A Hidden Gem

FOTD: Bright Lips (and Personal Issues)

2012-01-31T13:13:00.000-05:00

Hey foxy ladies (and gents)! Usually I doh't do a bright lip because I'm much more confident (and comfortable) with a nude lip. Bright lips make me go to a whole nother level of confident because I have to push through the self-consciousness. Come to think of it, anything that really puts me out there does. Like hats. I love them, but rarely wear them, because they call so much attention to me. Okay, apparently I have issues. Anyway, i hope you like the look. I'mma go now and umm...do some self relfecting...yeah....

[Beauty] Reading IS Fundamental!

2012-01-26T20:22:00.000-05:00

Over the past few days I've been doing a lot of thinking about how I got to where I am now and how to move forward. I started reading some old entries here and in my personal diary. I realized that every time I was on fire, every time a fuse inside of me was lit, it was because I was reading. I was constantly being inspired by other people. Somewhere along the line I stopped reading. Literally. I stopped reading blogs, I stopped reading books...the only thing I've been reading are status updates on facebook...yeah...

So yesterday I read as many blog entries as I could and guess what happened? Why of course, I was inspired! I even went to Sephora and played with makeup, then bought 3 polishes. I haven't done that in almost a year! I feel like I'm slowly coming back into myself and who I am.

So, thank you, my fellow bloggers. Thank you for writing and inspiring me; for helping me find ME again.

By the way, here's a pic of my little one. So many of you were reading me while I was preggers and I know I haven't posted a pic in a long time. She's a year old now and totally running things. I love it!

~HG

And We're Back!

2012-01-23T11:02:00.000-05:00

I've been MIA like a mofo and I am so sorry. Well, actually I'm not, but I do feel bad for just leaving everyone hanging. I made a commit with this blog and over the past year I've gone back and forth with whether or not I want to honor that commit, for a couple of reasons.First off, I'm a stay at home mom now. That leaves little money to play around with as far as makeup goes. When I post my looks, it probably won't be with the latest products. That's why the last few times that I've done so I didn't list what products I used. Secondly, I took a hiatus from doing makeup. Obviously my biggest priority now is my family and making sure my daughter doesn't become a juvenile deliquent. It has taken me a year plus to try to find some balance in my life. I think the fact that I'm even eeking out this post shows that things are finally coming into synch for me.

Balance.

I've been searching for balance.

I've also spent the last year mourning the lost of my mother. It's a rollercoaster ride. It's a process. It is what it is.

I've also been thinking about branching out and doing events. Not just weddings, but all types of events. That's what really gets me going and I'm just trying to find a way to really make it happen.

I don't know what the future holds for this blog. What I do know is that I can't be boxed in and that's kind of what was happening with this blog. I don't just want to show you all makeup looks. I certainly don't just want to talk about look at my haul! Or look at this collection coming up! Because honestly, it takes a lot these days for makeup to impress me. I think this blog is going to transform and touch on every part of who I am. It won't always be makeup. It won't always be event planning. Some things will be more personal than others, but...we'll see.

Thank you for sticking with me this long. I pray that this is it. That I've finally found my blogging mojo once again.

IIt's Here! The Miss Jessie's Sale

2011-11-20T13:25:00.002-05:00

So I'm never one to jump on a new trend or product just because. The same holds true for hair products. However, when a dear friend mentioned that Miss Jessie's Super Sweetback Treatment melted into her hair, well, I had to try it! And hot dayum, what do you know, it melted in mine too. I could hear each and every coily strand whisper a "praise Jesus" with every massage I did with the product. So how slowdown do you think I am that Miss Jessie's is having a BOGO sale starting today through 12/31??? Stoked! Like, totally!

That's right, you can buy any Miss Jessie’s product and get one of equal or lesser value fo' free hunty! The sale is on now at Target!

~HG

The Artistry of Linay Franklin

2011-09-06T14:12:00.000-04:00

I have been meaning to share this delightful artist with you all for some time. Months ago I saw Linay's designs in a group we are both apart of and absolutely fell in love. She is so talented! To be able to paint a beautiful, natural haired sister on a shirt was something new to me because, well, she PAINTED IT! What an awesome gift to have! I love the attention I get when wearing one of her pieces and it sparks many natural hair conversations. Another thing I love is the thickness of the t-shirt. It's not flimsy or cheap, and I have no problems with it keeping its shape.

Sizes range from S - 4XL and will run you $25 - $60. If you would also like to sport one of these shirts, you can contact Linay at artlovingurl@yahoo.com and you can Like her facebook page here.

~HG

Monday Photos of the Day

2011-08-22T10:26:00.000-04:00

Changes: An Update

2011-07-02T18:04:00.000-04:00

Long time, eh? Well my life has changed once again. I am now a SAHM, and that is pure craziness! It leaves little time to concentrate on makeup or hair, but slowly I'm getting back to it. The times I have done my makeup or hair it's totally skipped my mind to do a post :-/ However, I did buy a few items I lovvvveee from The Makeup Show NY so I will post a look soon.

The other thing I've been up to is finally getting my 3rd tattoo. It was time, and I love it! I hope you do too.

See you soon, with a new look...promise!

~HG

FOTD: Natural Sparkle and Pop

2011-05-13T15:13:00.001-04:00

I decided to add a little pop to my everyday look with the pink lipstick. What do you think?

~HG

FOTD: A Smokey Eye that Sparkles!

2011-04-20T11:23:00.002-04:00

Face: Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturizer and Bronzer/Eyes: Sedona Lace palette (light brown), MUFE Flash Palette in Black, GDE in Urban Trash,Sugarpill in Stella/Lips: Bobbi Brown nude lipgloss/Cheeks: Bobbi Brown cream blush.

What do you think of the bobbi brown tinted moisturizer and bronzer I used? I think I really like it for summer!

Don't forget to checkout my blog sale here!

~HG

Product Review: The Fragrance Shop

2011-04-19T12:26:00.000-04:00

One thing that has become very much apart of me in the past 2 years is a love for fragrances. I blame this on Luna Bleu. This was my first experience with having fragrances customized just for me and I instantly fell inlove. Since finding luna bleu I have purposely not looked for new smell good companies because I do NOT need to get caught up. My wallet tells me as much. However, there's a group of women, I won't name any names (this time) that always seem to stumble upon new fragrance websites and sends them to a group of us because we're not already product whores *rolls eyes*. I of course eventually fall victim, but this is yet another time I'm happy I did.

The Fragrance Shop is a website where you can buy pure oils. No alcohol or extra stuff added, just oils in their purest form. They have one note scents, designer fragrances, special blends...anything you can think of! I.am.in.love my friends! To top it all off, I ordered on Friday, it shipped on Saturday and I got it Monday! How awesomely fast is that???

So here's what I ordered, the notes they contain per the website, and whether it received a yay or nay from me:

Poppy Type for Women
· Top Notes: Mandarin Orange, Freesia, Cucumber
· Middle Notes: Jasmine, Gardenia, Waterlily, Rose, Sweet Accord
· Base Notes: Sandalwood, Cedar, Vanilla, Marshmallow
Normally I would see Mandarin Orange and Cucumber and go the opposite direction, but this really works well with all of the other notes. It is a luscious, sexy scent that is also light and girly. Definitely a yay!

Blue Nile
Mandarin, Lime, Liliy, Balsam, and Musk, a slightly masculine fragrance.
Not an everyday scent for me, and I'll probably pair it with something else, but I say yay!

Rain
Our own classic, a beautiful blend of fresh green notes, and soft Lily of the valley. Clean musk and precious woods, artfully blended with with Gardenia, Carnation, Lily, Magnolia, and Jasmine, and more. Our most popular floral fragrance.
Yay! I love it. It makes me happy.

Black Coconut
The scent of toasted coconuts.
It's "Ok". Mmm I give it a yanay lol.

Black Woman
Bergamot, Frankincense, Patchouli, Magnolia, and Carnation are combined in this complex scent.
This scent is too many things and most of them aren't good. To top it off it has left several of our throats itchy and scratchy. It's too much, like a bothersome inscent. Just say no. Nay.

Bamboo Flower
A sweet blend Coconut Milk, Bamboo flowers, Kafir Lime, and star fruit.
Not for me. There's something in it that doesn't smell strong enough to compete with the other scents. It's like it leaves the fragrance feeling a little hollow. I don't know what it is, but if it were deleted I would like this scent a whole lot better. Nay.

Pink Martini
Cranberry, Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Musk.
Reminds me of a fun, summer day. Light and summery with a slight bite. Love it! Yay!

Pink Sugar
Bergamot, Sicilian Orange, Raspberry, Fig, Lily Of The Valley, Anise, Strawberry, Cotton Candy, Vanilla, Caramel, Musk, Wood.
Dead.On. The BEST Pink Sugar I've ever smelled. The men love it! I've already received many compliments. Yay!

Zen Garden
Inspired by exotic Japanese gardens, this fragrance is a blend of heady Florals, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Cedar, and Sandalwood.
I'm sold. Yay!

