Julep Zoe and Samantha + a giveaway!!!

as my love for nail polish grows {really...it's only slightly out of control! *wink}, i love discovering new brands. like lipstick, gloss and mascara, nail lacquer is something that we gals can purchase as a way to treat ourselves without breaking the bank.

one brand i was recently introduced to, and have had the pleasure of using, is Julep. you may have heard of them by now since they recently started a fun program for nail polish lovers {more on that in a minute} and are being featured quite frequently in print and online.

Zoe is a fierce shade of metallic bronzy tangerine, just fabulous for fall and a shade i wouldn't have picked to wear had it not been sent to me. however, after wearing it, i'm an official fan.


the hot pink, Samantha, is characteristically more *me*, but since i'm in full autumn/winter mode, i've actually only worn only once.

i'm beyond thrilled with Julep's 4-free formula {that means it's free of formaldehyde or formaldehyde resin, toluene and DBP}; it applies smoothly and lasts with little wear {this is with regard to my personal i-don't-wear-a polish-longer-than-3-days, but i do plenty of handwashing, housework and everyday stuff, like typing, with my hands}.


the range also includes items for keeping hands and feet gorgeous. products like Facial for Hands Glycolic scrub {pictured, above} -- an amazing, simple way to pamper hands at the end of the day! -- spf 30 hand cream and a fun at-home spa pedicure set, just to name a few, is a perfect indication that the brand puts thought into their products when it comes to hand and nail care, but still keeps it fun ~ also makes me wish i lived closer to one of their salons!

another thing i love is that they have come up with, and so excited to share with you, is their Maven program. it allows polish-aholics to receive a set {called a sneak peek box} of their products each month, based on a fun style quiz you take via their website; from there, a selection of products are chosen for you {not-yet-released shades and products, as well as cult faves, plus a surprise}; if for some reason you don't like what is selected for you before the box is sent, you can request what they call a "shelf pull", and they'll select new shades for you. in addition, you'll have access to purchase products from their full line of goodies at 20% off.

each sneak peek box is worth over $40, but membership is less than half and ships for free! you choose when you want to receive your box, or you can skip the month {p.s. ~ if you like the box, but need a fabulous gift, you can opt to have it sent to your gal-pal-- it will arrive wrapped and pretty at her door!}.

sounds fab, right? needless to say, i love the polishes and am in love with this program. since i already belong to a few shoe clubs, and now style and beauty clubs, i figured this was clearly the next club to join! :)

would you like to join? what if i told you could have a 3-month membership for FREE?

you can...because i'm giving one away to one of you, compliments of Julep!!

{the crowd goes wild!} yay!!

i haven't run a contest in over a year, beauties, so i'm truly excited about this for you!

**entry is super simple -- here's how:

*email me, bgmcontests@gmail.com, with Julep in the subject line
*include your full name and mailing address and tell me what your favorite nail color is!
*next friday, december 9, 2011, i'll announce the winner {chosen at random}. u.s. entries only, please.

in the meantime, feel free to take advantage of this offer: enter code beautygirlmusings at checkout and your first sneak peek box will cost only $5! :)

be sure to follow Julep on twitter {@julepnailparlor} for fab tips and nail advice, and learn more about the brand and full range of products by visiting julep.com

good luck!!

*read please: entering this contest means you are giving me permission to forward your name and email address to representatives of Julep for fulfillment and mailing of contest prize. failure to include information requested will disqualify your entry. one (1) winner, chosen at random, will receive the prize mentioned. duplicate entries will not improve your chances of winning. giveaway sponsored by Julep. some restrictions apply. open only to US residents only. entries will be accepted through 11:59 am PST on thursday, december 8. winner will be announced december 9, 2011. thank you. :)

beauty must-have: Skindinavia Makeup Setting Sprays

how do you keep your makeup in place? do you use a primer, a setting spray, both, neither??

for me, i'm all about the prep and the finish. being a busy mom and wife, i don't have time for numerous touch-ups throughout the day {yikes, did that sound super commercially? LOL!}

anyway...

Skindinavia produces a fabulous makeup setting spray that i used to use in the past {i was introduced to it via Beautyfix a couple of years ago}, so when the brand reached out to give me the opportunity to use it again, with the addition of a another finisher they've created for oily skin types, No More Shine Makeup Setting Spray, i was more than happy to give it go. i love the original and had high hopes for the new product -- i love multi-taskers!

