Woe is me. Well, woe is my hair at least. My frumpy, day-to-day hair is somewhat coarse and generally thrown into a messy bun, but there are days when I like to blow dry and straighten for a more polished look. The only complaint that I have with the heat-styling process is that sometimes you are left with those unsightly fly-aways. I also happen to have a permanent cowlick on one side of my head. It's hot, I promise.

So, what is a girl to do about these hair issues? Well, luckily there are a few products that have been helping me out lately! Here are two of my tried-and-true hair calming product faves of the moment:

For a pre-styling hair tamer, I like to apply the smallest amount of Giovanni Direct Leave-in Conditioner. Made with nettle, thyme, chamomile, grapefruit seed and lavender, this product is meant to be put on in the shower as a conditioner that you don't wash out. Instead, I just like to use it as a lightweight hair creme that leaves my hair silky and smooth. The best part is that it moisturizes as it styles. Just remember to only use the smallest bit, because although it is lightweight, if you put too much it could leave your hair looking heavy or greasy. Giovanni is available at drugstores and Vitaminshoppe.com.

Now, just in case you've already run out the door and now in sunlight you are noticing stray hairs flying all about your head, I have another product recommendation. This one is called Tamz, and it is a clear product in a small wand applicator that you can take on the go. Tamz will smooth your stray or baby hairs, and keep you frizz free! Throw a bottle of Tamz in your car, purse, or even keep one at the office to keep yourself polished all day long. For less than $9, you can't go wrong with this stuff! You can get Tamz for yourself at Shoptamz.com.

What do you to tame stray hairs and flyaways? Know of any great products for fighting frizz? Let me know!

I have been so busy being sick and decorating and moving in to my room/office in my new house this past week that I haven't really had time to post about this haul! I can't wait to share before/after pictures with you all to show you what I've been up to. It's still a work in progress though, so for now... I will just be showing you my most recent haul.


I purchased these items from my local Designer Fragrances & Cosmetic Co. Outlet last week. I got:

The true superstar of this haul is definitely the Shu Uemura blush! I absolutely love the duo and the subtle glow it gives. This product truly lives up to its name. As I mentioned earlier, I've been under the weather this past week and the one day I decided to actually wear makeup, I wore this blush. Surprisingly, it gave me a wonderful healthy, tawny flush, even though I was truly pale and pasty. The base shade is a deep peachy bronze, and the white part is like a sheer, built-in highlighter. I just swirled my blush brush around in both to get an awesome, slightly shimmery glow. LOVE IT!

Unfortunately, I'm a total dunce and I didn't realize that the Shu Uemura Fiber Xtension mascara I purchased was grey. Doy. What am I going to do with a grey mascara?! Anyway, I have been using it as a primer since it is fiber enhanced, and it seems to be working pretty well. It has excellent staying power and does not flake, crumble, or smudge. Also, the grey-ness seems to be a plus because at least it isn't like you are trying to cover up a white primer.

I have yet to use the lashes, and I gave the Lancome lippy to my mom. As usual, the Designer Fragrances & Cosmetic Co. Outlet fails to disappoint, as my total for this entire haul was around $26.

Have you done any bargain makeup shopping lately? Have you been splurging or saving? Let me know!

Lily Organics is an amazing organic and natural product line. I recently had the opportunity to sample some items and I must say I was very impressed.

Usually, products I have tried from Organic lines seem to be very high quality, so I already had high hopes for this line. Lily definitely delivers! All of her products are chock full of organic herbs and botanicals grown at Lily's very own organic farm. The products come in glass containers that are stylish and reusable. Also, Lily Organics products are completely free of synthetic preservatives, so get your hands on this stuff and start using it fast!

My very favorite product that I got to test out was Lily Organics Organic Moisture Mist. This is the ultimate skin friendly pick-me-up for dry or normal skin. You can use this product after cleansing as a toner or just several times a day to continuously hydrate your skin. The ingredients are: Purified water, certified organic comfrey, seaweeds, lily, certified organic chamomile, certified organic calendula, kosher vegetable glycerin, essential oils of ylang ylang and lavender, and pure citrus seed extract.

Although none of Lily's products contain synthetic chemicals, as you should do with most products, I was sure to patch test this before spraying all over my face. Luckily, this product was kind to my sensitive skin and there were no reactions of any negative kind. This is truly a great facial mist!

