Trial & Error - Burt's Bees Hair Repair Shea & Grapefruit Deep Conditioner

The longer I'm natural the more I come to understand that learning about my hair in its natural state takes some serious patience. I've found products that my hair seemed to LOVE only to turn around and have it hate the same product two months later. That has been rather frustrating. How do I know my hair hated the product? Well it laid there feeling tough, not soft to the touch, like straw. It was not a good look and it felt God awful!

After speaking with some ladies in my social circle it finally dawned on me what the problem was - protein! Apparently my hair hates protein! Now, I wouldn't say I can't ever use protein again, but my hair doesn't hardly need it as much as someone elses may. Protein was making my hair feel harsh and disgusting. Everything I was using contained protein from my conditioners to my shampoo, heck, even my styling products contained protein. No wonder I was so baffled that products such as coconut oil did not work well on my hair when others sung their praises to it.

So, this week I pulled all of my products containing protein out of the cabinet and set it aside in a bag to give away. I was then left with...nothing...I had absolutely nothing left that didn't contain protein! So I had to make a mad dash for the store, and ended up picking up some Burt's Bees Shea & Grape Fruit Deep Conditioner. I literally just used it for the first time this morning, so take that for what it's worth.

The smell is great, I love it. It makes me believe my hair will be really clean and moisturized after using it. The feel of the product, however, left much to be desired for me. I need a heavy, creamy, luscious conditioner and...this wasn't it. It was a little thick, a little oily, but it was just...off some how. I worked it into my hair leaving it in for about 5 minutes before rinsing. I lightly towel dried my hair before putting some jojoba oil on the ends, and I waited. I waited for something that didn't come. While my hair felt clean, it did NOT feel well conditioned. I was disappointed. I don't doubt that this product is great for someone elses hair, but for mine? It failed. I will probably hold on to it until I get to try one of the Suave products that I'm being promised has no oil or protein, but as soon as I find something else suitable, I'm ditching it.

The other thing I didn't really like was the price. I paid $8 for this product when I pay less than half that for Herbal Essences Hello Hydration and I get what seems like much more product! For me this goes down as another failed attempt at finding something my hair loves.

However, I must say that if your hair appreciates a lighter conditioner (lighter than what I'm looking for), this may very well work for you, so give it a go.

~HG

LOTD: Just a Pop

Face:

Face Atelier Ultra Foundation in 11 

MAC Mineralize Skin finish in Dark

Eyes:

MAC Painterly Paint Pot - All over

Sedona Lace 120 Palette pictured above, 4th color up (a light brown) in the last column on the right - lower lid to crease
Sedona Lace 120 Palette, 1st color in last column (a dark brown) - Crease
Urban Decay E/S in Maui Wowie - Inner corner of eyes
NYX Jumbo pencil in Black - Liner
L'Oreals Voluminous - Mascara

Cheeks:
Urban Decay E/S in Chopper

Lips:
MAC lipglass in Hot House

~HG

Ted Gibson Salon & Hela Spa - the Phytospecific Steam Treatment

In October I had yet another chance to indulge in Spa Week. I so heart spa week! This is the one chance for me to get that massage I've been screaming for, AND indulge in a new service I have yet to try for $50 each! Gotta love it, well, my pockets do anyway. This time around I made an appointment with the Ted Gibson Salon & Hela Spa in Chevy Chase, MD.

As soon as I checked in they took me back to an area that had small individual rooms where I was able to put on a robe. Just from that experience alone I KNEW I was in for a high class time! First up was my hair, and that is what I am really excited to tell you about.

I decided to get a phyto steam treatment. After analyzing my hair for a bit I was taken to the shampoo room for a wash. I'm tenderheaded so I was already cringing before my stylist began, but thankfully, she was very gentle, softly massaging and scrubbing my scalp instead of digging in until she got blood! Loves it! After that she put the phyto specific treatment in my hair, and led me to the steamer. Can I just tell you how much I heart that steamer? It even has me looking for one to place in my home! For once I wasn't feeling hot and irritable like a normal dryer has me feeling.