No More Shine is amazing, beauties!

i've been spraying it on my skin just before applying my primer and foundation. then, after all my makeup is applied, before dressing my lashes with mascara, i spray my face once again, but with the Makeup Setting spray.

it's been remarkable, loves! my makeup doesn't budge and the oil stays under control.

another fun trick i discovered for making my eyeshadow last is to spritz the shadow brush with the setting spray, then swipe it over my shadow du jour before applying. not only do i get a more intense shade of color because the shadow has been applied wet, but it allows for more staying power!

obviously, these are two products i'm happy to have in my beauty arsenal. i mean, what gal doesn't want her makeup to last all day? :)

visit skindinavia.com for more info.

products featured sent to me for review consideration; pic taken by me :)

natural beauty: Korres Quercetin & Oak Antiaging Eye Primer

i recently received a sample of the Korres Quercetin & Oak Antiaging Eye Primer courtesy of BeautyStat.com, and i after using it for about 2 weeks, beauties...

i.

just.

love.

love.

l-o-v-e it!

yes, i've used a few eye primers that i have had great experiences with {not to mention i still have yet to test out a few more before the year ends}, but as of this moment Quercetin & Oak Antiaging Eye Primer is my must have!

as i said, i received this a sample, but i just ordered myself the full-sized product.

yes. it works that well.

plus, i love that the formula is natural, free of the yucky chemicals, contains antioxidants {to keep eyes youthful, yay!} and does what it's supposed to do: keep my eye makeup looking fab and in place all day. and fyi, i've been sick for a bit, so i can report that it withstood many naps and eye drop-taking...

visit Korresusa.com for more info about Quercetin & Oak Antiaging Eye Primer. try it for yourself and tell me what you think!

support a good cause with Shiseido Shimmering Rouge...

bonjour beauties! hope all is well in your neighborhood...

i've been under the weather for the past couple of weeks {and i'd say stuck out in the weather for all last week and weekend ~ it's not been fun, but i'm staying positive!}, so i'm a bit late in sharing this. i did, however, share this fabulous Shiseido lippie for breast cancer awareness via my tumblr and twitter accounts when i received it {weeks ago}, but with life, comes distractions and interruptions...

in any case, i'm here now to inform you that you should to not only visit your local Shiseido counter and take advantage of being able to donate $5 to a great cause {CEW's Cancer and Careers, an organization that helps women in the workforce coping with cancer}, but to treat yourself to a gorgeous Shimmering Rouge Lipstick in Iron Maiden {RS308}!

seriously, how divine is this color?!

not only a fab color, but it feels amazing on the lips ~ its silky, smooth texture pampers lips with moisture but still manages to wear well and lasted longer than i expected.

it's definitely a new fave...

visit shiseido.com for more details.

product sent for the purpose of review; all pics taken by me :)

green beauty: 100% Pure Color Cosmetics

there's nothing i love better than knowing products i use are natural and good for my skin. while i realize that my fondness obsession love of beauty products means i won't always be using natural ingredients, i am always thrilled when i either find and purchase or am given the opportunity to try new green beauty goodies {in this case, the brand sent me products}.

the items i refer to are from 100% Pure, and let me say darlings, they are yummy, yummy.

i have reviewed the Tinted Moisturizer in the past, and this time i was able to try all the gorgeousness that came along with the luminous primer, fruit pigmented pot rouge {Rosy}, satin eye shadow {Halo} and flawless skin foundation {Toffee}.

by now, you've probably guessed that i am loving these products...

truly, it amazes me that these products are so incredibly pigmented and work as well, if not even better than a lot of chemical-filled products. i love that the primer left my skin feeling silky soft and the foundation is buildable, providing the coverage i wanted, where i wanted it. the shadow is as soft as satin, just at the name suggests and the pot rouge {isn't that such a fabulous, classic word? rouge...love it!} gave my cheeks the perfect flush of color right where i applied it.

another fabulous thing about 100% Pure products is that they're loaded with antioxidants and skin-loving ingredients {fruits, teas, vitamins} that help skin on a deeper level, hence the smile on my face! ;)

visit their website, 100percentpure.com, and discover for yourself these, and many other {like their body lotions!!} gems...

pics taken by me :)

hair therapy: WEN Fall Ginger Pumpkin Cleansing Conditioner

just in time for the fall season, Chaz Dean introduces, for a limited time, his WEN cleansing conditioner in a fabulous, Ginger Pumpkin scent*.

and yes, it smells just as good as it sounds...

this being my first experience with WEN, i'm certainly thankful it was with this scent {looking forward to trying Pomegranate and Fig varieties}! i j'adore fall and all the gorgeous spices associated with it...