My mom is currently using the Organic Moisture Cream and she really is enjoying the moisturizing properties of an all-organic cream, the first organic one she has tried! I would have tested this myself but for fear of a reaction on my sensitive skin I decided to let her try it for me. She says it keeps her skin moisturized throughout the night and it feels very nice in the morning. Her complexion does appear noticeably brighter and healthier since using this product, so thank you Lily Organics!

In addition to those wonderful products, I also like Lily Organics Kissable Lips lip balm as a natural and healthy way to moisturize my lips... it feels wonderful on.

Oh, also, PR representative from Lily Organics sent me Lily's book, Beauty, Health and Happiness, which I am currently reading and enjoying. I like how the book integrates personal notes from Lily's life along with details about her products and organic beauty in general. I highly reccommend picking this book up if you get a chance!

Do you like organic skin care? Why or why not?

Hey ladies!

Today I am sharing with you a current look from miss Hilary Duff.

I think that Hilary's style is generally very smart and detailed, and I think she is a very lovely girl. I would give this look a 4 out of 5 simply because I am not fond of the mismatching accessories.

I do like the oversized sweater and the half-swept hair, but I do not really like the eggplant clutch to contrast *gasp* the snakeskin Louboutins with this outfit.

I would have much rather preferred some cute brown stiletto boots with her skinny jeans tucked in, or maybe a different colored clutch with this outfit.



What do you think of Hilary's look? Let me know!

Image Credits:
Celebutopia Forum - User "Xenobyte"
http://www.celebutopia.net/forum/showthread.php/hilary-duff-beso-restaurant-hollywood-august-22-2008-85503.html

Can't get enough of Make Up For Ever's HD line? Love Cargo Blu-Ray? Well, then I have some great news for you! Kryolan has just introduced it's very own High Definition Micro Foundation line!

That's right, Kyrolan has formulated new liquid, cream, and powder foundations to be flattering even in high-definition, such as photos or tv. I had the opportunity to try some samples, and I was pleased with the results. Check out the images below!


I am an avid mineral makeup wearer, so liquid foundation is not usually my cup of tea. Although Kryolan Mattifying Mirco Foundation was slightly fragranced, I did not experience any breakouts or problems on the areas I applied it. It felt very lightweight on, and seemed to provide excellent coverage. I did notice a slight settling in to fine lines when I tested this product on my hand, however it was very minimal. The color match looked like it would not blend in as seamlessly as it did. All in all, I was pleased with this liquid foundation.

The Kryolan Micro Foundation Cream I tried was a good medium to full coverage base. The cream foundation was also fragranced, and seemed to be oil based. I, of course, would not dream of trying this on my oily skin, but if you are looking for a nicely blendable moisturizing cream for full coverage, definitely check this out.

Lastly, but certainly not least, was the Kryolan Micro Silk Powder. This powder is meant to be used as a finishing touch to your makeup to allow it to set and remain beautiful throughout the day. This powder is awesome. It is super-finely milled so it does not look cakey or powdery at all once it is on. It has no fragrance and felt extremely light and airy on my skin. This product provides no coverage, but over your existing foundation it will make you look airbrushed and lovely. I highly recommend it!

For more information, check out Kryolan's website!

What do you think of Kryolan's new line? Do you think High Definition cosmetics are just a fad, or the next big thing? Let me know!

Here is a photo of Katherine Heigl from the Hot in Hollywood event. Katherine appears to be channeling some old school Hollywood glamour here, and I think the look is working for her.

I love the natural makeup look, and the soft side swept hair. I think her dress is super cute, and I would definitely wear something like that because it covers up your arms! I love dresses that focus on just showing a little bit of skin, because they are appropriate and classy.

I also love the fact that she only chose simple accessories and didn't over do it.

I would give Katherine Heigl's look a five out of five! She is rocking it!

What do you think of Katherine's look?

Here we have miss Mila Kunis at the Comic Con convention! She looks uber-dressed down, and seems to even have a Dawson's Creek Katie Holmes air about her. I, personally, like it.


I think she looks great natural, and that it is refreshing to see a celebrity look like a real person, but still gorgeous, in event photos.

