Mischo Beauty: December 2008

Mischo Beauty: Kerastase Nutritive Winner!

And the Kerastase Nutritive winner is:

Comment #1: Kari

Please email your shipping information to me! Thanks to everyone for entering.

Eight Days of Mischo Beauty Giveaways: Day 7: FHI Heat Technique G2 Pink Edition

The FHI Heat Technique G2 Pink Edition is a professional ceramic tourmaline styling iron featuring the following:

- Nano Fuzeion Technology for a healthier shine
- Auto Sense Control for superior heat recovery
- Beveled Ceramic Plates to flip, twist, straighten and curl

So here's how you can win it! Leave a comment below and tell me what FHI Heat product(s) you love and or would like to try AND the name of the other FHI Heat flat iron previously reviewed on my blog- along with the name of the FHI Heat product Rihanna's hairstylist SWEARS by (hint: I've written blog posts on both products), and you'll automatically be entered to win. The winner will be chosen at random on Thursday, January 1st!

Mischo Beauty: KISS' Manicure & Pedicure Kit Winners!

And the KISS' Manicure & Pedicure Kit winners are:

Comment #7: MakeupByRenRen
Comment #8: Anonymous
Comment #10: Ala
Comment #11: Anonymous (Tamika)
Comment #13: Anonymous (Allison)
Comment #14: Charmaine

Please email your shipping information to me! Thanks to everyone for entering.

Eight Days of Mischo Beauty Giveaways: Day 6: Kerastase Nutritive

The Kerastase Nutritive product line is very near and dear to my heart because it was the first product line I used during my first apprenticeship at the most AMAZING salon in DC. During that time, I was educated on just about every Kerastase product- therefore gaining a clear understanding of which products should be used on certain hair types. And believe me, there is definitely a Kerastase product for every hair type/issue!

So today, you can win the Bain Satin 1 shampoo (complete nutrition shampoo for normal to slightly dry hair), Lait Vital 1 conditioner (incredibly light nourishing care for normal to slightly dry hair) and the Serum Nutri-Sculpt (leave-in lustrous repair).

Leave a comment below and tell me what Kerastase products you love and or would like to try, your hair type, AND name/describe a haircolor category (you will find the information in a "Mischo Beauty School: Haircolor 101" post), and you'll automatically be entered to win. The winner will be chosen at random on Wednesday, December 31st.

Mischo Beauty: Creative Nail Design Scentsations Winterberry Lotion & Scrub Winner!

And the Creative Nail Design's Scentsations Winterberry Lotion & Scrub winner is:

Comment #7: Hana

Please email your shipping information to me! Thanks to everyone for entering.

Eight Days of Mischo Beauty Giveaways: Day 5: KISS' Manicure & Pedicure Kits

Give yourself a professional manicure and pedicure at home with KISS' Manicure and Pedicure Kits, which include all the right tools, buffers, files and other essential items. The kits are perfect for manicure/pedicure parties and gifts!

Six readers will win both a manicure kit and a pedicure kit. Just leave a comment below and tell me what KISS products you love and or would like to try AND name 3 tools included in the KISS Manicure Kit, and you'll automatically be entered to win. The winner will be chosen at random on Tuesday, December 30th!

Mischo Beauty Extra: MAC's "Shirelle" Nail Polish

So MAC's "Shirelle" nail polish, described as "classic she's a dame red", will be the color to take me into the New Year. I love the color's creamy vibrancy and two coats matched the color in the bottle. I also used two of my favorites for this manicure- Creative Nail Design's SolarOil and Speedy to nourish my nails/cuticles and protect against fading/chipping.

What do you think?

Mischo Beauty: PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics Eco-Sheer Lip Gloss Winner!

And the PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics Eco-Sheer Lip Gloss winner is:

Comment #3: Hazel

Please email your shipping information to me! Thanks to everyone for entering.

Eight Days of Mischo Beauty Giveaways: Day 4: Creative Nail Design Scentsations Winterberry Lotion & Scrub

Creative Nail Design's Scentsations Winterberry lotion works to restore essential moisture all year long and the Scentsations Winterberry scrub, for both hands and body, gently exfoliates leaving skin soft and smooth. Both smell absolutely amazing and here's how you can win them!

