Treat Your Skin! Korean Skincare Welcome Box FREE Offer

If I were to ask you to name one single beauty product that you never want to leave home without, which would it be? 

To be honest, I would have a hard time answering this question. If you've followed this blog for a while then you know I'm all about the skincare.  I honestly, cannot help it - it's definitely turned into a mild obsession. 

I can't really complain about being skincare obsessed because it is due to my skincare indulgence, I have had the chance to use many a product within the past few years. But, 

through out the last year or so, there have been two products that would be at the top of my "don't leave home without it" list. 

That's the Julep's Bare Face Cleansing Oil + Konjac facial sponge. 

Once I received the cleansing oil (which was a looong time ago) in a Maven box, I used it and have not looked back.  The cleansing oil is amazing at removing makeup and dirt from the skin. Plus, it contains ingredients (grape-seed oil, olive oil and Power Cell Complex) that are great for nourishing your skin. 

The Bare Face Cleansing Oil + Konjac facial sponge are two of my holy grail skincare products that I highly recommend to all my close girl-friends - and that includes You. 

Julep is offering this fan favorite skincare product as part of their limited-edition Korean Skincare Welcome Box offer free for new Maven subscribers.

This oh-so-easy Korean skincare set includes cult fave Bare Face Cleansing Oil, the softly exfoliating Konjac Cleansing Sponge, and Shari (Classic with a Twist) nail polish for right-now nails. Kick off a new skin routine with this free box and freshen up your skin!

A Maven beauty box subscription is one of the best values going and as a Julep Maven subscriber, you get first access to trend setting colors and top-rated beauty products every month.

• Julep Maven is the only customizable box of full-size, limited-run nail colors and beauty innovations. That means no surprises, no dupes or colors you don't like. You can see what is in your box each month and have the option of swapping out colors/products you already have or don't want.
• Julep Maven is affordable. Every month you get more than $40 of full-size products for just $24.99 per month (tip - prepay for three months at a time and save $15).
• Julep Mavens get 20% off all single product purchases, free shipping, early access to secret sales. If you are passionate about your polish, that adds up to some amazing savings!

Step up your summer skin ritual with the latest Korean Beauty trend, made easy. 

Grab the Korean Skincare Welcome Box Free for New Julep Maven Subscribers - just pay $2.99 shipping with code GLOW.

PS. Did you know that you can always save on future Julep purchases by shopping through Ebates?  That's right. Anytime you decide to shop Julep via Ebates, you get 5% back. 

How To Multi-Mask Skin and Hair

Behind The #Multimasking Trend:

Beauty Experts Explain How To Multi-Mask Skin and Hair

Multi-Masking for Skin

"Why tackle one skin issue when you can tackle them all at the same time and look like a warrior princess while doing it," explains Ami Shvartzman, Director of Education for Osmosis Pur Medical Skincare. Check out how you can try “multi-masking” with this protocol from Osmosis Skincare.

Step 1: T-Zone

The Osmosis Pore Minimizing Clay Mask is the perfect tool to use for a combination/oily t-zone area. It is a non-drying clay based mask which balances and detoxifies the skin. It uses ingredients like Kaolin and Bentonite Clay to help refine the skin’s texture and smooth out larger pores. The Pore Minimizing Clay Mask also contains Argan Oil which is a sebum regulating oil perfect for controlling oil in this area of the face.

Step 2: Forehead and Cheeks

The forehead and cheeks are an area of the face that can be most affected by the damaging rays of the sun and free radicals. Try the delicious Osmosis Revitalizing Orange Zest Mask to provide firming, brightening, nourishing and collagen stimulation. The high vitamin C content in this mask will help to protect the skin from damaging free radicals while brightening the overall tone and offering wrinkle prevention for smoother, more even skin.  

Step 3: Lips

The lips are an area most often neglected when it comes to skincare. Don’t leave them out! Give the Osmosis Tropical Mango Barrier Recovery Mask a try for dry, dehydrated and damaged lips. With a combination of nut and fruit butters as well as oils, this mask will nourish, hydrate, calm down inflammation and restore even the most damaged of lips. With a heavenly scent of mango and a rich luxurious feel, your lips will thank you without even having to make a sound.

Step 4: The Neck

The neck can unfortunately be one of the most obvious indicators of age. Counter this by giving your neck all of the loving care it needs with a different kind of anti-aging mask. The Osmosis Hydralift Firming Gel Mask encourages hydrating and firming in the skin while providing soothing and calming benefits as well from ingredients like cucumber and aloe. The skin is plumped refreshed and has a more youthful appearance.

