Precision Foam Colour by John Frieda – $11.99 – Drugstore.com

I’m very much in favor of coloring one’s hair at home.  I don’t need any special custom color, and I really have priorities when it comes to beauty products and splurging.  Being a brunette, I do realize I’m fortunate and have fairly good results when I color my own hair.  Having said that, I have indeed used other at-home colorants that dried my hair out to the point of being horse-feed hay.  Not this time!

John Frieda’s Precison Foam Colour lived up to everything I had hoped for:  the ease of a foam, a large choice of colors, and gorgeous results.

Shades and Quick & Easy Application

“Our patent-pending foam is what make Precision Foam Colour so incredibly effective and easy to use, without the need for complicated application tools or help from friends. This unique foam spreads quickly & easily, flawlessly covering the hard-to-reach hair on the back of your head, roots & hairline. Precision Foam Colour allows you to achieve the same salon-precise coverage that you would receive from a professional colorist.

Ultimate Conditioning
Our nourishing, after-color conditioner seals in color for long-lasting tonal richness, while keeping hair soft & silky.

Whether you’re coloring all-over or touching up your roots, with Precision Foam Color you cover hard-to-reach areas flawlessly and achieve salon-quality colour at-home.”

You may remember I had been using Perfect 10 by Clairol.  It was fine for awhile, but since John Frieda is known for de-frizzing, I really wanted to try it, and I’m so glad I did.

This is my hair this evening, right after coloring with John Frieda Precision Foam Colour

My hair feels and looks healthy, thick and so shiny.  (By the way, I haven’t had a haircut since December 2010.)  I’m more than pleased, and I do recommend giving John Frieda’s hair colour a go.  Be sure to read the directions carefully…I think you’ll be happy with your results!

Disclosure: The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of John Frieda.  Product was purchased by The Beauty Stop; no compensation was received in exchange for this review.

I was provided Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser to review.  I researched the product and its ingredients thoroughly prior to using it on my face.  All I can say is, “WOW”.  The ease and freshness of this lovely foaming cleanser won me over. The foam is silky and very gentle.

Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser – 5 oz. $26 – Sephora

Instant Foaming Cleanser

What it is:

A soap-free liquid cleanser that transforms into an airy foam for a pleasurable, gentle cleansing experience.

What it is formulated to do:

A naturally effective blend of grape extracts, sage, and chamomile provide vitamins, purifying benefits, and soothing effects, removing makeup and impurities while improving overall complexion wellbeing. From the first use, the complexion is immaculate, toned, and radiant. This delightful wash works for all skin types, and is especially tuned to the needs of combination and sensitive skin.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:

- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

What else you need to know:

This product does not contain animal ingredients and is not tested on animals. Caudalie is committed to using and producing products that are environmentally friendly.

To use: Do not shake before use. Apply morning and evening to damp skin. Rinse with water.

I am completely and totally sold on Caudelie Foaming Cleanser. I actually look forward to cleansing my face.  My skin feels dewy and fresh after using this product.  I’m truly thrilled by how mild, non-drying and delightfully fresh this foam cleanser leaves my senses and skin.

Disclosure: A sample of this product was received as part of Caudalie’s normal customer sampling program; no compensation was received in exchange for this review.

NewBeauty Test Tube – Available ONLY from QVC – $32

Limited Time Only

What is it:

The NewBeauty TestTube is a collection of some of the hottest and most in-demand products in beauty. In this tube, you’ll receive the current issue of NewBeauty magazine, along with a mix of full-sized, travel-sized, and deluxe-sized samples from Dr. Gross, Doris Dalton, tarte, Borghese, Pacifica, Pro Strong(R) Nail, WEN, and philosophy.

Who is it for: Anyone looking to sample a wide variety of fabulous beauty products at an unbelievable value.

Why is it different: The NewBeauty TestTube combines luxurious beauty products with extensive product and how-to information. NewBeauty magazine, included in the test tube, provides insider information on trends and hot topics within the beauty world–via respected experts from the beauty industry.

