Cleaning your makeup brushes

No one enjoys cleaning their brushes. I actually dread it. It's like a half of day of just blah. I have even gone as far as just buying a new brush to avoid this process. My husband however is not on board with that theory. I recently found these two wonders and made my life easier!!! 🙌 While browsing Ulta, I found this little gem. It was about $35 at checkout! At first I was a little taken back and doubting the quality. I was wrong! It literally cleaned my brushes in seconds. I used the oldest dirtiest brush  I could find. I mean literally had not been used in about two tears. Eww. I put the brush cleaning solution in a spray bottle. I went ahead glove on hand and started spraying and swirling away. I couldn't believe my eyes when my brownish orange looking brush turned white again! The shape of the brush was still in tact for the most part, unlike when you wash under the faucet, and the brush still felt soft. No olive oil needed to keep them conditioned! I was shocked! Needless to say a new fabulous fav of mine! I washed my 230 brushes in an hour!!! Yes, I realize 230 brushes is a bit excessive, however I am a makeup artist by profession! Once my personal brushes were clean, I felt the need to clean them all! It's probably the cleanest my brushes have ever been, aside from when they were brand new! 

If you clean your brushes often or have a lot of brushes to clean, I highly recommend this combo! Trust me! You need this in your life! 💋

Amika

Amika is changing the game when it comes to blow dryers. It has the ion technique to keep the hair smooth. It is powerful! You can dry your hair in half the time, but be careful, this dryer does get awfully hot on the nozzle. You have the option to use a cool shot or blow dry on cool for curly styles. Amika is a huge contributor to the styles behind New York City fashion week runways. They have created cutting edge looks for emerging and established designers. They have worked along side Cynthis Rowley, Azede Jean-Pierre, Misha Nonoo, VPL and Zero + Maria Cornejo among many more. They have some of the industry's  most talented artistic directors including Naeemah LaFond. Naeemah is known for some of her editorial work in major magazines such as Allure, InStyle, Glamour, Teen Vogue and Modern Salon. She was named one of the industry's " movers and shakers"  by Beauty Launchpad! 

Needless to say, Amika has powerful, innovative people in their corner. They are becoming one of the top selling professional blow dryers on the market. They are even beating out the ever so popular BioIonic/ Paul Mitchell. 

It lightweight and powerful. The cord gives you plenty of room to work. Nothing worse than bring tried down with a short cord while blow drying your hair. Amika has a sleek design, great for travel. The price point is right! 💋

Ecru New York

ECRU New York creates some of my absolute favorite hair care products. They are paraben free, sulfate free and color safe. ECRU New York combines high quality skincare and cosmetic grade ingredients with the performance of professional haircare.

Silk proteins are used in every product within the collection because they strengthen and improve the integrity of the hair.

Silk proteins are the highest grade protein ingredients. Originally, this ingredient was only used in high-grade skincare, however when applied to hair, silk proteins form a transparent protective film that seals the hair cuticle increasing elasticity, natural shine and further preventing damage to the hair.

The packaging is über cute, so boutique. 

ECRU Marine Thickening Balm! This is amazeballs! It's a hair thickener, best used on fine hair. This is a gel form balm. It has minimal hold and doesn't weigh the hair down. This is going to give you weightless lift without that fluffy feeling. If you have fine hair you know exactly what that means! Ecru Marine Thickening Balm  can be cocktailed with multiple different products. It uses collagen to aid in the plumping of the hair whilst still keeping the cuticle smooth and intact. 

ECRU silk nectar serum is hands down the best shine, smoothing serum I have ever used. This cocktails well, to break down any product that may be a little too strong or firm for the style your creating. I use it to smooth my ends, or settle any fly away hairs I have after blow drying. If you suffer from dry hair this is a holy grail savior. Silk Nectar Serum will be perfect in the drying winter months where you suffering from static or the damaging summer months where your fighting that humid sun! This serum works well at the beach to keep your hair feeling smooth and soft in the sand and salt water. It will also act a protection against the elements. 