Leave a comment below and tell me what Creative Nail Design products you love and or would like to try AND name the very first Creative Nail Design product reviewed on my blog, and you'll automatically be entered to win. The winner will be chosen at random on Monday, December 29th!

Mischo Beauty: CARGO Holiday Nights Collection Winner!

And the CARGO Holiday Nights Collection winner is:

Comment #17: Juliana

Please email your shipping information to me! Thanks to everyone for entering.

Eight Days of Mischo Beauty Giveaways: Day 3: PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics Eco-Sheer Lip Gloss

PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics Eco-Sheer lip gloss in Eternal Equity is described as a "stunning light pink...sensuous, luscious, feminine, sweet lipgloss". The color is a great sheer lip gloss over any lipstick color and what will be noticeable is a shiny glossiness to the lips. This lip gloss gives back by donating a dollar from each sale to women and girls who live on less than a dollar a day.

So here's how you can win- leave a comment below and tell me what PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics products you love and or would like to try AND name one other PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics product I've reviewed in the past, and you'll automatically be entered to win. The winner will be chosen at random on Sunday, December 28th!

Mischo Beauty Loves Chanel Spring 2009 Makeup Collection

There's no denying my love for Chanel makeup! Earlier this year I became a fan of the Levres Scintillantes Glossimer lip glosses- and you all will remember my traveling out to the Chanel boutique in Tysons Galleria for the Moscou Nail Colour Collection - I couldn't imagine the thought of missing it!

Well the theme for the Spring 2009 collection is "Bohemian Fantasy" and includes a total of 22 products which will be available beginning January 2009. The photos I've included are a sneak peak, and so far my favorites are the Vendetta nail polish (dark violet with a hint of shimmer) and the Chanel CC Lip Palette (various shades of lipsticks) which comes in a chic black case with a lip brush (MUST HAVE THIS!).

Are you considering this collection?

Mischo Beauty: 3LAB M Cream Winner!

And the 3LAB "M" Cream winner is:

Comment #1: Urbane Girl

Please email your shipping information to me! Thanks to everyone for entering.

Eight Days of Mischo Beauty Giveaways: Day 2: CARGO Holiday Nights Collection

Packaged in a satiny, Pucci-inspired box equipped with its own mirror, the set includes a smoky and lustrous Holiday Nights Eye Shadow Quad, a universally flattering pink Blush, Boogie Nights Eye Pencil in silver, and the easy-to-use Face & Body Sparkle. And for a fun bonus, you can use the case as a festive night-out clutch simply by removing the makeup insert.

So here's how you can win- leave a comment below and tell me what CARGO product(s) you love and or would like to try AND the name of the makeup artist who inspires me (the makeup artist was featured in a post on my blog), and you'll automatically be entered to win. The winner will be chosen at random on Saturday, December 27th!

Mischo Beauty Closet: CHANEL Moscow Collection Limited Edition "Nuit de Russie 357" Nail Polish + Yves Saint Laurent Black Suede Ankle Boot

CHANEL Moscow Collection Limited Edition "Nuit de Russie 357" Nail Polish + Yves Saint Laurent Black Suede Ankle Boot = DIVA

Maybe She's Born With It: Eartha Kitt

Yes, she absolutely was! I was sad to hear of Eartha Kitt's passing (January 17, 1927 - December 25, 2008) yesterday, but know that her legacy will live on forever. For those of you unfamiliar with her, she was best known for her role as Catwoman in the 1960's TV series Batman.

She started her career as a member of the Katherine Dunham Dance Troupe, and in addition to acting and dancing, she became a singer, cabaret performer and civil rights activist. For her work in film, television and on Broadway, she went on to receive three Tony nominations, two Grammy nominations, and an Emmy nomination.

She will be missed forever.

