Mischo Beauty Pick: Avon's ANEW CLINICAL Luminosity Pro Brightening Serum

I haven't talked about serums, as they relate to a complete skincare regimen in a while, and thought Avon's new ANEW Clinical Luminosity Pro Brightening Serum was definitely worth checking out. The benefits of serums, as discussed here, are amazing and I highly encourage incorporating them into your at-home skincare regimen.

Now the ANEW Clinical Luminosity Pro Brightening Serum is recommended for all skin types, but specifically for those who are experiencing the following skin conditions: premature aging, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and dullness (be sure to read this!). The serum's key ingredient, L-Aspartic Acid, works to prevent discoloration while removing dead skin cells. And what I'm loving most is Avon's Skincare Quiz which helps you determine the best regimen of products for your skin's needs!

If your at-home skincare regimen includes a serum, please let me know what you're using and why?

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Mystic Tan Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer Body SPF 15 & Sunless Tanning Lotion Face + Body

Before heading out to LA last weekend for the BET Awards, I treated myself to an airbrush tan. I don't lay out in the sun and really wanted a bronzy glow- similar to Jada Pinkett Smith's July cover of Essence. Unfortunately, two days after the airbrush service, I saw the tan washing down the drain of the shower.

But luckily for me, Mystic Tan rescued me! A combination of the Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer (body) and the Sunless Tanning Lotion (face & body) helped me save what was left of my airbrush tan, in addition to giving me a sexy, natural glow. And what I loved most was the fact that my skin looked so toned! A definite beauty win! (#beautywin).

Would love to know if you're using Mystic Tan products, and what your thoughts are!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Loves YSL Beauty's Rock & Baroque Couture Manicures

Thanks to a recent tweet on Twitter from Vogue.fr (VogueParisLive), I fell in love with their latest beauty obsession- the amazing manicures above which were created by YSL Beauty's 2010 fall collection of nail colors. When I saw the photos, my first thought was "Beauty Is Art"! Wouldn't you agree?

photos: vogue.fr

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Mischo Beauty Featured on Makeup.com!

There was a lovely surprise waiting for me in my inbox yesterday. The editor of Makeup.com had emailed me to let me know that Mischo Beauty was chosen as the blog of the week and is currently being featured in a section called "The Blogette Set"!

A very special thank you to Makeup.com!

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Mischo Beauty School: Hair Texture 101

So let's discuss hair texture. Hair texture is often a point of confusion, but simply refers to the diameter of each individual hair. The texture of hair generally falls into one of the following five categories:

A. Very Coarse
B. Coarse
C. Average
D. Fine
E. Very Fine

The coarser the hair, the thicker the cuticle (outermost layer of the hair) and larger the cortex (the middle layer of the hair). Stronger, coarser hair textures will be able to withstand stronger chemicals and rougher treatments than fine hair. For example, I have coarse to very coarse hair and I'm surprised that I have hair today after allowing stylist after stylist to overprocess my hair (unknowingly!) during my college years. But due to my hair's strength it's been able to withstand the damage!

Hair textures have nothing to do with the quantity of individual hairs on the head, so it is possible to have a thick head of fine hair and on the other hand, a thin distribution of coarse hair. Questions? Love your hair.

What's your hair texture?

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Mischo Beauty's Dove Spa Day

As part of Dove's new campaign for it's newly launched Dove Ultimate Deodorant formula, which I mentioned here, I was given the amazing opportunity to invite ten friends to join me at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa for manicure, pedicure and piticure treatments.

We started the day by showing each guest how to perform a piticure treatment which consisted of a gentle exfoliation of the underarms, shaving and then the application of Dove Ultimate. Dove provided each guest with a set of gentle cleansing wipes, a razor and Dove Ultimate which was all that was needed for the treatment.

We all then received the most amazing and relaxing manicures and pedicures. If you were following my tweets that day, then you know I selected YSL's #42 Ultra Orange for my manicure and YSL's #42 Ultra Orange layered with Sephora by OPI's "Only Gold for Me" for my pedicure.

I loved my nails and my guests love all of their services. I just wish I had more photos to share. Unfortunately, having to keep the appointments organized, along with the fact that our services weren't performed in a private room, kept me from taking photos as I did not want to be a distraction to other guests of the spa. But, an AMAZING spa day was had by all!