Want to nab Mila's look for yourself? Keep it natural! Just do a simple base with some light concealer or tinted moisturizer, and eliminate shine with a matte powder, like MAC Blot Powder. Keep your eyebrows well groomed, like Mila's, and fill in with powder or brow wax as needed. Messy eyebrows will make this look appear grungy, in a bad way. Add a little smudgey brown liner and mascara, and you're good to go!

What do you think of Mila's natural make up look?

Image Credits:
Celebutopia Forum - User "Terminator"
http://www.celebutopia.net/forum/showthread.php/mila-kunis-poses-comic-con-2008-convention-san-82461.html

Here is a candid shot of Kim Kardashian at Coco Deville Nightclub. I am completely in awe at the amazing-ness that is this girl's eyelashes. I mean, come on. Her eyelashes must not be really that long, right? Does Kim have eyelash extensions?


What do you think? They look so natural! But they could be fake, I guess. If not, those are some awesome lashes. Maybe Kim wears individual false lashes, and/or fiber enhanced mascara.

For long lashes, well, as long as mine will let them naturally go without falsies, I like to use NYX Doll Eye Mascara or Imju Fiberwig.

What are your favorite long lash tricks? Let me know!

Image Credits:
Celebutopia Forum - User "Terminator"
http://www.celebutopia.net/forum/showthread.php/kim-kardashian-arrives-coco-deville-nightclub-west-hollywood-85231.html

Hayden Panettiere seems to be attempting high-fashion modeling in this new photo shoot for 'Prestige' Magazine.


I think she looks great, as usual! The more sophisticated look seems to suit her. What can't this girl do!?

Here are some more images from the shoot:

What do you think of Hayden's new look? I give it five stars!

Looking for natural or handmade bath and body products? If you haven't done so already, you should really check out Peeptoad Hollow (previously reviewed here)!

Luckily for us skincare junkies, Peeptoad Hollow is offering a discount code just for Shop With a Vengeance readers. Just enter one of these codes into the voucher section of your shopping cart and hit recalculate to see your savings!

Peeptoad Hollow's products are perfect for pampering yourself or for a gift. Happy shopping :)

I usually do not post about nail polishes, but I made a little Sinful Colors haul at Walgreens last week, so I decided to report about it. I really like Sinful Colors because they are super cheap, there are many gorgeous shades, and they seem to dry quickly and last a while.


Here are the colors, from left to right:

I don't usually paint my nails in general, but I always do my toes. Since I've had my LCNs off for a while, I decided to paint my nails for once! I used the shade "Flirting Nails" which is a shimmery ash taupe shade.


What do you think of my haul? Have you used Sinful Colors Nail Lacquer before? Any colors to suggest?

Hello Ladies! Hope you're all having a nice weekend!

So, today I am writing to congratulate the winners of my most recent giveaway for Spazzstick Lip Balm! Congratulations Laurie, Marina, Jenny, and Alexia! I have sent out your emails so let me know your addresses as soon as you get them. Unfortunately, I am still waiting on a response from the winner of the Dragon Eyewear Prize, so if (now we're on the second winner actually) Gillian does not respond by the end of this week, I will have to choose another winner!

Moving on, however, I am now offering a new giveaway! This one comes to us courtesy of Nobis, an urban and stylish apparel and headwear company.


This week I will be giving away a Nobis "Hidi" hat to one lucky reader! Interested? Just fill out the form below, and you will be automatically entered in to win it! U.S. residents only, please.

So, the talk of the town this week is Ali Lohan, Lindsay Lohan's younger sister. And the question on everyone's lips: Has Ali Lohan had a "boob job"?


As we all know, this wouldn't be the first time the rumor mill has fired off questions about breast implants. See: Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Lindsay Lohan, etc. Now, granted, Ali Lohan is 14 years old! I don't think she got implants. I don't know what surgeon would give a 14-year-old breast implants! And, as her older sis said, Mama Lohan "would never encourage or allow a 14-year-old child to alter her body."

In spite of my feelings toward the Lohans, I, personally, have no problem with any form of plastic surgery once you are appropriately of age. I think as long as you have the money and desire to do so, you should enhance your body however you see fit. Just make sure that you see a board-certified plastic surgeon and take into consideration safety aspects as well as the physical and emotional results of the surgery at hand.