ECRU silk texturizing balm is the absolute best product on the market! Holy Grail! This is the silkiest smoothest texture balm EVER! It can be used to edge up a short  style or give a long style seperation. I use it on every hair type for every style I create! The long "beach waves" everyone longs for... Here's your secret! It allows the perfect amount of seperation while adding shine and hold. You want to create an edgy "piecey" look.., again here's what's your in need of! This is perfect to smooth your hair while creating evening styles or that everyday look. 

ECRU New York has the idea for the best haircare. It makes total sense to include any skin care products that can be useful to create healthy, youthful hair. You need to start thinking about your hair care as a prescriptive regime as you would for skin. Your hairstylist should be just as important as the dermatologist. Make sure you are comfortable with the person your trusting your hair. Make sure they knowledgable on all elements of hair care.  Every style looks better with healthy hair! 💋 

Grammys

Ok! Your probably thinking... Grammys? They were months ago! Your right! I completely forgot to actually post this! Dumb. I am just going to breeze through a few looks considering I am really behind with it' I've been so pre occupied trying to clear out my Pinterest boards and actually do the projects. 

Anyway! On to the beauty... 

1. Ariana Grande looked adorable in her Dolce and Gabbana, however I hated that half up hair style. I know she's cute but that was like 7 year old cute. 

2. Paris Hilton was stunning in her gown. I know a lot of people have this love/hate thing with her but, there is no denying she hit a home rum with this look! Her hair and makeup were perf! Easily in the top five best dressed! I mean hello! 

3. Pharrell's hat has gotten more than enough publicity. Whether you loved it or hated you are talking about it! He knew exactly what he was doing this award season. I do love that he auctioned it off for his charity! At least the hat is now with the rightful owners and it was for a good cause! Thanks Arby's and Pharrell's! 

4. Ciara rocked that baby bump effortlessly in her gold gown! She was glowing in all senses of the word. Her makeup looked phenomenal and complimented perfectly. 

5. Alicia Keys stepped out with a plunging neckline in blue! 

6. Colbie Callat had an amazing dress! It was amazeballs! I don't think she could have had a better choice. The hair, however I am going to call an epic fail. I hated that braided hair into a bun! It just did no justice for the complete look or her! 

7. Katy Perry with her musical note Valentino dress was gorg! The hair was bad, just bad! I think everyone watching knew it wasn't real. 

8. Pink was classic Pink in Kohanna Johancen. I just love the red dress. She looks perfect as always. That performance, I mean seriously talented, but we knew that! Her body was to die for. 

9. Sara Bareilles wore hair inspired by Katniss Everdeen! That was a undeniable move by her stylist. A huge hit. I'm sure I will be recreating this look multiple times this year for prom! 

10. Madonna challenging her inner mobster? The finger waved hair was amazingly flawless and complimented her costume perfect. I mean, it was a costume right? I did love the suit look! It's very in fashion. I think we could have left the hat and cane behind. But it's Madonna! 

11. Bonnie McKee's red into blonde ombré. Hmm. It is a very requested look, I think the study in me, is just do over this ombré look in general! 

12. Chrissy Teigen rocked a little urban flare! Love. Love. Love. The braided side hair and dress was amaze! And let's talk about the highlight on her cheek bones! Hello! I need that in my life. It was to die for. 

13. Now you know we can't blog an award show and not mention Taylor Swift. Why is she so sweet? That ponytail was amazing. I mean she always hits it out of the park. Never get rid of your stylist girl! 

14. Kacey Musgravies was pure perfection. The hair was amazing and she just looked excellent for her first show! 

15. Cyndi Lauper did a complete change from New Year's Eve! Did anyone see that performance?  I mean, nice red faux hawk. But seriously aren't you too old for that? I think that done people can achieve that look at any she, however you need the edge and flare to go with it and I just don't see it with Cyndi. Madonna could have probably done it with her mobster suit! 

