Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Ashanti Loves Johnson's Body Care. Win her favorites!

Hello Divas!

I am having an interesting morning. My internet connection sucks! But I must stay positive! I hope your day is filled with love and happiness! Johnson's Body Care contacted me several weeks ago about hosting a "Cause Party" to celebrate beauty, women friendships, and giving back to the community. I thought, Beauty, Friendships, and Community Service? Count me in! These "Cause Parties" will take place around the country and guests will learn more about Johnson's Body Care new line which includes the 24 Hour Lotion and Body Wash and Johnson's Baby Oil Gel with Shea & Cocoa Butter. These products are clincically proven to moisturize skin for 24 hours! Guests will also be able to have fun and bond with other women while enjoying good food and drinks. But the best part is that the party will highlight an important community service organization. Partying for a Cause! How cool is that?

Singer, songrwiter, and actress Ashanti hosted the very first Cause Party which benefited the Boys and Girls Club of Glen Haven, Long Island. I had the opportunity to speak with Ashanti about her party and of course she revealed some of her beauty secrets! Her must have make-up items? Lip gloss, Mascara, and Bronzer! She also stated that her philosophy on giving back is that if you are able to, then you have to. It is a no brainer for Ms. Ashanti! Ashanti also revealed that she loved Johnson's Body Care 24 hour body wash, lotion and the Shea and Cocoa Butter Baby Oil Gel.

Johnson's Body Care was gracious enough to send me a sample to try and I have to agree the 24 hour Body Wash is Phenemenol! And I am not just saying that because I received it for free. lol! The body wash is very very creamy. Plus it has a nice smell. It is very calming and pleasant. However, what I love most about the body wash is that it produces a very rich and silky lather. It is very luxurious!

After using the body wash, my skin was super smooth and so soft! I also used the Shea and Cocoa Butter Baby Oil Gel. I applied the gel as soon as I stepped out of the shower to lock in moisture. The gel smells really yummy too! So far my skin is still feeling soft and silky after 12 hours. I have not tried the lotion yet, but once I do, I will give you an update.

Divas if you want to try these products, Johnson's Body Care is sponsoring a giveaway! You will receive a 20 oz bottle of the 24 hour body wash, a 14 oz bottle of the 24 hour lotion, and 8oz bottle of the Gel. Divas that is a lot of product! Simply leave a comment telling me how you take care of yourself. A winner will be chosen at random. Contest starts today and ends on Friday at midnight!

Toodles!

Monday, March 30, 2009

Maybelline Lash Stiletto Winner!

Hello Divas!

The winner of the Maybelline Lash Stiletto giveaway is Sgoofi! My favorite drugstore brand mascara is Maybelline's Intense XXL. I wrote a post about it here. lol! But Sgoofi was very close. My next favorite drugstore brand mascara is Cover Girl's Lash Blast. I call it DiorShow on a budget!

Sgoofi please email me at latoicha007 at gmail dot com. Please respond within 24 hours. If not, I will have to pick another winner!

Toodles!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Fun Fridays! Sales and Events

Hello Divas!

Rain Rain go away. Come back another day. lol! My siblings and I sang this song when it rained and we wanted to go out! We do need the rain in Georgia, but it is so blah out! But nothing make me happier than a great sale! CVS is having an awesome sale on some of my favorite beauty products. Check it out:

Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara is on sale for $6.99. Fantastic Fantastic Mascara.

Lumene Sincare is buy one get one free. I am a Lumene Fan! They have department store quality skincare products for very affordable prices. Divas you must try their products! Buy one get one free is an excellent time to test this line out!


Funkidivagirl informed me that Lloyd Boston, the style guru and Jones New York style guy, will host a meet and greet at Macy's, Lenox Mall, this Saturday from 2-4. Lloyd will give a presentation on how to add a few key spring pieces to your wardrobe to spruce it up! He will also give attendees a free mini personal style consultation! Wowza! Click here for more details!

Win A Free Mini-Makeover and Products from Lancome!

Hello Divas!

I hope your Thursday is beautiful! It is raining cats and dogs in Atlanta! As you Divas know, I LOVE Lancome! I love their Mascaras, Foundations, Eye Shadows, Parfum, etc. Whatever they have, I want it! The quality is outstanding and the products work on ALL skintones! Well Lancome has launched a new blog and they are having their first contest! Basically if you visit the Lancome Blog here and post a question for Celebrity Make-Up Artist, Sandy Linter, you can win a free mini-makeover from Sandy (via phone) and ALL 10 of the products she recommends for you! How awesome is that??!! You know I am entering this contest! Sandy is an industry icon and has worked on tons of celebrities and supermodels. A winner will be chosen by the end of this Friday, March 27. So Divas enter this contest and good luck!

