My Love Don't Cost a Thing

After an embarrassingly long hiatus, I'm so excited to be back and I have so much news and reviews to share. I have been swamped as of late with multiple freelance projects and deadlines and as much as I love writing BITNB (and in the famous words of JLo my love don't cost a thing, but in the words of me, unfortunately my rent does) this little blog has had to take a back seat. 

BUT, I'm finally caught up and getting back in the swing and just in time for the holidays! Be on the lookout for gift guides (I know I'm not the only one who waits until the week before Christmas to shop) and fab party looks for NYE.

Pureology November Giveaway

Pureology's November giveaway features minis from the new Colour Stylist family of products. I personally love the blowdry cream and cuticle polisher. Visit http://pureology.com/discover/styling between now and November 30th for a chance to win one of the following minis:

Fortifying Heat Spray protective primer
Thermo-protective spray provides mild hold with Xylose Sugar. Primes and protects hair up to 400ºF when using thermal styling tools.

Anti Split Blowdry styling cream
Lightweight humidity resistant cream that provides mild hold and adds moisture and reflective shine for an effortless blow-dry.

Nourishing Nectar sculpting gel
Conditioning gel formula shapes and conditions hair with structure and shine while giving medium hold.

Cuticle Polisher shine serum
Lightweight cream-to-serum formula seals and smooths hair with intense shine and mild hold.

Strengthening Control zero dulling hairspray
Non-dulling finishing spray with a fast-drying formula that shapes hair with flexible hold and a radiant finish. Medium control with special no-water formula to protect hair color.

Holiday Gift Guide: CND

What I'm about to tell you may shock you: I hate getting my nails done. I know others look at it as this as a relaxing and pampering experience, but I find the process annoying and time consuming. If you're a DIY-er CND has some great new goodies that make cute holiday gifts for your friends, or yourself. 

Scentsations Sparkling Champagne Gift Duo houses a rich, foaming hand wash and hand and body lotion in CND's Sparkling Champagne fragrance, which I absolutely love. The formulas are hydrating and leave behind a slight little shimmer, which makes me feel very festive and holiday. $23.00

Scentsations Lotion Gift Set contains three hand and body lotion minis in scents that just scream holiday such as Cranberry, Black Cherry & Nutmeg and Sparkling Champagne. These minis are great to stash in your purse or your office drawer so you always have a moisturizing lotion on hand. $11.70.

Almond SpaManicure Snuggle Set contains an 8oz. bottle of Almond Hydrating Lotion, a .25oz bottle of Solar Oil, which keeps nails and cuticles nourished with jojoba, sweet almond oil and vitamin E, and a pair of snuggly soft toeless socks perfect for a DIY pedi. $20.90.

There are also gift duos of nail effects and treatments, which I'll write about in another post when I have time to swatch.

These sets are only available for a limited time at salons and professional beauty supply stores, so visit cnd.com to find locations.

Giveaway: Marc Jacobs Lola Velvet

Exciting news here at BITNB! One lucky reader will win Marc Jacobs Lola Velvet, a fragrance that not only smells absolutely delish, but comes in a gorge bottle you'll want to display prominently on your vanity.

Exuding a warm and seductive aura with notes of smooth vanilla, tonka bean and creamy musk that envelopes the skin, Lola Marc Jacobs captivates and enchants us with a collectible, limited-edition bottle. Featuring the original fragrance that wraps the skin in rich layers of sensuous florals blooming with a signature note of fuchsia peony, Lola has been reinvented with a sophisticated, yet lighthearted design.

Lola Marc Jacobs Velvet Edition Eau de Parfum Spray - 50 ML e 1.7 fl oz, $68.

There are two ways to enter. First, like the Marc Jacobs Lola page on Facebook and then either leave a comment below on why you love spritzing on a fragrance OR follow me on Twitter (@LRMbeauty) and RT this: Enter to win Marc Jacobs Lola! http://bit.ly/chj0UH  The giveaway is open to US residents only and the deadline to enter is 5pm Friday, November 5th.

Good luck!

Sephora Friends and Family Sale

Is there anything better than a Sephora friends and family sale? This one is online only and hurry up and order your goods because it ends November 3rd at 11:59PST. Just enter code FF2010 to receive 20% off. 

How was everyone's Halloween by the way? Yours truly had a fabulous time dressing up as Snooki and painstakingly creating the perfect orange tan glow. It took my entire compact of NARS bronzer in Casino, but I think the result was well worth it. For lips I'm wearing MAC Myth lipstick and a massive dose of MAC liner in Black Russian.

