I got these trial size babies from SampleSource.ca. I had originally heard about this site because BeautyGeek had tweeted about them, so I followed the tweet to read the post.

Basically you have an opportunity to try these sample sizes before you purchase a full size product. Anything free to help you decide on a product is always nice, so I was excited to score them this time around.

Once you get your box, you are given a few weeks, and then a follow up email will be sent to you. You will be asked to write a mini review (few sentences) for their website, just general thoughts on the products.

There are a bunch of samples to choose from, and they dwindle quickly so you want to get to the site ASAP when it is released.

Here is what I got…

Quaker Harvest Crunch
This has been advertised on the TTC subway recently, and I have to say that this was pretty good. But then again it is hard to screw up a granola bar right?

Garnier BB Cream
I tested out the BB in stores when it was released, and wasn’t too fond of it. Haven’t tried out the sachet yet, but we will see. What I did like was the little tab they provided for you to see how oily your skin is, helping you categorize your skin.

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration
I had seen a lot of promo for this last year on various blogs. Personally I used to stay away from these brands when I was younger. My skin was far more sensitive back then, and I would break out in to a rash. I was a little weary at first, but so far no issue! I loved that they also provided a decent size sample to try out. This would last as least a week, and well I think for something like this that would be enough time to make up your mind. And on the chance you do like it, they provided a coupon for you to use as well. Nice gesture :)

Sunlight
We don’t use our dishwasher, as for some reason my family thinks that doing things by hand is always better in this case…I am not an exception to this. So I gave the dishwasher one to my brother. But I do like the laundry packs. It seems crazy to me that one little thing is enough, but it really is. Not too strong in scent, but powerful enough to do the load.

Jergens Natural Glow in the Firming Formula
Again another company that provided a decent size sample for trial! I was happy to score this as I do enjoy the drugstore sunless tints. I had one from Loreal that I got as a sample a long time ago, and that is what started my affair with them. This one is for firming, and works to combat cellulite. The claim is that you can see the difference in a week. Unfortunately I wasn’t one of the lucky ones to experience that, but I did like the subtle colour it gave me. Plus it smells nice, like a discontinued Vasaline lotion.

Schick Razor Hydro Silk
Usually I go for the Schick Intution, as it allows me to dry shave when I don’t have the luxury of time. However this one isn’t too bad as well. I like that it is easier to store than the Intuition, and at least it is a tad cheaper cause it doesn’t have the lotion bar surrounding the entire thing. Plus it has a nice handle for good grip.

Snuggle Fabric Softener
I have always wished I could buy a Snuggle Bear…
Okay aside from that, a one load sample. I mean isn’t this basically a staple for most households? I know it is in mine…

Tums Freshners
I personally am not a fan of these. The fall apart weird in the mouth, and the texture drives me nuts. But it does clear up the breath for the time being.

Colgate Sensitive
Oh sample size toothpaste…I have a village of you in the bathroom…

Tresseme Platinum Strength
These guys are good for 3 ways for my hair. Not a lot, but enough to see if my scalp reacts, or if I like the scent. It isn’t bad, but I perfer to use the Keratese samples that I got throuh Klout.

I should also mention that the boxes come with one 3 month subscription. There are 3 different magazines to choose from, and if you want paper of iPad form. I forgot which one I got, but will be nice to read a few magazines when they get here.

So have you ever snagged boxes like this? Maybe the P&G sampler?

Personally love them, when they provide decent samples. Plus it is free, you can’t really go wrong with that can you? :)

*These were free samples that registered individuals have a chance to claim at Sample Source. I was not paid to write this post.*

What’s not a blank slate is my closet!  I’ve been planning what to wear to my movie date for weeks now.  That’s going to be a post for another day, but in the meantime, I wanted to give you all some 1920′s-inspired style.  For just a touch, think, drop-waist dresses, t-strap shoes, and tightly gelled and waved hair.  If you want to get really into the 20′s groove, you can add a cloche hat or sleek headscarf; thigh-high stockings or knee socks, rolled down; beading or feathers on your dress and accessories; and of course, a flask for your bathtub gin.

Shoes, from American Duchess.  Dress from Tibi.

Many 1920′s fashions were highly embellished.  Today’s clothing and accessories can give that feeling with lace appliques, geometric prints, beading, and one of my favorites – laser-cut leather.

Ashley handbags from Coach Outlet; laser-cut leather.

1920′s makeup is very distinctive – a thin eyebrow, heavy kohl-rimmed eyes, and doll-like lips.  I’m going to try for a subtle, not-too-costumey version of this.  My brows are already terribly over-plucked, so at least I don’t have to worry about that aspect!  It’s a leftover from my youthful brow plucking indiscretions.  What can I say, skinny brows were popular in the 1990′s.

