Beauty Blog Coalition

I've recently become a member of the Beauty Blog Coalition, a blogger group I have wanted to join for so long but didn't quite know how to apply for. The members are a bunch of really amazing beauty bloggers who are wonderfully kind, helpful and innovative. I have been a part of many blogger groups, but never one with such amazing support and response. I hope you will take the time to enjoy the link roundups below and visit a few blogs to read posts that interest you.

P.S. I know I am a little late on my post today so I am extending the June giveaway to Monday so everyone can get their entries in. Good luck and thanks for the support!

TRESemmé Split Remedy: Bliss in a Bottle!

There are few things in this world less pleasant than split ends. Formally known as Trichoptilosis, split ends is the fraying of the hair-shaft mostly due to thermal, chemical or mechanical stress. When the fraying of the hair is few or mild, a trim can be useful to get rid of the split and damaged hairs. But what do you do when most of your hair is damaged or the split runs closer to the hair roots than the actual ends? Chopping all of your hair off may be one solution, but there are others.

No potion can magically mend the ends of hair that have physically split apart, but some things can minimize the appearance of split ends and help the split hair stay sealed or closely bounded. The TRESemmé Split Remedy Serum works to reduce the appearance of split ends by smoothing the damaged ends to help them stay together for a frizz-free and healthy appearance. It takes away the frizz without adding grease and oil.

IMATS LA 2012 Photos, Beauty Gurus, Sigma Coupons 2013

Click here for more Sigma coupon codes.

IMATS LA 2012 Recap and Photos

For those who missed IMATS, here are some photos courtesy of the lovely Sigma team. IMATS LA 2013 will take place in January. That's just six months from now!

Sigma Make Me Up Kits stocked at IMATS LA 2012

Sigma stand with the Sigma Beauty Expert Brow Kit, Limited Edition Paris Makeup Palette, Extravaganza Brush Set

Sigma Beauty Sigmax P88 and F88 (July 11, 2012) Photos & Preview

Early preview photo of the Sigmax P88 and F88 to be released July 2012

Sigma is expanding their Sigmax Collection this July 11, 2012. They will be releasing the Sigmax F88 (Flat Angled Kabuki) and the Sigmax P88 (Precision Flat Angled Kabuki). These brushes are angled like the F84 and P84, but flat like the F80 and P80. The best of both worlds? Maybe. Read the Sigmax P88 and F88 reviews here after release date. (Click here to read my previous review of the complete Sigmax Collection, the synthetic essentials kit.)

The packaging of the Sigmax F88 and P88. (Courtesy of Sigma)

How do you like the new angled flat brushes? Would you like it better than the famous F80?

• See all Sigma Beauty posts
• Sigma Beauty complete brushes reviews, makeup swatches and new release updates
• Sigma coupon codes July 2012

Lime Crime Makeup Aquataenia Palette (July 5, 2012) - Preview and Swatches

Lime Crime Makeup is famous for the vibrant colors of their eyeshadows and lipsticks. The new Aquataenia Mermaid Palette does not besmirch the Lime Crime Cosmetics name. The Aquataenia Palette is so pearlescent that it makes your eyelids sparkle like the sea. The five oceanic shades are loaded with shimmer & glitter particles to create that wet, glistening effect reminiscent of a mermaid's tail under the moonlight. It can be used on eyes or on the cheeks.

This new Lime Crime makeup palette will be released on July 5, 2012. Lime Crime Makeup coupon codes are available here if you are interested. More updates will come on official release day.

Nautilus Prime – blurple, Coral of the Story – true coral, Seahorse Discourse – tropical green, Pearl-ple – pearlescent lilac, Atlanteal – seafoam blue/green

This palette comes in Lime Crime Makeup's  familiar purple tin can. ($34.99)

Cure Dry Feet! Plus Pedi-Sox Review and Giveaway!

As someone who only wears sandals and flip flops during the summer months, I have unbearably dry and rough feet. My mother, in contrast, has the softest and most moisturized skin from head to toe - literally. Her technique for pretty feet? She applies moisturizer or petroleum jelly to her feet and puts on a pair of socks. The socks help trap in the moisture for softer, plumper skin. As I rarely put any thought into my feet, I can't say that I've ever applied my mother's moisturizing method more than once or twice in my life. I never tend to my feet other than the occasional homemade pedicures.

