TGIF! Generation Beauty starts tonight!

 Hey ya Gorgeous!
It's Friday! Oh thank God it's Friday!

I'm leaving...sing a long.. on a jet plane...or actually in a van. I'm driving out to Los Angeles in a few short moments to enjoy myfirst Generation Beauty event in Los Angeles. (#genBeauty) I'm so excited!




And if that's not enough, then I will be running a wee event in San Diego.  It's an action packed weekend! I love it!

I'm taking many 'must have'beauty items!

See the video here of what I am packing:



My signature summer scent DOT by Marc Jacobs
Supergoop! City and Sand sunscreen tote
itCosmetics CC+ cream spf 50+
Sexy Mother Pucker lip crayon in Nude
Laura Mercier lip crayon in Maya Sun
Prestige Golden Summer Bronzer in Glow
Purity Design pure hair eco hair spray
and so much more!

Ciao ciao for now!





Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Duri "Once Upon a Dream" summer polish collection: Generation Beauty bound!

Hello Gorgeous!

I'm packing for Los Angeles and the Generation Beauty event right now! In the middle of all this packing I am going to get a new manicure and pedicure on for the event.

I'll be wearing a combination of polish colors from Duri and the "Once Upon a Dream" collection.




The colors are created by Duri Cosmetics founder Faina Ritz and she said "The pigment rich pastel palette isn't meant to put you to sleep, but to dream big for long-lasting summer days and temperate nights".

I agree!

I'll have photos over the weekend of what my Duri "Once Upon a Dream" manicure looks like!

Until then, I pray you have an awesome day!

Duri Once Upon a Dream collection:
Cloud True Blue, Pillow Pink, Soft Slumber Blush, Lilac Dream, Sleeping Beauty Indigo, Pie In the Sky Green. 


Available at Amazon and www.Duri.com , sells for $6 and all nail products are DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde free.


Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Nexxus Youth Renewal anti-aging hair serum: for healing summer sun burned hair with highlights

Hey there Gorgeous,
Quick note to remind you that chemically treated hair needs extra loving care during the summer months!

I was sent a sample of the NEXXUS anti-aging hair serum and I had no idea my hair was that dried and tired!

Now true, it could be all the swimming in chlorine, boating, constant outside running and biking, mixed with my curling iron and hair dryer with a dab of travel that is wearing my hair out, but I had no idea that it needed a boost til I played with my sample! It takes about 4 drops to cover all my hair, which isn't the thickest but it is long. I love the scent and feel of the serum.

I'm definitely packing this for the Los Angeles trip to Generation Beauty this weekend. It's going to be beauty blogger heaven! See you there!

Now, for a bit more about the product:  It is available at mass retailers everywhere like Target and Walmart or Walgreens, plus you can purchase online, it's in the $15.99 price range.

Youth Renewal Elixir

Youth Renewal™ Rejuvenating Elixir lightweight leave-in treatment helps rebuild hair’s strength by reducing breakage* while making hair look more youthful and vibrant  in just seven days. *vs non conditioning shampoo

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Polyquaternium-37, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, PVP, Amodimethicone, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, Fragrance (Parfum), Polysorbate 20, DMDM Hydantoin, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Cetrimonium Chloride, Trideceth-12, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Benzophenone-4, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Ubiquinone, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Pearl. 

Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

The Best of Spring Street Style

We hit the streets of LA and asked local fashionistas about the hottest spring trends

This is a TotalBeauty.com video article We get a lot of style inspiration from the runways of fashion week and celebrities walking on the red carpet. But at the end of the day, we look to real women who are executing the latest fashion trends in an affordable, wearable way. That’s why hit the trendy streets of Los Angeles and talked to LA’s real-life fashionistas to get the 411 on all the spring fashion and beauty trends. Keep clicking to get the scoop on what's hot this season. See spring street style

CoSaMo Love Your Color- the no time for the salon summer hair help

Hey ya Gorgeous!
Summer is supposed to be a time of relaxation and fun, though I find my family schedule is ramped up again and just as busy as the school year.

So I do not have time to travel to my fave and go to hairstylist Star at Arizona Hair Co in Tempe. With mere days between travel, I was happy to find a sample from CoSaMo Love Your Color waiting for me when I returned home.


It's a temporary wash, covers gray, freshens hair color tone and adds some shine.
 It was super easy to use, and I only applied it to the very top crown of hair on my head so as not to interfere with my copper blonde highlights that hang in a horseshoe pattern underneath.