I’m getting my outfit ready and planning my makeup look.  I’d love to hear any suggestions to add to the 20′s feel, without being too “costume-y.”  I’ve also been reading a book of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short stories for inspiration.  He was so good at describing interiors and fashion, and really immersing the reader in the style of the time.

Also in terms of beauty, the looks ranged from natural and pared down to extreme. Anne Hathaway and Nicole Richie both surprised with new hair-colours. Anne sported a platinum blond Eighties style crop, matched with a beautiful purple smoky eye. Nicole’s extravagant hair-do was created using white hair-paint and texturising spray; the look was then finished off with vampire lipstick and an overdose of punky earrings.

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There was a lot of focus on eye make-up on the night. Cara Delevigne and Sarah Jessica Parker both mastered the smoky style to perfection. Cara themed it with her signature brows and effortlessly cool hair. SJP had kept the rest of her make-up natural, to match her spectacular outfit of a Giles Deacon gown and accessories by Philip Treacy. Beautiful Joan Smalls had put her own spin to the classic look by emphasising the lower lid with under-eye smoky shadow.

Less traditional make-up was seen on Elle Fanning, who paired her Rodarte gown with eye-shadow that seemed to extend the print of the dress. A similar look was featured by Jessica Pare who matched her Jason Wu long peplum top with statement eye-shadow in the same hue.

Prettiest lips on the evening were surely seen on Rooney Mara who accessorised her Givenchy Couture frock with gothic inspired, dark purple lipstick and bold eyebrows.

Punk in pink was the device for some guests. Emily Blunt looked stunning with a top-knotted plait and bright eye-shadow. Diane Kruger sported dip-dyed strands while designer Zandra Rhodes matched her signature hair colour with a pink embellishment on her own-design dress.

And the prize for “Most Punk” goes to… undoubtedly Miley Cyrus who successfully trashed the party in full length Marc Jacobs mesh-dress, spiky hair and red, red lips.

Welcome back Anarchy! We’ve missed you…

I’ve been growing out my hair for over a year now, and I’ve had pretty long hair for as long as I can remember. I think long hair is beautiful, and I absolutely love how it looks on some girls – unfortunately, I don’t think I’m one of them. When my hair was out and worn straight it fell to below my bra strap (yes, this is official hair-related measuring guide). Unfortunately, my hair is on the thin side and to be honest the length wasn’t really doing me any favours. It lacked volume and movement and was starting to get a little unmanageable..

I mulled over the idea of having shorter hair for a couple of weeks – would I regret it? Would I miss the long locks? What if the hairdresser cuts me a mullet? Finally I decided that it was time to give it the chop. As someone who has had their fair share of haircut disasters, I was a little nervous. Luckily I’ve found a really great hairdresser who I trust completely with my hair. She’s so lovely and sat down with me, listened to everything that I had in mind, and made any suggestions.

Before the chop

Before the chop

After!

I ended up taking about 15-20cm off my hair, and I’m soooo glad I did! I’m even thinking about going a little bit shorter! My hair looks healthier, thicker, and is far more manageable. It’s done wonders to spice up my normal look –  it seems silly that something so simple can have such a dramatic impact, but it really can! Changing up such a central part of your look can be daunting, but it can really change the way you see yourself and refresh your style.

I’m so happy with my new hair and will be loving this style for a long time I think. What do you think?

annelise xx

Blazer – Old Navy, Sweater – JCP, Pants & Flats – Target, Scarf – Big Lots

This business casual look started off with the tangerine sweater and brown pants, but then I remembered it isn’t summer yet so I needed to find another layer at least. That’s when I rediscovered this closet orphan: a brown plaid blazer from Old Navy I picked up years ago. I threw on this scarf I picked up at Big Lots of all places and called it good! I’ve got some slight pattern mixing going on here!!

I’m still rockin’ the no-heat curls method I found via Pinterest! This Twisty No-heat curls method has been super easy for me, and again I wanted to point out that it may work so well for me because I already have curly/wavy/frizzy hair.

I thought I would pass along some tips & tricks I’ve picked up for this method in case you would like to give it a try as well. Here goes….

I usually shower and wash my hair at night – it just works for me. When I wash my hair I can either blow it out straight, sleep on it and it’s nice and smooth the next morning OR I use the no-heat curls method.

