It started when I was 16 years old, I wanted change, and I wanted a new look. So it was then that I had decided to dye my hair. My natural hair color is a deep dark brown, not a chestnut brown but more a dark bark color. My hairstylist at the time informed me that my hair color was mousy and I should consider adding highlights to brighten it up. At the time I didn’t take his advice but I was already familiar with the process since I helped my mom (who is handicapped) to dye her hair several times a year. Well over the course of the years my hair has seen numerous shades, everything from blond highlights to browns to reds. In my twenties I settled on black hair, I really loved how a strong lip color can “pop” against the contract of black hair. I also continued to dye my hair because I saw my first gray hair at the ripe old age of 21. Needless to say I have tried and tested every hair color on the block. I’ve been dying my hair since my teen years and I have continued to do so into my 30s.

I recently tried a new hair color by the name of Bigen. I was intrigued since the product states that it’s ammonia free, peroxide free and there is no harsh odor. One thing that I don’t enjoy about dying my hair is the scent that it leaves behind so I was really looking forward to trying something new. Bigen hair color is recommended for those that are looking to darken their hair or to cover gray hair, the colors range from Auburn to Deep Burgundy. I tried Rich Medium Brown color, which is in the range that I usually get. So, here’s what’s included in the box:

In this hair color kit you get the Bigen Powder, a measuring tray and gloves. Unfortunately there was no conditioning packet that I usually get in other kits that I’ve tried.

Pictured above is the Bigen hair color powder which is activated with water. When I saw how much (or rather how little) powder there was I was a bit concerned. The package insert indicated that one box is enough for touch ups but long hair may require two boxes. I have shoulder length hair and I was only doing a touch up on my roots so I hoped that this would be enough.

I mixed the hair color with the proper amount of water and the mixture turned into a gel like consistency (see above). From glancing at the mixture I was not sure that this would be enough to cover my roots – and I was right! I was only able to cover the front, the sides and the crown of my hair before I ran out of the hair color. Luckily for me, I only hair a few strand in the front of my hair but of course I wanted to cover all of my roots for a consistent color.

The pros are that the color formula works, is gentle and really is odor free. My little gray “friends” now match the rest of my hair and my hair does not smell like ammonia or any kind of chemical. The hair color is easy to use, left my hair soft and took care of my little gray problem (mostly). The cons are that compared to other at home kits there is just simply not enough product, so long haired girls be forewarned that you will probably need at least 4 boxes to color your hair.

Bigen Hair Color retails for $4.99 (0.21 fl. oz/ 6g) and can be purchased at Wal Mart, Sally’s Beauty, CVS and other fine retailers.

Disclosure: The product mentioned in this review was provided for editorial consideration.

Today is the launch of Marc Jacobs new fragrance, Bang.  Marc Jacobs is also the face of his new fragrance ad campaign that features him nude holding nothing but an oversized bottle to cover his “goods”. Frankly I must say that I love the concept, so often we see nude or semi-nude models selling sex beauty and nobody blinks an eye. It’s pretty refreshing that Mr. Jacobs decided to use a little raw sex appeal mixed with a bit of controversy to launch his fragrance. This men’s fragrance is pretty big news since Marc Jacobs had not launched a new scent in 10 years.

“Once I agreed to be the model, I couldn’t see what I would wear to express this. We tried it with clothes, but it didn’t work. Then Juergen [Teller, who shot the campaign] had the idea for the silver Mylar, and it all came together,” Jacobs said.

In many advertisements the full version of the ad will not be shown only the image cropped at the shoulders. I think that’s unfortunate since the photo is a beautiful work of art, however in more conservative part of the country even semi-nude photos do not fly. Bang includes notes as black, white and pink pepper, a heart of masculine woody notes, while a base of elemi resin, aromatic benzoin, vetiver, white moss and patchouli. The fragrance will be available exclusively at Bloomingdales and then it will be available worldwide in September 2010.

It’s no secret that many of us take a style cue from our favorite celebrities. We often admire their amazing style, their luxurious lifestyle and their beautiful hair. Elle polled salons throughout the USA to come up with the most sought after celebrity hairstyles. Among the top ranked looks were Nicole Ritchie’s full bangs reminiscent of the 60s/70s era. Another top choice was Beyonce’s simple long and straight look. This style is flattering on most women and with it’s simple sophistication it can be taken from work to play seamlessly.

For more information and the complete story, please see Elle.com

Ever since the Urban Decay Naked Palette was released, I wanted it. But before I could get to a Sephora store the palette was sold out. Well today, on a whim I stopped by my local Sephora and looked for the palette but it wasn’t on the shelf so I left. Later that afternoon, something told me to stop by Sephora again and I did. I asked the salesperson about the Naked Palette and she informed me that there were just a few in stock in the back. Success!

