Temple of Glam

I'm pretty sure you think I'm exaggerating because hyperbole is kinda' my thing. I kid you not though; DIY hair almost always ends up in disaster: brittle, angry hair. After a lot of time, energy and sometimes tears (don't judge me), I end up begging my hairstylists to take me into their salons the very next day. Ask them. I've offered to be their best friend, hugs, and even said I could stop by their homes to make it more convenient for them.

That last "offer" borders on a threat, but desperate times...

Despite knowing all of this, from time to time I trick myself to believe that if I just change my products and get professional heating tools, I can have salon-perfect hair.

So when I attended the L'Oreal Paris EverCrème event, I took it as a divine sign to try again*. Instantly smitten, I met Johnny Lavoy. He is not only L'Oreal's official hair expert, but for 30 years (no idea how this is possible...he looks so young!), he has styled celebs like Cindy Crawford, Raven Simone and Gail King. He has also worked a ton of runway shows and magazine gigs. So when Lavoy told the intimate group of beauty bloggers & editors that EverCrème was perfect for dry, naturally curly, and chemically processed hair, I believed him.

The feature product was sulfate-free EverCrème Cleansing Conditioner ($6). One part cleanser-three parts conditioner, it leaves hair clean, super soft, and ready to combat environmental factors and heat styling. Plus, it smells unbelievable. To explain how yummy it smells, I was on the subway and a young woman sat next to me. I recognized the scent immediately and we proceeded to talk about how much we love EverCrème.

Believe me; I don't spend my time sniffing other chicks, so imagine how fantastic it smells!

Back to my DIY experience...well, I gave it a go with the cleansing conditioner and my hair was so very soft. I could hardly believe it! My styling "techniques"? Um, I went to the salon the next day. There are just times when we have to recognize our limitations. My kryptonite is apparently blow drying my hair and cooking anything other than pasta dishes. For the record, I can also make a mean English muffin pizza.

*P.S. I sing this through my DIY-hair sweating & crying fits

My dad's canary-yellow Lincoln Mark V is synonymous with R& B classics for me. Mostly because before I even entered it, I'd hear the music blaring and my dad belting out tunes. One of his favorites was "Break Up to Make Up" by The Stylistics. As I found myself nostalgically downloading the best of The Stylistics a little while ago, I remembered those days...visibly embarrassed, but singing along with him (in my head). Since then, after loving and losing, I can honestly say I understand the song. I get it now, Papa Brathwaite.

The concept of "break up to make up" doesn't relate only to romantic relationships.  I've oft-confronted my split ends with scissors, but recently I was introduced to keratin treatments. As I'm sure you know, over time our hair loses protein (chemical treatments and heat exacerbate this natural process). Protein-depleted hair is dull, rough, dry, frizzy, and lifeless. Sound familiar? I'd heard quite a bit about Brazilian Keratin Treatments and relaxed hair. I gotta' tell ya, from formaldehyde formulations to just god-awful results, I had no interest in joining that club.

Well, KeratinPerfect is different. It's called a "smoothing system" because it uses naturally derived protein (from sheep's wool to be exact) to infuse hair with much-needed strength and shine. So yeah, I was invited to an event where attendees were shown how to complete a successful DIY blowout using KeratinPerfect.

For the record, my DIY hair projects end up with me begging my gracious hair stylists (i.e. hair angels) to fit me into their busy schedules. I figured I'd cut out the trauma of trying to fit a hat over my stay-puft hair and just watch the professionals teach more able-bodied bloggers and editors.

I happily took my products with me to my one of my favorite hair angels, Shedelle Holmes. She used the sulfate-free Perfect Cleanse ($24), Perfect Silk Conditioner ($24), and Keratin Blowout Booster Cream ($34). As she shampooed she said, "you can feel the difference even when shampooing". As she blew out my hair, she marveled at its shine and said it actually looked stronger and more healthful...score!