Thank you, Dove!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Loves YSL Beauty's "#142 Ultra Orange" Nail Polish

While I can't say that YSL Beauty's La Laque #142 Ultra Orange is the "color of the summer", I will tell you all that I am in love with it! So much so, that it was my nail color of choice at my Dove sponsored spa dayI tweeted about a few weeks ago (more on that later today!). The color is creamy and bright, and reminds me of a fruity popsicle. It's definitely a must-have shade for the summer!

What's on your nails this week?

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Mischo Beauty Pick: L'ANZA's Neem Plant Silk Serum

When I discover a hair product that works for multiple hair types and issues, it's always a must that I tell you all about it! That was the case for L'ANZA's Neem Plant Silk Serum. It's a leave-in treatment that not only leaves your hair soft and shiny after a blow dry, but it strengthens, protects and even prevents haircolor from fading.

So those of you with chemically damaged hair, color-treated hair and weakened/brittle hair should definitely check this out! What I love most is that there is a recommended regimen (and you know all know how much I love regimens!) to go along with this serum: White Tea Shampoo, Manuka Honey Conditioner & Neem Plant Silk Serum.

Would love to know your thoughts on the Neem Plant Silk Serum, or any other L'ANZA products. Please share!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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MIZANI True Textures

Girls with curls, it's time to bid adieu to generic "curly hair" products. Forget nonspecific creams, gels, and puddings that pay little attention to your particular type of curl. Like all hair, curly hair comes in various lengths, shapes, and textures. I love a brand that cares about my curls' personality (and mood swings). If I don't finger it out, my hair typically falls into small ringlets. Lately, I've been feeling a bit more adventurous, so I've been going for a looser, bigger coif. Whether you prefer the later, or like your mane more tame, or anything in between, I recommend Mizani's True Textures Collection. Since I've been using the line, I have more versatility and styling options.

If you want a tighter curl, try their True Textures Perfect Curl Defining Cream Gel. It defines the curl while adding shine, without making the hair hard like gel can. It's a cream and gel in one, which moisturizes and separates the curls.

Nowadays, I am less keen on structure, so I love their Moisture Stretch Curl Extending Cream. The cream is smooth and light, and is ideal for those who want to release an already defined natural curl. Again, my hair is a natural spiral (Type 3), and I use this when I want to let loose!

Even better, True Textures is a complete line with shampoos and conditioners specific to curly hair with a variety of cleansing and conditioning options. Mizani's True Textures Curl Balance Color Safe Sulfate-Free Shampoo gives a deep down clean, without the grassy feeling of the hair being stripped of moisture. And since I've gone lighter for the summer (as many of us do), a color safe shampoo is important.

Their Cleansing Cream Conditioning Curl Wash is my favorite! It's a shampoo and conditioner in one, for those in-between days when you need a cleansing to remove product build-up, but are not yet ready for a proper, time-consuming shampoo-conditioner-deep conditioner-production. Or really, if you're like me and you wet your hair often, it's a great refresh.

The True Textures Curl Replenish Intense Moisturizing Masque is a nice, light, but effective conditioner that provides moisture and a really great shine.

I'd say that this line is ideal for any curly look, whatever your hair feels like. Thank goodness, cause my hair is one moody gal!

Be beautiful, and be well. -Ayanna Shamese

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Loves Davines' Serendipity Collection

I was browsing Davines' website for the latest and greatest in new product launches and discovered their collection of professional haircolor products. Why I hadn't noticed these products before really amazes me! And the reason is probably because the salons I've worked for primarily used haircolor by either Wella or L'Oreal.

Well, after reviewing the haircolor swatches and then their amazing Serendipity collection (which the above photos are a part of) created as a result, I must admit that I'm blown away! Another amazing example of "Beauty Is Art". Enjoy.

photos: davines.com

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Mischo Beauty Superstar of the Week: Anthony Dickey "Dickey" of Hair Rules

Have you ever loved someone before even meeting them? Have you been so impressed by an individual's contributions and accomplishments that you knew, in your heart of hearts, that they were the truth? Well that's the way I feel about celebrity hairstylist, Anthony Dickey (known as "Dickey").