Toodles!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Conversation with Titi and Miko: Owners of Miss Jessie's

Hello Divas!

I hope your day is fantabulous! This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to meet and briefly interview the owners of Miss Jessie's Hair Products. Titi, Miko, and their team were in Atlanta at Curltopia salon, to give FREE hair consultations and recommend products to their loyal fans! Although I had yet to try their products, I knew the Miss Jessie's story and was eager to meet this dynamic sister business team. Titi and Miko started the company in honor of their grandmother, Miss Jessie. Since the early 90s, both sisters have been specializing in caring for naturally curly, mixed texture, and kinky hair. Their natural hair care products have developed a cult following and are very effective in enhancing the curl in all hair textures. I ventured out to Curltopia with luxe baby to meet Titi and Miko in person. I heard the Baby Buttercream would be great for luxe baby's hair.

When I arrived at Curltopia, there was a line, but it was moving expeditiously. I introduced myself to a Curltopia staff person and was whisked in. When I entered the salon, I was very very impressed with the decor. It is very spacious, inviting, and beautifully decorated! There are ample hair stations and all the staff were personable and very courteous.

I spoke to Trish the salon manager and she made sure I got an opportunity to speak with Titi and Miko. I first met Titi. I asked her to assess luxe baby's hair and to please give me some styling suggestions. She said I should use the Baby Buttercream and do a simple coil out. This technique includes taking your index finger and rolling the hair until it coils. Titi actually coiled a section of luxe baby's hair! Thank goodness luxe baby did not show out! lol!

I then asked Titi what was her number one suggestion for healthy curly or kinky hair. She said to "make sure you get your hair trimmed twice a year and to keep the hair moisturized. She said naturally curly or kinky hair tends to dry out, so to avoid breakage, it must stay moisturized." I then asked Titi what was the one product she used most on her client's hair. She said "the Baby Buttercream. It is light and works with all hair textures!"

Titi graciously agreed to take a picture with me and luxe baby.

I then met Miko and was able to get a picture of the sisters together. They are just too beautiful and fabulous!

Miss Jessie's offer a range of hair care products for different hair textures and to achieve different curls or styles. Check out their list of products here. I did purchase the Baby Buttercream and so far so good! Even the hubby has commented on how cute luxe baby hair looks!

Divas if you live in the Atlanta area make sure you visit Curltopia. They specialize in all hair types. They service natural styles (2 strand twists, coils), blow outs, presses, and relaxers. They also provide hair cuts and coloring services. Visit their website here for more details!

Toodles!

Monday, March 23, 2009

Maybelline's Lash Stiletto: My Review

Hello Divas!

Wishing you an awesome Monday! I am sure you Divas know by now that I love Mascara. It is my everyday go to product. It just adds a bit of pop to your face! Recently, I was given the opportunity to try Maybelline's Lash Stiletto. Maybelline claims this Mascara will give you super long lashes with a shiny patent finish. Of course, I was too excited to try it. Who doesn't want super long eyelashes? Did it live up to the hype? Yes! I do promise that after using this Mascara, your lashes will be super long. I mean my upper lashes were almost touching my eyebrows. I was super impressed! After wearing it all day, it did not smudge. Which is a huge plus! The only thing I do not like about the Mascara is that it does not thicken or separate your lashes. But it does not claim to do that! Lash Stiletto retails for $7.49 and it is definitely worth the price! This is a great buy ladies! You can purchase Lash Stiletto at CVS or online here.

And Divas, if you would like to try Maybelline's Lash Stiletto, I am giving away a tube. I have already given away a tube on my Luxetips Facebook Group page earlier today! Join the Luxetips Group on Facebook here for more cool giveaways. So the first person who leaves a comment telling me what is my favorite drugstore brand Mascara wins!

Toodles!

Friday, March 20, 2009

Fun Fridays! Celebrity Shoe Closets!

Hello Divas!

Today is GORGEOUS!! Today is Fun Friday so instead of talking about recession proof products lets talk about a topic that is decadent and expensive. We can all dream right? lol! I came across this article, on Trendy Shoes Shop and it features over the top celebrity shoe closets. When I become rich and famous, I am going to have to have a room converted into a closet! Now I know we can not all afford hundreds of Manolos and Louboutins, but we can afford discounted shoes at places like Loehmann's, Zappos, and Nordstroms. Check out the article here. I love it!