I haven't tried the full, 30-day smoothing process, but it seems so simple...even I could do it (maybe):

Apply Clarifying Shampoo

Apply The Perfector & leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing out

Blow Dry using a dryer like the soon-to-launch in the US *ghd air. Here's a sneak peek!

Flat Iron hair using a tool that goes up to 430 degrees

Et Voile...this version doesn't hold a candle to my dad's, but I guess it'll do...

Image courtesy of Amazon.com

Yo Diary,

Mama recently experienced a chemical treatment of the relaxer persuasion.

I won't go into the details, but I will tell you the result: strands...and...strands...and strands...of hair in my hands. And on the floor. Trauma.

Considering I've had a relaxer since the the heyday of PCJ, this certainly isn't the first time my strands have been damaged. But my goodness, it's not fun to be here again. So yeah, I've come to the final stage of mane mourning: acceptance. The obvious solution would be to cut it, but gah, I always do that.

Before I resort to the "take-off-as-much-as-you-need-to-I-don't-care" chop, I'll give Redken Extreme Strength Builder Plus (~$20) a go. Since you are all-knowing, hair diary, I won't tell you that protein is super important for distressed hair--like ahem, over-processed relaxed hair; it strengthens weak manes and has restorative powers.

Oh yes, I just said "powers". Anything that can possibly stop the kind of shedding my joint is doing, is in fact, magical. Say a prayer for me, hair diary. Me thinks, I'll need it.

I totally remember watching this PCJ commercial. You?

xx Shaunequa

Someone recently asked me how I choose the products and events I review. I frankly replied, "I write about stuff that appeal to me and my friends." Considering the "birds of a feather" adage, I realize that I should branch out a tad to make sure I feature other things, too. So I took a look at http://hairstyles.ghdhair.com for some hair tips & flicks.

Since most of the hair styles and products I talk about relate to either relaxed or short hair (what?!), if you have long locks, this one's for you.

Get Glam Beach Waves:

Step 1 Divide your hair into two sections.

Step 2 Take your lower section and split that in two. Position the ghd IV styler horizontally, beginning at the root. Rotate it up 180° and gently pull through hair.

Step 3 Rotate the styler in the opposite direction and pull down again, duplicating a rocking movement.

Step 4 Follow the steps above for the top section of hair.

Step 5 Finally, run your fingers through hair to complete the look.

When I received an invite to the Glam Survival Kit launch party, my presence was a given. And not just because I was curious about the contents of said Glam Survival Kit. I have been obsessed with the hostess, beauty expert, Lianne Farbes' "soul hugs" from the moment I met her at Cocktails & Couture. Plus, I wanted to congratulate her in person for being one of the bloggers chosen to create her own limited-edition MAC Cosmetics Bloggers' Obsessions product! Of course I didn't remember to congratulate her, but hey, it's the thought that counts.

I did, however, help myself to a manicure featuring Ginger & Liz nail polish in Indique Pink (such a pretty, pretty color) that's included in the survival kit. But what else is in the kit?

The Glam Survival Kit ($458) features clip-in Indique hair extensions (choreographer Laurieann Gibson loves PURE Wavy btw) as well as the Indique Pink nail color. You can kinda' see the color in this pic of me and Christina, Ms. Love Brown Sugar, herself.

I had the most fun hanging with her and some of my other favorite beauty bloggers on the planet; and yes, Danielle,  Felicia, and Nikkia (to name just a few) are worth the hyperbole.

And *drum roll please*... the winner of the $100 Amazon Gift Card is Annabella Freeman. Please email me your contact information!

Believe it or not: I was awake early Sunday morning for the Baltimore Women's Classic 5K Race, which supports gynecological cancer treatment. Since I didn't pack a sweaty-chic outfit for my trip, I gratefully paired my friend's gray and navy Sauconys and tangerine nylon shorts with an inside-out Beeing Mike tee.

I then noticed my entire ensemble, which also included a brown and tan headscarf-turned-headband and *wait for it* black socks. I immediately compared myself to Jenny from "The L Word" when the motley-yet-stylish crew found themselves in an intense basketball game (video below).

