Vegan lip balm

Vegan lip balm

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                                                                                                  ph. me

It's all about the lips today and my latest obsession - vegan lip balm Skizz!
Shea butter, Calendula and lightly scented orange flavor will make you fell in love with this lip balm easily. The instants this amazing lip balm touches your lips you can feel the moisturizing quality of this vegan little product! I have it in every bag and coat pockets, and the best thing above everything is that it cost less than 2€ which makes Skizz a perfect winter crush!

The best dry shampoo

The best dry shampoo

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Let me introduce you to my new holy grail for hair, a true #badhairday savior, one and only, drum roll please - Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk! Hello volume and freshness!
During my recent trip to Paris, I visited City Pharma and left it with a one big sac. It's the best and at the same time cheapest pharmacy I have ever been to, and I will post about it when I try all the products.
But now, I want to share with you my impressions about the first thing from "buy,try" list. And if that pink Bioderma bottle is the Rolls Royce of make up removers Klorane dry shampoo is a king among the dry shampoos! I've tried several brands so far but this one is, oh boy, the best thing ever! It instantly absorbs dirt and oil, extends the life of blowouts by a day or two and it comes in both aerosol and non-aerosol formulas.
It's award winning product approved by Karl Lagerfeld and Kate Moss and now I know why! Perfect for all hair types, especially those whose hair get's greasy easily, and it's a must have product when you travel!
And I almost forgot, it smells gorgeous (lightly scented)!
Let me know if you tried it!

p.s. I paid something around 7.50-8.00 euros/150ml at City Pharma and I only regretted for not buying more! :)

Beauty Test Kitchen - At Home Spa/November Faves

Beauty Test Kitchen - At Home Spa/November Faves

When it comes to the at-home spa, I have some suggested essentials to keep on hand. You don't  have to go to the salon for pampering, you can do it at home on a relatively low budget and still give yourself the TLC and attention you deserve. I think the first thing that comes to mind for relaxation is a massage or something to soothe the aches and pains.

This is where products like Dr. Teal's come into play.  Dr. Teal's has a great line of rosemary mint Epsom salt and foaming bath soaking solutions. They rosemary and mint essential oils help to relax and unwind. The magnesium sulfate (the compound found in the salts) help to release tension and revitalize tired and achy muscles. You can pick them up at Walmart here or visit drteals.com to learn more!

When I think about the spa, I am instantly reminded of smells. Clean, fresh smelling soaps and lotions just add to the luxury I am trying to replicate at home. H20Plus is one of my favorite brands for this type of product. Their Sea Results anti-aging line smells wonderful and is great for you. It's a sulfate-free product line that helps prevent visible signs of aging and moisturizes for a nourished and supple feel to your skin. I featured the shower gel, body whip, micro-polish and hand cream in this roundup.


GoodEarthBeauty.com is another great brand we featured in this months roundup. All of the products they carry are all nature and/or organic. They also make sure to only stock products that aren't tested on animals. Their pumpkin chai shampoo and conditioner set is a great addition to your bathroom for a product that smells amazing and can aid in relaxation. The shampoo and conditioner definitely helped in the moisturizing department for my dry locks. They also have an amazing geranium rose balm that you can use on key dry spots like knees and elbows.

Another addition we would suggest is the spa sonic skincare system. This is one of our top selects for the spa-like feel right in your own bathroom. Rather than paying for a pricey facial, you can utilize a product like this system and it will aid in creating a healthy skin care ritual with results similar to what you would receive at a spa. What we found to be the best feature is that it is not just a facial sonic brush. Rather, it is an all encompassing multi functional tool for you to use. It's isn't just for the face, but also includes a total of 4 brushes that range in use from your whole body to pumice stones you can use to buff away rough spots on your feet, knees and elbows. The brushes offer a deep clean that helps to get the gunk and oil out of your pores gently, but effectively. All in all a great multi-functional tool at a great price. Definitely a must have!

Often, people tend to think they won't be able to replicate what professionals do at the spa or salon at home. Yet, the reality is that we can if we have the right tools. If you have ever had airbrush makeup, you will understand you can get a flawless looking complexion, but with it comes a hefty price tag. Well, the Color Me Automatic Foundation Applicator is your go-to device for an airbrushed look for a fraction of the price. This device cuts your application time in half and is easy and to use! It comes with 2 applicator sponges: one for liquid and one for powder. Color Me sponges are latex free, hypoallergenic and disposable; replacement recommended after 7 uses, but you can extend the life of the sponges by washing after each use. You can pick it up at ULTA.

PUR Minerals liquid veil 4 in 1 foundation is another great product that can help you get flawless coverage right at home. It is a skin boosting foundation that protects and moisturizes. It is lightweight and gives even, beautiful coverage. You can pick this up at ULTA.

Finally, our last product for our at home spa/November Faves are the EVO Love Perpetua Shine Drops. This is hair heaven in a bottle. After you finish styling, you can get that salon look on lock just by adding a drop of this product in your hair. It is perfect for dry hair. It's a glossing liquid that helps seal the cuticle and polishes your look after you style! It gives you that straight from the salon shine you always wanted. 