Have you ordered from the Fragrance Shop before? Plan on ordering now? What have you bought/what do you plan on buying?

~HG

Winner of AHG 2 Year Anniversary Giveaway!

2011-04-16T10:38:00.001-04:00

And the winner is...Kellie! You have won the Glamour Doll Eyes Jacqueline Shadow Tower and the Lime Crime Centrifuchsia lipstick. Enjoy!

Thank you so much everyone for entering. This was a lot of fun for me, so I think I shall have another giveaway upon my return from the Makeup Show next month. Stay tuned...

~HG

It's a Great Weekend to Be a Woman in the DMV!

2011-04-15T15:01:00.001-04:00

There are two spectacular events happening this weekend in the DMV. The first is DC's 6th Annual Love, Locs and Natural Hair Expo

When: Saturday, April 16, 2011 from 11 am to 7 pm

Where: The Mary Virginia Merrick Center, located on 4275 Sixth Street, SE Washington, DC (across from the parking lot of Saint Thomas Moore Church).

Cost: The expo entry fee is $10, which covers all workshops, classes, and a fabulous hair show.

For information please check out the article in the examiner.

The second event is a spa party!

Also, are you participating in spa week? I am, and I get my hair colored for the first time in 15 years on Sunday. Can.Not.Wait!

Have you entered my 2 year Anniversary giveaway? It ends tonight, so enter now!

~HG

R.I.P. Queen B Makeup

2011-04-12T10:11:00.000-04:00

It is with great sadness that I say RIP Ale aka Queen B Makeup. She was THE best makeup artist I knew and it was always a pleasure to converse with her. She was so incredibly talented in so many areas. Even though she was the Queen B that never stopped her from being a great internet friend and makeup guru. My heart truly hurts for her family and her fiance. May they find peace and comfort in Gods arms.

Life is short and can be over in an instant. Have you told those closest to you how much they mean to you lately? Maybe now is the time.

~HG

Product Review: Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque

2011-04-11T13:29:00.002-04:00

Jackpot! I think I'm inlove!

This product is the best thing that has happened to my hair since going natural, period. Ok, so for months now I've been complaining about the state of my hair. "It's thirsteeehhh!" You could often hear me scream. Nothing seemed to come close to quenching it except for the mixed chicks detangling deep conditioner. It does a good job of making my hair feel moisturized, but it still wasn't 100% what I needed. It is still a staple product in my hair regiment though. Anywho, whenever I would cry for help a sista friend, Lisa, would say try Shea Moisture. So finally I ordered the Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque from amazon.com last week and used it for the first time this weekend. Oh.My.Good.God. I'm totally inlove.

The consistency of the product isn't super duper thick, but it's not runny either. This satisfied me in two ways: 1) This made it easier to work through my hair and 2) It was thick enough that I felt like it was going to really moisturize.

The smell is so fantabulous! I kept waking up all night wondering who was wearing perfume and where could I buy it lol. Now, it's not heavily perfumed by any means...It's more like a mixture of different oils that smell great!

Now, I didn't use this product as a deep conditioner, but rather as a leave-in conditioner (it states on the package that it can be used in such a way) and my hair thanks me for it. I cowashed my hair, towel blotted, then added the Shea Moisture throughout. Loves it! Later in the day I was randomly pulling at my curls and thought man! My hair is super duper moisturized and soft! Even my husband commented on how soft my hair was. Now, I used it with an Aubrey conditioner and...well, that's another review in itself. Next I want to buy the Shea Moisture shampoo. The routine for next time will be:

Shampoo
Deep Condition with Mixed Chicks
Use Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque as a leavein

My guess is that my hair is going to be so moisturized and fantabulous that I'm not gonna be able to take all of the lusciousness!

Ingredients: deionized water, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), argan oil, cetyl esters, sea kelp extract, panthenol (vitamin b-5), ammonium salt, essential oil blend, avocado oil, lonicera caprifolium (honeysuckle) flower and lonicera japonica (japanese honeysuckle) flower extract, tocopherol (vitamin e), hyssopus officinalis extract, salvia officinalis (sage) leaf and equisetum arvense extract, soybean oil, daucus carota sativa (carrot) seed oil.

Available at amazon.com and Target for $9.99

~HG

P.S. Don't forget to enter my giveaway here!

Blog Sale!

2011-04-11T09:00:00.009-04:00

Doing a bit of spring cleaning and FINALLY getting rid of some stuff. The eyeshadow brushes have never been used, but the some of the eyeshadows and nail polishes have been used once. Please add shipping to all prices.

Sigma Brushes Eyes Kit - New - $35

China Glaze Solar Flare Nail Polish - Used once - $3

China Glaze Treasure Chest - New - $4

China Glaze Glam - New - $4

Lime Crime Mischief Managed Eye Shadow - Used Once - $11

Lime crime Shoe Addict E/S - New - $12

Sugar Pill Stella E/S - New - $10

~HG

FOTD: My Girl Crush

2011-04-07T09:19:00.000-04:00

For the past 3 days I've been obsessed with Adele. I didn't know of her until about late 2009, but when I heard that voice! *swoon* I instantly fell inlove. Now that she has a new album out and I'm inlove with that one too (you can pick up 21 from amazon for $9.99) I've started to really notice Adele and her style and...I'm jealous. She is always so perfectly coiffed and my goodness I love her style! Because of this the FOTD is all about Adele.

~HG

FOTD: Pick It Out

2011-04-04T09:00:00.008-04:00

The beautiful thing about living in my neighborhood is that there are always a lot of free events. Saturday my neighborhood hosted a day filled with food, music and fireworks in honor of the Cherry Blossom Frestival. After spending all of Friday night taking care of the kid, I so was not feeling a wig or doing anything extra with my hair, so after I washed it I decided to throw on some leave-in and pick it out a little. I didn't want a scary big afro, just a lil sumthin sumthin different, so I yanked at my hair with my fingers for a couple of minutes and voila!

I'm happy. Very happy indeed. Now, after I did mine I tried to pick out the baby's hair and...bwahahahaha! I died a little. Died I tell ya! That lil bouffant she had going on, on top of her head? Whew! That thing was pure hilarity. I won't shame her by posting a pic...well, not today lol. Whew! Ok, so you had to have been there, whatev...

Don't forget to enter my giveaway here!

~HG

FOTD: Back to Business

2011-04-02T15:27:00.000-04:00

Wednesday was my first day back to work in 2 months. That meant I couldn't walk around looking like crap just yet, so this is what I came up with:

Nice and subtle!

~HG

Enter the Happy Anniversary A Hidden Gem Giveaway!

2011-03-31T09:56:00.005-04:00

It's A Hidden Gems 2 year ANNIVERSARY! *Cue the fireworks* I'm so excited! And I just can't hide it! And because I'm so excited, I'm doing a *drumroll please* GIVEAWAY! Woot!

The Prize:
Because it's my 2 year anniversary, I'm giving away two prizes! The first is the Glamour Doll Eyes Jacqueline Shadow Tower

and the second is the Lime Crime Centrifuchsia lipstick:

HOW TO ENTER
- To win, you must follow this blog via google connect or networked blogs.
- Leave a comment in this post telling me what your favorite makeup product is and why. Only 1 comment per person please.

- For a second chance to win, follow me on Twitter and RT the following message:

I entered to win AHGs 2nd Blog Anniversary Giveaway! Follow @hiddengem & RT to enter! http://tinyurl.com/6cq4zqw
- The contest is open to all readers. I will ship worldwide.
- The contest ends on 14th April 2011 at 11:59 PM PST. A winner will be chosen randomly and announced the next day, 12th April 2011.

Good luck everyone!

~HG

INGLOT! INGLOT! INGLOT!

2011-03-25T15:38:00.001-04:00

It was the Makeup Show in NYC May of 2010. I was a newbie and in awe that I was surrounded by so many different brands that my head was swimming. Suddenly a booth caught my eye. There were only a bazillion (real word, I swear!) people swarming around it. On the backdrop I saw the letters INGLOT. Inglot? Really? Why am I suppose to care about this company and better yet, why are there more people at their booth than saaayyy...MAC? MUFE? Well, I walk over and immediately I'm in tears. I was so excited! I was excited about the eyeshadows, but more than that, I was excited about the actual face products, something new for me! The foundation, powders, concealors, oh my! OMG, I heart Inglot so much and guess what? Finally Inglot is available online, oh yeah! You can shop Inglot online right now!

~HG

Something for the Plush Ladies

2011-03-23T14:16:00.000-04:00

Recently I have been on the hunt for great undergarments. Now that I've popped the bean out, it's time to get my sexy and lifted back on, if you know what I mean. Lucky for me it seems like every flash site you can think of has been having a sale for those of us on the plusher side. Today ideeli is having a Plus Size Perfection sale. There are a lot of great jeans, dresses, and even undergarments on there so run and check it out now! Not a member? That's ok, just click this link to get you started: http://www.ideeli.com/invite/blaquescarlett

I'm off to finish purchasing my 3 for $12 underwear. Happy shopping!