I considered taking the scarf off, but I wasn't willing to piss away my new Oscar Blandi'd tresses. I used Oscar Blandi Hair Lift Thickening & Strengthening Serum ($28) last week and was in love with the oomph it gave my hair.

Just a dime size plumps the hair shaft (thickening up to 47%), strengthens (promoting elasticity and body), and protects hair from heat styling. It also includes rice starch powder, which absorbs excess oil that tends to weigh hair down AND unlike other volumizers, your hair will have movement: win-win-win!

And speaking of winning, that's exactly what "The L Word" crew didn't do in this scene...enjoy, it's hilarious!

OMGGGGG remember the Phyto Universe post I wrote? Well, even if you don't, the Phyto Friends & Family Sale is happening now.

Get all of the products you've ever wanted! Think I'm kidding? *Ahem* the PhytoSpecific Relaxer (normally $60) is now $48. Now imagine the discount you'd get on the other products.

That is, of course, until the sale ends on Wednesday, 6/29! Shop the sale now...thank me later.

Judging from your emails and notes, you guys really liked my spring top picks. So I figured, "hell, let's do it again for summer"!

CK One Summer, $46

From the moment I stole a spritz from my college roommate's bottle, I had a love-love relationship with CK One. Since this limited-edition scent features crisp apple and sweet crushed berry top notes and cedarwood and incense base notes, I'm all over it (well, guess it's all over me).

Avon Peep-Toe Mini Wedges, $19.99

Super light...and inexpensive. They're great for city walking: comfy enough to break into a sprint in case something goes down. And there's always a chance something will go down...don't you watch "Cops"?

Biore Makeup Removing Towelettes, $7.99

For the days when makeup is a must...and waterproof mascara is the only way to go (if you have allergies, you know what I mean), these wipes remove makeup, refresh the skin, and leave it with a light, pleasant scent.

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipgloss in Fuchsia Therapy, $6.15

If I hear, let alone say, "pop of color" one more time, I shan't be held responsible for my actions. But hey, there really isn't a better way to describe such a glorious color, enriched with moisturizing collagen, Vitamins A, C & E, and SPF 15 gracing soup coolers everywhere.

Goldfaden Daily Scrub, $65

Did you guys know that you're supposed to use your scrub BEFORE cleansing? Yup. When you use a scrub like this one, which includes ruby crystals, anti-aging/free-radical-busting red tea, and seaweed, it will lift up dead skin cells allowing your cleanser to work better. You heard it here, folks.

Hudson Hampton Short Shorts, $143

I love this fresh take on colored denim, plus, you can't have summer without shorts. Well, yeah you can, but why would hue want to? Had to do it...don't hate me.

John Freida Frizz-Ease Hair Serum, $8.99

Humidity...the end.

Hermanny by Vix Kelly One Piece, $107 + Win a FREE $100 Gift Card!

I'm a ride-or-die bikini girl. BUT I think this one piece from Amazon's new Swim Shop, is the perfect combination of color, pattern, and va-va-voominess (thanks to strategic ruching).

Enter to win a $100 Amazon Swim Shop Gift Card: Just tell me "I'm a bikini girl" or "I'm a one-piece girl" in the comment area below or Tweet me. Be sure to include your email address.The giveaway ends at midnight on Friday, June 10th.

I'm sure you remember the DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince classic, "Summertime". I recall thinking how grown up Will Smith looked with facial hair. Gotta' love it.

Style Coalition hosted The Royal Treatment, a super-fun Lierac & Phyto event for top beauty and fashion bloggers. As I walked into the impeccably decorated lounge, I noticed the scent of fresh gardenia wafting through the air. Kinda' perfect since I'd just watched "Lady Sings the Blues". And you know, Billie Holiday wore a gardenia in her hair...and...well, the scent was dope.

Plus, since it was the day of the royal wedding, the ceremony played in the background throughout the afternoon.