I do, however, paint my toes quite often. On these days when I must tend to my feet, I figure I might as well pamper myself. The nail polish needs time to dry, after all. This is where the Pedi-Sox comes into play: These socks have holes to expose the toes so that I can paint and dry my shoes while wearing socks. On a leisurely beautiful day, I like to add some softening cream to my feet, pull on a pair of Pedi-Sox and apply my nail polish. At the end of the session, I feel beautifully polished and moisturized.

Pedi-Sox are unique one-of-a-kind toeless pedicure socks. Designed to provide solutions to pedicure dilemmas, Pedi-Sox luxuriate and prolong the pleasure of the pedicure experience - year-round.

Design Seeds: for the color lovers

If you follow me on Twitter, you've heard me rave about Design Seeds numerous times. Allow me to do it at least once more. I am in love with the concept of color palettes and find them truly inspirational. Jessica of Design Seeds creates gorgeous color palettes inspired by beautiful photographs that she edits herself. She doesn't rely on any color extractors, but instead creates the color combinations herself. I plan to use a color palette or two for future projects, but so far, I just find myself spending endless hours clicking away at these lovely images. Perhaps you can find Design Seeds useful if you need color inspiration for a home remodeling or website design project.

Pin-up Play on Tin Cases - Silly Lips Lip Balm

I'm not one to swoon over lip balms (except for the occasional eos fix), but these adorable Silly Lips lip balms are packaged in the cutest retro-inspired tin cases. Along with the images of the pin-up girls, it's all very 1950's! What do you think of the packaging and naming? Risque? Or just plain playful?

Bangin' Bekah

Bag Inc. Deals - Studded Bag Trend 2012

Studded handbags and purses can add a bit of rock to an otherwise classic bag. It's the perfect combination of edgy and chic. Check out the latest studded bags from Bag Inc below. (Take 10% off your Bag Inc. order when you use coupon code TEN% at checkout during the month of June.)

Alexa Studded Calfskin Leather Bag Black ($159.00)

Sigma Beauty Expert Brow Design Kit - July 23, 2012

Sigma Beauty plans to release their Sigma Beauty Expert Brow Design Kit, a 15-brow-essentials-in-1 set on Monday, July 23rd, 2012. The kit will retail for $69. The kit includes give different brow powders, a duo brow gel, two duo brow pencils, a duo brow brush, scissors, tweezers, brow stencils and a sharpener. The entire kit is contained in a convenient, portable box with a mirror. It is lightweight and easy for travel.

Sigma also plans to expand their best selling Sigmax Collection. The synthetic fibers will remain the same (thank goodness), but the shape and designs will be completely original. Watch this space for exclusive news, photos, reviews and updates!

Read more Sigma Beauty updates and reviews
View all Sigma Beauty coupons and discounts

Flaky PR People, Bloggers are not Beggars

I've been in contact with a few PR representatives that are pushy or dodgy, but for the most part, they are professional, kind and understanding. In the business of PR and marketing, you can't really afford to be anything less because you are representing a company, a brand and an image.

I have had PR representatives ask to send me items for review but eventually backed out without ever informing me. I don't have a problem with them changing their minds because perhaps they've found blogs that better represent their products. I don't know and I really don't care. I just wish they would let me know instead of continuously reassuring me that they will send whatever it is they were going to send when they know for a fact that it such a package will never arrive at my doorstep. Why contact bloggers just to ignore them?

image via jpublicrelations

I don't really know what happened with SASA. They wanted me to review their products one minute and decided during the long process of preparing the package that they were not going to send it. (I simply tossed out the BB cream editorials.) A similar thing happend with Eyeko, but to an extent I can understand. They send out their temporary interns to ask me to review their products. The first girl who contacted me was kind, smart and made things happen quickly. After she left her position, I was left in contact with very confused interns. The conversations got messy, weeks turned to months and I eventually loss all interest in working with their company.