After about 30-45 minutes I was taken from the steamer, my hair was washed out and it was time for the styling. This is the part where I was very hesitant. Being natural, I know how hard it is to to do my hair when you haven't spent a couple of hours detangling it first. Seeing as though my stylist was not african american, and have very straight hair, I feared she would have a horrible time doing my hair.

Le sigh.

It wasn't as bad as I feared. Must say there were some things she had to learn along the way, like how to unravel these tight coils of mine. However, I must say that not once did she seem overwhelmed, or annoyed at the task at hand. She worked on my hair for about an hour and 15 minutes, then voila! It was done and...my hair? FELT AMAZING! If you ever have a chance to get the phyto hair treatment do it! My hair has never in life felt as good as it did then. I was sad because I'm not rich and I need to be so I can go get that done to my hair atleast once a week lol.

I loved my hair! Only thing is, it was windy that day and my hair was soooo yummy soft that those curls didn't last for more than an hour lmao! However, my hair stayed straight for 2 weeks, something that never EVER happens. I've tried phytospecific products before and they're cool, but that treatment + the steamer = you can't lose!

I did not let her trim my hair because I'm so weary of stylist trimming my hair. Too many bad experiences. I was sad to see that I had split ends out the wazoo because I haven't been taking care of my hair like I should be doing. I'm back on it though! I had to chop off an inch or two first though :-/

The last treatment I got was a pregnancy massage. It was wonderful. I heart my masseuse. She totally had me and baby relaxed. The baby didn't move one time during the massage lol. I think she recognized that it was a very special moment.

All in all I give Ted Gibson Salon and Hela Spa an 8 out of 10. They totally would've gotten a 10 out of 10 except there was a minor snafu. They mixed up the times of my appointments to the point that I almost missed getting my massage. That freaked me out just a little since I had been dreaming of that massage forever! Besides that, they did a great job! I HIGHLY recommend them.

~HG

Beauty & Natural Hair Care Sales I'm Excited About This Year

Beauty Products

BeautyTicket.com: 30% off everything with the code CYBER30, valid 11/29 only.

Benefit Cosmetics: Starting today through 11/29 enjoy free U.S. shipping with the code GLAMSHIP,

Eve Pearl: Up to 55% off with the code BPCM2010, 11/25 through 11/29 while supplies last. 

Sephora: Free Haul-iday tote with order of $25 or more only on 11/26 (while supplies last). 11/27 through 11/29 enjoy free shipping on orders of $25 or more with the code SHIPNOW.

Bobby Brown: Orders of $65 or more ship free. Free full-size Copper Penny Shimmer Wash Eyeshadow with $65+ orders with the code COPPER9, expires 1/14/11. Free Rockstar Metallic Eyeshadow with $65+ orders with the code ROCK9, expires 1/14/11. Free full-size Mahogany Ink Gel Eyeliner with $65+ order with the code BEST33, expires 1/15/11. Free full-size Cobalt Ink Gel Eyeliner with $65+ orders with the code BEST55, expires 12/25/10.

Smashbox: 20% off with the code FFSB20, expires 11/29. Free gift every Tuesday and Thursday. Free shipping on all orders. 

Stila: Enjoy 20% off with the code STILALOVES, expires 11/30.  Cyber Monday Warehourse Sale only on 11/29, up to 80% off.

Urban Decay: Selected Urban Decay best-selling eyeshadows, colored mascaras and glosses for $6, chic nail polish sets and shadow palettes for $12 from 11/26 (at 3am EST) thru 11/30 (3am EST). 

HAIR CARE SALES

Oyin Handmade: Enter the code BLACKFRIDAY for 20% off full-sized, individual Oyin products online, expires 12am EST 11/27.
Miss Jessie's: Buy one get one free on items of equal or lesser value.
Afroveda: Receive 15% off oils, shampoos, and conditioners, 20% off hair butters and styling products, and free shipping on orders of $75 or more. Enter Code BF75.
Curls: Be one of the first 100 customers to purchase a Curls Milkshake on 11/26 starting at 1:00am PST and you will receive a Coconut Sublime for free. The first 50 customers to purchase a Curly Cutie Cleansing Cream and a Curly Q Gel-leses together on 11/26 starting at 1:00am PST will receive 50% off. Both products for $15!
Curl Mart: Save 15% sitewide by entering the code TURKEY15

