When I try to think back to when it all started, I know I was a kid.  It started with a chap stick obsession.  I had to collect as many flavors as I could.  It was hysterical to realize my cousin was doing the same thing.  You would never want for chap stick with the two of us in the room.  As I got older I expanded my chap stick collection to include lip gloss.

Sure I tried lipstick here and there.  I mean I still have some fantastic purple metallic colored ones from the late 90′s somewhere in an old makeup case… but I never really liked lipstick.  The colors never looked right on me and I didn’t like the way it felt heavy on my lips.  My wedding day may be the last time I actually put on lipstick of any kind, as I had purchased it after getting a consultation on what would look just right for the big day.  Since then, I have been all lip gloss all the time.

Recently I have become a big fan of Stila lip glaze.  I got my first one in a swag bag from the Mingling Moms event I went to in March… and already the Stila lip glaze collection has grown to three.  They come in 5oz. tubes.  While it doesn’t sound like much, I have yet to run out of one yet.  The tubes are clear so you can see the color through them.  When you twist the bottom the color comes up to the brush.  A bit of a warning, give it a moment after you twist it a few times so you don’t end up with too much gloss.  Stila recommends twisting 10 to 15 times to first activate the lip glaze … but only 1 to 3 times for each individual use after that.

The lip glaze is sticky, which I would say is the only drawback.  I really don’t like that sticky feeling… BUT I am so in love with the colors that I just try to use it sparingly.  It can be worn alone or over the top of a favorite lip color.  I sometimes add it over something lighter to give me a different color.  The shine in the lip glazes visually enhances the size and texture of your lips.

I have the lip glazes in grape-fruit, majesty, and merry merry.  They all smell great (reminding my kids of candy apparently) and I love how it gives my lips just a touch of color and sparkle.

Posted by Cira for Buy-Her.com.

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Orange Petalooza™ Natural Nourishing Shampoo

I was “blessed” with baby fine hair. A lot of baby fine hair.  This makes finding a good shampoo difficult for me. Some leave it too dry, some leave it too flat, some don’t even seem get it clean. To add to the problem I’ve been trying to go “natural” and eliminate all those nasty chemicals from my daily shower routine. I’ve tried at least 5 different brands and spent an amount of money that we wont tell my husband about.

While scouring the shampoo aisles at Target, some cute packaging caught my eye (I’m a graphic designer, the packaging always has an impact on me) It was güd by Burt’s Bees Orange Petalooza™ Natural Nourishing Shampoo  I checked out the ingredients, and saw that it was free of parabens, phthalates and petrochemicals (I don’t actually know what any of those things are, I just know they sound evil) It also noted on the label that this shampoo would “Lathers like all get out”  This was a MAJOR selling point to me since not one of the other “natural” shampoos I have tried lather at all, let alone like all get out!

Of course my next step was to pop the top and see how it smelled.  Let me tell ya, it smells amazing! I love citrus scents, especially for my shampoo and shower gels. The citrus really wakes me up in the morning and leaves me feeling as invigorated as one can feel at 7am.

So, how did it work? You ask.  It worked extremely well! It didn’t weigh my hair down and it didn’t dry it out.  It left my hair looking shiny and clean, which is exactly what I’m looking for in a shampoo. I loved the way my hair smelled (so did my husband!)  I will definitely buy this shampoo again, as well as try out some of the other scents ( Floral Cherrynova™  and Vanilla Flame™)  and some of the other güd products (conditioner, body wash, body butter, lotion, body mist, hand wash and hand cream)

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Posted by Sarah for Buy-Her.com.

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Your Magic Wand For Eyebrow Shaping

In the Kardashian version of my life, eyebrow shaping is a job left to someone in my entourage.

Unfortunately, as entourages go, I’m a party of one these days. I’d love to get to the salon to have my bushy eyebrows tamed and threaded every other week (yes, they could use it that often); the reality is the only eyebrow shaping love they see happens once in a blue moon when the sight of them makes me gasp in the mirror.

Threading is my preferred method of eyebrow torture. I have no idea how it works but my goodness it’s perfection! Since I can’t make it as often as I’d like, I’ve gotten into a pretty good routine of threading once every three months and then doing maintenance at home.

The key to surviving in between eyebrow appointments is having a solid pair of tweezers.

What the heck makes for a good pair of tweezer,  you ask?

I had no idea until I tried the Tweezerman Trellis Slant Tweezers. For years, I’d been using the same old drugstore brand tweezers. When I got my Tweezerman’s I couldn’t believe what a better job they did. I compared them to my old pair and the most noticeable difference is how incredibly sharp the tip of the tweezers is. The sharp and slanted tip makes it easy for someone clumsy like me to easily and precisely grasp the hairs I want. A lifesaver considering I don’t want to look like I’m trying to make any designs in my eyebrows.