I enjoyed a brilliant massage, featuring the new jasmine and gardenia-infused Lierac Sensory Oil, which hydrates for 24 hours and can be used on face, body, and hair. It's a unique oil because when it's added to water, it doesn't just become a gross glob at the top of the water; it creates a milky-moisture paradise (try saying that six times).

With slicked-down bangs (this is exactly why I won't show you the pic of me) and utterly relaxed corps, I reached for my yummy jasmine-enhanced drink.

The other girls experienced the Phyto Scope (Since Phyto Scope and I were up close and way-too-personal with my scalp a week earlier, I sat that part out); they also got their "'dos, did" by hair stylist extraordinaire, Yves Durif. I walked away from Style Coalition calmer, more beauty informed, and royally treated. Take that, Kate.

You guys, I just had the most incredible Shaunequa in Wonderland beauty experience. Follow me down the rabbit hole as I tell you about my afternoon at Phyto Universe.

The Ambiance

Though I'd gone to Phyto Universe for a party, I somehow missed the beyond-tranquil, flora-fauna sanctuary that it is. I was greeted by a bevy of smiles and multiple beverage requests. Impressed, I sat in the waiting area and then I saw Ron.

The Stylist

Ron Williams is walking Southern charm. That's the first thing. He has done the tresses of the "Gossip Girl" and "America's Next Top Model" casts, journalist Jackie Reed, and a bushel of beauty editors. That's the second thing. With over 15 years of experience, Ron uses a scientific approach to train stylists around the country on retexturizing curly hair (i.e. relaxers, redefining curls, etc.). That's the third thing.

Oh and you know how your stylist vaciliates from you to other clients? That's not the Phyto way. Ron finished with his client, escorted her to the lobby and then my surreal hair experience began.

The Phyto Scope

Phyto Scope was crazy cool. It magnifies the scalp, follicles, and hair strands by 200 times. In short, I saw the good, the bad, and the rather embarrassing. Among product build up and a cringe-worthy amount of dead skin cells, I saw one strand of hair was in a knot. Ron told me that was the first time he'd seen that. My response: "Cooky girl...cooky hair. What can I tell ya?" Here are a few examples of what you might see depending on your hair type.

The Treatment

After Ron analyzed my hair, he created a conditioning cocktail specifically for my needs. Since I was also getting the Phytorelaxer (which Ron customizes to your hair's curl pattern), we didn't aggravate my scalp with exfoliation--gently brushing the hair to lift dry skin cells (dandruff) and product build up, but that's certainly part of the traditional cleansing-conditioning treatment.

Relaxer girls, the Phytorelaxer is egg & soya based so it doesn't do the damage that typical lye and no-lye relaxers can do. Plus, it doesn't stink or burn; as I've mentioned before, I have the most sensitive scalp EVER.

After I walked over to the next room, Ron promised I wouldn't have to get up again until it was time for me to leave. "This is a relaxation day. We come to you". And that they did. When I sat in that chair, the washing bowl was rolled over to me. Then the steam treatment thingie came around as the plant protein-based, Phytospecific Vital Force mask conditioned my hair. Though by miracle, a glass of water appeared by my side as my scalp and face pores luxuriated in the steam.

Finally, with a rinsed-out hair mask, the blow drying commenced. I walked out with soft, bouncy hair and a head full of tips, tricks, and Ron's mantra, which I feel like tattooing on my face.  He says, before applying anything to your hair, ask yourself, is it going to: HYDRATE, NOURISH, REPAIR or RESTORE? If not, think twice before using it.

I was hanging with my grandma the other day when she told me she cut off her hair. In need of a change? Boredom? Nah. She left her plaits in for so long, she couldn't unravel them so snip-snip she went! The best part was she couldn't care less. I am constantly in awe of her "I don't give a damn" (her version of the phrase is much more colorful) attitude. I kinda' can't wait to fully incorporate that state of being into my life.

