Mischo Beauty: Sebastian Professional's Flaunt Collection

It's no secret that I'm a fan of Sebastian Professional products. I've written about the Re-Shaper, as well as the Drench shampoo and conditioner. Oh, and I can't forget to mention how amazing the hair was at the Catherine Malandrino show (a large part due to Sebastian Professional products!) during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this past September.

Well I've learned that Sebastian Professional recently launched the Flaunt Collection which is an "innovative collection of protective care and styling products designed to up the glam factor".

The complete Flaunt Collection includes: Trilliant (thermal protection & shimmer complex), Shine Define (the ultimate versatile hairspray), Halo Mist (UV filter weightless shine spray) and Liquid Gloss (a unique silicone blend to smooth and shine).

Trilliant is my favorite product from this collection because you can use it for protection from heat styling, as a blow-drying serum because it prevents frizz and adds volume and as a light finishing shine spray.

For those of you who are Charlotte Ronson fans, you should know that a special-offer gift set which includes a limited edition T-shirt by Charlotte, Trilliant and LIGHT Shampoo & Conditioner, will be available for purchase beginning in May. To learn more about the Flaunt Collection, visit SebastianProfessional.com.

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Mischo Beauty School: Sun Damage 101 & Innovative Skincare SPF 25 Treatment Sunscreen

I have no lecture today (*smile*), because I'm sure everyone knows the obvious by now. If you need a refresher or need questions answered, please visit my Mischo Beauty School: Sun Damage 101 post and please feel free to email me with any questions.

So, in continuing to present you with options when it comes to suncare, you should know that Innovative Skincare has released it's SFP 25 Treatment Sunscreen. The sunscreen provides broad spectrum UV protection (includes UVA & UVB), can be used as a sunsburn treatment (which is a first) and contains antioxidants to prevent premature aging. It's available in a cream, powder and tinted "PerfectTint" formula and is recommended for all skin types. Visit Innovative Skincare to learn more.

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Mischo Beauty Giveaway: Juice Beauty

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Juice Beauty products and in continuing to encourage you to make Earth Day- every day, I'd love to assist you in doing just that! This week's giveaway includes the following from Juice Beauty:

- Organic Facial Wash
- Deluxe Size Sample: Hydrating Mist
- Deluxe Size Sample: Oil-Free Moisturizer
- Deluxe Size Sample: Green Apple Peel Full Strength

So here's how you can win. Simply tell me how you plan to "green" your beauty routine. The winner will be chosen at random on Sunday, May 3rd!

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Mischo Beauty Giveaway: Revlon Artificial Nails Winners!

And the Revlon Artifical Nails winners are:

**EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!!!!!**

Please email your shipping information to me! Thank you!

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Mischo Beauty: Marina Cosmetics

Marina Cosmetics recently launched a line of lipsticks and lip glosses "which were developed to bring natural, hydrating and anti-aging care" to your lips. What sets this line apart from the rest is the fact that it's dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, and paraben-free.

The fact that this line is completely free of harmful chemicals gives us yet another opportunity/choice to select products that are environmentally friendly. And so the collection I sampled is called Philippine Sea Corals- inspired by the islands' rich coral, peach and cinnamon colors.

It consists of Beach Breeze and Coral Ice lipsticks - both highly pigmented with a frost finish. Also included are the Coral Reef and Manila Mango lip glosses, which are non-sticky (yay!) and give the lips a shimmer/iridescent finish.

Both the lipsticks and lip glosses are long-wearing and complement a variety of skin tones. To view the entire line, please visit marinacosmetics.com.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: The EverPure Collection by L'Oreal Paris

About a month or so ago I wrote about the newly launched EverPure Moisture shampoo and conditioner by L'Oreal Paris and told you all how much I loved the fact that there was a range of products to meet your specific haircolor needs. And to refresh your memory, the EverPure collection is formulated without sulfates, surfactants and salts which are drying, strip color and cause premature fading.

Most of you know that I'm quick to advise that if you're investing time and money in coloring your hair, you should do the same with your home maintenance routine. The EverPure collection of products includes three formulations: Moisture, Smooth and Volume. So, for those of you with thin, limp hair- try the EverPure Volume collection (shampoo, conditioner & UV protect spray pictured above). And for those of you who deal with frizzy hair- try the EverPure Smooth collection (smooth deep control masque & smooth frizz-free serum pictured above).