The first few days of color were beautiful, though I noticed it wearing off of my ample grey hair at the end of the first week. It says that it will last for 6-12 shampoos. I think mine lasted about 4, though it really only wore off my very stubborn "have had since 29 years old" grey hair.

It's affordable at a pack of 3 being $24.48, making it just $8 dollars a use. Available on Amazon!

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Gently Blends Away Gray
Non-permanent Color
Lasts 6-12 Shampoos
Includes Revitalizing Conditioner
No Ammonia, No Peroxide, No PPD

Gently blend away gray hair with Love Your Color Non-permanent hair color to volumize and add shine to your hair.

 No Peroxide and No Ammonia means Love Your Color is as gentle as your shampoo.

The easy, one-step application will wash away your grays in an average of 20 minutes. 

 

Love Your Color restores healthy-looking shine and feels like you just stepped out of the salon.

Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

13 Best Body Lotions Under $10

Who says you need to pay a fortune for soft, smooth skin? Check out the best drugstore lotions now

This is a TotalBeauty.com body article You tend to splurge on the moisturizers you use on our face, but when it comes to body lotions, the cheaper the better, right? We're with you. We'll pick up whatever comes in the largest container or smells like our favorite flower or dessert. However, dermatologists say your body lotion should cater to your skin type. Fortunately, this doesn't mean you need to spend a fortune to give your skin what it needs. We rounded up the top-rated body lotions that are all under $10. Click ahead to see readers' top picks. See body lotions

NO. 13: LUBRIDERM DAILY MOISTURE SHEA + ENRICHING COCOA BUTTER LOTION, $7.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.9

"This is hands down the best lotion ever made."

NO. 12: EUCERIN SKIN CALMING DAILY MOISTURIZING CREME, $7.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.9

"It's super rich and the cream formula soaks into your skin instantly without feeling heavy or sticky."

NO. 11: BURT'S BEES SOOTHINGLY SENSITIVE ALOE & BUTTERMILK LOTION, $8

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.0

"If I had to choose only one lotion for the rest of my life, this would be it."

Want to see what was the No.1 Best? Click Here!

Pink Holiday-your must have summer lipstick

Hello Sweet Purty!
I'm out on location, it's so windy! The lipstick on the talent is getting caked with sand grit. Great.
While I get back to it, please enjoy this review of some of the most beautiful pink lipsticks ever made by Pink Holiday.

WHO IT IS FOR:
"Pink Holiday" is a line of lipsticks dedicated to the universal appeal of the color pink. Pink is a shade family that all women have a love affair with. It is a feminine, playful and classically elegant color. The Pink Holiday lipstick line will have a shade for every woman, no matter what age, fashion or style preference she has. From soft pale pinks to neutral pinks to vibrant, high energy pinks.

BENEFITS:

Color Description: Pink with light coral undertone

Contains high percentage of sugar Esther, which helps create a film that avoids the loss of water; aids in protection against dryness; contains moisturizing and care benefits; helps to improve the condition of the skin barrier

Lipstick formula contains vegetal derived phospholipid, which improves moisture retention; high emollient and softening properties

Shades have been carefully formulated to insure that they will be complimentary for all women

Lipstick formula contains gellified system, which offers intensive moisture retention, superior comfort level, elevated adherence

Beautiful packaging - glamorous designs by the prestigious design firm, Chad Lavigne LLC

HOW TO USE:
Apply to lips as you wish.
Made in the USA.

 I love, love, love these pink lipsticks by Pink Holiday! The three colors I have been sampling are:
from left to right: Bermuda House, Pink Flamingo Club, and Capri Flowers.

In my experience, these lipsticks are buttery on the mouth and long wearing with a lot of moisture. I'm a big fan of the Pink Flamingo Club and happen to be wearing it today-and yes, it too is full of sand!

Please visit the Pink Holiday Facebook page and like it up and get some too! Just $22 on ShopNBC.
Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Your Spring Beauty Refresher

These expert tips will help you update your makeup, nail, and skin care routine for the new season

This is a TotalBeauty.com video article Spring is finally here! The changing season not only means warmer weather and a lighter wardrobe, but it also means that your beauty routine needs a makeover to match. Spring is the perfect time to brighten up with a new lip color or bold polish and to finally show off some skin. To help you get ready for the new season, we talked to celebrity makeup artist Cyndle Komarovski, who gave us expert tips on how to update our makeup, nails, and skin for spring. Click ahead to revamp and refresh your beauty routine now. See tips

2013 Memorial Day-thank you veterans for everything you did and still do!

 Hi,
Today here in the United States is Memorial Day. A time we reflect on the acts of courage and bravery of the men and women in the military.