Thanks for checking out this weeks Beauty Test Kitchen - November Faves/At Home Spa Edition! If you like what you see, remember to subscribe here! Thanks for watching!!

Beauty routine

Beauty routine

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Here's a little update on my beauty routine (old post here) and everything that I discovered in last couple of months.
This post could be easily titled as "french pharmacy skincare products" but I will use that name later on the blog when I complete my collection!
You've been asking me a lot about my facial routine and that's the main reason why I decided to create a totally new post cause I changed almost everything about it.
When I discover Lisa Eldridge and her videos, I've became almost obsessed with her rituals and skin look, cause she looks gorgeous. So, I started to watch her videos, absorb every single word and using her advices.
What I've learn so far is that the most important things are:
- cleansing
- facial massage and
- SPF if you want to make your skin glow and prevent from aging without using too many anti aging products or night creme.
She convinced me with her own example and that's why I became hooked on her videos and skincare philosophy and if you check even one, you will see why!
These are the products that are currently working for me and I'm still testing and combining them cause I want to find that perfect match!

Bioderma Crealine or Sensibio H20
This is the Rolls Royce of make up removers and you will find it in every make up kit of famous artists. It's perfume-free and the lightweight, non-greasy texture means you don’t really need to cleanse afterward.
Would I buy it again: yes, yes and yes! Already start stocking up on this cause it's the best thing I have ever tried!

La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar Solution
Non-irritating micellar solution perfect for even the most sensitive skin.
Would I buy it again: not so sure! I bought this in 1+1 package, and I wanted to try it cause the price was more than good for two bottles, but it's not even close to Bioderma's Sensibio H20. It wipes off make up, but it can't remove mascara so good. The only plus is that is better than similar products from drugstore (for example like Garnier)

Avène extremely gentle cleanser lotion
Gentle no-rinse cleanser formulated with minimal ingredients for maximum tolerance.
Would I buy it again: no! My intention with this cleanser was to use it right after the Bioderma micellar solution and to do a little facial massage with it. It's not suitable for that, but that's my mistake, I should pick some facial oil or balsam. Also it has strange smell despite the fact that is fragrance free! this is an extremely gentle cleanser and I would definitely recommend for those who are having extremely sensitive or irritated skin but it didn't match with my taste.

Avène Thermal Water
French women prefer not to wash their face with water, as they believe the calcite in the tap water is bad for  their skin. I can't get used to this fact yet, but I'm using it as a mist to refresh or to wipe off any excess cleanser.
Would I buy it again: yes, cause it's really refreshing!
 
Bioderma Sébium purifying cleansing foaming gel
Formulated with non-irritant substances, Sébium Foaming gel cleanses gently.
Would I buy it again: maybe! There are so many cleansing gels and I would love to try something else cause I believe that I can provide better feeling on your skin. I would describe this one as boring.

La Roche-Posay purifying foaming gel for oily sensitive skin
Effaclar Gel gently purifies the skin thanks to cleansing agents selected to respect sensitive skin.
Would I buy it again: maybe! I bought this one in package with Effeclar duo for a reasonable price and I wanted to test it. I've tried it only a two times until now so I will update you about this product set.

Avène gentle purifying scrub
It has been specially formulated to cleanse sensitive skin in depth by gently eliminating all impurities.
Would I buy it again: yes! I love this product! Before this one I was using two from The Body shop (Vitamin E scrub and Seaweed scrub, both are great) and I think it's on top of my list currently!

Avène soothing moisture mask
A hydrating face mask for sensitive skin that hydrates, restores the protective barrier of the skin, and minimizes redness.
Would I buy it again: yes! This gentle mask stays moist the entire time while it's on the skin and I really love the feeling after (you can remove it after 10 minutes or leave the skin to absorb). Skin is extremely soft without uncomfortable post-mask tightness!

La Roche-Posay Effeclar duo, corrective unclogging care anti-imperfections 
It is one of the major bestsellers of the brand, product that combines ingredients to act on the skin with imperfections.
Would I buy it again: maybe! I bought this one in package with Effeclar gel for a reasonable price and I wanted to test it. I've tried it only a two times until now so I will update you about this product set when I finish with other cream.

Bioderma Sébium Intensive care 
Speeds up the elimination of spots and blackheads and prevents them reappearing.
Would I buy it again: maybe! It has lightweight texture and it absorbs into the skin almost immediately without leaving any white residue or feeling greasy. But I'm not sure if it helps my skin or not. I'm still having a breakouts. It will remain a mystery!

Avène Light hydrating cream SPF20
 A hydrating moisturizer to protect the skin from daily aggressions and help prevent skin ageing caused by the sun.
Would I buy it again: yes! I use it before the foundation. The scent is so gentle and the texture is light which absorbs into the skin immediately leaving my skin feeling hydrated and soft all day. But I get an oily t zone as the day goes on.

