MAC Viva Glam Nicki 2 Lipstick and Lipglass Review

Nicki, Nicki, Nicki...Where do I even begin? I'll start by admitting that I was never a fan of Nicki's first Viva Glam lipstick with MAC because the shade was unflattering and just not a wearable color for most complexions. But at the same time it's almost like can we really expect more from Nicki Minaj? The chick who prides herself in looking like a "Barb" with over the top personalities and attire? And to be honest when Viva Glam 2 came out I was just as disappointed if not more. In all honesty I wasn't even going to try Nicki's shades for myself because most of the swatches I have seen were enough to let me know that I did not want to spend money on something that would clearly be a waste. But when I was approached with the opportunity to review it I figured why not? Check out more of my thoughts and photos below.

Viva Glam Nicki 2 

Lipglass x Lipstick

Swatches

 Viva Glam Nicki 2 

Lipstick

A few photos of the lipstick and gloss paired together. 

Glow: Well the most positive thing about the Viva Glam collections is that all of the proceeds go towards helping those affected by HIV/Aids. So it is definitely a cause worth supporting. As far as Viva Glam Nicki 2, the color is described as a pastel lavender pink with a creamy finish. Since the lipstick and gloss are such cool shades I actually used a lip liner in Nightmoth by MAC to warm up the tone just a bit. I only used a light swipe of the liner so it's not really noticeable in the photos above but it definitely made the color a bit less washed out looking. Unfortunately I didn't do comparison swatches with and without the liner.

Glare: I guess with Nicki's brand (as odd as she can be) I can see why it makes sense in her mind to go with shades like these. But honestly as a woman of color I find it somewhat unsettling to not at least consider colors that are a bit more wearable and versatile. It just seems so single minded and all about Nicki, but again maybe that was the idea. 

Final Thoughts: Well, I don't hate it nor do I love it. And it's definitely something I would never purchase for myself because I just don't think it's flattering on me. True enough when used with darker lip liners the shade is workable and can be made deeper but to me that defeats the purpose of the original color. I like to keep it simple when it comes to makeup and I'm definitely not the one to be mixing colors. 

Where To Buy: Viva Glam Nicki 2 by MAC is currently available online and at MAC counters nationwide. To purchase or to learn more you can visit www.maccosmetics.com.

Product(s) in this post were provided for post consideration. Read our disclosure policy here. 

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OPI Euro Centrale Collection Swatches + Review

I'm so behind with updates and I've been meaning to post these for quite some time now but life has been getting the best of me lately :-) Anywho, I'm glad spring is finally here although it's been a very rainy one so far. OPI's Euro Centrale Collection for Spring/Summer was originally released back in February and consists of 12 new shades with various textures. Check out swatches and my complete review below.

You’re Such a BudaPest 

If I let you borrow this periwinkle-purple, will you go away?

Can’t Find My Czechbook 

I hope you take credit, because I must have this aqua!

My Paprika is Hotter than Yours! 

Get the extinguisher...this fiery red is sizzling!

OPI…Eurso Euro 

This deep blue cream is very continental.

Suzi’s Hungary AGAIN! 

Thank goodness there are zero calories in this warm and yummy pink!

I Saw…U Saw…We Saw…Warsaw 

Be seen in this deep midnight blue.

Hands Off My Kielbasa! 

Get your own...this bronzy tan is all mine!

OY–Another Polish Joke! 

So this shimmery-gold walks into a bar...

A Woman’s Prague-ative 

I’m changing this shimmery copper for...never mind!

My Vampire is Buff 

Creamy, pale and nude...just how I like my vampires.

Polka.com 

Blue and violet are dancing partners in this glittery combo.

Glow: I must say that I do love the variety in color that OPI used for this collection. while I do adore brights for spring and summer I like that they threw in a few warmer shades as well. As always most of the formulas are pretty good and consistent. My favorties from the bunch are OPI…Eurso Euro (a deep ocean blue), OY–Another Polish Joke! (shimmery gold) and Polka.com (the glittery top coat). 

Glare: As I mentioned for the most part the formulas were good but what I've noticed about some of OPI's lighter creme's is that they are a bit more difficult to apply -which is what I experienced with My Vampire is Buff (the pale nude). 

Final Thoughts: I do like the collection as a whole but once again I kind of feel like I've seen half of these colors before with OPI. And in my honest opinion there are just no must-have shades that stand out to me. 

Where To Buy: Euro Centrale by OPI is currently available in various retailers nationwide. To purchase, find locations near you or to learn more please visit www.opi.com.

Product(s) in this post were provided for post consideration. Read our disclosure policy here. 

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Bio Follicle Vegan Sulfate-Free Shampoo & Conditioner Review

In a world where everything's over processed and overflowing with harsh chemicals it's refreshing to see companies creating products that are cruelty free and don't consist of harmful ingredients. Bio Follicle is a leading manufacturer of vegan, all-natural and organic premium hair care and hair loss & restoration products. With millions of people experiencing hair loss, shedding and thinning, Bio Follicle has created a formula with a proven 89% success rate for hair re-growth. I recently got a chance to try out Bio Follicle's Vegan Aromatherapy Shampoo and Conditioner in Lavender. The sets come in a variety of scents also  including Rosemary & Mint, Pomegranate and Lemongrass & Sage.

All of Bio Follicle products are cruelty-free with no animal by-products, parabens, petrochemicals, SLS free (Sodium Laurel Sulfate), petroleum, silicones, synthetic fragrances, artificial colors, or formaldehyde.