Multi-Masking for Hair

"The concept of multi-masking for skin can also be applied to hair," explains Kristin Utterback of hairstyling advice site www.Latest-Hairstyles.com. "When you think of how differently you treat various sections, it makes sense to apply certain masks to your ends as opposed to what treatments you would use on your scalp."

1. Apply Hair La Vie Revive Deep Hydration Masque to The Roots and Scalp

This mask contains Vitamin E, which is a great stimulant for the growth of capillaries, encouraging blood circulation in your scalp. It also helps to eliminate dandruff and itching. The product's avocado oil will then deep condition, lock in moisture and promote healthy cell growth. This ingredient is also a natural spf.

2. Apply CHI Argan Oil Plus Moringa Oil Rejuvenating Mask to the Midshaft

This mask's signature ceramic compound uses ceramic and proteins to provide protection to a portion of your hair that often has the most stress. The Ceramic compound releases anions on the cuticles which help to interlink the proteins into the hair strands, imparting luster and strength for a vibrant appearance. The argan oil will hydrate and nourish this dry, damaged section.

3. Apply White Sands ER Fusion to the Ends

Your ends will need some extra TLC and this Emergency Reconstructive Treatment will do the trick. Plus, ER Fusion’s unique delivery system ensures optimum performance with results lasting 30 days after each initial use. Frayed, split ends will feel softer and more manageable.

Depending on your individual needs, are you willing to begin multi-masking as part of your skin / hair care routines? 

6 DIY Hair Treatments to Detox, Nourish and Strengthen

It's Friday, the end to another work week. It's around this time when most of us begin planning our weekend activities. 

If part of your weekend involves staying at home relaxing, I have the perfect suggestion for you:  

Treat yourself to a relaxing DIY hair treatment to detox, nourish and strengthen your hair.  

These DIY hair treatments are easy to make since most of the products needed are most likely in your kitchen - not to mention, doing these treatments will give you an excuse to sit back and relax. 

And we all need that, right?  

6 DIY Hair Treatments to Detox, Nourish & Strengthen 

Carrot Detox

Either finely shred your carrot by hand, or put it in a blender to break it down. Combine with two tablespoons of coconut oil and mix well, then apply to dry hair. Let it set for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse in the sink (to keep carrots out of your bathtub drain). Condition and style per normal.

Strawberry Banana Hair Detox

Chop your four strawberries into small pieces and then either mash them by hand or use a blender to puree. Combine with one mashed banana and two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Apply to shampooed hair and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Shampoo, condition, and style per normal.

Almond and Avocado Treatment

Crush or blend your almonds, then cut your avocado in half and remove the pit. Mash the almonds into the avocado and then combine with olive oil, mixing well until you have a smooth consistency. Let the mixture set for 20 minutes before applying to allow the ingredients to fuse, then apply to shampooed hair and let set for 10 to 15 minutes before shampooing.

Egg Yolk Mask

Separate your egg yolk from the white and beat the yolk. Slowly add the milk, mixing as you do, then add the honey. Apply the mixture to your hair, starting at the ends and working your way up. Let the mask set for 15 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Hot water can make the egg cook, so stick with cooler water.

Fenugreek Strengthener

Blend your fenugreek seeds into a powder, then combine with yogurt to make a paste. Apply to dry hair and allow it to set for 30 minutes before rinsing and shampooing. Fenugreek is rich in proteins and vitamins, which strengthens hair.

Blackseed Oil Conditioner

Maximize the effects of a normal conditioner by adding equal parts coconut oil, blackseed oil, and your normal conditioner. Mix well, then saturate hair and throw on a shower cap. Blackseed oil makes hair fuller and stronger while coconut oil adds shine.

A very special thank you goes to  Latest-Hairstyles.com and Wendy Rose Gould  for sharing these with us. 

Which of these DIY hair treatments will you be doing this weekend? 

CHI Haircare Styling Line Extension Launches 7 NEW Products

Farouk Systems launches the CHI Styling Line Extension, a multi-use product line enriched with silk and ceramic to bolster hair vitality and offer style versatility.  

The new line includes CHI Dry Shampoo, Dry Conditioner, Texturizing Spray, Spray Wax, Reworkable Taffy, Styling Cream Gel, and Finishing Pomade.  

Each product in the CHI Styling Line Extension is enriched with silk and CHI Ceramic Compound which work hand in hand to achieve maximum shine and resist thermal damage.  The silk instantaneously works to provide a layer of protection while enhancing shine. 

The Ceramic Compound, infused with proteins, works concurrently with thermal styling tools to seal the hair cuticle and secure these proteins in each strand of hair to increase strength and ensure protection.

The weightless formulas of each product combined with the zesty, fresh-smelling fragrance of iced bergamot with lush lavender and white jasmine, leaves hair feeling fresh, replenished and on trend.

