I am starting a new column on ThisThatBeauty, lets call her “Fridays with Felicia“.
Do you know why I started ThisThatBeauty nearly two years ago? Well the stock response has always been that I had this intense urge to purge the style/beauty ramblings and insights taking up residence in my head. This response, while still holds true, is only half of the story. In addition to the need to purge the beauty babble that lives within, I started ThisThatBeauty to share and connect on a personal level. Sharing my passion for style/beauty has always been an integral part of writing for TTB. It was core to the TTB brand when MommaTTB and I were the only ones reading…and it remains core to TTB today as the site gets over 8,000 daily pageviews.
In keeping with the core philosophy that established the TTB brand, I am introducing “Fridays with Felicia“, a regularly occurring column that features rave worthy highlights from the previous week. Its sort of like a re-cap of my week..including note-worthy beauty discoveries, style observations, events, etc.
A mention in “Fridays with Felicia” is indeed an honor…it means the brands and products that make the cut are truly worth your attention. Certainly the rest of ThisThatBeauty will remain chock full of beauty goodness, but “Fridays with Felicia” will give you a week by week peek into my world. Its my little way of toting you around with me and filling you in on the latest and greatest of the prior week.
So without further back-story, I give you the inaugural post for “Fridays with Felicia” (The inaugural post of “Fridays with Felicia” will recap the last few weeks of ThisThatBeauty happenings and favs…upcoming posts for “Fridays with Felicia” will be current and include only the prior week)
FRIDAYS WITH FELICIA
After much research, hemming, and hawing, I finally took the plunge and switched to Phytospecific Phytorelaxer – an egg and soy based formula that does not contain lye. I highly recommend the complete relaxer system for individuals with textured hair in search of a more polished look without going uber straight. Phytospecific Phytorelaxer incorporates a unique blend of ingredients designed to gently relax hair’s texture: Egg extract is used to relax and release the tension in hair’s texture. Shitake Mushroom Salt is incorporated to boost the efficacy of the egg extract. Soybean extract is used to restructure the hair shaft. Lastly wheat proteins strengthen and repair the condition of the hair.
Since converting to Phytospecific Phytorelaxer I have been a happy camper. I was initially concerned about converting from one relaxer system to another…but my worries were all in vain! If you’re considering the switch, perhaps a visit to Phyto Universe will help address your concerns. Ask for Ron…he’s the Phytospecific Phytorelaxer specialist on staff. He is extremely knowledgeable and really knows hair!
If you haven’t tried DailyMakeover‘s kick a$$ makeover application, you’re really missing out on something great. I recently attended a DailyMakeover sponsored event at DEX New York and was made over…the end result was casual-chic, fresh, modern, and embodied Spring. <===This is my makeup makeover!
What I love most about DailyMakeover’s app is that it is easy breezy to navigate. I am thoroughly impressed with the ga-zillion options to choose from to design a new look. I went from short bangs, to choppy, to blunt….it was such fun to experiment with various degrees of “bangs”. I highly recommend DailyMakeover’s online makeover application for anyone considering a new hair do. Its also great for experimenting with trendy new shades of makeup before committing to the actual purchase. Not sure orange cheeks or dark lips are for you, give DailyMakeover a whirl first!
Click here for the complete deets on my makeover…and check out the makeovers for beauty blogging bellas Eileen (MissWhoEverYouAre), Dina (Eye4Style), and Kristin (FashionStyleBeauty).
Speaking of makeovers/ makeup…I recently published an article for LVCMag.com. If you’re wondering how to make a dark lip wearable, check out my piece. I feature Three Custom Color Specialist’s latest launch, Noir — a “a seductive almost-black shade with hints of burgundy and plum”. Here’s my LVCMag.com article.
Confession time: I’m not sure if its the impact of the recession or pure laziness but I have pretty much done away with salon manicures. If it’s not a “press perk” at an event, forget about it. For some strange reason I actually prefer to spend my time at home tending to my own nails vs. dealing with the hassle of going to a nail salon, fighting for parking (I live in Jersey), waiting to get a mani, waiting for the polish to dry, and messing up my polish while fiddling around with my iPhone. I now prefer the comfort of home over the aforementioned salon experience…which is why I’m all giddy to fill you in on the latest from Sally Hansen (who, by the way, was a real person….yep, Sally Hansen [God rest her soul] began her nail empire over 50 years ago with a single product — Hard As Nails).
I recently attended a press event for the launch of Sally Hansen’s latest innovations. Savvy Frugalistas, perk up! This bud’s for you!