The EverPure Moisture collection (moisture leave-in conditioner & moisture deep restorative masque pictured above) is for dry hair. You should also know that the products are 100% vegan and contain UVA and UVB filters (for sun protection). And, in addition to what I've already mentioned, the price point also makes these products worth trying.

So has anyone tried the collection yet? Do share!

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Mischo Beauty: Suave Naturals Wild Cherry Blossom Indulgent Body Wash

I've been using Suave Naturals' Wild Cherry Blossom Indulgent Body Wash as my morning "pick-me-up" for the past two weeks (I'm still preparing for my 10K run, which is this Sunday, and it's been tiring!) and I must tell you that the scent is amazing (blend of cherry blossom extracts)! It also contains Vitamin E, which works to condition the skin, and it hits stores in June.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare

I was recently introduced to Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare, which is a British beauty brand created by Liz Earle, a beauty and wellness expert. Her extensive experience led her to develop skincare formulations to treat her own sensitive, eczema-prone skin.

I've learned that the product line uses over 100 naturally active botanical ingredients (including herbs, plant extracts, essential oils and vitamins) which are renewable, sustainable and an eco-friendly alternative to syntheic ingredients.

I'm currently sampling the Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion, Brightening Treatment Mask, Nourishing Botanical Body Cream, Superbalm and Lip Shimmer and will share my thoughts on the products with you very shortly.

In the meantime, please visit LizEarle.com to learn more!

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Mischo Beauty Extra: Karma Organic Nail Polish & Nail Polish Remover

I was recently given the opportunity to try a newly launched collection of nail polish and a nail polish remover by celebrity manicurist, Nausil Zaheer. After working day in and day out with the chemicals contained in nail polish and nail polish remover, Nausil decided to launch his own line of organic nail polish remover and over 80 shades of non-toxic nail polish.

He is also the owner of Karma Organic Spa, which is a completely organic and non-toxic spa located in Ridgewood, New Jersey. And so let me just tell you all how much I'm loving the Organic Nail Polish Remover with Soybean Oil & Lavender! Love, love, love it! There's absolutely no chemical smell, which is refreshing- literally! And yes, it does completely remove all of the nail polish.

The shades I sampled, from left to right, are: Hot Kinky Pink, Lovin' Lilac, Pink Paradise, Warm Coral and Tropical Dream.

I loved Hot Kinky Pink and decided to use it for this post. Though I wasn't a fan of the brush, I was pleased with the finished look after two coats.

It was fast drying, and of course nothing beats the fact that all Karma Organic nail polishes are free if toluene, formaldehyde and DBP!

A very special "thank you" to Nausil & Stephanie for allowing me to sample the nail polish and nail polish remover! So now it's your turn- tell me what you think!

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Mischo Beauty Loves The Jane Carter Solution

Here is my long awaited post on The Jane Carter Solution products. I know a few of you have been waiting patiently on this review and I'm happy to let you know that I love these products! But first, as I'm sure you all know, my best beauty advice is to always, always buy hair products for your particular hair type, needs and issues.

And with that said, Jane Carter (CEO of The Jane Carter Solution) specifically states on her website that the products are specifically designed for dry hair- which includes curly, wavy, straight, relaxed, natural, color treated and locked hair. The products are formulated with natural ingredients, natural butters and certified organic essential oils. After learning these facts, I knew the products would be perfect for my type 4B, dry, thick and coarse hair.

Now I tested a mix of Regimen 1 & Regimen 2 which included the following: Moisture Nourishing Shampoo, Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner, Scalp Renew, Scalp Nourishing Serum, Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner and the Nourish & Shine. Sounds like a lot, I know, but I needed all of it! I started with the Scalp Renew (under a hooded hairdryer) and my dry scalp soaked it up quickly. It was followed by the Moisture Nourishing Shampoo and Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner, which I felt thoroughly cleansed and conditioned without stripping my hair.

After towel drying my hair, I applied the Scalp Nourishing Serum to my scalp and hairline (remember- less is more because a little goes a long way with this) and followed it with the Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner (protects hair from heat styling). I sat under a hairdryer and dried my hair to about 90%, and followed it with a blow dry and flat iron. Now, because I'm wearing my hair straight, I used just a little of the Nourish & Shine (which can be used on dry skin too!) to tame a few flyaways and add additional shine.

