Blaq Vixen Beauty

Editor's Note: The product mentioned in this review have been sent for editorial consideration.

On the heels of my interview, Dr. Miracles sent me some products to test out. Shortly after treating my tired tresses with the Tingling Intensive Deep Conditioning Treatment, I knew there was a possibility that the Dr. Miracles line and I were going to be frenemies more than anything else.

You see, the whole time, I had my sister in mind. Ever since I started Blaq Vixen Beauty, she's been bugging me to buy her some Dr. Miracles products. I didn't feel comfortable buying her products that I've never used before. I turned to a hairstylist for her opinion.

She informed me that the Dr. Miracles brand wasn't made for "our hair." She said that the products left the hair brittle and dry. My sister's hair is thin and I hated to be the one responsible if the brand cause her hair to break.

Plus, I saw the commercials and the ads. I think this was another reason why I wasn't anxious to try the brand.

Since I was craving a hair treatment, I grabbed my lone packet of Dr. Miracles Tingling Intensive Deep Conditioning Treatment. As soon as I ripped open the packet, a minty, tea tree oil smell invaded my nostrils. It didn't bother me too much but I wasn't in love with it either. I divided my hair into four sections and proceeded to coat each one of them with the treatment. Then I put a clear conditioning cap on and went back to blogging.

Instead of relaxing or even therapeutic, I felt irritated. Distracted. Hell, I felt like flipping out. The tingling sensation bothered me so much that I couldn't concentrate on blogging. It seemed to intensify by the minute. I couldn't.  I had to wash it out shortly after. Then I took an another look at the package. No wonder. I was sent the "Super Strength" version, which is the equivalent of hot sauce to me. I should've known better.

For the short time the treatment was in my hair, it managed to make parts my hair soft. Not buttery soft - the type of soft I get from Elasta QP DPR-11 - but soft enough that I noticed that the treatment did perform some type of unfinished miracle. However, it seemed liked I had started some type of "friendly fire" on my scalp.

A couple of days after, I noticed that I still had half of the treatment left to use. I asked my sister if she wanted me to apply the rest of it to her head. Of course she said yes. I also divided her hair into four sections and applied the treatment throughout her hair and on her scalp. She enjoyed the tingling - she endured it for an hour or so before I prompted her to wash it out.

I do not feel inclined to repeat my sister's exact words, but it was to the effect of, "Look, my hair has swang! Feel it, feel it!" I was amazed but then again, my sister has a knack for trying any type of styling/conditioning product on her hair. She liked that the conditioning treatment left her hair soft and manageable.

I still haven't figured out the purpose of having such ingredients such as mineral oil, petrolatum, glycerin, dimethicone or menthol in a conditioning product. I suspect the menthol caused the tingling sensation since it also known as peppermint camphor and is obtained from mint oils (mainly peppermint). However, I'm just happy that my sister enjoyed the Tingling Intensive Deep Conditioning Treatment more than I did.

I'm dying to know if any of you have tried the Dr. Miracles' line? Thoughts?

Editor's Note: The product mentioned in this post was sent by Purple Lab NYC for an exclusive launch party in honor of Purple Lab NYC's debut on the Home Shopping Network (HSN).

If you follow me on Twitter, you may have read my tweets about Purple Lab Silk Sheets Luxe Foundation ($34.50). As it turns out, my experience with Silk Sheets have been mostly good - the formula itself is creamy, silky, blendable, and feels great on the skin. However, since I have to do quite a bit to correct the shade (as you can see on the left), I am hesitant to actually buy Silk Sheets. This is a shame because Karen Robinovitz (the creatrix of Purple Lab) included "coveted ingredients" in Silk Sheets to include algae, hyaluronic acid, silk, juniper, almond seed oil, Vitamin C, and nettle. It also firms the complexion, as you can hopefully see on the right.

Want to see how I made Silk Sheets really work for me? Keep reading for more information and photos!

Editor's note: The product mentioned in this article was sent for editorial consideration. Also, we here at Blaq Vixen Beauty do not endorse the content found at Blaxploitation Pride.