Test Drive: Garnier Moisture Rescue Fresh Cleansing Foam

It may seem like a weird beauty item to be really excited about, but I love shopping for a new cleanser. Most people just grab whatever and go, but I spend many tens of minutes painstakingly walking up and down the drugstore or Sephora aisles carefully inspecting ingredient labels and looking for the words "removes makeup."

I had been a big fan of Garnier's Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream (read up on that here) and decided to give the cleanser a go. One word - love.

The Experience:

The label lists grape and apple water extracts as two key ingredients (the grape protects from external aggressors and the apple maintains skin's moisture barrier) and this cleanser definitely smells light and refreshing. Also, something about the words grape and apple water just made me want to slather this all over my face. A little goes a very long way with this rich foam so just use a little pea sized amount to create major foamy lather. When I rinsed my face felt clean, fresh and hydrated. The best part though is that it removed every last trace of makeup; even eyeliner and mascara. I was majorly impressed because nothing (not even eye makeup remover on a cotton ball) gets all my eye makeup off.

The Verdict:

Two thumbs up on this one. If you're looking for a gentle and refreshing cleanser that won't over dry and removes all traces of dirt, oil and makeup (oh and at the fab price of $5.99) pick up Garnier Nutritioniste Moisture Rescue Fresh Cleansing Foam.

Availability:

Drugstores nationwide.

Kinerase to Introduce Mass Market Line

I think when I first heard this news it was one of the happiest days of my life (no, really). Luxurious (and luxuriously-priced) skin care brand Kinerase will debut a line for the mass market next year dubbed Dr. LeWinn by Kinerase. The product line, which is comprised of cleansers, moisturizers and treatments will hit select Walgreens and Walmart shelves in February, 2011. The best part? Each product ranges from $10-$35.

This isn't some cheap knockoff line either - the products will contain clinical levels of Kinerase's patented ingredient Kinetin, along with peptides and other ingredients normally reserved for high end skin care. Kinerase is one of my favorite skincare brands because the products are high quality, luxurious and they work - simple as that. 

I'm majorly crossing my fingers for some sort of C8 Peptide Intensive Treatment reincarnation and a version of my beloved Gentle Daily Cleanser.

FarmHouse Fresh Debuts Splendid Dirt

FarmHouse Fresh new Splendid Dirt mud mask looks and smells good enough to eat (but um, don't please) and is perfect for acne prone and oily skin and those with redness or blotchiness because it's 99% natural and uses a blend of pumpkin, yogurt, minerals and two types of clay.

This fall treat deep cleans and unclogs pores and is free of parabens, sulfates and artificial fragrances. I adore pumpkin anything this time of year (I finally had my first SB pumpkin spice latte - ahhh heaven) and this powerful mask stimulates exfoliation, detoxifies and helps boost collagen production.

Pick up FarmHouse Fresh Splendid Dirt mud mask for $20 at farmhousefreshgoods.com.

Pureology October Giveaway

From now until October 31, visit: http://pureology.com/discover/styling to win one of the following Pureology styling samples:

• Pure Volume BlowDryAmplifier - An alcohol-free volumizer for color-treated hair that amplifies hair’s bounce and flexibility as you blow it dry.
  
• Pure Volume Thickening Mist - This featherlight ZeroAlcohol spray infuses hair with weightless volume, natural texture and radiant shine while keeping color brilliant.
  
• Root Lift - Build amazing volume and control with this light, clean, humidity-resistant cream spray mousse for color-treated hair. Root Lift has to be my favorite Pureology styling product; it's reached life changing status.
  
• InCharge - A working spray with thermal and color protection, delivers enhanced color vibrancy and easy brush-through with flexible, medium hold.
  
• InCharge Plus - A firm-hold finishing spray with thermal and color protection, locks in color and style all day long.

Lashem Supports Breast Cancer Awareness

Lashem is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness by donating a portion of the brand's Measurable Difference Lash Gel to Think Pink Rocks. The best part? It's a year-round initiative. It's obviously great to have the month of October bring awareness to breast cancer, but I really love that Lashem will support the cause all year. 

