Makeup By Kim Porter

Review: Corioliss Pro Ceramic Flatiron & Giveaway

For years I have relied on my Hot & Hotter ceramic gold  flat iron.  I was sent the  Corioliss Classic Pro Flat Iron (1”) by Missiko.  Missiko specializes in the sale of  professional hair straighteners, and some of the best hair dryers.  They have a great selection of ceramic flat irons to choose from, including T3, Croc, Chi and more.

In between my weekly salon visits, I tend to curl/flat iron my hair myself, especially if the humidity or rain attacks my curls – leaving me with flat hair, which I hate!  There are also times when I end up having to wash, wrap, and curl my hair myself if my hair stylist is unavailable.  Having the perfect styling tool(s) is essential for me to have.

Before I start my review, I just want to point out how beautifully packaged this flat iron was when I received it (See above).  Faux roses, vanilla scented candles, a sachet with hand sanitzer and  Misikko branded emory boards (nail files), Hanna Shine Shield, Misikko branded heat proof pouch/mat.  This did not change my review of the product in any way.

Corioliss Classic Features:

– Ceramic plates for negative ions and hair-healthy far infrared heat, creating shiny, frizz– free results

– 1″ plate size for easy styling of short to medium length hair

– Straighten, flip or curl

– Heats up in less than 6 seconds

– Adjustable temperature from 140°F to 410°F – great for all hair types

– Convenient on/off switch

– 1 year manufacturer warranty

– Swivel Cord

My thoughts: (Rating: 3 out of 5)  To really put it to the test I ended up using this flat iron on my sister’s hair since her hair is very coarse & dry. I applied some of K. Beam’s hair butta to her hair prior to styling.  The results were good, but not great.  I actually get better results from my Hot & Hotter ceramic flat iron, which I paid $36.  Her hair is shinier (see photo), I believe it’s from the hair butta that I used prior to curling it.  Her hair did have body afterward though.

My sister also complained of a “snatching” feeling when I was flat ironing it.  I’ve seen this in other reviews too.  But, no hair was being pulled out (that I could see).  I did notice that the panels didn’t line up perfectly, that usually happens with a flat iron that has had years of use.

UPDATE: Day #2 My sister said her hair is still straight & flowy.  She went jogging yesterday too.

Before

After

Pros: It’s light weight.  It has a swivel cord, so that you are able to curl your hair from different angles.

Cons: Heat settings; I’m used to my flat iron having a dial with different numbers for the different levels of settings for heat.  This one only has two, 140°F  & 410°F (you have to guess the other settings that are in between).  It does get VERY hot. So be careful not to leave it sitting on your counter top unguarded.   The price is another big gripe for me.  If I were to spend $200 ($89) on a flat iron, I want it to straighten my hair well. It did it’s job but not as great as an iron that price should work.

Note: Flat iron’s are not recommended for daily usage on your hair since it can cause irreversible damage, which will in turn result in what us bloggers call a “big hair chop.”

Tips When Flat Ironing:

1. Make sure your hair is dry since wet hair is more susceptible to damage than dry hair (unless you are using a wet-to-dry flat iron).

2. Properly moisturize your hair & use a heat protectant product.

3. Use the lowest heat setting possible that will get the job done. Don’t use the highest setting  just because it’s there because you will end up with fried, smelly hair!

Giveaway Time!

The generous people at Misikko has offered to giveaway one of their Corioliss Classic Pro Flat Irons ($200 Value) to one of my blog subscribers/followers.

 

Rules:

Please read them carefully, not following the rules will result in a disqualification

 

Requirement: For any of your entries to qualify, you MUST be a public follower of my blog via Google Friend Connect & follow Misikko on Twitter.

1.) Will end on June 20, 2010; 11:55 pm EST . Winner will be chosen at random. They will have 24 hours to respond to me with their mailing information.

2.) Open to all US & Canadian Residents Only

3.) Must be 18 or older OR have parent’s permission to enter this giveaway

4.)  Blogs created just to advertise this giveaway will be blocked & entry disqualified

(I do check your blogs, so please don’t take me for a fool)

5.) LEAVE 1 SEPERATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY MADE

(Meaning, if you have 5 entries, leave 5 separate comments)

How to Enter

1. Blog about this giveaway with links to Misikko and this giveaway post on your blog or personal website.  Please leave a link to your post.