Product Descriptions

CHI Dry Shampoo

A dry cleansing spray composed of a waterless formula that absorbs excessive oil and rejuvenates the scalp between shampooing while preparing it to be styled at any given time.  

Without the use of water, spray the dry shampoo directly onto the roots of dry hair and massage in scalp and style as desired.

Retail Price: 2.6 oz. $7.50 or 7 oz. $18.00

CHI Dry Conditioner

A dry conditioning spray composed of a waterless formula used to condition hair ultimately providing radiant shine.  

Without rinsing, spray the dry conditioner from mid hair to ends and style as desired.

Retail Price: 2.6 oz. $7.50 or 7 oz. $18.00

CHI Texturizing Spray

A flexible hold texture spray used to add texture and body to hair without weighing it down. 

Shake can and spray where texture and control is needed.

Retail Price: 7 oz. $18.00

CHI Spray Wax

A pliable, hold spray wax used to create textured looks while maintaining flexible and touchable strands.  

Shake can and spray where texture and control is needed.

Retail Price: 7 oz. $18.00

CHI Reworkable Taffy

A non-sticky taffy used to effectively alter and redefine a multitude of styles with optimal definition and texture while providing a strong hold and medium shine. 

Place small amount on hands and distribute through hair as desired.

Retail Price: 1.9 fl. oz. $16.00

CHI Styling Cream Gel

A workable styling cream with a non- flaking formula used for the purpose of creating sleek, smooth styles to eliminate frizz and provide luminous shine. 

Distribute desired amount evenly throughout damp hair.

Retail Price: 6 fl. oz. $16.00

CHI Finishing Pomade

A light hold, finishing pomade used to control fly-a-ways and eliminate frizz while providing high shine to achieve a well-polished look. 

For achieving definition, apply small portion of pomade on damp hair. 

To maintain frizz, apply small portion on dry hair.

Retail Price: 1.9 fl. oz. $16.00

The line is available at Ulta (appears to be in store only - not listed on ulta.com), Beauty Brands & JC Penny Salons. 

For more product line information, please visit  www.farouk.com 

Which CHI Styling Line Extension product are you interested in trying? 

Everyday Lip Color Combo by Starlooks Cosmetics #Starbox

Creating an everyday lip color combo is not that difficult of a task - unless the products you have at hand are not exactly considered as "good quality". 

In my humble opinion, in order to create that easy, effortless everyday lip color combo you need to have pro quality lip products: lip pencil + lip gloss.

When I received my June Starlooks Cosmetics #Starbox , I was pleasantly surprised to see exactly that: a lip pencil and lip gloss in similar shades: 

"Guilty Pleasure" Lip Gloss   and  "Peony" Lip Pencil 

Below are swatches of both the gloss and lip pencil taken in natural lighting. 




Let's begin with the top swatch which is Guilty Pleasure. 


The gloss is opaque with good pigmentation. The formula is not tacky or greasy feeling. 

Now, Peony - that's another story! This lip pencil has become my favorite. The color pigmentation is concentrated, the formula is extremely creamy - especially for a matte lip pencil. 







To create your everyday lip color combo do the following: 

1. lightly cover your lip with foundation (or powder, concealer - use what you plan on applying onto your skin that day)
2. using Peony begin to lightly over draw your natural lip line. Tip: to make this look "natural" try to stay as close to the outer edge of your lips. 
3. using the same lip pencil, fill in the lips. Side note: You can certainly stop here if you like wearing a creamy matte lip. 
4. apply a dab of Guilty Pleasure gloss to the center of your top + lower lip blending with fingers. 

Ta-da! You have just created a beautiful everyday lip color combo! 

Interested in receiving a Starlooks Cosmetics #Starbox of your very own?  Visit their website here to begin your monthly beauty subscription of pro quality cosmetics.  (and NO, this is NOT an affiliate link)


In addition to the cosmetics that were inside the June #Starbox - there were three (3) gift cards. 





Starting from top left to bottom right: 


Sasultrachic -  a contemporary apparel and jewelry online retailer. 

ONYX XOXO - a online jewelry retailer with beautiful pieces. 

Nomad Tribe - a fashion apparel retailer that sells modern clothing with a special touch: hand-knitted trim. 






Now comes the fun part: 

I want YOU to help me select which items to purchase from all three sites! That's right.  I am asking you for your expertise in choosing what pieces you would like to see me review on this blog. 

All you have to is visit the specific retailer website (just click on the company name) - take a few minutes to browse around their store and pick your favorite item. 

Once you have done that, come back to this post and share the item / and or link below in the comments. 

That's it. 

So are you ready to join in on the fun?   Ready....Get Set.....GO!!