Measurable Difference Lash Gel is a dual-patented lash growth product that promotes healthier, longer, and fuller lashes in as little as two weeks. Lashem's clinically-tested formula uses natural ingredients and a conditioning complex guaranteed to give lashes length without irritation. And I love that it's not a billion dollars for a tiny tube. For $49 you get a 90-day supply.

Think Pink Rocks is a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness about early detection of and genetic testing for breast cancer and to provide funding for screening, treatment and research.

To make your own donation toward breast cancer research and treatment, visit www.thinkpinkrocks.com.

Clarins Teams with Celebrity Makeup Artist Pati Dubroff

Huge news babies - internationally-renowned makeup artist Pati Dubroff, who makes A-listers like Julianne Moore, Katherine Heigl and Naomi Watts look flawless on the red carpet, is teaming up with fab beauty brand Clarins and YOU get to take advantage. On Friday, October 22nd head over to the Clarins counter at Bloomingdales for skin care advice and makeup techniques by Ms. Dubroff herself. Plus you'll receive your choice of two limited edition palettes free with any Clarins purchase. 

When: Friday, October 22nd

11:30am-6:30pm

Where: Bloomingdales 59th St. 10000 Third Avenue, New York

Clarins Beauty Counter

You can either stop in between the designated hours or call and make an appointment (I guarantee it will be packed so call ahead!!) 212-705-2891/2892.

NeoStrata Friends and Family Sale

It's Friends and Family time over at the NeoStrata website so log on, enter code FRIENDS at checkout and enjoy 20% off! I know I'll be stocking up on the Exuviance Performance Peel AP25, which is completely life changing.

Beauty Crush: La Mer The Hydrating Facial

I've been having a serious case of dry, flaky skin lately and my usual exfoliating/moisturizing routine just wasn't cutting it. I was digging around in my beauty closet when I came across a sample of La Mer The Hydrating Facial that I had been meaning to try. One application was all it took to get me hooked on this amazing product because it completely cured my dull, dry situation. 

The facial is actually a super soft cotton cloth soaked with La Mer's Hydrating Ferments and tourmaline. There are two cloths - one for the upper portion of the face and one for the lower - and all you have to do is put them on your face and chill out for eight minutes while it does its thing. 

What I love most about this amazingly luxurious facial is that it's insanely hydrating, yet cooling and refreshing at the same time. It's the closest thing to a spa facial in terms of luxury and results. I did a peel first (with Pevonia Botanica Enzymo-Spherides Peeling Cream) and then applied this facial and was left with skin that was radiant and glowing with nary a flake or dry patch in sight. 

At $250 for six facial treatments it's a definite splurge, but you can really get away with using it every two weeks or once a month if you're oily, which makes it a little more economical. Order from the La Mer site to score complimentary shipping and samples with your order.

Holiday 2010: NARS Bento Box

Yes, the temp has barely dropped and we're already talking about holiday. I always really look forward to the beauty holiday collection roll outs because they usually involve sets and palettes - my weakness. NARS took a bit of a different route this year with the super limited edition (as in only 1,000 were produced for the US) Bento Box. 

The Bento Box is a limited edition set of two Kabuki cups that were hand-poured with a new NARS-exclusive lipstick formula in highly pigmented shades containing Vitamin E. The Bento Box is handmade and comes with a Kabuki lip brush for precise application. The NARS Bento Box set officially launches on November 14, but click here to sign up to receive email notification for when the set arrives so you can be the first to snatch it up because this will definitely be one of those sold-out-in-the-first-two-minutes-find-it-on-ebay-for-80-times-the-price-sets.

Lab Series Supports Breast Cancer Awareness

The man in your life can now support Breast Cancer Awareness by picking up a tube of Lab Series Daily Defense Moisture Lotion SPF 15 in a special Pink Ribbon-encased tube. Lab Series Skincare For Men will also make a $10,000 donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Daily Moisture Defense Lotion SPF 15 is a lightweight moisturizer infused with antioxidants developed especially for a man’s skin. Instant, all-day and long-term hydration allows skin to maintain a healthy appearance as it restores skin's moisture balance. Photo-activation technology utilizes daylight to help activate skin's barrier, protecting it against environmental damage, and at the same time activates a delivery system to help smooth and repair the skin. 

Pick up the Pink Ribbon-encased tube of Lab Series Daily Defense Moisture Lotion SPF 15 at department and specialty stores and the Lab Series website. 