Bioderma Cicabio soothing repairing cream
Protect and soothe damaged skin.
Would I buy it again:  maybe! Sometimes I use it on spots or breakouts, it also helped me with irritated skin. I saw that Avène and La Roche-Posay have similar product so I would try them too.

Bioderma Sensibio Eye contour gel
It instantly soothes feelings of discomfort and irritation.
Would I buy it again: no! I like the feeling on my skin, but it doesn't do anything or I haven't noticed.

  
Bi-Oil PurCellin Oil
Bio‑Oil is a specialist skincare oil that helps improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. It is also effective for aging and dehydrated skin.
Would I buy it again: yes! I'm using it under my eyes to hydrate my skin and prevent wrinkles. I think I will purchase bigger package next time and try it with my stretch marks too!

Eucerin Lip Aktiv
The caring lipstick cares and protects rough, cracked lips fast
Would I buy it again: yes! This is one of my favorite lip products that can help me in a day! I'm more than lazy when it comes to lip care so my lips are often dry and this is my instant solution!

And that's pretty much it for now! :)
I would love to hear more about your beauty routine, any secret, tips&tricks of if you have any question about these products I'm here!

p.s.- none of these products were sent to me by brands I purchase them in last couple of months
      - if they did I would be glad to mention that, cause it wouldn't affect my opinion about the product in any way

Halfstack Beauty Test Kitchen - The at Home Facial

Halfstack Beauty Test Kitchen - The at Home Facial

In this episode of Beauty Test Kitchen - I am rounding up some products for an at home facial! It's easy to do and effective and you don't need to break the bank going to the spa when you can give yourself a facial at home!

All you need is a cleanser, a facial scrub, a towel, hot water and a facial moisturizer!

Watch our video for a guide on how to go about completing the facial at home and check out the products that we mention below. Some of these items are on the more expensive side, but as I mentioned in the video any moisturizer, scrub and facial cleanser you have at home will do - these were just some great products we were testing out that we actually thought worked really well.

The

Products highlighted in this episode include:

Goldfadden MD Moisturizer - www.goldfaddenmd.com - There are two types of moisturizers highlighted, the lightweight version for day time: Vital Boost Moisturizer. Vital Boost delivers hydration, antioxidant protection and a brightening glow to all skin types. Skin boosting and rejuvenating Vitamin D maximizes the skin's immunity, provides powerful antioxidant protection, improves elasticity and promotes a more youthful complexion. What I loved most about this is that is so lightweight and is oil free which is perfect for my sensitive skin! The second is the Wakeup Call Overnight Regenerative Facial Treatment. I love this stuff. I put it on at night before bed and my face feels awesome in the morning after I wash it off. It helps with spots and makes my skin feel really fresh.

Amala jasmine hydrating face polish - This is a great face polish/scrub for those of you looking for some hydration. It's has a beautiful smell and despite it being a scrub, it isn't like your scrubbing rocks on your face. The polish really does a great job at retexturing dry, dehydrated skin. The whole plant ingredients soothe and hydrate while removing dead skin cells.

Boscia Tsubaki oil infused Face Powder - This is another scrub that is gentle on your face, but packs a powerful punch when it comes to exfoliating. This comes in powder format so all you do is add water and you are good to go. It is gentle enough for everyday use and for all skin types, Tsubaki Oil-Infused Exfoliating Powder removes debris and oil from pores and skin’s surface while providing long-term deep-hydration and antiaging benefits. The grains of this powder are dried and then coated in Tsubaki Oil.

Equitance Brightening Collection - This collection focuses on beauty both inside as well as out. At the heart of the collection is the key in supporting skin’s vitality and radiance. So they utilize formal made from precisely balanced herbal ingredients. This helps in terms of keeping skin healthy and glowing. The kit incorporates toners, facial washes, moisturizers as well as supplements that give you the vitamins needed inside for healthy skin on the outside.

If you enjoy these videos, please take a moment to subscribe! You can also let us know what you are interested in seeing or hearing more about in the comments section! 

CAUTION: Danger Curves Ahead

CAUTION: Danger Curves Ahead

Power. Beauty. Respect. Philanthropy. This empowering event supplied top products AND fashion. The show was for all you women! Who shouldn't love their body?? DCA was all about every shape, every size and showed off new hair products from Avlon to get that natural, yet sexy look. Avlon Texture Release was, without a doubt, a crowd pleaser. The energy of these fashion lovers filled the room!



Fighting homelessness one step at a time: The honorable Tamika Price's vibrant personality was introduced along with top styles at DCA's 6th annual fashion show. Her boutique was the talk of the night! An eye-opening childhood of being homeless for months brought up this strong woman to push herself.This driven designer brought the hottest fashions to the table at her very own event. From her own line, to luxury beauty products, and all the way back to mouth watering food by Two Sisters Catering, this event was a success. How could you turn down such an inspiring show for charity?