The flaky PR people are at least polite in their emails. I have encountered some representatives that are pushy, sarcastic and downright rude. They're nice only when their products are reviewed favorably but turn sour as soon as things don't go their way. I know we bloggers are not magazine editors. We're not famous celebrities. We're people - like you. So treat us like you would like to be treated or don't email us at all and we can all go on with our lives.

Blogging Tips: Google PageRank Update July 2012

Google PageRank is a link analysis algorithm that assigns a numerical weighting (0-10) to each element of a hyperlinked website with the purpose of "measuring" its relative importance within the set.

The second Google PageRank update this year is expected to occur between the 28th of June through the end of July 2012. Even though Google Panda updates have made Google PageRank almost obsolete, many advertisers and marketing agencies still rely on Google PageRank (or even the rather useless Alexa) as a tool to measure a website's worth and popularity. In truth, webmasters should neglect PageRank and focus on page views, unique hits and overall user interaction (ie. commenting and back links). If you have a popular website but still have a poor PageRank, make sure to check your back links. Have you changed your URL? Do you delete pages or rename them? These are among the top reasons a website loses PageRank or does not rank well. Try to remember that PageRank is not indicative of how popular your website really is or how well-liked it is. The rank is really just a number.

Did you know? The term PageRank does not refer to pages in any way but was instead named after Larry Page, the inventor of the algorithm.

Bloggers, do you know what your PageRank is? Do you care? Discuss this among other blogging topics with beauty, fashion and lifestyle bloggers via the hashtag #blogtrends and #bbloggers on Twitter. #blogtrends meet Mondays at 9PM EST while #bbloggers meet every other Sunday evening.

Pinky Paradise Coupons and Promotions July 2012

UPDATE: Pinky Paradise threatens to sue Handmade Reviews!

I am excited to be working with Pinky Paradise again. In the coming weeks, I will be reviewing their Vassen Rainbow Eyes Brownish Hazel circle lens. (Update: Click here to read the review.) I've worn and reviewed their Princess Mimi Apple Green lens last year. I am looking forward to trying the new rainbow eyes series. Pictures coming soon!

Pinky Paradise Coupon Codes and Discounts 2012

HANDMADEREVIEWS   Click and enter coupon code at checkout for Free animal lens case and free mystery gift with purchase of any circle lens. One pair of lens will get one (1) free case and (1) mystery gift; Two pairs of lens will get two (2) free cases and (2) mystery gifts. That means two free gifts for every item your purchase.

Related Pinky Paradise Posts:
How to Buy and Wear Circle Lens
Princess Mimi Apple Green Circle Lens Review
Pinky Paradise Circle Lens and Things

Sigma Beauty Recap - Win $100 Sigma Gift Card 2012

Today's post features a recap of some favorite Sigma Beauty blog posts and reviews. Learn how you can win the $100 Sigma gift card at the end of the post!

Sigma Brushes Coupon Codes 2012

Sigma Beauty and MAC brushes dupe guide

Sigma Paris Makeup Palette Swatches

Sigma Brushes Bunny Collection Review

Pinteresting things I want to do

enjoy my day in bed (via here)

proudly wear bold bracelets (via here)

Tuesday Inspiration: Deep Waters & Katie Fogarty

Smile Brilliant LED Whitening Kit Review | Win a Set!

I'm an avid user of teeth whitening tools and often use drugstore whitening strips. I once tried the Crest 2-Hour Strips and ended up with excruciating gum pain for three days. Never again, I promise myself.

Earlier this month Smile Brilliant sent me their LED Whitening Kit to try. I've been using it for the past week and have noticed my teeth whitening already. It's simple enough to use: Apply the whitening gel to your teeth, cover your teeth with the protective trays, place the LED light into your mouth and turn it on. Your teeth gets whitened in about 20-30 minutes. Using this LED method of whitening is cheaper than strips (reusable kit) and it's effective too.

Smilebrilliant.com is offers a tooth bleaching package that generates results in an easy to carry package. In as little as 20 minutes per day, Brilliantly Simple gets results and goes where you go. The whitening system includes an ultra high strength professional whitening pen with an LED lighting system. The gel paints on quickly and the LED whitening light accelerates the process. Affordability on the go is Brilliantly Simple!