I LOVED my finished look! My hair both looked and felt thoroughly nourished and this really was the perfect solution for my naturally dry hair. I highly recommend it!

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Sibu Beauty

As you're all probably aware, because I've said it many times before, beauty starts from within! If you aren't following a healthy diet, it will eventually reveal itself in your hair, skin and nails! Well I was presented with an opportunity to review a regimen of Sibu Beauty products and I'm quite pleased and definitely wanted to share.

The regimen includes the Revitalize & Renew, Cleanse & Detox, Repair & Protect and Cellular Support. Now what makes these products both different and special, is that they are made with the seabuckthorn berry (contains powerful nutrients such as Omega 3, 6 and 9; and Omega-7 which is an essential fatty acid vital to collagen production and healthy skin, hair and nails)- which is the foundation for all Sibu products.

Now I must tell you all that I'm LOVING the Revitalize & Renew liquid supplement, which works internally to support and improve skin tone/texture, hair and nail growth, and energy levels. It tastes AMAZING and it definitely gives me a boost! I've only been taking it now for a few weeks and so far, so good.

I've also been taking the Cellular Support, which is a antioxidant and Omega-7 softgel supplement. It works to repair and rejuvenate damaged cells and I've been taking two softgels daily.

Now because the Repair & Protect doesn't contain a sunscreen, I've been testing it out at night. I have my fair share of sun damage due to many years of not protecting my skin and so I welcomed the opportunity to use this specifically at night, since it's loaded with Omega-7, and because I know that the majority of skin cell repair/renewal occurs while sleeping.

I decided to use the Cleanse & Detox at night, before applying the Repair & Protect, because after a day of long work hours, errands and working out; this would be the perfect detox cleanse my skin needed to both recover and prepare itself for the Repair & Protect. My skin definitely feels thoroughly cleansed after using it, and every couple of days or so I'll use it with my Clarisonic skincare brush for an even deeper cleansing.

All Sibu Beauty products are paraben-free and cruelty-free and contain no dairy, wheat, gluten, sodium, yeast or preservatives. The sea buckthorn used in the products is sourced through fair trade agreements with local harvesters in Tibet.

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Mischo Beauty: Jao Hand Refresher

You might remember my "Mischo Beauty Tip: Mally Roncal The Germinator" post where Mally was interviewed by WWD Beauty Biz about her launch of additional makeup brushes due to her obsession with staying bacteria-free.

Well she also shared her love for a hand sanitizer that smells like lavendar called Jao Hand Refresher. It kills germs with 65% ethyl alcohol and is formulated with an antiseptic essential oil blend of Lavendar, Tea Tree and Eucalyptus. All Jao Products are formulated without dyes, petroleum or artificial fragrances.

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Mischo Beauty Review: The Natural Dentist

In an effort to continue working to "green" my beauty routine, I welcomed the opportunity to try products by The Natural Dentist. This line of products contains no alcohol or harmful chemicals like the foaming agent, SLS, a common ingredient found in toothpastes, shampoos and detergents.

Instead, ingredients like grapefruit seed extract, menthol and xylitol cleanse the mouth, while peppermint and sage oils help prevent gingivitis and reduce/prevent plaque. I've been using the Peppermint Sage toothpaste, which contains no artificial dyes, sweeteners or preservatives. The texture totally reminded me of my favorite brand of toothpaste, Tom's of Maine, and so I had no issues with the texture, taste or lack of sweetener.

I also tried the Peppermint Twist mouth rinse which is a daily rinse to protect and soothe gums. You should know that the toothpastes are the only brand on the market without packaging and the toothpaste caps and rinse bottles are 100% recyclable.

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Mischo Beauty School: Facial Cleansing 101

A special thanks to all of you who continue to send me questions on skin, hair and makeup. I love answering your questions- so please keep them coming! Most recently I've received quite a few questions with regards to maintaining a successful skincare regimen and so I'm inviting you all to check out my posts on facials, exfoliation, serums and facial masks. Hopefully the posts will give you additional insight into the different aspects of a skincare regimen.

