Garnier Fructis Wonder Waves Shampoo

Wandering the aisles at Target (always unnervingly well-stocked with the latest and greatest in beauty products- they just added origins!), I was trying to stay away, I really was, but I just couldn't pass up $2.99 for Garnier Fructis Curl Shaping Gel and a sample size of Wonder Waves Shampoo.

Overall, I have to say the shaping gel was just ok. I used about 10 sprays on my whole head, and then used my fingers to scrunch and spiral my curls into place. My curls were nicely shaped, very bouncy and ringlet-y but not well defined. I'd say it is nice if your hair isn't prone to frizz or you live in an area with low humidity. My hair is thin and fine and frizz is second nature, so I have to say that it was a little disappointing for me.

On the other hand, I was pleasantly surprised with the wonder waves shampoo. It didn't dry out my hair like some shampoos do, and it left my hair really soft before conditioning.

I've never tried any of the Garnier products before, and I think they could work well for certain hair types and textures, but for me it just didn't cut it. Life is too short to have bad hair days, right?

In a rut?

I'm sure my loyal readers have noticed I have been strangely AWOL lately (all 3 of you, love you ladies). I guess I just haven't been 100% myself. In honor of feeling like crap, I've made a list (it's short, but useful nonetheless) of things to help you get out of that hole you're in and back into the sunshine with the regular folks!

1. Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner-great for rejuvenating tired, depressed hair, think of it as Valium for your locks! It may be cheap but it is also great at its job! You don't need to spend a million bucks to look it.

2. Take a Bath!- It's ok to wallow sometimes, as long as you do it in a luscious, perfumed bubble bath. Target's Soap & Glory line has amazing smelling bubble baths and body scrubs ( and tons of other great, fun beauty products) to turn you from dud to diva in no time, or as much time as you want!

3. Break a Sweat- whether you prefer good old fashioned exercise or like to bellydance in the privacy of your bedroom, a little endorphin buzz can turn anyone's moody blues into cheerleader enthusiasm!

4. Laugh!- look up babies eating lemons on youtube or Tivo America's Funniest Home Videos (it really doesn't get any less funny as you get older) to help you see the lighter side of things. Laughter and happiness are contagious so help spread the joy!

5. Treat yourself to a Mani Pedi- I don't know about you ladies, but there is nothing that makes me feel more masculine than messy, unkempt toes. A pretty shade of pink or sweet summery orange (I'm lusting after Dior's Sweet Orange from Sephora.)

What keeps you out of the doldroms? All tips are welcome and appreciated!!

After Work Survival Kit

I don't now about you, but I like to think of myself as spontaneous. The problem is, it's hard to be spontaneous when your girlfriends call you up right after you get off work to come and have a girl's night, or when your boyfriend surprises you by picking you up from work for an impromptu dinner date. So what do you do in a situation like that? Freak out, cry, laugh it off? Normally I would do all of the above, but since life doesn't stop for anyone, I decided I have to start rolling with the punches. And then it hit me, just like everyone should have an emergency and first aid kit in their car, us ladies should also have a date night/girl's night/look fabulous no matter what kit with them at all times!

I can't even count the number of times I've had to embarrassingly go out in my work clothes and without my mascara (gasp!). So, in order to prevent a catastrophe like this from happening again I have made a list of things that can take any girl from wilted to full bloom in just a few minutes. These items will help you be a modern-day Super Woman, you'll be able to go from work-day frump to nighttime glam in no time!

Item #1: Push-up Bra/Flesh-Toned Thong/Boy Shorts
Yes, I know that the first item is really three, but undergarments can all be in one category. The foundation of your outfit is what will make you look and feel your best, and you want to be prepared for anything, so I think these are a must when transitioning from work to evening. You don't want to be stuck in your "comfortable" bra and panties if you are on a date! Find great options at Macys.com.

Item #2: Skinny Jeans
There are very few items of clothing that can up your sexiness quotient quite as much as the perfect pair of curve-hugging jeans. I can only speak for myself, but the right pair of jeans can transform me from a tired bore into the life of the party! Looking hot is all about feeling comfortable and confident at the same time, and skinny jeans (as long as they don't cut off your circulation) do the trick. You can always find great deals at Forever21, and if you have a fuller figure (like me!) Guess Jeans always fit great.