Standout Style Boutique is the perfect match for all you Chicagoan women out there looking to spice up your wardrobe! Whether you're planning on a hot date with the guy down the street, or a quick strut down the city block, THIS is your destination.

NEW HOTTIE ALERT: The Avlon stylist team back stage brought out a woman who had to regrow her hair due to treatment for a tumor. Although it's a tad early for Transformation Tuesday…excitement blew through the roof for Sandra. She came out to display her amazing makeover! What's life without a little change? Some of the top stylists are to blame for this blinding beauty!

DCA was definitely a show to see! Mark your calendars for next year's event. Come out to see the beautiful curves work the runway.

Evening Smokey Eyes | Bobbi Brown

Evening Smokey Eyes | Bobbi Brown

Beauty Look: Bobbi Brown Smokey Nudes Collection 

Hey superstars! Today is the second instalment of my partnership with Bobbi Brown. Do you recall last week's look? This time I'm amping up the smokey eye makeup for cocktail hour, using Bobbi Brown's new Smokey Nudes collection. Even the NAME sounds smouldering!

I'm using exactly the same kit - it's a range that keeps. on. giving.

I have had the Bobbi Brown Smokey Nudes collection eyeshadow palette for a couple of weeks now and I have used it near-daily. Even with the fairest of colours the pigment is excellent, and I've loved playing with the deeper hues for my evening makeup look. 

Read on for the smokey eye tweaks which will take your makeup from daytime, to cocktail hour fox . . .

How to Create the Perfect Evening Smokey Eye

The Kit

Sandstone Shimmer Brick | Smokey Nudes Eyeshadow Palette | Smokey Eye Mascara | Smokey Eye Kajal Liner | Creamy Matt Lip Color 

The Method

1 - Neutral base colour. Sweep over whole lid. I used a taupe, and took it to just below the brow. 

2 - Minky depth. Use complimentary darker shades to build up colour from the outer corner of the lid to mid-way.  Dab a shimmery shade on the very centre of you lid to make your eyes appear rounder and more doll-like. Light bounces off the centre illuminating your peepers. 

3 - Smoulder. Use a deep colour to work into the very outer corner of the eye. Draw the shape outwards into a cats-eye point. Work your eyeshadow brush over and over to fully blend. Take the darkest colour along the lower lash line also, and again, blend. 

4 - Eyeliner. Foxy. Draw along the upper lash line, ending in a cats-eye flick at the outer corner. Take the liner along the bottom lash line too, and use the smudge tip on the Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Kajal Liner to blend both top and bottom. (Do you detect a theme?!) Stop short of the very inner corner as this is where you will dab a little shimmer to finish!

5 - Mascara. XXL! Work Bobbi Brown's Smokey Eye Mascara from root to tip. I use at least three coats, for both top and bottom lashes. For an evening look, I occasionally use individual false lashes too. 

6 - Highlight. Use finger to lightly pick up shimmer from the Shimmer Brick Compact. Apply to cheek bones, bridge of nose, cupids bow and eyebrow arch. For the ultimate sultry look, use a little shimmer in the inner corner of the eye, and watch the whole look pop!

7 - Finalise the look with a nude lipstick. Add a balm initially for plump moisturised lips; and use your finger to apply lipstick for a natural, kissable, mouth. 

Jumpsuit: Kardashion Kollection for Lipsy | Blazer: Comptoir Des Cotonniers | Heels: Next | Clutch: Karen Millen 

I have loved getting to know the Bobbi Brown smokey nudes collection over the past couple of weeks. Via experimentation, and a few handy tips along the way, I’ve learnt what kind of a smokey eye suits me. I've said it before and I'll say it again, this is what I love about Bobbi Brown and the brand's ethos - you look like YOU but better! With this in mind I would advise spending some time playing with your makeup, and discovering what type of smokey eye works for you. Bobbi Brown offer an in-store consultation and ingeniously you can book appointments via the Bobbi Brown app - Ask Bobbi - as well as getting to grips with easy how-tos on the go. It's my new favourite distraction!

Day time and evening smokey eyes sorted! NO excuses not to totally SMOULDER this season ladies! Are you as obsessed with the smokey eye look as me? I would love to hear any tips, tricks or stories you have of your own journey with makeup. Seriously, who doesn't adore good girl talk?!

Have an awesome day all!

Love, 

MB x

Thank you to Bobbi Brown for sponsoring this post, and to you The Elgin Avenue's awesome readers for supporting and engaging with our partners. You rock!

Things to do - Solo Night Out

Things to do - Solo Night Out

Ladies, ever wonder how your stylist always gives you the perfect blow out EVERY. FREAKING. TIME and why you can never get the same look at home? Well, the team over at Solo Salon is bringing your the lowdown at their Solo Night Out!

The Bumble and Bumble team will be on hand working with them to give all you ladies tups on the at home DIY blow dry! Check it out on October 3rd from 6-9PM! Tickets are $35. See flier below for details!

