E.L.F. Haul!

Welp…as you can see I’m off makeup punishment! About six months ago I put myself on an extended makeup purchasing “time-out”. For one, there was nothing I really needed to add to my overflowing supply of war paint. Secondly, my budget was in need of some restrictions. Of course my eyes wandered in department stores and drugstores but I can’t say there was anything that I just HAD to have my hands on. But when one of my favorite cheapie brands hosted a 50% off sale on Fall product picks, I gave in and browsed the digital aisles at EyesLipFace.com. They were actually offering some things that I had my eyes on for a while.

Check out my stash!:

All of this for a little over $20!

Keep reading for a closer look at some of my faves and swatches…

30 Day Style Icon Challenge: Day 4–Zoe Kravitz

(and the whole dang Kravitz/Bonet/Momoa Family)

Growing up as the child of two aesthetically eccentric artists has got to reflect in your own personal style. Zoe Kravitz truly embodies that freedom of expression that her actress mom, Lisa Bonet, and rock star dad, Lenny Kravitz are known for.

Zoe Kravitz

Zoe is the spitting image of her mom with similar funky hippie style, yet she makes seemingly more approachable and fun choices (like her dad). In her teens, she became popular as the paps would catch her on the street rocking her “dirty boho grunge” also lovingly called by press, “dumpster chic”. She was even quoted as saying “my look is I don’t give a f@@k.” But the camera loved her. She was so strikingly gorgeous and confident that the look worked for her.  Zoe embodies the idea that fashion shouldn’t be pretentious or based on some standard of what’s hot. It should truly be a personal expression.

Check out some candid shots of her a few years back:

Since making her debut on the big screen, her style has evolved into a more glamorous starlet with an edge of course.

Clearly, Zoe has developed beautifully into her own personal style.

Speaking of sophistication, I love the more sophisticated laid back yet edgy look her dad Lenny is rocking these days.

But in his hey day Lenny was definitely unafraid to take it there fashion-wise.

Whoa Lenny! So glad you pulled it back a little in your older age. Lol

By the way, I love the father-daughter bond between these two! Awww!

And mom, our beloved Denise Huxtable, has long been known for her funky expression of personal style…

Shout out to Denise Farquar, lol. Loved that look when I was little!

And most recently:

Obviously mom and daughter have an awesome relationship as well. Sweet!!

And if Lisa’s almost 45 year old swag wasn’t already off the Richter, she married this gorgeous hunk of man…

…actor/model Jason Momoa, who could do no wrong style-wise in my humble opinion

And look…they all get along

One big happy stylish smoking hot family!

Love them!

Until we meet again,

SPC

Product Review! Shea Moisture Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Curling Soufflé

I have been a fan of Shea Moisture Products for quite some time now. Shea Moisture (exclusively found at Target and Walgreens stores) offers a full line of organic and natural hair and body products. Most of the items that I have tried from this line, I have absolutely loved (Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo and Conditioner, Curl Enhancing Smoothie, Baby Eczema Therapy Butter, Curl & Style Milk, Black Soap Balancing Conditioner etc., etc., …).

Imagine my excitement when I learned that a new product would be arriving on Target shelves on August 28th. Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Curling Soufflé with Agave Nectar & Flax Seed Oil sounded pretty darn great to me. If it was anything like my vision, it would be an awesome gel alternative that would allow me to smooth my edges AND create curl poppage without drying to a hard crisp. This should be a score! So I hit the store on launch day halfway knowing that the product wouldn’t be stocked yet. And it wasn’t . Finally a few days later I found a jar tucked away in the Shea Moisture bath and body section (kept separate from the line of hair care products) AND at a cost of $11.99 ($2 more than the rest of the hair care line). Hmm? Oh well, into the cart anyway. This stuff must be good.

When I opened the jar, I noticed the consistency to be pretty much what I expected, a clear gel-like formula. And the smell was wonderful as per usual with Shea Moisture products. However, what I got when I dabbed a little bit on my fingers was quite off-putting. This stuff was greasy and sticky.  Somewhat like a silicone. I already knew that this would leave some sort of film on my hair.

I thought maybe it would be ok if it also added an abundance of moisture and shine without the hardness that can be left by many products after the hair dries. But I can’t even say that it left much shine or moisture. And the residue was overwhelming! The jar claims that it eliminates frizz. Not so much.  I tried it on my edges and not only did it provide no smoothing hold, but it seemed to UP the frizz factor (???) No comparison at all to my beloved EcoStyler Olive Oil Gel. I tried it as a blow-drying aid as indicated on the jar. No bueno! The residue made me nauseous . I tried it on a wet twist-out. A little better here as it did provide some definition. But again with the residue!! I didn’t even want to touch my hair. I didn’t even take the time to use it on a wash n go. There was no point.

What I like about this product:

• Decent twist-out
• Smells great
• Great ingredients (I thought)

What I don’t like about this product:

• Silicone-like RESIDUE!!!
• Didn’t dry hard, but no hold whatsoever
• Actually costs $2 more than the rest of the Shea Moisture hair product line

Although the Curling Soufflé might work for some heads of hair, it was definitely a miss for me. It had potential if not for the sticky yuckiness. What a disappointment! But hey, I still love you Shea Moisture and I’ll keep my eyes open for the next product launch.

Peace,

SPC

P.S. Just checked out a few other reviews online and I am definitely not alone I see!

30 Day Style Icon Challenge: Day 3 - Michelle Obama

Boy is it a busy time in politics right now. Our nation's chief, President Barack Obama attended the World Trade Center memorial yesterday for the 10th anniversary of the catastrophe that occurred on September 11, 2001. And today he is pushing out his $447 billion jobs bill to Congress. And let’s not forget that we are officially in campaigning days. In light of this political frenzy, I thought I would dedicate today's post for the 30 Day Style Icon Challenge to the woman who stays on the grind just as much as her husband. The woman behind next to the man, First Lady Michelle Obama.

Michelle Obama

Staff or no staff, team or no team, entourage or none, clearly Michelle Obama is a woman who was born with style and grace. She is the epitome of refinement, sophistication, and elegance without being a big ol yawn. She is the first First Lady since Jackie O  who effortlessly presents a polished look mixed with the right amount of sex appeal courtesy of figure flattering cuts and ever so slight baring of shapely shoulders, arms, or legs. What??? Yes, the First Lady is a sexy mother... (that's it, she's just a sexy mother guys).

See for yourself...

And please don't mistake her for some frivolous diva. Sensibility is key in Mrs. Obama's day to day fashion. She's been known to thoughtfully re-purpose outfits and shop at affordable stores like Talbots and Target.

Stunning in McQueen

And casual with the hubby...aww

Gosh I love our President and First Lady!

Bonus: Because our President isn't slacking in the style department himself ;-)

Until Next Time!,

SPC