Blog | Page 12 of 225 | Makeup By Kim Porter

Ombre is so 2014… Balayage Hair Color is In!

May 12, 2015 by Kim S. / blog, Hair Care / 0 comments

There are a lot of hair fads that come and go. Usually, it is clearly defined when one is in and when one is not. I must admit that I am soooo over Ombre hair color. I mean, if you had asked me what the majority of salon color was a year ago, I would have said Ombre color. Now, I am so over it. I love different variations of Ombre but think that it should be put to rest. This summer is about vibrant reds, blondes and soft browns…now of course, purple and green as well, but hey, that is an entirely different blog post.

So you may be asking yourself, “Philisha, so are you saying I can’t wear Ombre?” To that I say, ‘Yes, that is exactly what I am saying! lol…leave it in 2014.

Balayage hair color, even though it’s been around for years, is currently the new Ombre. Balayage is a French hair coloring technique. It’s a freehand technique where the hair color is applied by hand sweeping for a more natural effect. If you are not familiar with what that is, of course I will post pictures so that you are able to look at some various colors and see what you think of it. What is the main difference in your opinion and which do you prefer. Some say it is a style preference while others say that it is simply a manner in which you must choose style over preference.

No matter what you are deciding to do this summer make sure that you color is vibrant and that you rock it with confidence and ease.

If you are in the Atlanta area, consider visiting Preeminence Salon & Boutique www.preeminencesalon.com for your balayage hair color experience.

Are you still into Ombre Hair Color or will you go the Balayage Hair Color Route?

Fragrance Friday: Scentbird Fragrance Subscription for Mom

May 1, 2015 by Kim S. / Fragrance Friday / 11 Comments

PR Sample

Scentbird is the gift that keeps on giving. So why not setup mom with Scentbird Subscription. Just to refresh your memory, Scentbird is an affordable, luxury fragrance subscription service. Each month, for $14.95, you’re sent a 30-day supply vial of perfume of your choosing. You can create a personalized queue from over 350 perfumes. But, if you’re not able to make a selection, you will just receive Scentbird’s Scent of the Month that’s hand-picked by Scentbird Editors.

This month, I have for review the Tom Ford Violet Blonde, which was released in 2011. Tom Ford makes one of my favorite fragrances for fall/winter, Black Orchid. It was only right for me to choose powdery violet and iris fragrance, which is Violet Blonde.

Tom Ford Violet Blonde is a soft and feminine perfume. It’s very light, and not as dark and deep as the Black Orchid. At first spray, I get powder violet mixed in with a waxy, almost lipstick-like scent, which comes off as a bit synthetic that some people may not be fond of.

Tom Ford Violet Blonde isn’t too much of a warm fragrance that it’s impossible to wear during the warmer spring and summer months, and I’ve definitely worn it during the day at work without any problems, but this can be due, in part to the fact that the sillage and longevity of Violet Blonde aren’t as good as other perfumes I own, especially like the Tom Ford Black Orchid.

I’m happy I was able to get a sample vial of this fragrance through Scentbird because I now know that it isn’t something I wouldn’t buy personally because it doesn’t last very long on me, and doesn’t have great sillage. For a fragrance in this price bracket ($110/1.7 floz), I would expect a longer wear time, but with the Tom Ford Violet Blonde, I only get at least 3 hours until I’m left wondering where the scent has gone.

Through trying Tom Ford Violet Blonde via Scentbird, I was able to come to the conclusion that this is a fragrance that I will not add to my fragrance collection. That’s the beauty of having a Scentbird subscription; you’re able to weed out fragrances you thought you’d love without having to spend the money on a full-size bottle.

If a Scentbird subscription sounds right for you or for mom, sign up now because on May 11th they’re releasing a special hot pink atomizer for Scentbird Members. It would make the perfect purse accessory.

Scentbird has a Mother’s Day gift offer! When you buy a 6-month gift subscription or a 12-month gift subscription you’ll get a bonus Candle Gift Set – a $45 value! Great for moms that love fragrance!

Fragrance Friday: The New Thierry Mugler Angel Fragrances make the perfect gift for mom

May 1, 2015 by Kim S. / Fragrance Friday, Reviews / 17 Comments

Press Sample | Affiliate Links

This Fragrance Friday, we’re talking about two of Thierry Mugler’s newest fragrances: Thierry Mugler Angel Eau Sucree Limited Edition 2015, and Thierry Mugler ANGEL “The New Star” Eau de Parfum. Both fragrances were released earlier this year, and are packaged in beautiful blue star-shaped bottles.

Keep reading to learn more about both Thierry Mugler Angel fragrances to see which you should pick up for mom for Mother’s Day

Thierry Mugler Angel Eau Sucree Limited Edition 2015 is described as follows

Eau Sucrée is a delicious new interpretation of ANGEL, an olfactory candy, born of a whirlwind of tangy freshness and angelic delights. Eau Sucrée takes us on an initiatory journey into the world of indulgence and gourmand pleasure, based on three delicious accords: the tangy delight of a red berry sorbet, the sweet delight of a caramelized meringue, the voluptuous delight of patchouli and vanilla.