1. I use some type of smoothing cream from about midway down on my hair to the ends while it’s wet. Not at the roots or it ends up looking greasy – yuck! (I’m currently using one from Suave, but it changes all the time so I don’t have a specific brand that I stick with or anything).
2. I section off the shorter layers around my face from the longer layers down my back so that I have 4 sections total. Caveman calls me Pippy Long-stockings if that gives you an idea!
3. DO NOT (at least for me) coil up into mini-buns around my head – horrific things happen, i.e. frizzy city!!!
4. Continue to re-coil throughout the evening, night. I’m not sure about you but I wake up for various reasons throughout the night and when I do I just finger comb the coils back into place.
5. Next morning – turn your head upside down and blast the roots, it adds just the right amount of volume.
6. Then I turn myself right side up and use a round brush to blow out my part. This helps the part to be not as noticeable and again added volume.
7. Throughout the day continue to finger comb curls back, away from face. That’s it!

It’s really a super easy hairstyle to achieve with great results. I hope you’ll let me know if you give it a try!

Linking up with these lovely ladies: WIWW @ Transaltantic Blonde / Keeping It Casual / Whatever Whenever Wednesday / WIWW @ Pleated Poppy / Random Wednesday / Get Your Pretty On / Weekly Wednesday Blog Hop / Wardrobe Wednesday / Dress For the Day / My Whims Wednesday / Doing You Well / Diaries of a Bargainista / Wildcard Wednesday / Whatever Works Wednesday / What We Wore, Read & Made Wednesdays / Look What I Got! / #ThrifterThrusday / Trending Pretty Wednesday / All Things Pretty Thursday!

First off, if you have any interest in fashion, hair, makeup or anything involving the beauty industry you’ll love this blog. I will do my best to keep it updated with plenty of tricks and tips.

This weekend I worked on something really cool. Fourth of July is kind-of a huge deal for my family so every year we dress in the most ridiculously patriotic things we can find. Well, I had to step my game up this year. I had this one striped shirt that I only wore a handful of times so it was either time to throw it out or revamp it. I went with the latter.

Here is me two years ago with the shirt on (its the only before picture I have);

It also ties at one side, and it’s an ultra soft shirt so it would’ve been tough to give it up. But unless you’re dressing up as Waldo for Halloween there’s only one other time to wear it. I don’t care who you are nobody looks at red and white stripes and DOESN’T think of Waldo.

First I cut the sleeves off and hemmed them inwards. I’ll be sure to take step by step pictures next time I work on something because its obviously hard to visualize it otherwise.

Rather than sew on some stars with blue fabric I decided to get real country and use a royal blue bandana instead. It was a little tricky because the bandana was so new that it was a little stiff. But overall it turned out really well and I’m happy with it ! And I plan on wearing it to all the country concerts this summer too!!

Xoxo
AJ

COMMENTS?

When I was developing the character, Old Lady Cavendish, I had to give her a distinguished trait or something that would really identify with her appearance. A thought popped in my head of something that I had experienced in the past and the story turned out to be the perfect identifying trait for Old Lady Cavendish.

My father-in-law had an old scratchy wool gray cardigan he kept by the door. He’d put the sweater on when he felt cold or when he went outside. When he passed away I took the old wool cardigan and now it’s hung in my hall closet for when I’m cold or when I go outside. Every single time I wear that sweater I think of him with the fondest memories.  At one time I wanted to replace the buttons on the old gray cardigan to something more hip and you can see by the photo I still haven’t changed the buttons!

Here’s a quote from Towel Dry and a Good Cry about Old Lady Cavendish:

I followed her to the kitchen and set the food down on the counter. On her slightly stooped frame was the same sweater she wore every day. It didn’t matter the temperature out, she always had it on. It was a gray cardigan, her father’s, she’d told me. She had removed all the old gray buttons and replaced them with buttons that were a cluster of pearls and rhinestones. A more feminine touch to a not-so-feminine garment.

Towel Dry and a Good Cry 

Available at your favorite ebook store.

www.youtube.com/toweldryandagoodcry

Colored hair is naturally more inclined to be damaged, dry, or just haggard looking, so it’s extremely important to take care of your hair if it’s colored by using masks two to three times a week at home, and using the right hair products to keep it looking fabulous.

While most hair masks just mask the problem, Kerastase’s Chroma Riche works to fix the problem with an awesome cocktail of emollients and moisture-retaining ingredients, which work together to keep your hair soft, hydrated, and protect your hair follicles from future damage.

An added bonus- this mask keeps hair color from fading as well!

The Lowdown:

-contains an Aqua-Ionic system (helps protect your hair fiber from damage, fills it with shine enhancing ingredients, a hydrophobic film around the fiber locks out humidity and helps keep your hair frizz free)

-has a UV-filter and Vitamin E (helps limit the damage caused by free radicals and protects your hair color from photo-oxidation)

You can pick this up from Sisters Beauty Lounge in Dubai Mall, or any other salon that carries Kerastase products.