Daytime Smokey Eyes | Bobbi Brown

Daytime Smokey Eyes | Bobbi Brown

Beauty Look: Bobbi Brown Smokey Nudes Collection 

Today I am super excited to partner with one of my favourite cosmetic brands - Bobbi Brown! We are exploring the perfect smokey eye look - both for day and night - using Bobbi Brown's new Smokey Nudes collection. Next week I will be sharing my tips for the perfect evening makeup, but we are starting with a beauty look which has become my new go-to - the daytime smokey eye. 

For the past few days I’ve really felt the seasons turning. The air is cold, the leaves changing and I am fantasising about spiced coffee! I am SO excited for Autumn. With layers becoming a wardrobe prerequisite - this is the perfect excuse to add a little drama to your everyday beauty - after all, weather depending, your face may be the only skin on show! 

Read on for my step by step guide on achieving the perfect daytime smokey eye, using Bobbi Brown's Smokey Nude range . . . 

How to Create the Perfect Daytime Smokey Eye

The Kit

Sandstone Shimmer Brick | Smokey Nudes Eyeshadow Palette | Smokey Eye Mascara | Smokey Eye Kajal Liner | Creamy Matt Lip Color 

The Method 

I've created an infographic which I hope will be helpful in deciphering the day time smokey eye.

1 - Neutral base colour. Sweep over whole lid, blending a little higher than the crease with an eyeshadow brush. 

2 -  Rose Shimmer. Take a complimentary shimmer shade and sweep over whole lid for a little sparkle. 

3 - Depth colour. Use a mid-tone taupe to contour. Work the colour from the outer corner of your lid to about a third of the way in. Blend. Use a fine eye shadow brush to sweep the same colour on the lower lash line too. 

4 - Eyeliner. Draw a fine black line along the lash line, ending with a small cats eye flick on the outer corner. Use the blending nib on the Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Kajal Liner to smooth the colour into lashes, and manipulate the flick to your desired shape. Add extra liner to outer corner if preferred.

5 - Mascara. Work from root to tip as many times as desired. I like super thick lashes so go for three at least!

6 - Pick up a little shimmer from the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact and work into the cheek bone, bridge of the nose and under the eyebrow arch to highlight. 

7 - Finish the look with Bobbi Brown perfect nude lipstick. I like to use a little concealer around my lip line for definition. Add a dab of clear gloss. 

Smokey eye makeup is an editorial and celebrity favourite for a reason, it is, in my opinion, the most stunning way to highlight eyes. If done right, smokey eye makeup is soft, sexy and forgiving - it literally suits everyone. Bobbi Brown has always been my go-to brand for makeup which fits seamlessly into every day life - you look like you, but better! Surely that's the makeup holy  grail?! Genuine confession here: I often flick through Bobbi’s makeup tutorial books before bed - such is my OBSESSION. 

Hat: Accessorize c/o, Jumper: Next c/o, Jeans: Next, Heels: Ursula Mascaro, Clutch: Russell & Bromley

Still unsure of how to create a daytime smokey eye look? Or have an inkling you'd like to try something else? Bobbi Brown have SUPER helpful tutorials you can follow. Book mark this page for when you've next got 5 mins - and a cuppa - and learn how to create any number of Bobbi Brown looks. Tutorials right HERE my friends!

Do YOU love a daytime smokey eye as much as me? What are you most excited about for Autumn?! I'd love to know if you've been switching up your makeup for Fall too!

Have a super day all!

Love, 

MB x

Thank you to Bobbi Brown for partnering with The Elgin Avenue on this post, and to you guys for supporting our sponsors - it is always noted and appreciated! 

Interview with Celebrity Stylist Billy Lowe

Interview with Celebrity Stylist Billy Lowe

Life can take us on many paths. Often, as young people, we tend to do what society/our parents/culture deems as in our best interest when it comes to following the path into adulthood. Yet, there are more and more people today following their dreams and doing what feels right in their heart. Rather than worrying about what society has to think, find the strength in yourself to do what you know is right. One individual in particular who has done just this throughout his life and has seen tremendous success is stylist and entrepreneur: Billy Lowe.



This golden boy in the beauty industry has worked with the celebrity elite and still makes it a point to connect with his regular customers and provide to them products that make them feel like celebrities in their own light. His latest product: Gloss & Toss - a simple hair serum developed by Billy Lowe to use on the sets of Hollywood.  Lowe's initial thought was that he needed a light-weight serum or styling product that would speed up styling time, hold up to a long production day, and keep actors and models' hair looking gorgeous and shiny without weighing it down.  He and his team soon realized that Gloss & Toss® shine serum was not just a product that celebrities needed, but something that should be made available to everyone - everywhere. Read on to learn more about Billy and his journey along with some great tips on upcoming hair trends and cuts for the season. 