In general, I think making such a decision to alter your body does definitely require a lot of planning and research, but the results can be astounding. Just for breast implants alone, there are many choices to be decided upon -- such as, what type of implants are you considering? Aside from a breast augmentation procedure, there are many other amazing ways that we can change the way we look. Just take a look at these amazing before and after photos!

What do you think about plastic surgery? Would you ever get a little nip and tuck?

Image Credits:
http://www.hollywoodgrind.com/ali-lohan-breast-implants/

Despite how outwardly trashy Mariah Carey's wardrobe looks in Snoop Dogg's new music video (and regularly... ooh snap), I must say I admire the bold makeup choices her stylist made.


It appears that she is wearing electric blue falsies and blue liner to match. It doesn't go with her outfit, actually, it doesn't go with anything... but I suppose that's what electric blue is for.

Wanna rock your own blue eye makeup? Try Shu Uemura's Dazzling Sapphire Diamante false eyelashes ($25.) for a little blue sparkle. You could also finish off the look with a little Mediterranean Blue eye liner from Milani.

One rule about this blue look though, NO BLACK LINER, no eye shadow. Not as a base, not to define anything. Just blue lashes and liner! Love it!

What do you think about Mariah's blue look? Could you pull it off?

Image Credits:
Celebutopia Forum - User "Alf40"
http://www.celebutopia.net/forum/showthread.php/mariah-carey-snoop-dog-video-shoot-candids-x35-84381.html

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Heroes star Hayden Panettiere looks amazing here! The short new 'do really looks great, and she definitely looks more mature with those wine red lips. Gorgeous :)


Wanna glow like Hayden? You should try a shimmer-infused gold/pink highlighter like Benefit's Moonbeam or Milani Blush in Luminous. Both will give you an awesome glow that is subtle, yet shimmering.

Now, for those deep and rich lips! I am thinking that the color Hayden has on is a wine based shade, with a slightly shimmery gloss over top. One of MAC's new Lustre Twins, such as "Red Reflection" with "Mirror" over top could recreate this look. Or, for a budget-beauty look, a shade such as "Wine Shimmer" from Almay's Ideal Lipgloss line could work as well.

What do you think of Hayden's make up look? Any additional suggestions?

Image Credits:
Celebutopia Forum - User "Xenobyte"
http://www.celebutopia.net/forum/showthread.php/hayden-panettiere-netflix-live-location-concert-and-screening-84115.html

SpazzStick is a revolutionary new product that combines the jolt of your morning-pick-me-up caffeinated beverage with the soothing properties of a vegetarian lip balm! That's right, a caffeinated lip balm, and the first of its kind!

SpazzStick comes in four delicious flavors: Mint, Orange Cream, Chocolate Cake, and my favorite -- Vanilla Toffee. I swear, Vanilla Toffee smells just like butterscotch pudding, yum!

So, you're interested in having your very own SpazzStick lip balm? Well, you could (and should) head over to SpazzStick.com to check out the details on this Alaskan treasure. Then, you could (and should!) buy whatever flavors you'd like online.

But, if you just wanna try SpazzStick first -- that's where I come in. This week's giveaway is a delicious, and perky, prize of four SpazzSticks, one of each flavor. But, this time you're in luck, because there will be four winners as well! Four flavors, four winners :)

How to participate:
Just fill out this form to participate. I will not be sharing your information with anyone, so no worries.

Standard Disclaimer: This giveaway is limited to U.S. participants only. All complete entries, via the form, are valid until the closing of the contest, at 12:00 AM on 8/17/2008. Multiple entries under the same name/e-mail do not increase your chance of winning. One winner will be selected at random at the date of the contest closing. If the winner, chosen at random, does not respond to my e-mail by one week after the contest closing, another winner will be chosen!

Good Luck!

Bring on the Maxi's! In keeping up with this wonderful trend, our favorite reality girl, Kim Kardashian, is rocking an awesome teal maxi dress that looks very much like (or could possibly even be) this cute dress from the Victoria's Secret catalog. Loves it!


The "ultra teal" dress also comes in "sour cherry", "chocolate", white and black. For such a versatile item, this dress is a steal at $108.

What do you think, would you wear it?

Image Credits:
Celebutopia Forum - User "Terminator"
http://www.celebutopia.net/forum/showthread.php/kim-kardashian-out-and-hollywood-august-4-30-83551.html