Wishlist: Lip Products.

With Christmas around the corner I have been hunting for gifts and have stumbled upon some really cool products that I want to add to my wish list and also share with readers!  This post is all about lips!

1) OCC Lip Tars- According to their product summary, these pucker pigments go on smooth like a gloss and dry like a lipstick!  They are only $13/piece and come in 36 shades!  I have seen it for sale at Akira in Chicago but you can also pick it up at OCC's website!  I can't wait to pick some of these up and to use these on a shoot.... or maybe on me!

2) Lime Crime's Opaque Lipstick Collection- If you're not one to go gaga over a gloss but still want super vibrant or off-the-wall colors then maybe you should opt for Lime Crime's wow-ya shades.  For $120 you can get 10 shades or you can buy them individually for $16.  Not only do they have lipsticks but you will find glosses, eyeshadows and primers on Lime Crime's site as well.

**3) Kryolan's Lip Rouge Mini Palette in LF-  I own this palette and, let me tell you, I LOVE it!  It's great for any makeup artist that wants to have a variety of colors in their kit without breaking the bank and it's also wonderful for the personal makeup diva who wants to try a multitude of colors without... well... breaking the bank.  Once you figure out what colors you love the most you can buy them in a regular size tube as well.  It retails for $32 and comes in 3 different palette tones.  Pick it up at CosplaySupplies.com.

**4) NYX Matte Lip Creams-  I rave about these to everyone.  They're amazing.  These creamy, lovely lip tints go on with a wand, like a gloss but stay for hours like a stain and have a satin finish like a lipstick.  They come in 11 colors and won't leave you broke because they're only $6!  Pick them up at NYX's website!

** I have used this product and love it!

Featured: Hairbrained.me

The shot of Noah from the Brides, Bubbles and Bliss shoot I did with Carasco Photography was just featured on the front page of Hairbrained.me (like Facebook but for Hairstylists and Makeup Artists).
I took a screenshot to show you all. :)

Tip: Camouflage your roots!

A few quick tips on how to mask your roots if you don't have time to make it to the salon!

1. Dry shampoo.  Try a product like Bumble & bumble's dry shampoo.  It comes in a variety of colors and can add a subtle hue to your regrowth.

2. Hair mascara.  I actually prefer Anastasia's Brow Gels because I think they look more natural but you can find a variety of hair wands at your local Ulta.

3. Zig-zag your part.  Confuse your friends eyes and they won't notice how long it has been since your last salon visit!

4. Extra volume.  Use hot rollers to give your hair extra height.  This way the regrowth will be hidden behind your Texas-style 'do.

Tearsheet: CS Brides, Page 132.

Just saw the new issue of CS Brides. :)  Photographer: Heather Talbert, Model: Jade Pruitt, Hair: Shelby George Smith, Makeup: Kerre Berry, Additional Artists: Marla Del Angel and Rebekah Satler!  Click on the photo to enlarge to full-size!

Honestly: Ammonia-Free Vs. Ammonia

This isn't a review.  It's an honest rant. :)

There is a new "Ammonia-free" trend in hair color.  I just wanted to take a moment to point out that Ammonia-free doesn't necessarily mean damage free.  Permanent hair color has to be able to penetrate the hair cuticle and in order to do that you need an alkaline substance.  The only FDA approved alkaline substances are Ammonia and Alkanolamine.  When hair color is "Ammonia-free" that means it has Alkanolamine in it and Alkanolamine is no less damaging than Ammonia.  Cutting your hair every time you get it colored will prevent it from becoming damaged.  However, if you are worried about Ammonia or Alkanolamine hair color damaging your hair then your options are to have your hairstylist use a temporary or demi hair color that is not permanent.  Keep in mind, you will have to color your hair more often and it may not camouflage all of your grey.  The up-side is that you won't have a strong line of demarkation at the root which makes it less noticeable when you have regrowth.

DO NOT use Henna.  It will simply coat your hair and make it feel sticky and waxy.

Photoshoot: Brides, Bubbles and Bliss.

Here is a shot from the shoot with Carasco Photography a couple of months ago for the Brides, Bubbles and Bliss event in the spring.  I groomed model Noah's hair for the shoot.