16. Lady but certainly not least, Miranda Lambert was dating with that plunging neckline. It worked! She is one of the best dressed! Love the side waves for her hair. Hello, this is every brides dream in 2013/2014. 

Well this is where I wrap it up! I know this isn't my typical awards show post but it's late and I just wanted to get it out there! I'll make it up with the next one! 💋 

Tired of Winter Dry Skin.

I you tired of the dry winter skin? Winter is a tough month on the skin. The artificial heat we use is extra drying to our skin.

We always want nothing more than to take hot steamy showers when it's bitter cold. This winter was no exception! I think by this point everyone is over winter weather and in need of some serious moisture restore. 

My absolute favorite solution is going to the Spa at Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon and enjoying a soft pack float treatment! This is described as being one pure hour of euphoria! Amazing and intriguing right? The way this treatment was described to me did it absolutely no justice. There a several different treatment options to focus on different areas and needs for the body! The technician starts the treatment with a body exfoliation. 

Following is a sumptuous wrap treatment.  After the treatment of your choice is applied in a massaging motion you are asked to lay on this heavenly floating soft pack system. This is a pressure-free cushion of water.  Like I said, it's really is hard to give this treatment the proper credit. You do not get wet! It's almost like a weightless waterbed. The technician wraps your body and while you relax,  you'll receive scalp and facial massage. The technician uses a light application essential oils or creams to calm your mind and soothe your spirit. After the treatment is over the technician leaves to give you privacy and you are able to shower off any excess oils in your private shower. This treatment has a price tag of about $130. 

This treatment is perfect to compliment any massage or facial. I absolutely recommend it for anyone who would like to try a treatment but feels uneasy with a massage or a lot of contact. This is a great way to jump start a moisture regimen to get your skin together after the winter months. I love to use Cuccio Naturale to follow my treatments. It gives a buttery smooth finish to your skin without feeling greasy. This comes in 3 different scents. A great price point too! 

Joseph Anthony is a family owned and operated salon and spa that offers just about every treatment under the sun! It's three floors of of beauty and wellness. Visit their website at josephAnthony.com for all the treatments and services they offer.

💋 

Mascara Mascara Mascara

It's no secret that I haven't found a mascara that I love, yet! I am still determined even though I swear I've tried everything under the sun! Right now is have to my first running would have to be

Beauty Addicts : show off mascara

The packaging is super cute. It is the one of the blackest I've used in a long time. It coats the lashes very nicely and doesn't seem to clump. Show Off gives a real nice base to the lashes before adding false lashes. If you add 3 to 4 coats of mascara with a lash curler, you won't need the false strip. But then again who doesn't love a dramatic false lash? Obvi! 

I have also been favoring:

Benefit Beauty : They're Real 

The brush that comes with this, is amazing! I absolutely love it. I like how smooth the mascara applies, however I almost feel as if it clumps later. Taking this off seems impossible. I used a few different removers and without fail I still seems to have clumps in my lashes. I have very mixed emotions. It's like a love/hate relationship with this one! 

As of now after all of the brands I've used these 2 are in the lead! I'm hoping to find one that replaces all! A holy grail mascara! Help me find it! 

Levels of hair damage!

There are 4 levels of damage the hair can go through:

 Cuticular: the lightest form of damage. This is caused by everyday wear and tear on the hair. Flat irons, blow dryers ect. 

Moisture loss: the next type of damage. This is expirenced after lightening the hair, or extreme heat stress. When your hair lacks moisture you start to encounter static. This can be prevented by using the proper products during washing. Also, if this something your expirencing try washing your hair less often until your moisture issue is resolved. 

Protein: this is the third type of damage your hair could be expirencing. Protein loss would be defined by taking longer to blow dry or finding areas of breakage. This is the last salvageable damage. Once your hair is at this point, you need to totally revamp your hair care routine until you having improvement. 

Elasticity loss: this is the final point of damage. The hair can only be truly repaired by cutting it. You will notice a gummy feeling when wet, as well as, stretching with out returning to normal form immediately. 

