An NYC 'Blowout' at the Robert Stuart Salon

I’ve been in New York City for about 2 weeks now and I’m slowly learning how to live like a real New Yorker. I’ve taken the subway every day to work, I’ve met up with friends on a week night (gasp!) for a drink, and spent time in Central Park over the weekend.

On the beauty front, I found a neighborhood nail salon that has a manicure and pedicure package for super cheap (cheaper than in Michigan!). I got a mani/pedi on Sunday and it was well deserved based on all of the walking I have been doing!

Another thing that is very big city-esque is a hair ‘blow dry’ or ‘blow out.’ Women go to salons here just to get their hair blown dry by a professional hair stylist. And yes, it does make a difference! Before a big event or work travel, ladies will make an appointment for a blow out so the don’t have to wash and style their hair.

I had the privilege of getting a blow dry at the Robert Stuart Salon on the Upper West side (82^nd and Columbus). The salon was celebrating their 29^th birthday and had quite the crew out. Several clients and employees were chatting over food, desserts and champagne when I arrived. I was quickly greeted and taken around the salon by Brandon, who is an assistant at the salon.

Robert Stuart and me

After putting on my Robert Stuart royal purple cape to protect my clothing, Brandon got me situated at the shampoo bowl. This was hands down, the best-shampoo-EVER. He must have spent about 10 minutes massaging my scalp with Shu Eumero shampoo and conditioner. I almost fell asleep I was so relaxed. Brandon told me that everyone who gets a haircut or blow out gets this type of shampoo. He explained that since the shampoo is the customer’s first interaction with the salon, it’s important to make it relaxing. Well, job well done.

After my shampoo I sat down in Tran’s chair. Tran is newer to the salon, coming from Atlanta. She didn’t add too much product to my hair before starting to blow dry. She tackled my hair piece by piece, with a huge round brush. The result, a sleek, but full of body, blow dry.

After sleeping on my hair I only had a small touch up to make before I left to catch my plane at LGA. I can see why ladies on the go in NYC get blow outs. It’s relaxing, saves you time in the morning, and looks great. I would recommend The Robert Stuart salon. Friendly staff and atmosphere, and the shampoos are something to write home about.

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

Get the Look: Waterfall Braid

For those of you with long hair, I'm jealous you can try this out!

WATERFALL BRAID: HOW TO

1.       Strengthen, protect and repair hair prior to braiding by applying Joico Color Therapy Restorative Oil on wet hair.

2.       Dry hair as usual.

3.       Separate a section behind your left ear and start by dividing hair into an ordinary 3-strand braid.

4.       After 4 weaves, drop one strand and gather a new strand of hair that pulls the braid in the desired direction. Repeat until you achieve desired length.

5.       Secure with a clear hair elastic.

6.       Finish with Joico K-PAK Split End Mender for ends that look lush and hydrated.

TRESemme Split Remedy Review

For the last week and a half I’ve been faithfully using the TRESemmé new Split Remedy line. The full line is made up of a Shampoo, Conditioner, Serum, Conditioning Spray and a Conditioning Treatment, and are all meant to be used together to help repair split ends.

Here is a breakdown of the products:

TRESemmé Split Remedy Shampoo & Conditioner

These both have a clean smell to them, maybe with a bit of apple and vanilla, and the scent from them lasted in my hair all day. Because I usually like to have volume in my roots, I only used the conditioner on the ends of my hair. This also ultimately helps me to go longer in between hair washes. I left it on for about 2 minute and then rinsed.

TRESemmé Split Remedy  Conditioning Spray

This reminded me of a detangler hair product my mom use to use on my hair when it was really long, back in elementary school. It’s a light spray that I combed through my hair after applying. A few sprays of this goes a long way. After blowing my hair dry it felt really silky and soft. Watch out for your walls and mirrors while spraying this!

TRESemmé Split Remedy Conditioning Treatment

I use a leave in conditioning treatment 5 out of 6 hair washes a week to help keep my hair soft and healthy. I applied this light cream from the middle to ends of my hair. A little goes a long way with this product. I was able to dry my hair super smooth with this treatment, and I noticed less ‘frizzies’ than normal. When I used this product, I did not use the Conditioning Spray with it.  

TRESemmé Split Remedy Serum

I love this serum – and it can be used both pre and post blow drying. When using the Conditioning Spray, I added the serum just to the ends of my hair before blow drying. When using the Treatment, I added the serum after blow drying. The serum helped not only with making my hair look shiny and sleeker, but also helped prevent frizz. We’ve had some very humid days in NYC and this protected me 100% from frizz, without weighing my hair down. Please note again, that a little goes a long way!

All the styling and treatment products smelled similar to the Shampoo and Conditioner. Layering these products helped my hair to smell really fresh all day. These are also very large size products, so you definitely get your money’s worth.  After a week of using these products I could definitely notice that my hair was softer and looked healthier.

NEW Split Remedy, from TRESemmé, repairs up to 80% of split ends in just three uses.  And with continued use, repairs further damage as it occurs.