There have been great reviews about this palette and I can see why. The colors are neutral but NOT at all bland or boring. In fact these are some of the prettiest neutrals that I have seen in a long time. Let’s take a closer look:

(l to r) Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Buck, Half Baked

(l to r) Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted, Hustle, Creep, Gunmetal

In addition to the 12 shades in the palette, the set comes with a double ended eyeliner (Zero which is black and Whiskey which is brown) and Urban Decay Primer Potion. The 12 shadows, eyeliner and primer are housed in a purple velvet box with gold writing.  This palette gives a very luxurious feel and appearance. The kit seamlessly goes from light to dark and from shimmery to matte all while each color complements the other. This palette offers colors that will suit just about everyone and they can definitely go from mild to wild. So far this palette is my favorite purchase because of the packaging, the color selection and the great quality of the product. I would say that this is a must have purchase for Fall…if you can get your hands on it!

The Urban Decay Naked Palette retails for $44 and can be purchased at Sephora or www.urbandecay.com

AFP PHOTO/Frantzesco Kangaris

The lovely Jennifer Aniston recently launched her fragrance Lolavie Jennifer Aniston at Harrods. Ms. Aniston originally named her fragrance “Lolavie” which means “Laughing at Life” but changed it at the last minute due to a similar fragrance name (Lola by Marc Jacobs). Jennifer has joined the fragrance club including celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Halle Berry, Mariah Carey and Beyonce who all have signature scents of their own. So what does the Jennifer Aniston scent smell like?

“I am not a big perfume-y fragrance fan. I want people to go ‘what is that? You smell great!’ But most of all, I wanted it to smell natural.”

The notes in Jennifer Aniston’s new perfume are citrus, rose water, wild violets, amber and jasmine. These scents were inspired by her trips to Greece and her youth in California. The perfume is a collaboration between Aniston and Falic Fashion Group and has been in the making for almost two years. According to Aniston the scent is sexy and clean and floral but not too flowery.

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Lavanila Healthy Sunscreen SPF 40 is a highly nourishing and safe alternative to chemical-laden formulas, the Healthy Sunscreen is developed with a new generation of natural mineral sunscreens that offer superior protection, youth-promoting antioxidants and immune supporting botanicals. Perfect for sensitive skin, the fragrance-free, ultra-sheer formula glides on smoothly with no white residue.

While many sunscreens contain PABA, parabens and synthetic fragrances Lavanila Healthy Sunscreen is 100% natural. This deodorant contains Shea Butter to soften, moisturize and protect as well as Green Tea which is a powerful antioxidant. Some of the healthy benefits are protection from UVA & UVB rays which cause sunburn, dryness and premature aging as well as botanicals and amino acids to help hydrate and replenish skin. This formula is non-coledogenic, clinically tested, biodegradable and not tested on animals.

This sunscreen felt incredibly light on my face, like I wasn’t wearing anything at all and it didn’t feel greasy. Many sunscreens for the face feel sticky to the touch but not Lavanila, there is also hardly any scent at all (which I can appreciate). I think that it’s important that a sunscreen is free of chemicals because over time chemicals can accumulate in the bloodstream and cause irritation or allergies. This one is certainly a winner!

Lavanila Healthy Deodorant is $28.00 for 1.8oz. and can be found at Sephora, Sephora.com or lavanila.com

Disclaimer: The product mentioned in this post was provided for editorial consideration by a PR company.

Take a look at the lush colors that Stila brings us for the Fall. The new backstage palette features six jewel toned shades that can be worn wet or dry. The palette features a brocade design, an inspirational quote (“Lo0k for inspiration on the runway, find beauty in the mirror” ~Sarah Lucero, pro makeup artist) on an embossed paper compact.

Backstage eyeshadow palette - $28

Swatches - Backstage eyeshadow palette

The custom color blush reacts to your skins PH to create the perfect shade for you!

Custom color blush - $20

The new long wear liquid lip color is said to last for 24 hours, while delivering some serious moisture and bold color. This lip color is enriched with Vitamin E oil and Avocado oil to keep your lips soft and supple.

Long wear liquid lip color - $22

Swatches - Long wear liquid lip color

The new Stila long wear lip liner delivers 70% pigment so get ready to experience vibrant color!

Long wear lip liner - $18

Swatches - Long wear lip liner

The product that I am looking forward to the most is the Custom Color Blush. Stila has taken the guess work out of finding the perfect shade. Which products will you buy from this collection?

While browsing in my local Duane Reade I decided to check out the makeup section and see if I could pick up a few items on my beauty checklist. I came across Maybelline New York Eyestudio creme eyeshadows and I was immediately drawn to them. The colors are jewel toned and just down right pretty. So like a cat to a shiny object I picked up a set and dropped in in my basket and headed to the cash register. I came back to my desk at work and took a look at all the shiny objects makeup that I purchased and could not wait to get home to play around with all of it.

The trio of gold, purple and lilac are a beautiful combination. The shades are a bit sheet and will fade (like some creme shadows do) so be prepared to touch up through the day. I had the shadows on for about 2 hours (without primer) and I noticed that they began to fade. I know, I know it’s not at all what you want to hear but hey it happens. To make the color last longer be sure to use a primer and layer the shadow with a powder eyeshadow, if you don’t want to use a powder shadow then use a light dusting of translucent powder on top and voila!

Maybelline New York EyeStudio trio retails for $6.49