After all, I’m not trying to channel Dylan McKay.

Since I’m a sucker for good design in beauty products, it doesn’t hurt that these puppies look good, too. Bright colors and a funky design make it hard to lose these. Good looking, functional and damn good at what they do. I’m hooked!

A big thank you to the folks at Tweezerman for supplying with a sample pair to test out.

Posted by Carla for Buy-Her.com.

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60-Second Manicure Hand Scrub

I found myself perusing through Copley Place Mall this week having missed my commuter train yet again by a matter of 2 minutes.  I diverted from the demons of overpriced clothes of Neiman Marcus and Barney’s and headed for the more economically sound, mood-enhancing Bath and Body Works.

One of the great features of the Bath and Body Works store is the sink area where an array of products eagerly awaits your trials.  Here’s what I found- “the 60 second manicure scrub.”  The really cool thing is unlike normal scrubs that remain coarse on your skin and create a grainy residue in your sink, this sugar based scrub buffs and then dissolves!  Once you’ve indulged in an invigorating scrub, the consistency becomes comparable to a cleansing lotion.  It exfoliates and then moisturizes all in one!

This was a “must-have” for  my  multitasking lifestyle.  My hands, which are always privy to some cut or hangnail, did not suffer the fate of a stinging or scratching sensation.  Instead, they felt luxurious.  I rinsed and dried only to find that the after-spa feeling touted on the label is actually true.  My hands were soft like the feel of cashmere for a good 3-4 hours afterwards.  I’ve had paraffin treatments before, and I have to say, this scrub left my hands feeling similar to that experience.  Total price-$12.  That’s a price that works within my budget.  If you are looking for a little indulgence that will not drain your account, pick this up at a Bath and Body Works store or online.

Posted by JennyB for Buy-Her.com.

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Beauty From The Earth Cosmetics

Well a few months ago I came across this page on Facebook for a make-up company called Beauty from the Earth Cosmetics. They really caught my eye because of their extensive line of eye shadows and uniqueness of colors. As I started browsing their selection, I began to get that overwhelmed feeling again.

Then I discovered… sample sizes. For only $2, you can choose a color in a sample size jar. This was perfect for me! I suddenly found it easier to pick out colors. I figured if I didn’t like it, I’m sure I could find someone who did. You cannot go wrong for $2. There is nothing worse than buying eye shadow and then realizing you don’t like the color. Granted, there are stores who will allow you to return make-up, but who feels like making trip after trip to the store until you get the right color. Or what about when you buy an eye shadow set and there are one or two colors in the set you don’t like. It seems like such a waste.

I made the bold move and for $18, purchased 7 sample size eye shadows: Lollipop Kid, Black, Mania, Olive You, Bewitched, Bermuda, and Livid. Did I mention they have really fun names for their shades? Let me just say, I was so impressed with the company and their products. First off, the shipping was reasonably quick and the customer service is right on top of things. Although the sample size jar seems small, it actually goes a long way. You can get at least 10 uses out of it before running out. Also, if you are like me and skeptical about ordering online in fear that the color won’t look like the picture from the website, never fear. Their colors are dead on and for an extra bonus, they are incredibly sparkly. After trying out their shades, if you really like them you can purchase a full size jar for only $6.50.

Example of a customers created look

The eye shadows do come as a loose powder. However, you can buy Mix & Fix to turn them from a powder to a smooth wet eye shadow. They also carry other make-ups, sets, collections, accessories… too much to mention in one review. You need to browse the site and see (and buy) for yourself.

Posted by Jaime for Buy-Her.com.

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Yes, this is me at 17.

Yes, that’s me at 17. Oh how I wish there was no photographic evidence of that god-awful hair.

I hit 13 and my previously smooth, wavy red hair exploded into a coarse mess of red brillo pad hair. In an effort to tame that unruly mess on my head, I got a perm. Every 6 months to a year. It looked, well, semi-normal, but not even close to what I wanted.

This is me with permed hair.

That would be me at 30. Better, but oh-so not what I wanted.

So then, because I got tired of dealing with it and hated it because it wasn’t the blonde, sleek hair of my dreams, I cut it off.

It may have been cute, and easy to take care of. I hated it.

I have to admit, the last two pictures aren’t altogether unfortunate looking, but they were not what I wanted.

I wanted blonde. I wanted straight. I wanted smooth. I wanted Nicole Ritchie.

The blonde was easy.

I was blonde but it was still a mess

The straight and sleek? Not so much. I would just scrape it all back as tight as I could and hold it with whatever was handy. Usually gel, hairspray, ponies and clips. And, apparently, shades.