Happy Father's Day 2012

To all caring fathers, single-mothers, loving grandparents or guardians out there:

Homemade Rose Oil

Did you know that June is National Rose Month? Celebrated as a symbol of love, beauty, and hope, the rose was officially declared as the National Floral Emblem of the U.S. by President Ronald Reagan in 1986. With roses across the country in full bloom, now is the perfect time of year to create your own Rose Oil. One of the most widely used essential oils in perfumery and beauty care; Rose Oil can be used for everything from moisturizing your skin, to curing wooden furniture.

Homemade Rose Oil:

1. In a food processer, or using a mortar and pestle, grind rose petals to release fragrance
2. Place pulp into a mason jar with an airtight lid
3. Cover rose petals thoroughly with olive oil or canola oil – ensure that the oil reaches through to the top layer of pulp
4. Push the rose petals down with a wooden spoon
5. Seal the mason jar and place in a cool, dark place for two weeks
6. Strain the oil into smaller containers and seal.

In addition to using Rose Oil as a moisturizer and to cure wooden furniture, you can also use for a fragrant bath.  Adding sea salt to the mixture creates an aromatic and effective exfoliant.

IMATS LA 2012 Drawing Near / Summer Flu

Even though I won't be able to attend this year, I'm really excited for IMATS. I'll keep my eyes out for all the pictures and posts. Those of you attending, I'd appreciate the updates and links to photos. ;)

Sigma IMATS Booth last year.

MakeupByTiffany doing makeup at the Sigma booth last year.

I've been suffering from the flu for several days now. You think the flu is bad during the winter? It's so much worst when the weather is nice out. :( Hopefully the orange juice and soup will pull through.

MAC's A/W 2012 Trend Book

Here is a glimpse into MAC's A/W Trend Book. Be sure to let me know if you're interested in any specifics so that I can pull it up!

There are four trends in the book:

• Sense + Sensibility: A rural approach to fresh country innocence, an aristocratic take on tailored beauty; the look is healthy, polished, effortless and groomed with the perfect canvas for a red lip.
• Roam-Antique: Elegant, eccentric beauty seen through the eyes of a gypsy, a trend playing with the proportion and depth of an eye, using soulful tints to mesmerizing jewel-like metallics; a modern-day twist on a smokey eye.
• Hone-Structure: A contemporary nude sculptured face focusing on bold brows and the use of shadows to give depth to features; the look is strong yet feminine.
• Arti-Tech: An artistic take on liner, high tech and modern referencing Oriental precision and equestrian elegance – refined.

Other sections in the book include:

• Featured Makeup Artists: Details behind M·A·C’s key makeup artists inspirations including Val Garland, Charlotte Tilbury, Diane Kendal, Andrew Gallimore, Carole Colombani, Gordon Espinet, Lyne Desnoyers, Terry Barber, and additional quotes from M·A·C Senior Artists.
• Featured Designers: An insider’s guide to over 60 A/W 12 designers’ beauty looks including Jason Wu, Carolina Herrera, Diane Von Furstenberg, Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, Prabal Gurung and Donna Karen New York.
• Ten-dencies of the Season: The top 10 unique techniques of the A/W 12 season.
• Index: A complete list of the shows M·A·C supports across the world and their corresponding trend.

June Goodies from Glam Beauty Board

Just when I thought Glam Beauty Board could not have been more spectacular (see the October Beauty Board post and February Beauty Board post), I found this bag of goodies waiting on my front step:

The Sonia Kashuk Duffle Bag, an amazing item in itself, was filled with 10 lovely beauty products!

I'll start with my favorite item: the Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Cleanser! I've always been a fan of Philosophy facial cleanser, but this is my first encounter with the Clear Days Ahead Cleanser. And I am glad I got a chance to try it, because it has quickly become a personal favorite! It's mild and leaves my skin feeling clean instead of raw. It also contains salicylic acid to subdue the acne.

Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Cleanser

Somme Institute 5-Step Skincare Regimen

Somme Institute contains patented technology MDT5 (Molecular Dispersion Technology), a revolutionary protein/vitamin delivery system (A, B3, B5, C and E) which transforms the skin, thus improving its tone, texture and clarity while reducing the signs of aging (for all skin types).

The Somme Institute products sold at beauty salons and spas have always caught my eyes, but I never quite got a change to try them. Several weeks ago, I was offered the Somme Institute 5-Step Regimen to test and review. You can just imagine my excitement!

Step 1: Nourishing Cleanser (non-foaming/non-irritating)

The Nourishing Cleanser is a creamy, non-foamy cleanser. It is gentle, so be sure to user a makeup remover beforehand if you're trying to remove a lot of makeup.

Step 2: Transport (gentle exfoliant)

The Transport pads help to gently exfoliate the skin. I have sensitive skin, but can still manage to use it daily without irritation. I use this in combination of my weekly Clarisonic Mia / Sigma Polishing Tool exfoliation.

Urban Outfitters Free Shipping

Until 6/14/2012, Urban Outfitters is offering free shipping on all US orders with no minimum purchase or coupon code required. I hate UO online because I hate paying for shipping. I'm going to make good use of the deal this time and order an item or two. Some things I have been eyeing:

UO Pave Owl Post Earring in Brass and Silver ($12.99)
You know I'm obsessed with owl jewelry and earrings. I've been looking for something delicate and small like this for a long time. Glad to know it's on sale!

COPE Pleated Front Dress ($19.99), Coincidence & Chance Revel Dress ($39)
These Urban Outfitter dresses are both adorable and affordable.

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Today's prize is an Essie nail polish.

That One Song by India de Beaufort

I've previously mentioned the beauty of India de Beaufort in my handmade gift wrap ideas post. She is truly one of the most gorgeous actresses on television today - especially when she smiles. To add to the beauty, she has great personal style and an amazingly bright personality.

India de Beaufort

India de Beaufort (photo by Benny Haddad)

I love the song playing on her website at indiadebeaufort.com. Can someone point me to the song title? :)

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Today's prize is $10 Paypal or $15 Sigma Gift Certificate.

Sigma Beauty Catalog Summer 2012 Preview

Here is a preview of the beautiful Sigma Beauty catalog to be released later this summer. I just love the bright colors! Click on the images for a larger view.

Sigma Beauty Discounts at IMATS LA

IMATS LA is in two weeks and my inbox is already flooded with press releases. I unfortunately will not be able to attend this year's event. I was generously offered a press pass that I really want to pass on to a fellow blogger, but it's nontransferable.

Sigma will once again attend IMATS to offer their sales. The discount on these Sigma brushes is 15% off plus no tax or shipping fees. I know Sigma is a smaller company and can't afford the huge price reductions, but their IMATS sales always pale in comparison to other IMATS attendees. Free shipping is expected since there is no shipping and since many people are paying to get into IMATS, they're expecting a tax-less sale party. I'm not saying that Sigma isn't being generous, but their generosity might be loss amongst the sea of sales, including Makeup Forever's 40% discount.

The details for IMATS LA:
When: June 23-24
Time: Sat., 8:30am – 5pm & Sun., 10am – 5pm
Where: Pasadena Convention Center 300 E Green St. Pasadena, CA 91011
Sigma brushes will be sold at booth #207

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Today's prize is $10 Paypal or $15 Sigma Gift Certificate.

Origins Samples & 5 Vegetables Drink

I vacationed in Atlantic City the past week and stopped at the Macy's in Center City Philadelphia on the way back. Nancy from the Origins counter was the biggest sweetheart in the world. She even offered me a complimentary facial and gave me a sample of the Origins A Perfect World Guardian. I fell in love with the product as soon as she applied it to the back of my hand. My hand felt so supple and soft that I could not resist touching it. It is similar to one of those Lush hand treatment experiences. If you're ever in the area, definitely stop by to visit the ladies at this Origins counter.