If I only knew dear old gran' had this follicular folly, I would've passed her my Ricky's No-Frizz Comb ($7.99). Its "tail" is  just thin enough to loosen even the most stubborn braids AND get this: this comb is baked with olive oil so it conditions your hair as you comb it! Ricky's calls it the "miracle comb". It de-frizzes tresses. It tames fly aways. It redistributes moisture throughout the hair. Sure that's impressive, but can it walk on water?

Yo Diary!

Long time no write (I know, I know). Remember when I jokingly told my grandma about a life decision I made, knowing she'd disapprove? And she glared at me, as if to say, "so help me, if you are serious, I will stab you".

Though her latest accessory is a walker, when she sternly says, "hold it" mid-conversation, she ain't playing games. Speaking of "hold it" (mmm hmm segue time), I have been super excited to tell you about Rene Furterer Vegetal Finishing Spray ($27). Now normally I shy away from using any kind of holding spray on my fragile, winter-molested tresses. But this one is supposed to be different. It offers hold and hydration without weighing hair down; it has Vitamin B5.

And you know me, dear diary. I put this bad boy to the test: during the east coast's latest precipitation-wind mash up. I have to tell you. I ran my fingers through my hair just now and it felt soft and managed. Kinda' like the way I feel when my grandma gives me "the eye".

Write ya again soon,

S Breezy

Hey Hair Diary,

This week I went to my salon to get my relaxer touched up, and the most horrifying thing happened.  My regular hairdresser was not there!  Not to be deterred, I decided to try another hairdresser there and while touching up my relaxer she did a BIG NO-NO.  She applied relaxer to my already relaxed ends!!! I was horrified.

You and I know that you should not reapply relaxer to already-relaxed portions of the hair because it thins it, leading to breakage.  You know how fine my hair is already, so of course I asked her rinse it off, and when I left, I promptly sought a remedy.

Luckily I found L'Oreal Hair Fixer.  It's a bit like a science experiment (which being the nerd that I am, I love).  You drop a tablet in the mixer bottle supplied, add the solution, and shake.  Apply it to your hair and the effects accumulate over time, strengthening your hair.

I bought three boxes; one can never be too safe...

-Posted by: Shanna S.

Image courtesy of Erika Morillo

I know everyone says, "I swear, he was singing to me!" But I'm serious, "Just the Way You Are" was being belted out directly at me. No lie. And that is why I feel completely comfortable calling the John Legend & The Roots, Billboard.com concert featuring Bruno Mars, a date. You can't shame me.

So I guess you are expecting some kind of beauty/style segue. Well I got one.

I was infatuated with John Legend's background vocal girls. This red-lipped song bird helped perpetuate my red lipstick quest, which has since stalled. The color reminds me of the NARS Dragon Girl Lip Pencil Felicia from This That Beauty recommended.

The photo doesn't really do her justice. I would upload the video I took during John Legend's "Save Room" performance, but er, I was singing at the top of my lungs and won't put you through that trauma.

Dearest Hair Diary,

This year has been one of firsts for me: my first time getting a relaxer, my first time making regular visits to the salon, my first time getting a "real" hair cut, and now my first time having full, bouncy hair.

Mari, my hair magician, looked at me askance when I pulled out all four products, but I was committed to the entire Living Proof experience. First she used the Full shampoo and followed with the conditioner.

"What do you think? I asked.

"Shampoo always works, but I don't know about the conditioner." She replied.

She was still skeptical, but after the roller set with the Full Thickening Cream and Root Lift Spray, she was sold.

"Bien brillo!" She exclaimed.

Super shiny and my hair was soft, full, and big! Score!

-Posted by: Shanna S.

Image courtesy of Rantings of a Shopaholic

Are you there Hair Diary? It's me, Cat.

It's been so busy, I've barely taken a comb to my mop. But my neglected hair will get some much-needed attention next week. I am taking the plunge and getting my hair bleached on the ends and darkened at the roots.

Eeew. Roots. "Really?", you ask.

Yes. Roots. On purpose.

I sense your judgment, Hair Diary. So let me calm your nerves.

