Last year, my mother called me (as usual) to say “Happy V-Day” and to inform me that she had deposited $100 into my bank account. I was ecstatic! I knew that I did not want to make an impulse purchase, so I thought about it and decided to go to Sally Beauty to purchase a GiGi waxing kit. I was tired of paying $10 for a lip or brow wax each time I needed it.

Waxing might not sound like the most romantic of Valentine’s gifts but it has been THE BEST investment ever. I spent less than $70 for all of the supplies I needed and still had $30 to blow! Not to mention, you can easily spend $70 on a handful of salon visits. I have had my GiGi waxing kit for almost a year now, so when you do the math I definitely came out on the winning side. I brag about it all the time. =)

So who needs roses on Valentine’s Day? They die in a week! Tell your lover (or your parents) that you know exactly what you want for V-day this year!

One thing I don’t have to feel bad about is spending money on one of the many 2-in-1 products that seem to be everywhere lately.  I’m obsessed with Femme Couture’s Get Rosie Lip and Cheek Stain Duo.  This product is a true lifesaver if I’m running low on time in the morning.

Not sure if I’m alone on this, but I’ve found most other “stains” to be really difficult to use—though I’ll admit that it may have something to do with the fact that I’m the messiest/clumsiest person ever.

The idea of trying to blend a runny liquid onto my cheeks or lips before it stains (and, by the way, I’ve learned that they’re called “stains” for a reason!) is a little terrifying.  That’s why this product is a nice surprise.

One side is a twist-up blush stick, the other, a lip gloss wand that perfectly applies a gel-like stain that smells delicious. The best part is that both look completely natural and last through my whole day—from running out the door for work to sweating my buns off at the gym.

Now all I need is a product that will help me sleep and burn calories at the same time!

What about you? Do you like this look or does it bring back traumatic memories of growing out your bangs in elementary school?

Please take a moment to vote and tell us your thoughts in the comments!

2.Hold the dryer above your head and point it down the hair shaft to keep the cuticles smooth, and dry one area at a time.

3. Keep the dryer about six inches from your hair to avoid damage from concentrated heat.

4. Use the cool setting after your hair is dry to set your style and reduce static.

That’s it!

Now tell us about YOUR awesome blow dryer and what you like about it!

I know I’m not alone in this, which is why we’re so proud of our Ion Keratin Smoothing Treatment. The Formaldehyde-free formula minimizes frizz 90% – 100% and contains all kinds of goodies, such as argan and wheat germ oils, to boost shine.

And, just in case you’re wondering, “Can this be safe for color-treated hair?” The answer is, absolutely! It actually strengthens hair. Of course, as with any treatment, following directions is key to a great result.

Lately, I’ve seen several celebrities  sporting a halo, but I’m not sure if I’m sold on the trend. It looks a little Julius Caesar to me.

What do you think of headbands being worn this way? Please vote and tell us your thoughts in the comments!

Supplies:

Nail Polish Remover
Cosmetic Wedges
Polish Remover Pads
Wax Paper
Clear Base Coat
Dotting Tool or Toothpick
Metallic Purple Polish
Clear Top Coat
Metallic Green Polish
Rhinestones (optional)
Metallic Gold Polish

Remove your old polish, file and buff your nails. Apply a clear basecoat and let dry.

Step 1: Paint 2 coats of metallic gold polish on all your nails and let dry for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2: Now, imagine that your nail is divided into 3 parts, from the tip to the top of the nail.  Drip a couple of drops of Metallic Green on the wax paper. Dab one edge of the cosmetic wedge in the paint and blot it on the wax paper. (This will keep you from painting a hard line, instead of a blend). You will be blending the polish, making the ombre effect.

Beginning about one third up the nail, dab the wedge on the nail, covering the middle third of the nail. I didn’t paint all the way to the end so that the purple would be more vivid. Continue adding green polish until you get the desired effect. Let dry for about 15 minutes.

Step 3:

Repeat step 2, using the Metallic Purple polish. Paint the third of the nail, beginning at the tip. Continue adding purple polish until you get the desired double hombre effect. Let dry.

Note: The nails are beautiful just as they are now, so if you don’t want to add anything, apply 2 coats of clear topcoat and you are finished.

Step 4: Now we are going to paint gold crowns on the nail tips…after all we are all kings and queens of Mardi Gras, right? Paint gold polish in a slightly “curved” line across each nail tip (reverse French tip). Then paint three triangles at the edge of each curved line.

For a little dimension, make the triangle in the center slightly larger than the other two.  Drip a drop of the gold metallic paint on the wax paper and using the dotting tool or toothpick, make a dot of gold on the tip of each triangle. Add three rhinestones to the dots while they are wet if you want the bling.

Now you have the base of the crown.

Step 5:

Drip a drop of green and purple polish on the wax paper and using the dotting tool, decorate your crown as you like. For a bejeweled look, apply colored rhinestones to the dots while they are wet. Since you have applied several coats of polish and polish dots, let the polish dry for at least 20 minutes to keep the polish from smearing when you apply the topcoat. When dry, apply two coats of topcoat and let completely dry.

I think this is a cute look for Mardi Gras, so I hope you will give it a try. And like they say in New Orleans…Let the Good Times Roll!

Until next time…..keep those nails covered.

I put it on and I’m transported to the early 90s, watching my older sister and her friends pass around that ubiquitous tube of red lipstick while they get ready for their dates. Not to mention using a can of hairspray each!

Or I think of my dancer days and having our director say, “Put on your red lipstick, ladies!” before every performance. I hated wearing it at the time but looking back at pictures, it made our smiles so bright and beautiful.

So what are your feelings on a red lip? Gorgeous or is it too much of a look for you? Please vote and let us know your thoughts in the comments!

What: We’re giving away a set of FingerPaints Special Effects!

Why: Because we know you guys are ga-ga for flakies!

When: Visitors can enter January 18-20. One winner will be chosen at random on January 23.