MAC Quite Cute Collection

2011-03-23T13:38:00.003-04:00

This collection is actually...quite cute! It makes me say awwww and feel all girly like. That's new because MAC and I have been separated for quite some time now. Like, I avoid going into the store or stopping by the counter because I already know I'm going to be disappointed, so why bother? And while this collection doesn't wow me, it does make me feel good.

Available April 7, 2011

Lipstick ($14.50)
•Playing Koi Creamy white peach pink (Satin) (LE)

•Saint Germain Pastel pink (Amplified)

•Candy Yum-Yum Neon pink (Matte) (LE)

•Quite Cute Bright white lavender (Cremesheen) (LE)

•Play Time Intense violet (Cremesheen) (LE)

Plushglass ($18.50)

•Fashion Fanatic Creamy pale pink (LE)

•Bubble Tea Creamy pale nude (LE)

•Girl ♥ Boy Bright light blue pink (LE)

•I ♥ U Creamy mid-tone purple (LE)

Lip Pencil ($13.00)

•In Synch Bright yellow pink (LE) (Repromote)

•Naked Light neutral (LE) (Repromote)

•Boldly Bare Mid-tone red brown (LE) (Repromote)

Cutie Eyeshadow Quad ($36.00)

•Moshi! Moshi! Pale white green gold (Frost) (LE)

•Goody Goody Gum Drop Light white pink (Satin) (LE)

•Boycrazy Pale lavender with silver pearl pigments (Lustre) (LE)

•Azuki Bean Mid-tone violet (Frost) (LE)

Mineralize Blush ($23.00)

•Giggly Light pink with pearly plum heart (Frost) (LE)

•Sakura Lavender with pearly deep magenta heart (Frost) (LE)

•Miss Behave Light beige with pearly mint green heart (Frost) (LE)

Nail Lacquer ($14.00)

•Ice Cream Cake Creamy blue pink (Cream) (LE)

•Little Girl Type Creamy pale lavender (Cream) (LE)

•Mischievous Creamy pale blue mint (Cream) (LE)

False Lashes ($14.00)

•#7 Lash Spiky, slightly separated, high glam lash

Penultimate Eyeliner ($17.50)

•Rapidblack True black
Zoom Lash ($14.00)

•Zoomblack Rich black

I already know that I want all of the glosses, the polishes and MAYBE the eyeshadow quad. That's big time for me considering I don't mess with MAC like that anymore. What will you get, if anything?

~HG

Elizabeth Taylor: Beauty and Grace

2011-03-23T13:02:00.000-04:00

I didn't know much about Elizabeth Taylor until I saw the film Giant and that's when I fell inlove with her. She will be missed.

Elizabeth Taylor February 27, 1932 – March 23, 2011

"When people say, 'She's got everything', I've got one answer - I haven't had tomorrow." ~Elizabeth Taylor

~HG

No to Flowers, Yes to Bright Colors!

2011-03-23T10:00:00.001-04:00

Spring is in the air indeed. I can tell because my allergies are driving me crazy. I itch, my eyes burn, my head aches, and my throat is scratchy. Yay! Not. So while the pollen is doing a number on me, fashion is doing it for me. Now just so we're clear, I'm no fashionista. Never claimed to be, never will claim to be. However, I am a girl that knows what she does and does not like and I know without a doubt that I abhor florals! It seems as if everyone wants to wear floral print as soon as spring hits and I don't understand why. Are the flowers that God gave you on this earth that bloom during spring not enough? Do you seriously have to compete with them? Because you lost on many fronts. Florals are ugly. uggglllyyy! Now I realize I may be one of the few that feel this way, but darnit! my feelings count too. Second, nature is a beast and will never be outdone so can we please please please leave the florals to, well, the flowers?

So as you can tell I'm not excited about floral prints this season, but I am excited about color! I wasn't even excited until I saw Katy Perry on the cover for Elle Magazine, March 2011 edition:

So being that I'm not a fashionista, I never would've guessed to put these colors together, like, ever, but boy do they make me haaapppyyy! Mentally I'm twirling around in a meadow swinging my skirt singing about how spring is in the air when I look at this picture. In fact, this book is on lounger in the middle of my living room simply because of the colors on the cover. I am happy indeed.

Happy spring everyone. I hope you find that one item or thing that makes it official for you and puts a smile on your face.

~HG

Ooo Aaah - Rihanna in Vogue

2011-03-23T05:17:00.001-04:00

I have so much to blog including a sale, a giveaway, a new lacefront wig, and a new FOTD. Buutt for now, I'm intrigued with this:

OMG I love it! Absolutely love it! I thought I was way over her in the red hair, but it's totally doing it for me in this shot. Wait, let me clarify. I AM over her in the red hair, it just so happens to really be doing it for her in this shot. I love it! I hardly ever read vogue, but I'm picking this one up just for the cover. Hopefully I'll find some jewels inside along the way.

~HG

Here We Go...Again: Hair Update

2011-03-08T22:38:00.000-05:00

Sooo, having a baby and all kinda sorta had me backsliding in taking care of my hair. However, I'm ready. I'm ready to jump on getting a routine down and sticking to it. For the past 2 weeks I have stuck with a routine. So, this is where I'm starting:

My goal is to have at least two more healthy inches added to the length by the beginning of September. I am co-washing once a week, shampooing once every other week, and deep conditioning once a week. If my hair isn't out in it's natural state I will flat twist. Wish me luck ladies!

~HG

FOTD: Date Nite

2011-02-22T14:31:00.000-05:00

When I was pregnant and exhausted, I tried my best to make sure that hubby and I had some alone, date night time while we could no matter what. I figured once the baby came the jigg is up and we would be stuck in the house looking at each other and the baby. Well the baby has come and flipped my life around, turning my days into nights and my nights into days, but we are blessed. Thank God for Godmothers! My daughters godmother was willing to come and watch baby Hannie for us one saturday night and we were finally able to go out on a date, dinner and dancing even! Of course there was no way I was going out without doing my makeup and as you all have probably guessed by now, pinks and purples make me feel sexy and sassy. I hope you enjoy the look!

FOTD: Goldilux

2011-02-08T17:44:00.000-05:00

I'm currently obsessed with Sugarpill Cosmetics. I'm finally using my products that I ordered during the holidays and I am inlove with Goldilux Loose E/S! It's so gorj it gives me shivers. Hope you enjoy the look!

LOTD: Smoldering Gray

2011-02-03T19:28:00.002-05:00

Face:

Face Atelier Ultra Foundation in 11

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics HD Powder

Eyes:

MAC Painterly Paint Pot - All over

Sedona Lace 120 Palette, tray 2, column 7, dark gray - lid to just above crease
Sedona Lace 120 Palette, tray 2, column 8, black - just above crease
Sedona Lace 120 Palette, tray 2, column 9, 4th color down (pinkish-purple) - above crease, just under brow bone
Sedona Lace 120 Palette, tray 2, column 7, pink - middle of lid
Sedona Lace 120 Palette, tray 2, column 2, pink - brow bone highlighter
L'Oreals Voluminous - Mascara
NYX Jumbo pencil in Black - Liner

Cheeks:
Mehron cheek cream in Geranium
MAC blush in Breezy

Lips:
Coastal Scents 66 Lip Color Palette, 9th column, 3rd color down
MAC lipglass Wrong Spell

~HG

LOTD - Sparkly Silver & Green

2011-02-01T21:39:00.000-05:00

Face:

Face Atelier Ultra Foundation in 11

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics HD Powder

Eyes:

MAC Painterly Paint Pot - All over

Makeup Forever Flash Palette, black - all over lid, just above crease
Sugarpill Cosmetics Chromalust, Tiara - inner lower lid, to middle of lower lid
Lime Crime Magic Dust, Mischief Managed - middle of lower lid
Sedona Lace 120 Palette, black - Outter V
Sugarpill Chromalust, Stella - Crease
Sedona Lace 120 Palette, tray 2, column 4, green - above crease
Sedona Lace 120 Palette, tray 2, column 5, brown - brow highlighterMUFE Rock Forever Aqua Eyes, Silver - lower lash line
NYX Jumbo pencil in Black - Liner
L'Oreals Voluminous - Mascara

Cheeks:
MAC blush in Slave to Love
MAC blush in Gentle
MAC blush in Raisin

Lips:
MAC brew
MAC C-thru

~HG

Thank You

2011-02-01T20:08:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to do a quick entry thank you all for sticking with me the last 9 months. It's been crazy. Between the pregnancy and my mother's illness, this blog had to go on the back burner. On January 12, 2011 I was blessed with my babygirl.I had an incredibly difficult delivery and a few days afterwards I ended up in ICU. On January 19, 2011 I had the heartwrenching experience of losing my best friend, my mother. You can obviously understand where my focus has been. However, now that I'm home on maternity leave I'm hoping to post at least 4 days a week.