Call me fashionably late this one. I received the entire Wizard Ohh Ahz Collection back in November. However, since I lost my Canon PowerShot and my mom's camera (forgot the brand) was less than stellar, I mentally made a note to buy another camera as soon as I could.

Since we tend to celebrate Valentine's Day and Black History this month, I decided that I would incorporate both topics into this post. Instead of the original The Wizard of Oz, I decided to include references from The Wiz.

Peep to see who I featured in this installment!

Y'all know what this means, right? Blaq Vixen Beauty has a camera now! I made my way to Wal-Mart today and I picked up the Canon PowerShot A1100 IS Digital Camera, which is coincidentially, the same model that Roselyn from Tempt'd has.

I got my nails done at J. Nails in San Antonio on Monday. I forgot to bring my Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat so the nail technicians at the shop just used their own top coat. I also forgot to bring a nail polish so I picked a shade from their collection. I settled on Fifth Avenue. Fifth Avenue was a part of China Glaze's Crème Couture Collection. Of all the pink polishes I've worn (yes, this whole pink mentality extends to my nails too), Fifth Avenue is hands down one of the prettiest pinks I've seen. It has a bit of shimmer/metallic sheen to keep it interesting.

I don't know if you can tell or not, but the polish on my thumbnail is nicked. If I had remembered to bring Seche Vite, that wouldn't have happened! I picked up FIfth Avenue from Sally Beauty for $4.49 (with Sally Beauty Card) so I could redo both my left thumbnail and my right index fingernail (not shown).

Oh yeah, I want to give a shoutout to Vaseline Sheer Infusion Body Lotion in Vitamin Burst for keeping my ravished hands in check! I'm so glad that I bought this lotion on impulse because it's wonderful. What amazes me is that mineral oil isn't even listed among the ingredients yet it provides mutlilayered protection.

"I want to love you (PYT) pretty young thing!"

Editor's Note: The products mentioned in this Beauty Closet review were sent by CoverGirl.

I got a chance to play around with two CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast products ($8.49) five days ago. Secretly, I was yearning to receive Bronze Fire, Onyx Smoke, Silver Sky or even Purple Plume. However, I was destined to review two shades that will hit stores near you next month - Citrus Flair and Tempest Blue. Honestly, these shadow sticks could have been the collaboration between Crayola and CoverGirl. Step 1 (the rounded tip; used for lid) is a speckled crayon while step 2 (the tapered end; used for liner or to define crease) could pass for a futuristic but bulky arrowhead.

One aspect of this product is that CoverGirl failed to print the names of the shades on the product itself. In order for you not to forget the name of the shade duo that you were wearing/testing, you would have to save the package. Or, you could take a ultra felt tip marker and write the name of the shade on the ShadowBlast stick.

If I'm not mistaken, I actually did this with another CoverGirl product: the LashBlast Luxe mascara. Instead of labeling the mascara with the appropriate shade, CoverGirl just affixed a sticker bearing the number of the shade on the bottom of the tube. Writing the name of the product on a label and then sticking it on the product would probably be ideal. Over time, what you've written on the package could wear off.

Citrus Flair ShadowBlast is an unappealing, shimmery combination of lime green ("citrus"; step 1) and copper ("flair"; step 2). I remember thinking that these two colors did not complement each other well. When I was testing out the chartreuse on my lid, I mentally conjured a couple of other shades that would have been a better choice, like emerald green or even a Midori-like shade (a metallic olive green with golden undertones from Zoya).

For my first test run, I applied Citrus Flair on my left eye without a primer. My lids are a tab bit oiler than most so my results were less than successful. Step 1 is creamy and has the right amount of slip to glide over the delicate skin of your eye area without tugging or pulling. It also provides smooth, pigmented application. At first, that is.

Unfortunately, you'll notice that while you're layering the product, it'll do two things: crease within 5-15 minutes and migrate. The end result: a sketchy, faded mono-toned look that you'll be itching to remove! It is because of this I was hesitant to complete the look with step 2, which just happened to be my favorite shade. Of all the metallics in general, copper is the most wearable choice. Even before Glamour magazine announced it, I already had this trend down on lock - I wore this shade almost every day to class. I even wrote about it in my article for Kush Magazine.

