Temple of Glam

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!

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.

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

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?