Now with that said, the most important step in a skincare regimen, in my opinion, is cleansing. It really is the foundation for healthy skin because it removes makeup, dirt and dead skin cells. A few of the many benefits are:

1. Cleansers dissolve makeup and dirt to unblock pores and prepare the skin for the penetration of other products.

2. Cleansers are available for all skin types and conditions.

3. Cleansers are formulated with ingredients that counteract various skin problems such as sensitivity, acne and capillary problems.

My best suggestion is to cleanse your skin both morning and night and be sure to continue on with the remainder of your skincare regimen.

Any questions? Love your skin.

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Mischo Beauty Giveaway: Revlon Artificial Nails

Revlon's artificial nails are the perfect accessory- no stress, no fuss! The line includes already-polished, easy-to-glue on sets including:

- Color Allure
- Naturally Chic (Sophie & Audrey)
- Runway Collection (Stella, Sequins, Studio, Crocodile & Starlet)

Five (5) readers will win two of the sets listed above. So here's how you can win. Tell me the name of the Revlon nail polish color I wore on Election Day. Also, please tell me the name of a current Revlon spokesmodel. The winner will be chosen at random on Sunday, April 26th!

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Mischo Beauty Giveaway: Lancôme's GÉNIFIQUE Youth Activating Concentrate Winner!

And the Lancôme's GÉNIFIQUE Youth Activating Concentrate winner is:

Comment #25: "Luxe Tips"

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

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Mischo Beauty Alert: Kérastase Densitive Online Promotion

What: Buy Bain Densitive, Lotion Densitive or Densitive Nutrients and receive a box of Densitive Nutrients for free (a $60 value)

Where: Redeemable at checkout with promo code (DENSITIVE) at www.kerastase-usa.com

When: Valid April 13 - April 30

Why: Kerastase Densitive Nutrients work by acting directly from within the body to help maintain scalp microcirculation at the hair bulb, which is responsible for a healthy scalp and beautiful hair- encouraging thicker, denser, shinier hair.

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"Green Your Skincare Routine" on SheBreathes

With the hopeful ongoing conversations regarding Earth Day, I just realized that I'd forgotten to invite you all to check out my "Green Your Skincare Routine" post over on SheBreathes.com. Please let me know if you have any questions! Enjoy.

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Mischo Beauty Loves Tracee Ellis Ross' Hair

If you've been following my blog, then you know I'm a huge Tracee Ellis Ross fan. She actually came to mind after receiving questions from readers asking for suggestions on summer hairstyles. Tracee's hair always looks healthy, full of body and chic- she hardly ever wears her hair straight.

My first thoughts of summer were of the heat and humidity. And so my hairstyle suggestions would be to go with curly, stress-free, effortless styles such as roller-sets (using rollers or flexirods) and twisted styles, unless your hair is naturally straight.

I'll go over the basics of roller sets and twisted styles, as well as product suggestions, in my next "Mischo Beauty School" post. Oh, and for those who might be wondering, Tracee is pictured above attending Olympus' New York Fashion Week with Mara Brock Akil (she's an inspiration!) who is the creator and executive producer of "Girlfriends".

Also, if you have questions for me with regards to summer hairstyles, please leave them in the comments section below!

Photo Source: Getty Images

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Mischo Beauty: I'm featured as a “Fly Female Entrepreneur” on In Her Shoes!

I had to let you all know that I'm featured as a “Fly Female Entrepreneur” on In Her Shoes! I’m humbled, honored and most appreciative. Please be sure to check it out.

Thank you, Renae!

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Mischo Beauty Extra: Lippmann Collection Summer 2009

I'm really loving "It's Raining Men" which is one of two nail colors released for summer 2009 by the Lippmann Collection. It's a "timeless parisian red -creme" which was created to complement the runways of Christian Dior and Valentino.

The second color in the collection is "Call Me Irresponsible" and it's a "vivacious violet -creme" also inspired by the spring/summer looks on the runways. Now although it's a creme, I found the application to be very sheer and needed almost four coats to achieve the bottle color.

I had no issues with "It's Raining Men"- I only needed two coats to achieve my desired finish and I even found the color to be a nice "pick-me-up" in the midst of DC's April showers.

And as we near Earth Day and make an effort to continue to find ways to better care for our environment, you should know that the Lippmann Collection is 3-free formulated (no toluene, formaldehyde or DBP).

So what do you think? Also, please share how you plan to "green" your beauty routine!

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