Squeaky Clean.

Hi All!!!!

Since early summer I've really wanted to post about this subject but have been testing out a few more products before I go do that.

Well, I think I've had plenty of time to make a recommendation, right?

Ok. So the topic this time? Clarifying shampoos. You may not think of shampoos in that sense...I know, they're ultimately supposed to clean your hair, but I promise, the 2 products I am about to mention will do so much more that just clean your hair. Before I started using it, I really didn't think about it.

However, do you really think about product build-up? No, of course not. I never did either. But then I read in Allure Mag (hello ?????) that it's good to use a clarifier ONCE A WEEK to really get out the product buildup and make you hair super clean, and super shiny.

So, CCW, she did some research. For a year and a half I have used Aveda "Detoxifier". This stuff has been absolutely amazing. My hair feels, CLEAN. I know, shampoo is supposed to make your hair feel clean, but this shampoo, really makes me feel like NOTHING is in my hair. I love it. It's important that I mention that you should really use this product once a week. Esp, for those people with color treated hair. You don't want your gorgeous highlighs stripped of their color, do you? If you love Aveda Hair Products like I do you can buy it here for only $9.50.

But, due to the recent financial crisis that this country is in, I figured, not everyone could afford the $10 asking price for the Aveda Shampoo. Therfore, CCW has tested out yet another clarifying shampoos for everyone. And I must admit, this does deliver "almost" the same outcome as the Aveda. It's called "Degunkify" by Herbal Essences. And at $3.99, seriously it's totally worth a shot.
This shampoo has pineapple and cotton leaf that really "tingles". I mean it, it really tingles. And I feel like it really gets the crap out of my hair. Even the Mooch likes it. Just like the Aveda, really just use it once a week because the ingredients are stronger than regular shampoo. Buy it here for only $3.99

On a final note...........If you certainly cannot afford anything right now, I can give you a little "homeopathic" clarifying shampoo you can use.
Beer. Yes. I said it. Beer. Good ole' fashioned beer. This actually cleans out the hair. I'm no chemist, I don't know what ingredient in beer makes this work but it really does. Again, only once a week girls.
Wash your hair with your favorite shampoo as usual. Before you condition, take a beer and pour it over your hair. Doesn't matter what kind. Once you pour it over your head, wash it out, then apply conditioner. Then wash out. I promise your hair will not smell like beer. I promise!!!
Last night, the Mooch could NOT believe I was actually washing my hair out with beer, but all the same, my hair was as shiny as glass. Believe me when I tell you, this stuff works!!!!

I remain yours,

The CCW

Picture Perfect

Hello Beautiful!

So summer is coming to a close and the cold weather is soon upon us.

Recently before winter '08 was over I discovered one of my miracle products.

I've read about Makeup Primer and what it does for skin. Mostly, I thought it was really just a crock to get me to spend more money on something that "says it works, but really doesn't". After all, that's what this whole business is really for, right? Trying to sell something by telling the consumer that they would be absolutely ugly if they don't buy it? I admit, I fall prey to that almost every time, but please take my word for it. This product really works.

I've tried just 2 primers, and I can honestly and objectively say which one really works. I tried Laura Mercier Foundation Primer. The only thing that really happened was it was a really offensive smell and I just felt like I had an extra layer of makeup on. Then I read in "Allure" about "Smasbox Photo Finish Primer". This primer has won countless awards from Editors and Readers of Allure Magazine.
** On a side note, I have mentioned Allure Mag so much on my blog, I really do hope you have a subscription by now**.

So my "Official" review of this Primer? It's amazing. It really is this extra layer of "protection" for makeup. Let's face it, I'll totally admit it. I'm a 30 something (ugh) and as my mom "Marge Simpson" says it, I'm really not getting any younger. I admit, I have fine lines under my eyes. Fine...VERY FINE. I use this OVER my moisturizer. One pump and I quickly swipe it over my whole face, and nothing, NOTHING sinks into those tiny fine lines I have. It's great.
One of my good friends, Mom to 2, says she doesn't have time for primer, but it really is 2 seconds out of her morning routine to just DO IT!!!

In conclusion, just buy it. It really is worth every penny. Really. For only $36, buy it here.

Am I crazy to say I am totally OVER summer already? I'm ready to break out the cashmere and feel all warm and cozy, instead of overheated and sweaty.......

I remain yours,

The CCW

P.S. I wish a big congrats to my friend Jen, who is expecting her 2nd baby. I think it's a girl. So to Jen, I say, "I can't wait to meet lil' Darcy" LOVE YOU!!!!

Long Time, No Post

I know.
I know.
It's been ages. I feel like a loser not posting ANYTHING since I got back from the beach. Truth? I'm still sort of in "Vacation" mode. Yes, I came back from vacation in the middle of July but you can't expect a girl just to jump back into life that quickly?
I took off from the gym when I went on vacation and I rarely go anymore. The Mooch goes in the mornings without me now.

I do hope you will all forgive me.....To my 2 faithful readers, I apologize.

