Blaq Vixen Beauty

One way you can definitely "stay true to the vixen in you" is investing in sexy footwear, obviously. I do it almost every week! 

Now what I'm about to say next might land me a side-eye or two but I have to say it anyway. You know, get it off my chest. For weeks, I've been searching for hoisery similar to the pantyhose I've seen Beyonce wearing at the the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. Her legs looked stunning in the tradition of Tina Turner and Diahann Carroll. Today, I finally found the perfect product: Slik Reflections Transparent Sheer Hoisery from Hanes. What made the experience sweeter was when I saved $3 at checkout. The retail price was $10, yet the PX were selling them for $7.50. Take 20% off that price and your fellow vixen got them for $4.50.

Since my legs are less than perfect, I avoided the sheer and ultra-sheer selections, which is something that  I should have done in my younger days. The transparent sheer is an innovative yarn that is so light that it's virtually invisible. This is what allows it to reveal the natural beauty of your legs. I picked up style #0A663 in size AB. First, I tried this style in a dark shade but it made my legs look dirty. So I opted for the medium tone which was perfect. I momentarily forgot that my legs were a little pale. I'll be picking up this product in the toeless version for summer as well. I can't wait!

Coupled with the Nina Electra Platform Pumps I picked up today, I felt divine. I felt like I could do anything...or anyone for that matter but I'm not in the business of giving benefits to just anyone. I much rather have Mr. Right put a ring on it first. I was kicking my legs up and dancing in front my full-length mirror. I tried on 3 different dresses but the best part is that I can wear these shoes with most of the dresses hanging in my closet. Just two weeks ago, I was lusting after this particular pair of shoes. Then today, the PX had them on sale for 50% off. I'm not sure what price the PX was originally selling them for, but I know for sure that it was than $91. I was ecstatic! They also had black I have more than enough black pumps. I was more drawn to the Red Rouge shade.

These platform pumps are actually two styles in one because I can always remove the ankle strap (have to try this tomorrow). I love everything about this shoe - the retro feel, the material, the color, the oversized bow, the peep toe, the ankle strap, the stiletto heel and the slight platform. It's a fantastic day when I can get all of these wonderful elements for $22.50. I told my best friend that I decided to wear my red, sparkly minidress for Thanksgiving. I'm definitely wearing these pumps with them just so I can strut out to the car and around the house. Just 17 days left!

Have you bought shoes lately? Which shoes do you own make you feel sexy?

A fellow beauty enthusiast spilled an invaluable beauty secret: the "pat/press" method. Finally, there's a way to "get your skin care down pat."

Risi Leanne, one of the editors of the Palacinka beauty blog, revealed, "I learned from the Clarins skin care team to always apply cleanser, eye cream and moisturizer (this is the correct order) with the "pat/press" method. Instead of moving the cream around my face in a circular motion, I warm it up in my hands - then press on. It gives my skin an instant glow and I find the product absorbs much better. My favorite is Clarins Multi-Active Early Wrinkle Correcting Lotion with SPF 15."  (beauty secret #5)

I was lucky to receive a deluxe travel-size new Multi-Active Day Early Cream from the Clarins' Facebook fan page. Unfortunately, this offer is no longer avaliable. If you missed out on this sampling promotion, I would recommend that you join the fan page as Clarins is planning an exclusive offer to their loyal Facebook fans on November 8th. You can also sign up to receive additional information about Clarins offers and products. Clarins recommends that you check their Sampling tab frequently so that you won't miss out on subsequent sampling offers and promotions.

Of course, I being the die-hard SPF 30 woman that I am, was less than pleased that this cream contained a SPF of 15. Recommended for all skin types, Clarins recommend that you apply this in the morning. I much rather use Clinique Even Better Skin Correcting Moisturizer SPF 20 (who loves ya, baby?), as I am still testing this product. In fact, an hour prior, I applied the "pat/press" method to my routine. I patted and pressed (firmly) the Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector serum on my scars instead of rubbing it on. Like Risi, I warmed the moisturizer between my hands and pressed it on as well. While I did feel  the product absorbed better, I can't say that I noticed an instant glow. Maybe that was because I applied it in the dark? Don't judge me. I even pressed Smith's Rosebud Salve on my lips. Denise Tunnell, co-creator of the Illusions Cosmetics line, sent this beneficial balm some months ago. It is the perfect "cease-and-desist" balm you'll need to fight off chapped, peeling lips this winter. And you (should) know this, wo-man!