~HG

LOTD: Purple Sunset

Face:

Face Atelier Ultra Foundation in 11 

MUFE HD Powder

MAC Mineralize Skin finish in Dark

Eyes:

Sedona Lace 120 Palette, column 4, yellow- inner lower lid, to middle of lid
Sedona Lace 120 Palette, 2nd palette, column 5, pink - middle of lower lid to outter V
Sedona Lace 120 Palette, 2nd palette, column 8, purple - Outter V/Crease
Sedona Lace 120 Palette, 2nd palette, column 2, pink - Above crease
Sedona Lace 120 Palette, 2nd palette, column 4, brown- Brow bone Highlighter
NYX Jumbo pencil in Black - Liner
L'Oreals Voluminous - Mascara

Cheeks:
MAC Blush in Dollymix

Lips:
MAC lipstick in Freshbrew
MAC lipgelee in Amber Russe

~HG

Get 20% Off of Adesign Brushes!

~HG

A Taste of Heaven - Extended Calf Boots

I can honestly say that fewer things bother me more in the cold weather months than having to struggle to find cute extended calf boots. I don't know what makes shoe companies think that thick legged girls don't like high boots as well. I love them! And I would love a little more versatility, especially in color and heel height. Well, in order to make my Friday a little depressing I decided to go look yet once again for these boots that I just knew I wouldn't find, ESPECIALLY under $300 *rolls eyes*. Well, I don't know how I've been searching before, but today I went on zappos.com and found a plethora of boots just for me! I should've known to keep checking zappos. They have even more than last year! Yes, there are other websites, but to me they are either overpriced, boring, or poorly made *cough*torrid*cough*. Anywho, these are some boots that are on my Santa Baby list:

~HG



LOTD: Yellow & Blue

Face:

Face Atelier Ultra Foundation in 11 
MUFE HD Powder
MAC Mineralize Skin finish in Dark

Eyes:

MUFE Aqua Cream in Turquoise - lower middle of lower lid blended into crease
Glamour Doll Eyes (GDE) E/S in Dollhouse - inner lower lid, to middle of lid
GDE E/S in Blueberry Lush - middle of lower lid to outter V
Urban Decay E/S in Oil Slick - Outter V/Crease
NYX Jumbo pencil in Black - Liner
L'Oreals Voluminous - Mascara

Cheeks:
MAC Brown Down E/S

Lips:
MAC lipgelee in Amber Russe

~HG

LOTD: Purpley Pink

Please ignore my eyebrows. They were butchered last month so I've been letting them grow in so that I can style them from scratch :-/.

Face:

Face Atelier Ultra Foundation in 11 
MUFE HD Powder
MAC Mineralize Skin finish in Dark

Eyes:

MAC Perky Paint Pot - All over
MAC E/S in Dear Cupcake - inner lower lid, to middle of lid
MAC E/S in Passionate - middle of lower lid to outter V
MAC E/S in Stars ‘n Rockets - Outter V
MAC E/S in My Dark Magic - Crease
MAC E/S in Nocturnelle - Above Crease
MAC E/S in Beauty Sleep - brow hilighter
NYX Jumbo pencil in Black - Liner
L'Oreals Voluminous - Mascara

Cheeks:
MAC Passionate E/S

Lips:
MAC lipglass in Pop Mode

~HG

Friend Friday: Au Naturale

1. The move to do away with soap, shampoo and deodorant has been
growing in popularity in the last year. What are your thoughts on this
trend?

I love this trend, probably because I participate in it myself. Although I must say please, please PLEASE use some type of deoderant. It gets hot as haedes around these parts in the summer and I really don't need to inhale and discover that you smell like onions *gas face*. However, I do like to use soaps with a natural base when I can, but the biggest change so far has been with my shampoo. I rarely shampoo and when I do, I try to use shampoos with more natural, gentle ingredients. That's one thing I've done in the past year that I've never really done before - I pay attention to what I put on my body. Before 2010 I didn't even know what parabens were *true story*.

2. Be honest how often do you wash your own hair?

I wash my hair with shampoo once or twice a month. Otherwise I co-wash about twice a week.