It's not the fact that he's styled some of the biggest celebrities, or that he owns a fabulous salon. It's the fact that he's mastered caring for ALL hair types, and has even created a line of products to address those needs! What's not to love about that?

Dickey's Hair Rules collection of products were created for all hair types, and the "Hair Rules!" book addresses the needs of those with kinky, curly or wavy hair. You all know how much I love hair- all hair, so yes, this makes my heart smile! To learn more- check out Dickey's salon, Hair Rules collection of products, join the Hair Rules Facebook page, and follow him on Twitter.

Be sure to let us know your thoughts! Have you tried the Hair Rules collection? Have you visited the salon? We'd love to know.

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What's your current beauty obsession?

Last summer it was all about the fabulous extensions/weave I was wearing- and yes, I was in LOVE with it! LOL. I was obsessed with selecting hair to match my natural haircolor, styling it to fit my personality and of course, most importantly, the care and maintenance of it. I was even going to two stylists, in two different salons, in two different states! Just a little obsessed, but all in fun...

So my question for you today is: What's your current beauty obsession?

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Mischo Beautyliciousness...

The beauty in this photo is most definitely the partnership between Mary J. Blige and Catherine Malandrino which resulted in a fashion show yesterday evening to benefit Mary's nonprofit organization, FFAWN (Foundation For the Achievement of Women Now). A beautiful partnership for an amazing cause- I love it!

I'm also loving their haircolor (had to mention it!) in the photo above, which actually caught my attention first- Mary's buttery blonde and Catherine's rich red brunette. The reason I went to beauty school and the reason I started this blog!

Love it as much as I do? Let me know...

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Mischo Beauty Pick: The Lancer Method

My love for skincare closely follows behind my love for hair, which you all already know (*smile*). So an offer to try The Lancer Method, a 3-step skincare program consisting of LANCERx products for your specific skin type, was of definite interest to me! Created by celebrity dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer, LANCERx products are the answer for those seeking a simple skincare regimen delivering medical grade improvements.

I've been using the regimen (Extremely Pure Cleanser, Natural Sea Mineral Polish & Repair AM/PM Nourishing Treatment) for a few weeks now and I'm beyond pleased with the results. The "hero product" of this program has to be the Natural Sea Mineral Polish! It's formulated with magnesium oxide crystals and feels like a microdermabrasion treatment. After application it warms on your skin. And after rinsing, it leaves your skin silky smooth. I use it with caution (and definitely not daily), only because my skin is easily sensitized. There's no doubt that this is a spa grade treatment and I love it!

Would love to hear your thoughts on LANCERx. Have you tried the products? Would you? Please share!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: MIZANI Moisturfusion

As much as I loved Mizani products back in the day, I'll have to admit that it's been years since I've used them. And so my reintroduction to them has been with the Moisturfusion regimen of products which includes the Milk Bath (which contains milk of almond and silk proteins) and the Silk Cream Conditioner (which also contains milk of almond and coconut oil). I LOVED the scent of both the shampoo and conditioner, but it was the fact that I found both to be very moisturizing that sealed the deal. I recently relaxed my type 4 hair, and so I'm finding that I need all the moisture I can get!

And because my hair is naturally on the drier side, I chose to use the Butter Rich Deep Nourishing Hairdress followed by a light spritzing of the Gloss Veil Shine Spray as my "blow dry treatment". My personal preference is to us products such as these when my hair is wet and the cuticle is open. This way I'm able to ensure that the products are infused into multiple layers of my hair, as opposed to just the first and possibly second layer.

My end result- well, nothing less then soft, shiny hair! This is perfect for those with drier hair types/issues and works with both natural and relaxed hair (I know because I used them on my hair- both natural and relaxed!).

I'd love to know what your Mizani favorites are and why!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Loves Goldwell HiBlondes Collection

I thought the photos above were such an amazing example of "Beauty Is Art" - as my beauty editor, Ayanna would say! While not everyone wants to or even can go blonde, there are a large number who want to go a shade or two lighter during the summer. And so I'm always anxiously awaiting the launch of haircolor collections that take my breath away! Goldwell's new Topchic HiBlondes Control collection, used in the above photos, did just that. The overall creative direction (haircolor, hairstyling, makeup, fashion styling & photography) is amazing and I thought you all would enjoy!

photos: behindthechair.com

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Mischo Beauty Superstar of the Week: Tippi Shorter

I first learned of celebrity hairstylist Tippi Shorter during the days of Honey Magazine. You see the then editor-in-chief, Amy DuBois Barnett, was a client of Tippi's and would share her hair experiences with us readers, ultimately leaving us wishing we had someone as fabulous as Tippi doing our hair!