This mask of pure goodness is the winner of Cosmopolitan’s Beauty Award as well as InStyle’s Best Beauty Buys.

If you want to keep your colored hair healthy, shiny, super duper soft, frizz free, and maintain the color, this mask is a must in your beauty regimen!

Tiny Tidbit: Apply this mask to towel dried hair and leave it in for five to ten minutes. I find the longer I leave it, the better it works for me, so I usually rinse it out after 30 minutes!

I had bought some hair extensions before my wedding (over 5 years ago) at Sally Beauty Supply (probably something like this, although I know I got them cheaper: http://www.sallybeauty.com/hair-extensions/SBS-374101,default,pd.html)

Anyway, I never used them for my wedding and to my surprise I found them last week and they actually matched my current hair color! So, I started looking up youtube videos on how to put them in (like this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gkz6veEjfqI) and adjusted my technique.

That being said, I guess I had cut them at some point so that they weren’t so long. So, they are really not much longer than my actual hair, but when they are in they make my hair look fuller.  ow many times have I been brave enough to wear them in public might you ask? none. Yeah, so I need to get more brave and just do it, besides I don’t think it looks that different anyway!

check it out:

Sorry for the lack of makeup – I did this pretty late in the evening last night!

So, should I go for it?

-erin

The new Victoria Secret Catalog arrived in the mail today and not only are they showing some seriously hot bodies, they are also showing some MAJOR roots!  Let me start by saying that this look isn’t for everyone, but if you’re in school or have an artsy career, you NEED to show off those roots!

Ask your stylist to leave your roots for the first two inches (if not darken your root area so, it looks like you have some) and paint (balayage) your highlights except right in front. You should use foil. Ask your stylist to make you the lightest right around your face. Then practice that Candice Swanepoel  pose!

There are many ways to deal with these dilemmas. First of all take a deep breath and embrace each stage of the growing out process as each stage gives you a new hairstyle as you let go and look at yourself differently. sometimes its best to trim the hair in certain ares to adjust the shape as its growing out, it could be as simple as the bangs or fringe, cleaning up the sides or just the nape area. Another way is to use hair accessories like headbands, hair berets, fabric and other ornaments to decorate your hair. Use different styling products to change the look, a side part slicked with styling cream or gel or when the layers are long enough, a messy braid looks cool in the front of a shorter hairstyle! Try different blow dry techniques if your hair is unruly such as wrap drying with a flat brush to get the hair to lay down without puffing up and maybe finish with a thin flat iron to keep the hair smooth.

If your hair is looking good during the growing out process and you need a change without cutting it, switch up the color to make your hair look different, it could be a simple change like highlights or balayage (hair painting techniques).

In any case try to make the most of the growing out process and have a goal in mind for your next hairstyle.

This picture of My good friend Nicole shows her wearing a Jennifer Behr headband in her short pixie cut. A great way to dress up your hair at any length.

Um,
Nicole… your hair couldn’t get any better. I hope that wasn’t permanent though. That lipstick is PERFECTION. You definitely get my BEST DRESSED award. Love, Stevie
PS- your eye cuff is bringing a tear to my eye, so gorgeous.
STYLE INSPIRATION
COMMENTS?

Um Anne Hathaway just looks amazing. Makeup flawless. Her hair is TO DIE FOR. Did you know she only cut and bleached it for the Met Gala’s theme PUNK: CHAOS TO COUTURE, and that alone? I wonder if she keeps it. That dress is perfect, from the 1992 Valentino archives. Wowza! Drooling.

COMMENTS?

My fave eight looks for the Met Ball 2013:

Traction alopecia on a little girl that clearly shouldn’t have braids in her hair that are so tight!

Traction alopecia is something that is found more in the African American community than any other community. The reason for this is because in the African American community women tend to wear hair styles that pull and tug on their hair to the point that the hair follicle falls out. Bad hair habits and products can lead to this problem as well. First traction alopecia is when your hair ceases to grow in a particular area anymore. The reason for this is because you have mistakenly pulled your hair so tight with either a bun/ponytail or braids to the point that your hair becomes weak, from all of the tugging and eventually gives up the fight to stay on your head and just falls out of your scalp.