Halfstack: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

Billy Lowe: Well when I was a little girl - he says jokingly - I always wanted to style hair. My grandmother was my favorite person in the whole world and I remember this old white brush she had - and she loved for me to brush her hair. I must have been 6 or 7. I grew up in rural Georgia - you know - where all the boys want to be hair stylists - NOT. My father is a minister and ther ejust wasn't much room for hair and makeup for young boys growing up in the 70's in rural America and my (biological) mother absolutely refused to allow dolls for me. My Grandmother - being who she was - bought my first set of dolls for me at a very young age and said 'Now don't tell your dad and we'll just keep these at my house.' That was the beginning of my career. Since I couldn't go to beauty school and was strongly discouraged from doing so, I took to classical piano performance and played and competed professionally for many years. I went to college to begin a career in music and ended up with a degree in Secondary Education (BA Spanish Secondary Ed) and moved to LA in the late 90's to pursue music w/ MCA Records, but went right away into the world of beauty.

HSM: What makes your brand and your standing as a stylist truly outshine the rest of the fierce competition in this industry? 
 
BL: To me it's all about the reveal. There's a split second when you turn the client around in the chair and that magic "hair-gasm" expression happens and you see it. Not for myself - but I live through the eyes of the client and I come alive when I see their expression of awe - joy - and OMG - I FEEL BEAUTIFUL. It gets better and better with every turn of the chair. 

HSM: What inspired you to create your own product line such as gloss & toss and can you tell us a bit about the product development process? 
 
BL: As a hair stylist on the sets of Hollywood - and as a master colorist, I started paying attention to hair results. I noticed in many of my salon clients a build-up on hair and time and time again I would ask what they were using. 9 times out of 10 when I noticed a certain waxy/residue feel on the hair it was always the same answer - a department store "snit-frizz" serum. It builds up on hair and color doesn't penetrate and is next to impossible to get quality results iin professional color when this product is used. I also noticed that at the end of a long production day, actors and models hair was often heavy and weighed down and I wanted something that would work in my kit, would help my productivity (time) on set, and stand up to a long production day. GLOSS & TOSS SHINE was born.

HSM: Have you faced any obstacles on your journey, if so how did you overcome?
 
BL: I grew up in Georgia in the 70's during a lot of heated issues in the south. There were huge cultural battles, socio-economic differences between me and the other kids at school and I was the victim of extreme bullying all throughout grade school. I was called names that I didnt' even know the meaning of so I grew up thinking I must be a horrible person. I went to 9 different schools grades K-12 and just remember nothing feeling "normal." We moved around every year or 2, my parents were each married three times and I just thought "wow, if I ever make it out of here - I'm going to create a solid, stable life for myself where I feel great about myself - and one where i help others feel great about themselves as well. So the mission was born from early childhood, obstacles I've faced, and things I've overcome. With that I say to anyone out there that if I can overcome what seemed impossible stumbling blocks of bullying, social pressures, broken families, constant moves - I say to anyone out there IT DOES GET BETTER. We have to stay on the boat, lock arms with those around us, and look to the horizon.

HSM: What have been some of your most successful moments as an entrepreneur? 
 
BL: Wow - successful moments. While I'm a southerner at heart - I've really taken to California. I've often reveled in features and placements in magazines and news articles around the world (too many to name) and I realized that I didn't want my career to be about mentions or accolades - I wanted it to be about service to others and helping everyone walk through that door called I FEEL BEAUTIFUL ABOUT MYSELF. Easier said than done. We all come with stores of the past, things we hold onto, ghosts we chase. I'm personally trying to live more in the moment than future or past. Carly Simon wrote "THESE are the good ol' days." and as I grow in my career - I recognize that today will be my tomorrow's "good old says" so I am trying to make the most of them. Each and every day. Certainly working as a brand ambassador for many beauty brands has been a huge hit for me as I've just about seen it all; product launches, work with celebrities, reality tv, etc.

HSM: What does it feel like to have the acclaimed title of "celebrity stylist" - is it stressful working with top names/celebs or does the job come with its own ups and downs just as any other position may?
 
BL: To us here in Hollywood - "celebrity hair stylist" gets lost among many. But when I realize that the client at home in Boise, Idaho or Greenville, SC is reading my beauty content - I have to step off the red carpet for a bit and try to produce content relevant for my readers and fans.

HSM: What are your go to products as a stylist? 

BL:THE PERFECT ROUND BRUSH AND LOTS OF HAIR SPRAY. We're in the process of adding a series of styling brushes to the line as well as the most amazing wet/dry brush for every hair type - perfect for wet or dry styling and use. There's nothing that you can't fix with a little hair spray.

HSM: Any tips tips for women who are looking to find a great stylist and keep the relationship going?
 
BL: BE LOYAL. Don't expect too much on the first visit. COMMUNICATE. Take look books and talk about what you see. Bring tear-sheets and write words beside what you see. This helps the stylist see and hear what you're describing. Be open to change. And RUN from the stylist who insists "I'm the artist here" or "You're in MY chair." In the world of beauty, ego has no place. It's a very uncomfortable situation to be in the chair of a hair stylist who wants to have his or her way only.

HSM: What are the 3 hottest hair trends you see for fall/winter 2014? What are some to stay away from?
 