when it comes to hair products, i have tried many deep conditioners, often loving them when my hair was left feeling light and not weighed down. of course, i always used a shampoo beforehand. WEN not only left my hair feeling healthy, shiny and soft, but surprisingly full of body, bounce, and it was clean - without the use of any shampoo!

it's a bit of a different experience using WEN, but i have to say i enjoyed it. since it doesn't lather, you'll be happy to know it won't strip hair or scalp of moisture, and it keeps color-treated hair vibrant; after applying {directions call for a certain number of pumps depending on length and thickness of hair}, let it sit in for a few minutes. you can {as i did} wash and exfoliate you skin, shave, and when time is up, all that's left is to rinse it out.

WEN can also be used as a leave-in conditioner {who doesn't love a multi-tasker?}, so a few times i applied a small pump into my tresses before bed or right after styling {and if you didn't already know, i only wash my hair 1-2x a week since it is so thick}. me and my hair are in love...

have you tried WEN? if so let me know what you think. if not, i highly recommend treating yourself to a bottle! visit chazdean.com for more info and to order.

*product featured sent to me for the purpose of review; pics are my own

won't make brown eyes blue: L'Oreal Double Extend Eye Illuminator Eyeliner

the beauty industry always has little gimmicks they like to throw out at us, the consumer, to pique our interest and hook us into their "newest" idea; in this case, i'm referring to the whole "only these colors enhance these eye colors" talk...

yada-yada...

it's all well and good, but let's face it-- it's not completely true. so much so, that i rebel when it comes to the only-stick-to-these-colors-if-your-eyes-are-this-color philosophy. yes, green and brown eyes look fabulous when wearing shades of amethyst and purples, while blue and grey eyes look remarkable when wearing shades of mauve and coppers, but skin tone and hair color also should play a role in choosing makeup colors.

but i digress...

so i bought L'Oreal's Double Extend Eye Illuminator Eyeliner color enhancing duo liner in Black Sapphire, intended for blue eyes.

and i love it.

though my skin tone is cappuccino and my eyes are definitely espresso {clearly, i have coffee on the brain}, this liner's shade is a fabulous compliment to them.

the lesson, in my opinion? have fun and experiment with your makeup; ignore what the brand says you should wear-- if you want to try the liner/shadow/palette for green eyes and yours are blue/brown/hazel, go for it. chances are, you'll find it stunning. if not, always know that you can wash it away if it doesn't work out. :)

pics taken my me :)

hair therapy: Davines Defining Wonder Wax

a couple of weeks ago, i had the pleasure of having a glam session at my local Macy's MAC Me Over Event, and while i loved having my makeup done {it's always so fun to dish with the artist about the new goodies, not to mention old favorites!}, it was the fact that my hair also got a little love that was the cherry on top. the product used, Davines Defining Wonder Wax, blew me out of the water.

this beyond-fabulous defining cream is infused with a special silicone that gives hair definition and hold, without weighing it down. i was taken in by it's luscious cake batter aroma, but even more pleased by the way it left my hair-- looking so shiny and feeling soft, all with a managable hold.

if you have the opportunity, absolutely try this Wonder Wax-- it's for all hair types and textures, and can be used on wet or dry styles-- love it!

visit davines.com for more info and where to buy. :)

hair therapy: Pantene Relaxed & Natural Dry to Moisturized Shampoo and Conditioner

when it comes to shampoo and conditioner, i am definitely the type to go for the most hydrating and moisturizing. i use products for dry or color-treated hair, mostly concerned with ingredients rather than using products that are specified for women of color.

if i'm being honest, i haven't had the best experiences with products for woc when used alone. my hair isn't coarse enough to handle the oils, and they have only left my tresses oily and weighed down. i found this to be frustrating the first time this happened to me because i had to go back and rewash my hair. since then, i have found that i can benefit from the heavier products-- they do give my hair a boost in condition-- but always plan for rewash.

this, however, has not been the case with Pantene Relaxed & Natural Dry to Moisturized shampoo and conditioner. i don't know how they do it, but Pantene has it down when it comes to moisturizing hair! i love their "regular" dry to moisturized line and have used those products many times over.

this new-to-me duo is like a step up in the dry to moisturized range. and no rewashing necessary- yay! i love that i can let my hair air dry and it's left with minimal frizz {tip: if your curly hair is frizzy, it needs moisture!}, and when i style, my hair is soft, shiny and full. fabulous work, Pantene!

i would recommend this to any woman with unruly or coarse tresses. don't let the Relaxed & Natural label deflect you. try them. you can find them at a drugstore near you.