Brazilian Blowout Controversy

If you've had a Brazilian blowout/keratin treatment I hope you're reading up on huge controversy happening right now. In a nutshell: Oregon Health and Science University tested various batches of "formaldehyde free" Brazilian blowout solution and found that each contained high levels (read unsafe) of formaldehyde. If you're unfamiliar on the risks of coming in contact with formaldehyde it's highly carcinogenic in humans and has been linked to myeloid leukemia, brain cancer and myriad other problems. Basically, it's really bad stuff.

The controversy first started in September, and now Canada has recalled the treatment. If you regularly get Brazilian blowouts, I urge you to research the new claims that they are potentially not formaldehyde free thoroughly. Nadine Jolie has been heavily covering the Brazilian blowout controversy so definitely check out her site here to read up on all the details.

Cricket Supports Breast Cancer Awareness

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, hair care appliance and accessory brand Cricket will donate a portion of proceeds earned from its pink products to Susan G. Komen For the Cure. Support the cause and get a cute pink product at the same time! Check out the products below:

Pink Amped Up Teasing Brush

Curl or straighten your locks, then tease hair at the crown with this brush that is specifically designed to minimize damage, breakage, and split ends while creating various degrees of volume and texture.
Suggested Retail:  $3.49

Pink Friction Free Travel Dryer

This lightweight, travel-friendly dryer folds for compact storage and packing, has versatile worldwide dual voltage, and 2 heat / speed settings to create a shiny mane wherever you are.
Suggested Retail:  $36.99

Pink Scroll Mini Friction Free Flat Iron
This pretty, palm-sized flat iron uses ceramic tourmaline plates to reduce friction damage and ensure an ultra smooth finish, while the built-in comb guide detangles hair, taming every strand.
Suggested Retail:  $29.99

Pink Friction Free Dryer 
This high-powered dryer uses 1875 watts and has ceramic / ionic tourmaline technology to deliver shiny, healthy, frizz-free hair with less drying time.
Suggested Retail:  $79.95 

OPI on the Set of How I Met Your Mother

The chic and trendy shades of OPI can now be seen on CBS' How I Met Your Mother!  With OPI’s 200+ shades, the show’s key makeup artist Jennifer Turchi declares, “we will have just the right color for any look.”

Alyson Hannigan, who plays Lily Aldrin, especially loves the shade Ski Teal We Drop from the latest Fall/Winter Swiss collection, as well as the classic color Siberian Nights.

I am obsessed with Ski Teal We Drop, a blue-based teal with grey undertones. I don't know when I got on this blue nail kick, but I think it started sometime last spring. Some people immediately think OMFG blue nails? But the right blue - a la Ski Teal We Drop - looks chic, fashion-forward and is just more fun than the usual deep plums/wines/chocolates that we see every fall and winter. Word to the wise though; keep nails short and square when wearing this shade.

New: NARS Limited Edition Vintage Nail Shades

NARS went into the old nail polish shades of seasons passed vault and brought some oldies but goodies back by popular demand for a limited time. The new, er, old polishes are available now at the NARS site for $16 each and feature a high gloss, water-and chip-resistant finish. Check out the shades and their original launch dates below:

Mash (1996)
Army green infused with gold
The comedy about the staff of a Korean War field hospital using humor to keep their sanity in the face of war. The film inspired the TV series M*A*S*H. 

King Kong (1996)
Copper brown infused with gold
A classic movie about the infamous giant ape who becomes smitten with beauty

Midnight Express (1996)
Deep navy
The 1970s film for an inmate’s opportunity to escape from prison

Zulu (1996)
Forest green
A British war movie starring Stanley Baker and Michael Caine, directed by Cy Endfield in 1964

Full Metal Jacket (1998)
Gunmetal grey
An epic Vietnam War movie directed by Stanley Kubrick in 1987

I need Mash and Midnight Express on my fingers immediately. Which ones are your faves?

Womanity by Thierry Mugler Supports Breast Cancer Awareness

It's officially Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Womanity by Thierry Mugler (my fragrance du jour I might add - smells intoxicating) will donate all proceeds from the sales of the Womanity Bath and Body collection to benefit Look Good Feel Better, a free support program that helps those with cancer improve their appearance and self esteem, and manage their treatment and recovery with greater confidence. 

Please run to your nearest Bloomingdales or Nordstrom, or visit the U.S. Thierry Mugler site and scoop up the Womanity Perfumed Shower Gel ($40), Perfumed Body Milk ($45), Perfumed Body Cream ($55) or all three! Really, it's all in the name of charity here so stock up! 

