- Boho Vanity -

Tropic Temptation - Fashion Inspiration

2013-05-23T13:09:00.000-04:00

The photos shown above at not my own, and can all be found on Tumblr.com.

Do you like tropical inspired style?

Hard Candy Fox In a Box Blush in Smooth Talker - Review

2013-05-21T14:35:00.000-04:00

Hard Candy Fox In a Box Powder Blush in Smooth Talker / .20 ounces / $6

This versatile blush quad by Wal-mart exclusive beauty brand Hard Candy contains coordinating colors that can be mixed or worn alone. Smooth Talker is a collection of glowing 'sunset shades' with a warm golden peach, a muted grape purple, a light dusty pink, and a darker rose pink. The color that is created when all the shades are swirled together is a warm peachy pink with a hint of shimmer.

Texture

The texture of the blush is is finely milled and velvety to the touch. Although the powder is a bit chalky and sheer in color, it blends out smoothly and is buildable in layers. All of the shades in the compact have a touch of shimmer which gives that soft, flushed look.

Lasting Time

When applied on top of foundation, the blush lasts six to seven hours with some fading. I like a more bold look on the cheeks so I usually apply a cream blush underneath to make the color look more vibrant.

Packaging

The bulky cardboard box is a bit wasteful in my opinion, and it takes up a lot of room in my small makeup drawer. It also comes with a cheap brush attached to it that I kept simply because it's cute.

Dupe

Smooth Talker is an almost identical dupe for Benefit's Sugar Bomb, both in pan and when applied. The texture of the powder is very similar, with Smooth Talker being a bit softer and less pigmented.

Find

The boxed blushes as well of the rest of the Hard Candy brand is available at Wal-Mart.

Conclusion

If I want a glowing cheek that will last all day, then I always reach for Smooth Talker. The multi-dimensional colors are suitable for many makeup looks, and the natural finish of the blush makes it easy to wear. There are technically five unique shades in one product which makes for an exceptional drugstore deal.

What are your thoughts on blush quads?

Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming & Enzyme Gel Cleanser - Review

2013-05-17T11:59:00.001-04:00

PR Sample

The Mario Badescu brand is truly a skincare heaven. They offer a vast amount of products that cater to individual skin types and conditions to suit any need. The detailed website features in depth consulting, tons of helpful information, and even a 'build your own regime' service to completely customize your own personal routine. I've had a few months to test out a regime to share with you and offer my honest opinion on a few products at a time.

Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel / 8 ounces / $12

Meant to be a gentle daily cleanser, the gel formula removes all dirt, oil, and makeup without drying out the skin. With papaya and grapefruit extracts, the exfoliating AHAs help to prevent build-up that can cause blackheads and pimples. I started out using this cleanser every night when I washed my face before bed, however in combination with the Glycolic cleanser my skin was becoming flaky and dried out. I switched to a more mild and moisturizing cleanser from Pond's that I alternate with this one to give my skin a treat when it is getting dull. I notice that when using this product my skin feels smoother, looks fresh right after use, and doesn't break out as often.

Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser / 6 ounces / $15

This lathering cleanser contains Glycolic Acid (an alpha hydroxy made from sugar cane), which breaks down build-up on the skin, reduces minor discoloration, and leaves it looking radiant and feeling smooth. Other herbal ingredients that provide benefits include St John's Wort Extract to treat inflammation, Chamomile Extract to soothe, and Sage Extract to stimulate cell renewal. Since my skin can be sensitive, I used this cleanser in place of the Enzyme Gel about twice a week. It made my skin feel more smooth and look more even, despite using it so sparingly. I like to use this cleanser especially when my pores are clogged and I feel like my skin needs a deep cleaning as it is too strong for frequent use.

To me, Mario Badescu is a brand with simple yet high quality skincare products that are affordable and extremely tailored to all skin types to create beautiful looking complexion under every condition. Check them out on their website, or in person at an Ulta or Nordstrom.

What is your favorite cleanser at the moment?

Wanderlust - Spain

2013-05-15T12:20:00.002-04:00

Ever since the sixth grade when I began taking Spanish classes, I've dreamed of visiting the beautiful country I was learning about in books. Rich in history and culture, the extraordinary artworks and the museums that house them are what I would be most impatient to see. Other experiences on my list would be to taste the authentic tapas and to take in the scenery along the breathtaking coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. I can see myself heading into the vibrant city to walk the streets and gaze at the unique architecture, or taking a peaceful stroll in the lush botanical gardens. ¡Qué increíble! (How incredible!)

Have you ever wanted to visit Espana?