I fell instantly in love with the Thierry Mugler Angel Eau Sucree Limited Edition 2015 on first spritz. My husband loved it on me, too. I loved the light berry notes that are first emitted, and then it morphs into a sweet vanilla-caramel scent, which pretty much lasts for the duration of wear. Although I can’t describe it as a “fresh” scent since it isn’t composed of florals or citrus notes. However, it still makes a great spring fragrance, especially if you or your mom are looking for a light, sweet scent for spring or summer, and are fond of vanilla fragrances.

Let’s not forget the bottle. The Thierry Mugler Angel Eau Sucree Limited Edition 2015 is packaged in a pretty bright blue bottle with frosted glass detailing reminiscent of sprinkles of sugar, which gives the star-shaped bottle texture. Needless to say, this bottle adds some distinctive flare to my vanity, and I’m sure your mom would love it, too.

Thierry Mugler ANGEL “The New Star” Eau de Parfum is described as follows:

ANGEL New Star is a stunning creation that celebrates ANGEL’s celestial legacy. A work of art carved out of starlight, this precious star was created to be treasured and refilled forever. Angel is a perfume with a lasting lingering trail; it has a distinct personality and pays tribute to a captivating, carnal and glamorous kind of femininity. Angel is also a bold perfume, created from an “uncommon” concentration of patchouli: it pushes the limits of immoderation and leaves no one indifferent.

Since 1992, ANGEL has been one of the most iconic fragrances among women. Since then, Thierry Mugler has introduced four different versions of the ANGEL fragrance, each with a distinctive star-shaped, refillable bottle. The Thierry Mugler ANGEL “The New Star” is Thierry’s 2015 Angel fragrance released March of 2015 housed within a beautifully, odd shaped star bottle that looks different at every angle.

Thierry Mugler ANGEL “The New Star” is a very warm fragrance that’s heavy on the vanilla and patchouli. It has a blend of creamy chocolate, red berries, melon, blackberry and citruses. Thierry Mugler ANGEL “The New Star” is a bit too warm for a spring or summer scent, but that doesn’t mean mom can’t save it for the fall. Plus, I doubt she’d mind the beautiful bottle sitting upon her dressing table. Top notes of the composition accentuate bergamot, preceding juicy red berries, soft and sensual vanilla and patchouli, announced as the key notes of the composition. Thierry Mugler ANGEL “The New Star” is definitely a fragrance for a more mature woman; I’m thinking mid-40’s and up. If you think this is something that suits your mom or any mom in your life, pick it up. Even if it’s just for the bottle alone.

Whether it’s a light, sweet berry with vanilla, or a deeper, warm fragrance that’s heavy on the patchouli, Thierry Mugler definitely has something mom would love. The Thierry Mugler ANGEL EAU SUCRÈE Limited Edition 2015 ($80), and Thierry Mugler ANGEL “The New Star” Eau de Parfum ($150) are available on mugler.com.

L’occitane L’occibox Spring Collection 2015

April 29, 2015 by Kim S. / Beauty, blog / 21 Comments

I Bought This | Affiliate Links

While making a purchase for some of my husband’s favorite skincare items from L’Occitane, I decided to pick up L’occitane’s second L’Occibox. The L’Occibox spring collection features some of the latest and greatest L’Occitane products in one box for $48.00.

The L’Occibox Spring Collection includes the following:

1. Two of L’Occitane’s handcreams, which are a personal favorite of mine. They’re hydrating, soothing, and leaves hands soft. The creams are:

Shea Whipped Hand Cream (30ml)
Shea Butter Hand Cream (10ml)

2. I own a few of the L’Occitane fragrances. Actually, my husband bought for me the La Collection de Grasse Mini Fragrance Set, which included one of the fragrances included in the L’Occibox Spring Collection, the Jasmin & Bergamote Eau de Toilette (1.2ml). It’s a beautiful fruity-floral fragrance complemented by the freshness of bergamote.

3. My husband is a huge fan of the L’Occitane Immortelle Line. I was happy to find a sample of the Immortelle Brightening Essence included in the L’Occibox Spring Collection. The Immortelle Brightening Essence is good for evening out the skin tone and brightening the complexion.

4. Another item included in the L’Occibox Spring Collection from the Immortelle line is the Immortelle Precious Serum (7ml). It’s an anti-aging serum that restores damaged skin, and reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
5. The Bone Mere Rose Soap (3.5oz.) included in the L’Occibox Spring Collection is one of my favorites. I’m a huge fan of L’occitane’s body product, and this one doesn’t disappoint. It is creamy, rinses clean, moisturizes, and doesn’t strip the skin. I love the scent of a nice romantic rose that it leaves.

6. The last item included was a cube of Sugarfina Champagne Bears (3.3oz.) The gummy bears are infused with classic Brut and Rose champagne! Yum!

Overall, I’m happy with this L’Occibox purchase. The L’Occibox Spring Collection is available on the L’occitane website and in stores for $48; however, with code SUGAR you can score it for $20! Pick one up before it’s too late. It would definitely make a great gift for Mother’s Day.

Below are the L’Occitane Immortelle skincare products I picked up for the hubby 🙂

What are your thoughts on the L’Occitane L’Occibox Spring Collection?