Mischo Beauty Pick: EO Products Pure Therapeutic Gifts

I had the amazing opportunity to try the Love, Peace and Nighty Nite gift boxes from EO Products! The facts are that these products are made from pure essential oils and natural botanicals- and they are free of artificial colorants, parabens, sodium laureth and lauryl sulfate, and synthetic ingredients. Each gift set includes the following:

Love Gift Box (Rose & Chamomile): Bubble Bath, Room Spray, Bath Salts, Soy Massage Candle

Peace Gift Box (French Lavender): Bubble Bath, Bath Salts, Body Lotion

Nighty Nite Gift Box (Blue Chamomile with Lavender): Bubble Bath, Room Spray, Bath Salts, Soy Massage Candle

Though I loved each set, my favorite- well it was a tie- were the Love and Peace gift boxes. The scents alone sold me, and my body loved soaking in the bath salts- especially after all of the running I'd done in October!

Have you tried EO Products?

Mischo Beauty Review: L'Oreal's Skin Genesis Wet Cleansing Towelettes

Because I loved the Daily Treatment Serum Concentrate and Daily Moisturizer Oil-Free Lotion, both part of L'Oreal's Skin Genesis collection of products, I gladly welcomed the opportunity to try the Wet Cleansing Towelettes! There are two reasons why I really liked using these- the first, was the fact that they remove eye makeup-completely! Yes, they do!

The second reason was the fact that not only do these contain a cleansing agent (no need to use a cleanser too!), but they are formulated with BHA (beta hydroxy acid) which is an exfoliant that works to remove dead skin cells, which in turn helps with cell renewal. I love the way these felt on my skin and I had no issues with dryness. I think these are perfect for travel and for the price, I suggest giving them a try!

Have you tried these yet?

Eight Days of Mischo Beauty Giveaways: Day 1: 3LAB M Cream

Because I'm so thankful to each and every one of you for all of your support this year, I've planned "Eight Days of Mischo Beauty Giveaways"! This is simply my way of thanking you. Beginning today, December 25th through New Year's Day, be sure to enter to win fabulous beauty gifts!

I'm sure you all know how much I love 3LAB skincare and I'm happy to present to you the recently launched "M" Cream for today's giveaway. 3LAB's "M" Cream is a gel-cream that firms, hydrates and works to increase skin cell turnover- all of which keep skin looking young and fresh. It's formulated with stem cells, proven to slow/delay the aging process, from a rare Swiss Apple. This product is amazing!

So here's how you can win- leave a comment below and tell me what 3LAB product(s) you love or would like to try and why, and you'll automatically be entered to win. The winner will be chosen at random on Friday, December 26th!

Mischo Beauty Wishes You a Beautiful Christmas and a Glamorous New Year!

Merry Christmas everyone! Thank you all so much for your support! I wish you peace, love and happiness during this holiday season.

Mischo Beauty Pick: Beyond Love By Kilian

I was recently given the opportunity to sample the L'Oeuvre Noire (Black Masterpiece) collection of six fragrances, created by Kilian Hennessy (grandson of LVMH founder and heir to the cognac fortune). The fragrances are paired as follows: fragrances for women (Love & Beyond Love), fragrances for men (A Taste of Heaven & Straight to Heaven) and for both men and women (Liaisons Dangereuses & Cruel Intentions).

My absolute favorite of the six was Beyond Love, which is a floral blend with a top note of tuberose. I was immediately drawn in by the blend of tuburose, jasmine and amber - mild, but very, very exciting. It's described as the "forbidden elixir for adventurers of love" and well, I couldn't put it down. You must smell this in-person! It's available at www.bykilian.com.

Have you tried this collection? Which fragrance is your favorite?

Mischo Beauty Pick: Dr. Susan Taylor's Rx for Brown Skin

I've fallen in love with Dr. Susan Taylor's Rx for Brown Skin's Body Lotion and Body Butter. I started testing them out about a month ago and I'm pleased with the results. Both are formulated with a blend of olive fruit extract and natural essential oils of orange, bergamot, mandarin and rosewood- which all work to brighten and purify the skin. What sets them apart from other moisturizers is the fact that they're formulated to even skintone and they're developed by a dermatologist!