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

Free Shipping on TooFaced.com

Too Faced is celebrating the 4th of July a little early! FREE SHIPPING from 6/28 - 7/4 on TooFaced.com with code: HAPPY4TH. 

Last 2 Days to Get Lancome Gift with Purchase

I LOVE gifts with purchases (aka GWPs). Lancome teamed up with award-winning designer Chris Benz to design their latest bag. Known for his use of color and patterns, he chose a floral print for the bag, straight off the runway from his Spring collection. Best part, the bag is reversable. Second best part, Chris Benz created two exclusive eyeshadow pallets for this gift! 

Available from June 12^th to the 26^th, this striking bag is complimentary with any $75 purchase (up to a $178 value), and includes the following:

- Color Design 5 Pan Palette color choice:

• Emerald Silk + full size Color Fever Gloss in Paradise Peach (warm)
• Flushed Satin + full size Color Fever Gloss in Intense Fuchsia (cool)

- Eye cream choice:

·        Absolue Eye Premium BX

·        Absolue Eye Precious Cells

- Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover

- Absolue UItimate Night BX Serum

- Hypnôse Drama Mascara

Be sure to stop by your local Saks Fifth Avenue to pick up your bag by tomorrow!

Beauty Blog Coalition Weekly Roundup

• The Click You're It! Holiday Eye Palette started an obsession! Check out Mama Fashionista's top picks from Smashbox Cosmetics.
• Retrodiva has a holy grail alert! If you have oily skin and are tired of the "makeup slide" you will need to check out her new holy grail must-have.
• Glitter.Gloss.Garbage changes her mind about her favorite travel atomizer. It's Flo and she's giving one away!
• BlushingNoir has found the perfect Summer lip color in the MAC Beth Ditto Collection! BOOYAH!!!
• Blushing Basics shares her [awkward] style evolution with you. So she had a few-several-different hair colors, so what?
• You know you should wear some sort of sunblock every day, but so many people just won't! Here are 10 effective alternatives to sun block for Summer, suggested by The Advice Sisters, that will save your skin without having to apply a traditional cream or lotion.
• If you are looking for the perfect sun-kissed blush- then Lola from Lola's Secret Beauty Blog wants to share her love of Chi Chi Liquid Blush from Susan Thompson Cosmetics. It is a gorgeous must-have blush for the summer months!
• Want to win the latest from Suave Beauty? Curls N Pearls is giving away three sets of Everlasting Sunshine Body Wash & Lotion! Just leave a comment to enter!
• Harshleen from BeautyTidbits lists her top summer beauty picks. Check out the makeup products she’s totally hooked on right now!
• TheFabZilla was surprised to see "Made in China" label from tarte's eyeshadow palette. Known to be cruelty-free, she asked the company regarding their no-animal testing policy. Read tarte's response as they explain the difference between "made" and "sold" in China.
• Stephanie Louise of All Things Beautiful is showing off some fab Pacifica fragrances, all perfect for travel! From California Star Jasmine to Hawaiian Ruby Guava, something will definitely catch your fancy!
• Its that time again.. see what Geniabeme got in her June Little Black Bag! Theres lots of pictures of all her goodies!
• Phyrra is entrenched in an epic Battle of the Taupes! See which Taupe comes out on top!
• Marcia from Beauty Info Zone is also entrenched in the Battle of the Taupes. She and Phyrra didn't pick the same taupe so come see what taupe comes out on top for her.
• Laura from My Newest Addiction shares photos and opinions on the Zoya Beach and Summer Pinterest Trio!
• Jessika from polish insomniac jumps into the Makeup Wars - Battle of the Taupe Shadows with her guns blazing - is her Wet n Wild shade a winner in your book?
• Freshly back from Palm Beach, the Beauty Professor shares swatches of ALL twelve shades of her latest foundation discovery from Le Metier de Beaute.
• Do you know how many Indie Polish Brands are out there? Gia of Bottles and Bottles of Polish found a list of 166 brands, with links included- see which ones you like, and support small businesses by rocking a fabulous manicure!
• The Makeup Wars have started! Several beauty bloggers are battling it out over who makes the best taupe eyeshadow. See what taupes that were sent to battle from Pammy Blogs Beauty's makeup collection. These Makeup Wars girls love their taupes! 
• Ro shows us how to achieve her simple summer makeup look on Creatively Yours by Ro.
• Zoya Isabel is a gorgeous shade of shimmery red...but what happens when it gets the doticure treatment?
• Happy Summer, everyone! Check out Anisha's California sunset inspired look using Sugarpill eyeshadows. It's fun, colorful, and oh-so-very wearable!
• Kim Porter is giving you the opportunity to win stylish Jamberry Nail Covers.  These easy to apply, stylishly designed nail covers will keep your nails on-point all summer long!
• At Midnight Manicures, check out Water Marbling with Patricia and see this nail art technique at it's best.
• Spontaneous Chic got to try out and and couldn't wait to post an Armour Beauty review.
• The Big Reveal has finally come, says Emily Hudspeth! Part 3 or "The After" of the makeover series for this soon to be new mom is up! Now is time to show her as an "after". Next up, her makeup lesson.
• The Crumpet and 5 other Super Brits have been doing a Superheroes and Villlains nail art challenge - check out her Wonder Woman nails here -
• Lynn at Oh So Lacquered does some nail art this week and reveals the inspiration behind a simple stripe accent nail.
• Beauty from Liz is excited, because Maxfactor decided to sell nailpolishes in Estonia. Of course she got Fantasy Fire, but what else, please read here.
• Check out Beauty and Fashion Tech's MAC Satin Taupe and NARS Lhasa swatches and makeup look in the Makeup Wars Battle of the Taupes!
• Girl Gloss reviews Revlon Colorstay Overtime Lip Color.
• BeautyJudy found a mate for her bottle of French's Spicy Brown mustard. Bye bye, hot dogs. No, seriously. Check out this indie polish!
• Cosmetically Challenged says summer doesn't mean you can't wear foundation! Tinted Moisturizers allow you stay beautiful and protect you from the sun.
• Get a bronzed glow without the sun damage. Enter to win Borghese Splendore Body Bronzer from Lipgloss Break!
• Mina finally found a natural bar soap she loves, head over to Fabulous Awesomeness to see what she thinks of Reviva Labs Seaweed Soap!
• The weather in Estonia is getting warmer and warmer and so Miss L from Beauty by Miss L decided to do a bright summery water marble mani.
• Want big hair with lots of oomph? Hello Dollface tries new BangStyle for voluminous hair.
• Nails Beautiqued is showing how nailart doesn't have to be difficult.  Nail Modes to the rescue!
• Perilously Pale has found her perfect pinky nude with Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani Beige.

