'Signature Straight' Hair Style Tutorial with John Frieda Frizz Ease

Finally - it's 80 degrees out! Well, technically not yet, but the forecast for metro Detroit today says 80 degrees, so I'm pretty excited. I'm a girl who loves the hot weather. I don't worry about humidity because I know I have the right hair products to ensure a good hair day no matter what the weather is!

Not just for the humid weather, but year round, I turn to John Frieda's Frizz Ease products to tame fly-aways and keep my hair from frizzing. One essential product for me is John Frieda's Straight Fixation styling cream. I use this daily to get my 'signature straight' hair style. Here are the steps I take to get this look:

Tools and products I use:
 - round brush 
 - clip(s)
 - comb
 - hair dryer 
 - flat iron
 - Straight Fixation styling cream

1 - Comb through clean hair with wide tooth comb and part your hair where it usually falls or off to the side. 

2 - Apply a dime size amount of Frizz Ease Straight Fixation to your hair and evenly distribute with a comb (use more or less depending on the thickness and length of hair)
3 - Divide your hair into sections with your clip(s) (I usually start with one side and section into 3 parts at a time)

4 - Use hair dryer and round brush to blow dry each section at a time. I use my brush to roll my hair straight out, away from my face, and then under, making sure the hair dryer stays pointed at the round brush and hair until the very end, so the ends are straight.

5 - After all the sections are done, I like to take the front chunk of my hair, on both sides of my part (maybe still a little damp), and blow dry it forward, and then re-part it. My hair dresser gave me this trick. It helps to give lift and body to the front portion of my hair, so it doesn't lay flat against my forehead. 

6 - When my hair is completely dry I go through the sections again (without clipping) with my flat iron. I don't use a very hot iron. I usually set my temperature to around 250-300 degrees. 

7 - Voila! My 'signature straight' hair style. 

Now that summer is creeping up, everyone should be armed with Frizz Ease products to help fight the humidity and frizz! Just because it’s summer it doesn’t mean you can’t wear your hair down and proud! Show off your fierce hairstyles on Instagram with the  #downfor30 hashtag for the chance to win an EPIC NYC adventure. Each post with the #downfor30 & #sweeps hashtag (up to one a day) earns you a chance to win.

The amazing prize package includes the following:

• Round trip airfare for two (2) to NYC
• Four (4) nights at the W Hotel Times Square
• Breathtaking helicopter tour of Lady Liberty, whose newly-liberated locks are featured in our video: A Girl's Got to Be Free
• Ground transportation via private sedan
• Dinner at Stella 34 Trattoria with views of the Empire State Building
• Brunch cruise for two (2) around Manhattan
• Garment District Diva Trek for two (2)
• Makeover at the John Frieda Salon
• $750 cash to fund all your fun
• A year of Frizz Ease® products so you can keep putting your fiercest hair forward

You can find more details about this contest, as well as down style inspirations, at www.neverpullback.com. Good luck!

Frizz-Ease believes that when you pull your hair back, you also pull yourself back. So we're challenging women everywhere to take on the world hair-first and wear their hair #downfor30 days straight with the help their favorite Frizz-Ease products. Join the movement at NeverPullBack.com.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by KAO via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of KAO.

NARS at the 2014 Met Gala

I love looking at the dresses from the Met Gala. If only I could be a fly on the wall at the actual event!

Two beautiful stars looked fabulous wearing NARS this year. Here are the details from their look....

SARAH JESSICA PARKER

NARS worked with celebrity makeup artist Leslie Lopez to create SJP's look for the Met. "Her makeup look is a modern version of something we'd see from the 1950s," says Lopez. Here are the products she used to achieve this look:

 - Giove Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow (new for summer 2014)

 - Via Veneto Larger Than Life Eyeliner

 - Adelaide Illuminator

SOLANGE KNOWLES

NARS worked with celebrity artist Benjamin Puckey to create Solange's look. After seeing her dress, Benjamin decided that her focus should be her eyes. Here are the products he used:

 - Subra Dual - Intensity Eyeshadow (new for Summer 2014)

 - Siam Matte Multiple

 - Isola Bella Satin Lip Pencil 

Jose Eber Hair Tools - 25% off & Free Shipping

If you're looking to upgrade your hair tools Jose Eber is having a sale! To celebrate the Kentucky Derby, Jose Eber is offering 25% off online purchases. Use the code "josederby" when placing online orders and get 25% off and free shipping until May 19th. Happy Shopping!

Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup - May 3

Glamorable!: Need some Mother's Day gift ideas? Anastasia shares her top picks for every budget!

TheFabZilla: Do you like rose-scented products? Lippy lover Kathryne from TheFabZilla reviews Bite Beauty Deconstructed Rose in Crimson. Love or leave? Find out.

