Girls With Curls | Wonder Curl " Get Set Hair Jelly " | Review

Hey all! Welcome back to our Girls With Curls series. If you've been keeping up then you know that I've been on a quest to find great products for us girls with curly hair! Wonder Curl is a new and innovative hair line that offers products specifically designed for women with natural and curly hair. I recently got the chance to try out Wonder Curl's Get Set Hair Jelly, which is a a gel like formula that smooths, soothes and controls frizz without stiffness. The Get Set Hair Jelly comes in a 2oz, 8oz and 16oz jar. For this review I used the 2oz jar.

Ingredients : Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe Vera) juice, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Phenoxyethanol, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Panthenol, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Alcohol denatured, Carbomer, TEA, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Polyquaternium 7, Fragrance 

Since I'm definitely a fan of wash and go's, especially in the summer; I decided to use the Get Set Hair Jelly for a wash and go this past weekend. I washed and conditioned my hair as usual then per the directions I  applied the jelly onto my hair in separated sections. Once my hair was completely covered in product I allowed it to air dry and went about my day. I don't own a diffuser so of course it took a few hours for it to dry naturally. Check out my results below.

 Is it just me, or does my hair look a little wiggy in this pic lol ? 

Glow: It's not crunchy and it doesn't flake! I know we tend to associate most gel based products with leaving your hair dry and crunchy but the Get Set Hair Jelly actually left my hair looking moisturized, it was soft & touchable and it didn't feel weighted down at all.  Another thing I like about this product is that it comes in three different variations of sizes. I used the 2oz jar which is the smallest size and it retails for only $5. Initially I was a little apprehensive about whether or not 2oz would be enough for all of my hair. But to my surprise it was, and I have a pretty good amount of hair.

Glare: I can't really call it a glare because my issue really has nothing to do with this product. I've mentioned it before but I have really soft hair which makes it difficult to achieve great next day hair. I've tried sleeping in a bonnet but that only mushes and flattens my curls. I've read suggestions about twisting your curls into sections before bed each night but....I'm a low maintenance kinda girl and trust me when I say that I don't have the patience for that. Everyone is different but I've just found it easier for me to do a wash & go in the mornings and be done with it. Next day hair is another reason why I alternate from curly to straight a lot because obviously I don't want to reset my hair with product ever single day.

Would I Recommend It? YES! I could really see myself using this as a staple product throughout the summer. If you're not sure about buying the 16oz I'd definitely recommend trying the 2oz so you can get a feel of how it works for you.

Overall Glam: It's a great product and it's affordable! It worked well for my hair and I really like the results. I still have questions about my curl type, I really don't know what type I am. My hair is generally more wavy at the roots and more coily and curly towards the ends. My hair tends to do its own thing so that varies too lol.

* The Get Set Hair Jelly currently retails as follows; 2oz retails for $5, 8oz retails for $15 and the 16 oz is $25. To learn more about the company, the products or to purchase, please visit wondercurl.com .

Product(s) in this post were provided for post consideration. Read our disclosure policy here. 

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Nicole by OPI | Six New Texture Coats | Swatches + Review

Nicole by OPI announces the launch of Texture Coat, a line of graffiti-style nail art products inspired by OPI’s bestselling Shatter. Available in six chic shades – Gold, Silver, Red, White, Turquoise and Black – Texture Coat offers a simple way to create unique, unpredictable patterns on nails with a quick, at-home application.

“Fans of Nicole by OPI are fun, fashion-forward women who love experimenting with trends and using nail lacquer as a form of self-expression,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “Texture Coat offers an easy way to create your own completely customized nail art. Whether you choose pastels, darks, glitters, shimmers, or sheers to pair with Texture Coat, the endless options will accessorize every look.”