What is Included:

• Nine Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads
• One 0.21 oz Doris Dalton full-sized Color Creme Lip Gloss
• One 0.10 fl oz tarte mascara with 0.23 fl oz maracuja oil
• One 0.1 oz Borghese Fango Mud
• One 0.33 oz Pacifica full-sized solid perfume
• One 0.25 fl oz ProStrong Nail Strengthener
• One 6 fl oz WEN cleansing conditioner
• One 2 fl oz philosophy inn

How do I use it: This TestTube includes a booklet with instructions on how to use each product.

From NewBeauty

I’m impressed by the size of the samples that are in the tube — they aren’t just the little single-use packets that are handed out at department stores.  Count on lots of reviews when my Test Tube arrives!

Retail, $4.09 to $8.99

Also, check out Milani Cosmetics DIY nail tip of the month to achieve sassy shamrock nails without breaking the budget at the salon! The Precision Nail Brush is a must-have!

Milani – Color With IMPACT!

Check out the instructional video for the DIY Shamrock nails here!

Hurry! Don’t get pinched for not wearing The Green!

*Discount will be applied at checkout after entering promotional code.

After trying many different brands, different colors within brands, I’ve settled on a the very simple and very conditioning Perfect 10 in Medium Brown by Clairol.  I know, right?  Good ol’ Clairol!

Clairol’s Perfect 10 – Drugstore.com – $11.99

The best qualities about Perfect 10 are the simplicity of a 10-minute haircolor that isn’t damaging, covers the gray beautifully, and most importantly, leaves my hair in better condition than before it was colored.  I’ve actually had women ask me what haircolor I use, simply by seeing my photos online!

The Clairol website gives a scientific outline of just how Perfect 10 works — all I know is, it DOES work.  And BEAUTIFULLY.

And again, we’re not being compensated by this company whatsoever…simply sharing some fantastic results.

Disclosure: The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of (product).  Product was purchased by The Beauty Stop; no compensation was received in exchange for this review.

It’s that time of year again folks. On Friday, millions of shoppers will take to our malls and stores to get the best deals of year on virtually every product you can imagine, including beauty.

We’ve got news on one deal a few days early for you: print this above coupon and take it to any Sephora store on Friday, and you’ll get a free Kat Von D tote with any $25 product purchase. And who doesn’t love free stuff? The discount is also valid online when you enter the code TOTE09 at checkout.

Happy Turkey Day, and happy shopping!

It’s not that often that we see product sets from MAC when it’s not the holiday season, but it looks like it’s Christmas in September for the brand’s devotees this year. MAC has just launched a new line of goal-focused sets called Upstarts that include everything you need to accomplish several makeup needs from end-to-end.

There are currently three packages in the line: one for eyes, one for face, and one for makeup preparation. Each set includes both full and travel sizes of a variety of MAC products, and everything included meets FAA guidelines for carry-on packing. So whether you’re looking for beauty on the go or just a good way to shake up your routine and buy some new products, these are worth taking at a look at.

MAC, $27-$56.

Put together by two of our favorite brands, Hanky Panky and Benefit, The Overnighter Set is the perfect freshen up kit.

Adorable panties and mini versions of Benefit’s lip and cheek stain, foundation, lip shine and eye cream, this baby is ideal for your carry on bag.

The Overnighter Set by Hanky Panky & Benefit, $38, www.shopbop.com

Travelling this Christmas and need a quick and easy way to take all your hair essentials without going over the luggage allowance?  Kevin Murphy’s Angel Jetpack is for you.

This pack comes with shampoo, conditioner, a treatment, body wash and lotion.  All for an incredibly low price.

 Angel Jetpack

$20 – Kevin Murphy

The sheets of hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, body wash and laundry detergent—all biodegradable and, of course, TSA-compliant—come in packs of 50, and will never spill in your shoes.

My favorite discovery was the ultimate travel toothbrush: Travelon’s has a built-in reserve for toothpaste that you twist a knob to release onto the brush, like YSL’s famed Touche Eclat, but for teeth.

Not only that, the brush also has a cover, so you don’t have to buy one of those four-packs at the drugstore that invariably don’t stay closed.

Pick up the sheets for $4.95 a container on Irvs.com and the toothbrush for $39.95 on Amazon.com.