Rock Your Hair Miracle Leave-In Conditioner - Review

2013-05-13T13:55:00.001-04:00

Rock Your Hair Miracle Leave-In Conditioner / 7.5 ounces / $20

PR Sample

Micheal O'Rourke, the celebrity stylist behind the popular red bottles of Big Sexy Hair products, has created a new edge in hair care with Rock Your Hair. Promising the return of big 80's do's, the line is complete with hot pink and bedazzled packaging to pump up the volume for a fierce look anyone can 'rock'.

Formula

The Leave-In Conditioner is formulated to create shinier, stronger, and healthier hair. It's a multi-use product that will replenish moisture and shine to dry, heat styled, color treated ,and chemically processed hair as well act as a conditioner and detangler. The ingredient list includes hydrolyzed soy, wheat, and oat protein which all easily absorb into the hair to help improve length retention and increase strength. It comes out of a spray nozzle as a light liquid with a slightly oily residue.

Use

The directions state to use this product on towel dried hair, lightly spraying from root to end. I mist mostly the ends of my damp hair right before combing it out to distribute it evenly without spraying directly on my roots. Not only does the conditioner smell amazing, it makes my thick curls easier to comb through and leaves my hair feeling soft before I apply styling products. I haven't noticed if the protein has strengthened my hair a significant amount, however I have experienced less shedding and shinier hair after a few weeks of use.

Find

The Rock Your Hair line can be found online, at some salons, Wal-mart, as well as on websites such as Ulta.com, and UrbanOutfitters.com.

Conclusion

This conditioner left my dry, color treated curls moisturized and thoroughly detangled. It is a great leave-in product to spray on the hair before combing that will make it more manageable and treat with natural proteins. The formula might be a bit too heavy for fine hair, however other hair types that are chemically damaged would benefit from the repairing ingredients and conditioning effect.

Do you use a detangler on your hair?

Essie Nail Color in In The Cab-Ana - Review

2013-05-10T12:22:00.000-04:00

Essie Nail Color in In The Cab-Ana / 0.46 ounces / $8

This new tropical polish by Essie called In The Cab-Ana is a part of the spring 2013 Resort Collection. Described online as a "self-assured aqua azure", the color is more of a robin's egg blue in person with a shiny, cream finish. I was hoping it would be a bright turquoise like it photographs, however on the nails it appears a bit more dull and green toned. It looks similar to China Glaze's For Audrey when I wanted it to be more bold like Butter London's Slapper.

Formula

As with all Essie nail polishes, In The Cab-Ana is DBP, Toluene, and Formaldehyde free. The formula is thick and creamy, and applies opaque in one to two coats. Each coat I applied went on smoothly, and despite not waiting long enough between each one there were no bubbles or bumps. It dried to the touch in ten minutes and completely in about twenty. It wears like a typical Essie polish; almost a week without chipping with some fading at the tips.

Find

Essie can be purchased at select drugstores and Ulta. I picked mine up on Ulta.com for full price (not including coupon codes), however I know it can be found for less $8 at some stores such as Target or Wal-Mart.

Conclusion

I was initially a bit disappointed with the color when I first saw it in person since it photographs a lot more vibrant than it is. Over time the color has grown on me, and I think it's going to be on my toes a lot this summer. Essie has impressed me again with a high quality formula and long wear time, qualities that can't be beat for a drugstore product.

What is your favorite turquoise nail color?

Style Wishlist #2 - Nature Walk in L.A.

2013-05-08T13:46:00.000-04:00

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

1 This backpack from Target is perfect for summer as it is lightweight and hands free. I love the neon yellow drawstring as well as the geometric print (does anyone else see a Legend of Zelda triforce on the side and bottom?).

2 I absolutely love blue nail polish on my toes during the spring and summer, and so this bold cobalt from L'Oreal caught my eye. The color is called Jet Set to Paris and that's exactly what I'd be dreaming of after a pedicure.

3 Josie Maran, creator of some of my favorite skincare products, recently released a small collection of Argan Oil infused lip colors. The formula claims to be hydrating and highly pigmented, and the shade Playful Pink shown above is the perfect "carnation pink" for the season.

4 The liquid body bronzer from Victoria's Secret is a product I've always wanted to try whenever it comes out each spring. It's available in a bunch of their sweet, girly scents and can be applied all over the body for a quick, luminous glow.

5 Maxi dresses are so comfortable (especially when you can get away with not wearing a bra!) and come in endless prints and styles. My favorite is the strapless style that flares out at the waist for a flattering fit.

6 As the weather gets warmer, I find myself drawn to more colorful accessories. This clear pink cuff from Juicy Couture is a bit overpriced, however a quality piece like that will last through trips to the beach and frequent wear.