Red Texture

Paired w/ Cina Glaze " Classic Camel "

Silver Texture

Paired w/ Nubar " Honeysuckle "

Black Texture

Paired w/ Nicole by OPI " I'm A Belieber "

Gold Texture

Paired w/ OPI " Tease-y Does It "

White Texture

Paired w/ Nicole by OPI " My Lifesaver "

Turquoise Texture

Paired w/ China Glaze " Sun Worshiper " 

Glow:  I'm happy to see Nicole by OPI get a few shatter polishes to their collection. I was actually kinda surprised by the Gold & Silver Textures because they are shimmery, I didn't expect them to come out as cute as the others but they definitely did!

Glare: The only thing I found sort of weird is that a few of the brushes were wide and a couple were thin. Not sure the logic behind that. First I thought maybe the shimmery colors had the wider brushes but that wasn't the case. While I love OPI's wide brushes in general, I actually prefer the thinner brush when applying their texture's & shatters because they allow for smaller & plentiful effects.

Would I Recommend It? Yes! Of course there are some colors that I prefer over others but the quality & consistency of each is still great!

Overall Glam: You're probably thinking the same thing I am. " What's the difference between texture coats and the shatters that were previously released by OPI? " Well I can answer that for you, there is none. The effects are still the same & so is the formula. Just more colors! Bottom line whether you call it Shatter, Texture or Crackle, this is one trend that won't be fading out anytime soon.

* Nicole by OPI Texture Coats currently retail for about $7.99 each. To purchase or to find your local retailer, please visit www.opi.com .

Product(s) in this post were provided for post consideration. Read our disclosure policy here. 

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Liya Kebede The New Face of L’Oréal Paris

Liya Kebede, an international model, entrepreneur, actress, humanitarian and true advocate for mothers and children as well as a mother herself, today joins L’Oréal Paris.

“Liya is a very strong, inspiring, and courageous woman, with an extremely refined and enchanting beauty. Her generous commitment to the cause of women’s wellbeing is also remarkable,” says Cyril Chapuy, Global Brand President of L’Oréal Paris.

“It is important for me that I represent a brand that reflects my personality. I’m pleased to play a part in sharing the uniqueness, the charisma, and the incredible stories of women of all origins and from all regions of the world,” says Liya Kebede.

Liya Kebede’s career began when she was in high school in Addis-Adaba, Ethiopia. Scouted by a modelling agency, she left Africa for France at the age of 18, and top-level international designers like Tom Ford, then the Artistic Director for Gucci, quickly fell under her charm. Since then, her elegance and her beauty have been remarked at Fashion Weeks around the world, and she has been featured on covers of international fashion magazines (Vogue, Flair, I-D), emerging as a key figure in the industry.

Liya’s talent has also been noticed within the cinema profession. Following her appearance in The Good Shepherd in 2006, alongside Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie, Liya then played the role of
model Waris Dirie in Desert Flower in 2009, film adaptation of a New York Times Best Selling Novel bearing the same name.

Liya dedicates much of her time and energy to humanitarian causes, about which she is passionate. In 2005, she was nominated as a Goodwill Ambassador for the World Health Organisation (WHO), for maternal, neonatal, and infant healthcare. Her commitment was such that, just a few months la¬ter, she established the Liya Kebede Foundation, raising money for the Durame Hospital in Awassa, Ethiopia, with the goal of providing healthcare material.

In 2007, she created her own clothing line, Lemlem, which aims to support the trade of local artisans in Africa by valorising their expert craftsmanship and create self-sustaining economies.

Liya today becomes part of the L’Oréal Paris family as a Spokeswoman, joining Ines de la Fres¬sange, Gwen Stefani, Freida Pinto, Jane Fonda, Aimee Mullins, Jennifer Lopez, Laetitia Casta and Gerard Butler

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Dare To Be Sinful! Sinful Colors Extra Shiny Lipgloss | Review

I've been meaning to review these for quite some time now. If you're not familiar with Sinful Colors by now then you've probably been hiding under a few rocks. Sinful Colors is a cute and affordable cosmetic brand that's carried in beauty supply & drugstore's nationwide. I've heard that they sell it at Walgreens but I have yet to see any in my local stores. But lucky for me the beauty supply store right around the corner from my house carries an extensive collection. They're primarily known for their nail polish but they also make lipgloss and other various items. I've completely fallen in love with their Extra Shiny Lipgloss collection. Check out a few colors below that I have in my stash.  