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Hourglass Femme Nude Lip Stylo No. 6 is the perfect mauve beige nude that is simply gorgeous!

My Highest Self: In need of a new acne spot treatment? Read Tina's review of the new Dr. Lin Skincare Acne Spot Corrector!

Slashed Beauty: Have you wanted to try your hand at nail art, but don't have the tools? Find out how to use a bobby pin to create a dotticure!

D.G.S.Beauty: Check out D.G.S.Beauty's swatches and reviews of three nail polishes from Trind Cosmetic's Spring/Summer Collection “Beauty and the Beach.”

I Know all the Words: Does Sally Hansen Gel Polish really last for two weeks? Bailey put it to the test.

Geniabeme: Corals and Peach lippies are in this season! Come see my picks for this season!

My Newest Addiction: Laura from my newest addiction tells us how Olay Fresh Effects Dew Over! keeps her looking fresh and fabulous with no sleep required!

Makeup Life and Love: Ever heard of powder before foundation? Jamie shows us a helpful tip to keep foundation locked in place all day long.

Beauty by Miss L: Very simple nail art for short nails.

Spontaneous Chick: Head to Spontaneous Chick to read her Moroccan Hammam Review and enter to win your very own full sized kit.

Advice Sisters Beauty Fashion and Lifestyle Web Site: Who doesn't love pro-style products at peanut budget prices?

Never Say Die Beauty: Enter to win NeoCell Collagen & Hyaluronic Acid Supplements & Beauty Bursts, great for healthy skin and joints

Lipgloss Break: Enter to win a set of Epic Blend Lip Balms - Vegan & Gluten Free!

BeautyTidbits: Looking for a luxurious gift idea for Mother's day? Perlier Honey Miel Royal Elixir Serum makes a delightfully decadent skincare treat!

Citizens of Beauty: Pamper your skin with a DIY Papaya Enzyme mask and scrub!

In Her Makeup Bag: Stephanie is loving her POPSUGAR Must Have NatureBox snacks! Find out how you can get this box for 50% off.

15% off at Dermalogica.com

I hope everyone saw my rave review of Dermalogica's Skin Hydrating Booster. If you'd like to try it out yourself, I have a coupon for you! The coupon code is: BOOST and will get you 15% off any purchase from Dermalogica.com now until May 31st! Happy Shopping :)

Giveaway Break - Epic Blend Premium Lip Balm

Have you heard of Epic Blend Premium Lip Balm? If not, you're missing out! This all natural lip balm has a lot offer! Epic Blend is a Canadian lip balm that is made with all organic ingredients. It's also gluten-free, paraben-free, Vegan and they DO NOT test on animals. 

They have tons of flavors to choose from, including Pineapple-Mint, Coconut (fun for summer) and Citrus Kick.

Epic Blend lip balms are $3.49 per lip balm, or $12 for a 4-pack of lip balms. These are sold at retailers throughout Canada. Not Canadian? You can purchase online at EpicBlend.com. Or, you can enter to win a set of your own below! 

 ***Giveaway***

Enter to win a set of 10 Epic Blend lip balms!

 
Fill out the form below to win! There are also several different ways you can get extra entries: sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me & retweet on Twitter , follow me on Pinterest, add me to one of your Google+ circles, follow me on Instagram or become a fan on Facebook. Make sure to list the number of extra entries in the form below. Enter up to once a day to increase your chances of winning!
 
This giveaway is open to US & CA residents only. The contest will end on Thursday, May 29th. I will randomly select a winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!

Clean Eating Crockpot Lasagna

Lately I've been trying to cook a 2-night meal on Sunday nights, so we can eat the leftovers on Monday. More often than not, they end up being crockpot meals.

I have done a ton of research on clean crockpot meals, and incorporating several recipes, I put together my own Clean Eating Crockpot Lasagna recipe. Trust me when I say, it's phenomenal. It takes about 20 minutes to prep and 4 hours to cook in the slow cooker. It serves about 6 people, but since my husband usually eats 2 helpings, it only lasts us two dinners :)

Ingredients:
1/2 package of whole grain or whole wheat uncooked lasagna noodles (I used Ronzoni Whole Grain)
1 package of lean turkey
1 jar of all natural tomato sauce
2.5 cups of part skim shredded mozzarella cheese
15 oz container of part skim ricotta (you can substitute cottage cheese for this, but since I'm pregnant and can't find pasteurized cottage cheese, I went back to using ricotta)
1 package of mushrooms
3 cups of spinach
1 tablespoon of minced garlic
1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes

1. Brown the turkey, mixing in garlic and red pepper flakes
2. While meat is browning, mix the ricotta with 2 cups of the mozzarella cheese
3. Once meat is brown, add 3/4 of the jar of tomato sauce to the pan and stir, making a meat sauce
4. Line the base of your crockpot with lasagna noodles (you may need to break a few apart to fit)
5. Add a layer of the meat sauce on top of the noodles
6. Add a layer of the cheese mixture on top of the meat sauce
7. Add a layer of mushrooms on top of the cheese mixture
8. Add a layer of spinach on top of the mushrooms
9. Repeat steps 5-8 one more time
10. Add one more layer of the meat sauce & cheese if you have any left over, along with the rest of the pasta sauce
11. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top and cook in crockpot for 4 hours on low.