Then I met Brian, who paid for a day at the salon to have my hair chemically relaxed.  I spent hours in a chair with chemicals on my head and people combing it straight. Once they were done, it was beautiful. Blonde, straight, sleek, shiny, perfect. I was in love.

Until I washed it the next morning and realized it wasn’t permanent and I would have to straighten it every day. Such is my life. A year later I was back, having it done all over again, because my hair had grown out and the brillo pad was back, sort of. But at three figures a pop, I couldn’t afford this kind of treatment. I went in search of an at-home, less expensive (but just as effective) treatment.

I won’t bore you with the long list of products with mixed results that I’ve used. There are numerous shampoos and conditioners. There are gels and creams and sprays. If it’s out there, I’ve tried it.

Suave Keratin Infusion

And then, I saw an advertisement in a magazine with my girl Nicole Ritchie, for Suave Professionals ® Keratin Infusion ™ line of products. The same sort of process the salon had used on me years ago, at a significantly lower price. There is the 30 Day Smoothing Kit, which is “a chemical treatment that transforms frizz for hair that’s sleeker, smoother, and easier to style for up to 30 days.” There is a shampoo, conditioner, leave-in conditioner, smooth and shine serum and dry shampoo. (All are reasonably priced and available at Amazon, Wal-Mart, Target, Walgreens and other retail outlets).

I didn’t start with the 30 Day Smoothing kit. I started small and went with the Smooth and Shine Serum. I used just a few pumps of the serum, ran it through my hair with my fingers, and then blew dry and flat ironed. The serum is light; not oily, not sticky. It makes my hair feel soft and silky even after I dry it and before I flat iron it. It takes less time to straighten, and once I’m done, it controls the fly-aways and keeps my hair smooth and soft the rest of the day. With just a touch-up (to fix any ‘damage to my do’ from sleep) the next day, I’m good to go! Still smooth, sleek, shiny, soft and straight.

I’m not sure I’ll go back and get the shampoo and conditioner, as I already have a brand that I absolutely love, but I am considering checking out the 30 Day Straightening Kit. I wish I had known about this line of products months ago, as my youngest daughter seems to have inherited the hair of my youth. And because we permed my hair in an attempt to control it and give it some uniformity, we permed hers. Maybe in 6 months, once the perm grows out, we’ll try the 30 Day Straightening Kit on her hair.

At less than $5.00 for a 2 oz. bottle of serum, it doesn’t sound like a great deal. When you consider I use less than a dime size amount each time I straighten my hair, 2 oz. will last a long time. It’s not a great financial investment but the results are amazing.

It's straight, it's blonde and I love it.

Posted by Becky Hood (Ms Batman) for Buy-Her.com.

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Refreshing Citrus Body Scrub by Bath & Body Works!

After this years weird winter, I wanted to jump into spring. Spring however, was really short this year in Florida so let’s swing right into summer with Bath & Body Works True Blue Spa’s Refreshing Citrus Body Scrub. 

I discovered this gem back when I was living in Memphis and the long winters made me yearn for my beloved Florida! This is actually the second generation of this product. In it’s former life, it was called Need A Margarita scrub. I’ve no idea why they changed the name. Perhaps some teetotaller decided to riot. In any case, the 1.0 version had the same citrusy scent, used coarse salt as it’s scrubbing agent, and the same moisturizing oils. This 2.0 version has sugar crystals as it’s scrubbing agent, but really, they both do a great job.

The smell is fantastic! It’s like being on a beach in the Caribbean right as the cabana boy brings you your margarita!  Just wet your skin, take a bit of the scrub and rub it in circles, then rinse! The “exotic oil blend (Coconut, Almond, Avocado, Jojoba and more) “ makes your skin feel sooooo good. I have recommended this product to everyone and anyone when asked what my favorite scrub is.  At $13.50 for a 6oz. jar, it’s an inexpensive indulgence.

Do you need a jump start on summer?

Give this citrus scrub a try and I’ll see you on the beach!

Posted by Blondefabulous for Buy-Her.com.

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So what’s a girl to do to get a little fresh off the beach sun kissed glow? Well I think I have found just the right product to do just that!

I present to you, True Blue Spa Self Tanner by Bath and Body Works!

This beach day in a bottle, as I like to call it, is only $15 and a little goes a long way. It gives you the perfect shade of tan, sprays evenly, doesn’t smell awful, dries super fast, and doesn’t streak! It can’t get much better…..oh but wait it can!!

Bath and Body Works is having a SALE!!! Buy 2, Get 1 Free. So for the price of 1 month of tanning you can get 3 months worth of self tanning!

So get shopping! You wont be sorry! In fact, you’ll thank me when people start asking if you just came back from vacation.

I would say yes!

Posted by Tera for Buy-Her.com.