Toodles!

Photo Courtesy of InSyle Magazine

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Hot Drugstore Find of the Week: Oil of Olay's Foaming Face Wash

Hello Divas!

I hope your day is filled with happiness! Today is very overcast....again. Hopefully the sun will come out later. My next bargain but awesome product I am featuring in my Recession Series, is Oil of Olay's Foaming Face Wash for Sensitive Skin. This facial wash is an oldie but goodie. I have been using it for YEARS! I will try other cleansers, especially if my skin is acting out, but Oil of Olay's foaming face wash is a great basic everyday cleanser. What I love most about this facial wash is that it does not dry out my skin. It gets my face very clean but does not strip it. The facial wash is also 100% soap, oil, fragrance and dye free. So it is great for those who have very sensitive skin..like me. And you only have to use a nickel size amount of the wash to achieve a great foam. So it lasts for months! Oil of Olay's Foaming Face Wash for Sensitive Skin retails for $4.49 and you can purchase it here or at any CVS.

Toodles!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Queen Helene 100% Cocoa Butter Stick

Hello Divas!

The sun finally came out today! I am so happy! This week, I am featuring household products that can double as beauty products and inexpensive beauty remedies. Hey we are in a recession, so we should save where we can. My next bargain multiple use product is cocoa butter. Growing up my Mom insisted that cocoa butter would remove any skin blemish. She swore by cocoa butter. As an adult, I have used cocoa butter to remove light blemishes and to simply moisturize my skin. For example, cocoa butter is a great facial moisturizer. If my face is very dry, I will use cocoa butter to moisturize my face. However, I only use a small amount as it can clog pores. Also, when using it on my face, it does even my skin tone! It gives my face a nice healthy sheen. Cocoa butter is also awesome to smooth out rough elbows and knees. Plus it is fantastic as an all over body moisturizer. Your skin will just glow and feel silky smooth. I have also used Cocoa Butter on luxe son's eczema. It keeps his skin super moisturized! Most importantly, Cocoa Butter is super inexpensive. You can purchase a stick of Queen Helene 100% Cocoa Butter from CVS and it retails for only $1.00! A stick of Cocoa Butter will last for at least 6 months! What a bargain!

Do you have any household or inexpensive beauty remedies, you can recommend. I would love to hear them!

Toodles!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Alternative Astringent: Listerine

Hello Divas!

I hope your are having a beautiful Monday! It has been raining for 72 hours in Atlanta, but rain is good. We need it! Well ladies it is official, we are in a recession. But a recession should not stop us from maintaining our beauty routine. There are tons of products that we use on a daily basis that can double as a beauty product or remedy. What a way to save money! One such product is Listerine. Yes Listerine. Years ago, I read that a Supermodel used Listerine as an Astringent. She said it thoroughly removed any excess make-up and dirt and it did not dry out her skin. Well being the true beauty junkie that I am, I had to try it. Plus back then, I was a broke law student, so it was ALL GOOD! So I purchased the original Listerine (not the flavored variety) and after cleansing my face, used it as a toner. The Listerine removed tons of dirt and make-up and it left my face feeling refreshed and tingly! Plus it does not dry out my skin! In my opinion, Listerine is the best mouthwash and an awesome astringent! Boy I love a two for one deal! Listerine retails for $5.29 for a 16.7 fluid ounce bottle. You can purchase it at CVS!

Friday, March 13, 2009

Fun Fridays! Meet Twilight Star Ashley Greene this Saturday!

Hello Divas!

I hope all is well! I am happy that it is Friday, but it is overcast and chilly. Sunshine please come back!

If you live in the New York area, Twilight star and DonateMyDress.org spokesperson, Ashley Green, will host a meet and greet at Saks Fifth Avenue in Manhattan this Saturday, from 1-4 pm. I absolutely love that store. It is gorgeous! DonateMyDress.org is an organization that provides gently-used prom or special occasion dresses for young women who otherwise would not be able to afford one. You know I am a sucker for community service and helping young girls and women, so please donate to this organization. If you donate a dress, you will receive 20% off a new dress at Saks and you will meet Ashley! How cool is that?!!! Helping the community, discounted dress, and meeting a celebrity? I wish I could fly up to NYC to attend myself.

If you are not in the NYC area, please visit www.donatemydress.org for information about additional Donate My Dress events happening around the country on Saturday, March 21 and 28.

Toodles!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Dior HydraAction Eye Cream wih SPF 20

Hello Divas!