Fast forward to the present and Tippi's accomplishments are amazing, inspiring and well-deserved. She's now an Avon Global Stylist Advisor responsible for creating the backstage looks at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, and helping women to achieve these same runway looks at home.

Not only is Tippi still creating the looks for celebrities such as Alicia Keys, Jada Pinkett-Smith and Beyonce, but she's also now at the FABULOUS Warren Tricomi Salon located inside The Plaza Hotel (if you haven't visited this location, you need to get there now! It's breathtakingly beautiful!!!). Check out Tippi's website, her latest venture "Get Gorgeous Hair" and be sure to let me know your thoughts!

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Mischo Beauty School: Sun Damage 101

As an esthetician, you all can probably imagine how passionate I am about skincare. And, the one aspect I’m most passionate about is protection from the sun. A misconception exists with regards to wearing sunscreen during cooler months of the year, and the bottom line is this- you need to protect yourself from the sun regardless of the time of year or the temperature outside!

Sun damage is the major external cause of aging and it causes 80-85% of aging. The UV rays of the sun reach the skin in two different forms, as UVB and UVA rays. UVB rays tan the skin, damage the skin’s melanin and cause cancer. Penetrating further into the skin are the UVA rays. These rays weaken the skin’s collagen and elastin fibers, causing wrinkling and sagging in the tissues. Though these fibers naturally weaken as we age, it happens at a much faster rate when exposed to UVA rays.

Not only does sun damage lead to skin cancer, aging, and collagen and elastin deterioration, but also to hyperpigmentation, capillary damage and free radical damage. Avoiding the sun and wearing sunscreen is the best protection for skin. Sunscreens absorb or reflect UV rays. SPF refers to the sun protection factor in sunscreens, so the higher the SPF, the more protection you’ll receive from the sun. Be sure the sunscreen has full spectrum protection (protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays).

As you all know, sunscreen can be found in the form of a moisturizer and may come in various weights and formulas suitable for various skin types. Everyone needs to wear sunscreen- regardless of your complexion! My recommendation is to wear an SPF of 30 everyday, rain or shine!

Do you wear sunscreen? Have you had skin issues as a result of sun damage?

Love your skin.

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Mischo Beauty Alert: "Dark and Lovely" Model Search Contest

Because I love hair- all hair, all textures (you all know this!)- and because I love the Dark and Lovely brand for allowing Keith Campbell (he's AMAZING!) to create/direct/style the hair in the new Dark and Lovely commercial, as well as the amazing styles you see on the packaging for their relaxers and haircolor) you've got to check this event out!

The detailed information is listed above, but you may also learn more by visiting www.ESSENCE.com/darkandlovely

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Mischo Beauty on Blog Talk Radio's “Beauty Talk with Illusions Cosmetics”

I'll be the guest of Illusions Cosmetics on Blog Talk Radio tomorrow evening (June 10th at 9pm EST) - and I'm so excited! Please tune in and be sure to tell the world! Here's the link to listen. Thank you!

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Mischo Beauty Anniversary Giveaway Winners!

And so without further delay, I'm happy to announce the winners of the anniversary giveaways:

Curel Targeted Therapy Cream Winners:
#2 Tamar
#4 JennySue
#17 T. Randi Fisher

SJP NYC by Sarah Jessica Parker Winner:
#22 sitton416

Lancome Oscillation Mascara & Oscillation Powerbooster Winner:
#9 Teelicious

3LAB Perfect Repair & Perfect "Glow" Complex:
#6 Mia - Perfect Repair
#4 Bibah - Perfect "Glow" Complex

Moroccanoil Hair Care:
#15 Shalon

Dove Daily Treatment Conditoners:
ButtaBaby

A very special thank you to everyone who entered- and from the bottom of my heart I thank you all for the amazing support you've shown me over the past three years. I'm looking forward to many, many more!

P.S. Remember to always "Be Your Own Dream Girl"!

