~Swatches + Fresh Coat~ Laura Mercier Summer Nudes Collection 2013

Hey Everyone!!

Just when you thought summer makeup collections could not get any better, Laura Mercier introduced Summer Nudes 2013!! You all know I love neutral palette, nude lips and nude nails. This collection is focused on timeless, classic lips and nails. Here are some deets on Summer Nudes:

Limited Edition Lip Glace:

       Pout
       Pink Diamond
        Bare Baby
 
Permanent Lip Glace:
       Bare Blush

        Bare Beige

       Quartz

 Limited Edition Nail Lacquer:

         Bare Angel

       Bare Rose

        Bare Haze

          Bare Mocha

         Cocoa Suede

          Bare Espresso

 I received to swatch Bare Espresso Nail Lacquer. Its a glossy, deep chocolate shade.

 Also to swatch, I received Lip Glaze in Bare Baby....

 Bare Baby Lip Glace

Bare Baby is a light pink shimmer, great for topping off a lipstick.

Will you be picking up any of Laura Mercier's Summer Nudes???

Disclosure: I was sent these products for review consideration. I was not paid for this post and all views and opinions are my own.

~Review~ Pantene Pro-V Truly Natural Hair Collection....

Hey Everyone!!

When was the last time I done a hair care review? I have locked my regimen down so tight, I forgot how it feels to try something new. I have the ENTIRE collection of Pantene Pro-V Truly Natural Hair Collection to show and give you my thoughts on. But first, let's start with some details on this NEW collection that is available at a mass market/drugstore near you!

Pantene Pro-V Truly Natural Collection 

African American women with natural hair can have a tight curl pattern, making it difficult for the scalp's natural sebum to moisturize the hair. It can also be prone to tangling and dryness. The Pro-V formula offers deep cleansing without stripping away the natural moisture.

 The collection includes a Co Wash Cleansing Conditioner, Deep Conditioner, Shampoo, Styling Custard and Shine Serum.

 Co Wash Cleansing Conditioner

I religiously Co Wash my hair every week. It took me three years to figure out that this method of washing the hair with conditioner helps to maintain moisture for my dry hair. I like the idea of a product that specifically formulated for  co washing and not just using a basic cheap conditioner to do the job. Pantene Co Wash is amazing! My hair felt really soft and oddly clean after using it. My hair was also easy to detangle even before I applied my Leave In Conditioner. This product is definitely going into my washing regimen!

 Pantene Deep Conditioner

Another trick I use to maintain moisture is that I deep condition or "DC" before Co-washing. When my hair is dry, it tends to soak up the conditioner better than when it's wet. I really like this DC because its affordable at under $5 and it works like its four times that amount. I've used the expensive stuff for DC'ing and I couldn't tell any difference from Pantene DC than from a prestige brand.

 Pantene Clarifying Shampoo

I rarely clarify my hair so I was skeptical about the Clarifying Shampoo. I decided to just use it on my scalp since I do shampoo my scalp before Co-Washing. I would say that it does the job cleaning my scalp. I only used it once to clean my scalp and it was ok. The next time I use it, I will try it twice to see if I get that "open" feeling I like on my scalp.

 Pantene Defining Curls Styling Custard

Since I do not do "Wash N' Gos", styling custards are normally not my thing. I do know that a styling custard can be used for twist outs and other styling options, not just Wash N' Gos.  I apply this to my wet hair and twisted it up, sealing it was my Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey. Then for my leave out, since I wear a half wig, I blew my leave out hair dry and used the custard to flat twist my left over down so it blends into my wig. On my wet hair,when it was dry, the definition was beautiful and on my blow dried hair the definition was great. This a great DEFINING product for those who like crisp twist outs. I will say that because its so creamy and I did seal my hair on top of the custard, it took forever to dry. Be aware of that!!

Pantene Shine Serum with Argan Oil

I wasn't impressed by this product. My hair already has a natural sheen, so I saw no difference in the shine with or without the serum. Pantene could have skipped this product and made a Leave In Conditioner or a Refreshing Spray for the girls who like 2nd hair on Wash N' Gos.

Here is a picture of  my leave out with half wig blending well after using all the Pantene Truly Natural Products!!

Overall....

Buy the Co- Wash, Deep Conditioner and Pudding NOW!! Its Rural Glamour Approved!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

~Bright Summer Polish + Arm Candy!! Featuring mark. Cosmetics Accessories....~

Hey Everyone!!

How about a little candy?

Well sorta of...lol! Along with "arm candy" from mark. cosmetics, I paired two very candy-like nail polishes for a bright, fun summer look. Check it out!!

   mark. cosmetics Bohemian Rocks Bracelet + Kleancolor Reflection Teal Matte Metallic Polish

The blue paired with the cream and gold accents in the bracelet gives a ready for the ocean feel. I'm personally hoping to see the beach this year!

 mark. cosmetics Bohemian Rocks Bracelet

 mark. cosmetics Take Your Time Watch + JulieG Sugar Rush Polish

Teal and orange are a color blocking power combo. Plus the sugar textured polish from JulieG reminds me to stock up on sherbet push pops for me and kids.:)

JulieG Sugar Rush

Want more "candy" duos??? Stay tuned for PART TWO!!!