Sample pot of Origins A Perfect World Age-defense skin guardian with White Tea

Nancy was very excited to let me know that Origins is very loved by many beauty bloggers. She didn't say magazines or editors, but bloggers! Origins is a brand name loved by magazine editors and celebrities alike; I'm proud to know that the blogger seal of approval is held in great esteem by them.

Mysterious Green Drink

The drink above doesn't look too appetizing, does it? That's because it isn't. I was on my way to making a fruit smoothie this morning when I decided that I would instead use up the random stale produce in my fridge. I added green apple, pineapple and green bell pepper. The drink is not as horrible as it looks and sounds since the pineapple masks most of the scent.

Many years ago I loss weight drinking daily a fresh vegetable mix consisting of blended green apple, green bell pepper, celery, cucumber and bitter melon. I drank a big glass every morning and effortlessly loss 5 pounds in less 2 weeks. I know people who claim that this specific combination eases weight loss. Personally, I think the weight naturally dropped because the big glass of yuck filled me up with nutrients and  made me lose my appetite. It also made me feel very energetic throughout the day. I eventually stopped drinking the concoction partly because I hated cleaning the juicer, but mostly because I naturally have low blood pressure. The daily consumption of celery lowered my blood pressure more than I liked. I guess I could just reduce or eliminate the celery, but I decided to stop drinking the disgusting drink altogether.

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June Giveaway A Day daily prize is $10 Paypal or $15 Sigma Gift Card.

Tiny Boss Designs: Cute-a-saurus Toddler Hoodie

Tiny Boss Designs is a cute online store started by Shary, a stay-at-home-mom inspired by life and her sidekick daughter. Shary handcrafts and sells adorable bookmarks, envelopes, dish scrubbies, baby beanies, toddler hoodies and more. The products are extremely well priced considering they are handmade with love.

My favorite items are probably the custom envelopes made from up-cycled magazine pages. How great would it be to receive an envelope like these in the mail?

Simple Life set of 4 Envelopes ($4.00) image via Tiny Boss Designs

Shary has generously offered to give away a Custom Cute-a-saurus Toddler Hoodie for one reader. The hoodie comes in 26 different colors and sizes are typically available for 18 months - 3T. How awesome is that? One lucky momma and happy kid gets to win one of these today. Just leave a comment below with a form of contact. For more details, read about the June 2012 Giveaway a Day.

Custom Cute-a-saurus Toddler Hoodie ($15) image via Tiny Boss Designs

Disclosure: Today's giveaway prize is generously sponsored by Tiny Boss Designs.

Revlon PhotoReady Foundation Swatches & Review in Vanilla

Revlon PhotoReady Foundation is not matte, but it sure makes my skin dull and lifeless. I know there are slight shimmers built into the foundation, but they seriously do nothing for me. That is partially because the color I bought is too light for me, but also because it's a dense foundation - despite the light to medium coverage. PhotoReady is advertised to grant a dewy glow, but it feels heavy and greasy instead. I feel like a clown when I apply it generously. Of course it does it's job when you're posing in front of the camera, but I would rather go for something water-based for the summer.

Revlon PhotoReady Foundation Swatches in 002 Vanilla

This foundation was rather pale for me when I initially bought it, but it's completely unwearable now after my vacation at the beach. It looks like this foundation will be stored away until winter comes. And trust me, winter is coming. (Game of Thrones, anyone?)

Revlon PhotoReady Foundation heavily swatched.

Revlon PhotoReady Foundation Review Summary

Review by Katherine on June 5, 2012

Color: There are slight shimmers in this foundation to help achieve the "glow" you want in a photo. Despite that, I find the foundation too dull. I wish the shades would be expanded, although the shades are is decent for a drugstore foundation. For this type of foundation, you really can't get away with a shade that does not match well. Despite being "PhotoReady," it will make you look ghastly.

Application: This foundation applies smoothly and blends easily with hands or brushes. I don't recommend building it up. It is a medium and heavier foundation, but too much of it will make you look too cakey and made up.

Packaging: I love the pump on the foundation. It's efficient and sanitary!

Value: Decent price and worth it if you find a good color match.

It is a good foundation, but make sure to select the perfect match for your skin. 4/5