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Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo

For a couple of weeks, I have had the pleasure of testing out one of  Olay’s new products~ Olay’s Facial Hair Removal Duo. 

Now being a girl who is 100% Italian, I have had the unpleasant gift of having dark facial hair since the age of 11 or 12. If you are anything like me, we have all been either waxing, bleaching, threading, or using those burning creams, right ladies?! Thousands of dollars purchased and spent over the years, but sometimes pain is beauty.

When it came time to test out this new product, I was a little skeptical. Only because the past creams I’ve tried either burned or smelled terrible. Also, some left you a not so pretty shade of red afterwards (not a pretty sight when you’re trying to get ready to go out). But I was desperate and willing to give this a try since I use all of Olay’s other facial products. I knew I had to give it a shot. This company is by far my favorite; it never  lets me down.

The first time I used the remover it didn’t really remove every hair on my lip. It left only a few stragglers. I think this was an error on my part by not leaving it on the full 8 minutes. (A little hesitant.) However, the second time I used it, I left it on the full time and, voila! All of the hair was gone. The kit is very easy to use and it comes with very easy directions to follow.  Make sure to use the skin guarding balm, this goes on beforehand and feels nice and silky. After you apply the balm, you then put the hair removal cream on.  I was expecting a little burning (like I’ve said, I’ve experienced this with other brands) and there was NO burning or awful smell either. It really feels like there is just a face cream on your face.

So ladies, if you’re looking for a new, affordable and non-painful way to get rid of that unwanted hair, this is the product for you!

Make sure to check your local drugstores like CVS, Walgreen’s, Target, etc for this fabulous product!  It retails for aproximately $31.99 but I also found it as cheap as $21.90 on Amazon!

Posted by Erica for Buy-Her.com.

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I have a confession to make. I am incapable of painting my own nails.  No matter how hard I try, no matter how hard I focus, they come out looking like I painted them while going through serious caffeine withdrawal. The polish never seems to dry in a timely manner and I always smudge it within minutes. 90% of the time, I end up taking the polish off just moments after application.  The times that I find the application good enough to make a public appearance, it chips, peels and generally looks awful within a day. The heart breaker is, I LOVE when my nails are painted, especially in wild, funky colors. I know what you’re thinking “Just go get a manicure like every other red blooded American woman!” And to that I say “I’m cheap!” and I honestly do not enjoy manicures (or pedicures) at all.

Well, Sally Hansen must have gotten wind of my predicament. OK, maybe they didn’t only have me in mind, perhaps there are other women like me.  Those who love crazy nails, but can’t seem to handle the simple task of painting them themselves and refuse to pay for someone else to do it.  Either way, Sally Hansen has created Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips.

Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips come in a wide variety of colors and patterns.  From “Aflorable” (floral pattern) to “Wild Child” (zebra print) there are colors and patters (including glitter) to suit every style. I went with “Mad For Plaid”  a simple plaid in cute, springy colors.

The “kit” includes two packs of strips (16 strips in total) with all different sizes, to fit every nail, a nail file/buffer and a wooden cuticle stick.  The directions are pretty simple.

You start by prepping your nails. Make sure your nails are clean and dry, the push back your cuticles with the cuticle stick. Shape nails with file and use the white end of the file to buff the nail surface. Finally, wipe nails with polish remover. (I actually skipped this step for two reasons. 1-I didn’t have any remover and 2-being pregnant, I avoid stuff with strong odors.)

The strips themselves look like stickers, but are actually more like rub on decals, made of nail polish. They definitely have the standard nail polish scent, however it isn’t as strong as the “real” stuff.

You find the correct size to fit the nail, then you peel off the clear cover, and peel the strip of the backing. If you’re not careful, the strip could fold onto itself, which would ruin the strip. Press the strip onto your nail, smoothing it out as you go. Then take the flat end of the cuticle stick and run it along the edges to make sure there is a good seal. Finally fold the excess strip over the edge of the nail and file it down, gently.

I was quite satisfied with the result.  In the end I had cute, evenly colored nails.  I didn’t shed any tears, I didn’t huff with frustration, my husband didn’t complain about me getting nail polish on the table, it was a win-win situation.  And all for the very fair price of $8.00.

I really liked how easy these strips were to apply, and the number of color and pattern options that are available.   So far they have held up a bit better than standard nail polish does for me (Like I mentioned, polish usually chips or peels off my nails by the next day) And, I think $8.00 is a pretty reasonable price considering the amount I’d pay to go to a nail spa to have them painted (and they’d chip by the time I got to the car anyway).  Also?  Check out Amazon… I found some Salon Effects as cheap as $3.07!!!

I’ve had my Salonn Effects on for about a week now and there is only minimal “chipping” at the edges of my nails. I will definitely use Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips again!

Posted by Sarah for Buy-Her.com.

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