7 MiniInTheBox.com has the cutest cell phone cases for affordable prices plus free shipping. The styles range from artsy illustrations to basic and even waterproof cases.

What is on your wishlist this week?

NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Smokey Look - Review

2013-05-06T12:42:00.004-04:00

NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Smokey Look / .37 ounces / $5.50

Colorful makeup brand NYX is well known for their affordable yet great quality lip products. Right behind my favorite Soft Matte Lip Creams are the Mega Shine Lip Glosses, which are available in a wide variety of gorgeous shades ranging from sheer to pigmented. Smokey Look, designed to pair well with smokey eye makeup, is a dark, warm peach with mixed silver glitter throughout. On the lips it becomes more sheer and the glitter less noticeable to the eye.

Formula

The Mega Shine Glosses are formulated to be worn on their own or on top of something such as lipstick. It is definitely a thicker lip gloss with a sticky texture, however it glides on smoothly as to not disturb the product underneath. Applying too much makes the gloss feel heavy and uncomfortable, so a layer or two is all that is needed to get color payoff and a nice finish.

Lasting Power

These lip glosses are meant to be long wearing and I would agree that they are. The sticky texture helps keep it on the lips longer than a traditional lip gloss, however it is easily blotted off. On it's own, it stays put for a few hours before fading away.

Find

Smokey Look can be found at select NYX retailers as well as on Ulta.com and Cherryculture.com. Right now Cherry Culture has a 40% off sale on all NYX cosmetics, so take advantage of that if you want to try out or stock up on any makeup.

Conclusion

The shade of this gloss is perfect to wear on top of a nude lipstick, giving it more depth and shine. Alone it is a shiny peach that will last for hours. If you don't mind a heavier, sticky texture than I would recommend trying out a Mega Lip Gloss. The color range contains so many unique shades with impressive quality for the affordable price.

What is your favorite NYX lip product?

Redder Than Red - Fashion Inspiration

2013-05-03T12:09:00.000-04:00

The photos shown above at not my own, and can all be found on Tumblr.com.

How often do you wear the color red?

Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizers - Review

2013-05-01T13:12:00.000-04:00

PR Sample

Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer / 2 ounces / $20

This simple, lightweight moisturizer is formulated for combination/oily skin types to absorb quickly and provide sufficient daily hydration. The texture is almost like a gel, and it is instantly soaked up by my skin that was dried out from acne healing products. When applied, it doesn't moisturize as well as other products I have tried, and there were visible dry flakes/patches even after exfoliation. I would see this moisturizer being more fit for sensitive or normal skin that isn't too dry and would benefit from the fragrance free, light formula.

Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30 / 2 ounces / $26

This moisturizer containing an SPF of 30 with UVA and UVB protection is also lightweight in texture, non-pore clogging, and easily absorbed. The ingredient list includes green tea which is a powerful antioxidant aiding in anti-aging, aloe vera which locks in moisture while hydrating and softening the skin, and St. John's Wort which is soothing. My skin reacted very well to this product, and once applied it wasn't greasy like other sunscreens nor did it leave a white cast. It made my face feel baby soft and hydrated any dry patches sufficiently, more than the regular Oil Free Moisturizer did. The only negative is that if it gets too close to or even in your eye on accident it feels irritating and makes them water. It is recommended for either sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin and would be a great fit for those who use acne prescriptions and need the extra moisture as well as protection from the sun.

What is your favorite moisturizer with SPF?

Cargo Better-than-waterproof Mascara - Review

2013-04-29T12:34:00.000-04:00

Cargo Better-than-waterproof Mascara / .33 ounces / $20

Makeup brand Cargo reinvented 'long wear' with a staple black mascara that resists water and is easy to wash off without requiring makeup remover for the ultimate carefree formula. The brush is typical in size and resembles a classic mascara wand with soft spoolie like bristles.

Formula

The formula of Better-than-waterproof is unique compared to it's high end competitors. It is designed to perform like a regular water resistant mascara without running, smudging, or flaking when wet but is easier to take off with just warm water and gentle pressure. There are also nourishing vitamins in the formula that promote healthy, strong lashes by moisturizing them to revitalize damage, strengthening the structure by restoring natural protein, and conditioning to prevent drying.

The mascara is dry when applied which allows volume to be created without messy clumping. It looks very natural, a sort of "your lashes but better" effect as the wide bristles can evenly coat without distributing too much of the product. I usually go over the lashes from root to tip a few times without waiting in between to easily build up color without requiring multiple heavy coats. The more mascara that is applied, the more the lashes will stick together however they are easy to separate.