Thank you again for sticking with me. I'm going to work incredibly hard to make this blog better than ever this year.

God Speed,
~HG

My Natural Hair Journey - An Update

2011-01-08T18:50:00.001-05:00

In the last 8 months I've learned a lot about my hair. The things I thought it loved I've discovered it actually doesn't. For instance, almost every product I owned had protein in it. I didn't think that was such a big deal. Wrong! I kept wondering why my hair would love a product the first two times I would use it and then renig by the 3rd time. Also, a lot of the products that folks are in love with my hair turned it's nose up at. Coconut oil? Forget about it! My hair doesn't want it anywhere near my head. I've discovered that there are 2 things that I need:

Heavy, thick & creamy conditioners
Jojoba oil for my ends

I have the latter, but I'm still working on finding the former. So far this year I have declared Mixed Chicks conditioner as a staple and that's it. I use it for deep conditioning and my hair seems to really like it. I still need to find a new co-washer and a new leave in conditioner so if you're a 4a/b like myself, and like really thick and creamy conditioners, please leave me your suggestions.

This was me last year around summer time:

and this is me today:

Although my hair has grown, it hasn't grown drastically. What has happened is that it has thickened up a lot! I love that! Unfortunately this fall I stopped taking care of my hair the way I use to and had to chop off 2 inches in November. I had to retrim my hair again last week because the ends were so dry and splitting. The reason for the second trim is that i was having a hard time keeping my hair moisturized. So much so that I was starting to go into panic mode! Now that I use mixed chicks as as deep conditioner, all seems to be right with the world. My hair can stand to be a bit more moisturized still, so the hunt is on. I don't think I will have to worry about trimming my hair so soon this time though.

My goal for the next 3 months is to find conditioners that really moisturize my hair, bun my hair as much as possible so I can stop playing with it and pulling strands out, and work on reaching APL by June. I should be able to do all of those things, I just have to be dedicated.

~HG

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

2010-12-09T17:38:00.000-05:00

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

2010-12-02T15:11:00.000-05:00

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

2010-12-01T17:55:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-24T12:25:00.002-05:00

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

2010-11-22T16:51:00.001-05:00

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!

2010-11-22T16:34:00.000-05:00

~HG

A Taste of Heaven - Extended Calf Boots

2010-11-19T11:39:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-16T14:00:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-10T18:09:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-05T14:03:00.000-04:00

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!

2010-11-04T11:58:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-29T12:42:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-25T14:16:00.002-04:00

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?

2010-10-21T11:49:00.000-04:00

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!

2010-10-14T09:58:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-12T11:46:00.001-04:00

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

2010-09-29T11:43:00.000-04:00

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!

2010-09-18T13:54:00.001-04:00

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

2010-09-17T16:54:00.001-04:00

***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

2010-09-14T10:35:00.001-04:00

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?

2010-09-14T10:10:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-10T11:43:00.002-04:00

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

2010-09-09T09:48:00.001-04:00

***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!

2010-09-07T17:14:00.001-04:00

Buy it now at Urban Decay.

~HG

Fashion Night Out - Will You Be There?

2010-09-07T14:40:00.001-04:00

***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!

2010-09-03T14:51:00.006-04:00

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!

2010-09-03T10:32:00.000-04:00

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

~HG

LOTD: Red Carpet Worthy

2010-08-30T17:31:00.000-04:00

Face:

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

MAC Mineralize Powder in Dark
MAC Mineralize Powder in Gold deposit (under eyes, along bridge of nose, chin)
Cinema Secrets Foundation #201-67a - under eyes

Eyes:

Painterly Paint Pot - all over
L'Oreal HIP Metallic Shadow Duo, Silver - Lower lid, also used under lower lash line
MAC Grape Pigment - Outter V blended into crease halfway
L'Oreal HIP Metallic Shadow Duo, Black - Outter V, also used under lower lash line
Random soft pink ES - Brow Bone down to crease to blend out the grape pigment
MAC Hey E/S - Brow Bone, just under arch
NYX Jumbo Pencil in Black - Liner
L'Oreals Extra Volume Collagen Mascara
Lashes (#105)

Lips:

Paul & Joe lipstick in 060 - All over
MUFE 43 Moulin Rouge - To line and color just inside of the lips
NARS Lip Lacquer in Hot Wired - All over (on top)

~HG

NRW: Fettucine in Alfredo Sauce with Steak

2010-08-25T12:38:00.000-04:00

INGREDIENTS
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 thick New York strip steaks (about 2 pounds total)
Salt
Black pepper
4 garlic cloves
1 small onion sliced
1 pound dried fettuccine
1 stick of butter
2 shallots, minced
1.5 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/2 cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano
Spinach (optional)

DIRECTIONS
• Preheat oven to 425
• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. Meanwhile, lay the steaks flat on a cutting board; use a sharp smooth knife to cut them in half horizontally to create 4 steaks of equal size. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Peel and mince the garlic, then slice the onion. Place the steaks, onion and garlic in the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, until the meat is deeply browned. Discard the garlic and onion. Place all 4 steaks in a baking pan and bake in the oven for10-20 minutes, depending on your desired doneness.
• While the steak is in the oven, Cook the fettuccine in a pot of rapidly boiling salted water until al dente.
• While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add shallots and sauté until tender. Add heavy cream and bring to a boil. Cook until sauce has reduced slightly, about 5-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from the heat.
• Drain the pasta then return to pot. Add in the sauce and the grated cheese. Mix thoroughly. Top with shredded cheese and steak.
***If you would like vegetables added to this dish, feel free to sauté some spinach in butter and add it to the pasta, sauce and grated cheese mixture.

~HG

Rodarte & MAC Collaboration Canceled

2010-08-23T13:52:00.000-04:00

I am so incredibly happy they decided to pull this collection for various reasons. Do you think this was a good move by MAC?

Article via The Huffington Post

MAC makeup has pulled the plug on its controversial Rodarte collaboration, announcing via Facebook that they will not shelve the products named for different elements of Mexican culture. The collection first came under fire last month when a blogger at The Frisky called out the Mulleavy sisters for calling a nail polish color "Juarez," after "an impoverished Mexican factory town notorious for the number of women between the ages of 12 and 22 who have been raped and murdered with little or no response from police."

Rodarte and MAC apologized, ultimately saying they would donate 100 percent of the proceeds from the collection to benefit the women and girls of Juarez, but on Tuesday, MAC posted the following statement to its Facebook page:

Out of respect for the people of Mexico, the women and girls of Juarez and their families, as well as our M·A·C Mexican staff and colleagues, M·A·C has made the decision not to ship the M·A·C Rodarte limited edition makeup collection. This decision will have no impact on M·A·C's commitment to donate all of its projected global profits from this collection to local and international groups that work to improve the lives of the women and girls of Juarez. We are currently conducting due diligence to ensure we donate to organizations with a proven record of directly supporting the women and girls of Juarez.
M·A·C and Rodarte are deeply and sincerely sorry and we apologize to everyone we offended. We have listened very closely to the feedback of concerned global citizens. We are doing our very best to right this wrong. The essence of M·A·C is to give back and care for the community and Rodarte is committed to using creativity for positive social change. We are grateful for the opportunity to use what we have learned to raise awareness on this important issue.

~HG

Friend Friday: Conspicuous Consumption

2010-08-20T13:52:00.000-04:00

It's Friend Friday! This is part of a blogger group with Modly Chic. If you're a blogger that would like to participate, go to her blog for the details.

1. Do you think fashion blogs are often just conspicuous consumption? Are some?
I do! I think that in order to please their audience a lot of bloggers get sucked into buy buy buying all the time. It's crazy!

2. As bloggers do we have the obligation to explain our personal financial status, how we pay for the things we showcase, if we have debt, etc…
I'mma answer that with a quick hellz no! Whoever reads my blog does not need to know my financial status. It's not like I'm offering financial tips, I'm talking about makeup for goodness sakes!

3. Critics often say that fashion bloggers should use their money to support more worthwhile causes than clothing themselves in a different outfit daily. What’s your reaction to this?
I'm trying to understand how said "critics" even have a say? Do they know whether or not these bloggers are supporting worthwhile causes. Some people can actually do both. Even if a blogger chooses not to support a worthwhile cause, that's their business, no one else's *shrug*.

4. Since you started blogging, do you spend more money on fashion and beauty products?
No, I actually don't. Some times I think I'm failing my readers by not doing so, but my responsibility is to my family first, so I'm not going to excessively buy beauty products to showcase on my blog no matter how much I love bringing my readers new items. Now, because I am a beauty product whore, I do have moments where I buy buy buy,but that's usually once every 2-3 months, and I don't spend over $150. Until that time comes, I just try to be as creative as I can with what I have, or try samples, or products that are sent to me to review.