Disclosure: Some products or items were sent to me for consideration for review. I was not paid for this post and all opinions are honest and my own.

Get Naked!! Best of "Naked" or Neutral Eye Shadow Palettes for Cheap!

Hey Everyone!!

I know I've said this before, but I love neutral eye shadows! Neutral,Nude or "Naked" shadows create so many beautiful looks from day to night. Plus, you can punch them up with the slightest color for a gorgeous look all year around.

I own the infamous Urban Decay Naked Palette( the original). It took me a year of back and forth to get it and its the best $50 I've spent on makeup in YEARS!! lol! There so many great nude palettes with similar color schemes of the UD Naked Palette available in drugstore/mass market stores or online.

Here are some of MY favorite drugstore/cheap brands of "Naked" eye shadow palettes....

 Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips in Nude Eyes

(Found wherever PF is sold)

This palette is all shimmer shadows but the levels are intensity is what makes the palette fun and diverse. You can create a very smoky look or a very light day look for skin color. Here my original review and post on Nude Eyes-----> CLICK HERE! 

 Wet N' Wild Color Icon in Comfort Zone

( Found wherever Wet N Wild is sold)

I love Comfort Zone so much, I've purchased it twice!! This palette not only has beautiful, satiny neutral but a couple beautiful green shades. Plus, I can't tell you how many blog posts and You Tube videos I've seen where someone is comparing most of the shades of this palette to MAC eye shadows. There are some serious dupes in Comfort Zone!!

 Forever 21 Eye Shadow Palette

( found at Forever 21)

I just happen to buy this palette for the sake of fulfilling an order to get free shipping. lol! Its five colors, two mattes and three shimmers, highly pigmented for $2.50. Its still sold in stores and online but just in different packaging. Worth all the change from the bottom of your purse that you spend on it!

 Wet N Wild ColorIcon in I Heart Matte or Drinking A Glass Of Shine

(limited edition but can be found online)

I Heart Matte or Drinking A Glass Of Shine is a mixture of a matte primary colors. I love the whole palette but my favorite side is the matte neutrals which are great for a simple look or pairing with other neutral colors from other palettes. This is a limited edition palette but it can be purchased online. Just use Google and Amazon is a great place to start looking for it.

Hard Candy Top Ten Eye Shadow Collection in Naturally Gorgeous

(available at Walmart)

It took me a while to really like this palette. Some shades are hit or miss with the quality. However, if you are just starting out in makeup or knows a young lady who is just starting out, this is a great starter neutral palette. The colors are not to powerful but are useful in creating pretty looks from simple to smoky.

These are just MY favorites? Did I miss any? What are your favorites? Comment Below!!

~My Top Natural Hair Must Haves!~

Hey Everyone!

As the summer approaches and the heat gets unbearable here in the Carolinas, I thought I would share with you my top natural hair must haves. Matter of fact, I use these products all year around!

Hair Disclaimer:

I am not a professional cosmetologist. Just a girl with natural hair. I have 4c ( coarse, kinky, no defined curl pattern)that’s prone to dryness due to high porosity. I've been natural since 2009. No relaxer since 2008. I transitioned for 11 months before big chopping.  

 Leave In Conditioner

I can remember, when I was relaxed, I NEVER used a leave in. That was probably why my hair was constantly dry. Applying a leave in after shampooing or deep conditioning adds an extra moisture factor to help with dry hair. My hair loves creamy leave ins like Carol's Daughter Hair Milk Leave In and Dove Color Care Leave In. When my hair is in braids or twists, I used Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Leave In Spray for moisture after washing or a daily dose of moisture.

 Protein Re-constructor

With highly porous hair, a monthly protein treatment or re constructor is key in maintaining moisture and length. I've tried several protein treatments but Joico K-Pak works miracles on my hair. I don't have as much breakage as I use to because I learned to treat my hair to K-Pak.

 Sealant

The best thing that a dry hair natural can do is seal their hair. Find out of you have porosity issues that are hindering your moisturizer retention, find a water based moisturizer that works, and also find a sealant product that holds in the moisture. I tried EVERY oil there was until I figure it that I needed a heavier seal product. Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey is my MIRACLE product!! It hold the moisture for DAYS!!

Gentle Detangling Comb

When I first went natural, I pined over a Denman brush and comb. I bought the ever so popular Tangle Teaser. I hand detangled for an hour. Then I bought this comb at Dollar General for $2, because I need to detangle my hair better than what I was doing. This $2 comb saved the wash day! It glides smoothly through my hair and save me much needed money and time.

My Favorite Beauty Products Under $5! ~The Makeup Edition~

Hey Everyone!!

I use all kind of makeup, from high end to low end,but I'm huge fan of the pocket friendly products. You know, the ones don't spend your monthly cell phone bill on for only two products. You can be beautiful and use great products and still have money left over!!