BL: Depth of color - it doesn't require changing a lot. Just ask your salon professional to add some lowlights to your current color or natural tones. Braids - still a hit. Get creative - not too neat - lots of space in the style creates a more fashionable/relaxed look and feel. The California curl will always be a hit. This look is super easy to get as well either by twisting hair when wet an diffusing dry, or by wrapping hair around fingers, clipping to the base area and allowing to air dry.

HSM: Can you provide a couple of tips for women on how to best maintain their cut and color after the salon visit? 
 
BL: YES - BEFORE LEAVING - BOOK YOUR NEXT APPT. This is critical for every gorgeous cut or color. Stay on time with your appts, don't do it yourself and don't try to color or "preserve color" in between visits. There's no such thing as cheating when it comes to your color.

HSM: Can you give our readers a few tips on best practices for the at home blow out?

BL: The biggest thing - remove 80-90% of the water PRIOR to even using your styling tools - dry root area first. Add Gloss & Toss® SHINE serum (of course) prior to your blow-dry to help speed up drying time, control fly aways and add shine. Use larger sections (since roots are dry) and with your round brush direct hair down - keeping brush and dryer moving at all times. Never "park" the hair dryer on any one section of hair - keep it moving always.

HSM: Finally, where can we learn more about you, your services and your product line?

BL: Please visit www.glossandtoss.net to learn more about Gloss & Toss and to purchase your own "Celebrity Shine in a Bottle™" products. Follow us socially @glossandtoss

Beauty Test Kitchen: Hair Essentials

Beauty Test Kitchen: Hair Essentials

Hey readers!!

Last week was a whirlwind with our latest issue release! Thank you so much for checking it out and if you haven't you can read it here. Today, I am bringing to you a round up of new hair products we've been testing at the Halfstack Office. These are products focused on healthy hair and styling.

The Rozge Grow Fast shampoo and conditioner have been helping me with growing out my hair since I have had cutters remorse from my last chop this past spring. GrowFast™ Shampoo and Conditioner promote the growth of hair. Infused with peptides and vitamins that help strengthen hair shaft and prevent dryness and breakage. Safe for all hair types, GrowFast™ adds body and a healthy shine to hair, while conditioning and strengthening hair to improve manageability. I found that the shampoo and conditioner tended to weigh my hair down. So, if you face the same issues as me with my naturally oily hair, I would suggest using the product no more than 3 times a week. I definitely have noticed growth + a quarter of an inch. My hair grows incredibly slow, so I am just trying to be patient, but some is better than nothing and my hair definitely feels stronger!

The next product I am highlighting are these fun pop in pieces from hairuwear. Who remembers my red head days from back when Halfstack first launched? Well, enjoy below!

Anyways, as beautiful as that red was, it did a number on my tresses. So, I took a break from coloring all together. But, these pop in colors are a fun way to do something different. They are real human hair so you can use hot tools on them.  Check them out here.

Alright, so the next items we highlighted were the fortify vitamins and shine serum from Gloss & Toss.  It literally is celebrity shine in a bottle. Created by stylists to the stars - Billy Lowe. Make sure you check out his interview with us on the site this week! What I liked most about this product was that it is specially formulated to give shine without leaving that residue that weighs your hair down!

Finally, I shared the Wet Brush, Shine Brush and Rusk hair sprays. Seriously, if you have a rat's nest in your hair in the morning (Keeping it real my friends) the wet brush is going to be your bestie. The super flexible bristles help detangle hair easily and painlessly. Love it! Well, my oldest loves is most since she pretty much kidnapped it from me. The Shine brush has a combo of the flexi bristles with boar's hair bristles that help disperse your hair's natural oils to give your mane that shiny lustrous look. Now, Rusk products are quick dry, humidity resistant hairsprays. The texture spray is perfect if you are like me and need to tease hair a bit to add body. The freezing spray is perfect for quick styling. It dries fast and both smell really nice unlike most chemical smelling sprays.


Hope you enjoyed the roundup this week! Remember, if you like what you see (including all my funny faces I tend to make when I talk...) please subscribe! Leave a comment if you want us to review other products or even have other suggestions! Thanks for your support!
-
Jen Lezan
Editor in chief

A Q&A with M&M of Effortless Extensions

A Q&A with M&M of Effortless Extensions

Most women dream about having long flow hair but can never achieve the long locks of their dreams. Whether their hair grows extremely slow or they have too much damage due to color processing and blow drying, sometimes growing out long hair can be really hard.  Yet, lucky for us ladies now a days there are a lot of options.

Whether you want to try to grow out your hair yourself and take vitamins and do conditioning treatments or some may prefer the quick and easy way by getting extensions. When it comes to extensions there are many different kinds out there to chose from. You can get extensions glued, sewn or clipped in. Sometimes those can all be a lot of maintenance or even damage your hair.  That is why Michelle Elizabeth created Effortless Extensions. These are extensions where all you have to do is slip on the extension. That is correct slip on, something totally easy and they come in a ton of different colors, styles and textures so that every women out there could wear them.  I had the pleasure of interviewing Michelle and finding out all about Effortless Extension and starting up a new business.