I hope you are having a wonderful day! It was a bit chilly this morning in Atlanta. I hope the tempature rises to the mid to high 70s. Divas, I am obsessed with eye cream! I am always trying out different brands to find that magical eye cream that will moisturize and remove darks circles and wrinkles. Well I have been trying Dior's HydraAction Eye Cream with SPF 20 and I must say, I am impressed.
I can't say just yet if it is removing any dark circles, but my eye contour feels like pure silk! This cream is very luxurious. When I apply the cream, it immediately hydrates the eye area. My skin just drinks the cream! Throughout the day, I feel that my eye area is adequately protected. This is the only cream on the market that contains SPF 20! Fab!

As Dior states on their website: "Immediately after the first application, fine lines and furrows caused by dehydration are smoothed out, the eye area feels completely soothed and the entire area is protected from environmental factors." A 15 ml container of Dior's HydraAction Eye Cream retails for $47 and you can purchase it here or at any Sephora.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

My Meeting with Tim Gunn at Kate Spade!

Hello Divas!

I hope your day is fabulous! As you know, last week I was invited to meet Tim Gunn at Kate Spade. Tim Gunn is the star of Bravo's Project Runway; the star of his own show entitled Tim Gunn's Guide to Style; and the author of the style book, Tim Gunn's Guide to Style. You know I was too excited to meet the style guru in person! And Divas, it was everything I imagined and more.

When I arrived at Kate Spade, the party was in full swing. Waiters were passing out glasses of champagne and ladies were busy purchasing items. I thought to myself recession, what recession?

I browsed Kate Spade's Spring Collection and Divas I am loving the colors! I particularly loved these canvas bags:

And I have to have this green leather Kate Spade business card case. It is too chic and fashionable.

I patiently waited in line to meet Tim Gunn. When it was my turn, the PR representative graciously offered to take my picture with Tim Gunn while I talked to him.

When I met Tim, he shook my hand and the first thing he said to me was "What a fabulous shirt dress!" Of course, I swooned! I told Tim that I purchased my dress at a flea market for only $5. He said, "well did you buy a dozen?" lol! I said unfortunately, it was only one. He said it was truly lovely! Of course, I was beaming and feeling myself...lol!

I then asked Tim "What is the must have item every woman should own this spring?" I also asked him to please suggest an item that is affordable considering the current economic environment. Well Tim said "Every Woman should own a blazer." He said "it is versatile and and affordable." You can wear it with jeans, a skirt, or over a summer dress. Also he said that "women should shop their accessories." He said "women can use accessory to make an old outfit new!" So ladies pull out your pins, necklaces, belts, and hats and spruce up those outfits!


I must say that Tim Gunn was very personable, extremely kind, and humorous! Not all celebrities are as genuine, so I really appreciate someone who can relate to regular people and treat them with respect! He treated every person he met with the same kindness! What a class act!

Remember Tim Gunn is visiting other Kate Spade stores in select cities. Click here for dates and times.

Toodles!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

The Red Pump Project! Wear Your Red Pumps!



Hello Divas!

I hope your day is beautiful! It is GORGEOUS today in Atlanta! I apologize for the delayed post, but we have had a family emergency and it has been a little crazy. But Life is Beautiful and God is Good. Today is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and I am participating in the Red Pump Project. The Red Pump Project is an ongoing effort and resource for HIV/AIDS and its effect on women. Here are a few statistics:

1. Number of new HIV infections, 2006: 56,300
2. Number of people living with HIV/AIDS: 1.1 million, including more than 468,000 with AIDS
3. Number of AIDS deaths since beginning of epidemic: 583,298, including 14,561 in 2007
4. Percent of people infected with HIV who don’t know it: 21%

Young girls and women need to protect themselves against this deadly disease by ALWAYS having protected sex (regardless if your mate is heterosexual or not). Remember this is a life or death situation.

In support of this project, please wear your red pumps or if you do not have red pump, wear a super cute red accessory :scarf, shades, necklace, purse, etc!


Toodles!

Friday, March 6, 2009

Meet Tim Gunn from Bravo's Project Runway and Tim Gunn's Guide To Style at Kate Spade

Hello Divas!

I hope your Friday is beautiful! Atlanta has finally warmed up! It will reach the mid 70s today! Yeah! For my Atlanta Divas, Tim Gunn from Bravo's Project Runway, will host a meet and greet at Kate Spade in Lenox Square Mall this Saturday from 2-4! Kate Spade will serve champagne (yes!) and Tim Gunn will offer Style Tips! Wowza! I am so excited to attend this event. I am just giddy! Kate Spade wanted me to invite my Atlanta readers to this fantastic event. Also if you spend $100 in the Kate Spade store, you can take a picture with the style guru himself! Click here to view the invite and to RSVP. If you do attend and you see me, please say hello! I love meeting Luxetips! Readers.