#2221 Fushia 

#224 Yearning

#2226 Plummy

#2211 Breathless 

Glow: The vibrancy of these lipglosses have definitely impressed me! They're super pigmented and each come with a hint of sparkle. They're also super shiny and the best part they actually smell good!!

Glare: There's nothing that I don't love about these glosses! The only thing I wish is that they'd put the sticker with the name of the color on the actual top or the bottom on the tube. It's currently located on the side.  I think that would make it easier for storage, especially for someone with a lot of lipgloss!

Would I Recommend It? Hell yes!! I'll probably end up buying a few more colors if not all of them lol.

Overall Glam: You get tons of color in one gloss without spending a fortune! These were only $1.99 in my local beauty supply store. Of course prices may vary depending on your location & where you purchase them from. I've seen them online for about $3. Either way you're still getting a great deal and quality gloss!

*The Sinful Colors website is currently undergoing maintenance but if you want to bookmark it it's http://sinfulcolors.com . Like I mentioned, you can find these at various online retailers. You may want to check to see if your local Walgreens or beauty supply store carries them first.

Product(s) in this post were purchased by me. 

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Own The Look | Bloom Into Summer With Floral Prints

I gotta admit that floral's are one trend that I was a little bit skeptical about seeing come back in style. And that's probably because I tend to associate floral prints with things like my grandmother's bedspread. My disdain for all things floral started early, my mother would dress me in hideous dresses with huge flower prints and big lace bibb collars. She not only made me wear them to church but she'd also dress me in them for picture day at school. So now I'm forced to live with the torment of those photos actually existing.

Well I've grown up a little bit and my style has definitely changed over the years. I never thought I'd say it but florals are fashionably back in style and I like it! I've been seeing more and more prints that intrigue me and one's that I'd actually consider wearing * gasp * maybe my mother was just keeping me trendy throughout those dreadful years? Well whatever the case, I'm not quite ready to give her the satisfaction of knowing that I've secretly fallen in love with the style she forced on me for so many years * heehee * Check out a few trendy floral picks below.

Jarlo Floral Strapless Dress | $44 | House Of Fraser

Red, White, and Bloom Shorts | $34.99 | ModCloth

As You Like It Floral Top | $46 | LuLus

Qupid Ceduce Floral Wedge Sandals | $31 | LuLus

The Everyday Floral Headband | $75 | ShopBop 

Floral Coin Purse | $3.80 | Forever21

Do you love floral prints? What are some of the styles you were forced to wear as a kid? 

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Three New Shades from Serena Williams’ Glam Slam! Series | Swatches + Review

OPI joins tennis superstar Serena Williams in announcing the latest three lacquers in the Glam Slam! collection. To celebrate the world’s oldest, most prestigious tennis tournament, Glam Slam! England features two duo-packs filled with sparkle.

The first Lacquer set includes Your Royal Shine-ness, a metallic silver shade, paired with Servin’ Up Sparkle, a shimmer-packed silver glitter. The second Lacquer set also features Servin’ Up Sparkle, along with Grape…Set…Match, a metallic purple.

Grape...Set...Match

A shimmery deep purple

Grape...Set...Match

paired with Servin' Up Sparkle

Your Royal Shine-ness

A metallic chrome silver

Your Royal Shine-ness

paired with Servin' Up Sparkle

Glow: I love how Serena has a lot of shimmer in most of the Glam Slam! series. Servin' Up Sparkle is sooooo pretty! It literally looks like a cluster of diamonds on top of any nail color. 

Glare: I like the silver but it's kinda ordinary, nothing really jumps out about it. 

Would I Recommend It? I'd definitely recommend the sparkle because it's my fave!

Overall Glam:  I can't say that the purple and silver really do it for me as much as the polishes & crackles in some of Serena's previous collections have but I think the sparkle really saves these shades because it makes them pop when paired on top. 