Ten by Alterna is hands down the most amazing moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. It's perfect for any hair that is stressed, dry or damaged. I also would recommend using it leading up to any major color change you may have planned. The proteins and keratins used in the formula help penetrate into the hairs cuticle and mend from the inside out. You want to start correcting any kind of stress on the hair immediately. This product will work phenomenally with the first 3 levels of damage. You want to keep an intense hair regimen until to start to see relief from the stress. The best thing to do is get regular hair cuts and leave your hair as natural as possible until you start to see improvement. 

The Oscars

It's hear and I'm late with it! I didn't get as in depth with the Oscars as I did with the Grammys, which I just realized I never actually published. Dumb. That's the life of a mother of 3 boys with 2 that play hockey, and a full time job. Haha I will get it up obviously very late but sometime this week. Anyway, back to the Oscars! Holy award show. I mean wizard of oz tribute, Liza Minelli with blue hair. 

Let's get to it: 

Anne Hathaway in Gucci, I don't love the front. I think she was trying to be a little edgier. She is with a new stylist this year. The back of the dress was stunning. 

Charlize Theron in Dior obviously. Stunning! 

Bette Midler looked amazing in her red and white Reem Acra gown. I think it was perfect for her style. 

Will and Jada are my pick for the red carpet power couple. I always live these too. Jada looked flawless in Versace. Her  makeup looks amazing. She couldn't have looked any better.  

Penelope Cruz had unbelievable hair and makeup looks to compliment her Giambsttista Valli gown. 

My show stoppers are absolutely: 

Portia de Rossi in Naeen Khan. I don't think her look could be any more complete. The makeup looks amazing. I love the hair off the face. 

Amy Adams in a navy blue Gucci gown. I think her hair could have been a little softer to have a more complimented juxtaposition to her tuxedo style gown. The color of the gown is perfect compliment. 

Kate Hudson is my individual pick for pure beauty on the red carpet. She has perfect hair and unbelievable makeup in Alelier Versace gown. This look will be the "it" style of the 2014 prom/bridesmaid season without a doubt. 

 Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Couture is gorgeous! I always love Jennifer I think she looks effortless. Her makeup and hair are perfect. I love the jewelry, Very complimentary. 

Now it's absolutely no secret that my heart is always for Julia Roberts. She is just a living version of perfection. I mean, I usually don't like when she is blonde, however it didn't bother me. I loved the loose, soft side updo she was wearing. I love the classic black Givenchy gown. I am not so sure about the "modesty" panel, I like the idea of it, however I think it could have been a little sleeker. Although, Julia could really do no wrong with me! She looked fabulouse as usual. I smile alone wins! 

I know I missed a lot of A list celebs, however I went with my favorite looks this time! The hair and makeup was very classic Hollywood for the most part! 

Ellen did a phenomenal job hosting! I think she may have just found herself another gig! She is always hilarious and delivered perfect. She didn't even use the TelePrompTer for her opening. She was so relaxed and cool! 

Freedom of Style - New York Streets

Dry Shampoo is hands down a life saver! Everyone needs this in your life. This New  York Streets brand is one of my all time favorites. The packaging is edgy and really expresses New York Streets. The smell is fresh. This is an aerosol spray. The powder does come out white, however does work with brown/black hair. It doesn't leave a white residue behind. You want to spray product them massage it through hair or brush scalp. This helps distribute evenly throughout your hair.  

Dry shampoo is used to absorb excess oils in between washs. It also helps with any unwanted odors. It can not and should not be used in place of liquid shampooing. 

Dry shampoo can also be used for styling purposes. This will sound backwards, however if your hair is too soft for the style you are trying to achieve, use dry shampoo to "dirty up" the hair. It gives the hair texture. It works excellent with finer hair. Perfect for styles that are going to be curly and down. 

New York Streets is a company that was created by a hair product distributor, Despasquale Salon Systems. You can find more about the product line at newyork-streets.com the company is based out of Fairfield NJ. The product line can be found at any Depasquale salons.