3. Have you tried to go the more natural route by forgoing shampoo?
What happened? Or would you be tempted to try it?

As I mentioned I only shampoo twice a month or so. If I skip co-washing for a week, I get flakes, so that's a big no-no for me. I only skip co-washing if I'm extremely busy or sick.

4. What products do you use and have you ever gone with more organic
alternatives?

For my shampoos I use something from the Organic Olive Oil hair line. For conditioners I bounce between the same line and Herbal Essences Hello Hydration. God my hair loves that stuff! As for my body products if I'm not using any new natural soap that I find at Whole Foods, then you know I'm using my favorite product, Luna Bleu. It makes me smell soooo yummy!

5. What about that daily shower? Would you forgo that opting to shower
three times a week instead?

I guess I would really need to see the point before giving a true answer. I need someone to explain to me how me forgoing a shower daily really helps in the end. I don't get it.

So, how about you ladies and gents. Are you riding the new au naturale wave? Do tell!

~HG

Oh My Aching Back!

Le sigh. Pregnancy has made it difficult for moi to keep up with blogging. I make every effort possible to do so, but then life happens. Recently I was plagued with crucial pain that reached all around my stomach and back. It had me hunched over and walking like a 90 year old woman. A few days later I had contractions, and then found myself in the hospital. I'm out now, and slowly on the mend, but I promise you I haven't thought about an ounce of makeup while being in this pain. Therefore, a post from me has become a rarity.

The doctors tell me the pain should subside in a weeks time. I pray so. It's horrible, and I never want to go through it again. You can read more about my ordeal here if you'd like.

My goal is to work on some more winter makeup looks on the weekends since I can take my time and I don't really have to move from my bed lol. I also have a couple of hair products that I adore right now that I would love to tell you all about. I also hope to do more Recipe Wednesdays as the holidays get closer, yummmm. Just please bear with me. I'm in my last trimester, in the home stretch. I probably won't do more than a post per week until Christmas, but I'll try my best to do more.

Until next time, here is a belly pic, and also a pic of my halloween costume :~)

~HG

LOTD: Christmas Cometh Early

Today I was really feeling Christmasey for some reason. Maybe it's the huge dip in temperature that has kicked off my mood, idk, but I really like this look.

Face:

Face Atelier Ultra Foundation in 11 
MUFE HD Powder
MAC Mineralize Skin finish in Dark

Eyes:

NYX Jumbo pencil in Black - from lower lid to just above the crease
MAC E/S in Guacamole - inner lower lid, to middle of lid
MAC E/S in A Bluer Blue - middle of lower lid to outter V
MAC E/S in Blue Edge - Outter V
NYX Jumbo pencil in Black - Liner
L'Oreals Voluminous - Mascara

Cheeks:
Mehron Cheek Cream in Berry Blush

Lips:
Lord & Berry La Dolce Vita lip gloss
L'Oreal HiP in Spunky

~HG

LOTD: Pink & Grey

Face:

Face Atelier Ultra Foundation in 11 
MAC Mineralize Skin finish in Dark

Eyes:

MUFE Aqua Cream in Silver - Lower lid, up to crease
Urban Decay E/S in Grifter - middle of lower lid to outter V
MUFE Blush Powder in N92 - outter V into Crease
MAC E/S in Brown Down - Crease
Coastal Scents Black E/S - Line eyes
L'Oreals Extra Volume Collagen - Mascara

Lips:
Clear Gloss

~HG

Where's A Hidden Gem?

Hi ladies and gents! I'm so sorry that I've been on an unplanned hiatus, however, my laptop died. I'm kinda sorta thankful because I was sick to death of that stupid Dell, and now I get to have my beloved HP. However, this has definitely put a cramp in my blogging time. I can now only blog at work until my computer is delivered at the end of next week, and I'm really not trying to use my work computer for that. So, for now I will update when I can, hopefully with two product review entries this weekend. I hope to get back to blogging regularly the first week of November. Ciao!
~HG

Rock & Republic Cosmetics Up to 70% Off!

Are you a member of Beautyticket.com? If not, you should be. Rock & Republic Cosmetics are up to 70% off! You can't be that. Join today!