But, no more excuses, I'm back to posting. I really do have loads to talk about but I'll start off slow

I've been hearing such wonderful things about Natural Boar Bristle hair brushes. How they're better for your hair than plastic, they make it shiny, blah blah blah. In reality, because I have such thick coarse hair, those bristles run over my hair, they don't actually make it through.
All the celebrities rave about the "Mason Pearson Hairbrush"line saying it's the best and only brush they will ever use. While they are probably right, sometimes I think that celebrities have just way too much money. I for one, cannot spend $126 on a FRIGGIN HAIRBRUSH!!!!!! So CCW needed to find some less expensive alternatives.

While I was Target, I noticed the Sonia Kashuk Bristle Hair Brush. I don't actually think it's Boar Bristles, but it was totally worth a try at only $14.99. Do we see the major price difference here?
My official review? This brush is pretty good. It actually goes through my hair and maybe I'm just imagining but my hair has been extra shiny since I've started using it. It's a pretty good brush that will not break the bank. Buy it here.

So my dears, I know I have said it before, but I will try to post on a regular basis. I'm starting to sink into reality that I cannot spend my life on the beach sipping Mojito's all day! Fall is right around the corner!

I remain yours,
The CCW

Beach Bum

I'm getting so excited for my beach vacation next week and getting my toes ready.
I love love love Essie Nail polish, I feel like they always have the cutest colors.

For some reason, I'm all about Reds and Bright Pinks and Oranges this season. Just recently I found the color "Clambake", can you get any more summer than that color?

It's a coral color, sometimes it looks red, at other times, orange. I love it!

Anyway, judge for yourself, I'm sorry I didn't have my regular camera, it's at the In-laws, I had to take this picture with my Iphone!

Buy it here for $4.95

I remain yours,
The CCW

Ole' Reliable

I've tried many many different types of makeup remover especially for the eyes because of the stubborn waterproof eye makeup.
The trouble is, I'm always finding water-based liquid ones.
For some reason about 5 years ago, I discovered cold cream. Yes, I know what you're thinking, it's so ancient, but it's been around for ages. So the fact that it stood it's test of time was reason enough for me to try it.

When I think of cold cream, I think of looking like Flo on that tv show Alice. All the white stuff caked onto her face, not pretty.

Obviously that's not how I use it.
I take a cotton ball, dip it into the cold cream and gently rub on my eye. I let it sit there for 5-10 seconds before I swipe it away. No tugging, no rubbing, I swear. And your eyes will thank you for it. I've only just started to see the fine lines under my eyes, I certainly don't want to speed up that process.

The directions say to smooth over your whole face, but to be honest, it's a bit oily, I skip the face part and just work with my eyes.

If you're interested, you can buy it here for only $8.29

Hope you try it, it really is a great product!

I remain yours,
The CCW

Soap & Glory

I know, you're thinking, CCW came up with ANOTHER witty title for her blog.
Alas, no, I'm not as clever as you think.

Soap & Glory is actually the name of a new skincare/cosmetics line that I love!
It was founded by Marcia Kilgore who founded Bliss Spa, and recently they released a bath and body line at Target.
I love Target because I never feel like I'm buying "drugstore" skincare. In fact, they carry the Boots line which I love.

Aside from the really cute packaging, the products have really witty names, obviously from the brand title, I'm sure you figured it out.

On a recent outing to Target, I decided to try their face scrub "Scrub Your Nose In It". It's a gentle scrub that is supposed to target oiliness, large pores and prevent blemishes.
What more can I say? I love this product, it's great for everyday use, and there's a bonus. The scrub has clay in it so if you leave it on for an extra 3-5 minutes before washing it off, it's a mask! How genius! I wish I thought of it.

I'm very anxious to try out the rest of the line, the scrub did not disappoint. At $12.99, it's worth a try for sure. And if you're allergic or don't like the product, you can return to Target stores.

I say give it a try, what do you have to lose except large pores and blemishes??

I remain yours,
The CCW

Pssst...............

No silly I'm not telling you I have a secret, it's the fabu new product I found.

I've read some recent write-ups, probably in either In Style or Allure, but regardless of where I read it, it's cheap and sold in drugstores.

The product is called "PSSSST" and it's basically Instant Spray Shampoo for when you are on the go and cannot wash your hair.

At only $5.99 I figured it was worth a shot. The can looks like it fell out of an episode of the Brady Bunch.

Here are the directions, straight from the can:

Shake can well. Hold can 6" to 8" from hair. Lift sections of hair and lightly spray scalp and roots of each section. Fluff. Wait a few minutes, then brush hair well. Style hair as desired.

Don't you love that it says "Fluff". Who fluffs their hair? HA.

It says it is unscented but remember one of my old posts that said there is a difference between Unscented and Fragrance Free.

I sprayed some on my hand and it's basically liquid powder. I know, it's an oxymoron but there is no other way to describe it.

I think this product is great to keep by your desk at work if you have a dinner date to run to and you are looking a tad less than gorgeous. It does suck up the oil and "refresh" the hair a bit.
It does have a tendency to color your hair a bit of a white color (it's the liquid powder) so use carefully.
And don't forget to shake, it's important to shake well!

I hope everyone enjoys their 4th of July weekend! Hopefully the Mooch and I will get to see some kick ass fireworks!

I remain yours,
The CCW