The body butter is pictured above on the left side of my hand and the body lotion is on the right.
The texture of the body butter is rich and creamy and my preference was to use it immediately after a bath, while my skin was still moist and my pores were still open, to ensure maximum absorption. Oh, and my feet loved it too!
I used the body lotion during the day, taking it with me to use as a handcream throughout the day. It's texture is lighter than the body butter, but both absorb quickly and are non-greasy- which I love!
Rx for Brown Skin is the first dermatologist-created skincare line created for women of color (Black, Latina, Asian, Indian, and Middle Eastern) by Dr. Susan Taylor. She's also written a book called "Dr. Susan Taylor's Rx for Brown Skin" which covers beauty basics, top skin-of-color concerns and beauty for life. For those of you who've emailed me with regards to hyperpigmentation and other skincare issues, this is a good reference for you- buy it! She addresses skin pigmentation, scars, acne and other issues.
The product line also includes a Virtual Peel which is a gentle chemical exfoliant. I plan to test it this weekend and include my results in my "Mischo Beauty School: Peels 101" post next Monday.
The Bright and Even Exfoliating Kit was developed for those of you who have issues with hyperpigmentation or dull and uneven skintones. I love it because it's a complete regimen- cleanser, toner, moisturizer and advanced botanical brightener- yay! No guessing or over-thinking required - this is a perfect start for those of you who are making resolutions to take better care of your skin. As I've said before- healthy skin is beautiful skin!

Will you consider this line for your skincare needs?

Mischo Beauty School: Extractions 101

This post is in response to a question from fellow beauty blogger, MakeupByRenRen. She wanted to know what the extraction process involved and if it was painful. So in response to her questions, I've decided to dedicate this post to extractions.

The extraction process involves the manual removal of build-up and blackheads, which helps to unblock clogged areas and minimize the size of pores. Basically, oil and other forms of build-up are extracted from the hair follicles. There are three ways in which this can be done- the esthetician may wrap index fingers with cotton, use cotton swabs or use a comedone extractor, which is a metal tool.

During a facial, the esthetician will cleanse, exfoliate and treat the skin with steam in order to soften pores and prepare for extractions. Next, pressure is applied around the skin surrounding the hair follicle in order to extract the impaction. The procedure might be uncomfortable, but should be painless. As long as you're seeing an experienced esthetician, you should have no worries!

That's pretty much the easiest answer, without going into too much detail. Please feel free to email me with any questions!

Love your skin.

Mischo Beauty Extra: CHANEL Moscou Nail Colour Collection

The new limited edition CHANEL Moscou collection is described as "jewel-toned nail shades - inspired by the CHANEL Paris-Moscou Fashion Show - capture the rich glamour of the Russian Empire". The collection includes three shades:

Or de Russie 327(black base with gold shimmer)
Feu de Russie 347 (black base with red shimmer)
Nuit de Russie 357 (black base with blue shimmer)

My intention when heading out to the CHANEL boutique in Tysons Galleria, was to only buy the Nuit de Russie (my absolute favorite!)- but when I saw them in-person, I melted and had to have them all! Of course they're highly pigmented- after two coats, my nails looked like little jewels.

What do you think?

Beautiful hair needs an expert: Carol's Daughter Hair Milk

I guess I'm still mourning the end of "Girlfriends" (yes, another post with Tracee Ellis Ross) - cancelled without a proper finale, a proper farewell. I'm left not knowing if "Joan Carol Clayton" played by Tracee Ellis Ross, ever finds her true love...but such is Hollywood. At any rate, I love Tracee Ellis Ross' hair! It always looks so healthy and full of life- and because she wears it natural, she easily transitions from full, curly styles to straight, sleek looks.

To keep her hair thoroughly moisturized, I suggest Carol's Daughter Hair Milk. It contains soy oil, sweet almond oil, cocoa butter and lemongrass oil which all work to condition, strengthen, moisturize, soften and protect the hair. I'm also recommending the Rosemary Mint Herbal Shampoo because it conditions and detangles and the Mimosa Hair Honey for it's ability to control frizzy hair and add shine.

Have you tried Carol's Daughter products?