~HG

My Flat Twist Out Results

I'm tired of wigs. I'm tired of wearing them, adjusting them, dealing with their heaviness...just tired. I made a decision last week that I have finally got to find a style for my natural hair that I like so that I can wear it out because I just can't do wigs right now *shakes head vigorously*. It was when I snatched my wig off that I remembered that I kind of like the look my hair has when I undo the twist I keep underneath the wig, so I decided to recreate it for my every day look to see how it would work out.

First I detangled my hair by separating it into 6 sections, slathering Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise onto each section, and brushing each section tip to root with a denman brush. I let the hair mayonnaise sit there for an extra 30 minutes before washing out.

Next I shampooed my hair with Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Creamy Aloe Shampoo, then conditioned with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner. I left this on my hair for two minutes, then rinsed.

I then towel dried my hair (I know some folks prefer using a t-shirt, I don't, I just don't rub the towel on my hair but squeeze instead) and then applied Sebastian Potion #9 leave-in conditioner. I started to flat twist my hair (about 9-12 flat twist), applying Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Smooth-n-Hold Pudding to each section (this product DOES contain mineral oil, so beware if that's a big no no for you) before twisting.

I left the twists in for a full 24 hours before unraveling. I moisturized my hands with jojoba oil and began to gently unravel my twists. Once they were all I pulled my fingers through the base of my hair to give it a little more volume, stuck a bobby pin on the side to give it some kind of style, and voila!

I really like my hair like this AND I'm wearing my natural hair out today at work for the first time. I've gotten soooooo many compliments! I'm happy because I think this style is here to stay for a while!

I so heart this video! I want to show it to every little brown girl I know to boost their hair confidence. It sure boosted mine!



New LOTD: Green Envy

Face:

Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation in Almond 7
Young Blood Hi-Definition Powder

Eyes:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance
MUFE Flash Palette, Yellow - Lower lid inner corner to middle of lid, up to crease
MUFE Flash Palette, Black - Lower lid middle of lid to outter corner, up to crease
Random Black E/S - Blend over Black from Flash Palette and up into the crease
Mehron Precious Gem Powder, Periodot - Lower lid inner to middle
The E/S featured below (I don't know the name of it, sorry) - Middle of lid to just inside of the outter corner
MAC Pigment in Naked - brow highlighter
Coastal Scents Palette 78, 5th column, 3rd blue on the right - blend btwn brow bone and crease
MUFE Flash Palette, Fuschia - Line under lower water line
Coastal Scents Palette 78, 4th column, last pink on left - Line over the fuschia color under lower water line
Coastal Scents Black E/S - Line eyes
L'Oreals Extra Volume Collagen - Mascara

Lips:
L'Oreal HiP Gloss in Spunky (the darker color only)

Cheeks:
MAC Blush in Breezy

~HG

A Hidden Gem's First Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations Simple Beauty of Caviar Dreams On A Cheese And Cracker Budget! Winner of the A Hidden Gem MUFE Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick Giveaway. Please email me at blaquescarlett@gmail.com with your address. You have 48 hrs to do so or I will pick another winner. Thanks for entering everyone!

~HG

LOTD - The Blues

***Don't forget to enter my Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick Giveaway here***

Face:

Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation in Almond 7
Young Blood Hi-Definition Powder

Eyes:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance
MUFE Aqua Cream E/S in Turquoise - Middle of lid up to crease and outter V
MAC Pigment in Naked - inner lower lid and brow highlighter
MAC Satin Taupe E/S - inner to middle of lower lid
Coastal Scents Palette 78, 5th column, last blue on the right - crease
CS Palette 78, black - Outter V
Coastal Scents Black E/S - Line eyes
L'Oreals Extra Volume Collagen - Mascara

Lips:
Random neutral gloss

Cheeks:
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Porcelain Pink

~HG

LOTD - Silver Moon, Purple Sky

Face:

Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation in Almond 7
Young Blood Hi-Definition Powder

Eyes:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance
MAC Mineralize E/S Duo in Earthly Riches - Silver - Inner eyelid to middle
Inglot E/S in 495 - 2nd half of lower lid
MAC Mineralize E/S Duo in Earthly Riches - Purple - Outter V
MAC pigment in Grape - Crease
Inglot Purple e/s (didn't see a name for it, sorry, maybe 386) - crease
MAC Pigment in Naked - brow highlighter
Coastal Scents Black E/S - Line eyes
L'Oreals Extra Volume Collagen - Mascara

Lips:
NARS Lip Lacquer in Hot Wired

Cheeks:
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Porcelain Pink

~HG

Spa Week Fall 2010 - Are You Ready?