Extra Entries

1. Join Misikko Newsletter +3 Entries

2. Place the 1st picture above on your side bar that links back to this post  & post link in the comment section below. +1 Entry

3. Subscribe to me on youtube +1 Entry & post your youtube name as a comment below. +1 Entry

4. RT Enter @makeupkimporter Pro Flat Iron Giveaway & win a Corioliss Ceramic Flat Iron from @misikko (daily tweet +1)

(Make sure to leave separate comments every time you tweet. 1 tweet per day)

5.  Become a fan of my Facebook Page +1 Entry

 

Good luck!

FTC Disclosure:   The product reviewed was sent to me by a company for free.  I was not paid for this review, nor am I affiliated with this company in any way, shape or form.  This is my honest opinion/review.

Bare Feet

This post was brought to you by Sailor Wifey.  Check out her blog.

School is out and summer has arrived. Flip flops and open-toe stilettos both beg for beautiful feet. Are your feet ready for the summer?

  • The first step to beautiful feet is a pedicure. If times are hard a home pedicure can be just as good as a spa pedicure.
  1. File and shape your toenails first
  2. Soak your feet in warm water to soften any calluses and/or corns. I prefer my water as hot as I can stand it, but that’s just me. There are plenty of commercial products on the market that promote moisturizing and softening of the feet…they also smell really good. I find that baking soda, some EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), and a few drops of fragrant or essential oil(s) work just as well and are both cheaper and longer lasting.
  3. Remove dead skin. A skin file works well followed by a pumice stone to remove calluses and rough spots. I also like to incorporate a homemade foot scrubs. A simple internet search of foot scrub recipes will leave you with plenty of yummy choices. When my feet are really bad I can’t live without my Be Natural Callus Eliminator found at Sally Beauty Supply.
  4. Apply cuticle softener and gently push cuticles back with a cuticle stick.
  5. Apply a foot cream or lotion. I use my homemade mix of shealoe (whipped shea butter and aloe vera gel). I’ll be uploading a YouTube tutorial on how I create my shealoe soon.
  6. Gently swipe each toenail with alcohol to remove any excess oils and lotions.
  7. Finally paint your toenails. I paint my toenails with the exact same method as my fingernails. Duri Rejuvacote (nail strengthener I can’t live without), base coat, polish, and top coat. Summer polish trends are bold and beautiful. If your more conservative with your hands don’t be afraid rock out your feet and make a daring statement.
Dry Pedicures are a new trend…this article features a spa offering this service, but I definitely think this is something that can be done from the home for those who don’t have a pedicure basin.
  • Hand lotions are not sufficient enough for foot dryness especially during the summer months when your feet are exposed more often than not. Applying a thick coat of Vaseline, any thick cream, or a thin layer of Blue Star Ointment and putting on socks before will work wonders on your feet. Also, don’t forget about sunscreen. Feet are often overlooked when applying sunscreen but skin cancer and sun damage can occur anywhere on your body. Even brown girls need sunscreen so please don’t skip this step.
  • Another tip is to keep a pumice stone and foot scrub in your shower. Some people also swear by the Ped Egg, but that thing tore my feet up so I say use it at your own risk…I don’t recommend it.

To see how Kim Porter does her at home pedicure’s CLICK HERE.

Do you have any special tips and tricks to help maintain your bare feet?

Please comment and share.

Events: Lab Series @ Bloomingdales & Brooklyn Blog Fest

Lab Series is hosting an event at Bloomingdales 59th Street between June 4th & June 10th.  Lab Series for Men will be hosting complimentary grooming services- including aestheticians, shoe shiners and manicurists and if the guys ‘check in” to the Lab Series at Bloomingdale’s Foursquare venue and show it at the counter, they’ll get a free and exclusive Lab Series samples.  Plus, every 10th person who checks in will receive a complimentary full-sized product!

Tuesday, June 8th at 7pm is Brooklyn Blog Fest 2010.  This event is being held at the Brooklyn Lyceum.  It’s been going on since 2005, and is one of the largest blogger events.  Great opportunity for networking & learning ways to improve & promote your blog.  I’m attending with two of my friends who are also bloggers, Janique & Shannon.   I hope to see some of you there (if you live in NYC of course). 

Guest Appearance: Spike Lee!!!

Advance seating in the Lyceum auditorium is “sold out.”

There is room for the overflow crowd upstairs but you will be watching the event on video. Those who wish to sit upstairs should line up at 6:30 PM on the night of the event.

First priority for seating in the auditorium will be given to the people who pre-registered. We will wait until 6:50 PM, for those who pre-registered to show up and then let people from the line take any vacant seats downstairs (if there are any) or go upstairs to the overflow area.