I especially love that Thierry Mugler chose this particular charity to support because it's so important to help those currently undergoing treatment and survivors help to regain their confidence and femininity and to feel beautiful again. Click here to learn more about Look Good Feel Better.

Steal Drew's Beachy Blonde with Redken

Anyone check out the October issue of Harper's Bazaar with Drew Barrymore on the cover? I am totally loving the rich, dimensional, slightly rooty blonde shade the former wild child is sporting. 

Reminds me of when Carrie Bradshaw made roots popular back in the SATC days. Redken Creative Consultant for Color Tracey Cunningham created the beautiful shade - check out what she used below so you can have a chat with your colorist to recreate.
 

To achieve this color, Tracey applied Redken Color Fusion 7N at the roots and highlighted with Redken Blonde Icing Ammonia Free Conditioning Cream Lightener. She then followed with a Redken Shades EQ Conditioning Color Gloss to give it a natural, beachy look. 
 

Check out Redken’s Color Glossary to brush up on color terms so you actually have an idea of what you're talking about when you chat with your colorist. Also get to know Tracey and ask her your hair color questions by visiting Redken.com, Ask The Experts page.

Essie Fall 2010 Collection

Essie is my favorite nail polish brand because the formulas tend to be user friendly and the seasonal color collections are always spot-on. The new fall roundup of shades is no exception. I love that there's some unexpected pops of color mixed in with the blackened wines and browns we've come to expect. 

Here's the rundown of shades:

In Stitches (cheeky blush pink)

Limited Addiction (racy garnet red)

Sew Psyched (cashmere-soft sage pewter)

Merino Cool (sensuous autumn mulberry)

Velvet Voyeur (intense chocolate amethyst)

Little Brown Dress (beguiling black coffee)

 

My faves are Sew Psyched (I've been having a major green moment lately), In Stitches (love seeing a nice dusty pink shade appropriate for fall) and Velvet Voyear (I'm always a sucker for a deep rich shade in the purple family). One thing to note about Merino Cool: if you own Sephora by OPI in Metro Chic, you may want to skip this since they look really similar in my opinion. (Side note: were you one of those psychos like me who trolled every Sephora in a 100 mile radius just waiting till they got Metro Chic back in stock and then scooped up like five at a time? The things we do for beauty).

Each polish retails for $8 each, or you can grab the four piece mini collection which includes Sew Psyched, Merino Cool, Limited Addiction and Little Brown Dress for $17.

tarte at Fashion Week

tarte artistry team partnered with celebrity makeup artist, Sil Bruinsma to create the Bridgette Bardot goes boho inspired look for Odd Molly's Spring 2011 show. Check out the face chart below for details on the products used. I'm usually a brown/bronze shadow kind of girl, but I've been loving smoky greys lately. I've been playing around with NARS Tzarine duo, part of the new fall collection, so look for a post on that soon.

Rundown of products used:

Complexion:
The eraser 4-in-1 natural concealers
park ave princess mineral powder bronzer
smooth operator Amazonian infused finishing powder

Eyes:
emphasEYES brows in taupe and medium brown
emphasEYES aqua-gel eyeliner in black
emphasEYES inner rim black eyeliner
smolderEYES eye defining pencil in charcoal    
eye couture day-to-night palette
picture perfect eyelash curler and lights, cameras, lashes! 4-in-1 mascara

Lips:
fRXtion lip balm
LipSurgence natural lipstain in envy

It's Beauty Week at HauteLook

It's the most wonderful tiiiime of the year! Ok, not quite as good as Christmas, but it's Beauty Week at HauteLook so get out the old credit card and stock up on goods from Alterna, Stila Cosmetics, DDF Skincare, LORAC, Freeze 24/7 and more. It all starts tomorrow at 8am PT. Score your invite to HauteLook here: 

http://www.hautelook.com/invite/bitnb

RIP Snooki's Pouf

The resident pint-sized pouffed Jersey Shore guidette ditched her trademark pouf and debuted a sleek straight style with bangs at the MTV VMA Awards and I'm a total fan.

I think the bangs really work on her - they slim her face and give her a chic, up to date look. That spray tan and lipstick is a different story, but baby steps I guess. What do you think of Snooki's new look?