Lasting Power

This mascara looks fresh all day long withstanding all moisture and natural oils on the skin. Since it is more of a dry formula, it doesn't transfer onto the lids or smudge. I have oily skin that tends to break down makeup after a few hours, and this mascara is one of the only ones I've tried that actually stays put and doesn't end up all over my eye area by the end of the day. Removing the mascara is as simple as it sounds, a warm wash cloth and some light pressure is enough to completely clean the eye lashes.

Find

This product can be found on the Cargo website as well as at Ulta, Nordstrom, and other online retailers.

Conclusion

This is truly one of the best waterproof mascaras I have ever used. It volumizes the lashes and gives them definition without any clumping or fuss during application. It won't smudge all over the eyes or flake off and can easily be removed without harsh products or scrubbing. It's all you want your waterproof mascara to be and more, and I would recommend it to anyone wanting natural looking lashes that will stay perfect all day long.

What's your favorite waterproof mascara?

Style Wishlist #1 - Summer Sins

2013-04-26T12:00:00.000-04:00

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

1 I've been seeing these thick gold chains everywhere and they've become particularly popular with the Kardashian sisters (whom I shamefully adore). It's a masculine, bold piece that adds some character to an outfit.

2 Viktor & Roth has created a sensual twist on their classic Flowerbomb fragrance with the new La Vie En Rose scent. With notes of tangerine, tea, patchouli, pink pepper, and centifolia rose, this is my most coveted perfume for the season.

3 This cute white cross body bag is from the California brand Big Buddha. I love the bohemian vibe and also the medium size which is perfect to fit a phone and more essentials without being too bulky.

4 Being oddly obsessed with pink flamingos recently, this trucker hat from Vans totally caught my eye. It's a little funky and not really my typical style but with a casual outfit it would something fun to wear on hot or bad hair days.

5 One piece rompers are great for warm weather as they are so comfortable and easy to wear. This black and white geometric print one from H&M is affordable and perfect to toss in a beach bag.

6 The Society 6 Print Shop offers amazing art from an international community that can be printed on canvases, stationary, and even cell phone covers. I checked out the prints available from Urban Outfitters and found this cool piece of art as well as many others.

7 With a throwback to my childhood, the jelly sandals have made their way back on the fashion scene. My favorite are the clear ones with glitter, if only they were pink!

What's on your wishlist?

Jordana Easyliner Pencil in Denim Blue - Review

2013-04-24T13:24:00.001-04:00

Jordana Easyliner Retractable Pencil in Denim Blue / .01 ounces / $1.99

Drugstore brand Jordana Cosmetics offers a wide variety of makeup at super affordable prices; none of their products exceed $3.99. I've been using their liners for years as they are cheap and suitable to keep in my makeup bag for on the go touch ups without the worry of being lost or broken.

Color

This eyeliner pencil in Denim Blue is a bold navy shade with a slight shimmer and some microglitters. The color payoff is pigmented with just one swipe, however it does intensify even more when layered. When applied, the shimmer and glitter isn't noticeable but it creates more dimension compared to a flat matte finish.

Texture

The liner glides on the skin easily, but isn't too buttery or soft that it immediately smudges. The retractable tube style with a rounded tip creates a medium sized line.

Staying Power

On the waterline, the liner doesn't last but an hour until it begins to fade away. On the bare skin of the lower and upper lash line it lasts about three hours before beginning to noticeably disappear or smudge. Using a base or locking in the liner with a powder does prolong the lasting time.

Find

Jordana Cosmetics can be found on their website, CherryCulture.com, and at select K-Mart, Duane Reade, and Walgreens stores.

Conclusion

As with many blue eye makeup products, the liner makes the whites of the eyes appear brighter and creates a bold contrast. I like to use this navy as an alternative to a heavier black especially for a daytime look. For $1.99 the quality is decent on it's own, however a gel or powder underneath or on top is necessary to make it last.

Do you wear navy eyeliner?

Favorite Hair Highlights

2013-04-22T14:50:00.000-04:00

Spring is now in full force which means the weather is starting to get warmer and the urge to do something different with my hair gets strong again. Lately I've been thinking I'll go back to my 'roots' and try an all over medium brown with some added dimension to it. I've narrowed down the choices to my three favorite looks which are red tones with subtle highlights (row 1), natural looking beachy highlights (row 2), or a chunky blonde/caramel highlights (row 3). Right now I'm leaning towards something darker like Kourtney K. or Demi, but it's so hard to choose! Hopefully I will be booking my appointment this week so when I come back from the salon I will share which look I decided on.

Which type of highlights is your favorite?

Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion & Ceramide Eye Gel - Review

2013-04-17T14:12:00.002-04:00

PR Sample

Mario Badescu Skincare Special Cucumber Lotion / 8 ounces / $15

This lotion is an astringent that helps to disinfect and dry up blemishes while toning the skin. It contains sulfur which fights against acne as well as cucumber extract which is soothing and hydrating. Not only did this toner smell like fresh flowers, it also was very gentle and refreshing despite the acne drying power. I pour a little on a cotton round and apply it in outwards motions all over my face and neck. Using the Special Cucumber Lotion made my skin feel even more clean after washing my face with cleanser, and also prevented more blemishes than with other toners I have tried before.

Mario Badescu Skincare Ceramide Eye Gel / 0.5 ounces / $18
This hydrating eye gel is suitable for tired, puffy looking eyes. The Ceramides (fatty acids) and herbal extracts soften the skin and create a more healthy, awake appearance. I pat on a small amount of the gel with a ring finger on the sides of and underneath my eyes both at night and before makeup. Since using this product I noticed my eyes both look and feel more moisturized, and my concealer glides on a lot easier and lasts longer too.

To me, Mario Badescu is a brand with simple yet high quality skincare products that are affordable and extremely tailored to all skin types to create beautiful looking complexion under every condition. Check them out on their website, or in person at an Ulta or Nordstrom.

Have you ever tried Mario Badescu skincare?

Wanderlust - Japan

2013-04-15T12:59:00.001-04:00

こんにちは、美人 - Kon'nichi ha bijin - Hello Beautiful

Do you ever get the urge to spontaneously purchase a plane ticket and go explore the world? As I get older and become more cemented in routine, I realize how much I truly miss traveling and experiencing new cultures in person. I have a long list dedicated to places I'd love to see in my lifetime, and as of late I have been obsessed with the idea of visiting Tokyo, Japan.

I've always had an interest in the kawaii style, the exotic cuisine, and the serene temples surrounded by the bustling city. I'd feel so blessed to be able to see any part of Asia, however something about Japan just draws me in. I pray my path in life leads me on a trip to see the sakura (cherry blossoms) and eat authentic, fresh sushi.

If only it were that easy to pack the chopsticks and head off to see the world; wouldn't that be amazing?

Where would you travel to right now if you could?

Josie Maran Argan Illuminzier - Review

2013-04-11T13:41:00.000-04:00

Josie Maran Argan Illuminizer / 1 ounce / $28

This radiant skin brightener by Josie Maran Cosmetics is a universally flattering bronze tint that creates a 'lit from within glow'. It is essentially a highlighter that can be used on the face and body, including mixed into foundation or moisturizer to add a natural luminosity.

Color
When the product is first pumped out it is a medium warm bronze shade with small glitters throughout. Once blended it becomes more sheer and golden, reflecting light with shimmer and shine. A little goes a very long way, and the less that's applied the more natural it will appear on the skin. From swatches I've seen online, this product looks very similar in color and texture to Benefit's Sun Beam highlighter.

Formula
Like with most Josie Maran products, the Illuminizer comes with an array of humane benefits and is made with mostly natural or organic ingredients including Argan Oil. It has a creamy texture that glides on the skin and sets well, which is fortunate because the glitter stays put. The intense reflect doesn't enhance pores or imperfections on the skin which is unusual for this type of highlighter. I found that warming the cream first in my fingers or using a stippling brush was the best way to prevent the product from caking up and looking too pigmented.

Staying Power
This product is really impressive with it's lasting time, which averaged about hours eight on bare skin. Over makeup, it lasted until cleansing with some fading as I have oily skin that needs routine powdering.

Packaging
I love the small glass bottle the product comes in, however the pump is ironically very inconvenient. Even with a light and careful finger a ton of product squirts out. The tiniest bit of the Illuminizer is needed as it blends out well so the full pump it gives is a waste unless you unscrew the top each time and try to salvage the mess.

Find
This product is available on the Josie Maran website as well as at Sephora. It is available in a 1 ounce bottle for $28 as well as a .5 ounce size included in value sets.

Conclusion
The Illuminizer has a gorgeous glowing effect that will flatter any skin tone. It lasts all day long and even conditions the skin with organic Argan Oil while you look sunkissed and radiant. Even if you are not a fan of glittery face products, the natural finish of this highlighter will win you over.

What is your favorite cream highlighter?

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Pink Lemonade - Review

2013-04-08T12:44:00.000-04:00

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in 047 Pink Lemonade / .09 ounces / $6.49

Revlon recently released four new Colorburst Lip Butter shades as a part of the spring 2013 Pacific Coast Collection by Gucci Westman. Being a huge fan of this product, I looked at all the shades online and picked up my favorite on my next shopping trip at Target. I chose Pink Lemonade which is a sheer milky pink with a warm, peachy undertone.