Yves Rocher Monoi de Tahiti Oil Review

I am a huge fan of cocoa butter, but Monoi de Tahiti (Traditional Gardenia Oil) by Yves Rocher, has made me rethink my daily moisturizing routine just a bit. Instead of my normal cocoa butter lotion, I’ve been using this oil. I get the same comfort knowing that my skin is being nourished and hydrated with coconut oil, as well as smelling sweet and delicate from the gardenia blossoms that are combined – all in one oil. I love the feeling of this luxurious oil on my skin.

I love the feel and smell of this luxurious oil on my skin. The scent is lovely and reminds me of vacations in tropical destinations. I was able to get dressed right after application without having my clothing stick to me and the scent and moisture has stayed with me all through the day. Not a drop gets wasted! Anything left on my fingertips (after application to my body), goes directly into my hair. It adds a brilliant shine and doesn't weigh my hair down. This oil gets HUGE love from me!

You can find Monoi de Tahiti oil by Yves Rocher on their website. It retails at $7.50.

By Lipgloss Break Guest Blogger, Tina

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.

30% off butter LONDON

butter LONDON's Family & Friends event is on! Now through June 27th take 30% off your entire order! Enter code FFSUMMER12 at checkout.

Check out my post on butter LONDON's new Lippy collection!

Giveaway Break - Borghese Splendore All Over Body Bronzer

Last year I wrote about one of my beach bag necessities from Borghese, the Splendore All Over Body Bronzer. This bronzer is great for creating a bronze glow without the sun damage. I dust it on my face, shoulder and legs to give me a nice sun-kissed look.


This year...we're giving it away! Borghese and I want to send one lucky reader their own Splendore All Over Body Bronzer to fake a glow, just in time for the beginning of Summer!

***Giveaway***

Enter to win a Borghese Splendore All Over Body Bronzer! 

Fill out the form below to win! For extra entries, you can sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me and retweet on Twitter , follow me on Pinterest or become a fan on Facebook; just make sure to list the entries in your comment. Enter up to once a day!

This giveaway is open to US residents only. The contest will end on Friday, July 20th. I will randomly select one winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!

Home on the Upper West Side

Well, I made it to the city with my 2 suitcases (one weighing 50+lbs) and a laptop bag. It also helped that Mike surprised me at the airport to help me out :).

I'm discovering quickly that the Upper West Side is just my style. The picture to the right is in front of our building. Walking distance from our studio on 89th and West End are 3 grocery stores, a nail salon at every corner, and great restaurants and bars. It's super family friendly, kids are running around everywhere!

As soon as I got in we tried Hi-Life Cafe for a late breakfast. Their omelets were delicious, and the starter bread basket was even better. They give each table mini muffins and cinnamon toast with strawberry butter - irresistible.

We were so busy exploring we totally forgot to eat lunch! For dinner we did NY style Perfecto Pizza. Mike can normally eat a large himself and the both of us didn't even put a dent into a large round pizza here.

5 things I've learned so far in NYC:
1 - The subway system. I'm still getting use to which trains are express trains, but for the most part, I can navigate them
2 - Iced coffee is the new black
3 - You have to be a creative thinker when it comes to utilizing space. I miss my bathroom counters!
4 - The rude NYC stereotype is not true. Someone came up to me and Mike yesterday while we were looking at our phones and asked us if needed help finding something (we must have really looked touristy!).
5 - Keep your eyes peeled at all times for celebrities. I crossed paths yesterday with Dr. MacNamara from Nip/Tuck *lovey sigh*