Have you made your appointment for Spa Week yet? If not, what are you waiting for? During spa week (October 11th - 17th) all select spa services are just $50 each! I recently made my appointment for a 50 minute massage, and a phyto treatment/scalp treatment/hair cut at my favorite spa for a grand total of $100! Go ahead ladies and gents, treat yourself, you deserve it.

You can find out about which spas are participating in spa week in your city by checking out the spa week website.

~HG

Dear Stylist of Gabourey Sidibe

My name is...well, that's not really important as I'm sure I'm a little nobody who isn't even a blip on your radar. However, I need you to listen real good. You set your girl up. You almost ALWAYS set her up. I know she's a big girl, heck, I am too, but for real? For real for real? *In my Antoine Dobson voice* You are so dumb, for real. In the time of lacefront wigs and weaveologist there is no reason for you to put her in a wig that reminds me of the little old women at church whose wigs slide around on top of their head. Like, for real. What a setup! You need to get FIRED for those shenanigans! I know you know better. Would you want to walk around with that wig on  your head? Well, not only did you have her walking around with it, you have her plastered on the cover of one of the most mainstream magazines ever with it on to be judged even more harshly by the people that already judge her. Le sigh. Stylist, this is a major #FAIL.

I also would like to point out that yes, I know you don't have as much access to plus size clothes as you would for the skinny minni's, but come on! I'm nowhere near a stylist, but in the time it takes you to find one dreadful, ghastly, too awful for words *my eyes! my eyes!* outfit for her, I could've found her at least 4 cute ones. Being plus sized is no reason to stick your client in whatever you get your hands on first. If you really cared about her (and your job) you would take time out to find her something she would feel comfortable in and look awesome in. It is possible for her to look awesome you know. Wait, you do know that right? You probably don't believe it, do you? *SMH* You're failing her, and you're making me choke on my own vomit. Just stop it already!

And Elle, really? You thought that was a hot shot? You thought that look was suitable for the cover of a magazine? Really? *side eye* Come on. Come oooonnnnnnnn. I know YOU know better.

I wish Gabourey much success, but you stylist? I wish you much growth and selectivity in styling your client.

~HG
***Don't forget to enter my MUFE Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick Giveaway here***

Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week

***Don't forget to enter my MUFE Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick Giveaway here***

Every year I say I'm gonna make it to Fashion week, and every year I fail. This year it's because 1) I'm pregnant 2) My moms still in the hospital 3) I'm broke as a joke and 4) I'm siiiiiiiiiccccccccckkkkkkkkkkk! However, I've decided that, that isn't going to stop me from participating. I have tons of twitter friends in NY for FW, so I'm going to live vicariously through them. I'm also going to keep my eyes locked on the NYFW website because some of the shows, such as BCBGMAXAZRIA, will stream live. So even though I won't be there, atleast I'll feel like I am. Here's a list of the shows that will stream live:

September 10


10am BCBGMAXAZRIA Live Stream, Official Designer Website.
8PM Academy of Art University Live Stream, Official Designer Website

September 12


10am Derek Lam Live Stream, Official Designer Website.
1pm DKNY Live Stream, Official Designer Facebook .
8pm Tommy Hilfiger, Theatre.
8pm Tommy Hilfiger Live Stream, Official Designer Facebook.

September 13

11am Carlos Miele Live Stream, Official Designer Website.
2pm Donna Karen New York Live Stream, TBD.
6pm Betsey Johnson Live Stream, Official Designer Website.
7pm Perry Ellis Live Stream, Official Designer Website.

September 14

10am Badgley Mischka Live Stream, http://www.badgleymischka.com/.

September 15

10am Michael Kors Live Stream, Official Designer Website.
11am Nanette Lepore Live Stream, Official Designer Website.
5pm Odd Molly Live Stream , Official Designer Website.
6pm Anna Sui Live Stream.