bathing beauty: Caress Cashmere Luxury Body Wash

back in 2010, as 2011 approached, i really took time to think about what it was i wanted to do and accomplish by year's end. one of the few things i decided to do (among saving money and getting back in touch with my creative self) was to stop spending money on things, especially beauty products and clothing, that didn't make my beyond ecstatic each and every time i used or wore them. my ultimate desire was to spend only on items that were of absolute necessity and of great quality. so, i cleared my beauty stash of items i hadn't used in months and bagged up clothing, bags and shoes that didn't fit or hadn't seen the light of day in over a year.

everything i could donate or give away, i did.

to be honest, i can be a very impulsive buyer, so i thought this new practice would be a hard one, something that i'd have to keep "starting over" with. as it turns out, this "resolution" has been much easier to stick to than any other in my life.

maybe this quality over quantity mentality comes with age, LOL!

in any case, one of my absolute, favorite body washes, Caress Cashmere Luxury, definitely falls into this category, and it also happens to be wallet-friendly. my saving money plan is also being put into practice (btw, i am loving hellowallet.com as a tool for helping me manage and save more moolah)-- yay!

Caress Cashmere Luxury key ingredients include white orchid milk, warm vanilla essence and sunflower oil. the creamy, rich texture lathers up beautifully and feels just as the name suggests, like luxurious cashmere. it leaves skin so incredibly soft and lightly scented. i love it!

next time you're looking to gift yourself a simple, yet luxurious, treat, try this body wash, won't you?

pic taken by me:)

drugstore beauty: Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Nutrient Spray

i love shine sprays over the type of serums that have to be poured into my hand. this fabulous one, Triple Nutrition Nutrient Spray from Garnier Fructis, has become my must-have, not only because it give s my hair serious luster, but because it also nourishes my tresses with 3 highly moisturizing oils-- avocado, shea and olive.

this dual formula is activated after being shaken and can then be sprayed on anytime your hair needs some pampering (wet or dry). it leaves it looking (and feeling) silky soft and has a yummy smell.



this is my second bottle, and as you can see, i am almost out! time to head to Target...

visit garnier.com for more info.

xo
pics taken by me :)

Revlon ColorStay Sophisticated Grays Eye Collection

happy monday, beauties! hope you enjoyed a fabulous holiday weekend. did you get any yummy makeup and beauty goodies?

i received a few gems, but the one shadow palette i have been using a lot these days comes by way of a trip to Target i took a few weeks ago.



this Revlon ColorStay Eyeshadow Quad in Sterling Rose came with a ColorStay Eyeliner and was packaged as the Sophisticated Grays Collection. i was drawn to the classic shades because they're perfect for this season and beyond. three of the shades are pretty light, and all of the shades have a sheen to them, but i love mixing and matching the colors-- day to night looks are effortless!



i'm a huge fan of Revlon ColorStay eyeshadows and these didn't disappoint. the pigments of each shadow are good with fab blendability and wear. each color is classic and will easily transition into spring. the liner is mechanical (perfect for waterline application), and stays put all day!

Revlon is available at your favorite drug and mass retailers. be sure to visit revlon.com for more info.

xo
pics taken by me :)

what i'm loving now: 100% Pure Tinted Moisturizer

it's not hard to believe that 100% Pure's Tinted Moisturizer is made with such nourishing ingredients-- the name of the brand tells it all. what is hard for me to believe is that all of the ingredients come from fruits and nature's most fabulous sources!

this tinted spf 20 skin protectant uses fruits including peach, carrot, cocoa beans, and pomegranate (just to name a few) to add pigment, and treats skin with white tea, aloe juice, acai oil and vitamin C. the formula offers sheer coverage that can be built up to be a medium coverage, but don't rely on this hide anything major.

i have been using this in Toffee both under, and sometimes over, my regular foundation. i love the smooth texture it gives my skin! it's just the right color for me right now, but i figure come summer, that might not be the case. it's a dewy finish, but never greasy-- perfect for my oily skin.

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Tinted Moisturizer is 100% natural, 100 % vegetarian and gluten free. visit 100percentpure.com for more info.

xo

product featured sent to me for review consideration

hair therapy: Pantene Curl Enhancing Spray Gel

during the summer, i was given the opportunity to try Pantene's Curl Enhancing Spray Gel. i decided it was the perfect time to do something i hadn't done in some time: wear my hair curly!