Formula

This shade is no different than the other Lip Butters I've tried in terms of the formula. The ingredient list contains mango, shea and coconut butter that claim to boost moisture on the lips by 156%. The formula is a gel consistency which is what "super charges" the hydration and allows the product to be applied so smoothly.

Texture

The texture is soft and 'buttery' with a high shine finish. It does feel moisturizing, however it isn't intensely hydrating as a typical lip butter or chapstick would be. When applied in layers, it tends to settle into the fine lines of my lips and cake up on the insides of my mouth.

Staying Power

The one negative that everyone seems to agree upon is the lasting time, which on bare lips averages about two hours. It does transfer easily and has the potential to be messy when eating or drinking as it tends to slide around. I don't find it a bother to swipe it on every couple hours to reapply, however others may find it tedious.

Pigmentation

In the tube, this shade looks a lot darker and more pigmented than when applied. It is a very sheer pink that washes out the lips and makes them lighter. The color is buildable in layers, however doing so causes some caking and possible clinging to dry spots.

Conclusion

I love the fresh, dewy look of this Lip Butter. Although the formula has it's flaws, it is so easy to apply and appears natural against my fair skin. If you are into pinks that slightly nude out the lips or balmy, sheer lip colors then this product might work for you.

What are your opinions on the Revlon Lip Butters?

Petal Perfect - Fashion Inspiration

2013-04-05T17:07:00.000-04:00

The photos shown above at not my own, and can all be found on Tumblr.com.

How do you wear floral print?

Satin Ultra Vivid Fashion Colors Hair Dye - Review

2013-04-03T13:13:00.000-04:00

PR Sample

After seeing my post on red hair dyes that I have tried, I was contacted by Beauty Stop Online to do a review on hair color on from their site. I decided to go with the brand Satin Ultra Vivid Fashion Colors since I wanted to test out something new from what I typically use at Sally's.
I chose the shade 4V which is a dark, violet brown with a 20 volume developer. It had been awhile since I last colored my hair and there was about two full inches of new virgin roots. For reference, I am naturally a level 5 with ash/golden tones.

The dying process went smoothly as the mixture was easy to apply and had a nice floral scent. The tube of dye and bottle of developer were both big enough for two applications, so I only had to use half of them to completely coat my thick, curly strands. The only negative thing I could say about the formula is that after a good scrub in the shower, I noticed that the stains on my skin did not wash off or fade. Even with remover they were still faint, and took about two full days to disappear.

When my hair had fully dried, I was a little disappointed with the color. It turned out a bit more bold and bright on the roots and darker on the ends, and I exactly wasn't sure what went wrong. I then talked to professional colorist Casey from Beauty101 blog and she informed me I had used the wrong strength of developer which essentially caused the unevenness I was seeing. I didn't realize the last few times I had colored my own hair I wasn't lifting the ends, so they became darker instead of the vibrant violet shade I had hoped for. She schooled me with some great hair coloring tips that I wished I had known before deciding to go lighter on my own. It's been about two weeks now, and after a bit of fading everything looks more blended than before. My roots are still noticeably lighter, however I'm going to deal with it for little while longer until I take the time to color it again or head to the salon.

Overall I did like the formula of the products I used but because I used the wrong type for my hair I didn't see the results I desired. I feel as though I can't give a truly helpful review on the dye since I was sort of doomed from the start. In the future I will be doing more research on how to achieve the color I want before diving in on a mess of virgin and color treated hair.

If you don't color your own hair, Beauty Stop Online also has other beauty products such as nail polishes, makeup, wax kits, and more. One of my favorites I found were the $3.99 China Glaze polishes as I have never seen them priced so low. Definitely check out the site if you are looking for a Sally's alternative with affordable prices and a large selection of salon quality products.

Have you ever colored your own hair?

$100 Sephora Gift Card Giveaway!

2013-04-01T00:10:00.000-04:00

Win a $100 gift card that can be spent online or in store at Sephora! Myself as well as eighteen other lovely bloggers participated to make this generous amount possible. If you are following me on Bloglovin' or Twitter make sure to enter that information in the Rafflecopter below as it counts for two entries. Don't forget to check out the other beauties as well for more chances to win.