It used to be honored by volunteers going to the graves of veterans and cleaning them, and placing flowers on them. Or by visiting retirement centers with hand made remembrance red poppy flowers.



Now a days it seems that the Memorial Day weekend is about bbq cookouts and long weekend vacations.

Today, I encourage you, to take a moment and thank a veteran in your family, neighborhood and community. Maybe even get a few remembrance red poppies to hand out too!


Enjoy this beautiful song by the Oak Ridge Boys for Memorial Day And because I firmly believe in the United States being one Nation under God, now enjoy Carrie Underwood and Vince Gil and their standing ovation rendition of "How Great Thou Art". Thank you veterans! Happy Memorial Day! Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

2013 Phoenix Comicon- au revoir to this year and cheers to next!

Hello Gorgeous!
Phew! The 2013 Phoenix Comicon has ended and it was a worthwhile whirlwind of fun and some quasi-mayhem!
I really enjoyed it as did my son and I'm so glad to see he caliber of talent that turned out to be a part of the event. Here's a wee recap of the weekend:

I met Nadia Neuroleptic who works with Dr. Diabolical at the Midnight Movies and has a special screening coming up on June 21st at the Phoenix Filmbar.

My most favorite part of the Phoenix Comicon is the costumes. I'm so sad I didn't dress up! Not even my Vulcan ears were on! Here I am in between interviews with some characters from Halo. Game on!

I met the beautiful Ms Sharon Skinner, author of The Nelig Stones and The Healer's Legacy at the PUGS event on Thursday night and she was kind enough to grant an interview to talk about what's next for her books. Stay tuned for that later this week and in the meantime visit her page http://www.sharonskinner.com/



As I moved through the convention center floor I encountered this pretty young writer named Laura Knatt who has already completed a successful Kickstarter campaign to fund the first edition printing of her first comic Taiki and now her second CMYK is about to go to production. Stay tuned for an interview with her later this week. See more of her work at her website www.lauraknatt.com

Fiddlehead written by Cherie Priest. Oh if only she was there at the table when I came by! I really wanted to talk to her about her writing and the design/artwork of her comics. Til next time Ms. Priest!

Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

8 Trendy Workouts Ranked on Our Sweat-O-Meter Scale

Find out which workouts will leave you drenched in sweat and which will keep that pricey blowout looking perfect

This is a TotalBeauty.com Fitness article It's important to fit that daily workout into your schedule, but when you're juggling so many appointments, dates, and commitments, it often gets moved around. Some days it makes sense to have a full-on sweat session, since you're headed back home to hit the shower, but on other nights, you need to skip washing and completely re-doing your hair in order to meet your friends for drinks in time. That's why we ranked the trendiest workouts by their sweat level, where one is barely a glisten and 10 is I-look-like-I-fell-in-a-pool drenched. Click ahead to see where these workouts fall on the sweat-o-meter scale! See workouts

Sharon Skinner at 2013 Phoenix Comicon with The Nelig Stones & The Healer's Legacy

Hello Gorgeous!
I'm at the 2013 Phoenix Comicon (#PhxCC) and the scenery has been amazing, the crowds are full of costumes and the talent lineup is a fast rival to the San Diego Comicon.

Today I had  the pleasure of talking with the author of both The Nelig Stones and The Healer's Legacy, Sharon Skinner.

We first met at the PUGS: Phoenix Ultimate Geek Smackdown event on the opening night of the Phoenix Comicon. Kismet we say!

Sharon Skinner writes young adult fiction and middle grade fiction with fantasy themes full of dragons and enchanted lands with strong heroine characters.

I asked her my favorite question, "if you could have anyone read your work, who would it be?".  She answered, "everyone!".

Sharon continued to share that when she began to write and craft her stories, trusting the process as she let the stories come forward that she wanted the writing to have an impact. Her initial focus was impacting a plugged in generation to escape in reading and let imagination play. Financial gain was the second goal and it has come to a reality for her with the success of both her books and the upcoming second installment of The Healer's Legacy.

When I asked Sharon about how the stories and characters come about for her, she said "it's the nags in my head that keep at me and I follow the sounds until I get the story. I have to trust the process of writing.".

I love that her books include local Arizona locations that you can actually read the book and then go visit the location that the story took place at like in The Nelig Stones which has a scene in the Papago Park area.

The Nelig Stones has a young heroine that has to choose a path to make it home again after being in trouble and part of the journey is finding 5 magic stones to light the way home.

The Healer's Legacy is about navigating a patriarchal society.  Both of these books are for young and old, are fun and entertaining to read and can help with kid and parent relationships.