Item #3: Sexy Tee/Flirty Blouse
Because, duh, what else are you going to wear with your jeans?

Item #4: Heels you can walk in & Comfy flats
Both because you never know how far you'll need to walk, or how sexy you need to look!

Item #5: Travel-Size Deodorant, Baby Powder, & Body Spray/Perfume
Even if you work in an office and sit all day, you probably don't smell amazing after work. If you don't smell good, you won't feel good! I use Baby Powder to lightly dust my flats before I wear them because you don't want your feet or your shoes to be smelly.

Item #6: Dry Shampoo & Bobby Pins
Although I don't believe there is a single dry shampoo out there that lives up to its claims, I do think that they are valuable in a certain setting; the setting being that you have to go out and either don't have time to shower or don't have access to a real shower. Dry Shampoos are great for smoothing frizz, controlling excess oil, and making stale strands smell fresh! My favorite is Ojon Rub-Out Dry Cleanser To-Go $10 Sephora.com. The bobby pins are just in case you need to pin your bangs, create a sexy braid, or whatever!

Item #7: Blotting Papers/Cleansing Face Wipe
No one looks good with a shiny face! Sephora's Lab Series For Men Oil Control Towelettes (not just for men!) $15 for 30 towelettes, are great for removing that end of day sweat sheen and keeping oil under control!

Item #8: Eyeliner/Mascara/Eyelash Curler
Do I even need to explain why?

Item #9: Sexy Lip Gloss/Lipstick/Lipstain
If there's one thing that can drive men crazy (at least on our face), it's a full, sexy pout, so never leave home without it! As we all know, I love CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain, but I also love Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Gloss from Target which is shiny, smells like cupcakes, and helps plump lips!

So, that's what's in my emergency kit! Have something else you can't hit the town without? Let me know!
love,
iCandy

Tracy Feith For Target

When I first saw the ads for the Tracy Feith for Target Collection, I was overwhelmed by the bright, fun colors, and summery cuteness of the clothes. However, when I went to the website to check out the clothes, there were really only two things that I could actually see myself spending money on. So, here are my picks from the collection, but keep in mind that I haven't actually seen any of these items, only seen pictures, so I can't attest to fit or fabric quality.


My first pick from the collection is the Strapless Dress-Ebony, which is $44.99 at Target.com. The nipped in waist and full skirt are sexy in an innocent way, and are perfect for accentuating curves. The dress also has some great detailing on the bodice which makes it look more expensive. This piece is a great staple for summer, and very versatile. With flats and a funky necklace it is perfect for day, or with heels and an updo it can easily be a great piece for night. Every woman needs a LBD...or two...or three...



My second (and last) pick from the collection is the Print Skirt-Crazy Daisy ($29.99). The high waist elongates the legs and is in style for the summer. The A-line skirt is feminine yet forgiving (good for those of us with bigger hips, or even for those with slim hips as it can create curves). I love the print for summer, although paired with the wrong shoes it could look a little grandma-ish. Make sure to keep the shoes sexy. High-heeled wedges or sexy strappy sandals are sure to keep this skirt looking young and hip.

One thing I do have to say about Target's designer lines is that, while they always sound so great and exciting, more often than not, they don't deliver. Most of the pieces are too trendy to really fall in love with, and the others are just so-so. Who would you like to see designing for Target? Let me know what you think!

Vegas, Baby!

It's been a crazy weekend for me, due to an impromptu trip to Las Vegas (5 hour overnight drive included, hooray!). I know, I know, don't hate me just yet, it isn't as glamorous as it sounds. After 5 hours of sitting in the middle seat in the back of a Jeep (I never realized how little leg room there is in there), while I should have been at home getting my beauty rest, I didn't look anywhere close to pretty!

Lucky for me I was able to rewrite and shorten my daily beauty routine (normally close to 30 minutes long) to keep up with my male tripmates (curse the male species and their ability to be ready at just a moment's notice).

Unfortunately I am still recovering! I only crossed the border into Cali a mere 6 hours ago so forgive me for not being on my A game. But I will be back tommorrow with tons of tips from my trip (including how to look your best with only a few minutes of sleep, and how to speed up your beauty routine without sacrificing any beauty at all) and my picks from the new GO International: Tracy Feith collection for Target.

A huuuuuge thank you to my sexy followers, you know who you are! ;)
love,
iCandy