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Mischo Beauty Anniversary Giveaway: Dove Daily Treatment Conditioners

Though I said yesterday's giveaway would end the week of anniversary giveaways, I decided to gift a special reader and former model of mine, ButtaBaby (she always volunteered to be a model for me while I was completing my cosmetology and esthetics programs) with the following Dove Daily Treatment Conditioners:

- Dove Damage Therapy (Daily Moisture)
- Dove Damage Therapy (Intensive Repair)

She takes extra special care of her hair and so I know she'll appreciate the new technology included in the reformulations of these conditioners. And because Dove was the official Hair Care Sponsor of the Glee Live! Concert Tour! (which I know she's a huge fan of), I'm also gifting her with a DVD copy of Glee Season 1 Volume 1 autographed by Lea Michele!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Anniversary Giveaway: Moroccanoil Hair Care

There's no way I could end this week of celebrating without giving away a set of fabulous haircare products! It's my love for hair that started this journey, and this blog! And so my favorite haircare products at the moment are by Moroccanoil. Remember this review? Well, one reader will win the following:

- Moisture Repair Shampoo
- Moisture Repair Conditioner
- Oil Treatment
- Intense Curl Cream
- Glimmer Shine Spray
- Intense Hydrating Mask

Simply leave a comment below and a winner will be chosen at random and announced on Wednesday, June 9th. If selected as the winner, you must contact me within 24 hours of the announcement. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Anniversary Giveaway: 3LAB's Perfect Repair & Perfect "Glow" Complex

I fell in love with 3LAB skin care after trying a complete regimen of their products (Perfect Cleansing Scrub, Perfect Repair, WW Eye Cream, WW Cream & Perfect Mask). But the icing on the cake for me was the tour of the 3LAB facilities I was invited to take two years ago. You all know that my background is in Chemistry and I have dreams of launching a product line, so this tour was truly a gift! Clearly 3LAB skin care is a favorite of mine and I'm so happy to be giving away two of my favorite products:

- Perfect "Glow" Complex
- Perfect Repair

One winner will win the Perfect Repair, and one winner will win the Perfect "Glow" Complex. Simply leave a comment below and I will select the winners at random. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, June 8th. If selected as a winner, you must contact me within 24 hours of the announcement. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

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Mischo Beauty Anniversary Giveaway: Lancome's Oscillation Mascara & Oscillation Powerbooster

Remember my fabulous visit to the Lancome boutique last summer, and then my subsequent review of Lancome's Oscillation Mascara and Oscillation Powerbooster? Well, it's very clear how much I love them both and today I'm happy to announce that one of you will win one of each:

- Oscillation Mascara
- Oscillation Powerbooster

Simply leave a comment below and a winner will be chosen at random and announced on Monday, June 7th. If selected as the winner, you must contact me within 24 hours of the announcement. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Anniversary Giveaway: SJP NYC by Sarah Jessica Parker

Still on my SATC2 high and loving the new SJP NYC fragrance so much, I thought you all would love the opportunity to win the new SJP NYC fragrance, body lotion and bangel! Inspired by the ultimate fashion icon, Carrie Bradshaw, SJP NYC captures the essence of freedom, New York and style. "I wanted to create a fragrance with a great sense of fun and whimsy," said Sarah Jessica Parker. "It's about mixing things up and breaking rules, all of the things I like about fashion."

So to win this set, simply leave a comment below. One winner will be chosen at random and announced on Friday, June 4th. If selected as the winner, you must contact me within 24 hours of the announcement. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

For more information on the inspiration, fragrance and collection please visit sarahjessicaparkerbeauty.com.

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Anniversary Giveaway: Curel's Targeted Therapy Creams

As you all know by now, I celebrated my blog's 3rd anniversary on Sunday. And so to show my appreciation for all of your support, I'm hosting a week of giveaways with today's being Curel's Targeted Therapy Creams:

- Fast-Absorbing Hand & Cuticle Cream
- Deep-Penetrating Foot Cream

To win one of each, simply leave a comment below. Three winners will be chosen at random and announced on Friday, June 4th. If selected as a winner, you must contact me within 24 hours of the announcement. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

Be sure to check out Curel's new interactive, online tool, the Skin Advisor which offers skin analysis and advice on common skincare issues.

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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