Pantene Spray Gel + air dry time = my naturally curly-haired self. :)

while i have no issue heat-styling my hair during the summer months, i thought that going back to my method of giving my hair a break-- like i used to do as a teen-- wouldn't hurt me (it always helped my hair stay healthier!).



i love that this comes in spray form, making application so easy. the formula also smells good and never left my hair feeling "crunchy".


i look like i'm 15 again (well, ok, not really), LOL!

give your curls a treat and try find Pantene's Curl Enhancing Spray Gel. you can find it at your favorite drug and mass retailer. visit pantene.com for more info.

xo
product featured sent to me by the brand's PR for review consideration.

dental beauty: Flossbox

keeping teeth and gums healthy is essential to having a fabulous, bright smile. while many of us (me included) don't really enjoy flossing, i have been introduced to something that makes it a little more glamorous.

meet Flossbox.



this little goodie houses a gentle floss that is comparable to the current brand i actually use, Glide. but Flossbox has a mirror-- more reason to take it with you or keep at home (i like to hold it just under my nose and look down into it to apply mascara-- no pesky smudges on my lids!). i love the design-- sleek and stylish, perfect for even a small evening clutch or your back pocket!


the brand's PR company was kind enough to personalize some for me (so sweet!)-- cute, right?

ok, so flossing isn't really glamorous, but it needs to be done, beauties! you can find Flossbox at your local drugstore, and if want your own customized Flossbox, click here.

xo
pics taken by me :). product sent to me for review consideration.

Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara

one mascara that had me (and many other beauty fanatics) in a frenzy over the summer was Maybelline's new Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara.

have you tried it yet?

if your answer is no, um...why not??!


this mascara has a keratin fiber formula that gives lashes more oomph and the cool "spoon" wand makes getting every lash coated super easy.


clearly the name itself is enough to draw in a mascara junkie like myself, but it's the results that have kept me on the Falsies bandwagon. in my opinion, this is almost the drugstore equivalent of Lancome's Hypnose Drama-- my absolute favorite high-end mascara-- and if the pics don't convince you to try it for yourself, i don't know what will...


before


after

you can find Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara at my favorite mass retailer, Target (where i purchased it). visit maybelline.com for more info.

xo
pics taken by me :)

flawless beauty: HD Complexion Travel Kit

when it comes to makeup, HD is where its at. my favorite brand for these formulations? Make Up For Ever, of course. i love this line! my last purchase: the HD Complexion Travel Kit.

in this kit you'll find three MUFE travel-size, best-selling HD products: HD Elixir (a gel serum that boosts skin's moisture and keeps it hydrated all day), HD Microperfecting Primer #0 Neutral (this oil-free, silicone-free base helps support foundation for a long-lasting, smooth effect) and HD Microfinish Powder (made of 100% mineral silica powder, gives skin the best soft-focus effect).

all of these products work well on their own, but together are a winning beauty team! the sizes are small, but worth the price. so, if you've been curious about trying any of these gems, this kit is the way to go.

fing the MUFE HD Complexion Travel Kit is at Sephora and sephora.com.

xo
pic taken by me :)

natural beauty: Bioelements All Things Pure

one of my favorite skincare brands, Bioelements, recently introduced a new line of products called All Things Pure, and it's pretty delicious for the skin.

there are 4 products in the collection, suitable for all skin types, and all of which have been awarded with the Natural Products Association Seal. take a look...




All Things Pure Cleanser is a creamy, soap-free formula made with a blend of natural bentonite clay that works to cleanse away excess dirt and oils. jojoba seed oil, chamomile and aloe vera helps soothe skin while leaving it clean and soft.




the Eye Oil is unique in that it can be used both around the eyes and on the face. it contains essential oils to give skin (especially around the eyes) a moisture-rich, nourishing treat. i love the yummy lavender scent-- perfectly soothing before bed, and actually energizing each morning (let it soak in before applying makeup).




to keep skin exfoliated and polished, the All Things Pure Scrub is my favorite. it contains curative chinese grains and organic oils (sunflower, jojoba and evening primrose) that scrub away dead, skin-dulling cells. the best thing about it is that the grains actually melt away as it's rubbed into the skin, and the oils leave skin feeling so smooth!




finally, the Moisturizer (rich and emollient, but not too heavy) gives my skin a fabulous drink of moisture with ingredients like purified water and shea butter. i love to use this cream especially at night to wake up with a refreshed-skin look.


if you love organic products, these are definitely worth checking out. each product is wonderful and would work well with your current skincare regimen.


visit bioelements.com for more info.

xo
products featured sent to me for review consideration.<>