In addition, Tim Gunn is also visiting these select cities:

2 april 2009- mall at green hills, nashville,5-7 pm

16 april 2009- 56 oak street, chicago, 4-6 pm

29 april 2009- northpark center, dallas, 1-3 pm

30 april 2009- dallas galleria, dallas,6-8 pm

14 may 2009- aventura mall, aventura, fl 4-6 pm

15 may 2009- galleria mall, ft. lauderdale, fl 4-6 pm

16 may 2009- town center, boca raton, fl 2-4 pm

Toodles!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Nordstroms' Shoe Clearance Sale!

Hello Divas!

I hope you are having a truly fab day! Nordstrom is currently having a clearance sale on select women, men, and kids shoes. The sales includes flats, athletic wear, boots, sandles, pumps and more! The sale is available on-line and in store. Luxe baby and I are going to visit Nordstrom to check out a few pair of shoes. Here are our top picks:

These Matisse Sioux Boots were $198.95. They are now $118.00. I so want these boots! I love the height, color and of course the fringe! FAB!

I love these Betsy Johnson suede pumps! The feminine details like the bow and scalloped edges are too cute! They are now only $97.00!


I have put out an APB that I am looking for red patent leather shoes for luxe baby. Well Nordstroms has a pair....ON SALE! These Nordstrom's Trudy Mary Janes were $34.95. Now they are only $19.90! Woot!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Winner of the Aveeno Nourish+ Hair Collection Giveaway!

Hello Divas!

I hope you are having a fabulous morning! I received a ton of emails and several comments from fabulous Divas who want to try out Aveeno's new hair care line. I wish I could have chosen more than one winner..but I can't! Anyhow, the winner of the Aveeno Nourish+Hair Collection Giveaway is...........Nessa Nesbitt! Congrats! Nessa please email me your shipping information.

But don't worry Divas, Luxetips has more fabulous giveaways in the works. Stay tuned!

Toodles!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Target Brand (Studio Tools) Large Shadow Brush

Hello Divas!

Good Tuesday Morning! I heard that on NPR this morning and thought it was so cute! While browsing the beauty aisles at Target, I came upon some makeup brushes that were super affordable, Target brand, Studio Tools Makeup brushes. The large shadow brush is only $1.99! I lost my previous eyeshadow brush and thought I would give the Target brand eyeshadow brush a try. Considering the price point, I didn't expect much. However to my utter delight, I was pleasantly surprised! The handle is large and round so it is easy to grip and maneuver. It is also made out of wood. The bristle are all natural and when I apply eyeshadow, the shadow glides on smoothly and with ease. In addition, the bristles of the large shadow brush are perfectly contoured to fit the crease of the eye. I am loving this eyeshadow brush and plan to go back to Target to try out the entire line of makeup brushes. You can purchase these brushes at any Target!

Toodles!

Monday, March 2, 2009

Aveeno Nourish +Hair Collection Giveaway and Luxe Staple Items

Hello Divas!

It snowed in Atlanta! Whoohoo! I don't like the cold but luxe baby and son are getting a kick out of the snow. So cute! I want to remind you ladies that the Aveeno Nourish +Hair Collection Giveaway ends tomorrow at midnight. Aveeno Nourish is a new hair care collection from Aveeno that repairs damaged hair in 3 days! Wow! In addition, the winner will be among the first people to try this hair care collection. It does not hit the market until April! To enter you can either leave a comment here or email me at latoicha007@gmail.com.

In addition, I wrote a guest post for Diary Of A Personal Shopper. Elana, the owner of this site, is a personal shopper, editor, and freelance writer. She has the greatest tips on maintaining and expanding your wardrobe. Fab! Read my must have luxe staple items here.

Toodles!

Sunday, March 1, 2009

The Worst Mascaras!

Hello Divas!

I hope you are having a fab weekend! Some mascaras work and some don't. It would be nice if we had this information before we purchased a tube! lol! Here are some of the worst mascaras as voted by mascara users.

Toodles!


TotalBeauty.com
The 13 Worst Mascaras

Did a Maybelline, CoverGirl or Revlon mascara top the list? Read on to find out!


It's official -- we're obsessed with mascara. So we were bummed to find out that the ones on this list gave our readers lack-luster lashes (try saying that three times fast). See which ones you should steer clear of -- unless you want flaky raccoon eyes?!

See mascaras