Glow: When I was first introduced to Bio Follicle, the one thing that stood out the most is that these products are formulated with Aromatherapy -which I love! For those of you who aren't familiar with aroma-therapeutic products just imagine your favorite scent blended with tingly relaxing ingredients that refresh, sooth and awaken your senses. What I liked most about these products is that they stimulated my scalp and felt tingly, I almost didn't want to wash the conditioner out lol. The shampoo lathered well and ridded my hair of left over residue leaving it feeling squeaky clean! I also noticed that my hair didn't shed as much while detangling and combing the conditioner through my curls.

Glare: The only downside for me is that I expected the Lavender scent to be a bit more prominent but it's very subtle and has more of an earthy and organic smell. So if you're expecting something with a dominant scent you won't find that with these products. While I do love the smell of lavender this isn't really a deal breaker for me.

Final Thoughts: I can't say that there was anything super spectacular about these products other than the fact that they are vegan. The shampoo and conditioner does work well with my hair type and my results were pretty normal to what my hair usually looks like with any other shampoo/conditioner. I do think Bio Follicle will be very beneficial to the vegan-friendly type of consumer who's more conscious about  ingredients. I know that I need to get a few more washes in before I see significant results so I will continue to use these products and I'll be sure to post any updates I encounter along the way :-) 

Where To Buy: Bio Follicle is currently available online and the shampoo and conditioner ranges from $22-25 each. To purchase or to learn more please visit http://www.biofollicle.com. 

Product(s) in this post were provided for post consideration. Read our disclosure policy here. 

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Pantene Truly Natural Hair Collection Review

With warmer weather quickly approaching I've been anticipating more low maintenance hair routines. Having  natural hair; my favorite go-to style is the simple yet effective wash and go. I love it because not only is it quick and easy but it also gives me beautiful curls that I can wear without the hassle of spending long hours under the dryer or in the salon. I recently got the opportunity to try out a few products from Pantene's Truly Natural hair care line which include a clarifying shampoo, deep conditioner, and a styling custard for defining curls.

Glow: I have to start by saying that Pantene has always been a staple in my hair care regimen and I have tried many of their products before so needless to say that I was more than excited about testing out their Truly Natural line which finally caters to girls with curly hair. During my application of the products the first step was to wash my hair with the Truly Natural Clarifying Shampoo which is formulated to remove build-up and oily reside left in your hair. The thing I loved most about this shampoo is that it gives a great lather with just a small amount of product and that it really made my hair feel squeaky clean without drying it out. And for someone with super oily hair like me, that's definitely a huge plus! Next, I applied the Truly Natural Deep Conditioner which works to moisturize and detangle your hair. Any girl with curly hair knows that a good detangler is an absolute must and this conditioner didn't fall short of my expectations. I love the scent and it did a really good job at loosening my curls so I could comb through and detangle them. My hair also felt super soft. Lastly, after rinsing out the conditioner I applied the Truly Natural Defining Curls Custard to my damp hair and worked it through from root to ends for an even coverage then I allowed my hair to air dry for a few hours. Once dry I noticed that my curls were really defined and my hair felt soft and had a great shine to it!

Glare: I have to admit that I was a little skeptical about the styling custard before using it because I've tried many custards in the past by other brands which didn't produce favorable results. But to my surprise the Truly Natural Styling Custard was totally different. The consistency of the product is sort of thick and sticky more along the lines of a styling gel but not as thick. So the formula is between a cream and a gel, which worked for me. It was thick enough to define and hold my curls in place and at the same time it was still lightweight and manageable and did not flake or leave any residue behind and best of all it left my hair frizz free. 

Final Thoughts: I'm really happy to see that Pantene is continuing to to develop products that are more specific to the needs of their consumer. I can tell that they really took their time in the creation of this Truly Natural line and I definitely plan to continue using it for my curly hair needs this summer! 

Where To Buy: The great thing is that all of the products are super affordable (about $4.49 each) and convenient to find. They are currently available in most local drugstores nationwide. To find a location near you or to learn more about Pantene Truly Natural please visit their website.

Truly Relaxed and Truly Natural - Two collections from Pantene for healthier hair* no matter what your style. *Vs. non-conditioning shampoo.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Pantene via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of my own and are not indicatibe of the opinions or positions of Pantene. 

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OPI Joins Bond 007 to Release Six New Revolutionary Liquid Sand™ Nail Lacquers

OPI announces the launch of Bond Girls, a collection of six new Liquid Sand™ nail lacquers featuring a textured, matte finish infused with reflective sparkle fitting the allure surrounding the Bond Girls. In hues of white, pink, blue, purple, gold and coral,Bond Girls offers a range of shimmering shades with the distinctive Liquid Sand finish.

“OPI is extremely excited to partner again with EON Productions,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI co-founder & Artistic Director. “Following the success of the holiday promotion with the latest James Bond film, Skyfall, it’s been a thrill to create colors for the women who’ve captured Bond’s attention over the last five decades.

“The six shades are named after some of the most iconic – and my favorite – Bond girls, including: Solitaire, Pussy Galore,Tiffany Case, Vesper, Honey Ryder and Jinx,” adds Weiss-Fischmann. “Worn without top coat, these Liquid Sand lacquers give nails a pebbled, matte finish worthy of the captivating ‘Bond Girls’ name.”

Bond Girls by OPI features six Liquid Sand nail lacquers:

Solitaire

This diamond-sparkling white is totally engaging.

Pussy Galore

This light feminine pink has the purrrfect amount of shimmer.

Tiffany Case

A classic light blue worth investigating.

Vesper

A mysterious and intriguing deep purple.

Honey Ryder

Take a ryde on the wild side in this shimmery gold.

Jinx

This mesmerizing matte coral has lucky sparkle.

OPI Liquid Sand lacquers should always be worn without top coat.

Bond Girls by OPI nail lacquers feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. These six new shades will be available beginning May 2013 at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Chatters, JCP Salons, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for $9.00 ($10.95 CAN) suggested retail for each nail lacquer.

For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan!

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