Beauty Crush: Profound Beauty Anatomy Mask

While mentally, I can't believe we're already well into September, the slight temp drops and long summer of sun, salt and chlorine are showing up all over my hair. I've been reaching for my beloved Profound Beauty Anatomy Mask more and more lately and it's nursing my dry, damaged hair back to health. The masks come in five different formulas for different hair types and contain antioxidant vitamin E to fight free radical damage, boost shine and infuse hair with intense moisture. 

I'm usually a 10/90 (for fine to medium hair) but I've been reaching for the 01/99, the most intense of the bunch, to whip my hair back into shape. I love to apply in the shower and put a shower cap over for five minutes to seal in all the moisture. 

If you're not familiar with Profound Beauty it's a great salon hair care brand that's super personalized and customized so there's no more wondering what to do if your hair is fine, frizzy, color treated and dry. Profound Beauty will even help you find your routine by clicking here and taking a short quiz.

Guest Post: Keratin Treatment

Check out a first-hand account of keratin treatment from my friend and fellow blogger Miss MacKenzie. Check her out over at Isle12 for a mish mosh of musings from the classroom and home décor.

Miss MacKenzie writes: 
BK, (before keratin) I would spend up to forty-five minutes taming my long locks. As a full-time teacher and wife, it had become increasingly difficult to perform my extensive straightening ritual.  I began to wear my dirty (but straight!) hair back in ponytails or low buns for the majority of my week (Thank goodness for dry shampoo and the highly anticipated comeback of plastic headbands.)  After twenty-eight years of letting my hair rule my “getting ready routine,” this summer, I finally decided to take action.

First, I should tell you, allow for two and a half to three hours of salon time for your treatment. After shampooing my hair three times to remove any product or build-up, my stylist placed me under the automatic dryer until my hair was completely dry. (Picture Diana Ross in the late 80’s.) Then, she painted the gooey treatment on my naturally unruly hair with a small brush as if she were applying color.

The good news is that the treatment smelled like coconut and did not bother my scalp at all. The bad news is my eyes did water from the chemicals but only during the application.

After applying, she actually blew out my hair and flat-ironed it in small sections with the treatment still in my hair. Yes, it was greasy. Yes, I felt gross. And this was just day one. You must leave the treatment in your hair for seventy-two hours. You cannot tuck it behind you ear. You cannot get it wet. You cannot put it in a ponytail. 

My suggestion: Get the treatment done on a Thursday because you can wash your hair on a Sunday and return to work on Monday. Lucky for me, I’m a teacher with my summer off so looking like I washed my hair with a bottle of Crisco for three days was no problemo.

On the third day I.could.not.wait.to wash my hair. I used the suggestion of the hair salon which was the original Keratin Shampoo and Conditioner. (You must use a sulfate-free shampoo. I did not like the way the Keratin S & C lathered and so I went back to Loreal’s Ever-Pure line which is also conveniently sulfate-free.) When I first got out of the shower, I noticed an immediate difference. Upon towel-drying, there was no frizz, and not a curl in sight. I waited about a half hour to see if my curls would make an appearance but much to my delight, they were a no-show.

I soon became impatient and started to move the blow-dryer slowly around my head while combing my hair with just my fingers. I was shocked to see my hair dry straight in just seven minutes with no giant-round brush, no product and NO flat iron. Now remember, you reading the thoughts of a girl had to section the hair, blow out the section, flat iron the section, and then move to the next section in order to achieve the look of straight hair. The results were simply amazing.

Overall Impression: SO worth the $300. When I do take the time to blow my hair out with a brush and run the flat iron over it, the results are unbelievable--smooth, shiny and easy to manage. But I must admit my favorite thing about this life-changing treatment is the fact that I can do my hair in ten minutes and walk out the door (without looking like I may/may not have stuck a metal fork in an electrical socket.) Oh, and no worries--my hair will still hold a curl if I get crazy and decide I want a different look.

Tips for Your Treatment: Definitely follow the aftercare instructions. I do notice some slight kinks where I tucked a strand behind my ear by accident. Stick to sulfate free products and avoid the ocean. Try not to wash your hair everyday (even though you totally can!) The treatment supposedly lasts eighty washes. If you are debating between the Keratin Complex Treatment and the Brazilian Blowout, definitely go with Keratin.

I know the Brazilian does not require you to wait the 72 hours BUT it is also notorious for the premature return of frizz in just three weeks. I’m in my third week now and my curls are still hibernating. When they do finally wake up, you better believe I’ll be heading back to the salon for another Keratin Complex Treatment.

Before

After