5. Life is about more than what money can buy. What are the things that top your list of what life is all about?
Life is about love, the cycle of giving it and getting it in return. It's about spending time with your family and friends and appreciating the little things. It's about being honest with yourself and others, and more than anything I believe life is about living up to God's potential for you.

~HG

The Perfect Red Lip

2010-08-19T15:51:00.000-04:00

Red lipstick has been my enemy for years. You see, I'm a lover of the pinup girl look. Loves.It. However, I've always had to do my lip in some other color because I couldn't find the perfect red to match my dark skin tone. Most were too orange, too pink. too blue making itmore purple than anything. However, yesterday I was determined. I must've stood in front of the MUFE display for 45 minutes swiping all the reds they had, running to get lip wands to try them out, etc. Imagine my surprise when I found MANY that I liked! But there was one that I absolutely loved!

This is 43 Moulin Rouge from their Rouge Artist Intense collection. It's a very vibrant red with a satin finish. The best part? These lipsticks are so pigmented that one swipe is all you need. Seriously! Now that I've found the perfect red for me I am definitely going back to get others. Gotta love Makeup Forever!

~HG

Christmas in August!

2010-08-17T17:26:00.003-04:00

These days I have to be very $$$ conscious, especially with a new addition to the family on the way. However, I'm a girl that loves loves loves clearance sales and sometimes I just can't help myself. Look what arrived today!:

I bought most of these items on clearance off of ASOS when they were offering free shipping to the US. The shower gel and such came from, yep, you guessed it, Luna Bleu. I've actually ordered from Luna Bleu twice in the last month, but I simply couldn't resist their August sale!

I really tried to search for these items on their site again, but it looks like they're all gone, so I can't get any good pics of them, however, I will try to show some close(r) up photos. Of course I'll take pics again once I actually get these babies home and take them out of the packaging.

Aren't the scarves gorgeous? I'm not really a scarf girl, but I simply couldn't resist.

What I absolutely can't wait for is to use my Paul and Joe lipstick. I think that by now you all get that I love glosses, but this lipstick looked so pretty on the site, and really stands out in person!

I hope you enjoyed viewing my haul as much as I enjoyed showing it. Don't expect any Outfit of the Day's from me because that's not my thing, but as I try to figure out how to wear these scarves I'll make sure to post pics.

~HG

LOTD: Still In Love!

2010-08-11T12:30:00.024-04:00

Right now I'm still inlove with this one color. I'm sure this weekend I will do a total smokey eye with it. I also have a blue LOTD coming up, hopefully it will post on Friday. Enjoy!

Face:

Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation in Almond 7 mixed with my daily moisturizer

Young Blood Hi-Definition Powder

MAC Mineralize Powder in Dark
Cinema Secrets Foundation #201-67a - under eyes

Eyes:

Painterly Paint Pot - all over
MAC Kid E/S - All Over
MAC Naked Pigment - Brow Bone to Crease
MUFE Aqua Cream in 28702 - lower lid to crease
MAC Sable E/S - Crease
MAC Handwritte E/S - Outter V
Mehron Precious Gem Powder in Diamond - Inner Corner
NYX Jumbo Pencil in Black - Liner
L'Oreals Extra Volume Collagen Mascara

Lips:

Coastal Scents lip palette, 3rd row, second to last lipcolor.

MAC Lipgelee

Cheeks:
MAC Blush in Sweet as Cocoa
MAC Raizin Blush

~HG

2010-08-11T12:30:00.003-04:00

Face:

Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation in Almond 7 mixed with my daily moisturizer
Young Blood Hi-Definition Powder
MAC Mineralize Powder in Dark

Eyes:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance
MUFE Aqua Cream in 28702 - lower lid to crease
MAC Brown Down E/S - Crease
MAC Kid E/S - Blend out crease up to brow bone
CSP, black shadow - line eyes
Voluminous Mascara

Lips:
MAC Lipglass in Totally It
MAC Lipglass in Crazy Haute

Cheeks:
MAC Blush in SuperDuper Natural
MAC Raizin Blush

~HG

2010-08-11T12:30:00.001-04:00

Face:

Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation in Almond 7 mixed with my daily moisturizer
Young Blood Hi-Definition Powder
MAC Mineralize Powder in Dark

Eyes:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance
MUFE Aqua Cream in 28702 - lower lid to crease
MAC Brown Down E/S - Crease
MAC Kid E/S - Blend out crease up to brow bone
CSP, black shadow - line eyes
Voluminous Mascara

Lips:
MAC Lipglass in Totally It
MAC Lipglass in Crazy Haute

Cheeks:
MAC Blush in SuperDuper Natural
MAC Raizin Blush

~HG

Product Review: Revlon DoubtTwist Mascara

2010-08-10T09:48:00.000-04:00

"Revolutionary brush combines traditional bristles with innovative defining bristles for luscious volume and remarkable definition."

Umm, yeah, no. I hate hate hate this brush! It was super hard to use, and the mascara clumps! Worst of all, I've only had the mascara on for 30 minutes and oh, what is that I see in the mirror? Could it be flakes? Why yes, yes it is. Also, you pull up so much mascara when you pull the wand out that you immediately know that you are wasting a lot of product, and for what? Clumpy lashes? Ugh.

Any mascara where I have to twirl the wand in order to make any headway is just not worth my time.

Before

After 2 coats

Product: 3/10

Pricing: 6/10
Packaging: 9/10

~HG

Chocolate Bridal Beauty

2010-08-06T15:53:00.000-04:00

As a makeup artist I always want to have a variety of photos in my portfolio showing a range of age and race. However, I was having the darndest time with finding a beautiful, chocolate young lady for my port. That's until the new Mrs. A contacted me. I did the makeup for her wedding in June, and I'm happy to say that she was very pleased. I heart her!

She wanted some depth to the eyes, but otherwise very natural. I think I achieved that. What do you think?

~HG

Stila Up To 75% Off Sale!

2010-08-06T09:55:00.000-04:00

Up to 75% off of Stila Cosmetic items. Sale begins today and ends Sunday at 12 midnight P.T.

For one week only receive a free Pro Artist Palette with $40 or more purchase. Code: PROSTILA

~HG

Maybe She Was Born With It... Yeah, that must be it.

2010-08-05T09:37:00.002-04:00

If you haven't noticed this about me from my various LOTD, when I find a product I love it take me a long time to try something else. This is especially true when it comes to mascaras. I am completely loyal to products that make my features do what it do. However, every once in a while if a product is on sale, or I'm just feeling sassy that day, I try something new (new to me anyway). So while I was standing in Ulta last week I pickede up L'Oreals Extra Volume Collagen Mascara.

"The luxurious, buildable formula infused with collagen creates breathtaking volume instantly. Glides on smoothly and lasts all day, with 12x more impact. No flakes, smudges, or clumps!"

Le sigh.

I should've known that a product that swears to do something by 12x would fail me.

Before

After

Me no likey. I feel like the mascara added length to my lashes, but I'm looking for this 12x more volume that it promised. I don't see it! As for no clumping, well, you be the judge.

The other thing I despised about this mascara was the wand. It didn't get a good grip on my lashes, so I couldn't apply it like I normally would.

For me this mascara was a fail. I can't even use it as my backup mascara. I keep using voluminous for that. However, if you'd like to try it, you can buy it for $8.99 at Ulta.

Product: 4/10
Pricing: 6/10
Packaging: 9/10

~HG

Luna Bleu August Sale!

2010-08-02T11:50:00.000-04:00

If you know me, you know that I heart this website. Luna Bleu sells the most delish smelling body and home products in this world! They have notes to please everyone whether you love vanilla, or grapefruit is your thing. Currently Luna Bleu is having a 25% off August sale, which puts a twinkle in my toes. I will warn you that when they have a sale they get pretty backed up (it's a 2 women show), so be patient. Your order should arrive in 2-4 weeks. Go stock up now!

~HG

Tarte Cosmetics 40% Off Sale!

2010-08-02T11:10:00.000-04:00

So what are you going to stock up on during the Tarte Cosmetics Friends and Family Sale?

~HG

Glamour Doll Eyes Customer Appreciation Sale!

2010-07-30T14:19:00.000-04:00

Today thru Tuesday, August 10th you can get full jars for 50% off! Use the code "lovegde" and it will give you 50% off. This includes full jars of eye shadow, twi-shadows and eye lights. Your purchase total must be $48 and after the discount, it would be $24 (8 full jars). If you are looking into getting a few samples and a few full jars, as long as your cart total is $48 before the coupon, you may use the code, however, only the full jars will be discounted!

She will also throw in a free Glamour Gloss with any order of $42 or more (after discounts). Hurry and get your orders in now!

~HG

Paul & Joe Autumn 2010 Collection

2010-07-28T08:30:00.005-04:00

This collection makes me feel so delicate and pretty. I will more than likely buy some of these products when they are available in the US market if only because of the packaging. I mean really, how could I resist putting on lipstick that is shaped like a kitty? Gotta love it!