Although step 2 is bulky, I did enjoy lining my lower waterline with the "bulky arrowhead." I even lined my upper lash line but the copper couldn't keep me from wiping away my entire eye look with a makeup remover wipe. I tried again.

I decked my right eye in Tempest Blue ShadowBlast - a soothing duo of perwinkle shimmer (step 1) and indigo (step 2). Same review applies here as well; I wasn't too crazy to try Tempest Blue since I'm more of a teal type of girl. The only time I really adored this combo was when I swatched it on back of my hand. If I had to choose, I'd wear indigo-rimmed peepers since Essence declared that a blue hue "is a quick way to dress up your eyes." It's also the color that I've chosen to wear on Christmas day, even if I silently waiting for the clock to strike midnight on December 26th.

The bottom line is that you can either wear these with an eye primer or layered underneath your favorite powder eyeshadow. My experience with cream shadows are limited - the only other cream shadows I dared to wear were the Revlon Illuminance Creme Eye Shadow. That was earlier in 2008 though. Also, I'll warn you that both ends might break off and fall out of the tube. When I tested both products, I didn't experience this but I anticipated that it might happen.

CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast products are currently available at Drugstore.com and CVS.com. Both offer free shipping but Drugstore.com provides an extra incentive: you'll save $5. These offers are valid while supplies last.

The Beauty Director for the Lookbook, Shannon Levy, reached out to me today to announce that the Lookbook finally has a beauty directory. Now until Friday, you can access this section of the Lookbook for free. After Friday, it is $12.99 a month for access to the thousands of updated beauty contacts listed. Do you know I was able to find the PR contact for Maybelline through this invaluable resource?! Yes, it was valid!

You can also subscribe to the fashion directory but since that is a separate section, it requires a separate membership. This section is $12.99 as well. The Lookbook also has an OnSugar blog so maybe, if you're lucky, the information that you need might be posted there. All I have to say is: about time.

But before I go, did you know that Shannon Levy created The Beauty Closet? Featuring 19 brands, The Beauty Closet contains a "tightly-edited" selection of cosmetics, makeup bags, brushes and other accessories.

Tired of using off-brand beauty sponges? The Beauty Closet has the ever popular BeautyBlender sponge and cleanser in stock. I have to buy this. I can't afford the TEMPTU AIRbrush Makeup System yet so this will have to do.

Then there's the Scott Barnes Beauty line. I knew that Gabrielle Union was a fan of his Flossy Glossy in Pretty Penny ($22) and the Illumineye in Chocolate ($35) but I wasn't familiar with the line until now.

The Beauty Closet sells his famed Body Bling Platinum, which leaves a stunning, champagne shimmer on the skin. I'm starting to love champagne-hued shimmer for the face and body (like Susan Posnick COLORME in Champagne Shimmer) so I have to check this out. I'm also adding his original Body Bling to my list just in case I go through another J. LO phase.

Other brands include Kevyn Aucoin, Hourglass Cosmetics, Armour Beauty, Billy B Beauty, Kreat Beauty, RGB Cosmetics, Sara Happ, pur~lisse, Suresh Beauty, Shadow Shields, Paul & Joe Beauté and more.

Follow them all on Twitter: @ScottBarnes68, @beautycloset, @TheLookBook, @PandJBeaute, @sarahappinc, @RGBCosmetics,  @MrBillyB, @ArmourBeauty,  @purlisse, @beautyblenderUS, and @ShadowShields.

Editor's Note: The product mentioned in this editorial was sent by YSL Beaute through the Total Beauty Sneek Peak program.