Traction alopecia typically happens at either the front of the hair line, your crown, or the nape. These areas of the hair are the softest spots on our head and the main areas that women struggle with trying to grow their hair in. By making your braids extra tight so that you will not have to go back too often to the salon to get them redone you are unfortunately damaging your hair. Many times people feel that because they have braids in their hair that they do not have to worry about moisturizing or even washing and conditioning their hair. This couldn’t be further from the truth. If you keep up with taking care of the braids just like you do your own hair not only does it help fight against traction alopecia it help to maintain the health of you actual hair.

Micro braids are not the best choice if you want to avoid traction alopecia.

Try and put thicker braids in your hair to prevent traction alopecia.

When thinking to go and get your hair done or even doing it at home there are few things that you should consider doing to prevent traction alopecia.

~Try and get thicker braids. Mini braids/micro braids create the most tension on your hair because they tug and pull on your natural tresses. Most women get these braids and put even their baby hair (finest hair) in the braid and these pieces of hair are already weak and they will eventually fall out.

~Opt for bigger braids if you want to do braids at all. Bigger braids allow for more strands to be braided and therefore a lot of stress is not put on a single strand which will just break off with the weight of the synthetic braid.

~Always keep up with your health hair regimen. Wash, condition, deep condition and seal your hair even if it is in braids because although you’re not seeing your actual hair it is still there and needs some TLC.

~ Do not pull your hair too tight just to lay down your hair smoother. Opt for an all natural hair gel, such as our formation hair gel that moisturizes your hair at the same time.

~ Do not keep your braids in your hair for longer than a month. Your hair needs to breath and it needs to be detangled and moisturized regularly outside of the braids.

~ Although the song “I whip my hair back and forth” is cute this is an action you shouldn’t be doing while wearing braids. With every swing and flip of the hair it produces tension on the tresses and weakens the hair follicle and this is when you might see a braid or two falling out of your head.

~If you in fact do suffer from traction alopecia than there are a few things that you can do to grow back your hair. Stop wearing braids so tight, and massage your scalp with oil regularly. Unique Fighter Serum is made with essential oils that are made specifically for growing in the edges of your hair including spots affected by traction alopecia.

Unique Fighter Serum will restore your hair and scalp!

****I know we have all seen a female or two that have had a braid or two falling out of their hair and they weren’t even touching or playing in their hair. Pass this information along to them so they can stop loosing hair because of their braids.****

If you have any other questions or concerns please email us at customerservice@flourishingtresses.com or leave a comment down below. To purchase the products that are mentioned in this article please visit flourishingtresses.com. As always Have A Happy Health Hair Journey!!

NV CORSETRY/B&S Baroque *NEW
GRIDDIE/Sydney Chi hair
RI/Pony boots
GLAM AFFAIR/Janna Statement necklace  *faMESHed

First off, if you have any questions that you’d like to see answered on the blog please send us an email to thestudiobeautique@gmail.com and we’d happily answer it for you!  We will answer questions on Fridays.  

Secondly, we have a little May special for you!  
We know how crazy hair can get when it’s hot and humid in Miami.  So, we’re extending a great deal on blow outs.  
Buy two or more blow outs and get 25% off.  
We will be launching our Memberships plan this month so this is your chance to get a discounted service rate for the month of May!  

Don’t forget we make house calls and are available for spa parties, bridal appointments and full day shoots.   For more information contact us at 305.397.6779 or thestudiobeautique@gmail.  You can also fill out the contact form on our contact page!

xx.

Tiffany + The Studio Team

Last Friday Alicia went to get highlights with the amazing, fabulous, hilarious, and wonderful Tanya! Sidenote: You may think we are exaggerating about Tanya, but she really is great! She is sarcastic, whitty, and great with the tools She’s at Brentwood Beauty Brands, and we think you should visit her! Also, she didn’t pay us to say that!

So, without further adieu I give you….before and after!

What do you think?

We will talk more about Erin’s (less dramatic) hair transformation later, but for right now, I would like to take you back to the future…

This picture was taken three years ago, and it has come to my attention that we have almost completely switched hair!

Crazy. Sauce.

Frame Your face and highlight your Eye-sets with Bangs and or Highlights.

Okay, 1st of all I know its not the world its just the esthetician. Secondly, I can think of it just like going to the OB/GYN minus the speculum (sigh, we’re all adults here) but for some reason I keep having visions of The 40 year old Virgin (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRKbez1LpWU) mixed with Glozell waxing for the 1st time (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyLic9ObVpo) and I get just a bit freaked out, LOL.

I actually read a post by one of my favorite bloggers www.thecurvyfashionista.com where she talked about her experience going to the European Wax Center. I decided to put on my big girl panties and give it a try. I called a location close to me and set up an appointment. I go in tomorrow, unless I run away at the last minute. Wish me luck!