Lip Stick C:

066 Clair de Lune/067 Over the Moon/068 Moon Shadow

Face & Eye Color CS

067 Silvery Moon/068 Paper Moon/069 Blue Moon

Face Color

001 Luna/002 Harvest Month/003 Pagan

Pencil Eyeliner WP

01 Black/02 Cafe/03 Bronze/04 Angel/05 Aubergine/06 Navy

Checkout Paul and Joe Beaute to find out where you can pick up these gorgeous products.

LOTD: Neutrally Yours

2010-07-27T16:16:00.000-04:00

Face:

Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation in Almond 7 mixed with my daily moisturizer
Young Blood Hi-Definition Powder
MAC Mineralize Powder in Dark

Eyes:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance
MUFE Aqua Cream in 28702 - lower lid to crease
MAC Brown Down E/S - Crease
MAC Kid E/S - Blend out crease up to brow bone
CSP, black shadow - line eyes
Voluminous Mascara

Lips:
MAC Lipglass in Totally It
MAC Lipglass in Crazy Haute

Cheeks:
MAC Blush in SuperDuper Natural
MAC Raizin Blush

~HG

Tarte Cosmetics Sale!

2010-07-22T17:02:00.000-04:00

Tarte Cosmetics is on sale for 50%+ off on the Gilt Groupe website. Need an invite in a hurry? Let me know and I'll get one to you. Hurry, sale ends January 24th at midnight.

~HG

A Very Important Announcement

2010-07-20T13:28:00.000-04:00

For the past few months since, or maybe even before, The Makeup Show NYC, I've become a sluggish blogger. I went from posting two-three times a week, to sometimes not posting at all. I felt horrible. People would email me questions and it would take me weeks to get back to them. I promise you that this didn't occur because my love for this blog, makeup, and helping (as well as learning from) others died. Far from it! I'm just as passionate today. However, life is always surprising and exciting, throwing us curve balls out of thin air and this curve ball was totally unexpected. I'm preparing to be a...

That's right! Hubby and I are expecting our first precious little one. While I absolutely adore the journey of pregnancy so far, I would be lying if I said it didn't kill my energy. I'm absolutely exhausted all day everyday. On top of that I'm suffering from heartburn and migraines. This makes it difficult to stare at a computer when it's not necessary. I don't update the blog, tweet, and I rarely return emails. However, the good news is that I hear this should all be coming to an end now that I'm entering my second trimester.

So readers, please forgive me if I take a break from updating every now and then. I'm currently baking :~)

~HG

Makeup for the Lighter Complexioned Beauty

2010-07-15T12:22:00.000-04:00

An old friend of mine emailed me the other day inquiring about makeup to match her complexion. I must admit this was a bit hard for me as most of my clients are either a nice dark chocolate tone, or a very pale, creamy white complexion. So I searched high and low for products that I thought would be fab for her. Here's what I came up with:

EYES

Liner
When you are just starting out wearing makeup, I think it is important to get products that will give you the most bang for your buck since you are initially experimenting with them. Why spend $20 on a product you are just learning to use, and may very well hate? For that reason, I usually introduce beginner makeup clients to NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil's

The reason I love these liners for the beginner is because they are a two in one product. They are obviously used to line eyes, however, they can also be used as eyeshadows! Hate the jumbo feel and need a slimmer stick to line your eyes? Try NYX's Slim Eye Pencil.

Mascara

I really heart mascara! I believe it can make or break your whole look, so finding the perfect mascara is necessary, yet a hard thing to do. It really is one of trial and error. However, the two mascara's I could not live without are L'Oreal's Voluminous and DiorShow Iconic.

L'Oreal Voluminous offers you dark, luscious lashes for just $7! It's a great mascara to keep in your bag for an everyday look.

Want more drama? Try DiorShow Iconic. I'm talking theatre stage long, thick dramatic lashes that constantly whisper "come hither" whenever you blink *heart pounding*. I truly lust after this mascara! It's the only one that makes me feel like I'm wearing falsies everytime I put it on.

BLUSH

In the summertime you want to achieve a nice, healthy glow. You don't want colors that look too thick or heavy. For that reason my new favorite summertime blush is MACs Get Away Bronze Blush.

It gives your skin a nice sunkissed glow without being too dramatic.

LIPS

I love pink when it comes to summer time lips (who am I kidding, I love pink year round) and I really think your lips will pop with a color like MACs Pink Poodle

It will make your lips stand out looking lovely and luscious, but they won't be on overkill. Just enough color so that you don't blend in with the crowd.

FACE

I just wanted to give a word of advice when it comes to your face routine. In the summertime we all tend to get hot and sweaty, so I would put the foundation in the back of your makeup drawer for now. Instead opt for a tinted moisturizer (Bobbi Brown makes a great one!) with a little bronzer. Now-a-days I wear MACs mineralize skinfinish in dark over my favorite moisturizer. Remember, the idea is to keep it light, especially with the triple digit temps the East Coast has been hit with this summer. Oy vey!

~HG

Product Review: Model Model Human Hair Deep Bulk

2010-07-15T10:53:00.000-04:00

Above is the curl pattern of the Model Model Human Hair Deep Bulk braiding hair. I saw it and fell inlove. Two weeks later, I'm completely out of love. In fact, this hair reminds me of a fly that keeps buzzing around my head and just won't die already!

How is it possible that I've only had this hair in for two weeks, and it's already napping up? The ends are dry and frizzled. I have to keep cutting away and dry little balls in the hair. Ugh. This is disgusting. I can already see that I will have to buy more hair and try again next month.

My advice? If you walk past this hair and fall inlove, please recognize it as a con artist and keep on walking. It's not worth your money at.all. I can promise you that.

~HG

Stewed Oxtails and Butter Beans

2010-07-14T17:33:00.001-04:00

INGREDIENTS
Stewed oxtail with butter beans - about this recipe
3 lbs oxtail
1-2 cups Flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 slices of bacon
1 large onion, chopped
2 cans of butter beans
salt/black pepper/cayenne pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

Rinse off oxtails and season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper
Put flour in a bowl and dredge the oxtail pieces, knocking off any excess flour
Heat the oil in a dutch oven and brown the oxtail pieces on both sides, doing a few at a time so the pan stay nice and hot
Add the bacon, and onions to the pan and sauté for 3 minutes
Add the oxtail
Cover the oxtail with water and bring to a boil. Cover the pot and turn the heat down to low, simmering for 3 hours
After 3 hours taste your liquid; season to taste with salt and pepper
Add the butter beans and simmer for another 15 minutes

*Note* If you would like flavorful rice to go with your stew, add more water than needed to the stew when filling the pot to boil, atleast 2 cups more. When the stew is done cooking and before you add the butter beans, use the liquid from your stew to cook the rice in. This makes for very yummy rice!
~HG

Product Review: So She Cosmetics

2010-07-13T11:27:00.001-04:00

I was super duper uber excited when new cosmetics company, So She Cosmetics, Inc., a company based in Chicago, IL, presented me with the opportunity to review their products! What a treat! Here's what they sent:

Velvet Veil - $15.00 - Velvet Veil is a super soft and light face primer. I was really impressed by the smooth texture of the product. According to SSC you can use Velvet Veil on your boy and on your hair for extra shine and silkiness. Although I didn't try it on my hair I did try it on my face and I can promise this will be the next primer I buy. It contains Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and Licorice.

Gold Lip Sparklette - $12.00 - The consistency of this gloss is really nice. It doesn't leave your lips feeling gritty or sticky. However, my one beef with this product is that you have to reapply constantly. When paying $12 for a gloss, I'm use to it staying on through me eating say, a piece of fruit. As soon as I finished eating my peach, the gloss was finished as well. For the price I would like to have some staying power. The color is a great everyday color though, and I can definitely see myself wearing it with any makeup I want to enhance with a gloss that has a sparkly gold tone to it.

Gold Candle Glow Bronzer - $11.50 - I really like this bronzer! The texture is so light it feels non-existent on the skin. It's not oily or heavy, just a great creamy texture. I truly did not think the color would go with my skin tone, but it did! It gives me a nice, subtle glow, not over-powering or heavy at all. I would definitely buy this product for my kit because I think my clients will love it.

Gold Bronze Eye Shadow - $12.00 - This loose shadow is a nice pigment, not too light, not especially heavy. I think my one gripe with it is you definitely should order samples before buying it. Depending on the lighting, this shadow came off really light gold for me, not bronzy gold. Also, although it's a pigment, so not oily at all, it kept migrating to my crease, so definitely wear a base under it. I'm also a little disappointed in the color selection. Most of them seem to have a bit of a frosty texture to them, and I am not a fan of frosty eye shadows. I look forward to So She Cosmetics coming out with new colors for me to try and play with. The verdict is still out on this one.

Overall I think So She Cosmetics is on to something really good. With a few tweaks they could have something really great! As the company grows and acquires new products I really believe people will naturally gravitate to their cosmetics.