Sounds to me like these two books are perfect summer reading for families!

Sharon Skinner received her masters in creative writing and is classically trained in writing.  She will be visiting the Mesa Public Libraries starting in September as an "Author of the Month". She will also be scheduling school visits.

The Nelig Stones and The Healer's Legacy are available at Brick Cave Books.

Sharon Skinner can be reached on her personal website www.sharonskinner.com.

Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Our Favorite TSA-Approved Beauty Picks

There's no need to dread the 3.4oz liquid rule with these carry-on gems

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup article Regardless of what class you're flying, check-in at the airport comes with its fair share of nuisances. There's rushing to cram everything into a plastic container and walking through the security line barefoot. But nothing compares to having to toss out your favorite perfume because it's over the 3.4 liquid limit. Nothing. To help you avoid holding up the line or tossing anything valuable, we ranked our top travel-friendly sized products so you can sail through security, worry free. Click ahead to see the top picks! See beauty picks

butter LONDON 2 Finger Salute & Yummy Mummy polishes for Memorial Day Weekend

 Hello Gorgeous!
Hope this finds you having a safe and fun Memorial Day Weekend. Mine-is jam packed with the 2013 Phoenix Comicon plus blocking for a new video and a re-write on a script, all while trying to enjoy some downtime with the  fam!


I will definitely be doing my nails this weekend, most likely in butter LONDON Yummy Mummy, which in my humble opinion is the best beige neutral polish out there!



but not in the amazing color 2 Finger Salute, seen below. Butter LONDON is a 3 free Nail lacquer which means they do not contain any DPB, Toulene or formaldehyde. Which means it's good for your nails!







Why won't I be doing my nails with this gorgeous aquamarine with copper fleck nail polish that is toluene and DPA free? Because I forgot it in Cabo San Lucas! Darn it!

You can get butter LONDON 3 free nail polish at Ulta's for about $15.00

Here's a short video for your amusement!


Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

11 Best New Beauty Oils

These new picks will motivate you to use oils in every step of your beauty routine

This is a TotalBeauty.com Skin care article Remember when we wanted everything in our beauty regimen to be oil-free? Well, those days are long gone. From nail care to hair color, every beauty category is experiencing an oil boom. Why? Oils are not only moisturizing and nurturing, but they're also loaded with antioxidants. We tried dozens of the newest oils and came up with an entire beauty routine that is oil-based. Click ahead to see how beauty oils can beautify you from head to toe. See oils

MONSTROS artist Scott Godlewski at 2013 Phoenix Comicon

Hey Purties!
I've been enjoying the 2013 Phoenix Comicon and there is so much to see! If you haven't made it out yet it's a great family event, so get your day passes here!

Today I interviewed  MONSTROS Dinosaur-Man of Neptune! designer, writer, creater Scott Godlewski.

Photo courtesy of Phycus Malloy

Scott had some great answers for my few yet choice interview questions: real burners like:

1) If you could have anyone read your work who would it be? To which Scott answered-
"Spielberg, definitely Steven Spielberg because he has influenced me with his movies such as Goonies, Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Gremlins".

I asked Scott about why MONSTROS? He said because it's fun to draw, and that the influence comes from his Dad watching '50's B grade horror movies.

I was curious if there is any Scotty in the character of MONSTROS and he says absolutely not-that he is the kid that is a sidekick to the character.

2) So Scotty, what's next for MONSTROS? He says to see it published as a printed comic book.

Photo courtesy of Phycus Malloy

Naturally this conversation leads me to ask him if he has a Kickstarter campaign started and he said no, that he's been drawing this character for the past four years and that the right opportunity to align with a publisher will come along. He is self taught and his talent shines through.

Well, I can agree to that!

Personally, I loved the drawing, the character and look forward to seeing MONSTROS in print, on Cartoon Network and in a theatre near me, real soon.

To purchase your prints and copies of MONSTROS (just $15), please visit Scott Godlewski at the 2013 Phoenix Comicon here: and remember to request a personal sketch for your next invitation, event or family photo card.
  Booth #551


Website:  http://www.scottgodlewski.com
Twitter: @Scottygod
Facebook: Scottygod

Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

nuNAAT anti-aging hair care system review for healthy summer hair

Hello Gorgeous,
 For the past two weeks I have been testing the nuNAAT anti-aging hair care system which contains a sulfate free shampoo, conditioner, leave in conditioner and twice monthly deep repair hair mask.

My experience so far has been really good and the nuNAAT hair care system has been kind and gentle to my colored and highlighted hair. 