A giveaway is just a small gesture to thank all of you who support myself and this blog, Boho Vanity. All of the love, comments, views, and emails I receive mean the world to me; and I am truly grateful to have each and every one of you. Also, another big thanks to Angie from Hairspray & High Heels who made this possible by hosting/organizing the giveaway.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open Internationally

Ends at 11:59 EST on Monday, April 15th, 2013

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Giveaway is open internationally to residents ages 18 and over and ends at 11:59pm EST on April 15th, 2013. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness. Number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Approximate retail value is $100.00. One winner will be selected. This is a giveaway sponsored as a group buy, which means the bloggers pooled their money together to purchase this product for you. All liabilities and responsibilities with product is directly responsible by Sephora. Winner will drawn by random.org from all verified entries, contacted by email provided, and announced on this page at the end of the contest. Winner has 48 hours to respond or prize will be redrawn. Entrant is responsible for the email address they provide, whether through typing it directly or through the Facebook entry method. Hairspray and High Heels is not responsible for lost or misdirected emails. All prizes will be awarded. No prize substitutions allowed. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook and we hereby release Facebook of any liability. Information is provided to Hairspray and High Heels, not to Facebook and your information is never sold or shared. Facebook and Target are not a sponsor of this giveaway. Prize is mailed or emailed directly by Angela Peters of Hairspray and High Heels and requires confirmation of delivery. Protected tweets do not count as an entry method for tweeting. Tweets must come from a public account. Bloggers in this group giveaway and their immediate family members in their household cannot enter or win the giveaway. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law.

Organic Beauty Products You Should Try

2013-03-27T13:37:00.000-04:00

(Sponsored)

You've heard it all before; go green, take care of Mother Earth, Save the Planet, and other slogans that aim to preserve the environment. Sometimes you may wonder, can I really help? The answer is YES. You may not be an entrepreneur or a politician, but you sure can contribute your share whether it be big or small.

As many of us would know, some beauty products contain chemicals or ingredients that are harmful to the environment. It may not have a direct effect on the user, but the process involved in manufacturing it may be harmful to nature. No matter what your passion is, may it be sports or fashion, there's always an environment-friendly way to pursue it. For instance, those who love to play online games like poker can use energy efficient gadgets in enjoying their game. You can also adjust your computer's settings to reduce the brightness and save energy whilst playing. The Lenovo Thinkpad T430s and Apple Macbook Air MD231 are just two of the most energy efficient laptops around. Even when you play at partypoker for hours, you know you're not harming the environment. The unique thing about partypoker is players can set a limit on their account. Those who'd like to keep an eye on their playing budget and energy consumption are sure to love this feature.

Meanwhile, beauty enthusiasts like us can also do our share. When purchasing beauty products, try to find ones that are natural or organic when possible. There are brands that offer high quality beauty products that are environment friendly, too. Below is a list of popular organic beauty products that you shouldn't pass up on your next shopping spree:

Lippy Girl Organic Lipstick

The herb-infused lipsticks are not only natural, they are also rich and smooth. They are enhanced with grape, jojoba, and castor seed oils, as well as organic beeswax to hydrate the lips while creating a glossy finish. The lipsticks come in seven heart-stopping colors with cheeky names, one for every mood you're in.

Burt's Bees Honey & Shea Sugar Scrub

Say goodbye to dry, dull skin with Burt's Bees Honey & Shea Sugar Scrub. Burt's Bees is known for their top beauty products that are made of organic ingredients. This popular scrub contains ground almonds and aloe leaf juice to exfoliate naturally while leaving skin looking bright and feeling super soft. It even won a beauty award from Fitness magazine in 2011.

The Body Shop Camomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover

Give your peepers a break and remove makeup with a gentle and refreshing eye makeup remover from The Body Shop. This gentle formula is also enriched with conditioners that make eyelashes feel silky and soft. The product has a 4.8/5 review on the website from people all over the world who love how well it cleanses without any irritation or harsh ingredients.

What are your favorite natural or organic beauty products?

Drugstore Beauty Haul - Target & Walmart

2013-03-25T13:18:00.001-04:00

Being the crazy coupon lady I am, I took advantage of some good clippings to treat myself to a few new beauty items. This post doesn't include the bag of Starburst Jellybeans or Mini Cadbury Eggs that were also purchased at the time...

Target

Covergirl LashBlast Luxe in 850 Black Royale / $6.87 / With Coupon $3.87

My first stop was Target since I had a few coupons from their website and knew that the items I wanted were also on sale. I had a $3 off coupon for any of the Covergirl mascaras so I grabbed the LashBlast Luxe as I have never tried it. It its a black mascara with hint of blue shimmer in it which I figured would be fun to try as I use to wear blue mascara a lot.

Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder in 010 Fair / $7.49 / With Coupon $4.49

I had found another $3 coupon on the Target website for a Revlon face product so I browsed for a bit until I came across the Nearly Naked face powder. I've read great reviews on it and was also running low on the powder I keep in my purse for touch ups so I picked up the lightest shade they had in stock.