~HG

LOTD: Hot Pink and White

2010-07-09T16:54:00.001-04:00

Face:

Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation in Almond 7 mixed with my daily moisturizer
Young Blood Hi-Definition Powder
MAC Mineralize Powder in Dark

Eyes:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Coastal Scents Palette #78, 4th section, first column, 3rd pink down - all over lid up to brow bone.
CSP "", 5th pink down/3rd section, first column, last red - mix the two colors together and place from lower lid to just above the crease
CSP, 4th section, first column, first color - brow bone
MAC Shroom E/S - brow bone
CSP, 4th section, first column 4th pink down - lightly blend between brow bone and crease
CSP, black shadow - line eyes
CSP, 3rd section, first column, last red - line under lower waterline

Voluminous Mascara

Lips:
MAC Dazzleglass in Baby Sparks

Cheeks:
Mehron Cheek Cream in Berry Blush
MAC Blush in SuperDuper Natural

~HG

Wella Professionals Color Discovery Tour

2010-07-09T09:51:00.000-04:00

Ladies, this event sounds like a great time. I'm hoping to make it on Sunday since I've recently been contemplating coloring my hair. Let me know if you decide to go!

This summer Wella Professionals is hitting the road to offer free consultations to help women discover their best haircolor. Wella will provide women across the country with inside access to professional colorists who will help educate and inspire women to discover their best haircolor while also offering them discounts to local, participating salons. At each tour stop, the on-site experts will offer free, personal recommendations to attendees as well as discounts to participating Wella salons and complimentary products.
The Wella Professionals Color Discovery Tour will visit eight cities throughout the summer including New York City, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Miami, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Details for the DC event is as follows:

Date: 7/10 - 7/11

Time: 11AM-6PM

Location: The Shops at Georgetown Park

3222 M Street Northwest

Washington, DC 20007

Salons: PR at Partners Salons

RSVP on Facebook!

Can’t make it? Wella is offering women nationwide the chance to win a trip to have a celebrity haircolor transformation with a top stylist in New York City. One lucky winner and a friend will fly to New York for the weekend and enjoy an A-list treatment! Sweepstakes details can be found on Wella Professionals’ Facebook page.

Friend Friday: Summer Travel

2010-07-09T09:30:00.001-04:00

It's Friend Friday! This is part of a blogger group with Modly Chic. If you're a blogger that would like to participate, go to her blog for the details.

1. Are you going anywhere this summer that will require a suitcase?
Oh, how I wish. We were suppose to go to the Dominican at the end of this month, but finances are keeping us state side. I will eventually venture to Charlotte, the eastern shore, and NYC, but that's about it. Sad, I know. If you would like to contribute to my vacation funds, I'll gladly accept!
2. What are your 'must-pack' items?
Seeing how Charlotte is guaranteed to be hot, I will definitely pack my Mehron No Sweat Prep to try to keep the rolls of sweat at bay as much as possible, my L'Oreal HiP Color Presso in Chic, and some lashes.
3. When it comes to makeup how much of your collection do you pack? What do you take? What do you leave behind?
If I'm going away for a real vacation, I pack everything. When you're gone for 7+ nights at a time, you never know what look you're gonna want to wear from day to day, so I just take everything. For short trips I pack my favorite gloss at the moment, my favorite liquid foundation and moisturizer so I can make my own tinted moisturizer, mascara and/or lashes and bronzer!
4. Do you have any travel packing advice?
Honestly I love zip lock bags. If anything happens to uncap itself, there won't be a mess at the bottom of my suitcase. Nothing worse than getting pure pigments all over your gorgeous clothes!
5. What one item should every woman pack when going on a vacation?
Sunscreen lotion AND bronzer!

~HG

MAC In The Groove Collection for Summer 2010

2010-07-08T17:32:00.000-04:00

Lipstick ($14.00 U.S. / $16.50 CDN)
Call My Bluff Mid-tone creamy coffee (Cremesheen) (Limited Edition)
Jazzed Bright coral pink (Cremesheen) (Limited Edition)
Creme de Nude Pale muted peach beige (Cremesheen) (Permanent)
I Like It Like That Deep blue pink (Cremesheen) (Limited Edition)
All Styled Up Bright yellow pink (Cremesheen) (Limited Edition)
Go For It Mid-tone blue purple (Cremesheen) (Limited Edition)

Cremesheen Glass ($18.00 U.S. / $21.50 CDN)
On the Scene Light Coral beige (Limited Edition)
You’ve Got It Dirty silver grey (Limited Edition)
Going Casual Sheer lilac (Limited Edition)
Fashion Whim Light Beige (Limited Edition)
Right Image Mid-tone blue pink (Limited Edition)
Chillin’ Light white blue (Limited Edition)

Mineralize Eye Shadow (Trio) ($19.50 U.S. / $23.50 CDN)
Love to Love Satin beige/Pearly Bronze/Satin Brown (Limited Edition)
In the Groove Satin green/Pearly burgundy/Satin coral (Limited Edition)
Making It Easy Satin red brown/Pearly beige rose/Satin dark beige (Limited Edition)
Togetherness Satin lavender/Pearly purple/Satin grey (Limited Edition)
Style Influencer Satin silver/Pearly deep blue/Satin deep mauve brown (Limited Edition)
Soften the Mood Satin light brown/Pearly rose/Satin light blue (Limited Edition)
Fresh & Easy Satin pink/Pearly burgundy/Satin grey (Limited Edition)
Calm, Cool, &Collected Satin deep green/Pearly green/Satin beige (Limited Edition)
Blue My Mind Satin light blue/Pearly deep teal/Satin black (Limited Edition)

Powerpoint Eye Pencil ($14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN)
Stubborn Brown Deep Rich Brown (Permanent)
Permaplum Deep plum with pink shimmer (Permanent)
Navy Stain Royal blue with shimmer (Permanent)

Zoomlash ($13.00 U.S. / $15.50 CDN)
Zoomblack Rich Black (Permanent)

Mineralized Skinfinish ($28.00 U.S. / $33.50 CDN)
By Candlelight Golden pink (Frost) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
Stereo Rose Coral with golden bronze shimmering nuances (Frost) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
Comfort Golden bronze (Frost) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
Petticoat Pale rose with gold and amber veining (Frost) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)

Mineralize Blush (Duo) ($23.00 U.S. / $27.50 CDN)
Happy Together Satin caramel/Pearly beige (Limited Edition)
A Little Bit of Sunshine Satin light brown/Pearly beige (Limited Edition)
Hang Loose Satin bright pink/Pearly lavender (Limited Edition)
Band of Roses Satin blue pink/Pearly light plum (Limited Edition)
New Vibe Satin deep rose/Pearly bronze (Limited Edition)

Brush ($42.00 U.S. / $50.50 CDN)
187 Brush A large full circular brush used for lightweight application and blending of face powder or pigments. Use to create soft layers or add textures. Made from a soft blend of goat and synthetic fibres.

~HG

New Product Review: L'Oreal HiP Color Presso Glosses

2010-07-08T11:39:00.000-04:00

Hello gorgeous! To know me is to know how much I love a great gloss, so when I was given a bunch of L'Oreal HiP Color Presso glosses at The Makeup Show NYC, I was kinda excited to try them. Kinda because we all know I'm not a fan of drugstore beauty products, however, a gloss is a gloss and I'm always on the hunt for a better one.

What I love about this gloss is that it is very glossy and nicely pigmented. It doesn't feel sticky or greasy, yet leaves my lips feeling moisturized. Gotta love that. So what don't I like about this gloss? The fact that after a couple of hours the gloss factor is gone :~( You must reapply several times throughout the day. Boo to that.
The one featured in this post is Chic. I think it's a nice everyday shade for myself. One side is a light pink grapefruit tone while the other is more of a ruby grapefruit tone. The other great thing about these glosses is that you can choose to wear one color or the other, or squeeze both sides to mix them together to give you a kind of red grapefruit look.

The left color

The right color

Combined

You can purchase L'Oreal Hip Color Presso from Target for $10.99. Not bad for a 2 in 1 gloss.

Product: 8/10
Pricing: 8/10
Packaging: 9/10

~HG

Hair Update

2010-07-07T18:03:00.000-04:00

So as most of you know, it has been hot as Hades on the East Coast and I just can't take it. I can't take having hair anywhere near my neck I just want it away! So I've decided to put microbraids in my hair for the remaineder of the summer. Mind you, I don't go to get my hair braided; I have too many traumatic memories from my childhood. Hair pulling, scalp puckering, bumps forming all along my hair line, oh the horror! I learned at a fairly early age how to braid my own hair, and I'm very thankful for that. I'm not really hoping for a certain amount of growth or anything while doing this, I just want my hair to be safely put away while I sweat this summer out. I've noticed that it's gotten thicker more than longer, and I can appreciate that. So here are some pics of my hair now

Hopefully by September it will be even thicker, and healthy!