The technique is very simple. My hair fairy  puts a little dark brown on my roots (to cover my grey--our secret!) and highlights on the under layer halfway down, gradually lightening down to the ends.That means no visible grow out! And between pedicures, bi-weekly eyelashes and eyebrows plucked every three weeks. Adding one more touch up to the mix is a recipe for a breakdown.

-Posted by: Cathy S.

Yo Hair Diary!

I took a walk on the wild side and washed my own hair last Friday. I totally was open to the possibility that as a result, my hair would be dry, dull, and er, stiff. You see, it's so easy to sit in my miracle-working stylist's chair and know I'll walk out happy. But when did you know me to do anything the easy way? This time, I was armed with Ted Gibson Shine Lotion ($15.99).

Well the scent is out of control and it works super well on my dry hair...especially when said dry hair was washed, dried, and styled by Jasmine. The result of my wash-n-blow? Pretty close to terrible. Luckily, Jasmine was available today.

Besos,

Breezy

Image courtesy of Shoppinglifestyle.com

Yo Hair Diary,

I know I was a little whiny pants about the textural state of my hair last week. I mean, I had a wedding to go to, man! But this week I'm embracing my coarse curls and rocking my signature goddess updo.To add some sheen (you know how dry relaxed hair starts to look when it needs its creamy crack), I spritz Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Moisturizer ($11.50) before twisting my tresses.

I'd take a picture of the style, but I'm bloated. Just imagine Nicole Richie's 'do with (much) tighter and darker curls. You get the idea, right?

Peace in the Middle East,

Breezy

Are you there Hair Diary?  It's me (again), Cat.

Waking up to a gray, rainy day is second only to waking up naked next to Mickey Rourke and his chihuahua.

"Why so dramatic?" You ask.

"Have you seen my hair?" I answer.

It is on days much like today (and yesterday, and the day before, and the one before that), I wave the white flag of surrender and work with my wave rather than against it.  Knowing rain and humidity will always defeat even the best blowout efforts, my strategy includes a wide-tooth comb and Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray.  I begin by letting my hair partly air-dry, spritz product thoroughly on damp hair, twist and shout, tip my head over and blow dry. And viola!  My mangy mop turns to a shaggy, textured, voluminous, effortless coif.

What I end up with is hair that looks as though I've spent a day at the beach in St. Tropez.  Fine - like I've spent a day at the beach in Belmar. Capiche?

-Posted by: Cathy S.

Yo Hair Diary,

I've noticed a little something. Every time I'm like a week away from a relaxer, it's the same time as a wedding or big vacation. In other words, there will be loads of pictures taken where my tresses look BUSTED.

I'm hoping you can shed some light on the matter. Is this follicular culture clash an exercise of continued humility? Is it so I can more deeply explore my creativity (i.e. finding ways to make the best of a tangled monstrosity)?

I'll wait for your answers...

Love (not now, but usually)

S Breezy

Cathy is the Natalie to my Tootie. The dark chocolate to my milk chocolate ( I MUST tell you that story!). She is as brutally brilliant as she is painfully stylish. She is a bastion of beauty and I'm thrilled that she's on board to share her hair "sitch" with you every Thursday. Enjoy her first "diary entry"...I did! xx Shaunequa

Are you there Hair Diary? It's me, Cat.

My hair is not my selling point. Ever since that attempt at a perm in 5th grade, I've been in a love-hate relationship with my strands. While I no longer have a perm helmet that could have secured me the leading role in Annie, I struggle with taming the beast that is My' 'Do. I've bobbed it, banged it, dyed it, streaked it, twisted it, scrunched it, and still, I wake up in the morning, look in the mirror, and wonder what my hair will do (or more often, not do) that day.

I'm on an extremely spiritual mission to learn what works best for this Italian girl's wavy, frizzy, fine, tangly hair.

There will be gel, mousse, serum, dye, dryers, curlers, and flat irons. And since no one who knows me wants to hear about my hair one second longer, I will divulge my innermost hair secrets to you and only you.