Do you think you'll jump on this "press play" bandwagon?

Today, after reading that Johnson's Baby Oil Gel with Shea Butter & Cocoa Butter won Best Body Oil in the Shecky's 2009 Beauty at Its Best Awards, I had a vintage Vibe Vixen moment. I swear I had a mental image of the Vixen favorite on an oiled, melon background.

Deemed as "Vixen Verified," this "Clear Winner" (Jun/July 2007)  remains the ultimate beauty multiltasker, according to Baze Mpinja. I'm sure your mothers, aunts and grandmothers were using this beloved oil back in the '60s and '70s, right? Of course, they didn't hesitate to slather a healthy amount of oil on you too! "You can still get the classic beauty staple in its original formula, which smells faintly of baby powder, or you can switch it up and try aloe vera or lavender, the other two subtle scents," Baze reminded us. Let's not forget about the other testimonies of its versatility: it's a makeup remover, a shaving gel, and brillance in a bottle (read: best moisturizer for a miniskirt!)

While I usually just stick to the original formula, I might just have to pick up this version infused with shea and cocoa butter, two of my favorite moisturizers ever. I predict that I'll be using this all-year long, especially in the summer when I take my second mini-vacay.  In addition, I'll be picking up another bottle of Johnson's Body Care 24 Hour Moisturizing Body Wash. I was in the market for a new body wash altogether. At first, I wanted something organic but the prices weren't exactly up my alley. I thought for sure that I would have to resort to my favorites - namely Tone or Caress - until I spied one of the products from Johnson's new skin care line for adults.

At 20.3 fl oz, you can snag this body wash for around $5.49 (if you want to save $1, try this coupon). I was shocked at how huge the bottle was! If I had known that I would have such a great experience with this product, I would've stocked up and tried other products in the Johnson's Body Care line. The consistency is a thick, rich cream - reminiscent of a lotion. My skin was soft but more importantly, it was moisturized. You know how sometimes your legs feel soft at night but dry in the morning? I didn't experience that at all, which surprised me because my sheets are a little worn.  

This body wash didn't leave behind any residue and I was able to skip body spray, since it smells faintly of rose and sandalwood. My only quip? I wish that Johnson and Johnson added shea buttter, vitamin E and mica to this product as well. Maybe even a dash of vanilla? I mean, is it really fair that your only shot at illuminated skin is with the 24 Hour Body Lotion? Maybe then I wouldn't feel so robbed but I don't mind buying my share of gold in a bottle.

Honestly, were you surprised that the Johnson Baby Oil Gel with Shea & Cocoa Butter  won an adult beauty award? Did you know that the Johnson's Baby Powder with Cooling Cucumber Melon won for Best Body Powder? Now I've also read that women are also using this product to give their hair a lift. Now I can imagine how this would be an inexpensive alternative to, let's say,  Johnathan Green Rootine Dry Shampoo Brush on Hair Powder. Another use inolves your winter footwear. I usually keep my winter boots in a huge 80-gallon container in my storage. Sometimes, my soles smell less than fresh so instead of just spraying a little bit of deodorizer, I would sprinkle a little bit of the Johnson's Baby Powder with Cooling Cucumber Melon to combat the odor. I think I might just try that tip  this winter. But what I really want to know is how well it works as a deodorent? Don't count on me to test this theory as I like my Dove Ultimate Visibly Smooth in Wild Rose just fine. It keeps my stubbled underarms softer than I ever experienced.

According to a recent study, close to 40% of adults (women and men) admit to shopping in the baby aisle. Around 80% of adults say they would feel comfortable about using baby products for purposes other than babies. I guess it's time for me to start experimenting with baby wipes, oitment, water, sterilizer, body wash, body powder, toothbrushes and vitamins, huh? Just now, I've learned that BellaSugar have learned that there are certain baby products on the market that help makes the single gal's life a little easier.

What about you? Which baby products do you secretly (or not so secretly) use?