~HG

LOTD - Pink & Green Dreams

2010-06-29T10:56:00.000-04:00

Face:

Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation in Almond 7
MAC Mineralize Powder in Dark

Eyes:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Mehron Precious Gem Powder in Periodot - lower lid to crease
MAC Hello Kitty Too Dolly Palette - Romping E/S - Crease
MAC Brown Down E/S - Outter V
MAC Pigment in Naked - Brow Bone
Random black eyeshadow to line eyes
Voluminous Mascara

Lips:
MAC Lipgelee in Amber Russe

Cheeks:
MAC Blush in Raisin

~HG

I Want to Know My Hair Again

2010-06-25T13:51:00.002-04:00

Lately I've been all about my hair. Fussing with it, putting weave it in, taking weave out of it, contemplating what to do next. I want to manipulate my hair as little as possible this summer, so I've been anxiously trying to decide what to do with it. While browsing the internet looking at natural hair posts, I came across this and it really touched me. I hope it touches you too.

By Paulette M. Caldwell
I want to know my hair again, to own it, to delight in it again, to recall my earliest mirrored reflection when there was no beginning and I first knew that the person who laughed at me and cried with me and stuck out her tongue at me was me. I want to know my hair again, the way I knew it before I knew that my hair is me, before I lost the right to me, before I knew that the burden of beauty -- or lack of it -- for an entire race of people could be tied up with my hair and me.

I want to know my hair again, the way I knew it before I knew Sambo and Dick, Buckwheat and Jane, Prissy and Miz Scarlett. Before I knew that my hair could be wrong -- the wrong color, the wrong texture, the wrong amount of curl or straight. Before hot combs and thick grease and smelly-burning lye, all guaranteed to transform me, to silken the coarse, resistent wool that represents me. I want to know once more the time before I denatured, denuded, denigrated, and denied my hair and me, before I knew enough to worry about edges and kitchens and burrows and knots, when I was still a friend of water -- the rain's dancing drops of water, a swimming hole's splashing water, a hot, muggy day's misty invisible water, my own salty, sweaty, perspiring water.

When will I cherish my hair again, the way my grandmother cherished it, when fascinated by its beauty, with hands carrying centuries-old secrets of adornment and craftswomanship, she plaited it, twisted it, cornrowed it, finger-curled it, olive-oiled it, on the growing moon cut and shaped it, and wove it like fine strands of gold inlaid with semiprecious stones, coral and ivory, telling with my hair a lost-found story of the people she carried inside her?

Mostly, I want to love my hair the way I loved hers, when as granddaughter among grandsons I stood on a chair in her room -- her kitchen-bed-living-dining room -- and she let me know her hair, when I combed and patted it from the crown of her head to the place where her neck folded into her shoulders, caressing steel-gray strands that framed her forehead before falling into the soft, white, cottony temples at the border of her cheekbones.

Cotton. Cotton curled up in soft, fuzzy puffballs around her face. Cotton pulled out and stretched on top of her head into Sunday pompadours. Cotton, like the cotton blooming in August in her tiny cotton field. Cotton, like the cotton that filled the other room in her house -- the cotton room -- the storehouse for September's harvest, a cradle to shield her pickings from wind and rain, to await baling and ginning and cashing in. Cotton, which along with a cow, a pig and a coop of chickens, allowed her to eke out a husband-dead, children-gone independence in some desolate place, trapped in the bowels of segregation. Here, unheard, unseen, free, she and her beauty and her hair could not be a threat to anyone.

~HG

Friend Friday: Let's Talk About Nails Baby!

2010-06-18T12:35:00.000-04:00

It's Friend Friday! This is part of a blogger group with Modly Chic. If you're a blogger that would like to participate, go to her blog for the details.

Q: Do you keep nail polish on your fingers and toes year round?
A: No. I'm really bad with nail care maintenance. I must admit that I've stayed on top of my nails a little more than I did before I was engaged because people always seem to ask to see my ring when my nails are nice and raggedy, but yeah, my nails are not my best accessory.
Q: What are your go-to colors for the fingers and toes?

A: Any grey polishes with sparkles like OPI's DS Coronation

Photo courtesy of Nailed.

*swoon*

Q: Any tips for strengthening your nails?
A: Yes. My nails are in horrible shape right now because I was wearing diamond nails (softer than acrylics, but you still have to get all the filing/drilling done) so in order to help them recoup and become stronger I have started using the Axxium Gel System by OPI again.
Q: Do you have any nail 'rules' you abide by?
A: Never ever ever bite my nails, and they must always be roundedly square bwahahaha.
Q: How often, if ever, do you get a manicure and/or pedicure?
A: Every two weeks...for now. I usually drop off around October :~(

~HG

Bee Mine 15% Off Sale

2010-06-18T09:54:00.000-04:00

Here's something to make us natural ladies happy. The wonderful folks at Bee Mine are having a 15% off sale!

I heart their Bee Hold Curly Butter, so I'm off to buy a couple of jars. Happy shopping!

~HG

An Update

2010-06-17T11:43:00.001-04:00

Hello ladies and gents:
On top of being under the weather lately, my home computer is acting janky, hence the reason I haven't posted a new LOTD lately. No worries though, I'm hoping to get it fixed this weekend. In the meantime, if there is a look you would like to see, please leave me a comment or shoot me an email. I would be happy to oblige. Stay beautiful!

~HG

Why I Love Horchow

2010-06-16T14:20:00.001-04:00

If I could just outfit my whole home in items from Horchow I would be in design Heaven!

~HG

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Duos on Sale!

2010-06-16T14:15:00.000-04:00

Available here.

~HG

New Product Review: Covergirl Smoky Shadow Blast

2010-06-15T17:07:00.000-04:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a bit of a makeup snob. I don't really go cruising down my local CVS drugstore cosmetics aisle looking for makeup to try. However, if there should happen to be a contest to win a certian drugstore cosmetic, I'll enter. Hey, I'mma sucka for free stuff! However, I must say I was pretty excited to win a set of Covergirls Smoky Shadow Blast.

The Smoky Shadow Blast eyeshadow is a double ended stick that you can use to create a smoky eye. One end is a more neutral, allover color while the other end is a darker version of that color to use across your lash line and in your crease.

This product? Was a fail!

I loved the concept, and it would be great if it weren't so incredibly oily! Within 5 minutes of applying it my eyeshadow had creased. Me no likey makeup that crease.

If you feel like you just aboslutely must buy this product, then please remember to wear a good base and powder your lids so that the product can at least last an hour.

Product: 3/10
Pricing: 8/10
Packaging: 9/10

~HG

LOTD: Orange and Turquoise

2010-06-11T13:11:00.000-04:00

Face:

Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation in Almond 7
MAC Mineralize Powder in Dark

Eyes:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Mehron Precious Gem Powder in Turquoise - lower lid to crease
MAC Rule E/S - Inner Corner
MUFE Flash Palette, Dark Blue - Outter V
MAC Shadowy Lady E/S - Outter V
MAC Brown Down E/S - crease
MAC Pigment in Naked - Brow Bone

Lips:
MAC Lipgelee in Amber Russe

Cheeks:
Mehron Cheek Cream in Berry Blush

~HG

NRW: Chicken Salad

2010-06-09T14:57:00.000-04:00

Monday I had the taste for Chicken Salad, but had never made one before. So I thought back to the best chicken salad I had ever had. It was made by my Aunt Elaine. I knew it contained cranberries, mayo, and the obvious, chicken, but figured I would just have to wing the rest. What I came up with was so yummy that hubby had eaten half of it by the next day! Hope you like it.

INGREDIENTS
1 cooked rotisserie chicken, cubed
1 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cups dried cranberries
1/2 cup dried cherries
1 cup chopped celery
1 onion, chopped
ground black pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

In a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise with paprika, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, cayenne pepper and seasoned salt.
Mix in dried cranberries, cherries, celery, and onion.
Add chopped chicken, and mix well. Season with black pepper to taste.

Enjoy!

~HG

New Product Review: Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner

2010-06-07T13:47:00.000-04:00

Last week I was on the hunt for new conditioners to try. I felt like my hair was getting to use to my regular ole Olive Oil conditioners and it needed something new. So I ran to Ulta to see what I could find. That's when I ran into the Neutrogena product line. I've never used any Neutrogena products so I was a tad bit skeptical, but I thought at $5.49, why not.

When I got home I co-washed my hair with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Conditioner, then rinsed and finger parted my hair into four sections. I then added the Neutrogena Triple Moisture to each section from root to tip. Since I don't cover my hair nor sit under a dryer, I left it on for an hour - an hour and a half, then rinsed with cold water.

My hair has NEVER felt this soft! It was as if I visited a river of moisturizer and bathed in it all day. The best part is that it is now 4 days later and my hair is still superduper soft. I am now a believer and will buy every product in that line.

Word of caution - This product does contain sulfate so if that is a concern for you, you may want to skip it. However, it makes my hair feel so amazing that I will happily use it again and again.

Product: 10/10
Pricing: 8/10
Packaging: 9/10

~HG