right before the holidays, I was contacted by Colgate to try out their new toothpaste, brush and mouthwash. They claimed my smile will be 1 whole shade whiter in 5 days. In a nutshell, a smile can make or break a look and well, I'm at that age where taking care of your skin and your teeth are more important than the next big trend. I'm aging folks and it's not cute. Now back to Colgate:

It worked. I was a bit surprised actually. In 5 days, my smile did look brighter. Then at the 5 day mark, I got excited and immediately started thinking how amazing my smile would look in the next 5 days.

Yup, still the same. My guess it that you get a whole shade whiter and the rest of the time you are basically protecting your smile. The mouthwash however, does seem to brighten a bit more with every use.

The final verdict: 

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I've already purchased a new tube!

Disclaimer: Obviously, this post is brought to you by Colgate-Palmolive for review, you guys are quick. I was not, however, compensated but was gifted the products. As always, all opinions are my own and do not reflect anyone else but. Ignore the bags and lines under my eyes, lack of sleep will do that to you. Check back to see how I take care of that.

Holiday Gift Guide: Spa Gifts

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Maybe it is the desire for some much needed "me" time or the fact that my new soaker tub just keeps calling my name but nothing is sweeter to a busy woman than a free day and spa luxuries. I always say a great gift is one you usually wouldn't buy for yourself but you would love to have like the Caviar Body Scrub from Balenciaga. Here is (a very bias) holiday gift guide for the tired, the weary and the....oh who am I kidding...ME!

Best Holiday Sets from Laura Mercier

Go ahead, call me bias (since I freelance for Laura Mercier) but they have always had the best holiday gift sets and here is why.

Signature Votive Candle Collection $65

Who doesn't love a luxurious candle? Why not four of the best scented candles on the market? For the price point, you can give it as a gift and pick up an extra for a hostess gift down the road.

Laura Mercier 'Soft Nudes' Mini Lip Glace Collection Soft Nudes $48

Who doesn't like a neutral lip and who doesn't enjoy a quality lipgloss? 'Nuff said.

Smoky Effects Mini Kohl Eye Pencil Collection $48

Great for smudging on a smokey eye on the go. Also great for every eye color as it has every shade. No guessing which one she would like or not like because the are all there. Simple.

La Petite Patisserie Sampler Hand Creme Quartet $28

That price is unbeatable so do yourself a favor and get one for yourself or you will regret it later.



Next Tuesday, let's talk spa gifts.

Beauty: What I'm Nailing This Fall 2012

via Yanira on Pinterest

It's no secret that I love dark colors. I even went almost a whole year wearing just Lincoln Park After Dark by OPI when it first launched. I'm not going to lie, I have another bottle just waiting for the slightest cool breeze. This year though, I'm branching out and getting all sorts of crazy. These are a few inspirations off of my Pinterest Board that I've been a bit gaga over.

Beauty: Events, Giveaways and Mas (more)!

So what will Rita Milton, beauty contributor for ChiTown Fashionista and myself do this Thursday August 2? We will be hosting a fun make up party and playing with some amazing Fall 2012 colors from Bobbi Brown.

Bobbi Brown
Bloomindales
900 N Michigan Ave
Thursday August 2
5-7:30 pm

Enjoy mocktails, a signature Fall inspired look, a Bobbi Brown tote and GOODIES, GOODIES, GOODIES!* I also heard a rumor something special is going on there but you'll have to stop in to find out.

RSVP to Rebecca at Rpernikoff@gmail.com





Meanwhile, here on the blog I'm doing a giveaway. Don't live in Chicago but still want some of my favorite Bobbi Brown eyeshadows? Well, they all came in this limited edition palette called the "Ultra Nude" Palette, sold out everywhere and it is yours. All you have to do is follow this blog on GFC, Bloglovin' or RSS feed and then leave a comment. Additional entries can follow on Twitter and retweet this giveaway. Good luck! Winners will be announced 8/7/12!

*gift with purchase determined at counter.

Matchy Matchy

Source: glamourmagazine.co.uk  

I am in love with matching my manicure and pedicure. From what I hear, it must be a Chicago thing though lately I have been more into matching my lipstick to my nails. I love this bubble gum image that I pinned recently but now I may have to try this orange lip and this nail color. What do you think? 

Head Over Heels

Is that gloss wand lighting up?

Wowza, what a color?!

I just want to kiss it!

Super excited to be sharing this with you. So while at Hispanicize I was approached by Artistry Beauty. Anyone who knows me, knows that make up is the key to my pretty little heart so they basically had me at hello. I was lucky enough to go home with more goodies than I can be thankful for. A bit overwhelmed and excited to get home and try everything, one item stole my heart instantly. I'm head over heels with the light up lip gloss.

This magic little number has an  LED light as well as a mirror for easy application. You know for applying when at the club, or sitting in the dark putting your two year old to bed as is my life. Anyway, the best part, CRAZY amounts of shine just the way I like it. One thing they don't mention is the tingle you get when applying. Maybe that is because of the scent, plumping agent or something I do not know. It doesn't burn but slightly tingles. I love it. Either way this gets my "sealed with a kiss" of approval. Pucker up like me HERE.






* I was not monetarily compensated for this post. I did receive products as mentioned in the post. Artistry Beauty is only sold through your Amway Independent Business Owner. Gloss in post is Passion (go figure)