September 16

12p Isaac Mizrahi Live Stream
 
For more information and links to the website, please checkout the official Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week website.
 
Are you going to NYFW? If not, what will you do to stay involved?

~HG

Book of Shadows vIII Available NOW!

Buy it now at Urban Decay.

~HG

Fashion Night Out - Will You Be There?

***Don't forget to enter my Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick Giveaway here***

I am uber excited about this event! I have never attended a fashion night out, but it sounds like a lot of fun! FNO is taking place in many cities all over the world including many cities right here in the US. Below you will find out information on what countries and states are participating, and also get the scoop on what to expect here in DC for Fashion Night Out. Hope to see you there!

COUNTRIES PARTICIPATING

Australia
Canada
China
France
Germany
Greece
India
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Portugal
Russia
Spain
South Korea
Taiwan
Turkey
UK

What States in the US are Participating
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Illinois
Indiana
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Nebraska
Nevada
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Texas
Virginia
Washington

When and Where

On September 10, 2010 Georgetown will host Fashion's Night Out for the DC area.

What You Can Expect

• 80 Georgetown stores, restaurants, and salons will be open for extended hours and host an exciting evening of spectacular, splurge-inspiring fashion events and promotions.
• Shop for a cause - purchase a signature Georgetown DC eco-friendly tote bag for $10 during Fashion’s Night Out from participating stores, and 100% of proceeds benefit Labels for Love. Labels for Love is committed to raising funds and awareness for women's and children's organizations in the Washington, DC Capital Region as well as national and international areas in need.
• OVO by Cirque du Soleil is in town - George-town! ~ OVO by Cirque du Soleil's Bug Dance Squad, a colorful group of costumed performers, will be buzzing around the streets of Georgetown during DC’s Fashion Night Out. The Bug Dance Squad will be teaching and performing the OVO Bug Dance to the crowds throughout the night, as well as spreading information and generating excitement for OVO. Test your skills with the Bug Dance Squad and you could win great prizes and more, on behalf of OVO by Cirque du Soleil! TEN pairs of OVO tickets will also be “planted” in ten Georgetown tote bags at participating retailers - will you be one of the lucky ones to win tickets by purchasing the lucky “golden ticket” bag?!
• Fashion’s Night Out Lounge by vitaminwater ~ Relax, rejuvenate and rehydrate at our swanky “vitaminwater zero hydration lounge” at Dean & Deluca. Kick off your heels, groove to our DJ and grab a vitaminwater to nourish you with more energy for shopping! 6 -11 pm Dean & Deluca 3267 M Street, NW.
• Enjoy free pedicab rides when you show a receipt for any purchase from a participating Georgetown merchant during this exciting evening.
• The Georgetown “Blue Bus” shuttle will be operating free of charge from 6 - 11 pm throughout Georgetown to make getting around in those stilettos a little bit easier!
• You can see this information and more on the Fashion Night Out Georgetown Website. Is your Fashion Night Out happening in another state? Checkout this link for more information.

 ~HG

Win a Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick!

As you all know from this entry, I am inlove with Makeup Forevers #43 Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick! It's the first red lipstick that I as a chocolate sista really loved and felt sexy in. Well, I want my readers to experience that very same joy, so I'm holding A Hidden Gem's first ever Give away! One lucky reader will win their choice of MUFE Rouge Intense Lipstick. Here's how to enter:

Entry Rules:

1.You must be a follower of A Hidden Gem via Google Friend Connect.

2.You must follow HiddenGem on twitter and tweet the following: " @HiddenGem is having her 1st giveaway EVER! Enter to win at http://tinyurl.com/2f9pm94" (All tweets will be verified).

3.Please leave a comment below with your email address, which shade of MUFE Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick you would like to win and why and verify that you do indeed follow A Hidden Gem via Google Friend Connect.

5.One winner will be chosen through a random number generator.

6.Contest officially ends 11:59PM EST, September 17, 2010.

7.The winner will have 48 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours another winner will be chosen through a random number generator.

8.US entries only

Thank you for participating in my first giveaway and good luck ;-)

~HG

Cherry Culture Labor Day Sale!

http://www.cherryculture.com/home.php?cat=254

~HG