And unlike the diary I kept during my childhood, I don't have to worry about my brother finding you and reading my entries like performance art, at Thanksgiving dinner. Do you like the pic of me and my heroine, Snooki?

-Posted by: Cathy S.

I am so pleased to announce the first installment of The Hairess Diaries: Wows & Woes of Hair. Shanna is a hair product junky, a fragrance fiend, and she has an extensive beauty background. In fact we met when we worked for the same beauty company. She is also very, very chic. I know you will love her "diary entry" about last night's Living Proof event...enjoy! xx Shaunequa

Dearest Diary,

Going to beauty events after work can be problematic especially when you've been running like crazy all day, the beauty event starts at 5:30pm, and lasts only an hour. But you know me. I slapped on some lipgloss and kept it moving!

It turns out the scientists at Living Proof are introducing shampoo and conditioner to their mega-successful Full Thickening Cream ($24). The Full line pumps up fine, limp hair (like mine, except you can add frizz for a "hair-don't" trifecta). I usually don't mind frizz because it gives my hair some volume, but I definitely mind when I want a sleek and full look. My blowout's fantastic fullness lasts all of 2 minutes and then it seems like my hair is magnetically attracted to my skull. Not cute.

Needless to say, I almost dove for the swag bag at the end of the presentation. I can't wait to try the products and tell you all about them!

-Posted by: Shanna S.

If you were following my shenanigans last night on Twitter, you know that I ran home, took the quickest shower ever, and changed into my fete gear. And then I flew out of my spot headed to the Kitty Bradshaw blogger event celebrating her two-year anniversary. As I speedily headed to the 'tay (as in "par-tay"), I so should have brought my Wen Almond Mint Replenishing Mist ($32). It's normally quite refreshing, but now that I keep it in my fridge, it really would have come in handy as I willed the traffic away and said a couple thousand novenas. But seriously folks, the scent is just enough to notice , but not overpowering. I mean, have you BEEN on public transportation or a vent-less elevator in the summer? There are enough smells up in there!

It energizes the skin and adds volume to hair that maybe missed a wash. I mean, not that I'd ever need that...stop judging me!

Here's a pic from last night's party courtesy of Chandra Is Great. Dig the action shot?

Misikko, purveyor of professional flat irons (like CHI and FHI), contacted me recently to review the Hana Professional 1" Flat Iron ($119). Needless to say, I was happy to oblige.

What I love is that it allows for multiple temperature settings (from 140-450 degrees). Honestly, I don't know whose hair needs 450 degree heat, but it's all good. You can also use it on dry or damp hair.

It comes in its own heat-resistant case, heat-proof mat, and it's contained in a chic tin box. Misikko even included hair clips and a shine serum/heat protector in my package.

Want to get it...FREE? Of course you do! Here are 6 ways one lucky gal can win this baby:

1. Comment on this post. (1 entry)
2. *Become a Facebook fan and suggest fan page to friends. (1 entry per friend that joins)
3. **Link to this giveaway in your Facebook status. (3 entries)
4. Follow Temple of Glam on Twitter. (2 entries)
5. ***Follow Misikko on Twitter. (2 entries)
6. Tweet this Misikko giveaway. (3 entries)

Hurry, the giveaway ends on Thursday!
*Comment on this entry with the newly added Facebook fans' names so you get credit.
**Be sure to tag @Shaunequa Brathwaite in your status update for credit.
***Leave comment here or mention @TempleofGlam when you do.

And the winner of last month's Bath and Body Works Giveaway is...Amber (lipstickncandy)! Congratulations, please send me your contact info!

Oh Philosophy, how I remember when you were just a wee little one. And now you're 14 years old. Where has the time gone? From gingerbread-scented shower gel to my newest favorite lip gloss that tastes like s'mores, I love ya, you crazy kid.

If you are as much of a Philosophy fan as I, check out their birthday instant win game. Enter once a day all month for a chance to win daily prizes or the grand prize ($1000 Philosophy shopping spree). And that's a whole lot of fruity beauty products!