I did not change any of my shampoo habits, though I did add more of the deep conditioner because it's my favorite product in the line. The recommendation is for twice a month though I used it once a week.



 In the two weeks of using the hair care I noticed my hair became more resilient and stronger feeling. I noticed fewer hairs being left in my hair brush.

I love the light fresh scent, the thinner consistency of the shampoo and conditioner lets me know there are not any fillers in the product.

I liked the shampoo so much that I used it on my son too!

So far so good for for my experience and I think if you are in the market for a new hair care system that nuNAAT just may be  a good choice for you!

Now here is a bit more about the different products:
###
Exclusively formulated from an amazing super-antioxidant known as Acai Berry, our collection provides an anti-aging hair elixir that nourishes, revitalizes and protects hair, leaving it soft, silky and luminous. Because Acai is vitamin-rich it improves circulation and combats hair loss. Combined with the powerful cuticle penetrating abilities of Keratin gives you your strongest hair yet. 

Benefits

With Açaí

• Super Açaí Berry antioxidants
• Packed with vitamins A, B1, C and E
• Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein is an ultra-powerful hair strengthener
• Anti-aging properties
• Combats hair loss
• Reverses damage from over styling

You can find nuNAAT products atWalgreens, Walmart, Sally Beauty Supplies, and Duane Reade stores.

NAAT Treatment Repair Care with Açai Berry & Keratin Shampoo

(10.1 oz)

Cleanses and repairs hair, leaving it squeaky clean and ultra fit. Use regularly. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

NAAT Treatment Repair Care with Açai Berry & Keratin Conditioner

(10.3 oz)

Use as part of your regular routine to maintain hair’s youthful shimmer. Use regularly with our Repair Care Shampoo.

NAAT Treatment Repair Care Anti-Aging Leave-In with Açai Berry & Keratin

(5.2 oz)

Provides maximum repair to dull, lifeless hair, restoring it to a rejuvenated, healthy state. Leave in and style as usual.

NAAT Treatment Repair Care Intensive Hair Mask with Açai Berry &Keratin

(17.6 oz)

Designed to replace normal conditioner two times each month and provide an intense dose of Açai Berry antioxidants, vitamins and strengtheners from Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein. Leave in for 10-20 minutes. Rinse completely. Use twice monthly, or as often as necessary.

Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

The Best New Product Launches in May

Come down with a bad case of wanderlust? These May product launches transport you to far-flung places

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup article With summer just around the corner, vacationing, traveling, and getting away is on everyone's minds. Unfortunately, a two-week long vacay on a tropical island isn't always possible. The good news is the best new product launches of May are all inspired by far-flung destinations and infused with exotic ingredients, so you can get a taste of that exotic getaway even if you're landlocked or venturing somewhere more close to home. Whether you're getting ready to pack for your next trip, or simply looking for something to transport you during your next staycation, click to see the new product launches that can cure any case of summer wanderlust. See product launches

2013 Phoenix Comicon: Greedo, Star Wars, LEGO, Minecraft and more

Hello Gorgeous,
It's been a long and great day at the  2013 Phoenix Comicon. I had a sidekick with me today as my son joined me at the last minute.

He was such a help because he recognized more character's and knew their names better than I did!

Minecraft took center stage and nearly every young boy was wearing a Creeper or Steve box head.

In between panels, interviews and photo ops, we found some amazing costumes! This one is particularly my favorite and my Sidekick was pretty impressed too. The photo doesn't do it justice-there is so much detail to this little Boba Fett!

 

We did spend a significant amount of our time in the Star Wars and LEGO area of the convention floor. We met Greedo in the Cantina area of Tattooine. I swear we are going dressed in costumes next year!

 

 
It was a long and very full day and I'll have the interviews coming out in the next day or so with some amazing comic book artists and authors.

What has kept me going all day long and photo op ready? BioBliss anti-wrinkle system. It's a simple 4 step program of Clean, Scrub, Lock It In Serum and Hydrate.

For more on BioBliss and the goodness of the anti-aging skincare line, visit www.biobliss.com

Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Our Favorite TSA-Approved Beauty Picks

There's no need to dread the 3.4oz liquid rule with these carry-on gems

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup article Regardless of what class you're flying, check-in at the airport comes with its fair share of nuisances. There's rushing to cram everything into a plastic container and walking through the security line barefoot. But nothing compares to having to toss out your favorite perfume because it's over the 3.4 liquid limit. Nothing. To help you avoid holding up the line or tossing anything valuable, we ranked our top travel-friendly sized products so you can sail through security, worry free. Click ahead to see the top picks! See beauty picks