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Pink Lemonade / $6.49

Although it wasn't on sale, I couldn't resist buying the new Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Lemonade since I've been eyeing it for awhile and it happened to be the last one on the shelf. I am a huge fan of this product and was happy to find it since it's such a pretty pink for spring.

Walmart

Suave Moroccan Infusions Deep Conditioning Shine Mask / $2.88

I picked up a few random things at Walmart that Target didn't have in stock. I found the new deep conditioner by Suave that claims to be as effective as Moroccanoil. I had first heard about it from Hairspray & Highheels on Twitter and since I love some products from the Suave Professionals line I couldn't wait to try it out.

Goody Stay Tight Bobbies in Brown / $1.94

While I was there I grabbed a pack of bobby pins because for some unknown reason I only have three left in my possession. I know everyone always asks this, but where do they really go? Although I have red hair the metallic brown color looked like it would blend in nicely.

What have you picked up at the drugstore lately?

MUA Lipstick in Shade 15 Juicy - Review

2013-03-22T14:30:00.001-04:00

MUA Lipstick in Shade 15 Juicy / 3.5 grams / $1.29

This pretty lip color is by the inexpensive cosmetic brand Makeup Academy, which is available across the pond in the United Kingdom. Shade 15 Juicy is a pastel coral with a warm, pink undertone and a creamy, gloss finish.

Color

The color looks a few shades darker in the tube than on the lips where it comes across much brighter, a bit chalky, and a little less pigmented. When applied, it blanks out the lips and looks almost neon which I imagine wouldn't be flattering on darker or even very fair skin tones. I think it is most wearable with one sheer blotted layer, however when it is layered it can have a washed out effect that frankly either works on you or doesn't.

Formula

The lipstick glides on smoothly and is very soft and moisturizing in texture. It has a glossy, 'juicy' looking finish with decent color payoff. After layering it on to intensify the color, it starts to become cakey and cling to any dry spots on the lips. It does sink in more after time passes, however that includes settling into the fine lines and inner creases. Although the formula seems quite difficult to work with, if you apply on well exfoliated and hydrated lips it looks better.

Wear

On top of a thin layer of chapstick, this lipstick lasted about two solid hours. After eating and drinking, most of it wore off except for around the outer edges. The soft texture doesn't help the poor lasting power as it is easily blotted off with a napkin.

Dupes

I haven't tried any of these products, but some known dupes I have found online are NYX Black Label Lipstick in India, Wet N Wild Megalast Lipstick in Just Peachy, Topshop Lip Stick in Coy, Barry M Lipstick in #147, and Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Bolero. Note that some of the dupes aren't identical since they have different finishes, but are very similar in color.

Conclusion

Although I was lucky and the color ended up suiting me, this lipstick isn't for everyone. It accentuates any dryness and doesn't last long, but I love the pastel melon color so much I put up with it's shortcomings. For the price (£1 in the UK) I can't complain about the quality too much, however I wish it was more wearable on all skin tones without so much effort.

Have you tried any lip products from MUA?

I Heart Spring Tag!

2013-03-20T13:04:00.001-04:00

I found this tag on Missglamourazzi's Youtube channel and thought I would give it a go! If you love spring like I do definitely fill out this tag yourself and share the link.

Favorite spring nail polish?
My cliche answer would be anything pastel, but I usually reach for Revlon's Lilac nail polish as a go-to color.

What is your must-have lip color this spring?
I have been loving the MUA lipstick in Shade 15 Juicy. It is a light, neon melon color that is wearable and brightens up any look.

Favorite spring fashion item?
I like to wear my floral print Steve Madden tote handbag in the spring as it is colorful and fitting for the season.

What's your favorite flower?
I am a 'flower child' if you will and love basically every type there is, but my new favorite has been pale pink peonies.

What spring trends are you most excited about this year?
I love how popular the color mint is as well as more feminine clothing pieces.

Favorite spring candle?
I don't burn candles as often anymore, but my sister and I both love the Beach Cabana scent that is at B&BW right now.

Favorite fragrance for spring?
I have been wearing either Benefit's Garden of Good & Eva, or Bath and Body Works' Honey Sweetheart.

What is spring like where you live?
I am starting spring with a foot of snow on the ground this year, but usually after Easter it starts to warm up and the flowers will begin to bloom.

What's your favorite thing about spring?
I love being able to spend more time outside, as well as wearing more pinks, peaches, and other spring inspired colors.

Are you a spring cleaner?
I am an all year round cleaner, however I tend to give or throw away more this time of year as sort of a 'fresh start' cleansing process.

Any plans for spring break or an upcoming vacation?
There will be some family day trips coming up soon as well as a Disney World vacation in the fall!

I tag everyone!