You really can't mess this up. If your proportions and layers are off, it's okay! Trust me, no two lasagnas will be the same. As I'm typing this, I'm finishing my 2nd bowl of this lasagna and my hubby is on his 3rd :) Once it cools in the crockpot I'll be putting the leftovers into tupperware for a fast, healthy dinner tomorrow night.

Enjoy!

Beauty Blogger Weekly Roundup - April 27, 2014

Slashed Beauty: If you're struggling with dry hair, you might be washing it all wrong. Learn about co-washing & its benefits!

I Know all the Words: Love fresh and fruity scents? The Body Shop Early-Harvest Raspberry range aims to please!

TheFabZilla: Still on purple lippy spree, Kathryne from TheFabZilla drenched her lips with Milani Violet Volt and Violet Addict. Skip or buy? find out!

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Givenchy Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick in Rose Desire and Rose Caprice are perfect choices for those who love gorgeous nudes and pinks that are moisturizing and luxe!

My Highest Self: Hair care that repels water? Get all the details in Tina's review of the Nexxus Color Assure Sulfate-Free System for Hair!

D.G.S.Beauty: Need a new facial scrub? Check out D.G.S.Beauty's review on the Beautisol Exscrub Me? Citrus Face Exfoliant

Glamorable!: Glamorable is venturing into the world of brights with new Wet N Wild Color Icon 5-pan eyeshadow palette. Click here to read the full review.

daydreaming beauty: Amber has a sparkly blue mani perfect for spring! Finger Paints Crystal Springs from the Pastel Rain collection is a fun blue and green glitter topper with silver shards.

Never Say Die Beauty: Allison tried Tarte's new Butter Lipstick in adorable eco-friendly packaging

Beauty by Miss L: Alpha Hydrox Sheer Silk Moisturiser with SPF15 review

Makeup Life and Love: Searching for the perfect palette to upgrade your makeup wardrobe? But a bit short on cash? Jamie shows us a great alternative to those high end palettes, in this weeks High vs. Low Beauty installment.

Lipgloss Break: Does your skin need some hydration? Check out Angela's review of Dermalogica's Skin Hydrating Booster!

Geniabeme: Geniabeme shows off her yellow and pink Spring makeup look.

BeautyTidbits: Check out the swatches and review of the new Total Intensity Color Rush Eyeshadows from Prestige Cosmetics.

MAC Lorde

MAC and Lorde have partnered up on a new line for summer. One word that describes it is 'Fierce!' Both items below are limited editions. 

Lipstick in Pure Heroine, deep plum. Retails at $16. 

Eye liner in Rapidblack. Retails at $19.50

Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster Review

It's now mid-April in Michigan, and it's been 70 and sunny the last few days, but just a week ago, it snowed! I'm sure everyone from the south are tired of hearing about this harsh winter, but trust me, it's taking a toll on everyone involved, both mentally and physically. When it's sunny out everyone seems to be in a great mood! But when it's cold, it's a downer! And it doesn't just have an effect on my mood. My poor, dry skin, has been suffering this winter too.

Normally I don't do much testing with skincare products. I have really sensitive skin and I usually don't like to rock the boat. But since we've had this extremely cold and dry weather, I've caved. I've been testing out several different moisturizers and treatments to help protect my skin against this weather.

One of the moisturizers I was able to test was Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster. I've seen great results from this product! I've been using it religiously under my moisturizer for about 3 weeks now and have been extremely happy with the results: softer skin, less redness in the morning, and no breakouts.

The consistency of this product is just like water, which is also the first ingredient. According to the site, it's suppose to not only help with redness but also with fine lines. It also contains hyaluronic acid, panthenol, glycolipids and algae extract. No artificial fragrances or colors are added.

The directions on the box suggest mixing this with your existing moisturizing, but I've been applying it directly to my skin, and then a layer of my moisturizer over it (sometimes). A little goes a long way, so I can see this 1 oz bottle lasting awhile. 

It's hard to see because it looks like water!

A little goes a long way with this formula, and I can see this 1oz bottle lasting a long time. And after seeing really good results from this product, I definitely want to try out more Demalogica products. You can purchase Dermalogica from their site and also at Ulta Stores. This product retails for $56. 

Have you tried Dermalogica products before? If so, which are your favorite? 

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.