1. Please explain what Effortless Extensions are? Effortless Extensions are the Ultimate Fashion Accessory!  EE is 100% Non-Damaging, go in and out in seconds and do not connect to the wearers hair At All!  

2. What made you want to start up Effortless Extension? I had damaged my hair after years of Processing, then, after getting a short haircut, I needed something easy and comfortable to use.  When I couldn't find what I wanted I made my own, the Effortless Extension.


3. What obstacles did you have to overcome when starting up your business? For us it was so many different processes, beginning with filing for patents. We had to learn as you go, I spent hundreds of hours researching, and after 10 years I still spend many hours every day continuing to learn.  Knowledge is a powerful tool, so is good social media and networking, a free source such as LinkedIn, Facebook, twitter, etc.

4. What advice can you provide to someone who has an idea or wants to start up their own business?  Make sure you research your consumer base, know your competition, does your product or idea fill a need or do a better job than what is on the market. More doors will Not open than will, be tenacious you can't make someone believe in your idea/product, if you don't!

5. What do you think makes Effortless Extensions stand out from other extensions out there in the industry?  We are the ONLY Patented hair extensions with this unique design!  We have been granted more than 30 Worldwide Patents and we pride ourselves with the Best customer service, Highest Quality materials and construction.

- Written by: Danielle Pulak - Beauty Editor

No Makeup Makeup | LFW SS15

No Makeup Makeup | LFW SS15

photo by Kris Atomic 

No makeup makeup - NMM for short - I feel goes hand in hand with terms including effortless chic and beachy waves - all of which convey a life beyond fashion and beauty routines but secretly - whisper it - take some effort. This London Fashion Week I had my first turn at NMM, a look inspired by the catwalks of Victoria Beckham (stateside), Jonathan Saunders and Mary Katrantzou (home turf).

When I was working in TV earlier this year, we had a steady stream of models in need of prep per each episode of our show. On set we had two makeup artists for every girl. NB: To clarify the models went in turn, there weren't literally hundreds of MUAs! But yep, there were still TWO of them. And one of them was entirely for creating the perfect luminous NMM base. If I've learnt anything - it's that a no makeup makeup look is an ART. Fortunately, one we can all learn . . . read on my friends.  

L: Mary Katrantzou SS15 | R: Jonathan Saunders SS15 | Photos Via Style.com  

photo by Kris Atomic 

This London Fashion Week I was treated to my own makeup masterclass when I visited Max Factor’s Skin Luminizer suite at the St Martin Lane Hotel. Max Factor ambassador, and celebrity makeup artist, Caroline Barnes, took me through the ways in which I could perfect my skin, whilst leaving it glowing, and importantly setting it for a whole day of LFW. Caroline first applied moisturiser, and then a little primer around my nose, cheek bones and chin areas - this was to smooth out imperfections. Caroline then used a green-tinted makeup crayon to counteract any redness in my skin. We then used two shades of Max Factor Luminzer foundation - one tan and one porcelain - to get my exact shade. Having just returned from Menorca my skin in darker than normal so it was great to see how easy it is to create a custom shade using two foundations. As I get fairer through Autumn I can mix the ratios - a little more porcelain, a little less tan. One of Caroline’s top tips was to look at the skin colour of your chest, and use this as a guide for the colour of foundation on your face - mix your colour and work from your neck upwards. This way you get an even colour from top to toe. GENIUS. Previously I have definitely fallen for having too tanned of a face when my body is paler in the Winter. Never again! Finally, Caroline use a highlighter crayon to illuminate my cheekbones, brow bone and the centre of my nose. No Makeup Makeup - the Max Factor way. 

photo by Kris Atomic  

Twit-pic! 

As for the finishing touches - eyes, brows and lips, one of Caroline’s lovely colleagues gave me the Victoria Beckham SS15 runway look on my request. We went for a strong brow, copper eyeshadow and a nude glossy lip. 

Having had my makeup done first thing in the morning, I ran off to my first appointments of LFW . . .  and yep my NMM look stayed put the whole day. 

Luminous skin is the perfect start for any beauty look. Whether you opt to keep it as bare as I did, or use it as a base to build a more dramatic eye or lip, it is definitely worth experimenting with with No Makeup Makeup. Max Factor’s skin Luminizer is a great high street foundation to get you on your merry NMM way. 

The question now remains - do YOU dare to bare?! 

Today's the last day of LFW for me! I have been having THE most awesome time, this season has definitely been my favourite ever, ever - what a way to break in my first full working LFW! 

Tomorrow I will definitely probably be putting my feet up, but whilst they're still in heels see my #FWIS on Instagram!

Have an awesome day all!

Love, 

MB x

This post is sponsored by Max Factor. All reviews and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting The Elgin Avenue's partners! You guys rock!