Here are FIVE of my Favorite Beauty Products, the Makeup Edition.:)

Wet N Wild Megalast Salon Nail Color 

 Not everyone considers polish makeup, but several polishes are part of major makeup brands so I'm including one. Wet N' Wild Megalast Salon Nail Color has stolen my heart! From its opaque color to its Mani Curve Pro Brush, you are getting a great polish for under $3.

 LA Color Grafix Eyeliner and Jumbo Eye Pencil

I recently found LA Colors Grafix Eyeliners and Jumbo Eye Pencils in my local Dollar General. Both liners are $2. The Grafix Eyeliner is a felt tip waterproof liquid liner and the Jumbo Eye Pencil are very reminiscent of NYX Jumbo Pencils. Both provide great color and longevity for the price.

 NK Lipstick

Nicka K or NK Brand has stepped these lipsticks up in the past couple of years. They used to be basic reds and bronzes, now you can find several high end dupes in this collection for only $1 ( in most beauty supply stores) MAC Lavender Whip, Riri Woo, Grey Friday "dupes"....all were found in NK Lipsticks!!

 EOS Balm

I thought I would never find a basic lip balm that wasn't a greasy goopy mess until I found EOS balms! I remember when there was only one flavor of these now you have several consistencies and scents for under $4! I can't go a day without basing my lips in one of these. Its almost an essential skin care for me.

E.L.F. Brushes ($1-$3)

When I became interested in growing and improving my makeup application skills, I had no money for $20, $30 brushes. So when I saw several You Tube makeup gurus reaching for E.L.F. brushes, I bought me a couple. Not everyone will agree with me but I find that E.L.F. Studio and some of their $1 brushes are amazing for eye and face application. Their small blender brush ( last on the right) is perfect for my small eye crease and their flat top powder brush provide flawless application of  liquid foundation.

What are some of your under $5 makeup favorites?? Let me know in the comments!!!

~Fresh Coat~ Cover Girl Outlast Nail Polish in Peaches & Cream...

Hey Everyone!!

I never do "before & after" after photos with polish but when I use a polish that claims, "no chipping" or "long lasting results" or "color stay" or "outlast", B&As are inappropriate for the post.

Its taken me a minute to pick up one of these CoverGirl Outlast Nail Gloss polishes. They are really small and run $5-$6. Not a deal for me. However, blogger MissJia instagrammed her nail in Peaches & Cream and I was smitten. I went to the cheapest place I know for CoverGirl, Walmart, and picked it up.

This is two coats with a top coat and on the ring finger, Spoiled by Wet N' Wild in Jewelry Heist.

If you look closely to the ring finger, I have chip, that showed up about an hour after the manicure.

I knew this was not going to be good. LOL!

Three days later....my nails are looking dusty and rusty. I've used another drugstore brand "long lasting" polish and didn't have these chipping problems. I even double checked myself, "Were my coats thin or too thick?" "What base coat did I use?" But the reality is, the polish doesn't Outlast nothing. At least on MY NAILS.

I'm glad I only bought one Cover Girl Outlast Nail Gloss...and this will be my only one.

~Pinterest Beauty DIY~ How To Make Nail Polish.....

Hey Everyone!!

I received a wonderful request to do a popular Pinterest DIY pin, 

If you are a Pinterest junkie or at least browse Pinterest...daily, you may have seen the DIY Nail Polish pin (above). 

So....Here we go!!

Step 1

I gathered paper towel ( to protect the counter), a spoon, a eye shadow, clear nail polish, and a Styrofoam plate( for a make shift funnel)

 Step 2

I scraped and crushed the eye shadow in to the plate. I tried to get the shadow is fine as possible, so it will dissolve in the polish effectively.

 Step 3

I took the top off the polish, folded the plate carefully with the shadow in it and SLOWLY poured the shadow in. Because the polish is of a thick texture it will only go in so far. I used the polish brush to push the shadow down and add more. I would also suggest a toothpick or Q-tip to push the polish down.

 Step 4

When I had put as much shadow in as a wanted, I then put the top back on and shook the bottle to mix the color around.

 Well!! Will you look at this beauty???? I own nothing like this shade.

I applied my base coat, then three coats of the DIY polish and top it all off with a top coat.

TIPS FOR A EFFECTIVE DIY POLISH!!

-The less shadow you add, the more the polish will be sheer. The more shadow you add, the most opaque the polish will be. I added as much as I could for maximum opaque-ness.

-Let the polish set for a couple of hours to a whole day after shaking it to mix it so that the bubbles in the polish will settle. Otherwise, your polish will have bubbles on top of your nails.

-If you are making this polish for a special occasion, do it at least 24 hours in advance.

Overall...

I had soooo much fun creating this color!! Its a great project if you are in a pinch for a color of polish that you a) can not find or b) can't afford. This also a great project for a girls' night in or a  slumber party.

Have any requests for me?  Beauty DIYs? If it's something within my ability, I will do it!! Comment below or email me at ruralglamour at yahoo dot com!!!