Speaking of floral scents, let me tell you about the newest fragrance I recently tested: YSL Parisienne (say it right). Surely you've seen the promo where supermodel Kate Moss is sheathed in black leather, reminiscing about a recent rendezvous, right? Just today, I learned that the song in the background was by Depreche Mode from The Modern Age so that defintely added to the sex factor. I was thinking that Parisienne would be like "Chocolat" in a bottle - sensual, sexy, erotic - all of those adjectives that you would surely associate with the scent of a true vixen.

However, I'll have to admit that the video doesn't actually match up with the fragrance. In fact, when I think about the link between the two, I get that "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" vibe. Here is a mature woman looking to feel young again by dressing edgier, sexier, proclaiming "I'm bringing sexy back!" I think it's way too mature, but it's perfect for times when you need to get your grown woman on. Even though I've been mistaken for 32 ("Oh, you just act really mature," she assured me), I still cannot identify with this scent on a daily basis. This was my first reaction to Parisienne.

The trick is not to judge this fragrance by the initial spray. Let it seep into your pulse points for a little while. That's when the memory of the commercial comes flooding back to you. You are Kate Moss reinvented. Hell, you are unapologetically Blaq Vixen Beauty incarnate at that moment!

The essence of a woman who is incredibly free—she is not from Paris, but Paris adopts her. She knows how to love, how to live. Parisienne is the fragrance of ultra-femininity and sensuality, built with notes of blackberry, damask rose, and sandalwood. The grand floral with a woody structure is luminous even in its mystery.

I'm also embarrassed that my knowledge on Yves Saint Laurent is so limited. You'd think that I would have a mental catalogue of all the YSL scents I have ever worn, claiming to be a vixen and all!  This is the first YSL fragrance that I have ever worn so I can't say how it compares to other scents. I'm working on that though, believe that!

Let's hear it: have you tried this fragrance or any other fragrance by YSL? What are your thoughts?

Editor's Note: The items mentioned in this article have all been provided by Cover FX. No affiliate links were used in this post. Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation and Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel were bought at Wal-Mart.

For the past few months, I have had the absolute pleasure of testing four products from the Cover FX brand to include the ClearPrep Matte Foundation Primer and Anti-Acne Treatment, Total Coverage Cream Foundation SPF 30 in B25 (golden brown to ebony undertones), MintGlaze FX SPF 15 and the #160 Cream Foundation Brush.

Coincidently, the Total Coverage Cream Foundation SPF 30 was the product of choice for True Blood makeup artist Brigette A. Myre back in Season 1. Remember how simple and innocent Sookie looked back then? Myre used Total Coverage to even out Anna Paquin's complexion. Mascara and light lipstick completed the look. Nowadays, when I wear foundation, I wear a similar look as you can see to the left. This is the second cream foundation I've tried and I'll have to say that I love this foundation as much as my Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation. Cover FX says that Total Coverage is "dermatologist first choice for flawless looking skin." It has a 2-in-1 formula, which simply means that I don't have to apply concealer at all because it provides "optimum coverage," camouflaging my birthmark, blemishes and old acne scars. Instead of a matte finish, it dries to a dewy, natural-looking finish.

The best part? It has a SPF of 30! As you all may know, I'm still using the Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector and the Moisturizer with SPF 20. Yes, the SPF 20 is adequate but I am a SPF 30 girl all the way. I strongly feel all skin care products should be SPF 30 or higher because who's honestly benefiting from SPF 15? Are you?

Let me tell you about that #160 Cream Foundation Brush. With bristles made out of 100% natural goat hair, it is excellent. There's a reason behind the excellency: "soft, natural bristles do not permit excessive product deposition, therefore facilitating easier cream application." Application of cream foundations have never been easier for me ever since I've had Cover FX's #160 in my possession. I've alternated between Total Coverage and Dream Matte Mousse. I can build even coverage without worrying about streaks or unsightly pores. It allows me to channel my inner-artiste again. However, this time, instead of a drawing pad, my face is my canvas. I'm lovin' it!