Color Chrome Quick Pens offer the look of MINX without the $50+ price tag. These nifty little pens come in 8 different shades. So you’ve got your classic gold and silver, but you also have your choice of trend inspired shades like Green Chrome and Fuchsia Chrome. The fast dry formula and convenient pen-like applicator delivers a perfect mani in a flash! Get acquainted!
High Definition is not just for your foundation. At Sally Hansen, high def nails are all the rage! HD High Definition Nail Color is for the customer who craves color. The line is available in eight bold shades.
Another stroke of genius from the Sally Hansen camp is this — Complete Salon Manicure! Multitaskers, prepare for impact! This little gift from the lacquer Gods combines five steps in one: Base Coat, Strengthener, Growth Treatment, Color, Top Coat. Complete Salon Manicure totally takes your at home mani/pedi game to a whole new level!
Suddenly I’m feeling blue..no its not seasonal depression, its blue/black highlights. This bold move was inspired by Jeannie Mai of How Do I Look . After watching a recent episode I became obsessed with Jeannie’s rich black and purple locks.
While Jeannie’s highlights appear to be the result of lightening then added color, my highlights are clip in extensions. So I can alternate between purple, blue, and rich auburn as much as I like with out the commitment or maintenance of hair color.
Wella is getting in on the bold hair color trend. Colorist and beauty expert, Eva Scrivo has the recipe for the perfect match of natural color and dip-dyed tones. Eva created the bold tone palette for the Cynthia Rowley Fall ’10 runway, using Koleston Perfect Special Mix colors. They were such a hit, she has now started selling colored clip-in extensions customized at her salon.
Crazy hair color is not necessarily new. Ashley Olsen sported icy blue streaks in her blond hair last November. In Yohji Yamamoto’s autumn/winter 2010/11 show models rocked blue sprayed crowns and plaited turquoise streaks into long black locks. Katy Perry recently wore a vivid peacock blue glossy wig to the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. Is this trend for you?
Are you in need of a miracle worker? philosophy, the personal care brand best known for cult favorites like hope in a jar and purity, recently launched miracle worker miraculous anti-aging retinoid pads — a cutting edge retinoid based product that multi-tasks to dramatically diminish the appearance of wrinkles and skin discoloration. in clinical trials conducted by philosopy, after one week of using miracle worker miraculous anti-aging retinoid pads, participants saw improved smoothness and clarity. After four weeks, participants saw visible improvement of discoloration and dullness. Those of you following my ongoing Hyperpigmentation Series might want to further investigate miracle worker miraculous anti-aging retinoid pads. The powerful combination of high-performance retinoid and antioxidant Vitamin C help increase cell turnover and promote even skin-tone. While attending a press event for miracle worker miraculous anti-aging retinoid pads I learned that philosophy will launch a companion product in June — a super charged anti-aging concentrate. Deets soon!
While recently attending the Essence Magazine/Johnson’s Beauty Luncheon, I met the lovely Tia Dantzler (Johnson’s Beauty Consultant and Celebrity Makeup Artist). Aren’t we cuteness?
Kristin Booker of FashionStyleBeauty was in the house, too.
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Need more beauty in your life? The current Bergdorf Goodman beauty book promises to stimulate uncontrollable drooling. You’ve been warned!
Until next Friday….
xo, Felicia
Thanks Felicia! I simply adore you, your fashion sense, and beauty advice. Luv, luv, luv TTB!!
Felicia, how often do you relax your hair w/the phyto? and are you loving the results? I’m natural and considering this relaxer to help with the coarseness. I hate having to rely on the salon to look nice. Before going natural, I was able to do my hair at home and make it look AWESOME. Your input would be SO greatly appreciated.
AB
April: thank you for the thoughtful comment. actually, I no longer use Phyto. but I loved every minute of it. I stopped relaxing my hair….but often consider going back. and if I did, it would def be Phyto! when I used to relax, I did so every 10-12 weeks…but I’ve heard others say that Phyto does not last as long as traditional relaxers. i agree….but I loved the way it made my hair feel. Still full and not dead straight. I hope this helps!
Love it!
@MissPretty1981. Thanks mama! You’ve been reading TTB a long time so I truly value your input:)
Forgot to ask…because I’m dying to know the details on that lip color 😉
@Dana. Thank you mama! It’s Lipstick Queen Red Sinner…my #1 red! Can’t live without!
Love the bright red lip on you, Felicia! Gorgeous darling!
Fabulous new feature woman and chock full of so many goodies.
i too love sally hansen and working out the mani at home.
tia is one of the sweetest people i have met..like you are..{i must be in good with the Universe!}
looking forward to next weeks!
keep rockin’!
@Goody. Thank you sooo much. I really value your input!