* The Serena Glam Slam! Collections by OPI are currently available at Ulta and various retailers nationwide. They retail for about $8.50 each. To purchase or to learn more, please visit www.opi.com .

Product(s) in this post were provided for post consideration. Read our disclosure policy here.

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OPI | Launches Limited Edition Miss Universe Collection!

Unleash Your Inner Beauty Queen!

OPI Launches Limited Edition

Miss Universe Lacquers

Pageant-pretty nail lacquers in the new Miss Universe by OPI promotion give fingers and toes added glitz and glamour. Featuring four shades packed with shimmer and sparkle, these limited edition colors capture the energy of the 2011 MISS UNIVERSE® competition, to be held September 12, 2011, in São Paulo, Brazil.

“Miss Universe is the most popular and publicized beauty pageant in the world,” said Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “We are excited to partner with the Miss Universe Organization, whose contestants provided so much inspiration for rich, high-fashion color.”

With shades ranging from berry and golden pink to electric blue and glittery silver, Miss Universe by OPI provides high-shine lacquers, including:

Congeniality is My Middle Name

And berry-wine shimmer is what I do best!

It’s MY Year

It’s about time for this champagne-rose to shine!

Swimsuit…Nailed It!

An itsy bitsy teenie weenie vibrant shiny-blue bikini.

Crown Me Already!

A sassy silver sparkle that knows what it’s worth.

The Miss Universe Organization named OPI its official nail care sponsor this June. Additionally, Weiss-Fischmann will be a judge for the 2011 Miss USA® pageant, a precursor to the Miss Universe competition.

Miss Universe by OPI Nail Lacquers contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. This limited-edition promotion will be available beginning August 2011 at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for $8.50 ($10.95 CAN) suggested retail for each Nail Lacquer.

For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan!

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OPI | Nice Stems! Collection | Swatches + Review

Stop and see the flowers with summer’s Nice Stems! by OPI, a limited edition collection featuring four new nail lacquers in stunning shades of pink. With whimsical names based on their floral inspirations, these vibrant, flirty colors range from pale, frosty pink to rich fuchsia. Nice Stems! offers fingers and toes a perfectly pink shade for all of summer’s looks.

“These vibrant, feminine hues complement 60’s ladylike fashions, 70’s glam looks, and bold color-blocking, which are the season’s staples,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “The Nice Stems! collection also offers an interesting contrast and feminine accent to the punk and biker looks on the runways.”

Come to Poppy

Surrender to shine with this shimmering coral-pink.

Be a Dahlia Won’t You?

Give the gift of fabulous fuchsia—to yourself!

Play the Peonies

We’d put our money on this lovely soft-pink.

I Lily Love You

Fall head over heels with this light pink sparkle.

( paired on top of Play the Peonies )

Glow: All four of these pink shades are really stunning. So much that it's kinda hard to pick my favorite out of the four. Come to Poppy, OMG not only do I love that name but it's the perfect coral-pink for summer! It has a slight shimmer but it's more of a creme base. Be a Dahlia Won't You? is a super shimmery fuchsia that makes it easy to glam up. Play the Peonies, is probably my fave out of the four. It's a really soft pink creme and my camera doesn't do it justice at all, this color is really pretty. I Lilly Love You, I paired it on top of Play the Peonies so the effect could really stand out. It's a sheer pink glitter with tons of colorful sparkles that looks great paired with any of these. 

Glare: No complaints, each of these colors are so unique and lovable. 

Would I Recommend It? Absolutely, and I can't wait to sport each of these colors this summer! 

Overall Glam: Beautiful is not a good enough word to describe this collection, OPI really got it right with Nice Stems! and it's definitely a winner for the girl who loves pink :o) 

* The Nice Stems! Collection by OPI is currently available at Ulta and various retailers nationwide. They retail for about $8.50 each. To purchase or to learn more, please visit www.opi.com . 

Product(s) in this post were provided for post consideration. Read our disclosure policy here.

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