Getting back to basics, I'll dish about the ClearPrep Matte Foundation Primer and Anti-Acne Treatment. If you're serious about getting back to matte, you'll want to check this one out. I remember thinking that ClearPrep was a more expensive, spruced-up version of Monistat Chafing-Relief Powder-Gel. From what I've experienced, both ease blending and both refrain from irritating my ultra-sensitive skin. However, the similarities stop there. You see, if the Monistat actually had some type of anti-acne treatment, I would be more likely to use it on a regular basis. While I enjoy the fact that the ClearPrep helps keep any breakouts I have to a minimum, I think Cover FX should reformulate it so that it could help to fade current scarring, help slow down the visible aging and brighten skin. What do you think? Could Cover FX possible come out with a primer that does all of these things or am I asking for the impossible? I will rave that it decreases the lines and bags that I have under my eyes as well as minimize my pores. Furthermore, unlike the Monistat, you can use ClearPrep as a spot treatment.

You already know how I feel about the MintGlaze, right? If not, you can read my thoughts here. Honestly, it's growing on me. I'm applying it every hour, rubbing my lips together and making kissing faces like a damn fool! Don't forget that if you want to try the MintGlaze for a whole year, just sign up for CoverFX's Inner Circle.

Your thoughts? Were you able to take anything away from this article?

Editor's Note: In light of the Federal Trade Commission's new guidelines on product information and online reviews, I will now include a disclaimer for each review that I have ever written for Blaq Vixen Beauty. Hopefully, each review will have a disclaimer by December 1, 2009, in which the guidelines will be in effect. For this particular article, the items mentioned have all been provided by L'Oreal through Total Beauty's Sneak Peek program. L'Oreal photo courtesy of eBay. No affiliate links have been used in this post since I have not been approved for an affiliate account for Drugstore.com, Beauty.com, Ulta or Sephora. I will be talking about the L'Oreal HiP high intensity pigments Kohl Eyeliner in this first installment.

For the record, the L'Oreal HiP high intensity pigments Kohl Eyeliner is the inexpensive version of the Guerlain Terracotta Loose Powder Kohl Liner while the L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara is a dupe for the Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Mascara. As for the L'Oreal HiP high intensity Color Presso Lip Gloss, I haven't encountered a department store counterpart for this product as of late. If you have, please feel free to say in the comments.

I was sent both the L'Oreal HiP high intensity pigments Kohl Eyeliner in Navy and Gold as well as the L'Oreal HiP high intensity Color Presso Lip Gloss in Swanky and Trendy in one package. The L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara in Black was sent months later. I also had a chance to test the L'Oreal True Match Foundation (which I hadn't worn in three years, ever since my high school graduation in May of 2006) but the color that I picked, W5, turned out not to be a "true match" after all. I'm planning to send it back to Total Beauty. If I had a friend who could wear this shade, I would have posted her review along with a picture on the blog instead.

While I appreciated how intense the eyeliner kohl appeared in the vial, I was disappointed by how drab the product looked on my bottom waterline. It smudged, flaked and by the end of the day, the eyeliner faded. The fallout that gathered in the bags under my eyes and on my cheeks didn't help to lessen my displeasure. I wrestled with the stiff applicator; I believe that the tip could be used as a weapon as it was that crude. If you have trouble applying any type of eyeliner, you definitely would want to steer clear of L'Oreal's Kohl Eyeliners as you might just injure yourself. Not only that but it's insanely difficult to get a smooth, continuous line. I found that this eyeliner pulled and tugged my bottom lash line just like a stubborn eyeliner pencil. Quite a few times, I've managed to spill some of the kohl on my bathroom counter and on the floor.

However, since I've only used pencil, liquid or gel eyeliners, my experience in applying kohl eyeliners was nonexistent. Not only that, but I am impatient by nature. I will admit that I was ecstatic to have a chance to test L'Oreal's version since I knew I'd never feel justified in spending $34 for Guerlain's luxe version. Now that I've tried this powder eyeliner, I've vowed to stick to gel if I want an alternative to pencil or liquid eyeliners.

On a brighter note, if you want another use for this eyeliner, I suggest you keep it in your purse to shank someone. It may not be as effective as pepper spray but at least it's lighter than diamond-encrusted brass knuckles!